The R. L. Allan website announces that these are "probably the finest Bibles in the world." Whoever inserted the word probably in that sentence should be nominated for the Nobel Prize for modesty. There is no question that Allan's produces the finest Bibles in the world. Allan's is the gold standard in fine binding. As far as these eyes (and fingers) are concerned, no one else comes close. During the recent Dark Age between the introduction of the English Standard Version in 2001 and the debut of Allan's Reference ESV bound in highland goatskin in the summer of 2004, I used to day dream about an Allan's-bound ESV. I would hold my Allan's KJV in Cape Levant goatskin, rubbing my hands over its cover and inhaling the wonderful scent of the leather and art-gilt pages, imagining that when I opened it the ESV would miraculously appear. (And I'm sorry to report that this is not an exaggeration. An improbable amount of my time is spent doing precisely this sort of thing.) Finally, the notice appeared on the Allan's site that an ESV was in the works. I received the latest print catalog and had the news confirmed. I remember showing the entry to Laurie. I wanted someone else to confirm that my eyes were not deceiving me. They weren't.
The best word to describe an Allan's binding is luxurious. It feels alive in your hand. I ordered my first one from a distributor in Canada, sight unseen. Inside are the guts of an Oxford blackletter KJV in the rather dated archaic setting to which the Authorized Version is so often relegated. But the cover was spectacular, unlike any I had ever seen. It far exceeded the standard of Cambridge Bibles, which until that time had been the sine qua non in my experience. Eventually, I tracked down the source, a Glasgow-based shop that keeps the tradition of fine binding alive, and started referring anyone who would listen to R. L. Allan's. This is what Bible binding ought to be, I said. It's worth it to spend a little more than you would on the cardboard catastrophes at the local Christian bookstore to get a Bible you will delight in for a lifetime.
But until the debut of the Allan's Reference ESV, I was in a quandary. On the one hand, I was extolling the virtue of Allan's bindings, but on the other I was urging people to check out the English Standard Version (warning them in advance that the bindings wouldn't measure up to their expectations). Now, I have no such qualms. The best Bible binding on the market is also the best modern translation available.
The Reference ESV is actually a little nicer than my original KJV. The cover is more flexible and the binding opens flat and displays an unparalleled limpness. Unlike Crossway's Heirloom Reference edition, the Allan's ESV is relatively trim and compact. The grain is exquisite and the imprinting stands out nicely. The cover is semi-yapp, which means the edges protrude to overlap the pages, and leather-lined. All of that is well and good, but the most important test for me is how it feels. I have Cambridge Bibles, for example, that are made of excellent materials to exacting standards but won't lay open on a table. The finest leather and paper is nothing (to me) if it doesn't deliver an aesthetically engaging experience of use.
And that's precisely where the Allan's Reference ESV shines. It is a pleasure to handle, a pleasure to use. When I open it and set it on a table, it lays perfectly flat. There is no arch to the spine, no stiffness to the cover. The Bible settles onto the tabletop with a liquid quality. The photograph demonstrates this quite well: with my hand on the spine, the sides of the Bible fall open and hang without any reluctance. It would take more adverbs than I have in my arsenal to explain what a satisfying feeling that is, especially in light of my years of frustration with so-called "premium" bindings by North American publishers.
The goal of a quality binding is not to look nice. The Bible is meant to be used, and a quality binding is designed to make that use more convenient and pleasant. I have shelves full of Bibles. In fact, I have boxes full of them thanks to the fact that the shelves have overflown. I don't imagine very many of them were designed and bound with serious use in mind. Since I have this curious obsession, I tend to look at other people's Bibles at church or in the classroom. I've seen more than a few that are in worse shape after a year or two of regular use than a fifth-century papyrus.
