The Tyndale Society

Bible Survival Story - Vatican's new Blockbuster Exhibit

2012-03-01T23:21:00.009-08:00

Today "Verbum Domini" - a major new exhibit of the world's rarest bibles and recordings of scripture opens at the Vatican.

Telling a remarkable story of survival, the show includes poignant examples of the lengths people would go to stay close to God's word.

As well as a near complete copy of William Tyndale's New Testament, there is a scroll which survived the Spanish inquisition and - in a small glass cabinet - two paper cut outs in the shape of shoes with portions of the Old Testament written onto them which were hidden inside shoes to prevent Nazi officials from finding them.

Around two-thirds of the collection comes from the Green Collection of 40,000 Scriptural artifacts belonging to the family of American retail giant Steve Green.

Green, the President of Hobby Lobby and a committed Christian, said he wanted to make the Bible "accessible to everyone".

He said he hoped the exhibition would give people the chance to "experience the Bible's dramatic history" and the "perseverance" of those who recorded it down the centuries.

Boleyn goes Walkabout in Jubilee Year

2012-02-14T02:57:00.004-08:00

For Members and Friends who may have missed Howard Brenton's excellent 'Anne Boleyn' - featuring the character of William Tyndale - at The Globe, all is not lost...

From 15th March, The Globe - in conjunction with English Touring Theatre - is embarking on a nine week tour, to take the multi-award-winning play to the provinces.

To find out more, and view the full tour schedule - which takes in Cambridge, Birmingham, Blackpool, Brighton, Cornwall, Darlington, Malvern, Bath and Edinburgh - visit the ETT site.

Tyndale Rolls out the Red Carpet at BAFTA

2011-12-14T01:31:00.000-08:00

This weekend, film maker and Director Mervyn Weir invites Members and friends of The Tyndale Society to attend the UK premier of his new film 'Fired Up'.

The new film follows the interweaving stories of King Henry VIII and William Tyndale 'The Match that lit the fuse to the King James Bible' .

To add your name to the guest list, (required for BAFTA security purposes), simply RSVP to Mervyn in advance of the event at info@crossculturemedia.net.

The BAFTA members' bar will be open from 4pm on Sunday 18th December, with the screening starting at 5pm at BAFTA, 195 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LN.

Tyndale Carol Service - 14th December - London

2011-12-02T16:14:00.000-08:00

This year's Tyndale Society Service of Lessons & Carols will take place at St. Mary Abchurch in the City of London, at 12:30pm on Wednesday 14th December.

As usual, The English Chamber Choir will feature in this beautiful Wren setting, and there will be refreshments and mince pies after the service.

We do hope that as many Members and Friends as possible will attend, as this event is always such a wonderful highlight in our annual calendar.

NOTE: If you are planning on coming along this year, please click here to email the Society, to give an idea of numbers for catering purposes.

Tyndale's possible birthplace up for sale

2011-12-02T06:49:00.000-08:00

William Tyndale's possible birthplace - the 40 acre Medieval Manor Melksham Court, Stinchcombe, Gloucestershire is up for sale...

The Cotswold estate - bought for £2m back in 2003 by actor Hugh Grant - is a Grade II listed Manor House circa 16th/17th century.

Dating back to 1360, the site was the former home of the Tyndale family - from the early 15th Century - and then the Morse family until early in the 20th Century.

In more recent times the property was in the ownership the former Conservative education minister, the late Sir Keith Joseph, and property tycoon and hotelier Sir Maxwell Joseph.

The current building dates back to circa 1600, but it was later partly rebuilt after being burned by Royalists in the Civil War.

Offers in the region of £3m are invited from Estate Agents Smiths Gore...

Tyndale's Happy Christmas in the Caymans

2011-11-24T04:49:00.000-08:00

This Christmas, Bible translator William Tyndale gets set to spread glad tidings in the Cayman Islands as part of a brand new set of special postage stamps.

The new issue, released by the Cayman Islands Postal Service, commemorates the 400th Anniversary of the printing of the King James Bible.

The special five stamp set features a portrait of Tyndale, 'father of the English Bible,' as well as images of the KJB, King James I, the 1611 translators and the printers of the KJB.

For non-Cayman Islands dwellers, the special KJB and Tyndale stamps are available for online purchase by overseas collectors. However - be warned - the new stamp issue does not yet feature on the CIPS's website (watch this space for more details!)

Tyndale - on ipad..!

2011-11-17T15:54:00.000-08:00

As part of their 'Treasures' series, The British Library have now published three more titles on ipad - including their celebrated illustrated edition of William Tyndale's 1526 translation of The New Testament.

Only three copies of William Tyndale’s English translation of the New Testament printed in Worms in 1526 are known to survive.

The British Library's copy was clearly once a treasured possession, for - unlike the two others - it has been beautifully illuminated.

It is a rare and precious survival of a text which was once revolutionary, because it allowed everyone to read the Scriptures for themselves.

This remarkable little book paved the way for the King James Bible of 1611 which transformed the world’s understanding of scripture.

The new eBook version contains the whole 700 pages of the New Testament, including a list of printers' errors.

To learn more about this novel edition, visit the British Library's iBookstore

KJV Tyndale Event - USA - 18th Nov - Pullman

2011-11-17T11:55:00.000-08:00

Tyndale fans based near Pullman USA will tomorrow evening be treated to a two-part symposium focusing on the build-up to and publication of the King James Bible.

First up at 7pm will be a presentation from movie-maker and Tyndale Society Journal contributor Martin Andersen (see TSJ No.39 'Tyndale goes to the Movies') - on William Tyndale and the history of the English Bible.

This will be followed by a talk onthe KJV itself by Professor Fred E. Woods of Brigham Young University - historical consultant on the recent production of US Tyndale docu-drama series 'Fires of Faith'.

All are welcome at the symposium venue: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1055 NE Orchard Drive, Pullman, Washington, 99163 (across from Beasley Coliseum).

Guardian Critic Praises new Tyndale Play...

2011-11-09T01:30:00.000-08:00

Guardian Theatre Critic Michael Billington gives high praise for Tyndale in David Edgar's new production 'Written on the Heart' at The Swan, Stratford-upon-Avon.

"No one could accuse the British theatre of ignoring the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. And David Edgar has come up with a learned, information-packed and engrossing play that sees the Authorised Version in its historical context. Like Howard Brenton in Anne Boleyn, Edgar also finds a hero in the outlawed William Tyndale, whose mission was to translate the scriptures into a readily understandable vernacular."

"Edgar's larger purpose is to demystify the King James Bible: to prove that it was both a product of its time and a composite of previous translations... Tyndale is a radical appalled to find a church that still relies on chalices and altar rails, and a new version of the Bible that sacrifices meaning to music. You don't have to be a scholar to follow the argument, since Edgar gives us plenty of textual evidence and, even if his play requires an interest in history, it exposes the divisions that today still rend the Anglican church."

"Stephen Boxer captures all the fire and anger of the pathfinding Tyndale."

There is still plenty of time to catch the play for those who haven't seen it yet, as the production runs until 10th March 2012. For booking details click here.

To read the full review on the Guardian's website click here.

Unique Tyndale Text in Edinburgh Exhibition

2011-11-08T04:25:00.000-08:00

From now until 8th January 2012, Tyndale Society Members and Friends can view the only known example of the 1537 edition of Tyndale's translation of The Book of Jonah at the National Library of Scotland.

Entitled 'The Prophet Jonas with an introduccion before teachinge to vnderstande him', this unique copy is believed to have been printed in London. [NLS shelfmark: H.26.g.8.a(5)]

This special exhibit forms part of the Library's latest 'Treasures' display : "The Bible in English - John Wyclif to King James VI".

To find out more about the other rare Bible editions on display in the exhibition, click here.

Fires of Faith Episode 3 - Tyndale's Legacy

2011-11-07T03:52:00.001-08:00

For Members and Friends who have been following the three-part Fires of Faith documentary series, Episode 3 - covering the legacy of Tyndale's work - is now available to view online.

This concluding part covers the role of Tyndale's work in the genesis of the King James Bible, including:

The impact of King Henry VIII's 'Great Bible'
Cranmer's Book of Common Prayer
Calvin and the Genesis of the Geneva bible - 'a Bible that was meant to be studied' but which encouraged readers to stand up for their beliefs against Church and State.
Bloody Mary's burning of the Geneva Bible and the purge of Protestant heretics and the return to Catholicism.
Queen Elizabeth's 'Bishop's Bible' and the reversion to Protestantism
King James and the pacification of the Puritans - who called for a new translation of the Bible.

