1980s Imperial and Royal Reference NKJV Bibles

This video looks at an Nelson Imperial Reference Bible printed in 1985 and a Royal Reference Bible printed in 1989. The Imperial Reference is in burgundy genuine leather, and the Royal Reference is in black bonded leather. These Bibles are compared to some more recent Bibles: the Crossway ESV large print thinline, the ESV New Classic Reference, the Holman NKJV Large Print Ultrathin, and the Cambridge Concord.

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Composer: Benjamin Tissot (also known as Bensound)

[intensity]

Thanks so much Tim, this was SUPER helpful! I've been in a Nostalgic mood lately (brought on by the talk of ESV updates, long story short), and after recently purchasing a first edition ESV Classic Reference in Burgundy Genuine Leather with Index Tabs, wanted the closest equivalent in the NKJV. I think this Imperial Reference 446BG with Index Tabs is the winner! Although, Stephen Durant also recommended the 3006BG from the 90's... I'll probably be on the look out for them both! But, I do think the older Imperial block has a better font and spacing. We'll see what pops up!

[mendyhand]

Yeah…we gave our oldest son the Regency 1988 for Kindergarten. A turquoise blue color with silver guild and indexed. The block still looks great. Red letter faded out to a light brown/ red color. But very good condition. My second son, we gave the NIV, Ctr. col ref. 1999 by Holman. Printed in Korea.. it’s ultra thin. Booth great Bibles. Eventually, got the entire family, NKJV Study Bibles. Now, I’m 56 yrs old and REALLY wish TN would produce a large print version of the nkjv study Bible. But I have found Holmans Large Print Study Bible really great. ( trust me people, get the hard back! It’s a beast, but great for studying at home! ). Thanks Tim! You’re also responsible for my Weirsbe and Jeremiah Study NKJV! LOL. 👍🙏🏻🤗

[tjmaverick]

Great condition after all these years. Cool find.

[joest.eggbenedictus]

I love old Bibles. So much more PERSONALITY than the new ones... Especially when you get them at the thrift store! .... Don't rebind!!

[Airikbibles]

Wow that red 85 is really cool the paper in 85 was better. You can see companies began using cheaper paper esp in the 90s . Also 1990 was the last year Nelson used Smyth Sewn bindings for a many years it was very random but mostly glued bindings. I think some of the Open Bible study editions were stitched in 1990 but after that they were glued .
No way ...
No No No never remove the original covers. ..I kid, I get folks wanting a rebind I'd do it if I had the money and right text block.

Agreed the charm of those originals is very cool looking. Honestly I've grown to favor these older genuine bindings . Of course a premium is amazing BUT something about the feel of a good solid paste down makes me love holding my Bible.
I just found a black Royal genuine and I think it's older than yours but I'll have to wait and see. I have the Open Heritage from that time period and want the little guy foe my collection.

Also I prefer the older layouts .

[Airikbibles]

I'd be open to trading a Humble LAMB NKJV, it's a new in blue with another nice bible for those if interested.

[amptown]

Cowabunga, dude!! I actually really like this idea 💡😃

[fnjesusfreak]

That Holman actually has a Nelson text block.

[joseenriqueagutaya]

Great video about 1980's NKJV Bibles.I can' understand a new christian carrying a Bible with thumb indexed but definitely not advisable gift for a study Bible with a thumb indexed in my opinion.Hard to believe there are pastors who have not memorized the 66 Bible books in order.

[shirleygoss]

I actually have two Royal Reference Bibles from that time frame
One is NKJV, the other is KJV.
The smaller size is great for my smaller hands. I also like the slightly larger Imperial reference size. Both are easy to carry. The print is wonderful in each. I can still read them! A praise as my eyesight isn't as good as it was in the 1980:s.
I also personally prefer a verse format, as it is what I grew up with. I find the paragraph format more difficult to use for study.

[rongrimes]

I think I heard from somewhere it’s not a house but a printings press business. But I could be wrong 😑

[woodwalker]

Since you dont like them I'll send you my address 🤗