Nothing I have ever done in the course of my life has generated more enmity among the wives of quality-conscious Bible readers than my original review of the Allan's ESV in black goatskin. As a result of that little essay, countless people have learned firsthand the devastating effects of a weak dollar, and many more have promised themselves to take a trip some day to the Glaswegian promised land where R. L. Allan's is to be found. No doubt they have also hardened their hearts to the plight of the "highland goat," which must by now be an endangered species (so much so that Dr. Sinclair Ferguson, who pastored in Glasgow for many years, told me he'd never heard of such a creature).
For all this, I can offer no apology. My black goatskin ESV from Allan's is splendid, and the new tan one only gets better.
It should be no secret by now that, while I always find something to quibble about, I really like most of the Bibles I write about here. I wouldn't waste time using and photographing and thinking about them if that weren't the case. But I love some more than others, and none more than the Bibles of R. L. Allan's. On this topic, I find it hard to remain objective. I find it hard not to gush. To understand that, you need to know a little history.
THE BEGINNING OF THE QUEST THAT NEVER ENDS
There is no such thing as the perfect Bible. First there are all those translation options that make it hard to settle on just one. Then, there are the features. And the bindings, of course. The more I see of what's available (and possible), the longer my unattainable list of "must-haves" becomes. But it wasn't always that way. When I first started out, my goal was very simple. I wanted the most flexible, durable edition I could find, because I was tired of treating my Bible with kid gloves just to prevent it from falling apart. At the time, the options seemed much more limited than they are now. From my general interest in fine binding, I knew that bonded leather and genuine leather were not the only options. Cambridge had introduced me to the pleasures of calfskin, but at the time offered nothing in goatskin. At the end of a long, unproductive Internet quest, that included a fair bit of disappointing blind purchases, I finally discovered R. L. Allan and Sons.
My first Allan's Bible was a Oxford Brevier Blackface KJV bound in Cape Levant goatskin, and it was a revelation. Much better than the Nelson Signature KJV and even the best Cambridge I had at the time. What I liked about the Allan's edition was that it was both high quality and "old school." Some high end Bibles -- the ones that use soft, matte-finish calfskin -- look casual, for lack of a better word. They remind me of a Renaissance Festival interpretation of old books. By contrast, my Allan's KJV had a gloss and a level of finish that struck me as more authentic, and certainly a greater pleasure to use. If you've ever handled an Allan's ESV or KJV side-by-side with another high end edition, you'll know just what I mean.
Ever since that first goatskin Brevier, I've measured everything against the Allan's standard. Surprisingly few things compare. I'd group Crossway's cordovan calfskin editions up there (provided you get a brown one, not the purplish hue) and the goatskin editions from Cambridge, but not much else. I'm afraid it's not a difference you can see in photos or comprehend through words. You have to feel it, really.
BLACK OR TAN?
I pre-ordered one of the original black goatskin ESVs from Allan's when they were first announced -- which is why the one in the photos is stamped Oxford on the spine (an oversight). Over time, I've had no complaints with the binding. I wish I could monkey around with the interior, transforming it to a single column layout, and additional ribbons wouldn't go amiss, but otherwise I've been entirely pleased. So much so that when the tan version came out, I was able to resist for quite a long time. The edition in the photos is from the latest run of the tan edition. After using it for awhile, I find I really prefer it.
A quick run-down of the differences: the new versions now have two ribbons instead of one, and sixteen double-sided lined pages in back for notes. The cover is a mid-tan, with a dark brown lining inside. Otherwise things look the same. Semi-yapp edges, which are those overhangs along the cover that serve to protect the pages. Art-gilt pages -- i.e., red/gold gilt. Both are black-letter Anglicized editions, and apart from that identical inside to the Crossway text blocks American readers will be familiar with.
