The Legacy Standard Bible Handy Size Edge-Lined in Italian Cowhide
The Legacy Standard Bible is the new kid on the block. Full versions have just recently been released and the Bible world is buzzing over this translation. Is it worth the hype? My plan is to fully read through the translation next year, but I’ve been quite impressed from what I’ve read so far. There are several LSB editions that have been released and I’m reviewing the Handy Size Edge-Lined in Italian Cowhide in the Patina Red color.
I know that name is a mouthful, but let’s talk about what it means. First off, this Bible doesn’t come with a box, but Three Sixteen Publishing is including Bible Armor (a protective case) for all their edge-lined editions while supplies last. Let me assure you, this Bible is well protected. USPS beat up my box and I was pretty worried when opening it, but the Bible came wrapped in bubble wrap, shrink wrap, and craft paper. It didn’t have a scratch or dent. Way to go Three Sixteen!
When I unwrapped the Bible I was blown away. The Patina Red Italian Cowhide is gorgeous! Seriously, it’s stunning. It almost has an oxblood or bordeaux look to it with hints of black swirled in there. Red is a bold choice, but I highly recommend it. I don’t think any color could look better. Also, the feel of the Italian Cowhide is incredible. It’s so soft and smooth. I didn’t know I could like it better than goatskin, but I really do! It’s also Patina Red, which means it’s designed to develop character with use. I love Bibles like this because it will certainly change and become uniquely yours as you use it. This Bible isn’t described as full yapp, but I know many who would consider this a full yapp Bible (and that’s a good thing). I know it sounds like I’m gushing, but this Bible is really really nice!
The spine has five raised hubs. Stamped in gold are the words, “HOLY BIBLE”, the LSB logo and “LEGACY STANDARD BIBLE”, and “STEADFAST BIBLES”. This Bible has black head and tail bands. The page edges are a red under gold art gilt. There are three beautiful Berisford ribbons in the colors of black, gold, and maroon. The Bible is of course Smyth-sewn and edge-lined for durability.
Inside is a maroon calfskin liner that feels better than any liner I’ve ever touched. There’s a gold perimeter gilt line and stamped in gold at the bottom center of the back cover are the words “First Edition.” I love this little touch. In my opinion, if you’ve found yourself enjoying the LSB, this little collectors feature makes this worth picking up. It’s a nice touch that will make these very collectible someday.
The paper is a 32GSM French-milled paper. Ghosting is there, but it’s minimal. The text being line-matched certainly helps the reading experience as well. The page setting is a single column verse-by-verse. Bold verse numbers indicate a new paragraph. Book names, page numbers are at the top center. Page headers, page numbers, and chapter numbers are all accented in maroon in this edition. There is a one inch outer margin for notes and the inner margin is generous as well. The font size is a 9.5 point, but may read a bit smaller to me.
The back features a nice amount of dot matrix paper for notes. There are no maps, which I love.
This Bible is incredible. The only thing I could desire is for a larger font size. A 10.5 point would be perfect for me and I’m looking forward to larger print editions coming out in the future. I don’t think the perfect Bible exists, but this may be as close as it comes in my opinion. The build quality is second to none and the Bible layout doesn’t get any better. I highly recommend you grab a copy of a First Edition of the edge-lined LSB while you still can!
Pick up your copy at Three Sixteen Publishing while you can!
