The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Red Letter Edition)
Christians who have longed for a more readable literal Bible translation  will find much to praise in the English Standard Version. The ESV's translation team of over 100 members has admirably attempted  to preserve the stylistic variety of biblical authorship and ease of reading (at  the eighth-grade level) despite the word-for-word translation, which  historically has resulted in a choppier text flow. Bible study aficionados will  appreciate the short introductions to each book, an extensive center column  cross-reference system, full-color maps, and a 14,500-entry concordance. The  hardcover edition includes the basic Bible frills: a presentation page, as well as marriage, birth, and death registries.--Cindy Crosby