If you've ever ordered from the Trinitarian Bible Society, you'll know what I'm talking about. There's a feeling you get, a blend of guilt and excitement, like you've just gotten away with something very fun but very bad. It's the price that does it. Or to be more precise, the ratio of price to value. You're used to paying more and getting less.
In a lot of ways, a Bible society that still clings to the King James Version in 2009 seems like an anachronism. And the TBS doesn't just cling, it grips tightly, giving no sign of letting go. The result is rather interesting: a society committed to spreading the Word of God, but likewise committed to quality. When I think of modern outreach organizations, "quality" isn't the first word that comes to mind. Dissemination is everything, getting the Bible into people's hands, and silly things like sewn bindings and leather covers and gilt edges don't factor into it. But with the TBS, they still do, which is why, if you like the King James Version, you should be grateful.
SOME HISTORY
I found my first TBS Bible in a Dublin cathedral bookstore. It was the calfskin-bound Pitt Minion pictured here, back in the days before Cambridge revived the setting. I assumed it was some kind of ancient artifact, left over from happier days, but then I returned home and did some research, discovering not only that the TBS still existed, but that it was cranking out Cambridge and Oxford style editions of the KJV in quality calfskin.
So what did I do? I stocked up.
Above, from top to bottom: the Royal Ruby, the New Brevier, the Pitt Minion,
and the Textus Receptus, all bound in calfskin except the Ruby, printed on India paper,
with art-gilt edges and (except for the TR) with two ribbon markers.
With the exception of the Royal Ruby, all of my TBS leather editions are bound in deeply grained, firm but not stiff calfskin. The Ruby, bound in French Morocco, has a less pronounced grain and is a bit more flexible than the others. It also includes the Metrical Psalms (more about that later). The quality of each is exceptional. The prices, however, weren't. I don't think any of them cost more than $50.
Of the editions pictured, the only one I can still locate on the Trinitarian Bible Society website is the Pitt Minion, which goes for $56.40 now. There are comparably sized editions in calfskin.
Above: The Royal Ruby is the most flexible of the bunch.
The Royal Ruby is bound in French Morocco leather with vinyl lining, with semi-yapp cover and art-gilt edges. It includes a word list to help with the KJV's unfamiliar English, a reading plan, and the book of Psalms in meter. Though it measures about 4 x 6, the type is legible and there are two ribbon markers, which seems to be standard with the TBS. This is a beautiful pocket-sized edition of the King James Version. After all these years, it still smells great.
Above: The New Brevier Reference Bible.
The features enrich when you step up to the New Brevier, which adds center column references, chapter summaries, and the self-pronouncing feature I've never been too fond of. Of the lot, this is my least favorite, perhaps because of the gilt bands on the spine, which is just a little much. Even so, the calfskin, vinyl-lined cover is nice, and the reading plan is there, along with the word list.
Above: The Pitt Minion.
My favorite, though, is the Pitt Minion, perhaps because it was my first. Though Cambridge now offers a KJV Pitt Minion, they didn't at the time, and the they still don't offer one with two ribbons and art gilt edges so far as I know. In spite of the use its seen over the years, the Pitt Minion still looks great. The gilt has rubbed off the spine a bit, but that's all.
Above: The Textus Receptus.
I have to say, though, for sheer interest, the Textus Receptus beats them all. I wish someone would print an English New Testament this was, with beautiful, single-column paragraphed test and numbers out to the side.
THE WINDSOR TEXT
But this is more than just a history lesson. The Trinitarian Bible Society recently released its own text setting of the KJV, and when I heard I couldn't help getting excited. Given my background in design and typography, I've always daydreamed about doing my own layout, and of all the translations out there, I think the King James Version is most in need. There are plenty of text settings out there, but most of them make what has become, with declining literacy and changes in language, a somewhat difficult read much harder to understand. If the verse-per-line, dictionary-looking approach is tough on modern translations, it's that much harder on the venerable Authorized Version.
So I was looking forward to seeing what the TBS would come up with to keep interest in the King James Version alive. Unfortunately, the answer is not that much. The Windsor Text is yet another double column, verse-per-line setting of the KJV. The typeface is newer, the layout is a bit more austere and uncluttered, but that's about it.
Above: The Windsor Text with Metrical Psalms.
There's one thing, though, that the Windsor Text has going for it -- and it's a big thing. The edition pictured here sells for $32. That's just $8 more than the imitation leather edition. If you don't want the metrical psalms, you can shave another $2 off. We're talking about a sewn Bible bound in calfskin here, not a glue-job in a pleather wrapper. That's pretty ... wild.
No, it's not as nice as the ones pictured above. The text block, printed and bound in Belarus, isn't close, really. But it still comes with two ribbons and the cover's not bad at all. In fact, I like it. At this price, it's hard not to, because it puts all those "genuine leather" covers out there selling for $50 or more to shame. By those standards, it's luxurious.
Above: The type up close.
Let's start with my gripe about the insides, though. The font choice is nice, and there are moments (for example, on the various title pages) where the typography has a certain elegance. But what an opportunity was missed here when it comes to readability. Imagine a paragraphed KJV similar to Cambridge's New Paragraph Bible, only in a handy size like this. A single text column, or even two but with a paragraphed text, would have been such an improvement.
By the way, the TBS does offer (or at least, they did) a single column, paragraphed KJV New Testament in paperback. Anyone doubting the efficacy of the format should compare the readability of that New Testament to pretty much any other KJV setting in the world.
I know it may not seem like a big deal if you've already written the KJV off, if you're accustomed to thinking of it as a cultural artifact or the leather-clad thumping club of our worst nature. But if, like me, you still love this translation, if you worry that antiquated design choices are making it increasingly less accessible to the unmotivated reader, then a miss like this can't help but smart. Still, I don't want to overdo it. For what it is, the Windsor Text is cleanly executed. Here are a couple of looks inside:
But the real story is the fact that it's possible to offer a calfskin-bound Bible for $32. Stop and think about that. I realize there's a difference between $32 and, say, $5, but that price should at least shake up your certainty that "outreach" editions have to be shoddy pieces of self-destructing pulp. Believe me, if the potential of leather-like polyurethane to reinvigorate the bottom end of the market can get me excited (even if its mostly wasted on abominable multi-color eyesores), the potential of inexpensive calfskin to do the same is much greater. The designers at TBS could have chosen to set the Bible in cursive script and I'd still like this edition for that reason alone.
