Short Synopsis
In this seminal account, acclaimed historian Karen Armstrong discusses the conception, gestation, and life of history's most powerful book—the Bible. This is a brilliant, captivating book, crucial in an age of declining faith and rising fundamentalism.

Full Synopsis
As the work at the heart of Christianity, the Bible is the spiritual guide for one out of every three people in the world. It is also the world's most widely distributed book—it has been translated into over 2,000 languages—and the world's best-selling book, year after year. But the Bible is a complex work with a complicated and obscure history. Made up of sixty-six "books" written by various authors and divided into two testaments, its contents have changed over the centuries. The Bible has been transformed by translation and, through interpretation, has developed manifold meanings to various religions, denominations, and sects.

In this seminal account, acclaimed historian Karen Armstrong discusses the conception, gestation, and life of history's most powerful book. Armstrong analyzes the social and political situation in which oral history turned into written scripture, how this all-pervasive scripture was collected into one work, and how it became accepted as Christianity's sacred text. She explores how scripture came to be read for information and how, in the nineteenth century, historical criticism of the Bible caused greater fear than Darwinism. The Bible is a brilliant, captivating book, crucial in an age of declining faith and rising fundamentalism.

"Josephine Bailey's reading is lively and provocative." ---Library Journal Audio Review

"Groundbreaking.... Armstrong shows a depth of insight and transparent understanding of complex theological issues.... [She is] simply one of the best writers ever on religion." ---Library Journal Starred Review

"[Narrator Josephine] Bailey skillfully keeps the text moving, easily handling historical terms and names." ---AudioFile

"[Josephine Bailey's] in top form, lending the clipped and decidedly upper-crust accent that has served her well." ---Publishers Weekly Audio Review

"Who better [than Armstrong] to recount the history of the Bible?... Intriguing." ---Publishers Weekly

"This is one terrific little book." ---Booklist

Library Journal Review

New York Times Bestseller