The course of true love never did run smooth, and love of the new edition of the Allan's ESV is no exception. As some of you have already pointed out in comments to various threads, the arrival date of the Scottish-born uber-ESV has been pushed back by several weeks.
In an e-mail to me, Nicholas Gray pointed to a couple of set-backs during the production process. First, during the initial print run (part of a larger run for Harper Collins), the Allan's sheets were overlooked, which necessitated a second run. Unfortunately, the text blocks from that run were delivered pre-sewn, instead of folded and collated for the insertion of the Oxford maps. So it was back to the printers again, necessitating a delay of about six weeks. All the details are available at EvangelicalBible.com, a US distributor for Allan's Bibles, where the estimated arrival time is now late August, early September.
So let's be philosophical. The wait might seem excruciating, but in reality it's just a matter of weeks, and the fact is, these things happen in publishing, especially when you're trying to deliver a product of exceptional quality. Now more than ever, I'm looked forward to the debut of the new Allan's ESVs. To exchange information about the delivery dates, feel free to use the comments section of this post, so that others looking for info can find it easily. September isn't that far away!
Hi,
Does anyone know if Allans are thinking of doing their own version of the ESV Study Bible when that comes out?
Posted by: Glenn Piper | July 18, 2008 at 02:36 AM
Glenn: I haven't heard anything about Allan doing their own version of the ESV study bible. If they did, I can't imagine the kind of price tag that would be placed upon that!
As far as the original post: I agree with you that the delay in the shipment has only added kindling to my anticipation of this edition. People will wait their entire lifetimes in order to finally die and get to Heaven, so surely we can wait just a few weeks to obtain the Heaven of bibles! ...though it's already felt like an eternity since I put in my order.
Posted by: Matt Jensen | July 18, 2008 at 08:46 AM
It's great to see other Bible "geeks" like me who highly anticipate a Bible edition coming out. I didn't really anticipate the new iPhone, but I am greatly looking forward to opening up that box with the new ESV1 inside. There's just something about taking that top off the box, unwrapping the Bible from the paper, feeling it in your hands, and then, of course, sniffing it! After this, finding a secret room to flip through it, read some passages, then stand up and pretend I'm preaching/teaching from it! LOL.........I can't wait! Must think of something else and keep my mind off it!
Posted by: Kyle | July 18, 2008 at 11:06 AM
*sigh* It's all for the best, I suppose.
Posted by: Alan | July 18, 2008 at 01:29 PM
"Oh the bitter pain and sorrow that a time could ever be..." "An-ti-ci-pa-tion... it's keeping me waaaaiitttingg..." "Be still and know..." "Oh watch and pray..."
Posted by: Rod Summers | July 19, 2008 at 04:52 PM
A little off topic, but I just saw that the Thompson Chain Reference Bible is being offered in a limited edition goatskin leather addition. See here: http://www.kirkbride.com/products.asp?cat=19
Posted by: Thomas Blackburn | July 20, 2008 at 09:41 AM
It's true that Kirkbride is offering a 100-year anniversary edition in goatskin. I haven't seen it, but newer editions of Kirkbride Bibles have not had great print quality. So even though the binding is undoubtedly high quality, don't assume the same about the contents. The Bibles were being printed in Korea, not sure about the current status. A couple of years ago I went through a number of copies trying to find one with decent printing and finally gave up, in spite of Kirkbride's willingness to offer me a discount, etc. I have a 4th edition "Thompson's" from the 1960s bound in cowhide that's in great shape, but wanted a copy of the 5th edition. Finally found one printed in the mid-1990s on E-Bay that's fine--it was essentially brand new, still in the box, U.S. printing with decent print and paper quality.
Lee
Posted by: Lee Miller | July 21, 2008 at 08:13 AM
Hmm, I'm still in doubt, being a non-native English speaker (I'm from Holland) I hope the ESV is my cup of tea.
One thing for sure: it will be a Allan's!
If only I could find a Dutch bible with this quality in print and binding!
Alec
Posted by: Alec | July 21, 2008 at 12:11 PM
I have that thompson and I have no regrets at all. The interior states that it is printed in the good ole USA; the paper is very nice. The binding is superb; nice and limp the way Mark likes it although it is not quite as floppy as the Nelson Signature Series version. The leather has a great feel in my hand. I like others am waiting for Allan's ESV but I actually like the feel of this Thompson over the discounted bold print NIV from Allan's. It is goatskin. The problem for many readers of this blog is that it is red letter only.
Peace.
Posted by: Charles Hadden | July 22, 2008 at 02:33 AM
Mr. Bertrand, have you ever thought about taking a little vacation to a bible bindery or printer and taking your camera along for us?
(I imagine it'd be really something to gain access inside of R.L. Allan's factory!)
