BIBLE IN THE ARMENIAN TRADITION, THE

This text provides a concise historical account of the development of the Bible in Armenia and of the illustrative traditions that are represented in surviving codices. Bibles from collections throughout the world, including the many Armenian Biblesin the British Library collection, are discussed, with accompanying colour illustrations throughout. The book tackles the origin, history and character of the Armenian translation of the Bible. This version is of fundamental importance in terms of the influence it has exerted on Armenian life and culture. The first work of Armenian literature was the Bible, therefore the Armenian literature was the Bible, therefore the Armenian people always had a very special consideration and deep respect forthe written word and, ultimately, for the book. Dr Nersessian describes the origins of the first translations of the Bible into Armenian in the 5th century, which inspired the invention of the Armenian alphabet itself. He also examines illuminated Bible manuscripts, in particular looking at the importance of the physical book itself to the Armenian Christian tradition - one of the few Christian cultures in which the religious book is held in such reverence. The role of the patron or donor in commissioning such a manuscript is also examined: patronage of a sumptuous illuminated manuscript ensured the donor a place in heaven. Later printed Armenian Bibles are also chronicled, revealing intriguing examples of religious differences between theArmenian and the Catholic Christian traditions.