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Duration: 1 hour

Documentary telling the unexpected story of how arguably the greatest work of English prose ever written, the King James Bible, came into being.

Author Adam Nicolson reveals why the making of this powerful book shares much in common with his experience of a very different national project - the Millennium Dome. The programme also delves into recently discovered 17th century manuscripts, from the actual translation process itself, to show in rich detail what makes this Bible so good.

In a turbulent and often violent age, the King hoped this Bible would unite a country torn by religious factions. Today it is dismissed by some as old-fashioned and impenetrable, but the film shows why, in the 21st century, the King James Bible remains so great.

Last on

Tue 8 Jan 2013 00:00 BBC Four

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  • Photo: Adam Nicolson

    Photo: Adam Nicolson

    Adam studying the notes of the King James Bible translators' final revision meeting thought to be in 1610.

  • Photo: Gordon Campbell and Adam Nicolson

    Photo: Gordon Campbell and Adam Nicolson

    Adam Nicolson looking at a Bible containing notes made by the translators of the King James Bible during the translation process, with Gordon Campbell Professor of Renaissance Studies at the University of Leicester, in the Bodleian Library, Oxford. The Bible is known as an annotated Bishop's Bible from 1602.

Credits

Presenter
Adam Nicolson
Director
Gillian Bancroft
Producer
Gillian Bancroft
Executive Producer
Jean-Claude Bragard

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