I'll be writing more about both the Pitt Minion and the R. L. Allan's Ruby KJV shortly, but I thought you might be interested in some side-by-side photos I took for a reader who asked how they compared. These were quick shots, so excuse the quality. If you're wondering how they stack up, though, this might help.
Above: The Ruby on top, the Pitt Minion on bottom. Both in black goatskin.
Above: As you can see, the Ruby (top) is thicker but smaller -- it's footprint exaggerated by the full-yapp cover edges.
Above: The color needs correcting, but you get a sense of the differing layouts and sizes.
I should probably add that it's very unusual for me to snap photos like this on request -- it just so happened I had the camera handy and the Bibles, too.
They are both beautiful Bibles but there is no way my eyes could read the Allan's Ruby for any extended period of time. Which is a shame because they are one of Allan's more affordable Bibles. That is some seriously small print. It's like reading directions on an over the counter medication bottle.
Posted by: Tom Morrison | October 03, 2008 at 10:57 AM
I have both of these bibles and I love them both. The Ruby has that old fashioned feel to it like something that my grandfather would have owned. I have the pitt minion in the NJKV and use it often. I csan't wait to get my ESV 1 in black goatskin.
Posted by: Jeff Seymour | October 03, 2008 at 03:00 PM
I received the Allan's Ruby just last week, my first Allans' by the way and was very impressed. So much so I ordered the Tan ESV this week. I already know a few other Allan's that will join my library when released...the KJV Longprimer and the NIV w/concordence in dark brown goatskin. Since Allans' does not do a NKJV I picked up a Nelson Signature Personal in British Tan calfskin. This I saw at Lifeway Christian Bookstore and the young sales girl was simply gushing over the feel and aroma of a quality leather bible. She told me when she had time she would taake the genuine leather versions from the case just to handle them and explained how the leather just gets better with use.
It was an enlightening encounter to see such a young person so excited over quality bindings as well as over a Christian lifestyle.
Tony
Posted by: Anthony Miller | October 03, 2008 at 04:24 PM
Isn't the Ruby a miniature version of the Longprimer minus the dictionary of proper names? I loved the text size I saw on the Longprimer. I think that may be Allan's most beautiful Bible.
An Allan's ESV with full yap and dictionary of proper names would be very cool.
Posted by: Tom Morrison | October 03, 2008 at 05:22 PM
That Oxford Ruby Bible looks very much like Allan's Oxford Ruby Text Bible, which measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/8" x 7/8". If you want this hardback imitation leather Bible, Allan's charges $9.86 including shipping to the US. It is the more plainly bound version, but you cannot go wrong with an Allan's Bible for under $10.
Posted by: Brian Fox | October 03, 2008 at 06:46 PM
Tom, the Ruby has the Dictionary of Proper Names, Subject Index and Concordance just as the Longprimer does.
Posted by: Jeff Seymour | October 04, 2008 at 08:50 PM
The Oxford Ruby does have the proper names. It is a small volume but very handy to carry along. I still plan to get the Long Primer for at home use where the larger format will be an easier read.
Tony
Posted by: Anthony Miller | October 05, 2008 at 10:28 AM