History of the Bible

Factual Questions
1

Hi there,

Can anyone out there please recommend a scholarly history of the “Holy Bible” (I’m referring to the Christian document with an old and new testament, psalms etc). I am interested in something recent, competently and professionally researched which objectively considers linguistics, translation issues and challenges as well as the historical contexts associated with the bible’s history.
Thank you very much

2

There are some worthwhile volumes out there, ranging in detail and scholaqrwship from a popularization like Asimov’s Guide to a reference like the Jerome Bible Commentary, which match your specifications. As an excellent starting point, though, may I recommend the five-part Staff Report “Who wrote the Bible?” (link is to part one, with links to the other parts at the linked page). Written by two SDSAB members, it’s an objective and well-researched overview with references to works that go into more detail.

3

Thanks for that Polycarp. I look forward to reading it.

4

I’m now reading this book, and enjoying it very much: http://www.amazon.com/Gods-Secretaries-Making-James-Bible/dp/0060838736/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316463448&sr=1-1

5

I’m (slowly) reading Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why.
It talks about translation issues, changes made intentionally and by accident when copying, and other subjects. It focuses on the New Testament…but other than that, it seems to match.

-D/a

6

You might try Who Wrote the Bible, by Richard Elliott Friedman, and The Bible Unearthed, by Israel Finkelstein and Neil Asher Silberman.

7

Thanks for the responses. I look forward to checking out your suggestions.

8

I’ve read both, probably after being recommended here on this board, and I can confirm this recommendation. I don’t think that I’m hijacking the thread, given the fact that the OP explicitly mentions the old *and *new testament, if I ask if there are comparable books handling the history of the new testament.

9

Looks like posters smarter than I have posted and seconded two others(which I’ll probably read now) but I’m a Karen Armstrong fan and would throw out her The Bible: A Biography. She writes in a way easy enough for mass market audiences to digest, but doesn’t seem to skimp on the scholarship.

10

I enjoyed Geddes McGregor, The Bible In The Making (1959)