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Oxford University Press Henry Frowde; The Book of the Common Prayer c1890-1910 | Finger Prayer Book.

    Oxford University Press 'Finger Prayer Book' offers a glimpse at private Edwardian devotion. Housed in its original full leather binding with gilt edges, this remarkably narrow volume was designed to be as portable as a gentleman’s watch or a lady’s perfume case.

DETAILS

  • Title
  • THE BOOK OF THE COMMON PRAYER: and Administration of The Holy Communion. Together with THE PSALTER OR PSALMS OF DAVID but without the Calendar, Occasional Services, and Articles of Religion. [The Finger Prayer Book]
  • Author
  • Anon
  • Published
  • London: c1890-1910
  • Oxford University Press Henry Frowde
  • Edition
  • Format
  • Hardcover | Leather
  • Condition
  • Book: Good | DJ: No DJ
  • Signed
  • Association copy
  • Provenance
  • Additional Items

DESCRIPTION AND CONDITION

  • Description
  • Hardcover | Leather. Finger prayer book bound in full leather with gilt title to front [probable personal devotional BCP]. Gilt all edges. Language: English. Size: 9 cm by 3 cm. Pages: 77-599.
  • Book Condition
  • Good
  • Light wear to corners, edges and spine ends. Loss of surface leather in places to rear fore edge. Partially cracked front endpaper. Hinges remain firm. Pencil annotation to verso of front endpaper. Clean unmarked pages. Tarnished gilt to page edges.
  • Dust Jacket Condition
  • No DJ

NOTES

  • Publishing History
  • Henry Frowde (1841–1927) was a pivotal figure in the history of the Oxford University Press, serving as the Publisher to the University from 1874 to 1913. Under his leadership, the Press underwent a massive expansion in its global distribution and technical innovation, most notably with the use of the legendary 'Oxford India Paper.' Frowde was responsible for making the Bible and the Book of Common Prayer more accessible through various innovative formats, including these miniature 'Finger' editions. His tenure marked the height of the British Empire's influence, during which the Oxford imprint became synonymous with the highest standards of biblical scholarship and typographical excellence, reaching every corner of the English-speaking world.
  • Resume
  • The 'Finger Prayer Book' represents a fascinating chapter in the history of Victorian portable devotion and the democratization of luxury printing. Measuring only 9 cm by 3 cm, this format was pioneered by the Oxford University Press specifically to provide the essential Anglican services in the most compact form possible. By omitting the Calendar and the Articles of Religion, the publisher prioritized the 'daily use' elements of the faith, Morning and Evening Prayer and the Holy Communion, making the book a functional tool for the commuter or traveler. In a society that valued both piety and portability, such books allowed the Edwardian believer to keep the liturgy literally 'at hand,' serving as a bridge between the grand lectern Bibles of the parish church and the private, mobile spiritual life of the individual.

SHIPPING

  • Europe
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  • Other Overseas Territories
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