Dr. Peter J. Williams Join Gorgias BiblioPerks™ and save! Our new program, Gorgias BiblioPerks™, offers year-round savings to individuals with no hidden fees or obligations. Gorgias BiblioPerks™ is available online only (institutions and wholesalers are not eligible). If you have an existing account, you are already enrolled. To join, go to www.gorgiaspress.com, click on "login" and follow the directions for new members. Remember to login to the website whenever you want to see your specially discounted Gorgias BiblioPerks™ pricing. You know you're hitting the big time when you start getting mentioned on blogs. The Forbidden Gospels Blog, which is an Op-ed blog by Dr. April DeConick at Rice University, has recently featured The Great Stem of Souls by Jorunn Jacobsen Buckley and The Bible in the Syriac Tradition by Sebastian Brock. You can read more about them in our Reviews section below. In other news, Gorgias has been spotted amongst Oxford pubs during the recent Patristics conference; our Conference section contains a report on the Syriac trivia pub walk. Here's a look at this month's eGorgias: Recently Released: Our latest titles Coming Soon: Forthcoming titles from Gorgias Press From the Acquisitions Desk: By Acquisitions Editor Steve Wiggins August Enthusiast of the Month: Dr. Peter J. Williams Reviews: Freedman, Takahashi, Buckley and Brock Conferences: Gorgias Press present at upcoming Pappas Patristics Institute Conference and CAAS Centennial Meeting You can find a full description of any of our books on our website, www.gorgiaspress.com. Exegesis in the Targum of Psalms: The Old, the New, and the Rewritten By Timothy Edwards ISBN 978-1-59333-432-1, Hardback, $102 The Old, the New and the Rewritten illustrates how Targum Psalms creatively interprets selected psalms and how those interpretations relate to other Jewish and Christian traditions, including early translations of the psalms, rabbinic Midrashim, the New Testament and early Church Fathers. The study of these Psalms suggests viewing Targum Psalms as a creative partner in the world of biblical interpretation, as opposed to a compilation of already existing midrashic material. Edwards portrays the Targum as a link between the written and oral Torah that leads its readers on a path to tradition. St. Cyril of Alexandria, A New Testament Exegete By Lois M. Farag ISBN 978-1-59333-581-6, Hardback, $115 This study portrays Cyril of Alexandria as exegete and theologian through an examination of his Commentary on the Gospel John. It begins with an attempt to place Cyril and his commentary within their context. This work argues that Cyril wrote his Commentary on the Gospel of John early in his writing career, almost a decade before becoming bishop. Cyril’s commentary on the Johannine Gospel reveals his exegetical method and his strong Trinitarian theology. The commentary also focuses the nature and work of the Holy Spirit: the indwelling of the Spirit is the beginning of the newness of life. Studies in Arabic and Hebrew Letters in Honor of Raymond P. Scheindlin By Michael Rand and Jonathan P. Decter, eds. ISBN 978-1-59333-701-8, Hardback, $112 This volume contains contributions, in English and Hebrew, on the following topics: Biblical criticism, Medieval Biblical lexicography, Classical and Post-Classical piyyut, Medieval Hebrew poetry and science, Judeo-Arabic poetry and epistolography, Classical Arabic poetry and prose, and the history of Jewish Studies in America. The Ancient Synagogue of Beth Alpha By Eleazar Lipa Sukenik ISBN 978-1-59333-696-7, Hardback, $234 The Beth Alpha synagogue mosaic is one of the most striking examples of ancient Jewish art ever uncovered. Excavated in 1929 by E. L. Sukenik on behalf of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, this mosaic provoked an immediate sensation among scholars and lay people throughout Jewish Palestine, Europe and America. Located in Israel’s Jezreel Valley, this remarkable mosaic preserves images of the Binding of Isaac (Genesis 22), of a zodiac wheel flanked by personifications of the seasons that was labeled in Hebrew, and of a Torah shrine flanked by menorahs and lions. A History of the Babylonians and Assyrians By George Stephen Goodspeed ISBN 978-1-59333-557-1, Hardback, $120 As an introduction to the ancient history of Iraq, Goodspeed’s book has stood the test of time. The reader is given a detailed rendition of the history of the Old Babylonian, Assyrian, and Neo-Babylonian Empires. Although out of print for many years, the book is consistently cited as a helpful introduction to the subject. Lawrence and the