Chris Weimer

I'm looking for a research software - usually they are biblical associated - that acts sort of like Bibleworks albeit for free. The only feature I am really looking for is parallel versions and add-on modules, so I can, for instance, view ten different translations of Josephus. Currently, BBW 5 won't let me do this, as I tried to add on 1 Clement, but it said it was not recognized. Anyone know of any good suggestions?

darstec

Sword and/or BibleTime. Comes in both Windows and Linux (the biggie for me) versions.

Chris Weimer

TheSword or eSword? I downloaded eSword, but I didn't see I wanted. TheSword didn't list the features I want, but before I waste any time on that one also, I would like a confirmation. I'll check out BibleTime now.

darstec

I'm unclear then about what you are asking. eSword/BibleTime (BibleTime is the interface and eSword the engine) has multiple translations which you can look at all at the same time. I haven't found the switch that makes all the verses change at the same time as it does in the Online Bible. The Online Bible which I used for Windows is an old version. I do not think the latest releases are free, nor do they have them in Linux and it was a drag having to boot up in Windows just to use that program.

As far as ten different translations of Josephus go, I'm not sure any software will do what you want. Most of the modules that come with this type of software have to be in some preformated form. Someone has to take the time to do this. I doubt anyone has taken the time to format more than any one version of any other work outside the various scripture versions. They do however have one version of Josephus and some of the Patristic writings.

Finding the various fonts is a whole nutter story if they aren't the standard English, Latin, Greek or Hebrew. I had to use the old fashioned trial and error for the Syriac version of the Peshitta for instance which didn't use the standard Estrangela.

If I weren't so busy with other things (like trying to keep a business going and earning a living) it sounds like a useful project preparing modules. But alas...

Chris Weimer

I don't mind not having the modules - what I'm looking for is a software that will allow me to present the translations of other works, not just the Bible.

darstec

So far the nonbiblical modules are:

• Josephus: The Complete Works
• Heretics by Gilbert K. Chesterton (1874-1936)
• Orthodoxy by Gilbert K. Chesterton (1874-1936)
• The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan (1628-1688)

However modules can be created using any of the following standard markup formats though the first is preferred, and by adding information to a standard config file:
General Bible Format (GBF) : http://www.ebible.org/bible/gbf.htm
Theological Markup Format (ThML) : http://www.ccel.org/ThML/
Open Scriptural Information Standard (OSIS) : http://www.bibletechnologies.net/

Is there something in particular in mind? If they are in public domain, perhaps I could help.