The Annals of the World Paperback – March 1, 2007

Annals of the World is a literary masterpiece. It was originally published in Latin in the mid seventeenth century, and subsequently in English. This version is the most recent English translation (2003), for which I am grateful since my Latin is wholly inadequate for the task. The tome chronicles the history of the world from Creation to the death of Christ. This modern work was edited by Larry and Marion Pierce and the particular edition I reference is beautifully bound and thoroughly annotated. It also comes with a CD having many extras including depicted chronologies, bible synopses, and a historical summary of Egyptian and Olympic history,among other things. The text is also supported by several useful appendices including a bibliography, various calendars, time-line reconstructions, maps, a detailed index by paragraph (paragraphs are numbered in the text), and a defense of a young earth.This last point is worth elaboration. James Ussher famously, and to much modern derision, calculated the creation of the earth as occurring on September 21, 4004 B.C (using the modern Gregorian Calendar). This appears to be too young -- modern civilization is generally regarded as beginning about 10,000 B.C., the age of Homo sapiens as occurring circa 200,000 B.C., and the age of the earth as roughly 4.5 billion B.C.The debate about the age of the earth is a very ancient one, with certain Greek philosophers arguing that the earth is infinitely old and others arguing that it had a definite beginning. With the discovery of cosmic background radiation the scientific consensus has now embraced a Big Bang view of cosmology demanding a definite starting point for the universe and subsequent earth. Although the Big Bang has only been recently accepted, philosophically, an infinitely old universe was ruled out from ancient times with (what I believe to be a sound) philosophical argument that if the earth were infinitely old, no amount of time would be sufficient to arrive at "now."Curiously, before the advent of Darwin's evolutionary theory in the mid nineteenth century, the general scientific consensus was in general accord with Ussher's calculations. Since then, scientists (including Christians among them) have largely embraced an old earth, though others have consistently held to a young earth of 10,000 years or less. With respect to the former, supposed gaps in genealogy are used to reconcile Biblical and secular creation dates -- an argument I find unpersuasive. Regardless, Ussher's history is quite accurate in its chronicle of historically recorded events -- the thrust of this 960 page volume.Ussher was a first rate scholar, historian, and intellectual, and his work was monumental and influential. For that reason, he is worth reading and recommended as an asset to any organized library.

First of all, this is the best history book I've ever read. It's also the only one that includes Biblical events in the order that they happened. It doesn't replace God's Word, but it's excellent at putting the dates and events in perspective. Everything in it is referenced, cited, or otherwise quoted. For something written in 1650, it's really timeless, as history doesn't change that much.Ussher takes the position that God created everything in seven days - literal days - and even calculates the precise first date of Creation. Now, whether that's an accurate date or not, I don't know, but it's fascinating nevertheless. From that point forward, he chronicles history based on time periods and events given in the Bible and by other historians, including both Biblical and extra-Biblical events on the same timeline.Ultimately, whether you're a historian, a Bible-buff, or simply someone interested in Biblical history, this book is worth it one-hundred percent. If nothing else, this will reveal things in the Bible that you probably didn't know about - like the fact that Jephthah, one of Israel's judges, sacrificed his daughter as a result of a rash vow he made; or that God cursed King Jehoram, a wicked king of Judah, so that his bowels would fall out and he would then die.I cannot rate the physical book, as I have the Kindle version, which seems to work well. Aside from some occasional font size errors, it's great, but hard to flip to references and such. This book will give you a new respect for the Bible and hopefully make you want to read it much more!

Item as described. Thank you

First off I have to say that I absolutely love the look of this book. It has a very solid feel to it, with the full 900+ pages perfectly smooth on the sides with the golden edges. The very weight of it makes it very satisfying to hold even when it is closed.Now for the inside: James Ussher gives a purely historic account of both biblical and extra-biblical events. While the first 60 or so pages are largely from Genesis and Exodus(save a few entries concerning Egyptian Pharaohs) later on it goes way in depth concerning figures such as Alexander the Great, using source documents that I will probably never have the opportunity read directly(especially since many of them no longer exist, apparently being burned up in a fire long ago).The book is organized by year, and it can be difficult if you are looking for events concerning individual nations--it can jump back and forth at times. However, it goes into much greater detail than many other history books will. It is unquestionable that Ussher was one of the most learned men of his day, or even of all time, when it comes to history, including biblical history.The book also includes a detailed bibliography(of which the editor of this newly translated edition confirmed and updated the information for as many as he could) as well as several appendices, with one that gives a detailed account on how Ussher came to his famous date of 4004 BC as the date of creation.I don't use "must-have" to describe many books, but this book is definitely a "must-have" for any pastor, theologian, historian, creationist, or anyone else who wishes to know how the biblical history lines up with the rest of the world.

Remember this book covers from the garden of Eden to post crucifiction of Jesus only. I was under the impression it went a bit further in human history, but that was my lack of perception. However if you need to find out more facts about BC history, this is it! Lots of facts and background. You dont find books like this in a hurry. Something to be savoured when youre in the mood or seeking facts of the specific era.

I was so pleased to find this amazing book at such a reasonable price. It arrived a little ahead of time and us in great condition.

This a beautiful edition. Thank you, Masterbooks, for translating this essential work and presenting it in such a rich binding. The edition is as classic as the content itself. It is hardcover, with gilt edges and a cover illustrated with a ship in sail, also inlaid with gold colour. This is a lot of book.Though nobody is infallible, Ussher's chronology has stood the test of four hundred years, and is still highly regarded among creationist circles today.

very useful for study

It’s a thick book! Throughly enjoying reading it... has scripture reference, which I’m thankful for so I can dig deeper ... into Gods word... while seeing the timeline...

Great reference book.