Unbelievable. That’s exactly how I reacted when I saw this. I need to give you a little background before I review:
I purchased this exact Bible 5 years ago, but in genuine leather (pigskin most likely). My primary Bible is a NASB but being a good Baptist, I always keep a KJV at the ready (I use it almost as much as NASB). That Bible literally came apart at the seams so, since Holman has a lifetime warranty, I trekked off to Lifeway to inquire about a replacement and much to my shock found out I could pay the difference and get this as a warranty exchange.
On to the review:
This is without a doubt one of the most well put together Bibles I have ever owned. From the moment you open the box and catch that new leather smell, it exudes quality. The leather is among the softest and most supple I have ever touched (and my dad and I have done more than a few leather projects together.) In fact, the leather is so pleasing to the hand that the best way to describe it is with the nearly cliche “soft as baby’s skin” and though not marketed as calfskin, rather as cowhide, I would not be the least bit surprised if it were calfskin.
14 point font. Can we say spectacular? There is one size larger from Holman, the Super Giant Print in 18 point font but that makes for a rather cumbersome experience. 14 point is so large that I can see it almost see it clearly without my glasses. There is a minor drawback with the color of the red though. It is not as bright as I have seen in the Kirkbride and AMG Bibles. That being said, it is one of only two things I could find that I didn’t like about this Bible so it isn’t really too bad. Whether you find yourself in the pulpit or the audience, you will have no trouble at all seeing the text.
References were a small surprise both the first time and when I got this Bible. Not every verse has a reference; those that do, find the reference at the end of the verse. This leads to a more pastoral feeling when using this Bible because you are free to follow your own line of thought or couple the text a resource like Nave’s Topical Bible to follow a line of thinking.
The paper seems quite opaque; I did not notice any see through from the Bible itself. I have not written in it yet so I cannot say for sure how it will go; when in doubt I find that I fine tip ball point stick pen will do nicely.
In the back you will find quite an extensive section of helps. They are:
- How to read the Bible through
- 52 week Bible reading plan
- A short history of the Bible
- Favorite Readings from the Bible
- Harmony of the Life of Christ.
- Appearances After the Resurrection
- Miracles of our Lord
- Parables of our Lord
- Concordance
This Bible is perfectly balanced for single handed use. I am Italian and talk with my hands quite vigorously and find no difficulty with gesturing while holding it. Since it is so lightweight, you wont find yourself with tired arms if you are ministering outdoors.
I think, though, that the price point on this Bible is one of it’s biggest selling points. $69.99 retail and if you happen to be a pastor, Lifeway offers a 20% disount. Given it’s quality, I would be hard pressed to call it a bargain (bargain seems to imply cheap.) but it is doubtlessly an incredible value. It also has a gorgeous twin sister in the NJKV.
Lastly we have my only true complaint about this Bible. I don’t like the margins. At best they are 1/2 inch but I really think they are more like 1/4 to 3/8 inch. I realize that not everyone likes a wide margin Bible. However, given the thought, care, and quality that went into this Bible, it is clearly intended to be a person’s primary Bible and I, personally, think that merits at least 3/4 to 7/8 inch margin.
Overall, 9.5 out of ten. You cant go wrong with a Genuine Cowhide Bible and, at a price comparable to some of the bonded leather versions, I am compelled to ask why (other than finances) you would buy a lower quality Bible.
click here to buy from Amazon: KJV Giant Print Reference Bible, Brown Genuine Cowhide
