Hallo (Assyriology and Babylonian literature, Yale U.) and Younger (biblical studies, LeTourneau U.) present a selection of translated writings from the Ancient Near East that they hope will provide "horizontal and vertical" context to the Bible (Old Testament): "horizontal" in that the texts are arranged in relation to their historical, geographical, political, and religious settings, and "vertical" in that the entries reference both related biblical passages as well as other texts through time. Over the course of the three volumes, they include literary and religious writings ("canonical compositions"); monumental inscriptions that were clearly intended for long term survival; and archival legal contracts, personal letters, and other material shedding light on the daily lives of people. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)