NOTE: I rate this a five-star value for the study content and the e-book version. Two-stars for quality is due to page translucence. Two-stars on expectations...some of that may be 'on me' as being a bit ignorant of what is available out there. I'm not certain what hardcover I would recommend as study bibles go, but I can't recommend this one. Single column, non-study, large print: Very likely. See more below.

I'm very new to the Word and I bought this in February after engaging halfway thru BSF session this last winter. I was using my wife's 1978 NIV and decided I would like a Study bible of my own. The positive of going through B&N was that I could put my hands on it; the negative turned out that I was unaware of the myriad alternatives available here.

I had spent time researching which version to buy and I believe the ESV is a good choice. The study content of this particular bible is very good, so in that regard I rate it highly. However, I echo comments by others that the paper is far too thin, as I can see through to the ink on the other side of the page. I didn't realize just how distracting it would be while standing there in the store. It IS: very distracting.

Also, my wife's version is single column, verse format (I think that's what they refer to it as) and it's a wonder to sit and read. The two column format of this book is okay, but I find I prefer the older bible (it might be the thin paper....) Also, the study notes are two points smaller and take me right back to the reason I wanted a large print version to begin with. They are tough to read. As for others' comments on the (green/sepia, I say puce) colored images, they're fine. They get the point across more than adequately.

The singular element that makes this bible a value to ME (esp. after letting my wife talk me into buying from B&N -- OUCH!) is that it comes with an e-book version available for download. When loaded on your iPad or Nook or computer with whatever reader you may own, all the problems go away. The notes are all hyper-linked to references in the text; additional notes and links will carry one to a far greater understanding of a passage than might otherwise be gleaned. GREAT for some one who never opened a bible before. Also, at one pound, the iPad is a quarter the weight of this big book. :-)

Oh, as a newbie, I DID make a mistake in buying a hardcover bible, esp. one this thick. Leather (faux) for lay flat would have been a much better choice. My wife's NIV is hard cover and due to it's size is okay. This tome is simply too large for hard cover reading.

I have enjoyed the ESV translation for years, but the print in the notes and cross references just got too small. I was looking for a leather Bible to keep for years. This large print version is just right. Contains all the helps from my other ESV Study Bible only larger print. My only complaint is that the earlier versions had wonderful multi-color charts and maps. In this large print version, the charts and maps only contain two colors and not much to grab your attention.

Just received to replace one I lost in a move. Text is clear and very readable. TruTone is beautiful and feels very good in the hands. Now the downside. This unlike the regular sized print is not in full color, charts and maps are all in an ugly shade of green. Very disappointed, however to be fair if you look at the pictures and read the back of the box it is not advertised as full color. My older large print was in full color so I did not think it would be different my bad. I will not return because it is as described in the advertising. If however I find a large print in full color I will be giving this one away.

Had to return it for the giant letters.

Print is large enough to make it easy for us older people to read . Wealth of study aids , so happy I purchased this study bible .