KJV Maclaren Series from Thomas Nelson

Here's a look at Thomas Nelson's KJV Maclaren Series. I also compare it to the major KJV reference editions.
Written review - biblebuyingguide.com/thomas-n...
Purchase (affiliates)
Amazon - amzn.to/3coCjgO
Christinbook - bit.ly/2T6uJAI
Church Source - bit.ly/3glBhTQ
Thomas Nelson provided these Bibles in exchange for an honest review.

[@Mike-pz6hz]

Just received this bible and found an error in 2 Cor 1:24. The word "dominion" is changed to "domination". It does mean the same thing for those who are concerned about publishers changing words, but it's still an error. I informed R. Grant Jones on his review, and he spoke to Thomas Nelson. They are aware of the error and will correct it in future printings and editions.

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

Thanks for letting us know!

[@solascripturamjc9681]

Since they're publishing the actual Word of God, that's not acceptable these days with computers and such. Thomas Nelson has some discouraging issues with their paper, notes, bindings. Sad

[@dashmasterson1040]

I bought one of these this evening and my copy has been corrected.

[@needlepullingthread1573]

As a new Christian, I went Bible shopping, on a string budget, so after looking at all they had on the shelf, I bought a basic bible, I wanted thumb index because of being new, so I gave that wish up due to the cost, so I printed the front page of books and page number, and used clear shelf liner, so I laminated it, added a ribbon to it, then I just pull out my “book marker” and was no more hunting for where it is in the Bible.

[@gleasonparker1684]

I like Cambridge TURQUOISE and Cambridge LARGE PRINT text bible. . Also Nelson large print personal size. My new wish list is smaller compact large print bibles. .. a rare thing ..but precious when you find IT at a great price.

[@rabidchicken030]

This is amazing. I wish they're available in our country.

[@gleasonparker1684]

Leather lies Flat forever. An amazing alliteration To remember.

[@christianpatriot7196]

Just put the sovereign collection bible on a layaway plan at my local store and this one is definitely the next on my list thank you for the review brother

[@gleasonparker1684]

The brown calfskin leather is the same texture as RED TOPAZ ESV calfskin. In FEEL. But with bigger FONT. AND HAS better gutter space than goatskin. With same FONT as Quentel . but better space so easier to read. All necessary references on same page as. Verse. About half price. Leather calfskin over goatskin. No flop when holding. And never out of stock. Next day delivery from Amazon. In Austin SAME day delivery. Over $ 35. At UT Austin THEY would call THIS a marketing miracle. I would say it is just right OR as good as it gets.

[@carmennooner2027]

Thank you for the thorough review. I learned that the Maclaren is not for me. The only positive thing was the paper quality. I can't believe I actually saw a review of a new Bible that I didn't want! :)

[@gleasonparker1684]

It is good to know that Nelson usually prints SAME BIBLE. I.e. text and paper in leather. NOT JUST PREMIER. But PREMIER IS special.

[@josephdunn1067]

Beautiful bible and great reviews thanks for sharing

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

Thank you!

[@savedbyjesuswork]

I love your reviews Brother Randy! I've been watching for years. I have a question if you have the time. What do you recommend between the Maclaren vs the KJV Comfort Print Reference Bible? I love that technology allows us to virtually experience, but it still does not replace physically looking at them. Your opinion and recommendation is greatly appreciated. Thank you and God bless.

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

Hi! Thanks for watching! This is funny. I've actually been working on answering this exact question for myself this past week. I find the references and footnotes in the Giant Print to be much easier to use because of how they're stacked in the center column. I also like that it has book introductions and a concordance. The main advantage of the Maclaren is that it has more references and section headings. I prefer the word count of the Maclaren, but I like the larger print of the Giant Print. At the moment. I haven't decided if I want section headings or not. That's my hangup on choosing between them. I'm still thinking through it.

[@savedbyjesuswork]

@@BibleBuyingGuide Thank you for your input! It is such a blessing to have the challenge of choosing which Bible suits my fancy. Seems you have the same dilemma in choice. Are the introductions more summarization as the Westminster, or Thomas Nelson flavored? Thanks again Brother!

