In The Oxford Guide to People and Places of the Bible readers will find fascinating, informative entries on virtually every major figure who walked across the biblical stage. Here are Hebrew Bible figures such as Cain and Abel, Noah and Methuselah, and David and Goliath, and New Testament characters such as John the Baptist, Mary Magdalene, and Pontius Pilate. In addition to describing individual biblical figures, articles also define groups of people who play parts in the Bible, including Angels, Demons, the Magi, and the Tribes of Israel.

Entries on the significant places of the Bible include kingdoms and regions (Egypt, Assyria, Mesopotamia) and cities (Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Sodom and Gomorrah), as well as geographical features such as the Sea of Galilee and Mount Hermon. The guide includes a detailed index and 14 pages of color maps, providing an accurate, detailed portrait of the biblical world. In short, this is the first place to turn for factual information on the vast and varied group of people and places in Holy Scripture.

"A handy one-volume reference...to most of the major characters and places in the Old and New Testaments."

"A timely and lasting work."

Bruce M. Metzger: is Collard Professor Emeritus of New Testament Language and Literature at Princeton Theological Seminary.

Michael D. Coogan: is Professor of Religious Studies at Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts and Director of Publications, Harvard Semitic Museum. He is the editor of The Oxford History of the Biblical World and The New Oxford Annotated Bible (3d Edition).