First Glimpse of Chocolate Brown Allan's ESV1

Thanks to Daniel Holle, whose son popped into the Glasgow storefront of R. L. Allan's and snapped these photos, I can now share some images of the new ESV1 BR -- the same Classic Reference layout but with a chocolate brown highland goatskin cover and three ribbons: one green, one purple, and one brown. Over the holidays, I've gotten e-mail about this edition pretty much every day, so I just want to let everyone know that (a) yes, I know about them, (b) I'm expecting one to review, and (c) I plan to do a side-by-side post of the three current color options: black, tan, and chocolate brown.

With no further ado, let's take a look at the photos:

Above: The three editions of the Allan's ESV1 -- tan, chocolate brown, and black.

Above: A peek inside the tan edition.

Above: The chocolate brown, with the brown, purple and green ribbons displayed.

Above: Inside the chocolate brown. The gilt line is visible on the cover's edge.

Above: The chocolate brown spine.

Above: The art gilt page edges.

The price at Bibles-Direct.com is £95, which at today's exchange rate is about $132. They're available from EvangelicalBible.com for $149.75 shipped. Available in early February. 

Comments

[Steve Lockhart]

Sorry but the combination of ribbon colours just ruins an otherwise beautiful bible.

[Kathy]

I was thinking the same thing about the ribbons. Varying shades of brown and tan would have been nice if they had to use different colors.

[Gary Zimmerli]

I think they look kinda neat. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

[jmarkbertrand]

There's a liturgical history behind multi-colored ribbons, isn't there? Breviaries and what not. I like the idea, and am looking forward to seeing how it appears in person. The flash photos might not do it justice. What I'm really struck by, though, is what a nice combination the green is with the dark brown.

[Ben Ting]

Nice ribbons.

[Scott]

If the dark brown and multi-color ribbons can look that good from these photos then I'm even more excited to get my copy. I believe Mark has a point that the flash photos are probably not showing the full potential of the color combos. I'll be interested if someone would chime in about the significance of the colors used. When I ordered mine I thought it just sounded nice. It'll be interesting if there is some kind of historical history behind the colors.

Thanks for the post, Mark.

Scott

[Wandering Friar]

Considering the initials on the front cover, the ribbon choice may have been a special request. I personally would have opted for brown, tan and light green. For those of you who are interested, I have received an email from the good folks at Allan's that they have no plans to cover a Holman Christian Standard Bible . . . "yet." This gives me hope that there will indeed be an Allan's HCSB in the future, perhaps after the 2e comes out.

Blessings.
WF

[Kathy]

Friar, what is the "2e"?

You might be right about flash photography; I'll reserve judgment on the colored ribbons for now...

[Glenn Piper]

'2e' means Second Edition I believe

[Edward Ortiz]

I think the bible looks good and the color of the ribbons give it a nice personal touch.

Mark, another great post. Keep up the good work.

[Craig Thompson]

Hi,

Beautiful bibles. I noticed that your chocolate brown has imprinted initials. I'd always heard imprinting was a no-no with premium leathers. Is that just a myth?

Thanks

[Scott]

If anyone is interested in another set of shots of how the chocolate brown looks compared to the tan and the black goatskin check out the link to pics posted by evangalicalbible.com. It's actually the Allan NIV but the same goatskin colors used for the ESV1. See link. Click on "See all of our NIVC1 pictures" about in the middle of the product page.

http://evangelicalbible.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=12_116

Sorry, I don't know how to make a clickable link from my post. You can copy and paste.

[Denis]

Craig,

I don't know for sure, but Allan's since offers embossing of names or initials on their leather Bibles as a regular service (see http://www.bibles-direct.com/services.phtml) I assume it's okay for premium leathers.

That said, I don't think many places will emboss premium leathers, though I wonder if it is more a liability/warranty issue? My friend's wife wanted to emboss a Crossway calf-skin Bible she was giving him for his birthday, but the people she spoke to said they wouldn't do it (I think they said something about it being to soft???).

I for one opted to get my initials put on my ESV1, figured it was a nice, easy way to identify the Bible as mine - though I guess it would've been cheaper to just write my name in the front :)

[matt morales]

It is very nice but I still prefer the uniqueness and beauty of the TAN ESV

[Wandering Friar]

Yes, 2e is the Second Edition. Tentatively scheduled for Fall '09 release, although can be purchased from WordSearch now in electronic edition.

Forgot to say, Mark, thanks for these pictures - and (again)thanks for this blog which has rekindled my desire for exceptionally bound Bibles.

