Transformation between the sheets. , 08 Nov 2008
This is probably a book for couples. But whether you are a couple or a single guy looking to please women, this book is for you. It's really a modern take on the Kama Sutra and explains a lot of things. If you just want a book for men, I liked Sex Machine: A Man's Guide to What Really Pleases a Woman in Bed. However, this one can be very helpful too.




Something to get you in the mood, 26 Jul 2006
A good balance between realistic modern ideas and the philosophies underpinning the original kama sutra. It looks at sex in the context of romance, mood setting and relaxation. Probably one for long term couples.

Transformation between the sheets. , 08 Nov 2008
This is probably a book for couples. But whether you are a couple or a single guy looking to please women, this book is for you. It's really a modern take on the Kama Sutra and explains a lot of things. If you just want a book for men, I liked Sex Machine: A Man's Guide to What Really Pleases a Woman in Bed. However, this one can be very helpful too.




Something to get you in the mood, 26 Jul 2006
A good balance between realistic modern ideas and the philosophies underpinning the original kama sutra. It looks at sex in the context of romance, mood setting and relaxation. Probably one for long term couples.

SAVE YOUR MONEY!!, 16 Oct 2008
I think this author must have laughed all the way to the bank in amazement that people could actually swallow this story. I definitely found it hard to swallow, however, I persisted and finished it as I had heard it was worth a read. The story is totally unbelievable with little to offer in relation to inspiration. A five year old may find parts of this book interesting! There are plenty of great spiritual books to buy... so don't buy this one.

This book changed my life, 16 Oct 2008
I read this book while I was on holiday; taking a much needed break from a job that was driving me mad and grinding me down. This book really got me to think about my life and what was important to me so I handed my notice in the day I got back to work. I found a new job surprisingly easily and am now earning more money, for less hours and doing a job that I love. If a book can help me do all that it can't be bad (even if it is a little bit patronising at times). Well worth reading.

A little gem, 02 Oct 2008
What a great read and a great find! I found this book to be refreashing and practical. Many self help books go on and on about leading a peaceful, simple life etc etc but rarely do they give sound, good practical techniques that you can use daily to change your life! A must read esp for those who feel lost or saddened by their current situations.

Great Book, 31 May 2008
This is an interesting story. It is a story of a lawyer who appears to have it all - the corner office, the life style, the cars, women, ... Then he gives it all up and tours the East. While there he comes across this strange monk and monastery. He comes to live life in a much different way. Yet he is challenged by the monk who has trained him to go back home and share the message he has learnt, with the West. Julian, our main character, returns to his old law firm and to his prot?g? John. He tells him a parable; then the rest of the book explains the parable and how it relates to different aspects of our lives. The parable is rather simple and a little strange but as it is explained you will never forget it. Read it to find out how a garden, lighthouse, sumo wrestler, pink wire cable, stopwatch, roses and a winding path of diamonds are symbols of timeless principles and virtues by which to live your life. This book could help raise the quality of your life to a new level.

I Love This Book, 22 May 2008
Somebody gave me this book to read and I thought it was an excellent book. I've read it a few times and I even bought my own copy. I find it uplifting with every read.

Transformation between the sheets. , 08 Nov 2008
This is probably a book for couples. But whether you are a couple or a single guy looking to please women, this book is for you. It's really a modern take on the Kama Sutra and explains a lot of things. If you just want a book for men, I liked Sex Machine: A Man's Guide to What Really Pleases a Woman in Bed. However, this one can be very helpful too.




Something to get you in the mood, 26 Jul 2006
A good balance between realistic modern ideas and the philosophies underpinning the original kama sutra. It looks at sex in the context of romance, mood setting and relaxation. Probably one for long term couples.

SAVE YOUR MONEY!!, 16 Oct 2008
I think this author must have laughed all the way to the bank in amazement that people could actually swallow this story. I definitely found it hard to swallow, however, I persisted and finished it as I had heard it was worth a read. The story is totally unbelievable with little to offer in relation to inspiration. A five year old may find parts of this book interesting! There are plenty of great spiritual books to buy... so don't buy this one.

This book changed my life, 16 Oct 2008
I read this book while I was on holiday; taking a much needed break from a job that was driving me mad and grinding me down. This book really got me to think about my life and what was important to me so I handed my notice in the day I got back to work. I found a new job surprisingly easily and am now earning more money, for less hours and doing a job that I love. If a book can help me do all that it can't be bad (even if it is a little bit patronising at times). Well worth reading.

A little gem, 02 Oct 2008
What a great read and a great find! I found this book to be refreashing and practical. Many self help books go on and on about leading a peaceful, simple life etc etc but rarely do they give sound, good practical techniques that you can use daily to change your life! A must read esp for those who feel lost or saddened by their current situations.

Great Book, 31 May 2008
This is an interesting story. It is a story of a lawyer who appears to have it all - the corner office, the life style, the cars, women, ... Then he gives it all up and tours the East. While there he comes across this strange monk and monastery. He comes to live life in a much different way. Yet he is challenged by the monk who has trained him to go back home and share the message he has learnt, with the West. Julian, our main character, returns to his old law firm and to his prot?g? John. He tells him a parable; then the rest of the book explains the parable and how it relates to different aspects of our lives. The parable is rather simple and a little strange but as it is explained you will never forget it. Read it to find out how a garden, lighthouse, sumo wrestler, pink wire cable, stopwatch, roses and a winding path of diamonds are symbols of timeless principles and virtues by which to live your life. This book could help raise the quality of your life to a new level.

I Love This Book, 22 May 2008
Somebody gave me this book to read and I thought it was an excellent book. I've read it a few times and I even bought my own copy. I find it uplifting with every read.

Brilliant, 16 Oct 2008
I have quite a few translations but this is by far the best, its so simple to read and understand. Commentary is short and the flow is good. Simple summary at the beginning is really good. Would recommend this to anyone and everyone as the 1st translation that should be read.

Use it together with Arberry's translation, 31 Jul 2008
The Quran is both a sacred text and a supreme work of Arabic poetry. This puts the translator in a dilemma: To convey the religious teaching, the text needs to be rendered into modern prose, which loses the poetry. To convey the poetry, one must render the text as a poem in modern language, which then tends to obscure the religious teaching. Neither approach can fully translate the original.

Abdel Haleem's translation is a masterful rendition into modern English prose. For rendition as modern English poetry, Arberry's translation for OUP is arguably the best. If you want to understand the Quran in English, your best bet IMO is to use Abdel Haleem AND Arberry.


Revolutionary translation, very clear, straightforward and understandable, 05 Apr 2008
The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics) by M.A. Abdel Haleem (translator) is simply the best version of the Qur'an available to the English speaking world today.

It uses modern English and does not attempt to copy the old English of the King James bible (which most English translations of the Qur'an attempt to copy). Furthermore, the translator (Abdel Haleem) understands that the sentence structure of Arabic and English is different and translating the text word for word will make it incomprehensible, an example would be the Arabic verse "Jannatun tajri min tahtiha al-anhaar", which if translated word for word into English would look something like this "Gardens under which rivers flow" which (once translated into English) gives the impression that the rivers are flowing underground. However in Arabic it simply means "Gardens graced with flowing rivers", even though it says "tahtiha", which literally means "under it", however because of the certain sentence structure of Arabic it simply means "Gardens graced with flowing rivers", the translator realised this and did not fall for this trap.

This translation also has the verses following in succession which preserves the smooth flow of the Arabic and does not have the verses one under the other which breaks up the flow. Morever the footnotes are only there when necessary and when the text becomes unclear to people who do not know the historical context of the verse and/or the meaning, the footnotes are also informative and will be useful for intellectuals and/or people who want to study the Quran, not just read it. The font is also perfect, not too big, not too small.

Overall a pleasure to read. This stays true to the original Arabic (even though it can in no way be as beautiful or as powerful as the Arabic Qur'an, which is divine) and is a must have for anybody interested in understanding the very pinnacle of Islam, the Qur'an and/or for anybody who is a Muslim but is put off by the other unclear and over explained other translations.

