[LUXURY BINDING] The Church of England; Thomas Sternhold; John Hopkins - The Book of Common Prayer; The Psalter or Psalms; A Companion to the Altar [1 PLATE] - 1766

DESCRIPTION: I present at auction a true masterpiece of eighteenth‑century artistic bookbinding: a monumental and devotional volume bound entirely in red Morocco leather of the period, richly inlaid with gold and crowned on both covers by the illustrious devotional and imperial symbol of the Christogram (JHS).

This copy is not only a bibliophile’s jewel for its dazzling exterior, but its interior gathers an ambitious four-in-one compilation of four fundamental liturgical and mystical works printed between 1766 and 1770 by England’s most prestigious royal and university presses (Oxford, Cambridge and London), also preserving a magnificent copper engraving of The Last Supper.

THE LUXURY BINDING AND THE CENTRAL SYMBOL (JHS)

The binding is a masterwork from a high‑born workshop, conceived for a distinguished personality or for devout use of high rank:

+ Red Moroccan Leather of the Period: Fine-grained leather dyed to a deep crimson, adorned with an intricate exterior borders impressed in gold with lacework, floral motifs, and interlaced arches.

+ The Central Christogram (JHS): At the center of each cover stands a striking oval medallion engraved on black leather inlaid/contrast, surrounded by a glow of golden sunbursts.

+ In the core appears the sacred monogram + JHS V (Jesus Saviour of Men / In Hoc Signo Vinces).

+ The outer oval is framed by a crown of golden cherubs, eight-pointed stars, and bursts of flame, symbolizing divine light.

+ Monumental Spine: Divided by raised ribbands with festoons, geometric interlacings, and refined golden filigree.

WORKS AND CONTENTS INCLUDED IN THE VOLUME

This privately devotional book gathers an extraordinary “four in one” printed in the British golden age of printing:

-> The Book of Common Prayer (Oxford, 1770):
Printed by T. Wright and W. Gill, printers of the University of Oxford. It contains the administration of the sacraments, rites, and ceremonies according to the use of the Church of England, together with the Psalter or Psalms of David.

-> A Companion to the Altar (London, John Beecroft, 1766):
A mystical and sacramental treatise on the nature and necessity of preparation for Holy Communion. It includes the precious copper frontispiece representing The Last Supper, engraved and printed by John Beecroft in 1764 under Parliamentary Regulation.

-> The Whole Book of Psalms, Collected into English Metre (Oxford, 1767):
The famous metrical version of the Psalms rendered by Thomas Sternhold, John Hopkins, and others, checked against the Hebrew text for singing in churches and homes.

-> A New Version of the Psalms of David (London, 1770):
The renowned poetic version by N. Brady (Chief King’s Chaplain) and N. Tate (Poet Laureate), adapted to ecclesiastical melodies and printed for the Company of Stationers.

ILLUSTRATIONS, WOODCUTS AND TYPOGRAPHIC DETAILS

+ Copper Engraved Plate: Detailed depiction of Christ with the twelve apostles at the Eucharistic table, with Baroque curtains and the Holy Spirit radiating a central light.
+ Royal Arms Engraved (Dieu et mon Droit): Includes the royal arms of George III (G R) with the lion and unicorn supporters.
+ Typographic Woodcut Engravings: Beautiful tails and historical vignettes, such as the allegory of the flying Fame among clouds, blowing the trumpet and holding the palm of victory.

YEAR OF PUBLICATION: London and Oxford (England, United Kingdom) 1766–1770

LANGUAGE: English (Original Version)

SIZE AND PAGES: Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 inches (21 x 14 cm). Pagination: Approximately 1000 pages (Pages are not numbered as is common in these works). COMPLETE WORKS

CONDITION: Original deluxe binding in full red Morocco leather of the period, lavishly gilded with a central monogram inset, in good overall condition, with some rubbing and signs of use consistent with its more than 250 years of age, as shown in the photos. Spine with five raised bands richly decorated with festoons, golden filigree and geometric interlacings. Interior generally well preserved, as seen in the images.

A PRECIOUS LUXURY EDITION. DO NOT LET IT ESCAPE. NOW OR NEVER.

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SHIPPING POLICY:
Shipping costs are grouped to save you money. Economical shipping with major carriers:

Spain --> via CTT Express 24h or CORREOS
Europe --> via UPS Express 48-72h / FedEx Express 48-72h (Some countries may have longer transit times)
United States --> via UPS Express 48h / FedEx Express 48h (We have been informed by our customers that these companies are less strict or do not apply the new 15% import tax)
China --> via UPS Express 24h
Rest of World --> via UPS Express 48h / FedEx Express 48h

*Books will be shipped carefully packed so they travel comfortably to their new home.*