Containing some of the most compelling, emotional and influential stories ever told, The Bible remains a powerful means of spiritual guidance and a work of challenging profundity and it is the basis of two of the world's great religions, Judaism and Christianity. This book places the Bible in its historical, cultural and social context and assesses its authority in the history of Western culture. The Illustrated Guide to the Bible traces the stories of the Old and New Testaments in a series of generously illustrated treatments of major themes and episodes from the Creation to the Apocalypse. Authoritative and highly readable accounts of the historical, social, archaeological and mythological contexts in which its stories occur are contained within a framework that emphasizes narratives and their plethora of meanings. Beautifully illustrated with more than 350 full-colour photographs, maps and charts, Professor Porter's engaging essays are complemented by highlighted "boxed" features on major topics, and sidebar mini-essays on essential background.

A combination of authoritative scholarship, narrative verse, and superb color illustrations produce a highly accessible portrait of the figures, places, episodes, and themes of arguably the greatest stories ever told. Offering depth and clarity, The Illustrated Guide to the Bible not only brings the many characters and events to life, it also explores the underlying significance of topics and explains the meaning of important themes and symbols. Including a highly useful book-by-book summary of what is still the most widely distributed book in the world, this is an essential reference work for any home or library.