R. L. Allan Reader's Reference Edition ESV

Critics divide an artist's lifetime of work into eras or periods. If I were to do the same thing for the R. L. Allan Reader's Edition ESV, I'd have to say this comes from a later, mature period, in which a variety of earlier experiments have come together to create a superlative and very refined edition. The ESV1 in its various iterations, the ESV3, the recent PSR ... all that labor has now culminated in a work of art.

These days, things often fail to live up to the hype. I'll be honest, the idea of a bigger Allan's ESV didn't get me too excited. I like small. So my expectations weren't as high as some. Then I opened the box and saw the Reader's Edition for the first time. My expectations reset.

 

It's not a question of innovation. We've seen most of the details before. The genius here is the execution. Everything is better than before. Allan's took the now-defunct Heirloom setting of the ESV -- essentially an enlarged Classic Reference -- and commissioned a special printing by Collins, adding extra space at the margins and selecting a higher quality paper than what we've seen on previous Collins-printed text blocks. The margins change the footprint. This isn't just a bigger ESV1. It's taller and also wider, which means it takes full advantage of the liquid flexibility of the highland goatskin covers. For the first time, Allan's has delivered an ESV that rivals the KJV Long Primer for look and feel.

 

The color options are consistent with the ESV1 range: tan with copper/tan ribbons; brown with copper/tan, green, and purple ribbons; and black with dark blue ribbons. As with all naturally grained covers, you'll see variation from skin to skin. Of the three pictured here, the black has the most pronounced, most rustic grain, the brown is the most smooth and refined, and the tan lies somewhere in between.

They're beautiful, of course. My wife is accustomed to a superfluity of Bibles around the house, and as a result they all look the same to her. Not these. She seized one (the dark brown) and started explaining to me everything she liked about it. Needless to say, that one's hers.

 

While there's variation in the grain, color is very consistent. The new Allan's Pocket Journals match their big brothers perfectly. The paper in the journals is the same as what's bound in the back of each Reader's Edition. Seeing them together reinforces the maturity I mentioned earlier. This is a range of editions now, not just a handful of unrelated options. 
 

 

 

Let's start on the outside and work our way in. The Reader's Edition has more in common with the ESV1 than color options. The covers are identical. In a photograph, without any reference for sizing, you might mistake one for the other. That's a good thing, in my book, because the ESV1 is superb. The Reader's Edition has the same naturally-grained goatskin cover, which means there's no heat-stamping to give the leather added stiffness. The inside front cover is stamped HIGHLAND GOATSKIN and the inside back is stamped ALLAN BINDING. As with the other ESVs in the range, the text blocks were sourced from Collins, then bound in the UK by a binder that also does work for Smythson of Bond Street.

 

But things aren't the same under the cover. Paper quality is a growing concern among readers, and R. L. Allan has taken that to heart. This edition's paper has been upgraded. Combined with the added margins, something magical happens, something that makes the same leather cover that's on the ESV1 seem not at all the same. The weight of the text block and its relative width and slimness create the "Long Primer effect," a melty, decadent slouch that delivers pure tactile bliss. 

 

 

If the photo above reminds you a Cambridge wide margin, it should. The Reader's Edition feels very similar in use, though the scale is slightly different. Here's a stack of ESVs, smallest to largest:

 

On top is the discontinued compact edition (rebound by Abba Bibles for LeatherBibles.com), then the Deluxe Compact (rebound in natural pigskin by Leonard's). These represent the small end of the spectrum, more or less pocket-sized. Third from the top is the new R. L. Allan Personal Size Reference, which is a step up in size, roughing the same footprint as a Pitt Minion but twice as thick. In the middle is the venerable ESV1. Underneath it comes first the Cambridge Wide Margin ESV and then the Reader's Edition. The ESV Study Bible is at the bottom.

This photo illustrates the realities of scale. The Reader's Edition is a little taller than a Cambridge Wide Margin, but not as wide. It's a little taller and just as wide as an ESV Study Bible, but less than half as thick. Another angle to better illustrate the point:

 

Looking at the spines, you get a sense that the Reader's Edition is the same (perhaps even a little bigger) as a Cambridge Wide Margin and the ESV Study Bible. From this angle, though, it starts looking smaller than both. That proportion -- tall and wide but not too wide -- accounts for the beautifully balanced feel of the Reader's Edition in your hands. It's big, but not too big. The proportions seem generous but right. Out of the box, these Bibles feel well-worn and broken in, like you've been using them for a decade or so. 