Notable quotes from this episode include:

"(Tyndale) gave the translators a model of paying very close attention the the literal meaning of the original text and he also established a level of language for the translation. He looked for it to be a language that would be understood as easily as possible by what he called 'the boy that drives the plough' - what we would call the man in the street. He was a brilliant writer, so if one is looking for a genius behind the King James, he is the genius." David Norton

"A major contribution of Tyndale is to make the Bible sound English." Susannah Monta, Professor of English, University of Notre Dame

"Tyndale's language has become the special language of religion. It goes on existing as a special way of speaking that we use when we want to speak to God or make prayers." David Norton

"William Tyndale translated the Bible passionately believing in the project, even to the point of death. He was asked to and he did invest his whole self. Almost as in any beautiful piece of artwork, the soul of the person is somehow showing through. It has been forged in self-gift and self sacrifice. In Tyndale's case it was readiness for self-sacrifice to the point of death. That's what makes the Bible sing. That's what makes the King James sing - it's that they let Tyndale speak." John C. Cavadini, University of Notre Dame "His soul is in the translation."

To access the full episode online click HERE or on the above image (our apologies for the slightly annoying ad at the beginning but this is quickly over).

Note: for those who enjoy a visual spectacle, watch out for the 'guerilla choir' shopping mall scene 36 minutes in (particularly the 'Caution Wet Floor' man).

Packed House at Lambeth Lecture 2011

2011-11-07T00:40:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the many Tyndale Society members and friends who packed the Guard Room at Lambeth Palace for this year's lecture 'What is Religion - An Archaeological Answer' - given by the eminent South African archaeologist Professor David Lewis-Williams.

For Members who were not able to attend the event, the full audio content of this lecture will be available via Podcast shortly.

NOTE: If you do not currently receive email newsletters from The Tyndale Society then please make sure you sign up to our email database HERE in order to receive access to our web-based Lecture Podcast Library.

For non-members, a CD version - complete with visual slideshow - will be available soon for purchase - watch this space!

Fires of Faith Episode 2 - Now Online

2011-10-24T14:44:00.000-07:00

'Martyrs for a Book' the second instalment in the 'Fires of Faith' Tyndale docu-drama series is now available to view online...

To access and view the full episode, click here or on the player icon above.

'Burning The Book' - New Tyndale Play on Tour...

2011-10-17T16:06:00.000-07:00

Jump to it Theatre Company's new Tyndale play 'Burning the Book' will open in Oxford on November 1st.

Writer Susan Stead describes the new play as a 'fast moving, provocative and funny four hander - with actors taking multiple roles to 'uncover the bizarre life of William Tyndale - a man whom Melvyn Bragg describes as "a scholar of extraordinary genius" who ranks alongside Shakesprare in his influence on the English Language.'

The first performance will take place in Oxford at All Saints Church, Lime Walk, Headington at 7:30pm on Tuesday 1st November (Entry fee £5 / £ concessions / FOC under 18s).

The production will then move on to Acton, opening at St. Martin's Church, Hale Gardens, W3 9SQ at 8pm on Thursday 24th November.

Further performances are also in the pipeline for Cheltenham, Colchester, North London and Reading.

Fires of Faith Episode 1 - Airs Online...

2011-10-17T01:43:00.000-07:00

'Fires of Faith' Episode 1 - 'Yearning for the Word' - telling the first part of the story of William Tyndale and of the genesis of the Bible in the English language - is now available for online viewing to a global audience...

To access the episode, narrated by British actor Geoffrey Palmer, click on the image above.

Tyndale's 'Fires of Faith' to Air Tomorrow in USA

2011-10-15T16:16:00.000-07:00

William Tyndale's moving story is set to get a touch of Hollywood tomorrow with the first airing of US dramatised documentary three-parter 'Fires of Faith', written by screenwriter Mitch Davis.

This major project - initially under working title 'Martyrs for a Book: the story of the English Bible' - was first reported by Tyndale Society Trustee David Ireson back in TSJ No.37, Autumn 2009, when he, fellow Trustee Guido Latre and the Society's Chairman Mary Clow were called in to advise.

"He sent us nine pages of questions, starting with Jerome and ending with the KJV. We then went up to London and went through a three hour interview before camera," said Ireson.

Fellow interviewees included David Rosen, then chief Rabbinate of Israel, Alec Ryrie, Professor of the History of Christianity at Durham University and Brad S Gregory, Professor of Early Modern History at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana amongst 18 other elite scholars and religious leaders from around the world.

"Fires of Faith is rife with factual Early Modern Era drama that fictional Hollywood would struggle to concoct," commented film maker Lee Groberg.

"Those who sought to translate “God’s message” into the English vernacular were seen as heretics, persecuted and ultimately executed. At the forefront of the saga is British religious scholar William Tyndale, who was responsible for the original translations that make up more than 80 percent of the King James Bible’s text. His death by strangulation and burning at the stake under King Henry VIII didn’t stop his translated words from ultimately reaching a global audience and enduring to this day."

We wait with interest to view the resulting series, which is set to reach a US and worldwide audience of some 60 million households via cable/satellite channel provider BYUtv.

To view a trailer of the production featuring Tyndale Society Trustee Guido Latre, and showing many familiar Tyndale scenes, use the player window below or click here to access BYUtv's website.

For full information and screening times click here.

Tyndale Evensong - 6th October - Fleet Street

2011-10-05T15:06:00.000-07:00

On Thursday 6th October at 6:30pm, all Members and Friends of the Tyndale Society are invited to attend a special Choral Evensong service at Fleet Street's St. Dunstan-in-the-West - the ancient church where William Tyndale preached in 1524 before his exile.

The service marks the anniversary of the death of William Tyndale, and will be given by The Reverend Robin Griffith-Jones, the Master of the Temple Church.

The event forms part of the celebrations for the King James Bible's 400th Anniversary.

Tyndale Written on the Heart at Stratford

2011-10-05T14:50:00.000-07:00

This autumn the RSC celebrates William Tyndale and the 400th anniversary of the making of the King James Bible with new play Written on the Heart, which opens the Winter Season in the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon.

The play tells the story of translators Tyndale and Lancelot Andrewes, both working to the same end but in very different circumstances eighty years apart.

Directed by RSC Chief Associate Director Gregory Doran, Written on the Heart was written for the RSC by David Edgar, whose most recent credits for the Company include Maydays and Pentecost.

The role of Tyndale is played by Stephen Boxer, who played Petruchio in the 2008 production of The Taming of the Shrew. Lancelot Andrewes is played by Oliver Ford Davies, who appeared most recently with the RSC as Polonius in the 2008 production of Hamlet.

Watch the mini-documentary / Find out more / Buy tickets

Tyndale meets Twisted Spire...

2011-10-05T14:22:00.000-07:00

Tyndale recently hit the headlines - and the streets - in Chesterfield - home of the famous 'crooked spire' to publicise an exhibition on the History of The Bible...

The 15th Century Scholar, who was martyred for translating the Bible into English, this time elected to spread the word face to face on a walkabout through the town, before welcoming The Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield at the exhibition.

The exhibition, put on in Eastwood Hall by the Chesterfield Cristadelphians, included ancient documents, showing how the Bible survived intact down the centuries to reach us today as well as archaeological exhibits which demonstrate the accuracy of many of the Bibles historical passages.

Mr McEvoy, Secretary of the Christadelphians (from behind Tyndale's beard) said "The exhibition was welcomed with great enthusiasm and interest by Christians in Chesterfield. We hope that it reminded people of its unique and remarkable history which we believe points to its unique status as the Word of God."

"Despite being rooted in history, we believe the Bible has a powerful and helpful message for people in the 21st Century too and we'd welcome the chance to share that with anyone who’s interested."

Tyndale memorial saved by Nibley villagers

2011-08-23T18:09:00.000-07:00

Great news from Tyndale heartland in Gloucestershire, where locals have rallied to the cause of their county's famous son.

After public access to Tyndale's memorial at Nibley Knoll was threatened when the surrounding land went up for sale, local villagers rallied to the rescue.

Launching a campaign to protect their much-loved monument, the villagers raised sufficient funds to buy the surrounding land - thereby protecting access to the Tyndale Memorial for posterity.

For more details about this major news item, see here and here.

Lambeth Lecture Opens for Bookings

2011-08-13T08:24:00.000-07:00

Eminent South African archaeologist Professor David Lewis-Williams is to give this year's Lambeth Tyndale Lecture 'What is Religion?... An Archaeological Answer', at 6pm on October 25th.

Author of the acclaimed trilogy 'The Mind in the Cave', 'The Neolithic Mind', and now 'Conceiving God', Lewis-Williams is a world-reknowned authority on human prehistory and pre-biblical spiritual awareness.

The lecture will explore the origin of religion in Palaeolithic times, long before the era of Biblical revelation.

The historic setting of this lecture in the 14th Century Guard Room at Lambeth Palace - London residence of Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, is sure to make this a truly memorable event.

