How and why did the early Church come to regard certain gospels, epistles, and other books as authoritative Scripture? What considerations dictated the present sequence of the books in the New Testament? Dr Metzger takes up such questions and considers whether the canon is a collection of authoritative books or an authoritative collection of books.

`He combines the sureness of touch and the courtesy for which he is renowned with an awesome breadth of learning deeply assimilated. Master of his evidence, he leaves no loose ends and never needs to overstate his case, but allows the true situation to speak for itself ... In Dr Metzger's hands it becomes not only the catalyst for a fascinating tapestry of church history, but also the occasion of important theological reflection.' The Tablet `distinguished by its author's sober judgement and legendary commmand of secondary literature ... The book will be valuable ... as an updating of earlier historical treatments of the New Testament Canon.' The Expository Times `Metzger's opinions throughout are judicious and moderate. ... The richly detailed factual information carefully organized here, and the bibliographical footnotes will make this a volume of continuing benefit and lasting value.' J.K. Elliott, Journal of Theological Studies, Vol 39, 2, 1988 `Concerning each topic, the author gives us a clear formulation of the question and a sober and balanced treatment, avoiding extremes which are being defended even in recent publications. As a conclusion of the trilogy ... M.'s book on the canon is a valuable contribution to a ever-open discussion.' Joël Delobel, Louvain Studies `as a history of canon formation, this gracefully written and thoroughly documented book will surely become our classic reference work.' Pheme Perkins, Boston College. The Catholic Biblical Quarterly `This is unquestionably the best book on the subject available today and one of the best of all times. The debt of both the scholarly world and the church to Bruce M. Metzger is exceedingly great. The reviewer will always be grateful for the privilege of studying under him.' James A. Brooks, Southwestern Journal of Theology `Throughout the book a balanced, restrained judgment is exercised.' B.T. Viviano, O.P., Revue Biblique `splendid book ... The author is so well-read, both in ancient and in modern literature, that he constantly adds to the reader's knowledge.' Roger Beckwith, Churchman `Metzger's discussions are thorough and fair, keeping basically to what seems to be a legitimate reading of the historical evidence.' Interpretation, A Journal of Bible & Theology `An unusual aspect of Metzger's book is that ... Metzger has two chapters of literature on canon, the most complete bibliography on the canon I know.' Albert C. Sundberg, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Journal of American Academy of Religion