Inside an Allan's Reference ESV

From time to time, I intend to post answers to some of the most frequently asked questions I receive. The biggest by far has to be this one:

Q. How does the interior of the Allan's Reference ESV differ from the one available from Crossway?

A. Not a lot. R. L. Allan's is essentially taking a text block printed by Collins, the UK publisher of the ESV, and binding it. Type style and size are the same. The biggest difference you will notice is that the UK edition does not put the words of Christ in red. Also absent are the book introductions familiar from the American version. You may run across the occasional Anglicized spelling, but if you're familiar with the Classic Reference edition published by Crossway, there will be no big shocks when you open the Allan's ESV. The difference is the binding and the art-gilt edges.

Comments

[Frank]

You may also notice very skinny margins on the outside edges of the pages -at least in the Allan ESV published now. I sent mine back, because of this. Instead, I bought the calfskin, Single Column Reference Edition from Crossway - this one has the 2007, revised text.

[C Gribben]

I've been mulling over this all week, and finally took the plunge this afternoon and ordered the Allan ESV. Now I can't wait to see it! Really enjoying your posts, Mark.

[matt]

The Allan's ESV is beautiful. As a note, pay attention to any smudging or blurring of the text that might take place when rubbed with sweaty/wet hands (this is with the most recent printing since May07). All my friends who have recently purchased an ESV have had this problem. If you do have this issue contact Allans...they are quick to help. The problem was with Harper Collins, and will be fixed with next years printing. Other than that small blemish, they are perfect.

[Roy]

What is the paper like? Is it the higher quality Bible paper or the typical ESV paper that tends to bleed through?