Tyndale

December 1, 2011

Perhaps literature's premier examples of English prose are found in Shakespeare's works and the King James Bible. The latter owes much of its character to William Tyndale's earlier English translation, which Teems wants us to appreciate, along with Tyndale himself. Teems, an independent scholar, succeeds in the former, reproducing quote after memorable quote from Tyndale's New Testament and drawing parallels with those later translations that are genetically tied to it, while contrasting those that aren't. What the reader does not get is a real feeling for Tyndale. Granted, the historical record on him is not great, especially regarding his personal life. But Tyndale is framed here as a hero, standing at a distance, with few complexities evident. Teems also seems compelled to provide villains: Sir Thomas More, Henry VIII, Erasmus, and a host of others. Everyone seems too ready-made and not fully realized, although Teems has studied his subject. VERDICT Ultimately, this is a fair introduction to Tyndale aimed at getting Evangelicals to better understand their heritage. Readers interested in Tyndale from other perspectives may wish to consider Brian Moynahan's God's Bestseller or David Daniell's William Tyndale.--James M. Wetherbee, Wingate Univ. Lib., NC

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