In 19 essays that work well as interrelating chapters Goodman (Jewish studies, U. of Oxford) dispels the notion that as Christianity grew Judaism proper was somehow reduced, covering such issues as the pilgrimage economy of Jerusalem, the physical attributes of sacred scripture, the power of both scribes and texts, Josephus, Qumran sectarians and the Essenes, the new rabbinicism, the Jewish image of God, and sacred spaces as interpreted by disapora Judaism. He closes with a fascinating essay on the limitations of evidence about the diaspora in the late Roman period. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)