Nelson Signature Slimline KJV

The picture says it all, right? According to the official site, the Nelson Signature series is "bound in the softest, most supple and durable calfskin," and you can clearly see the result: a Bible that can bend over backwards -- literally. These days, the edition pictured (#2019) goes under the title KJV UltraSlim Bible, but when I purchased it back in 2000, they were still calling it the Slimline Edition, so I'll stick with that nomenclature. Whatever you call it, this is an excellent Bible -- and, I would argue, a historically significant one.

LUXURY VS. QUALITY
A generation or two ago, the fact that a Bible was printed on India paper with a sewn binding and a calf or goatskin binding would have signaled quality. Today, quality has been redefined as a luxury. We pay a premium to get what it would have been unthinkable to omit not too many years back -- and if we do pay, there's always the chance a well-meaning brother will come along and denounce us for our extravagance. So we're left with a strange paradox. By traditional standards, most of the Bibles available to us are shoddy productions, but saying so makes us seem superficial.

I can't put my finger on when the decline happened, or what prompted it. My account of Bible history in the past fifteen years is more biographical than definitive. All I know is this: in the early 90s, I decided to buy a new Bible, and because I'd recently taken an interest in bookbinding, I paid more attention than ever before to the details. Living in the fourth largest city in the United States, I figured I'd have plenty of options to choose from. Instead, in bookstore after bookstore, I found the same tired options. Bonded leather was the mainstay and genuine leather the upgrade. It was like walking into a restaurant and being told that most people eat the "meat product," but some choose to splurge on "genuine meat." Really? What sort of meat? From which animal precisely? Nobody knew, and there was no kitchen in back at which to inquire. Eventually, I found a bookseller with a Cambridge catalog behind the counter, and ordered a wide-margin KJV in black Berkshire leather -- sight unseen. A month or two passed, long enough for me to forget I'd placed the order, and then it arrived in all its glory. For several years after that, I'd return to the store, ask if I could browse the catalog behind the counter, and then take a chance on another edition. French morocco, calfskin, and eventually goatskin, but it was always a hit or miss proposition, because I'd never seen these things up close and no one else seemed to have, either.

For a while, Cambridge was the only option. Then one day, at a different bookstore, the manager said he had something to show me. I followed him to the glass case in back, where -- lo and behold -- the Nelson Signature Series resided. No angels sang. I didn't fall to my knees. But there was no doubt I was impressed. Finally, one of the major publishers had woken up to the need for quality. Only by this time, quality meant luxury.

When I look at most deluxe editions of Scripture published today, they seem to bear a genetic resemblance to the Nelson Signature Series. That thin, supple calfskin with its casual matte finish always says Signature to me, no matter whose Bible it's on. For better or worse, Nelson set a standard that has sometimes been rivaled but never wholly surpassed.

THE SIGNATURE SERIES TODAY
The current Signature line offers the KJV in two formats -- Pocket Companion and UltraSlim -- the NKJV in eight, including two study Bibles, and the NCV in one. They're universally praised. In fact, I've received quite a bit of mail asking why, if this blog is devoted to design and binding, I haven't said more about them! Let's try and redress the balance.

The first and most important thing to say about this Bible is that the cover is a paragon of flexibility. It's soft and supple and pretty much any other adjective you want to throw at it. But the superb limpness is more than just a function of the cover material. Added to this, the sewn binding allows the pages to simply flow. I have two editions with similar calfskin covers -- a Compact ESV from LeatherBibles.com and a Thinline ESV from Crossway -- and while they have similar flex in the covers, the binding itself is stiff (each in a different way), so that you don't get the same effect in your hand. Both of my Nelson Signatures, the black one pictured here and the tan NKJV I bought for my wife, have a similar limpness that only comes from the combination of a supple cover and a fine binding. I believe this combination accounts for the popularity of the Nelson Signature Series among pastors and teachers.