I'm not sure how useful it is to make side-by-side comparisons between the covers, because goatskin is a natural product and you should see variations in every example. But as you can see from the photos, the tan cover has a larger, looser grain than the black. Running my fingertips over the cover, I can feel the grain on the tan, where the black is much smoother. The tan is more pebbled and the black more striated, which gives the black a slightly more refined look. Of course, black is more refined than tan, and that's part of tan's appeal.
FLEXIBLE AND FLAT
Like the earlier black edition, the tan is a prodigy of limpness. It feels wonderful in the hand and opens flat like it should. Handling this one alongside the Cambridge Wide Margin NASB reminds me again how much a factor size is in these considerations. A small Bible, no matter how well bound, is not going to feel as limp or lay as flat as a large one. Genesis and Revelation don't open as wide or stay as flat with the ESV's proportions as they do with the larger wide margin. Still, don't let that detract from your enjoyment. The Allan's ESV starts off excellent and improves with age.
THE TEXT & OTHER EDITIONS
The text of the English Standard Version in this edition does not reflect the changes introduced in 2007. According to David Dewey in the comments here, Collins is planning to reprint the Anglicized ESV in May 2008, so I don't expect the updates to appear in an Allan's edition until after that date. If I receive any additional information on this score, I'll pass it along.
I would love to see R. L. Allan offer other editions of the English Standard Version, in particular the forthcoming single-column Pocket Reference. For that matter, I'd love to see them do their own versions of every Bible I like -- that's how impressed I am with the quality of their offerings.
SO, IT'S A YES, THEN?
Absolutely. I know it's hard, given the exchange rate, to visit Bibles-Direct.com and pull the trigger on a Bible sight unseen. In fact, the reason I took photos and posted them with that first review was that, before purchase, I'd never seen a decent picture of an Allan's edition. Hopefully the ones I've included here give you a good idea of what to expect. If you read the ESV and you're looking for the one Bible that will stand up over years of use, this is the one. For that matter, whatever translation you refer, visit the R. L. Allan site and see what's on offer. There's an NRSV bound in goatskin due out this month (October 2007), some pocket-sized TNIVs in goatskin with silk lining -- which I haven't seen but would dearly love to, and a variety of NIVs and KJVs. As I get my hands on more, I'll review them, but in the meantime, I encourage you to discover them for yourself.
Matt -- will you buy the Pitt Minion ESV? Also, how does the font size of a Pitt Minion compare with the size of the Allans ESV? And finally, is the Pitt Minion single column?
Posted by: PDS | November 22, 2007 at 08:10 AM
PDS- I know your question was directed to Matt, but to answer your question, the pitt minion font size is smaller than the Allan's ESV and the spacing between the lines is much closer. If your eye sight isn't the best, this Bible may not be for you, other than that, I love my Cambridge pitt minions. I have the NKJV and the NASB, and if/when Cambridge comes out with an ESV pitt minion, I will buy one without a doubt! The pitt minions are double column with center references as well.
Posted by: Marktheless | November 22, 2007 at 08:42 AM
Thanks...so if it has a smaller font size, I suspect it is also a smaller Bible? Why are they so popular?
Posted by: PDS | November 22, 2007 at 09:02 AM
According to the Baker rep, that will be the first ESV released...probably spring/summer 08?
Posted by: PDS | November 22, 2007 at 09:03 AM
PDS- Why are they so popular? Good question. I would much rather have a Cambridge in a larger font size in NKJV, NASB, and ESV but unfortunately, unless you want a KJV your options are extremely limited with Cambridge. The pitt minion, in my opinion, is too small. I do like the "portability" of it but it could be bigger and still be as portable. Personally I would love to see them increase the font size and spacing and just make the Bible thicker. Right now the pitt's are 3/4" thick. So why do I have them? Because Cmabridge is the best, and I sacrifice size to own the best. In a perfect world, Cambridge would print a Cameo version of all there translations, in goatskin! That would be a Bible collectors dream!
