MEV Bible Giant Print Black: Modern English Version Imitation Leather – Large Print, September 6, 2016

It's a big Bible! I love how the spiritual warfare pages are separated within the Bible instead of all in one side of the Bible. I was worried about the packaging because the box had an opening on the sides but the Bible itself was in plastic with no holes. So everything was in tact and perfectly fine. I love the format of the history and the headers for each subject in the chapters for easy reading. And I love how psalms are left in a separated manor by dividing the verses one by one.

I will begin reviewing this Bible with an assertion of its outright beauty and durable construction. It is well bound and the imitation leather grey cover is attractive. It is weighty both in size and in overall content. The articles on spiritual warfare are informative and the artwork is a great additional bonus. As someone else reviewed; I do not find the repetition of the content from Thigpen's manual to be a negative. I have Thigpen's manual in digital format and it actually will make a great prayer guide to go with daily readings. I love the fact that it does contain explanatory notes, a guide of daily readings and topical in the appendices of the volume.Now, for a few very minor flaws that are worth mentioning but by no means deal-breakers. First, the font is light for these old eyes and I would like a darker print. Explanatory notes are endnotes as opposed to footnotes, which makes them less convenient in course of reading, and they are in a miniscule font that is challenging to read. The Bible does not have a map section and I would have appreciated an introductory section prior to each book with critical info and observation, but being as I have plenty of that info elsewhereit is not a major drawback. As I said, none of these are strong enpugh to present any downgrade in recommendation. I am much more pleased with it than with the Ignatius Press Bible for instance.All of this being said, I applaud this Bible for its inherent, inviting beauty and its informative amd worthwhile content. Words of Christ in red is a plus as is the RSV-2CE translation. I believe this will be my daily go to Bible for inspirational reading and contemplation, especially Lectio Civina reading, which is why I bought it. It is a worthy companion to Thigpen's Manual of Spiritual Warfare and a truly wonderful Bible for any Catholic serious about his or her faith. I fail to see how anyone could be disappointed with this purchase if they are looking for a solid Catholic paper Bible. I give it a most hearty recommendation.

There are great reviews here about this Bible, and I coincide with them. I gave this Bible to my husband on his 2nd anniversary of ordination as a Permanent Deacon. I noticed that he actually used it a lot, even more than the other gazillion versions of the Bible we have in our house (we both studied Theology and teach Bible classes in our diocese). I decided to read my husband's Bible for few days and I found it to be wonderful for spiritual reading! We have many Study Bibles with comments and footnotes and I noticed that sometimes my spiritual reading of the Bible becomes sidetracked and turns more into a Bible study, because for me it is inevitable to look down to read the additional information in the footnotes. Don't get me wrong, I love study Bibles! The thing is that this one has little to no footnotes, which makes it perfect for me to take it, for example, to Holy Hours. I can just sit there and let the text speak to me in front of the Blessed Sacrament. I can do Lectio Divina and really focus on the text. There is a time for everything. Bible study is one thing, Bible reading for prayer is a different story. This one has become my favorite Bible for prayerful reading!Now, for more technical aspects concerning this product, the text is of my preferred translation of the Bible in English (RSV-CE 2nd edition), it is beautifully presented in dark gray imitation pebbled leather, with silver-gilded pages and three black ribbons to mark your readings. See my pictures for the dimensions of the product. I think that the size of the font is 10pt, which makes it very easy on the eyes. The color of the pages is a nice off-white (when the pages are too bright, it hurts my eyes, specially when I am reading outdoors). There is very little bleeding from the text in the back of the pages. The texture of the pages feels great to the touch. Throughout the Bible you will find inserts from the Spiritual Warfare Manual by Paul Tighten. These are printed in full-color in glossy paper. So, starting with the Bible translation, to the looks and the feel of the Bible and the inserts on spiritual warfare, this Bible is a great choice for either personal reading or for a gift. You can not go wrong with this Bible! It deserves all the stars!