Posted by: Matt Jensen | July 24, 2008 at 09:15 AM
Well, I can hardly wait. I need the exhortation to remain patient. I purchased the Black Goatskin last year and have been waiting on a tan goatskin for a long time. Even for a tee-totaling Southern Baptist pastor it is excruciating to wait for a European "black and tan."
Posted by: Drew | July 24, 2008 at 11:24 AM
I find myself checking Allan's website in hopes that some miracle happened and they are shipping sooner than mid-late September. Hopefully I will have it in my hand by October. But, what can I do but wait? While I wait I must try not to think about it.....yea, right! :)
Posted by: Kyle | July 24, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Whoa, everybody. I admire the genuine adherence to quality. I admire the American exceptionalism displayed here. I even admire the fact that the ESV is the version each is up in a huff about.
Question: Are we this excited about the arrival of our coming Lord and Saviour?
Just a thought. I too await my Tan Allans ESV1. But I would give it up in an eyelash for Jesus to come back into time and space.
Posted by: mashmouth | July 28, 2008 at 04:50 AM
Furthermore,
Are we this preoccupied with our friends, neighbors, coworkers, fellow road-sharers eternal souls?
Do we spend enough time thinking about how to spread the Good News?
Or is it all about us, and how OUR Bible feels in our hands, and how OUR leather is supreme, and how MY Bible will never fall apart.
Sorry for my rant, but I believe a little perspective was in order.
Peace,
Mashmouth
Posted by: mashmouth | July 28, 2008 at 04:59 AM
Mashmouth,
I'm very glad that the Holy Spirit has given you the insight to judge everyone's motives on this blog. Sorry for my little rant, but I thought that a little perspective was in order for those who want to judge the liberty that we have in Christ.
Bring on that ESV!!!!
Posted by: Billy | July 28, 2008 at 06:06 AM
Mashmouth,
An army soldier in the midst of battle who gets excited for a well manufactured gun shipment is no less proud of the country he fights for, than we amidst the battle for the Kingdom who are excited of a well manufactured bible shipment while still proud of the King we serve. The anticipation of our main weaponry has no direct link in negating the inward cause in which we fight, crafted daily with a relationship with Jesus Christ alone. Therefore in our love for God's Word, and the belief that it deserves the best we have to offer (binding, paper, leather, etc.), we continue to look forward towards the day when we will have in our hands an Allan's ESV1!
Posted by: Matt Jensen | July 28, 2008 at 08:57 AM
He who dies with the most finely crafted Bibles... ; )
Sorry, couldn't resist.
I enjoy my Allan's black highland goatskin ESV, but I have to say that the PSR I just bought has an awesome form factor. I love the size and feel of it, and the single column is an easier reading format (for me at least). The Forest/Tan, trail design is also a great color combo.
Posted by: Steve | July 28, 2008 at 09:36 AM
@Billy,
Brother man, I did not intend to offend ANYone on this blog. Actually, it was intended for an expansion of discourse, since, if one reads some of the comments, one might just sense a tinge of materialism. I do not judge by my comments, as if judging by posing questions was possible.
@Matt,
Well crafted response, bro, and I wholeheartedly agree. I appreciate that perspective, and am not trying to minimize that we are lovers of our Swords.
Offense was not my motive, but if one is defensive, maybe the motivations ARE actually suspect, eh? I now wish I used a different idea then a 'perspective'; as if my experiences are more real, superior, or vivid then any one else here. Sorry to anyone that I did offend.
It is true that we can all arrive at the same place reading some junk, broken ol' glued ESV, right (or many other versions, obviously)?
This is a great blog, and I have spent inordinate amounts of time drooling, so I am no different then most who come here. Maybe, just maybe, I am just tiring of the average American Evangelical's generality to excess and the acculturation some display with the 'bigger and better' mentality, of which I too have been guilty. Awareness is key. This is too short of a space to really expand my point, but I am trying to simply offer another facet.
Again, no offense to anyone here... I realize some could take my words the wrong way.
Posted by: mashmouth | July 28, 2008 at 10:29 AM
I hope Jesus comes back before my ESV1 arrives from Allan's (the way the date keeps getting pushed out He may! LOL....).
Posted by: Kyle | July 28, 2008 at 06:24 PM
Worthy Points Mashmouth - covetousness is a snare we all must beware of.
Posted by: David from Ireland | July 29, 2008 at 02:09 AM
COME LORD JESUS!
U guys think we will be attending Bible College up in heaven? Wonder which translation will the college use up there...
Posted by: Ben Ting | July 29, 2008 at 03:20 AM
Why, the KJV of course. All others are corrupt. ; )
Posted by: Steve | July 29, 2008 at 05:29 AM
How does the type size compare to giant print NKJV bibles by Thomas Nelson? I have poor eyesight.
