The Thomas Nelson Maclaren Series in KJV and NKJV

Thomas Nelson has released a new series of Bibles called The Maclaren Series. This new series is actually an old series that has been rebranded. They used to have what they called NKJV and KJV Preaching Bibles, however, that sounds really specific. Obviously, they want to move these Bibles and labeling a Bible as a preaching Bible may cause someone to immediately pass on a Bible because they don’t preach. Just as I said in my reviews of the Preaching Bibles though, these are great Bibles and are certainly useful to many people besides preachers.

I’ll be bringing a review today of the KJV Maclaren Series in brown, genuine leather and the NKJV Maclaren Series in black LeatherSoft while providing a couple of comparisons to their former Preaching Bible calfskin counterparts. In short, the name has changed, but the text block hasn’t, but let’s look at some different bindings as well.

This series comes in several bindings including LeatherSoft, genuine leather, and goatskin. The former Preaching Bibles came in a nice calfskin. What I immediately notice with these Bibles is the similarity of the box design. Thomas Nelson went with the same colors and design. The big difference I notice is that there is a slightly raised pattern on the box and they have changed the pattern. It’s subtle, but that’s really it aside from the name being rebranded. Instead of a “Preaching Bible”, they now refer to these Bibles as “Large Print Reference” Bibles.

Let me be real with you, fake leather is getting really good. Each time I pull out a new imitation leather Bible, I typically find myself impressed. That is certainly the case here. The NKJV Maclaren is wrapped in black LeatherSoft that feels really nice. It’s got a good grain pattern. It’s flexible. It has five raised ribs and really cool gold design on the spine. Thomas Nelson is pushing the design envelope on spines and I like it. They are trying bold things that no one else really seems to be doing.

The genuine leather KJV is no slouch either. You can certainly feel the difference in it being real leather. The grain is deep and the leather is more course and feels a bit higher quality. Once again, you get five raised hubs, but instead of a full design, each hub has gold on the edges. It’s a little different and I like it. I’d like to see it in black honestly.

Both Bibles seem to have the same gold page edges. Both are Smyth-sewn and guaranteed for life—which might I add is awesome for a LeatherSoft. I am amazed companies do this, but it is a testament to our Bible publishers. One difference you’ll notice between the LeatherSoft and genuine leather is the number of bookmarks. With the genuine leather, you’re going to get one extra and you’re paying more money for it so you really should! I will take a moment to once again rave about Thomas Nelson’s bookmarks. I wish other companies would take their cue from them. They are long, wide, and elegant just how Bible bookmarks should be—even in the fake leather version! It’s a detail that really stands out. It’s worth noting that the calfskin preaching Bibles also had three bookmarks.

There is a major difference on the interior of these two Bibles. While neither are edge lined like the calfskin was, they do use different materials on their liner. With the LeatherSoft, you’ll get a paper liner, which isn’t as durable or flexible. On the genuine leather, you’ll get a vinyl liner, which is both more durable and flexible. Once again, you’re getting what you pay for here.

Both of these Bibles have a nice presentation page, but what I find really interesting is that they both use the same text block as the former preaching Bibles. They are double column, verse-by-verse with references at the bottom. What is especially interesting is the font size. I love these Bibles because of their big, beautiful Comfort Print fonts. I love that bluish teal accent colors that chapter and verse numbers use. Nothing at all has changed between the Preaching Bible and the Maclaren Series except that Thomas Nelson has categorized it as a different font size by a whole point! The Preaching Bible is listed as an 11.5 point font. The Maclaren Series is listed as a 10.5 point font. When you put them beside each other, they are the exact same size! What’s up with this Thomas Nelson!?

I have lamented for awhile that Thomas Nelson seems inconsistent on their font sizes. A Bible listed with an 9.5 point font will look like a 7.5. It has been hard to know exactly what you’re going to get. I hope the recategorizing here is the beginning of them righting the ship when it comes to font sizes. We need consistency and I hope it starts with the Maclaren.

The block is beautiful though. I think you’ll love it whether you preach, teach, read, or study. It truly is beneficial for all types of Bible users. I will mention that words of Christ are in black. There’s lined paper for notes at the end of these Bibles, which is a nice feature. However, I am sad to see that maps have been added. The Preaching Bible didn’t have maps and I find maps largely useless now that we have the internet in our pockets. Alas, there they are. Map lovers rejoice! Those such as me who dislike them though will find themselves disappointed.

All in all, The Maclaren Series is a welcome edition and rebranding. With it’s large font and verse-by-verse layout, many will be sure to love it. I find myself especially impressed with the LeatherSoft version. I’ve said that Crossway’s Creeds and Confessions Bible in TruTone was the most impressive fake leather I’d ever seen on a Bible. The Maclaren Series has now matched that and we are so blessed to live in a time where we can have access to such high quality Bibles at such an affordable price. Be sure to check these Bibles out for yourself! You won’t be disappointed.

You can pick up your Maclaren in the NKJV or KJV on Amazon. (Affiliate).

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of these Bibles from Thomas Nelson in exchange for a fair and honest review.