The Song of Songs. Translated with an introduction & notes by Keith Bosley. Bosley, Keith [Translator]. Publication Date: 1976 Condition: Very Good

Title: The Song of Songs. Translated with an ...

Publisher: Andoversford: The Whittington Press,.

Publication Date: 1976

Binding: Hardcover

Book Condition: Very Good

Signed: Signed by Author7 Illustrator

Edition: 1st Edition

Number 76 of a strictly limited edition of 206 copies. Colour frontispiece, ix, [1 - blank], [43], [1 - blank], [2 - notes] printed pages. Illustrated with 21 sepia line illustrations expressing freedom & beauty by Richard Kennedy. 26 x 33 cm. Original cream cloth binding, gold illustration on front cover, original white cloth spine lettered in gilt. Top edge gilt, others uncut. Signed on the colophon by Keith Bosley (translator) and Richard Kennedy (illustrator). Title in Hebrew script in gilt at top of rear board (a few marginal and very small brown spots). Marbled end papers, black slipcase. It is unique within the Hebrew Bible: it shows no interest in Law or Covenant or the God of Israel, nor does it teach or explore wisdom like Proverbs or Ecclesiastes (although it does have some affinities to wisdom literature, as the ascription to the 10th century BCE King of Israel Solomon indicates); instead, it celebrates sexual love, giving "the voices of two lovers, praising each other, yearning for each other, proffering invitations to enjoy". The two are in harmony, each desiring the other and rejoicing in sexual intimacy. The women of Jerusalem form a chorus to the lovers, functioning as an audience whose participation in the lovers' erotic encounters facilitates the participation of the reader. Scholars differ on when it was written, with estimates ranging from the 10th to 2nd century BCE, with an analysis of the language used suggesting the 3rd century. In modern Judaism the Song is read on the Sabbath during the Passover, which marks the beginning of the grain-harvest as well as commemorating the Exodus from Biblical Egypt. Jewish tradition reads it as an allegory of the relationship between God and Israel; Christianity, as an allegory of Christ and his bride, the Church. Seller Inventory # 5140