New Era of “Beautiful Bibles for a Beautiful Faith” for Mainline Churches as Zondervan, the World’s Leading Bible Publisher, Expands Its Publishing Portfolio with the New Revised Standard Version
Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, has long been known for its wide range of elegantly designed Bibles for the evangelical market, in translations such as the NIV and NKJV. Now, as it takes the reins of the publishing giant’s line of New Revised Standard (NRSV) Bibles, Zondervan intends to bring that same elegance and attention to detail to new editions of the NRSV.
Prepared by the National Council of Churches and first released in 1989, the NRSV is the only widely ecumenical translation, vetted by Protestant, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Evangelical, and Jewish scholars. Many Mainline Protestant churches officially accept or recommend the NRSV to their members, and the translation is also widely used by Roman Catholics. The three editions of the NRSV add to its ecumenical appeal:
- the NRSV common edition, containing the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments
- the NRSV with Apocrypha, placing these books between the Old and New Testaments
- the NRSV Catholic Edition, containing the 66 books of the common edition as well as 7 Deuterocanonical books following the order of the Vulgate.
The rule of the NRSV translating committee was “As literal as possible, as free as necessary,” rendering the NRSV both a literal and elegant, readable translation. The NRSV is also a direct descendant of the King James, American Standard Version, and Revised Standard Version Bibles, passing on the richest and most influential works in the English language while thoroughly updating words, phrases, and grammar.
Zondervan has developed an exclusive new easy-to-read typeface for the NRSV. Comfort Print® delivers an exceptionally smooth reading experience, with a well-crafted, highly-readable style that aids comprehension—essential, since a typical Bible has 800,000 words and 4 million letters.
“The NRSV typeface was developed in partnership with 2K/DENMARK, and the design inspiration for the font family came from 1901, when the legacy of the NRSV stretched back to its roots in the ASV. Vibrant, rich colors dominated the art and liturgical scene, along with exquisitely crafted typefaces. That was our inspiration for the creation of the Zondervan NRSV Comfort Print Typeface, as well as for our bold, beautiful packaging and cover designs.” said Melinda Bouma, Publisher Zondervan Bibles.
Zondervan’s plans for the NRSV include several exciting new editions. First up is an NRSV edition of the award-winning Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, published March 12, 2019. Featuring notes by scholars Dr. John H. Walton, an Old Testament expert, and Dr. Craig S. Keener, whose scholarship focuses on the New Testament, the study Bible offers readers a “behind-the-scenes” tour of the ancient world, offering deeper insights into even the most familiar passages.
In April, Zondervan will release a range of beautifully-designed text Bibles, in keeping with their motto for the NRSV: “Beautiful Bibles for a Beautiful Faith.” Whether paperback or bonded leather, Thinline, Thinline Large Print, Pew & Worship, Premium Gift, or Gift & Award, each edition is handsome and highly readable, thanks to the Comfort Print typeface. For the full lineup including downloadable Comfort Print text samples, visit www.NewRevisedStandard.com.
Zondervan is the world’s leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. Zondervan, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and have been translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For additional information, please visitwww.zondervan.com.
Contact: Kelly Hughes, 312-280-8126 kelly@dechanthughes.com
