The Book of Common Prayer and Administration to the Sacraments, and Other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, According to the Use of The United Church of England and Ireland: Together with the Proper Lessons For Sundays and Other Holy-Days. [Double Fore-edge Painting].

$2,750.00

Item Number: 138444

Oxford: Printed at the Oxford University Press, 1863.

Finely bound Oxford University printing of the Book of Common Prayer and Administration to the Sacraments decorated with a double disappearing fore-edge painting. Small octavo, bound in full pebbled morocco with gilt titles to the spine, gilt inner dentelles, brass reinforced board edges and clasp, ribbons bound in, all edges gilt with a double disappearing fore-edge painting revealing two intricately painted Biblical scenes. In near fine condition. A very unique example.

The first known example of a disappearing fore-edge painting (where the painting is not visible when the book is closed) dates back to 1649. Around 1750, the subject matter of fore-edge paintings changed from simply decorative or heraldic designs to landscapes, portraits and religious scenes, usually painted in full color. The technique was popularized in the 18th century by John Brindley (1732-1756), publisher and bookbinder to the Prince of Wales and Edwards of Halifax, a distinguished family of bookbinders and booksellers. The majority of extant examples of fore-edge paintings date to the late 19th and early 20th century on reproductions of books originally published in the early 19th century, including the present volume.