Note: As is usual for our Lambeth Lectures, for security purposes all lecture attendees must pre-register by name prior to the event.

Entry at Lambeth Palace on the evening is by production of ticket only.

For full details and to book your place at this event, simply Download our Booking Form here, then return by post, or Email The Tyndale Society to reserve your place.

New Bible History Project

2011-08-12T11:10:00.000-07:00

Long-term Bible history project discussed on yahoo.com.

For further details, click here. Will Tyndale be mentioned? We hope so!

Neil L. Inglis
Editor, TSJ

Tyndale, the KJB, and their influence discussed in African press.

2011-08-10T11:31:00.000-07:00

Interesting article on the background to the KJB and its successors in the Ugandan press. Click here for the full story.

Neil L. Inglis
Editor, TSJ

Is the subjunctive worth preserving?

2011-08-09T15:34:00.001-07:00

Here is a Guardian blog post on that very subject. Would that it were so simple! Of interest to all those who follow the history of the English language.

Neil L. Inglis
Editor, TSJ

William Tyndale comes to The Lone Star State

2011-08-05T22:18:00.000-07:00

The life and work of William Tyndale is celebrated in the Mustard Seeds column in the Blanco County News.

More proof, if any were needed, of the universality of the Tyndale message.

Neil L. Inglis
Editor, TSJ

Oldest surviving map of Britain goes online!

2011-08-04T22:10:00.000-07:00

This remarkable document was, in its way, as important to the formation of England's national identity as Tyndale's vernacular translation.

Tyndale Society members, I give you--the Gough Map!

Neil L. Inglis
Editor, TSJ

Gloucestershire celebrates Tyndale!

2011-08-04T10:06:00.001-07:00

Key quote: "AS a climax to the King James Bible celebrations in Gloucester there is to be a 'Bible Day' Saturday, July 16, from noon.

To celebrate the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James Bible and to celebrate the life and translation work of the Gloucestershire man William Tyndale, the Rev John Shearer will give a talk at the Mariner's Church, The Docks, off Southgate Street, followed by Christians doing 'Open Air Bible Readings' at Gloucester Cross and Eastgate Street starting at 2pm."

No longer a prophet without honour in his own country!

Neil L. Inglis
Editor, TSJ

William Tyndale mentioned in HuffPost

2011-08-03T11:12:00.001-07:00

"The King James Bible owes much of its success to translator William Tyndale, who was martyred in 1536 for his work on translating the original Greek and Hebrew Scriptures into English. Tyndale's work was remarkable."

Read on...

Good to see our hero named so prominently!

Neil Inglis
Editor, TSJ

Shakespeare scholar passes on

2011-08-03T11:08:00.000-07:00

Trevor Howard-Hill, a New Zealand-born pioneer in literary computing and an expert on dramatic manuscripts of the Shakespearean period, was one of the most widely respected scholars in the emerging field of book history.

In the early 1960s, he planned the multi-volume Index to British Literary Bibliography, projected to take over 30 years to complete.

He was also one of the most tenacious and sceptical combatants in the rapidly changing world of editorial theory.

Read on...

British Library offers e-classics app for iPad.

2011-08-02T12:09:00.000-07:00

The BBC reports on the British Library's latest venture into e-books.

For a monthly subscription fee, users can access digital copies of more than 40,000 classic books available for the iPad.

Texts appear in fully digitised form, complete with original page markings and drawings, as opposed to the plain formatting associated with other types of e-books.

All of the works date from the 18th and 19th centuries and include novels, poetry and historical accounts.

Summer camp for Bibliophiles

2011-07-29T09:37:00.000-07:00

Prefer your books the old-fashioned way? Here's a USA-based Summer Camp that is sure to interest anyone interested in the history of books and printing. No e-books allowed!

Neil L. Inglis
Editor, TSJ

Anniversary of Thomas Cromwell's execution

2011-07-28T15:53:00.001-07:00

On the day after the anniversary of Thomas Cromwell's execution, it is high time to reappraise this much misunderstood figure.

This History Files posting is of great interest. The knotted rope incident (featured in "Six Wives", where TC is portrayed by the very wonderful Wolf Morris) turns out to be bogus.

Readers of this blog will undoubtedly wish to consult other articles on this site.

Neil L. Inglis, Editor, TSJ

Upcoming symposium on the KJB

2011-07-26T08:30:00.000-07:00

Society members may wish to know about the upcoming symposium on the 400th anniversary of the KJB, to be held at Gresham College, on 26 September. Speakers include Dr Christopher de Hamel.

Talks to be presented will include the following:

The Bishop's Bible
Dumbing Down or Sharpening Up? - The Church's abandonment of the KJV
Ancient and Modern: Ongoing Translations of the Bible.

Neil Inglis, Editor, TSJ

Stop Press! TSJ40 e-Issue - out now online!

2011-06-21T17:36:00.000-07:00

A sneak preview of this summer's forthcoming issue of The Tyndale Society Journal (full printed edition to be published and mailed out to Society Members across the world over the next few weeks).

Wyclif and The Lollards on Radio 4

2011-06-20T03:29:00.000-07:00

This week, Melvyn Bragg tackles the topic of Wyclif and the Lollards on Radio 4's 'In our Time'...

To listen in via iPlayer - click here.

John Wyclif - one of the most important thinkers of the Middle Ages - was the medieval philosopher and theologian who in the fourteenth century instigated the first complete English translation of the Bible.

Bragg is joined in his ruminations by programme regulars Sir Anthony Kenny (Philosopher and former Master of Balliol College, Oxford), Anne Hudson (Emeritus Professor of Medieval English at the University of Oxford) and Rob Lutton (Lecturer in Medieval History at the University of Nottingham).

To access Bragg's earlier programme on Fox's Book of Martyrs (featuring Diarmaid MacCulloch, Justin Champion and Elizabeth Evenden) click here.

Priceless prayerbooks at Katherine Parr's Manor

2011-06-08T15:21:00.000-07:00

Biblical book-lovers will be beating a path to Cambridge this summer, as medieval manor Elton Hall throws open the doors to its amazing library...

Home to the Proby family since the 1660s, the Hall houses a magnificent collection of early English Bibles and associated works.

Highlights on display will include: Tyndale’s New Testament and Pentateuch, both of 1534 and a manuscript of the Wycliffite New Testament, written and illuminated in London in the 1420s.

First editions of all of the major English translations of the Bible throughout the 16th-century will also be on show, including Coverdale’s Bible of 1535 and a copy of the Great Bible of 1539.

Elton's Royal connections are also referenced, with a vellum prayer book once owned by Katherine Parr, containing several notes in the hand of Henry VIII as well as a Latin Book of Hours bearing her signature.

The exhibition - curated by Liam Sims of Cambridge University Library will be open on Wednesdays and Thursdays 2-5pm from now until the end of July, plus Sunday opening - in addition - during August.

For full details, visit the Hall's website here, or contact the Hall via email at: office@eltonhall.com

'Grammy' says Tyndale's Got Talent...

2011-05-27T18:49:00.000-07:00

This week's Gramophone magazine - bible of the classical music world - celebrates the influence of the KJB on composers down the ages.

To read the full article click here.

Also on a musical theme, tomorrow (Saturday 28th May) the Revd Richard Coles discusses 'The Music of the King James Bible' on BBC Radio 3.

Coles tracks the trail of the King James translation from madrigals to missionaries and from Handel to hip-hop.

The broadcast begins at 2:15pm, or you can listen over the coming week via iPlayer.

TSJ Editor to lecture on Michael Servetus in Baltimore

2011-05-07T20:24:00.000-07:00

I will be speaking on Michael Servetus, pioneering Spanish medical researcher and doomed theologian, at the Fortfest 2011 seminar next weekend (May 14-15) in Baltimore MD under the auspices of the International Fortean Organization (INFO). I'll be taking some copies of the TSJ with me and look forward to drawing parallels between Servetus and his approximate contemporary, William Tyndale.

MP Takes Tyndale to the Tower...

2011-04-24T07:47:00.000-07:00

This coming Thursday night Tyndale is set to be the talk of the Tower...

MP Frank Dobson and Moira Goff, curator of the British Library will both lecture on the revolutionary contribution of Tyndale's 1526 translation.

This Historic Royal Palaces event - 'Let there be Lyghte' - will begin with a drinks reception at 6:30pm at the Tower of London's Education Centre and will conclude at 8pm after questions.

All Tyndale Society Members and friends are warmly invited to attend.

Cost: £12 / £10 HRP Members. To book online visit: HRP Online Booking or to book by phone telephone Historic Royal Palaces on 0844 482 7799 (£2 transaction charge for all telephone bookings).

Everything you ever wanted to ask King James...

