The Apocrypha

The Apocrypha by Edgar J. Goodspeed is a reissue published by Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group on October 23, 1989. This edition presents a collection of books from the Greek version of the Jewish Bible, which were not included in the final canonical version of the Hebrew Bible. Known as the “hidden” or “secret” books, these texts were part of the original King James version of 1611 but are absent from modern Bibles. The collection features significant works such as The First Book of Maccabees, the Wisdom of Solomon, and Ecclesiasticus, offering insights into Jewish history during the period between the rebuilding of the Temple and the time of Jesus.

Readers will find that The Apocrypha includes narratives and writings that have influenced both religious thought and artistic expression. This edition, translated into contemporary English by Goodspeed, provides access to these important texts that shed light on the historical context of the New Testament. The book spans 528 pages and is presented in English, making it a valuable resource for those interested in religion, Judaism, and biblical studies.