Easy to read and understand, 01 Mar 2008
This was the 2nd copy of a English translation of the Quran and I found it really easy to read and understand. I found other transslations of the Quran hard to understand as they were written in old English but this one is written in moden English so easyer for me to read and understand.


Very Well Written Book, 29 Oct 2007
I come to this book as a non-muslim but interested in knowing about the religion. Having browsed a few translations in book shops I ordered this version based on the reviews here. Not being able to compare it to any other translations all I can say it was an excellent read and the notes prior to each chapter were very useful.

If your looking for a copy of the Qur'an to read this is the one.

Transformation between the sheets. , 08 Nov 2008
This is probably a book for couples. But whether you are a couple or a single guy looking to please women, this book is for you. It's really a modern take on the Kama Sutra and explains a lot of things. If you just want a book for men, I liked Sex Machine: A Man's Guide to What Really Pleases a Woman in Bed. However, this one can be very helpful too.




Something to get you in the mood, 26 Jul 2006
A good balance between realistic modern ideas and the philosophies underpinning the original kama sutra. It looks at sex in the context of romance, mood setting and relaxation. Probably one for long term couples.

SAVE YOUR MONEY!!, 16 Oct 2008
I think this author must have laughed all the way to the bank in amazement that people could actually swallow this story. I definitely found it hard to swallow, however, I persisted and finished it as I had heard it was worth a read. The story is totally unbelievable with little to offer in relation to inspiration. A five year old may find parts of this book interesting! There are plenty of great spiritual books to buy... so don't buy this one.

This book changed my life, 16 Oct 2008
I read this book while I was on holiday; taking a much needed break from a job that was driving me mad and grinding me down. This book really got me to think about my life and what was important to me so I handed my notice in the day I got back to work. I found a new job surprisingly easily and am now earning more money, for less hours and doing a job that I love. If a book can help me do all that it can't be bad (even if it is a little bit patronising at times). Well worth reading.

A little gem, 02 Oct 2008
What a great read and a great find! I found this book to be refreashing and practical. Many self help books go on and on about leading a peaceful, simple life etc etc but rarely do they give sound, good practical techniques that you can use daily to change your life! A must read esp for those who feel lost or saddened by their current situations.

Great Book, 31 May 2008
This is an interesting story. It is a story of a lawyer who appears to have it all - the corner office, the life style, the cars, women, ... Then he gives it all up and tours the East. While there he comes across this strange monk and monastery. He comes to live life in a much different way. Yet he is challenged by the monk who has trained him to go back home and share the message he has learnt, with the West. Julian, our main character, returns to his old law firm and to his prot?g? John. He tells him a parable; then the rest of the book explains the parable and how it relates to different aspects of our lives. The parable is rather simple and a little strange but as it is explained you will never forget it. Read it to find out how a garden, lighthouse, sumo wrestler, pink wire cable, stopwatch, roses and a winding path of diamonds are symbols of timeless principles and virtues by which to live your life. This book could help raise the quality of your life to a new level.

I Love This Book, 22 May 2008
Somebody gave me this book to read and I thought it was an excellent book. I've read it a few times and I even bought my own copy. I find it uplifting with every read.

Brilliant, 16 Oct 2008
I have quite a few translations but this is by far the best, its so simple to read and understand. Commentary is short and the flow is good. Simple summary at the beginning is really good. Would recommend this to anyone and everyone as the 1st translation that should be read.

Use it together with Arberry's translation, 31 Jul 2008
The Quran is both a sacred text and a supreme work of Arabic poetry. This puts the translator in a dilemma: To convey the religious teaching, the text needs to be rendered into modern prose, which loses the poetry. To convey the poetry, one must render the text as a poem in modern language, which then tends to obscure the religious teaching. Neither approach can fully translate the original.

Abdel Haleem's translation is a masterful rendition into modern English prose. For rendition as modern English poetry, Arberry's translation for OUP is arguably the best. If you want to understand the Quran in English, your best bet IMO is to use Abdel Haleem AND Arberry.


Revolutionary translation, very clear, straightforward and understandable, 05 Apr 2008
The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics) by M.A. Abdel Haleem (translator) is simply the best version of the Qur'an available to the English speaking world today.

It uses modern English and does not attempt to copy the old English of the King James bible (which most English translations of the Qur'an attempt to copy). Furthermore, the translator (Abdel Haleem) understands that the sentence structure of Arabic and English is different and translating the text word for word will make it incomprehensible, an example would be the Arabic verse "Jannatun tajri min tahtiha al-anhaar", which if translated word for word into English would look something like this "Gardens under which rivers flow" which (once translated into English) gives the impression that the rivers are flowing underground. However in Arabic it simply means "Gardens graced with flowing rivers", even though it says "tahtiha", which literally means "under it", however because of the certain sentence structure of Arabic it simply means "Gardens graced with flowing rivers", the translator realised this and did not fall for this trap.

This translation also has the verses following in succession which preserves the smooth flow of the Arabic and does not have the verses one under the other which breaks up the flow. Morever the footnotes are only there when necessary and when the text becomes unclear to people who do not know the historical context of the verse and/or the meaning, the footnotes are also informative and will be useful for intellectuals and/or people who want to study the Quran, not just read it. The font is also perfect, not too big, not too small.

Overall a pleasure to read. This stays true to the original Arabic (even though it can in no way be as beautiful or as powerful as the Arabic Qur'an, which is divine) and is a must have for anybody interested in understanding the very pinnacle of Islam, the Qur'an and/or for anybody who is a Muslim but is put off by the other unclear and over explained other translations.

Easy to read and understand, 01 Mar 2008
This was the 2nd copy of a English translation of the Quran and I found it really easy to read and understand. I found other transslations of the Quran hard to understand as they were written in old English but this one is written in moden English so easyer for me to read and understand.


Very Well Written Book, 29 Oct 2007
I come to this book as a non-muslim but interested in knowing about the religion. Having browsed a few translations in book shops I ordered this version based on the reviews here. Not being able to compare it to any other translations all I can say it was an excellent read and the notes prior to each chapter were very useful.

If your looking for a copy of the Qur'an to read this is the one.

A New Perspective on the Bible, 17 Nov 2008
This book provides an overview of the story of the Bible, not the text itself, but how it was written, how the canon was selected and how it has been interpreted and used over the centuries. Spanning the millennia from the writing to the present, it gives a view of the place of the Bible in the world that is often missing when reading about a particular book or thene of the Scriptures.

Author Karen Armstrong introduces, or reminds, the reader, about the sources of the Old and New Testament, the multiple authors of Isaiah and the way the Bible shaped the Jewish self-image. As it progresses, she cites comments by many writers, Christian and Jewish, including Sts. Augustine and Jerome, Martin Luther and many others.

I have read a fair amount about the Bible (see my Listmania, "Thinking of God") but I learned things I had not previously known. From my perspective, telling the story in a continuum is the most helpful aspect of this book. For one who has studied the Bible less deeply, it will provide a good introduction.


An Exellent Rendition Of The Many Influences That Has become The Bible As We Know It., 10 Aug 2008
This is my first title Ive read from this author, and I have to say that her work rightfully sits as some of the best on this topic. What can be a very heavy and often tiresome subject, the origens of the Bible. Bt Armstrongs triumph is the simplicity in how she explians the many different influences that have had a major effect on the compilations of old and new testament. Her knowledge on the topic is deep and profound, unbiased and objective. She stays clear of the theology and hocus pocus that is currently surrounding the origins of Christianity, and doesnt jump on the da vinci code band wagon.

Her Acedemia is very apparent within her writtn words, narrating and focussing on which periods of time has had the most effect on the scribes of the old testament and makes educated estimations on which versions have lead to the foundation and building block of the bible.

An exelent book well worth reading. It will certainly open your eyes to just how the most important book ever written has had such an effect on our history, and how it continues to dominate our spiritual exsistence.

Mind-altering book, 11 Apr 2008
The hopes and fears of all my years of Bible study have been met in this book!

