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Summary: printed in Korea!
Review: I expected much better quality. Some of pages have words dimmed and even hard to distinguish, especially in the red letters.
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Summary: The Accuracy of the Thompson Chain Reference Bible
Review: I found all of the helps precise. The printing is outstanding. I found this to be one of the most complete bible with HELPS on the market today.
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Summary: The chain refenence is the most helpful bible tool Ive found
Review: I have actually owned this Bible for several years now. But somehow I lost it this spring, and I've been searching to find another one. The chain reference is the most awesome feature I've ever used in a bible. Any topic that you happen to read can be looked up from the marfin to all of the other similar verses in the bible. It's archaelogical suppliments are interesting, but not quite as useful to me. Believe me, I wouldn't give it five stars if it didn't truely deserve it though. The only problem is that the new editions are study bibles, and don't have the wide margins to take notes in. I'd have to say, go buy it, even if you don't need a bible right now, cause the tools that it offers really are almost invaluable.
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Summary: Chained to Thompson's!
Review: I have owned one version or another of the Chain Reference Bible since I was a teenager in the seventies. My 'standard' Bible has been the large print KJV for many, many years and it remains the first Bible I pick up. I purchased the NIV Chain Reference, but just didn't like the translation, it just didn't 'read' right for me. I've enjoyed the NAS translation, but it is awfully dry reading when the heart desires poetry. So, I ended up purchasing the NKJV. It has been a real pleasure to read, combining the elegance of the KJV with a modern and accurate adaptation. As for the chain reference system used by Thompson, it's such a part of my Bible reading and study that I'd have a really hard time switching to another system. Some of the illustrations and charts have been revised from my older KJV, but not to an extreme. The Thompson system remains, for me, the quickest and easiest way to study a topic through the Bible, or just through either the New or Old Testament. The Bible also includes an excellent concordance; for someone new to chain reference study they can start with the traditional concordance and work their way into the Thompson system. Also included are excellent maps, revised from the earlier versions, and a historical dictionary with photos of significant Biblical locations, with explanations. I agree with another reviewer that Nelson Bibles are, in general, not made for people with serious intentions on daily Bible use. They are constructed down to a price, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, as these can provide a very inexpensive introduction to the Bible. However, when one is ready to use a Bible in a serious, daily way, a better Bible will easily pay for its higher price. Though this Bible is well-made, it is NOT as well made as my older, large print KJV. My older Bible has whipstitching clearly seen in front and back, with pages secured as well today as when I bought it. This newer Bible appears to have pages that are glued in like cheaper ones. Additionally, the paper is comletely different than my older edition, and thinner. The older paper had almost an eggshell texture, whereas the newer paper is much slicker and thinner. In first use it's really quite difficult to get the pages apart. However, it's still a very well-made Bible, just not up to the standard of the older ones. That should in no way deter someone from buying it, though. As a one-volume Biblical library, I haven't seen anything to beat the Thompson's. As another reviewer noted, it's also refreshingly free of editorial bias, which certainly can't be said of all its competitors. Most of all, each of us needs to find a Bible they can live with daily, and any Bible available is better than none at all! Thompson Bibles aren't inexpensive but they will last twice as long as cheaper Bibles, particularly if kept in a cover. Also, the supplemental atlases and historical additions might well save purchase of other books to accompany Biblical study. Highly recommended!
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Summary: Superb Reference Bible
Review: I have use the Thompson Chain Reference Bible for over ten years. It is very easy to use, and an invaluable resource for Bible study.
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Summary: Disappointed with the type quality
Review: I looked forward to owning a Thompson Chain-Reference Bible, but had to return it. The copy I purchased was printed in Korea, and the type quality was uneven and not up to my expectations. Particularly in the New Testament red letter sections, some of the pages were pale pink and at least two pages were hard to read because the print was so faint. Sorry to not give a great review, but the quality doesn't match the reputation. Maybe they should reconsider the practice of printing it in Korea . . .
