Bremmer (religious studies, U. of Groningen) traces Near Eastern traditions into ancient Greece, uses Greek evidence to elucidate biblical stories, and explores other dimensions of relations between Greece and the Near East and the influence of Greek culture on Hellenistic Judaism and emerging Christianity. The 15 essays are revised from publication during the 1990s and 2000s. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)