Mostly it gave me a new appreciation for the strong influence of the Jewish faith and its practices of scriptural interpretation (exegesis and midrash) on the creation of the New Testament. It cleared up misconceptions I have long held (as a by-product of the commonly held Christian belief in the New Testament as fulfilment of the Old Testament, which indeed was the initial mindset of the New Testament authors) that the Jews have always been looking for a Messiah. According to Armstrong, this was only a minor theme in the Jewish scriptures until the period just before the advent of Jesus.

She also points out that the catalyst for writing of the New Testament was the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. That Zionism was originally a secular movement. And alerted me to the extremes American Christian fundamentalism is taking. Scary. But the book is well balanced by the hopes of many thoughtful religious scholars.


Beautifully written and essential reading, 10 Apr 2008
Armstrong has produced a cogent and necessary book. She demonstrates immense skill in absorbing a mass of complex historical information and presenting a concise and erudite exposition. The book is a truly absorbing read. The reason I haven't given the book full marks is due to the ending. Here, for the first time, she puts forward an explicit agenda - that there should be greater religious tolerance (based on the knowledge that interpretation of religious texts is at best an inexact science). This 'call to action' is unnecessary and weakens the overal force of the book. Armstrong needed to allow her work to speak for itself; it is good enough not to need her explicit intervention.

A skilled popularizer but faults within, 05 Mar 2008
This book has attracted predictable criticism from religious conservatives, evident in some of the reviews here. One suspects the author would be entirely unperturbed by this - avoiding the ills of higher criticism is the concern only of fundamentalists. Their criticism that Armstrong's tone of scholarly detachment fails when she addresses twentieth-century fundamentalism is easily answered - this brand of Christianity has nothing to do with detached scholarship, they parted company a long time ago. The argument over Arianism is just one case in point. As just about any serious scholar who has studied early Christianity will tell you, early Christians were not Trinitarians.
On a more general level, Armstrong shows an ability to draw together an impressive amount of material into an accessible synthesis, and she has few peers in this regard. Her treatment of the twentieth century is, as noted by others, sketchy. More seriously perhaps, her knowledge of early modern history is inadequate. Whilst generalisations are unavoidable in a work of this kind, her treatment of the early modern period is simplistic and often misleading. Deism was not a 'new religion' (p.185), nor was it espoused by John Locke, author of a Paraphrase of the Epistles of St Paul. To say that Isaac Newton 'scarcely mentioned the Bible in his copious writings' (p.184) is utter nonsense. Had Armstrong read Newton's copious unpublished manuscripts on scripture, or any of the published works analysing these manuscripts in the last twenty years, she would know that Newton spent at least as much time buried in scripture and prophecies about the end of days as he did thinking about the laws of gravity. Armstrong's understanding of the Enlightenment is simply out of date, historians have realised that the so-called "age of reason" was a far more complex time in European history than this author realises.
Whilst Armstrong is to be congratulated on opening up the history of the Bible to a wider audience in such an engaging manner, her analysis should be treated with caution, not taken as gospel.

Transformation between the sheets. , 08 Nov 2008
This is probably a book for couples. But whether you are a couple or a single guy looking to please women, this book is for you. It's really a modern take on the Kama Sutra and explains a lot of things. If you just want a book for men, I liked Sex Machine: A Man's Guide to What Really Pleases a Woman in Bed. However, this one can be very helpful too.




Something to get you in the mood, 26 Jul 2006
A good balance between realistic modern ideas and the philosophies underpinning the original kama sutra. It looks at sex in the context of romance, mood setting and relaxation. Probably one for long term couples.

SAVE YOUR MONEY!!, 16 Oct 2008
I think this author must have laughed all the way to the bank in amazement that people could actually swallow this story. I definitely found it hard to swallow, however, I persisted and finished it as I had heard it was worth a read. The story is totally unbelievable with little to offer in relation to inspiration. A five year old may find parts of this book interesting! There are plenty of great spiritual books to buy... so don't buy this one.

This book changed my life, 16 Oct 2008
I read this book while I was on holiday; taking a much needed break from a job that was driving me mad and grinding me down. This book really got me to think about my life and what was important to me so I handed my notice in the day I got back to work. I found a new job surprisingly easily and am now earning more money, for less hours and doing a job that I love. If a book can help me do all that it can't be bad (even if it is a little bit patronising at times). Well worth reading.

A little gem, 02 Oct 2008
What a great read and a great find! I found this book to be refreashing and practical. Many self help books go on and on about leading a peaceful, simple life etc etc but rarely do they give sound, good practical techniques that you can use daily to change your life! A must read esp for those who feel lost or saddened by their current situations.

Great Book, 31 May 2008
This is an interesting story. It is a story of a lawyer who appears to have it all - the corner office, the life style, the cars, women, ... Then he gives it all up and tours the East. While there he comes across this strange monk and monastery. He comes to live life in a much different way. Yet he is challenged by the monk who has trained him to go back home and share the message he has learnt, with the West. Julian, our main character, returns to his old law firm and to his prot?g? John. He tells him a parable; then the rest of the book explains the parable and how it relates to different aspects of our lives. The parable is rather simple and a little strange but as it is explained you will never forget it. Read it to find out how a garden, lighthouse, sumo wrestler, pink wire cable, stopwatch, roses and a winding path of diamonds are symbols of timeless principles and virtues by which to live your life. This book could help raise the quality of your life to a new level.

I Love This Book, 22 May 2008
Somebody gave me this book to read and I thought it was an excellent book. I've read it a few times and I even bought my own copy. I find it uplifting with every read.

Brilliant, 16 Oct 2008
I have quite a few translations but this is by far the best, its so simple to read and understand. Commentary is short and the flow is good. Simple summary at the beginning is really good. Would recommend this to anyone and everyone as the 1st translation that should be read.

Use it together with Arberry's translation, 31 Jul 2008
The Quran is both a sacred text and a supreme work of Arabic poetry. This puts the translator in a dilemma: To convey the religious teaching, the text needs to be rendered into modern prose, which loses the poetry. To convey the poetry, one must render the text as a poem in modern language, which then tends to obscure the religious teaching. Neither approach can fully translate the original.

Abdel Haleem's translation is a masterful rendition into modern English prose. For rendition as modern English poetry, Arberry's translation for OUP is arguably the best. If you want to understand the Quran in English, your best bet IMO is to use Abdel Haleem AND Arberry.


Revolutionary translation, very clear, straightforward and understandable, 05 Apr 2008
The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics) by M.A. Abdel Haleem (translator) is simply the best version of the Qur'an available to the English speaking world today.

It uses modern English and does not attempt to copy the old English of the King James bible (which most English translations of the Qur'an attempt to copy). Furthermore, the translator (Abdel Haleem) understands that the sentence structure of Arabic and English is different and translating the text word for word will make it incomprehensible, an example would be the Arabic verse "Jannatun tajri min tahtiha al-anhaar", which if translated word for word into English would look something like this "Gardens under which rivers flow" which (once translated into English) gives the impression that the rivers are flowing underground. However in Arabic it simply means "Gardens graced with flowing rivers", even though it says "tahtiha", which literally means "under it", however because of the certain sentence structure of Arabic it simply means "Gardens graced with flowing rivers", the translator realised this and did not fall for this trap.

This translation also has the verses following in succession which preserves the smooth flow of the Arabic and does not have the verses one under the other which breaks up the flow. Morever the footnotes are only there when necessary and when the text becomes unclear to people who do not know the historical context of the verse and/or the meaning, the footnotes are also informative and will be useful for intellectuals and/or people who want to study the Quran, not just read it. The font is also perfect, not too big, not too small.

Overall a pleasure to read. This stays true to the original Arabic (even though it can in no way be as beautiful or as powerful as the Arabic Qur'an, which is divine) and is a must have for anybody interested in understanding the very pinnacle of Islam, the Qur'an and/or for anybody who is a Muslim but is put off by the other unclear and over explained other translations.

Easy to read and understand, 01 Mar 2008
This was the 2nd copy of a English translation of the Quran and I found it really easy to read and understand. I found other transslations of the Quran hard to understand as they were written in old English but this one is written in moden English so easyer for me to read and understand.


Very Well Written Book, 29 Oct 2007
I come to this book as a non-muslim but interested in knowing about the religion. Having browsed a few translations in book shops I ordered this version based on the reviews here. Not being able to compare it to any other translations all I can say it was an excellent read and the notes prior to each chapter were very useful.

