The Gospels: A new translation by Sarah Ruden (Random House, £15.99 (£14.39); 978-0-399-59296-6). New in paperback.

“A remarkable and accessible new translation of the Gospels, destined to become a definitive edition of these canonical texts, from one of today's most respected translators of ancient literature.”

Mary Magdalene: A visual history by Diane Apostolos-Cappadona (T & T Clark, £17.99 (£16.99); 978-0-567-70574-7).

“Illustrated in full colour, this visual history reveals how images and presentations have created a Mary who is often far different from the real woman, the first witness of the Resurrection in the gospels, or even from her appearances in the works of the Church Fathers.”


Jesus: A life in class conflict by James Crossley and Robert J. Myles (Zero Books, £19.99 (£17.99); 978-1-80341-082-1).

“By situating the life of Jesus of Nazareth in the turbulent troubles of first-century Palestine, Crossley and Myles give a thrilling historical-materialist take on the historical Jesus.”


Selected by Frank Nugent, of the Church House Bookshop, which operates the Church Times Bookshop.