Obviously, if you're not going to use it, most any Bible will do. If you're going to use it, though, you want an excellent translation and a quality binding. Until recently, you had to choose between one or the other (unless you had the linguistic chops to tackle the still-radiant Authorized Version, in which case you only had to put up with abysmal typography). Now, with the Allan's Reference ESV, people who take the Bible seriously can own an uncompromising edition that will stand up to the test of regular use.
LINKS
R. L. Allan's ESV Order Page
Have you found the different spelling and vocabulary of this British edition a hinderance to your reading and study of this edition of the ESV?
Posted by: Todd France | September 25, 2007 at 08:37 AM
Not at all, Todd. In fact, I can't think of a single instance in which I've been "thrown."
Posted by: J. Mark Bertrand | September 25, 2007 at 01:49 PM
Mark, a couple questions:
1) Does this contain the ESV 2007 revision text?
2) What does the layout of the pages look like? It appears to be 2-columns -- but is it Verse-by-verse rather than in paragraphs (every verse begins a new line) ?
I am considering Crossway's ESV Single Column Reference (Black, Premium Calfskin Leather) which seems to be a great value at $122 (37% off msrp) from Amazon.com! This large fonts, verse-by-verse layout, and flat-lying sewn binding is just what I'm looking for in the perfect teaching/preaching Bible.
Allan's Reference at 85pounds (~$175 usd?) is just too expensive!!
Any insights on this would be appreciated ;-)
Posted by: Alex S. Leung | October 15, 2007 at 08:05 PM
It appears this Bible is two-column...and not wide-margin. Correct?
Posted by: PDS | October 15, 2007 at 08:41 PM
Alex, this article should answer your questions about the interior of the Allan's ESV:
http://jmarkbertrand.typepad.com/bibledesign/2007/09/inside-an-allan.html
To make a long story short, it's basically the same layout as a Crossway Classic Reference, minus the book intros and red-letter text. The only verse-per-line setting of the ESV is the Single Column Reference. I don't think it's in the same league as the Allan's ESV, but if you're looking for a larger text and the traditional verse-per-line layout, it's the only game in town.
Posted by: J. Mark Bertrand | October 15, 2007 at 08:42 PM
PDS: That's correct. It's the same inside as a Classic Reference, two columns and regular margins.
Posted by: J. Mark Bertrand | October 15, 2007 at 08:43 PM
Alex -- I have the ESV Bible you are considering. By the way, I think there is a new one on EBAY right now for $99. It is a super nice Bible -- my biggest complaint is the thickness of the paper for note-taking. If you are simply using it to read, it's fantastic...if you want to fill it up with notes etc, you may be disappointed.
Posted by: PDS | October 15, 2007 at 09:33 PM
Alex -- I have the ESV Bible you are considering. By the way, I think there is a new one on EBAY right now for $99. It is a super nice Bible -- my biggest complaint is the thickness of the paper for note-taking. If you are simply using it to read, it's fantastic...if you want to fill it up with notes etc, you may be disappointed.
Posted by: PDS | October 15, 2007 at 09:34 PM
I agree with PDS on the paper thickness for the Thinline ESV...it is too thin. It is a pretty nice binding aside from the paper issue.
Posted by: matt | October 16, 2007 at 08:49 AM
The question is which binding of Allan's do you prefer: The Tan ESV or the Black ESV???
Posted by: matt | October 16, 2007 at 08:52 AM
I have trying to nail down where Allan's gets their "Highland" goatskin from. I know that mechling binds with a "standard" goatskin and if you pay $50 dollars more you can get Harmatan goatskin with a hand finish, I wonder if the hand finish is the same as Allan's? The next time I send a bible to mechling I would like to find a cover on par with Allans.
Anyone know about leather differences between say mechling and Allans?
Posted by: matt | October 16, 2007 at 09:06 AM
Thanks for your help PDS & Mark!
I think I'll stick with Crossway's SCR premium calfskin:)
I currently have a Thinline ESV (tan/premium bonded leather) and I do a lot of underlining with pen/pencil -- and I totally agree, the paper is too thin for notetaking! I'll try to contact Crossway to see if they have plans to fix this -- cause for some, the page-thru-page bleeding of the text is bothersome.