If your looking for a copy of the Qur'an to read this is the one.

A New Perspective on the Bible, 17 Nov 2008
This book provides an overview of the story of the Bible, not the text itself, but how it was written, how the canon was selected and how it has been interpreted and used over the centuries. Spanning the millennia from the writing to the present, it gives a view of the place of the Bible in the world that is often missing when reading about a particular book or thene of the Scriptures.

Author Karen Armstrong introduces, or reminds, the reader, about the sources of the Old and New Testament, the multiple authors of Isaiah and the way the Bible shaped the Jewish self-image. As it progresses, she cites comments by many writers, Christian and Jewish, including Sts. Augustine and Jerome, Martin Luther and many others.

I have read a fair amount about the Bible (see my Listmania, "Thinking of God") but I learned things I had not previously known. From my perspective, telling the story in a continuum is the most helpful aspect of this book. For one who has studied the Bible less deeply, it will provide a good introduction.


An Exellent Rendition Of The Many Influences That Has become The Bible As We Know It., 10 Aug 2008
This is my first title Ive read from this author, and I have to say that her work rightfully sits as some of the best on this topic. What can be a very heavy and often tiresome subject, the origens of the Bible. Bt Armstrongs triumph is the simplicity in how she explians the many different influences that have had a major effect on the compilations of old and new testament. Her knowledge on the topic is deep and profound, unbiased and objective. She stays clear of the theology and hocus pocus that is currently surrounding the origins of Christianity, and doesnt jump on the da vinci code band wagon.

Her Acedemia is very apparent within her writtn words, narrating and focussing on which periods of time has had the most effect on the scribes of the old testament and makes educated estimations on which versions have lead to the foundation and building block of the bible.

An exelent book well worth reading. It will certainly open your eyes to just how the most important book ever written has had such an effect on our history, and how it continues to dominate our spiritual exsistence.

Mind-altering book, 11 Apr 2008
The hopes and fears of all my years of Bible study have been met in this book!

Mostly it gave me a new appreciation for the strong influence of the Jewish faith and its practices of scriptural interpretation (exegesis and midrash) on the creation of the New Testament. It cleared up misconceptions I have long held (as a by-product of the commonly held Christian belief in the New Testament as fulfilment of the Old Testament, which indeed was the initial mindset of the New Testament authors) that the Jews have always been looking for a Messiah. According to Armstrong, this was only a minor theme in the Jewish scriptures until the period just before the advent of Jesus.

She also points out that the catalyst for writing of the New Testament was the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. That Zionism was originally a secular movement. And alerted me to the extremes American Christian fundamentalism is taking. Scary. But the book is well balanced by the hopes of many thoughtful religious scholars.


Beautifully written and essential reading, 10 Apr 2008
Armstrong has produced a cogent and necessary book. She demonstrates immense skill in absorbing a mass of complex historical information and presenting a concise and erudite exposition. The book is a truly absorbing read. The reason I haven't given the book full marks is due to the ending. Here, for the first time, she puts forward an explicit agenda - that there should be greater religious tolerance (based on the knowledge that interpretation of religious texts is at best an inexact science). This 'call to action' is unnecessary and weakens the overal force of the book. Armstrong needed to allow her work to speak for itself; it is good enough not to need her explicit intervention.

A skilled popularizer but faults within, 05 Mar 2008
This book has attracted predictable criticism from religious conservatives, evident in some of the reviews here. One suspects the author would be entirely unperturbed by this - avoiding the ills of higher criticism is the concern only of fundamentalists. Their criticism that Armstrong's tone of scholarly detachment fails when she addresses twentieth-century fundamentalism is easily answered - this brand of Christianity has nothing to do with detached scholarship, they parted company a long time ago. The argument over Arianism is just one case in point. As just about any serious scholar who has studied early Christianity will tell you, early Christians were not Trinitarians.
On a more general level, Armstrong shows an ability to draw together an impressive amount of material into an accessible synthesis, and she has few peers in this regard. Her treatment of the twentieth century is, as noted by others, sketchy. More seriously perhaps, her knowledge of early modern history is inadequate. Whilst generalisations are unavoidable in a work of this kind, her treatment of the early modern period is simplistic and often misleading. Deism was not a 'new religion' (p.185), nor was it espoused by John Locke, author of a Paraphrase of the Epistles of St Paul. To say that Isaac Newton 'scarcely mentioned the Bible in his copious writings' (p.184) is utter nonsense. Had Armstrong read Newton's copious unpublished manuscripts on scripture, or any of the published works analysing these manuscripts in the last twenty years, she would know that Newton spent at least as much time buried in scripture and prophecies about the end of days as he did thinking about the laws of gravity. Armstrong's understanding of the Enlightenment is simply out of date, historians have realised that the so-called "age of reason" was a far more complex time in European history than this author realises.
Whilst Armstrong is to be congratulated on opening up the history of the Bible to a wider audience in such an engaging manner, her analysis should be treated with caution, not taken as gospel.

Not a Bible!, 14 Nov 2008
A friend gave me a copy of this book a few years ago and I started to read it. It did not take long to see that this book fails on so many levels.

Firstly and most importantly, It is NOT a Bible translation. It is the opinion of Eugene Peterson of what the Bible means. So from the start you are dealing with a highly subjective work. Which in effect plays right into the hands of those who say "you can't trust the Bible - its been translated so many times that the real message is lost". Which is exactly what has happened here, ironically, with The Message.

My advise to anyone thinking of getting this book is to seriously consider WHY you are buying it. If you want to study the Bible then get a modern (accurate) translation - the NKJ or NASB are excellent. If you are just looking for an "easy reader" then the NIV is pretty good.

This book is first on the bible lists here on Amazon! How this is even in the "Bible" section I will never know.

Steer clear!

God talking in everyday language you'll understand!, 09 Nov 2008
amazing version of the bible which totally updates and makes clear parts of the bible which are hard to understand. Brilliant intro to the bible!! God bless xx

readable, a must read., 16 May 2008
Having read earlierl translations before, this is writen in a refreshingly easy and accesable way. There are no "thee"s or "thow"s the language is modern without being "slang or street."
The power of the "word" is retained and this "translation should be added to the list of books to read before you....if you were afraid of buying or receiving a bible try this one.
A small, two collum edition is available which is hand-bag bumbag sized.easy to dip into. (I keep one in the car.)

The best-known and best-loved stories from the Old and New Testaments have been chosen for this retelling of the Bible for young children. Staying close to the traditional text, the stories are presented in such s way that young listeners and readers find them easy to understand and enjoy. The straightfoward text and colourful illustrations introduce children to the mysteries and wonder of the Bible.

This is a colourful and approachable introduction to the key stories and characters of the Bible which children and adults will enjoy reading. (Ages 4 to 8)

Transformation between the sheets. , 08 Nov 2008
This is probably a book for couples. But whether you are a couple or a single guy looking to please women, this book is for you. It's really a modern take on the Kama Sutra and explains a lot of things. If you just want a book for men, I liked Sex Machine: A Man's Guide to What Really Pleases a Woman in Bed. However, this one can be very helpful too.




Something to get you in the mood, 26 Jul 2006
A good balance between realistic modern ideas and the philosophies underpinning the original kama sutra. It looks at sex in the context of romance, mood setting and relaxation. Probably one for long term couples.

SAVE YOUR MONEY!!, 16 Oct 2008
I think this author must have laughed all the way to the bank in amazement that people could actually swallow this story. I definitely found it hard to swallow, however, I persisted and finished it as I had heard it was worth a read. The story is totally unbelievable with little to offer in relation to inspiration. A five year old may find parts of this book interesting! There are plenty of great spiritual books to buy... so don't buy this one.

This book changed my life, 16 Oct 2008
I read this book while I was on holiday; taking a much needed break from a job that was driving me mad and grinding me down. This book really got me to think about my life and what was important to me so I handed my notice in the day I got back to work. I found a new job surprisingly easily and am now earning more money, for less hours and doing a job that I love. If a book can help me do all that it can't be bad (even if it is a little bit patronising at times). Well worth reading.

