"'Testament deserves to become an indispensable resource for all who want to encourage biblical literacy, both within and without the church. The reader-friendly format, presenting a sort of canon within the canon, will help many rediscover the greatest book ever written.' Dale C. Allison, Jr., Errett M. Grable Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary; 'The Bible is, without doubt, one of the greatest literary masterpieces of all time, yet its chapter divisions, frequent duplications and legal material can produce difficulties for all but the most committed reader. Testament allows the reader to appreciate the Bible's magnificent literary sweep - from the pioneering days of the patriarchs, through the heady reigns of David and Solomon, the depths of exile, and on to the life of Jesus Christ and apocalyptic hopes for the future. Testament will appeal to anyone wanting to acquaint themselves with the narrative basis of Western art and culture.' Helen K Bond, Senior Lecturer in New Testament, University of Edinburgh. 'This excellent book traces the basic narrative story of the Bible from its first to its last pages. I commend it very warmly indeed. It is a book which led me to say "I wish I had that book when I was a student!" Getting to know the Bible can appear to the beginner a daunting task. Yet here help is at hand, for the reader will find that the central story which it has to tell is a connected and meaningful whole. It is made accessible by presenting it in its own terms, not just for beginners, but for the general reader who wants to discover how it all fits together. I am confident that even the expert will find fresh insight in the great sweep of its message. Read it, and you will rediscover the grandeur of its understanding of human life and human history. Learn its story and you will have a treasure for a lifetime!' Ronald E. Clements, Emeritus Professor of Old Testament, King's College, London; 'This splendid book skilfully presents the great narratives and teachings of the Bible for general readers. I recommend it to all who have always wondered what makes the Bible the world's bestseller.' Michael Green, Senior Research Fellow, Wycliffe Hall, Oxford 'This is a timely book that recognizes the continuing place of the Bible and its great narratives within our culture. It makes available at first hand to the general reader those stories which have shaped so much of our art and literature, and which still have a profound importance for modern film, music and art. In this book we are reminded that reading the Bible can be an exhilarating experience. Testament deserves to be widely read.' David Jasper, Professor of Literature and Theology, University of Glasgow; 'Here is a rich selection drawn from the actual wording of the Revised English Bible and printed continuously without the distractions of verse divisions so that the reader may savour the main story-line and some of the fundamental teaching.' I. Howard Marshall, Honorary Research Professor of New Testament, University of Aberdeen; 'Reading the Bible from cover to cover is such a daunting prospect that few undertake it. Now, with judicious abridgement, the source of Jewish tradition and Christian faith is made accessible to the general reader. Testament is a brilliant concept that will reveal the excitement and profundity of scripture to a new generation.' Piers Paul Read; For those who've been putting aside two years in later life to read the Bible from cover to cover, the good news is: the most important bits are here; Jeremy Vine Radio Two; 'I welcome the publication of Testament. A new communication of the biblical story is absolutely vital in the endeavour to put the Christian worldview firmly back in the modern marketplace of ideas. Testament's focus on the story, while using the biblical text, offers an attractive means of doing just this.' Gordon McConville, Professor of Old Testament Theology and Interpretation, University of Gloucestershire; 'This sensitively edited version of the Bible is an excellent addition to the bookshelf and will be particularly useful to those unaccustomed to reading the scriptures. It communicates the essence, without diminishing the power.' Wendy Craig"