2011-04-24T07:19:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday 26th April, London's Banqueting House is offering 'An Audience With King James...'

'The year is 1625... James I, son of Mary, Queen of Scots, is granting an audience in his recently completed Banqueting House...

'A firm believer in the divine right to rule, and consequently often in dispute with Parliament, James is a man of firm opinions...

'A pretentious academic but an able theologian, James ordered a new translation of the Bible - which came to be known as The King James Version.'

Whatever your thoughts of the King, this event is billed as your chance to ask everything you ever wanted to know. Audience members will be asked to pen their questions, which will be put to King James by HRP's resident experts.

Following a drinks reception, the event's Past Pleasures Costumed Interpreter will explain how he created his James persona. Full event 6:30pm - 8pm. Ticket only.

All Tyndale Society Members and friends are warmly invited to attend.

Cost: £12 / £10 HRP Members. To book online visit: HRP Online Booking or to book by phone telephone Historic Royal Palaces on 0844 482 7799 (£2 transaction charge for all telephone bookings).

Globe's Easter 'Bible Marathon' - Special Offer

2011-04-18T02:35:00.000-07:00

This Easter, London's Globe Theatre is set to stage an Epic recital of the King James Bible to open their summer season.

The event - spread across 55 hours over seven days - is in celebration of the long oral tradition of Tyndale's great masterpiece of translation.

Audience members are invited to listen for as long as they wish during each session (considerate re-admittance and late entry permitted).

Members and Friends of The Tyndale Society can benefit from a special offer in association with The Telegraph newspaper - and pay just £12.50 for a ticket, cushion, hot drink and cake (usual price £17). To access this offer, book via the Globe's online ticketing service here or via phone on 020 7401 9919, quoting the reference: pcdtelegraph

See Henry Hitchings' write up in The Evening Standard.

The full timetable of performances is as follows:

Monday 18 April

6pm – Midnight: Joshua to 1 Samuel
This session covers Joshua through to 1 Samuel and sees the crossing into the Promised Land. Covering the great conquests of Joshua, this section of the Bible includes tales of brutal battles and the falling of the walls of Jericho. Two of the Bible’s most famous stories are included in this session, the tales of Samson and Delilah and David and Goliath.
Book tickets for this session now >>

Tuesday 19 April

6pm – Midnight: 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings
This session features 2 Samuel, 1 Kings and 2 Kings and as the names suggest details the tumultuous reigns of the Kings of Israel and Judea, including Saul, David and Soloman. The history of the Ark of the Covenant features heavily in this section of the Bible. If you ever wanted to know the origins of the term Jezebel, be sure to listen out for the story of King Ahab and Jezebel.
Book tickets for this session now >>

Wednesday 20 April

6pm – Midnight: 1 Chronicles to Nehemiah
In 1 and 2 Chronicles the story from Genesis up to Kings is retold so if you’ve missed anything so far now is your chance to catch up. Ezra and Nehemiah deal with the re-building of the city of Jerusalem following the Babylonian destruction.
Book tickets for this session now >>

Thursday 21 April

6pm – Midnight: Esther, Job and Psalms
This session features the book of Psalms containing 150 beautifully written hymns, psalms and prayers covering the whole range of human emotions from joy to anger, from hope to despair. Many famous verses have roots in the psalms including, ‘The Lord is my Shepherd’, ‘The Rivers of Babylon’, ‘Handel’s Messiah’. The book of Job explores the problem of sufferance in an unjust world, where God appears not to care about the fate of the just.
Book tickets for this session now >>

Good Friday 22 April

9am – 4pm: Proverbs to Lamentations
This session includes the book of Proverbs often referred to as wisdom literature. Matters pertaining to personal conduct, sexual relations, business, wealth, charity, ambition, discipline, debt, child-rearing, character, alcohol, politics, revenge, and godliness are among the many topics covered in this rich collection of wise sayings. Also included in this session is the book of Song of Songs the most erotic piece of literature in the Bible filled with poems of love and lovers.
Book tickets for this session now >>

4.30pm – Midnight: Ezekiel to the end of the Old Testament
Fourteen of the Bible’s books are covered in this session that makes up the final section of the Old Testament from Ezekiel through to Malachi. These books contain some remarkable imagery of angels and fantastic visions of the future from the prophets. Some of the Bible’s most famous lines and poems are contained in these books.This session also contains the stories of Daniel in the lion’s den, the madness of King Nebuchadnezzar and Jonah and the Whale.
Book tickets for this session now >>

Easter Sunday 24 April

9am – 12.30pm : Matthew and Mark
The New Testament begins with the Gospels of Matthew and Mark and the life of Christ from the story of the nativity to the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. These gospels include the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus walking on water, the Feeding of the four thousand, Christ foretelling his death, the last judgement, betrayal and agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter’s denial and the deliverance to Pilate.
Book tickets for this session now >>

1pm – 5pm: Luke and John
The gospels of Luke and John include more about the genealogy of Christ and John the Baptist. Christ’s miracles featured here include, the widow’s son raised from the dead, the healing of ten lepers and the transfiguration. The calling of the Disciples and the choosing of the Apostles is recounted in these books. One of the Bible’s best known parables, The Prodigal Son also features here.
Book tickets for this session now >>

Easter Monday 25 April

10am – 2.30pm: Acts to 2 Corinthians
This session of the Bible gives an account of the ascension of Christ through to the earliest churches being formed, and spreading the word of the Apostles. Paul’s letters to the Romans and Corinthians contain beautifully written language with phrases such as ‘Though I speak with the tongues of Men and Angels’, ‘Through a glass darkly’ and ‘The thorn in the flesh’. This session includes the story of the conversion of Saul (into Paul) on the road to Damascus.
Book tickets for this session now >>

3pm – 7.30pm: Galatians to the end of the New Testament
The final session contains the instructive letters of Paul and Peter with famous passages such as ‘Love thy Neighbour as thy love thyself’ and ‘The love of money is the root of all evil’. Peter’s letters are considered one of the finest pieces of writing in the New Testament. They take stories from the Old Testament, such as Noah, and Sodom and Gomorrah, to contextualise the teachings. The explosive finale of the Bible recital comes in the book of Revelation. It is an apocalypse. Revelation brings together the worlds of heaven, earth, and hell in a final confrontation between the forces of good and evil.
Book tickets for this session now >>

Praise for Tyndale from an unexpected source

2011-04-14T16:12:00.000-07:00

Militant unbeliever, controversialist, and essayist Chris Hitchens warmly praises Tyndale in Vanity Fair (alluding to the faint possibility of a family connection between himself and WT).

Another perfect illustration of the timeless universality of Tyndale's work.

Read the full story HERE.

Hitch's adversaries in the USA will seize upon this story as evidence that Hitch is preparing to meet his maker. We shall see...

Neil Inglis

Invitation - Tyndale in Blackheath - 3rd April

2011-04-01T16:04:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, 3rd April, Tyndale Society Members David and Sue Smith are to present a special evening of Words and Music in honour of William Tyndale.

The evening - which will begin at 6:30pm at The Church of the Ascension, Blackheath - will include a reading from Howard Brenton's acclaimed play, Anne Boleyn - winner of 'Best New Play' for Shakespeare's Globe Theatre at the 2011 Whatsonstage.com awards.

All members and friends of the Society will be warmly welcomed.

Tyndale in Pennsylvania...

2011-03-17T15:58:00.000-07:00

All stateside Members and Friends of The Tyndale Society are warmly invited to attend a lecture to be given on May 8th by eminent English Tyndale scholar Philip Arthur.

The event will begin at 3pm on May 8th, 2011 at London Grove Meeting House, 500 West Street Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348.

All enquiries: Helen Martin.

Cinderella moment for 400yr old Wiltshire Bible

2011-03-16T02:08:00.000-07:00

Amateur historians in Wiltshire got a happy surprise recently when their researches unearthed a previously unknown 1611 copy of the King James Bible which had hitherto been sitting unnoticed on a shelf...

The Bible was brought to light by residents researching the history of St Laurence Church in Hilmarton, near Calne.

Geoff Procter, a member of the parochial church council, said that they had read about a 'fine chained Bible in a glass case' at the church. They then made the link with a Bible that had been sitting on a shelf at the church for a number of years.

There are fewer than 200 original printings of the King James version known to exist, and it is believed that the rediscovered Bible is one of the few remaining editions printed in 1611.

The residents now plan to display the discovery in a special glass case - partly for security and to protect it for future generations but also because the history books say it was kept in one.

Read More...

Great & Manifold Blessings in Cambridge...

2011-03-16T01:38:00.000-07:00

To commemorate the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James Bible, a special exhibition has opened at Cambridge University Library.

Currently on show are several rare Tyndale items including a little-known-about 1553 copy of Tyndale's New Testament.

