Textual History of the King James Bible

David Norton re-edited the King James Bible for Cambridge, and this 2005 book arose from his intensive work on that project. Here he shows how the text of the most important Bible in the English language was made, and how, for better and for worse, it changed in the hands of printers and editors until, in 1769, it became the text we know today. Using evidence as diverse as the manuscript work of the original translators, and the results of extensive computer collation of electronically held texts, Norton has produced a scholarly edition of the King James Bible for the new century that will restore the authority of the 1611 translation. This book describes this fascinating background, explains Norton's editorial principles and provides substantial lists and tables of variant readings. It will be indispensable to scholars of the English Bible, literature, and publishing history.

'His scholarship cannot be bettered … In the face of centuries of highly coloured myths, his dogged and committed analytic detail is greatly to be welcomed.' David Daniell, University College London, '… meticulously researched and clearly written … This is a tremendous achievement and a valuable addition to biblical literature.' Contemporary Reviews, 'In recounting the history of the textual transmission of the English Bible, Dr Norton has produced an impressive piece of work. Not only does he provide a mass of information on a much fuller scale than has ever been attempted before, but he presents it with admirable clarity, using such manuscript evidence as is available, and full lists and tables of variant readings as well as the resources of computer technology. In short, it is a milestone in its particular field, and other scholars and students will find it indispensable.' J. R. Porter, Church Times, '… work of awe-inspiring diligence. … one can have nothing but praise for a beautifully written and handsomely presented piece of work.' Epworth Review, 'His book will be the definitive work on the subject for a long time to come, and is unlikely to be superseded unless and until significant new evidence comes to light …' Churchman

David Norton is Reader in English at Victoria University of Wellington. He is the author of A History of the Bible as Literature, 2 vols (CUP, 1993; revised and condensed as A History of the English Bible as Literature, 2000).