c. 1998 Religion News Service

UNDATED _ Here is a brief sketch of the history of the Thomas Nelson publishing firm:

1798: Thomas Nelson, 18, opens a second-hand bookshop in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Early 1800s: Nelson begins publishing classic literature, such as English preacher John Bunyan’s”Pilgrim’s Progress,”in inexpensive editions. The company also publishes the Bible in 32-page installments for purchase by”common folk.” Mid-1800s: Thomas Nelson and Sons becomes the largest publishing house in Scotland and opens a New York office.

Mid-1900s: Nelson debuts the Revised Standard Version of the Bible. Shortly thereafter, the company shifts focus to educational and coffee-table books.

1960: The American branch of the company merges with The Thomson Organization, a worldwide communications and publishing firm. The Edinburgh printing and binding operations are sold.

1969: Sam Moore, current Thomas Nelson Publishers CEO, buys The Thomson Organization after starting his own Bible publishing company in 1961.

1975: Nelson starts development of New King James Version of the Bible, finalized in 1982.

1980s: Nelson acquires several companies in publishing and manufacturing fields, comes close to bankruptcy and sells most of the newly acquired companies.

1992: Nelson acquires Word Inc., a premier Christian music and publishing company from Capital Cities/ABC.

1995: Thomas Nelson listed on the New York Stock Exchange; acquires C.R. Gibson gift and stationery company.

1997: Nelson completes sale of Word Records and Music division to Gaylord Entertainment Co.

Source: Thomas Nelson Publishers

DEA END RNS