The Bible: Designed to be Read as Living Literature (1993 Hardcover DJ) "The Bible: Designed to be Read as Living Literature" is a comprehensive exploration of biblical criticism and interpretation, focusing on the archaeology of ancient Israel and the origin of sacred texts. Published by Simon & Schuster in 1993, this hardcover book authored by Ernest S. Bates provides readers with a detailed insight into the religious genre. With a dust jacket featuring a design by William L. Walton, this 1288-page volume offers a deep dive into the topics within biblical studies, making it a valuable addition to any collection on the subject."