Rating: 
Summary: The Jerusalem Bible
Review: As a young man I was introduced to this bible and quickly adopted it as my prefered translation. Its English was balanced and readable, both in silent devotion and public proclamation. When traveling in other English speaking countries it was the text used liturgically. The inevitable migration to inclusive language texts that sought to heal rifts in groups that felt marginalized created new communities that now felt the same. The re-issue of this translation goes a long way toward balancing this out and is a compassionate solution to a delicate problem. While no translation is timeless or perfect this one is durable enough and faithful enough to fulfill its function. I recomend this book not as a nostalgic journey into the past but as living link to a world experienced by millions.
Rating:
Summary: Best Bible Translation!
Review: How fortunate that this wonderful translation is still in print. After nearly 40 years, the Jerusalem Bible in English is still as exciting and fresh as when it first appeared in 1966. At the time, it heralded an entirely new approach to the Scriptures. It was the first translation by Catholic scholars to use the original languages rather than the Latin Vulgate. It was translated into modern English. It was the only version to break with King James tradition and spell out the divine name (Yahweh). Despite being the work of French Dominicans, the annotations were non-doctrinal and acclaimed by scholars of all faiths.How disingenuous to the original spirit, therefore, that the back cover proclaims that "it still holds to the traditional (noninclusive) language that appeals to conservative Catholic and Protestant Christians." It was not the specific intention of the editors and translators to produce a Bible described like that. Gender inclusive language was not even an issue at that time. If the Jerusalem Bible lacks gender inclusive language, it's due to its historical dating rather than a deliberate decision taken by its translators. There has also been some writing about how the JB compares to the New Jerusalem Bible (1985) in this regard. While the producers of the NJB acknowledge that they made some very minor changes to accomodate gender neutrality, they are by no means severe. In both the JB and NJB, for example, "brothers" does not become "brothers and sisters" throughout the New Testament (as it does in the NRSV). Also God created "man" in both the JB's and NJB's accounts of Genesis--not "humankind"(as in the NRSV). Gender inclusive language, therefore, does not seem like a significant factor in choosing between the JB and NJB. In other regards, however, there are some differences between the older and newer versions. The NJB, being newer, has the advantage of 20 additional years of scholarship. A lot of new research and discoveries were made in that time that are reflected in the text and notes. (In fact we are probably due for yet another updated English edition soon as there has already been a new French version released in 1997). Other differences between JB and NJB involve personal preferences which can not be objectified. I like the Psalms in the older version (compare Psalm 23: "In meadows of green grass he lets me lie. To the waters of repose he leads me; there he revives my soul." [JB] with "In grassy meadows he lets me lie. By tranquil streams he leads me to restore my spirit." [NJB]). On the other hand, I prefer the NJB where Matthew's Beatitudes are "blessed" over the JB where they are merely "happy." In closing, I would recommend adding the Jerusalem Bible to one's library. Unfortuately this "Reader's Edition" with abridged notes is the only one still in print. The copy that I saw was not as poorly printed and bound as noted by others. It was not, however, as nice as my original 1966 edition. Another reviewer called for republishing the full edition, which I think is a marvelous idea.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful translation--shameful marketing
Review: How fortunate that this wonderful translation is still in print. After nearly 40 years, the Jerusalem Bible in English is still as exciting and fresh as when it first appeared in 1966. At the time, it heralded an entirely new approach to the Scriptures. It was the first translation by Catholic scholars to use the original languages rather than the Latin Vulgate. It was translated into modern English. It was the only version to break with King James tradition and spell out the divine name (Yahweh). Despite being the work of French Dominicans, the annotations were non-doctrinal and acclaimed by scholars of all faiths. How disingenuous to the original spirit, therefore, that the back cover proclaims that "it still holds to the traditional (noninclusive) language that appeals to conservative Catholic and