The new exhibition 'Great and Manifold Blessings' tells the story of the genesis of the KJV, tracing back through the 'patchwork of the many versions produced, chiefly outside England, in the preceding century'.

The show will be open until 18th June (closed 22-25 April).

Opening hours: 9am-6pm Monday-Friday, 9am-4:30pm Saturday.
Admission: Free of charge
Location: See map here.

Brian Buxton

Message from Tyndale Society member Kaoru Yamazaki in Tokyo

2011-03-14T15:51:00.000-07:00

I have experienced quakes but never on this level in my life.

It was a really scary experience! There are still lots of small aftershocks.

I feel as if I have travel sickness.

All train and subway services were stopped and it took a couple hours to get home by walking.

And mobile phones did not work at all, so it was a really long time before
finding out about my husband, Yuji, and other family members' safety.
But Thanks to God, we are all safe.

Today we went to Tesco to get bottled drinks and biscuits for emergency.
Nobody knows what is going to happen but I hope I don't have to eat these
foods and we can soon get back to a normal situation.

Just let you know that I am fine and in safety now.

Tyndale on TV...

2011-03-09T07:44:00.000-08:00

Thanks to BBC Religion & Ethics insider Al Rodgers, for his tip-off about a new 'Tyndale' TV programme to be broadcast this coming weekend.

The show - Melvyn Bragg's 'The King James Bible: the Book that Changed the World' will air on Saturday March 12th on BBC2 at 8pm.

"Von Bismark said the defining feature of modern history was that the Americans spoke English. It was an English which largely stemmed from the Bible. In both cases, British and American, the King James Bible version swept round the globe in school assemblies, far flung churches, remotely stationed battalions... it was the Book of the community of English speaking peoples.

New words - we use them still: "scapegoat", "let there be light", "the powers that be", "my brother's keeper", "filthy lucre", "fight the good fight", "sick unto death", "flowing with milk and honey", "the apple of his eye", "a man after his own heart", "the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak", "signs of the times", "ye of little faith", "eat drink and be merry", "broken hearted", "clear eyed". And hundreds more: "fishermen", "landlady", "sea-shore", "stumbling block", "taskmaster", "two-edged", "viper", "zealous" and even "Jehovah" and "Passover" come into English through Tyndale. "Beautiful", a word which has meant only human beauty, was greatly widened by Tyndale, as were many others..."

BBC researchers originally contacted The Tyndale Society last autumn to investigate and verify details of Tyndale's dramatic part in the KJV's story.

Tyndale & the Whole Bible in English - Wotton

2011-02-23T15:03:00.000-08:00

The 400th Anniversary of the KJV has certainly stirred up a lot of new interest in Tyndale's life and work!

Thanks to the many groups who have already contacted us to request special Tyndale lectures over 2011 - we are always keen to help spread the word about the life and colossal achievement of the man who gave us our English Bible...

In the third of our March lecture listings, Tyndale Society Trustee David Green will be lecturing for Wotton Civic Society on Friday 11th March.

The lecture and audio-visual presentation will begin at the Civic Centre, Wotton-Under-Edge at 7:30pm. (For exact location see reference 8 on the town's map - accessible here).

All Tyndale Society Members and Friends are warmly welcomed to attend.

Tyndale Hope in Hampstead - 2nd March, 7:30pm

2011-02-23T01:55:00.000-08:00

All Members and Friends are invited to attend a public lecture on William Tyndale to be given by Professor Andrew Hope in the Crypt of the Parish Church of St John, Church Row, Hamsptead, London NW3.

This evening event will begin at 7:30pm on 2nd March 2010.

(Nearest Tube: Hampstead)

Tyndale meeets Newton in Grantham - 29th March

2011-02-23T00:57:00.000-08:00

US Secretary of The Tyndale Society and Newton expert Helen Martin will be visiting the UK in March to give a talk on The Classical Education of Sir Isaac Newton.

The lecture Event will be held at Newton's old school - The King's School in Grantham - on 29th March with a reception from 6.30pm onwards.

All Tyndale Society Members and Friends are warmly invited to attend.

Tickets cost £7.50 (£6 concessions) including wine and cheese and are available in advance from Sarah Brown at The King's School (numbers strictly limited to 120 people - so book well ahead!)

Poetic Translation in 'The Word Exchange'

2011-02-17T07:31:00.000-08:00

Of interest to all students of the history of the English language 'The Word Exchange' is a new Norton compendium of 123 Anglo-Saxon poems which sit alongside modern English translations rendered by a line-up of 70 contemporary greats including Seamus Heaney (who also provides the foreword) and Paul Muldoon.

Read more in this Washington Post review.

Neil L. Inglis
Editor, TSJ

Tributes to Dorothy Daniell...

2011-02-08T10:33:00.000-08:00

David Daniell and his family send sincere thanks to Tyndale Society Members and friends for the many tributes to David's late wife Dorothy which they have received after her sad death in November.

Dorothy was an expert in dance and art therapy and worked for over thirty years in the field of psychotherapy - latterly providing deeply caring support to trauma sufferers at the Refugee Therapy Centre.

She always gave David her utmost support throughout her career, and had a strong and thoughtful faith.

Keith Salway of The Tyndale Society wrote of her: 'It was a great privilege to have known Dorothy and I have no doubt at all that her contribution to the lives of many is built already as an enduring and living memorial.'

A full obituary is to be published in TSJ No.40.

Tyndale's Million Pound Bible...

2011-02-04T05:34:00.000-08:00

Hear the inside story of the book the British Library calls "the most important printed book in the English language" - this rare surviving copy of Tyndale's 1526 New Testament...

The British Library's copy of this Bible - one of only two to survive intact from the original Worms print run of 3,000 - is thought to have belonged to a wealthy merchant - and is beautifully illuminated throughout.

The book was acquired in 1994 for a sum in excess of one million pounds, and since then has been a star attraction of the collection.

Click our podcast link below to follow the story of this powerful and beautiful work, as curator Moira Goff explores what was so different - and dangerous - about this ground-breaking - pocket-sized - translation.

You can zoom in for a closer look and also read more about this sacred text on the British Library's website - as well as access turn-the-pages online texts of other collection treasures such as the Lindisfare Gospels, the Luttrell Psalter and the Lisbon Bible.

Ramona Garcia

Tyndale on the Moon!

2011-02-03T02:05:00.000-08:00

Tyndale's translations - as embodied in the form of the KJV - have carried the English Bible across the globe - but did you know his words had even made it into outer space?

Astronaut and author Jeff Williams - veteran of a combined 362 days in space after a trio of successful launches - will speak at Dunham Bible Museum in Houston, Texas on Wednesday 9th February about science, space, spirituality and the Book NASA took to the moon...

There is also a collection of rare 16th, 17th and 18th Century Bibles on show as part of a special exhibition to celebrate the 400th Anniversary of the KJV.

For full details visit the Museum's website.

John Hellstern

Crystal Radio - on Tyndale, Idiom and the KJV

2011-01-31T15:13:00.000-08:00

Today on New York's WNYC public radio 'Begat' author Dr David Crystal speaks to station host Brian Lehrer about the impact of Tyndale's idiom - 'as popularised in the King James Bible'.

For his latest research project, Crystal counted the number of current idioms which can be traced back to the King James Bible. Answer: 257 - as compared with only 100 in the whole of Shakespeare...

But few of the 257 originated 'by committee'...

To find out more, listen to the broadcast by clicking on the podcast icon below.

Evolving English: One Language, Many Voices

2011-01-30T03:21:00.000-08:00

Evolving English: One Language, Many Voices is the title of the current exhibition at the British Library which should be a must for Tyndale Society members interested in the development of our language. Needless to say Tyndale’s translation of the New Testament is on display, alongside other iconic religious texts.

The British Library describes this as ‘the first ever exhibition exploring the English language in all its national and international diversity... This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see and hear the English language in all its forms, from 5th century runes to 21st century youth-speak’.

Audio ‘exhibits’ of great twentieth century speeches can be heard in between viewing such priceless manuscripts as the only early copy of Beowulf and Caxton’s printing of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.

The exhibition is open daily until the 3rd of April and admission is FREE.

There is also an entertaining online quiz for those who can't make it to London for a visit.

Brian Buxton

Gone but not forgotten!

2011-01-22T21:42:00.000-08:00

I'm currently reading a book on unsung heroes and uncredited visionaries of science, and the following paragraph reminded me of you know who!

"In truth, the vision which is carved in stone cannot be ruined. There it remains. Let those who study and devise their twisting way plot. Plan, scheme, bend and turn. None will stop the day. The bright sapphire, a pure night vision, remains. Starpoints in the great radiant blackness, from which come all things. The dream seas surge, asking no permissions and giving gifts liberally. In a land not far off, where dreams and dreamers walk as one, there the love reigns, and waits."

