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Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 200
EAN num: 9780385722162
ISBN number: 0385722168
Label: Anchor
Manufacturer: Anchor
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 352
Printing Date: February 19, 2002
Publishing house: Anchor
Release Date: February 19, 2002
Sale Popularity Level: 62058
Studio: Anchor
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Product Description:
In the sixteenth century, to endeavor to translate the Bible into a common tongue wasn't just difficult, it was dangerous. A Bible in English threatened the power of the monarch and the Church. Early translators like Tyndale, whose work greatly influenced the King James, were hunted down and executed, but the demand for English Bibles continued to grow. Indeed it was the popularity of the Geneva Bible, with its anti-royalist content, that eventually forced James I to sanction his own, pro-monarchy, translation. Errors in early editions--one declared that 'thou shalt commit adultery'--and Puritan preferences for the Geneva Bible initially hampered acceptance of the King James, but it went on to become the definitive English-language Bible.
This fascinating history of a literary and religious masterpiece explores the forces that led to the decision to create an authorized translation, the method of translation and printing, and the central role this version of the Bible played in the development of modern English. McGrath's history of the King James Bible’s creation and influence is a worthy tribute to a great work and a joy to read.
Amazon.com Review:
In the Beginning is Alister McGrath's history of the King James Bible, and as the subtitle explains, his explanation of 'How It Changed a Nation, a Language, and a Culture.' McGrath's story begins with the development of the printing press, describes the forces (before, during, and after the Reformation) fueling the demand for English vernacular translations of the Bible, and considers the impact of the King James Version on Western worship and politics. McGrath deftly blends an arch and charming, donnish argot with breezy, tough, brass-tacks directness. Of the ongoing process of creating new biblical translations, he writes, 'It has yet to end; indeed, it will not end, until either history is brought to a close or English ceases to be a living language.' Elsewhere, describing the cultural influence of the Authorized Version, he explains, 'Without the King James Bible, there would have been no Paradise Lost, no Pilgrim's Progress, no Handel's Messiah, no Negro spirituals, and no Gettysburg address.') A professor of historical theology at the University of Oxford, McGrath has written a number of popular books about Christianity (including Theology for Amateurs). In The Beginning continues his work of making complex matters of theological thought and history accessible to a wider audience. --Michael Joseph Gross
User popularity level:
Rated by buyers 
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I love the KJV. But a book about its origins should include the history an difficulties of development of the Hebrew Bible from which it was substantially taken. The translations from ancient Hebrew into Arameic and translation into later Hebrew as well as the translation in Alexandria, Egypt before Jesus's time, into Greek and the reliance upon all sources to develop the Hebrew TANACH as one may find it written today. Such issues as the changing of "brother" into "neighbor" in the quote by Jesus in the NT.
Rated by buyers 
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Absolutely Awesome. Well written, well documented and kept my interest. One of the best books I've read in years.
Rated by buyers 
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This book was recommended to me by a member of my church. It has given me a better understanding of how the Bible came to be and all the history behind the writing with the printing press and interpretation of languages. It has been hard to put it down and go about my daily routine. I would recommend it to all Christians to read when studying the Bible.
Rated by buyers -
McGrath's historical explanation of the cultural, political and social events surrounding the perceived need to have another translation is fascinating. A student of history and religion will enjoy understanding the progression from the Geneva Bible with its marginal notes to the King James Version with no notes! The understanding McGrath brings to this work is presented in a clear and easily readable manner. I highly recommend it.
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It was a pleasure reading this book with such a wealth of info; can't believe that for generations the English people were ashamed of their own tongue, preferring instead to speak in Latin, and then French.
Every Jamaican (those at home and in the diaspora) should read this book (for Miss Lou's sake at least), especially those who distance themselves from the Jamaican Language (now taught in Birmingham,UK),and believe that it is not fit enough as a vehicle for the translation of God's holy word. In the days before the KJV, it was Church officials and the Oxon and Contab academicians who opposed the very thought of an English Bible. Not so in Jamaica. It more the middle and upperclass, and successive goverments lacking the political will to promote such a project.
McGrath is by no means an armchair theologian; he knows how to communicate well on the popular level, like the Master Teacher of old--even if he has to do so with American spelling. Only one typo I have seen: p.256, last paragraph, 8th line; where the author appears to 'stammer'for the very first time ('It Italy') .Otherwise his prose flows with consummate ease, and his sense of humour (sorry, humor) is refreshing.
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