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

@@savedbyjesuswork Thanks! They're Thomas Nelson flavored. I've decided to stick with the Maclaren. It does everything I need.

[@savedbyjesuswork]

@@BibleBuyingGuide Thank you again Brother, I think I'm leaning that way as well. God bless!

[@solascripturamjc9681]

​@@BibleBuyingGuide I'm late to the game, but I agree with center column being easier. For me, Much so. And I don't care for subject headings because I don't always agree with their wording. And I find it distracting. However they do make it easy to find where you are.

[@bbearc3552]

Good review brother I just wish we could find some Bible believers to print these maps I’ve only seen one that actually follows what the words of God say Israel crossed over keyword is crossed over the Red Sea so many maps don’t have that in there which leads me to believe the people who make the maps are not truly Bible believers nice looking Bible though thanks for the review

[@RonnieSandifer]

I wish Nelson sold a Preaching Bible but with concordance in the back. Or even better the Preaching Bible with the Open Bibles Topical Index in the back now that would be the perfect bible

[@gleasonparker1684]

Thomas Nelson even in NKJV PREMIER verse by verse center column reference in 10 POINT is very readable based on dark PRINT and spacing.

[@PrentissYeates]

I’m in total agreement with your assessment. I bought the KJV preaching Bible bug when it came out in the caramel brown leather, I had to buy it. Great Bible but certainly needed maps and concordance.

[@gleasonparker1684]

Both McLaren and sovereign use colour well inside. Blue and RED. I like size of SOVEREIGN. But print of McLaren.

[@bosse641]

Very nice bible. A 12 font(and larger) and it would be a consideration for me.

[@gleasonparker1684]

I HAVE SEVERAL PREACHING BIBLES. MY FAVOURITE NKJV. ...FONT AND WHITE SPACING MAKE FOR GOOD READABILITY.

[@jasongenareo]

I absolutely LOVE Thomas Nelson Bibles. They are my favorite publisher. Everything they are doing is great right now. I have a question. Is there any rumors of them maybe doing a true wide margin at any time. One similar to Cambridge Concord wide margin or The Common Man's Reference Bible? I know they have the Journal The Word Bible, but that's not my style and I just keep hoping that maybe they are thinking about it.

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

Hi Jason. If I had this information, I wouldn't be able to talk about it until Thomas Nelson announced it.

[@jasongenareo]

@@BibleBuyingGuide ahh ok thank you! Just hoping one day....lol!

[@trentgilliam5192]

I’d love this exact version and layout with the words of Christ in blue like the NKJV has.

[@gleasonparker1684]

My new favourite bible is NKJV premium leather calfskin in about 11 point font. Somewhere between 10.5 and 11.5 = 11. W blue accents and verse #s.

[@BMB125]

I’m in between a Maclaren, a preaching Bible, and a KJV sovereign collection. Which one do you recommend the most?

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

Between the Preaching Bible and the Maclaren, I'd go with the Maclaren. It's exactly the same text block as the Preaching Bible, but it has maps. Side by side, you can't tell the difference. Also, the Maclaren has more cover options. If I was going to use it for carrying and all-around use, I'd go with the Sovereign. Its smaller footprint is a little better for using on the go and it has more tools for basic study. it doesn't have as many references, though. I like the Maclaren and the Sovereign, but I personally use the Maclaren more. It's the Bible I preach from unless I'm traveling. I love the larger print and the paper. I also like that it's thinner than the Sovereign. You really can't go wrong with either one.

[@gleasonparker1684]

@@BibleBuyingGuide amen.

[@Pastor-Brettbyfaith]

Thank you for your time and talent. Not worth the treasure, as it is just a different name that makes it attractive. I have 3 different editions of the preaching Bible, but I use the Canterbury to peach from. The Cambridge Concord WM is my absolute favorite text block. Thanks Pastor, and God's best to you.

[@gleasonparker1684]

Good to hear your approval of CAMBRIDGE WM. Ordered one today. It may be a bit small for me but it is a classic.

[@Pastor-Brettbyfaith]

@@gleasonparker1684 The font is very bold, so readability is not an issue.