Posted by: Alex S. Leung | October 16, 2007 at 10:54 AM
In speaking with Crossway recently, they have received numerous complaints about the paper-quality. While they didn't give me a definitive answer, it is something they are well aware of and I believe are in the process of addressing. But, in terms of what, when etc...no idea.
Posted by: PDS | October 16, 2007 at 09:43 PM
PDS, I was on the horn with Crossway just today. I had a problem with The English-Greek Reverse Interlinear New Testament that they resolved so I called Stuart or is it Stewart(?), in customer service to thank him for replacing the damaged copy I had. While conversing with Stuart I asked about the latest printing of the Single Column Reference and wether or not it was going to be reprinted using heavier paper. Crossway is currently out of stock on this particular edition and they expect delivery of new stock in December. I was informed that the printer keeps unbound book blocks of all their editions warehoused until Crossway needs more. The paper issue is something they are aware of will take into consideration in the future but first they need to exhaust the current stock on hand.
I own the Deluxe Heirloom as well as the Single Column Reference, the Heirloom used 27 lbs. paper while the SCR uses 21 lbs. The SCR is 42mm thick at the spine while the Heirloom is 45mm thick, about 1.5" for the block itself. The trim size is almost identical at @ 6.5"x9.25" with the SCR only slightly smaller. The real difference is in the page count. The Heirloom has a 1328 page count while the SCR has 1784 pages. The difference of 456 pages is equal to 11mm or a 1/2". The SCR would be a tad over 2" thick were it to use the same paper as the Heirloom.
If the complaints keep coming in, it seems that Crossway is willing to do something about it.
Posted by: Jesus Saenz | October 16, 2007 at 11:04 PM
my original Reference esv in bonded leather had something like 27ib...it was thick!!! but the quality lasted through tons of marking, and the binding fell completely apart but the pages held together perfectly.
Although the two ESVs I bought lately (cordovan Reference in calf/ thinline in calf) have horrible paper.
Posted by: matt | October 17, 2007 at 09:46 AM
I ordered the Allan's ESV in black highland goatskin last week. I spent all of that time wondering if it was really going to be worth the cost. It arrived today, and I have to say that it is more than worth it. It surpasses by far the quality of Crossway's original calfskin edition that I also own, as well as that of my Nelson Signature Bible, and my NASB single column Bible in Calfskin by Foundation Publications in quality. The smell of the leather, the art-gilt edges, the semi-yapp cover, the inside lining, and the overall feel of this Bible all cried out to me that it was money well spent. Any time I have need of a fine Bible, I now know where to turn.
Posted by: Brian | October 30, 2007 at 07:40 PM
I just received an email response from Crossway about the paper thickness issue:
http://www.sixsteps.org/2007/11/01/paper-too-thin-on-esv-bibles/
Posted by: Alex S. Leung | November 01, 2007 at 09:16 AM
I just received my black ESV today and it is beautiful. Thanks Mark for the review. I have one question for others who have ordered this one and the tan. The first pages, from Genesis 19 and back to the first or second blank page at the beginning, are stitched together so that they do not open as completely as the rest of the Bible does. It doesn't hide the text, but I was wondering if there is a reason for this, is it normal, or do I need to consider returning the Bible? Thanks for any response.
Posted by: Kyle | November 06, 2007 at 09:38 AM
Mr. Bertrand,
I want to thank you. I am also one who cannot stand the quality of today's bibles, it's quite sad. However after visiting bibles-direct.com I now have in my possession the best bible I have ever seen or handled, the Allan's reference ESV in black Highland Goatskin. This is an amazing bible, and an end to a long search for a quality bible. I have owned the heirloom reference edition of the ESV, as well as numerous Cambridge bibles, but finally a bible producer that takes great pains in making a quality bible that will stand the test of time. Thank you for the review of your Allan bible, and all the info given about it.
