Review: RSV Personal Size Bible (Sovereign Collection)

Thomas Nelson Bibles recently provided me with a complimentary copy of its new Personal Size Reference Bible, Sovereign Collection to review. Printed in the Revised Standard Version and bound in black genuine leather, this would be a beautiful gift or addition to your own library. It is available in black, brown, or purple Leathersoft, genuine leather, and some editions do have thumb indexed pages. All are printed in HarperCollins Christians Publishing's exclusive Comfort Print which makes Bible reading easy in any size font. This Bible, packaged in a sturdy elegant box, comes ready to present to your favorite college student and will be available August 13. Amazon's pre-order price for the edition I received is guaranteed at $109.99; the Leathersoft editions are priced at $49.99. ChristianBook.com is currently offering pre-order pricing at 34% off the regular price! 

The details that make this Bible so beautiful include two satin ribbon bookmarks, gilded edges, and simply illustrated drop caps at the start of each chapter. The gold print on the front and spine gives this edition a classic and sophisticated look. Its personal size, flexible binding, and soft cover make it suitable for daily use. 

In this world of smart phones and internet information at our fingertips, I find the addition of things like commentaries and concordances add to the bulk of a good Bible, making it cumbersome and less user friendly. This Bible is simple at its best. After the presentation page are the Table of Contents, the Preface, a list of the books of the Bible in alphabetical order and abbreviations; then it's time to dive right into the Word of God. The back of the Bible features lists of the parables and miracles of Jesus, a one-year Bible reading plan, a topical index, note pages, and full-color maps. The body of the text includes introductions to each book of the Bible, headings, and end-of-page cross-references. Pages are printed in two-column format, with the exception of the Books of Poetry (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon). 

If you are looking for a beautiful daily-driver or an elegant gift for someone to cherish, this is an excellent choice offered by Thomas Nelson Bibles, available for pre-order now and released August 13, 2024.