Introduction


PART I: Context and Interpretation


Chapter One: Introducing Prefatory, Introductory, and Primary Texts


1.1 Prefaces and Paratexts


1.2 Prefatory, Introductory, and Primary Texts


1.3 Prefatory, Introductory, and Primary Texts in Shakespeare's First Folio


1.4 Conclusions


Chapter Two: Prefatory, Introductory, and Primary Texts in Comparative Materials


2.1 The Gilgamesh Epic


2.2 The Egyptian Book of the Dead


2.3 Sirach


2.4 Iterative Play: Theoretical and Methodological Considerations


2.5 Conclusions


Chapter Three: A Rhizomatic and Preliminary Account of the Formation of the MT Psalter


3.1 A Rhizomatic Approach to the Textual Growth of the MT Psalter


3.2 Summary and Review of Select Proposals for the Formation of the MT Psalter


3.3 A Preliminary Sketch of the MT Psalter's Development


3.4 Conclusions


PART II: The Beginning of the MT Psalter


Chapter Four: The Literary Function of Ps 3 in the MT Psalter


4.1 Psalm 3 in Translation


4.2 The Sitz im Leben of Psalm 3


4.3 Psalm 3 in the Development of the MT Psalter


4.4 Conclusions


Chapter Five: The Literary Function of Ps 2 in the MT Psalter


5.1 Psalm 2 in Translation


5.2 The Sitz im Leben of Ps 2


5.3 Psalm 2 in the Development of the MT Psalter


5.4 Conclusions


Chapter Six: The Literary Function of Psalm 1 in the MT Psalter


6.1 Psalm 1 in Translation


6.2 The Sitz im Leben of Ps 1


6.3 Psalm 1 in the Development of the MT Psalter


6.4 Conclusions


Chapter Seven: Conclusions