religions

I first encountered The Picture Bible as a child of about 11 when it was given to me as a gift. I was fascinated by the easy to read, exciting stories and illustrations. The comic strip format was neither too childish, nor too "grown up" and the accuracy gave me a solid background until I was ready to cut my teeth on the real thing. More than 10 years later I am happy to see this book is still available and I have just ordered a copy for my nephew. It is a great teaching tool for children. I know from first hand experience!

Although it uses a comic book style, this book is both reverent and comprehensive. It tells the Bible stories from the creation in Genesis to the prophecies in Revelations. My copy is dog eared because I have read it cover to cover with each of my children. All have enjoyed it. My oldest is an Agnostic and has gone on to analyzing more advanced religeous topics. My middle one is a true believer and likes to tell everyone about Abraham and his other impressive ancestors. I am still reading it to my youngest. He makes sound effects to dramatize the Old Testament Miracles. The drawings ae not great art, but they are realistic and effectively convey the meaning of the stories.

The "Picture Bible", written and illustrated by Iva Hoth & Andre Le Blanc respectively, is more than a worthwhile book to read, unprecedented & as well an auspicious find. THIS BOOK IS ENTIRELY AND COMPLETELY PRESENTED IN COMIC BOOK FORMAT. Ostensibly, the book primarily aims for novice &/or beginner bible readers. Like me, I learned a great loads about the stories infused here, such as acquainting to Abraham, Jesus Christ, Paul & the other Christ's disciples, etc. However, this book by all means, is suitable for all to read & enjoy. This work, turned out as well to be significant, valuable & a must have in everybody's bookshelf.

The compilation of abridged, yet incisive & more than substantial stories here, were deliberately presented in chronological orders. For instance, from the opening pages, you will encounter these stories in chronological orders. From creation, to Noah, to Isaac, to Jacob, etc. Thereby, the Old Testament can be found from the opening pages of the book, while the New Testament can be found in the latter 2nd-half(starting from page 545).

The book is primarily divided into two major parts-- the Old Testament & the New Testament sections. And the two major parts are further subdivided into sub-headings & CAN BE EXCELLED TO READ EACH ONE AS A STAND-ALONE TALES with little or no hitches at all. In fact, there is a table of contents that sited at the beginning pages of the book for your guidance & perusal. To illustrate my point, looking into the table of contents, & into the New Testaments section(likewise the Old Testament),the story of the New Testament begin with the sub-heading "Jesus birth & ministry", which runs from page 545 to 630. Then the next sub-heading, "Jesus final days", encompassing pages 633-671. So on & so forth.

Hence, for further exposition, in the New Testament section. The story commence from the birth, life, ministry, death & resurrection of Jesus Christ. Then, next, the sub-heading part about Christ's disciples burdening his teachings & ministrys. Then the last part(sub-heading) about the mission & contribution of Paul, a Christ disciple. Please do not get worried or confused, because all of these are actually vividly delineated prior at the beginning pages of the table of contents.

"Pictur Bible" has approximately 800 pages. All in full-color,in comic book format. The size of the book mimic-ed the "real" bible itself-- similar lenght, width & thickness. This hardcover version(my copy) is bound in a synthetic maroon color, leather.

The script written was concise, deliberate, vivid & easy to read and follow. The artworks as well, were life-like(as opposes to cartoony), sharp & detailed, & eye-pleasing. A terrific tome to add to your collections.

Although, first published in 1978, this book was no means passe'. On the contrary, as a whole, the book is very impressive as ever, especially pertaining to the art. The artwork look very fresh, very contemporary & extremely gorgeous. In no way, in anyhow, the book, especially the art, were not anything like degraded, blemished or substandard in its quality.

I keep on underlying & reiterating the artworks more than the writings, simply because if the book was somehow affected with obsoletion, the art shall be the first to surface above all others. None were anything that were neither old, passe', or decrepit. On the opposite, it looks really strong, fresh & most significant of all, contemporary as ever. The same thing can be said pertaining to the script. The author narratives, captions & dialogues were top-notch & precedently laid down.

If you like or will like this book, & incline to further read other "literary" books in comic book format, I have a few recommendations that myself extremely fond of. "Four Women " by Sam Kieth; "Maus" vol. 1 & 2 by Art Spiegelmann; "Samson: Judge of Israel" by Metron Press; & "King David" by Kyle Baker. All of them are available here at amazon.com.

A must own. A superior book to add to your collections.

Highest possible recommendation !