Posted by: Chad Smith | November 18, 2007 at 04:35 AM
How do the Allen ESVs compare with the Standard Reference Editions in Calfskin (not the thinlines). Are they of superior leather, binding, and overall construction to warrant the purchase?
Posted by: josh | January 01, 2008 at 07:48 AM
Josh - They are of superior leather and binding, and I believe warrant the extra cost. While the ESVs in calfskin are very nice, The black calfskin is very supple IMO and the cordovan has a unique look, they do not trump the beauty of the Allan's ESV. The Allans ESV also has a stronger binding, yet also a much more flexible binding.
Allans simply has a more refined look and feel. I guess that accounts for the extra $60 or so.
I would add that some have brought up issues on the blog regarding a stiff book block, etc, which happened in the most recent printing, but Allans is putting out a reprinting later this year (with the updated ESV text) which you may be interested in which is said to fix all the areas in need of attention.
Posted by: matt | January 01, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Yes, I would wait for the new Allan ESV to come out. I haven't noticed any comments about this issue -- but once one gets a Calfskin or Goatskin cover, what is the proper way to maintain and care for the Bible so it lasts a very long time???
Posted by: PDS | January 01, 2008 at 02:19 PM
1. Natural leather products like goatskin and calfskin are supposed to be handled regularly so the oil from your hands can "condition" the leather...I have heard stories of quality bindings not lasting very long because they are purchased and then shelved for years.
2. I would stay away from leather cleaning products because all the ones I have used either add a smell or slightly darken the leather, plus I dont think they work all that well for bibles. A damp cloth should be sufficient on most bibles.
3.dont be like me and set a bible down on a counter were a chemical was recently spilled thats a sure way to strip the color and finish off.
Posted by: matt | January 01, 2008 at 04:01 PM
Good info. Thanks Matt -- anyone else???
Posted by: PDS | January 01, 2008 at 06:04 PM
this seem to be an outstanding bible, what Allan KJV would be most like this one? in comparison.... ?
Posted by: Christian | January 04, 2008 at 06:24 AM
PDS, be sure to lay your leather Bibles flat rather than upright. The softer covers will not give much support to the book block and it may soon start to separate from the spine.
Posted by: Jesus Saenz | January 04, 2008 at 09:18 AM
Thanks Jesus -- good tip.
Posted by: PDS | January 04, 2008 at 04:01 PM
Hello,
Am Pastor Anthony Ajomia i just reside here in Nigeria just for few years ago and am awarded here for good character and genuie goods so that is the reason why open Store for Bible so i will like to Order THis Items from you
Bible Standard Full Color Bible KJV Bonded Leather (Brown)
so give me the cost of it withs shipping cost to
22,ogungbaye st.
mushin
lagos
23401
Nigeria.
Am Looking forward to hear from you ASAP.
Best Regards,
Pastor Anthony Ajomia
Posted by: pastor ajomia | January 12, 2008 at 08:27 AM
I want to get the Black ESV but I am wondering when Allen's is coming out with the 2007 version of the ESV. Can you tell me the expected date? Tone
Posted by: Tone Benedict | January 25, 2008 at 05:52 AM
Tone - Allan's will be releasing the updated ESV text in June / July 2008. See this article. (http://jmarkbertrand.typepad.com/bibledesign/2007/12/allans-esv-with.html#comments)
Posted by: Stuart | January 25, 2008 at 07:18 AM
How does the paper quality of Allan compare to the Premium Calfskin Crossway Reference? Does the print bleed through on the Allan papper? WHen is Allan going to use the updated ESV? Thanks!
