Genesis is the book of origins: the creation of the universe, the rise of humanity, and the first steps of a unique relationship between God and his people. Through epic stories such as the Garden of Eden, Noah's flood, and the calling of Abraham, this book lays the foundation for the whole biblical narrative. It is a thrilling journey through the beginnings of faith, family, and divine promise.
Genesis forms part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, and Jewish and Christian tradition attributes its authorship to Moses, although modern scholars suggest it was compiled over the course of several centuries. Its writing is placed approximately between the 10th and 5th centuries B.C. Its Hebrew title is "Bereshit," meaning "in the beginning," the first word of the text. A curious fact: Genesis spans a longer period of time than any other book of the Bible, from creation itself to the death of Joseph in Egypt, some 2,300 years of narrated history.