WF

[California Dave]

Last week I received the Allan NIVC1-BR and its cover is identical to the forthcoming ESV1-BR. I've got the ESV1-T as well, so I've had the benefit of personally seeing both bindings side-by-side. Both binding colors are awesome. The natural grain pattern on the dark brown binding is very detailed, even more so than the tan binding. Evbible.com has posted very nice photos of the NIVC1-BR and you can go there for additional pics. The three color ribbon combo on the ESV1 shown in Mark's pics appear to be standard for all of that printing per Allan's website. This is the first time I've personally seen different ribbon colors in any Bible, but the more I look at them and think about it, the more I like the idea! I think Allan's ribbon color selection strikes a good balance of contrast and class. Having three ribbons in my ESV1-T is incredibly useful(like how did I ever get by with just one or two), and having them in different colors would help me minimize the times I'll otherwise flip open to the wrong spot. So bottom line for me personally, given my partiality to brown, I'd take the tan and dark brown bindings any day over black. My purchase decision for the quality of an Allan Bible would never be predicated on the color or number of ribbons. Allan deserves credit for being willing to test the market with different ideas. I cringed when I'd first read about the three color ribbon decision in December. Having now seen what the colors actually look like (thanks to Mark), and having given it a chance to marinate for a bit, I think Allan's got a winner here.

[Robert Lombardi]

FYI, the natural grain pattern will vary Bible by Bible. As far as I can tell, you can't really make a definite statement about the difference between the grain pattern of a brown and tan Allan ESV. The Tan could easily have had that finer grain and the brown could have had a courser. I ordered two tan's at the same time and have totally different grain patterns. I gave the finer to my wife and the more masculine, coarser grain for me. Check out the photos at the link below.

http://lombardispot.smugmug.com/gallery/6308341_2S7YG/1/397811202_AZenG

[Rod Summers]

Extraordinary looking Bible. Thanks for the photos. I'm envious of being able to go to Glasgow to see all of the wonderful Bibles. I recently asked Nicholas Gray about a few things. He is potentially looking at a wider margin of the ESV sometime later this year. Also, I think he plans to begin putting in note pages again in the future. That is a unique feature I miss in these current versions. I bought three of the current ESVs as gifts (didn't keep one for myself) but this brown one is very tempting. I love the ribbon colors. But I'm going to wait for that Cambridge ESV Wide Margin coming out next month and see if I need to continue my chase of Mark collecting all of the Bibles worthy of collecting. Thanks Mark. And my pocket book thanks you. :) Do you think if we all started a blog like this we'd all get free Bibles to review? Heaven on earth!

[Steve Lockhart]

Those aren't flash photos. Just thought I'd point that out.

[Jesus Saenz]

"Those aren't flash photos. Just thought I'd point that out."

By the look of the light fall off from the picture of the spine and the reflection of the gilt edge on the table top in the first photo and the hot spot on another I would say that there was flash used for those pics.

[Ben Ting]

The light source could be from a harsh directional tungsten light bulb (like a table lamp). It will give a similar "flash" effect - at least the shadow part...

[Robert Lombardi]

Wether flash or night, the lighting certainly is lacking and there can be much done to improve the situation. But I think they are good enough to get an idea of the color of the leather and ribbons. For those who don't own an Allan ESV, I think the Brown is attractive enough to consider getting it over the black or tan. As for me, I already own a tan. I was seriously thinking that I might try to get a brown or the new limited edition black and sell my tan, but I actually have a very nice course leather grain on my tan that I think is easier to see because it is a tan color. And I certainly wouldn't want to give that up. And after seeing the photos of all three, I'm realizing how more or less equal all three colors are and I should be content to have an Allan ESV! :)

[David]

Daniel,

The Allan's website says that the ESV1 BR will have "full matching leather linings." Having seen them in person can you let us know if this is indeed this case?

Thanks

[George]

I am tempted to possibly sell my black ESV1 and get the brown. Any suggestions on the best place to sell an Allan bible? Thanks

[Robert (Bob) Anderson Scandinavian and Scots by decent]

I placed an order for the ESV1BR on the 22nd of January from the Allan's Bibles-Direct.com I wounder when they will start delivering the ESV1BROWN?
Bob

[mike Smith]

Bob I received mine in Dec maybe the delay is in customs as mine was also delayed a few days because of this. Tuen around has been 1 to 1/2 weeks from Allans.

