Mind if I share a few photos? These are all editions I haven't reviewed here yet -- some of them might make an appearance, though. In the meantime, I figured it wouldn't hurt to have a look!
Above, a Cambridge Cameo KJV bound in stiff burgundy calfskin. No, I'm not a fan of burgundy in general, but this is one of the most attractive examples I have come across.
Above, one of the most curious Cambridges on my shelf. The tiger-stripe effect is not a trick of the camera. In person, this looks like a red cover with a wash of black across the grain -- or maybe it was left on the pavement and was dusted in tar. The French Morocco is very supple. I like the way that, on some old Cambridge editions, the words HOLY BIBLE were up and to left instead of centered on the front cover.
Above, a Compact ESV rebound in calfskin by LeatherBibles.com. They don't offer this edition any longer, and for good reason. Not only will it not open flat, but it's reluctant to open more than halfway at all. I suspect this has to do with the small size and the original glued binding. To me, the black accents on tan aren't too pleasing, but the cover itself is quite nice.
Above, another view of the Compact ESV, showing off the semi-yapp edge, which is quite elegant. That edge combined with the small size makes this a good stowaway edition for tucking into a briefcase or bag.
Above, a Trinitarian Bible Society edition, the Pitt Minion Reference Bible, bound in calfskin with vinyl lining and semi-yapp edges. It has two ribbons. I picked this up before Cambridge reintroduced the Pitt Minion KJV. Usually when I see that kind of grain on calfskin, I expect the cover to be stiff (like the first Cameo I showed above). In this case, it's quite flexible. The TBS editions I have all feature art-gilt pages and seem excellent value for money.
Above, another TBS edition, this time a New Brevier Reference Bible in black calf with semi-yapp edges. I'm not fond of the gold bands on the spine, and the cover is a tiny bit stiffer than the Pitt Minion. The ribbons are a bit on the small side, but at least there are two.
That's all for now. I hope you've enjoyed the sneak peak. Remember, you can now click on the images and see larger photos at my Flickr site.
Shame about that compact ESV not opening. I have been able to work my compact portfolio ESV into opening flat at all but gen, exodus, and revelation. I have considered having one of the sewn TruGlo or TruGrip ESVs rebound since they lie flat. Not sure if I want to spend the money on that though when I could just as easily buy a Pitt Minion... or maybe something from RL Allan. Also, I love the ribbon length on the tiger stripe.
As a final comment, I generally dislike burgundy as well. Your first image displays a nice brown and looks very distinguished. I thought I'd mention that the In Touch NASB in burgundy also is a very similar brown-ish red. Here's an image of mine for comparison:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2315/2057600588_106c602c97_b.jpg
Posted by: Nathan | January 30, 2008 at 02:53 PM
That Cambridge looks more brown than burgundy to me, but I am red-green color blind so that may be why. I have a Cambridge Cameo in black calfskin that I am very fond of. It is rather stiff, but does grow more supple with time and use. However, I still can't lay it open at Genesis without it closing on it's own. Still a nice quality Bible that is great for reading.
I have a Trinitarian Bible Society "Textus Receptus" in black calfskin, it has a very interesting grain that I am fond of. While the leather is stiff, it is a real pleasure to touch with teh deep grain leather that they use. I have seen a TBS calfskin Bible that was printed by Cambridge, the inside was the same as the Cambridge Cameo, but it had the TBS style of leather like the "Tesxus Receptus" does. I didn't buy it, but wish I had.
Posted by: Michael Swoveland | January 30, 2008 at 05:04 PM