Posted by: Marktheless | November 22, 2007 at 09:21 AM
Thanks! I'm thinking about buying my mom a nice Bible for Christmas...but font size is important, though I don't think translation is a big deal. If I'm going for the largest font size, the KJV would be the best?
Posted by: PDS | November 22, 2007 at 09:37 AM
PDS- If font size is an issue I would definitely not get the pitt minion. They have a nice selection of KJV Bibles on there web site.
Posted by: Marktheless | November 22, 2007 at 09:55 AM
What would you recommend?
Posted by: PDS | November 22, 2007 at 10:32 AM
PDS- I believe the Pitt Minion is so popular because of the size and quality. It packs a big punch for a bible that you can easily hold in the palm of your hand while open. It has references, concordance, and maps. I often read mine while eating lunch. You can easily hold it in one hand while you eat with the other. It works great for ministry in a hospital, jail, nursing home, etc because it is small and not cumbersome. The text is small, but it is very crisp. If you own the NASB wide Margin from Cambridge, it is the same exact layout; page numbers and all. It is like the "mini-me" of the wide margin. The Pitt Minion at this time is my favorite Bible. You don't want to sit and read it for hours. That is not what it was designed for. It is for all the above mentioned. It's the perfect little Bible. I will definitely buy one when it comes out in ESV.
Posted by: Kyle | November 22, 2007 at 05:15 PM
Kyle- I agree...my pitt minion's are my favorite Bibles as well, but then I have 20/20 vision. The font size isn't for everyone I'm afraid, but if you can handle it, you won't regret purchasing one of these. I'm looking forward to the pitt ESV as well. As portable as it is, I still find myself reading it at home while lying on my couch, instead of grabbing one of my larger study Bibles. It's just a great Bible...it's a Cambridge.
Posted by: Marktheless | November 22, 2007 at 06:19 PM
Does anybody that owns an Allan 'bound' ESV know how many "centre-column references" it contains - should say (somewhere) in the introduction / explanation pages just inside the front cover? Appreciated!
Posted by: Stuart | January 16, 2008 at 04:56 AM
Does anybody that owns an Allan 'bound' ESV know how many "centre-column references" it contains - should say (somewhere) in the introduction / explanation pages just inside the front cover? Appreciated!
Posted by: Stuart | January 16, 2008 at 05:04 AM
I own an Allan kjv longprimer in highland goatskin and in my opinion this is a Bible made to last.The binding is a work of art and the craftmanship is second to none.When you open this Bible it just becomes part of your hand,the binding is like no other Bible I have ever handled,and the print is very clear and easy on the eye.So if anyone out there is looking for the very best look no further than RL Allan
Posted by: Kevin Maguire | January 16, 2008 at 09:50 AM
Stuart, over 80,000
Posted by: Jesus Saenz | January 17, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Jesus - Thank you! Sounds sufficient! I forgot to ask - are the centre columns composed of straight lines / dotted lines or invisible lines / notihing? The pics in the [Allan's] catalogue are conflicting? Thanks!
Posted by: Stuart | January 17, 2008 at 01:01 PM
Stuart, if you take a look at the pictures above, you can see the cross reference layout. It's exactly like the Crossway Classic Reference setting -- no lines, just a column of notes between the text.
Posted by: J. Mark Bertrand | January 17, 2008 at 01:06 PM
Mark - of course (LATE nights!!!)... thank you.
Posted by: Stuart | January 17, 2008 at 08:10 PM
Just placed my order with RL Allan for ESV with tan goatskin. Thanks for the great review, after reading your review I contacted RL Allan and Sons via email and have exchanged numerous emails with Nicholas who helped by giving me detailed info regarding both the ESV1/T and NIV bibles that they offer. I will post once I receive bible, late next week or early the following week.
Shalom!
Posted by: Pastor Brent | February 14, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Evangelical Bible dot com is now carrying the Allan's ESV's.
https://www.evangelicalbible.com/store/home.php?cat=272
Posted by: Jesus Saenz | February 14, 2008 at 02:15 PM
"Nothing I have ever done in the course of my life has generated more enmity among the wives..."