[Lou]

I have been waiting forever to see what the chocolate Brown looked like. I can't wait to see a review from Mark. I wonder whose paper stock Allan's will use. I had bought my Wife a Crossway Deluxe Heirloom in Soft calfskin 2 years ago and was not too impressed with the grade of paper. I have two Allan's Bibles so far. A KJV Longprimer in Highland Goatskin and a NIV Bold print in regular Goatskin. I like the paper quality better in the NIV Bold Print. I really think the Cambridge will be better thann the Allan's but I'll wait to see. My Cambridge Wide-Margin KJV in Goatskin is perfect! Great quality paper.

[Robert (Bob) Anderson Scandinavian and Scots by decent]

It will also be interesting to see what the ESV1BR is gonna cost me and when it will ship. The prices was in the EURO and with the US-Dollar changing daily....I gave them an open end Visa card number!!!? It was 96-EURO when I ordered so, maybe $122.00 USD? I remember the day when the USD was worth more than the EURO. I had ordered some lambswool sweaters from England about 3 years ago and got them at a good price.
Bob in Alaska

[mike smith]

Sorry bob I misread your question and thought you ordered the NIV version of the brown. Mine did come (NIV) in dec Mike

[Ron Parish]

My ESV1T was hand delivered to the parsonage on Christmas morning a month ago. When I opened the wrapping paper, I was shocked, to say the least. What a wonderful gift.

The only thing really wrong with the Bible is with the ribbons - they are not spaced evenly, and one is even turned a funny way. Evangelicalbible.com said it would be no problem to return it, but I'm in a quandary. I like the chocolate brown, but the tan is absolutely beautiful, too.

I'm not terribly fond of the colored ribbons in the chocolate brown, but could learn to like them. Personally, I would love to keep the tan and have the brown, too. Now, about that SE black one, it sounds interesting, too. I was told I could have my choice of the brown or black (by the good folk at evangelicalbible); there was no indication when tan would be in. Help! What should I do? I can keep the beautiful tan and have the messed-up ribbons or exchange for chocolate with the less than attractive ribbons or get a regular black one. I might even go for the special edition.

Choices, choices.

[Robert Lombardi]

If are the formal wear type of person, suites, ties, shiny shoes, that black special edition would be a nice way to round out a nice outfit.

[Mike McDonald]

george, I am just about to order a black ESV1 from evangelicalbible.com for $75.75 shipped. If there was no writing in your bible yet I would offer you $50.00 for your used copy. If not i am very happy getting the new one for 75 as that is a screaming deal for an Allen bible!

[Mike smith]

Mike the ESV Bible george talked about selling is the ESV1 not the ESV2 which Evangelical Bible is selling for $75.00 . I have both and the difference is :1.$149. vs $75.00, the Esv1 is highland goatskin (leatherlined)vs just reg gaotskin (which is stiffer and not leather lined.

[George]

Mike Smith, thanks for the clarification. It was not my intent to turn this wonderful forum into Ebay. My apologies to all...Send me an email for further info by clicking on my name at the bottom of the post. Thanks

[David Dewey]

I see from the pictures that this ESV has Crossway's introduction's to each book of the Bible. To me, along with the strange ribbon colours, this is a disappointment. I have one of just 15 of the earliest experimental tan ESVs (2001 wording, two ribbons, and no introductions) but sadly no maps (which the new edition does have). Though I was looking forward to the new brown edition and was one of those who suggested to Allan's that they produce it,I doubt if I will upgrade - or could justify doing so. The brown x-ref NIV may just tempt me however, though I mainly use - and prefer - the ESV as a translation.

[Scott]

Hello all,

Anybody get their chocolate brown ESV yet? Thanks.

Scott

[David]

Yup, arrived this morning (I live in Scotland)!

It's beautiful and I think the ribbons work really well.

[David]

Yup, arrived this morning (I live in Scotland)!

It's beautiful and I think the ribbon markers work really well.

[Scott]

Ah, that's great, David! Thanks for the post. I'm in The States(Ohio,USA) so mines probably in transit. You think you might be able to post pictures? When mine arrives I'll try to get some good shots for anybody interested.

Cheers,

Scott

[David]

I tried taking some shots earlier today but they didn't come out very well.

The one thing that strikes me about this Bible, more so than my ESV1, is how well each component compliments the other e.g. the leather linings are a different shade to the cover.

And those ribbons really do look good (although they are shorter than those of the ESV1)!

I'd be happy to answer any specific question about the ESV1BR.

[Scott]

David,

Thanks for the description. Can you compare ESV1BR in relation to the tan or black ESV1 in terms of softness and flexibility of the cover? Thanks.

Scott

[David]

Scott,

The cover feels a lot softer than the black, although it wasn't as immediately flexible in that it didn't open flat right away. I think this was due to it being brand new out the box.

