"One of the great works of modern literary scholarship. A sweeping and philosophically acute genealogy of literary representation in the West. The first chapter, 'Odysseus’ Scar,' generated the modern study of biblical literature. The rise and fall of 'figural' representations of reality (from Paul to the Renaissance) forms part of Auerbach’s theme, which I adopt and develop in my book. Auerbach’s work on Genesis is also a topic in my last chapter."