The Complete Bible Handbook: An Illustrated Companion

by John Bowker

Book Overview

The Bible is Western Civilization's most profound literary work -- but its size, scope, and antiquity often make the Bible seem inaccessible to ordinary readers. Now, internationally renowned author... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0760778442
• ISBN13: 9780760778449
• Release Date: January 2006
• Publisher: Barnes & Noble
• Length: 544 Pages
• Weight: 0.44 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Reveals the Context of the Biblical Narratives

In my opionion this is a very useful one volume guide to the Bible presenting a highly readable scholarly and reverent approach to the Bible from a non-denominational or particular religious viewpoint. It helps the layman to understand some of the significant aspects of the context of the Biblical Narrative.Like most DK publications the illustrations are magnificanet and work with the text--they are not just decoration. The format with side panels and headings and short chapters is very user friendly.

A pictorial guide which is just inspirational.

The most important book in Western history is the Bible. It has had a profound influence on the religious, intellectual and cultural life of societies throughout the world. If you want to find the fascinating background information to the biblical world, look no further. This is the perfect illustrated companion to the Bible for adults. It embraces the whole world of Judeo-Christian traditions. If you want a clear understanding to the most important teachings, there is also up-to-date scholarship to show the way. With more than 500 color illustrations, this is a stunning visual insight into the world of the Bible. Many important works of religious art are also beautifully reproduced. Every book in the Bible is outlined and explained. The focus in on key figures, events and teachings. John Bowker is a pioneer in the study of religions. John Bowker was the Dean of Trinity College, Cambridge from 1984 to 1991. He has written many books including The Meanings of Death, An Introduction to Jewish Interpretations of Scripture and The Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. This is an authoritative and inspirations guide, written by a multidenominational team of experts that embraces both the Jewish and Christian faiths. You may not agree with everything you read, but overall, this is an extensive collection of knowledge. The book is divided into three main sections. The first deals with the Old Testament and The Hebrew Bible, the second deals with The New Testament and the third is Reference Section with an A-Z list of people and places in the Bible. If you still want to read more about the Bible, an extensive bibliography will show you the way. At the right lower edge of each right-hand page there is a list of numbers for further reading. When you turn to the bibliography, the numbers correspond to the entries, which makes this extremely user friendly. The Index is comprehensive. I especially enjoyed reading about the life of Jesus Christ. You will find a map of Palestine, reasons for Jewish dietary laws, the story of Noah and the Flood, a beautiful picture of Adam and Eve in the garden and a look at Heaven and Hell. If you are interested in learning about the fantastic imagery of prophets and apocalyptists, there is a section on the revelations. I can highly recommend this book to you and it gets way over 5 stars in my opinion. Is there a job I can get where I just spend all day reading? If there is, I want it! This book has my full attention. 100 stars! ~The Rebecca Review

The most engaging Bible overview I have seen!

As an Episcopal Deacon-in-training, and someone who is involved not only in learning about the Bible, but also teaching and sharing that passion with others, I found this book to be a most engaging and absorbing overview of the Bible. Bowker is committed to perspective and insight as he guides us through centuries of history and spirituality. Frequently, he pulls away from the biblical texts themselves and gives us timely and important lessons on the culture, history and values of the people who shaped and wrote the Bible. His consistent and detailed approach to topics or books in the Bible (never more than two pages long) His abundant use of keys, art, charts and diagrams, and his references to other works makes me want to plunge in and read the Bible stories that I have read with new insight, and to take on those I have dreaded with a new understanding of my heritage and my God. For anyone with an ounce of interest in our Judaeo/Christian/Muslim mothers and fathers, and our historical and ongoing relationship with God, this book is a must!

Perfect Companion

The Complete Bible Handbook is an excellent book for beginning Bible Readers, as well as more advanced. The book contains an excellent assortment of maps, pictures, and historical commentaries. Each section focuses on a book, topic, or person, and gives a well researched perspective on each. Well layed out and broad in scope for its size. Insightful book.

This book is the ideal companion for the new Bible reader

The Complete Bible Handbook has been indispensable to me as I read the Bible for the first time. It's packed with clear explanations of each book and character in the Bible, plus background on the customs and history of each period. I have a fairly short attention span, so I particularly appreciate the concise, well-written descriptions -- I read them first to get the background, and then read the Scripture. I also appreciate the lavish illustrations. This book has helped me deepen and broaden my understanding of the Bible. I would recommend it to anyone.