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Goliath as Gentle Giant

Sympathetic Portrayals in Popular Culture

Jonathan L. Friedmann

In the Hebrew Bible and stories loyal to it, Goliath is the stereotypical giant of folklore: big, brash, violent, and dimwitted. Goliath as Gentle Giant sets out to rehabilitate the giant’s image by exploring the origins of the biblical behemoth, the limitations of the “underdog” metaphor, and the few sympathetic treatments of Goliath in popular media. What insights emerge when we imagine things from Goliath’s point of view? How might this affect our reading of the biblical account or its many retellings and interpretations? What sort of man was Goliath really? The nuanced portraits analyzed in this book serve as a catalyst to challenge readers to question stereotypes, reexamine old assumptions, and humanize the “other.”

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Lexington Books
Pages: 168 • Trim: 6¼ x 9
978-1-66690-469-7 • Hardback • January 2022 • $100.00 • (£77.00)
Series: Jewish Science Fiction and Fantasy
Subjects: Social Science / Jewish Studies, Religion / Biblical Studies / General, Social Science / Popular Culture

Jonathan L. Friedmann is professor of Jewish music history and associate dean of the Master of Jewish Studies Program at the Academy for Jewish Religion California.

1. Underdog and Overdog

2. Source Materials

3. Xena’s Goliath:Grieving Avenger

4. Malcolm Gladwell’s Goliath:Frail Fighter

5. Tom Gauld’s Goliath: Warrior Impersonator

6. Conclusion: Other Goliaths

Appendix: Using and Reusing David and Goliath

Goliath as a Gentle Giant is a colossal contribution to where biblical scholarship, pop culture, and literary and media criticism intersect. Friedmann explores the fantasy and reality of Goliath—leading readers to expanded interpretation and compassion. An immense undertaking to grasp the heart of a giant.


— Rochelle Robins, Academy for Jewish Religion California


Moving effortlessly from biblical commentary, classical literature, and archaeology to graphic novels, Xena the Warrior Princess, and Andre the Giant, Friedmann’s writing hits on a truly astounding number of cultural touchstones for those of us who aspire to the smart yet proudly geeky set. This book forever changes the readers’ relationship to the overused David-versus-Goliath metaphor, requiring us to question not just whether we’re really the David in our own struggles—as individuals or as a people—but perhaps more importantly, to ask what we don’t know about the motivation and experiences of our Goliaths.


— Paul Golin, Society for Humanistic Judaism


This book is mind-blowing and utterly surprising, especially for me and (I’m sure) many other Christians who grew up in the Christian Tradition. What is described in this book never crossed my mind and because of that, is able to elicit a spontaneous response, “Yeah, why haven’t I thought about it all this time?"


— Gema Teologika


3/31/22, Forward: The book and author were featured in this article.

Link: https://forward.com/culture/484797/david-goliath-villain-sympathy-bible-israelites-philistines-jonathan/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=READ%20THE%20INTERVIEW&utm_campaign=SLEXBK0522



Goliath as Gentle Giant

Sympathetic Portrayals in Popular Culture

Cover Image
Hardback
Summary
Summary
  • In the Hebrew Bible and stories loyal to it, Goliath is the stereotypical giant of folklore: big, brash, violent, and dimwitted. Goliath as Gentle Giant sets out to rehabilitate the giant’s image by exploring the origins of the biblical behemoth, the limitations of the “underdog” metaphor, and the few sympathetic treatments of Goliath in popular media. What insights emerge when we imagine things from Goliath’s point of view? How might this affect our reading of the biblical account or its many retellings and interpretations? What sort of man was Goliath really? The nuanced portraits analyzed in this book serve as a catalyst to challenge readers to question stereotypes, reexamine old assumptions, and humanize the “other.”

Details
Details
  • Lexington Books
    Pages: 168 • Trim: 6¼ x 9
    978-1-66690-469-7 • Hardback • January 2022 • $100.00 • (£77.00)
    Series: Jewish Science Fiction and Fantasy
    Subjects: Social Science / Jewish Studies, Religion / Biblical Studies / General, Social Science / Popular Culture
Author
Author
  • Jonathan L. Friedmann is professor of Jewish music history and associate dean of the Master of Jewish Studies Program at the Academy for Jewish Religion California.

Table of Contents
Table of Contents
  • 1. Underdog and Overdog

    2. Source Materials

    3. Xena’s Goliath:Grieving Avenger

    4. Malcolm Gladwell’s Goliath:Frail Fighter

    5. Tom Gauld’s Goliath: Warrior Impersonator

    6. Conclusion: Other Goliaths

    Appendix: Using and Reusing David and Goliath

Reviews
Reviews
  • Goliath as a Gentle Giant is a colossal contribution to where biblical scholarship, pop culture, and literary and media criticism intersect. Friedmann explores the fantasy and reality of Goliath—leading readers to expanded interpretation and compassion. An immense undertaking to grasp the heart of a giant.


    — Rochelle Robins, Academy for Jewish Religion California


    Moving effortlessly from biblical commentary, classical literature, and archaeology to graphic novels, Xena the Warrior Princess, and Andre the Giant, Friedmann’s writing hits on a truly astounding number of cultural touchstones for those of us who aspire to the smart yet proudly geeky set. This book forever changes the readers’ relationship to the overused David-versus-Goliath metaphor, requiring us to question not just whether we’re really the David in our own struggles—as individuals or as a people—but perhaps more importantly, to ask what we don’t know about the motivation and experiences of our Goliaths.


    — Paul Golin, Society for Humanistic Judaism


    This book is mind-blowing and utterly surprising, especially for me and (I’m sure) many other Christians who grew up in the Christian Tradition. What is described in this book never crossed my mind and because of that, is able to elicit a spontaneous response, “Yeah, why haven’t I thought about it all this time?"


    — Gema Teologika


Features
Features
  • 3/31/22, Forward: The book and author were featured in this article.

    Link: https://forward.com/culture/484797/david-goliath-villain-sympathy-bible-israelites-philistines-jonathan/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=READ%20THE%20INTERVIEW&utm_campaign=SLEXBK0522



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