Book Description

This book contains Doctor Lumpkin's translation to English of the extracanonical stories describing Adam and Eve after they were cast out of the Garden of Eden. Having lain in a cave in northeast Africa for centuries prior to their discovery, the stories are intended to clarify what became of the first ever man and woman after they succumbed to temptation. Although not considered canon, they have received interest by Biblical scholars who have translated the original Ge'ez into various European languages. We hear the stories of Adam and Eve as they navigate the wilderness and eventually settle down to form a family. Their initial departure is marred by Eve fainting in shock at the landscape before them: God, however, offers encouragement and the pair are able to venture forth into the great unknown. Various other characters of the Biblical canon are introduced - Satan, having followed the pair from the Garden of Eden, attempts to further tempt and lead Adam and Eve astray by promising redemption or an easier life. The challenge of rearing and raising children is also detailed, with the formative years of Cain, Abel and their twin sisters occupying several chapters. Frequently, Adam and Eve consult with God through prayer. The Lord, although still angered by his creation's succumbing to the forbidden fruit upon the free, intervenes multiple times to offer guidance through the hardship. God teaches Adam that the difficulties of hunger, thirst, fatigue and pain are to be a part of life, but in sympathy to Adam's plight offers a bough of figs to ease his way. An intriguing supplement to the Book of Genesis, The First and Second Books of Adam and Eve remains a text of some interest to Biblical scholars and adherents of Christianity.