The introductory sections (the first 436 pages) of this volume provide an excellent overview of mid-20th century academic biblical study. They are detailed, and deeply reasoned, yet may not suit the needs of the average user; however, the exegetical and commentary material on the actual texts is much more accessible. Each biblical book has its own introduction, and the biblical text is presented in two English versions (KJV and RSV). [For a less 'old-school' academic approach, see the New Interpreter's Bible [1994], which uses the texts of the NIV and NRSV Bibles---the two sets of commentaries side-by-side provide a very thorough set of introductory, exegetical, and interpretive tools.]