Hurlbut's Story of the Bible

by Jesse Lyman Hurlbut

A book which stands in such honor as the Bible should be known by all. And the time when one can most readily obtain a familiarity with the Bible is in early life. Those who in childhood learn the Story of the Bible are fortunate, for they will never forget it. In this unabridged and unedited edition you will find all the principal stories of the Bible, each one complete in itself, while together combining to form a continuous narrative. With 168 stories from both the Old Testament and the New Testament, there is ample material for a full year of reading. Since the book is designed to lead the young reader to the Bible itself, and not away from it, the language of the Bible, or a language somewhat like that of the Bible, has been employed. The Bible stories are made plain with explanation of unfamiliar terms as they are introduced, but the stories themselves are not rewritten or changed. In avoiding doctrinal bias, the author hopes that all denominations of Christians may feel at home in the pages of this book.

Genres: Religion, Classics, Reference, Christian, History, Childrens

660 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1904

About the author

Jesse Lyman Hurlbut (1843–1930) was an American Methodist Episcopal clergyman. He was born in New York City, graduated at Wesleyan University in 1864, and held pastorates at Newark, Montclair, Paterson, Plainfield, Hoboken, Morristown, Orange, and Bloomfield, New Jersey After 1879 he was connected with the Sunday-school and tract work of his denomination. He was secretary of the Epworth League in 1889–1892 and for some time was associated with J. H. Vincent in the direction of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. From 1909 until his retirement in 1914 he was district superintendent of the Newark District.

Reviews

[Brad Linden]

I bought this at an estate sale, and it seems to be the OG “Jesus Storybook Bible”. It basically breaks up the whole bible into narrative chunks, wherever possible (i.e. the major prophets each get a few stories, but long sections of prophecy/poetry are mostly left out), but it’s not just a “best of bible stories” sort of collection; it really goes through the whole thing, and even includes stories that are awkward/difficult for younger readers. I also was impressed with the way it’s written: a lot of biblical language is maintained, and the author adds in little bits of historical/cultural context that are so helpful I wish every bible had them. This was a really nice way of reading through the bible, and I’m very grateful to Mr. Hurlbut for his work so many years ago.

[Read 2021]

[Becca Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this children’s Bible so, so much! It is probably best for ages 8+ and it covers more stories from the Bible than any other children’s edition. I love how close it is to the original text while including key notes that really make the stories come together in a way that a child (or even many adults) will walk away from the readings seeing the stories come together as One Story. While the book itself is very long,the individual stories can easily be read in 5-10 minute chunks. There are really helpful questions included in my edition.

[Jen Hyatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered a beautiful, leather-bound copy of this in a box of books that once belonged to my grandfather. The collection includes key tales from both the Old and New Testament, in a simplified, accessible form, designed primarily for children. That said, it is a great primer for anyone looking to have a basic understanding of biblical stories/characters/allusions.

[Gr Hurlburt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for all ages. My father (our lineage changed our name to Hurlburt in the early 1800's) read from this to my brother and me between about ages 8 and 10. I am very glad he did. When I was 8 or younger I questioned the existence of God (and the fairness of Hindu's going hell just because of where they were born) but I was and am glad to know these stories which are part of my cultural history and that of billions of others. I decided I was an (Christian) atheist after teaching at U.S. universities for 9 yrs in Middle America and seeing the form Christianty took there, and had defences. taught in a Nursing school for 4 years in the Middle East and it ws fascinating to see how many stories there were in common between Christianity and Islam, and how many students had names (Suzanne, Hagar, Halima, and many more) that I knew from the Bible. It was also marvelous to meet Ethipians with whom I shared a culture despite probably 10,000 or years of biological separation.

[Dan Hawthorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend anything by The Block Bard books! The introductions by Mac Andres offer an incredible insight into what is otherwise a specialized school of classicism.

To encourage open discussion regarding the cause and effect of such classics, I believe all deserve a chance to immerse themselves in the great thinkers of our history. And as well all that can; should.

The Story of the Bible: Told for Young and Old
Mac Andres

[Aletha · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the great stories of the Bible are written in an easy to read and follow style which is totally non-biased ... just the stories. This book is a wonderful way to learn and teach the Bible to adults and children. All the chapters are sequential as told in the Bible, but each chapter is also a stand-alone story. Great for adults and children both! I bought a used copy, an old printing, and treasure it. Wish I had owned this book when my children were young.

[Adam Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The art is profound and amazing. I wish I could have held on to this copy, but it fell apart because of wear and tear over the years. I appreciated how Hurlbut mostly lets the Bible speak for itself, and if he steps in to provide commentary and perspective, it is from a finished work perspective. Thus, you won't see him committing Arthur Maxwell's faux pas of using the part in Acts where a young man fell to his death while Peter preached after falling asleep to teach you and your children the important of staying awake through every sermon. Instead, he lets the story speak for itself, and thus its point is pretty clear. For one thing, the young man was resurrected. I thus don't see evidence in a story like this that God punishes us for getting too relaxed when we hear the good news. Anyway, that's just one small example of where Hurlbut steps right when so many others step wrong. He also has something interesting ways of holding heroes of the faith like Joshua accountable for some of their more harsh and judgmental moments. It gives you something to think about. Having never heard of this book before, I highly recommend it.

[Andre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have an original first edition of this book dated August 1, 1904 with a facsimile signature by the author. I love and read the Old and New Testament frequently, but I am not sure that I knew there were one hundred and sixty-eight stories in the Bible. I like the way Rev. Hurlbut tells them in language simple enough for anyone of almost any age to understand and enjoy. There are colored plates and half tone engravings throughout the book.

[Linda B.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not your everyday Bible. It is the story OF the Bible. It is not for children as the title may indicate. although it does have pictures in it. Large print and easily followed. So many things in a regular Bible are hard to understand: when, who was that?, where did that happen. Not with this book. It flows like a novel.

[Libby Talley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a compilation of Bible stories. It's easy to read and at the end has lessons that go with each story.

This particular book was my Nano's (my mom's stepmother's), Ruby, Nano was still a teenager. On the front page is says Bought Jan. 9, 1939, it has her name and address just above that.

[Ginnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great Bible story devotional that our family has used for many years. Given to us by my great grandfather. Great illustrations. Tells almost every story in the bible.

Top recommeded bible story book I know of.

[Jerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This kid's version is broken into small sections which is nice for young'uns. Some nice illustrations.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be an excellent summary of the Holy Bible. It especially helped me in putting together a top-level view of the Old Testament and its most heavily emphasized lessons.

[Aakash Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book with some very good illustrations.

[Ralph · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second most important book I own and have read. It is for adults as well as older children. Very well organized. An easy way to read the Bible.

[Lauren Noel Ottwell]

reading with the little girls at tea time

[Jeremy]

Northrop Frye read this as a child.