The First English Bible
The Text and Context of the Wycliffite Versions

The first detailed study of the Wycliffite Bible for nearly a century.

Mary Dove (Author)

9780521880282, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 29 November 2007

334 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.2 cm, 0.66 kg

Review of the hardback: 'Considerably more manuscripts survive of [the Wycliffite Bible] in whole or in part (c.250) … than of any other Middle English text. This already gives good reason to welcome this new study, the first book-length treatment for nearly 90 years. But more than that, Dove's approach, detail and scholarship make this an authoritative volume.' Journal for the Study of the Old Testament

The Bible was translated into English for the first time in the late 1300s by John Wyclif and his supporters. In the first study of the Wycliffite Bible for nearly a century, Mary Dove explains why people wanted an English translation, why many clergy opposed the idea, and why the Church's attempt to censor the translation was unsuccessful. Based on intensive study of the surviving manuscripts, Dove takes the reader through every step of the conception, design and execution of the first English Bible. Illuminating examples are included at every point, and textual analyses and a complete listing of surviving manuscripts are appended. Despite the meagre and inadequate resources with which the Wycliffites carried through their enormous enterprise, and the disagreements and changes of direction it involved, Dove demonstrates that the first English Bible initiated a tradition of scholarly, stylish and thoughtful biblical translation, and remains a major cultural landmark.

Preface
1. The Bible debate
2. Censorship
3. The translators
4. The Canonical Scriptures
5. The English prologues
6. The text
7. The effects
Appendix 1. Contents of the Wycliffite Bible
Appendix 2. Additions and select emendations to the text of LV in WB
Appendix 3. Textual scholarship: select readings
Appendix 4. Descriptions of select Wycliffite Bible manuscripts
Bibliography
Index of manuscripts of the Wycliffite Bible
General index.

Subject Areas: History of religion [HRAX]