RECORDS OF THE ENGLISH BIBLE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 137, 10 June 1911, Page 14

RECORDS OF THE ENGLISH BIBLE.

Edited, with an introduction, by Alfred W. Pollard. Henry Froude, Oxford University Press. 5/ net. This valuable work is one of a series of publications issued by the Oxford University Press in connection with the Tercentenary of the Authorised Version of the Holy Bible. Mr Pollard's introduction concisely and lucidly passes in review- the history of the various translations of the Bible into English, which culminated in the version that has gained such a firm hold on the affections of the English people, and has iutlueneed in larger measure than any other agency the language and literature of our nation. Mr Pollard adduces sufficient evidence for rejecting the tradition 'that Wyclif took any personal share in tho translation which commonly bears his name, but which was undoubtedly the work of one or more of the reformer's disciples. The foundation of the Authorised Version was the translation made by William Tyndale, in the year 1523s and the circumstances attending 'the translation and printing of this splendid work constitute a very interesting story. The part taken by King Henry the Eighth, and bis successors, and the Bishops who presided over the ecclesiastical affairs between the appearance of the Tyndale translations and the final revision carried out under the authority of James the First, is very carefully reviewed. The editor's conclusions will be of considerable value to Bible students who have not had his advantages in obtaining access to original documents. That drawback, however, is to a large extent removed by the literal reprinting of the documents, sixty-three in number, relating to the translation and publication of the Bible in England between the years 1523 and 1611. The reader is thus enabled to form his own conclusions on the subject. The book is a very useful contribution to the literature relating to the history of the Bible.