King James Bible: 21,000 copies sent to every state school in England The translation, which Lord Bragg has described as the "the most influential book in western civilisation over the last 400 years" transformed the English language and is the source of some of our most common everyday phrases. Its distinctive rhythms can be seen in speeches such as Martin Luther King's "I had a Dream" address. "The King James Bible has had a profound impact on our culture," said Mr Gove. Every school pupil should have the opportunity to learn about this book and the impact it has had on our history, language, literature and democracy. Niall Ferguson, the historian, said it ranked alongside the works of Shakespeare as one of the defining works of English literature, adding: "Everyone should own a copy, including atheists." Prof Sir Professor Diarmaid MacCulloch, of Oxford University, added: "It remains a prime reference point for English-speakers everywhere, and we are culturally impoverished as a nation if we do not make our acquaintance with it." Maulana Mohammad Shahid Raza, Chairman of the Imams and Mosques Council UK said: "The King James Bible's influence on English culture, art and literature is unquestionable. It has played a key role in making English a world language and I find it fitting that it will now be distributed on its 400th anniversary to schools throughout England by the Department for Education. I hope it enables children of all faiths to discover the heritage and cultural legacy of their country and helps them to grow up in a peaceful, cohesive and tolerant society. On behalf of the Imams and Mosques Council UK, I warmly welcome this initiative. Dr. V. P. Narayan Rao, Chairman of the Hindu Council, added: "We Hindus respect all religions according to the tenet of 'sarva dharma samman or smabhava' (respect all religions equally) and therefore, scriptures of all religious are treated with respect. This principle of mutual respect amongst religions is vital in a multi-faith and multicultural society in today's Britain. Lord Singh of Wimbledon, Director, Network of Sikh Organisations UK, said: "It is a work of huge religious significance to Christians, Jews and Muslims, and in the beauty of language a treasured work of uplifting literature for people of all faiths." And Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner, Head Rabbi of Reform Judaism said: "The King James Bible is an important part of British history and our literary heritage. Bringing it into schools across the country provides access to a fascinating artefact of that history as part of the multi-tonal religious landscape that is Britain today.