Testimonials
I received my 53R in the post Monday and had an opportunity to inspect and use the bible last evening. The only word that comes to mind to describe this fine work is exqusite. My dictionary gives this definition: marked by flawless craftsmanship or by beautiful, ingenious, delicate, or elaborate execution. That sums up the quality in my mind and I have only begun to explore it.
The first facet of this jewel of a bible that I noticed was of course the goatskin cover. Your choice for me was spot on. I love the supple quality of the cover and especially the deeper grain. The color of the leather is a beautiful chocolate shade just as you described. Opening the front cover I noticed the fine leather cover lining and appointments. Turning to the text, I know my tired eyes will be thankful each time I read the almost perfect print size. The overcasting on the first signature bespeaks quality and longevity in the binding. The oversize ribbons are perfect and I will use all three.
What more can I say... R. L. Allan has succeeded, again, in bringing superb quality in bible craftsmanship to the masses. Thank you, Nicholas, for your assistance in obtaining this volume for me.
Dennis L. Sexton
" I just received this item (#20BR) and it is my first Bible by R. L. Allan & Sons. Until I held this Bible in my hands I had no idea what soft leather was, the Highland goatskin is nothing short of amazing, it has an almost liquid quality about it. When you hold this Bible in your hands there can be no mistake, this is a thing of rare quality. The full yapp covers add to the experience of holding this Bible as does the wonderful smell of the goatskin. In fact everything about this Bible, down to the smallest detail bespeaks quality. It is printed on acid free paper that feels very good in the hand, the ribbon markers (there are two of them) are as soft as any I have seen and catch and reflect light is a neat way.
The vintage style of type used adds to the overall charm of this edition. My impression is that an average Victorian Englishman would have felt very much at home with this Bible. From the binding to the typeface to the fascinating (and very useful) Cyclopedic Concordance, everything about this Bible harkens back to the taste and style of a bygone age.
While this Bible is a thing of quality, I do not think it should be called a "luxury Bible." There is not the slightest hint of it being ostentatious, it lacks any unnecessary ornamentation. While unpretentious it does stand out, but it stands out for all of the right reasons."
"Last Sunday morning after the morning services, I loaded the family into the SUV and buckled my infant son into the car seat. For those with 4 + infants you can imagine the bags and bibles being loaded.The road home is approximately 25 miles down the mountain of which the last 12 is interstate. So I'm driving conservatively some 70 mph. About 1 mile from the exit, I have a couple wave me over pointing to the top of the vehicle. I pull over, get out and am aghast at what I discover. A brand new Allan Brevier Clarendon bible caught in the luggage rack completely blown into a large ball. Needless to say I'm near to panic and am thinking it is ruined.
Not so. So far from the truth. My wife took it in her hands and straightened each page, then pressed the cover down while I drove the last couple miles home.
By the time I got home, the bible was immaculate, all pages back to their original position. The bible suffered no damage whatsoever.
Truly a magnificent piece of workmanship and quality. "
M.C, USA
"I received my tan goatskin ESV1 on Friday 4th October just in time for this term semester. It felt crisp in my hand, the grain in the tan leather feels fantastic. It opens well , nice and flat.
The Allan ESV1 is just right for notes in teaching and I know this is a great investment, money well spent. I will be using the The ESV Study Bible in the class room and my ESV1 for personal bible study, devotional family and public reading and teaching along with my RSV, NASB and NLT. This Allan bible will serve for aeons to come. It handles well and its three ribbon markers are also handy for cross referencing.
It is definitely the best binding bible in the world. Great! Soli Deo Gloria."
P.P.C, London, UK.
"Dear Allan's,
My ESV arrived today and I can't describe how pleased I am with it, I can't put it down! I've been looking on Amazon for ages for an Anglicized quality leather bound ESV and had no joy, until I read a review on the bibledesignblog which praised your bindings. I knew then that this was the one, and started saving my pennies, even though I had never seen or handled an Allan's Bible.
Well it arrived much sooner than I expected, and I don't think I've ever handled a book with such a luxurious feel to it. And not only that, but the text shares exactly the same layout as my current Collins ESV so every passage I'm trying to memorise is in exactly the same position. Fantastic!
Thank you, it was money well spent and I'm sure it's going to endure many years of hard work ahead. I will certainly recommend you to others and use you again. Keep up the good work! "
Stephen S.
