ESV Readers Bible: Brown, Imitation Leather over Board, Anglicised

A worthy competitor: a great purchase! - Ed Weston - I teach English at high school and am an ardent collector of books and particularly bibles.

Whilst I have scored this bible 5 there is one short coming which seems to bother others but not me. The print from the reverse side page tends to show through. This is a super purchase with a lovely font size and it is a sturdy binding. It will last forever!! The cross referencing system follows much of the RSV and KJV and is easy to use. I bought it blind [with the help of Lizzie at Eden Books UK] mainly because I am NOT a fan of Christ's words in red! The layout is clear and has sub-headings which helps position one within the text itself. As far as a translation goes it is so close to the magisterial English of the KJV and RSV that I can no longer insist on using my KJV - apart from what some regard as the archaisms of KJ English - for me having been brought up on the KJV it is sad but a reality. It is in every way a lovely bible. I enjoy the word for word translation as opposed to the paraphrase style of the NIV and the freedom of the NRSV, which I use to gain different perspectives on certain sections of the scripture. For example I like the retention of Genesis One verse one where the NRSV gives an alternative reading of a wind movedetc. Here it is the Spirit [of God] that moves or hovers. A surprise was the concordance and the small font size which I must confess I do like very much. A concern is the possibility that the leather binding may mar easily. I heartily recommend this bible. It is large format and it is solid but these are qualities that I personally value in a bible.