This is in fact an integrated collection of eight essays by noted scholars. After an introductory essay, the following seven chapters introduce a variety of methodologies for biblical studies. Each essay begins with a general introduction to the presupositions and methodologies of their particular area of interest, and then goes on to apply this more specifically to the Gospel of Mark, usually by analysing a particular section.

I found all of the essays well written and engaging. Those on areas I am familiar with seemed balanced, accurate and clear, and those on areas with which I am less familiar (e.g deconstruction) were enlightening. The only essay I found slightly less helpful was the one on postcolonial criticism, mainly because the application section was disappointingly general and could have done with some illustration.

A very useful book for any introduction to the study of Mark's Gospel, or to biblical criticism in general. ( )