{"title":"Religious \u0026 Liturgical Works","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExplore our collection of antiquarian religious and liturgical works, spanning centuries of Christian worship, theology, and devotional practice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrom Books of Common Prayer and Roman Rituals to theological treatises, prayer books, and other devotional writings, these works offer a glimpse into the religious traditions, beliefs, and practices of the past.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLooking for historic editions of Scripture? Explore our \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.momorarebooks.co.uk\/collections\/bibles\" title=\"Antiquarian Bible collection link\"\u003eAntiquarian Bibles\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e collection, featuring Geneva, King James, Catholic, and other early printed Bibles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"book-of-common-prayer-with-ornate-ox-or-elk-bone-plate-binding-dated-1865","title":"Book Of Common Prayer With Ornate (Ox or Elk) Bone Plate Binding, Dated 1865","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cfont size=\"5\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBook Of Common Prayer With Ornate \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cb\u003e(Ox or Elk) \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-size: x-large;\"\u003eBone Plate Binding, Dated 1865:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cfont size=\"5\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThis is a beautiful variant of a Book of Common Prayer, featuring an ox or elk bone plating with ornate brass working, still maintain the original clasps. Including a beautiful leather spine with golden wording and gilted edges to the pages.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThere is, as far as I can see, no foxing or staining in the text, which is 100% legible with the only noticeable damage being the title page. This has some tape on it and a small piece on the right hand side torn off.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThis piece would suit anyone who wants truly beautiful books, seated on in their collection!\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eWeight - 339g\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eHeight - 13cm\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eWidth - 8.5cm\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThickness - 3.5cm\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eDamage:\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall rip on the spine and slight cracking.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFirst 3 leaves have tape where it connects to the spine.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe title page has a small tear on the right hand side and has tape keeping the page together.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Momo Rare Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51177967321427,"sku":"","price":200.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/9187\/5411\/files\/57_0c76e445-e047-46bc-bfd6-525167284550.jpg?v=1749763205"},{"product_id":"1482-william-caxton-incunable-leaf-the-polycronicon-england-s-first-printer","title":"1482 William Caxton Incunable Leaf, The Polycronicon, England’s First Printer","description":"\u003ch2 data-start=\"210\" data-end=\"318\"\u003e\u003cspan data-start=\"213\" data-end=\"318\" style=\"font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eRARE 1482 William Caxton Incunable Leaf – Polycronicon – England’s First Printer – Fine Press Binding\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"320\" data-end=\"684\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003e\u003cspan data-start=\"320\" data-end=\"334\"\u003eItem Type:\u003c\/span\u003e Original printed leaf (incunable), mounted in custom fine-press volume\u003cbr data-start=\"405\" data-end=\"408\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-start=\"408\" data-end=\"420\"\u003ePrinter:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan data-start=\"421\" data-end=\"462\"\u003eWilliam Caxton\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"462\" data-end=\"465\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-start=\"465\" data-end=\"474\"\u003eDate:\u003c\/span\u003e c. 1482\u003cbr data-start=\"482\" data-end=\"485\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-start=\"485\" data-end=\"495\"\u003ePlace:\u003c\/span\u003e Westminster, England\u003cbr data-start=\"516\" data-end=\"519\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-start=\"519\" data-end=\"528\"\u003eWork:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"529\" data-end=\"543\"\u003ePolycronicon\u003c\/em\u003e (Universal History)\u003cbr data-start=\"563\" data-end=\"566\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-start=\"566\" data-end=\"578\"\u003eBinding:\u003c\/span\u003e 20th-century fine press leaf book (Harold Hugo)\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"712\" data-end=\"1003\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eOffered here is an \u003cspan data-start=\"731\" data-end=\"809\"\u003eauthentic 15th-century printed leaf from a book produced by William Caxton\u003c\/span\u003e, England’s first printer. The leaf dates to approximately \u003cspan data-start=\"868\" data-end=\"876\"\u003e1482\u003c\/span\u003e and comes from Caxton’s English printing of \u003cem data-start=\"921\" data-end=\"939\"\u003eThe Polycronicon\u003c\/em\u003e, one of the most important historical works of the Middle Ages.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1005\" data-end=\"1199\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eThe original leaf is \u003cspan data-start=\"1026\" data-end=\"1063\"\u003eprofessionally mounted and housed\u003c\/span\u003e within a \u003cspan data-start=\"1073\" data-end=\"1114\"\u003ecustom 20th-century fine-press volume\u003c\/span\u003e, created to preserve, explain, and honour the significance of early English printing.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1201\" data-end=\"1293\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eThis is a genuine \u003cspan data-start=\"1219\" data-end=\"1232\"\u003eincunable\u003c\/span\u003e, not a facsimile or reproduction.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"1300\" data-end=\"1315\"\u003e\u003cspan data-start=\"1303\" data-end=\"1315\" style=\"\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\" style=\"\"\u003eTHE LEAF:\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1317\" data-end=\"1657\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1317\" data-end=\"1372\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1319\" data-end=\"1372\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eOriginal Caxton-printed leaf on handmade laid paper\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1373\" data-end=\"1438\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1375\" data-end=\"1438\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eGothic blackletter type typical of Caxton’s Westminster press\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1439\" data-end=\"1524\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1441\" data-end=\"1524\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eVisible age toning, texture, and deckled edges consistent with 15th-century paper\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1525\" data-end=\"1572\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1527\" data-end=\"1572\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eEarly hand rubrication - red initials\/marks\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1659\" data-end=\"1797\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eThe leaf is \u003cspan data-start=\"1671\" data-end=\"1702\"\u003esecurely mounted on a guard\u003c\/span\u003e and has \u003cspan data-start=\"1711\" data-end=\"1740\"\u003enot been trimmed or glued\u003c\/span\u003e, allowing margins and paper character to remain visible.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"1804\" data-end=\"1831\"\u003e\u003cspan data-start=\"1807\" data-end=\"1831\" style=\"\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\" style=\"\"\u003eABOUT WILLIAM CAXTON:\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1833\" data-end=\"2049\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003e\u003cspan data-start=\"1833\" data-end=\"1874\"\u003eWilliam Caxton\u003c\/span\u003e (c. 1422–1491) was the \u003cspan data-start=\"1898\" data-end=\"1957\"\u003efirst person to introduce the printing press to England\u003c\/span\u003e and is one of the most important figures in the history of English language and literature.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2051\" data-end=\"2302\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2051\" data-end=\"2125\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2053\" data-end=\"2125\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eEstablished England’s first printing press at Westminster in the 1470s\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2126\" data-end=\"2164\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2128\" data-end=\"2164\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003ePrinted the first books in English\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2165\" data-end=\"2225\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2167\" data-end=\"2225\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eHelped standardize English spelling and literary culture\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2226\" data-end=\"2302\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2228\" data-end=\"2302\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003ePrinted works by Chaucer, Malory, Gower, and major historical chronicles\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2304\" data-end=\"2502\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003e\u003cspan data-start=\"2304\" data-end=\"2322\"\u003eThe Polycronicon\u003c\/span\u003e was among Caxton’s most ambitious projects: a comprehensive world history translated into English, making historical knowledge accessible to a broader audience for the first time.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2504\" data-end=\"2661\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eOriginal Caxton books are now almost entirely held by major institutions. \u003cspan data-start=\"2578\" data-end=\"2661\"\u003eIndividual leaves are scarce, highly collectible, and historically significant.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2668\" data-end=\"2698\"\u003e\u003cspan data-start=\"2671\" data-end=\"2698\" style=\"\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\" style=\"\"\u003eABOUT THE MOUNTING BOOK:\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2700\" data-end=\"2928\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eThe Caxton leaf is preserved in a \u003cspan data-start=\"2734\" data-end=\"2767\"\u003ecustom fine-press “leaf book”\u003c\/span\u003e, produced in the \u003cspan data-start=\"2785\" data-end=\"2805\"\u003emid-20th century\u003c\/span\u003e by or for \u003cspan data-start=\"2816\" data-end=\"2857\"\u003eHarold Hugo\u003c\/span\u003e, a noted American fine printer and book artist based in San Francisco.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2930\" data-end=\"2951\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eThis volume includes:\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2952\" data-end=\"3200\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2952\" data-end=\"3014\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2954\" data-end=\"3014\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eA fine-press printed title page describing the Caxton leaf\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3015\" data-end=\"3078\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3017\" data-end=\"3078\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eScholarly explanatory text on Caxton and the \u003cem data-start=\"3062\" data-end=\"3076\"\u003ePolycronicon\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3079\" data-end=\"3097\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3081\" data-end=\"3097\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eHandmade paper\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3098\" data-end=\"3138\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3100\" data-end=\"3138\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eHand-set type with red and black ink\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3139\" data-end=\"3200\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3141\" data-end=\"3200\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eA restrained Arts \u0026amp; Crafts, style binding with cloth spine\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"249\" data-end=\"307\"\u003e\u003cspan data-start=\"252\" data-end=\"307\" style=\"\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\" style=\"\"\u003eABOUT DR. MONROE (COMMISSIONER OF THE VOLUME):\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"309\" data-end=\"476\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eThe present volume was \u003cspan data-start=\"332\" data-end=\"370\"\u003ecommissioned in 1938 by Dr. Monroe\u003c\/span\u003e, a private collector and bibliophile with a scholarly interest in early printing and typographic history.