Containing some of the most compelling, emotional and influential stories ever told, The Bible remains a powerful means of spiritual guidance and a work of challenging profundity and it is the basis of two of the world's great religions, Judaism and Christianity. This book places the Bible in its historical, cultural and social context and assesses its authority in the history of Western culture. "The Illustrated Guide to the Bible" traces the stories of the Old and New Testaments in a series of generously illustrated treatments of major themes and episodes from the Creation to the Apocalypse. Authoritative and highly readable accounts of the historical, social, archaeological and mythological contexts in which its stories occur are contained within a framework that emphasizes narratives and their plethora of meanings. Beautifully illustrated with more than 350 full-colour photographs, maps and charts, Professor Porter's engaging essays are complemented by highlighted "boxed" features on major topics, and sidebar mini-essays on essential background.

Author Biography

The late J. R. Porter was Professor Emeritus of Theology at the University of Exeter and a former Fellow of Oriel College, Oxford. He served for twenty years as a member of the General Synod of the Church of England. His many books included The Illustrated Guide to the Bible and Jesus Christ.