It looks like we may be having his and hers Alan's!
I can't believe I missed this post - oh yea, I have been a bit busy with a church split. When the dust settles up here in the Anglican Church of Canada, I plan to make a resolution at synod that all new ordinands get a brand spankin new Alan's ESV - then maybe there will be some Bible reading up here!
Posted by: Rick + | February 27, 2008 at 06:33 AM
Hey, I have a question. I recently bought a black Allan's ESV from evangelicalbible.com. My Bible is beautiful, but the pages are very wavy and stiff. They are not smooth and flexible like Cambridge Bible paper. I'm not sure if you understand what I mean. But, I am very impressed with the binding and printing, but not with the paper itself. Is this something that will work itself out with time as I handle the Bible? I have a Longprimer KJV from Allan's also and the paper is also wavy but to a much lessor degree. I thought that I had just gotten the exception, but this ESV is very much like that...almost as if the paper had been exposed to moisture and never quite recovered, if that make any sense. Did anyone else find that with their ESV's from Allan's? Thanks!
Posted by: Steve D'Alessio | February 28, 2008 at 12:25 PM
That's a feature of some of the texts blocks Allan uses for their Bibles. Perhaps even up the thread of comments on this particular topic you'll find other people who have had the same experience. The wavy pages are a result of the way the grain of the paper runs.
Posted by: Mark | February 28, 2008 at 01:43 PM
Thanks Mark. I was a little dense and never noticed the nice ">>" at the bottom of the page, so I missed pages of posts before I posted mine. The stiffness and waviness of the Allan's ESV actually bothers me a lot, and I probably wouldn't have bought one had I read all of these posts about it. It amazes me that Allan's can have such a fantastic goatskin binding and then permit the quality of their paper fluidity to be so poor. What is the point of a very flexible cover if the paper isn't flexible and you have to manhandle the Bible to get the paper to lie right? I have three Allan's and only one has great paper (my Clarendon edition KJV). My Longprimer KJV and the ESV both have this problem although the ESV is a lot worse. I had thought that my Longprimer (which I bought used on Ebay) was an exception. Very unfortunate.
Posted by: Steve D'Alessio | February 28, 2008 at 04:55 PM
The Tan Allan will be available in June from evangelicalbible.com
The details of this printing have not yet been released.
Paul
evbible.com
Posted by: Paul | April 01, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Mark,
I am somewhat reticent to mention this because I don't want you to think I'm being nit picky but I figure that since you take quality bibles quite seriously you may excuse me.
You mention that your first R.L. Allen bible was an Oxford Brevier Blackface and then shortly after that you make reference to it as "that first goatskin Longprimer". They cannot be one and the same because Brevier and Long Primer are two different type sizes, Brevier being one size smaller than Long Primer. Also the name Long Primer is two words.
The funny thing is that these are things I have learned since your blog introduced me to fine bibles, so if I am mistaken please tell me.
Posted by: Steve Lockhart | April 05, 2008 at 06:21 PM
No need for reticence, Steve. I had it wrong in both places, then fixed the first but not the second. Now they're both fixed. The reason I refer to the Long Primer as the Longprimer is because that's how it is on the Allan's site. Only when I received a copy did I realize the discrepancy. Frankly I like it better as one word. :)
Posted by: J. Mark Bertrand | April 05, 2008 at 07:43 PM
Mark - It's all good. By the way, Amazon just shipped your book to me and I'll be reading it right after I read "The End of Religion" by Bruxy Cavey; I'm looking forward to it.
Posted by: Steve Lockhart | April 05, 2008 at 09:44 PM
This is a test. I am having problems seeing recent comments to this blog. My list stops at October 25, 2007 and I'm not able to see the latest comments by Mark and Steve Loackhart. Anybody else having this problem? Is there a fix? I am logged in.
