Customer Reviews

Geneva Bible-OE: The Bible of the Protestant Reformation

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

The Geneva Bible 1560 Edition by Hendrickson has opened my appreciation for this old treasure. I will divide my review in two categories:
1. HISTORICAL VALUE
(a). This cannot be underestimated. This IS the very first English Bible after Reformation that was available for the people in general. This was possible because the Geneva Bible was affordable, so every home was able to own it. Imagine, for the first time, English speaking man/woman/children reading the Bible in their own homes as they gather around this Geneva Bible. This facsimile shows us clearly what they read in its entirety. (I get goosebumps just thinking about it =)).
(b). The Roman fonts are clearly superior to Black (or Gothic) fonts that they used for other English Bibles (KJV of 1611 used Black fonts and it is difficult to read). Even now, I could read the Geneva Bible (1560) because of its use of Roman fonts which is easier on the eyes.
(c). The marginal notes. This is FIRST English study Bible that helps you to understand the passage through the Reformers' eyes. As a 21st century believer, you could definitely taste what they thought about particular passage at that time.
(d). The Introduction by Lloyd E. Berry is extremely informative about the development of the Geneva Bible. Very helpful for those who wish to know the history of English Bible and the value of the Geneva Bible.

2. PHYSICAL BIBLE ITSELF
(a). This Hendrickson edition is excellent! I have a hardcover edition with dust jacket and I am very pleased. It includes the Apocrypha as well. So it is little bulky but you have complete 1560 edition of the Geneva Bible.
(b). The pages are of great quality. It is not thin like our regular Bible. It is not printed on "white" paper but rather "beige" kind of color to enhance the sense of antiquity.
(c). The binding according to the publisher is "Smyth Sewn" (stitched). The copy will last for a long time.

Overall, I am very pleased. If you decide to purchase it, you will not be disappointed. So if you love Church History, this Bible is for you! Excellent value for money.

I received the leather-bound version of this Bible about a month ago. Due to binding issues, I returned it for another copy, then yet another. I finally went with the hardcover version, and so glad I did! If you're on the fence as to which one to get, I recommend the hardcover.

LEATHER VERSION:
The quality of the Bible is above average, but could be better. The leather is a bit stiff. The gold easily wears off and shows the slightest marks. The binding isn't very tight and due to the sheer number of pages, it just feels like it's going to fall apart after a few months of reading. I guess I'm used to Cambridge and Oxford Bibles being more supple with a tighter binding. Mine came bound crooked, with the inside pages bound with only 2mm-4mm (4 at the spine and 2 at the outer edge) between the pages and the leather edge at the top, but about 8mm-6mm at the bottom. The pages themselves were physically bound at an angle. I returned it to Amazon, and they sent me another one. Not as bad, but still bound crooked so I returned it again and got a refund.

HARDCOVER VERSION:
I just received the hardcover version as a present. If you're debating which one to get, hands-down get the hardcover version. The binding is tighter, the pages aren't covered in gold (that easily wears off) and it's just a better look altogether for the size of the Bible.

The paper on both versions is excellent. Very clean, white, just the right thickness and brightness. I was pleasantly surprised! The dark text doesn't show through the other side, but it's not too thick. Feels slightly thicker than the Oxford Clarendon KJV Bible paper, and acid-free, but not too bright on the eyes. The printing is nice and dark and very clear, probably the best I've seen on any Geneva Bible reprint ever (and I've owned pretty much every reproduction made in the past 10 years). There are very few (if any) smudge marks.

It's a bit large, which is to be expected I guess considering the margin notes. I measured it at 9.5" tall X 7.75" wide X 2.75" thick. It would have been much nicer (read thinner) if they had omitted the Apocrypha and included the Introduction as a booklet instead of including it within the Bible itself.

I'm very pleased with this facsimile edition and heartily recommend the hardcover version. The leather version should not have been made as it's too large a Bible for the binding and due to the looseness of the binding the publisher appears to have had problems binding them.

There is a readily available edition of the 1599 Geneva Bible, published by the Tolle Lege Press, which has a number of attributes that some readers will appreciate: it's thinner than this facsimile reprint of the 1560 version, lacks the Apocrypha (though it does contain those books on the CD-ROM) and is generally more portable. That's a nice alternative for those who do not necessarily want a huge text whose old-fashioned typesetting involves the use of what looks an "f" in place of "s" and frequent substitution of "u" for "v" and "i" for "j." The volume you are looking at here is the Geneva Bible as its original readers encountered it, typography included. It is bulky and not in any way modernized. These are not complaints of mine (far from it, actually), but solely intended to help consumers pick out which version will be more useful to them.

There are many for whom Tolle Lege's 1599 Geneva Bible, with its church-militant presentation, will be attractive. I happen to think that edition is a bit rinky-dink and offensively over-eager.

