World-renowned critic and scholar Northrop Frye examines the Bible as the single most important influence in the imaginative tradition of Western art and literature. Frye rejects both the dogmatic and literal interpretations while celebrating the uniqueness of the Bible as distinct from all other epics and sacred texts. His highly original analysis shows the Bible as redeeming history with a visionary poetic perspective that complements science in the understanding of man’s nature.

Northrop Frye (1912-1991) was one of Canada's most distinguished men of letters. His first book, Fearful Symmetry, published in 1947, transformed the study of the poet William Blake, and over the next forty years he transformed the study of literature itself. Among his most influential books are Anatomy of Criticism (1957), The Educated Imagination (1963), The Bush Garden (1971), and The Great Code (1982). Northrop Frye on Shakespeare (1986) won the Governor General's Award for Non-Fiction. A professor at the University of Toronto, Frye gained an international reputation for his wide-reaching critical vision. He lectured at universities around the world and received many awards and honours, including thirty-six honorary degrees.

Northrop Frye's profile page

“Astonishing in its perceptions and elegance” - The Washington Post

“No one has set forth so clearly, so subtly, or with such cogent energy as Frye the literary aspect of our biblical heritage.” - The New York Times Book Review

“Brilliant … it is difficult to be less than enormously impressed by the intelligence, passion, wit and sweep of the great argument.” - Canadian Forum

“The driving force of this amazing book is more mystical than skeptical … it ignores the improvisations of centuries of faith and doubt and sets up its mirror before the Bible itself, as it really is or seems to be.” - Frank Kermode, New Republic