The Making of the English Bible

by Gerald Hammond

A renowned Bible scholar examines how the Hebrew text has been interpreted--and misinterpreted--from the Renaissance to modern times.

In this wide-ranging and authoritative study, Gerald Hammond sheds light on how the Bible has evolved over centuries of English-language translation. His extensive analysis begins in the sixteenth century with William Tyndale's pioneering work. This early text is contrasted with the seventeenth century authorized version, showing how each in their own ways attempted to bring the meaning and nuance of the Hebrew scripture to English readers.

Between these towering Renaissance works, Hammond examines the two Bibles translated by Miles Coverdale; the Geneva Bible; the Bishops' Bible; and the Catholic Bible. He also offers incisive criticism of the New English Bible, demonstrating that--in the pursuit of accessibility above all--the newer translations seem to have given up on what should be essential: faithful adherence to the source.

249 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Gerald Hammond, (Gerald Arthur Douglas Hammond) son of Frederick Arthur Lucas (a physician) and Maria Birnie (a nursing sister) Hammond; married Gilda Isobel Watt (a nurse), August 20, 1952; children: Peter, David, Steven. Education: Aberdeen School of Architecture, Dip. Arch., 1952. He served in the British Army, 1944-45. Although born in Bournemouth, Hampshire, England, he worked in and retired to the country he most loved, Scotland.

He also writes under the names of Arthur Douglas and Dalby Holden. He was an architect for thirty years before retiring to write novels full-time in 1982. He has written over 50 novels since the late 1960s.

His novels center around guns, shooting, hunting, fishing, and dog training.

Reviews

[Marcus Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book! As there are countless histories on the English Bibles, Hammond approaches the subject from a historical linguistic perspective making it unique. Starting with the genuis of Tyndale’s translation Hammond shows the linguistic brilliance of one man William Tyndale and his translation. Continuing this theme up to the Authorized Version. Showing pro’s and con’s of each translation while also comparing the translation philosophies of the Reformation Bibles (also Duoay-Rheims) with modern translation philosophies. The main languages Hammond interacts with is Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. While arguing the minutia of language, he writes in an easy to understand fashion. However, having some language under your belt will aid in your understanding of his arguments throughout his work. Lastly, I’m my opinion, if taken seriously this book will cause you to be a better Exegete and student of Textual studies. Constantly, being aware of the interpretation every translation bears forth while letting the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek be the standard.

[Jeannine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book covers six of the earliest English translations in great detail. It covers Tyndale, Coverdale, Geneva, Bishops Bible Douey-Rheims, and the Authorized version. The author goes into great deal about the changes made from version to version and gives lots of examples. Just be aware it’s not really a high-level overview. It’s extremely detailed.

[A.J. Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hammond explains how and why the older English translations of the Bible, such as the KJV, are, in general, more faithful to the Hebrew than are the modern English translations.