Author:John Barton
From the Sunday Times bestselling author of A History of the Bible, this is the story of how the Bible has been translated, and why it matters
The Bible is held to be both universal and specific, the source of fundamental truths inscribed in words that are exact and sacred. For much of the history of Judaism and almost the entirety of Christianity, however, believers have overwhelmingly understood scripture not in the languages in which it was first written but rather in their own - in translation.
This book examines how saints, scholars and interpreters from ancient times down to the present have produced versions of the Bible in the language of their day while remaining true to the original. It explains the challenges they negotiated, from minute textual ambiguities up to the sweep of style and stark differences in form and thought between the earliest writings and the latest, and it exposes the bearing these have on some of the most profound questions of faith: the nature of God, the existence of the soul and possibility of its salvation.
Reading dozens of renderings alongside their ancient Hebrew and Greek antecedents, John Barton traces the migration of biblical words and ideas across linguistic borders, illuminating original meanings as well as the ways they were recast. 'Translators have been among the principal agents in mediating the Bible's message,' he writes, 'even in shaping what that message is.' At the separation of Christianity from Judaism and Protestantism from Catholicism, Barton demonstrates, vernacular versions did not only spring from fault lines in religious thinking but also inspired and moulded them. The product of a lifetime's study of scripture, The Word itself reveals the central book of our culture anew - as it was written and as we know it.
The joy of The Word isn't reaching its final conclusion, but the unexpected journey itself, told so well that it will engage those who have never set foot in churches as readily as the faithful in the pews
—— Peter Stanford , The Sunday TimesA book bejewelled with insight and erudition and compassion .... Ought to be of interest to anyone interested in what we mean by our words
—— Stuart Kelly , ScotsmanHis learning shines through in every sentence
—— Kathryn Hughes , Mail on SundayScholarly intelligence, a readable style, and insights at every turn
—— Cally Hammond , Church TimesWe are in the hands of a fine, fluent storyteller... Higgins, like the bards who first unspooled these tales, creates the illusion of spontaneity and handles suspense brilliantly... Chris Ofili's drawings complement the lyricism of the prose descriptions. Higgins depicts art mediating life - the reason, I think, that we read books... I loved this book.
—— Sara Wheeler , SpectatorThe feminism is subtle but persistent... This isn't about imposing modern values on ancient texts... her compendium deftly tracks the format of Ovid's Metamorphoses, one tale blurring into the next. But even readers who think they know their classics will discover some surprises.
—— Rachel Cunliffe , New StatesmanExceptionally well researched... The prose is almost neoclassical, in being limpid and allusive, clear and nebulous at one and the same time.
—— Stuart Kelly , The Scotsman, Books of the YearCharlotte Higgins captures the raw, magical originality of the Greek myths in this beguiling book, charmingly illustrated by Chris Ofili... She knows her classics - and her myths - inside out.
—— Harry Mount , Catholic HeraldA gritty and exhilarating new version of the ancient stories in which the female characters take centre stage.
—— Katy Guest , GuardianHiggins invests the tales with surprising new meanings... The command of Higgins herself, as the master weaver of myths, emerges forcefully....Ancient myths here acquire compelling modern form.
A beautifully designed book, with Chris Ofili's accompanying drawings giving it an extra sparkle.
—— Susan Swarbrick and Teddy Jamieson , Herald, *Christmas Gift Guide 2021*Greek Myths is a gripping collection of stories... The addition of illustrations, done by Chris Ofili, add to the elegance of the book... I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Greek mythology.
—— Impact Nottingham
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