Zondervan NRSV Single-Column Reference
A bold and unique edition that NRSV fans are sure to love.
Over the past several years I have become an avid reader of the New Revised Standard Version. One thing NRSV fans know all too well is that despite its prominent use in the academic world as well as a wide array of church traditions, there are far fewer editions of the NRSV available today than there are with popular translations like the ESV, NIV, and KJV (I’m convinced, by the way, that one of the main reasons the ESV is so popular is that Crossway has done an excellent job of saturating the market with an abundance of unique editions). This makes the release of the new NRSV Single-Column Reference Bible from Zondervan all the more exciting.
My previous reviews of the NIV, NASB, and NKJV single-column reference Bibles from the Premier Collection have been increasingly glowing, so I was expecting to be impressed with this new NRSV edition when it arrived.
But my friends… I was not expecting to be this impressed.
NRSV Single-Column Reference Bible – Overview
The NRSV Single-Column Reference Bible (release date: September 22, 2020) is initially being offered in a choice of two bindings: brown leathersoft or premium black goatskin. The Bible you see here is the goatskin edition under the banner of the “Premier Collection,” a line of premium Bibles from Zondervan and Thomas Nelson (both part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing) that debuted in 2018. These Bibles feature high-quality materials, excellent craftsmanship, and custom typefaces designed by 2K/DENMARK.
One of the things I love about the Premier Collection is that you can tell these Bibles come from the same place, but they’re not all exactly alike. Each translation gets its own distinctive features. This new NRSV edition immediately reminds be of the NIV and NASB editions in terms of its trim size (6.25” x 9.25”), raised spine hubs, and incredibly soft black goatskin cover, but it also stands apart from the others thanks to its purple-under-gold pages edges and uniquely colored ribbons. If you own all three, you won’t get them confused.
FEATURES
• Single-column format
• Edge-lined goatskin
• Smyth-sewn binding
• Purple-under-gold art gilding
• Interior gilt line and perimeter stitching
• Three double-sided satin ribbon markers (3/8”)
• 36 GSM European Bible paper
• Line Matching
• Cross-references
• NRSV Authorized Concise Glossary and Concordance
• Full-Color Maps
• 6.25” x 9.25” trim size
• 1.55” thick
• 10.5pt type size
Step Inside
The interior layout of the NRSV Single-Column Reference Bible is balanced in both form and functionality. The custom NRSV Comfort Print Typeface is a bold, 10.5pt type size that is line-matched on 36 GSM paper, which creates a clear and comfortable reading experience. Cross-references are spaced evenly from top to bottom in the outer margins, and there is enough space beyond the references to justify this being considered a wide margin Bible (see photo below for a full spread). This feels quite similar to the layout of the NASB SCR, but you’ll notice that the width of the scriptural text in this NRSV edition is wider, which gives the text more room to breath.
The design of this Bible is actually quite different than the other SCRs in several noticeable ways. I am particularly fond of the thin line that accents the top and bottom of the page, and you’ll notice the minimalistic diamond shape that it includes. This accent is present throughout the Bible in various places, creating a subtle sense of cohesion that is a truly excellent touch by the designers. Other interesting features include centered section headings within the text (as opposed to a more standard left-justified design) as well as page headings that indicate which verse begins (left) or ends (right) each page. Perhaps most notably, the NRSV SCR does not use a secondary accent color (blue in the NIV edition, red in the NASB and NKJV editions). I have to think the designers at least considered using a purple accent color on the page, but that might have been a little too much purple, so I’m glad they chose to present the entirety of the text in black.
In addition to the cross-references, this edition includes an NRSV Authorized Concise Glossary and Concordance (combined) that is very nice, as well as a standard set of Bible maps on glossy cardstock.
The verse-by-verse layout of the Psalms in the NRSV SCR is beautifully formatted.
The current lineup of Single-Column Reference Bibles from the Premier Collection is quite an impressive stack.
A Bold and Impressive NRSV Option
The folks at Zondervan have outdone themselves with the NRSV Single-Column Reference Bible. Not only does it offer NRSV fans a much-needed single column edition of this excellent translation, but it also gives us another premium option at an affordable price.
Bottom line:
This is a terrific Bible that is thoughtfully designed and beautifully constructed.
NEXT WEEK: The Return of the NASB Personal Size Quentel from Schuyler Bibles.
Keep scrolling to watch a video review of this Bible.
BUYING THIS BIBLE*
• The NRSV Single-Column Reference Bible is available in Brown Leathersoft or Black Goatskin directly from Zondervan.
• Also available from from ChristianBook.com and Amazon.
*Pricing and Availability subject to change.
