I don't wish to revisit old controversies, but I really must recommend In Awe of Thy Word by Gail Riplinger. The book is not simply a rehash of the basic questions, such as Sinaiaticus vs. Receptus, although she briefly touches on those matters; rather, it is a unique and utterly invaluable discussion of the development of the English Bible, from the Gothic to the Old English to the King James. She discusses the earlier English translations in great detail, and demonstrates that they were authentic and authoritative. She doesn't say they were "inspired," but then, the Bible itself wasn't "inspired:" it was "given by inspiration" (2 Tim. 3:16).

She also has a very valuable discussion of the "Jesus or Jehovah" question that's become so controversial.

I've been a Christian for many years, and if I were forced to reduce my library to five or ten books, this would be one of them.

Riplinger is a controversial figure, simply by virtue of her sex. That's a shame. Women are not forbidden to do research or write books, and she has rendered a great service to the Body of Christ in her work. She doesn't preach or teach or "usurp authority." The only reason I mention this is that I have heard good, solid Bible believers sneer and dismiss her because she's a woman.

Here's a link, if anyone's interested:

http://www.avpublications.com/avnew/home.html