(Binding) — The Book of Common Prayer | A handsome seventeenth-century prayer book

(Binding) — The Book of Common Prayer

The Book of Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments, and Other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church of England; with the Psalter or Psalms of David. Oxford: Printed at the Theater, 1679

4to (200 x 142 mm). Title-page, engraved portrait of James Harrington laid down on verso of front free endpaper, 7pp. of calendars and tables, engraved title-pages for Old and New Testaments, type in two columns; mild toning and foxing. In full maroon morocco, spine with raised bands in six compartments, second lettered in gilt, others with repeat gilt decoration, boards ruled in gilt, stamped in ornate gilt decoration, and with black morocco onlays of stags, hounds, and floral motifs, inside dentelles gilt, all edges gilt, marbled endpapers; rebacked but with the original spine still preserved, overall rubbed, more so at extremities with exposure to lower corners, four uniform holes to boards, front free endpaper partially detached at foot.

A striking, handsomely bound copy of this seventeenth-century prayer book.

PROVENANCE:

Richard Harrington and his wife Cecily (armorial bookplate to pastedown)