Is there a way to review the concordance before purchase? Most bibles have a standard, pitiful 66 page concordance at the end. It would be nice to see publisher add more relevant and useful concordances to their bibles. Usually the only way to get a bible with a good concordance is to get a bunch of commentary and other helps you don't want.
Posted by: Bill Blue | July 29, 2008 at 07:19 AM
what IF it is the Holy Spirit?
Seriously, what if is really is?
btw, I did write much of that above after my devotions.
Posted by: mashmouth | July 29, 2008 at 11:40 AM
If it was the Holy Spirit you wouldn't be asking the question "what if it was the Holy Spirit?" God is not a God of confusion or ambiguity - it would be clear.
Posted by: Billy | July 31, 2008 at 06:21 AM
@billy,
Clearly, my comment implies that I am aware of that, if you just reason it out.
My question is more of a philisophical nature, to get the gears of others turning.
Thanks for you interest, anyways!
Posted by: mashmouth | August 02, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Is the updated Allen ESV goin to be a red letter edition? THanks.
God Bless,
David
Posted by: David B. | August 02, 2008 at 07:29 PM
I understand that it will NOT be red letter.
Posted by: DavidT | August 12, 2008 at 07:44 PM
Well I e-mailed Allans a week ago asking how the binding was going, and if they still expected to get them out by late August/end of September, and they haven't e-mailed me back yet.
Does anyone else feel like this is taking exceptionally long?
Posted by: Matt Jensen | August 14, 2008 at 02:58 PM
Allan has communicated that mid September is the anticipated time of arrival. As a U.S. Distributor we are eagerly awaiting its arrival. The ESV has numerous new editions coming out in the Sept. Oct. time frame. The Allan ESV1 is the new and best "classic reference" to arrive in Sept. Cambridge has the brevier goatskin due in October and the now famous Wide Margin Goatskin due in February of 2009. The ESV Study Bible will be available on Oct. 15 in no less than 7 editions (including a calfskin). There is a lot to choose from in the way of a quality ESV.
One more thing to remember in regards to R.L. Allan Publishers. It is a unique establishment. It is not a Cambridge, Oxford or even a Crossway publisher. It does not typically run 1000's of Bibles at once. It is a small scale publisher that produces the finest in book bindery. We should keep this idea in context in relation to the ESV1 timetable.
Blessings
Paul
evangelicalbible.com
Posted by: Paul | August 19, 2008 at 09:59 PM
Well, evbible just changed their delivery status from August/September to now just September. If any of you are like me, to have the date constantly pushed back for the delivery of perfection is like running finger nails on a chalk board.
Posted by: Matt Jensen | August 20, 2008 at 02:59 PM
Sorry for the above post; I posted it and didn't read Paul from EVbible's post. Thanks for writing back! I think it's obvious a multitude of us anxiously await your shipment because we know the quality that comes from R.L. Allan!
Posted by: Matt Jensen | August 20, 2008 at 03:27 PM
I've been wondering: this isn't going to be a terribly thick bible, so will the three ribbons be more of a distraction than a blessing? I've found they help in larger bibles, but never thought about putting three in thinner ones.. what's everyone's thoughts?
Posted by: Matt Jensen | September 04, 2008 at 01:09 PM
I'm using the Allan's NIV Bold Reference for some teaching and preaching. It's about the same size as the Allan's ESV. I wish it had three ribbons but not all in one color. In fact, to alleviate my Bible anxieties while waiting on the new ESVs coming out, I bought a Crossway wide margin in Brown Portfolio which is not much larger than a Classic Cross Reference. I cut out the original ribbon, and added three in different colors. Really comes in handy.
Posted by: Rod Summers | September 04, 2008 at 05:55 PM
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 11:26 AM
Paul- thanks for the updates (in all three places!) Any explanation from Nicholas on the lack of lined paper? Regards.
Posted by: Rod Summers | September 19, 2008 at 07:27 PM
Not sure where Paul got his information but the Allan website lists the following as a description of the ESVs:
__________________________________________
The reprinted Allan ESVs will include 16 pages of Oxford Bible maps, 3 ribbon markers, and 32 pages of lined writing paper. Prices will be held until the end of 2008.
__________________________________________
In any event I guess we'll all know as soon as our copies are delivered...
Posted by: James Thompson | September 20, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Believe Paul sells Allan's Bibles from his website and stays in contact with Nicholas Gray.
Posted by: Rod Summers | September 20, 2008 at 11:23 AM
I agree with Rod that Paul would definitely know about changes to the ESV1 bibles. The paper issue is a huge bummer in my mind just because I would take the lined paper over the maps any day. But an Allan's bible is worth the wait no matter what...who am I kidding I cant wait!!! Once my ESV gets here I can start reading my Bible again...j/k
I am excited to see the bolder font that Paul mentioned.
