This is a remarkably comprehensive, in-depth, and readable guide to the Song of Songs by the world's foremost expert, which will be invaluable for students and scholars alike. Exum is particularly good at communicating the poetry of the Song and the way it interweaves the voices of the lovers, while maintaining a sense both of academic distance and of intimacy. The last chapter dazzlingly surveys contemporary discussions and issues, from poetics to race and gender, deconstruction and reception history. The reader will come away with an awareness of the vitality and diversity of the field, and a love of the Song. -- Professor Francis Landy, University of Alberta, Canada A compelling entrée into the field, whichalong with the helpful thematic bibliographieswill be a boon to students and scholars alike. * ELAINE JAMES, PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, USA *
