In the Hebrew Bible and stories loyal to it, Goliath is the stereotypical giant of folklore: big, brash, violent, and dimwitted. Goliath as Gentle Giant sets out to rehabilitate the giant's image by exploring the origins of the biblical behemoth, the limitations of the "underdog" metaphor, and the few sympathetic treatments of Goliath in popular media. What insights emerge when we imagine things from Goliath's point of view? How might this affect our reading of the biblical account or its many retellings and interpretations? What sort of man was Goliath really? The nuanced portraits analyzed in this book serve as a catalyst to challenge readers to question stereotypes, reexamine old assumptions, and humanize the "other."

Jonathan L. Friedmann is professor of Jewish music history and associate dean of the Master of Jewish Studies Program at the Academy for Jewish Religion California.

1. Underdog and Overdog

2. Source Materials

3. Xena's Goliath:Grieving Avenger

4. Malcolm Gladwell's Goliath:Frail Fighter

5. Tom Gauld's Goliath: Warrior Impersonator

6. Conclusion: Other Goliaths

Appendix: Using and Reusing David and Goliath