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This book has the potential to reopen a major debate in Markan studies. In this work, the author presents two arguments on the Gospel of Mark. First, the introduction and use of modern literary criticism within the guild of academic biblical studies has shifted attention away from the history of Mark's textual transmission to understanding the text in its contemporary form. Contemporary concerns and interests about how texts communicate meaning influence such literary analysis. Second, a knowledge of ancient narrative techniques and codices or books suggests that Mark's original manuscript suffered physical damage. The Gospel of Mark that we now have has lost both its original beginning and ending. Not only will students learn about scholarly debates about Mark, but they will also learn how ancient evidence, modern culture, and intellectual trends shaped such debates. N. Clayton Croy presents his arguments in an engaging manner accessible to both seminary and college students. Even if one strongly disagrees with Croy and remains unconvinced by his arguments, this is a book that students of both Mark and the New Testament will refer to frequently in future scholarly discussions.
