Basic Books and Research Tools

The Douay-Rheims Bible

This is a translation of the medieval Latin Vulgate, originally made by members of the English College, in the Roman Catholic community at Douai and Reims (New Testament published 1582, Old Testament 1609). Students should note that the text of the King James version often differs substantially from the Vulgate (sometimes excluding whole books which the Vulgate contained). The reprinting at this site is a somewhat revised edition but remains the available English version closest to the medieval Latin.

The Catholic Encyclopedia

A good and very convient source especially on matters of theology and Christian tradition. In the opinion of some scholars, however, the older edition, 15 vols. (New York: Appleton, 1907-12), often gave more useful historical information.