This year marks the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James Bible – the most widely read translation of the bible ever made.

East Finchley-based Professor Bob Owens of the Open University’s English Department, was invited by Oxford University Press to edit the original 1611 text for a new paperback series.

The gospels provide the fullest accounts of Jesus’ teachings and provided the subject matter for innumerable cultural works.

Professor Owens puts the bible in the context of early Christianity, with full explanatory notes, and also describes how the translators of the King James edition went about their work.

The Gospels: Authorized King James Version is published by OUP and is available now for £8.99 from all good bookshops.