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"478\" data-end=\"852\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eAt the time, it was common for learned collectors—particularly physicians, academics, and antiquarians—to commission \u003cspan data-start=\"595\" data-end=\"618\"\u003ecustom “leaf books”\u003c\/span\u003e in order to preserve and study original incunable leaves that survived from damaged or incomplete early printed books. Dr. Monroe’s commission reflects this tradition of serious bibliophilic stewardship rather than casual collecting.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"854\" data-end=\"895\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eUnder his direction, the Caxton leaf was:\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"896\" data-end=\"1069\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"896\" data-end=\"944\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"898\" data-end=\"944\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eCarefully mounted on a guard (not pasted down)\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"945\" data-end=\"991\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"947\" data-end=\"991\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eSurrounded by scholarly explanatory material\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"992\" data-end=\"1069\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"994\" data-end=\"1069\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eBound in a restrained fine-press format suitable for long-term preservation\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1071\" data-end=\"1349\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eThe handwritten notes within the volume, as well as the printed contextual material, are consistent with \u003cspan data-start=\"1176\" data-end=\"1229\"\u003eearly-to-mid 20th century antiquarian scholarship\u003c\/span\u003e and indicate that Dr. Monroe intended this not merely as a display object, but as a \u003cspan data-start=\"1314\" data-end=\"1348\"\u003edocumented historical artefact\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1351\" data-end=\"1588\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\" style=\"\"\u003eThe date of \u003cspan data-start=\"1374\" data-end=\"1382\" style=\"\"\u003e1938\u003c\/span\u003e places the creation of this volume firmly within the golden age of American fine-press collecting, when early English printing, especially Caxton, was highly sought after by knowledgeable private collectors.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3202\" data-end=\"3257\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eThis type of presentation was intentionally created to:\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3258\" data-end=\"3385\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3258\" data-end=\"3293\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3260\" data-end=\"3293\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eProtect fragile medieval leaves\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3294\" data-end=\"3342\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3296\" data-end=\"3342\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eProvide historical and bibliographic context\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3343\" data-end=\"3385\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3345\" data-end=\"3385\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eCreate a dignified, collectible object\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3387\" data-end=\"3538\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eSuch bindings are \u003cspan data-start=\"3405\" data-end=\"3446\" style=\"\"\u003evalued by collectors and institutions\u003c\/span\u003e and are considered an appropriate and desirable way to preserve dispersed incunable leaves.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"3387\" data-end=\"3538\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"3387\" data-end=\"3538\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eWeight - 575g\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"3387\" data-end=\"3538\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eHeight - 30cm\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"3387\" data-end=\"3538\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eWidth - 23.5cm\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"3387\" data-end=\"3538\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eThickness - 1.5cm\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Momo Rare Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52775237255507,"sku":null,"price":2400.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/9187\/5411\/files\/57_520473fa-2408-4cc3-95a5-0d8ff0dc65fa.png?v=1768306264"},{"product_id":"manuscript-antiphonary-c-late-1600s-early-1700s","title":"Manuscript Antiphonary C. late 1600s\/ early 1700s","description":"\u003ch1 data-start=\"292\" data-end=\"380\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"491\" data-end=\"754\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eOffered here is an \u003cspan data-start=\"510\" data-end=\"547\"\u003eauthentic handwritten antiphonary\u003c\/span\u003e, a liturgical choir manuscript containing \u003cspan data-start=\"590\" data-end=\"609\"\u003eGregorian chant\u003c\/span\u003e for the \u003cspan data-start=\"618\" data-end=\"635\"\u003eDivine Office\u003c\/span\u003e. This is a genuine working church book, written by hand on \u003cspan data-start=\"695\" data-end=\"708\"\u003erag paper\u003c\/span\u003e, dating to approximately \u003cspan data-start=\"734\" data-end=\"753\"\u003ecirca 1550–1650\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"756\" data-end=\"1118\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eThe manuscript preserves chants for \u003cspan data-start=\"792\" data-end=\"826\"\u003eAdvent, Lent, and major feasts\u003c\/span\u003e, including texts such as \u003cspan data-start=\"852\" data-end=\"911\"\u003eKyrie eleison, Christe eleison, Credo, Sanctus, Agnus Dei\u003c\/span\u003e, and sections for \u003cspan data-start=\"930\" data-end=\"957\"\u003eFeria (weekday offices)\u003c\/span\u003e, \u003cspan data-start=\"959\" data-end=\"972\"\u003eSequences\u003c\/span\u003e, and \u003cspan data-start=\"978\" data-end=\"1011\"\u003emajor liturgical celebrations\u003c\/span\u003e. Musical notation is in \u003cspan data-start=\"1036\" data-end=\"1074\"\u003esquare neumes on a four-line staff\u003c\/span\u003e, the classical notation of Gregorian chant.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1120\" data-end=\"1302\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eThe volume is bound in an attractive \u003cspan data-start=\"1157\" data-end=\"1187\"\u003ehand-marbled paper binding\u003c\/span\u003e, likely added in the \u003cspan data-start=\"1209\" data-end=\"1225\"\u003e18th century\u003c\/span\u003e, reflecting continued use and preservation within an ecclesiastical setting.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"1309\" data-end=\"1342\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eMusical \u0026amp; Physical Features\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1344\" data-end=\"1728\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1344\" data-end=\"1398\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1346\" data-end=\"1398\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eHandwritten \u003cspan data-start=\"1358\" data-end=\"1377\"\u003eGregorian chant\u003c\/span\u003e in square notation\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1399\" data-end=\"1444\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1401\" data-end=\"1444\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003e\u003cspan data-start=\"1401\" data-end=\"1424\"\u003eFour-line red staff\u003c\/span\u003e with black neumes\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1445\" data-end=\"1492\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1447\" data-end=\"1492\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eLatin text in a formal liturgical book hand\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1493\" data-end=\"1555\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1495\" data-end=\"1555\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eRed and black ink throughout (rubrics, initials, headings)\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1556\" data-end=\"1600\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1558\" data-end=\"1600\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eDecorated red initials\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1601\" data-end=\"1645\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1603\" data-end=\"1645\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eWritten on \u003cspan data-start=\"1614\" data-end=\"1627\"\u003erag paper\u003c\/span\u003e (not parchment)\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1646\" data-end=\"1686\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1648\" data-end=\"1686\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eLater \u003cspan data-start=\"1654\" data-end=\"1684\"\u003ehand-marbled paper binding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1687\" data-end=\"1728\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1689\" data-end=\"1728\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eOriginal manuscript, \u003cspan data-start=\"1710\" data-end=\"1728\"\u003enot a fragment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"1735\" data-end=\"1760\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1762\" data-end=\"2130\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1762\" data-end=\"1822\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1764\" data-end=\"1822\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003e\u003cspan data-start=\"1764\" data-end=\"1773\"\u003eDate:\u003c\/span\u003e Late 16th to early 17th century (c. 1550–1650)\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1823\" data-end=\"1850\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1825\" data-end=\"1850\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003e\u003cspan data-start=\"1825\" data-end=\"1838\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/span\u003e Rag paper\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1851\" data-end=\"1874\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1853\" data-end=\"1874\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003e\u003cspan data-start=\"1853\" data-end=\"1866\"\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/span\u003e Latin\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1875\" data-end=\"1920\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1877\" data-end=\"1920\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003e\u003cspan data-start=\"1877\" data-end=\"1890\"\u003eNotation:\u003c\/span\u003e Square Gregorian notation\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1921\" data-end=\"1979\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1923\" data-end=\"1979\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003e\u003cspan data-start=\"1923\" data-end=\"1935\"\u003eBinding:\u003c\/span\u003e Later marbled paper (likely 18th century)\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1921\" data-end=\"1979\"\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"1923\" data-end=\"1979\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003e18 leaves in total\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2137\" data-end=\"2167\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eHistory of Antiphonaries\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2169\" data-end=\"2509\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eAn \u003cspan data-start=\"2172\" data-end=\"2187\"\u003eantiphonary\u003c\/span\u003e is a liturgical book containing the sung texts (antiphons, responsories, hymns, and psalms) for the \u003cspan data-start=\"2288\" data-end=\"2305\"\u003eDivine Office\u003c\/span\u003e, the daily cycle of prayer observed in monasteries, cathedral chapters, and collegiate churches. Unlike Mass books, antiphonaries were used multiple times each day and were essential to communal worship.