A new version of the Bible -- which, according to its author, can be read in 100 minutes -- was launched in Britain on September 21.

The 100-Minute Bible, which says it summarizes every teaching from the Creation to the Revelation, was written by the Rev Michael Hinton, a former headteacher, who launched it at Canterbury Cathedral this morning. Mr Hinton said that it included all the best-known Bible stories, including Noah's Ark and the story of Jonah and the whale.

According to publicity for the book, the 100-Minute Bible "picks out the principle stories of the life and ministry of its central character, Jesus Christ." Author Hinton added: "We have majored on Jesus, because he is the central figure in the Bible."

Publishers The 100-Minute Press say the book is "ideal for for an upcoming rail or aeroplane journey."

"The 100-Minute Bible is a new way of looking at the Bible," says a statement on the publishers' Web site."

It has been written for those who want to know more about Christianity but who do not have the time to read the original Bible, the company says.

"The social and theological context of these stories is provided by outlining the ups and downs of the history of his nation, the Jews. It then proceeds to record the story of the growth of Christianity during the first century; firstly amongst the Jews themselves; then amongst the other peoples living in Israel and then throughout the eastern Mediterranean, even as far as Rome."

Len Budd, proprietor of the 100-Minute Press, said: "This is a book for adults and has been written in a style to encourage readers to keep turning the pages, but without resorting to any literary gimmicks.

"As the Bible itself, the 100-Minute Bible should be a bestseller."

More than 11,000 copies of the book have been printed for distribution to church and schools.
It is also available online at www.the100-minutepress.com