Don't Know Much About the Bible: Everything You Need to Know About the Good Book but Never Learned

Kenneth Davis, popular purveyor of stuff you should know but never learned, turns his research engine to the land of Job and Jesus. Ever wonder who wrote the Bible, what the difference is between a disciple and an apostle, or how the Dead Sea Scrolls measure up? Davis tackles the entire Bible, book by book, from Genesis to Revelation, offering succinct capsules of the action and backgrounders that are as entertaining as the tabloids--except that Davis's information is reliable. On every page, you can see the immense amount of research he has put into this work, drawing on the most up-to-date scholarship and presenting it in fresh, easy-to-swallow doses. Chronologies at various points put historical events into perspective. The high point of Don't Know Much About the Bible comes in the New Testament section, where Davis compares the different versions of the Gospels for the various episodes in Jesus' life and offers insights on issues that are still discussed today. By the way, did you know that Jesus' name was really Joshua and that he wasn't born in the year 1? More tidbits await. --Brian Bruya