ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book is an introduction to the traditional Christian reading of the Bible that has so influenced literature and art in Western culture. It offers a selection of the most influential passages of the Bible presented as fully as possible. Each passage from the Bible is introduced with brief notes on context, characters and concepts, and followed by indications of related Bible passages and some examples of the influence of the passage on specific works of art, literature and music. The book offers a way into the Bible for those who would like to explore its influence on Western culture. It is not intended as a guide to the Bible in all its aspects or to the huge area of Biblical Studies, but as an introduction to key stories which have inspired and influenced artists, writers and musicians in the past.