A little gem, 02 Oct 2008
What a great read and a great find! I found this book to be refreashing and practical. Many self help books go on and on about leading a peaceful, simple life etc etc but rarely do they give sound, good practical techniques that you can use daily to change your life! A must read esp for those who feel lost or saddened by their current situations.

Great Book, 31 May 2008
This is an interesting story. It is a story of a lawyer who appears to have it all - the corner office, the life style, the cars, women, ... Then he gives it all up and tours the East. While there he comes across this strange monk and monastery. He comes to live life in a much different way. Yet he is challenged by the monk who has trained him to go back home and share the message he has learnt, with the West. Julian, our main character, returns to his old law firm and to his prot?g? John. He tells him a parable; then the rest of the book explains the parable and how it relates to different aspects of our lives. The parable is rather simple and a little strange but as it is explained you will never forget it. Read it to find out how a garden, lighthouse, sumo wrestler, pink wire cable, stopwatch, roses and a winding path of diamonds are symbols of timeless principles and virtues by which to live your life. This book could help raise the quality of your life to a new level.

I Love This Book, 22 May 2008
Somebody gave me this book to read and I thought it was an excellent book. I've read it a few times and I even bought my own copy. I find it uplifting with every read.

Brilliant, 16 Oct 2008
I have quite a few translations but this is by far the best, its so simple to read and understand. Commentary is short and the flow is good. Simple summary at the beginning is really good. Would recommend this to anyone and everyone as the 1st translation that should be read.

Use it together with Arberry's translation, 31 Jul 2008
The Quran is both a sacred text and a supreme work of Arabic poetry. This puts the translator in a dilemma: To convey the religious teaching, the text needs to be rendered into modern prose, which loses the poetry. To convey the poetry, one must render the text as a poem in modern language, which then tends to obscure the religious teaching. Neither approach can fully translate the original.

Abdel Haleem's translation is a masterful rendition into modern English prose. For rendition as modern English poetry, Arberry's translation for OUP is arguably the best. If you want to understand the Quran in English, your best bet IMO is to use Abdel Haleem AND Arberry.


Revolutionary translation, very clear, straightforward and understandable, 05 Apr 2008
The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics) by M.A. Abdel Haleem (translator) is simply the best version of the Qur'an available to the English speaking world today.

It uses modern English and does not attempt to copy the old English of the King James bible (which most English translations of the Qur'an attempt to copy). Furthermore, the translator (Abdel Haleem) understands that the sentence structure of Arabic and English is different and translating the text word for word will make it incomprehensible, an example would be the Arabic verse "Jannatun tajri min tahtiha al-anhaar", which if translated word for word into English would look something like this "Gardens under which rivers flow" which (once translated into English) gives the impression that the rivers are flowing underground. However in Arabic it simply means "Gardens graced with flowing rivers", even though it says "tahtiha", which literally means "under it", however because of the certain sentence structure of Arabic it simply means "Gardens graced with flowing rivers", the translator realised this and did not fall for this trap.

This translation also has the verses following in succession which preserves the smooth flow of the Arabic and does not have the verses one under the other which breaks up the flow. Morever the footnotes are only there when necessary and when the text becomes unclear to people who do not know the historical context of the verse and/or the meaning, the footnotes are also informative and will be useful for intellectuals and/or people who want to study the Quran, not just read it. The font is also perfect, not too big, not too small.

Overall a pleasure to read. This stays true to the original Arabic (even though it can in no way be as beautiful or as powerful as the Arabic Qur'an, which is divine) and is a must have for anybody interested in understanding the very pinnacle of Islam, the Qur'an and/or for anybody who is a Muslim but is put off by the other unclear and over explained other translations.

Easy to read and understand, 01 Mar 2008
This was the 2nd copy of a English translation of the Quran and I found it really easy to read and understand. I found other transslations of the Quran hard to understand as they were written in old English but this one is written in moden English so easyer for me to read and understand.


Very Well Written Book, 29 Oct 2007
I come to this book as a non-muslim but interested in knowing about the religion. Having browsed a few translations in book shops I ordered this version based on the reviews here. Not being able to compare it to any other translations all I can say it was an excellent read and the notes prior to each chapter were very useful.

If your looking for a copy of the Qur'an to read this is the one.

A New Perspective on the Bible, 17 Nov 2008
This book provides an overview of the story of the Bible, not the text itself, but how it was written, how the canon was selected and how it has been interpreted and used over the centuries. Spanning the millennia from the writing to the present, it gives a view of the place of the Bible in the world that is often missing when reading about a particular book or thene of the Scriptures.

Author Karen Armstrong introduces, or reminds, the reader, about the sources of the Old and New Testament, the multiple authors of Isaiah and the way the Bible shaped the Jewish self-image. As it progresses, she cites comments by many writers, Christian and Jewish, including Sts. Augustine and Jerome, Martin Luther and many others.

I have read a fair amount about the Bible (see my Listmania, "Thinking of God") but I learned things I had not previously known. From my perspective, telling the story in a continuum is the most helpful aspect of this book. For one who has studied the Bible less deeply, it will provide a good introduction.


An Exellent Rendition Of The Many Influences That Has become The Bible As We Know It., 10 Aug 2008
This is my first title Ive read from this author, and I have to say that her work rightfully sits as some of the best on this topic. What can be a very heavy and often tiresome subject, the origens of the Bible. Bt Armstrongs triumph is the simplicity in how she explians the many different influences that have had a major effect on the compilations of old and new testament. Her knowledge on the topic is deep and profound, unbiased and objective. She stays clear of the theology and hocus pocus that is currently surrounding the origins of Christianity, and doesnt jump on the da vinci code band wagon.

Her Acedemia is very apparent within her writtn words, narrating and focussing on which periods of time has had the most effect on the scribes of the old testament and makes educated estimations on which versions have lead to the foundation and building block of the bible.

An exelent book well worth reading. It will certainly open your eyes to just how the most important book ever written has had such an effect on our history, and how it continues to dominate our spiritual exsistence.

Mind-altering book, 11 Apr 2008
The hopes and fears of all my years of Bible study have been met in this book!

Mostly it gave me a new appreciation for the strong influence of the Jewish faith and its practices of scriptural interpretation (exegesis and midrash) on the creation of the New Testament. It cleared up misconceptions I have long held (as a by-product of the commonly held Christian belief in the New Testament as fulfilment of the Old Testament, which indeed was the initial mindset of the New Testament authors) that the Jews have always been looking for a Messiah. According to Armstrong, this was only a minor theme in the Jewish scriptures until the period just before the advent of Jesus.

She also points out that the catalyst for writing of the New Testament was the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. That Zionism was originally a secular movement. And alerted me to the extremes American Christian fundamentalism is taking. Scary. But the book is well balanced by the hopes of many thoughtful religious scholars.


Beautifully written and essential reading, 10 Apr 2008
Armstrong has produced a cogent and necessary book. She demonstrates immense skill in absorbing a mass of complex historical information and presenting a concise and erudite exposition. The book is a truly absorbing read. The reason I haven't given the book full marks is due to the ending. Here, for the first time, she puts forward an explicit agenda - that there should be greater religious tolerance (based on the knowledge that interpretation of religious texts is at best an inexact science). This 'call to action' is unnecessary and weakens the overal force of the book. Armstrong needed to allow her work to speak for itself; it is good enough not to need her explicit intervention.

