Cambridge Family Chronicle
A full review of this incredible new Bible project from Cambridge.
Over the course of a few days in late November, three massive boxes arrived at my home in Tennessee (two of which were shipped directly from L.E.G.O. in Italy). When I saw the first one, my mind immediately rushed back to a moment earlier this year when the folks at Cambridge Bibles told me that they had something special on the horizon. I could tell by their coy smiles and sense of excitement that it was going to be good.
But I had no idea it would be this good.
Inspired by the legendary Baskerville Folio Bible of 1763, and filled with 221 reproductions of Gustav Doré’s beautiful woodcut illustrations originally made for the 1866 La Grande Bible de Tours, the all-new Cambridge Family Chronicle Bible (available in three unique binding styles) was developed, designed, and typeset by 2K/Denmark, and it is a stunning project that represents a new landmark in Bible publishing, connecting the past with the future.
As you may have seen in my unboxing videos, each edition of the new Cambridge Family Chronicle Bible makes quite a first impression. As I recorded those videos, it was honestly a bit difficult for me to fully wrap my mind around the scope and grandeur of this project. This is the culmination of several years of work from some of the most talented people in the world of publishing, and it takes some time for all of it to sink in.
I’ve now had the chance to sit with each edition of the Cambridge Family Chronicle Bible, and I wanted to create a full, in-depth video review (see below) so that you can get a closer look at what makes them so special.
This is a remarkable project that I’m certain will become a family heirloom in homes around the globe. I hope you enjoy the review!
Cambridge Family Chronicle Bible – Overview
The Cambridge Family Chronicle Bible is available in three unique binding styles.
Blue Hardback
• 13.5pt Baskerville 1757 Pro
• 10” x 12” trim size
• 2.2” thick
• Blue buckram cloth hardcover
• ‘Fire and Water” cover detail from Doré
• Blue page edges
• Single blue ribbon
• Endpapers: enlarged Doré engravings
• Blue and orange slipcase
• 14-page Family Chronicle section
• 221 Gustav Doré woodcut illustrations
• Historic King James Version text
• Helpful chapter summaries
• Price: £195 / $295
Black Calfskin
• 13.5pt Baskerville 1757 Pro
• 10” x 12” trim size
• 2.3” thick
• Black calfskin leather binding
• Gold detailed cover blocking
• Red spine panel with raised hubs
• Two deep-red ribbons
• Endpapers: Maps of the Bible World
• Lid and tray box featuring a Doré engraving
• 14-page Family Chronicle section
• 221 Gustav Doré woodcut illustrations
• Historic King James Version text
• Helpful chapter summaries
• Price: £525 / $650
Brown Calfskin (Limited Edition)
• 13.5pt Baskerville 1757 Pro
• 10” x 12” trim size
• 2.4” thick
• Chestnut Brown padded calfskin leather binding
• Intricate cover blocking
• Red spine panel with raised hubs
• Three ribbons (yellow, orange, red)
• Endpapers: Artisan-made marbled design
• Impressive presentation box
• Individually Numbered
• Certificate of Authenticity
• 14-page Family Chronicle section
• 221 Gustav Doré woodcut illustrations
• Historic King James Version text
• Helpful chapter summaries
• Price: £675 / $800
A Special Family Heirloom
The Cambridge Family Chronicle Bible is designed to continue the longstanding tradition of Family Bibles, and each edition includes a beautiful 14-page family record section at the front of the Bible that allows the owner to record family details and then pass the Bible on to future generations. This includes generous space to record ancestors dating back three generations as well as births and marriages of future generations, and other important family events.
This section of the Bible is thoughtfully designed, and Cambridge has included detailed instructions with each copy of the Family Chronicle Bible to help you make the most of it (they also have practice sheets!).
Right For You?
If you’re interested in the idea of a Family Bible that can be used as an heirloom piece for generations to come, then these three new editions of the Cambridge Family Chronicle Bible are certainly worth considering. They are thoughtfully designed, expertly crafted, and certain to last for generations.
BUY THE CAMBRIDGE FAMILY CHRONICLE BIBLE*
– Blue Cloth over Boards
– Black Calfskin
– Brown Calfskin (Limited Edition)
*Pricing and Availability subject to change, and some of the links above are affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you purchase something after clicking the link. Many of the Bibles I review have been provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