LOST SCIENCE
Gerry Vassilatos
Pubs.: Borderland Sciences Research Foundation

Neil L. Inglis, Editor, TSJ

The bookend of the publishing era?

2011-01-21T21:59:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I went into a well-known books and records chain in Washington DC; funereal atmosphere, few if any customers, dwindling choice, Peter Frampton concert videos and other inventory nobody wants.

Hard-copy publication really is a dying business model, and nobody loves bookstores more than I do! The reason I bring up this topic is--what does this mean for us? The Tyndale Society is an organization about books in various forms, and the future of the book seems uncertain.

Neil Inglis
Editor, TSJ

Tyndale's new lease of 'Everlasting Life' at Economist

2011-01-13T01:16:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Books & Arts Editor Flammetta Rocco at The Economist, for flagging up The Tyndale Society's forthcoming Ohio conference...

"it’s the story of the King James Version of the Bible, which celebrates its 400th anniversary on May 2nd, that is likely to provide the greatest spread of cultural events (in 2011).

Produced during the lifetime of William Shakespeare and John Donne, it has long been viewed as the most elegantly written and poetic of the many English translations, and has given the language some of its best-known phrases: “lamb to the slaughter”, “skin of our teeth”, “chariots of fire”.

The King James, also known as the Authorised Version, remains one of the most frequently used Bibles in the English-speaking world, especially in the United States.

Barack Obama took the oath of office on the same King James Bible that had been used by Abraham Lincoln in 1861.

Everlasting life

In Britain more than 70 celebratory events are planned, starting with an exhibition at St John’s College, Cambridge, and including lectures, reading marathons, symposia, concerts and conferences as far afield as Plymouth and Aberdeen.

The Royal Mail will bring out a series of commemorative stamps and the BBC plans to broadcast a one-hour documentary.

Oxford University Press, which has published King James Bibles since the 17th century, will bring out a 1,520-page special quatercentenary edition.

Houston Baptist University’s Dunham Bible Museum kicks off the celebrations in America. Further events will follow in, among other places, Kentucky, Louisiana and Columbus, where a conference at Ohio State University (in collaboration with The Tyndale Society) will study the enduring literary and cultural influence of the King James Bible on writers such as William Faulkner, Virginia Woolf and Toni Morrison.

More Scriptures from the Stars released...

2011-01-11T15:31:00.000-08:00

23 Further episodes in the BBC's audio series to commemorate the 400th Anniversary of the publication of the King James Bible have now been released in Podcast form as follows:

To listen to these audio recordings simply click on the blue episode titles below (each podcast opens in a new window).

Introduced by author Kamila Shamsie
Toby Stephens reads Moses in the Bulrushes
Henry Goodman reads The Escape of Moses
Niamh Cusack reads Samson and Delilah
Olivia Williams reads Ruth

Introduced by playwright Howard Brenton
Rory Kinnear reads David and Bathsheba
Miriam Margoyles reads Solomon
Hugh Quarshie reads Job
Bill Paterson reads Ecclesiastes

Introduced by The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams
Adjoa Andoh and Rory Kinnear read The Song of Solomon
Miriam Margoyles reads Daniel
Emma Fielding reads The Birth of Jesus
Samuel West reads The Baptism of Jesus

Introduced by novelist Joanne Harris
Toby Stephens reads The Temptation
Emilia Fox reads Jesus' Miracles
Niamh Cusack reads Death of John The Baptist

Introduced by novelist and columnist Will Self
Dan Stevens reads Entry into Jerusalem
Adjoa Andoh reads The Last Supper
Rory Kinnear reads The Crucifixion
Olivia Williams reads Road to Emmaus

Introduced by screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce
Henry Goodman reads Pentecost
Bill Paterson reads Conversion of Paul
Hugh Quarshie reads First Letter to The Corinthians
Hugh Bonneville reads Revelation

Email us by clicking here to let us know what you make of the readings and their introductions - we always welcome your feedback!

Word on the Street - NY Times Talks Tyndale...

2011-01-09T23:27:00.000-08:00

Thanks to US-based TSJ author Ramona Garcia, who spotted this gem in this week's New York Times...

"To modern readers, the English of the King James Version sounds archaic, much as Shakespeare does. But there would have been an archaism for readers even in 1611 because the King James Bible draws heavily from a version of William Tyndale’s New Testament published in 1534 and from translations by Miles Coverdale also published in the 1530s.

Tyndale’s aspiration was to make his New Testament accessible to “the boy that driveth the plough.” Though readers often talk about the majesty of the King James Bible, what has made it live is in fact the simplicity of its language.

Scholars have often debated just how much the King James Bible has influenced the English language. They count the number of idioms — “the powers that be,” for instance — that entered the language from the Bible. They look at how often it’s cited in the Oxford English Dictionary.

T. S. Eliot and C. S. Lewis deplored the idea of considering the secular literary or linguistic influence of the King James Bible. Eliot said it had such a profound effect because it was “the Word of God.” Lewis went further. He argued that the King James Bible had little influence on the rhythms of English and that many of the Bible’s characteristic rhythms were simply “unavoidable in the English language.”

But Lewis missed the point. The King James Bible has had an enormous impact on English for the very reason that it captures and preserves — and communicates down through the centuries — the unavoidable rhythms of good English. Its words are almost never Latinate, and its rhythms are never hampered by the literalism that afflicts other translations.

It would have been so easy to get that wrong, to let scholarship overwhelm common sense, to let theology engulf plainness. We owe an enormous debt to William Tyndale’s imaginary plowboy."

To read the full piece online click here.

Scripture from Brit Stars of Stage and Screen...

2011-01-09T08:46:00.000-08:00

Today the BBC has broadcast a series of Bible readings recorded by British stars of stage and screen. To listen online, just click on the podcast icons below (podcast files open in new windows).

The distinguished readers include:

Samuel West (winner of the London Critics' Circle Theatre Award for Best Shakespearean Performance for 'Hamlet'). West begins the series of readings with some of the most well known stories from the Book of Genesis - t he Creation, Adam and Eve and Cain and Abel. With an introduction by the historian, Simon Schama.

Emilia Fox (star of the BBC's 'Silent Witness' who began her TV career playing Mr Darcy's sister Georgiana in 'Pride and Prejudice' and went on to play Jane Seymour in 'Henry VIII') reads the dramatic story of Noah and the Ark.
With an introduction by the historian, Simon Schama.

Dan Stevens (star of 'Sense and Sensibility' and 'Downton Abbey'). Stevens reads from the story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Introduction by the historian, Simon Schama.

Hugh Bonneville (veteran of The National Theatre and RSC and BAFTA nominated for his role as the young John Bayley in 'Iris'). Bonneville reads from the stories of Abraham and Isaac and the birth of Isaac’s children Jacob and Esau, who fought even in their mother’s womb. With an introduction by author David Lodge.

Emma Fielding (fellow veteran of The National and RSC and winner of a Theatre World Award for her Broadway debut performance in 'Private Lives'). Fielding reads from the story of Joseph and his multi-coloured coat with an introduction by author David Lodge.

Email us by clicking here to let us know what you make of the readings and their introductions - we are always keen to receive your feedback.

Tyndale set to save Anne Boleyn

2011-01-08T07:09:00.000-08:00

The nation's much-loved portrait of Anne Boleyn is in dire need of a medieval makeover...

Custodians The National Portrait Gallery have raised the alarm after discovering the dire straits of this picture - with vertical cracking across the panel causing paint-loss.

The painting has had to be removed from public view until £4000 can be raised to pay for vital conservation work.

The Gallery has already raised £1096 during the first three weeks of the appeal.

To help them achieve their target The Tyndale Society will make a contribution for every copy of Howard Brenton's 'Anne Boleyn' which we sell to our Members and Friends in our New Year Special Offer.

Top billing at last - thanks to Beeb's Jim Naughtie

2011-01-04T04:49:00.000-08:00

Thanks be to James Naughtie of BBC Radio 4 for his morning broadcast today on 'The Story of the King James Bible'.

The following passages were recorded in the Chapel at Hertford College Oxford - home to The Tyndale Society - in front of the famous Whitefriars window image of William Tyndale:

"Tyndale revolutionised English as a language. It is as big as that. He changed the way the English spoke and thought.

"It is extraordinary and one of the great mysteries of this story that a man in his late 20s, early 30s, in a garret on the continent, on the run, hunted by the establishment, eventually dying as a martyr for translation could do this.

"The whole story of The Bible in English is unthinkable without him."

To listen to the entire broadcast (available on BBC iPlayer for the next six days) click here.

(Note: Fast forward to 2.06 to skip the news broadcast at the beginning of the recording)

Thank you Radio 4!

