This collection of significant literary studies by an older generation of influential scholars makes available some often neglected insights into the books of Samuel as works of literature. The studies are of perhaps surprising relevance to recent literary investigations of the Hebrew Bible.

The contributors are: Hugo Gressmann, ''The Oldest History-writing and Prophecy of Israel'' (Introduction, and studies of various individual narratives in Samuel); Wilhelm Caspari, ''The Literary Type and Historical Value of 2 Samuel 15-20''; Bernard Luther, ''The Novelle of Judah and Tamar and other Israelite Novellen''; Alfons Schultz, ''Narrative Art in the Books of Samuel''.