Customer Reviews

NASB Side-Column Reference (Black Calfskin)

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I purchased my first NASB (1971 version) over 20 years ago. Here are some of the things I like about this new calfskin version:

1. The Bible version itself: This is the new updated NASB. If you've seen comparisons of the various Bible versions, the NASB often was described as the most literal version (word-for-word accuracy) of the Bible that sometimes suffered in terms of readability for that very reason. I believe the reputation has been largely undeserved. But, with this new version they have gone back over sentence structure, vocabulary, etc. with a view toward improving the readability and flow of the language. They have also removed archaic words like Thee and Thou. I believe they have succeeded in improving readability without compromising the accuracy of the translation. We now have a literal, word-for-word translation that reads with the best of the modern versions. (I initially liked the NIV, but eventually got to the point where I realized that without an accurate word-for-word translation close by, I would never really know what the Bible was saying.)

2. Large print (11 point). It's not outrageously large, just larger than the normal 7-9 point font size that you regularly see. Great if you are over 40 or just like a larger font.

3. Single column layout with side cross-references. I find that a single column allows my eye to track more naturally across the page, similar to reading a book. The side column references are extensive and helpful without crowding the actual text of the Bible. Also, there is ample space for notes in the generous margins. This is the ideal study Bible for self-study.

4. Quality. This Bible is beautifully made. The calfskin is rich, thick, ultra-soft, and flexible; unlike anything I've seen on other Bibles. The paper is of high quality and is imported from France. It has a high opacity, so there is little bleed-through and low glare off the page. The binding looks to be their typical Smyth-sewn one. Everything is done with excellence. This is the first Bible I've seen with a lifetime guarantee. If you've been disappointed lately with the quality of Bibles, you won't be with this one.

I am very enthusiastic about this version and the production quality of this Bible. Highly recommended!

Physical: This is the most wonderful feeling Bible. The calfskin is thick and buttery soft. There are 5 nubs in the spine. It runs about 6 1/2 by 9 inches and has 2 ribbon markers. I got the navy blue calfskin, which is lovely and deep in color and has silver edges on the paper. It is beautifully bound, smyth sewn and comes with a lifetime guarentee. It also comes with a black velvety slipcase.

Text: The text is the updated NAS, about an 11 point type, which makes it incrediblly easy to read. References and translators notes are on the outside edge of each page , just before the 1" margin. This is the only "negitive" to me. I prefer the margin notes being on the inside of the pages near the binding, but it is a matter of personal taste. The pages look "neat and clean" to the eye. As was stated in other reviews, each book is not given a new starting page, which I thought would be annoying, but is not. The text is so readable, it is easy to get lost in reading and studying.

Layout: There are topic headings, that are in smaller print and italisized. This is very nice because it gives the advantage of having these headings, but does not distract from the flow of the text. Text runs in a single column all the way across the page. OT that is quoted in the NT is referenced in small CAPTIAL letters.

Concordence and maps: The concordence is 82 pages. Each page of the concordence has 3 columns of entries. There are 10 pages of b/w maps at the end of the Bible. There are also 6 blank heavy weight sheets for taking notes at the end of the Bible and about 5 at the beginning.

This is the way a Bible should look and feel. I bought this Bible, because I keep wearing out my Bibles and was looking for one that will last. I believe this is it! This will serve you well if you are looking for a good literal translation and a beautiful Bible that should last a long time.

Finally they got it right. The paper, printing, binding, and leather are all first class. For note taking, this edition can't be beat. It's abit on the heavy side, but not enough to complain about, if you're really interested in having a serious self-study Bible for the rest of your life.

This Bible has the finest feel you can imagine. The French paper is just the right thickness, and the calfskin cover is satiny soft. The point size is good for tired old eyes. Obviously any Bible preference is a personal matter, but this is the Bible for me. It is a little heavy and some books do not start on a separate page. This Bible has two ribbon markers which I find a plus. It is well worth the price and it is a NASB. I can't imagine anyone being disappointed with it.

If you are looking for a wide margin Bible, this is it. I have purchased before a Zondervan Wide Margin Bible which after two years of everyday use has fallen apart and needed new binding.
Great feel Bible, nice Calfskin smell, I checked on Oxford and Cambridge if they printed NASB Wide Margin, they don't, this one is printed on imported French paper, it stands alone, nice Smyth sown binding, meant to last and has a life time Guarantee. God Bless You.

I chose this bible because I enjoy the NASB translation and wanted a bible that would last a number of years. This bible is well worth the cost. All of the reviews at the time of my purchase provided excellent descriptions. The only color available appears to be black and it has gold gilding (someone else mentioned navy blue, but don't think this is still an option).

Love: The OT words in CAPITAL letters in the NT, the buttery soft cover, the single-column wording. So beautiful, I'm carrying a notebook to make my sermon notes in for now (instead of writing in it yet).

If you are deciding between this one and the In Touch Ministries NASB calfskin (also on amazon.com), this one has side column references and my understanding is that the other does not. Also the In Touch NASB bible is a two-column page and this is a one-column page.

I have been searching for a long time for a bible I could call home. This is it. I have found the NASB to be a reliable translation. It is very easy to read for a literal translation. It is important to have all the translators' notes, and this bible has them (unlike the Charles Stanley bible). This black calfskin is rich. This bible is a couple of inches thick, not a thinline, a little thicker than the Stanley. I like the one column text with the references on the side. The 11 point font is perfect, not too large, not too small. I don't write much in my bible, just underline mostly, but this has a nice margin on the outside of the page if you want to jot a note. I don't think you'll be disappointed. God Bless You.

It's so nice to have purchased a bible of excellent quality that does not say Cambridge!! I like Cambridge bibles but sometimes it gets tedious paying extra because the bible is foreign. The NASB Thompson Chain referenc bible is not the updated version and has poor printing quality and thin pages. (printed in Korea!) Everything about this bible is great!! I love the NASB. This is my first bible from this company and I am so satisfied. This bible is beautiful. It has thick calfskin, thick paper, nice large print, and smith sewn pages!

The service with amazon was great as well.

I agree with some of the other reviews in that the workmanship of this bible is near to that of Cambridge bibles. I miss the red/gold guilding, but that is all.
If this bible has a fault in my eyes, it is its size. It is every bit as big as my study bibles. I didn't expect it to be quite so large, but then I did want room for notes, and I have that in abundance. I would not bother with the "Wide Margin" bibles out there while this one is available. There is plenty of room in this one, complete with marginal entries and a concordance.
Someone noted that it does not have paragraphs, but it does. They are just indicated by bold number/letter at the beginning instead of indentation. I prefer that in a study bible, as it makes verse location a bit quicker.
If you don't mind the size, and like a plain (but very nice) bible that just works, I highly recommend it!! This is a fantastic translation for the scholar to base his studies on, maybe the best.

This Bible is BIG - but well constructed and with lots of space for note taking - especially if you use a fine point pen. Lots of helpful cross references and a nice sized type for taking notes beside the text. The only thing I wish was different is that the maps would be in color instead of black and whilte. If you want a Bible to take your notes in that will last and if you want the most carefully accurate translation in english - this is it! As for the calfskin - this is a bonus. I had never owned a calfskin cover before and it is wonderful - increadibly soft. But the real treasure is between those covers - read it - study it - memorized it - enjoy it - the Word of God is sweeter than honey, sharper than a sword, shatters like a hammer and comforts those in distress, it is a lamp to light life's path and a sure guide to the source of eternal life - Jesus Christ! To Him be all praise!