SKU: BCP1790-OXFORD-RAM
An authentic eighteenth-century Book of Common Prayer printed at Oxford in 1790, retaining its original leather binding, family provenance, and several intriguing inserted materials accumulated during generations of ownership.
The title page reads:
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.
Printed at the renowned Clarendon Press, Oxford, by W. Jackson and A. Hamilton, Printers to the University, in 1790.
What distinguishes this copy from many surviving Georgian prayer books is its evidence of long family use.
Mounted inside is an engraved armorial bookplate for Abel John Ram, Esq. In addition, the volume retains several loose decorative and heraldic sheets, including hand-colored designs depicting ornamental chalices and the Latin motto:
Pro Aris et Laris
“For Altars and Hearths”
One inserted sheet bears a touching manuscript note:
“This prayer Book always used by my dearest Father…”
A simple inscription, yet one that transforms the book from an anonymous survival into a personal family artifact that was clearly treasured and preserved across generations.
The volume remains a compelling example of late-Georgian Anglican devotion, combining eighteenth-century Oxford printing with provenance, manuscript history, heraldic material, and evidence of authentic use.
Fair antique condition.
Contemporary leather binding heavily worn with substantial loss and deterioration. Boards present but binding compromised and fragile. Text block remains largely intact.
Age toning, staining, edge wear, and signs of extensive historical use throughout.
Included with the volume are:
Please review all photographs carefully for condition details.
Title: The Book of Common Prayer
Date: 1790
Place of Publication: Oxford
Printer: W. Jackson & A. Hamilton, Clarendon Press
Denomination: Church of England / Anglican
Binding: Contemporary leather
Language: English
Size: Approximately 8 x 5.5 inches
1790 Book of Common Prayer Oxford Clarendon Press Anglican Church of England Prayer Book Abel John Ram Armorial Bookplate Heraldry Family Provenance Georgian Leather Binding Antique Religious Book