For literary scholars, in particular scholars of sixteenth century England, however, THIS Hendrickson reprint of the *1560* edition is an absolute must-own: FINALLY, someone has seen fit to republish---and package beautifully---the standard Lloyd E. Berry edition we all have to work with when we study the English Reformation and the Elizabethan Renaissance. Up until now, obtaining a copy of the 1560 facsimile has been prohibitively expensive. Now it's less than $50. And the book is gorgeous. This is the hardline Protestant Bible Sidney and Spenser read. The glosses were, in some quarters, as influential as the text itself. Also, this version includes the Apocrypha, and no one with serious interest in the intellectual or theological history of the West can afford to overlook, say, Ecclesiasticus (Jesus Ben Sirach), Maccabees, or (perhaps above all) Wisdom.

Now if only someone would reprint a facsimile of the other pre-1611 English Bibles to which such authors had access (e.g., the Bishops' Bible). What a boon that would be. Fortunately, there is a good and affordable edition of the Vulgate in print right now---at least we have that much.

In any case, this Bible is a cause for celebration for those of us who prefer our historic editions unencumbered by religious polemic. This is a text one can study for its literary and theological import without having to deal with obnoxious divines blathering on the cover about "restoring American faith" or the like. For my $50, you can save the polemics and proselytizing for the choir and give me the big book itself. For believer and unbeliever alike, the text, not garish, churchwardenly presentation, is what should really matter.

Having put this on order several months ago I'm pleased to report it was worth the wait! I'm not a Bible scholar but enjoy the opportunity to read and review some of the less popular - albeit cornerstone - bible versions at an affordable price. At $45, this 1560 version of the Geneva Bible is not only affordable but a surprisingly nice book. The font is readable and clear with decent paper weight/quality. I did NOT purchase the leather version but the standard cloth cover is plain yet fully functional and comes with the protective dust jacket as pictured.

This is my second recent purchase from Hendrickson (the former being the 1611 KJV which was also a pleasant surprise) and both have surpassed my expectations for quality and affordability. I'm thrilled this publisher has reproduced these important bible versions with not just quality and affordability in mind, but also containing the full margin notes.

This 1560 Geneva Bible is not as difficult to read as one might be inclined to think...again, I'm not a Bible scholar but enjoy reading and research for my own enjoyment and have found within a very short period of time the language becomes of little consequence. On the other hand, the rich use of language provides additional insight which the modern day versions seem to be sadly lacking.

From a historical perspective or personal study tool, this is a wonderful addition to your personal collection. The inclusion of the original margin notes and grapics leave nothing to be desired. My gratitude to the publishers!

This is an excellent facsimile production: (The following refers to the hardbound edition) The text of the Bible is printed upon very nice, parchment-colored paper, cut to an appropriate size to accommodate not only the standard two-column format of the text, but also the copious notes (written by the Reformers themselves, by the way!) in the side margins. Hendrickson Publishers told me the binding is called "Smythe-sewn," as this work is an octavo - a collection of sequenced 8-leaf groupings of paper, printed on front and back and folded once, making 16 pages of text, sewn together side by side into the inner spine. In addition, glue has been applied between the paper and the inner spine (to which the paper is sewn), making for a solid, "true" binding that should last for many years. The work is covered in what is called "Arlington," a presumably higher-quality and durable cloth, dyed a very light brown. A gold ribbon marker completes the work. For those who enjoy 16th century English, reading literature from this time period, are fascinated by such an achievement produced during one of the most exciting, and world-changing times in the history of the Church - all to the glory of God, and, of course, love and appreciate books, this is certainly a "must-have," as they say. Not to be overlooked is the overall understanding of what this work means - not only historically, but also practically: The realization of the fact that Man is saved by Grace alone, though Faith alone is the tone and tenor of this production of the Holy Bible. Calvin and the other reformers recognized the Sovereignty of God in every detail of reality, as the Scriptures reveal this most profound and breathtaking Truth to us; the notes in the original 1560 edition of the Geneva Bible clearly illustrate this. What sets this edition of the Bible apart is that Christ shines forth on the pages of this edition, as He should: for He is the Word. This legacy lives on here in this facsimile.

Having read about the Geneva Bible for years, I was pleasantly surprised that it lived up to every expectation I had, be it literary or historical. Upon reading the Geneva Bible, one immediately realizes what is missing from the Authorized/King James Version which supplanted it: a crusading mentality. While the A/KJV definitely stands as the definitive English Protestant Bible, the translators of the Geneva Bible were on a mission, and that was no less than to convert the entirety of Great Britain to the Reformed theology as developed by Calvin, Knox and their adherents. The language of the Geneva Bible, in this edition, is rougher than that of its successor, but it also conveys the more-than-slightly paranoid mindset of the translators and their advisors. At moments, especially in the prophetic books of the Old Testament and most of the New Testament, the language and notations convey an immediate mental zap which has been missing from almost all translations which followed (with the possible exception of the original Douay-Rheims Bible). As a first-hand historical and theological resource, this edition of the Geneva Bible is almost priceless to those interested in the English Reformation or in the evolution of the Bible in the English language. However, it does take a bit of practice to get used to the 16th-century font and spelling, as this is a facsimile edition and has the usual caveats attached to such endeavors (The reproduction is quite good, considering everything). As is pointed out in the introduction, this is the Bible as it was known by the Jamestown settlers and the Plymouth Pilgrims. In that light, the Geneva Bible has exercised an almost incalculable influence on the theologies of both the British Isles and the United States. Get this while you can; should it go out of print, used copies will almost certainly command exorbitant prices on the second-hand market.

