On Tuesday 4th October 8pm at The Bridge House Theatre Melvyn Bragg will be speaking about his book ‘The Book of Books : The Radical Impact of the King James Bible 1611-2011′

 The King James Bible has often been called the Book of Books both in itself and in what it stands for. Since its publication in 1611 it has been the best selling book in the world, and many believe, had the greatest impact.

The King James Bible has spread the Protestant faith. It has also been the greatest influence on the enrichment of the English language and its literature. It has been the Bible of wars from the British Civil War in the seventeenth century to the American Civil War two centuries later and it has been carried into battle in innumerable conflicts since then. Its influence on social movements – particularly involving women in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries – and politics was profound. It was crucial to the growth of democracy. It was integral to the abolition of slavery and it defined attitudes to modern science, education and sex. 

 ’The Book of Books’ reveals the extraordinary and still-felt impact of a work created 400 years ago.

‘Bragg’s strengths as a novelist yield an account that is personal and imaginative, full of excitement and energy…I have never read an account of the Bible quite so compelling’. (David Crystal, The New Statesman )

‘What gives this book its particular power, beyond Bragg’s own reputation as a broadcaster, novelist and one of our foremost public intellectuals, is that he separates the importance of the King James Bible from the role of Christianity itself. Bragg tells the history of the King James with the vigour and pace of a storyteller rather than the dry precision of an academic.’ (Independent )

‘I am inclined to accept his final word: that the KJB’s impact “has been immeasurable and it is not over yet”.’ (John Cornwell, Financial Times )

‘Bragg takes a well known tale and tells it with easy eloquence’. (Scotland on Sunday )

‘Vivid and accessible’. (Scotsman )

‘As popular history, this is great stuff’. (Scotsman )

Tickets will be available from Warwick Books, Kenilworth Books and The Bridge House Theatre (01926 776438). This talk is arranged by Warwick Books for Warwick Words Xtra. We are delighted that Melvyn’s publisher Hodder have supported us in putting on this event.