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2511\" data-end=\"2958\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eAlthough printing was well established by the 16th century, antiphonaries continued to be \u003cspan data-start=\"2601\" data-end=\"2619\"\u003ecopied by hand\u003c\/span\u003e well into the early modern period. Printed choir books were expensive, heavy, and not always locally available, and many religious communities preferred manuscript copies tailored to their specific liturgical customs. As a result, handwritten antiphonaries like this one represent the \u003cspan data-start=\"2905\" data-end=\"2957\"\u003efinal centuries of Europe’s manuscript tradition\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2965\" data-end=\"3006\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eManuscript Culture \u0026amp; Monastic Life\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3008\" data-end=\"3356\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eThis manuscript reflects the enduring \u003cspan data-start=\"3046\" data-end=\"3096\"\u003emonastic and ecclesiastical manuscript culture\u003c\/span\u003e of early modern Europe. Such books were produced not as luxury objects, but as \u003cspan data-start=\"3176\" data-end=\"3216\"\u003efunctional tools for communal prayer\u003c\/span\u003e. They were typically placed on a lectern and read by multiple singers at once, which explains the clear, spacious layout and bold notation.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3358\" data-end=\"3747\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eIn monasteries and churches, manuscript production was a devotional act as much as a practical one. Scribes were often members of the religious community, trained to copy sacred texts with accuracy and reverence. These books were sung daily, repaired, rebound, and reused—making surviving examples especially meaningful witnesses to lived religious practice rather than ceremonial display.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"3754\" data-end=\"3776\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eProvenance Notes\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3778\" data-end=\"4038\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3778\" data-end=\"3868\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3780\" data-end=\"3868\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003ePencil inscription inside suggests later cataloguing or ownership (likely 19th century)\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3869\" data-end=\"3932\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3871\" data-end=\"3932\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eEvidence of rebinding indicates long-term institutional use\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eWho this is ideal for:\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4062\" data-end=\"4119\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4064\" data-end=\"4119\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eCollectors of \u003cspan data-start=\"4078\" data-end=\"4117\"\u003emedieval \u0026amp; early modern manuscripts\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4120\" data-end=\"4180\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4122\" data-end=\"4180\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eScholars of \u003cspan data-start=\"4134\" data-end=\"4178\"\u003emusicology, chant, or liturgical history\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4181\" data-end=\"4261\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4183\" data-end=\"4261\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eInstitutions or libraries seeking a \u003cspan data-start=\"4219\" data-end=\"4259\"\u003ecomplete, non-fragmentary manuscript\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4262\" data-end=\"4357\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4264\" data-end=\"4357\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eDecorators or collectors looking for an \u003cspan data-start=\"4304\" data-end=\"4337\" style=\"\"\u003eauthentic historical artifact\u003c\/span\u003e, not a reproduction\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eWeight - 130g\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eHeight - 28cm\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eWidth - 20cm\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eThickness - 0.5cm\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Momo Rare Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52775237845331,"sku":null,"price":900.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/9187\/5411\/files\/57_17129c74-b978-4458-9070-b9103a2efa43.jpg?v=1768306294"},{"product_id":"1699-book-of-common-prayer-red-ruled-contemporary-tooled-leather","title":"1699 Book of Common Prayer, Red Ruled, Contemporary Tooled Leather","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-8 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLondon: Printed by Charles Bill and the Executrix of Thomas Newcomb, 1699.\u003cbr\u003ePrinters to the King's Most Excellent Majesty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA handsome late 17th-century Church of England Book of Common Prayer, printed during the reign of King William III, extensively ruled in red throughout and preserved in an elaborate contemporary or near-contemporary blind-tooled leather binding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe volume also contains the Psalms of David in Metre and additional devotional material, forming a substantial Anglican devotional volume intended for both church and private use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Binding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most attractive features of this copy is its early dark leather binding, which appears contemporary or near-contemporary to the publication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth boards are extensively decorated in blind with geometric panels, floral and foliate ornaments, repeated corner tools and decorative borders. The spine retains further blind decoration within its compartments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe binding has seen considerable use over more than three centuries, but much of the original decoration remains clearly visible. Rather than a later antiquarian rebinding, this appears to represent the book much as an early owner would have known it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRed-Ruled Throughout\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pages have been extensively ruled by hand in red, including the title page and text.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed ruling was an additional decorative treatment applied to more carefully presented books and gives the volume a particularly striking appearance, with the black letterpress typography framed and divided by fine red lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall variations and extensions in the ruling indicate that the lines were applied by hand rather than being part of the printed page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePrinted Under William III\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book was printed in 1699, near the end of one of the most turbulent centuries in English religious history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnly eleven years earlier, the Glorious Revolution had removed James II and brought William III and Mary II to the English throne. Mary died in 1694, leaving William to reign alone until his death in 1702.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Prayer Book itself follows the tradition established by the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, introduced after the Restoration of Charles II and the Act of Uniformity. The 1662 liturgy became one of the defining texts of Anglican worship and remains enormously influential within the Church of England.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe volume therefore represents the established Anglican Church only a generation after the Restoration and shortly after the religious and political upheaval of the Glorious Revolution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRoyal Declaration\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn especially attractive preliminary leaf bears the Royal Arms and the heading \"MARIE R.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt reproduces a declaration originally issued at Whitehall on 6 October 1692, during the joint reign of William III and Mary II, concerning the ordering and observance of worship within the Church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough originally issued several years before this book was printed, the declaration continued to be incorporated into subsequent editions of the Prayer Book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePsalms of David in Metre\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBound with the Prayer Book is The Psalms of David, in Metre, representing the long Protestant tradition of adapting the Psalms for congregational singing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe metrical Psalms were an important component of English Protestant worship and allowed biblical Psalms to be sung communally according to established metres.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe volume additionally contains further devotional and prayer material, including prayers arranged around the Sundays of the ecclesiastical calendar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePrinting \u0026amp; Bibliographical Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTitle: The Book of Common Prayer and Administration of the Sacraments\u003cbr\u003eDate: 1699\u003cbr\u003ePlace: London\u003cbr\u003ePrinters: Charles Bill and the Executrix of Thomas Newcomb\u003cbr\u003eAuthority: Printers to the King's Most Excellent Majesty\u003cbr\u003eChurch: Church of England\u003cbr\u003eLanguage: English\u003cbr\u003eReference: Wing B3699\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCharles Bill and the executrix of Thomas Newcomb operated under royal authority as the King's Printers, an office responsible for the production of authorised religious and governmental works.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFair antiquarian condition, with substantial signs of use and wear consistent with a devotional volume more than 325 years old.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe early leather binding is heavily rubbed and worn, with surface loss, worn corners and edges, and significant losses to the leather of the spine. The underlying sewing and binding structure are exposed in places.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe text block has considerable structural weakness, with separated and loosening gatherings, exposed sewing and sections which should be handled carefully. Leaves show occasional edge wear, creasing, tears, staining, spotting and age toning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite the structural condition, the printed text remains generally strong and highly legible, while the extensive red ruling remains particularly attractive. Much of the elaborate decoration of the early binding also survives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe volume is offered as an unrestored historical object and would benefit from sympathetic conservation and stabilisation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease examine all photographs carefully.\u003c\/p\u003e\nWhy Buy This Copy?\n\u003cp\u003eA visually distinctive 1699 Book of Common Prayer combining several desirable features: a late Stuart printing from the reign of William III, extensive hand-applied red ruling, a highly decorated early leather binding, royal declaration bearing the arms of William and Mary, and accompanying metrical Psalms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite its well-used condition, the survival of its early binding and decorative treatment gives the volume considerable character and provides a tangible example of Anglican devotional life at the end of the 17th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight - 575g\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight - 19.5cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidth - 12.5cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThickness - 4cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Momo Rare Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54798851113299,"sku":null,"price":500.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/9187\/5411\/files\/IMG_8861.jpg?v=1788112746"},{"product_id":"john-wesley-explanatory-notes-upon-the-new-testament-1789-lifetime-edition","title":"John Wesley Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament 1789 Lifetime Edition","description":"\u003ch1 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003eJohn Wesley – Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFourth Edition, Corrected\u003cbr\u003eLondon, 1789\u003cbr\u003ePrinted and sold at the New Chapel, City-Road\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn attractive eighteenth-century edition of one of John Wesley's most important theological works, published during Wesley's lifetime and only two years before his death in 1791.