This work, which is a revision and expansion of part of a PhD thesis, presents a semantic and literary analysis of Genesis 37–50. The book assesses the main characters, analyses the dream narratives and studies in detail the key Hebrew words and phrases.

The study suggests that there are flaws in the traditional interpretation of the accounts of Joseph and his brothers. Pirson argues that traditional Jewish and Christian characterisations of Joseph are much too positive. Although Joseph’s encounter with Potiphar’s wife suggests that he is a ‘paragon of virtue and righteousness’, Pirson argues that he also appears as ‘a wily, ambitious and vain politician, ruled by passions and attachment to the things of this world’ (143).

This work will be useful to anyone considering a detailed study of Genesis 37–50. It is a thought provoking study that enables readers to re-examine their presuppositions and conclusions about the accounts of Joseph and his brothers. The work also provides an excellent bibliographical resource for the study of this section of Genesis.

Since there are frequent references to the Hebrew text of Genesis and to details of Hebrew grammar and syntax, knowledge of the language will be an advantage for readers. Translations of Hebrew words and phrases are usually given but these would not enable the reader to evaluate the author’s reference to Hebrew grammar and syntax.

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