Above: Your eyes do not deceive you. That says "calfskin."
The cover isn't some low grade, icky calfskin, either, if such a thing exists. It's pleasant to touch. Not as nice as the calfskin covers above, the surface is matte and grainy, resembling Cambridge's current French Morocco. I haven't put it through any abuse, but it feels quite durable. The raised bands on the spine are a nice touch, too. There's nothing cheap about this cover at all.
There's something else about the Windsor Text I really appreciate, which is the inclusion of the oft-omitted preface to the KJV, called "The Translators to the Reader." It's a tragedy that every edition of the KJV isn't required to include this document, because in addition to offering a very interesting portrait of the translators' work, it is an antidote to some of the extreme ideas that have been championed in their name over the past hundred years.
Above: An Answer to the Imputation of Our Adversaries, then and now: "...we affirm and avow,
that the very meanest translation of the Bible in English ... containeth the Word of God,
nay, is the Word of God."
And while the biblical text might still be laid out like a reference work instead of a book for reading, the Windsor Text also includes something no Bible should be without, a reading plan. How difficult is it, really, to include such a help, especially in Bibles that offer so many other features of less certain value?
Above: Thumbs up for the inclusion of a reading plan -- or scheme, as they say in the UK.
I promised to return to the metrical psalms, so let's do it. This copy of the Windsor Text includes the 1650 Scottish Psalter -- i.e., the book of psalms re-arranged in meter for singing. Yes, singing. Odd as it may seem to us today, living in an age which has once again forgotten psalmody, there is a literal songbook in the Bible, not just a metaphorical one. I realize there aren't many churches anymore that make use of the psalter in this form, which limits the practical value of having the metrical psalms in back, but on principle I insisted on this edition because I love the idea. I've written elsewhere about my frustration with the paucity of psalters out there, so I won't belabor the point here.
If nothing else, I hope this will balance the impression given by my zeal for abandoning bad idea from the past like verse-per-line settings and double columns that I oppose thing just because they're from the past. Far from it. That's a mark in their favor, in my book, especially if, like the metrical psalms, the idea happens to be superb.
Above: A great idea, and also an example of an instance
where the Windsor Text's typography shines.
The final verdict? With the Windsor Text in calfskin, you get more than what you pay for, which might make you wonder why you so often pay more for less. No, the interior design doesn't break any new ground, but it includes "The Translators to the Reader," a reading plan, and (if you opt for them) the metrical psalms, and there aren't many KJVs out there that can say as much.
I don't know how they do it. Perhaps it's a testament to the triumph of zeal over profit. But I'm glad they do, and wish them all the best. If you like the King James Version and haven't checked out what the Trinitarian Bible Society has to offer, you don't know what you're missing.
Wow! Just as I was looking for a Greek NT Bible...here comes my ANSWER! Thanks Mark!
Posted by: Ben Ting | March 18, 2009 at 10:21 PM
Mark...Some of the TBS versions that you spoke of as no longer being available can be found at Bible Truth Publishers.
Posted by: Jeff Seymour | March 19, 2009 at 02:52 AM
Mark...Perhaps I spoke a little hastily. BTP only has the Royal Ruby, and then none in calfskin. They also carry two Pitt Minions and several Concord Reference versions.
Posted by: Jeff Seymour | March 19, 2009 at 03:16 AM
Allan's also carries some TBS Ruby editions under their Cambridge text bible heading.
Posted by: Jeff Seymour | March 19, 2009 at 03:40 AM
I bought the hardcover Greek NT from TBS while in seminary. I'm excited to see that this edition is now available in calfskin!
Posted by: Fr. Matthew Thurman | March 19, 2009 at 04:08 AM
I just ordered the calfskin Windsor with Metrical Psalms from TBS. Even though I am firmly in the ESV camp, I still appreciate the KJV, and plan to devote 2011 to it, doing all of my devotional reading and preaching from it.
I normally carry my Pitt Minion ESV, a TBS hard cover "Psalms of David in Metre" and "The Valley of Vision" in my briefcase for my personal devotions. Having the metrical Psalms bound with the Bible will cut down on the number of volumes I carry in 2011.
Posted by: Jerry | March 19, 2009 at 06:58 AM
I ordered the calfskin Windsor a while back and like it very much. I think the overall quality of the cover is higher than the more expensive French Morocco Cambridge edition I have, and the crisp new typesetting is a major benefit. The metrical psalms are an unusual, but useful, feature.
To my mind, the only thing missing--aside from a couple more ribbons, which is the case with virtually every bible--would be the addition of the KJV Apocrypha. But given TBS's theological convictions, I don't think that will happen anytime soon...
At any rate, I heartily recommend the Windsor text addition to anyone looking for a quality KJV bible at an affordable price.
Posted by: Brian | March 19, 2009 at 07:48 AM
By the way, it looks like they do have a paragraphed paperback New Testament still available. And it's only $4, so I just might bite.
Posted by: Brian | March 19, 2009 at 07:54 AM
After hunting around the TBS site, I know they have similar editions still available (at least, listed -- if you add some to the cart, it doesn't seem to work) but since some time has passed, the photos are different, and I can't confirm that what you'd get today is what is pictured, I felt like it was better to err on the safe side. If anybody places an order and does get a matching copy, please let us know.
Brian, I think you're right about the theological convictions -- doesn't the TBS exists *because* the Bible Society started included the Apocrypha?
Posted by: J. Mark Bertrand | March 19, 2009 at 08:30 AM
Yes, according to Wikipedia, TBS split from The British and Foreign Bible Society because of the:
* Inclusion of the Biblical Apocrypha in some Bibles published in Europe
* Inclusion of adherents of Unitarianism as officers in the Society, and refusal of the Society to open meetings with prayer.
I'm sympathetic to the latter point, but the Apocrypha was in the original 1611 edition and for a long while thereafter--not least, I suspect, because the Book of Common Prayer daily office lectionaries include a few readings from it. I don't understand how one can view the KJV as the ne plus ultra of translations while disregarding the intent of the translators on which books to include, but I'm still grateful that TBS makes such excellent additions available and affordable.