 

 

 

 

This is probably the best Allan's ESV to use for self-defense, too. Curl it up in your hand like a rolled newspaper (see above) and the size and weight will make it quite handy. Ideal for pounding a pulpit. Speaking of which, I think the name "Reader's Edition" is a misnomer. I understand where the idea comes from: the larger type size makes reading easier. But this is a Teacher's Edition plain and simple. If you preach or teach from the ESV, this is the ideal Bible. The type is large enough that you're not going to lose your place or strain while reading. The cover is limp and flexible enough to fold back so it's never in the way. 

One question that came up on the Bible Design Blog Facebook fan page was whether the Reader's Edition page numbers match the ESV1. They do. This is essentially an enlarged ESV1, so page spreads match perfectly, as you can see:

 

Another thing that came up was this: based on early photos, some people expressed disappointment with the Reader's Edition because the paper didn't seem any better than the ESV1's. Compare the photo above and you'll see there's "ghosting" on both. You can see through the thin Bible paper to words printed on the reverse of the page, and even on pages underneath. This is one of those instances where photos can be deceiving. Yes, there's ghosting, and it's especially visible on the poetry pages where there's plenty of white space. But the paper is not at all the same as the earlier Collins text blocks. It feels smoother, looks brighter, and pretty much outshines the ESV1 and PSR pages. 

What it reminds me of is the Primalux GSM 30 paper used in the ESV Study Bible. You see ghosting there as well, but not as bad as you get with the lesser editions. Frankly, I had a hard time capturing the differences in my photos, but here's a side-by-side of the Reader's Edition and the ESV Study Bible to get the idea across. The type size in the ESV Study Bible is 9.5, while the Reader's Edition bumps up to 10.3 points.

 

 

In fact, the ESV Study Bible came to mind again and again as I flipped through the Reader's Edition. The form factor is so similar, but coming in at less than half the thickness, Reader's Edition doesn't come off like a leather-bound brick. As much as I like the ESV Study Bible (and I really do), it still a little big for regular carry, especially for a weight-weenie like me. But I could see carrying the Reader's Edition. When my wife commandeered the brown one, that's the first question I asked her: "Is this thing too big to carry?" She didn't think so. "It's the perfect size for resting on your lap." So there.

The text is Anglicized, which means words like color are spelled colour. Don't worry, though. The disciples don't wear bowler hats and call each other chaps. If you're a speaker of Americanized English, you might not notice the differences. If you do, be assured they're not typos.

 

Notice the reverse of the title page (below). It reads "Produced for R. L. Allan & Son Publishers." In the past, the Allan process has typically involved sourcing existing text blocks from their printers and then having them rebound in fine leather. According to Allan's intrepid Nicholas Gray (or St. Nicholas, as I think of him) they've had more input into the production of this edition than any other. And it shows.

 

Inside the front and back cover, you'll noticed a line of overcasting, a reinforcing stitch used to better support the binding. This is a detail often seen on vintage Bibles -- in fact, old Oxfords used to come with a card explaining to consumers that this was a benefit, not a defect. These days, you don't see overcasting very often. Personally, I appreciate the fact that they've located it just before the first page of Genesis, so that you can still open the Bible flat at the beginning. I have some older Bibles where the overcast stitching is deeper into the text, and I don't like that.

 

                   

The Reader's Edition cover has generous semi-yapp edges, which means the leather overhangs and curves around the text block in a protective embrace. This ought to be standard on Bibles. It serves a useful purpose and looks great, too. Alas, many semi-yapp covers project straight out, leaving you to bend them over (or not). I like the molded look these edges give to the cover. 

 

The soft semi-yapp edges mean you should never try this at home:

 

I couldn't help it, though. If you're tempted to keep these beauties on the shelf ... don't. Just look at this photo to get your aesthetic fix, and store the real thing horizontally. I'm not sure the weight would really damage the cover, but I'm not a fan of softcovers stored vertically, unless they're in a slipcase.

The larger size of the Reader's Edition makes it a nice pairing with the full-size Allan's Journal, though the covers won't match completely. With black, you're probably good to go, and the antique brown actually looks pretty good with the dark brown highland goatskin (not to mention my Vaja iPhone case).

 

Like the ESV1, each Reader's Edition comes with three thick ribbons whose utility becomes apparent when you use them for daily reading. One marks your place in the Old Testament, one in the Psalms, and one in the New Testament. It goes without saying that the text blocks are sewn, with the signature Allan's white headband. Covers are leather-lined. The text is black letter.

