To Begin:

User's Guide to the Bible by Stephen M Miller Published by Lion (2006)
ISBN 978 0 7459 5196 6 Price €10.75
“Easy to read, User's guide to the Bible is a perfect introduction to the complex library of books we call the Bible.”

The Bible from Scratch by Simon Jenkins Published by Lion (2004)
ISBN 978 0 7459 4154 7 Price €12.30
A lightening tour of the Bible using cartoons, maps, speech bubbles and family trees where necessary. It gives information about every book.

Holman QuickSource Guide to Understanding the Bible by Kendell H Easley Published by Holman (2002)
This is designed for those just beginning their study of the Bible.

Moving on:

A Beginner's Guide to the Old Testament by Robert Davidson Published by Saint Andrew Press (2007) ISBN 978 0 7152 0839 7 €12.30
This simple and straightforward book opens up the Old Testament, focusing your attention on its spiritual value.

A Beginner's Guide to the New Testament by William Barclay Published by Saint Andrew Press ISBN 978 0 7152 0840 3 €12.30
This book is written for anyone interested in discovering the meaning of the New Testament. It is ideal for individuals, students and Bible study groups.

An Introduction to the New Testament for Catholics by Joseph F Kelly Published by Liturgical Press (2006) ISBN 978 0 8146 5216 9 €29.95
This helps readers to understand what modern scholars say about the individual books.

Classic introductions to the Scriptures:

Reading the Old Testament by Laurence Boadt Published by Paulist Press (1984) ISBN 978 0 8091 26316 Price €16.99
An easy and accessible introduction to the Old Testament that has stood the test of time.

Bible Studies:

God’s Healing for our time – Healing Miracles in the Gospel of Mark: A Creative Study Guide ISBN 158516 1055 (2000) and
God’s Faithfulness for our Time – The Book of Ruth: A Creative Study Guide ISBN 158516 0008 (1995)
Both published by American Bible Society and available to order Price €6.95 each.
Two themed Bible studies for the twenty first century with reflective questions for groups or individuals.

Background Information:

Understanding the Bible from A to Z by Ron Rhodes Published by Harvest House (2003) ISBN 978 0 7369 1765 0 Price €13.84
This gives vital information on the most important topics in the Bible and includes helpful Scripture cross-references.

The Bible: A History The Making and Impact of the Bible by Stephen M Miller & Robert V Huber published by Lion (2003) ISBN 978 0 7459 5072 3 Price €39.68
The story of how the Bible came to be, and how it emerged as one of the most important books in history.

Special Topic – 1. The Psalms

The Spirituality of the Psalms by Carroll Stuhlmueller Published by The Liturgical Press (2002) ISBN 978 0 8146 2599 6 Price €16.99

A scholarly but accessible examination of spiritual themes in the Psalms in their original context and of how they may be used by Christians today. Edited posthumously by Carol J Dempsey OP and Timothy Lenchak SVD

Songs for the Journey by Brian Prickett Published by Darton Longman & Todd (2002) ISBN 978 0 232 523843 Price €21.23
The Psalms presented as a journey that leads us “… in the company of others, across the threshold of new relationships, through the inhospitable terrain of suffering and bereavement and into a fuller vision of ourselves and the world.”

N.B. Prices quoted are correct as of 1st July 2008
but may be changed at any time without prior notice.