The six-volume (part) series will present all the non-biblical Qumran texts classified according to their genres, with facing pages of previously published or new translations into English. Some 20 previously unpublished texts are included. Most of the texts in the first volume are probably by members of the Yahad community, which scholars call Essenes, and concern religious law as part of the religious life of Judaism during the Second Temple period. There is little scholarly paraphernalia, the purpose being to provide basic texts for scholars. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)