 

The layout is the familiar Classic Reference writ large. As you can see, there's some extra margin, enough for note-taking but not enough to make this a true wide margin edition. If nothing else, the extra space gives the layout room to breath, making the proportions easier on the eyes. Tight margins make a page spread look crowded. 

If a true wide margin is what you're looking for, then you would be better off with the Cambridge Wide Margin ESV, which is specially designed for that use. Here, the margins give you more options without moving the Reader's Edition too far into specialized territory. If you're accustomed to making notes in a regular Bible, this will give you more space, and that's the point. 

 

Which of the three is my favorite? You shouldn't have to ask. My wife may have dibs on the brown, but the tan is all mine. It's such an interested and versatile shade, changing with the light. For you traditionalists, I'm happy to report that the black is gloriously executed. In fact, I prefer its coarser grain. I'm sticking with the tan, though. Your mileage may vary.

 

    

WHERE TO GET THEM
If you've caught the Reader's Edition bug, you can order them direct from R. L. Allan in Scotland by visiting Bibles-Direct.com. They're also in stock (and apparently shipping fast) at EvangelicalBible.com, which also has an index full of technical facts about these editions.

Here's some buying guidance: if you don't have an Allan's ESV already, this is the one to get. The only obstacle I can think of is the size, so you if can't imagine carrying something that measure 10" x 7.25" x 1.5", maybe the smaller ESV1, ESV3 or PSR would be better. Think long and hard, though. If you already have an ESV1 or ESV3 and you're wondering whether an upgrade is worthwhile, I'd say it depends on whether the ESV is your main Bible or not. If it isn't, then I'm not sure if the upgrade is necessary. But if you're using the ESV primarily and looking for a "lifetime" companion, the Reader's Edition seems to fit that bill perfectly. (I'd be interested in hearing what others think.) If you're preaching or teaching from the ESV, I strongly recommend this edition. 

The PSR is still a better compact reader in my book, thanks to its single column text setting and handy size. I'd love to see the PSR printed on this quality paper, with some extra margin and fuller yapp. 

It's a merry Christmas indeed for people who love quality bindings. The Reader's Edition sets a very high standard, raising the bar for future Allan's Bibles. Every detail here is right, and the result is sheer poetry. Cue the triumphal music, because this one lives up to the hype. It's every bit as good as we were led to believe it would be. And that's saying something.

Comments

[Bill Saunders]

My readers edition arrived a couple days ago. It's a beautiful thing. As has been said before, the quality is top notch. Now my challenge is to be worthy of such a fine bible.

[Dale]

Well.....after reading this blog, I finally bit the bullet and ordered a dark brown Allen's ESV Readers Edition from evangelical bible.

Selected the expedited shipping to have it here this week, but I am already on pins and needles ready to open the package. This will be my first really nice bible and I have been looking for one that would last my lifetime. This may be it.

Thanks to those of you who gave excellent descriptions of this bible and took pictures. It helped me to invest in one of these.

[Dale]

Alright, the bible came in today and you guys were right: It's beautiful!

I've been carrying around the black calfskin ESV Study Bible since it was published, so the first thing I noticed about the Reader's Edition is the light weight. If you want a bible that gives you plenty of room for notes while not being a cumbersome haul, this is a good one to get.

I guess because I'm used to the ESV Study Bible paper, the ghosting issue that was mentioned previously is not an issue for me either.

Beautiful bible; ordered on Monday and arrived all the way on the east coast on Wednesday from evangelicalbible.com. If you want your order quickly, I strongly recommend ordering from these guys.

[Chris Bloom]

I just "pulled the trigger" on a black Reader's a few minutes ago, and I'm already getting impatient. Considering the nicest Bible I've ever had was a TruTone PSR, I'm really excited about it. A lot of people makes jokes around here about finally buying their "last Bible", but at $200 this may actually have to be my last. I figure I can reasonably expect to live another 40 years or so ... it should last that long, I'm pretty sure. ;)

[bill]

Good for you, Chris. I think you'll appreciate the added readability of the Readers in your last 40 years! I think you'll find the typesize of that PSR mysteriously starts shrinking on you in the next decade.

[Chris Bloom]

Thanks, Bill. I had it narrowed down to the Reader's or the Cambridge WM, and decided that if I was going to have one nice Bible in my life it was going to be the best there was. Also, I sometimes teach the 2nd-5th graders on Wednesday night, so the ability to roll it into a bludgeon seemed like a plus.

