Review of the NKJV Personal Size Reference Bible, Sovereign Collection, Leathersoft

NKJV Personal Size Reference Bible Sovereign Collection

Leathersoft

After examining the Thomas Nelson NKJV Personal Size Reference Bible from the Sovereign Collection, I'm impressed by its combination of elegant design, readability, and practical features in a compact format.

Design & Construction

The Bible features a sleek black leathersoft cover with distinctive perimeter stitching and a beautifully tooled spine with raised hubs. The crown logo emblazoned on the slipcover adds a touch of regality fitting for the "Sovereign Collection" name. While not genuine leather, the leathersoft material has a nice stamped grain pattern that gives it a premium feel.

The gilded page edges complement the overall aesthetic, and the Bible includes two satin ribbon markers (one black, one red) that aren't stacked on top of each other—a thoughtful design choice. The black head and tail bands further enhance the Bible's refined appearance.

Typography & Layout

The text is set in Thomas Nelson's 9.5-point NKJV Comfort Print, which provides good readability despite the compact size. The Bible employs a classic two-column, verse-by-verse format with line matching to minimize ghosting or bleed-through.

Red accents are used effectively throughout—chapter numbers, pericopies (section headings), and drop caps all appear in red, creating visual points of interest. In the New Testament, Christ's words are printed in red, following traditional red-letter edition styling.

One notable feature is the size of the verse numbers, which are larger than in some comparable editions, making it easier to locate specific verses during study or reading.

Features

For a personal size Bible, this edition packs in substantial study aids:

• Brief book introductions

• Extensive end-of-page cross references

• Translator notes with a thin black line separating them from the main text

• A comprehensive concordance (A-Z)

• Full-color maps including the world of Patriarchs, Exodus and conquest of Canaan, the Twelve Tribes, kingdoms of David and Solomon, Jesus's ministry, Paul's missionary journeys, and Jerusalem during Jesus's time

Size & Portability

Being a personal size edition, this Bible strikes a good balance between portability and readability. It's compact enough for daily carry but doesn't sacrifice too much in terms of text size or features.

Value

With a retail price in the $40-50 range, this Bible represents excellent value considering its features, design quality, and Smyth-sewn binding (which allows the Bible to lay flat and enhances durability).

Conclusion

The NKJV Personal Size Reference Bible from the Sovereign Collection is an excellent choice for those who prefer the New King James translation in a portable format with study features. It combines elegant design elements with practical functionality, making it suitable for both daily reading and deeper study. While not crafted from premium leathers, the attention to detail in design and construction makes this a Bible that punches above its price point.

If you appreciate the NKJV translation and want a well-made Bible that won't break the bank, this offering from Thomas Nelson deserves serious consideration. As they might say, "the truth does not have to be expensive."