Oxford Book of Common Prayer, With Hymns, c1912, Fine Binding And Illuminated Hymn, With Provenance

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 and the Form and Manner of Making, Ordaining, and Consecrating of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons.

Printed by Henry Frowde, at the Oxford University Press, London. E Long. 48mo. Thin.

ALSO INCLUDES:

HYMNS ANCIENT AND MODERN,

For use in the services of the Church.

Complete Edition.

Printed by William Clowes and Sons, London.

There is no printed published year, however Henry Frowde is named as University Printer, his tenure ran between 1883-1913. A previous owner inscription is also dated 1912.

Vellum over boards, clasped. Floral decoration on front board, gilt title on spine. Silk Moire end pages and paste downs. Gilt ruled border on inside boards. Gilt page edges. 

First blank end page has a wonderful handwritten illuminated hymn of "God be in my head, and in my understanding" taken from the Sarum Primer, 1558.  The Sarum Primer is a collection of prayers and worship resources developed in Salisbury, England, during the 13th century. “Sarum” is the abbreviation for the Latin word for Salisbury. The collection was used throughout Britain, as well as parts of continental Europe, until the Reformation.  The Hymn was revived early in the 20th century and was given many tunes, the most lasting being the one by Walford Davies. Davies (1869-1941) was a distinguished church musician and music professor, and was Master of the King’s Music – but at the same time worked at the grass roots, with choirs, community music, broadcasting, hymn book editing, adjudicating at festivals, and the writing of stirring military melodies. This book was gifted during the period Walford Davies released his version.

Opposite the illumination is an inscription "Catherine Mary Cary on her Wedding Day from her Mother June 3rd 1912."

Catherine Mary Cary married Godfrey Dalrymple-white on 3rd June 1912 in St. George Hanover Square, London. Lady Catherine Mary Dalrymple-white, formerly Cary, was daughter of Byron Plantagenet Cary (mother unknown). Byron Cary was 12th Viscount of Falkland. Godfrey Dalrymple-white achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Grenadier Guards and fought in the Second Boer War, and in the First World War. He became involved in politics, sitting as a Member of Parliament for Southport from 1910-1923 and 1924-1931. 

Although details about the mother are unknown, we do know the Cary family have held the title of Viscount Falkland since King James VI created it in 1620, for Sir Henry Cary. The title still exists today some 400 years later. The marriage of their daughter to a Member of Parliament, with an accomplished military background, must have been a great source of pride for the family. 

The Brides Mother had commissioned a binder to create this wonderful edition, with little expense spared, with the thoughtful addition of the illuminated Hymn. What a tremendous gift this would have been fresh from the binder.

CONDITION:

There are various signs of age and use. The vellum covered boards are good, little shelf wear, some noticeable discolouration in parts. Gilt stamped title on spine remains bright. A red floral decoration on the front board is rubbed, missing some details around the outer edges, remnants of gilt highlights, now mostly faded. Hinges holding very well, firm. Two brass clasps pinned to both boards, holding firm and secure. The brass is a little discoloured with surface patina, possibly decorated originally, now showing surface metal only with a few specks of colour. Clasp hinges working well. 

Inside covers have cream silk moire past downs and end papers. Two gilt line border with gilt cross in each outer corner. Inner hinges very strong, no splitting. The illumination is wonderful, attractive floral painted border with gilt highlights, hymn text clear and legible, a beautiful piece. The textblock overall is toned with age, first and last few pages yellowed. Contents appears little used, clean clear and bright text. Three ribbon markers present, a little discoloured, frayed at the ends. Gilt page edges a little dulled and scratched, but remains bright overall. Good solid binding, no loose or missing pages.

Overall the book remains in good reading condition, with expected signs of wear, mostly the vellum discolouration and front board rubbing. An uncommon binding, with beautiful illuminated Hymn, and interesting provenance. A lovely little edition.

The book measures 7cm x 13cm, 2cm thick.