Catholic Commentry on Holy Scripture (Dom Orchard ed)

[Prince_Hal]

What do people think of the above commentary edited by Dom Bernard Orchard? I see that there is one for sale on ebay for $941, another for $450 and another for just $90. The latter looks in just as good a condition as the other two. Is the book that good or rare that it is worth nearly a $1000? Is it worth even $90. What are your thoughts?

Hal.

 

[Bible_Reader]

Well, it is a large book – about 1200 pages, and represents late pre-Vatican II scholarship. It was published in 1951, and not on acid free paper, so there is likely significant paper yellowing. I paid about $40 for my copy.

Is it worth it? That depends. If you like that style of commentary, you’ll love it. Dom Orchard also helped edit the RSV-CE, and I find that conservative Catholics who are very fond of the RSV-CE tend to like Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Given the demand for the book, though, $90 is probably a fair price.

If you prefer a more contemporary historical-critical survey with similar scope and a Catholic focus, I would recommend The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. That volume is more reasonably priced ($58).

You should also know that someone is Orchard’s volume in three parts. So far, the first two are available. Volume 1, Volume 2. I have not personally seen the reprints, so I cannot comment on them.

 

[Lancer]

Better yet…try this…at Lulu’s a small publishing and printing and book sales company…for the less know authors with books to publish.

lulu.com/shop/search.ep?type=Print+Products&keyWords=Commentary+orchard&sorter=relevance-desc

They have waht you want…a (new) reprint and only $40.per Vol (V1 = OT & V2 = NT ).

I have the OT & NT Vol 1 & 2…have not seen or gotten Vol 3 (Maps etc.). I heard about these from Patrick Madrid on Open Line (EWTN Radio)…I especially like the OT commentary (becasue I find other commentary’s harder to get a feel for the ancient times and culture)…Dom Orchard’s Team is excellent in the scriptural theology…doctrinal/dogma aspects but they also really convey the ancient culture and ancient author’s intent/situation…also they are very forthright about what is uncertain or ambiguous/confusing and where scripture scholars disagree or have varying opinions…also, each book has a great introduction and overview/outline of what is going to be covered. It also has some translation word analysis when helpful.

Only negative:…chapter/verse numbers take a little used to getting to…they have some scholar paragraph reference numberings that supersede the actual bible chapter/verse numbers…but other than that I really like it and its rock solid Catholic Scriptural analysis/exegesis.

Lastly, if you can, view the inside pages…online (not sure if this is possible at Lulu’s) to see the format…and maybe buy one vol and see if you really like the work/format/analysis.

Pax Christi

http://www.lulu.com/shop/daniel-ega...stament-vol-1/paperback/product-12933272.html

More Detail
A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture (1953) - Old Testament Vol. 1 By Daniel Egan
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This is a reprinting of the 1951 / 1953 A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture (**General Editor - Dom Bernard Orchard) **. The original is in one volume and the type is very small (8pt). This edition…has 11 point, for easier reading. This reprinting will be in three volumes (1) Old Testament (2) New Testament (3) Articles, Maps, and Index. The theology and orthodoxy of this text is timeless. There are very few Catholic commentaries today that can compare with this text. Each book of the Bible is carefully explained and outlined; the meanings of words in their original languages are brought to light; culture and history bring the text to life. If you are looking for a faithful, insightful, and clear commentary on the Bible, this commentary is for you.