The Pentateuch: Its Age and Authorship (John Kennedy, 1884)

John Kennedy, The Pentateuch: Its Age and Authorship. With an Examination of Some Modern Theories. London: Sunday School Union, no date [preface dated 1884].

Crown octavo, original cloth gilt, 91 pages.

Cloth a little worn with spine faded, a little scattered foxing, hinges beginning to crack internally, owner's name in pencil. Fair to good condition.

The Pentateuch (or Torah) are the first five books of the biblical canon. In the nineteenth century, the traditional belief that they were authored by Moses was challenged by European (chiefly German) scholars. In South Africa, Bishop John William Colenso also rejected traditional views about the age and authorship of Genesis - Deuteronomy. (I have not spotted any reference to Colenso in this text.)

John Kennedy (18131900) was a Scottish Congregational minister. In 1872 he was chairman of the Congregational Union of England and Wales. From 1872 to 1876 he was professor of apologetics at New College, London, and from 1884 to 1895 chairman of the New College council.