Posted by: Brian | March 19, 2009 at 09:11 AM
Er..."editions."
Posted by: Brian | March 19, 2009 at 09:13 AM
How big is the Windsor?
Posted by: Ryan | March 19, 2009 at 02:46 PM
FWIW, the rumor has been put out on the internet that the Greek NT provided by the TBS as the "Textus Receptus" is actually simply one which has been "back-translated" from the English of the KJV(!), and would not therefore represent any actual Greek NT text extant.
It would seem that anyone thinking of ordering the Greek NT from the TBS would therefore do well to inquire of them directly as to their source for this document.
Just a thought for those who might be interested.
Posted by: SAWBONES | March 19, 2009 at 03:26 PM
Too late for me :(
But since I am only starting to learn Koine Greek, this direct "back-translation", "word-for-word" could actually be more "useful" to my study! LOL!
Posted by: Ben Ting | March 20, 2009 at 08:21 AM
Back translation is a term that means the editors of the particular edition of the greek text are using the english text to determine the text critical decisions of the translators. It does not mean that someone sat down with an english text and translated it into greek.
BTW, none of the standard greek nt's (TR, Nestle/Aland, Westcott/Hort, etc...) represents an actual manuscript of the greek text. rather, they represent a combination of the best manuscripts available. Even the TR is a combination of 6-7 manuscripts.
Posted by: Ryan | March 20, 2009 at 12:39 PM
Mark...Don't know if you noticed it, but if you get the Windsor w/o the metrical Psalms in either plain or indexed, it's available in RED! FYI
Posted by: Jeff Seymour | March 20, 2009 at 08:35 PM
"... a single column, paragraphed KJV New Testament in paperback. Anyone doubting the efficacy of the format... "
I've been there, done that. I find that sort of bible totally unreadable because the numbers stuck in the middle of the text are distracting. Also it is easier to get lost and jump to the wrong line with the longer, single paragraph lines.
Also, there were no paragraphs in the original Greek, so I'm not interested in emphasizing those artificial, man-made divisions. The original 1611 KJV, the 1769 KJV revision, and the 1873 KJV revision all break the paragraphs in different places.
When I was younger I used to only read paragraph bibles. Now I would never use one.
Posted by: Siegfried X | March 22, 2009 at 06:33 AM
Siegfried,
The original Greek manuscripts also had no verse or chapter divisions. Or spaces between words, for that matter. Does the Bible you use have any of these? Using a single column, paragraphed format is not about artificial, man-made divisions; it is about presenting the text of the Bible in such a way as to enhance the reading experience.
I agree that there are paragraph Bibles out there that are unreadable. And as Mark has mentioned on various occasions, it is not a panacea. Nevertheless, some of his posts demonstrate that there a few editions out there that have executed a paragraph format well. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but there are many of us who are hoping that more and more Bible publishers learn from these editions and continue to develop this option.
Posted by: Fernando Villegas | March 23, 2009 at 09:57 PM
A few questions for Mark about the Windsor:
What are the dimensions?
Is it red-letter or black-letter?
Does it have the self-pronouncing features?
I've never had a nice edition of the KJV, but this one really appeals to me.
Posted by: Fernando Villegas | March 23, 2009 at 10:18 PM
Wow! My TBS Windsor arrived yesterday, total of 4 days from order, including a weekend. It is black letter, and even though it is not in front of me right now it is pretty much "standard size" as far as Bibles go. Larger than a Pitt Minion, but smaller than any study Bible. Just about the right size to haul to church. I find the font very pleasant and readable.
This is the nicest Bible that I have ever purchased at this price point.
Posted by: Jerry | March 24, 2009 at 07:52 AM
I forgot to mention. It is not self-pronouncing but has a pronunciation guide in the back.
Posted by: Jerry | March 24, 2009 at 07:53 AM
Thanks for the info, Jerry. That's just what I was looking for.
Posted by: Fernando Villegas | March 24, 2009 at 09:04 AM
I received some TBS bibles today, Tuesday, after ordering Sunday night.
All of these are inexpensive hard cover without cross references, not the leather stuff which is usually posted here:
31A - Royal Ruby black vinyl hard cover. Nice pocket bible, around 4" X 5 5/8" X 1". Stays open flat on the table except very near the front and back, maybe 100 pages. Excellent inner margins; no problem reading. Font is small but readable; no smudging. Verse format with italics, paragraph symbols, normal = not self-pronouncing text, and black letter. Some bleed through but it doesn't interfere with reading; paper is thick, not onion paper. Standard 1769 KJV bible. $7.55
25A - Windsor black hard cover. Nice mid-size bible, around 5 1/2" X 7 3/4" X 1 1/4". Stays open flat. Superb inner margins. Font is excellent, dark, and laid out with a lot of space. Verse format with italics, paragraph symbols, normal = not self-pronouncing text, and black letter. Bleed through is annoying in some spots but doesn't interfere with reading. Paper is thick, not onion paper. Standard 1769 KJV bible. $10.00
GRNT1 - Greek (ancient) Textus Receptus New Testament, around 5" by 8". Blue hardcover. Won't open flat in any position -- has to be held open. Scrivener's NT according to the Authorized Version (KJV). Inner margins good but not great; readable but tighter than I would like. Text is dark and good, with breathing marks and accents. Verse numbers are off to the side, not imbedded in the text at all. Thick white paper, not onion paper, with some bleed through that doesn't interfere with reading. No references or apparatus. $10.00
Posted by: Siegfried X | March 24, 2009 at 12:04 PM
I emailed the TBS folks in view of the question regarding the source of their Textus Receptus (the internet bulletin board rumor as I posted above), and received a reply that it represents the 1598 edition of Stephanus, so it IS a copy of an actual extant manuscript, NOT simply "back-translated from the KJV".
Posted by: SAWBONES | March 24, 2009 at 01:17 PM
The TBS Greek NT, which I have sitting next to me, is neither "a copy of an actual extant manuscript" or "back-translated from the KJV".
It is created from multiple ancient Greek manuscripts and is called "The New Testament in the Original Greek according to the text followed in the Authorized Version". It was translated by F. Scrivener in 1894 and 1902, and basically follows Beza's 1598 Textus Receptus.
