Description: The Book of Common Prayer, The Merrymount Press, 1928/1930. DESCRIPTION: One of 500 copies. Folio size 13 7/8 x 10 inches, 611 pp. Original full oxblood pigskin leather binding with ornamental tooling and blind-stamped title in black on the upper front cover and spine, top edge gilt. Superb letterpress printing in red and black using handset Janson type on English handmade Hammer and Anvil paper. CONDITION: Fine condition, extremely rare in this condition. No writing, inscriptions, ex-libris, etc. Text block firm and square, all hinges both internal and external intact. No evidence of the rubbing, fading, drying, separation of binding hinges, etc. of the pigskin leather for which this edition is notorious. Protected with a thick .003" clear archival Dura Lar dustwrapper. Custom tan/gold cloth covered clamshell box with two maroon pink leather spine labels with gilt titling, fully lined with velour. Front corner tips lightly bumped, light soiling to front panel of clamshell box. DISCUSSION: This is the magnum opus of D. B. Updike and the Merrymount Press, the work of a lifetime. Updike had been commissioned to design and produce the Book of Common Prayer by the Protestant Episcopal Church in 1892 but was not fully satisfied with it upon completion. Subsequently, the Episcopal Joint Commission on the Revision and Enrichment of the Book of Common Prayer decided to undertake a new edition in 1928 which was sponsored and underwritten by financier J.P. Morgan. A design competition was held and, because of Updike's long familial association and familiarity with the Episcopalian Church and service, his design was selected. This is one of the greatest examples of American fine typography, page design and letterpress printing in the twentieth century, comparable to the Arion Press edition of Moby Dick. It was recognized as such and selected by the Grolier Club (NYC) exhibition and book entitled 'A Century for the Century, 1900-1999'. Book condition is exceptional and you are unlikely to find another copy in this condition. Please examine all photos carefully and ask all questions prior to purchase because sale is final and returns will not be accepted.
Price: 5500 USD
Location: Peoria, Illinois
End Time: 2024-12-15T17:48:19.000Z
Shipping Cost: 25 USD
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Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Special Attributes: Limited Edition
Subject: Religion & Spirituality
Topic: Christianity, Bibles
Binding: Leather
Language: English
Author: Bible
Publisher: Merrymount Press
