Spanish Bible: Reina Valera 1995, Sociedad Bíblica Argentina Special Edition, Bound by Abba Bibles

Remember when the question of Spanish-language Bibles came up back in January? Today begins a series of posts highlighting some amazing editions of the Bible in Spanish, all from our friend Cristian Franco in Buenos, Aires. Each of these Bibles was magnificently bound by Abba Bibles in Mexico. I have a feeling they're going to be a new favorite around here.

In each of these posts, I'll begin with Cristian's description, then share the photos. The captions are written by me. So with no further ado:

Spanish Bible Reina Valera 1995 -- Argentina Bible Society Special Edition

This Bible was made specially for the 175th Anniversary of the Sociedad Bíblica Argentina -- the Argentina Bible Society in English. They commissioned Abba Bibles in México to made only 175 copies of this edition, which sold for US $175 each (at the time when the Argentine peso was equal to US $1). So I bought copy #106, as you can see in one of the pictures below.

This edition is bound in calfskin with leather linings, red under gold page edges, and two ribbon markers. The binding is Smyth-sewn. Please, note the words "Hand Made Bible" imprinted in the leather.

The people at Argentina Bible Society office told me that the Argentine goverment bought two copies of this Bible as a gift for Princess Maxima of the Netherlands. (She is from Argentina, and married into the Dutch royal family.)

-- Cristian Franco

Above: The grain is beautiful, isn't it?

Above: Raised bands on the spine, very elegant.

Above: This limited edition celebrated the 175th anniversary of the Sociedad Bíblica Argentina. The abbreviation RVR 1995 indicates the translation.

Above: SBA = Sociedad Bíblica Argentina. A close-up of the grain.

Above: Number 106 out of a run of 175.

Above: I've heard that Crossway's Cordovan Calfskin editions are bound in Mexico. Looking at this photo and comparing it to my Cordovan Calfskin ESV, I begin to suspect where. There's certainly a similarity, don't you think?

Above: A look at the title page.

Above: Art-gilt ("red under gold") edges.

Above: Another angle on the page edges.

Above: Check out the semi-yapp edge.

Above: An interior spread.

Above: Again with the grain. I don't know about you, but I like a grainy surface.

Above: In the hand, where a Bible belongs.

Above: No slouch at the Bible yoga!

Above: I even like the box it comes in. Red is a favorite of mine, you know.

Above: Remember that mark. Biblias Abba. Handmade.

Thanks, Cristian, for sharing your amazing collection with us. There is more to come next week, so stay tuned, everybody!

Comments

[Kyle Hedrick]

Great looking Bible Cristian!

[David B.]

That's the same company that provides covers for Nelson's sig series, Foundation publications, and Crossway. They might even provide soft calfskin covers for other companies that I'm unaware of.

I've hand at least a half of dozen bibles rebound by them and I'm getting ready to send one of my Cambridge NKJV wide margins next week.

They also do the rebinding work for Leatherbibles.com.

I have to admit that it's not always the easiest process to deal with them if you don't speak Spanish. I've had a number of problems and had to send two Bibles back, but they are the only ones who can rebind a Bible the way it should be rebound. As of right now, they have a monopoly on the market.

God Bless,
David

[Esteban Vázquez]

A beautiful Bible, indeed! If you happen to run into such an edition of the RVR60 (or even 09!), or of La Biblia de las Américas, I would be most interested to hear about it.

[Abraham]

Me tooo....can't wait for the possibility of a beautiful Reina Valera 1960...

For some reason, within Spanish speaking circles...anything beyond the RV60 cannot be trusted... :)

[Robert Jimenez]

Wow that is a very nice looking bible. Personal Preference, not sure if like the red in the pages, but certainly makes for a unique look.

The box is really nice as well. Holman publishers need to pay attention to this. The ESV calfskin & Tyndale Select NLT calfskin come in these very nice boxes. I wonder if the NLT Select is also made there?

Thanks for sharing.

Robert

[Cristian Franco (Argentina)]

Thank you for your opiniones and words, dear brothers!
David: yes, in our Spanish speaking world ABBA BIBLES is the only one that rebinds Bibles with high quality leathers and methods. I asked them to upgrade their website, because there will be a lot of people interested in their services. And for Spanish, well, it's the language of Heaven! Isn't it?
Esteban & Abraham: yes, the RVR60 is the most used and trusted Bible in our Spanish speaking churches. The RVR95 is just the last revision of that one, and only affects some words and the order of poetry, but not the Reina-Valera principles. I also have another Bibles versions rebounded by Abba Bibles, and like Mark said, today just is the beggining of the posts about them. Be patient!
Blessings for everyone. I understad this blog as a blessing for those - like us - who love the Bible and it's presentation through high quality design and bindings. Thank you Mark for making it possible!!!!

[Alan]

A beautiful edition. I look forward to the other Bibles in the coming days.

[Mats]

Stunning!
Why does it say Hand Made in English?
mats

[Cristian Franco (Argentina)]

Mats, I have the same question. Why in English, if the Bible is in Spanish? But I deduce that mark is due to the global market. It's a good question to make to our friends of Abba Bibles. Blessings.

[Nathan Stitt]

The first comment says that Abba provides covers for Foundation Publications. Does this mean my calfskin In Touch NASB was done by Abba? If so, they are top notch, easily up there with Cambridge...