The Book of Books, a history of the King James Bible

The King James Bible has often been called the Book of Books both in itself and in what it stands for. Since its publication in 1611 it has been the best selling book in the world, and many believe, had the greatest impact. The King James Bible has spread the Protestant faith. It has also been the greatest influence on the enrichment of the English language and its literature. It has been the Bible of wars from the British Civil War in the seventeenth century to the American Civil War two centuries later and it has been carried into battle in innumerable conflicts since then. Its influence on social movements – particularly involving women in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries – and politics was profound. It was crucial to the growth of democracy. It was integral to the abolition of slavery and it defined attitudes to modern science, education and sex. As THE ADVENTURE OF ENGLISH explored the history of our language, so THE BOOK OF BOOKS reveals the extraordinary and still-felt impact of a work created 400 years ago.

Review

This is a book written by a novelist at heart that is pretty clear. It is great to read so eloquently separated the history and development of the King James Bible and the role of Christianity itself as well as its impact and influence on our Western culture and language.  I love it how this non-fiction historic account of the King James Bible grabs you, if only because of the way the story is told, as if you were reading a novel.

What an amazing job Melvin Bragg did.

The Book of Books: The Radical Impact of the King James Bible 1611-2011>>>

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Photo Journal: Canterbury Museum & Discovery for the Kidz

Ask my youngest what he would like to go and do and at least six out of ten times he’ll want to “go to the Museum” (and museum cafe). And I can but say, we have had some great times there with all the boys.  I remember well the Da Vinci exhibition I went to see with my oldest son.

Museum Experiences

Real New Zealand

There is a good collection of Maori art and tools and the boys always seem fascinated by the live size displays illustrating how the Maori lived and worked.

Real People

All about the people that shaped the history of New Zealand.

Real Life

Nature and natural history of New Zealand.

Real Cool

The Arctic experience.

Real Stories

On how life was and is in Canterbury.

And then there are Real History and Real Design but for the boys there is only one way the visit is complete: a visit to Discovery.

Real Fun

A place where everything can be touched, felt, looked at, experienced. They just love it, and because of that it’s great for the parents as well.

Any visit usually turned out to be a success. Go check it out yourself now: more information here >>>>

Biblica: an Amazing Book

I grew up being surrounded by books: on art, historic figures, World War II, encyclopedias, book about explorers, missionaries, novels, non-fiction books, in fact I do not think there was any subject we would not at least have one book about. I guess it was in those times that I learned to love illustrated books and luxury editions. It has been like that every since.

When I got baptized earlier this year I of course reported back to my mother in the Netherlands, what a fantastic experience it had been. Imagine my surprise when several weeks later the book on the left arrived in the mail.

BIBLICA: THE BIBLE ATLAS

Heralded as the most authoritative and up-to-date atlas of the Bible now available, “Biblica: The Bible Atlas” places the biblical narrative and its peoples in their historical, cultural, social, and geographic contexts, and incorporates the most recent archaeological findings and research. Features more than 650 full-color paintings, drawings, etchings, and photographs plus 125 full-color maps of the region. Barrons Educational Series.

As you can imagine it has bee the most amazing treat  could ever have imagined. As promised o the cover this is indeed a Social and Historical Journey Through the Lands of the Bible. I consider it to be a rich resource next to the Bible and the book has already contributed in my understanding of the Bible.

Whether you are a Christian or not, this book in my view at least will have something of great value for any reader and a great way to (re)connect with the cultural roots of modern western society. I can recommend it to anyone.

The book can be bought by clicking on the picture or by following the link below.

Biblica: The Bible Atlas: A Social and Historical Journey Through the Lands of the Bible