By Duncan Bick

Last updated at 12:00, Wednesday, 18 July 2012

It is a book featuring sex, violence and wealthy men that will continue to stand the test of time.

That’s what the Bible Society have said about the publication it promotes following news that a Lake District hotel is replacing it in his rooms with the bestselling Fifty Shades of Grey.

Wayne Bartholomew, manager of the Damson Dene near Windermere, announced he would supply the EL James novel – about a violent physical relationship between a college student and a successful businessman – as a treat for guests.

Mr Bartholomew, who has appeared on Channel 4’s fly-on-the-wall documentary, The Hotel, said many of them may be too embarrassed to buy their own copy.

But the society has defended The Bible.

“While Fifty Shades of Grey is in vogue this summer, we doubt that in 2000 years’ time people will still be talking about it as they do about the Bible – an enduring book which has stood the test of time and is still the world's best-seller,” a spokeswoman for the group said.

“The Bible is a great read. It contains stories which feature sex and violence, as well as comedy, tragedy, poetry, and prose. Its themes are eternal; they still speak directly into people's lives centuries after it was written. There really is no comparison between it and this novel.”

Fifty Shades of Grey, which was published last year has sold more than 20 million copies. It is the fastest-selling paperback of all time.

A Gideon copy of The Bible will still be available in the hotel reception.

The first bedside Gideon Bible was placed more than 100 years ago. In 1908, a copy was left in a hotel room in Montana, in the USA.

Since then it has spread to 190 countries across the world and more than 1.7 billion copies of the bible have been placed by Gideons International.

First published at 11:28, Wednesday, 18 July 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk