1. An Introduction; Part I. Esther: Story and History, Literary Features and Theology: 2. Esther's Story: Composition, literary unity, textual development, and noble characters; 3. Virtuosity, literary style and features; 4. The central message of Esther within biblical and ancient near east contexts; 5. Historical setting and historicity; 6. Ancient parallels to Haman's accusations; Part II. 'Oh, How Much They Love the Book Of Esther!' Esther Among the Jews: 7. Esther, Torah's Law, and the dead sea scrolls' community; 8. Esther in Jewish canon, tradition, culture and thought; 9. Identification of Jew-haters with Haman: New 'Hamans,' 'Purims' and 'Megillot'; Part III. Divine or Demon? Esther Among the Christians: 10. Esther in the Christian canon, interpretation, tradition and culture; 11. Esther, the Jews, and Martin Luther; 12. Christian Anti-Esther and Judeophobic interpretation; 13. Christian pro-esther interpretation; 14. Synthesis and conclusion; Bibliography; Indexes.