This five-volume set investigates the intersection of sacred scripture and contemporary visual interpretation by pairing the Authorized King James Version of 1611 with original illustrations from modern artists. Oxford University Press curated this collection to provide a fresh aesthetic perspective on canonical texts, utilizing the expertise of various illustrators to render biblical narratives through a twentieth-century lens. The project argues that visual art serves as a vital interpretive tool for engaging with ancient religious literature, bridging the gap between historical prose and modern artistic expression.

Experts and bibliophiles frequently highlight this set as a significant achievement in twentieth-century book design and religious publishing. Readers often note that the inclusion of contemporary art provides a unique, non-traditional entry point into the dense prose of the King James Bible.