Richard Elliott Friedman

The Exodus has become a core tradition of Western civilization.  Millions read it, retell it, and celebrate it.  But did it happen?

Richard Elliot Friedman’s works represent a robust collection of careful investigation, detailed analysis of Hebrew Bible and rich biblical archaeology. Each book is written with clarity and engaging style, turning a potentially dry scholarly inquiry into a lively and at times inspiring read. Those who have read his various works note that “his credentials as a biblical scholar are impeccable. He gives firm evidence for each of his assertions, based upon the work of many other scholars and writers." Others have stated “A titanic achievement of scholarship", “A must for anyone who has a sincere interest in the current status of religion."

Friedman’s books have been translated into Hebrew, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Polish, Hungarian, Dutch, Portuguese, Czech, Turkish, Korean, and French.  Who Wrote the Bible? has sold over 250,000 copies, was a Book-of-the-Month Club selection, a New York Times Editors’ selection, and was the subject of a three-hour television special.  The Disappearance of God (published in paperback as The Hidden Face of God) was named among the “Best Books of 1995” by Publishers Weekly.

With a dazzling display of deep learning lightly presented, Friedman addresses the fundamental moral and religious issues which confront the present malaise and future survival of our species.  If we listen, there is hope

-H.G.M. Williamson, Regius Professor of Hebrew, Oxford University