I don’t love this bible
Released at the end of 2019, the Augustine Bible finally brings the ESV Catholic Edition to the United States. It generally received a warm response from Catholics around the world, I however, did not love this bible.
It comes in a rigid slipcase with foil stamping. The design is beautiful and covered with anti-scuff matte lamination. It only comes in paperback edition, however it is smyth sewn so it’s a solid little bible.
Opening the Bible up and I was extremely disappointed. I’m not going to discuss the translation, this review is only focused on the Augustine Bible itself. The translation itself is fantastic. Before I list my issues, here are the basic facts:
Quick Facts
- English Standard Version: Catholic Edition
- Size: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1.4
- Paperback
- 1,232 pages
- 8 colored maps
- Smyth Swen
- Printed in Italy
- Revision of the RSV
- Words of Christ in black
- Font Type Lexicon
- Font Size 8.68/10.42
- Weight 36.8 oz
Judging a book by it’s cover
Opening this bible and you’ll see nothing different from a 1990 era hotel room Gideon bible. The pages are thin and font and line spacing are extremely unpleasant on the eye. There is nothing special about this bible, especially to justify a $50 price tag!
The bible does have paragraph headlines and the verses are numbered within the sentences which makes it easy to find scripture, but the big black block
text is just not welcoming. This is not a bible I would give to a new Christian or something seeking to learn about the faith.
The success of the bible relies solely on the fact that it’s the first mainstream bible with the ESVCE translation. Catholics are rightly excited to get their hands on this translation, it’s just unfortunate that it comes in this awful package.
I would hold off on buying it until a newer edition is released or until the Augustine Bible is updated.
Catholic Bible Fans 
Leave a comment