Is What the Gideons Did with the Esv and their Bibles a good thing then?

It's hardly a full adaptation of TR readings, but only a half-hearted inclusion of whole verse texts that if not included would leave a verse number with no text following. In all other cases, the critical text reading still stands (e.g. Mk 1:2).

The Gideons really should rethink the whole issue and insist upon inclusion of the remaining translatable TR adaptations, or simply go back to the NKJV (which I think to be the better choice).

 

No. The Gideons got permission to add from the TR for their edition. I by mistake bought a copy of the ESV not knowing this.

 

The Gideons NT with Psalms and Proverbs is what I had looked at. The TR has to do with the NT. There is a "About this Bible" they explain how they got permission to add readings from the TR. I had not read it prior to my buying my ESV Bible.

 

This is correct. I believe that Nelson increased their charge to the Gideons Int, to the point where it became impractical to continue with the NKJV. I am pleased to see that the Gideon ESV translation of 1 Timothy 3:16 has 'God was manifested in the flesh.'

 

Ah!... The Gideon Bible I remember it well... Now what hotel was that again?... Brother Glen

 

I remember it well, too, Glen.

I have a copy of their New Testament in my truck that I picked up at a "Salvation Army" thrift store somewhere that they were giving away.
It reminds me of the "old days", when they used the AV.

 

The British Gideons have used the 1984 NIV for many years now and have a 'only begotten Son' and one or two other changes, such as the full texts of Matthew 5:44 and 6:13.
Sad to say, the Gideons in Britain and (I think) Sweden are no longer part of the international body, so my knowledge of what happens in the USA will become increasingly vague. However, I believe that at the present time it is possible to get a AV (KJV) Gideon Bible in the USA.