Prussian Blue Calfskin

If I had only one word to describe this Bible, it would be “wow.” From the moment I opened the clamshell box, I knew this ESV was special. Its beautiful craftsmanship and attention to detail are truly remarkable. The cover is rich in color, and exquisite to the touch, reminding me somewhat of suede but without the fear of it being easily stained. The leather is Italian Aniline Calfskin.

Italian Aniline Calfskin is a premium leather of exceptional quality and craftsmanship. It is renowned for its luxurious look and soft, supple feel.

Aniline refers to a type of leather dyeing process where the hides are soaked in transparent dyes that penetrate the entire thickness of the leather. This results in a rich, vibrant color that showcases the natural beauty of the leather. Aniline leather also retains the unique texture and markings of the hide, adding character and authenticity to each piece.

Calfskin, as the name suggests, is leather made from the hides of young calves. This type of leather is highly sought after for its fine grain and inherent durability. Calfskin is known for its smooth surface and elegant appearance, making it a popular choice for luxury goods and high-end accessories.

As I opened and turned each page of this Bible, I was captivated by the smooth texture and fine quality of the European Bible paper. The words, printed with precision by Royal Jongbloed in the Netherlands at 9.25 pt Lexicon font are easy to read, which call the reader to embark on a deeper spiritual journey. And, the single-column format makes it feel like a Readers Bible, but with small verse numbering that is not distracting.

The Smyth-sewn binding allows this Bible to fall open and lay flat from Genesis to Revelation. It has color maps, footnotes, line matched print to reduce ghosting, a 17 mm yapp, blue under silver art gilt, and three ribbons (for the Prussian blue the ribbons are navy).

But it’s not just the physical attributes that make this Bible stand out. The English Standard Version (ESV) translation is known for its accuracy and readability, making it a reliable companion for deep study or casual reading. The clarity of the language allows the messages to resonate with authenticity and soul-stirring power.

This new edition from Crossway is currently available in Siena Calfskin, and Olive Green Calfskin through Evangelical Bible and can be viewed at this link. There is also an edition in Black Goatskin and Brown Wellington Leather.

So, if I had to use only one word to describe this Bible, “wow” would indeed be an understatement. It is a masterpiece that deserves admiration and reverence. Owning such a remarkable piece of literary and spiritual artistry is a privilege that I can only encourage others to experience for themselves.