The Bible
Unknown
By: David Norton
The King James Bible or Authorized Version (1611) comprises the Old Testament, the Apocrypha and the New Testament, from God's creation of the heaven and earth and the fall of man in Genesis, through the life Jesus Christ, to St John the Divine's foretelling of the end of the world and God's final judgment in Revelation. Among the most influential texts of all time and the cornerstone of the Christian faith, the King James Bible is the work of the great scholars and theologians of the early seventeenth century and reflects their desire for greater stability in the Christian religion. They revised and retranslated existing versions, including that of William Tyndale, to create a standardized Bible that would be accessible to all speakers and readers of English. Definitive and highly readable, this superb edition brings new vigour to one of the finest pieces of English prose. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
AI Overview
The book "The Bible" edited by David Norton is not a new translation or interpretation of the Bible but rather a presentation of the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, which was originally published in 1611. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:
Key Themes
- Historical Context: The book retains the character and style of the original translation, providing a historical perspective on the text.
- Scriptural Content: It includes the Old Testament, the Apocrypha, and the New Testament, covering God's creation of the heaven and earth to the end of the biblical narrative.
- Literary Significance: The KJV is renowned for its literary merit, often regarded as one of the finest pieces of English prose.
Plot Summary
The book does not have a traditional plot summary in the sense of a narrative. Instead, it is a collection of sacred texts that form the basis of Christian scripture. The content includes:
- Old Testament: Stories of creation, the patriarchs, the law, the prophets, and historical accounts.
- Apocrypha: Additional texts that are not part of the canonical Hebrew Bible but are included in some Christian Bibles.
- New Testament: Accounts of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as the early Christian church.
Critical Reception
While there isn't specific critical reception for this particular edition of the KJV edited by David Norton, the King James Version has been widely praised for its literary and historical significance. Here are some general observations:
- Literary Merit: The KJV is celebrated for its beautiful and evocative language, which has contributed to its enduring influence on English literature.
- Historical Significance: The book has played a pivotal role in shaping English culture and language, despite being generally scorned or ignored for a century and a half after its publication.
Additional Context
David Norton has also edited the New Cambridge Paragraph Bible, which is a revised KJV text based on a thorough evaluation of textual variants in current renderings. This indicates that Norton is deeply involved in the study and presentation of biblical texts, ensuring that his editions are both historically accurate and linguistically refined.
In summary, "The Bible" by David Norton is an edition of the King James Version that maintains the original text's character and style while providing a new introduction. It is a significant work in the realm of biblical studies and literature, offering a comprehensive and historically rich collection of sacred texts.