James VanderKam
-- University of Notre Dame
"In Apocalypse against Empire Anathea Portier-Young delves deeply into the meaning of empire, the methods used by empires, and the forms of resistance they engender. She then applies these insights to the sources for the historical context in which the earliest Jewish apocalypses were composed and to the texts themselves. The result is a refreshing and impressive explanation of Daniel and two Enochic texts -- the Apocalypse of Weeks and Book of Dreams."
Carol Newsom
-- Emory University
"Using methods developed by social scientists for the analysis of state terror and strategies of resistance, Portier-Young brings to life the ancient realities of Seleucid state terror in Judea in a way that few historians have captured. Against that background she makes a compelling case for the audacity of resistance grounded in the apocalyptic imaginations of 1 Enoch and Daniel. . . . Brings new depth to the claim that these are political apocalypses."
-- Themelios
"Portier-Young's volume is a remarkable achievement in terms of its theoretical sophistication, historical sensibility, and textual rigor."
-- Review of Biblical Literature
"An excellent study of Judea during the Seleucid period . . . Portier-Young's in-depth look at apocalypses in relation to the Seleucid Empire and Judaism is a substantial work in the field of biblical studies."
Walter Brueggemann
-- Columbia Theological Seminary
"A reference point for future study, one that cannot be ignored."
Review of Biblical Literature
"This is a book of outstanding importance. . . . The best book in general available today on Seleucid rule in Judea. It is required reading for anyone interested in Second Temple times."
Religious Studies Review
"This is a fascinating book that advances discussions about the Jewish apocalyptic literature, as well as opening new pathways for thinking about the important events in Jewish history of the second century BCE."
Catholic Biblical Quarterly
"Brilliant analysis of apocalyptic resistance. . . . This book, important not only for the study of apocalyptic literature but also for Hellenistic history, should be required reading for students of both."
Biblical Interpretation
"Portier-Young's book is exhaustively researched, carefully argued, and grounded in sophisticated theories which cut across many disciplines. . . . An important source for many years to come."
Interpretation
"An excellent book. . . . It would make a wonderful textbook for a seminary or graduate course on apocalyptic literature."
Themelios
"A remarkable achievement in terms of its theoretical sophistication, historical sensibility, and textual rigor."
Trinity Journal
"I cannot recommend Apocalypse against Empire highly enough. Portier-Young's study should be required reading for any who are interested in the history of Judea under Seleucid leadership, or in the function of Jewish historical apocalypses in their social context."