The author of this book suggests that Old Testament scholars should strengthen their growing links with neighboring disciplines and encourage a plurality of interpretative interests within Biblical studies. Given such a pluralistic context, Dr. Brett's contention is that the new "canonical" approach to Old Testament study will have a distinctive contribution to make to the discipline without necessarily displacing, as many scholars have assumed, other traditions of historical, social scientific, and literary inquiry. The book offers a comprehensive critique of the canonical approach as developed by Brevard Childs, and places this in the setting of recent discussions in literary theory and "postmodern" theology.