By Lauren Fink, ARB Intern, 2011-2012

Though no longer a large part of our socio-political life, in years passed, dreams influenced both religion and government.  In fact, in their foundation, most major religions involve some sort of divine vision and/or dream experience revealed to man from a higher being.  Christianity, Islam, and Judaism all document dream and visionary experiences in their holy books.  For example, in the Old Testament of the Bible (in Chapter 41 of Genesis) the Pharaoh has a dream which Joseph, son of Jacob (dreamer of the ladder to heaven in Gen., ch. 28), is able to interpret.  Because of his interpretation, Joseph is made a secondary ruler of Egypt, is able to prepare Egypt for the seven years of famine to come, and is ultimately able to save his kin that all move to Egypt under the Pharaoh’s blessing.  If not for Joseph’s interpretation, the 12 tribes of Israel might not have existed – Joseph’s fathers and brothers most likely would have perished in Canaan.

With ARB’s vast array of Bibles and Korans, readers can explore such religious dreams in different languages and formats.  If Arabic, Hebrew, or German is not your specialty, start with ARB’s English Bibles.  Of special note are the famous Pennyroyal Caxton Press Bible with engravings by Barry Moser, the Book of Genesis illustrated by R. Crumb, and a 19^th Century Bible with Gustave Doré’s illustrations.

The Holy Bible: Containing the Old and New Testaments According to the Authorized Version. Illustrations by Gustave Doré.  London: Cassell and Co. Ltd., 1875.

ARB Ovsz:  BS185 1875 .L6  v.1 & 2

The Book of Genesis.   Illustrated by R. Crumb.  1^st ed.  New York: W.W. Norton & Co., 2009.

 ARB: BS1233 .A785 2009  

The Holy Bible: Containing All the Books of the Old and New Testaments.  North Hatfield, Mass.: Pennyroyal Caxton Press, 1999.

ARB: BS185 1999 .N47  v.1 & 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To view any of the bibles featured in this blog, schedule an appointment at the Archives & Rare Books Library by calling (513)-556-1959 or emailing archives@ucmail.uc.edu.