Posted by: DJ | March 03, 2008 at 12:24 PM
DJ - Allan's will be releasing an updated ESV text Edition in June / July 2008 (in fact they're taking pre-orders now - http://www.bibles-direct.com/category.phtml?Category=219) Also you can read several comments on this blog re the updated ESV text Edition here:- http://jmarkbertrand.typepad.com/bibledesign/2007/12/allans-esv-with.html#comments
Sorry I can't help you with your other Q's :)
Posted by: Stuart | March 04, 2008 at 02:26 AM
If I'm going to order a black Allen's ESV, what will be the advantage to waiting for the new printing? Will it only be the updated text, or are there formating, paper, construction issues that will also be resolved?
Thanks
Posted by: edeshan | March 19, 2008 at 08:49 AM
Hi Allan Community,
evangelicalbible.com now carries the ESV 2. This Allan Bible has a Goatskin Shell and semi-yapp edges (leather protruding to protect pages). The ESV 2 has no lined paper and 1 ribbon marker.
It is another classic example of remarkable Bible craftmanship.
The ESV 1 in both black and tan is now due in June. We will keep you posted.
Please forward any questions to info@evangelicalbible.com.
Posted by: Paul | April 01, 2008 at 09:21 AM
In regards to paper quality. The Allan Bibles are at about 24-26 pounds-which is comparable to the Crossway Classic Bibles-a bit heavier. It is not bleed through, provided you use a correct pen for writing purposes.
Posted by: Paul | April 01, 2008 at 09:28 AM
I just received this Bible today (i.e. ESV2 from Allan's). This is a very nice Bible. A few observations- 1) The cover is stiffer than I expected. Compared to the Bold Reference NIV, it doesn't quite mold to your hand the same way. This cover is very similar to Cambridge goatskins. I prefer the Highland goatskin in that it has a more elegant feel to it and is more flexible. 2) The waves on the pages' outer edges referred to in another article were evident. This doesn't bother me as much as creases on pages I have seen in pages in the Crossway calfskins. 3) The inside cover overlaps the outer skin versus being glued underneath it. This was a surprise but not a distraction. 4) While there are not the lined pages like the ESV1, there are unlined pages in front and back that are very useful for notes. 5) I find the Bold Reference NIV to have a better print and font. I am really ready for a different type set for the ESV reference Bibles. I don't know if the Pitt Minion arrangement will suit me, but I would like to see something different. 6) The paper as compared to the BR NIV is "grayer." Bottom line- a great Bible. For me the BR NIV is better and more appealing in design. Since I've sort of come to the conclusion that the ESV and NIV/TNIV will be my main translations for preaching and teaching, I'm still hunting for that "perfect" ESV. Maybe Allan's ESVT1 will be the winner.
Posted by: Rod | May 02, 2008 at 08:00 PM
How does this Bible differ from the calfskin edition of the same?
Posted by: Roy | May 14, 2008 at 03:31 PM
A few quick notes on the Allan ESV1 (Black and Tan)
1. They are scheduled to ship from the UK next week. (9.22-26)
2. They will have the Oxford maps, but will not have the lined paper.
3. The font is bolder than the first edition.
4. The paper doesn't have the "wavy" aspect as in the first edition.
5. Only 250 of each have been bound.
thanks
Paul
evangelicalbible.com
Posted by: Paul | September 19, 2008 at 11:28 AM
I want an Allan Bible with the best quality leather in Black, red letter edition, margins with references, concordance in the back, indexing and subtitles under the chapters.
Where can I get one?
Posted by: Margerey Sarabia | September 25, 2008 at 11:53 AM
@Margerey
You left out the most important part: Version. :) Check out Allan's site: http://www.bibles-direct.com/index.phtml. All they currently have are listed there. Also, check out the great reviews here.
Posted by: Kyle | September 25, 2008 at 01:14 PM
I haven't seen anything about the "paper quality" of the Allen's Bible. Is it good India paper?
Posted by: David V. Hurst | October 19, 2008 at 06:06 AM
Update on the Allan ESV1 Black:
We have a total of 20 remaining copies....that is until the 3rd printing in 2009.....
thanks
evangelicalbible.com
Posted by: Paul | November 05, 2008 at 10:39 AM
What do you guys mean by "waves"? Are they bad?
