Introducing the Maclaren Series
The beginning of something new from Thomas Nelson.
With the dual release of two new Large Print Reference Bibles in NKJV and KJV, each available in five unique binding options, Thomas Nelson has launched a new line of Bibles called the Maclaren Series. I have been very impressed with recent releases from Thomas Nelson, and from the looks of the two Maclaren Series Bibles I have here in front of me, they’ve hit another home run.
You can watch the video below to see a full walkthrough of the Maclaren Series Large Print Reference Bibles, and keep scrolling to read my full review with high-resolution photos.
Maclaren Series Large Print Reference Bible – Overview
The Maclaren Series Large Print Reference Bibles feature text blocks that are 6.25” x 9.25”, and they are 1.75” thick when you include the cover. Each is available in five binding options: Black Goatskin, Brown Genuine Leather, Indexed Brown Genuine Leather, Black Leathersoft, and Brown Leathersoft. In my unboxing video, I was pleasantly surprised by the texture of the black goastkin, yet the brown leathersoft edition left an even bigger impression. It looks and feels much nicer than its price tag (under $40 at the links below. From the outside, these are beautiful Bibles that include raised spine hubs, perimeter stitching, double-sided satin ribbons, and sewn bindings that help the Bibles lay flat.
Inside, the layout features a double-column, verse-by-verse typesetting with cross-references and textual notes at the bottom of the page. I particularly like the teal accents used for the verse numbers, sections headings, titles, references, and page headers. The main text is a 10.5 Comfort Print that is line matched on 36 GSM paper. It’s large, but not too large, and quite comfortable to read.
Overall, this is a classy Bible that is both beautiful and functional.
FEATURES
• 10.5pt typeface
• 6.25” x 9.25” trim size
• 1.75” thick
• 36 GSM paper
• Line matching
• Smyth-sewn binding
• Art gilding
• Double-sided ribbon markers
• Verse-by-Verse format
• Over 72,000 cross-references and translator notes
• Bible Maps
Top: NKJV in Brown Leathersoft // Bottom: KJV in Black Goatskin
What’s in a Name?
I’ve seen a few people note that this Bible is almost identical to the NKJV and KJV Preaching Bibles that Thomas Nelson released back in 2019. These new Bibles include maps, but otherwise, they are the same. I don’t know this for sure, but I assume that the rebrand was a way to accomplish two things:
Launch the new Maclaren Series with a great Bible design (it’s really solid).
Move away from the “Preaching Bible” title that inevitably gets ignored by consumers who aren’t… you know… preachers (every time I review a preaching Bible, I say something like, “You don’t have to be a preacher to love this Bible,” but I don’t blame people for not wanting to buy one).
So where did the name Maclaren come from?
It’s a nod to Alexander Maclaren, a 19th-century minister from Glasgow who spent the majority of his life in Manchester, England. Maclaren was a dear friend of Charles Spurgeon, and he was known as one of the best expository preachers of his day. The Maclaren Series Bibles do not include study notes or supplemental material from Alexander Maclaren; the name is merely a nod to his legacy (similar to how Schuyler uses Quentel, Treveris, and Caxton to name their Bibles).
Right For You?
Every review comes down to the same question: is this Bible right for you?
In the case of these new Maclaren Series Bibles from Thomas Nelson, there is a lot to like. As I said above, these Bibles are beautiful and functional, and with five different binding options, you have a good variety of options. The goatskin edition is right in line with the Bibles in the Premier Collection, which means premium quality at a decent price. And even the least expensive Leathersoft editions are great Bibles.
If what you see in this review excites you, then the Maclaren Series Large Print Reference Bibles should definitely be on your wish list.
BUY THIS BIBLE*
KING JAMES VERSION
• Black Goatskin – Amazon ($121) // Christianbook.com ($125)
• Brown Genuine Leather – Amazon ($75) // Christianbook.com ($68)
• Brown Genuine Leather (Indexed) – Amazon ($110) // Christianbook.com ($70)
• Black Leathersoft – Amazon ($39) // Christianbook.com ($34)
• Brown Leathersoft – Amazon ($42) // Christianbook.com ($37)
NEW KING JAMES VERSION
• Black Goatskin – Amazon ($155) // Christianbook.com ($130)
• Brown Genuine Leather – Amazon ($75) // Christianbook.com ($65)
• Brown Genuine Leather (Indexed) – Amazon ($110) // Christianbook.com ($75)
• Black Leathersoft – Amazon ($30) // Christianbook.com ($34)
• Brown Leathersoft – Amazon ($42) // Christianbook.com ($37)
*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.
