Jan Sigvartsen systematically examines the texts of the Pseudepigrapha identifying the numerous afterlife and resurrection beliefs they display, and presents a close analysis of these beliefs and how they functioned in the Second Temple period.

The work is a companion volume to Sigvartsen's other work on afterlife and resurrection in the Apocyrpha (in particular apocalyptic writings). Sigvartsen offers a close reading of resurrection passages within the texts, and how they compare with each other, showing that often there is no evidence to suggest that they developed together, but rather are rooted in specific verses in TaNaKh. This volume in particular examines testaments, expansions of stories and legends (such as Joseph and Aseneth) and also considers the posthumous body, the nature of the soul, and anthropological implications.