KJB: The Book that Changed the World

(E) Heritage DVD

This DVD looks at the history leading up to, around the time, and following the making of the King James Bible (KJB).

The movie is ably narrated by actor John Rhys-Davies and includes several segments from academics who explain various points of the history very well, as well as the acting out of several important times in history — usually very well but sometimes the acting was a trifle wooden.

My favourite sections of the movie included the mention that the Presbyterian Church did discuss making a very similar Bible to the then future KJB, but a committee was formed and nothing much came of the idea. Also when King James forced the Puritans and Church of England clergy to work together on the Bible even though they distrusted (and probably loathed) each other.

Equally fascinating but not as amusing was learning about King James’ thoroughly horrible childhood and details of what would have happened to London had Guy Fawkes been successful in his attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament.

The camera work and the settings in the movie are wonderful. We are taken through beautiful English buildings to glimpse the type of clothes people wore, the furniture they used and some of their customs.

I really enjoyed KJB: The Book that Changed the World.

Katy Gerner