Leslie C. Allens fine introduction and study guide leads readers from clear discussions of introductory questions through concise analysis of the text, including a cogent presentation of the Chroniclers message to the post-exilic community of Yehud. Highly recommended, especially for beginning students. * Mark A. Throntveit, Elva B. Lovell Professor Emeritus of Old Testament, Luther Seminary, Saint Paul, USA * An accessible first guide to the riches of 1 & 2 Chronicles featuring a careful description of what it actually says, a judicious survey of some of its leading themes, and a summary of the rapidly burgeoning scholarship on this vital topic. * H. G. M. Williamson, Emeritus Regius Professor of Hebrew, University of Oxford, UK *