ESV Six-Volume Reader's Bible
A closer look at this beautifully designed set from Crossway.
I recently went on a quest to find the perfect ESV small Bible, and ironically enough, right in the middle of that quest I found myself reuniting with the largest Bible I own, the Six-Volume ESV Reader’s Bible from Crossway.
To say I was stunned when I first saw the fantastic trailer for this multi-volume Bible would be an understatement, and a quick search through my Amazon purchase history shows that I ordered this Bible the day it was released. The English Standard Version has been my primary Bible translation for the past two decades, and I think one of the reasons for that is the fact that Crossway continues to make beautiful, unique, and practical editions of the ESV that enhance my reading experience.
This six-volume set is a great example of what Crossway does best.
Let’s take a look.
ESV Reader's Bible, Six-Volume Set – Overview
The overall concept of a “Reader’s Bible” is that it is designed to facilitate a smooth reading experience where the Bible is presented in its original form without chapter and verse numbers, section headings, and references (the original manuscripts of the Bible did not have these things, but they were later added for the sake of usability, study, etc.).
“Wait… no verse numbers?”
Yep.
This is a completely different Bible.
There are Reader’s Editions that come in one volume, but they feature what you’ve come to expect with most Bibles: small type and thin pages. With this six-volume set, however, Crossway set out to do something grand. By stretching the entire Bible out over six volumes, they no longer had to worry about cramming everything into a tight space, and that allowed them to make design decisions that allow for a very unique reading experience.
FEATURES
• Six Volumes:
I – Pentateuch
II – Historical Books
III – Poetry
IV – Prophets
V – Gospels & Acts
VI – Epistles & Revelation
• Single-column, paragraph format
• No verse numbers, chapter numbers, or footnotes
• Smyth-sewn binding
• Single ribbon marker in each volume
• 80 GSM uncoated European book paper
• Permanent slipcase
• 5.25” x 7.75” trim size
• 12pt type size
A Novel Idea
The exterior of this Bible is a lovely cloth over board that feels like a vintage novel (there is also a cowhide over board edition that comes in a walnut slipcase). With a smyth-sewn binding and a well-designed slipcase, these volumes are built to last.
But the real magic is found inside.
It starts with the paper. Crossway imported this creamy, opaque, 80 GSM paper from Sweden. It is uncoated, and the texture is fantastic. It’s hard to explain how much of a difference this makes as you read. Go grab a novel off of your bookshelf and compare its paper to that of your favorite Bible… that will help you see what I’m talking about.
On this paper, we have an elegant 12pt font called Trinité, set in a single-column paragraph format. The words are given plenty of room to breath, and when you add that to the lack of chapter or verse numbers, it creates a very open and smooth reading experience. This Bible makes you want to curl up in your favorite chair and read for hours on end.
It would be unfair not to mention L.E.G.O. (Legatoria Editoriale Giovanni Olivotto), the Italian printer who Crossway commissioned to craft the Six-Volume ESV Reader’s Bible. Their work here is truly stunning, and this collection is an absolute treasure for anyone who loves the Bible.
Reading the Bible Anew
It’s easy to get hung up on the fact that this Reader’s Bible doesn’t have chapter and verse numbers.*
I totally get that.
This is not the Bible I’m going to pick up when I need to look up a specific verse. It’s never going to become my everyday Bible, and I’m not going to carry it with me to church on Sundays.
But… on those days when I want to read the entirety of Romans or Mark from beginning to end, or just sit down and get lost in the greatest story the world has ever known… this will be my Bible of choice, and it will be a joy to read.
*Crossway released a new version that includes chapter and verse numbers… click here to check it out.
