NEW LEAVEN

Don’t judge a book by its cover!

By the way, those are commas, not periods (Premium, hand-crafted, genuine leather) — note that there is none after “leather”.

Well, my comments were made in mild jest.

But, as to your remark, “This one can only be better,” — well, that’s not strictly true from a logical or practical standpoint!

I mean I was teasing you by saying “don’t judge a book by its cover.”

But as to the forthcoming leather edition — well, I’m afraid that Zondervan sometimes makes physically lousy editions of books — typos, badly printed paper, physical problems. For example, you have to admit that the layout of the TNIV Reference Bible is a bit frustrating. So, I’m not 100% positive that the forthcoming edition will necessarily be better (although it will definitely be more expensive!)

I would contend that all Bibles should have two or more ribbons no matter the cost.

Also, it seems that even when I’m logged in, I must log out of WP and log in again in order for my comment/image to link properly. Go figure.

I am a little nervous about Zondervan quality, but I’m going to pre-order one of these.

Their warranty is OK.

Zondervan’s manufacturer’s warranty provides coverage for defective bindings on hardcover, softcover, and Leather-Look™ Bibles for four years and on bonded and top-grain leather Bibles for six years. This warranty does not apply to normal wear.

If I haven’t worn it out in six years, it’s probably going to be a keeper.

I may hold off on my order.

I emailed Zondervan the following question:
Could you please tell me what kind of leather will be on the TNIV Reference Bible – Renaissance Fine Leather?

Their response:
This will be cowhide.

My heart sank.

True.

Renaissance Fine Leather sounds exquisite.

Cowhide doesn’t evoke the same emotions.

Stan,

Cowhide makes a very nice cover. It is different from goatskin, and in some ways preferable. Most of the expensive bibles that are produced by the big publishers are all made from cow hide. You might check out the premium leather bibles that are already out, because I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the look and feel. Of course you can just wait until it comes out this winter as I’m sure there will be plenty of reviews and pictures of this particular edition.

TC and Nathan,
Thanks for that. I guess I was hoping for a cover with a sexy name. Vanity. Either way, a smyth sewn TNIV Reference Bible with a leather cover is better than anything available on the market currently. Maybe the cowhide will be a pleasant surprise for me. I’ll buy one and see.

Of course it’s still not an REB…

Ahem. The current edition has a leather cover (albeit bonded leather) and is smyth-sewn. It is also 1/3 the price of the cowhide leather version.

Check out existing “genuine leather” editions from Zondervan before spending your money on this version.

Stan,

Rick has posted 3 images of this edition on his blog. It looks like it is basically the same bible but with a nicer calfskin cover and an extra ribbon. Here’s the link:

This Lamp

Just checked it out.

Sweet!

I’m still excited about this Bible!