This first full-scale account of Leviticus by a world renowned anthropologist presents the biblical work as a literary masterpiece. Seen in an anthropological perspective Leviticus has a mystical structure which plots the book into three parts corresponding to the three parts of the desert tabernacle, both corresponding to the parts of Mount Sinai. This completely new reading transforms the interpretation of the purity laws. The pig and other forbidden animals are not abhorrent, they command the same respect due to all God's creatures. Boldly challenging several traditions of Bible criticism, Mary Douglas claims that Leviticus is not the narrow doctrine of a crabbed professional priesthood but a powerful intellectual statement about a modern religion which emphasizes God's justice and compassion. `A rich and stimulating work' International Review of Biblical Studies, vol.46 1999/2000`well-produced ... stylishly constructed ... Leviticus as Literature presents a particularly explicit theoretical engagement with ethnographic materials that remain part of the religious and/or educational background of many teachers and students of anthropology.' Richard Fardon, School of African and Oriental Studies`fascinating study ... Dr Douglas is able to shed light on a number of puzzling points.' Bernard Robinson, Priests and People, Vol.15, No.2, Feb 01.`Douglas offers an effective introduction for both novice and scholar to a book too often slighted or misread.' W. Lee Humpreys, Religious Studies Review, Vol.26, No.4, Oct.2000.`the most breathtaking book of 2000 was Mary Douglas' Leviticus as Literature.' Christopher Howse, The Tablet 23/12/00.`the great anthropologist Mary Douglas's surprising rereading of a very old text,Leviticus as Literature makes a discarded classic zing with new life.' Valentine Cunningham, The Independent, 2000`intellectual excitement ... Mary Douglas has given students of Leviticus much to ponder, and we remain as ever in her debt.' Walter J.Houston, Journal of Jewish Studies, 2000.`Like everything that Mary Douglas writes it is easy to read and fertile in ideas.' Walter J Houston, Journal of Jewish Studies, 2000.`Leviticus has fascinated Mary Douglas for many years. And Mary Douglas has fascinated biblical scholars... One of the chief reasons for Mary Douglas's importance within biblical studies is that she is a distinguished social anthropologist... richly suggestive argument...' The Expository Times. April 2000. Mary Douglas is also the author of In the Wilderness, the Doctrine of Defilement in the Book of Numbers (1993).