Biblical Mourning

This is a full and helpful study of the somewhat limited Hebrew Bible data...a useful analysis of biblical mourning in reference to important wider dimensions. * Philip Johnston, Journal of Theological Studies *
This book is well conceived, logically executed, and lucidly written. Accessible and comprehensive, Olyan has performed a great service in filling a notable lacuna by cataloguing the polyvalent nature of mourning as it is presented in the Hebrew Bible. Moreover, his astute insights and sensitivities to the relationship between rites and society reveal a complex and sophisticated amalgam of theological and anthropological threads. His work will no doubt stimulate, inspire and provide invaluable tools for others. * Louise J. Lawrence, Journal of Biblical Literature *
I have learned much from reading Olyan's book. it is informative at the level of the evidence as well as at the level of theoretical constructions. To phrase it otherwise, this: this is a rich book. * Bob Becking, Review of Biblical Literature *
This is a fascinating book that demonstrates in an impressive way how a close reading of the biblical text can be fused with social-scientific insights, thus arriving at interesting new conclusions and classifications in relation to the biblical concept of mourning. * A. C. Hagedorn, Vetus Testamentum *
Saul Olyan has, again, written an intriguing book. * Bob Becking, Utrecht University *
Olyan presents us with a clear and convincing phenomenology of biblical mourning rites. The book is lucidly written and organized, the evidence is judiciously interpreted, and the argument is easily followed. It is a joy to read. * Simon B. Parker, Journal of the American Oriental Society, 125.3 *