The BBC is to show a series of programmes to mark the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible.

Highlights include two major documentaries - The Book That Changed the World and When God Spoke English - presented by Melvyn Bragg and author and presenter Adam Nicolson respectively. The documentaries will look at the cultural impact that this Bible version has had on language, politics and Western democracy.

Bragg argues that while many think our modern world is founded on secular ideals, it is the KJV that influenced the English language and its literature more than any other book.

Meanwhile, Nicolson will show that the making of this Bible shares much in common with his experience of a very different national project - the Millennium Dome.

Other KJV-themed shows will include a Songs of Praise special on Easter Sunday, and The Big Questions which will explore the relevance of the Bible on today's society.

Aaqil Ahmed, the BBC's head of religion and ethics, says: "The King James Bible had a significant cultural and historical impact and has left such a wide ranging legacy. This anniversary marks an important event in British history that has helped shape our nation and the English language into what it is today.

"From Melvyn Bragg's fascinating The King James Bible: The Book That Changed The World to our special editions of Songs Of Praise and The Big Questions, I hope that viewers enjoy our eclectic programmes to mark the 400th Anniversary of the King James Bible."

Visit the BBC website for more information.