In this comprehensive study, H. W. Hoare traces the development of the English Bible from its earliest days to the present. Drawing on a wide range of primary sources, Hoare situates the Bible within its historical and cultural context and explores the complex interplay of religious, political, and literary forces that have shaped its evolution. Richly detailed and engagingly written, this book is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in the history of the Bible and its enduring influence on English literature and culture. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.