Arabian Adventure By Robert Graves ISBN 978-1-59333-562-5, Hardback, $128 A sanctioned biography of T. E. Lawrence, known popularly as “Lawrence of Arabia,” this work by the eminent Robert Graves attempts to provide a fair and balanced treatment of the man. Based on interviews with Lawrence and his close associates, this account clearly displays its authenticity. Pero Tafur: Travels and Adventures 1435-1439 By Malcolm Letts ISBN 978-1-59333-578-6, Hardback, $111 The remarkable narrative of the Medieval traveler Pero Tafur comes from a single manuscript written before the printing press was invented. Letts presents the journeys of Tafur through Europe and the Holy Land during the years 1435-1439 when the voyager was in his mid-twenties. A wealth of information about pre-modern Europe and Palestine await the reader of this account. Persian Days By Copley Amory ISBN 978-1-59333-608-0, Hardback, $102 A fascinating travelogue through southern and central Iran, this early nineteenth-century account is written with wit and insight; the polymathic Copley Amory Jr. proves an able tour guide. The reader is taken from Tehran to Kerman and back, along a trail that highlights ancient sites of historical importance. Along the way, the culture of “tribes and tents” is described, as well as a plucky misadventure involving encounters with camel caravans and excessive automobile troubles. Written in a witty and engaging style, this account of a classic journey contains an education in the history and customs of a vanishing way of life. Sumerian Hymns from Cuneiform Texts in the British Museum By Frederick Augustus Vanderburgh ISBN 978-1-59333-624-0, Paperback, $38 Vanderburgh’s noted study of the Sumerian hymns to Bel, Sin, Adad, and Tammuz in the British Museum is an excellent example of one of the early attempts to grapple with the difficulties of the Sumerian language. Each hymn is presented in transliteration and translation, and these are accompanied by the author’s own commentary. We have a broad mix of titles coming your way! Click here for a complete list of our soon-to-be-published books. Word of Tree and Whisper of Stone, and other papers on Ugaritian thought By Nicolas Wyatt This volume is a collection of selected essays on specific themes in Ugaritic literature. Included are eight unique contributions to understanding the religious life and thought of Ugarit, including detailed studies and essays covering broader issues for grasping the worldview of ancient Syria. ISBN 978-1-59333-716-2, Hardback, $90 A Reassessment of Asherah By Steve A. Wiggins Asherah is one of the most popular goddesses known from the ancient world. In this second edition of the author’s 1993 monograph on the goddess, further articles and bibliography have been added to bring this ever-expanding field of study more up-to-date. ISBN 978-1-59333-717-9, Hardback, $90 Terms for Eternity: Aiônios and Aïdios in Classical and Christian Texts By David Konstan Ilaria Ramelli This book explores two ancient Greek terms for eternity, aiônios and aïdios, from their earliest occurrence in Pre-Socratic philosophy and Plato down through the patristic fathers, where they play a crucial role in debates over eternal punishment vs. universal salvation. ISBN 978-1-59333-694-3 , Hardback, $103 The Military Consilium in Republican Rome By Pamela Delia Johnston The consilium, or advisory council, played an important role in the everyday activities of the Roman magistrate in his role as military commander. This work is an in-depth look at the commander's consilium from its first depicted appearances in the accounts of the legendary period to 31 BC. The concilium adapted to meet changing needs and serves to illustrate how Romans felt about their own society. The role of the commander's consilium can be seen as a pragmatic compromise between the desire for competent leadership and personal ambition on the one hand, and the Romans' ever-present fear of tyrannical behavior on the other hand. ISBN 978-1-59333-373-7, Hardback, $99 Negotiating Island Identities By Ina Berg Negotiating Island Identities explores the history of interaction between Crete and the Cycladic islands from the late Middle to Late Bronze II periods when Minoan influence was at its peak. Based on a thorough investigation of pottery assemblages from key sites, the book advocates a rethink of established acculturation scenarios (such as “Minoanisation”) in relation to the Cycladic islands. Openness or closure towards outside influences was not predetermined by cultural, geographical or ecological variables but was socially constructed. Island