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{en} Harry Freedman. The Murderous History of Bible Translations: Power, Conflict and the Quest for Meaning. New York, NY, USA : Bloomsbury Press, 2016.

Abstract

"The Bible has been translated far more than any other book. To our minds it is self-evident that believers can read their sacred literature in a language they understand. But the history of Bible translations is far more contentious than reason would suggest. Bible translations underlie an astonishing number of religious conflicts that have plagued the world. Harry Freedman describes brilliantly the passions and strong emotions that arise when deeply held religious convictions are threatened or undermined. He tells of the struggle for authority and orthodoxy in a world where temporal power was always subjugated to the divine, a world in which the idea of a Bible for all was so important that many were willing to give up their time, security, and even their lives."--

Contents

Introduction -- Part One. Before the violence. The legacy of Alexandria -- A wandering Aramean -- Old words, new tongues -- The sublime Bible -- Part Two. The violence begins. Medieval conflict -- The murder of Tyndale -- Confound their strife -- King James's Bible -- Part Three. Enlightenment. A new role -- The early American Bible -- The quest for meaning -- Reworking the Bible -- The future for the translated Bible.

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