R. L. Allan's Cross Reference with Concordance (NIV)

Where Bibles are concerned, my tastes are pretty simple. I prefer small to large, thick to thin, single to double, and stitches to glue. I like my fonts traditional and readable, would rather have three ribbons than one, and never saw a problem that couldn't be solved by the liberal application of goatskin. So when an edition comes along that violates just about all of my principles, and I still find myself liking it -- even loving it -- then it's worth taking a moment to ask myself why.

The Bible in question is the Cross Reference NIV with Concordance from R. L. Allan's. And if I had to sum up the appeal in just two words, they'd be: brown and grain.

Above: The Allan's Cross Reference NIV with Concordance bound in brown calfskin (*NIVC2BR), semi yapp style, red under gold page edges, with concordance and 16 pp maps. £70

Yes, this edition is available in black highland goatskin for £20 extra, and in mid-grain goatskin for the same price. But there is something jaw-dropping about the grainy brown calfskin cover on mine. No, it isn't as liquidly limp as the goatskin would be, but it's flexible enough and feels great in the hand. The real delight, though, is the appearance. The brown is captivating. Looking closely, the raised grain is dark and the fissures in between are lighter, so there's a real complexity and depth to the color. It's one of those love-it-or-hate-it effects, and I love it.

The text block, which is the Hodder & Stoughton Cross Reference with Concordance -- measures 6 x 9 and runs just over an inch thick, but when you factor in the semi-yapp overhang on three sides of the cover, the footprint is more like 6.75 x 10. That's pretty large. As a result, there is nothing cramped about the interior layout. The font is reasonably larger, there's plenty of white space on the page, and the overall effect is one of comfort and dignity.

My only beef with the two-column setting is that the center references get a lot of space, which results in the columns being narrower than I'd like. But this is true of most reference Bibles, so I can hardly single this one out for criticism. Even so, it's perfectly readable.

Above: The large format allows for generous, elegant proportions.
Below: No book introductions. Instead, plenty of beautiful white space.

I prefer that small Bibles not be thinlines, but at this scale the thinness seems like an advantage. You don't have to grapple with it the way you would with a two-inch thick study edition with the same trim size. Where an edition like this really shines, I suspect, is in the pulpit. The size seems perfect for teaching -- large enough to see, substantial enough to hold onto. Because the calfskin doesn't droop as readily as goatskin would, the cover supports the pages more when it's open flat in the hand. Some people have told me that the super-limp Bibles, when held one-handed, feel like they're going to slip out of your grasp. (I like that feeling, but you might not.) There's no danger of that happening with the Allan's Cross Reference NIV. If the highland goatskin bindings are soft like an unconstructed Italian jacket, this one feels more structured, like one of those military-inspired suits from Savile Row.

Above: It opens flat...
Below: And does the Bible yoga, although it's not as loosey-goosey as the goatskin editions.

The binding is quite supple, and the Bible opens flat the way you'd expect. The lining inside the cover is black rather than brown (or the dark brown of the Allan's ESV in tan goatskin), but the ribbon is complementary. Handling the Allan's Cross Reference NIV reminded me of something I noted with the Cambridge Book of Common Prayer in brown goatskin -- namely, that art-gilt edges and brown leather are a match made in heaven. The red under gold finish harmonizes with the brown in a way it really doesn't with black. You get a hint of this in the tan goatskin ESV, but the darker hues here really emphasize the look.

In a lot of ways, Bibles these days are like dress shoes. Everyone knows that "good" shoes are welted (i.e., sewn), but the vast majority of what's available have adhesive soles. The cheaper manufacturing process is defended with the argument that, yeah, the glued shoes fall apart faster, but they're also less expensive to replace. (Sound familiar?) Most people don't care about their shoes, so that's fine. But if you ever become attached to a particular pair, you come to appreciate quality construction. The same thing applies with Bibles. Most people don't care how their Bible is put together. Unless they read it, after all, there's not much danger of it falling apart -- and if it does, they can always buy a new one. But the few who really use them and in the process become attached really appreciate (and demand) a certain level of quality.