[John]

Chris, I just bought the Reader as my last bible a month ago. It could very well last you forever. For me, it makes me want more premium bibles. Since then, I got an ESV pitt minion and it is a struggle to not buy more. Oh well, you can never have enough bibles lying around...right?

You are going to love the reader.

[Dale]

That's funny John, because the same thing happened to me. I bought the brown Reader's last week and then about 72 hours later decided I absolutely had to have the Pitt Minion ESV in brown goatskin....haha. For somebody who loves nice books/bibles and has no other expensive hobbies or tastes, these Allan and Cambridge editions are like crack.

[Chris Bloom]

John, the reason I found this site in the first place was that I was looking for info on the PM. I'd still like to have one, but part of getting this was a promise to my wife to hold off buying non-thrift store Bibles for a couple of years. I suppose Ol' Blue, my venerable compact TruTone, can last till the end of the year, and next year being the KJV anniversary means I'll be carrying that version around instead. Maybe by then Allan's will have a sweet little pocket model ready for me ...

And I prefer to think of this sort of thing as bookworm porn, Dale. Crack" seems so gauche. ;)

[Alaric]

Getting the ESVR T later this week. Can't wait to get my hands on it! I'm already planning on getting the NIVC1 from Allan's, the Brevier Clarendon in brown highland, and the black highland goatskin NASB later this year. I haven't even gotten the first one and I'm already an addict! At least that covers all my favorite versions, so I shouldn't need a new bible for decades. That should give time to recoup the hit! ;)

[Alaric]

I just received the ESVR1T and I'm floored at the quality! The shock from switching from bonded leather was huge. I was becoming an addict before, I think I'll need an intervention now... ;)

[Sarah Lutterman]

I purchased an ESV1 black... thought it was beautiful but I haven't used it much. I like the way the text looks on those message bibles. I would buy a readers edition if they would come out with the NASB translation, single column, paragraph format. Although the allans keep their customers happy and come out with better and better products, I think I will hold out for a Bible that has an inside as wonderful as the outside. I guess I'm just picky, but it is a good deal of money. Meanwhile, I'll open my ESV 1 more often... otherwise..what's the point? :) Glad most of you love your new Bibles... I am sure they are beautiful.

[dale]

Alaric, the Tan was a good choice. I bought the Brown and Tan and find myself using the Tan almost continually....there is something about that color that grows on you more and more. Enjoy it!

[Brian Miller]

Page 1...

I recently received an Allan Readers Edition in Black Highland Goatskin (ESVR1). Before I comment, let me note that in the ESV translation, I also have the Crossway Heirloom and the Allan ESV1, both being purchased in 2007, so my ESV1 may be slightly different than the latest version(s) of the ESV1, more on that later. Both of these Bibles lack the changes made to the ESV in 2007.

The quality of the ESVR1 is as everyone says, beautifully made. In comparing it to my ESV1, it is much limper; the cover is softer on the ESVR1, I don’t necessarily have a preference either way. My (older) ESV1 has different paper, it is stiffer, where it even makes noise if you handle the paper, where the paper in the ESVR1 is very limp; flipping through the ESVR1 is much more fluid than with the stiffer ESV1. Neither have what I’d call bright white paper, more on that later. The printing on the spine is stamped into the ESVR1, where it is just printed onto my ESV1 and it is wearing off a bit and I don't handle it a lot.

Both Allan Bibles open up flat and nice, where my Crossway is thicker and while it now lays flat, the pages “bulge” up near the middle, I prefer the way the Allan Bible’s lay open compared to my Heirloom; I do wish they moved the text a little more centered in the ESVR1. With page size looking the same in my Heirloom and ESVR1, I have a smidge more room to write on the inside of the Heirloom. The ESVR1 and Heirloom dimensionally are about the same, the yapping of the ESVR1 makes it ever so slightly bigger, with one exception, the ESVR1 is thinner and much lighter, both of which I much prefer. The ESVR1 is a joy to handle and thumb through; it works with you rather than against you, if you know what I mean. The Heirloom is heavy and stiff.
A side note, I am pleased that Allan doesn’t load up the front of their Bibles with a lot of pages of stuff that is unnecessary, in my opinion.

In the three years using the ESV, my Crossway Heirloom has been my daily reader. While I have always preferred the ESV1 in quality and for size in handling, the Heirloom is easier on the eyes; I actually came very close to sending my ESV1 back because the way it affected my eyes, ultimately I couldn’t bring myself to do it, I have used it as my “carry” Bible, whether to Church or wherever. The Heirloom Bible is big and heavy, it uses paper that is heavy and very white, so bleed through (ghosting) is not an issue; I have a preference for paper that is brighter white, rather than white’ish, or rather, yellow’ish.