The Textus Receptus is several related editions which are a composite of the "Byzantine" manuscripts which are the vast majority of all Greek NT manuscripts which we have.
Lots of information, and the NT itself is available via web search.
Posted by: Siegfried X | March 24, 2009 at 02:28 PM
Here's a little more information on the TBS Greek NT. It definitely does NOT "back-translate" from any language other than Greek. As the translator, Scrivener, said:
"The text of Beza 1598 has been left unchanged when the variation from it made in the Authorised Version is not countenanced by any earlier edition of the Greek."
The TBS NT is exactly the Beza 1598 edition except in about 190 cases which are documented in the appendix of the original Scrivener NT. (That appendix is not in the TBS NT.) In each case the translator lists the GREEK editions which had the alternate Greek words.
This is verified by Dr. Robinson, a professor of Greek at Southeastern Seminary, who wrote:
"In a few places, the Authorized Version [KJV] apparently drew from Latin Vulgate readings and its English text fails to conform to ANY early printed Greek text. Scrivener chose in such cases to follow the nearest possible printed Greek text but did NOT attempt to retranslate from the Latin back into the Greek (as Erasmus has been criticized for doing in the Apocalypse)."
http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/software/mac/online.bible/TR-BYZ-N26_TR_Intro.txt
Posted by: Siegfried X | March 24, 2009 at 03:36 PM
Do they still produce the Emerald edition?
Is that available in any other translations?
Posted by: Phil B | March 25, 2009 at 12:50 AM
I just received two Trinitarian Bibles: Windor Calfskin and the Calfskin with zipper. I have to say, Mark, that these are amazing Bibles for the price! The text is just right (9.6), and the paper they use is not too thin. I compared it to a Cambridge Standard Text, and the size of the two are the same, the text in the Cambridge is a little bigger, but for the price you can get two for one.
Great review on this. Thanks!
Posted by: John | March 25, 2009 at 01:01 PM
Opps!!! Meant to type "Windsor" instead of "Windor"!
Posted by: John | March 25, 2009 at 01:07 PM
Mark...I think you're going to do the same thing for Trinitarian that you did for Allan's. These guys ought pay you a commission!
Posted by: Jeff Seymour | March 27, 2009 at 07:53 PM
I received two more Trinitarian bibles. The more interesting one is 7S/R, a "Pocket Reference Bible". The interesting thing, which the TBS web site doesn't mention, is that it is a miniature Pitt Minion. It has the full Pitt cross references in a very small size. The center margins are good, but there is significant bleed through. The bible is still readable, but I can't imagine anyone would read anything this tiny for long, unless they were traveling and had nothing else. For that reason, I would think most people would want the "vinyl paperback" $7.50 edition which I purchased, rather than paying $40+ for an extremely tiny calfskin which would rarely be used.
The other item is GRNT2, a calfskin version of the Green New Testament (GRNT1) which I mentioned in a prior comment. As far as I can tell, the two are exactly the same except for the calfskin cover, a ribbon, and gold edges in the higher priced edition. The paper seems the same, closer to regular paper than onion skin, with little bleed through. I'm not an expert in leather, but this doesn't seem like luxury to me, not like Allan stuff. This raises the question of whether it is really worth it to pay nearly five times as much more for the calfskin version. I think it would only be worth it for someone who would read the TR every day.
Posted by: Siegfried X | April 03, 2009 at 04:50 PM
This little Bible looks really nice, I'm happy it's not a paragraphed KJV, after reading this post I'm thinking about ordering three with metrical psalms for my children.
Thank you for the informative blog!
Posted by: JM | April 04, 2009 at 06:28 PM
I purchased the Windsor after reading this review - it looked too good to pass up!
I got it in the mail about a month ago and have been taking it with me in my messenger bag to school/work daily.
Several things I've noticed:
1) Though it isn't a single column, paragraphed layout, nonetheless I am still quite impressed with how much easier on the eyes it is than the other AV's I've used.
2) The size is perfect, to me anyway. It is big enough that the text doesn't require me to squint (I am 25, and not being able to see the text isn't a big issue, but still...small fonts can give me a headache after a while). It fits in my bag well. It isn't really limp, but liquid enough in my hand.
3) Simplicity and elegance. From afar, it doesn't look like much. But up close, in your hand, it feels and looks elegant and un-flashy. I love how understated everything about it is. It's a great antidote to the frills of modern Bible binding.
4) A couple of cons: The ribbons have begun to fray a bit. I've noticed 2 typos already. When it came, the ribbon was stuck to a page in Mark ch 12 and when I tried to take it off it took some of the printing with it. Careful when you unbox this thing. And, there's some smudging of the text in a few places (though not unreadable).
I'm amazed at how cheap all these bindings are! I'll be purchasing some of the hardbacks (sewn binding and references for 14.50??) for friends and likely the Pitt Minion or a classic reference in calfskin. With the Metrical Psalms of course! They are a delight to read.
Thanks Mark, for showing us the great work of TBS. I'll be sure to patronize them often.
Posted by: Devin | April 25, 2009 at 06:37 AM
Devin, Try putting a tiny bit of clear fingernail polish on the tip ends of the ribbons and they shouldn't fray any more (clip off the stray strings first).
Also, where did you find typos? I've already read all of the way thru my Windsor Text and was amazed that I didn't find a single typo. I did find a small print smudge in Genesis but it wasn't bad.
I've used TBS Bibles exclusively for years and the Windsor Text is my new favorite. I love the clear, clean text with no distractions.
FYI-TBS plans to have a brand new reference edition released in time for the 400th anniversary of the AV in 2011. It will, like the Windsor Text, be their own layout of the AV.
Posted by: kenny cheek | May 02, 2009 at 10:59 AM
I case anyone reads this old thread, I discovered that this site has the TBS Pitt Minion at 50% off their $63.75 CAN list price:
http://www.bibles.qc.ca/bp_cart/en-ca/dept_35.html
Sadly, they're going out of business. It comes to about $42 USD with shippin, which is a good discount off of ordering direct from TBS.
Posted by: Wilfried | June 12, 2009 at 12:00 AM
Can you give me one, ie. free of charge? please I love to read and learn the KJV
Posted by: Frederick L. Langit | July 06, 2009 at 05:22 AM
Can anyone donate? Here is my complete address:
Frederick L. Langit
180 Nilombot, Mapandan
Pangasinan 2429 PHILIPPINES
Thank you and God bless!!!
