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Greetings!
Top of the line - KJV & ESV
It may seem presumptuous to make a ranking list for Bibles since there are so many subjective factors in choosing a quality Bible - but this list actually uses the following criteria:
A. Reviews, Legibilty, Longevity (how long the Bible has been in print), Paper Quality, Binding Quality - and another important factor for us - Return Rate. So the higher the return rate, the lower we rate the product.
A. Authorized (King James) Version.
We begin with the KJV because we have more variety in this translation than any other. Cambridge and Allan both being older publishers invested heavily in this translation, since it was the dominant English translation for many centuries.
1. Allan Longprimer & Cambridge Concord tie for first place.
The Longprimer is Allan's vintage Bible - it is near flawless in design and production. The typesetting was designed in the 1960's by Oxford. A bold accessible font with the classic cross-references down the center have made this a classic and industry standard. The Allan binding - in Highland Goatskin and full yapp - put this at the top.
We did say tied....how could any Bible challenge the Longprimer - the challenger is the Cambridge Concord - which has likewise stood the test of time. The Concord is a slightly more compact edition, but uses a classic Roman bold font to make it surprisingly legible for its size. The Concord also has a unique Bible dictionary. Unlike the Longprimer, it also uses the italics for inserted text, which many customers appreciate. The Concord is a Bible that frankly deserves more respect in our industry!
In 3rd place we confidently put the new Schuyler King James Bible. This Bible uses a new typesetting designed by the Trinitarian Bible Society (UK). This edition is typeset in a double column format - with each verse beginning a few line - and references in the margins. Since it is a modern design - it makes use of line-matching which mitigates the problem of 'see through.' Like the Concord it uses italics for inserted text. This edition has more references than any other AV Bible.
We have many other KJV Bibles that are excellent - so do the research required to choose the Bible that is right for you!
B. English Standard Version.
1. Schuyler Classic Reference. Schuyler modified an existing Crossway typesetting to produce a new classic! When you read the reviews you will see why this Bible is in first place. The addition of a selection of classic Christian confessions also adds to this edition. Confessions are in many ways rich distillations of Scripture which provide a commentary on them. (They are a lot more tried and tested than Study Bibles that are produced in a few years time!)
2. Allan Single Column Reference. The vast majority of Allan ESV's are now out of print, with the exclusion of this work horse, the Allan SCR. The unique each-verse-starts-a-new-line format is a favorite of many pastors and Bible teachers. Its second place status has its origins in the China printed book block that somtimes has uncut pages.
3. Omega Thinline Reference - we really like this Bible! It's a top of the line Bible which has one of the lowest return rates ever. It's a keeper! It's highly portable, yet highly legible - it's simply well designed, printed and bound - and at less than $160.00 a great deal!
Like the King James above - there are many ESV's around that are excellent - we have simply highlighted 3 of the best!
ALLAN NIV READER BOLD PRINT BIBLE
For those in our community that like the NIV translation, Allan has done a superb job on binding this Hodder book block.
What to Expect: Highland Goatskin Binding - with large font - double column paragraph format. - Definitely our top of the line NIV Bible.
Here are all of our photos of this Bible. Click Here. Product Description
The 2011 updated NIV cross reference edition in a large, bold type format, semi yapp style, red under gold page edges, three ribbon markers, with concordance and maps.
Page size: 9 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches ( 240 x 170 mm)
Type size: 10 pt bold
Bulk : 1 1/2 inch (37mm) This Bible is now available for order -
Quentel Series, NASB, Schuyler Bible Publishers
We believe a new level Bible craftsmanship has been achieved with the upcoming publication of the Schuyler Quentel Series. The Quentel series achieves a set of standards that put it ahead of the curve. This Bible is available for Preordering - we hope to have them by January if not sooner. Click here.
First, Typesetting. The Quentel Series was designed with legibility and elegance in mind. Schuyler has always made legibility a priority of every Bible it has designed. Every word of the Quentel is highly legible, including the footnotes and cross-references. So often Bibles are designed with the goals of portability, weight, size, width, etc, and the result may be a Bible that is difficult to read!
Second, Printing. We are delighted to have found one of Europe's preeminent printers. Jongbloed is a Christian publishing co. located in the Netherlands. Jongbloed understands our needs in precision printing, line matching and quality opaque paper to minimize any 'see through.' The NASB Quentel has the most opaque paper in the industry. Quality paper and printing are indispensable to our goal of legibility.
(above, Quentel NASB, click Here for all photos)
Third, Binding. All Schuyler Bibles are smyth sewn with a Goatskin shell. The Quentel also has full leather linings, art-gilt edging, a gilt line, 4 ribbon markers and many more details that would bore you!
Fourth, 32 Pages of Oxford Maps. This is the best and most scholarly collection of Bible maps that can be found in any Bible, complete with indices. Oxford maps are in a league of their own in terms of accuracy, details and presentation.
IMPORTANT BIBLE WEB PAGES
1. Schuyler Bibles
2. Omega Bible Page
3. Allan Longprimer Page
4. Cambridge Cameo Page
5. Photo Page
6. Quentel Design
7. ESV Study Bible
8. Allan ESV Study Bible
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