A new Tyndale-free era? No going back to the bad old days!

2010-12-29T09:40:00.000-08:00

In the first (but not the last) of many Tyndale-free speeches, columns, and media segments on the King James Version in 2011, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth discussed the KJV in her annual Christmas address (watch in full here).

Now, the Queen did acknowledge that the KJV owed a debt to the learned scholars of the time. However, she neglected to mention that the scholar who deserves the bulk of the credit - for translating 80% of the text - is of course William Tyndale.

Now is not the time to criticize the Queen or her staff, who simply perpetuated a common misconception, that the KJV was 'written by committee'.

But if Tyndale were alive to hear his name systematically airbrushed out of the historical record, his sense of professional humility might be strained to its limits.

We dare not lose any further ground; and that is why I am calling on readers of the Tyndale Society Journal and this blogspot to write in with gracious but firm clarifications when they come across press articles like the one we link to here.

Neil L. Inglis
Editor, TSJ

Brenton treads the boards at Lambeth

2010-12-20T19:20:00.000-08:00

Playwright Howard Brenton played to a packed house at Lambeth on Thursday night...

...with a diverse audience which encompassed students, professional historians, politicians, clergymen and also included Artistic Director of Shakespeare's Globe - Dominic Dromgoole.

Brenton's enthusiasm for his subject was mesmerising as he explored the research that had led him to write the part of Tyndale into his play 'Anne Boleyn' and also read dramatic excerpts from the text.

He definitely whetted our appetites for next year's revival of the play at The Globe, and - by popular demand - we will post performance dates here as soon as these are announced.

Thanks once again to Lambeth Palace for providing such lovely and historic surroundings for our annual lecture; as this event usually takes place in the autumn it was a rare treat to see the Guard Room decked out in all its Christmas finery.

For those who were not able to make it to the lecture, this year we're pleased to be able to offer members the chance to listen at home via our lecture Podcast (opens in a new window).

We'd love to get your feedback on this brand new feature - so please feel free to comment below (click on 'comments' then write your comment and select 'Anonymous' from the list of users next to 'comment as' if you are not a Blogger subscriber. Then to finish click 'Post Comment').

A Tyndale Christmas

2010-12-20T18:39:00.000-08:00

Thank you to the many members who braved the cold to join us this year - some from as far afield as Switzerland - at St. Mary Abchurch in the City of London.

Thank you also to David Ireson for conducting the service, to our excellent readers - who brought Tyndale's words so brilliantly to life - and to The English Chamber Choir who all made this year's service of lessons and carols such a wonderful occasion.

For anyone who was not able to get to this year's service in person, we recorded a short taster so you can enjoy hearing the Choir in festive action (cue the mince pies)...

Memorials and the Tyndale story

2010-12-20T15:55:00.000-08:00

In future issues of the TSJ we shall be investigating the theme of memorials and commemoration.

To initiate an assessment of this topic, I herewith reproduce a quote from the memoirs of a WWII Resistance fighter:

"In a simple building in the depths of the woods stands an altar in the middle of a square base. At each corner, a column supports the dome where the names of our lost friends are engraved. They are remembered there, among the singing birds and the quivering leaves. They are remembered and visited by the few who still remember. I am glad they are honored in that secluded place, a place resembling the place where they fell, the places they knew, the places that had offered them [shelter]. They did not fight for ribbons or honors; they fought for an ideal so great and so pure it could not be remembered in a busy place."

["Agent for the Resistance," Herman Bodson].

Neil L. Inglis
Editor, TSJ

Tyndale 'On a par with Shakespeare'

2010-12-05T09:18:00.000-08:00

Speaking for The King James Bible Trust, Former Laureate Andrew Motion recently praised the poetry of the KJV on BBC Radio 4's 'Today' Programme...

However - not one one word of William Tyndale, whom the Trust confirms was responsible for 80% of the content of the KJV...

(To listen to the programme excerpt, click on the image above).

Unaccountably, on the King James Bible Trust's website, Tyndale - the Gloucestershire scholar who taught himself Hebrew and Greek, became an outlaw of his own country, was hunted down by the authorities and strangled before being burned at the stake for his translation of '80% of the KJV' - does not merit a mention under 'Bible Heroes' (unlike Shakespeare, Florence Nightingale, Cecil B. DeMille, J.R.R. Tolkein and the vicar who founded the RSPCA).

However, Tyndale does get two sentences under 'Music'...

Come on King James Bible Trust - we think you can do a little better than that!

To encourage the Trust to say a little more about Tyndale - a true Bible hero - please email them here to add the weight of your opinion: info@kjbtrust.com

Click here to read Mary Clow's letter to The Today Programme.

Thomas Cranmer on the Bible in English

2010-11-09T10:45:00.000-08:00

"And yet, if the matter should be tried by custom, we might also allege custom for the reading of the Scripture in the vulgar tongues, and prescribe the more ancient custom.

For it is not much above one hundred years ... since Scripture hath not been accustomed to be read in the vulgar tongues within this realm; and many hundred years before that it was translated and read in the Saxons’ tongue, which at that time was our mother tongue; whereof there remaineth yet divers copies found lately in old abbeys, of such antique manners of writing and speaking that few men now [are] able to read and understand them.

And when this language waxed old and out of common usage, [so that] folk should not lack the fruit of reading, it was again translated in the newer language. Whereof yet also many copies remain and be daily found."

[From Cranmer’s "Prologue or Preface to the Bible," April 1540. See the “Miscellaneous Writings and Letters of Thomas Cranmer”, edited for the Parker Society (Cambridge: The University Press, 1846), pp. 118-125. Also see “The Protestant Reformation” (ed. Lewis W. Spitz, pubs. Prentice-Hall, 1966), p. 166].

Ohio KJV Conference Opens for Bookings...

2010-11-04T15:34:00.000-07:00

Booking has now opened for 'The King James Bible - and its Cultural Afterlife' - a major international conference, co-sponsored by The Tyndale Society, to be held at Ohio State University, Columbus, USA between 5-7th May 2011.

The conference will focus on the making of the KJV in the context of Reformation Bible translation and printing as well as on the KJV’s long literary and cultural influence from Milton and Bunyan to Faulkner, Woolf, and Toni Morrison.

Speakers are to include: David Norton (Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand), author of 'A History of the Bible as Literature' and long-time contributor to Tyndale Society conferences; J. Philip Arthur (Independent Scholar, UK) outstanding speaker on Tyndale's work, especially remembered for our Worcester conference; Dr Gergely Juhász (K.U. Leuven, Belgium) Antwerp collaborator of Dr Guido Latré in his presentation 'Tyndale's Testament' and Dr Leland Ryken (Wheaton College, USA) distinguished writer and teacher.

Our special guest speaker will be Edward P. Jones, 2004 Pulitzer Prize winning author of the novel 'The Known World'.

Events will include plenary lectures and discussions, scholarly panels, roundtable seminars, and readings by contemporary writers.

An accompanying exhibit will be mounted by the Rare Books and Manuscripts Library.

As co-sponsor of the event, The Tyndale Society has obtained a special 50% registration discount for all Members. To obtain your discounted registration DOWNLOAD OUR SPECIAL BOOKING FORM HERE.

PS - If you are not yet a member of the Tyndale Society, it is worth noting that the $45 subscription fee will save you $50 on the price of conference registration...

Email us for more details...

Letter from Lindos...

2010-11-04T06:18:00.000-07:00

"Every autumn I spend some weeks in Lindos, on the Greek island of Rhodes.

It is believed locally that the Apostle Paul landed here in 43AD to preach Christianity. The almost landlocked cove below the village is named St Paul's Bay in his honour, and on his Saint's Day the villagers dance in his honour.

Concerning St Paul's final missionary journey Tyndale translates:
'And it chanced that as soon as we had launched forth, and were departed from them, we came with a straight course unto Coos (Cos), and the day following unto the Rhodes...'
( Acts 21, 1534 translation )

Paul was never shy of preaching in a pagan holy place, as shown by the riot he caused at Ephesus, and his great sermon in Athens on 'Mars street' (Tyndale's phrase). Lindos then was as old as London is today, and surely would have had a Jewish community, probably Paul came with introductions from friends.

Today Rhodes is both the name of the capital and of the island, but in ancient times the older city of Lindos was the artistic, religious and intellectual centre. The Horses at St Mark's in Venice were fashioned in the School of Sculpture. The Temple on the Lindos Acropolis was second only to the Parthenon in its dedication to Athena. The School of Oratory educated young men from all over the Roman world - Mark Anthony improved his Greek here, later to woo Cleopatra.