This is where Allan consistently is lacking in my opinion, their paper. In comparing either of my Allan’s to the Cambridge wide-margin Bibles, where I took both my Allan Bible’s in store to compare, I MUCH prefer the paper in the Cambridge Bibles; their paper is much whiter, has far less ghosting, all the while the paper isn’t real thick and heavy, such as my Heirloom. While I believe that Allan is using quality paper, it simply can’t match that of Cambridge, and at the MSRP prices of the Allan Bible’s I find this a bit unacceptable...

[Brian Miller]

Page 2...

My new ESVR1 has worse ghosting than does my older ESV1; I have read from others where they feel the current (out of stock) ESV1 may be the same paper, mine clearly is not the same. My ESV1 has more ghosting than I’d like, but it doesn’t seem as bad now after comparing it to the ESVR1; if the ESV1 had whiter paper I think I may have less of an issue with my eyes; I have been reading it some the last couple weeks and while I have enjoyed doing so, there is no comparison to that of the Heirloom with its paper and larger print. One thought that comes to my head when reading the ESVR1, to give a visual, it reminds me of reading something written in pencil where words were erased and instead of a clean erase, the previous markings were smeared and then written over. I think part of this is because the ESVR has very dark print, where my ESV1 looks more “faded”. The ghosting in both of my Allan Bible’s is less bothersome in lower light.

As mentioned above, I compared the ESVR to a wide-margin Cambridge, it was a NASB. When looking at the two side by side, opened, the Cambridge text looks much cleaner, especially when you open up to the Psalms, where the ESVR1 looks like a mess with all the ghosting.

I really wanted to prefer the Cambridge in light of my issues with the ESVR paper, but it has its short comings too. As noted by many, the font should be at least a point larger. But beyond that, being these wide-margin Bibles are in paragraph format, nothing is done to make the verse numbers stand out, such as make them bold; I found it very hard to find a verse within a paragraph. On that same note, trying to hunt for a margin note or cross reference was also a major task as the print is very small; I had planned that if I wasn’t satisfied with the ESVR1 that I would purchase the Cambridge wide-margin, this now doesn’t look as compelling as it once did.

As it stands right now, I can send the ESVR1 back, something I am contemplating; it is a bit frustrating as for years I have wanted a high quality Bible that I would use for years. I would consider other translations other than the ESV, but would only consider the NASB or maybe NKJV but there are fewer options for those, at least in the higher-end Bibles. If only Allan could use the same paper used by Cambridge in their wide-margin, dare to dream!

[Joe]

@Tom Nowicki... I also own a Crossway Classic Reference in black calfskin, but wanted the Allan ESV Reader because of the larger font. I'll comment on it's comparison when I get it in... probably in about 2 weeks.

[Brian Miller]

Page 3…

I did decide to send the Allan Reader’s Reference back. Admittedly I did struggle with the decision, but ultimately the ghosting was too much for me.

I returned it in exchange for the Cambridge wide-margin in black goatskin. In comparing the two, I prefer the leather on the Allan, it is simply a wonderful Bible to handle, but the Cambridge paper is much superior in my view; it is bright white and ghosting is a non-issue for me. The Allan is “broke-in” right out of the box, where the Cambridge is a bit stiff and needs a little break-in.

[John]

Ghosting really doesn't bother me. I agree that it's hard to beat the paper in the Cambridge wide-margins.

[Chris Bloom]

@Brian Miller -- I found myself in the same dilemma, choosing between the Cambridge WM and the Reader. The ghosting in the Allan is noticeable to me, but not distracting, but I can see how others might find it a problem. I personally like the larger font in the Reader as well, as I teach a lot and need to be able to find my place on the run.

All in all I'm just glad we have such a wide range of choices. To own a Bible at all is a blessing; to own a really well-made one is a joy. I hope you enjoy the Cambridge as much as I do my Allan.

[John]

The Cambridge and the Allan are both awesome. I couldn't choose. :)

[Brian Miller]

@Chris Bloom -- I too like the larger font of the Reader; I have used the Crossway Heirloom for the last 3 years, which the Reader's Reference is the same text block, or whatever you call it; I still really like my Heirloom Bible, I just wish it was the 2007 text. Not only is the font large, words are spaced apart as well as each line from one another.

Both Bibles are to be commended on the dark print of the ink.

