A 50th Anniversary RSV Rebound by Mechling

Kyle Hedrick decided to have his Oxford 50th Anniversary edition of the RSV rebound by Mechling in scarlet goatskin. Knowing my passion for all things red, he decided to snap some pictures and share. Here's what the new RSV looks like:

And here's a better look at the spine:

Some thoughts from Kyle on the stiffness of the binding:

The Bible, as you can see, is much stiffer than I would like. The grain of this particular goatskin is not as supple as the Pitt Minion (although it is a little thicker), and not in the league with the Allen. Also, I understood that on the deluxe package, the lining was to be some type of leather. This lining looks and feels like the run of the mill cheapo stuff. Perhaps this is a leather lining but just feels like the cheapo stuff. Anyway, the Bible is beautiful and, if it breaks in with use, will be well worth the money.

And here's a view of the interior spread. I have one of these RSVs, and I think it's a nice, elegant text setting.

Kyle also snapped an updated photo of his "stack," now that the red RSV has arrived:

Notice The Message there in genuine leather? Like so many people, Kyle is really impressed with the single column design and the supple binding. To paraphrase Abraham Lincoln, whatever they're drinking at NavPress, I'd like to have a few casks delivered to everybody else.

Comments

[Scott W. Kay]

Kyle,

Nice rebind job! Thanks for sharing. Nice stack of Bibles too. I just looked at one of those leather editions of The Message yesterday and almost bought it (mainly because Mark had reviewed a brown one here recently, but I didn't know that they made such a nice leather one until I stumbled upon it). It seems rather nice. Having used it, what's your impression of it (binding- and layout-wise)?

[Rod Summers]

I agree on the stiffness of the Mechling Deluxe binding. My NIV wide margin rebind was more stiff than I expected. However, as I teach from it or read I have been folding the covers backwards to curl and it seems to be loosening up. The only issue is whatever light board they used to create the stiffness can start to develop some folds (at least it feels that way). Thanks for sharing your experience.

[Kyle Hedrick]

Rod,

thanks for the info. I will most definitely give this a try. This is actually my second rebind at Mechling, but I did not request the "floppy" goatskin the first time. This one is much better.

Scott,

In all honesty, if I used The Message as a primary translation/paraphrase, my continual hunt for the perfect Bible would be over. The stack photographed is my "office" stack. My home stack includes another Allan, three Cambridge, and a Nelson Signature (along with a lot of other ok Bibles). I can sincerely say that there is no Bible I own that feels, handles, or reads any better (of course, keep in mind that single paragraph is at the top of my list). I highly recommend buying one. If you like the paraphrase, I predict it will take over as your favorite Bible. I like it that much.