A skilled popularizer but faults within, 05 Mar 2008
This book has attracted predictable criticism from religious conservatives, evident in some of the reviews here. One suspects the author would be entirely unperturbed by this - avoiding the ills of higher criticism is the concern only of fundamentalists. Their criticism that Armstrong's tone of scholarly detachment fails when she addresses twentieth-century fundamentalism is easily answered - this brand of Christianity has nothing to do with detached scholarship, they parted company a long time ago. The argument over Arianism is just one case in point. As just about any serious scholar who has studied early Christianity will tell you, early Christians were not Trinitarians.
On a more general level, Armstrong shows an ability to draw together an impressive amount of material into an accessible synthesis, and she has few peers in this regard. Her treatment of the twentieth century is, as noted by others, sketchy. More seriously perhaps, her knowledge of early modern history is inadequate. Whilst generalisations are unavoidable in a work of this kind, her treatment of the early modern period is simplistic and often misleading. Deism was not a 'new religion' (p.185), nor was it espoused by John Locke, author of a Paraphrase of the Epistles of St Paul. To say that Isaac Newton 'scarcely mentioned the Bible in his copious writings' (p.184) is utter nonsense. Had Armstrong read Newton's copious unpublished manuscripts on scripture, or any of the published works analysing these manuscripts in the last twenty years, she would know that Newton spent at least as much time buried in scripture and prophecies about the end of days as he did thinking about the laws of gravity. Armstrong's understanding of the Enlightenment is simply out of date, historians have realised that the so-called "age of reason" was a far more complex time in European history than this author realises.
Whilst Armstrong is to be congratulated on opening up the history of the Bible to a wider audience in such an engaging manner, her analysis should be treated with caution, not taken as gospel.

Not a Bible!, 14 Nov 2008
A friend gave me a copy of this book a few years ago and I started to read it. It did not take long to see that this book fails on so many levels.

Firstly and most importantly, It is NOT a Bible translation. It is the opinion of Eugene Peterson of what the Bible means. So from the start you are dealing with a highly subjective work. Which in effect plays right into the hands of those who say "you can't trust the Bible - its been translated so many times that the real message is lost". Which is exactly what has happened here, ironically, with The Message.

My advise to anyone thinking of getting this book is to seriously consider WHY you are buying it. If you want to study the Bible then get a modern (accurate) translation - the NKJ or NASB are excellent. If you are just looking for an "easy reader" then the NIV is pretty good.

This book is first on the bible lists here on Amazon! How this is even in the "Bible" section I will never know.

Steer clear!

God talking in everyday language you'll understand!, 09 Nov 2008
amazing version of the bible which totally updates and makes clear parts of the bible which are hard to understand. Brilliant intro to the bible!! God bless xx

readable, a must read., 16 May 2008
Having read earlierl translations before, this is writen in a refreshingly easy and accesable way. There are no "thee"s or "thow"s the language is modern without being "slang or street."
The power of the "word" is retained and this "translation should be added to the list of books to read before you....if you were afraid of buying or receiving a bible try this one.
A small, two collum edition is available which is hand-bag bumbag sized.easy to dip into. (I keep one in the car.)

Pretty retellings....., 05 Sep 2008
I was mislead by the title and expected a bible (well, ok, extracts)for children. I did not expect retellings of the stories with inaccuracies thrown in. Correct me if I am wrong, but nowhere, for example, does it specify THREE Kings in the Nativity. Three gifts, yes, but not kings. Or Magi. Nit picking? Probably, but why make up details that are not in the original text?
IF the book had been titles "stories from the Bible" I would not have bought it and would have avoided disappointment.
On the plus side the illustrations are very pretty and 'tis true my children enjoy listening to the stories, even if they are read by a grumpy old pedant like me.

Dumbed down and dull, 01 Nov 2007
I am sorry to have to write such a negative review. But we were given this bible as a present for our young daughter by a well meaning Aunt. While we appreciated the idea and present - this book just has too many mis-interpretations of the original text to feel comfortable with. I do not want my child to be put of Chritianity when she realises that romanticised stories peddled by this book don't wash with the real world. The bible is a complex text whose interpretation needs serious scholarship and I am afraid this book lacks the scholarship to be able to translate the stories into a child-friendly format. The point of many stories is so skewed that it makes you wince. The glossy cover illustration is not really representative of the content. Most stories don't have illustrations - certainly not enough to hold the attention of a child. The illustrated childrens bible looks much better.

lovely childrens bed time story book, 02 Nov 2001
Having travelled to my sisters house and forgot to take any bed time reading books for my 5 year old I found this osborne childrens bible on a book shelf in her house. Emma thoroughly enjoyed the stories because they were so well writen with children in mind. The stories are easy to understand and have nice pictures on each page, also each chapter follows on from the previous one, they have some basic reference to the people in the previous stories (this was done in an easy enough way for Emma to point this out). I offered to buy Emma a new book the next day while we were in town but she asked if we could read some more from the bible book.
I think this book would make a lovely christening/birthday present for a small child.

Transformation between the sheets. , 08 Nov 2008
This is probably a book for couples. But whether you are a couple or a single guy looking to please women, this book is for you. It's really a modern take on the Kama Sutra and explains a lot of things. If you just want a book for men, I liked Sex Machine: A Man's Guide to What Really Pleases a Woman in Bed. However, this one can be very helpful too.




Something to get you in the mood, 26 Jul 2006
A good balance between realistic modern ideas and the philosophies underpinning the original kama sutra. It looks at sex in the context of romance, mood setting and relaxation. Probably one for long term couples.

SAVE YOUR MONEY!!, 16 Oct 2008
I think this author must have laughed all the way to the bank in amazement that people could actually swallow this story. I definitely found it hard to swallow, however, I persisted and finished it as I had heard it was worth a read. The story is totally unbelievable with little to offer in relation to inspiration. A five year old may find parts of this book interesting! There are plenty of great spiritual books to buy... so don't buy this one.

This book changed my life, 16 Oct 2008
I read this book while I was on holiday; taking a much needed break from a job that was driving me mad and grinding me down. This book really got me to think about my life and what was important to me so I handed my notice in the day I got back to work. I found a new job surprisingly easily and am now earning more money, for less hours and doing a job that I love. If a book can help me do all that it can't be bad (even if it is a little bit patronising at times). Well worth reading.

A little gem, 02 Oct 2008
What a great read and a great find! I found this book to be refreashing and practical. Many self help books go on and on about leading a peaceful, simple life etc etc but rarely do they give sound, good practical techniques that you can use daily to change your life! A must read esp for those who feel lost or saddened by their current situations.

Great Book, 31 May 2008
This is an interesting story. It is a story of a lawyer who appears to have it all - the corner office, the life style, the cars, women, ... Then he gives it all up and tours the East. While there he comes across this strange monk and monastery. He comes to live life in a much different way. Yet he is challenged by the monk who has trained him to go back home and share the message he has learnt, with the West. Julian, our main character, returns to his old law firm and to his prot?g? John. He tells him a parable; then the rest of the book explains the parable and how it relates to different aspects of our lives. The parable is rather simple and a little strange but as it is explained you will never forget it. Read it to find out how a garden, lighthouse, sumo wrestler, pink wire cable, stopwatch, roses and a winding path of diamonds are symbols of timeless principles and virtues by which to live your life. This book could help raise the quality of your life to a new level.

I Love This Book, 22 May 2008
Somebody gave me this book to read and I thought it was an excellent book. I've read it a few times and I even bought my own copy. I find it uplifting with every read.

Brilliant, 16 Oct 2008
I have quite a few translations but this is by far the best, its so simple to read and understand. Commentary is short and the flow is good. Simple summary at the beginning is really good. Would recommend this to anyone and everyone as the 1st translation that should be read.

Use it together with Arberry's translation, 31 Jul 2008
The Quran is both a sacred text and a supreme work of Arabic poetry. This puts the translator in a dilemma: To convey the religious teaching, the text needs to be rendered into modern prose, which loses the poetry. To convey the poetry, one must render the text as a poem in modern language, which then tends to obscure the religious teaching. Neither approach can fully translate the original.

Abdel Haleem's translation is a masterful rendition into modern English prose. For rendition as modern English poetry, Arberry's translation for OUP is arguably the best. If you want to understand the Quran in English, your best bet IMO is to use Abdel Haleem AND Arberry.


Revolutionary translation, very clear, straightforward and understandable, 05 Apr 2008
The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics) by M.A. Abdel Haleem (translator) is simply the best version of the Qur'an available to the English speaking world today.

