The book of Chronicles is examined using the methodology of utopian literary theory. From this innovative perspective, Chronicles is interpreted as a utopian work that critiques present society and its status quo by presenting a 'better alternative reality.' The author's analysis contends that Chronicles does not reflect the historical situation of a particular time during the Second Temple period in its portrayal of the past, but rather conveys hope for a different future. While some scholars have also affirmed that Chronicles is concerned with the future, the majority of scholars believe that the content of Chronicles largely reflects the present situation of the author and in doing so reinforces or legitimizes the status quo.


Also, this assessment argues that utopianism is an underlying ideological matrix that contributes to the coherence of the book of Chronicles as a whole. Three commonly addressed concerns of the Chronicler (genealogy, politics, and the temple cult) are understood from this methodological perspective as vehicles for conveying the Chronicler�s vision for a utopian future. Thus, the scope of this analysis is broader than many recent studies on Chronicles that have focused on isolated themes, individuals, or discrete sections in the book. Many of the conclusions challenge the dominant scholarly views about Chronicles and the assumptions that lie behind them.

Peter McNeil is Professor of Design History at The University of
Technology, Sydney and Foundation Chair of Fashion Studies at Stockholm
University. He is editor of Fashion:
Critical and Primary Sources and co-editor of Shoes: A History from Sandals to Sneakers,
The Men's Fashion Reader and The Fashion History Reader: Global
Perspectives.

Catherine Cole is Professor of Creative Writing at Royal Melbourne
Institute of Technology and author of The
Poet who Forgot, The Grave at
Thy Lu, Dry Dock, Skin Deep, Private Dicks and Fiesty Chicks: An Interrogation of Crime
Fiction.

Vicki Karaminas is Associate Professor in Fashion Theory and Design
Studies at the School of Design, The University of Technology, Sydney
and co-editor of The Men's Fashion
Reader.