The Thompson Chain-reference Bible : Thompson's exclusive chain-reference system provides the most unique, complete and easy-to-use study Bible available today!

Rating:
Summary: A Special Bible
Review: I have a 1964 edition of the Thompson Chain Reference, KJV, purchased in the early 1970's. The Moroccon leather has little tears on the 1/4" bottom folds, maybe half a dozen of these altogether, about 1/2" apart. The pages are just slightly off white, but it is still a beautiful bible. Morroccon leather is very felxible, or limp, but it doesn't abrade like cowhide. This is a black bible, and with the lovely patina of the hide, the gold edging and the purple ribbon marker, it still really looks quite royal. I learned much about the bible through the many helps in the back of the book, and I just love them. This is really good stuff, especially for one new to the bible. There is a dated quality to this bible, even when it was new, and I like that. I have never used the chains much when compared to straight reading and thinking, but they have seen significant cumulative use over the years. The topics are very complete and very useful.

I was brought up on the King James, and this is the first bible I bought. It was a great deal of money to me at the time, and I had been reading old bibles for several years before making the purchase. I have read many translations over the years. I loved the NIV, and then I really loved the NKJV. And I read the RSV, NRSV and NASB, among others. But clearly the KJV holds a special place in the church, and I think all should make the effort to become familiar with it. The KJV contains verse after verse that seem to leap into music, and in fact many have done just that.

I have read many comments about the construction of these bibles. My experience has been positive. My Thompson is stitched nylon, as are Kirkbride Thompsons today. According to their advertising, Kirkbride claims that it takes a full day to make a Thompson.

There are probably more beautiful bibles than the Kirkbride, due to the paper & printing, but I find the font inviting. The layout with the chain references in the side margins is a very unobtrusive arrangement, unlike many study bibles. All in all, this is a great bible, a classic product, and will probably last the caring reader a lifetime.