communities could consciously fashion their worlds and make choices about the nature and degree of interaction with their neighbours. ISBN 978-1-59333-725-4, Hardback, $102 Now that the school year is starting, wouldn’t it be a wonderful time to submit that manuscript you’ve been working on all summer? Gorgias Press is pleased to have enough submissions to keep one acquisitions editor busy full time, but we are always eager to find more quality works to bring to the academic community! In September we anticipate the release of the first two books in the Gorgias Ugaritic Studies series (Word of Tree and Whisper of Stone, and A Reassessment of Asherah: with Further Considerations of the Goddess). We have had other submissions to this series and, adding to the monumental work of the late J.-L. Cunchillos, Gorgias looks forward to becoming known as an established publisher in this important field of study. Biblical studies continue to be a growing side of the Gorgias profile. The work of Timothy Edwards is now in print and Jason DeRouchie's book is about to be released. David Fiensy’s book on Jesus is continuing to sell well, and Lois Farag’s contribution on Cyril of Alexandria’s New Testament also blends into the biblical field. Several new titles in Syriac studies, notably in the TeCLA series, have been submitted so be sure to keep an eye on our historic strong point of Syriac as well. Independent presses like Gorgias have strong challenges from institutionally supported academic presses, so we very much appreciate the support of our loyal authors and customers. If you know someone who is looking for a publisher, why not point them in our direction? Happy reading, Steve Wiggins, Acquisitions Editor A Concordance of Ugaritic Words By J-L Cunchillos A concordance of the Ugaritic texts (published separately) of the Ugaritic Data Bank. Each word is presented in its proper context. A valuable tool for every Ugaritic scholar. ISBN 1-59333-258-0, Hardback, $767 One Writing . . . Numerous Readings By J-L Cunchillos This work aims at explaining how the recension of the Ugaritic text--based on the Northwest Semitic Philological Data Bank--originated and how it is produced. ISBN 1-59333-231-9, Hardback, $127 The Texts of the Ugaritic Data Bank By J-L Cunchillos A complete edition of all the texts in the Ugaritic Data Bank. A concordance is available separately. A valuable tool for every Ugaritic scholar. ISBN 1-59333-270-X, Hardback, $767 Jesus the Galilean By David A. Fiensy Who was Jesus, really? That question has been debated by academics for the last two centuries, and contributions to this important issue in the history of Christianity are still making an impact on public opinion. Jesus the Galilean takes soundings in the life of the historical Jesus based on four readings from the Gospel of Mark which represent some of the most controversial issues in the current scholarly discussion about the historical Jesus. Using such resources as the background of the New Testament, archaeological studies, the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Mishnah, and the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha, this book explores what can be known about the historical Jesus in the historic Galilee. ISBN 978-1-59333-313-3, Hardback, $89 St. Cyril of Alexandria, A New Testament Exegete By Lois M. Farag This study portrays Cyril of Alexandria as exegete and theologian through an examination of his Commentary on the Gospel John. It begins with an attempt to place Cyril and his commentary within their context. This work argues that Cyril wrote his Commentary on the Gospel of John early in his writing career, almost a decade before becoming bishop. Cyril’s commentary on the Johannine Gospel reveals his exegetical method and his strong Trinitarian theology. The commentary also focuses the nature and work of the Holy Spirit: the indwelling of the Spirit is the beginning of the newness of life. ISBN 978-1-59333-581-6, Hardback, $115 Our September Enthusiast of the Month, Dr. P.J. (Peter) Williams, is also a Gorgias author; his 2004 book Early Syriac Translation Technique and the Textual Criticism of the Greek Gospels can be found in our Texts and Studies series. Dr. Williams has a BA in Classics, Hebrew and Aramaic, an MPhil in Hebrew Studies and a PhD on the Peshitta of 1 Kings, all from the University of Cambridge. He is concurrently Senior Lecturer in New Testament at the University of Aberdeen and Warden (i.e. Director) of Tyndale House, Cambridge, an internationally renowned library and research centre for biblical studies. Peter writes:

