The Lost Art of Scripture: Rescuing the Sacred Texts Hardcover – November 5, 2019

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Review ADVANCE PRAISE FOR THE LOST ART OF SCRIPTURE "[Armstrong's] discussion of the movement from oral to written scriptures is compelling." --Prospect (UK) PRAISE FOR FIELDS OF BLOOD: RELIGION AND THE HISTORY OF VIOLENCE "Epic in scale . . . a comprehensive and erudite study of the history of violence in relation to religion . . . Armstrong leads readers patiently through history. . . . Her writing is clear and descriptive, her approach balanced and scholarly. . . . An intriguing read, useful resource and definitive voice in defense of the divine in human culture." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)"Armstrong again impresses with the breadth of her knowledge and the skill with which she conveys it to us." --Booklist (starred review)"Provocative and supremely readable . . . the comparative nature of [Armstrong's] inquiry is refreshing. . . . Bracing as ever, [she] sweeps through religious history around the globe and over 4,000 years to explain the yoking of religion and violence and to elucidate the ways in which religion has also been used to counter violence." --Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Mind-boggling . . . We feel we are in the hands of an expert. Armstrong is doing us a great service." --The Guardian"A vast overview of religious and world history, sketching the early evolution of all global faiths. . . . Armstrong denounces authoritarian secularism with eloquent passion . . . [and] does a good job of explaining why people who are deeply invested in traditional beliefs and social systems feel threatened and inclined to fight back."--The Economist "This is a powerful book, highly intelligent and relevant in these days of conflict between east and west." --The Sun Times (Owen Sound) "Karen Armstrong has written a finely wrought book, packed with information and guaranteed to spark stimulating conversations." --World Magazine Read more About the Author KAREN ARMSTRONG is one of the world's leading commentators on religious affairs. She spent seven years as a Roman Catholic nun, but left her teaching order in 1969 to read English at St Anne's College, Oxford. In 1982, she became a full time writer and broadcaster. She is a bestselling author of over 16 books on religious affairs, including A History of God, Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life, The Case for God, and The Great Transformation, as well as a memoir, The Spiral Staircase. Her work has been translated into 45 languages. A passionate campaigner for religious liberty, Armstrong has addressed members of the United States Congress and the Senate and has participated in the World Economic Forum. Read more