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis appears to be Volume I of the three-volume 1789–90 pocket edition, containing Wesley's biblical text accompanied by his extensive explanatory commentary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout the Work\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst published in 1755, Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament became one of Wesley's principal works of biblical interpretation and an important text in the development of Methodist theology.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWesley intended the work primarily for ordinary Christian readers, providing concise explanations alongside the biblical text rather than the extensive scholarly apparatus found in larger theological commentaries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe work drew upon numerous earlier scholars, particularly the German Lutheran theologian Johann Albrecht Bengel, while incorporating Wesley's own theological interpretation and revisions to the biblical text.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA Lifetime Edition of John Wesley\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Fourth Edition, Corrected was published in 1789, when Wesley was 85 years old and still actively involved in the Methodist movement he had helped establish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf particular interest is the imprint:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrinted and sold at the New Chapel, City-Road; and at the Rev. Mr. Wesley's Preaching-Houses in Town and Country.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe New Chapel, today known as Wesley's Chapel, had opened in London in 1778 and became one of the principal centres of early Methodism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe title page therefore reflects the remarkable publishing and distribution network Wesley had developed, with his writings sold through Methodist preaching houses throughout Britain rather than exclusively through conventional booksellers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEdition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bibliography of Wesley's Explanatory Notes is somewhat complicated by the existence of different large and pocket-format editions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis copy belongs to the smaller-format Fourth Edition, Corrected, issued in three volumes in 1789–90, distinct from the large-format fifth edition published shortly beforehand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe present volume is dated 1789 and appears to be Volume I of that edition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBinding \u0026amp; Condition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe eighteenth-century text block has been professionally rebound at a later date in green cloth, with gilt lettering to the spine reading:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTES UPON THE NEW TESTAMENT – JOHN WESLEY\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModern endpapers have also been supplied.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe binding is secure and presents well. Internally the pages display expected age-related toning, occasional spotting, marks and handling consistent with a book more than 230 years old. The printing remains clear and attractive throughout the pages examined.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease study the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy This Copy?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fascinating piece of early Methodist and eighteenth-century Christian history, printed during the lifetime of John Wesley and distributed from Wesley's own New Chapel in London.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough subsequently rebound and apparently representing a single volume from the original three-volume set, it remains an affordable opportunity to own an original eighteenth-century work produced during the final years of one of the most influential figures in British religious history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthor: John Wesley (1703–1791)\u003cbr\u003eTitle: Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament\u003cbr\u003eEdition: Fourth Edition, Corrected\u003cbr\u003ePublication: London, New Chapel, City-Road\u003cbr\u003eDate: 1789\u003cbr\u003eVolume: Apparently Volume I of III\u003cbr\u003eLanguage: English\u003cbr\u003eBinding: Later green cloth with gilt spine lettering\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Good antiquarian condition; rebound, with expected age-related wear and toning\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight - 233g\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight - 17.8cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidth - 11.2cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThickness - 1.7cm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Momo Rare Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54806236168531,"sku":null,"price":125.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/9187\/5411\/files\/IMG_8848.jpg?v=1788173491"},{"product_id":"1728-benedictine-monastic-breviary-venice-nicola-pezzana-with-1739-florentine-supplements","title":"1728 Benedictine Monastic Breviary, Venice, Nicola Pezzana, with 1739 Florentine Supplements","description":"\u003ch1 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTitle: Breviarium Monasticum, Pauli V. ac Urbani VIII. Summorum Pontificum Auctoritate Recognitum, pro Omnibus sub Regula SS. P. Benedicti Militantibus\u003cbr\u003ePart: Pars Hiemalis\u003cbr\u003ePrinter: Nicola Pezzana\u003cbr\u003ePlace: Venice\u003cbr\u003eDate: 1728\u003cbr\u003eLanguage: Latin\u003cbr\u003eBinding: Early leather over boards\u003cbr\u003eLater material: Florentine liturgical supplements dated 1739\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn impressive early eighteenth-century Benedictine monastic breviary, printed in Venice by Nicola Pezzana in 1728. This substantial volume contains the Pars Hiemalis, or Winter portion, of the Divine Office for communities following the Rule of St Benedict.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe work is extensively printed in red and black, with red rubrics, feast headings and liturgical directions accompanying the main text. Arranged predominantly in double columns, it contains the prayers, psalms, antiphons, lessons, hymns and offices required for the Benedictine cycle of daily worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe title identifies the work as having been authorised under Popes Paul V and Urban VIII and intended pro omnibus sub Regula SS. P. Benedicti militantibus, essentially \"for all those serving under the Rule of the Most Holy Father Benedict.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNicola Pezzana and his family were established Venetian printers of religious and liturgical works. Pezzana continued to issue Roman breviaries and other ecclesiastical books well into the eighteenth century. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAn Evolving Liturgical Book\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf particular interest are the later printed additions bound into this copy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong these is an office for St John of Nepomuk, whose canonisation occurred in 1729, one year after the original breviary was printed. Its presence therefore demonstrates that the volume continued to be used and updated after publication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore significantly, the volume contains separately printed material bearing the imprint:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlorentiae, MDCCXXXIX\u003cbr\u003eEx Typographia Bernardi Paperini\u003cbr\u003eSuperiorum Permissu\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Florentine material dates to 1739, eleven years after the original Venetian printing, and includes references to Maria Theresa, Archduchess of Austria and Grand Duchess of Tuscany, together with additional offices including those of St John Nepomuk and the Archangel Raphael.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than being discarded when the liturgical calendar developed, this expensive working breviary appears to have been kept current through the addition of newly authorised offices, providing an interesting physical record of eighteenth-century Catholic liturgical practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Benedictine Divine Office\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA breviary was not principally intended for celebration of the Mass, but for the Divine Office, the cycle of prayers traditionally recited throughout the day and night.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Benedictine communities this formed a fundamental part of monastic life, governing Matins, Lauds, Prime, Terce, Sext, None, Vespers and Compline.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe calendar and movable-feast tables within this volume begin with 1728 and extend into the 1760s, emphasising its original purpose as a practical working religious book rather than simply a theological text.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePrinting \u0026amp; Binding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe extensive red-and-black printing is particularly attractive. Red ink was used for rubrics and instructions, while the texts to be read or recited were predominantly printed in black.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe volume retains a substantial early leather binding over boards with raised bands to the spine and blind-ruled decoration to the boards. The spine bears an abbreviated identification consistent with Pars Hiemalis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe binding displays considerable age and use, with rubbing, leather loss, cracking and wear to the spine, joints, corners and board edges. There are possible indications that the volume may once have possessed additional fastening furniture or clasps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInternally the volume presents considerably better, with generally strong paper and crisp printing. There is expected age toning, occasional staining, foxing, creasing and edge wear. The red printing remains particularly vivid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe volume has not been bibliographically collated leaf-by-leaf, and completeness should therefore not be assumed. It represents the Pars Hiemalis rather than a complete multi-volume seasonal set of the Benedictine breviary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHistorical Context\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrinted in Venice in 1728, this breviary appeared when Venice remained one of Europe's great centres of book production, despite the political decline of the Venetian Republic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Pezzana press was particularly associated with Catholic and liturgical printing. Nicola Pezzana's name appears on numerous ecclesiastical works produced in Venice during this period, including breviaries and related liturgical publications. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis volume is especially evocative because it was not frozen in 1728. The later additions show it remaining useful as new saints and offices entered the authorised liturgy. Almost three centuries later, those additions allow the history of the book's continued religious use to be seen directly within its pages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood antiquarian condition overall, with substantial wear to the binding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEarly leather binding heavily rubbed and worn, with areas of leather loss and cracking\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCorners and board edges worn\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpine and joints show significant age-related wear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePossible evidence of former clasps or furniture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eText block generally sound and considerably better preserved than the exterior\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExpected toning, occasional foxing, staining, creasing and minor edge wear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRed-and-black printing remains strong and attractive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLater eighteenth-century printed supplements bound in\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot collated leaf-by-leaf and sold as such\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight - 2.42kg\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight - 24cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidth - 17cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThickness - 9.8cm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Momo Rare Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54808949490003,"sku":null,"price":450.