It uses modern English and does not attempt to copy the old English of the King James bible (which most English translations of the Qur'an attempt to copy). Furthermore, the translator (Abdel Haleem) understands that the sentence structure of Arabic and English is different and translating the text word for word will make it incomprehensible, an example would be the Arabic verse "Jannatun tajri min tahtiha al-anhaar", which if translated word for word into English would look something like this "Gardens under which rivers flow" which (once translated into English) gives the impression that the rivers are flowing underground. However in Arabic it simply means "Gardens graced with flowing rivers", even though it says "tahtiha", which literally means "under it", however because of the certain sentence structure of Arabic it simply means "Gardens graced with flowing rivers", the translator realised this and did not fall for this trap.

This translation also has the verses following in succession which preserves the smooth flow of the Arabic and does not have the verses one under the other which breaks up the flow. Morever the footnotes are only there when necessary and when the text becomes unclear to people who do not know the historical context of the verse and/or the meaning, the footnotes are also informative and will be useful for intellectuals and/or people who want to study the Quran, not just read it. The font is also perfect, not too big, not too small.

Overall a pleasure to read. This stays true to the original Arabic (even though it can in no way be as beautiful or as powerful as the Arabic Qur'an, which is divine) and is a must have for anybody interested in understanding the very pinnacle of Islam, the Qur'an and/or for anybody who is a Muslim but is put off by the other unclear and over explained other translations.

Easy to read and understand, 01 Mar 2008
This was the 2nd copy of a English translation of the Quran and I found it really easy to read and understand. I found other transslations of the Quran hard to understand as they were written in old English but this one is written in moden English so easyer for me to read and understand.


Very Well Written Book, 29 Oct 2007
I come to this book as a non-muslim but interested in knowing about the religion. Having browsed a few translations in book shops I ordered this version based on the reviews here. Not being able to compare it to any other translations all I can say it was an excellent read and the notes prior to each chapter were very useful.

If your looking for a copy of the Qur'an to read this is the one.

A New Perspective on the Bible, 17 Nov 2008
This book provides an overview of the story of the Bible, not the text itself, but how it was written, how the canon was selected and how it has been interpreted and used over the centuries. Spanning the millennia from the writing to the present, it gives a view of the place of the Bible in the world that is often missing when reading about a particular book or thene of the Scriptures.

Author Karen Armstrong introduces, or reminds, the reader, about the sources of the Old and New Testament, the multiple authors of Isaiah and the way the Bible shaped the Jewish self-image. As it progresses, she cites comments by many writers, Christian and Jewish, including Sts. Augustine and Jerome, Martin Luther and many others.

I have read a fair amount about the Bible (see my Listmania, "Thinking of God") but I learned things I had not previously known. From my perspective, telling the story in a continuum is the most helpful aspect of this book. For one who has studied the Bible less deeply, it will provide a good introduction.


An Exellent Rendition Of The Many Influences That Has become The Bible As We Know It., 10 Aug 2008
This is my first title Ive read from this author, and I have to say that her work rightfully sits as some of the best on this topic. What can be a very heavy and often tiresome subject, the origens of the Bible. Bt Armstrongs triumph is the simplicity in how she explians the many different influences that have had a major effect on the compilations of old and new testament. Her knowledge on the topic is deep and profound, unbiased and objective. She stays clear of the theology and hocus pocus that is currently surrounding the origins of Christianity, and doesnt jump on the da vinci code band wagon.

Her Acedemia is very apparent within her writtn words, narrating and focussing on which periods of time has had the most effect on the scribes of the old testament and makes educated estimations on which versions have lead to the foundation and building block of the bible.

An exelent book well worth reading. It will certainly open your eyes to just how the most important book ever written has had such an effect on our history, and how it continues to dominate our spiritual exsistence.

Mind-altering book, 11 Apr 2008
The hopes and fears of all my years of Bible study have been met in this book!

Mostly it gave me a new appreciation for the strong influence of the Jewish faith and its practices of scriptural interpretation (exegesis and midrash) on the creation of the New Testament. It cleared up misconceptions I have long held (as a by-product of the commonly held Christian belief in the New Testament as fulfilment of the Old Testament, which indeed was the initial mindset of the New Testament authors) that the Jews have always been looking for a Messiah. According to Armstrong, this was only a minor theme in the Jewish scriptures until the period just before the advent of Jesus.

She also points out that the catalyst for writing of the New Testament was the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. That Zionism was originally a secular movement. And alerted me to the extremes American Christian fundamentalism is taking. Scary. But the book is well balanced by the hopes of many thoughtful religious scholars.


Beautifully written and essential reading, 10 Apr 2008
Armstrong has produced a cogent and necessary book. She demonstrates immense skill in absorbing a mass of complex historical information and presenting a concise and erudite exposition. The book is a truly absorbing read. The reason I haven't given the book full marks is due to the ending. Here, for the first time, she puts forward an explicit agenda - that there should be greater religious tolerance (based on the knowledge that interpretation of religious texts is at best an inexact science). This 'call to action' is unnecessary and weakens the overal force of the book. Armstrong needed to allow her work to speak for itself; it is good enough not to need her explicit intervention.

A skilled popularizer but faults within, 05 Mar 2008
This book has attracted predictable criticism from religious conservatives, evident in some of the reviews here. One suspects the author would be entirely unperturbed by this - avoiding the ills of higher criticism is the concern only of fundamentalists. Their criticism that Armstrong's tone of scholarly detachment fails when she addresses twentieth-century fundamentalism is easily answered - this brand of Christianity has nothing to do with detached scholarship, they parted company a long time ago. The argument over Arianism is just one case in point. As just about any serious scholar who has studied early Christianity will tell you, early Christians were not Trinitarians.
On a more general level, Armstrong shows an ability to draw together an impressive amount of material into an accessible synthesis, and she has few peers in this regard. Her treatment of the twentieth century is, as noted by others, sketchy. More seriously perhaps, her knowledge of early modern history is inadequate. Whilst generalisations are unavoidable in a work of this kind, her treatment of the early modern period is simplistic and often misleading. Deism was not a 'new religion' (p.185), nor was it espoused by John Locke, author of a Paraphrase of the Epistles of St Paul. To say that Isaac Newton 'scarcely mentioned the Bible in his copious writings' (p.184) is utter nonsense. Had Armstrong read Newton's copious unpublished manuscripts on scripture, or any of the published works analysing these manuscripts in the last twenty years, she would know that Newton spent at least as much time buried in scripture and prophecies about the end of days as he did thinking about the laws of gravity. Armstrong's understanding of the Enlightenment is simply out of date, historians have realised that the so-called "age of reason" was a far more complex time in European history than this author realises.
Whilst Armstrong is to be congratulated on opening up the history of the Bible to a wider audience in such an engaging manner, her analysis should be treated with caution, not taken as gospel.

Not a Bible!, 14 Nov 2008
A friend gave me a copy of this book a few years ago and I started to read it. It did not take long to see that this book fails on so many levels.

Firstly and most importantly, It is NOT a Bible translation. It is the opinion of Eugene Peterson of what the Bible means. So from the start you are dealing with a highly subjective work. Which in effect plays right into the hands of those who say "you can't trust the Bible - its been translated so many times that the real message is lost". Which is exactly what has happened here, ironically, with The Message.

My advise to anyone thinking of getting this book is to seriously consider WHY you are buying it. If you want to study the Bible then get a modern (accurate) translation - the NKJ or NASB are excellent. If you are just looking for an "easy reader" then the NIV is pretty good.

This book is first on the bible lists here on Amazon! How this is even in the "Bible" section I will never know.

Steer clear!

God talking in everyday language you'll understand!, 09 Nov 2008
amazing version of the bible which totally updates and makes clear parts of the bible which are hard to understand. Brilliant intro to the bible!! God bless xx

readable, a must read., 16 May 2008
Having read earlierl translations before, this is writen in a refreshingly easy and accesable way. There are no "thee"s or "thow"s the language is modern without being "slang or street."
The power of the "word" is retained and this "translation should be added to the list of books to read before you....if you were afraid of buying or receiving a bible try this one.
A small, two collum edition is available which is hand-bag bumbag sized.easy to dip into. (I keep one in the car.)

