Customer Reviews

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version, Compact Edition (Premium Black Bonded Leather, Red Letter Text)

5 star:		(336)
4 star:		(112)
3 star:		(44)
2 star:		(22)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

Other reviewers complained that there are no chapter links. I'm not sure if it is new, but the version I downloaded recently has both book and chapter links. At the main table of contents, there are links to all the books of the Bible in a single list. Once you select a book, the first page of each book has links to all the chapters in that book. It works really well that way. I can find any verse in three clicks. And the whole Bible is searchable. That along with the ESV translation means a great addition to any Kindle.

This is a review for the Kindle version! I love this version of the scriptures, so no complaint there. This is the full ESV version. Navigation is where I have the problem. Like another reviewer of a different version, I have some problems getting around. You can choose a book from the table of contents like you would choose a chapter in a regular book, then pick the chapter, but then you must page forward to get to the verse you want. This could be time consuming for long chapters. Also, verse #'s are the same size as the text so they can be a little hard to find. I have used MyBible on my treo for a couple years now and the navigation on it is much easier! Also, MyBible gives you the option to switch between other purchased versions with 1 click while staying at the same point. I will be carrying my Kindle to Sunday service and to Bible studies for at least a couple weeks unless I can't keep up while searching verses, then it would have to be back to the treo or hard copy, which I would hate because I love the Kindle screen and size so much better. I hope other publishers working on Kindle versions take the ease of navigation into consideration.

I have been very impressed with the English Standard Version since its publication in 2001. Of the multitude of English translations of Scripture available, it may well be the best combination of accuracy, readability, and literary quality. Up until now, the one major disappointment, as many other reviewers have noted, has been the rather poor quality of publications in which it was available.

WIth this new edition of the Classic Reference Bible, it appears that Crossway has finally achieved the goal of providing a high quality ESV Bible. While the text, references, footnotes, maps, and concordance are identical to the already published Classic Reference Bible, there are, in my opinion, three unique improvements in this edition that commend it to anyone who loves and prefers this wonderful translation:

(1) The print type is larger, a 10.5 size (vs 9.5 in the original Classic Reference), which makes it easier to read. This is especially true with regards to the references and footnotes, which were practically illegible to my 40+ year old eyes.

(2) The wider margins allow notetaking, a real plus.

(3) While I don't claim to be a binding expert, it does appear that the binding used (at least on the genuine leather edition) is of a higher quality than on the original edition, which is a much needed improvement.

In summary, I would commend this edition of the ESV without qualification, unlike the earlier editions.

Crossway put this out very quickly in response to Kindle user's asking for it so they are to be commended in that respect. I will second the previous reviewer's issues with navigation, it is difficult to navigate with. I did a short test and timed myself with a paper-based Bible and the ESV on the Kindle. It took me about 5-6 seconds to look up most verses with the paper-based Bible and about 20-25 seconds on the Kindle. Nerdy, I know, but it is a good way to reference this Bible. This is more of a Kindle hardware/software issue though and not necessarily anything to fault Crossway's ESV Bible though.

I think the key to fixing this issue involves a combination of Bible publishers and Kindle software designers help. You need to be able to have the ability to search only within the book currently being read so that when I run a search it will not attempt to search all books (which is slower than searching a single book). The ability to jump immediately to the pages that contain the text I searched for rather than having to select the result from the "search results preview screen" would be good as well. Also, the Bible publishers need to have the commonly searchable names for the books of the Bible in the text so that when I search for Lam 1 I will get Lamentations 1 without having to type in Lamentations, which can take a while to type in. I know this is just partial-text searching, but that doesn't seem to function properly with the current Kindle software release (1.0 121380292 still, I haven't received 1.0.4). It also might be good for the Kindle to have the ability to search through "hidden" text. Maybe a tag could be wrapped around text that you'd like to search for but would not display while reading, this way I could search for "Psa 119:129" and I could jump directly there because this verse would have "Psa Psalm 119:129" in meta-text that is searchable but is not displayed.

I know we're only talking a few seconds to navigate, but when you are doing any kind of in-depth Bible study or if you have a pastor/preacher/teacher that likes to jump around the Bible a lot, this is actually pretty important. [...].

In summary, I would recommend this version. It might be nice to see cross-references or some of the other ESV editions that Crossway publishes (Literary Study Bible!) in the future but I'm sure these will come as the Kindle catches on.

