Suitable for readers familiar with the Bible and those who are coming to it fresh, this book explores what the Bible has to say, why it has such an important place in Western culture and how its abiding message speaks to readers today. The book provides an overview of 2000 years of history and a succession of cultures, introducing readers to the many kinds of writing brought together in the Bible's pages - history, law, poetry, wisdom, narrative, prophecy and biography. It acts as a "guided tour" through each Bible, with brief summaries, highlights, important issues, key quotations and excerpts and essential information about historical context. Unlike "The Lion Handbook to the Bible", this book does not require a Bible alongside, or any commitment other than interest on the part of the reader. It is designed as an appetizer, to lead the reader on to read the Bible itself. Mary Batchelor is the author of "The Children's Bible in 365 Stories" and "The Story of Jesus".