A History of the Bible as Literature
A History of the Bible as Literature
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USDEarly-eighteenth-century literary critics thought the King James Bible had 'all the disadvantages of an old prose translation'. But from the 1760s on criticism became increasingly favourable. In the nineteenth century it welled into a chorus of praise for 'the noblest monument of English prose'. This 1993 volume, the second of a two-volume work, traces how that reversal of opinion came about and helped to shape the making and reception of modern translations such as the Revised Version and the New English Bible. At the same time the story of the development of modern literary discussion of the Bible in general is told. From the Augustan discovery of Longinus' comments on Genesis through such major figures as Robert Louth to modern critics such as Frank Kermode and Robert Alter, this story reveals a fascinating world of insights and repetitions of received opinions. It shows not only how criticism has shaped understanding of the Bible, but how the Bible has shaped literary criticism.
- The first comprehensive critical idea of the Bible as literature
- Will pick up on great interest in literary ideas about the Bible
- Challenges conventional histories of the Bible
Reviews & endorsements
"Yes, A History of the Bible as Literature for readers of many interests is cause for rejoicing." The Catholic Historical Review
"Norton's two volumes are movingly impressive works, exhilarating if exhausting to read. . . . Their range is encyclopedic and their scholarship beyond reproach."--Arachne
"A History of the Bible as Literature is a compelling thorough work. Not only is the research humbling in its scope, but the writing is also lively and witty. These two volumes are certain to endure as an invaluable reference for students of the Bible as literature." Scott Ward, Southern Humanities Review
Product details
September 1993Hardback
9780521333993
506 pages
235 × 157 × 32 mm
0.843kg
Available
Table of Contents
- List of abbreviations
- 1. The early eighteenth century and the KJB
- 2. Mid-century
- 3. The critical rise of the KJB
- 4. Romantics and the Bible
- 5. Literary discussion to mid-Victorian times
- 6. The Revised Version
- 7. 'The Bible as Literature'
- 8. The later reputation of the KJB
- 9. Narrative and unity: modern preoccupations
- 10. This (spiritual) treasure in earthen/earthenware/clay vessels/pots/jars
- Appendix
- Bibliography
- General index
- Biblical index.