Posted by: eric | November 14, 2008 at 07:00 PM
I clean and condition my Bibles with the same leather cleaner/conditioner that I use on my Harley Davidson seat and leather jacket. I trust it on a $500.oo jacket I surely trust it on my quality Bibles. It also softens the leather at a quicker pace, plus the more you read it the softer it will become.
Posted by: Lou | November 15, 2008 at 08:58 AM
Any insider information on the 2009 3rd printing? Will there be any changes/differences?
John
Posted by: John | November 22, 2008 at 09:21 PM
Any insider information on the 2009 3rd printing? Will there be any changes/differences?
John
Posted by: John | November 22, 2008 at 09:22 PM
I e-mailed EvagelicalBible.Org and they said no change just the additional $20.00 increase
Posted by: Mike Smith | November 24, 2008 at 02:47 PM
I purchased the ESV2 from evangelicalbible.com after reading this article because I didn't need the lined paper but was intrigued by the quality of the Allans and that website was offering them for $75 shipped. When I received the Bible I opened it up only to find that the leather was very rigid. Upon opening the Bible I was surprised to see that every page was warped and then I found that the page containing Genesis 19 had a line of stitching running the full length of the page. (Not in the binding) That line of stitching seemed to be holding the first set of pages together. Overall I was extremely upset with what I had received and I will be returning the defective Bible, but I am now hesitant to purchase another Allan's, at least from that site.
Posted by: Paul | December 02, 2008 at 04:48 PM
Paul most of the better bound Bibles have the same stitching as in a Bible from 1962. In my collection, and the wavy pages come from the hand binding so each Bible will be different. The Allan's ESV2 is goatskin but not highland goat and is not leatherlined, that is why it is stiff. I have the same edition and it softing more each week.
Posted by: mike smith | December 02, 2008 at 06:08 PM
Mike thanks for a little more insight into the Bible I purchased. Maybe my expectations were a bit too high. I understand the rigidity of the goatskin now a little better and my mind is a little more at ease with the binding. I am just a little concerned with the stitching on the 26th page that appears to be holding the first few pages together. Perhaps is it just some reinforcing for those pages or is this a flaw? I am now re-considering the fact of sending it back. Thank you for the information.
Posted by: Paul | December 02, 2008 at 07:40 PM
11/28/2008 I odered two ESV 1 bibles. On 12/05/2008 they were shipped. So far so good. 12/10/2008
delivery was made on the date specified. Can you imagine my horror when I read on the copyright
page "Printed And Bound In China". How could anyone decieve people into thinking the bible was
printed and bound in the U.K. when it was really "Printed And Bound In China"
Posted by: Steve Irvine | December 14, 2008 at 10:48 PM
Paul most of the Bibles I have which have that stitching have held together longer then those without because this keeps the first section from coming apart @ between the section. This is why better Bibles have the stitching in front and back, some Bible will use cloth tape to reinforce the first section to the next. This I do not like so I will not buy unless the cost is low.
Posted by: mike smith | December 15, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Steve this topic was discussed earlier in this blog and Allan did not have control over the printing since they only hand bound the Bibles, and most binders are having this done in China. Such as the lockman foundation press with their NAS update Bibles.
Posted by: mike smith | December 15, 2008 at 11:12 AM
"Printed And Bound In China"?
So is China binding the printed pages together and sending them to Allan's? And then Allan's is binding the bound pages to the leather cover?
Posted by: Stan McCullars | December 16, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Stan as far as I know from previous info from Allan, Collins had first had the papers printed in China but they were done not the way Allan wanted (see info from Evangelical Bibles.com a couple months ago) so the binding was delayed from July? to Oct-nov time frame. I think Allan both binds the papers and the goatskin leather @ their pace. You could e-mail Allan and find more info, and let the rest of know.