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/9187\/5411\/files\/IMG_8875.jpg?v=1788194586"},{"product_id":"1620-czech-manuscript-prayer-book-book-of-hours-bohemia","title":"1620 Czech Manuscript Prayer Book\/Book of Hours, Bohemia","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eOverview:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDate: 1620\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlace: Bohemia, probably western Bohemia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLanguage: Czech, with Latin liturgical terminology\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNumber of leaves: 254\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFormat: Manuscript on paper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBinding: Early vellum binding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDecoration: Red and blue initials and extensive rubrication\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubject: Christian devotion, liturgy, prayers and hymns\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDescription\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA remarkable early 17th-century Czech manuscript prayer book, dated 1620 and written by hand in the Czech vernacular.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe substantial manuscript contains 254 numbered pages of religious and liturgical texts, beautifully presented in black and red ink and decorated throughout with numerous large initials executed in red and blue. Rather than being a simple notebook of private prayers, the manuscript is carefully structured, with recurring headings identifying prayers, hymns and liturgical sections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong the terminology visible throughout are Píseň (song or hymn), Prosa (in a liturgical context, a sequence), Kyrie, Christe, Marian references including the Virgin Mary and Mother of God, and other material relating to the Christian liturgical cycle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe manuscript belongs broadly to the tradition of vernacular devotional books that developed from the medieval Book of Hours, although its precise classification remains worthy of further scholarly study. It may represent a specifically Bohemian form of prayer book or liturgical\/devotional collection rather than a conventional Latin Horae.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Date: Bohemia in 1620\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe date of the manuscript is particularly significant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1620 was one of the defining years of Czech and Bohemian history. On 8 November, the Battle of White Mountain was fought outside Prague between the forces of the Bohemian Revolt and those of Emperor Ferdinand II and the Catholic League.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe defeat of the Bohemian estates brought the revolt to an end and was followed by enormous religious and political change throughout the Kingdom of Bohemia, including the strengthening of Habsburg authority and an extensive programme of re-Catholicisation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis manuscript therefore survives from the very year in which the religious landscape of Bohemia changed dramatically.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts precise confessional background has not yet been established and should not be assumed solely from its date or devotional contents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDecoration\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout the manuscript are large ornamental initials executed in red and blue, accompanied by rubricated headings, flourishes and smaller coloured initials. The decoration is remarkably consistent throughout the volume and demonstrates that considerable care was taken in its production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContaining combination of decorative initials, rubrication and carefully organised text.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBound in an early vellum binding with red-coloured page edges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vellum has developed considerable surface wear, staining, creasing and losses through approximately four centuries of use. Early manuscript inscriptions are present on the binding, including the date 1620.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe binding is an important part of the history of the manuscript and has therefore been retained in its present state.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA substantial early 17th-century manuscript showing considerable evidence of age and use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vellum binding is heavily worn, stained and creased, with losses and deterioration particularly around the spine and extremities. The text block exhibits general toning, staining, handling marks and occasional wear consistent with its age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInternally, however, the manuscript remains remarkably attractive. The black manuscript text remains generally strong and legible, while the red and blue decoration retains considerable colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWho would have used this?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe can take a guess at whom might have own or used this book in the past:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA priest\u003c\/strong\u003e: certainly possible, although the extensive use of vernacular Czech rather than Latin may suggest that it was not produced primarily as a conventional clerical service book.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAn educated layperson\u003c\/strong\u003e: perhaps a prosperous merchant, skilled craftsman, bailiff or other member of the educated urban middle classes. Such individuals could participate actively in religious confraternities and church life and had both the literacy and resources to own devotional manuscripts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA monk\/scribe\u003c\/strong\u003e: possible, although at present there is no clear evidence connecting the manuscript with a particular monastery or religious order. Again, its predominantly Czech text rather than Latin makes a conventional monastic service book less likely.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA wealthy or educated woman\u003c\/strong\u003e: vernacular devotional books were particularly important to lay readers who did not possess the Latin education expected of the clergy and university-educated elite. Women were important owners and patrons of devotional manuscripts, making female ownership entirely plausible, although there is presently no evidence identifying the original owner as a woman.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA marriage gift or dowry possession\u003c\/strong\u003e: devotional books could be given at marriage or pass into a household as part of a woman's personal possessions. A carefully produced religious manuscript could therefore have had a familial or marital context. However, no inscription, heraldry or other provenance presently connects this manuscript with a marriage or dowry, so this remains speculative.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Buy This Manuscript?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProduced more than 400 years ago, this is an unusual survival of Czech religious manuscript culture from one of the most consequential years in Bohemian history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts vernacular Czech text, extensive rubrication, decorative red and blue initials, early vellum binding and 1620 date make it considerably more visually and historically interesting than a typical post-medieval devotional manuscript.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost importantly, this is not a later printed prayer book imitating an older tradition. Every page was individually written and decorated by hand, at a time when manuscript production was increasingly being displaced by the printing press.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA striking and highly unusual early 17th-century Czech devotional manuscript, worthy of further scholarly investigation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight - 546g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeight - 20.7cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWidth - 16.2cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThickness - 3.6cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Momo Rare Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54926656766291,"sku":null,"price":12000.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/9187\/5411\/files\/IMG_8989.jpg?v=1789245853"},{"product_id":"the-bay-psalm-book-1903-facsimile-special-new-england-society-issue","title":"The Bay Psalm Book, 1903 Facsimile, Special New England Society Issue","description":"\u003ch2 dir=\"auto\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eOverview:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003eThe Bay Psalm Book: Being a Facsimile Reprint of the First Edition, Printed by Stephen Daye at Cambridge, in New England in 1640\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntroduction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wilberforce Eames\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication:\u003c\/strong\u003e New York, Prepared for The New England Society in the City of New York\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1903\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEdition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Facsimile of the 1640 first edition, New England Society issue\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBinding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Paper-covered boards with cloth spine, gilt lettering\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFacsimile\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eA scarce and historically important \u003cspan\u003e1903 facsimile of the 1640 Bay Psalm Book\u003c\/span\u003e, specially prepared for \u003cspan\u003eThe New England Society in the City of New York\u003c\/span\u003e, with an introduction by the noted American bibliographer \u003cspan\u003eWilberforce Eames\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis is the \u003cspan\u003eNew England Society issue\u003c\/span\u003e, distinguishable from the more commonly encountered Dodd, Mead \u0026amp; Company issue by its specially printed title page reading:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrepared for The New England Society in the City of New York.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eContemporary bibliographical records distinguish the Society issue separately from the Dodd, Mead edition. The New York Public Library's early bibliography records the Dodd, Mead version as one of 975 copies on plain paper and then lists the New England Society issue separately, with the same Eames introduction and 147-leaf facsimile. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eWorldCat likewise catalogues the Society issue with the New England Society as publisher.\u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe Original Bay Psalm Book\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eFirst printed by \u003cspan\u003eStephen Daye at Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1640\u003c\/span\u003e, \u003cspan\u003eThe Whole Booke of Psalmes Faithfully Translated into English Metre\u003c\/span\u003e, better known as the \u003cspan\u003eBay Psalm Book\u003c\/span\u003e, occupies an extraordinary place in the history of printing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eIt is generally recognised as the \u003cspan\u003efirst book printed in British North America\u003c\/span\u003e. Created for the Puritan congregations of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, it provided a new metrical English translation of the Psalms suitable for congregational singing. The work was associated particularly with the ministers \u003cspan\u003eRichard Mather, Thomas Weld and John Eliot\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eOriginal copies of the 1640 printing are among the great rarities of early American printing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe 1903 Facsimile\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis facsimile was produced more than 260 years after the original and was intended to reproduce the typography and appearance of the surviving 1640 copies as faithfully as possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eIt is preceded by an important historical and bibliographical introduction by \u003cspan\u003eWilberforce Eames (1855–1937)\u003c\/span\u003e, one of the leading American bibliographers of his period. His introduction is dated \u003cspan\u003eNew York, October 1903\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe standard Dodd, Mead issue of the facsimile was explicitly limited to \u003cspan\u003e1,000 copies\u003c\/span\u003e, comprising \u003cspan\u003e25 copies on Japan paper and 975 on plain paper\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe present copy, however, carries the alternative title page of the \u003cspan\u003eNew England Society in the City of New York\u003c\/span\u003e. Bibliographical sources record this Society issue separately from the Dodd, Mead issue. I have not found reliable evidence establishing how many copies were produced specifically for the Society, so no limitation is claimed for this issue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eInterestingly, an example of the Society issue appeared as early as \u003cspan\u003e1922\u003c\/span\u003e in an American Art Association auction catalogue, where it was described as being in \"boards, cloth back, uncut\", closely corresponding to the binding of the present copy.