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Summary: A fellow believer
Review: I love the KJV because of its beauty and accuracy, which I believe has yet to be surpassed. I've been seeking a well-referenced study Bible for some time now. I borrowed my father-in-law's Thompson Chain-Reference and fell absolutely in love with it! There are no commentaries or notes to interfere with smooth Bible reading, and one can learn how to truly interpret the Scriptures by using the Bible itself. What a concept! It's too bad that so many people still depend on the opinions of man over the Word of God. This Bible will bring years of pleasure and Bible study enjoyment to all age groups and for any topic.
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Summary: The best Study Bible
Review: I love the New King James Version, put out by Thomas Nelson, but I loath Thomas Nelson Bibles. This is how I happened upon the Thompson a few years ago as I was relieved to find a NKJV not made by T.N. I first bought an NKJV in bonded leather. After 2 years of very heavy use, I bought an NKJV in genuine leather, and later a handy size KJV in genuine. All three of these Bibles are wonderful in every way.
The Thompson Study system is very helpful and they've graciously spared us from a myriad of religious cliche and personal opinion. The page layout is smart. The Bible text actually fills the page and all study helps and references are relegated to the side margins. There are so many ways to use the studies and references, I am unable to number them here. The concordance is as extensive as any I've seen. The 14 maps are colorful and very well done. Simply put, it's a complete, Jesus-exalting study Bible designed with excellence. The construction of these Bibles is equally impressive. The paper is just right--not too thick, not too thin. The print is dark and sharp. Their font is subtil and very appropriate for the Bible, if you ask me. The red words of Jesus are RED. They're not muddy brown; they're not pink; they're bright, deep, beautiful red. They are printed consistantly page to page, not some pages lighter or misprinted, as the Thomas Nelson folks are plagued by. Now that I own three Thompsons, I feel about them the way a good ol' boy down in the South feels about shotguns. "I have more than I need, but not as many as I want!"
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Summary: Very disappointed in their customer service
Review: I purchased a Thompson with a morocco cover. In the past I have also purchased Thompson products as gifts because I was always impressed with their quality and the Kirkbride company that publishes it is located in my state. I was generally satisfied with this Bible although I find the almost 1000 pages in the back to be mostly of little value. They need to put out an edition with only the chain system and leave all of that other commentary out. It makes the Bible almost too big to be practical for carrying around. I use it mainly for desk reference.
The chain system is unique and very useful. I never used any of the rest of the "helps" in the back.
After a short time of owning this Bible I noticed that the leather was cracking and chipping off around the edges. Also the gold page edging was turning colors and coming off. I contacted Kirkbride, the publisher. First off, it took them several days and much persistance on my part before someone would talk to me. Finally some junior salesperson responded and sent me an email. He told me that their guarantee was not lifetime and that it only covered defects that you noticed right away. He then sent me an email with a lot of questions in it which I responded with the answers. I told them that I was not looking for a free replacement because I had used the Bible and did not think that was fair. I would have been satisfied with any accomodation that they thought was fair. Evidently they think that nothing is fair because I never heard another word from anyone.
So I would say, beware of their quality and that the publisher doesn't stand behind their guarantee. I would have been satisfied with a 10% discount. But I guess they would rather loose a faithful customer. I will NOT be purchasing another Kirkbride product.
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Summary: Excellent in all respects
Review: I purchased my first Thompson Chain Reference Bible as a new believer back in the 70's. It was and continues to be the best study Bible for those who desire to search out the Word for themselves and compare scripture with scripture. And, the extensive Bible study helps in the back of the Bible do add a rich dimension in addition to the topical chain references. I was a little concerned about the "new" TCR's as several reviewers mentioned degradations in quality and I certainly didn't like the thin glossy paper I saw in the hardbacks in the bookstore. I was delighted today when I received my large print deluxe leather edition Bible. The Bible I received has excellent flat, opaque Bible paper perfect for note-taking. And, the binding appears to have stitching in addition to the glue, so I'd say the quality of the binding is fine and should serve one well for years. One caveat in regard to the large print edition--It is LARGE! Not the print (it's 9 point instead of the regular 8), but the Bible itself. It's not so unwieldy that I would think twice about using it, but if size is an issue for you, check the dimensions and choose accordingly. I can't say enough good things about this Bible. It has my highest recommendation; you won't be sorry in choosing this Bible.
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