In 1975 Thomas Nelson Publishers commissioned 130 Bible scholars, Christian leaders and lay persons to create this modern translation. The work was completed in 1982 and achieved the goal of the publisher to create a new translation that would also retain the beauty and flow of the original King James. In the process the translators used original Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic text and the most recent archaelogy, linguistic and other textual sources that have become available in recent times. 

It is a very readable version and this popular verse from John 3:16 illustrates that very well. "For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

The text version contains no cross references or study helps.  The gift and award bible is reasonably priced for giving as an award.