Like dress shoes, most Bibles come in black. Not because black is the best color or the most versatile, but because it's come to stand for formality. Black is dressy. It's always correct. But it can be a bit ... boring. Which is why I try to spotlight the other alternatives whenever I can. I'm a big fan of red as a Bible color, and brown is right up there with it. I like everything from mahogany to British tan, the more interesting and uneven the better. Where the Allan's Cross Reference NIV shines is its versatility. I won't say it is chameleon-like, but the color takes on different characteristics depending on the light, which makes it as much a pleasure to look at as it is to touch.

Above: The grain is quite pronounced. You don't just see it, you feel it.
Below: A study in brown, grainy leather.

Above: Three from Allan's -- the TNIV (top), the Bold Print Reference (middle), and the Cross Reference with Concordance (bottom).

So let's say you want an NIV and you insist on an Allan's edition. Which one should you buy? The beautiful Bold Print Reference I reviewed earlier, or this one? Good question.

Here's how they stack up:

1. In terms of size, the Bold Print Reference is smaller and thicker. They weight about the same, but the Bold Print Reference feels more solid, while the Cross Reference with Concordance is more trim and tight.

2. In terms of flexibility, the Bold Print Reference in goatskin is definitely more supple. If you want that super-limp feel, choose the Bold Print or get the Cross Reference in highland goat (which I haven't handled, but I imagine would be "crazy limp" given the size).

3. In terms of readability, the Bold Print Reference is on top. But then, I think it would score high in any comparison. If you're one of those people who has trouble with small print or light impressions, you really can't go wrong with the Bold Print Reference.

That sounds like a victory for the Bold Print Reference -- but hold on a minute. Yes, the Bold Print is handier and more flexible, and yes, it has an edge when it comes to legibility. But the Cross Reference scores well in those areas, too, and quite high on another one: it's unique. This Bible stands out. I haven't had it long enough to know how it will improve with age, but I look forward to finding out. No, it isn't goatskin, but it's the most interesting calfskin cover I've seen in a long while.

If you're looking for something unusual, I think you'll prefer the Cross Reference. If you love brown -- or have simply gotten tired of black -- you'll prefer it, too. If you use the NIV for public teaching, you may find the size and structure attractive. I know I do.

Comments

[Kyle Hedrick]

I am thankful this is not single column! I already own the black highland goatskin NIV, two Cambridge NIV's, and several other NIV's -- and I never really use the NIV. I almost bought the bold print reference simply because it was an Allan's and it was on sale. I will more likely buy the Allen's NRSV. Do you know the font size in the Bold Print Reference, the grainy brown calfskin, and the NRSV? I would typically never ask someone to lie, but I would appreciate it if you would respond with the following font sizes: 7.4, 8.0, 6-7.

The pictures are great, and this grainy brown calfskin is one of the best looking thinlines I have seen. My favorite thinline previously was the Holman Legacy NIV published in 2000 (the newer Holman Legacy HCSB is junk -- in my opinion). This NIV is unbelievable. Hopefully, the typeset will be tiny!

[J. Mark Bertrand]

I don't know the exact font size, Kyle. Unless the publisher discloses it, it's hard to say. In the old days, I had a transparent card with various font sizes printed on it that was used for estimating the size of printed type. Unfortunately I don't have it anymore. The Cross Reference NIV doesn't have tiny type, though. It could be in the region of 9-9.5, but that's only a guess. I haven't seen the Allan's NRSV in person, so I don't know about that one. I'd guess 10 pt or more on the Bold Print. Both are very readable, the Bold Print more so.

[Isaac Curtis Johnson]

Not only do I love the Bible; but I love the bag as well. Were did you get it from! I am about to get a burgundy NRSV wraped in Berkshire Leather from Oxford. I think that bag would be the perfect thing for me to carry my new Oxford in.

