ESV The Four Holy Gospels (Cloth over Board)

There's so much to love about this copy of the Four Holy Gospels.First, the Gospels themselves are beautiful as they describe the perfect life and teachings of Jesus Christ, culminating with his death and resurrection.Second, the translation itself is excellent. The ESV is the modern equivalent of the KJV (and thus a fitting tribute to it on its anniversary): a highly accurate translation in the common language, with care taken over the wording. The writing is formal but easy to understand. (Basically, there are some "beholds" but fewer "perchances.")Third, the art. This is obviously the major selling point, since you can easily get other ESV versions of the Gospels. Fujimura is known as an abstract artist, but some of the artwork in this version is representational. There's a lot of variety: delicate and bold, light and dark, etc. It's never simple, even if some of it looks simple at first glance.Don't stop at a first-glance assessment! In all honesty, when I first opened these Gospels, I was underwhelmed. It's an expensive book, so I wanted to feel instantly vindicated in my purchase. I'd already seen some pictures online, but when I first saw the pages in person, they seemed emptier than I'd expected. The art was lovely... but was it worth it?In a word, YES. This isn't a coffee-table book that you just flip through and set aside. You're supposed to actually read it. In the introductions, the excitement of the publisher and artist is palpable. Fujimura explains the materials he used to create his paintings, and it's amazing: gold, minerals, ink cured for a hundred years. By the time you turn to the Book of Matthew, you have a greater appreciation of the effort put into each detail. But most importantly, you just want to read and read.This makes me glad. The Four Holy Gospels is beautiful, but it's also functional. You can take time to study the paintings, or you can allow them to support your reading (and they really do support it). The art doesn't grapple with the text for your attention (or my attention, at least--I'm not an art critic), but it rewards your attention once given.Fourth, another aspect I like about this version is that there are no chapter or section headings. Verses and chapters are marked (with beautiful red and gold ink), but that's it. While headings can be helpful, they can also be distracting. As an example, reading the Sermon on the Mount without headings allows you to get a sense of the flow of the sermon itself, without inserted divisions.Fifth, I should mention the size/quality/etc. This is a large book! It's best read spread out on a table or podium. It would be difficult (but possible) to read it on your lap. The cloth-over-board binding is nicely done and should resist rapid wear. The pages are thick and quite glossy. The type is a good size: at pt. 13, it doesn't get lost on the huge pages, but it also doesn't seem unwieldy or over-large.As I said, this is an expensive book. However, it's also a book to read and treasure.

I first came across Makoto Fujimura a couple years ago, and I instantly fell in love with his work, and respected who he appears to be. I've been waiting for some time to be able to purchase this, and finally did, just before my birthday. I consider it my first art purchase.When it arrived I was shocked at the size of the box, I had no idea how large it would be. When I saw the slipcase I absolutely cried, when I removed the Bible and saw the front cover I gasped. As I turned the pages I was repeatedly drawn to tears and worship. This is truly a work of art, and really it is so much more than that. When my mom saw it she described Makoto's work as "extravagant". Really, that is the kind of artist/creator God is - extravagant; this work embodies and reflects the extravagant love and beauty of our LORD and Saviour. A love that doesn't hold back.Thank you so much Makoto for this truly phenomenal work. In an article "The Beautiful Tears" Makoto asks:"Is our work for the gospel saturated with the aroma of Mary’s nard? What is our beautiful, extravagant offering that exposes Judas, an offering prepared for the cosmic wedding to come?"The Four Holy Gospels illumination is truly such an extravagant offering.

This is a beautiful book, full of original artwork. I'd read one of Makato Fujimura's books, and read about this. Wanting to support his art, I purchased this at basically 1/2 price. The book is beautiful and I plan on reading through it soon. I love the ESV translation, which is my go to translation for the Bible.

The Four Holy Gospels is a beautiful book. The artwork is absolutely gorgeous--subtle, evocative, draws you into the text. The pages are huge, the print size is clear and perfect for public reading, the paper is smooth, bright and feels wonderful to the touch. There is a wide ribbon marker and a lavish slipcase with another ribbon to slide the book out easily. I admire Fujimura's work and couldn't wait to get this book; I had such high hopes. Unfortunately, the first copy I received had multiple printing and binding flaws--damaged spine, random metallic rub marks on several pages, even a crumpled page. Amazon promptly sent a replacement. The second copy I got has a page that's creased in the middle. I can't decide whether I'll keep this copy or gamble again on a third one being perfect. This is the most expensive book I've ever purchased and I'm both bewildered, and saddened, by the flaws. In my heart I wish I could give this book a 5+.March 11: I've updated my review because Mr. Fujimura and the publisher have bent over backwards to make sure I received a perfect copy of the book. They've gone way above and beyond the usual idea of customer service. I am amazed at their kindness and generosity, and I totally wouldn't hesitate to buy additional copies of The Four Holy Gospels for gifts.

Want to connect more deeply to the four stories of Jesus' life? I cannot think of a better way to do it than with this magnificent work. Mr. Fujimura has done an excellent job of maintaining restraint in his artistic expressions while filling each brush stroke with conflicted emotions, disarming tenderness, and profound insight. I know a lot of people who do not "get" the power of abstract expressionistic art. This project is a beautiful testimony to its power and importance. But, more than anything, the art does not get in the way of the grand narratives, but seeks instead, through sublime submission, to allow the stories of the Gospels of Jesus Christ to inspire and exhilarate.When I first heard about this book, I ordered a copy, devoured it, gave it away immediately to a close friend, then ordered another. I will probably give my second one away as well just so I can bless someone as I have been blessed. What then? I know I won't be able to restrain myself and will find a way to buy another. It's that wonderful of a project!

Stunning artwork. What a beautiful version of the Gospels.