Dale C. Allison Jr.'s "Constructing Jesus: Memory, Imagination, and History" takes readers on an intricate journey into the world of historical Jesus studies, exploring how memory, imagination, and tradition shape the figure we encounter in the Gospels. Allison meticulously engages with memory studies, emphasizing that “memories of Jesus’ words and deeds were shaped by subsequent circumstances and needs.” This focus on how collective memory influenced the preservation and transmission of Jesus' sayings underlines a key argument: the Gospels are not simple historical records but “malleable memories molded by theological and pastoral needs.” One of the book's strengths lies in Allison’s exploration of imagination. The early Christian communities, he argues, did not simply preserve the memory of Jesus as a static figure. Instead, they actively interpreted and expanded on his legacy to address the needs of their own time. This is particularly evident when Allison discusses the creative process behind the shaping of traditions, observing that “the past is never simply the past; it is always reconstructed in the present.” Rather than dismissing this creative aspect as a distortion, he views it as integral to how we come to understand the Jesus of history. Allison also confronts the historical Jesus head-on, examining key elements of Jesus' message, such as his eschatological outlook. He asserts that “Jesus’ preaching was dominated by an eschatological worldview,” challenging modern portrayals that reduce Jesus to a mere ethical teacher. Yet, Allison avoids the pitfalls of overconfidence, recognizing that “historical certainty remains elusive.” His cautious approach highlights the difficulties in recovering an authentic portrait of Jesus amid the layers of memory and tradition. One of the more profound contributions of Constructing Jesus is its interdisciplinary method. Allison draws from psychological studies of memory and traditional historical-critical tools to offer a nuanced picture of how early Christian communities remembered and adapted the figure of Jesus. He writes, “We are all, to some extent, prisoners of the way we recall the past,” reminding scholars and readers that any historical reconstruction is, by necessity, a blend of memory, interpretation, and imagination. While Constructing Jesus is a work of significant scholarly depth, its complexity may pose challenges for readers unfamiliar with the intricacies of New Testament scholarship. Allison’s discussion of memory theory, in particular, demands careful attention. Yet, this intellectual rigor is what makes the book a standout contribution to the field, as it does not shy away from the uncertainties and ambiguities inherent in studying the past. In conclusion, Dale C. Allison Jr.’s "Constructing Jesus: Memory, Imagination, and History" stands as a monumental work in historical Jesus research. By acknowledging the role of memory and imagination in shaping the Gospel traditions, Allison offers a fresh and realistic approach to understanding Jesus. He strikes a delicate balance between skepticism and faith, always mindful that “the historical Jesus is always a construction.” For those who seek a serious, thoughtful, and honest engagement with the complexities of Jesus' life and legacy, Allison's work is indispensable.