Protestant Christians." It was not the specific intention of the editors and translators to produce a Bible described like that. Gender inclusive language was not even an issue at that time. If the Jerusalem Bible lacks gender inclusive language, it's due to its historical dating rather than a deliberate decision taken by its translators. There has also been some writing about how the JB compares to the New Jerusalem Bible (1985) in this regard. While the producers of the NJB acknowledge that they made some very minor changes to accomodate gender neutrality, they are by no means severe. In both the JB and NJB, for example, "brothers" does not become "brothers and sisters" throughout the New Testament (as it does in the NRSV). Also God created "man" in both the JB's and NJB's accounts of Genesis--not "humankind"(as in the NRSV). Gender inclusive language, therefore, does not seem like a significant factor in choosing between the JB and NJB. In other regards, however, there are some differences between the older and newer versions. The NJB, being newer, has the advantage of 20 additional years of scholarship. A lot of new research and discoveries were made in that time that are reflected in the text and notes. (In fact we are probably due for yet another updated English edition soon as there has already been a new French version released in 1997). Other differences between JB and NJB involve personal preferences which can not be objectified. I like the Psalms in the older version (compare Psalm 23: "In meadows of green grass he lets me lie. To the waters of repose he leads me; there he revives my soul." [JB] with "In grassy meadows he lets me lie. By tranquil streams he leads me to restore my spirit." [NJB]). On the other hand, I prefer the NJB where Matthew's Beatitudes are "blessed" over the JB where they are merely "happy." In closing, I would recommend adding the Jerusalem Bible to one's library. Unfortuately this "Reader's Edition" with abridged notes is the only one still in print. The copy that I saw was not as poorly printed and bound as noted by others. It was not, however, as nice as my original 1966 edition. Another reviewer called for republishing the full edition, which I think is a marvelous idea.
Rating: 
Summary: I can't believe Doubleday approved this print job!
Review: I received this Bible for my twentieth birthday, and I must say it is a true treasure to me. Unlike other Bibles, it contains the apocrypha...a collection of books that some people don't consider to be relevant to the Word. I highly recommend it to anyone who has a fascination with angels, theology, eschatology, or is in need of positive influences and teachings.
Rating: 
Summary: If it was the 1966 version with study notes - 5 stars!
Review: I use both the Jerusalem Bible (1966 edition) along with the New Jerusalem Bible. The JB exceeds the NJB in translation and is wonderful and a good study text for both conservative Roman catholics and Protestant catholics. The NJB is very weak in it's translation of the OT. One would almost think that the God of the OT was a different God and religion of that of the NT. But, not with the original JB. Highly recommended for all Christians. But, it would be nice to see the 1966 as it is republished.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Translation - Disgraceful Edition
Review: Long ago, as a young child, I heard the Jerusalem Bible pronounced in Church, but never knew it. Eventually, as I began to study Liturgy and Scripture, I became aware of various translations, and finally picked myself up an old 1971 copy of the paperback 'Reader's Edition' of the JB. Of course, it sat on my shelf for quite some time.
Picking it up recently, while working on a project to revise the Breviary of our Synod, I became captivated by the striking language and depth of meaning found in the JB, and decided I needed a slightly better copy for my own use.
The Jerusalem Bible is quite simply the most poetic modern english translation of Scriptures that one will find. The depth and clarity with which the Word of God is conveyed within these covers is only rivaled (in places!) by the Revised English Bible's translation of the Duterocanonicals (specifically Ecclesiasticus).
Sadly, this hardback 'Reader's Edition' appears to be nothing less than a (crummy) photographic reproduction (and shrunk at that) version of an earlier copy of the Reader's Edition. I am deeply troubled that Doubleday did not see fit to actually imprint this copy of the JB, simply to photocopy/shrink it. (Yes, I know there is more involved than photocopying, but you get my point.)
While I highly recommend the Jerusalem Bible (it's my second favorite translation after the English Standard Version), I can't commend this print job.
Here's hoping, along with others, that Doubleday might yet get it right.