Posted by: Frederick L. Langit | July 06, 2009 at 05:25 AM
I have a brother-in-law who goes to a King James only church and uses the KJV. I just bought him a Windsor Bible through TBS as a Christmas gift. Man, I can't wait to see this when it comes in the mail! It sure looks beautiful in your photos and on the TBS web site. And all the goodies- the epistle dedicatory, the note to the reader, the word list, and--the real classy touch--the metrical Psalter! This really is a classy looking little Bible! And all for only $41 after shipping! Phenomenal!
I told my wife that I might like to get a copy of this for Christmas next year, so I could read a quality KJV in commemoration of the 400th anniversary.
Thanks again, Mark, for your hard work. I wouldn't have bought something like this sigth unseen without your commendation.
BTW, I'm looking forward to seeing
Posted by: H Jim | December 11, 2009 at 06:40 PM
My wife gave me a TBS metrical psalms (ISBN 1862280967) for Christmas. The hardcover binding is superb in it as well. And it's a $7 volume!
Posted by: Bill | January 02, 2010 at 09:31 PM
I just received my Calfskin Royal Ruby with thumb-index and I am incredibly impressed! Thanks so much for recommending TBS and for you reviews. Ever since I ordered the TNIV from Allan, I've been craving another tiny Bible and the Ruby is perfect. Thanks again!
Posted by: Andrew | February 18, 2010 at 04:13 PM
Hey Mark, I just recently purchased a TBS pitt minion from R.L Alan for about 60$ as far as I know there still available. kind regards Aaron
Posted by: aaron | March 15, 2010 at 09:11 PM
Has anyone seen one of the TBS tall, narrow New Testaments that are described as PARAGRAPHED kjv's? Are they single- or double-column? They're described as 3.5 x 7", so at 8points, would be lovely to read in single-column but in double-column would have too few words-per-line to flow nicely, .
They're given ISBN's of
978-1862283633 brown quality hardcover
978-1862283626 blue quality hardcover
978-1862283619 black quality hardcover
and a new one just called Product 65E in a 2-tone "Trutone".
A page sample would be ideal but just knowing if they're 1 or 2 column would seal the deal for me.
Posted by: Bill | March 16, 2010 at 01:21 PM
The paragraphed KJVs I have from TBS (both the larger version pictured here -- http://www.bibledesignblog.com/2007/09/two-paragraphed.html -- and the tall, thin version) are single column. The latter are quite similar to the Cambridge NRSV pictured here: http://www.bibledesignblog.com/2007/10/pocket-new-test.html
Posted by: J. Mark Bertrand | March 16, 2010 at 01:46 PM
Thanks, Mark. That's exactly what I wanted to hear. The paperback version you reviewed leaves me cold. But if the TBS Slimline is single-column and paragraphed and nearly the same dimensions, it would be very similar indeed to the NRSV Slimline but in KJV.
Posted by: bill | March 16, 2010 at 08:31 PM
I finally ordered my new KJV today to replace the one my grandmother gave me in 1967 (not a typo; it was 43 years ago, and the cover fell off finally). I chose the Windsor calfskin after reading this review.
I had been set on buying either Cambridge New Paragraph Bible of the soon to be released Nelson single column, but after seeing a paragraph Bible in person yesterday I realized that I personally prefer a generous sized double column format like this one (my eyes don't want to travel so far back to the beginning of the next line). The metrical Psalms, archaic word list, reading schedule, all black text and absence of self pronouncing words made this too good to pass up (plus the amazing price). Plus, they've obviously got their heart in this work.
Thanks!
Posted by: Russ Stutler | March 18, 2010 at 04:34 AM
Hi Mark:
Can you tell me which Bible has a bigger, more readable print? (TBS KJV Pitt Minion or Allan's KJV Ruby) Thanks for your help!
Posted by: Timothy Chen | March 19, 2010 at 02:26 PM
Timothy - In my opinion the TBS Pitt Minion has slightly larger type, but the type in the Ruby is very clear. The Ruby has better binding and also has a great concordance - worth considering especially in the Highland Goatskin.
Posted by: John H | March 19, 2010 at 03:12 PM
Thanks for your quick reply Mark! I am also wondering if you will do any reviews on Local Church Bible Publisher's Bibles?
Posted by: Timothy Chen | March 19, 2010 at 06:26 PM
My TBS Windsor Calfskin Bible arrived yesterday here in Tokyo within 2 weeks of placing the order. I put it through the paces with evening and morning prayer with my 1662 Cambridge Book of Common Prayer (which I also discovered on this blog) before reporting my impressions of it. I am very happy with this Bible. In contrast to many who frequent this blog, I prefer to have just one Bible for all occasions, and this makes a great main Bible.
The font is very nice, and slightly condensed (for example, the o's are ovals rather than circles) so more words can fit on a line. Also, the columns are wider than most Bibles since there is no center reference column. This reduces the need for distracting hyphenation.
As I mentioned before, I was looking at the single column Nelson Bible or the Cambridge paragraph Bible, but discovered that those lines of text were too long for my eyes to travel back and forth, and that a generous double column format such as this Windsor Text Bible is ideal for me. Maybe all those years of reading a newspaper have conditioned me.
I was concerned when I read reviews that mentioned bleed through, which in my experience with fountain pens conjures up the image of ink physically bleeding through the paper. There is no such bleed through at all but there is a slight "ghosting" where the letters on the other side of the page are visible. It is not as noticeable as most other Bibles I have tried, and I can live with it. If I lift the page and allow a layer of air between pages, most of the ghosting vanishes. I wish all Bible pages were as opaque as my BCP pages.
I love the metrical Psalms and have already sung several that occur regularly in the Daily Office (my family probably wonders about the strange noises coming from behind closed doors). So far I have resisted the urge to sing the Psalms to the tune of Gilligan's Island which happens to be in Common Meter...
