This book is about the ""beginnings"" or prologues to the four canonical Gospels, which refer to topics to be dealt with in what follows and offer guidance as to the particular way in which the author feels the rest of the book should be read. The beginnings also contain significant hints as to what the end of the story will be. Beginnings qualifies as a basic introduction to the contents of the Gospels and a helpful starting point for reading this literature. Using the metaphor a key that opens the door, Morna Hooker moves sequentially through Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John as, respectively, a ""dramatic key,"" a ""prophetic key,"" a ""spiritual key,"" and a ""glorious key."" Morna D. Hooker is Professor Emerita of Divinity at Robinson College, University of Cambridge, England. She is coeditor of the Journal of Theological Studies and the author of nine books, including Pauline Pieces and Commentary on the Gospel according to St. Mark.