Daniel has engendered a good deal of controversial debate, especially regarding its date and authorship and its 'apocalyptic' character. In this introduction for the student, the scholarly issues are carefully described and assessed, while emphasis is placed on the literary and theological aspects of the book, which have been comparatively neglected, but which reflect the concerns and interests of contemporary Old Testament scholarship. This volume thus looks both at the past scholarship and points towards future trends in the understanding of a unique literary and theological masterpiece. It is provided with annotated bibliographies and indexes.

Philip R. Davies is Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies at the University of Sheffield, UK.