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Layman's Classic Bible Review: Oxford New Garnet KJV Bible

Oxford New Garnet KJV Bible


I checked this out from the library. I’m very impressed and sad this one isn’t readily available anymore.

Many compact Bibles either have really tiny print (as can be expected) or narrow,  stretched “large print.” It’s rare to find a compact with readable print and when you read this one you think “yep, name checks out.”  This definitely fits that bill to a T.

Best as I can tell this was published in the 1940s or 1950s.



Price - You’ll pay $10 or more on eBay for this little volume, if in good shape perhaps much more.

Size & Font - 7.25” by 5.25” - its footprint is small but the print is extremely readable. Ghosting is practically non existent on this good old high quality paper. The print is not bold or dark but eminently readable and is quite attractive.  Text is 9.5-10 point and is very easy on the eyes (looks bigger). This is a black letter volume, which I prefer.  There are almost 1400 pages and the volume is about 1 3/4 inches thick.

Compared with the previously-reviewed NKJV Personal Size Giant Print 

Physical features - This Bible like most hardcover books of the day with smythe-sewn binding. The one I checked out is a black hardcover with a beige dust jacket.

Uses - This is great for travel both for small size and ease of reading.  It's a fantastic Bible for taking on trips or vacations; I can attest to this from personal use!

Other features - Not much. This Spartan book has no footnotes, references, concordance, or  study helps. There are a few maps in the back as well as the epistle dedicatory to King James. The only headings are at the top of each page.





Pros:

  • Size is great to hold and carry
  • Print is remarkably large and easy to read
  • Text is clear with no distractions 
  • Sewn binding and cloth hardcover 

Cons:

  • It’s out of print !

If only...

  • Oxford would reprint this beauty!   Seriously, if this were released in leather, hardcover, and imitation leather it could sell well.
  • In fact I’d like to see more Oxford KJV’s that aren’t Scofield Bibles.  They do such a good job with their NRSV's, and even now more publishers are coming out with decent KJV's again that this should be a no-brainer!

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