These are not, as one review says, "early Christian" works; they are later Jewish writings, some from the first century before Christ.

Also, though as other reviewers point out, none are in the Protestant "canon" (the original "Revised Standard Version" issued a one volume version of them a few decades ago, introducing them to many Protestant lay people for the first time).

They are, in various combinations, in the Roman Catholic canon (e.g. New American Bible translation, authorized for use in the American Catholic Church), and in the canons of the various Orthodox (Eastern) Churches. Communicants of those churches should consult their own authorized canonical versions of the Bible to determine which specifically are recognized by their church. Anyone generally interested can consult the New Oxford Revised Standard Version with the Aphocrypha, which includes notes on the various books and a table of which are included in the various "canons" (often under different names, or incorporated in the text of books recognized as canonical by Protestants, e.g. Esther, Daniel.)

Protestants might like to inquire into the process of exclusion of various of these books; often it was becaused they are used by the Roman and Eastern churches to support doctrines rejected by Protestants, e.g. prayers for the dead. A single verse might have been enough to result in exclusion.

The "canon(s)" of the Bible as we know it (them) are the result of centuries of argument, and many of the early church fathers rejected or accepted books that were later held the opposite when the Bible as we know it finally settled into its current form.

But the "Apocrypha" can at the very least supply missing Western cultural references for Protestant readers (the stories of Bel and the Dragon and Susanna), and at best provide some beautiful spiritual reading from late Jewish Wisdom literature.

Althought this is not considered part of Scripture in the modern Bible any longer, I still have truly enjoyed reading this. I found this to be easy to read. Whenever a person reads positive material that is praising our Lord, then they will be gaining knowledge of some sort. Subjects will arise that will peak curiousities and cause that curious nature to seek out more answers or more information on certain subjects. Seeking the Lord and furthering your knowledge of Him, is most wonderful and blessed. So, whether you read this, a devotional, or ? do it with the mind set, that you are learning and seeking. Pray for guidance and He will take care of the rest.

I have read through Goodspeed's translation, and I thought it was understandable and quite the interesting read. Everyone who values their Bibles ought to see for him or herself what the Apocrypha really says. Of course, none of these books are in the Protestant's canon, not even in the Jewish canon for that matter, but the stories are still fascinating and include important history for several hundred years before and after Christ. Well worth the price for those who are curious.