Victorian Book of Common Prayer Oxford c.1870 Full Calf All Edges Gilt
 
Bibliographical Details
Title: 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...
Author: Church of England.
Illustrations: None.
Publisher: Oxford University Press.
Booksellers: Peacock, Mansfield & Britton, London.
Place of Publication: Oxford.
Date: Circa 1870.
Edition: Undated Victorian Oxford University Press Long Primer 24mo edition.
Special Features: Full brown calf binding, all edges gilt (AEG), brass clasp fittings, two original red ribbon page markers, Long Primer 24mo format.
 
Historical & Bibliographical Context
This elegant Victorian Book of Common Prayer was printed by the Oxford University Press and sold through the London booksellers Peacock, Mansfield & Britton. Although undated, several bibliographical clues indicate a publication date of approximately 1870. The firm's imprint dates the volume to after 1861, whilst the calendar commencing in 1866 and extending to 1899, together with the inclusion of Queen Victoria's 1859 Royal Warrant, place the book firmly within the later Victorian period.
The Book of Common Prayer has remained one of the most influential works in the English language since its introduction in 1549. Beyond its religious significance, it has shaped English prose, public worship and national life for centuries. Oxford University Press editions were renowned for their quality of printing and craftsmanship, and finely bound pocket editions such as this were intended for regular personal devotion and church use.
Collectors today appreciate these Victorian Oxford Prayer Books for their handsome leather bindings, compact format and enduring historical appeal. Examples retaining their original gilt edges, ribbon markers and clasp fittings are especially desirable.
 
Binding & Exterior
Bound in the publisher's original full brown calf.
The spine is divided into compartments by four raised bands with gilt-lettered title, whilst the boards feature blind-tooled decorative borders extending to the turn-ins. All edges are gilt.
The volume retains its original brass clasp fittings, although one clasp and the connecting hinge components are now lacking. Two original red ribbon page markers remain present.
The binding is structurally sound and attractive. Age-related wear includes rubbing to the extremities, bumping to the corners, light marking, rubbing along the spine and gentle creasing consistent with careful Victorian use.
 
Interior Condition
Brown coated endpapers remain present.
The title page and endpapers display light foxing, whilst the remaining pages are generally exceptionally clean for a volume intended for regular devotional use. The paper is lightly toned with only occasional minor marks, light creases and a couple of tiny edge tears that do not obsure the text.
A small contemporary ink stamp appears on the rear of the front endpaper, possibly that of an Oxford bookseller or binder. No ownership inscriptions are present.
The binding remains secure throughout, with only occasional light gutter openings between gatherings that do not affect the structural integrity.
The volume appears complete. Although unpaginated, the contents have been carefully checked and follow correctly throughout.
 
Physical Details
Format: Long Primer 24mo.
Pagination: Unpaginated, apparently complete.
Dimensions: Approximately 14.8 × 9.4 × 3 cm.
Weight: Approximately 381 g.
 
Provenance
Apart from a small contemporary ink stamp on the front endpaper, possibly that of an Oxford bookseller or binder, no significant provenance is present.