I am especially thrilled by the Bible reading chart because it solves a problem that has vexed me for a long time. The daily lectionary in the 1662 BCP has lots of gaps in the Old Testament readings, sometimes skipping many chapters at a time. I had been searching for a daily chart that listed only the OT readings -- but without the Psalms since the BCP treats them separately (all 150 Psalms get read every month!). This Bible chart is the only one I've found that does exactly that, keeping all the OT readings in the left column, and lumping the Psalms and NT readings together in a separate column, so I can refer to this chart in my Bible for the OT readings, and refer to the BCP chart for my NT readings. My problem has been solved without the need to carry an extra chart, just my BCP and Bible.
BTW I discovered that this Bible reading chart was originally created by Robert Murray M‘Cheyne in the 19th century and is available on some web sites as a free PDF.
I also like the word list in the back but wish it had a lot more words; I usually end up resorting to a dictionary. But I have never seriously read the KJV until now (being a NASB/NIV reader all these years) and I imagine I won't need the word list after I have read through the KJV once, and all those old words become old friends.
My claim to be a "one Bible" guy is being seriously threatened as I am now lusting after the Royal Ruby edition as a small Bible I can take to church on Sundays (I take the subway to Church and try to keep my baggage small and light). I'm wondering what the point size of the Royal Ruby text is. Can anyone tell me? Is it a new font like the Windsor or taken from an older edition?
Posted by: Russ Stutler | March 29, 2010 at 05:51 PM
I forgot to mention about the ribbons. In the past I always coated the ends with clear nail polish to keep them from fraying, but now many book ribbons are synthetic, so all you need is to wave a lighter close to the end just enough to melt it and seal it. It worked well with these ribbons (you never know until you try).
Posted by: Russ Stutler | March 30, 2010 at 04:30 AM
I'm hesitant to post a new message because this makes three in a row for me and makes me look like a Blog Hog, but I have to post this great discovery. I was looking for the TBS Calfskin Ruby without the thumb indexes but TBS no longer lists them on their web site. So I found something similar on the Allan site and ordered it instead (http://www.bibles-direct.co.uk/products/view.php?id=88&c=50). The price was incredible, and shipping was free even around the world to me in Tokyo. I don't know how they can do this, but it arrived a few minutes ago with no extra costs to me. And the best part is that it turned out to be the TBS Ruby Calfskin with no thumb indexes after all! In a very short time I have become dependent on the TBS Bible word list and the reading chart in the back, and this little Bible has them as well -- plus a few pages of interesting old line drawings of objects found in the Bible such as plants and coins. I'm tickled pink and thought I'd pass this onto y'all.Now I have my traveling Bible, even if my traveling is usually limited to Church and back.
Posted by: Russ Stutler | April 05, 2010 at 07:46 PM
I just ordered the Calfskin Concord and the Windsor Bible, and also a Russian N.T. I am excited to receive them. With shipping it was only around $150, two quality Bibles and a helpful Russian N.T. for below the cost of my Cambridge goatskin Concord. Wondeful!
Posted by: Nathan | April 13, 2010 at 07:21 AM
Has anyone ordered the Calfskin Windsor in red? The picture makes it look more like a maroon or brick red, which I'd prefer, instead of the brighter reds, which most folks here prefer. I'm trying to match a maroon leather hymnal I use a lot and am a little concerned about clashing shades of red. The shade in the picture looks perfect but red is notoriously hard to photograph.
Posted by: Bill | April 13, 2010 at 02:25 PM
Does anyone know what sort of lining the Windsor text (Calfskin edition) or Trinitarian Bible Society's Classic Reference Calfskin edition has?
Posted by: Anthony Wayne | June 09, 2010 at 01:35 PM
Anthony, the lining in my windsor looks and feels like real leather, but it is hard to know for certain.
Posted by: Ryan | June 10, 2010 at 10:28 AM
Does anyone have a TBS Windsor with zipper, ISBN 9781862283411 ?
Some sites say the zipper model has the metrical Psalms, whereas the TBS site is silent on the matter, implying it has the standard KJV text. Can someone verify for me?
Posted by: bill | June 18, 2010 at 08:53 AM
Just ordered my Windsor text. I believe strongly in buying quality Bibles. They make perfect gifts as well. And then when you tell them a little historical story, they appreciate it rem more. My heart was saddened when I saw the Cambridge Pitt Minion Calfskin/Goatskin in KJV was out of print, and has been since January 2009. But yet all the Other versions of the Pitt are in print in all leathers? Sad. But I'm excited to see the new Windsor. I have owned 1 Cambridge Pitt Minion French Mor KJV, and have had two TBS Pitt Minions and gave 1 away. I have also given away my Cambridge Pitt. So I have still held on to my TBS Pitt. But I dot want to wear it out since I speak in occasions, and it makes for a wonderful preachig Bible. So I want to get a Windsor to wear out. I think it will
do well. Praise God for quality Bibles.
Posted by: Aman Anderson | July 05, 2010 at 09:21 PM
I just got the Windsor bible with metrical psalms. It is a very nice bible for $32. The only thing that I don't like is that the end papers (lining) are white paper. They aren't even vinyl. That wouldn't be such a bummer if I didn't see pictures on this page of them lined in black. Black paper would have even been better.
The text block on mine is printed in the Netherlands (not Belarus like Mark's). It is actually very nice paper with less bleed through than most of my other bibles.
The cover is pretty stiff, but I don't expect every bible to be super flexible like my Highland goatskin Allan bibles.
Overall, it's a very nice bible for $32. I just wish they had slightly nicer end papers.
Posted by: John | July 12, 2010 at 02:32 PM
John, I'd contact TBS. White end papers doesn't sound right.
Ironic that JMB's picture that proves it is called "your eyes do not deceive..."
Posted by: bill | July 13, 2010 at 06:54 AM
I contacted TBS. Turns out that the white endpaper is a result of miscommuncation between TBS and Jongbloed printers. Apparently, while black end papers in a black leather bible would be the norm in the US and the UK, continental Europe uses white. Jongloed went with their default. They offered me a full refund or exchange, but said it would be a little while before they had Windors with Metrical Psalms with black endpapers.
The good news is that Jongbloed is doing the text block. They do the text block for some of the Allan KJV's. The paper is very opaque and the printing is perfect. It's very nice in my opinion. IF you want a Windsor with Metrical Psalms, you might want to wait a while (don't know how long) for them to come in with the usual black end papers.
