A Visual History of the English Bible: The Tumultuous Tale of the World's Bestselling Book

by Donald L. Brake

Book Overview

With a full color layout and over one hundred illustrations, A Visual History of the English Bible covers the fascinating journey of the Bible from the pulpit to the people. Renowned biblical scholar Donald L. Brake invites readers to explore the process of transformation from medieval manuscripts to the contemporary translations of our day. Along the way, readers will meet many heroes of the faith--men and women who preserved and published the Scriptures,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 080101316X
• ISBN13: 9780801013164
• Release Date: September 2008
• Publisher: Baker Books
• Length: 349 Pages
• Weight: 2.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

A fascinating, worthwhile book

This book provides a fascinating history of the "tumultuous" path of the creation of many versions of the English bible. Not only is the information presented in a lively way, with stories and illustrations, but Dr. Brake also discusses his own stories of how he collected various bibles (this is one of the best parts--as he makes it clear he isn't rich, yet as I read I couldn't help but think "almost thou persuadest me to be a bible collector!") I am sorry that there are a few negative reviews, as this was a well-written book without any religious bias, full of information that I would have to glean from several other books if I had the time. It's all here and beautifully illustrated. I especially enjoyed the discussion of the flawed bibles which are known by their mistakes. Congratulations to Brake for producing this intriguing history in one volume. This is well worth the price and a unique offering among the many books written on the bible. It is also a good companion to Bobrick's book "Wide as the Waters Be."

One of the most helpful books on English Bible History ever written.

I have read a number of books on this subject and have found this the most user friendly and helpful of all I have read. The facts that I read in this book were consistent with those I've read before. The visuual aspect of the book as well as the stories of how Dr Brake found the various manuscripts and the well placed "imagine" type stories that surrounded the historical facts made this book incredible. It could easily be used as a university text book as well as a great read for the casual leaner. As a side note, I read the review by V. Perry and actually feel sorry for him. I noticed that he's given reviews on 2 other books on similar subjects; 'William Tyndale, The Smuggler's Flame' and 'Let it Go Among Our People: An Illustrated History of the English Bible...'. In both cases he gave those books a 1-star rating. As an example of his pettiness, he stated regarding Dr Brakes book... 77/1. 'The incunabula helped to bridge the gap from a handwritten book to a printed book.' Incunabula are early printed books, especially those printed before 1501. This is absolutely rediculous. Between 1451 and 1500, there was the beginning of printing utilizing the printing press as well as the continuance of Scribal work, therefore the incunabula "helped bridge the gap from a handwritten book to a printed book." V. Perry, you really need to get over your bitterness. You sound like a frustrated author and/or speaker.

Very compelling read

I have read this book several times and cannot recommend it highly enough. Dr. Brake's writing manages to be informative while remaining interesting; the book is both factual and lively. The illustrations and stories of the author's personal Bible collecting make the book worthwhile on its own. The history sections are essential reading for everyone who treasures God's Word or who just wants to know how we came to have the Bible in English as it is today. A Visual History of the English Bible is not just for seminary students or pastors; it contains very accessible and important information for today's Christians. I am happy to have a copy on my shelves and think you will be too.

I never knew "history" could be so enjoyable or inspirational!

I never knew "history" could be so enjoyable or inspirational! "Visual" is an understatement with the author's original charts, stories, photos, and illustrations. Solid documentation and explanations of views varying from the author's, I believe, would even qualify this as a textbook. Textbook sounds "stuffy" but this book is far from stuffy, using the author's life experiences in his conquest to preserve the history of the English Bible. I felt this book was comprehensive, factually accurate, but uniquely entertaining! I believe the reviews of the modern translations will be quite helpful to many readers as it was to me.

Great Resource for Reference on the Bible's History

Dr. Brake's A Visual History of the English Bible, gives a clear summary of every period of the Bible since it was written. Captivating narratives bring to life the mountain-peak-persons instrumental in birthing the important periods of the Bible's history, such as Wycliffe, Luther, Tyndale and many others. Writing in a clear style, topics such as textual criticism can be clearly understood by any reader, as also in the final chapter "The People Triumph," persons will be helped in assessing what Bible translation would be best for their personal use and ministry. Abundant full-color illustrations help make the Bible's history live and you will find humor in the author's own experiences in collecting most of the Bible editions presented. Readers will be drawn into the challenges and conflicts of the Bible's history, and they will be thankful that it is so available and readable for us today. THIS BOOK CAN SERVE AS A GREAT REFERENCE TOOL FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE GOD'S WORD AND WANT TO KEEP AVAILABLE A VERY LIVELY AND KNOWLEDGEABLE HISTORY OF HOW IT HAS COME DOWN TO US TODAY.