Stories from the Bible [Hardcover]

Lisbeth Zwerger (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2002

Hans Christian Andersen Medal-winner Lisbeth Zwerger turns her artistic talents to illustrating selected stories from the Old and New Testaments. This handsome volume is comprised of biblical texts taken from the King James version, divided into twelve sections, with brief introductions to each section, as well as an index of chapters and verses. Fourteen full-page illustrations and nearly sixty charming vignettes, graced by Lisbeth Zwerger's signature wit and unique vision, enhance this elegant collection of significant Bible stories, ranging from the Creation of the World, Adam and Eve, Noah and the Great Flood, to David and Goliath, The Birth of Christ, The Last Supper, and The Passion. A thoughtful gift-for Easter, Communion, Confirmation, or any occasion.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Best shared between adults and children, this stimulating presentation of major stories from the Bible will startle readers into fresh insights and appreciations. Internationally renowned for her elegant, somewhat intellectual style, Zwerger here offers subtle visual accompaniment for extracts from the King James Bible. Where most Bibles offer heavy ornamentation, this airy oversize version points up the virtues of understatement. A single vignette conveys Pharaoh's decadence: as he mocks Aaron and Moses for wanting to let the Israelites "rest from their burdens," Zwerger shows him posing idly, holding a pet leopard by a leash. The artist lets individual images suggest defining moments: an elaborate trumpet stands in for the giving of the Ten Commandments; a wine bottle and 13 glasses evoke the Last Supper. In her full-page compositions, Zwerger sometimes summons tradition (e.g., a Sistine Chapel-like hand of God conjures the beasts of Creation), but more often her approach is personal. The Wise Men, dressed in clerical garb, kneel before a modern-dress Mary as she holds her baby; she stands in a bare room, a cherub hovering over her head, a few suitcases in the foreground, a white sheep nestled against a white wall. Tthe New Jerusalem is an open window in the sky. Rather than illustrating sacred episodes, these immaculately executed works prompt readers inward, to achieve their own visions. Ages 5-10.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-These excerpts, taken verbatim from the King James Version of the Bible, are divided into six groups. The Old Testament sections include stories of the Beginning, the Fathers and Mothers of Israel, the Deliverance out of Egypt, King David, Psalms, and the words of the Prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah. The New Testament sections are the birth of Jesus and the beginning of His works, Jesus's words about His mission, experiences with Jesus, the message of Jesus, the Passion and Resurrection, and "Unto the Ends of the World" (Acts and Revelations). Coverage of Genesis, Exodus, and Jesus's life and teachings is passable, although there are substantial gaps. The other selections are very limited. The work is imaginatively illustrated with occasional full-page paintings, usually but not always associated with the accompanying text, and a number of decorative vignettes. Often they have an almost surreal quality. In the scene of Moses in the bulrushes, Pharaoh's daughter watches from a distant riverbank and is accompanied by jackal- and falcon-headed Egyptian gods. The principals may be dressed in modern clothing or carrying suitcases. Colors are muted and the artistic styles vary from meticulously detailed to abstract. The perspectives are sometimes dramatically skewed. With its use of the elevated King James language, its very selective choice of material, and its sophisticated paintings (some illustrations are not readily comprehensible), this title is more a coffee-table art book than a collection of Bible stories for youngsters. There are many anthologies available with friendlier language and more accessible pictures for children.
Patricia Pearl Dole, formerly at First Presbyterian School, Martinsville,
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: North-South Books (January 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0735814139
• ISBN-13: 978-0735814134
• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 9.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,170,457 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An elegant art book for children, November 8, 2006

By 

Joan K. Snipes (Shepherdstown, WV) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Stories from the Bible (Hardcover)

This is a beautifully designed book with unusual, thoughtful illustrations. It is a wonderful collection of King James Bible passages for parents to read aloud to their children. I love the publisher's expectation that children CAN understand and enjoy the King James language. The excerpts are mainly from Genesis, Exodus, Psalms, Isaiah, Jeremiah, the four Gospels, Acts and Revelation. It makes a terrific addition to a child's collection of top-notch Bible books.