Good reference books can be hard to find. I did not say that they are impossible to find. There are many out there. It is the good ones that are hard to find. This is especially true when you are talking about subjects that few are researching. The Bible in the Middles Ages is not one that is a common topic, but it is an important one nonetheless. The Practice of the Bible in the Middle Ages is one of those reference books that you must have in your Medieval library.First off, this is not an easy read by the fireside book. This is an academic book. It is deep and rich with information that might not be easily absorbed by a casual reader. You must want to know what is said between the pages and you must be willing to absorb it all.
The Practice of the Bible in the Middles Ages is not a book written by one author. It is a collection of essays/works that cover the topic thoroughly. The chapters include “The Bible and Liturgy”, “The Bible and Monasticism”, “Biblical Exegesis Through the Twelfth Century”, and “The Old French Bible”. As you can see from these few chapter titles, this book is meant for the serious student of biblical history and history of the Middle Ages.
I found that I learned quite a bit in what I read. In all honesty, there were some things above my head but the context surrounding the sections helped me comprehend the piece. I discovered a better understanding of Catholic liturgy as well as how the Bible was maintained throughout the centuries. I have read many books that refer to the various liturgical times of the day but never fully understood them. This book gave me the education I needed for just that.
So, what do you get with this book:
- A deeper understanding of the Bible during the Middle Ages
- The background of the Catholic and monastic liturgy
- The history of the Bible as it came to us today
- A glossary
- Different viewpoints from different authors.
- Well placed drawings and pictures of actual pages from ancient Bibles
- A great addition to a library
What do you not get with this book:
- An easy read for someone who is not looking for deep academic reading
- A quick read
This is a great book to have in your own personal library if you have a passion for this topic. It would also make a great gift for those that study biblical history.
Note: This book was provided by the publisher at my request.
