Generically, theologically, and concerning content, Mark and Joseph and Aseneth are quite different. The former is a product of the nascent Jesus movement and influenced by the Greco-Roman Bioi ("Lives"). It details the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of a wandering Galilean. The latter is a Hellenistic Jewish narrative influenced by Greek romances and Jewish novellas. It expands the laconic account of Joseph's marriage to Aseneth in Genesis 41 into a full-fledged love and adventure story. Despite these differences, Elder finds remarkable similarities that the texts share. Elder uses both texts to examine media and modes of composition in antiquity, arguing that they were both composed via dictation from their antecedent oral traditions. Elder's volume offers a fresh approach to the composition of both Joseph and Aseneth and Mark as well as to many of their respective interpretive debates.

It has been over 60 years since the last guide to the care of church linens and textiles was published and despite being used to a greater or lesser degree in every parish church, popular knowledge of their proper use and care is diminishing. This welcome and straightforward guide provides practical advice with helpful illustrations on the use and care of all church linen and textiles. Part One explains the use, care and repair of all the main items of linen used at the altar, including textile coverings, frontals, pulpit and lectern falls. Part Two describes the use of vestments and garments, how and when they are worn, and their proper storage and care. Part Three offers a complete guide to cleaning fabrics, natural and synthetic; what to wash and what to dry clean, and how to remove common spills and stains such as candle wax and flower pollen. Part Four offers a directory of sources and advice on the storage and disposal of church textiles.

Generically, theologically, and concerning content, Mark and Joseph and Aseneth are quite different. The former is a product of the nascent Jesus movement and influenced by the Greco-Roman Bioi ("Lives"). It details the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of a wandering Galilean. The latter is a Hellenistic Jewish narrative influenced by Greek romances and Jewish novellas. It expands the laconic account of Joseph's marriage to Aseneth in Genesis 41 into a full-fledged love and adventure story. Despite these differences, Elder finds remarkable similarities that the texts share. Elder uses both texts to examine media and modes of composition in antiquity, arguing that they were both composed via dictation from their antecedent oral traditions. Elder's volume offers a fresh approach to the composition of both Joseph and Aseneth and Mark as well as to many of their respective interpretive debates.