The Bible and Western Christian Literature is a 5-volume, 1.5 million word reference resource on the impact and influence of the bible upon the development of literature, charting this relationship from the classical period to the modern day. The international spread of the biblical text is reflected in a structure that considers the broader geographical, philosophical, and theological factors that crop up when the bible's role in culture and society is considered. The work reflects a broader cultural narrative that is dependent upon the bible for its relevance and yet also contributes to the bible's own continuing relevance in modern society.

Each volume is edited by a leading specialist in the period, and begins with a set of introductory materials including a chapter on how the biblical text is mediated in the given period. Ten thematic essays then introduce the key thinkers, works, events and themes of the period. Extracts from primary materials are then presented with specialist commentary showing how these texts interact with the bible itself.

The five volumes cover: The Late Classical and Medieval Periods, The Renaissance and Reformation Periods, Enlightenment to Romanticism, The Nineteenth Century, and The Modern Period.

Stephen Prickett was Regius Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Glasgow and Honorary Professor at the University of Kent at Canterbury, UK. He has previously held positions at Duke University, USA and as Armstrong Browning Librarian at Baylor University, USA.

Elisabeth Jay is Professor Emerita of English Literature and former Director of the Institute for Historical and Cultural Research at Oxford Brookes University, UK.