I spend a lot of time in my car and I get tired of listening to music and talk radio. I wanted to use this time to be more productive, so the Bible on mp3 has proven to be the solution.

First, let me discuss the ESV. I have a hard time relating to the KJV, even though I was weaned on it; ditto the NKJV. I prefer the NIV, but couldn't find a suitable reading. The ESV has been widely accepted and is a solid, scholarly version of the Scripture which is also easily understandable by English-speaking individuals who were not born in the 1600's (don't get me started).

Secondly, I wanted a reading of the Scripture without the annoying and distracting background music or sound effects.

Thirdly, I wanted a reading that didn't sound like an off-off-off-off-off-Broadway rendition of "Richard III".

Bottom line......this interpretation by David Heath is a perfect fit for me. No music....no sound effects.....no pompous inflections or accents. Just a solid reading of the Word. The pace is perfect.....not too fast and not too slow.

I was able to listen to numerous versions online prior to making my purchase. I will very briefly comment on a few of those below:

1) "The Word of Promise" ---- has music and sound effects, which make for a very slow "performance". The actors inflect and stress passages that don't necessarily need stressing. Since it is THEIR interpretation of how the passage should be read, many people may disagree with that interpretation.....myself included. In addition, every time I hear a particular actor's voice, I flash back to the movies that I've seen them in. I mean.....Mary Magdalene in "My Cousin Vinny" doesn't seem to invoke a particularly spiritual response while listening to the Scripture. And Michael York emotes as though he's reading to a kindergarten audience.....very aggravating.

2) "The Listener's Bible" - Max McLean reads this version. I almost bought this version, but couldn't get past the background music. I kept wanting to say "Hush....I'm trying to listen to the Scripture". It became VERY annoying after only a few minutes of listening. And Max gets a bit over-dramatic at times, which is also distracting and annoying.

3) Alexander Scourby - I haven't heard this version in many years. It was the first, and arguably the best version, according to many sources. But, the availability of KJV-only ruled this one out for me.

4) Stephen Johnston - I found his reading to be too rushed. It felt like he was being paid by the job and not by the hour, if you know what I mean. Or maybe the passages I listened to were recorded just before breaking for lunch. Otherwise, a fairly good rendition, if not a bit over-dramatic. One strong point about this version is...NO MUSIC !!!!

5) Marquis Laughlin - Nice reading with NO MUSIC, but too dramatic for my tastes.

So...I hope this review helps you sift through some of the offerings that are available out there. It's wonderful to have such a wide range of choices, isn't it?

One caveat......I was discussing the various versions with some other Christian friends of mine and every one preferred a different reading. I advise you to listen to as many as you can before making your purchase.....there are several sources on the internet where you can try before you buy.

Now that I am in my 50s I wanted a Bible that had larger print and I found it in the ESV large print edition. I bought the leather bound copy and it is a truly fine Bible. It comes with a ribbon marker (to keep the ribbon from fraying dab a little clear finger nail polish on the bottom half inch of both sides of the ribbon). The leather is stiff but will soften as it is held and also saddle soap can help. The 12.5 point font size is wonderful. It is so refreshing to read a Bible that is simply the Bible text and nothing else. There are translator notes which enhance the ESV but there are no cross references with this edition (which I am happy with). Just to sit and meditate on the pure text is something I wanted. The ESV comes in many fine variations- the Reformation Study Bible is terrific, their reference editions are also very fine. As far as being a good translation- this is bound to give the NIV, the NAS and the NKJV a real run for the money. I find it is elegant, precise and reverent. All in all, this is worth every penny of investment to have a large print leather bound Bible which with a little care will be a treasured companion for life.

I enjoyed reading the RSV for many years but was disappointed with the NRSV for its lack of consitency and its awkward implementation of "inclusive language". The ESV is a very well done updating of the RSV. It retains the literalness, accuracy and eloquence of the RSV while updating the language to modern usage. It takes a more consistent and sensible (in my opinion) aproach to inclusive language. I always found the NIV language to be too simplified and the NASB too rigid. The ESV reads beautifully (even better than the NKJV) and has become my preferred translation over the many I have tried. Finally, a suitable replacement for my old, beloved RSV. I was also glad to see that this edition does not have a red letter New Testament. Somtimes its hard to find a nice bible that isn't red letter.

