In this updated edition, the author has introduced colour-coding differentiation for recognition of the source of quotations. the result is that the reader can easily and conveniently distinguish between Hebrew and Christian extracts together with those of the Scrolls and Gener al academic quotations. The book provides a comprehensive insight into the history of the scrolls and a knowledge and understanding of the different sects within Judaism at the time they were written. The reader is taken through. most of the important scrolls and will also gain awareness of the concept of "original" biblical text which led to the final establishment of todays Hebrew Bible. The history of both the First and Second Temples is laid out in a useful timeline to further introduce clarity to a somewhat confusing period. Considerarion is given to the probable influence of certain scrolls and beliefs on the development of prayer, and Jewish law—also their impact on the early Christian scholars when compiling during the stages of writing the Gospels. Notably are the profound messianic beliefs and yearnings of the Essens which the book covers as recorded in many of the scrolls found in a total of 11 caves between 1947 and 1952. The book requires minimal prior knowledge of Judaism. It gradually introduces the reader to the world of biblical archaeology and the scrolls.