The Illustrated Guide to the Bible: 1

The Bible is the basis of two of the world s great religions, Judaism and Christianity, and has had an immeasurable impact on Western culture. It remains a powerful means of spiritual guidance and a work of challenging profundity, charged with the deepest emotions and containing some of the most compelling stories ever told. For countless generations it has been a source of inspiration to artists, a comfort in suffering, and a focal point for reflection on the mysteries of life.

Now, The Illustrated Guide to the Bible distills the essence of this great work in over one hundred generously illustrated commentaries on the major stories, places, characters, and events in the Bible, from the Garden of Eden and the suffering of Job to the Last Supper and the Book of Revelation. Beautifully illustrated with over 300 full-color reproductions, photographs and maps, the authoritative and engaging and engaging essays emphasize biblical narratives and context. The substantial introduction brings together the latest scholarship on how the Bible was written, compiled and handed down from generation to generation. The main body of the Guide, divided into two sections, offers a treatment of the Hebrew Scriptures and the extraordinary history of the Israelites and a discussion of the New Testament and life of Jesus. Each essay places its subject in historical and geographical context, and compares themes presented in the Bible with corresponding myths from a variety of cultures. Boxed sidebars throughout provide interesting background information on important themes and symbols (such as the dove and the lily) and full-color maps help illustrate places and events (such as the city of Babylon and Paul s final voyage to Rome). The final section presents an invaluable cross-referenced book-by-book summary of the Bible , a glossary of biblical terms, and a comprehensive bibliography and index.

Superbly illustrated with photographs of art, artifacts, and landscapes, and with magnificent paintings, charts, maps, and family trees, the highly accessible Illustrated Guide to the Bible, is an excellent companion to this great work. It is an essential volume for every home and library, the first place to turn for information on the seminal book for Western culture.

J.R. Porter is Professor Emeritus of Theology at the University of Exeter, England and a former Fellow of Oriel College, Oxford. He served for twenty years as a member of the General Synod of the Church of England. His many publications include Moses and Monarchy and Proclamation and Presence.