"Any Christian who wants to connect with the past, to learn about the great tradition of the Bible in English, should be delighted with this new book by Donald Brake. The author is the right man to pen A Visual History of the English Bible. Don''t be deceived: with ''visual'' in the title, one might think that this book is light on substance. Not so. As a long-time Bible collector and student of Scripture, Brake opens up a world of information about the English Bible. I found myself repeating the exclamation, ''I didn''t know that!'' I have several popular books on the history of the English Bible, but none that so thoroughly addresses the historical background of those hoary tomes of the Reformation era as does Brake''s."--Daniel B. Wallace, executive director, Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts "A remarkably comprehensive history of our English Bible from its earliest antecedents to its contemporary translations.
Compellingly written and richly illustrated. The reader will be drawn into the many twists and turns that the Bible took from the monasteries to the masses. Vignettes of the author''s adventures in his own collecting are a plus. Reading this book will be informative and engaging and should result in a deepening gratitude for the heritage from all who sacrificed so much."--Charles C. Ryrie, editor, Ryrie Study Bible; author, Balancing the Christian Life, Basic Theology, and Survey of Bible Doctrine"With the publication of The Da Vinci Code and The Gospel of Judas, increased attention has focused on the question of how we got our Bible. Christians rightly wonder if we can trust the manuscripts underlying our Bibles, and whether we can have confidence in our English translations. Dr.
Brake''s wonderfully illuminating history traces the story of the translation of the English Bible from John Wycliffe and William Tyndale, through the ''authorized'' King James Version, and up to the plethora of contemporary English translations.This is a compelling story of heroes and scoundrels, opportunists and martyrs. Dr. Brake relates the story with zest and insight. Even the reader who knows some of this story will find much that is new.This is no mere history book, however. Every chapter has color plates of the original editions of these venerable Bibles described in the text. Maps for historical context and portraits of the translators themselves enliven the narrative.
The author tells this story lovingly. A Bible collector himself, he has woven into each chapter personal anecdotes about his own collecting experiences that enrich the history. The final chapters unravel the complexity of current translations, with insights on how to choose an English translation that fits your needs.This is a beautiful book to own. More importantly, it is an important book to read with gratitude to the generations of translators, many of whom paid a great price that the Bible could be read in the language of the common man."--Daniel R. Lockwood, president, Multnomah Bible College and Seminary"Dr. Brake''s book is a welcome addition to Bible scholars who aspire to know how divine providence has preserved God''s Word.
In a single volume Dr. Brake has educated the reader to the sacrifice of hundreds of men and women who for over six hundred years have demanded the Bible in the language of the people. It''s a personal story of the joy that endless pursuit of rare copies miraculously preserved by time that tells the story of God''s faithfulness. Every pastor, layman, and student of the Bible should own a copy of this story by Donald Brake."--Craig H. Lampe, owner, The Bible Museum"Donald Brake''s A Visual History of the English Bible deserves a wide readership. He salts his compelling narrative about the democratization of the Bible with whimsical stories about how he, as a man of unexceptional means, slowly obtained a wonderful collection of rare editions. The result is informative and entertaining.
Brake''s happy obsession benefits us all."--Robert B. Sl.