Joan Koelle Snipes e-newsletter
Illustrations and photographs
April 2002

Dear Readers,

As I have studied books related to the Bible, I have found some with illustrations and photographs that enliven and enrich my research. Put another way, I often enjoy books with pictures! In this edition of my e-newsletter, I'll mention four books with especially interesting illustrations and photographs.

Contents:
- Gustave Dore Bible engravings;
- Moshe Pearlman books on Moses and the Prophets;
- Werner Keller.

GUSTAVE DORE BIBLE ENGRAVINGS

In 1865, Gustave Dore illustrated an edition of the Bible with engravings which are popular to this day. You may purchase a collection of Dore's 241 Bible plates from Dover Publications for a very reasonable price. (See www.amazon.com.) I think some of Dore's illustrations are wonderful. Among my favorites are a portrait of Amos, Jesus and the woman of Samaria, and the arrival of the Good Samaritan at the inn.

One thing that makes Dore's illustrations engaging is the fact that he sometimes chose to illustrate stories that are not well known. Examples include the stoning of Achan (Joshua 7:12, 24, 25) and the Levite finding the corpse of the woman (Judges 19:26, 27.) I found a number of these illustrations so compelling and sad that I went to the Bible to learn the stories. If you wish to become familiar with lesser known parts of the Bible, perusing Dore's illustrations is one way to motivate yourself.

I must add a word of caution. Some of Dore's black and white engravings are very graphic and unappealing to me. His rendition of David with Goliath's severed head, for instance, is one I would never share with a child. Nonetheless, if you have a chance to look at some Dore illustrations at the library, I think you'll find them thought-provoking and well done.

MOSHE PEARLMAN BOOKS

Two coffee table type books filled with large color photographs that I like are by Moshe Pearlman. I bought both of my Pearlman books used from book sellers on the Internet. The titles are: In the Footsteps of Moses and In the Footsteps of the Prophets: From Moses to Jonah, Joel and Obadiah. The photos are of people, places in the Holy Land, archaeological finds, and art work through the centuries. The Prophets book has the best photo of the Siloam Inscription (found in Hezekiah's water tunnel in 1880) that I have ever seen. It also has a photo of a breath-takingly lovely sycamore tree with sheep enjoying its shade. Amos was "a dresser of sycamore trees." (Amos 7:14)

I was introduced to Moshe Pearlman by a woman in Arkansas who came to a Bible workshop I gave on King Hezekiah last year. It's great to keep hearing of books that people have found helpful in their Bible study. Are there any you particularly like? If so, please drop me an email. I'd be happy to compile a list and post them in a future e-newsletter.

WERNER KELLER

Finally, I'd like to mention a relatively old but terrific book of photos by Werner Keller. Published by William Morrow and Company, this book is packed with black and white photos and entitled: The Bible as History in Pictures. Although only eight of the photos in this book are in color, this is an excellent collection of photos with good documentation.

For example, there is a photo of the beautiful Ishtar Gate found in Babylon. Keller offers much information related to this archaeological find. He notes that it "was one of the elaborate building projects of Nebuchadnessar II (605 -562 B. C.)," and that he was "the king of Babylon who brought the Kingdom of Judah to an end and carried off its people into exile." Keller explains that King Jehoiachin, who spent many years in Babylon as a prisoner, must have seen this massive gateway many times. The Ishtar Gate is in a Berlin museum today.

Keller's book is an especially helpful book to use with children. By pointing out a photo related to a Bible story, a parent or teacher can help that child comprehend that the Bible stories have a verifiable historical aspect as well as inspirational value.

I enjoy hearing from my e-newsletter subscribers, so please email me your comments and questions.

Here is the bibliography:
Dore, Gustave. The Dore Bible Illustrations. New York: Dover Publications, Inc., 1974.
Keller, Werner. The Bible as History in Pictures. New York: William Morrow and Co., 1964.
Pearlman, Moshe. In the Footsteps of Moses. USA: Leon Amiel Publisher., 1973.
Pearlman, Moshe. In the Footsteps of the Prophets: From Moses to Jonah, Joel and Obadiah. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Company, Inc., 1975.

Yours truly,

Joan Koelle Snipes

Volume 2; No. 2
Published six times a year by:
Bible Teaching Press
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304-876-1332

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