`Weeks provides a valuable survey of Israelite Wisdom Literature. He explains the main issues presented by the Wisdom corpus and gives fair consideration to a variety of views, while arguing thoughtfully for his own conclusions. His knowledge of scholarly literature is extensive and deep, but he takes care to make his writing clear and accessible to all. This Introduction will be an effective tool in the university classroom.' Michael V. Fox. University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA<BR><BR>`Weeks here illuminates both the form and the content of Wisdom Literature in relation to the wider world of its origins. The thinking is sharp and nuanced; the presentation is lucid and accessible. This is a distinctive and valuable Introduction.' Walter Moberly. Durham University. UK<BR><BR>Stuart Weeks examines the basic questions central to wisdom literature and outlines the content, characteristics and thought of each of the wisdom books, as well as discussing the problems involved in approaching and interpreting them. By considering issues of thought, place, and definition, Weeks concludes that Wisdom Literature must be understood not in terms of a shared origin, theology, or ideology, but as a type of literary discourse.<BR><BR>Stuart Weeks is Senior Lecturer in Old Testament and Hebrew, Durham University, UK.