Exemplary in its Category
The Context of Scripture by Society of Biblical Literature Writings from the Ancient World
A multi-volume series that continues to grow and to present full translations with notes (and sometimes transliterations) of texts from the across the ancient Near East.
Other Titles
Ancient near East by
Various specialists provide introduction and commentary as well as translation of key texts.
Ancient near Eastern Texts Relating to the Old Testament with Supplement by
Two volumes of a paperback epitome of this larger volume have also appeared.
Ancient Texts for the Study of the Hebrew Bible by
A superb introduction and commentary on the most important ancient Near Eastern literature related to the Bible; with full and complete bibliographies.
Exemplary in its Category
The World Around the Old Testament by
Leading scholars provide excellent review of the thirteen major people groups connected with the Israelites.
A History of the Ancient near East, Ca. 3000-323 BC. 3rd ed. by
The most readable and current survey of the subject.
A Political History of the Arameans by
The most thorough critical study of the origins and history of the Arameans.
Other Titles
From Cyrus to Alexander by
At more than 1,000 pages this corrected English translation represents the best synthesis on the Persian Empire.
The History and Archaeology of Phoenicia by
A review of the history and culture of Israel’s northern neighbors.