Humor, Resistance, and Jewish Cultural Persistence in the Book of Revelation

'Meticulously researched and delightfully written, Sarah Emanuel's book offers an original, intriguing and entertaining interpretation of the book of Revelation. Emanuel deftly combines trauma, humor and postcolonial theories to uncover a Hellenistic Jewish book that deploys comic sarcasm and mockery of Rome as a Jewish survival tactic for a traumatized community. This is a must read for anyone who has puzzled over the meaning behind the strange beasts and violent burnings of Revelation.' Colleen M. Conway, Seton Hall University, New Jersey 'Many people say Revelation 'resists' Roman domination, but Roasting Rome shows us how that work is done. Grounded in a rich set of case studies in the ancient world, including Jewish political resistance, Sarah Emanuel shows us how Revelation deploys humor as a weapon to subvert imperial pretensions. She also demonstrates how Revelation's biting humor comes with its own corrosive dangers, a timely lesson for modern readers.' Greg Carey, Lancaster Theological Seminary, Pennsylvania '… this book demonstrates a rich engagement with several bodies of theoretical literature. It offers excellent introductory discussions of postcolonial theory, trauma theory, humor theory, and dialogism for readers in biblical studies … generative and engaging readings of Revelation. Emanuel's monograph is well worth the attention of readers of Revelation, as well as anyone interested in postcolonial theory, trauma theory, and humor in biblical studies.'  Olivia Stewart Lester, The Bible and Critical Theory