Customer Reviews

KJV Cameo Reference Edition (Black Calfskin Leather)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've had personal experience with Bibles from numerous American publishers, and can attest to the fact that there is nothing AMG, Holman, Nelson, Zondervan, or Tyndale can put out to equal the worksmanship of this edition. Those mass-produced editions are made out of inferior materials, slapped together with glue that breaks down after exposure to moisture, and more often than not are impossible to read from any distance. The only American Bible I've seen that compares to this is the Thompson as published by B.B. Kirkbride.

The Thompson is great, mind you, but it has two big problems. First, it's expensive (though I don't think one should skimp on a Bible, especially if you're going to be reading it as much as you should be) and second, it's very big and clumsy. After my second Nelson Compact Reference Bible fell apart (I received the second as a gift- I'd never have bought another) I was in the market for a new travel-size one. It had to be lightweight and relatively small, and it had to have a concordance since I can't remember numbers to save my life.

Fortunately, I stumbled by this Cambridge University Press edition. Being a conservative Christian, I don't believe in luck, so it must have been God's guidance. This is the perfect travel edition for me- it measures 7.25x5.25x1.25 inches (Amazon's dimensions apparently include the box), is barely heavier than my doomed Nelson despite being significantly larger, and has an excellent concordance. The typeface is easy to read even from my lap (I'm nearsighted- about 3 diopter prescription) and the binding is of superfluous quality. There's an added dictionary and a set of detailed maps as well, and center column references. Topic summaries are noted at the header of each page. Unlike many other Bibles I've seen, the pages turn easily straight out of the box, and are of exquisite quality.

The printing in the concordance is significantly smaller than the rest of the Bible text, but this is forgivable. I'd rather have more references than have it perfectly legible. In all, I'm pleasantly surprised by the amount of helps in this Bible- it is much more than one would expect from an edition of this size.

I still use my Thompson for desktop study, but I have a new companion when traveling and witnessing. It's clear to me now that Cambridge deserves its reputation as a producer of top-quality Bibles. Especially for its price, the Cameo Reference Edition comes highly recommended. It is now my gift of choice for loved ones.

Some things you should know about the red-letter Cambridge KJV Cameo Bible:

1) It has art-gilt edging instead of standard gilt edging. This means the page edges have been dyed red first, then gilt in gold. This results in a very beautiful effect, almost a pinkish gold hue. And when the gold wears off (from reading it too much - wink wink), you'll be left with a nice red edging all around. The zippered version of the Cameo currently doesn't have the art-gilt edging.

2) It no longer comes in the Kings College double slipcase, as shown in the photos above. It comes in a less desirable cheaper white flip-case with a blue cross on it. :-( However, Cambridge will sell you one of the older Kings College cases for 10 pounds plus shipping.

3) It has one black ribbon, which is longer than the ribbon in the zippered version.

4) The words of Christ in Revelation are not in red. Pity.

5) The black calfskin leather is of exceptional quality.

6) The gold stamping on the spine is poor, it looks as though they used too much gold.

7) I also own the wide-margin Cameo Bible, which I bought in the mid-90's, and it didn't have the Dictionary. Not sure if the latest wide-margin has the Dictionary or not. This Bible is a much easier size to hold than the wide-margin version, and the Dictionary is very good.

8) I bought both this version and the zippered version to compare the two. I'm returning the zippered version as this one opens better, and the art-gilt edging is simply stunning. That's not to say the zippered version is bad, just not as good.

9) The first one I ordered had lighter text on the inside in places, and the edging was marred, as though it were a used Bible. If yours is this way, I suggest returning it for one with darker text.

10) I've been looking for the perfect Bible for over 16 years, and currently own over 10 different Bibles from Cambridge to Oxford to Holman and Thomas Nelson...etc. etc. This is hands-down the best Bible I have found yet. It is easy to read, of the highest quality, fully-featured, and in short, the closest to perfection you can get today. The only negative I'd give it is that the paper is a bit on the thin side.

Don't waste your money like I did. Buy this Bible first!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

This Bible takes my breath away. I've searched and searched for this Bible. Finally, FINALLY, I found it. It's perfect in every way. The size is just what I wanted. It's easy on the eyes. Oh, and the smell . . . intoxicating. Everytime I open my Bible to read it, I can smell the leather. The pages are soft & are not hard to break in at all. I have many bibles and the pages are either torn or creased. But, these pages are one of a kind. I have the burgundy red letter edition & it's beautiful. If you're thinking about purchasing this bible, you won't be sorry. I would have paid a lot more for a bible of this quality. The best!

(NOTE, 1-08): Cambridge, in their infinite wisdom(?) is no longer printing their Cameo edition of the KJV. It WAS an invaluable edition. Hopefully, they will reconsider!)This Cameo Bible is one fantastic Bible, made by a manufacturer that produces fine work. The print is legible, the features are outstanding, especially the Dictionary in the back, and the excellent Concordance. I also have the top-of-the-line edition from Allan's of Glasgow, which very much surpasses this calfskin edition. Cambridge leather Bibles, in my opinion, are not of the same quality as they were 10 years ago. They now tend to be stiff as the proverbial board. It will last a lifetime. No glue-bound, cheap American mass-produced garbage here. This is a Bible to carry wherever you go. Well worth the extra dollars you spend.

