A comprehensive and lively introduction to the Old Testament, suitable for sixth-form, university and ministerial students, as well as the interested general reader. It provides a complete course covering history, archaeology, geography and textual interpretation. Its core is a set of chapters on central biblical themes including the nature of God, human suffering, ethics, the relation of God to Israel and the covenant. There are detailed chapters on aspects such as prophecy, worship, law, apocalyptic and wisdom literature and historiography. The book is extensively illustrated and easily navigable with icons, sidebars and boxes providing helpful information and questions for discussion.

Ideal for beginning students and readers of all faiths or none, "The Original Story" is a comprehensive and lively guide to the Hebrew Bible. This richly informative volume provides a complete introduction to Old Testament history, archaeology, geography, and textual interpretation -- all at an accessible level. The core of the book explores central biblical themes, including the character of God, the human condition, ethics, human suffering, and God's relationship with the people of Israel. The authors further consider various topics such as prophecy, law, and worship in the Old Testament.

The very readable text is complemented throughout by sidebars, fact boxes, maps, and illustrations. All features considered, "The Original Story" is one of the best guidebooks to the Hebrew Bible now available.

Teaching the beginner piano student can be an exciting yet daunting process. A teacher must decide what skills and techniques the student should develop and how these will be taught. There are countless method books available for beginner students of all ages that aid the learning process. Despite this abundance, there is little written for the teacher that explores holistic learning for the beginner student. In the typical 30-minute beginner lesson, how can one cover technique, repertoire, theory, aural skills and history? Is this even possible? Or is this a concept that authors suggest and teachers struggle to achieve? In this study, thirteen piano teachers in a regional Australian city were interviewed to explore this issue and discuss "holistic learning." The findings demonstrate that the majority of teachers are striving to provide the best lesson for their students, but are forced to think creatively and use multiple resources to deliver holistic and inspiring programs for the beginner student.