Cambridge Concord KJV Reference Edition
This excellent 1950s typesetting is still in print for a reason.
I mentioned in my recent review of the KJV Longprimer 53C from R.L. Allan that the Cambridge Concord Reference Edition was another version of the King James Bible that had caught my eye, and in fact, it was actually the first premium KJV that I purchased. With last week’s release of the exclusive Full Yapp Concord in Marbled Mahogany Calfskin from EvangelicalBible.com, it felt like a good time to offer up a review of this excellent Bible.
KJV Concord Reference Edition – Overview
Cambridge has been printing Bibles for over 400 years (since 1591), and their lineup of King James Version editions is expansive. The Concord Reference Edition is a typesetting from the 1950s that is recognized for its use of the Times Semi-bold typeface, which is quite clear and comfortable to read even at the Concord’s 8pt type size.
There are several versions of the Concord: two goatskin editions (red letter or black letter), three calf-split editions, and the new full yapp calfskin edition available exclusively from EvangelicalBible.com. Cambridge also makes a Personal Size Concord and a Wide Margin Concord.
My copy pictured here is the red letter goatskin edition. The goatskin has a great feel to it – that sweet spot between being too firm and to floppy – and a lovely texture. As far as overall size goes, the Concord has a 5.5” x 8.25” trim size and is about 1.25” thick. This feels substantial while also being small enough to take with you on the go.
In addition to standard cross-reference and a great concordance, the Concord includes a glossary, a Bible dictionary, and a full set of Cambridge maps.
FEATURES
• 8pt type size (Times Semi-bold 421)
• 5.5” x 8.25” trim size
• 1.25” thick
• Edge-lined goatskin cover
• Smyth-sewn binding
• Two ribbon markers
• Art gilding
• Double-column format
• Cross-references in center column
• Red letter text for the words of Christ (optional)
• Glossary, Concordance, and Bible Dictionary
• Cambridge Bible Maps
An Overlooked Gem?
I knew that the Concord must be special when I noticed that the folks at EvangelicalBible.com had a dedicated page on their website to sing its praises, and one comment on that page jumped out to me: “The Cambridge Concord Reference Bible is a gem that is often overlooked in the ever growing high quality Bible market place.”
That got me thinking.
Why is the Concord overlooked and underappreciated?
The more I think about that question, I find myself convinced that it’s a game of comparison. If you’re looking for a premium KJV Bible, it’s likely that your search will include Bibles like the Schuyler Canterbury (or Treveris) and Allan’s Longprimer. When I place my Concord on my desk next to my Canterbury and my Longprimer 53C, it is not only smaller than the other two, but it also has a much more simple and clean overall aesthetic look to it than the others. The Concord is a well-constructed Bible with the best materials and premier craftsmanship, but when it comes to that initial, first impression “wow factor,” it makes sense that Concord would get overlooked in a world where Longprimers and Canterburys demand our attention.
But then I open all three of these Bibles, and the Concord really starts to shine. The overall size is great, the typeface is wonderful, and the included reference features (glossary, concordance, dictionary) are tough to beat. It may not be flashy, but the Concord is an excellent Bible that creates a delightful experience of reading and studying God’s word.
KJV Short List
There are so many KJV Bibles out there that it can be a bit overwhelming to search for one. I don’t think you can go wrong with Bibles from Schuyler, Allan, or Cambridge… but even then, there are just so many to choose from.
The Concord Reference Edition from Cambridge has been around since the 1950s, and they are still printing them for a reason. It’s a fantastic overall Bible that comes in several different versions, and each one is filled with the great features that make the Concord incredibly valuable for readers who love to study the Bible.
Bottom Line:
If you’re looking for a premium quality KJV Bible, the Concord Reference Edition from Cambridge needs to be on your short list.
BUYING THIS BIBLE*
• The KJV Concord is available in various formats for somewhere between $100 - $200.
• Available directly from Cambridge
• Also available from Amazon and EvangelicalBible.com.
*Pricing and Availability subject to change.