Posted by: mike smith | December 16, 2008 at 02:25 PM
Stan look at the post just below your commits David on allan's ESV delivery for more info about the binding.
Posted by: mike smith | December 16, 2008 at 02:30 PM
Nicholas at R.L. Allan mentioned that they use Smythson on Bond Street in London for binding. I'm not sure where they get the paper. Perhaps multiple sources. They do have mutiple sources for the actual printing. The ESV was done in Chine by Collins, but many others are printed in London or other locations near R.L. Allan.
Posted by: Robert Lombardi | December 17, 2008 at 06:45 AM
Mark -
I've been enjoying my Tan ESV1 that I received in Oct. I agree with you - its amazing. I've almost underlined half of it! Its the nicest binding I've ever seen. But, I've noticed a clear separation between the 1st and 2nd sections at Genesis 31-32. Yet it still seems to be tight? Is that something I should worry about of is it one of those imperfections that come with a hand sewn "work of art"?
Peace - Mike Coleman
Posted by: Michael L. Coleman | December 23, 2008 at 02:49 PM
Just as an FYI to poster Paul above and to any others who imagine that an extra line of stitching on first and/or last signatures of a Bible might represent a defect; it is nothing of the sort, rather it is an indication of superior quality.
Speaking from a perspective as a Bible store manager from over three decades ago, it was once the rule for ALL best-quality leather-bound Bibles to be so stitched. Although far less common today even with Bibles from the the University presses, it used to be the case that ALL best-bound leather-covered Bibles and Testaments from Cambridge and Oxford, as well as many from Collins (all of which were printed in Great Britain, none of them in China!) had the first and the last signatures separately stitched, as a means of reinforcement, since with each and every opening of the book, those end signatures were stressed, and the reinforcement sewing made the beginning and end signatures therefore less likely to pull off from the Smythe-stitched text bundle.
Alas, it's my observation that Bible-making materials and execution aren't like what the best examples once were (in the '70s), either in terms of paper density and opacity or regarding binding methods. Most Bibles today are printed in China, and the typical leather covers even on "premium" Bibles are shoddy stiff affairs with glued paper, cloth or plastic linings which pull away, and whose spines wear out fairly quickly. Oversewn end-signatures are almost never seen.
The Allan Bible cover materials and attatchments are excellent, however, even though the paper quality of the current editions I own from Allan is not up to the level of the best that was once used by Cambridge and Oxford.
Posted by: SAWBONES | December 26, 2008 at 06:59 PM
Well, I just took the plunge and ordered an ESV1 in Highland. I noticed that the exchange rate is particularly good right now (the bible and one Allan's Journal came up to 100 pounds even, or $145 bucks American), and I had me some Christmas money burning a hole in my pocket, so I done did it! I already own a Cambridge Wide Margin NASB (wonderful, marvelous, delicious in every way, but the print is microscopic!), and a Crossway SCR/ESV in Calfskin (not too shabby, actually, but I was never gaga over it), but I figured I owed it to myself to try out one of these Allan's bibles. I also read somewhere on here that a price increase is in the works for 2009 on these, so between that and the current exchange rate favoring the dollar a little, "Let the games begin!" I noticed there was no shipping charge, either! Now I must sit on my thumbs for, what, a week? *tick tock....tick tock...*
Posted by: Robert | January 02, 2009 at 03:17 PM
Note, Allan's website now lists two new editions of the ESV1 due in February: the limited edition one in black with red ribbons and red/white headbands that someone else mentioned recently, and one in chocolate brown with three ribbons (green, purple and brown).
Posted by: Kathy | January 08, 2009 at 05:41 AM
I received my Allan's ESV 1BR today. Feb 2, 09. The Bible is everything you said it would be and more. It is the nicest bound Bible that I have ever had in my hands and I have held a few. My Allen's bound ESV is a rich dark brown highland goatskin, it's beautiful. They just don't bound books in the USA like that anymore. It is worth every penny I paid for it. Thank you for the information
Bob,
living in the beautiful and wild land of Alaska by choice.
