The Book of Psalms: In the Authorized Version [Hardcover]

David Fordham (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1986

A beautiful edition of the Psalms, presenting the complete text from the authorized version of the Bible illustrated with a rich variety of illuminated manuscripts, ranging from early psalters to 16th-century books of hours. 160 full-color illustrations.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 239 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt & Co (October 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805000461
• ISBN-13: 978-0805000467
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 4.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #617,905 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Blessed is the reader..., November 15, 2003

By 

FrKurt Messick "FrKurt Messick" (Bloomington, IN USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Book of Psalms: In the Authorized Version (Hardcover)

This volume is a small gem. It contains all 150 Psalms in the Authorised (King James) Version, laid out in spectacular format, as if this were a medieval manuscript cross-bred with a modern printed book. Illuminations appear on every page, as the first letter of each psalm, in addition to the occasional frontpiece from the ornately decorated pages of other manuscripts.

For example, in Psalm 40, whose first word is 'I', the 'I' extends the full length of the page.

I waited patiently for the Lord,
and he inclined unto me,
and heard my cry.

Within the decorations of the 'I' are the scenes from salvation history -- Noah's Ark, the Ten Commandments being given, etc. This particular illumination comes from the Winchester Bible, circa 1175 AD/CE. There is a brief listing at the conclusion giving credits for all the illuminations (alas, some are missing dates, and it is organised alphabetically rather than in page order, making identification a bit of a chore).

In a format under 5 inches x 8 inches, it fits perfectly in the hand for use for personal study and for reading aloud. The binding is very sturdy, and there is a strong cloth cover that resists wear and tear. Every page has colour, and the serif font selection and size make reading easy. I use this for my regular Saturday chaplain service at the retirement home -- the use of the KJV coupled with the interesting illuminations delight the listeners.

There is no commentary here, not even so much as an introduction. The Psalms speak for themselves, together with the beautiful, intricate and often-times cleverly devised illuminations.

This is a lovely book for a gift, for private devotions, and for corporate worship.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Psalter, March 4, 2003

By 

mrb (Roseland, VA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Book of Psalms: In the Authorized Version (Hardcover)

I had been looking for a nice psalter to function as a sort of book of hours and this edition of the Book of Psalms was exaclty what I wanted. It's a nice size - only slightly larger than an average paperback - and each psalm begins with a large, illuminated letter taken from a medieval manuscript. These manuscripts are cited in a short, simple form at the very end of the text. Although not all of the citations contain dates, the source manuscripts seem to range from the 10th through the 16th centuries. All in all a beautiful copy of the psalter for anyone who is interested in medieval manuscripts.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutly beautiful presentation of the Psalms., April 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Book of Psalms: In the Authorized Version (Hardcover)

This book has one of hte most beautiful presentations of the Psalms. Adapted from the King James Version of the Bible, the Psalms are poetic and simple to read through. The beatuiful Celtic reproduction enhance the reading experience. A must have for any Biblical collector.