The Bible

"A wonderful balance. Very engaging and remarkably complete." Roy Heller - Associate Professor of Old Testament, Perkins School of Theology at the Southern Method With characteristic freshness and simplicity, Paula Gooder here provides an introduction to the whole Bible and to a huge range of questions about it. Deep learning lies beneath the attractive style and presentation, and readers can be assured that they have in this book a reliable guide to the Bible and to other writing about it. John Barton - Oriel & Laing Professor of the Interpretation of Holy Scripture, University of Oxford "In a clear, thoughtful and accessible way, this book succeeds in introducing the interested reader to the many complexities connected with the Bible, its history, reception and interpretation, from antiquity to the present day." James Carleton Paget - Senior Lecturer in New Testament Studies, University of Cambridge With her characteristic clarity and ability to make biblical scholarship accessible to all, Paula Gooder here provides a valuable overview of key issues that affect how one should approach the Bible. Dealing with the complex areas of history, genre, canon, translation, interpretation and legacy, she is an extremely knowledgeable guide, offering the reader helpful signposts by which to navigate the terrain. Christine Joynes - Director, Centre for Reception History of the Bible, University of Oxford 'Gooder is a rare combination of distinguished scholar and superb communicator. Here, she combines these gifts to outstanding effect. Her learning is worn very lightly indeed. Highly recommended.' Paul Joyce - Samuel Davidson Professor of Old Testament/Hebrew Bible, King's College London, UK

An illuminating, wide-ranging, and impartial introduction to the bestselling book of all time

From the language of Shakespeare to the US presidential campaign trail, the Bible’s influence is all around us. It is the most-printed book of all time, yet, upon reading it, we are met not by one work but by many: a complex mix of history and parable, law and prophecy.

In this authoritative and impartial introduction, Paula Gooder ably guides the reader in how to approach this multifaceted text, and explores its enduring influence on Western culture, from Renaissance art to Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ. Featuring textboxes focussing on key details, Gooder provides an illuminating framework for understanding the Bible and shares her infectious enthusiasm for the topic. Covering its origins, content and interpretation, this wide-ranging primer will be of invaluable benefit to those of any and no faith alike.