[@xael]

Do you still use your Maclaren? Do you think overcast stitching is necessary or something I might want to invest in long term, or do you think the other editions will last just as long with regular use? I mainly use a Westminster at the moment until I can find a Cambridge wide margin Cameo but the color lover in me is really drawn to this despite the notes/refs at the bottom. The blue is lovely. I'm thinking of getting one and rebinding it and going with a blue art gilding that matches the blue accents inside.

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

Hi. I do still use it. I use the brown genuine leather. The overcast stitching does help, but it's fine without it. I actually prefer it without overcast stitching. I'm not a fan of how the first section sits with the stitching. I wouldn't copmlein if I had it, but I wouldn't go out of my way to get it either.

[@xael]

@@BibleBuyingGuide Thanks, I will get the cheaper option since it's for a rebind.

[@ccsapastor]

I thought the preaching bible doesn't have references? I still just love column references, so fast to find.

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

It does. It just doesn't have maps or a concordance.

[@gleasonparker1684]

I think preaching bible has references at bottom ..so print at top is a bit bigger.

[@gleasonparker1684]

YOU CAN GET A NELSON KJV LARGE PRINT WITH CENTER COLUMN REFERENCES WHICH IS EASY TO READ. VARIOUS COVER DESIGNS UP TO PREMIER.

[@gleasonparker1684]

LOVE THE BLUE. PREFER RED HOWEVER. IN MANY PREMIER BIBLES. NELSON AND ZONDERVAN HAVE A GOOD RED. LIKE CAMBRIDGE.

[@xael]

Pretty sure the personal size Maclaren (smaller, newer preaching) doesn't have references but the full size does.

[@gleasonparker1684]

I just realized that kjv bibles have little attraction to me except in Cambridge or Canterbury.

[@gleasonparker1684]

For about $ 60 you can get a buffalo leather ESV BIBLE 12 POINT FONT. SIZE = 5.5 x 8.5 x 1.5. = Personal size large PRINT . Goldilocks.

[@gleasonparker1684]

I think Nelson is ...better..for us who just want a readable text...and not too wealthy.

[@PrentissYeates]

Randy I was wondering the does the new KJV McClaren bible have a concordance and maps?

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

It has maps, but no concordance.

[@adrianalonzo7973]

This will make for a beautiful rebind.

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

100%

[@OpenTheirEyes]

Yes, I am ordering one for that very purpose.

[@gleasonparker1684]

Until I saw Turquoise..I thot McLaren was great. But still will buy a McLaren I think. Esp if you use for your preaching bible.

[@gleasonparker1684]

Leather IS better lay down than goatskin OR leathersoft.

[@gleasonparker1684]

Leather is better than leathersoft OR GOATSKIN. For laying down out of box.

[@kingpatriarch224]

Are there any standout differences between the 28 gsm in Schuyler and 36 gsm with the Premier? This is the deciding factor for me.

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

Hi Joseph. Most people find 36gsm to be easier to grab and turn. It's also a little more opaque, which is better for highlighters. The advantage of 28gsm is you get a much thinner book block. It's still good for dry highlighters, but some pens will have more show-through.

[@kingpatriarch224]

@@BibleBuyingGuide thank you!

[@victorgeorgian8634]

Randy, why goat skin does look loke pigskin? Amazinly: calfskin, goatskin, lambskin, they all look the same, like pigskin. One producer of the Bibles (the Apostolic Bible) said: they use cheap pigskin. As I remember, only one type of leather is real, maybe "genuine leather" type. You can watch his video on his channel. By the way, he uses real high quality leather to produse his Bibles.

[@jadedoldguy5233]

Just bought one of these (KJV, goatskin) and was curious if yours had an odd, almost chemical, smell to it. Probably what they used to treat the leather, but it's definitely not that wonderful leather smell you can find with Nelson's Premier series. Also surprised to see it not come wrapped in paper (like those Premiers), with no other type of inserts/cards like those have. All that said, it's still a very nice bible. Just hoping that smell goes away.

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

It does have the smell at first. Mine went away.

