Robert Alter - The Five Books of Moses: A Translation with Commentary

The Five Books of Moses

[An] astonishing translation. Out of Mr. Alters close reading and translation, something grander really does take shape, along with a conviction that the Bible is not just incidentally mysterious, posing challenges because of its antique references and sources. It is essentially mysterious.

Edward Rothstein, New York Times

[A] remarkable new translation of the Pentateuch, a monument of scholarship. The result greatly refreshes, sometimes productively estranges, words that may now be too familiar to those who grew up with the King James Bible. Alters translation brings delight because it follows the precepts of the committee of King James, but is founded on a greatly deeper conversance with Hebrew than the great 17th-century scholars could summon. And Alterbrings to his own English a scholarly comprehension of the capacities of literary usage.Especially fine is the way Alter seems to dig into the earth of the Hebrew to recover, in English, its fearless tactility.

James Wood, London Review of Books

In the ancient Hebrew, Alter discovers a profound music. He can raise an already beloved text to new heights of resonance and reality. Alters combination of a freshly minted text and splendidly concise commentaries makes the biblical words resonate.

Thomas DEvelyn, Christian Science Monitor

This is a masterpiece of clarity, erudition, and synthesis. Alter uses his talent as a literary critic to inspire in the reader a passion for studying the text. This work abounds in stimulating thinking and eloquent writing. He honors those he invites not just to follow him but to accompany him.

Elie Wiesel, Bible Review

The arrival of this new translation of The Five Books of Moses a heroic and literary achievement that captures in almost standard English the rhythms, repetition, and beauty of the Hebrew originalis cause for celebration.[This translation] well might become the definitive text for readers and scholars alike.

Pearl Abraham, The Forward

Alter has admirablyone could say miraculouslysucceeded.

Earl L. Dachslager, Houston Chronicle

The renowned scholar Robert Alter has produced a fresh translation [and] backed it up with an enlightening commentary. The result offers Old Testament newcomers, long-term absentees, and veterans a compelling reading experience.

Matt Love, Sunday Oregonian

The Five Books of Moses is a fine work that deserves admiration for its sheer scale and literary power. The commentary is at least as important as the translation, and the two together make up a unique contribution both to biblical studies and to the understanding and appreciation of a text that is central to Western culture.

John Barton, Times Literary Supplement

Magisterialan extraordinary achievement by any measure. Alter is indeed a magician with words.

Diana Lipton, Booklog

Alter has succeeded admirably in conveying to English readers something of the flair, mystery, majesty, and power of the original Hebrew.

John W. Rogerson, Church Times

Has a story ever been at once so comprehensive, so intricate, and so integral as the one Alter gives us here? One is tempted to call it inspired.

Alan Jacobs, First Things

Alter demonstrates a general reverence for literature that is complete, and his reverence for the power of the original text is compelling as well. The thrill of discovery occurs often.

David M. Levine, Congress Monthly

Alters accomplishment is immense. He has produced a translation of the Pentateuch that respects and captures the beauty and majesty of the original.

Eric Ormsby, New Criterion