\u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eContents\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe volume reproduces the celebrated 1640 title page:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTHE WHOLE BOOKE OF PSALMES Faithfully TRANSLATED into ENGLISH Metre\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eand continues through the complete sequence of Psalms to \u003cspan\u003ePsalm 150 and FINIS\u003c\/span\u003e, followed by the concluding \u003cspan\u003e\"An Admonition to the Reader\"\u003c\/span\u003e and \u003cspan\u003e\"Faults escaped in printing\"\u003c\/span\u003e errata.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe leaves retain their attractive \u003cspan\u003euntrimmed\/deckled edges\u003c\/span\u003e, adding considerably to the period appearance of the facsimile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eBinding \u0026amp; Condition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eOriginal paper-covered boards with brown cloth spine, lettered in gilt:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTHE BAY PSALM BOOK\u003cbr\u003eCAMBRIDGE 1640\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eBinding rubbed and worn commensurate with age, with wear and small losses at the head and foot of the spine and rubbing to the board extremities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eFront and back boards show surface splitting, however, boards are still secure and stable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eInternally the book presents very well for its age, with occasional light spotting, toning and handling marks. The leaves retain their original untrimmed edges. The final Psalms, \u003cspan\u003eFINIS\u003c\/span\u003e, admonition and errata are present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eWhy Buy This Copy?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis is a particularly interesting version of one of the most important facsimiles of early American printing. Rather than the standard \u003cspan\u003eDodd, Mead \u0026amp; Company\u003c\/span\u003e title page, this copy bears the special imprint of \u003cspan\u003eThe New England Society in the City of New York\u003c\/span\u003e, an issue separately recognised in contemporary bibliographical records.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eIt offers an opportunity to own an early and carefully produced facsimile of the \u003cspan\u003efirst book printed in British North America\u003c\/span\u003e, itself now more than \u003cspan\u003e120 years old\u003c\/span\u003e, in its original binding and in the less commonly encountered New England Society issue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight - 470g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeight - 20.2cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWidth - 13.8cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThickness - 2.5cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Momo Rare Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55046672482643,"sku":null,"price":200.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/9187\/5411\/files\/IMG_9299.jpg?v=1790246361"},{"product_id":"1827-rituale-romanum-roman-catholic-ritual-exorcisms-venice-bound-in-vellum","title":"1827 Rituale Romanum, Roman Catholic Ritual, Exorcisms, Venice, Bound in Vellum","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverview:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRituale Romanum, Pauli V. Pontificis Maximi Jussu Editum, Nunc Vero... Benedicto XIV Auctum et Castigatum.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVenice: Heirs of Balleoni (Apud Haeredes Balleonios), 1827.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn attractive early 19th-century Venetian edition of the Rituale Romanum, the official Roman Catholic ritual containing the rites and ceremonies used by parish priests in the administration of the sacraments, blessings, exorcisms and other ecclesiastical duties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrinted throughout in red and black and preserved in a period full vellum binding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Rituale Romanum\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst formally issued under Pope Paul V in 1614, the Rituale Romanum standardised many of the ceremonies performed by Roman Catholic priests outside the celebration of Mass. The present edition incorporates the revisions associated with Pope Benedict XIV, whose name appears prominently on the title page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike a Bible or Missal, this was fundamentally a working priest's manual, providing both the words to be spoken and instructions for carrying out the rites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe volume includes material relating to baptism, penance and confession, Communion, the sick, marriage, funerary rites, blessings, prayers and other ceremonies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eExorcisms \u0026amp; Conjurations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf particular interest is the inclusion of traditional Catholic exorcistic and adjuration formulas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral exorcisms appear within the baptismal rites, including formulas addressed directly to the \"unclean spirit\" and Satan. The volume also contains rites involving the exorcism and blessing of water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese should be understood in their historical liturgical context: exorcistic prayers formed part of Catholic baptismal and blessing rituals and were not exclusively associated with cases of alleged demonic possession.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe title page itself specifically advertises the inclusion of:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Benedictiones, \u0026amp; Conjurationes\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eor \"Blessings and Conjurations.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis makes the volume particularly interesting not only as a Catholic liturgical work but also to collectors interested in the historical development of exorcism, ritual and religious practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePrinting\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA particularly attractive feature is the extensive two-colour printing in black and red. Rubrics, headings, instructions, crosses and portions of the liturgical text are printed in red, with the principal text in black.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarge decorative initials appear throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrinted:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVenetiis [Venice]\u003cbr\u003eApud Haeredes Balleonios Typ. Edit.\u003cbr\u003eMDCCCXXVII [1827]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBinding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBound in full vellum over boards, apparently period, with faint manuscript\/printed identification to the spine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vellum has developed the characteristic cream colour associated with age and use, with general marking, staining and soiling. Traces of red\/pink colouring are visible around portions of the board edges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe spine is considerably worn with substantial losses to the vellum, exposing areas of the underlying binding structure. Corners and edges show additional wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite the external wear, the binding retains considerable period character and gives the volume the appearance of a genuinely used ecclesiastical book rather than a later collector's rebinding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInternally considerably better preserved than the exterior. Pages generally clean and bright for a book approaching 200 years old, with scattered spotting, foxing, staining and signs of handling consistent with age and use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe red and black printing remains strong and attractive throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBinding heavily worn as described, particularly to the spine. Please examine photographs carefully as these form an important part of the condition description.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Buy This Copy?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn appealing example of an 1827 Venetian Roman Ritual in period vellum, combining Catholic liturgical history with the more unusual survival of historical exorcism, conjuration and blessing texts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe striking red-and-black typography, Latin text, vellum binding and explicitly ritualistic content make this a particularly evocative piece of nineteenth-century ecclesiastical history and an interesting addition to a collection of Catholic liturgy, historical theology, exorcism and demonology, Venetian printing, or early religious books.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight - 428g\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight - 19.9cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidth - 12.7cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThickness - 2.7cm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Momo Rare Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55179779768659,"sku":null,"price":400.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/9187\/5411\/files\/IMG_9466.jpg?v=1791027228"},{"product_id":"1620-king-james-collected-works-1616-title-page-daemonologie-shakespeare-era","title":"1620 King James Collected Works, 1616 Title Page, Daemonologie, Shakespeare Era","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTitle: The Workes of the Most High and Mightie Prince, Iames\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAuthor: King James VI of Scotland and I of England (1566–1625)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEditor: James Montagu, Bishop of Winchester\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrinter: Robert Barker and John Bill, Printers to the King's Most Excellent Majesty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlace of Publication: London, England\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDate: 1616, expanded and reissued in 1620\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEdition: First collected edition, expanded 1620 issue\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReference: STC 14345\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePagination: 621 numbered pages, with preliminary material\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBinding: Early full calf with gilt decoration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn important early seventeenth-century collection of the writings of King James VI of Scotland and I of England, the monarch responsible for commissioning the King James Bible of 1611 and a significant figure in the political, religious and intellectual history of Britain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginally published in 1616, this example belongs to the expanded 1620 issue, retaining the original 1616 title page while incorporating additional writings. The volume concludes at page 621 and includes a separately dated 1620 imprint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe collection brings together the King's writings on monarchy, religion, witchcraft, political authority and theological controversy, offering a remarkable insight into the beliefs and concerns of one of Britain's most influential rulers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong its most celebrated contents is Daemonologie, King James's treatise on witchcraft and the supernatural, a work closely associated with the intellectual background of William Shakespeare's Macbeth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe volume is further distinguished by its early calf binding, featuring an elaborate gilt central ornament, raised spine bands and a gilt-lettered title label.