misrepresentation

Author promiseed an exact and authentic translation of the Hebrew. Although I am by no means an expert I find the translation very "loose" and in some cases worse than the usuall and traditional one's. The insights and commentaries are seldom better than what can be found in other Torah commentaries.

Alter's Alterations

I couldn't begin to count the number of times I've read the books of the Pentateuch. They are as familiar to me as the view out my front window. Yet soon after opening Alter's version, I realized that this was a new view, through a window I had never used before. Not since first encountering Eugene Peterson's "The Message" have I had the same sensation of freshness, of surveying new vistas within God's Word. Alter gave me--a novice with regard to the original languages of Scripture--an unexpected understanding of Hebrew context and syntax and vocabulary and rhythm. He provided new insights into the thinking of the writers and presumed editor of the Five Books and, I believe, into the thinking of the One who inspired it all. The ratio of commentary to text is perfect. In fact, I am amazed that so much could be conveyed in so few sentences of commentary. The appropriate adjectives for this stunning work are all superlatives. This is the best! I'm thrilled to have learned that Alter has undertaken a similar venture into the Books of Samuel ("The Story of David"). Just as I wished that Peterson would extend his grasp to the entire Bible--a wish that came true--I wish Alter would do the same for the entire Hebrew Bible. Kudos for the work done so far!

Excellent translation of the Torah with translation footnotes

"The Five Books of Moses" is a great translation of these ancient books. The translation can be rough sometimes, but that is because it sticks closely to the original Hebrew in ways that most modern English translations avoid. It is a joy to read, both from a scholarly perspective and as a devotional book.^M