"I'm absolutely delighted to be the Gorgias Enthusiast this month. Gorgias Press has literally revolutionised the discipline of Syriac studies and also had a major impact on other areas. It would be hard to dispute its primacy within the field of Syriac and Aramaic publications and it may soon gain the same status in other disciplines.

"As I direct Tyndale House and seek to ensure that its library holdings are kept at the cutting edge as a collection, I will constantly be ordering books from Gorgias Press. Though we’re only a small body of research staff at Tyndale House, two of us (myself and Dirk Jongkind) have published with Gorgias Press. Dr Jongkind’s work is entitled The Scribal Habits of Codex Sinaiticus.

"There are so many of Gorgias Press’s books that I like that it is hard to choose favourites, though two stand out. One is Sebastian Brock et al. The Hidden Pearl. These three beautifully illustrated, large volumes and their accompanying videos are unique in giving such a comprehensive and rich overview of Aramaic history. Another work, also by Sebastian Brock, is The Bible in the Syriac Tradition. As someone who has carried out work on the Syriac translations of both the Old and the New Testaments, I can say that I know of no guide that introduces the Syriac Bible so well."

	Early Syriac Translation Technique & the textual criticism of the Greek Gospels By Peter John Williams ISBN 1-59333-096-0, Hardback, $98
This systematic investigation of the relationship between the Syriac Gospels and their Greek Vorlage, formulates clear rules for the use of Syriac witnesses in textual criticism and also shows the errors that can arise if these rules are ignored.
	Scribal Habits of Codex Sinaiticus By Dirk Jongkind ISBN 978-1-59333-422-2, Hardback, $102
Codex Sinaiticus is one of the most famous and important manuscripts of the Bible. The book studies a variety of textual and non-textual phenomena of this manuscript in order to learn more about the individual scribes who were responsible for copying the text.
	The Hidden Pearl: The Aramaic Heritage By Sebastian Brock (et al.) ISBN 1-931956-99-5, Hardback, $364
An unprecedented book and album set on the Aramaic heritage, including three one-hour documentary video tapes. Vol. I covers the ancient Aramaic heritage, vol. II is on the heirs of the heritage, and vol. III covers one of the witness communities today.
	The Bible in the Syriac Tradition (English Version) By Sebastian Brock ISBN 1-59333-300-5, Paperback, $38
This is a basic introduction to the various Syriac translations of the Bible and the ways in which they were used in the Syriac tradition. After an initial discussion of the general problems of biblical translation, the different surviving Syriac translations are outlined, as well as biblical manuscripts, lectionaires, printed editions, and translations. A reception history of the Syriac Bible covers the ways in which it has been interpreted, the commentary tradition, its use in preaching, in liturgy, and in spirituality. An appendix offers some comparative samples (in translation) to illustrate some of the differences between the different Syriac translations.

"A Graceful Account": Wordtrade.com Reviews Freedman Book

An online review of Daphne Freedman's Man and Theogony in the Lurianic Cabala has appeared on Wordtrade.com, which is a national review of recently published books, audiobooks, interactive media, and online text services. Wordtrade is an open source for new information about recent books, specializing in religion, science and philosophy titles but also covering select titles of general interest.

After a discussion of the issues in Freedman's book, the reviewer concludes,

"Freedman’s study provides a conceptually vital summary of the sexual reconciliation of opposites in Lurianic kabbala as also restoring or reconciling the gulf between the human and the divine, and the nature of evil in this world. Freedman manages a graceful account of this important innovation in kabbala theory."

	Man and the Theogony in the Lurianic Cabala By Daphne Freedman ISBN 1-59333-200-9, Hardback, $99
Lurianic mythology represents an intensely personal view, in which earlier cabalistic symbolism is used to express new and original ideas. The lurianic corpus can be seen as a metaphor for a relation between man and the deity which is not yet fulfilled. The cabalistic myths of his sources express the reality of the relations of being in the lurianic corpus. The lurianic system seeks to reformulate the relation of man and god, concentrating on the way that the being of the deity is revealed in man.