Posted by: John | July 13, 2010 at 02:12 PM
John, another option you could consider is to buy a normal Windsor (which presumably has the normal black endpapers) and get a copy of the TBS metrical psalms in their standalone black hardbound volume. It's quality binding with large font and single-column text.
Posted by: bill | July 13, 2010 at 05:46 PM
I'll have to take a look at the TBS metrical psalms book. I'm really liking the metrical psalms in the back of the Windsor.
Posted by: John | July 13, 2010 at 06:37 PM
Re. my June 18 post, I'm proud to say I'm agnostic no more with respect to the zipper and metrical psalms question. From the chart on the back of the slip-box my new zippered Windsor came in, there's only one zippered Windsor model, and it's the black calfskin edition I got. (Hey, metrical psalms belong in hymnals, can I get a witness?)
Seriously, to echo just about everyone's comments, the Windsor is great. It's smaller than I thought, truly sub-octavo at 5" x 7.5" trim (paper) size but the typeface is gorgeous, paper is pleasant (although you do have to lift most pages to keep ghosting from driving you nuts) and the traditional layout (topic headings per page only in italics across the top) is just what I wanted. The zipper on this one is soft so doesn't scratch you when paging through it and I've had no problem with it pulling your finger hairs, which might not exactly sound like a real cross to bear but just thought I'd mention it if you have less than pleasant memories of the zippered Bibles of thy youth.
In terms of nice-quality-though-bargain-priced KJVs, the calfskin Windsors could be compared to some of the text-only editions of "Local Church Bible Publishers". Does anyone have both that could weigh in? The pictures some have posted on the FB page don't seem to jive with what's described on the Church webpage (e.g. are the "initials"--first letter of each chapter--2 lines in height or 3?) so first-hand knowledge would be valuable. Also, I suspect the Church editions are side-sewn instead of Smyth-sewn, which explains both price and why certain exuberant posters can claim they outlast 12 Cambridge Bibles, but I'd like to know for sure.
Posted by: bill | September 28, 2010 at 07:52 AM
Oh, and by the way, nice heavy BLACK endpapers in my new zippered calfskin Windsor from deepershopping.com
Posted by: bill | September 28, 2010 at 08:12 AM
I love the Windsor. My copy (black calf w/metrical psalms) doesn't have too much of a ghosting issue. I've almost read it cover to cover now and cover is breaking in very nicely.
Posted by: John | September 28, 2010 at 09:08 AM
Thanks for your recommendation! Due to one of the commentators, I found a nice TBS Personal Concord edition on the Alan website. I love the fact that it came in 13 days, all the way to Beijing, China! I am so tempted to buy more Bibles from Alan. The only thing I have noticed over the past two weeks is that it hasn't softened up yet, although I use it every day. I use Professor Horner's Bible reading plan. I hope it will become more supple with use.
Posted by: Kendall Sholtess | September 28, 2010 at 08:09 PM
I know that TBS sells some Cambridge bibles (concord, pitt, ruby). Have they done the cameo before? I'm hoping they might make some cameos now that the cameo has come back.
Posted by: John | October 08, 2010 at 03:36 PM
Just got my windsor text. Very nice. Seems to have clean printing throughout. Got it 25% off because it was open on their shelf! There is a typo in Jeremiah 41:13 in the phrase "Johanan e son of Kareah", "t" and "h" are missing from the word "the". They did tell me this before I bought the bible, and they also said it was correct in the royal ruby version however. I haven't found any other typos listed anywhere, but someone here mentioned two? Any idea what they are?
Posted by: sean | November 18, 2010 at 02:02 PM
I'll be returning the TBS Windsor Text Bible (25U) faster than you can say 'Textus Receptus'.
Page 300 of my Windsor Bible, the beginning of the Book of Ruth, was uncut, the paper ghosting is as bad as the Allan ESV Reader, and the "raised" spine was barely raised at all. But my biggest disappointment was the calfskin cover. I disagree with Mark's positive assessment of it: the calfskin cover is quite stiff and not supple at all. It's more like bonded leather. In fact, my Crossway ESV Wide Margin in TruTone has a much softer cover. Let me belabor the point, the Windsor is definitely the least flexible of all my calfskin Bibles.
Yes, the Bible is attractively priced at $26 (or a few dollars more for metrical Psalms) and has several value features: gilt edges, sewn binding, a pronunciation guide and word list. But for an established publishing house like TBS whose history reaches back over 100 years, I'd expect a much better product regardless of cost. Regular trips to used book stores have yielded far better KJV riches for me in Holman, Oxford, and Cambridge bindings.
Lesson learned: if I'm buying a standard format KJV Bible again, I'll buy one that was published 25 years ago or earlier. And next time I won't be wearing my Bad Idea Jeans.
Posted by: Todd F. | November 21, 2010 at 02:27 PM
I'm happy with my Windsor. For it's price it is very nice. Obviously, I'd take a $100 calfskin bible over this one in a second. One issue I see with TBS is that there seems to be a great deal of variation within a single product line. It all depends on which batch you get.
Posted by: John | November 21, 2010 at 03:19 PM
My Windsor is more stiff than my wife's thinline bonded leather bible, however I'm sure it will break in some after use. I personally find the quality of the leather very nice though. I seemed to have a consistent printing/binding/ghosting throughout. Perhaps there is variation... Here in my town, there are no leather bibles for less than $60-$80, so this is a great deal for me from what I've researched online (keeping in mind I preferred the text only aspect).
Seeing as how I got mine for $22.50 I "really" can't complain. :-) The person at TBS had an "opened" but unused copy. She was very helpful in describing everything about it in detail for me. Good service. If only there were no typos it would be better, but not a big deal to me. I think I may get the royal ruby for a nice portable version...
Posted by: sean | November 21, 2010 at 09:28 PM
I've got to agree that I've found several flaws in the Windsor, but I've had it for a while (several months) and I can say that it does break in quite nicely, stays open easily at any page, and the flaws and price helped me get over the over-protective "new bible" syndrome.
Posted by: Ryan | November 22, 2010 at 06:12 AM
"price helped me get over the over-protective "new bible" syndrome"
Ha! So that's what I'm doing! :-) Funny how things change once it's broken in...
