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The Bible Book - A User's Guide to the Bible

Profitable for old and young

THE BIBLE BOOK
A user's guide to the Bible
By Nick Page
HarperCollins. 399 pages. £11.99
ISBN 0 00 711966 6

This new 'Bible Book' is written in such a way that it is refreshingly easy to read and understand.

The author takes the imagery of a 'journey' to guide his readers through the 66 books. We are informed in the introduction that 'The Bible Guide is "not a reference book written by an expert, but an honest attempt to get across my enthusiasm and excitement about the Bible"'. This is certainly achieved throughout.

Taking this theme of 'exploring', Nick Page leads the reader through the books of the Bible, stopping off at certain points to deal with significant topics. The book is packed with relevant information to keep the reader's attention alert. Of particular interest are the 'Viewpoints', which detail the different interpretations of the books.

Occasionally, despite the author's undoubted high view of the Bible, some inconsistencies seem to creep in. How, for instance, can Luke commit historical blunders (either confusing names or consensus) and at the same time remain a 'reliable' historian (p.273)?

As an introduction for those who are new to Bible study, it will prove an invaluable aid. To those who are seasoned students it will bring a fresh challenge in dealing with issues that are often overlooked by similar books.

Here is a timely addition to the many 'Bible Handbooks' already available, which is informative, easy to digest, and seeks to get the readers to 'think for themselves'. Because of its easy style it could be read profitably by both old and young.

Brian Moody, Epsom