Sometimes out-of-date information is better than no information at all.

When the New Revised Standard Version was published, it effectively ended the life of the Revised Standard Version. There is little reason left to seek out the older translation, and it isn't easy to find outside used bookstores.

But the New Revised Standard Version has only a very brief explanation of its history and methods. The translators let Bruce M. Metzger write a short introduction, and that was that. No real insight into what the scholars were thinking. Which is highly unfortunate, given the general quality of the NRSV.

That being so, there is something to be said for getting into the minds of the translators of the Revised Standard Version. It isn't the same translation, and it isn't the same translators, but any insight into the thoughts of a translation committee is useful. This book, and its Old Testament companion, are a very helpful look at what a highly competent committee thought. There is a section on the history of the translation (and of English translations in general). There are several chapters on the history and background of the Bible. There is discussion of the Greek text, the Greek language, the English style used in the rendering. There are also a couple of theological chapters, which I frankly could have done without. But the overall structure is useful -- and can provide insight into translations other than the RSV. ( )