So far, the best illustrated Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, I have ever had is the Tagalog version by St. Paul’s Publication (Makati, Philippines).
The illustrated Bible comes in three paperback volumes: from the Old Testament to the New Testament. It was so effective and engaging that when I started with page 1 of Book I, I had only one option … that is … to finish my reading to the last page of the Book 3, so i could start all over again. That I termed — “to review-again”.
The illustration and dialogue were so vivid and clear as to come just a little short of the characters moving and vocalizing in front of your eyes and in the palm of your hands … remember the movie ”The Ten Commandments” with the great actor, Charlton Heston? It was the closest, if not the exact, depictation of how these Books I’m telling come through.
My copy of the books passed on hands and read by many through the years. They were with me and were parts of my book collections until that very unfortunate incident in my bookshelf.
I moved and rented an apartment in Cebu … with my book collections … yes, including the illustrated Bible by St. Paul’s. After some years, just when I thought things were just fine, one time, after being away for a quite a while, I got an itch to “review-again” the Books. Lo! there they were … the mean “termites”! …. i traced and found the subtly hidden earth tunnels hidden in the cracks of the wall to the back of the shelf right in target … the pages of my three Books! … It was too late … the termites made a haven out of the years-old-brittle-onion-skin-like-time-worn-pages of the Books … wasted!
I looked and still looking around for a copy of these Books, but no luck so far … simply out of print! …. but I have not given up, I’m not and … will not! That’s how these books left a mark in me.
The Books are inspiration and teacher; I appreciate the non-illustrated Bible from them; I got the love for classic movies (those of Mel Gibson’s and the likes included) from the illustrations that probably were hand-drawn by the master artist … and I spent my savings to get those.
As if a sign, I found this new generation gospel illustration in a Christian bookstore in Cebu along Ramos St. by Abuhan Restaurant … entiled the “Manga Mesiah” … an anime version book of the Gospels. Yes, entirely by Japanese master artists and publication.
“Manga Mesiah” is of better quality … paperback but thick; pages, white and glossy; colors, pastel and bright; graphics and dialogue, short, clear, precise and engaging ….
Meanwhile, my search for the 3 Books of “Bibliyang Isinalarawan” (The Bible, Illustrated) by St. Pauls’ Publication continues … next to hunt under the rugs is “Limang Sandali Araw-araw” (Five Minutes a Day)- a two inches thick compilation of short stories with spiritual lessons to reflect on … another collector’s item … someone borrowed it and forgot to return all these years …
Note: Manga Mesiah: Scripwriter- Hidenori Kumai; Artist- Kozumi Shinozawa
April 3, 2010 at 1:15 PM
I’m also looking for the same “Bibliyang Isinalarawan”. And just like you, these books left a mark in me. I was in grade school when i started reading these books, I never get tired of reading them. We lost our copy of these books when we had our house renovated.
February 5, 2011 at 10:54 PM
I am also looking for a copy of this “Bibliyang Isinalarawan”. Just like all of you it helps me a lot to understand the Bible and I want to pass it to all my children to read, if anyone of you knows were to get a copy of this kindly please email me so as to get also a copy. Thank you very much.
April 18, 2011 at 4:03 PM
Am glad to be among those who have been attached to these 3 books. Ours were a free set after our parents bought us our first set of encyclopedias. And this was when we were in elementary. The first book as I recall obviously started in Genesis and ended in the story of Ruth. Book 2 started in the beginnings of the prophet Samuel that lead to the story of Kind David. And book 3 was about the New Testament. In the appendix, were small parts of the stories of prophets and the travails of the kingdoms during the time of the prophets and after the death of our Lord, I think. I have also thought of leaving something for my kids that will be worthwhile for the lives and these books are one of them. It has given me a much better visualization of the events in the bible. During my elementary years, the Pilipino and Tagalog komiks were a favorite past time. Our Mom, took this opportunity to introduce us to the bible through these three books – Ang Bibliyang Isinalarawan. I hope to find a copy too.
April 19, 2011 at 6:37 PM
Well said bro. I’ll be glad to inform you as soon I find a copy. It’s from St.Paul’s Publication though, but, I was told they stopped publishing the book.