The Bible is the most widely read and distributed book in human history, yet the story of how it came to be is far less familiar than its contents. The History of the Bible traces the origins, compilation, translation, and transmission of both the Hebrew scriptures and the New Testament, from ancient oral traditions and manuscript cultures through to the age of print and modern critical scholarship. It is a history of a text that has shaped civilizations, inspired art, and fueled centuries of theological debate.

This book approaches its subject from a historical and cultural standpoint, examining how different communities selected, translated, and interpreted their scriptures over time. It covers the formation of the biblical canon, the significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the landmark translations of Jerome, Tyndale, and the King James translators, and the development of modern biblical scholarship. The tone is informative and even-handed, making the book suitable for readers of all backgrounds and beliefs.

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Reader review:"Informative without being polemical. I came away understanding far more about how the Bible was assembled and transmitted than I ever expected from a book this size." -- David R.

This title is appropriate for religion, history, and cultural studies sections alike. It appeals to general readers as well as those in academic, library, and faith community settings, and makes a solid addition to any collection covering the history of religion or Western culture.

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