I found some beautiful bibles my Grandmother had - given to her by her father around 1900, and they were obviously used a lot, but still in good condition. And they were <U>Cambridge bibles</u>! So, I wanted to order one for myself and possibly my sons.

<UL><li>The leather is very nice, and the art-gilding is simply beautiful - you must see it to understand why it is so desirable.

<li>Also, the type, while not as clean as the Concord, I think it is easier to read - if that makes sense. Plus, the old world charm of the type face compliments this KJV treasure.

<li>Red Lettering? I am still not sure where I stand on red letter versions, but this is one. However, I found it interesting (and really quite reasonable) to see that Christ's words in Revelation - red in other bibles - are not in this one. Someone else commented to this being a pity. But, IF you read the cover to the NT, you will see this: WITH THE WORDS OF OUR LORD WHILE UPON EARTH PRINTED IN RED. The while upon earth really is a much better approach to this issue. Yes, they are ALL His words - He is the Word! But I really like how the Cameo approaches red lettering.
</UL>
Downside? As mentioned before, the gold stamping on the spine is a little sloppy - what a shame - and the printing is not as crisp as some of my World Publishing bibles. But I'm being very picky.

All in all, this is a treasure, not only of the KJV translation of God's Word, but of craftsmanship and artistry!

If you are sick and tired of your bibles falling apart through constant use, then this bible is the ONE to get!!This bible is the absollute best that I own!!!. If you are looking for a durable, long lasting, well made bible: This is it!!! (or any bible published by Cambridge University Press, for that matter)> The print is clear and readable too. The only drawback is the raised letters in the text. If you find this feature annoying, then you may wish to consider the Concord Reference or the Concord Wide Margin Reference (I have that one as well) instead. All in all, I am pleased with this bible and fully expect to pass it down to my future children.

This Bible by far is the BEST I've ever owned! I came upon this Bible quite by accident. I had been to several stores and could not find a size I liked so I kept looking and what a blessing, I finally found it. The perfect Bible, the perfect size with perfect features. I was almost certain I would have to give up something to have a Bible this size (ie. concordance, dictionary, maps, chain reference) but when I opened it up and looked inside, to my amazement, ALL of these things were included!! So I sacrificed nothing by going with this "easier-to-handle" size but instead I got the perfect Bible containing EVERY feature I desire in a Bible. The dictionary is the best I've seen in a Bible (many scriptural references to go along with the dictionary information), the concordance is logically organized (I've seen many concordances which AREN'T!), and the chain reference has been very helpful to me in my studying.

My only wish is that they would offer it in more than 2 colors. I do have to say though the burgundy one looks great. It's my favorite of the two colors. I have the black one. I bought the burgundy one for my daughter with complete faith that it will last her for many, many years. The calfskin binding is a little on the rough side at first but it gets softer and softer the longer you own and handle it. It's also very durable. The India paper wasn't quite as "sticky" as other new Bible pages. They "break in" very quickly. They too seem to get softer with much use.

Rest assured, if you choose to purchase this Bible you definitely will not be disappointed!! And it's certainly worth more than it's price--for God's Holy Word is a precious and priceless treasure!!

This Bible by far is the BEST I've ever owned!!! I came upon this Bible quite by accident. I had been to several stores and could not find a size I liked so I kept looking and what a blessing, I finally found it. The perfect Bible, the perfect size with perfect features. I was almost certain I would have to give up something to have a Bible this size (ie. concordance, dictionary, maps, chain reference) but when I opened it up and looked inside, to my amazement, ALL of these things were included!! So I sacrificed nothing by going with this "easier-to-handle" size but instead I got the perfect Bible containing EVERY feature I desire in a Bible. The dictionary is the best I've seen in a Bible (many scriptural references to go along with the dictionary information), the concordance is logically organized (I've seen many concordances which AREN'T!), and the chain reference has been very helpful to me in my studying.

My only wish is that they would offer it in more than 2 colors. I do have to say though the burgundy one looks great. It's my favorite of the two colors. I have the black one. I bought the burgundy one for my daughter with complete faith that it will last her for many, many years. The calfskin binding is a little on the rough side at first but it gets softer and softer the longer you own and handle it. It's also very durable. The India paper wasn't quite as "sticky" as other new Bible pages. They "break in" very quickly. They too seem to get softer with much use.

Rest assured, if you choose to purchase this Bible you definitely will not be disappointed!! And it's certainly worth more than it's price--for God's Holy Word is a precious and priceless treasure!!

The Cameo Bible is a favorite of mine due to its size, readable print and the high degree of quality craftmanship that is employed by Cambridge University Press.

Best of all it is the Authorized (King James) Version so that you know you are reading the pure, uncorrupted, Word of God.

"The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever." (Psalm 12:6,7)

I normaly rave about Cambridge Bible quality, but this is the first one I bought that disappointed me. The Bible came to me and right out of the box, I noticed that underneath the back covers along the flaps was BLACK TAPE that looked like the leather binding. It OBVIOUSLY was holding a broken binding together!!!!! I could not believe it!!! Otherwise, the leather, pages, and everything else is wonderful. Maybe Cambridge decided to "rescue" this bible by taping it up and selling it anyway since it is among their "least" expensive bibles. I have never had even a Nelson or Zondervan arrive with TAPE in the back. Amazing!!!