NCLA Review -This new edition of a 1999 book is about twice the size of the original. As such, I believe it will be twice as informative and twice as valued by those who use it. The Big Questions this book addresses are vital to any responsible interpretation of the Bible. The first question "What is the Bible?" shows us that the Bible is more like a library than a single volume. The second concern is "How the Bible came to be"—who wrote these various books? When? Why? In what languages? And how were they translated and collected? Many people try to interpret the Bible's message without taking questions like these seriously. Doesn't work very well. Fretheim, Professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary, also discussed major themes of the Bible, the authority of the Bible, the meaning of inspiration, the relationship of Old and New Testaments, contradictions in the Bible and much more. The final chapter, "Key Affirmations to Remember in Reading the Bible," presents 13 points that every Bible student should continually keep in mind. Finally, Fretheim provides a brief list of the best in Study Bibles, Bible Dictionaries, commentaries and study guides. Use this list to guide your library purchases, but above all add About the Bible to your collection. Rating: 4 —RO Augsburg 2009, 180p, paper, 9780806657677, $12.99 [220.6] ( )