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKing James I and the History of the Period\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJames VI became King of Scotland in 1567 and succeeded Elizabeth I as James I of England in 1603, uniting the crowns of England and Scotland under a single monarch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis reign witnessed major religious and political developments, including the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, disputes concerning royal authority and the publication of the King James Bible in 1611.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many European monarchs of his time, James was also a prolific author. His writings defended the divine right of kings, explored theological controversies and addressed subjects ranging from political government to witchcraft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis collected edition represents an important attempt to preserve and present the King's intellectual legacy during his lifetime.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDaemonologie and Shakespeare's Macbeth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most historically fascinating works associated with this collection is Daemonologie, originally published in Edinburgh in 1597.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWritten by James VI before his accession to the English throne, Daemonologie examines witchcraft, demonic activity, spirits and the supposed practices of witches. James was deeply interested in the supernatural, particularly following the North Berwick witch trials of 1590–1591, which involved allegations of witchcraft directed against the King and his wife, Anne of Denmark.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe treatise defended the reality of witchcraft and argued for the prosecution of those believed to practise it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis fascination with witchcraft is particularly significant in relation to William Shakespeare's Macbeth, generally dated to around 1606.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShakespeare's tragedy was written during the early years of James's English reign and reflects several subjects of particular interest to the monarch, including witchcraft, prophecy, regicide and the legitimacy of kingship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe famous Three Witches of Macbeth, with their supernatural predictions and involvement in the downfall of a king, belong to the same culture of witchcraft belief explored in James's Daemonologie.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScholars have frequently identified Daemonologie as an important possible influence on Shakespeare's treatment of witchcraft, although direct textual dependence cannot be established with certainty. Shakespeare also drew heavily upon historical chronicles, particularly those of Raphael Holinshed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMacbeth additionally contains a flattering representation of Banquo, whom the Stuart dynasty traditionally claimed as an ancestor, further strengthening the play's connections with James I.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn important distinction is that Shakespeare's Macbeth predates this collected edition. The influence therefore relates to the original 1597 publication of Daemonologie, rather than the present 1616\/1620 volume.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNevertheless, this book preserves the writings and ideas of the very monarch whose interests helped shape the cultural environment in which Macbeth was written.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContents and Historical Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe collected works encompass several of James's most important writings, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDaemonologie, concerning witchcraft, demons and supernatural phenomena.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBasilikon Doron, a treatise offering advice on kingship and government, originally composed for James's son, Prince Henry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Trew Law of Free Monarchies, defending hereditary monarchy and the divine authority of kings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Premonition to All Most Mightie Monarches, addressing religious and political disputes in Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Defence of the Right of Kings, concerning royal authority and political allegiance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpeeches and declarations addressing the religious and political controversies of James's reign, including the aftermath of the Gunpowder Plot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe expanded 1620 issue additionally contains A Meditation upon the Lords Prayer and other material not included in the original issue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTogether, these writings provide an unusually direct account of the religious convictions, political philosophy and personal interests of the monarch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Printers: Robert Barker and John Bill\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe volume was printed in London by Robert Barker and John Bill, both associated with the royal printing establishment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRobert Barker is particularly notable as the printer of the first edition of the King James Bible in 1611, one of the most influential publications in the history of the English language.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe association with Barker provides an additional connection between this volume and the religious publishing programme of James I.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIllustrations and Decorative Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe volume includes elaborate engraved and typographical decoration, including an engraved royal portrait, architectural title page, royal heraldic imagery, ornamental initials and decorative headpieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese illustrations reflect the prestige of a publication devoted to the writings of the reigning monarch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe engraved and decorative elements are among the most visually attractive features of this edition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBinding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBound in early full brown calf, featuring blind-ruled borders and an elaborate gilt central ornament to the boards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe spine features raised bands and a gilt-lettered title label reading KING JAMES WORKES.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe binding appears to have undergone historical restoration or repair, potentially including work to the spine and joints. The early boards may have been retained during this process, preserving much of the volume's original character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe precise date and extent of the binding restoration have not been established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition and Collation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn approximately 400-year-old volume displaying considerable historical character and wear consistent with its age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leather binding exhibits rubbing, scratches, scuffing, surface cracking and losses, particularly around the spine ends, corners and extremities. Evidence of previous binding repairs or restoration is apparent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInternally, the leaves exhibit age-related toning, occasional spotting, staining and handling marks. Several leaves, including preliminary and terminal material, show evidence of historical repairs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe main pagination concludes at page 621, corresponding to the expanded 1620 issue of the first collected edition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe engraved illustrations and decorative typographical features remain attractive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy This Book Is Collectable\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an important early collected edition of the writings of a reigning British monarch, published during his lifetime and preserving his views on religion, witchcraft and royal authority.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts appeal extends across several collecting fields, including Stuart history, early English printing, royal literature, demonology, Shakespearean studies and the history of the King James Bible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe inclusion of Daemonologie is especially noteworthy because of its relationship to the witchcraft beliefs that informed the world of Shakespeare's Macbeth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCombined with its early gilt-decorated calf binding and association with Robert Barker, printer of the 1611 King James Bible, this is a historically significant and visually impressive seventeenth-century volume.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight - 2.24kg\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight - 33.5cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidth - 22.5cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThickness - 4.8cm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Momo Rare Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55613389898067,"sku":null,"price":2750.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/9187\/5411\/files\/IMG_9714.jpg?v=1793025212"},{"product_id":"ethiopian-orthodox-illuminated-prayer-book-manuscript-c-18th-century","title":"Ethiopian Orthodox Illuminated Prayer Book Manuscript C. 18th Century","description":"\u003ch1 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverview:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTitle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Ethiopian Orthodox Prayer Book\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDate:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Circa 18th–19th Century\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Ethiopia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Ge'ez (Classical Ethiopic)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReligion:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Christianity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Manuscript on parchment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIllustrations:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Two full-page religious illustrations and an ornamental cross\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBinding:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Wooden boards with exposed traditional Ethiopian-style sewing; rebound or resewn at a later date\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDescription\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn attractive Ethiopian Orthodox devotional manuscript, handwritten in Ge'ez on parchment, provisionally dated to the 18th or 19th century.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe manuscript is written in the traditional Ethiopic script, with black lettering and red rubrication highlighting significant passages and liturgical elements. The text is accompanied by two colourful full-page religious illustrations and an ornamental cross, reflecting the distinctive artistic traditions of Ethiopian Christianity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe first illustration depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, surrounded by angels. The second portrays a mounted warrior saint, probably Saint George, confronting a serpent-like creature. Both illustrations employ characteristic Ethiopian iconography, with expressive facial features, prominent halos, and vibrant red, yellow, blue, and black pigments.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn additional decorated page features a cross surrounded by religious inscriptions and symbolic motifs, possibly associated with devotional or protective prayers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe manuscript's precise textual contents have not yet been established, although its illustrations and presentation suggest a collection of Ethiopian Orthodox prayers or devotional readings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHistorical Background\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEthiopia possesses one of the world's oldest continuous Christian traditions, with Christianity becoming established in the Kingdom of Aksum during the fourth century.