Posted by: sean | November 23, 2010 at 08:48 PM
I think that the Winsdor meets the "utility" needs of a bible binding (quality sewn binding and durable calfskin) at a price level that doesn't afford "luxury". It's certainly not as nice as an Allan's or Cambridge, but it does go to show you that a useable and durable (if not particularly luxurious) volume can be made, sold and distributed at a reasonable cost.
With the economies of scale that a Nelson, Crossway, Zondervan etc. have availible to them compared to the relatively tiny TBS, it shouldn't be hard to replicate a Winsdor type binding at a low price the market will bear for basic bibles.
Posted by: Ryan | November 24, 2010 at 09:39 AM
I hear you Ryan, but Nelson, Crossway, Zondervan etc have positioned themselves for a volume market, a market that really doesn't know much about signatures and saddle-stitching. And if that market wants the product to just "follow along" for a couple dozen words per week, any binding will, quite frankly, suffice. It's a business reality that a nice sewn binding costs more to produce. In a large competitive market, that doesn't need any frills, the guy that doesn't find the cheapest alternatives is going under.
TBS is going after a more specialized market. One that I suspect reads whole chapters at a time. The more you interact with a product, the more you'll notice the "extras".
Posted by: bill | November 24, 2010 at 02:39 PM
I realize (and appreciate) the place of glued bindings and bonded/synthetic covers for a market that's going to open them at maximum once a week (and that's probably 75-90% of the market sadly), and there's no reason to cut into profit margins by offering sewn bindings and budget calfskin to everyone.
To me, the Winsdor is just a feasability study that verifies that it could be done, whether or not there's a viable mass marketeting strategy for the bible equivalent of the Glock pistol (not cheap...but you don't cry when you scratch it either) I don't know.
Posted by: Ryan S | November 24, 2010 at 10:39 PM
One small note worth mentioning - The products you recieve from TBS today are different from those pictured here in Mark's blog. None of the TBS offering is available with art gilt pages anymore, only standard gilt. No ore red under gold from TBS. I also have noted a measurable difference in paper quality. I strongly disagree with the critism of the calf skin binding, I think it is fantastic.
I have an older Windsor and newer one with out the red under gold page edges. The older one purchased about 8 years ago and the new 6 months ago. The quality is still fantastic for a $32 bible but has taken a decline in the 8 years between orders.
Posted by: Jeff Boyce | December 23, 2010 at 08:10 AM
Hello all,
This is a great site and I have gained a vast amount of knowledge regarding fine quality Bibles. Would anyone know if any sellers stock the TBS Windsor with the Jongbloed text? I spoke with a nice person at TBS who informed me that all their current stock is from Belarus and they have experienced some problems with split leather bindings. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Rob
Posted by: Rob | January 13, 2011 at 06:02 PM
I purchased my first quality Bible a few years ago from TBS with a recommendation from a friend at church. It is the black calf-skin "Slimline", with pages measuring around 7" x 4.5" x 3/4", gilt edges, two marker ribbons, center cross-reference, word list, and reading chart. The only complaint I have was that the paper on the inside of both covers ripped at the fold shortly after I received it. Otherwise, I absolutely love this Bible. It is perfect for carrying to church.
Unfortunately, I had it in a satchel bag that was left on the back of my car. It flew off on the highway and found a few hours later. The Bible survived. The bag and everything else in it was shredded. The cover is still in perfect condition, but the sewn binding began to come apart. I have continued to use it until now. The pages are now completely detached from the cover.
I contacted TBS to order the exact same Bible because I had fallen in love with it. Sadly, they are not currently printing it with no word on when they might print again, even though it's in their current catalog (6H). After reading this review of the Windsor and all of the positive comments, I think I might give it a try. It's too bad it doesn't have the center cross-reference.
Posted by: Steve | May 03, 2011 at 11:47 AM
Another great value in KJV text bibles is the $30 Collins ISBN-13: 978-0007259762 . The leather has a more substantial grainy feel to it than the buttery goatskin on the TBS Windsor, and the cover is a little stiffer, although that can be "worked" to any level of flexibility you want. The binding is superb, the Smyth-sewing perfect, not too tight, not too loose. It's about a half-inch smaller in width than the Windsor, and about a point smaller in typeface. Yes, I have to reach for my strongest reader glasses with it while the Windsor can be resolved with an intermediate pair, but even for weaker eyes it's worth it due to the paper. Rev 22 ends at 1146 pages in the Collins and at 1253 in the Windsor, although the Collins is even a smidge thicker, proving the Collins has about 10% thicker paper, and what a difference that makes! The ghosting in the Collins is much better; I don't even have to separate the pages to read it clearly. And the paper is perfectly flat and white, while the rippled edges of the Windsor, that many have commented upon, seems to be getting worse and worse on mine. It's NON-pronouncing, maintains the original italics, and is all-black text but has no Apocrypha and no metrical psalms.
And I'll give an honorable mention to the Holman "hand size giant print" KJV, ISBN 978-1433601002. It's $18 on Amazon but I got mine for $14 just a month ago from Walmart.com (the at-store pickup worked great) although they're showing a $17 price now for the black color. Only a bonded leather cover at the under-$20 price-point, but it seems like it will wear well. And a nice sewn binding, very rare at this price point. (Zondervan and Hendrickson have a similar product, which appear to come from the same Chinese bindery, but they're clearly glued and inflexible.) It has 12-point font (the Bible's the only book in which that's considered "giant print") so it's highly readable, even with the words of Christ in red. Hats off to Holman who appears to be the only one offering nice sewn bindings at <$20.
Posted by: bill | May 21, 2011 at 07:49 AM
please i wan to send me a holy bible with hard cover
please send to the address below
SHADRACK ACQUAH
P.O.BOX 499
KUMASI
Posted by: SHADEE009@yahoo.com | June 02, 2011 at 03:41 AM
@ Bill. Ya know I thought it was just me that noticed Holman sews the bindings! I have the Hand Size KJV you mentioned & I love it!
Posted by: Steph | July 22, 2011 at 12:31 PM
Mr. Bertrand,
You wrote: "I wish someone would print an English New Testament this way, with beautiful, single-column paragraphed text and numbers out to the side."
The New English Bible is printed in such a format. Due to the translational philosophy, I would not recommend this version for study, but it can be quite pleasant for devotional use.
Posted by: Joshua Perkins | October 20, 2011 at 11:06 PM