The interior layout isn't unique to the Signature. Nelson chose to use one of its familiar, existing settings, a double column design without references or notes, set in a clean, readable font. This is one of the things I valued about this edition to begin with, since Cambridge settings of the KJV tended to have a more archaic appearance. The pages are printed on excellent French-milled paper. The photo at left illustrates the amount of bleed-through. It's there, but not to a distracting extent. I find the two ribbons a bit short -- marking a spot in Revelation, for instance, results in a quarter-inch stump protruding -- but the quality is good, and after a number of years mine haven't frayed a bit.

TO EACH HIS OWN
Having said all this, I have mixed feelings about the Nelson Signature line. Sure, there's my usual preference for a single column setting, but I'll set that aside. For what it is, I think this Signature edition is fantastic, but I regret the precedent the series seems to have set. It's greatest strength is its greatest weakness in my eyes -- that matte-black calfskin. I love the way it feels, but not the way it looks. The fact that this dull-finished stuff has become the sine qua non of luxury today is a disappointment. It has a rustic, casual air, and from what I've seen over time, it doesn't develop a patina so much as it simply dulls.

Do I want to abolish the stuff? Hardly. But I'd like to see the major American publishers offering more classic options in calf and goat, akin to the higher end Cambridge and Allan's finishes. Instead, it's as if the only two options out there are the stiff, shiny, vinyl look and the deadly dull matte look. The refinement of the more traditional finish is absent.

To be fair, this is an aesthetic judgment, and I've spoken to plenty of people who greatly prefer the more casual, non-gloss finish. My criticism isn't over the Nelson Signature per se, but of the trend it established and continues to reflect. I'm told that Bible publishing is a relatively small world and the options are surprisingly limited at a result. Hopefully future designers will find ways to break out of the new mold and channel the tradition a bit more.

THE SIGNATURE LEGACY
I don't want to end in a minor key. Yes, the Nelson Signature legacy redefined the look of quality editions in a way I regret, but the real significance of the line is surely the return of quality. Cambridge is no longer a lone standard-bearer. Most publishers these days have introduced at least one quality edition, though I suspect there are plenty of people in the industry who still doubt the long-term viability of the category. Reading this blog will hopefully change a few minds on that score.

In the future, we may see an entirely fresh set of options. Bonded and genuine leather won't be the only choices -- in fact, they might not be choices at all. What I'd like to see at the bottom is the new polyurethane covers, only with sewn bindings and more well-designed covers to replace the current crop of kitschy, novelty looks. Above that, various calfskins, with goat reigning supreme at the top. That's my vision, anyway, and while the Signature Series doesn't charm me in every respect, I doubt the future I'd like to see would even be possible apart from it.

If you use the KJV, NKJV, or NCV, and you want a superb binding with a rock-solid guarantee behind it, you can't go wrong with the Nelson Signature line. My own experiences jibes with that of many readers here. We may lament the fact that quality is a luxury these days, but I'm just grateful that quality is still an option -- thanks in part to the Nelson Signature Series.

Comments

[Seraphim]

Go Nelson Signature Series!!!!

:^)

I was taking a closer look at my Signature collection the other night. The two Slimline editions (NKJV and KJV as reviewed above), and the pocket companion version are all quite comparable to one another. The pocket version being a bit more cramped, and slightly smaller font size, but very similar in all respects to the Slimlines.

The older NKJV reference edition, however, has always surprised me with the opacity of the pages, there is almost no discernable bleedthrough whatsoever. What I found was that the three other editions were printed in Belgium, and the reference edition was printed here in the USA.

The reference edition I was simply lucky to get. It was my first quality binding Bible purchase, and I more or less just ordered it up on a whim as a closeout from LeatherBibles.

Beginners luck, I suppose.

Thanks for the review, Mark.

And P.S.- Mark, you have cost me some more money as well! Not only from the temptations of this Bible design blog, but upon further perusal, I came across your article about wet shaving, and have now purchased various beast-hair brush, razors, shave accouterments..the whole catastrophe.
Thanks!
;^)

[Lanx]

If you let the ribbons hang out of the sides instead of the bottom, even the shortest ones will work at the end of the bible. It is even more pratical in use because ribbons protruding from the side can open a book much more easily compared to a ribbon protruding from the bottom.

