I received this beautiful ESV Heirloom Bible, Alpha Edition from Crossway to review. I was super excited about the new Wellington Leather option. This Bible has not disappointed at all!
This beautiful Bible is one of Crossway’s “premium quality” Bibles. It does come in a Goatskin Black (which I have in other versions and love) and this Wellington Brown Leather. These premium Bibles do have a higher price tag, but they also have a lifetime warranty! It comes in this lovely box with the velvet cover.
As an aside, I did notice that Christian Book has this Bible listed as the ESV Heirloom Edition, Compact Size. I’m not sure why they opted to list it that way, but they did.
Let’s Talk About Size
First, let’s talk about the size of this Bible! It is smaller than the other Heirloom Line Bibles at 5 inches x 7 inches. It is a perfectly portable size, if you ask me. (You can get Crossway’s ESV Pocket Size Bible in Buffalo Leather if you’re looking for an even tinier Bible with a nice real leather cover.)
Heirloom Bible Feel and Premium Features
This Heirloom Bible feels so nice! The Wellington Leather cover is so smooth and floppy. Now, this leather absolutely will wear. It’ll look worn. If you want it to look perfect forever, the goatskin leather is the cover for you. This Wellington leather is going to wear. Within two minutes of having it out of the box, I had already scratched it by setting on on a tiny grain of salt. That is what attracted me to this new Wellington leather. I have a Chic Sparrow traveler’s notebook that is similar and I love the worn leather look.
The paper also feels different. It has a satin, smooth texture. It is thin, but doesn’t have that slightly glossy feel of most Bible paper. There is almost an eggshell feel to the paper. I know that sounds weird, but you’d have to feel it to understand. Just know, when they say “premium”, they mean it in all areas!
There are two ribbons on this Heirloom Bible. Now, other Heirloom Bibles have had four ribbons, which is just perfect. This smaller one only has two, which broke my heart just a little. I mean, I understand why they wouldn’t want to use more ribbons– but I want ALL the ribbons. They could add ten and I wouldn’t think it was too many.
Heirloom Bible, Alpha Edition, Features and Format
This Heirloom Bible has double columns and 8-point font. I find this a very readable combination. It also makes more a very trim Bible.
There are no study notes or cross-references in this Alpha Edition Heirloom Bible. There are some full color maps in the back. However, this is a bare-bones, no frills kind of Bible. I LOVE my ESV Study Bible. But not everyone loves having those study notes all the time. Not having them there does make the Bible very trim and sleek.
The edges have this art gilding. It is a red with a gold on top. In some light, it looks rose gold. Dimmer lighting makes it look more brassy. It is lovely.
Who Is This Bible For?
I’ll say it again, do you need a super expensive Bible? No. However, if you’re in the market for a premium quality Bible- these Heirloom Bibles from Crossway are an excellent option.
These Heirloom Bibles are an excellent gift for someone just beginning their career. I firmly believe every pastor should be given an excellent Bible when beginning their ministry. I also think this could easily apply to others, as well.
These are the Bibles you’ll pass down to your kids and grandkids. They are such a high quality and they have a lifetime guarantee!
If you’re looking for a Bible to study exclusively out of, this may not be the right one. However, if you primarily use commentaries, this could be a good option even for study. There is no note taking space if you like to write, color, or paint in your Bible. This one is more for those people who don’t write in their Bibles.
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Things I Need to Say
- This Bible was sent to me by Crossway free for review. I am not obligated to provide a positive review.
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