In providing the first full translation into English of "On Genesis" Calvin Kendall has made available a key text for understanding the Venerable Bede. "On Genesis" is the commentary richest in material for understanding Bede's allegorical approach to history. Bede regarded the opening chapters of "Genesis" as the foundation narrative of the world. From these chapters he derived, in part, the theoretical basis for his scientific treatises and for his notion of the English as a chosen people of God.