As many have stated, if the Cambridge wide-margin Bible's used a bit larger font it would improve an already great Bible. And if Allan used the Cambridge paper, we'd be near perfection.

[Gary Brown]

@ Brian Miller - I have to agree with the last comment. As someone who is privileged to own a copy of both the Cambridge WM and the Reader,combining the strengths of both would produce an amazing edition. I have to say that the crucial issue for me is font size so much so that I use my Reader much more than the WM. In fact I've always thought that the paper in the WM is so good I'm afraid to mark it (lol) I ended up marking an old bonded leather NASB. But even this has been taken over by my ESV online account where I can write notes and highlight to my hearts content. That's progress I guess!

[Todd F.]

To each his own, and to me it's the Cambridge ESV Wide Margin Reference in Black Goatskin.

After handling both Allan's ESV Reader's Reference Edition and Cambridge's Wide Margin in Goatskin covers, I have to say Cambridge has made a better product. Granted, it's a bit like comparing tangerines to nectarines; because the Reader isn't a Wide Margin, it allows for a larger font size and smaller width. And the Reader also has some nice features like semi-yapp and an extra ribbon.

Yet, Cambridge has 4 things I adore over the Allan Reader:

(1) the Cambridge font looks a bit more stylish, classier than the Reader font. Cambridge's font says "Bible" to me, whereas the Reader font says "I've also done some work in Bibles".

(2) the Cambridge center column reference is bordered and therefore the text layout looks noticeably cleaner than the Reader as your eye scans down the page.

(3) the self-titled wide margin. If the font speaks "Bible", the wide margin on the Cambridge screams it. Not just perfect for note taking, the margin space accents the text layout. Puritanical, yet sensual at the same time. The wide margin is downright sinful to behold.

(4) the Cambridge paper wins hands down. The font, the text layout, and the margins make the Cambridge look like a Bible; the paper makes the Cambridge feel like a Bible. The paper on the Cambridge Wide Margin is second to none. Thick, white, clean. No ghosting. Turning the leaves of the Cambridge Wide Margin is a heavenly experience.

The Allan Reader is a fine Bible. The Cambridge Wide Margin is a finely crafted Bible.

[Dale]

I agree with you, Todd, that the Cambridge wide margin is a great bible. I have a hard time deciding which one to pick up every day: the Reader or the Wide Margin.

I don't want to do without either one of them, honestly. If I had to buy just one though, it would be the Reader in tan.....

[Paul Shaffer]

Has anyone received the Readers Edition in Crimson red? Thoughts?

[Gary Brown]

I have the crimson reader's edition and have to say that it is breathtakingly beautiful. I love the reader's edition anyway and am not too bothered by the somewhat subjective 'ghosting' issue, IMHO all bibles suffer from 'ghosting' to some degree. The colour (yes I'm English) is outstanding. It shows a multiplicity of tones depending on the ambient light from a luxurious wine colour in fading light to a full on crimson in the sun.

The build quality is... well it's an Allan's so need one say more.

All in all this is another quality choice in the superlative reader's edition.

[Michael A. Albert]

I reluctantly ordered a ESV Readers Edition in Brown Highland Goatskin (ESVR1BR) on August 11 from Allan. Reluctantly because I am currently living and ministering in the Philippines and I was concerned that it would be stolen from the mail before I could lay hands on it or that the climate would destroy it as it has on my store bought Bibles and my books. My other option was to order and have it sent to the States, to await my return at the end of September. Like a kid at Christmas, I wanted now and I was not going to be here that long, anyhow! However, it arrived on August 31 safe and sound and I have to say that it is a beautiful piece of work! I have never seen such craftsmanship in a Bible. I used to think that buying genuine leather was the ticket. The color of the goatskin on my Allan is a rich dark brown with nice grain. The font is perfect for my old eyes and the bleed through on the paper is not bad at all and does not bother me in the least. And the Highland Goatskin smells like a new car! Three ribbons tops it off, one hunter green, one royal purple and on a golden brown. All in all this investment...my present to myself for being here for 4 years...is well worth the money. Thank you Allan for your professionalism, your dedication to turning out a quality product and I will be buying again from you!

[Michael A. Albert]

Oh, I forgot to add that I ordered an Allan Journal along with my ESVR1BR in the same color. Like the Bible, it is an excellent piece of work, so much so I almost hate to use it! Well, what are you sitting here reading my posts...go put in an order!!! You will NOT be disappointed.

