The Gospel of Mark having been the first book of the New Testament to be scrutinized through the lens of narrative criticism, scholars of the Bible and religion consider it as a story. Their topics include the emergence of a prominent reading strategy, why there are no humans or animals in the Gospel, audience address and purpose in the performance of Mark, kingdoms in conflict as the narrative context of Mark 6:17-29, and the paradox of secrecy. The Society of Biblical Literature publishes the paperbound edition; Brill publishes the hardbound. Annotation 2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
