Oxford Handbook of the Bible in Early Modern England, C. 1530-1700

Book Description

The Bible shaped every corner of life in early modern England, from the halls of Parliament to the humblest cottage, influencing how people thought, spoke, and understood their world. This comprehensive handbook reveals the profound ways Scripture permeated English society between 1530 and 1700, offering readers a fascinating window into how sacred texts can transform entire cultures.

Drawing on expertise from leading scholars across multiple disciplines, this exploration goes far beyond familiar stories of translation controversies. Instead, it unveils the Bible as a creative force that sparked new ideas in politics, literature, natural philosophy, and daily devotion. You'll discover how Scripture circulated not just in grand folios and simple catechisms, but through songs, embroideries, proverbs, and everyday conversation, reaching everyone from scholars to farmers.

The handbook examines the intricate relationship between biblical interpretation and political power, showing how sacred texts became tools for both creative expression and social change. It traces the evolution of biblical scholarship, the complex networks of distribution that spread these texts, and their reception across different social contexts and media forms.

For those interested in understanding how spiritual texts can profoundly influence society and individual consciousness, this scholarly work offers rich insights into the transformative power of Scripture during a pivotal period in English history. The book demonstrates how sacred literature becomes woven into the very fabric of cultural identity and personal meaning-making.