Because of inconclusive evidence it is not known for certain, but generally ascribed to Moses, who possibly heard the story while in Midian in the land of Edom which was in close proximity to the ancient land of Uz.

Because of the usage of God's earlier name, El Shaddai, the lack of reference to the Mosaic laws, and later historical events of Israel, some have presupposed it to have both occurred and been written by someone during the Patriarchal times reflected in the book.

Others have suggested Elihu, Elijah, Solomon, Isaiah, Hezekiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, and some even ascribing it to a composite of writers -- all of which is only speculation.

Regardless of human author, it was clearly accepted as a part of the Old Testament Canon (Septuagint -- Greek translation some 200+ years before Christ) in Christ's day, thus making it a vital part of God's inspired Word. Compare Lk.1:52 & Job 5:11. Quoted by Paul as Scripture: I Co.3:19 - Job 5:13. See also James 5:11.

Argued by some as fictional. (Not mentioned in roll call of faith of O.T. characters. Why?) Generally held to be historical.

Included with 2 commonly held historical figures (Noah & Daniel) in God's instruction to Ezekiel during Babylonian Captivity, ca. 594 B.C. (Ez.14:14,20).

Mentioned only by name 3 times outside his book: (Ez.14:14, 20; Js.5:11).

Lived in land of Uz, south & east of Palestine, bordering Edom & Arabia, east towards the Euphrates River.

Probably a contemporary of Abraham during the Sabean and Chaldean's incursions into the area (1:15,17), hence a part of the Patriarchal times. Probably fitting between: Gen.35 & 36. (Culture and lifestyles similar in this period.)

A Patriarchal priest (1:5).

Received a 4-fold character reference from God Himself (1:1), twice repeated: 1:8; 2:3.

A God-fearer who lived by faith upon the testimony of others until his personal encounter at the end of his own testing (42:5).

Primarily: Human suffering is not always indicative of personal sins.

Many questions are raised. Examples: Why do the righteous sometimes suffer while the wicked go to their grave after a life of prosperity? And why does God sometimes delay pardoning when man is in genuine search of Him?

Its New Testament counterpart can be seen in Romans and Hebrews. These should be studied carefully with Job.

Historical inspired Scripture. (Job 5:13 - I Co.3:19)

Poetical, with its introduction and conclusion written in prose. (See the Revised Standard Version for this delineation.)

Consisting mainly of Parallelisms, a chief characteristic of Hebrew poetry.
These being of 3 main types:

a.	SYNONYMOUS PARALLELISMS = 2 lines of the same verse meaning the same thing expressed in different words. Example: 4:17.
b.	ANTITHETIC PARALLELISMS = 2 lines of same verse, with the second line expressing an opposite thought than first, 22:29. (Common in Proverbs, but rare in Job.)
c.	SYNTHETIC PARALLELISMS = second line completing the idea of the first, 11:12. (Discover these as you read.)

It is rich in imagery expressions. (6:6; 19:20; 41:18)

Though containing elements of a drama, epic, and tragedy, it is all of these, but not exclusively one. It stands alone as one, if not the greatest, piece of inspired wisdom literature ever written, inspired not in the sense of Longfellow or Tennyson, but by the Holy Spirit to act upon man to effect an inward change for an eternal benefit. It is the WORD OF GOD, unique from the work of all other recognized great poets!