[J. Mark Bertrand]

Isaac -- That bag came from J. Peterman circa 1993. Here's a link to another photo:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jmarkbertrand/2234538457/in/set-72157603786017843/

As far as I know, it isn't available anymore. It's the ideal messenger bag, though, because it's just a big opening covered by a flap (with a tiny, useless zippered pocket underneath). No structure unless you put something inside.

[David]

Nice review. I bought the Bold Print Reference NIV at the reduced rate last year for an elder in my church. I think I'll look into the tan cross-reference NIV as a gift Bible as well.

Thanks again for bringing these wonderful reviews to us. I never get tired of looking at pictures of quality bibles.

God Bless,
David

[Nathan Stitt]

According to the catalogue I received with my last Allans, the Bold Print Reference comes in this same brown leather as well. I considered buying it at the higher price, but went with the black goatskin you reviewed earlier. Thanks for yet another excellent review!

[mats]

Hi Nathan
Thaat brown bold print is sold out

[Nathan Stitt]

Aww shucks :(

I'll likely be going for the new run of Tan ESV. This leather does have a great visual appeal though.

[Steve D'Alessio]

This Bible looked so beautiful in your pictures, that I just ordered one from Allan's. I can't wait to lay my eyes on that brown calfskin! I hope the grain on mine is as nice as on yours, or I'm gonna beg you for a trade :)

[David Dewey]

Kyle, the Bold Print reference NIV is 8.8 Olympian on 9.9 leading. It is an enlargement of the Cambridge wide margin NIV which is 8pt on 9pt leading.

[David Dewey]

Kyle, the Bold Print reference NIV is 8.8 Olympian on 9.9 leading. It is an enlargement of the Cambridge wide margin NIV which is 8pt on 9pt leading.

[Steve D'Alessio]

My brown calfskin Allan's NIV cross Reference with Concordance arrived today. Wow! What a unique and beautiful piece of work. It is much stiffer than the goatskin, but who cares....I LOVE IT!

[Stuart]

This Bible (like its black highland goatskin leather-lined sibling) is almost perfect! I can see it quickly becoming my choice for reading / study, it's just so beautiful...

[David Nelson]

I received my copy (in Dallas) from R L Allan (in Glasgow) in only three days via included standard shipping! It is absolutely beautiful, and my first venture into "any-yapp" bindings. I had to give this NIV a try even though I suspected that the semi-yapp overhang would lend a somewhat sloppy feeling to it. Surprise--I love this binding particularly because the stiffness of the leather creates a semi-hard molded shell around the edges of the text block. In other words, the bent overhang of the covers is there to stay, and thankfully so. The font is very readable to my 50+ year old eyes (with as little bleed through as I have seen in any Bible), so I don't feel the need for the Bold Print edition. Thanks again, Mark.

[Ashley]

I had been looking to no avail for a new bible going on 3 months. I realized, and was perplexed that the bookstores didn't have one bible that suited. I thought, does anybody care? What AM I looking for and being so picky about? I almost felt guilty! I couldn't find a website that showed pics or text layouts so I was reserved in clicking the 'process order' button. When I found a website that covered bibles in elephant skin I thought, Interesting, but how could I? Then, like a ray of light, I found this website through the Jesus DeSaenz site. Glory shown all around! :) Finally, I discovered like precious faith in bible design! A name to my discerning taste. And this bible I rec'd recently from R.L.Allen is satisfactory to the palate. God bless you Mark!

[David from Ireland]

I have 2 Allan Journals and I really like them, I would be interested in the new design as well.

As for the pens for writing in them. I use Pigma Micron 0.01 which I find to be excellent.

Of course it's not so much what you write with but what you write.

Psalm 45.1 (KJV)
My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

[DavidT]

There is some clearance stock slightly imperfect black goatskin version of this Allans NIVC2 for under a hundred bucks at evangelicalbible
http://evangelicalbible.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12_124&products_id=436
It looks like a good deal.

