FROM WYCLIFFE TO KING JAMES

Brake, Donald L. (1939– )

A Visual History Of The English Bible: The Tumultuous Tale Of The World's Bestselling Book [Illustrated Reference Work] [Bible Translation History]

Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 2008. THE STORY OF THE ENGLISH BIBLE TOLD THROUGH THE BOOKS THAT CHANGED HISTORY.

Donald L. Brake presents a richly illustrated history of the English Bible from the manuscript era through the age of print and into the modern period. Designed for both scholars and general readers, the work traces the individuals, translations, controversies, and technological innovations that transformed the Scriptures into the most widely distributed book in the English-speaking world.

Combining historical narrative with extensive visual documentation, the volume follows the development of the English Bible from Wycliffe and Tyndale through Coverdale, the Geneva Bible, the Bishops' Bible, the King James Version, and modern translations. More than a textual history, it captures the political, religious, and cultural struggles that shaped the transmission of Scripture over six centuries.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Publisher's original illustrated hardcover. Octavo, approximately 9.25 inches tall. 351 pages with visual notes, bibliography, index, and scripture index. Profusely illustrated throughout with color reproductions of title pages, manuscripts, engravings, portraits, bindings, and historical documents. Printed on glossy stock.

CONDITION:  No flaws or blemishes noted. No ownership marks. Appears unread. A Fine copy in gift-quality condition.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE —
Published by Baker Books, this volume serves as an accessible survey of one of the most influential publishing traditions in Western history. By documenting the evolution of English Bible translation from medieval manuscripts to contemporary editions, it illustrates the intersection of faith, politics, printing, and literacy. The book remains a valuable reference for collectors of Bibles, printing history, religious studies, and the history of the book.

Brake's work places the English Bible within the broader context of religious reform, political power, printing history, and cultural change. The volume examines the risks undertaken by translators and printers, the influence of monarchs and church leaders, and the impact of technological developments on the dissemination of Scripture. More than one hundred illustrations accompany the text, allowing readers to view landmark editions and historically significant pages that are otherwise accessible only in major institutional collections.

Particularly useful is the book's integration of visual evidence with narrative history. Rather than merely describing important editions, Brake reproduces title pages, typography, illustrations, and bindings, enabling readers to see how the English Bible evolved as both a religious text and a physical book.

CONTENT HIGHLIGHTS
+++ Comprehensive history of the English Bible from Wycliffe to modern translations
+++ More than one hundred color illustrations and reproductions
+++ Covers Tyndale, Coverdale, Geneva, Bishops', and King James Bibles
+++ Examines the Reformation and the politics of Bible translation
+++ Includes bibliography, general index, and scripture index
+++ Strong reference work for collectors and students of book history

SUBJECTS: English Bible History; Bible Translation; William Tyndale; Miles Coverdale; Geneva Bible; King James Bible; Reformation History; Printing History; History Of The Book; Christian History; Donald L. Brake; Illustrated Reference Works, Religious History; Book History; Biblical Studies.

Item #22067
ISBN: 9780801013164

Price: $24.00