I have always been interested in academic interpretations of the worlds religions. This book takes the reader behind the scenes of the early church process of deciding what the church leaders were wiling to let the laity read. This could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on where you stand with your church. Do you accept their arguments and presentations or would you rather work it out for yourself? This book gives you an introduction to what did not go into the bible.

Excellent overview of various writings that didn't make it into the canon. Highly recommended for anyone who wants done background in the history of the Bible. This includes a very helpful reading list in the epilogue.