Pretty retellings....., 05 Sep 2008
I was mislead by the title and expected a bible (well, ok, extracts)for children. I did not expect retellings of the stories with inaccuracies thrown in. Correct me if I am wrong, but nowhere, for example, does it specify THREE Kings in the Nativity. Three gifts, yes, but not kings. Or Magi. Nit picking? Probably, but why make up details that are not in the original text?
IF the book had been titles "stories from the Bible" I would not have bought it and would have avoided disappointment.
On the plus side the illustrations are very pretty and 'tis true my children enjoy listening to the stories, even if they are read by a grumpy old pedant like me.

Dumbed down and dull, 01 Nov 2007
I am sorry to have to write such a negative review. But we were given this bible as a present for our young daughter by a well meaning Aunt. While we appreciated the idea and present - this book just has too many mis-interpretations of the original text to feel comfortable with. I do not want my child to be put of Chritianity when she realises that romanticised stories peddled by this book don't wash with the real world. The bible is a complex text whose interpretation needs serious scholarship and I am afraid this book lacks the scholarship to be able to translate the stories into a child-friendly format. The point of many stories is so skewed that it makes you wince. The glossy cover illustration is not really representative of the content. Most stories don't have illustrations - certainly not enough to hold the attention of a child. The illustrated childrens bible looks much better.

lovely childrens bed time story book, 02 Nov 2001
Having travelled to my sisters house and forgot to take any bed time reading books for my 5 year old I found this osborne childrens bible on a book shelf in her house. Emma thoroughly enjoyed the stories because they were so well writen with children in mind. The stories are easy to understand and have nice pictures on each page, also each chapter follows on from the previous one, they have some basic reference to the people in the previous stories (this was done in an easy enough way for Emma to point this out). I offered to buy Emma a new book the next day while we were in town but she asked if we could read some more from the bible book.
I think this book would make a lovely christening/birthday present for a small child.

Opens up the bible, 09 Sep 2008
For anyone who's ever scratched their heads trying to make sense of the bible, this is the book for you.

David Pawson's clear, easy to follow, erudite prose opens up the bible. He doesn't pretend the bible is a simple document, but does shine a light on the text to make it easier to get to grips with.

The book is filled with examples and stories, and it also tracks Pawson's own journey in trying to understand scripture.

There's a great explanation of "Song of Songs", which Pawson says he avoided for years because it just seemed to be too carnal: about the sexual relationship between a man and a woman. To find out his refreshing conclusion about the Song of Solomon, buy this book!

It's rare to find a commentary with so much humour in it. I haven't read it in order, but in random chapters as I've read the bible. This may not be the best way to read the book, but it's worked for me.

This is one of those books that has helped me understand God's word better, and also (by extension) His character. I can't offer a better accolade than that.



Evangelical., 05 Jul 2008
A word of caution about the Author, he believes Genesis is historically accurate & that the Devil is real. I can't deny this book offers great insight into understanding scripture & makes some very good observations, but I found I had to skip anything which seeks to challenge science on. I admit I come from a perspective that scripture is largely each authors attempt to comprehend God's creation & similar to Classical Islam that everything new science reveals inhances my wonder at the universe which God has given us.

Very tenuous scholarship for a Cambridge graduate, 16 May 2008
I wanted a book that would provide a relatively user-friendly summary of the Bible, as I already have some rather highbrow, academic theological books, and so purchased Mr Pawson's lengthy tome.

This book, I have to admit, is really easy to read. It uses accessible language, and has an overall warmth of tone.

My standpoint is one who will not dismiss or denigrate a viewpoint until I have at least studied the basics to a level where I can talk intelligibly with a full time adherent of the opinion in question. I get the impression that when it comes to the non-Christian religions, the scholarship in this book is one where the contents page has been read, but not the whole book. For example, Confucianism is tarred with the brush of idolatry. Hmmm.

Science is denigrated as being a path to unbelief and therefore the devil, and then is used later on to justify a religious standpoint. This is not academic, and is like wanting to have one's cake AND eat it. Archaeological and geological dates are portrayed as unreliable when they seem to argue against the opinions in this book, but are also used in other parts where they seem to agree with the idea being discussed by the author at subsequent junctures.

The author's foray into the world of languages also irritated me in my capacity as an amateur philologist of some 20 years experience. There are some poor direct translations of Hebrew, and the use of Chinese characters to argue a point made by the author is embarrassingly inept.

Some of the theological opinions put forward seem to be contradictory. The feel for me is of a conservative, 1950s English yearning for some long gone yesteryear. Because God loves human life, murderers should be put to death. Hmmm.

The lasting impression I have of this book is an overwhelming urge on my part to yell "it's perfectly all right to have a faith - I respect people's faith immensely. Please don't try to prove a faith by inexpert misuse of a subject you profess to distrust."

2 stars because it's easy to read and it makes me laugh out loud or cringe.

unlocking the bible, 17 Mar 2008
wow anyone wanting to know more about the bible this is the book to have the insight knowledge and understanding of this book is incredibl david pawson has certainly got all this and i have only read a few chapters

I never thought the Bible cld be brought to life so well, 26 Oct 2005
The author has an incredible knowledge of the background of biblical times, and an eloquency in layman's terms that really brings the Bible to life. He gives all views in relation to a subject very fairly, and his own bias is rarely seen in a dogmatic way at all. The only area I find unusual is that he almost totally "blanks" regarding the Rapture, and I think this is due to caution in his own mind regarding this doctrine rather than a right-out disbelief. Certainly a priority-buy for anyone wanting to study the Bible more closely and lovingly, and less dutifully!!!

Transformation between the sheets. , 08 Nov 2008
This is probably a book for couples. But whether you are a couple or a single guy looking to please women, this book is for you. It's really a modern take on the Kama Sutra and explains a lot of things. If you just want a book for men, I liked Sex Machine: A Man's Guide to What Really Pleases a Woman in Bed. However, this one can be very helpful too.




Something to get you in the mood, 26 Jul 2006
A good balance between realistic modern ideas and the philosophies underpinning the original kama sutra. It looks at sex in the context of romance, mood setting and relaxation. Probably one for long term couples.

SAVE YOUR MONEY!!, 16 Oct 2008
I think this author must have laughed all the way to the bank in amazement that people could actually swallow this story. I definitely found it hard to swallow, however, I persisted and finished it as I had heard it was worth a read. The story is totally unbelievable with little to offer in relation to inspiration. A five year old may find parts of this book interesting! There are plenty of great spiritual books to buy... so don't buy this one.

This book changed my life, 16 Oct 2008
I read this book while I was on holiday; taking a much needed break from a job that was driving me mad and grinding me down. This book really got me to think about my life and what was important to me so I handed my notice in the day I got back to work. I found a new job surprisingly easily and am now earning more money, for less hours and doing a job that I love. If a book can help me do all that it can't be bad (even if it is a little bit patronising at times). Well worth reading.

A little gem, 02 Oct 2008
What a great read and a great find! I found this book to be refreashing and practical. Many self help books go on and on about leading a peaceful, simple life etc etc but rarely do they give sound, good practical techniques that you can use daily to change your life! A must read esp for those who feel lost or saddened by their current situations.

Great Book, 31 May 2008
This is an interesting story. It is a story of a lawyer who appears to have it all - the corner office, the life style, the cars, women, ... Then he gives it all up and tours the East. While there he comes across this strange monk and monastery. He comes to live life in a much different way. Yet he is challenged by the monk who has trained him to go back home and share the message he has learnt, with the West. Julian, our main character, returns to his old law firm and to his prot?g? John. He tells him a parable; then the rest of the book explains the parable and how it relates to different aspects of our lives. The parable is rather simple and a little strange but as it is explained you will never forget it. Read it to find out how a garden, lighthouse, sumo wrestler, pink wire cable, stopwatch, roses and a winding path of diamonds are symbols of timeless principles and virtues by which to live your life. This book could help raise the quality of your life to a new level.

I Love This Book, 22 May 2008
Somebody gave me this book to read and I thought it was an excellent book. I've read it a few times and I even bought my own copy. I find it uplifting with every read.

Brilliant, 16 Oct 2008
I have quite a few translations but this is by far the best, its so simple to read and understand. Commentary is short and the flow is good. Simple summary at the beginning is really