David Stacey

In seven linked essays, the author discusses paintings of industrial scenes by seven artists working in the period 1780–1830. Their unique and distinct responses to the subject matter reveal a surprisingly coherent message.

Most books on the prophets contain a page or two on what is usually called ""prophetic symbolism,"" but full-scale treatments are remarkably few, and in English entirely lacking. Dr. Stacey examines all the evidence in detail, considers the various explanations of the phenomenon that have been offered, gives particular attention to the apparent link with magic, and provides a model whereby these dramatic actions can be properly understood. This book is significant for the study of Hebrew religion; it also paves the way for further investigation of similar actions in the New Testament. David Stacey has worked in the field of biblical studies all his adult life. He has taught Old Testament in theological colleges and universities both in Britain and abroad, and is the author of several books on the Bible. Until his retirement in 1987, he was Principal of Wesley College, Bristol.

David Stacey believes that the meaning of oracles when they were first spoken is of primary importance for preachers and teachers today. In this commentary, he attempts to unravel the difficulties which even the best translations fail to make plain to place each passage in its original context. But the prophecies were repeatedly edited and re-used over a long period, and Dr. Stacey also examines this living ""Isaiah tradition,"" which he thinks is a valuable feature of the book. The work of the ancient editors can provide a model of the way we can understand the text today. Throughout the commentary the question is asked: ""If this is how the text was understood and used in various ancient settings, how can we accept it, understand it, and use it as authentic Scripture today?"" David Stacey has worked in the field of biblical studies all his adult life. He has taught Old Testament in theological colleges and universities both in Britain and abroad, and is the author of several books on the Bible. Until his retirement in 1987, he was Principal of Wesley College, Bristol.

Creating Texts emphasises a practical approach to composition and enables students to understand what is involved in the creation of a text and to learn from the practice of other writers. Extensively rewritten and updated from Walter Nash's earlier volume, Designs in Prose, attention is paid to the general theory of composition, in both traditional and original terms, so that students are made familiar with the basic resources of composition, in grammar and in the lexicon. The essence of every chapter is the discussion of examples of text, sometimes devised by the authors, but more often drawn from the work of authors writing in diverse styles of English. This practical approach is most evident in the final section of the book where detailed suggestions for projects and exercises reinforce the connection between theory and practice, and encourage students to develop their creative sense and to adapt their style of writing to fit the particular audience and context. In addition, this section is cross-referenced to the main text to allow students to consult easily the relevant chapter.

The discovery by Bedouin of ancient scrolls in caves near the Dead Sea in 1947 led to scholastic and popular excitement that continues to the present day. This volume will assist text scholars and archaeologists alike, as well as readers from other disciplines, and the interested public, in approaching a better understanding of the ancient texts of Qumran and the site where these texts were found.