Yes, I forgot when this originally was posted that the Douay-Rheims, in all its many versions, is available in the public domain...and is probably the only complete, English, Catholic Bible that is.
Several notes to D-R readers, though:
1. As with the King James Version, the D-R is in a form of English from the late 1500's.
2. Rather than being a complete translation from the oldest manuscripts (even for the day) it is a translation from the Latin Vulgate (which itself has been updated since.)
3. Textually, many older manuscripts have been discovered since the time this work was translated (a reason the Vulgate itself was updated). So, as with the KJV, throw historical accuracy and any serious study out the window.
4. Because of its heavy use of the Vulgate (itself a translation of the Septuagint), the titles of some books and segments of books as well as their order in the Bible are unfamiliar and perhaps confusing.
5. As with the above, the Psalms will be particularly confusing, as the numbering, versification, and quantity of psalms are different.
As long as these are kept in mind, the D-R is a wonderfully stilted, public-doman, Catholic Bible that is suitable for private devotion, but not much else. If I recall correctly, the OP was looking for an electronic copy of the NAB for his parish Bible study. The D-R would be particularly unsuitable today for such.
Last edited by beartard; 07-27-2010 at 08:48 PM.
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