Customer Reviews

The Bible, The New Testament

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Audiofile may think that the performance is "tired", but Peck's reading of the New Testament is exactly what I wanted. No musical score, no cast of thousands; no overblown, Shakespearean dramatization. Just God's word, read clearly and simply. Gregory Peck was a fine choice, and I never tired of hearing his voice.

The only reason I rate this 4 stars instead of 5 is that I would prefer the NIV or even the NKJV over the KJV, but this is the only version that Audible.com carries (as of 10/2002).

This unabridged reading of the New Testament in the King James Version is exquisite in its beauty and simplicity. It has no background music, except for a short piece at the end of each book, and Gregory Peck's resonant, gorgeous voice is perfect for the poetic cadence of the text. One of the 20th century's finest actors, Peck's rendition has depth and subtlety, as he skillfully reads the Scripture with gentle emotion, and perfect enunciation.

No matter how many times one has read the Bible, hearing it in an audio version adds a new dimension to the text, whether one just listens, or reads along with it. There is a new layer of understanding that comes with hearing the entire Scripture that brings a fresh insight into certain passages. I have read several translations, and though some are very illuminating (I am partial to the Amplified Bible), I find none quite have the power and beauty of the King James Version.

Oscar winner Peck (1916-2003) recorded all 22 hours of this New Testament in 1984, in a log cabin that was a part of his property in Los Angeles that he used as a retreat and office. Produced by his son Stephen, it was a project that Peck, who said that his faith was "an anchor to windward" throughout his life, found very rewarding to complete.