Bible Design and Binding

R. L. Allan's ESV3 in Buffalo Grain Goatskin (Black and Antique Brown)

Turns out what I expected to write about the new Allan's ESV3 and what I'm actually writing are two different things. Here's what I expected: "If you like the top-of-the-line Allan's ESV in highland goatskin, but this economy has put it too far out of reach, then there's a runner up edition that might do for you. But my advice is to scrimp and save until you can make up the difference, then go with the Real Thing." Not that I figured the ESV3 would be a disappointment. I just didn't think it would hold its own in a side-by-side comparison with the ESV1. 

Only I was wrong.

I'm not going to say the ESV3 is better, because there are definitely some disadvantages to choosing the less expensive edition. But it's certainly a contender -- and for more reasons than just the price tag. So let's take a closer look.

Above: The ESV3 is available in Antique Brown Goatskin (above) and Black Goatskin.

The ESV3 shares one thing with the ESV1: the text block. Internally, the two editions are the same. Everything I wrote about the ESV1 text block is true of the ESV3, so I won't repeat myself here. What's different is what happens around the margins. For one thing, the ESV3 comes with standard gilt edges, the shiny gold treatment, instead of the red-under-gold art gilt option. Instead of three ribbons, there are just two -- but they're the same thick, high-quality markers you get with the ESV1. The cover is goatskin, but not the natural grained, leather-lined highland stuff. Instead, these skins are stamped with an attractive buffalo grain. They're stiffer, too. Flexible, but not limp. The semi-yapp edges from the ESV1 are gone as well, replaced by a more conventional not-quite-flush edge.

In other words, the ESV3 is what an Allan's ESV1 would look like if it came with a Cambridge binding from the 70s, only a little nicer. Not too shabby, if you ask me.

Above: The pages are gilt, the cover loses the semi-yapp edge, and there are just two ribbons. Still, it's quite nice.

The ESV3 is reserved yet refined, the workmanlike aesthetics upgraded by a seriously attractive goatskin cover. Remember the Brevier Clarendon in buffalo grain calfskin? This is a similar idea, only it's much more flexible. Presumably the flex is due to the grain being stamped into goatskin instead of calfskin, but I can't say for sure. The closest comparison in terms of feel would be the goatskin covers on Cambridge's current Pitt Minions, except that this is slightly more pliable.

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but I think most of us would agree that these covers qualify:

Above: Antique Brown (left) and Black.

Hendrickson Looseleaf ESV with Binder

It's been awhile now since my wife turned me on to the IKEA Hacker blog -- dedicated to adapting products from the Scandinavian flat-pack furniture giant for all sorts of unintended uses. Although I'm about as unhandy as they come, the idea intrigues me. There's a similar hacking spirit in segments of the Bible-reading community, as well. We want to switch out bindings, interleave additional pages, add extra ribbons, notepaper, and other goodies, adapting the Good Book for optimum use. 

A question that often comes up is, what's the ideal starting point? If you're going to have a Bible rebound, for example, you want to start with a sewn text block. You want good paper and so on. From the hacking standpoint -- particularly if, like me, you don't know your way around a toolbox -- the ultimate is probably something like this, Hendrickson's new looseleaf ESV:

Above: The Hendrickson looseleaf ESV in binder.

This is an 8.5 x 11 inch looseleaf wide margin edition of the Bible pre-punched for five-ring and three-ring binders. You want a "blank Bible" with note pages interleaved? No problem. Buy some copy paper, punch some holes, and start inserting. Since the paper size is standard, you can type up your own notes and print them out, too, sticking them in the appropriate section. If you're a minister or teacher, outlines are easy to insert and remove as needed. What could be easier?

Above: Opened to the title page.

Hendrickson has made a specialty of looseleaf editions. I picked up the ESV since that's the version I use in writing, as well as the one we read from in church, but there are others, too: the NIV Study Bible, the Greek New Testament, the NASB, the NKJV, the KJV, the NIV, and the NRSV New Oxford Annotated Bible. Other publishers have put out their own editions, so hunt around and see what's out there. The odds are, you can find one to suit your needs.

The ESV uses the familiar two column layout. The text size isn't disclosed, but I'm guessing it's in the 10-11 pt. region, large and comfortable compared to most. The inside margin -- the one with the holes punched -- is just a shade under 1.5 inches wide, and the outer margin is just a shade under 1.75 inches. On top, almost 1.5, and at bottom almost one inch. Since each page can be removed, the entire margin is available for notes. No real estate goes to waste. Like I said, what could be easier?

Above: The inside layout will be familiar to ESV readers, 

a generously sized version of the two-column format. It's not the 

Classic Reference text setting, though it has the same features. 

Presumably it is one of the existing Crossway layouts. Any guesses?

Above: A close-up.

A Geneva Bible & A Looseleaf KJV

I've been quiet lately, which is what happens when you have publishing deadlines and are about to leave for two months on the road (teaching at Worldview Academy). My apologies, and rest assured that I'll be back with a vengeance as soon as I have more reviews to post. In the meantime, I've decided to raise a little money to help support the site by auctioning a couple of items. 

Remember the looseleaf Cambridge Concord wide margin KJV I wrote about awhile back? And the facsimile Geneva Bible bound in 7 oz. cowhide? If you're in the market for either, here's your chance to pick up a rare edition and help Bible Design Blog at the same time. 

Geneva Bible Rembrandt Leather Facsimile Edition [eBay link] [review]

Cambridge Looseleaf Wide Margin KJV Bible with Binder [eBay Link] [review]

I may thin the shelves a little more before I leave for the summer. If so, I'll let you know. In the meantime, thanks for reading!

My Interview with Duc N. Ly

My Flickr photostream recently caught the attention of Duc N. Ly, who asked me to comment on the origin of Bible Design Blog and on my interest in leather goods generally. If you'd like to read the brief interview, follow the link: J. Mark Bertrand. Here's an excerpt:

I expected some interest, but nothing like what ended up happening. Turns out there are a lot more people fascinated by Bible design and binding than I ever realized, and quite a few of them visit the site regularly, contributing to the “community” feel. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I’ve certainly learned a lot!

If you want to take a look at the photostream, you'll find it here. But I warn you in advance, it's just an endless iteration of leather objects for the most part.