Kierkegaard has often been regarded as a gloomy thinker yet, as an evangelist, his aim was to discover the joy of the truth of Christianity. Both Kierkegaard's belief and his doubt in his own work were the result of his attempt to comprehend the exceptional experiences of biblical characters and to examine what he found most puzzling or offensive. The Joy of Kierkegaard brings together the writings of one of the most influential of Kierkegaard scholars. These essays argue that Kierkegaard's most original thought arises from his struggle with biblical passages and that joy underpins his profound exploration of spiritual alienation.

"Hugh Pyper's contribution to the study of Kierkegaard is exceptional. This is a book to read and re-read many times, and will be welcomed by students, teachers, and researchers at all levels.'"

George Pattison

"Hugh Pyper has been taking notes on Kierkegaard for decades. Rigorously argued and elegantly written, this is a book that both the Kierkegaard scholar and novice will want to absorb.'"

Gordon Marino

"Kierkegaard had an intimate familiarity with the Biblical writings and the Bible is everywhere written into his authorship. Hugh Pyper's book aims to make this point manifest. He argues provocatively and persuasively that Kierkegaard's philosophical and ethical thought is the result of his confrontation with Biblical texts and that the entire authorship points toward the scandalous but life-enhancing good news proclaimed in the Bible.'"

Niels Jørgen Cappelørn