'His scholarship cannot be bettered ... In the face of centuries of highly coloured myths, his dogged and committed analytic detail is greatly to be welcomed.' Professor David Daniell, Emeritus Professor of English at UCL '... meticulously researched and clearly written ... This is a tremendous achievement and a valuable addition to biblical literature.' Contemporary Reviews 'In recounting the history of the textual transmission of the English Bible, Dr Norton has produced an impressive piece of work. Not only does he provide a mass of information on a much fuller scale than has ever been attempted before, but he presents it with admirable clarity, using such manuscript evidence as is available, and full lists and tables of variant readings as well as the resources of computer technology. In short, it is a milestone in its particular field, and other scholars and students will find it indispensable.' Canon Professor J. R. Porter, Professor Emeritus of Theology, Exeter University, Church Times '... work of awe-inspiring diligence. ... one can have nothing but praise for a beautifully written and handsomely presented piece of work.' Epworth Review 'His book will be the definitive work on the subject for a long time to come, and is unlikely to be superseded unless and until significant new evidence comes to light ...' Churchman '... detailed analysis ... formidable attention ... an essential reference.' Religious Studies Review

David Norton is Reader in English at Victoria University of Wellington. He is the author of A History of the Bible as Literature, 2 vols (CUP, 1993; revised and condensed as A History of the English Bible as Literature, 2000).

Part I. The History: 1. Making the text; 2. Pre-1611 evidence for the text; 3. The first edition; 4. The King's printer at work, 1612-17; 5. Correcting and corrupting the text, 1629-1760; 6. Setting the standard, 1762-1769; 7. The current text; Part II. The New Edition: 8. Variants and orthography; 9. Punctuation and other matters; Appendices 1-9.