This black genuine leather bound edition seems to be very durable. The gold-edged paper is strong and thick enough so that the printing on the reverse side of a page doesn't bleed through much. It has wide margins and the print is easy to read. I expect (and hope) it will last for many years of daily reading. It comes with pretty good CD-ROM software that lets you quickly look up passages on the computer (It would be nice if there were a Mac version instead of just Windows) and cut & paste them into a word processor.

I have been waiting for an ESV that had enough room for copious notes. The "Journalling Bible" was not it (the type was too small and thus the space for notes on each verse was limited). The "Deluxe Reference Bible" came close, but had margins that were just a bit miserly.

The "ESV Single Column Reference Bible" is an excellent bible for study. The ESV translation is one of the best, and the page arrangement of this version is ideal for taking notes (and there is some room for adding to the cross-references, if one desires to do so).

The TruTone cover is a nice artificial calfskin; it is so supple and soft that you will feel decadent. Two buddies who borrowed or handled mine actually commented that they wished they could afford such a nice Bible. I didn't get it to induce covetousness, but it is nice to know that SOMETHING I own might be droolworthy.

This is a fine Bible, but not perfect.

The "Single Column Reference Bible" is just two strokes off par. These have been mentioned by others, but I think deserve acknowledgment:

First and foremost, the pages are indeed thin. One particular example of this is that the bleed-through of printing from the back of each page actually is as dark as the (gray) paragraph marks on the page one is reading. I have had Bibles that had thinner pages, and one can adapt to them. Still, I am approaching the age at which I appreciate any eyesight help that I can get.

In addition, the type is a bit harder to read than that of the "Deluxe Reference Bible," being both smaller and less heavy.

Had this Bible used the paper of the "Deluxe Reference Bible," I think I would have little to criticize (except, of course, the unwieldly thickness it would then possess).

As it is, I find myself using this Bible quite often for casual verse look-up, and generally carry it to church and bible study. The note-taking space seems to be most important to me in those venues. For most reading and at-home study, I still prefer the "ESV Deluxe Reference Bible."

If you really want a Bible with room to make plenty of lengthy notes, the Single Column Reference Bible will probably be satisfactory. However if you can get by with modest note-taking space, or if bleed-through from other pages really reduces readability for you, then you would probably prefer the "Deluxe Reference" over the "Single-Column Reference."

By the way, for any Bible (including this one) that has enough bleed-through to be annoying, you might find it useful to keep a couple of sheets of black paper tucked inside the Bible. If you put one of these behind the page you are reading, the print from the backside is much less noticeable (although the whole page will sort of look gray).

Length:: 2:53 Mins

Review of the BattleZone Weathered Metal ESV bible

Pros: Great brushed aluminum exterior. Solid feeling construction. Full concordance + red lettering. Small form factor makes it great for fitting into most bags.

Cons: Aluminum is a little flimsy, latch-design is poorly implemented (needs to be depressed in order to close the bible. Metal guiding tabs don't always slide into place. Small font (approx. 6 pnt font) makes it hard for some people to read. Flipping from one passage to another takes some getting used to due to the bulky feel of the aluminum case.

Overall: great bible for personal reading. Personally I like it very much but the small design flaws prevent me from giving it a higher review score.

I find the ESV translation to be one of the best translations available for accuracy. I also like the NASB. I will not spend time discussing the translation as many have already done so. What I'd like to address is the binding quality and general construction of the Genuine Leather edition.

I actually returned my Bible because of the, what I will refer to as, poor quality of construction. the pages are attached to the binding in such a way as the paper near the binding is "puckered" up and down the entire height of the page. As someone else noted, this makes the pages crinkle when turned and something is just not right about this. I even called the publisher to discuss this issue and the person I spoke to went into the warehouse and opened another Bible which had the same problem I was describing to him.

Furthermore, the genuine leather cover is nice quality leather but the way it is put together and attached to the inner pages is suspect. Particularly the back cover...there is a 1/2 inch wide, thick strip from top to bottom, where the paper is attached to the leather which causes the leather to "crease" at this point. Over years of constant opening and closing, I suspect this could be problematic to the longevity of the leather cover.

So unless Crossway can improve the quality of construction of this Bible, I'd research other options.

I rate the actual ESV translation 5, the genuine leather cover and binding method 2, and overall I give it a 3.