Pseudepigrapha in the Pseudepigrapha: Mythical Books in Second Temple Literature

One of the interesting features of the books included in the so-called Pseudepigrapha, including some texts preserved at Qumran, is that these books (attributed in some cases to ancient Israelite figures) make mention of “pseudepigraphal” or, more accurately, imaginary books which functioned for the most part as avenues of divine revelation or as vehicles enabling the passing on of traditions from the patriarchs to later generations. This study will examine the specific context in which such “books” appear as well as their specific function, and it will reflect on the significance of this inner pseudepigraphal tradition for our understanding of pseudepigraphal literature in general.