I would be interested to know how fast Tan and Black ESVs sell. They said 250 of each were printed and it would be fun to see which ones sell faster, etc.
Posted by: matt morales | September 20, 2008 at 01:11 PM
Allan's website says they'll start shipping this week. So by the time they ship it to EvangelicaBible, they process it and then mail it to us, are we looking at a mid-October receiving date?
Posted by: Matt Jensen | September 22, 2008 at 08:57 AM
Well, I might get mine a little earlier since I ordered directly from Allans... :=)
Judging from their seeming popularity I'd bet (not really) the ESVs are already sold out. Demand seems to be through the roof!
Posted by: James Thompson | September 22, 2008 at 09:16 AM
Shipping this week! How about a contest? The first person to get one of the new Allan's, mark or highlight in the text, and provide photographic evidence of such posted by Mark WINS! I'd lose. I have one Allan's and can't bring myself to even put my name in it. The prize? Personal worth, internet fame, and becoming the envy of all! Oh...that's not good, is it? Okay, how about a contribution to Mark's review by describing the complete emotional experience of opening, holding, smelling, opening each page beginning at the center, the ironing of the THREE ribbons, the uncapping of the pen, and the making of the first mark on a favorite text? :)
Posted by: Rod Summers | September 22, 2008 at 07:44 PM
Marking on Allan? Shldn't be any issue with me. My 2 mths plus old Long Primer is almost all marked up in the NT, and the Prophets in the OT. Piece of cake. ;)
Posted by: Ben Ting | September 22, 2008 at 08:38 PM
Hi there.
I just want to make a personal recommendation of R.L. Allan as a company. I've just got off the phone talking to Nicholas, who I think is the owner of the company.
I have been unable to make up my mind as to which pocket bible is best for me and he called me & we spent about 20 minutes on the phone, talking through his recommendations. He offered to post me two bibles to ensure that I'm happy with my choice.
These people are a delight to do business with and committed to quality, from product through to delivery & customer service.
Long live R.L. Allan!
Posted by: Russ... | September 23, 2008 at 03:47 AM
It's annoying that I can't find anything more about the ESV1 shipment on-line, other than here, EVBible's blog, and RL Allan's site. I've never bee in such anticipation for a bible as I am right now! With our luck, we won't get them for another month.
Posted by: Matt Jensen | September 25, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Got an updated note from Nicholas Gray today after inquiring on my order. ESVs will begin shipping 30 Sep.
Posted by: Rod Summers | September 26, 2008 at 06:53 PM
Rod - I heard that the ESVs will begin shipping 22nd?!?
Posted by: bill | September 26, 2008 at 08:18 PM
@ Rod
That's what they told me also. They said Tuesday or Wednesday (Sept 30 or Oct 1)
Posted by: Kyle | September 27, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Well it's now Monday, Sept. 29th, and still no shipping update. I'm getting more anxious as the days progress.
Posted by: Matt Jensen | September 29, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Kyle: "Then stand up and pretend I'm preaching/teaching from it!" Like conducting Beethoven from a CD in front of a mirror, hey? I think I know what you are talking about. Glad to see I'm not crazy (you seem O.K.). I can't wait to perform that ritual- with the incense of Highland Goatskin and all.
My copy should be here (D.V. Lord, PLEASE be willing) in a weeks time or so.
Willem Bronkhorst,
South Africa.
Posted by: Willem Bronhorst | October 10, 2008 at 02:55 AM
Willem,
My wife thinks I'm crazy sometime, but I will try not to let her see me "acting dah fool" when I'm standing there with my new Bible in hand, gesticulating to my invisible audience. LOL........
I'm at my office now and my ESV1 has arrived today. I'm in Athens, Georgia if anyone is curious. It was worth the wait! See my comment under "Tan ESV unboxing Photos" for details (even though I got the black one).
Posted by: Kyle | October 10, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Quick ESV 1 Update:
We have shipped all of our ESV1 Tans. (including one to Matt Jensen) We now have ESV1's to spare! The ESV1 Black Bibles have not all arrived. We should have them in by next week.
Of course the Bibles are of exceptional quality!
Posted by: Paul | October 11, 2008 at 08:22 PM
Quick ESV 1 Update:
We have shipped all of our ESV1 Tans. (including one to Matt Jensen) We now have ESV1's to spare! The ESV1 Black Bibles have not all arrived. We should have them in by next week.
Of course the Bibles are of exceptional quality!
Posted by: Paul | October 11, 2008 at 08:23 PM
You guys all need to just relax a little bit. Enjoy jour bibles, wait for jesus and get off each others backs.
Dave
Posted by: david | December 16, 2008 at 08:46 AM