Romance is an enduring theme here in Lindos: during WWII a pious mother vowed that if her sons survived she would restore the old church above the beach. They all lived and she fulfilled her vow, rebuilding the tiny 'St. Paul's chapel' - now a mecca for British couples who meet here on holiday and return to marry in this beautiful spot.

Brides in billowing dresses traverse the steep path down the cliff, watched by amused swimmers and sunbathers.

I wonder - what does St. Paul make of it?"

May Clow, Chairman of The Tyndale Society

Cuisine for Conservation at Merton...

2010-11-04T05:12:00.000-07:00

British Heritage site Merton Priory is calling all cooks in the cause of conservation...

Tyndale Society Members and friends are asked for their recipe contributions for a new charity cookbook to be produced by the Friends of Merton.

The new book - featuring the favourite feasts of Merton's many celebrity supporters - will focus on healthy, cheap eats which are simple to make.

Sheila Fairbank of supporters' group The Friends of Merton says 'The project is hoped to raise awareness of the charity as well as provide inspiration to budding cooks.'

To submit a contribution, email Sheila here.

Truth or Consequences...

2010-10-25T10:49:00.000-07:00

Some years ago I went through a period of reading everything I could get my hands on in the field of contemporary Jesus scholarship. I learned a good deal but was left feeling vaguely unsatisfied...

Observe these interesting signs that contemporary Jesus Movement scholars are backing away from a strict emphasis on a truth/lies distinction in their analysis of the Gospels.

From The First Christmas by Borg and Crossan: "For a moment, we return to the truth of parable and the question of historical factuality. (...) In our judgment, there was no special star, no wise men, and no plot by Herod to kill Jesus. So is the story factually true? No. But as parable, is it true? For us as Christians, the answer is a robust affirmative. Is Jesus light shining in the darkness? Yes. Do the Herods of the world seek to extinguish the light? Yes. Does Jesus still shine in the darkness? Yes."

From The First Christmas, p. 184 (softcover): Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan (pubs. HarperCollins, 2009).

Neil L. Inglis, Editor, TSJ

Ringing the Changes - Call for Carols

2010-10-25T04:38:00.000-07:00

Music fans are invited to send in suggestions for carols old and new to be included in this year's Christmas service.

As usual The English Chamber Choir, under Director Guy Protheroe, will sing for us at our service at St. Mary Abchurch - a hidden gem in the very heart of the City of London.

This lovely Wren Church - which Betjeman described as 'a complete surprise' and 'one of the most beautiful in the City' originally dates back to 1198 and was restored in 1681 for the princely sum of £4922 after destruction in the Great Fire of London.

The English Chamber Choir are regular performers at all of the major music venues and festivals around the UK as well as on TV and radio. Internationally they are more widely known for their soundrack to the Spielberg blockbuster - Band of Brothers.

To hear a sample of the Choir in action, click on the image below (opens in new window).

The service will begin at 12:30 pm on Thursday 16th December at St. Mary Abchurch, Abchurch Lane, City of London, with mince pies in the Parish Room to follow.

To let us know your musical suggestions please email us!

Tyndale Rocks...

2010-10-24T15:21:00.000-07:00

I'm heading off to Denver Colorado for the annual conference of the American Translators Association (October 27-30).

The world of translation is far removed from Tyndale's time of course, but Tyndale always has interesting things to teach modern translators.

Will keep you posted... Neil L. Inglis, Editor, TSJ

Stacks to Browse at our Virtual Bookshelf...

2010-10-23T17:38:00.000-07:00

After the great success of our online 'taster' edition of TSJ No.39 (1172 views and counting)...

We're pleased to let you know that Members and friends of The Tyndale Society can now access online abstracts of the past six issues of The Tyndale Society Journal at the click of a mouse...

This new feature will be a boon for existing members who might want to check which issue a particular article appeared in, or for potential new members who would like to get a flavour of The Society's publications and activities.

Visit our 'Virtual Bookshelf' for more...

'Pilgrim Country' Tour - UK - 1st November

2010-10-19T06:41:00.000-07:00

Join members of the Tyndale Society USA for a guided tour of English sites of 'The Separatists' - known today as 'The Pilgrim Fathers'...

Tyndale Society members Tom & Bonnie Martin from Pennsylvania, USA, invite local members to join them on a day's study tour with local guide - historian and author Sue Allan.

The day will begin in Babworth, Nottinghamshire at 9:15am and end in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire at approximately 4pm.

"Allan leads me upstairs to the tower roof, where the entire town lay spread at our feet. "Everyone had to go to the Church of England," she said. "It was noted if you didn't. So what they were doing here was completely illegal. They were holding their own services. They were discussing the Bible, a big no-no. But they had the courage to stand up and be counted."
Simon Worrall - Smithsonian Magazine

Price: £10 (own transport required)

Read more...

'Boleyn' Brenton to lecture at Lambeth

2010-10-15T06:39:00.000-07:00

Celebrated English Playwright Howard Brenton is to give this year's Lambeth Tyndale Lecture on December 16th.

Prize-winning author of The Globe Theatre's much-praised summer premiere 'Anne Boleyn' - Brenton will be discussing the inspirations and background to his new production, and how he came to write a major character - William Tyndale.

The historic setting of this lecture in the 14th Century Guard Room at Lambeth Palace - London residence of Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, is sure to make this a truly memorable event.

Daily Telegraph Review: 'Takes the tame conventions of historical drama and hurls them in the privy... Argues for Anne’s story to be read not as textbook tragedy but as something far more uplifting...

Note: As is usual for our Lambeth Lectures, for security purposes all lecture attendees must pre-register by name prior to the event.

Entry is by production of ticket only.

To register - Download our Booking Form or email us by latest 5pm Tuesday 14th December.

A Monastic Universe

2010-10-13T18:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Tyndalians:

My wife and I are visiting the Holy Cross Monastery in West Park NY, one of the homes of the Anglican Benedectine Order in the United States.

The atmosphere of peace and quiet dedication, the timelessness of the Hudson River as it passes by, all foster an atmosphere of spiritual contemplation.

I feel very much at home here, and am planning the next issue of the Tyndale Society Journal (TSJ No.40).

Copy deadline for the this forthcoming issue will be 15th December 2010, so do email us prior to that date if you have article ideas or material such as letters, book reviews or event announcements which you would like to propose for inclusion.

It is our intention to bring William Tyndale into the digital age, so that new generations accustomed to the Internet as their primary information source will come across WT in the electronic universe--and will feel that same instinctive and overwhelming need (the need we have all experienced) to learn more about that great man's story.

This approach will complement traditional hard-copy publication and other communications media which we at the Society have always used to tell WT's story. Come and join us in this grand adventure.

Warmest wishes to you all,

Neil L. Inglis
Editor, TSJ

Call for Papers - 2011 Nottingham Conference

2010-10-12T08:02:00.000-07:00

Call For Papers - The English Reformation up to Henry VIII's Break with Rome...

Reformation scholars interested in this period are invited to submit papers for a major conference to be held next August.

Click on the poster image on the left to view, download or print a PDF giving full details.

For any questions regarding this conference - email Ralph Werrell, conference organiser.

Greetings from TSJ Editor

2010-09-28T07:17:00.001-07:00

Dear readers, fellow-Tyndalians, and friends:

A very warm welcome to The Tyndale Society Blog.

We Tyndalians are very excited about the latest developments in the Tyndale world, and we look forward to posting breaking news stories, announcements, and other important listings regarding WT and Tyndale enthusiasts worldwide--and in real time!

Above all, we want to engage in dialogue with you!

A big thank-you to Karen Wortley who has made this possible. Welcome aboard, and stay tuned!

Neil L. Inglis
TSJ Editor

TSJ Issue Number 39 to be published this week

2010-09-27T20:23:00.000-07:00

For a sneak preview of what's in store inside Issue 39 of The Tyndale Society Journal, check out the contents pages in our online abstract...

Open publication - Free publishing - More translation

The Door that Saved Charterhouse in 1666...

2010-09-27T19:41:00.000-07:00

The Original Chapel Door of 1666

Tyndale Society Members learned the virtue of fire safety at the Society's recent tour of the London Charterhouse...

On view was the original door to Charterhouse Chapel, which saved the building from destruction in the Great Fire of London in 1666.

The fire burned for four days and nights and by the time it was extinguished had claimed 80% of the city.

View our online album for more images from Brian Buxton's excellent tour programme - which also included:

St. Sepulchre Without Newgate
Burial place of the ashes of Sir Henry Wood, where we viewed the gruesome bell which was tolled the night before executions were scheduled to take place.

Stationers' Hall
This tucked-away City site - home to The Worshipful Company of Stationers & Newspaper Makers - features commemorative windows to William Tyndale, Chaucer, Caxton and Shakespeare.

The Smithfield Martyrs Memorial

Society Members learn about John Rogers & John Houghton at Smithfield