THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER, AS PRINTED AT EDINBURGH 1637. COMMONLY CALLED ARCHBISHOP LAUDS (Charles I).
London: William Pickering, 1844.
Only 40 copies printed on a smooth paper to imitate vellum. Folio (14"). Publisher's title-page in red and black. Facsimile of the 1637 original edition. Title-page and "The table for the order of the Psalmes..." is printed in red and black. Text in old English type with title-pages and initials in facsimile. In a sumptuous Riviere binding of full medium brown morocco over beveled boards, the spine with gilt titles and panel ornaments, the bands with double gilt rules and two black bands extending onto the covers, the covers with a series on gilt and black ruled borders with a similar central frames with cornerpieces, titles and a large central device, a.e.g. Slightest hint of rubbing, but fine and regal. Item #23779
"The Uncle Whittingham had made the printing of pictorial wood-engraving his specialty in book-work. The Nephew Whittingham made it the peculiar grace of his craft to bedeck books with borders, comely headpieces, and other alluring devices. He carried this branch of his work to such an extent that you shall find nothing lovelier between book covers until you turn back to the illuminated manuscripts of the Middle Ages. His prayer-books, for example, are among the most beautiful specimens of typography that have appeared since the invention of printing." (Warren. The Charles Whittingham Printers, p. 164.)
Griffiths, 1844, 30.
"Whittingham lavished the best work of his press, and they are nearly perfect of their kind" (Quoting Keynes in "Charles Whittingham Printer 1795-1876, no. 33. A Keynes "edition of special merit", p. 85; Kelly 1844.2-7, no. 5.
Provenance: Bookplate of the Church Club of New York, stating the Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1905. His bookplate was removed leaving its shadow.
Price: $3,000.00