'Fascinating reading, with the added bonus of over 200 stunning illustrations...De Hamel [...] illuminates for the reader the influence of the Bible on culture, language and art...not only perhaps the most comprehensive book of its type and on its theme, but the most enjoyable and reader-friendly.' (Edinburgh Review)

'An excellent guide to the development of the Bible.' (Gerald Hammond, University of Manchester, London Review of Books)

'A narrative history, rich in human interest and telling anecdote. Sumptuously illustrated and engagingly written, The Book charts a fascinating course through what its author describes as "the biggest subject in the world".' (Alixe Bovey, curator of manuscripts, British Library, Times Higher Education Supplement)

'I cannot remember when I last so much enjoyed a work of serious scholarship.' (Theology)

'Lively, fascinating, and eminently readable...Like it or not, all our lives come into contact somewhere with the contents of The Book.' (Janet Backhouse, History Today)

'The history of the Bible is the history of the book.' (Daily Telegraph)

'Essential' (Independent)

'magisterial...an awe-inspring range of reference and understanding' (The Tablet)

'Authoritative and gripping.' (Methodist Recorder)

'Lovely illustrations...written in an accessible narrative style.' (Reform)

Christopher de Hamel is an outstanding authority on illustrated manuscripts and books. For many years, he was head of the Western Manuscripts department at Sotheby's in London. He is Fellow Librarian of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. His History of Illuminated Manuscripts, also published by Phaidon, has become a standard work.