The Schuyler ESV Quentel in Slate Goatskin
Schuyler is a small company that honestly not enough people have heard about. Unless you’re "in the know" when it comes to premium Bibles, then you may have never heard of Schuyler. The average person sitting at your church is most likely clueless when it comes to premium Bibles and companies like Schuyler. It’s time to spread the word. Schuyler makes some of the nicest Bibles on the market. Among premium enthusiasts, the Quentel needs no introduction. However, we need to spread the word among those who aren’t in the know. It’s my joy to bring a review today of the Schuyler ESV Quentel in Slate Goatskin and to help spread the word.
Packaging
Schuyler’s box is simple, elegant, and will catch your eye. The Quentel comes in a plain black box. Schuyler’s signature Jerusalem cross is printed in silver on the front of the box. Also in silver on one end of the box are the words, "SCHUYLER BIBLES" and on the other end it says, "QUENTEL", "ESV", "SLATE GOATSKIN".
Outer Materials
The Slate Goatskin may be my favorite color Schuyler offers. It’s a grey color, but has hints of black throughout it, which really serves to highlight the grain of the Bible. It feels nice and smooth. It’s beautiful in pictures, but even more beautiful in person. I also love how Schuyler has chosen to accent it with silver and red (more on that later). The Bible is Smith-sewn as well.
The front of this Bible has the Jerusalem cross imprinted. I have always loved that Schuyler does this. It looks unique and it lets you know right away that this is a Schuyler Bible.
The spine has six raised ribs. Stamped in silver are the words, "HOLY BIBLE", "ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION", and "SCHUYLER" with the Jerusalem cross logo in silver as well. The page edges are a beautiful silver under red art gilt. I love silver page edges and the red compliments it nicely. I think the accents that Schuyler has chosen to pair with the slate goatskin really make this Bible pop.
The Bible features silver head and tail bands. There are three double sided satin red ribbons. These ribbons are nice and long and pull to the corner easily.
Inner Materials
Opening the Bible reveals an edge-lined red calfskin liner with red end sheets. I think this red inside the grey creates a stark contrast. It is part of what I love so much about the slate edition. I wish more companies would create a contrast like this, because it makes the Bible so unique. Also creating a nice accent is a silver perimeter gilt line.
Inside is a presentation page with a nice maroon border as well as matching family records pages. Schuyler has printed these pages on matte card stock, which is an excellent choice. There won’t be bleed through because of the thickness and there won’t be smearing since it is matte. It is amazing how many companies get this wrong, but Schuyler gets the details right.
Text Block and Font
The text block really sets the Quentel apart from its competitors. The page layout is phenomenal as well as the text itself. The Quentel is a double column setting. Schuyler used to print the Quentel on 36 gsm paper making it quite hefty. They have since switched to a 28 gsm Indopaque paper that is French milled. Having handled both, I love that they made the switch to 28 gsm and I think the paper they use is some of the finest you’ll find in a Bible. It feels smooth and very opaque for 28 gsm. I also love how it thinned the Bible down (some now refer to it as the Thintel). This change made the Quentel a great carry option in my mind and I prefer it even over its smaller sibling—The Personal Size Quentel (or PSQ) because I prefer a larger font in my Bibles.
Speaking of font, the Quentel boasts an 11-point Milo serif font. I am a fan of larger type in Bibles and this is one area the Quentel really shines for me. The text is line-matched and in the ESV edition, words of Christ are in black. This Bible is so easy on the eyes while now having a thinner footprint. For me, it makes the Quentel a great all purpose Bible.
The layout features maroon accent colors found on the page headings, chapter numbers and reference numbers. Poetry is set in stanzas and is indented. Textual notes are located after the last paragraph of the first column on the left page and after the last paragraph of the second column on the right page. References are in a single column on the bottom of each page.
Extras
In the back of the Bible there’s a three column concordance that is quite extensive. The font is quite small though. I can see it well when my eyes aren’t tired, but toward the end of the day I may need a magnifying glass to be able to read it. There are also 12 Bible maps printed on thick matte paper. I often say I’m not a fan of Bible maps, but if they’re included, then this is definitely my favorite style. The matte paper makes the maps look beautiful and there’s no glare while looking at them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Schuyler ESV Slate Quentel does just about everything right and packs some amazing features in a slim package that is easy to carry. Schuyler offers the Quentel in almost every major translation and they offer a full range of colors in goatskin setting them apart from every other premium Bible publisher out there. I personally think the slate is the most striking, but also love the marbled mahogany calfskin. There is sure to be a color that will strike your eye. Even more so, they are beginning to offer the Quentel in both regular and full yapp giving the customer even more options according to their preference. I highly recommend the Schuyler Quentel and would encourage all Bible enthusiasts to spread the word about their excellent company. Check out some comparison pictures below.
Pick up your Schuyler Quentel at Evangelical Bible.