The grain is very similar to my black ESV1, but ever so slightly less course.

Another observation is that the cover appears tighter especially along the spine. Where the black has a slight curvature to it, this is slightly more straight.

I'll have another go a taking some photos to help illustrate these points.

David

[Scott]

Thanks, David. Great information. Enjoy your new Bible.

Scott

[Jeff Seymour]

Has anyone noticed that both the Cambridge and Baker websites have the wide margin ESV bibles available?

[Jeff Seymour]

Anybody notice that both Cambridge and Baker websites have the wide margin ESV bibles available?

[Paul]

evangelicalbible.com now has these Bibles in stock along with new pictures.

[Scott]

Just received mine(ESV1BR). All I can say is that the Bible from Allans meets of exceeds all my expectations. I hope they come out with the same color combo for the ESV wide margin. Thanks again, Mark, for such an informative and helpful website. I would have never known about Allan Bibles without it.

Cheers,

Scott

[robert anderson]

I received my Allan's ESV 1BR (Brown) in highland goatskin today. Feb. 2, 2009
The Bible is very well bound. The goatskin is soft and supple. The color is a rich dark brown. It is a beautiful, well made Bible. You don't see workmanship like this anymore. I bought mine for myself, but this Bible would make a very nice gift.

Robert Anderson

[robert anderson]

Scott, I received my dark chocolate brown ESV1 from Scotland today. WOW! I love the dark, rich brown color of the goatskin. I couldn't be more pleased. It is a beautiful, well bound, Bible. Allan's workmanship is the best I have seen. I will enjoy reading from it.

Bob,
living in the beautiful Matt-Su valley of Alaska

[robert anderson]

Ron,

I received my Allan's ESV 1BR (Brown)today. Don't let the ribbons stop you from ordering, if you like the dark rich brown. My first look at the ribbons they looked like the Bible had two dark brown ribbons and one dark green. The ribbons are very dark in color and I doubt that anyone would even notice them, that's how dark they are and 80% of the ribbon will stay inside your Bible anyway. Having 3 ribbons is a great idea. Every standard size Bible should have three ribbons.

My Allan's ESV1BR meets and exceeded my expectation.

[Ben Ting]

My bro-in-law just handed me his NIV C1 Brown - I am telling u - its quality (spells luxury) TOPS all my other Allan Bible. The dark brown Highland Goatskin is drop dead GORGEOUS! Even the art-gilt is a class above. Now I gotta tell my wife WHY I need this in ESV... I am definitely posting some pix on this...

[Scott]

Bob,

I second your remarks. The ESV1BR met or exceeded my expectations also. It lays flat from beginning to end and the type is very comfortable, or easy to read I should say. I wont go into a review (I'll let Mark handle that):-), but it has all the qualities I was expecting from what I've learned from this blog. It's just a very nice Bible that I hope I can study from for a very long time.

Ben Ting,

Thanks for the comments. It's my first Allan and so I can't compare it to others. Looks like the chocolate brown has set a high standard. If an ESV wide margin comes in the same color combo I will surely save up and get that also.

SCott

[Mike]

Looking to purchase the ESV1 BR or BL, however I had a question, because it is from Glasgow, they commented that they print in a format of Anglicized Text spelling...Evangicalbible.com said as an example: color-colour? So is the ESV version in this style of format coming from Glasgow?

PS
Have you written about the ESV Cambridge Wide Margin yet? Trying to decide which bible to get....I want to have one that will last.

mike

[Mike]

Ok, I just received my ESV2BR a few days ago and I am grateful to this blog for providing the photos necessary to convince me this bible was worth the money. It is excellent in its appearance, feel, and quality and it looks better in person than in the photos as many have commented. That being said, I noticed that the discussions so far have been only the high points to this bible, while I feel there are actually a couple notable setbacks. Most notably is that the typeset is pretty dark and I find it creates more bleed-through than I am comfortable with in a bible of this caliber. In addition, the paper is rather coarse in comparison to various Cambridge and Oxford bibles (Cambridge Pitt Minion and Wide Margin bibles come to mind). Since Allan uses HarperCollins' paper and printing for this bible its not really their fault, I just wish they would have gone with a publisher like Cambridge. I find the ESV2 (which sells for $75 in Goatskin) is easier to read and has almost identical content, with the exception of the book introductions, making it an excellent value for a nice bible.
In summary: the ESV2BR is an amazing bible, the binding and leather are perfect, but on the inside its not significantly better than any number of standard bibles.

@David: yes it does have matching leather lining. The lining seems to be a shade darker than the brown cover.

God bless,
-MJ