Schuyler NASB Wide Margin Quentel
The latest expansion of the Quentel series from Schuyler is a BIG win.
Schuyler Bibles introduced their flagship Quentel typesetting in 2014 with an NASB edition, and they followed suit with the NASB Personal Size Quentel in 2017 (the PSQ has identical page numbers and overall layout as the Quentel, but a significantly smaller trim size). Both the Quentel line and the PSQ line now have editions in the NASB, ESV, NKJV, and NIV (there is a new CSB Quentel arriving next month).
Earlier this year Schuyler unveiled the latest edition to the Quentel family: the NASB Wide Margin Quentel.
This is the biggest Bible I own, and there is a lot to love about it.
NASB Wide Margin Quentel – Overview
The NASB Wide Margin Quentel is available exclusively from EvangelicalBible.com in a variety of color options. The Bible you see pictured here is the Imperial Blue Goatskin edition (my favorite of Schuyler’s colors). As with the PSQ, the Wide Margin Quentel is identical to the Quentel in terms of page numbers and overall layout. This means that owning more than one creates a consistent reading experience. For example, you might want to own a Wide Margin for note taking and a PSQ for carrying with you. In that case, using both in the same day will feel quite natural.
The NASB Wide Margin Quentel is a large Bible that has a 6.8” x 9.4” trim size and is right at 2” thick when you include the cover. Yes, the word massive comes to mind. This mega Bible includes a 9.5pt type size (compared to the Quentel’s 11pt font) with generous margins (Outer: 35 mm; Inner 33 mm; Top: 25-30 mm; Bottom: 31-36 mm). The paper in the Wide Margin Quentel is 40 GSM, which provides both a nice opacity for undistracted reading as well as the ability to write on the page without significant bleed-through.
This Bible uses the 1995 text of the NASB translation, complete with the standard formatting features the translation is known for: italics, small caps, asterisks, etc.* Additional features include a concordance, Schuyler’s excellent Bible maps, and lined note paper at the back.
All of this is put together in a stunning way. Schuyler is known for their incredible quality, and this Bible is no exception.
FEATURES
• 9.5pt type size
• 6.8” x 9.4” trim size
• 2” thick
• Edge-lined goatskin with semi yapp
• Smyth-sewn binding
• Art gilding
• Three ribbon markers
• 40 GSM paper
• Line Matching
• NASB 1995 text
• Cross-references
• Concordance
• Schuyler Bible Maps
• Lined note paper
• Matching page numbers/format as the full-size Quentel and PSQ
* Schuyler has plans for a new single column NASB edition with the updated 2020 text, but the Quentel line will continue to use the 1995 text.
Here’s an NIV PSQ and ESV Quentel (both with 28 GSM paper) stacked on top of the NASB Wide Margin Quentel.
To Write or Not to Write
This Bible is begging to be written in. It’s wide margins are designed with that in mind. So the question is, “Do you want to write in your Bible?”
If so, this might be the perfect Bible for you (if you’re not an NASB fan, don’t worry, Schuyler has plans to expand the Wide Margin Quentel line into other translations). If you’re not going to write in your Bible, and you don’t need the wide margins or thicker paper to write on, then you may prefer the Quentel or the PSQ. That said, I really love the 9.5pt font size in this Bible (more on that in a future post).
Other than occasionally jotting a note here or there, I have never been much of a “write in your Bible” person. My wife, on the other hand, fills her Bibles up with notes on almost every page. This Wide Margin Quentel from Schuyler is so nice that I’ve started thinking through what my own note-taking system might look like.* I even bought some of the fancy Pigma Micron pens that everyone talks about.
At the end of the day, I’m convinced that having a Bible you really enjoy using is important, and this Bible is the sort that will make you want to grab your pens and start taking notes.
*If you’re someone who has a system in place for taking notes, leave a comment below and let me know what it is!
Big Win
Schuyler’s got a good thing going with the Quentel, and this new Wide Margin edition is an exciting step forward. It is an exquisite Bible of the utmost quality that offers their flagship typesetting in a format that notetakers will adore.
Bottom line:
Another stunning Bible from Schuyler. If you’re an NASB who likes to take notes in your Bible, add this to your Christmas list.
BUYING THIS BIBLE*
• The NASB Wide Margin Quentel is available exclusively at EvangelicalBible.com, starting around $230.
*Pricing and Availability subject to change.
About Tim Wildsmith: “I’m a pastor, writer, and musician from Nashville, where I live with my wife, Becca. I have always loved a Bible that is beautifully designed, well-crafted, and practical, and I’m convinced that finding a Bible you love and enjoy reading will make you want to spend more time with it.” Click here to read the full bio.