Rating:
Summary: Great translation
Review: Looking at translation alone, this Bible is one of the best to be done in the 20th century. It is much easier to read than the older Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible, but its translation (particularly of the Psalms) is more flowing and beautiful than the New American Bible. The original Jerusalem Bible also does not contain the inclusive language added in the New Jerusalem Bible. Unfortunately, as several others have pointed out, the printing job is poor, and my copy (as well as the others I have seen) is bound extremely poorly, looking as though it could fall apart at any moment even in the store. I only wish the publisher would add some more introductions and footnotes, bind it better, and republish it as something better than this "Reader's Edition."
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Summary: Pathetic printing
Review: The content of this edition may be wonderful, but the printing quality is like a bad xerox. what a pity that the publisher didn't purchase a quality job. I'm sending back the copy I received today. Ex-printer.
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Summary: For readers who prefer a literary quality to their Bible
Review: The Jerusalem Bible is a very literary translation, a joy to read a joy to read. It was the first modern bible for Catholics translated from the original languages into English. Done by Catholic scholars at the Ecole Biblique in Jerusalem, the Jerusalem Bible has had broad appeal across denominational lines. It has been particularly popular among Anglicans and Eastern Orthodox. Twenty years ago I saw an Anglican book that had a full year of Anglican lectionary readings from the Jerusalem Bible. Boy, I wish I could still find that! I remember 20 years ago when I first became involved with the Catholic Charismatic movement, many people chose the Jerusalem Bible. It is still the Bible used in English Liturgies outside of the US and Canada. It has often been quoted in Catholic teaching materials; for example, it is the version John Hardon, SJ uses in his classic explanation of the Catholic faith. Spiritual writers like Richard Rohr OFM quote the Jerusalem Bible. And of course, watchers of EWTN will know that it is Mother Angelica's favorite teaching Bible. Although the Jerusalem Bible was revised in 1985 and published as the New Jerusalem Bible, I enjoy the original quite a bit. Some may object to the use of Yahweh in the Old Testament. This usage may offend some of our orthodox Jewish brothers and sisters, and we Christians should certainly be sensitive to our Jewish friends, because Christians have not been through the centuries. But one can read "Lord" where Yahweh is, as the ancient Jews did. Some find the use of Yahweh appealing; it can help a sense of intimacy with a personal God. Also the use of Yahweh may help us remember the teaching of St. John Damascene, that when we read the word "God" in the bible, it is not speaking about the Essence of God, but the energies of God into history. By using Yahweh, The Jerusalem bible emphasizes that Yahweh represents the historical working of God among the Jewish people. There is yet a transcendent aspect of God, not wholly captured, but pointed to in the sacred text. The best thing I like about this particular edition is that it is single column. That was always an attractive feature for me, and I am somewhat disappointed that the New Jerusalem Bible edition that is similar to this has double column instead.
Rating:
Summary: Best Bible Translation!
Review: The Jerusalem Bible is THE BEST Bible translation in my opinion! So rich and poetic, but yet simple to read and understand! This is the best Catholic bible to buy. Other reviewers have complained about the binding and printing, but I bought it anyway because I just loved the translation and wanted to own it! When I got the bible I was very surprised...It was not at all as horrible as the other reviewers were making it out to be! The binding was very tight and neat. The printing job, although small and tiny, very clear and easy to see...not terrible like the other reviews make it out to be! So I say to you Catholics (and even non-catholics) BUY THIS BIBLE NOW! Don't listen to the other reviewers and what they say about the print job...I did for a long time and never bought it because of what they said...then when I finally did, it wasn't NEARLY as bad as they had made it out to be! Its a beautiful translation and its a neat carry-around size with a beautiful Gold/White/Burgandy cover! I also recommend the New Jerusalem Bible...although not as wonderful as this one, still pretty great! Rev. 12:1
Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman, adorned with the sun, standing on the moon, and with the twelve stars on her head for a crown.
(from The Jerusalem Bible)
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