A History of the Bible : The Book and Its Faiths

Crowned with the 2019 Duff Cooper Prize and gracing the Sunday Times bestseller list, this tome has been hailed as a masterpiece, unlocking the sleeping giant of Western culture with profound psychological acumen. At the heart of two major faiths and revered even by non-believers, the Bible stands as a cornerstone of Western literature and thought, its influence permeating our very language.

Dr John Barton's "A History of the Bible: The Book and Its Faiths" unravels the intricate tapestry of this seminal text, from its enigmatic origins to its present-day interpretations. With the precision of a master detective, Barton dissects the Bible's myriad components—narratives, laws, proverbs, prophecies, poems, and letters—illuminating their authorship, chronology, and intended meanings. His incisive analysis casts new light on familiar passages, exposing the handiwork of scribes and editors who shaped the text we know today.

Barton's investigation extends beyond mere textual analysis, delving into the fascinating process by which certain writings were deemed holy and canonical, while others were cast aside. He reveals the Bible not as an immutable document, but as a text that has undergone a captivating evolution. The book traces the Bible's journey through time, exploring its dissemination, translation, and interpretation in both Judaism and Christianity, from antiquity to the dawn of modern biblical scholarship.

With the cunning of Sherlock Holmes, Barton uncovers the often-overlooked disparity between religion and scripture, examining how theological luminaries from Augustine to Spinoza have grappled with this incongruity. He posits that to truly regard the Bible as 'authoritative', we must abandon traditional interpretations and embrace a more nuanced understanding of this extraordinary cultural artefact.

Product Information:

Book ISBN:	9780141978505
Book Author:	Dr John Barton
Book Format:	Paperback / softback
Book Imprint:	Penguin Books Ltd
Book Publisher:	Penguin Books Ltd
Book Dimensions:	192 x 103 x 28 cm
Book Publication Date:	2020-03-26
Book Pagination:	640 pages
Book Weight:	438g