[Caroyl]

Wow, I am so glad someone posted a comment on Amazon that mentioned the Allan's bibles. I have a NIV purchased over 30 years ago. I spent a pretty penny several years ago having it rebound in goatskin as I didn't want to change bibles & lose my makings & notes. Well, here I am with pages falling out & so now I am ready to finally transcribe them into a new bible. I visited the local Christian bookstore & they had only lower quality bibles. They did however introduce me to the ESV. I was not familiar with it so I called our pastor in AZ (we moved a few months ago) & he gave it high praise. After reading this review, I plaved my order for the new crimson reader direct from Allans. I heard back from them that there have been delays, but it should ship this month. Like most of you, I can hardly wait...this will be my first ESV & my first super quality bible. Thanks to everyone who posted here & to Mark for thr fabulous review!

[Michial Brown]

This is my first Allan. I ordered the tan for me and the brown for my wife. I noticed the brown is a tad more supple than the tan but not by much. Every piece of leather is unique. They are both wonderful. The paper too is fantastic, very "little" ghosting. I have no idea what all the fuss and complaining is about but don't let it deter you from investing in one of these beautiful gems. I just a brown PSR and can't wait for that to come. In the future I hope to get a crimson NASB too. I had a cordovan ESV study bible and thinline I bought from amazon but its texture was "too" soft and squishy, and just not right for me, almost causing my hand to sweat and just feel weird, but these goatskins have the soft smooth buttery feel and the nice sturdy grainyness as well. The ESV wide margin goatskin is really nice too but the binding and finish on the Allan is first class too. Thanks Mark for this blog. Thanks Evangelicalbible.com for the great customer service too!

[Ulf]

I've Just received the Black Readers Bible (and the Longprimer in brown). Fantastic!! I have the HCSB Minister's bible in calfskin, and while it is soft, there's no comparison.

I've noticed the point about the bleedthrough of the paper, and yes, it's there. No, I don't have a problem with it. The bleedthrough causes this bible to only get a 9/10 score (the Longprimer gets a full 10/10).

The quality of workmanship is unparalleled, and the smell is probably the most evocative I've ever tried.

Amazing quality.

[Brian]

I received this today...

Crossway is in the final process of implementing a small number of changes to the ESV Bible text and text notes, similar to what most translations have done in the years following their initial publication. The ESV 2011 changes represent a very small fraction of a percentage (as compared to the number of changes made in recent years to other leading translations). Most changes are minor, primarily involving grammar, punctuation, and the textual footnotes. The ESV 2011 text will be available online in mid April 2011, and the first print editions that include the 2011 changes will be released soon thereafter.

[Randy Rogers]

Based on the comments herein, and the excellent review, I purchased the Chocolate Brown Allan ESV Reader's Edition from evangelicalbibles.com and even changed streams (changed from black binding to the brown) and received the purchase within a few days in excellent condition. In retrospect, I would have elected to buy next day shipping just so I could track the shipment.

I highly value the new Allan ESV and it is now my primary study/church bible. The binding and layout is superb.

I'm a very happy return customer, having previously purchased an Oxford Long Primer KJV from Allan/Scotland back in 2006.

[Michael]

Now I'm really confused about the "ghosting" issue with respect to the ESV Reader's edition. Some persons find it so distracting that the ESV Reader's edition is not worth the trouble. Others do not even mention the "ghosting" at all and are very satisfied with this Allan edition. Is it possible that the paper or ink varies from text block to text block in a way that creates this "problem"? Or, are different people just "sensitive" to the ghosting issue?

[John S]

My wife and I both have a Reader and the ghosting is the same. If ghosting bothers you, it will be an issue. Ghosting doesn't bother me very much. I wish there was less ghosting, but I still enjoy reading this bible immensely.

[Brian M]

@Michael - I doubt there is any difference, they all should be the same. As John says, some people are more sensitive than others or maybe some chose to overlook it simply because they like the quality of the binding and cover. While I don't have as many Bibles as some, I do have quite a few and I find this edition to have an excessive amount of ghosting; I so wish this were not so as this Bible uses the same print as my daily Bible, Crossway's Heirloom Edition, and I would have been extremely pleased to have replaced my Heirloom with the Allan, but alas, the ghosting was way too much for me and in my opinion quite sad for a Bible of such expense.

Crossway has their 2011 ESV rolling out this month and while I'd like to have hopes Allan will come out with an edition of this and also not have the ghosting issues, I lack that confidence and suspect it could be a year or so before coming with a 2011 edition, so I am considering a new Crossway Edition.

