This is the newest installment in the distinguished multivolume Scripture series published by the Benedictine monks of Saint John’s Abbey and University, in Minnesota. We have brought you news in recent years of the other volumes—which include Gospel and Acts, Prophets and Psalms—and it holds true to the excellent artistic and literary standards of its predecessors.
Donald Jackson, the longtime scribe to the Queen of England’s Crown Office, has devoted the past decade—in collaboration with others—to applying his unparalleled artistic skills using feathers, calf skins and hand-ground inks, in addition to gold, silver and platinum, to produce a Bible of enduring quality. (The text is that of the New Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition.) As is the case with all volumes in the series, the distinctive and readable calligraphy, plus marginal notes throughout-on translation/Greek and Hebrew etymology, etc.-are most helpful to the serious reader.
Besides The Book of Wisdom itself, this volume includes Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, the Song of Solomon and finally, Sirach. These books convey “God’s passionate creativity in the human experience.” We read of God’s interaction with all his creation at their times of struggle as well as joy; his protection and his teachings; his mercy and unfailing care of his people:
“In the face of my adversaries you have been my helper and delivered me…. My prayer was heard…. For this reason I thank you and praise you, and I bless the name of the Lord” (Sirach 51: 2-3, 11-12).
Wisdom Books merits a place in your Scripture collection.
Click here to purchase this book on amazon.com.
This article appears in January 21 2008.
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