History of the Bible in English [Paperback]

F.F. Bruce (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 30, 1978 | ISBN-10: 0195200888 | ISBN-13: 978-0195200881 | Edition: 3

The Bible in the English language stands among the great achievements of all time, not only as a masterpiece of inspired writing but also as testament to the prominent place of the Scriptures in the life of English-speaking peoples. In this comprehensive study of the various translations of the Bible into English, F.F. Bruce traces the story from its earliest days to the publication of such contemporary versions as The New English Bible, The New American Standard Version, The Living Bible, and The Good News Bible.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 3 edition (November 30, 1978)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195200888
• ISBN-13: 978-0195200881
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #840,723 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

F. F. Bruce (1910-1990) was Rylands Professor of Biblical Criticism and Exegesis at the University of Manchester in England. During his distinguished career, he wrote more than forty bestselling commentaries and books, including several titles published by InterVarsity Press, A Mind for What Matters and Paul, Apostle of the Heart Set Free. He also served as general editor of The New International Commentary on the New Testament.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This history is comprehensive, interesting and readable., June 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: History of the Bible in English (Paperback)

I found this book to be thorough and fair in its coverage of the Bible's English evolution. The writing style is accessible, fresh and even compelling. At times I found the book positively entertaining (it's a history book--and I'm NO historian). This book offers a fascinating glimpse at the lives and works of those who were often martyred because they believed that the Bible needed to be accessible to the individual (in English not Latin et al). As Tyndale said in his preface to the 1530 edition, "it hath but one simple literal sense whose light the owls cannot abide." Whether or not that's true, his passion comes across in F.F. Bruce's book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Synthetic History Of The English Bible, February 19, 2002

By 

W. S. Jones "bibliophile" (Noblesville, IN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: History of the Bible in English (Paperback)

This book reads like a novel. The Late F.F. Bruce had the ability to make any subject he wrote on lively and entertaining. It may be surprising to some that he does not think very highly of the NASB, stating that the RSV does what the NASB translators tried to do, but did it "better". The review of lesser-know 20th century translations is most excellent, but there is the error when mentioning the lectures in England by Colet on Paul's letters. Daniell in his masterful biography of Tyndale puts this false information to rest! If you read this book and Daniell's great work, you'll know more about the history of the English Bible than 98% of the typical pew-sitters out there! Highly recommended to all!

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended highly, June 16, 2011

By 

Beukeboom (Florida) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: History of the Bible in English (Paperback)

Prior reviews detail the specific style of F. F. Bruce and what is covered in this book. The only thing I can add is that for a layperson like myself this book is extremely informative and easily understood. I highly recommend the book.