The Holy Bible: Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition, Burnished Black, Premium Ultrasoft Bonded Leather – January 1, 2009

This is (obviously) the Catholic edition of the RSV. It is not to be confused with the RSV-CE 2nd, which makes some minor changes in translation, e.g. Isaiah 7:14 was changed from "young woman" in the Bible under review, to "virgin" in the RSV-CE 2nd. "Young woman" in the RSV-CE is not an incorrect translation of the Hebrew word in question. By the same token, the RSV-CE 2nd's "virgin" is justifiable. Many people want to know this, because it is viewed as an important prophecy of Christ. Certainly, this was how the evangelists viewed it. One other difference is that the RSV-CE retains archaic language (thee, etc.) when humans are addressing God.For what it's worth, neither is approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, who has gone with the NEW Revised Standard Version, which is a nice translation, although has gone the route of inclusive language. Despite not being officially approved, both the RSV-CE and RSV-CE2nd are good translations. The excellent Navarre Bible uses the RSV, and the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible uses the RSV-CE 2nd.The Bible itself is bound in a rather unconvincing black smooth leather with a stylized St. Benedict Medal on the cover. It is dignified and attractive. There is a little additional material on St. Benedict and his famous medal. There is a single gold ribbon, and the edges of the page are gilt. The text is very easy to read with no more ghosting through the pages than is to be expected. It is not an issue. Proper names are equipped with a pronunciation guide, which is really handy if you read aloud to your family. (An excellent idea.) The text is laid out in two columns. The words of Christ are in red, which I like, but others may not. It is "just" a Bible, meaning it does not have footnotes or helps. It has four color plates of well-known paintings in the back. Also in the back are three maps of St. Paul's journeys that are mediocre. It also has a useful map of Palestine in Christ's time, with Gospel locations identified. There is nothing for the Old Testament.This is a solid, compact reading Bible for when you want to be alone with the text, and the Holy Spirit.

I've been shopping for a bible to put in our pews here at Holy Cross Anglican Church in Yakima. This is one of the bibles we are considering. It is great-- with the words of Jesus in RED and the cycles of reading of Years a,b,c in the back of the book. I would like to have a little larger print; but this will do nicely.The cover is truly lovely and the translation is remarkable. A great find.

Pros --(a) RSA-CE translation is wonderful.(b) Red-letter text for Christ quotes.(b) Easy to read.(c) Just the Bible -- commentary and background is not embedded in the scripture.(e) Nice cover -- I had mistakenly also ordered leather-cover, but it seems that everyone liked the psuedo-leather cover better, so returned the leather version.Cons --(a) None yet...let's see how durable it proves to be over time.

I recommend this publication of Holy Scripture primarily for personal reading, reflection, and prayer. The Revised Standard Version is excellent for accuracy in translation, keeping reverence and beauty in tact. The Ultra-Soft cover is of manmade materials, both durable and soft in the hand. Dimensions enable it to be held in the hand easily, and carried to Mass, prayer group, or to a study. The font is of an easy-to-read size for me, and as it is mostly a "reader's edition", almost all the footnotes and study aids are at the end of each testament, ordered by scriptural book. The paper is thin. I cannot deny this, and there is some shadowing of type that comes through from the other side, but it is not as bothersome as some other very thin paper. Traditional study bibles have much more sturdy paper for constant and thorough usage. Yet, this Bible is rather elegant in its own way, between the embossed, soft, black cover, gilded page edges, gold ribbon marker, and uncluttered pages of Scripture text. When I purchased this, I was hoping for sturdier pages, and I wished Amazon's description had included something as to weight of paper. However, as a personal Bible, not one I run out the door with to Bible Study on a regular basis or carry with me everywhere I go, it will not sustain much damage. I can always buy a zippered cover for it. But, for my reflective, quiet, time of prayer, praying the Liturgy of the Hours, reading the Sunday readings, the daily readings, this is fine, and I will keep it. It COULD make a nice gift for someone who is devout in their Christian faith. I strongly recommend looking at a copy of this first-hand at Barnes and Noble or at a Catholic bookshop before deciding to purchase it. If that's not doable, order from Amazon, and return it if necessary. Whatever you do, keep reading the Bible, it's how we understand Who God is and what He thinks and desires, and of course, how very much He loves us!

Im catholic so the Bible is a no brainier. 2000 years of God until now and forever are in this book, from psalms for guidance and strength to stories about everything pertaining to Catholicism. Whats so great about this book is that, It never gets old and always provides help in the time you need it(Everyday)

I have sent a letter (email) when I got the bible but I have not received any answer. I gave it over 2 weeks and finally needed it so I had to put the bible book page markers onto the pages. Why has no one bothered to respond to me, and why do you send out such products?

I LOVE this bible. I always worry about spending more than $20 online, but this is a great deal. Even with shipping its about $10 less than the same bible in a store. Very high quality bible, looks and feels great. And it lays flat the first time you open it, so, awesome! Anyway, get this bible, its fantastic.