GENESIS
A
New Translation of the Classic Biblical Stories
HarperCollins, 1996
It would be no exaggeration to say that Stephen Mitchell is the preeminent translator of our age. Mr. Mitchell has now turned his attention to the book of Genesis, one of the most influential books in human history. In Genesis: A New Translation of the Classic Biblical Stories, he embodies in English the simplicity, dignity, and powerful earthiness of the original Hebrew. He also gives the text a stunning new clarity by separating into their sources stories that were combined by scribes centuries after they were written and omitting all the verses that are recognized as scribal additions. This immeasurably strengthens the original stories; it is like removing coat after coat of lacquer that has obscured the vibrant colors of a masterpiece. The scribal additions are fully translated in an appendix and extensive textual notes. In his introductory essay, Mr. Mitchell puts the historical Genesis in context and
explains its importance as a central story of the human spirit.
