Holy Bible - Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) Reference Edition - Black Imitation Leather Cover - Perfect for Church, Bible Study & Personal Devotion

I really like this Bible. Though not fancy or luxurious, this Bible has been a durable workhorse. I am a Biblical Studies student and spend a lot of time in the Bible. This is one of my favorites. I have had this Bible for about 14 months. The imitation cover is not as soft as some, but has been durable and has a pleasant feel and good traction for the hand. The binding is sewn and has proven very durable. The presentation pages in the front and maps in the back are much thicker paper and have started to pull slightly from the binding, so the threads are visible. I see this as "making themselves some wiggle room", as the pages are in no danger of falling out. All the biblical text pages of thinner paper are all tight. This Bible has repeatedly had many heavy theology books stacked on top of it while it was in the open position as I was writing, and the binding is otherwise none the worse for wear. The the paper is quite thin, but durable, and none have torn. There is some bleedthrough of the text, but it is not distracting. There is a pleasant crinkle to the pages which I happen to like. The guilding, as some have mentioned, is more of a brass color rather than shiny gold, and is showing signs of wear. I don't mind, this Bible was purchased to be a working class Bible. The 14 size text is quite dark and great for long periods of reading. This is my favorite Bible to sit down and read, for that reason. The HCSB is a great, easy to read and understand translation, and it is my preferred translation to read to the kids. I like the construction of this Bible so much I would like to find one identical in the KJV. For the price, especially I think this Bible is a great value.