Description: "Before opening Ruth Mellinkoff's slim by fascinating volume, most readers would no doubt describe the mark of Cain as a sign placed by God on Cain's forehead as punishment for the murder of his brother Abel. The truth is much more elusive than this piece of common wisdom, however, and the search for it is supremely engaging. . . . The exegetical tradition on Cain turns out to be astonishingly rich: its variety defies summary in a brief review, and in any case will be better appreciated after a reading of Mellinkoff's book. . . . On the level of historical scholarship, Mellinkoff's book cannot be faulted."--Jerry H. Bentley, University of Hawaii
Review Quotes: "Ruth Mellinkoff is an art historian who has done rather more, in this slim volume, than to expound the relationship between Scripture and imagination in the story of Cain and the mark God set on him. Her exposition is very skillful but has wider implications. It reminds us of the fascination of this legend, and of its extraordinary complexity. . . . This book does not claim to be a comprehensive or conclusive treatment of its subject: it is rather demonstrative and suggestive. In it however, Dr. Mellinkoff has found a theme, and expounded a thesis, that her colleagues will envy."-- "Jerusalem Post"