Addendum: The sheer size and weight of this version of the Geneva Bible makes it quite useful in literally beating the Word of God into those who just won't listen. Also useful against burglars.

I join other reviewers in enthusiastically recommending this wonderful facsimile of the Bible that most influenced Shakespeare. I am writing to report a problem in my copy-- the verso (back) of p. 429 is a duplication of the correct verso of p. 430, so my copy is missing the correct verso of 429. I suspect this error affects everyone's copy. I'm hoping the publisher will correct this error in future printings.
Richard M. Waugaman, M.D.

I must confess that being aware of this project for awhile, and eagerly awaiting it, that I still waited to see some reviews before venturing out to make my purchase. My main concern was the legibility of the text and quality of the work. I must say though, having ordered the hardcover version, that the previous reviews were not off-target. This is simply a beautiful work. And for $45 dollars, very hard to pass up (this compared to $200+ for other facsimile versions). The binding so far appears quite well done, and the paper quality is very good. I have read through several pages, and the text quality is good as well. The cloth-cover (brown) and dust-jacket are also nicely done. All-in-all, a very well-made facsimile, and at this price, almost unbeatable (in my mind).


The above all speaks to the actual quality of the book itself. As for the Geneva Bible translation, and the 1560 version in particular, I think that others more qualified than myself could speak to its worth. But in my experience, the sometimes alternate renderings of the text when combined with the standard rendering of the King James version (of which I am more familiar) have been very helpful in fleshing out the meaning of particular verses and passages, as I am ignorant of the original languages. Sometimes, the renderings have been more illuminating or powerful, and I actually prefer them, but sometimes not. But at any rate, I personally find the translation to be quite good, and helpful. [Incidentally, to this end, I would also highly recommend Tyndale's translation of the New Testament]. In addition, the marginal notes are extremely helpful. They are, in general, brief, pointed, and powerful, with the intent of explaining the Scripture itself, and yet are not so lengthy or prosy as to weigh down the reading of the text. Many of them as well, arrest and smite the conscience, and as it were, breathe holiness. Very useful to have.


Last couple of notes. Please note that the 1560 Geneva Bible did include the Apocrypha (between the two testaments), and as another reviewer pointed out, this is a large book. So it may not be as portable as other smaller volumes. But still a definite 5-star in my mind.

This 1560 Geneva Bible serves as an historical monument which demonstrates how men strived to keep the word of God alive. This edition is "The" English Bible which was in general public use prior to the publication of the King James Version. This Bible represents an era frozen in time.

Reading the 1560 Geneva Bible is fun. It is a facsimile of the original work, including the old and awkward spelling. While it requires a little more effort to read, your mind has additional time to absorb the inspired message as you decipher the wording.

This is a must have for any one who loves Christian History, or one whom enjoys a different light shed upon the Scriptures.

Wow! I've had mine for a couple of weeks now and it is really a pleasure to read. I am simply amazed at how beautifully it is written, and how easy it is to read. No issues at all. Yes, the s's look like f's and the u's look like v's and the v's look like u's, but it really doesn't affect the reading at all after a couple of minutes. The spelling is also old, but if you just read it phonetically the wordes loke like thei sounde. Also, there are some places where the letters are incomplete(I guess due to the facsimile process and a 445 year old book), but again this is a non issue. I've read the criticism, but these missing/partial letters are not that frequent. As a matter of fact I think it actually has improved my comprehension. When I encounter a missing/partial letter it forces me to consider what it is that I am reading and what is the context of the word that I am trying to ascertain(most of the time it's automatic). Really, I know it sounds funny, but I thinks it's true. It really draws you in. I just love reading it.

When I compare this to the KJV I am amazed at the similarities. I think the KJV team probably just copied most of the Geneva Bible because the writing was so beautiful. Hard to improve on it. In fact they made it worse in one place by changing love to charity in 1Cor 13.

The margin notes are fantastic! You could buy it just for those, really. The intro to Genesis and the first notes have several references to Jesus. I don't see that in any of my contemporary study Bibles! They had it all figured out back then. Nicely done.

I bought the hardcover and it's well built and should last a long while. The paper was a nice surprise, as it's not the onion skin Bible paper, but thick antique white colored stock. Very heavy with low glare and no bleed-through. I really like the paper. It feels like I'm reading a new old book. All in all this offers a glimpse into the past that is breathtakingly refreshing.