A King James Christmas: Biblical Selections with Illustrations from Around the World edited by Catherine Schuon and Michael Oren Fitzgerald [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9781937786038
Hardcover $19.95

My thoughts: I was expecting a "Christmas" book steeped in classic art with accompanying Scripture from the King James translation of the Bible. What it actually is, though, is Christ's birth and early life and a third section on His teachings using famous art from around the world to illustrate compiled portions of Scripture in the King James Version.

This is quite a book. But as with all books, some will like it more than others. Since much of the classic art pieces were executed many years ago when the Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox churches were dominant, there is much focus on the Madonna and Child with accompanying halos around their heads. There is a table of illustrations at the back of the book identifying each of the pieces of art with artist, location, year work was finished and name of piece of art. This is very nice for children and adults who will be visiting locales that display this art but it also works as a tutorial in naming and identifying art. It is amazing to behold art that has existed for 1,000 years or more.

Back to the purpose and splendor of the book..... the real gem to me is that they are using the beautiful King James Version to recount the birth of Christ, His childhood, and His teachings. This even includes a wonderful section of the Sermon on the Mount.

I don't really see this as a children's book, but a family book. One that can be tucked away on the family bookshelf and referred to at special times.

Very nice and worth pursuing.

GIVEAWAY

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About the book: Beautifully crafted and presented, A King James Christmas is sure to become a new Christmas classic for the entire family. Excerpts from the Gospels are woven together to form a seamless and easy-to-follow story of Jesus’ birth and infancy, including the Annunciation, the Visitation, the adoration of the Magi, the presentation of Jesus in the temple, and the flight into Egypt. Also included is the inspiring Sermon on the Mount. Fully illustrated with reproductions of paintings, sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, and stained glass windows from across the globe, A King James Christmas is a feast for the eye and a remarkable celebration of the spirit of Christmas.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Wisdom Tales Publishing+  to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and freely given.