The King James Bible
Alister McGrath
In The Beginning: The Story of the King James Bible and how it changed a Nation, a Language and a Culture
The author is well placed to have written this book. He is Professor of Historical Theology at the University of Oxford and has written widely in his field.
Early attempts to translate the bible into English ran into all sorts of problems (as you will discover in this book when you read it). It could even be dangerous for the translator as he might be seen as a traitor. As a bible in English was accessible to all sorts, it might threaten the position of the church and king. However, demand for a bible in English continued to increase. Some translations were not to the liking of James I and so eventually he authorised his own translation; hence the name of our most common bible.
There were some great errors in the early editions. One such error no doubt created consternation at the time but would not even raise an eyebrow in today's world: "Thou shalt commit adultery."
Take this recommendation: "McGrath's history of the King James Bible’s creation and influence is a worthy tribute to a great work and a joy to read."
