The Bible is perhaps the most important book in the history of Western civilization, yet one of the most difficult to interpret. It has been a source of ongoing controversy; every interpretation reflects deeply held beliefs that have influenced not only religion but also politics, art, and even science. This unique edition offers a fresh approach to the most influential English-language biblical text: the King James Version and the Apocrypha. The comprehensive preface and detailed notes on each book guide the reader through the complex literary, textual, and theological issues, using the latest scholarly insights to illustrate how and why the Bible has influenced the literature, art, and general culture of the English-speaking world.
ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years, Oxford World's Classics has made a wide range of literature from around the world accessible. Each affordable edition reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship by offering the most accurate text, complemented by a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further research, and more.