Posted by: Robert (Bob) Anderson Scandinavian and Scots by decent | February 02, 2009 at 01:21 PM
I received mt Allan's ESV1BR. It is beautiful. The nicest Bible I have ever held. The leather is a dark rich brown. I love it. They don't do binding like the Allan's in the USA any more. Allan's Bible is the finest quality workmanship that I have seen.
Bob
Living in the beautiful land of Alaska
Posted by: robert anderson | February 02, 2009 at 01:28 PM
This is the article that started me on my expensive obsession for R.L. Allan Bibles. Not that I'm complaining. :)
Posted by: AJ Bergren | March 20, 2009 at 05:27 AM
this is so good. i would love to hear more.
Posted by: forex forum | March 24, 2009 at 04:41 PM
Forex forum,
If you want to hear more then please see the "Bible Reviews" section of this blog at the right side bar and click the link on the top of the reviews titled:
"R. L. Allan's ESV1, ESV1T and ESV1 BR in Highland Goatskin ".
This review (stated above) covers the third printing of the R.L. Allan ESV1 reference Bibles in black, brown and tan colored Highland goatskin covers.
Posted by: AJ Bergren | March 24, 2009 at 06:07 PM
I got water on my black highland goatskin ESV 1.
:(
Posted by: Robert | April 30, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Robert,
I feel for yah bro. How bad is the damage?
Posted by: AJ Bergren | April 30, 2009 at 07:34 PM
The damage isn't as bad as it could be, I suppose. But, having the "wavey-wrinkly- and lumpy-bumpy- page" feel for the first third of an Allan highland goat bible, and losing the red-gold sheen on the art-gilt to a kind of slight zebra-pattern of brilliance, with a bit of fraying too, was enough to make me a sad camper.
On an unrelated matter, however, I do find that such a wonderful binding appears like a silk hat on a pig (to quote a movie that used to be one of my favs) when joined to the industrial-looking Crossway double column interior. It's like having a blue blood's cover on the outside and Chairman Mao's 'The People's Bible' on the inside. I am starting to crave a highland goat cover with full yap and an ESV translation whose beauty is more than merely skin deep. How about a gorgeous page layout, and font and paper for your ESVs, Allan?
Too bad I'm poor or I'd shop around on their page to see what else they have.
Still, if anyone has a home remedy for a water damaged bible, I'd love to hear it.
Regards
Posted by: Robert | May 02, 2009 at 10:49 AM
It looks like there have been no comments on this bible for almost a year and a half. I just ordered one. Has there been any changes?
Posted by: Joe P | July 03, 2009 at 02:46 AM
Joe P.,
There has been some slight changes to the ESV1 since this review came out.
Those changes are:
1)Better paper (the old paper usually came with ripples or a waviness to it).
2)A classy gold border line on the inside edges of the cover.
3)Non-lined note pages in the back
4)The semi-yap Highland goatskin cover may or may not be molded (it could come pretty much flat).
Posted by: AJ Bergren | July 03, 2009 at 05:40 AM
Joe P.,
I forgot one more change to the ESV1 since this review came out:
It now comes with three thick ribbons!!
Posted by: AJ Bergren | July 03, 2009 at 05:42 AM
Mr Bertrand,
Do you know if Allen plans on producing an ESV Study Bible?
Thank you, Ron
Posted by: Ronald Skwier | January 29, 2010 at 07:16 PM
My wife teased me today as I was online looking at Bible reviews and video reviews on YouTube. :) I said it was better than ogling over the next Apple gadget and cheaper, if only slightly. LOL. After finding your blog, I am very thrilled to get my new ESV Dark Brown Readers Edition from Allan.
Posted by: Andy | February 10, 2012 at 09:52 PM