The English Standard Version (ESV) Heirloom Single Column Legacy Bible is a premium Bible that is published by Crossway. The edition that I am reviewing is the 2020 Bible that was printed in China (the previous version of this Bible was printed in the Netherlands by Jongbloed). The text of this Bible is the 2016 text edition.
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ESV Heirloom Single Column Legacy Bible
The Single Column Legacy Bible was already my personal favorite Bible (I have owned the TruTone version for about 5 years now), but this premium goatskin version is out of this world! First of all, I love the Legacy Bible for these reasons:
- Single Column Format (I’ve always liked single column format more)
- Wide(r) margins (smaller than wide margin and journaling Bibles, but wider than anything else I know of), making this Bible perfect for note taking
- Line-matched text to minimize show-through from page to page
- Section headings in the margins to reduce visual clutter
- 9-Point type size (not too big, not too small)
Now, here’s why I really love the Premium version of the Legacy Bible:
This premium Bible is made of goatskin leather, and it feels, looks, and yes, even smells phenomenal! It is extremely soft to the touch and just feels like a premium Bible should feel. It’s nothing like the stiffer/harder genuine leather Bibles that I have. This Bible is available in black and blue (I have the blue, and it is a beautiful color!).
First of all, before I get further into the Bible itself, let me mention the clamshell box that it comes in. The box is a very elegant black with gold lettering on the front and sides. When you open the clamshell, you’ll notice that the Bible is wrapped in a velvet covering. When you pick it up, you’ll feel like this Bible is $5,000. When you unwrap the Bible and hold it in your hand, it feels amazing, very flexible and soft, like it was meant to fit in your hand and your hand only (this is getting weird, isn’t it?).
Features of the ESV Heirloom Single Column Legacy Bible
Thickness: I love the thickness of this Bible! It’s not quite as thick as the ESV Preaching Bible, but it’s not as thin as something like a thinline Bible. It’s just right!
Lays flat: This Bible will lay flat no matter what page you are opened to. Whether it’s Genesis 1 or Revelation 22, the Bible will lay flat for you.
Bible cover: There is a leather liner in both the front and back of the Bible, accompanied by gold trim around the perimeter. These liners are sewn in instead of glued in (like in my TruTone version). The spine of the Bible has four ribs which add a very nice touch. Everything on the spine is written in gold lettering.
Bookmarks: Perhaps one of my favorite things about this Bible: it has FOUR bookmarks! Ah, finally, a Bible with more than one or two bookmarks. My only complaint is that they aren’t thicker. I have one Bible with pretty thick ribbon markers, and all the rest are typically the size of this Legacy Bible. However, that is a very minor criticism since I think that these are still very nice quality.
Warranty: This premium Bible is absolutely beautiful in every way! It is truly an Heirloom that is able to be passed down from generation to generation (Crossway even provides a lifetime warranty on this Bible).
Best Bible for Preachers
Beginning in the new year, I am going to be using this as my everyday Bible that I read and journal in. I am ecstatic about the four ribbon markers since my daily Bible reading plan is typically in three or four books at one time. I am also a preacher, so I can confidently say that this Bible would also be perfect for preachers.
As a matter of fact, I chose to buy and gift an Heirloom Legacy Bible to a preacher friend of mine. I could have gifted him the ESV Preacher’s Bible, but I chose this one because of the four ribbon markers and the ample room for note taking. This Bible looks and feels amazing!
Conclusion
The layout of the Single Column Legacy is the best out there in my humble opinion. Therefore, this Bible provides the greatest combination of aesthetics and layout. I can’t recommend this premium Bible highly enough. Tolle lege, take up and read!
Disclaimer: My thanks to Crossway Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy of this Bible as part of the Blog Review Program. The opinions expressed are my own.
Matt became a joyful follower of Jesus at the age of 21. He is very grateful to be a husband to Lindsey, and a father to four boys. He is an ordained minister (teaching elder) in the PCA. He previously served as a pastor of biblical counseling and is currently a corporate chaplain in southern Delaware. Matt received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and holds an advanced certification in biblical counseling from the Association of Biblical Counselors. In his free time, he loves playing with his boys, traveling with his wife, and reading (and buying!) books.
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