History of the Bible in English [Paperback]

Frederick Fyvie Bruce (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0718890310 | ISBN-13: 978-0718890315 | Publication Date: September 4, 2002 | Edition: 3rd

The Bible in the English language is among the great achievements of all time, not only as a masterpiece of inspired writing but as a witness to the place of the Scriptures in the life of the English-speaking peoples, and Bruce's work, recognised for 30 years as the best on its subject, documents its history and shows the impact of some of the translations on the use and development of the English language. Formerly The English Bible, this comprehensive study of the various English translations of the Bible is again available in paperback. The author traces the story from the earliest partial translations in Saxon times, through Wycliffe, Tyndale and The King James Version, 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. Authoritative and highly readable, this remains one of the standard works on its subject.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Professor Bruce's book provides compulsive reading. Not only is there a hard-hitting but balanced assessment of modern versions, but also the story of versions down the ages. Dr. Bruce continues to be generous in his praise and firm in his criticism." Catholic Herald "Acclaimed by scholars as the 'best account of the history of the English Bible'. We cannot imagine a finer account of this remarkable story. Interest is maintained throughout yet another example of the remarkable scholarship of Professor Bruce. This fine handbook is strongly recommended to all who wish a comprehensive grasp of what lies behind our English Bible." The Witness "The story of the English Bible is a fascinating one. No one surpasses F.F. Bruce in telling it with a blend of scholarship and readability." Baptist Times "Excellent." The Expository Times "Here's one to treasure. Indispensable. It is the best and most comprehensive book on the English Bible." Methodist Recorder "Invaluable. This informative, accurate and eminently readable book can be confidently recommended as the best on its subject." The Society of Old Testament Study "F.F. Bruce gives an admirable account of the History of the Bible in English tracing the early history of the Scriptures in English down to the present day." Welsh Churchman "An admirable book ,scholarly and reliable, but highly readable, it answer just the questions that users of the Bible are likely to ask, and its comments on the value of the various versions are judicious and helpful." Reform "Readable and reliable." Religious Studies "One of the best tour guides through the wonderful world of the history of the English Bible." Bibliotheca Sacra "The best source for information on the English Bible." Religious Book Review "Bruce's control of his material is admirable. The most readily available trustworthy guide to the subject." The Living Church "The classic history of the English Bible. Rarely has such an historical study proved such fascinating reading." Southwestern Journal of Theology

About the Author

Bruce was the Rylands Professor of Biblical Criticism and Exegesis at the University of Manchester, England.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Lutterworth Press; 3rd edition (September 4, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718890310
• ISBN-13: 978-0718890315
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,450,019 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Probably Still the Best Book on Its Theme, March 21, 2003

By 

Charles B. Campbell (Montgomery, AL USA) - See all my reviews

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

F.F. Bruce's History of the Bible in English is probably still the best book on its theme. Bruce traces the history of the Bible in English from Anglo-Saxon paraphrases through Wycliffe, Tyndale, King James, up to the 1970s. He gives informative, yet relatively concise, histories of each translation and how and why they were made. The book was originally published in 1961 to coincide with the release of the New Testament of the New English Bible, then a second edition came out in 1970 to coincide with the publication of the full New English Bible. The third edition appends a chapter with brief summaries of the versions of the 1970s -- NIV, NASB, Living Bible, and Good News Bible chief among them. His treatment is scholarly, yet utterly readable, and packed with information. Now 25 years old, the third edition is getting a bit dated, but it is still the best book on the versions it covers. (Oxford University Press USA used to publish this book in the US, but it has now gone out of print.)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars DO NOT HESITATE TO BUY, July 3, 2010

By 

Buccs - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

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

Great detailed overview of the English Bible. You cant go wrong with F. F. Bruce (it is one of my goals to own everything he has written). I would have given it 5 stars, but it is outdated. Since it was written decades ago, it does not include any discussion on recent translations and the scholarship behind them. I would love to know what Bruce thinks about the NIV, NRSV, ESV, etc..., but that info is not available. However, that is the ONLY problem with this book. What he does discuss is more than worth the cost of the book. DO NOT HESITATE TO BUY if you are considering this book.

NOTE: If you favor the KJV, you may not like the conclusions in this book since Bruce does not ascribe to that line of thinking. However, even KJV advocates will gain much from this book since the KJV holds such a prominent place in the history of the English Bible. Also, this book will serve to inform you of a well thought out and written explanation of the other side of the argument.