The TBS Large Print Bible is a text-only KJV made for those that prefer or require an extra-large type. The goal is to present a large type in a volume with a reasonable overall size. Rather than being a thick Bible it has a thin spine when compared to its large footprint, creating a Bible that lays almost completely flat when opened to just about any page. Having such a large footprint, its size does limit its uses… but it suits a couple of uses really well…
Features
- KJV
- 5 black letter font
- Text only
- Vinyl cover
- Sewn
- 34gsm paper
- 7 x 8.5 x 1.2”
- ISBN: 9781862281332
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Binding
The cover is dark blue vinyl. It’s a single thick sheet that’s cut flat on the edges rather than folded over. The liner is heavy paper. The cover is durable but not very elegant. It’s still usable and I’m sure it will last longer than imitation leather and real leather on a Bible this size would have been expensive. I would like to see this in a hardcover as well.
The words The Holy Bible is printed on the front and on the spine in a stylistic font. The spine also has Authorized (King James) Version, Large Print, the TBS logo, and 7 spine-ridge indentions all printed in gold.
Of course, this Bible is sewn (TBS only makes Bibles that are sewn). It lays open flat to any page. The weight of the paper keeps the cover down with no issues. It might take a little longer to get it to stay open at the beginning of Genesis or the end of Revelation until you use it enough.
There isn’t a ribbon marker. A ribbon would probably feel too awkward in a Bible with a footprint this large.
Paper
The paper is 34 gsm and is highly opaque. The paper has a white tint and is easy to read for long periods of time. However, it does have a little bit of glare. This is the only TBS I’ve seen with any glare. The page edges are white.
There are 8 pages in the back that can be used for notes. As large as the pages are it actually has room for quite a bit of notes. I haven’t written in it but I think the paper would be fine for writing and highlighting.
Typography
The text is presented in a double-column verse-by-verse format. This is a text-only edition, so there are no footnotes or references to share the space on the page. The header has the book name and chapter numbers placed over the outer margins, page numbers in the center, and page summaries over the inner margin.
The font is 15.5-point in black letter. It’s dark and consistent throughout the text. It uses italics for supplied words but no pronunciation marks, keeping the text clean. The print doesn’t use line-matching, but the paper is opaque enough that it isn’t much of a distraction. Verse numbers are full size and not indented. They’re large enough to find easily.
Columns are 3 3/8” wide and have around 41 characters across with 7 or 8 words per line and 48 lines per page. The text never feels cramped. There are places where there is extra space between words but I found no words that were too close together. The inner margin is large enough, and the Bible is thin enough, to keep the text from bending into the gutter and out of view.
Paragraph markers are used from Genesis to Acts 21 but are none from Acts 22 through Revelation. Of course, you can always mark your own by marking the verse number or placing a note next to the verse.
There is a ¾” margin that can be used for notes. The inner margin is smaller at ½” of usable space and more difficult to get to, but it’s still useful. It even has enough space to write headings or short notes in the margins. There’s also enough leading (space between the lines) for underlining.
Using the Large Print Bible
I did carry it around and even used it in the car just to see if I could. I didn’t have any trouble with it but it wasn’t ideal.
My primary use for this Bible has been preaching. I find it to be excellent for public reading. There are no distractions in the text and the text is easy to see just glancing down at the pulpit. The pages are easy to turn until you get close to the end. Then they start to get a little more difficult to grab onto.
The pages are much larger than most Bibles so it can feel like you’re making large motions to turn the pages. I recommend thumbing through the pages to find your verses in the headers rather than turning the pages.
It’s also good for reading at a desk, table, or even your lap as long as you have room for it.
Comparisons
Here’s a look at how the Large Print Bible compares to the TBS Windsor and Family Bible.
From the top down in the photo above: Windsor, Family Bible, Large Print Bible.
From left to right in the photo above: Family Bible, Large Print Bible, Windsor.
Windsor
Family Bible
Conclusion
This is a large Bible, but it’s not a thick Bible. Rather than being very thick, it has a large footprint. I prefer this because the pages lay flatter.
For my use, this Bible is too large to hold and move around. It works much better as a pulpit Bible or a Bible you leave on a table or desk (if you have enough room). It’s a fine starter Bible for the pulpit and I recommend having it rebound, although it will be an extra-large piece of leather and can become costly. I think it’s worth it.
If you need a large print with a 15.5 font, verse by verse KJV, and you’re not worried about the footprint it takes up, the TBS Large Print Text is a great choice. It has great paper, a large and dark font, and lays extremely flat. All in a sewn binding and a vinyl cover that’s made to last.
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Some photos by hannah C brown
TBS provided this Bible free for review. I was not required to give a positive review – only an honest review. My opinions are my own.