The ESV Heirloom Study Bible Review
I am a huge fan of the ESV Study Bible. I've had a hardback copy for as long as I can remember and I also use the digital version quite regularly. This Study Bible is such an excellent resource that I wanted a copy of it that was worthy to pass down to my children one day. An excellent Bible is worthy of being made from materials that will last for generations. I am pleased to be partnering with Westminster Books to bring you this review of the ESV Heirloom Study Bible—a study Bible worthy of being passed down from generation to generation. It truly stands out above other Study Bibles I've come across in both content and construction materials.
Packaging
This Bible comes in a black box with with gold lettering that is usual for Crossway's Heirloom Series. When you open the box, the Bible is wrapped in black velvet. This truly communicates that premium look and feel and sets Crossway apart from their competitors in this regard.
Outer Materials
This Bible, as far as I know, is still being bound in the Netherlands. Crossway recently moved almost all of their Heirloom Bible production to China, which has been met with mixed results. However, this Bible is a rare jewel.
The Bible looks and feels amazing! You'll immediately notice the great feel of the black goatskin when you pull it out of the box. Being a study Bible, you'll also notice it's heft and thickness, but that just means its packed with great content. The spine of this Bible has four raised ribs with the words "Study Bible", the ESV logo, "English Standard Version", and the Crossway logo in gold lettering. The page edges have red under gold art gilt, which, when open looks like a salmon color, but when closed and looking dead on, looks very gold. The Bible also has black and yellow head and tail bands.
The Bible has four, double-sided satin ribbon bookmarks in black and three different shades of brown. The ribbons used on this Bible are much nicer than other Heirloom Bibles that Crossway has done in my opinion. The ribbons are wider and use the double-sided satin material that seems far more premium than what they use elsewhere. I think they could stand to be slightly longer, however. They just reach to the bottom corner when you extend them.
The inside cover is edge-lined. It seems to have a black calfskin liner and there is a gold perimeter gilt line. The words "GOATSKIN LEATHER" appear in gold at the bottom of the back inside cover. The Bible is Smyth-sewn.
Paper
This Study Bible is something truly coveted among Bible aficionados mainly because of the paper. If being bound in the Netherlands didn't do it for you, the fact that this is printed on L.E.G.O. paper in Italy should seal the deal. Italy is known for their high quality paper and this Bible has about as much of it as you could ask for. The paper has minimal ghosting, even when there are notes that are sectioned off by a tan block color. You may notice more ghosting in areas with charts and maps, but with a Bible this thick, it really is to be expected and I've seen much, much worse.
Font
The font is a very nice 9 point that is in a single column for the Bible text. The notes are in a smaller, but still quite readable 7.25 point that is arranged in a double column that is separated from the Bible text with a horizontal line. The columns are also separated with a vertical line.
Content
When you buy a study Bible, if we're honest, the thing you probably care most about is the content. The content is what makes the Heirloom ESV Study Bible the perfect trifecta. I think the ESV Study Bible is the best Study Bible on the market because of the amazing amount of information it contains. It gives you a wealth of study material in one volume, which is what makes it incredibly valuable.
This Bible is going to give you over 25,000 study notes. It contains more than 2 million words! It has over 50 articles focusing on theology, ethics, and biblical teaching. I love that this Study Bible gives you the meat to chew on when it comes to articles. These aren't devotional; they are theological. You come to a Study Bible to grow and learn and the ESV Study Bible delivers. It also contains extensive introductions for each book of the Bible. You get 240 full-color maps and illustrations. It has over 80,000 cross-references and a robust concordance.
I just don't think you're getting this kind of content anywhere else for this price. The ESV Study Bible's content alone is worth far more than they price it for and that's such a blessing. I've heard it said that this Bible is the equivalent of a 20-volume Bible resource library. It's truly an incredible value!
Conclusion
The Heirloom ESV Study Bible is built to last and pass down from generation to generation. You truly have the perfect trifecta with the binding from the Netherlands, the paper from Italy, and the incredible content of the Bible. I don't think you'll regret picking up the Heirloom edition. As I said, I had the hardcover for a long time and new I wanted to get the Heirloom so I could pass it down. I almost forgot to mention that it comes with a lifetime guarantee from Crossway so you truly are making an investment.
I recommend picking up this Bible from Westminster Books. They're a great retailer that takes care of their customers. They care about sourcing theologically rich books and great Bibles. They love the Lord and take care of their customers. You can pick up your copy of the ESV Heirloom Study Bible here and check out some more pictures below.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this Bible from Westminster Books in exchange for a fair and honest review.