[@jadedoldguy5233]

@@BibleBuyingGuide - Thanks. I'm leaving it laying out in the hopes that it speeds up the process. But when it was laying next to me, the smell was almost. headache-inducing. Wow.

[@johnchrisibe2567]

Can I get a soft copy?

[@gleasonparker1684]

I may have to get that BLUE TURQUOISE if evb still has them.

[@gleasonparker1684]

I think you said FONT was same as preaching bible but measured differently? McLaren looks smaller to me?

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

Yes, they are the same. It can be difficult to see in video and photos.

[@ccsapastor]

Also, have you seen the NKJV Compact Bible, Maclaren Series?

[@sdhute]

Is that one new too?

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

Not yet. It releases in November.

[@markgushue9482]

These are nice that they are KJV but Septuagint writings are in the reference margin. Which casts doubt therefore hard to even call it a true King James. Thomas Nelson is doing that nowadays.

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

Interesting. I hadn't noticed this. Which verses have it?

[@markgushue9482]

@@BibleBuyingGuide All the way through!

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

@@markgushue9482 thanks. I see it now. I looked again and just found some labeled lxx.

[@jadedoldguy5233]

@@BibleBuyingGuide - Yeah, it's (LXX) even in the notes on the page you turned to at around 5:23 (Gen. 6:14).

[@skjones91199]

Good to know!

[@gleasonparker1684]

I like the leather better than flimsy goatskin.

[@bigal8074]

Which one do you like better, the maclaren or the giant thinline premium

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

I prefer the Maclaren because of the smaller footprint and its font size is comfortable for my eyes.

[@bigal8074]

@Bible Buying Guide thank you

[@gleasonparker1684]

Comfort PRINT DOES read bigger and better to me.

[@gleasonparker1684]

What is font in McLaren series. Never mind . I heard. 10/10.5 ..if readable not a deal breaker. I esp like blue highlights. And notes at bottom. Does it come in large print? THANKS.

[@efraimasoy7344]

I wish I could have these bible, I watch these videos with a little envy as we don't have these quality bible in our place. Also, the price is prohibited for me. Does anyone have an old or used leather Thomas nelson KJV bible? Can I buy it for cheaper price , I really love to have one, its my dream🙏

[@iandeeightiesman]

Did you get you Thomas Nelson Bible?

[@efraimasoy7344]

@@iandeeightiesman haven't bought one yet, too expensive for me.

[@iandeeightiesman]

@@efraimasoy7344 where do you live?

[@efraimasoy7344]

@@iandeeightiesman I'm efraim, from the Philippines

[@iandeeightiesman]

@@efraimasoy7344 that's a long way from me (UK).

[@victorgeorgian8634]

NEW Thomas Nelson's advertising of there new lines of premium Bibles: "Words of Christ in black for a reading experience that is easy on your eyes throughout Scripture. The black text, improving readability". AT LAST... They said that! Remember brethrens: Red Letter - AGAINST Word of God...

[@aaron9142]

How?

[@gleasonparker1684]

McLaren series seems a winner esp in KJV and NKJV ..I THINK ?

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

I agree. It's one of the Bibles I use the most.

[@DeepDelta527]

Found it 😂😂

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

You beat me to it. :-)

[@HeartInLight]

I have 2 Nelson premium bibles. And my only complaint, is that the red art glide...isnt red. Its pink. They advertise it as red. But it is not red. Its pink. I have been tempted to buy some red ink off amazon with some cotton pads to swipe some ACTUAL red on it. But then that might ruin the gold. The nelson bibles 36gsm paper. Is my favorite. And i really like the bibles. But pink is not exactly a great color for a dude. Very tempted to stain the edges cause i dislike pink very much. Plus their ribbons are too thick and wide. They are SUPER fiddly to the point, i cut them off my 2 premium ones. I have a KJV store lambskin leather scofield bible. And those ribbons are actually useful and not very fiddly. But, for the font and paper alone. The nelson ones pretty much blow the other one out of the water. The readability, and feel of the Nelson premium stuff, is really great.

[@balaamsass5540]

A Brian Maclaren study bible... it only has 1 study note "Don't believe the bible".

[@melclarke64]

What would be nice is a map of Palestine.