Posted by: Rod | April 06, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Rod- I thought I had that problem to but you'll notice that under the last comment you can see there is a very small blue arrow. Click on it and you will turn the page. At the bottom of that page you will see two blue arrows; one will take you to the previous page and the other will take you to the next page.
It just occurred to me that you won't see this comment until you have already figured this out.
Posted by: Steve Lockhart | April 06, 2008 at 02:07 PM
I think the only solution here is for Mark to look up his email address for his comment and explain how to find the little arrows. Personally I really dislike them and wish it was more user friendly to navigate.
Posted by: Nathan Stitt | April 06, 2008 at 03:17 PM
I've recenlty become an Allan's addict. I even purchased 2 copies of the Longprimer. One I'll mark in the other I'll keep pure.
I have ordered 2 ESV's, one in each color. One thing I don't understand is, why would Allan's not make these full yapp? The feel of the several Bibles I have that are full yapp are wonderful, and I'm a little disappointed that the ESV's will only be half yapp. Am I quibbling over nothing, or does anyone else see it like me?
Bill
Posted by: Bill Reeder | August 25, 2008 at 11:12 AM
To all who've ordered the ESV and are anxiously awaiting delivery, I received this email this morning from Allans...
----------------------------------------
Dear James
We expect new ESV stock next week, shipping immediately after receipt.
Kind regards
Nicholas Gray
----------------------------------------
I ordered the Tan ESV and have second guessed that decision ever since. But since most of my Bibles are black I'm going to try a new color and see how that works out. In the back of my mind is this tiny voice saying "you can't beat black." I guess I'll see soon.
Posted by: James Thompson | September 16, 2008 at 02:27 PM
James - Thanks for the update! I've been checking evbible and bibles-direct every morning for updates on the shipment. The anticipation I have regarding my ESV1 arrival is comparable to the week before I got married!
Posted by: Matt Jensen | September 17, 2008 at 08:09 AM
Thanks for the update. I ordered one of each- black and tan. Can't wait... but I guess I'll have to! :)
Posted by: Rod Summers | September 17, 2008 at 07:42 PM
Rod - I'll be interested to know your opinion since you're purchasing the ESV in both colors. Let me know your assessment of both after you've had some time with them. Thanks!
Posted by: James Thompson | September 18, 2008 at 08:17 AM
A few quick notes on the Allan ESV1 (Black and Tan)
1. They are scheduled to ship from the UK next week. (9.22-26)
2. They will have the Oxford maps, but will not have the lined paper.
3. The font is bolder than the first edition.
4. The paper doesn't have the "wavy" aspect as in the first edition.
5. Only 250 of each have been bound.
thanks
Paul
evangelicalbible.com
Posted by: Paul | September 19, 2008 at 11:36 AM
QUESTIONS:
1. What is semi-yapp binding?
2. What does "red under gold" page edges?
Posted by: Paul Klenk | October 29, 2008 at 06:33 AM
Paul ---- a mini glossary of terms for you:
Semi-yapp edges: a binding style whereby the leather edges of the cover extend partially over the page edges to give a more classic look and feel.
Full-yapp edges: a binding style whereby the leather edges of the cover extend fully over the page edges to give a more classic look and feel. The binding edges will actually touch if pinched together. See R. L. Allan's Oxford Long Primer in Highland Goatskin Review for an example of this.
Red under gold edges: a decorative finish to the page edges whereby red dye and gold coloured foil are combined to add a beautiful lustre to the finished Bible. Page edges have a rich golden glow to them but when flexed the red dye becomes visible changing the colour to a redish-golden glow. Only top of the line Bibles have this unique decorative feature.
Art-gilt edges: another term for "red under gold".
Gilt edges: a decorative finish to the page edges where gold or silver coloured foil is applied to give a beautiful lustre to the Bible. It is essentially the same thing as "art-gilt edges" or "red under gold edges" only without the red dye added.
