Samuel H. Sternberg

Samuel H. Sternberg is an author who has written extensively on a wide range of topics, from biblical criticism to linguistics. His books, which range from academic tomes to bestsellers, span several genres and are typically marked by his eclectic blend of scholarly research, keen social commentary, and humorous writing style.

A member of the National Book Critics Circle, Samuel H. Sternberg was born in Manhattan in 1934. A gifted student and an avid reader, Sternberg won a scholarship to Hunter College High School at age 15 and earned a bachelor’s degree in English at the University of Chicago in 1956. After graduation, he entered the United States Army and served in the Korean War.

One of Sternberg’s seminal works, Words In Action (1963), is a study of biblical criticism. Here, Sternberg challenges long-held theological assumptions as he offers a unique interpretation of Hebrew scripture from a modern secular point of view. The book was warmly received by both Christian and Jewish scholars and earned him a reputation as an innovative thinker.

In his subsequent book, The Letters of David (1969), Sternberg delves into the complex relationships between David and Saul as he explores the psychology of an ancient king. Sternberg applies modern psychology to the characters of Saul and David in a sophisticated manner, illuminating the characters' behavior, potential motives, and internal struggles. The book received praise from the likes of American Jewish historian Leonard Dinnerstein and, like his first book, was a commercial success.

Sternberg wrote several other books on religious and linguistic topics, including The Seven Valleys of Man (1973) and The Language of God (1998). The former is a study of the Judeo-Christian tradition as it is expressed in the Bible and other texts, and the latter is a discussion of Biblical language, Hebrew phonology, and the influence of the Hebrew Bible on modern English.

In addition to his academic publications, Sternberg wrote two popular works of fiction, Samaritan Emperor (1976) and The Magician's Table (1980). This "magical realism" style of literature expresses the juxtaposition of mystical and realistic qualities and narrates real-world events through fantastic means. For example, in Samaritan Emperor, Sternberg introduces a fairytale-like representation of Persian and Roman cultures as a metaphor for intertwining humanity.

Beyond literature, Sternberg has pursued public policy initiatives, such as strengthening the US Constitution’s free speech guarantees, and campaigned for Medicare reform. He has also lectured on topics ranging from religious fundamentalism to the place of religion in contemporary society.

The accomplishments of Samuel H. Sternberg illustrate his multidimensional approach to knowledge and ideas. His prolific writing and research, laced with an engaging narrative style, has deepened our understanding of ancient and modern literature and served to bridge the gap between religious belief and secular values.