Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

Preface: A word about reading -- Introduction: The figure of Abraham in the Bible and beyond -- The journey -- Sarah and Lot, wife and nephew -- The promise -- Hagar and Ishmael -- The covenant of circumcision -- Abraham entertains guests, Sodom is destroyed, Lot rescued -- In the land of Moriah -- Abraham's other beloved son -- The death and burial of Sarah and Abraham -- The marriage of Rebekah and Isaac -- Epilogue: Descent from Abraham in early Christianity and what it might mean for the Christian today.