[Gord]

After much reading on this site and other internet research, I requested the Readers ESV in black highland goatskin as a graduation gift. I received it this afternoon, and it is exceptional. I posted the unpacking here: http://gord.posterous.com/unpacking-my-grad-gift

[Andrew]

I really am wanting one of these. Two things are holding me back.

1. Page ghosting.
2. The page edges getting caught on the overlap of the cover on the lining. Happens to my NIVC1 and bends the page corners/edges.

[Knight]

Andrew,
I know what you mean. I have been very close to buying a couple of times but there are too many reports of people returning them due to the paper issue. Is this being picky? Sure it is but for $200+ I think a little pickiness is understandable.

I ended up going with the Hendrickson ESV Minister's Bible in Genuine Leather. Reports I have seen indicate that the Leather is very good and paper quality is also good. I have not seen this myself yet but hopefully they're right. If not my investment is only $40 and I can still return it.

[Terri H]

I contacted Allan's about the possibility of an NASb Reader. Here is their response:

Dear Terri

We're so glad you enjoy your ESV Raeders edition.

We do plan to introduce a two column NASB reference edition not dissimilar to the ESV Readers edition early in 2012, when it is printed.

We'll post the details on the website when we have definite news.

Kind regards
Nicholas Gray

[Bo]

Just curious: are the current ESV Reader's Editions printed with the 2011 text or the 2007 text? Thanks.

[Raymond]

I had posted previously regarding my purchase of an ESV3 that I didn't feel the value was worth the cost of that particular version. I just recieved my new ESVR1 in dark brown and could't be more pleased. Allan has out done themselves. The quality put into this Bible is a wonder to behold. i would recommend this as an investment which will give you years of Bible study without having to replace a Bible full of study notes after only a couple years.

[Paula]

Thank you for your comprehensive review. I began with your review of the Cambridge Wide Margin and came around, page by page, to this review. I'm excited to receive my *brown* Allan Readers Bible. (Tell your wife I'm with her, LOL) I had never heard of Allan Bibles till now, can't wait!

[John Hingelberg]

Anyone interested in buying a Black Reader's Edition in highland goatskin? It is in great condition. There is no writing anywhere and no wear to the binding whatsoever. I purchased it a few months ago, but would like to invest in the single column instead. There is nothing wrong with this Bible and it's still in the original box. Let me know if you're interested. John - (734)788-4633, jhingelberg@gmail.com

[Jim Meyers]

I appreciate these reviews but it would be nice to know the origin of manufacture of these top shelf bibles.

[bill]

Jim, I think you want to know the origin of the paper, of the printing process, of the textblock sewing/preparation, and of the binding. You can get 4 different companies or countries involved.

Instead, what the publisher will brag about is the origin of the LEATHER that went into the binding process!

[Janet]

Just bought a copy of this beautiful Bible in black and was wondering how to care for it ( and how not to ). Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[Kaleb]

Janet: The best thing for most leathers it to be handled. The oils your body produces are what keep your skin in good condition, and leather really is just skin. SO the best thing you can do for your Bible is read it a lot. Actually.

I'd believe that God set that up on purpose.

[Paula Peck]

Hello, I just wanted to tell you that based on this review, I purchased this Bible in brown. I waited anxiously for its arrival and loved it when I received it. It does have ghosting but it is not enough to bother me. In fact, to me, the ghosting contributes to the beauty of this Bible! (That's how much I love it!) I had never heard of R.A. Allan Bibles before this. I've had it for several months, and last week we took a trip to California via Delta. I packed my Bible and my study, not knowing that shampoo from a previous (car) trip was in the outside pocket. When we arrived, the shampoo had broken open and leaked into my suitcase. My study was soaked with shampoo, but my Bible, thanks to the full yap, was completely dry except for the cover and ribbons.I cleaned it off, and, No Damage! Woohoo~ I was so happy! I can now attest to the fabulous quality of this binding! Thanks for such a thorough review!

[James Thompson]

I understand that the ESV Reader is going to be out of print soon and won't be available again until sometime in 2013. I imagine others of you have heard that also. I'm speculating that Allans is either going to upgrade the paper in the Reader or upgrade to the 2011 ESV text or both. I'm wondering if, Mark, you've heard anything specific?

[Gary Brown]

James: I had the opportunity to visit RL Allan at their HQ in Glasgow Scotland recently. I was shown the unbound sheets of what I believe to be the replacement for the ESV readers (of which I have a copy). I can confirm that the paper has been upgraded and the version was I believe the 2011 ESV text. Looks like it will be a great bible, I'll be getting one when they are released which I believe is in January 2013