The Book of Common Prayer, And Administration of the Sacraments, and other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, According to the Use of The Church of England: Together with the Psalter or Psalms of David, Pointed as they are to be sung or said in Churches. Cambridge: John Baskerville, 1762, 8vo, a.e.g.
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The 1662 Book of Common Prayer (still the official Prayer Book of the Church of England) has gone through literally thousands of printings. Of these many printings, only a few stand out, chief among which are a series done by John Baskerville between 1760 and 1762.
A magnificent example in a fantastic contemporary full red morocco binding of The Book of Common Prayer, the third and last octavo edition from the press of the acclaimed type-founder John Baskerville.
"Baskerville was one of the giants of English typography, introducing a number of innovations, including the eponymous typeface still in use today. His typefaces were finely constructed, his designs simple, and spare, and made great use of white space. He also pioneered the development of fine papers for printing" (Society of Archbishop Justus).
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Provenance:
Without internal reference, but from a Cambridgeshire private collection by descent for at least the last 100 years.
Attached small armorial bookplate to front pastedown with the Latin motto "Pax et Deus" below an armorial shield below a dove holding an olive branch. Undated, but probably contemporary or near contemporary.
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Size: 166 x 246 mm (approx.)
Condition:
[(3), t.p., a2-c4, B1-2T4, (3)]
Contemporary full red morocco binding, probably one of the Baskerville bindings, with the spine finely tooled in gilt with floral motifs, without external identification. Boards plain but with gilt tooled borders. All edges gilt with the typical scratches & discolouration else very good. Binding a little rubbed, spine slightly sunned, with boards a little discoloured, but generally remains very good and highly attractive. Joints rubbed, uncracked, with both boards securely attached, the binding secure, and without shelf lean. Small bookplate to front pastedown, no ownership inscriptions. Internally in beautiful condition, fine, without internal fault. A fantastic copy.
[Gaskell 19; ESTC T087227].
