The Cambridge Calfskin ESV Topaz Bible Review
The Cambridge Topaz has become my favorite ESV on the market. The size is perfect in hand, the page layout is wonderful, and the text is so bold it pops right off the page. Many people get sticker shock when they see the price, but I am here to tell you that if you preach, teach, or just love the verse-by-verse layout, this Bible is worth the price tag. I reviewed the Topaz in goatskin here, but in this review, I get to tell you about the calfskin Topaz, which in my opinion, is right up there with the goatskin, but is definitely easier on the wallet.
I’m reviewing the calfskin Topaz in cherry red and I honestly love this color. It pops and has a very distinct look about it. The Topaz is also available in a black calfskin is subtlety is more your thing. In this review, I’m going to point out some of the differences between the calfskin and goatskin as well as give you all the details you’re looking for regarding this Bible.
First off, the calfskin Topaz is smooth to the touch. Whereas goatskin has a pronounced grain you can feel, the calfskin feels uniform over the surface. I can still see the grain in the leather when I look at it, but I can’t feel it. The other immediately noticeable difference between calfskin and goatskin is the rigidity. Goatskin Bibles are very floppy. When you hold them with one hand, they have a pronounced curve to them. They flex with however you move them. Calfskin is much more stiff. When you hold it with one hand, it mostly stays straight. When you hold it open with one hand, it stays flat making the pages easier to read. If you’re a preacher or teacher who holds their Bible a lot as they walk and teach, you may like calfskin better because the rigidity makes it easier to read.
The Topaz says, “HOLY BIBLE” in gold letters on the front. The cover has an indention around the perimeter. On the spine there are five ribs that are barely raised, but provide a nice look. I actually would’ve loved for these to be more pronounced. The spine also has the words, “HOLY BIBLE”, “English Standard Version”, and “CAMBRIDGE” in gold. The page edges are red under gold art gilt and the gilt really sets this cherry red Bible off. It’s a perfect pairing. It has red and gold head and tail bands, which also are a really nice accent. Of course, the Bible is Smyth sewn as well.
One difference I notice between the goatskin and calfskin versions of the Topaz are the bookmarks. They both have two red bookmarks, but the goatskin version has nicer ones. They are both double-sided satin, but the calfskin bookmarks are more narrow and they’re cut straight rather than at an angle. I think a wider bookmark looks a bit nicer, but you may have a different opinion on this.
Another area of difference is when you open the Bible up. The liner of the calfskin Bible is a black, paste-down vinyl. The goatskin Bible has an edge-lined calfskin liner. Many people prefer edge-lined for various reasons, but this may be the nicest and best executed paste-down liner I’ve seen. I think if you opt for the calfskin version of the Topaz, this won’t bother you at all.
In my opinion, you can’t go wrong whether you choose calfskin or goatskin. You’re going to get an incredibly premium package either way and I think you will be satisfied. The outside of these Bibles are very impressive, but this Bible really shines on the inside.
As you begin to turn the pages, you will immediately find a presentation page and family records pages. The family records pages are thick and are some of the most extensive I’ve seen in a Bible, which I happen to really like. Finally, before getting to the Scripture itself, you’ll find a Preface and Explanation of Features.
The paper in the Bible is a 28 gsm Indopaque. It is very white, which makes the black text look bold and jump off the page. The text is line matched, which also helps eliminate ghosting. There is minimal ghosting, but definitely not enough to be distracting. The text itself is a 10 point modern typeface. Chapter and verse numbers are in red except when the words of Christ are in red and then the verse numbers are black. This Bible does feature the words of Christ in red, which is desirable for some. I personally prefer the text to be all black, but this definitely isn’t a deal breaker when it comes to choosing a Bible.
The page layout is double column and verse-by-verse. The cross-references are in the outer margin, which I really like. This makes locating a cross reference easy and convenient. Textual notes are found in a single column at the bottom of the page. In the back of the Bible you’ll find a concordance and a wealth of maps.
Conclusion
The more I use the Cambridge Topaz, the more I love it. I really love using it for preaching and teaching, but I have even used it in my personal quiet time and found the experience really enjoyable. I think you’ll be happy with this Bible whether you choose the calfskin or the goatskin. You may pick one because of the price or you may prefer one or the other depending on how you use the Bible when you teach. Either way, I can’t seem to say enough good things about the Topaz. I don’t feel any hesitation saying the Topaz is the nicest ESV on the market right now. If you pick one up, I think you’ll agree.
You can get the Topaz in calfskin from Amazon (affilate).
You can get the Topaz in goatskin from Amazon (affilate).
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this Bible from Cambridge in exchange for a fair and honest review.