Takahashi Book on Barhebraeus Reviewed

Writing for Revue d'Histoire Ecclesiastique, reviewer Andrea Schmidt provides readers with a number of reasons to take another look at Hidemi Takahashi's Barhebraeus: A Bio-Bibliography:

"The true merit of this book is the detailed description of hundreds of manuscripts containing the works of Barhebraeus. The author personally gathered abundant data from these manuscripts, many of which were extremely difficult to obtain. They were found in the libraries of the near and middle east or in private collections. Many had never been catalogued. These efforts make this bibliography a true first in Syriac and Christian-Arabic prosopography, something which has been lacking in Syriac research. Two indexes (proper names, places, manuscripts) provide a first-rate research resource. They allow for full usage of the data of this exemplary bibliography on one of the most important authors of Syriac literature." Vol. 2, #1, 2007

	Barhebraeus: A Bio-Bibliography By Hidemi Takahashi ISBN 1-59333-148-7, Hardback, $127
This book provides an extensive account of the life and works of Barhebraeus based on the latest research. It includes an Appendix containing a comprehensive list of bibliographical references and of manuscripts relating to Barhebraeus.

Buckley and Brock Books Reviewed on The Forbidden Gospels Blog

Dr. April DeConick of Rice University, who writes The Forbidden Gospels Blog has reviewed The Great Stem of Souls by Jorunn Jacobsen Buckley and The Bible in the Syriac Tradition by Sebastian Brock.

Regarding Buckley's The Great Stem of Souls, DeConick discusses the scribal colophons and adds, "It is quite genius I think to work through these lists as a way to resurrect Mandaean history." In discussing Brock's The Bible in the Syriac Tradition, DeConick notes, "This book is extremely valuable because it lays out the biblical traditions of the Syrian Christians, traditions that are not so familiar to many biblical scholars who are trained in Greek and Hebrew and who study traditions west of Edessa." Gorgias Press wishes to thank Dr. DeConick for encouraging her blogs readers to check out our books.

	The Great Stem of Souls By Jorunn Jacobsen Buckley ISBN 1-59333-338-2, Hardback, $99
Mandaean priests, representatives of a religious heritage that can be traced back to Late Antique Mesopotamia, still copy their ancient literature by hand. The Great Stem of Souls is a study of the colophons –postscripts at the end of each text – that are appended to most Mandaean documents. A study of the contents of the colophons provides a framework for reconstructing Mandaean history.
	The Bible in the Syriac Tradition (English Version) By Sebastian Brock ISBN 1-59333-300-5, Paperback, $38
This is a basic introduction to the various Syriac translations of the Bible and the ways in which they were used in the Syriac tradition. After an initial discussion of the general problems of biblical translation, the different surviving Syriac translations are outlined, as well as biblical manuscripts, lectionaires, printed editions, and translations. A reception history of the Syriac Bible covers the ways in which it has been interpreted, the commentary tradition, its use in preaching, in liturgy, and in spirituality. An appendix offers some comparative samples (in translation) to illustrate some of the differences between the different Syriac translations.

Gorgias Press will be exhibiting at the conferences and meetings listed below, offering a special discount to conference attendees for not just the books in display but for all items in our current catalog. In addition, our editors will also be present at these meetings should you have a manuscript proposal which you would like to discuss with us.

Gorgias Press will be present at the following conferences:

• Pappas Patristics Institute Fourth Annual Conference, Brookline, Massachusetts, October 4-6, 2007. The theme is "Sickness and Healing in the Patristic Period".
• CAAS Centennial Meeting (Classical Association of the Atlantic States), Washington, DC October 4-7, 2007.

