Joseph Hazard's Compendious History, the earliest English-language example of a Children's Bible, provides a valuable glimpse into what a common English reader of the early 18th century might suppose the Bible taught. This popular book is based on a French original by Nicolas Fontaine, and the illustrations on engravings by Matthaus Merian. The second edition is reproduced here in a presentation very close to a facsimile, preserving many of the idiosyncrasies of typesetting and presentation (since these contribute significantly to the way the book conveys its interpretation of the Bible)....
Joseph Hazard's Compendious History, the earliest English-language example of a Children's Bible, provides a valuable glimpse into what a common Engli...