ESV Topaz Reference Bible, Dark Blue Goatskin Leather, Es676: Xrl

This is the first Cambridge Bible I have ever held. I ordered a blue Topaz and a Schuyler Quentel about the same time. This Topaz arrived first and I was BLOWN away……… That is until the Schuyler Quentel arrived a week later. The blue goatskin cover so soft on the Topaz. Wonderful character in the grain of the goatskin leather. The verse by verse format I do like better than the Schuyler paragraph layout. However the text is crammed in there compared to Schuyler and not as easy to read. There is significant ghosting on the paper, but not too distracting because of the line matching. The red letter text is not as rich as the Schuyler is, but regardless, it is great to see the word of Christ in red in both editions. The maps are very colorful and the Bible is a great overall size.I know this review appears to sound as though I am BASHING it against a Schuyler Quentel. I really am not. Had I not ordered a Schuyler and only had the Topaz to base my review on, I would be fully satisfied. I think anybody would be very happy to own a Cambridge Topaz and appreciate it for what it is. They truly are a great Bible. I only reference the Schuyler as a comparison considering the similar price between both.At $270 which the Topaz sells for, a Schuyler is basically the same price, maybe a few dollars more. From that stand point alone I suggest if you are debating between the two, Schuyler wins hands down. If the Topaz was a little cheaper, then absolutely buy one. You will not regret it. They are have a wonderful layout for holding and reading the Word of God.

I received my bible on Saturday 8-15-20 (today is Tuesday). I know I could have gotten an ESV much cheaper, but I wanted what held the word of God to reflect the wonder of his Word. I've been reading it three days now and have just finished Genesis. I love the type face. It's perfectly spaced, crisp, and in a font large enough for my older eyes to read (10 pt). The pages are smooth as silk and, though thin as I expect bible pages to be, I have no problem with ghosting due to the type match. The verses are broken up nicely and I like how each chapter is labeled as to what happens in that chapter. The pages are just slightly off white, so they're not glaring to look at. It's very easy reading. I've never had an ESV bible, only King James. I love how the ESV is so easy to understand. At first I thought they'd made a mistake and sent me the black bible (I had ordered the blue). But on closer look, I saw the lovely blue edged pages with gold gilt and blue ribbons. The blue is a very dark navy color, exactly what I'd hoped for. Also it is red letter (Christ's words in red) which is what I wanted. The red is an almost burgundy color, so not a bright red...which I like. All in all, this is exactly what I'd hoped for. I will cherish it forever. PS: I forgot to mention, it is very supple (soft and folds over easily) so if you plan to hold it up with one hand, the sides will droop because it's so soft. I got the goatskin, maybe other leathers won't bend so easily--and it smells wonderful! I noticed there were no pics, so I took a few. ~ A Happy Customer

This is probably the finest edition of the ESV that there is. Beautifully bound in goatskin, the print size is generous and I love the subtle use of colour in the body of the text. Quite a large bible. Would definitely recommend.

I have purchased two Cambridge Topaz bibles. One for my son, the other for myself. These are, in my opinion, the finest of the fine. Craftsmanship is impeccable, from the goatskin leather, to the paper quality, binding...all aspects. Yes, they are relatively expensive, and that had me asking "should I do this"? It is difficult to describe something, to convey the value of something that one is not able to touch, feel or smell. What does a Steinway sound like? There are many premium handcrafted bibles out there, Schuyler being just one example, and I would encourage you to look at them all. Visit a Bible/bookstore if you have one near by. Are Cambridge premium bibles beautiful? Are they worth considering? A resounding yes to both questions. I love mine and believe you will too.

This is my first premium Bible. I have done a lot of research before buying this. So, I would recommend this amazing Bible for anyone, especially if you are a pastor or teacher. I love it and use it every day.