The Deuteronomic tradition present in Joshua offers the key for its interpretation, according to the author, and he upholds the hypothesis of a 'Deuteronomistic' school which edited the historical books through the years of exile. Included in the Introduction is an interpretation of the work of the Deuteronomic history writer, the pre-Deuteronomic elements and the historical problems of the conquest, as well as an examination of the person of Joshua within the context of the conquest and the Book of Joshua within the context of the Biblical message.