Greetings from Germany, this is my first comment here although I have read the blog quite a while now.

[Christian]

Looks like a nice bible :)

I just received some days ago my KJV wide margin goatskin, and it is wonderful and i had no idea what "limp" was until i got this, even as i have "nice" bibles. This one is a artwork. I asked R.L Allan if they did re-bindings, but it was not them who did the actual binding, so they would get in touch with their binder and let me know, I have an old Swedish version id like to re-bind.... that highland goatskin seem nice :) but maybe the price will be to much for my economy. But it will be interesting to see.

And this blog inspired me to review my bible for the Swedish people :P
on my blog http://densmalavagen.webblogg.se/1200685379_cambridge_wide_margin.html

And Mark! when will we get to see your stack(s)?

[Jerry]

Yes Mark, you are expensive.

I have a Cambridge Pitt Minion NASB and a Nelson Signature KJV Pocket Companion in the mail right now. I will send a picture of my Bible stack once they arrive.

Wet shaving? I have been using a 1956 Gillette Super-Speed with a badger brush and Col. Conk Bay Rum soap for years.

[threegirldad]

"It's greatest strength is its greatest weakness in my eyes -- that matte-black calfskin. I love the way it feels, but not the way it looks. The fact that this dull-finished stuff has become the *sine qua non* of luxury today is a disappointment. It has a rustic, casual air, and from what I've seen over time, it doesn't develop a patina so much as it simply *dulls*."

Fascinating. I had just the opposite reaction when I got my calfskin NASB, and now that I think about it, I believe it was because I've come to associate "shiny" with "cheap," since "cheap" is the only kind of "shiny" I have experience with.

[charles hadden]

Well, thanks alot guys. I was thinking of waiting for some far off day to get an allan bros. with the esv updated text but no someone had to mention the signature series. As I was looking around the web about that I discovered a NKJV Thompson Chain in the Signature Series. I have thought about getting a leather TCRB for awhile (have a hardback NIV). I managed to talk myself into ordering it from Amazon!!!!

Now for a couple other questions. What do you think of Kirkbride's binding on their TCRB? What about the various bindins on the NET Bible including their basic bonded and their deluxe leather??

[Jerry]

I have a Kirkbride Thompson that I purchased some 20 years ago. The leather is OK, nothing more. It will be in my "Bible stack" picture.

I purchased a NET Compact Bible in "premium leather" and it is very poor bonded leather. I have handled better cardboard. This Bible didn't even have a ribbon, the verse number scheme is terrible, and I won't be purchasing anything else from them.

[David]

Hi ... just found your blog. Thanks for all the great information and references to reliable book binders.
Question I want to get a new Thompson Chain Reference and was wondering about the Signature Series... have you reviewed the Thompson specifically vs the new Nelson Study Bible.
Also, would it be better to take a Thompson Chain Hardback and send it to a book binder to gain a high quality binding, etc.
David

[Pastor Ron Parish]

I own a Nelson Signature Series KJV Reference Bible, which was purchased in June of 2003. I only use this bible for special occasions. It has center-column references, too.

A problem has only recently developed, and I'm in a dilemma regarding the issue. Some of the pages are beginning to tear out, and that's not good. The problem is Nelson no longer makes this particular bible. My eyes have a lot of trouble with the new crop of Signature Series; the fonts are too small. I believe my bible has 11 or 11.5 point fonts, and is quite readable, whereas the UltraSlim is set at 8 points (big difference to me).

Does anyone know where I might purchase another bible like the one I have. I do believe the ISBN is 2009. Thanks.

In Christ,

Pastor Ron

[Pastor Ron Parish]

An update to my last post is in order. First of all, I really don't know what the ISBN is; the reference number given before comes from customer service at Nelson Publishing. One more thing, I really don't believe my bible to be printed with an 11 point font. It is more likely 9 or 9.5 point, but there was nothing in the box indicating the size.

