Book excerpt: A one-stop reference guide, this Encyclopedia provides an engagingly illustrated introduction to the Bible for the junior student. Taking a chronological approach to the storyline of the Bible, the authoritative text integrates the historical, geographical and social background of the Bible, along with overviews of the different types of writing found within its pages and how they relate to Christian beliefs. In series with The Jesus Encyclopedia (by Lois Rock), The Lion Encyclopedia of Christianity and The Lion Encyclopedia of World Religions (both by David Self) the clear layout incorporates illustrations, maps, diagrams and call-out boxes to introduce the reader to the salient points of the Bible and its influences throughout the centuries.