Gilt line: a gold or silver coloured line that outlines or frames the page edges around the inside cover of the binding.
Posted by: Stuart | October 29, 2008 at 07:30 AM
Hello and God bless! I am a college student that is looking to make an investment on a Bible that will be sure to last. I am interested in an ESV and wonder what is the best choice. Do any of the R.L. Allan Bibles have Red Letter? I am really torn between the Crossway Thinline Calkskin and some of the Allan ESVs. It seems like supplies are limited with the Allans on their website. Are there any other brands/publishers you would recommend besides the Crossway or Allan? I am only interested in the best quality for I want it to last a long time.
Posted by: John | November 20, 2008 at 10:27 PM
It has both.
Posted by: Willem Bronkhorst | November 20, 2008 at 11:51 PM
JOHN ONLY CROSSWAY AND ALLAN PRODUCE THE ESAV BIBLE. EVANGELICAL BIBLE.COM HAS A GREAT DEAL IN THE MID GRADE GOATSKIN WITH THE SAME PRINTING AS THE FIRST EDITION OF THE ESV FOR $75.00 OR THE ANY OF THE OTHER EDITIONS OF THE ESV AT GREAT PRICES.
Posted by: mike smith | November 21, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Cambridge offers the ESV in the Pitt Minion format, and will have a wide margin edition early nest year. They come in both black and red letter editions.
Crossway also offers both black and red letter. All the Allan ESVs are black letter.
Posted by: Kathy | November 21, 2008 at 12:25 PM
I still have a spare Tan ESV from the latest printing if anyone is after one.
Tony
Posted by: Anthony Miller | November 21, 2008 at 03:53 PM
Tony,
Why are you unloading the ESV?
Posted by: Stan McCullars | November 21, 2008 at 09:23 PM
Stan,
I have the Allans ESV in both tan and black as well as a Pitt Minion brown. The tan color is my least favorite and I really don't need three editions in ESV.
I enjoy reading all the different translations but mainly like the KJV, followed by ESV or NIV. I also enjoy the RSV, NRSV, REB and NASB.
So, one of the ESV needs to go to fund an Allans Longprimer and a NIV in brown goatskin.
Tony
Posted by: Anthony Miller | November 22, 2008 at 06:48 AM
Tony,
I am interested in an ESV for sure. Why do you prefer the Allan's black over the tan? Can you describe to me a little about the Bible you are willing to part with?
Thanks,
John
Posted by: John | November 22, 2008 at 09:40 AM
John,
Oddly I just thick a bible looks "right" in a very dark color, preferedbly black or maybe burgundy. Yes, it is what is inside that matter but if that were our only thought none of us would be on this blog but instead posting over translation issue somewhere else
Mine is as new, no marks, no writing, nothing. Openned, a few NT books carefully read a few times and put back away. It has the box, etc.... If interested contact me at heirphoto "at" comcast.net
I'm really trying to keep just one edition of each translation in a larger "at home" size and a smaller Pitt Minion version for reding away from home.
Posted by: Anthony Miller | November 22, 2008 at 10:13 AM
I received my ESV1 in tan highland goatskin today and am extremely pleased. This is a great quality Bible. I have absolutely no complaints with this one and I have a very keen/picky eye. Without a doubt, this is the nicest Bible I have ever held.
Posted by: John | December 05, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Here's an interesting boo-boo I just found in the concordance of the new ESV1: Look in the concordance for the word "access". Kinda hard to find, huh? No space and no special font to distinguish it. This is definitely a Harper Collins oversight.
Posted by: Kyle | December 08, 2008 at 05:30 PM
"Here's an interesting boo-boo I just found in the concordance of the new ESV1: Look in the concordance for the word "access". Kinda hard to find, huh? No space and no special font to distinguish it. This is definitely a Harper Collins oversight."
-- Look at the top of the next column on the same page (p 1257) - "acquire" has the same problem - oops!
Posted by: Stuart | December 09, 2008 at 03:54 AM