Like all retellings and translations, this had editorial commentary. For example, the Akedah is about Abraham putting an end to human sacrifice; a reason is given for Abraham not wanting Isaac to marry a Canaanite girl---the Canaanites worshiped idols; the reteller doubts that Abraham really lived to 165; Isaac admires Esau's daring as well as the meat he provides; Jacob's guilty conscience makes him fear that his brother will kill him and so he runs away.

The pictures make the book feel outdated. ( )