The idea of this book came from a German original: Das Neue Testament für Menschen unserer Zeit (Quell-Verlag, Stuttgart 1964), the aim of which was to present the New Testament in the down-to-earth colloquial language of the people. The text of the German original could not be used in the preparation of this book, nor was any of the standard versions quite suited to the purpose envisaged here. A fresh translation from the Greek has been prepared, in plain, simple, modern language, and in a free-flowing style. The aim of the book is to show up the contrast between the ideal of the New Testament and the reality of the world around us. Therefore this is not meant to compete with the well-known standard English versions; if it leads to a greater use and appreciation of these its purpose will have been fulfilled. (From the Introduction)
Left: Both volumes of the 1964 original German version, translated by Helmut Riethmüller, hardbound with dust jacket; side by side with the Irish version (see below). The German title translates »The New Testament for People of our Time«. This German New Testament was published in 2 volumes. An imprimatured Roman–Catholic version (H. Riethmüller was a Protestant) came out in 1966. The English version was obviously never completed as only vol. I (Gospels) saw the light of publication.
Click here for sample verses from the version by Kevin Condon.
Title: The Mercier New Testament • A Version of the New Testament in Modern English •••/ Part I: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John / Prepared by Kevin Condon
Date: ⓒ 1970 by Kevin Condon
Nihil obstat: Nov. 1968. Imprimatur: 1970 by Episcopus of Corcag & Ross Diocese (Ireland)
Publisher: Cork (Ireland): The Mercier Press
Contents: 4 Gospels. Introduction. – Acknowledgements. (List of) Photographs
Language:
References:
Images: (cover; title)
Location: Collection Bibelarchiv–Birnbaum (www.bibelpedia.com). Karlsruhe, Baden. Germany
Comments: Softcover octavo, sewn binding; 384 pp; Scripture text in single column paragraph–wise with headings. Chapter and verse numbering in the margin. No further extras.
Source text: „a fresh translation from the Greek“ according to a critical one, probably the 1° UBS NT Graece (1966), as the longer Mark– ending (16:9–20) and the story of the aldulterous woman (John 7:53–8:11) are put in parenthesis.
The b&w photographs are, though very similar, not adopted from the German original, but selected especially for this version.
Title: The Alba House New Testament. The Accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Prepared by Kevin Condon.
Date: 1970
Publisher: Alba House: Staten Island, NY
Contents: Gospels
References: Chamberlin 622-6, Taliaferro CN00160.
Images: Cover, Title page
Title: The New Testament for the New World (original title: The Alba House New Testament) Prepared by Kevin Condon
Date: 1972
Publisher: Pyramid Publications, Inc.: New York
Contents: Gospels
References: Chamberlin 622-6, Taliaferro CN00160.
Images: Cover, Title page