Conference Report: International Conference on Patristics Studies, 6-11 August 2007, Oxford, United Kingdom

Jeff Volkmer, GP's European conference über-attender, shares the following report:

The Fifteenth International Conference on Patristic Studies at the University of Oxford was a good one for Gorgias Press. As this conference convenes only once every fourth year it was a special time to meet up with old friends and a special opportunity for many of our authors to see their books in print and in demand. As is rapidly becoming the case with virtually every conference we exhibit at, Dr. Brock's introductory books, An Introduction to Syriac Studies as well as his The Bible in the Syriac Tradition proved exceedingly popular and despite having quite a substantial inventory on hand, each was sold. For anyone involved with Syriac studies this is terribly encouraging and hopefully a harbinger for good things to come for the discipline. Another interesting item to note was the popularity of the searchable electronic edition of Jesse Payne-Smith's Compendious Syriac Dictionary. Not only was it good to see George putting his Cambridge Ph.D. in Computer Science to good use, but it was also nice to see how forays into electronic versions and editions stand to pay quality dividends and hold the interest of academicians. There is little doubt that electronic academic media will only grow in popularity and it is a hearting sign that Gorgias Press is well positioned with Hugoye and the Syriac computing institute to meet that demand.

It was not long ago that Gorgias Press made available enough titles to occupy a small shelf with the sum of its offerings. Now one is able to peruse the exhibition hall of a major conference to find Gorgias Press occupying space once reserved for those who have been in business for sometimes hundreds of years. Why with titles now spanning such disciplines as Arabic and Islamic studies, archaeology, the Near East, classics, history, religion, languages and linguistics, Jewish studies, Syriac studies, the Middle East and more, it is little wonder why.

Dorushe Pub Crawl: Report by Crawl Organizers Jonathan Loopstra and Jeanne-Nicole Saint-Laurent

This year's Oxford Patristic Conference contained a special soiree for Syriac enthusiasts. On August 9, 2007, Syriac students and scholars gathered for Beth Mardutho-Dorushe's pub crawl and Syriac Studies trivia quiz, sponsored by Gorgias Press. Students Jonathan Loopstra (Catholic University) and Jeanne-Nicole Saint-Laurent (Brown) organized the event with George Kiraz's help. It was a wonderful success! We gathered in front of the Examination School on High Street and began the adventure.

In the lamentable absence of an English-Syriac dictionary, this handy digital tool will be useful to Syriac scholars on the go. A pdf version of J. Payne-Smith’s Compendious Syriac Dictionary, fully bookmarked and searchable, this innovative tool will allow scholars to search all English words in the dictionary. Not only can this pdf be uploaded to laptops, it will also work with smart phones, palms, and other portable electronic devices. Ideal for carrying into the library with you while on Syriac research, this worthwhile edition of the time-honored dictionary will be certain to find a host of applications for today’s Syriac scholar.

This is a basic introduction to the various Syriac translations of the Bible and the ways in which they were used in the Syriac tradition. After an initial discussion of the general problems of biblical translation, the different surviving Syriac translations are outlined, as well as biblical manuscripts, lectionaires, printed editions, and translations. A reception history of the Syriac Bible covers the ways in which it has been interpreted, the commentary tradition, its use in preaching, in liturgy, and in spirituality. An appendix offers some comparative samples (in translation) to illustrate some of the differences between the different Syriac translations.

This Introduction aims to provide basic guidance to important areas of Syriac studies. The relevance of Syriac studies to a variety of other fields is explored. A brief orientation to the history of Syriac literature is offered, and Syriac is set within the context of the other Aramaic dialects. A thorough discussion on important tools (Instrumenta Studiorum) is presented; topics include grammars, dictionaries, the Bible in Syriac, histories of Syriac literature, bibliographical aids and relevant series, periodicals, and encyclopedias. This Introduction should prove useful both for the student beginning Syriac studies and for scholars working in adjacent fields.

Widely regarded as a premier journal dedicated to the study of Syriac, Hugoye: Journal of Syriac Studies was established in 1998 as a venue devoted exclusively to the discipline. An organ of Beth Mardutho, the Syriac Institute, the journal appears semi-annually in its electronic form and will be printed in annual editions. A peer-reviewed journal, Hugoye is a respected academic source for up-to-date information about the state of Syriac studies and for discovering what is going on in the field. Contributors include some of the most respected names in the world of Syriac today.