It's 1895 in Virginia; and a white woman lies in her farmyard; murdered with an ax. Suspicion soon falls on a young black sawmill hand; who tries to flee the county. Captured; he implicates three women; accusing them of plotting the murder and wielding the ax. In vivid courtroom scenes; Bancroft Prize-winning historian Suzanne Lebsock recounts their dramatic trials and brings us close to women we would never otherwise know: a devout (and pregnant) mother of nine; another hard-working mother (also of nine); and her plucky; quick-tempered daughter. All claim to be innocent. With the danger of lynching high; can they get justice?Lebsock takes us deep into this contentious; often surprising world; where blacks struggle to hold on to their post -- Civil War gains against a rising tide of white privilege. A sensation in its own time; this case offers the modern reader a riveting encounter with a South in the throes of change.
#176630 in Books Alister McGrath 2002-02-19 2002-02-19Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .90 x 5.20l; .73 #File Name: 0385722168354 pagesIn the Beginning The Story of the King James Bible and how It Changed a Nation a Language and a Culture
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Brings KJV History Alive!By ReadalotsAlister McGrath's "In the Beginning: The Story of the King James Bible" is a refreshing voice in the history of English Bibles. It brings a surprising and interesting witness to the most famous English Bible translation. Many; particularly in modern times; have found the KJV to be stodgy; antiquated; and even dull. McGrath aptly demonstrates with this valuable narrative history that the KJV continues to compliment and under gird many of today's spiritual environs. This book brings the KJV alive from the fascinating and remarkable history of English Bibles.With inspired determination and without apology McGrath tells the chronological and social history of the KJV is only 310 (paperback) pages. His story begins with a brief review of the earliest printed Bibles: Gutenberg's 1456 (2 volume) edition; Mentelin's German edition of 1466; and Wycliffe's supposed English Bible translation from the 1380s (if Wycliffe did translate Scripture it was only piece meal; hand written; and never widely distributed). From this basis McGrath briefly tells the various stories of the rise of the English language; the Reformation's theological honing of God's Word; and the power of the printed word in 17th century European society.With academic honesty and a captivating novelistic writing style McGrath explains the rise and fall of Tyndale (the first to translate the Bible into English); the reworking of Tyndale's Bible by Coverdale (possibly through Queen Anne Boleyn's patronage); and the royal appointments to make the first-ever official English Version of Scripture (The Great Bible of 1539).Other English translations followed until each English Christian community had its own favorite version. By 1610; mass confusion (and total politics) reigned over Scripture textual warrant. McGrath explains that the "Authorized Version" (ordered by King James of England in 1611) brought some unity to the realm's Bible users. This is a fascinating and informative story well worth reading.The book speaks to Archbishop Bancroft's translation rules (ordering previous English Bible translations to be diligently considered); about the six companies of KJV translators (47 to 51 translators were appointed); of the academic jealousies among the scholars (the age-old Oxford vs. Cambridge rivalry); and to the KJV printing woes (the massive undertaking- two columned; with black letter type and no page numbers- which took almost a year to complete at astronomical costs). McGrath points out that there were many printing mistakes in this first edition; i.e. Exodus 20:14's omitting "not" to say "Thou shalt commit adultery". (Certainly; one of English Christianity's special memories.)McGrath has included almost 30 photos (mainly of the principal players); a helpful 3-page time line; an interesting 3-page "comparison of historical translations for the 23rd Psalm"; and a useable 12-page bibliography for further reading. His non-technical writing style makes this an absorbing story for specialty reader and general reader alike.McGrath's "In the Beginning" is very recommendable to all who want to know more about English Bible history; the KJV in specific; or who are simply looking for an interesting read. It is a great gift candidate.15 of 15 people found the following review helpful. Far More Than King JamesBy John D. CofieldThis is an engrossing history of the King James Bible (Authorized Version) and its impact on the English language and culture. The author details the movement towards an English Bible and connects it to the wider story of the Protestant Reformation. It turns out that the King James Bible was authorized out of political necessity. The King was new on the throne and in the country and wanted to do something to solidify his support. He also wanted to weaken the growing power of the Puritans; whose preferred translation; called the Geneva Bible; contained notes which were too anti-monarchy for the King's comfort.There's a lot of fascinating information about the way the King James Bible reflected its own times (it was deliberately produced in language which was slightly old fashioned even in the 1600s) and the varying ways in which it has been received over the centuries. Its an excellent book whether you are interested in theology; language; or both.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Fabulous -real history and a great read!By MimiKings; Popes; smuggling; plotting; death penalties; intrigue; politics; and more are in this real history that kept my attention riveted to the end. This book helped me better understand the Protestant Reformation and lead me through the historical events of an important time in history.Until I read this book I had not realized that some people in England were actually burned alive merely because they objected to the Catholic Church's power and control and because they wanted to be able to read and own a Bible for themselves- instead of having to rely on what a Priest told them it said.We can be thankful for those early trail-blazers who gave up so much for the liberties we now have. Sadly; today many can't even be bothered to see what the Bible is all about.Thousands of years of carefully preserving; copying; and passing down the original scriptures have evolved into our modern printed Bibles. People need to pick one up and read learn about God's simple laws written inside the Bible. We need to get away from today's instant-gratification and self-centered mentality and back to a more genteel society that genuinely cares for one another and helps one another through life.Our country - America - was colonized in the early years by courageous Protestants seeking a new beginning. My ancestors were among them -landing their ships in New England in 1633. I now realize better why they left England- and why they were willing to travel under such hardships to start from scratch in a new land. I also now understand why only a few years back people said that a Catholic (John Kennedy) would never get elected President. The U.S. and much of the world has come a long way in accepting others rights to their own religious views and freedoms. But; today some faiths are still stuck in the past and want to kill those who don't follow their religion. I hope some day soon that changes.
