This is the Alternative Prayer Book 1984, an official liturgical publication authorised by the General Synod of the Church of Ireland and published by Collins. Bound in traditional blue cloth with gold embossed Celtic cross and lettering, this hardcover edition represents a significant moment in the Church of Ireland's worship life — the introduction of an alternative to the Book of Common Prayer, reflecting modern liturgical practice while honouring centuries of Anglican tradition.
The book includes complete orders of service, collects, psalms and devotional prayers for use in both private worship and communal church settings. It appeals to practising members of the Church of Ireland, clergy preparing services, liturgy students, collectors of ecclesiastical publications, and anyone with an interest in twentieth-century Christian worship and Irish religious heritage.
This copy is in very good condition for its age — the binding is firm, the pages are clean and unmarked, and the ribbon bookmark remains intact and functional.
| Title | Alternative Prayer Book |
| Year Published | 1984 |
| Authorisation | General Synod of the Church of Ireland |
| Publisher | Collins |
| Format | Hardcover / Hardback |
| Binding | Blue cloth with embossed gold Celtic cross |
| Colour | Blue |
| Lettering | Gold embossed |
| Bookmark | Yes — red and green ribbon intact |
| Religion | Christianity — Church of Ireland (Anglican) |
| Use | Private worship, communal liturgy, clergy reference |
| Origin | United Kingdom (published for Church of Ireland) |
| Condition | Used — Very Good |
Used – Very Good. The blue cloth hardcover shows light age-related toning and minor surface wear consistent with careful use. The spine is intact with no fraying; the corners show negligible bumping. The embossed gold cross and lettering remain sharp and legible. Internally, all pages are complete and secure; there are no marks, inscriptions, underlining or damage to the text. The ribbon bookmark is present and functional. The binding is firm and the book opens and closes smoothly. A clean, well-kept reading and reference copy of this Church of Ireland liturgical publication.
Q: Is this the official Church of Ireland liturgy book?
A: Yes. This is an authorised publication by the General Synod of the Church of Ireland, introduced in 1984 as an alternative to the traditional Book of Common Prayer — reflecting the Church's engagement with modern liturgical practice while maintaining Anglican heritage.
Q: Is the book complete with all pages and the ribbon bookmark?
A: Yes. All pages are present and intact; the original red and green ribbon bookmark is in place and fully functional. There are no torn, stained or missing pages.
Q: Is there any writing, underlining or damage inside?
A: No. The interior is completely clean — no markings, stamps, inscriptions or underlines. The pages show no foxing or staining; the text is crisp and legible throughout.
Q: Would this be suitable for church use or daily reference?
A: Yes. The binding is firm and the pages secure. It is a fully functional prayer and liturgy book suitable for private devotion, church services, or as a reference copy for clergy and lay liturgy leaders.
Q: Is this item of interest to collectors?
A: Yes. It represents an important moment in twentieth-century Church of Ireland history and is a well-made, attractive example of 1980s ecclesiastical publishing. It appeals to collectors of religious books, Church of Ireland history, and liturgy enthusiasts.
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