This textbook describes the biblical writings first by content and structure, and then traces their development back to their respective origins. The framework is provided by the canon of the Hebrew Bible, which is delineated from the Greek or Christian Bible and the so-called Apocrypha in the introductory section. The four parts of the canon are introduced by overview chapters: the Pentateuch as a whole, the Deuteronomistic historical work, the phenomenon of prophecy, and Hebrew poetry. The progress and status of research are adequately represented. Comprehensive bibliographies run throughout the work. Those who wish to engage deeply with the Old Testament and its origins will find well-founded information here.