I sent my Signature Series to Eric at Leonard's Book Restoration for repair. It seems Nelson's missed a signature (page grouping) when the bible was sewn. I can hardly wait to see the results.

Pastor Ron

[Pastor Ron Parish]

My Nelson Signature Series Reference Bible came in the mail yesterday, and I must say, Eric at Leonard's Book Restoration did a wonderful job fixing the problem. What he told me is that when the Bible was bound, a signature was partially missed, resulting in the problem I had.

He carefully fixed the issue, and even included a third ribbon bookmark, matching the other two. My question is, "how have I managed all the years I've been using my Bibles without three markers?" That should be standard equipment, IMHO.

Thanks, Mark, for providing rebinding links as part of your incredible site.

Pastor Ron

[David]

Anyone know where I can get a reference version of the KJV Signature series - even secondhand - I live in the UK but I would consider buying anywhere.

Thanks

David

[Peter Paul Banzon]

I own two NKJV pocket bibles, a British Tan bonded leather ( i know you hate attaching the word bonded to the word leather) edition with slide tab and a Black and Tan Royal soft edition. These two bibles have served me well and I can take them everywhere and subject them to the elements without feeling guilty. The Royal Soft edition is my favorite though it seems well constructed, it lays flat and the feel of the synthetic material is indeed one of soft leather. Now why did I have to get the signature series pocket bible? Mark, your review of the KJV slim line signature bible caused a eureka moment for me and I decided to have the top of the line bible in these line of NKJV Pocket bibles. When I opened the box and unwrapped the white covering paper, I was amazed at the softness and suppleness of the black calf leather binding. It felt right and smelled right.Having in my possession the top of the line editions of Cambridge bibles and Allan's bibles i thought i would never be impressed by a bible produced by Thomas Nelson. However I think Nelson finally outdid itself with the signature series. I was tired, really tired of nelson bibles falling apart because of poor binding and all that paste and glue ensemble which i endured early on in my life of faith and ministry. (Then I discovered Cambridge and years later, the glorious ones at Allan's) But this signature Pocket edition may well live up to its claim to be an heirloom. It is smythe sewn and lays flat, although this edition may need a little more break-in to really do a flat split because of the thick endleaves on both ends of the bible. If the paper used was an notch higher, this Pocket bible would be comparable to the slimline edition. This bible I now use when I want to read the scriptures in a pocket size edition with the added bonus of putting on soft calfskin leather gloves.

[Ron Parish]

I just got home from Campmeeting a few days ago with a couple of new Bibles: a Cambridge text-only in French Morocco, and a Signature Series in the NCV. I never read the NCV before last week, and after sitting down with it for a short period of time, I've come to the conclusion it's definitely not my favorite version.

Now, on to the Signature Series Bible. After seeing the quality of my older Signature Series Reference Edition, I am somewhat disappointed in this new one. It was printed in China instead of the States. It just has the feel of "cheap" about it. Now, the price was so good, there was no way to pass it up. Actually, I got both Bibles for $60.00.

"Holy Bible" on the spine is off-centered and not crisp at all. The paper has more bleed-through than should be allowed, and it doesn't seem to be the same quality as my other Signature Bible.

The cover and binding are wonderful, though. All in all, I can't really complain. I'll keep the Bible and possibly give it as a gift one day. I would even trade it for another brand new Signature Series if that were possible. Is there anyone who would like to trade for a Signature Series Personal Size Giant Print Reference Bible?

Pastor Ron

[Seraphim]

Those older Signature Series Reference editions are a rare breed, as well as being a breed apart!

They had the best paper opacity of ANY Bible I own.

I have the NKJV reference edition and there is nothing that I would trade it for!

I also have two of the newer slimlines (NKJV and KJV), and the pocket companion Bible. All of which are quite nice in their own right, but as has happened to you, once you've had the pleasure of owning the Reference edition, made in USA version, you are pretty much ruined for any other....