[Wesley Smith]

Where could I find a zippered pouch like the one shown above with the initials on it? I have a new ESV cordovan calfskin and would like to carry it in my messenger bag but, I'm afraid of damaging the pages.

[J. Mark Bertrand]

Wesley | That's just a zippered portfolio. They're available wherever briefcase alternatives are sold, in this case from Levenger. Aspinal has some nicer ones, too.

[Ben Ting]

Allan has a new NIV binding coming out in Nov: NIVC1 BR - *NEW* Dark brown Highland goatskin with matching leather linings, red under gold page edges, two ribbon markers, with concordance and Bible maps.

Could this be the prelude to the "speculated" Dark Brown Highland goatskin for ESV1?

[Anthony Miller]

I know many of you are awating the Black or Brown Goatskin editions from Allans and I'll probably get on of these myself as i am growing quite fond of the NIV now.

I really wished I had been able to pick up one of these in the brown calfskin like Mark reviewed above.

If anyone here would like to sell or trade one in brown calfskin I would be very interested in buying it outright or trading for/buying you some other edition you desire.

Thanks,
Tony

[David Nelson]

I received my copy of the dark brown edition today from Allan's. (I am in Dallas.) The cover is the softest highland goatskin I have experienced yet, and I have several from Allan's. It is buttery soft, the color of dark chocolate, and easily executes the most demanding bible gymnastics-the most flexible bible I have ever seen. Some of the imprinting on the spine is slightly off-center and there is a bit of splotchiness to the red ink under the gilding, but who cares? This only adds to its uniqueness. It is a beautiful example of God's Word done right! I'm sure Mark will have one soon and can display it for us in all its glory!

[mike smith]

Thanks David mine should be here I hope by Wensday mailing. I sam looking forward to this edition for use in my preaching. Did yours come from the US Mail? Mike Smith

[David Nelson]

Yes, it arrived by U.S. Mail.

[Mike Smith]

THe NIV Goatskin Bible arrived today along with the Tan ESV Bible in a large blue customs bag. They look and feel great David. And the price was very good due to the pound going down. Wish I had a way to show the Bibles.

[Kathy]

A question for those of you who have already received your NIV in brown goatskin from RL Allan: How is the quality of the paper and the printing in regards to readability, ghosting of the text, etc? Thank you.

[David Nelson]

Kathy,
The paper quality, bleedthrough/ghosting is comparable to other Allan bibles. The paper appears to be very slightly whiter than others from Allan, although there is no difference in texture. Comparison of the Cambridge Single-Column NIV to this edition also revealed comparable bleedthrough/ghosting. There is thus no improvement here over other editions with respect to these characteristics. The font is easy on the eyes and pleasant to read, albeit more delicate than some of bolder fonts used today.

[Bruce]

Thanks Mark for all your information and pics on the Allen Bibles. I didn't even know about Allen's products till I found your website. I have just ordered the new ESV1 in Chocolate goatskin. No pics of it yet, but from what I have seen in your photography, and what you say about the quality, I'm sure I'll be impressed. Can hardly wait....

[James Paul Lawler]

Can someone please someone tell me where I can buy one of these and how much it would cost in US $.
Also, how does this one compare to the NIV Pitt Minion Reference Black Goatskin NI186RC?

[Michael Smith]

James go to Evangelicalbible.com and go under allan for NIV, ESV. KJV. They are the U.S. distributer for Allan. AS far as the price I was not sure which edition of the Niv you wanted.

[David]

To check the true point size of any font, use a loupe with points marked off (easiest way), or a pica/point stick. align the 0 (zero) at the top of the ascender of a character (or a capital letter), then find the bottom of a descender of a character. The measurement is the point size. Beware of using a lower case g for the descender. Those are sometimes designed squatty and will not descend as far as the other characters.