The King James Bible
A Short History from Tyndale to Today

This book traces the work of Tyndale and his successors, examining the translators' manuscript work and the KJB's textual and printing history.

David Norton (Author)

9780521851497, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 20 January 2011

232 pages, 11 b/w illus.
22.2 x 14.3 x 1.5 cm, 0.43 kg

'Amongst the minor flood of books that have been published to mark the four hundredth anniversary of the King James Bible, few, as is the nature of things, will prove to be of lasting value. This is one that will last. This goes much further than some more general surveys that do give the historical context, but leave the reader deprived of the 'mechanics' of translation. Norton's book supplies the want.' Ian Gibbs, thegoodbookstall.org.uk

The King James Bible was the result of an extraordinary effort over nearly a century to make many good English translations and turn them into what the translators called 'one principal good one, not justly to be excepted against'. David Norton traces the work of Tyndale and his successors, analysing the translation and revisions of two representative passages. His fascinating new account follows in detail the creation of the KJB, including attention to the translators' manuscript work. He also examines previously unknown evidence such as the diary of John Bois, the only man who made notes on the translation. At the centre of the book is a thorough discussion of the first edition. The latter part of the book traces the printing and textual history of the KJB and provides a concise account of its changing scholarly and literary reputations.

List of illustrations
Preface
Abbreviations
1. Predecessors
2. Drafting the King James Bible
3. 'I was a translator'
4. Working on the King James Bible
5. 1611: the first edition
6. Printing, editing and the development of a standard text
7. Reputation and future.

Subject Areas: Publishing industry & book trade [KNTP], New Testaments [HRCF2], Church history [HRCC2], History of religion [HRAX]