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor centuries, Ethiopian monasteries and religious communities preserved Christian literature through the production of handwritten manuscripts, frequently using parchment prepared from animal skins.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGe'ez, the classical liturgical language of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, remained central to this tradition long after it ceased to be widely spoken.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEthiopian religious manuscripts are particularly celebrated for their distinctive illustrations, elaborate crosses, and traditional binding techniques. Their artistic conventions developed independently of many European traditions, creating a recognisable style of Christian manuscript illumination.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBinding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBound between wooden boards with an exposed spine and four sewing stations, following traditional Ethiopian bookbinding techniques.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe manuscript appears to have been rebound or resewn at an undetermined date, with greenish-yellow sewing thread securing the parchment gatherings directly to the wooden boards.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe binding retains the characteristic appearance of Ethiopian manuscript construction, although its present form should not be assumed to be contemporary with the text.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvenance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe manuscript contains several later handwritten annotations in blue and purple ink, including Ge'ez inscriptions and decorative penwork.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA partially legible German-language library stamp, beginning \"Bibliothek Schö...\", appears on one of the preliminary leaves, suggesting previous European institutional or private ownership.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe precise identity of the library has not been established.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGood antiquarian condition overall, with age-related wear consistent with a historical parchment manuscript.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe parchment exhibits toning, occasional staining, surface discolouration, and handling marks. Some leaves show minor edge wear and irregularities typical of handmade parchment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe religious illustrations retain their distinctive colours, with some rubbing and pigment wear.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLater annotations and ownership markings are present on the preliminary leaves.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe wooden boards exhibit surface wear and minor abrasions. The manuscript has been rebound or resewn at an undetermined date, with the exposed sewing remaining visible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA distinctive example of Ethiopian Christian manuscript production, combining traditional Ge'ez calligraphy, colourful religious illustrations, and historic devotional imagery.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWeight - 141g\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeight - 9.5cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWidth - 6.5cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThickness - 3cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Momo Rare Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55673465110867,"sku":null,"price":900.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/9187\/5411\/files\/IMG_9778.jpg?v=1793281021"},{"product_id":"miniature-book-of-common-prayer-oxford-c-1870-ivory-coloured-binding","title":"Miniature Book of Common Prayer, Oxford, c. 1870 Ivory-Coloured Binding","description":"\u003ch1 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eOverview:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTitle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The Book of Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments and Other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Oxford, publisher unconfirmed\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDate:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e c. 1870\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e English\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFormat:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Miniature \/ Pocket Edition\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBinding:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Ivory-coloured rigid boards with contrasting leather spine, gilt decoration and metal pins.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDescription\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn attractive late nineteenth-century miniature edition of the Anglican Book of Common Prayer, printed at Oxford and housed in an unusual decorative binding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe volume is bound in smooth, ivory-coloured rigid boards with rounded corners, secured with small metal pins. The contrasting dark leather spine features gilt horizontal rules, decorative floral ornaments and the gilt-lettered title \"COMMON PRAYER\", with \"OXFORD\" at the foot.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe material of the boards has not been conclusively identified and may be bone, imitation ivory or another decorative material.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe volume contains the traditional Anglican liturgy, including the ecclesiastical calendar, appointed lessons, prayers, thanksgivings and the Psalter. Also present is a religious illustration depicting the Virgin Mary.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMiniature prayer books became particularly popular during the Victorian period, when small devotional volumes were produced for personal use and convenient transportation. More decorative examples, such as the present volume, were frequently intended as personal possessions or religious gifts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe combination of pale rigid boards, gilt-decorated leather spine and compact proportions makes this an attractive example of nineteenth-century devotional bookbinding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe binding remains intact, with the ivory-coloured boards displaying some surface scratches, minor staining and age-related discolouration. The leather spine exhibits rubbing and cracking, although the gilt lettering and decorative ornaments remain visible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe text block appears generally well preserved, with occasional age-related toning, minor creasing and light staining. The reddish page edges retain much of their original appearance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe religious illustration displays some surface wear and creasing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn attractive miniature devotional volume, retaining much of its nineteenth-century character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWeight - 26g\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeight - 5.6cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWidth - 4.5cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThickness - 1.6cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Momo Rare Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55673858228563,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/9187\/5411\/files\/IMG_9788.jpg?v=1793282308"},{"product_id":"malleus-maleficarum-1928-first-english-edition-numbered-332-1275-copies-alan-gauld-provenance-copy","title":"Malleus Maleficarum, 1928 First English Edition, Numbered 332\/1275 Copies, Alan Gauld Provenance","description":"\u003ch1 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eOverview:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTitle: Malleus Maleficarum (The Hammer of Witches)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAuthor: Heinrich Kramer (Henricus Institoris)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTranslator: Reverend Montague Summers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePublisher: John Rodker\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlace of Publication: London, England\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDate: 1928\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEdition: First English Edition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLimitation: Number 322 of 1,275 copies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrinter: R. Clay \u0026amp; Sons Ltd., Bungay, Suffolk\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBinding: Original publisher's red-stained vellum spine and ochre cloth-covered boards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvenance: Patrick Railton, Cambridge; Alan Gauld\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDescription\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA particularly desirable example of the first English edition of the Malleus Maleficarum, one of the most notorious and influential works in the history of witchcraft, demonology, and religious persecution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginally published in Latin in 1486–1487, the Malleus Maleficarum, or The Hammer of Witches, was principally written by the German Dominican inquisitor Heinrich Kramer. Traditionally attributed to Kramer and Jacob Sprenger, the work became one of the most widely circulated treatises concerning witchcraft during the early modern period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe text examines the supposed existence and practices of witches, their alleged relationships with demons, and the theological and judicial arguments employed to justify their prosecution. Its influence extended across centuries of European religious and legal history, contributing to the intellectual climate surrounding the witch trials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis edition represents the first complete translation of the work into English, undertaken by the Reverend Montague Summers (1880–1948), a controversial scholar of witchcraft, demonology, vampirism, and the supernatural.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many modern historians, Summers approached the historical accounts of witchcraft and demonic activity from a perspective that took their supernatural claims seriously. His extensive introduction, bibliography, and annotations provide a distinctive twentieth-century interpretation of this infamous text.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished in London by John Rodker in 1928, the edition was limited to 1,275 numbered copies, printed on specially manufactured Dutch paper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe present example is numbered 322.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe volume retains its original publisher's binding, comprising a red-stained vellum spine with gilt lettering and ochre cloth-covered boards, the upper board bearing a gilt papal insignia. The pages retain their original untrimmed edges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn engraved portrait of Pope Innocent VIII serves as the frontispiece, accompanied by the reproduction of his papal bull Summis desiderantes affectibus (1484), which Kramer used to support his authority in investigating alleged witchcraft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProvenance and Manuscript Annotations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn especially interesting feature of this example is its association with Alan Gauld, the British psychologist, historian, and researcher of psychical phenomena.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGauld is recognised for his scholarly investigations into spiritualism, mediumship, apparitions, and the history of psychical research. His publications include The Founders of Psychical Research (1968) and Mediumship and Survival (1982).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe volume bears Gauld's illustrated ex libris bookplate, depicting an owl, together with a handwritten ownership inscription.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTowards the rear of the volume are extensive manuscript annotations, comprising a detailed critical examination of the theological and philosophical arguments presented within the Malleus Maleficarum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese notes discuss questions concerning the nature of witchcraft, demonic influence, supernatural phenomena, and the logical consistency of the arguments employed by Kramer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe annotations are concentrated on the blank leaves towards the rear of the volume, leaving the printed text largely unmarked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe handwriting has been attributed to Alan Gauld in a previous auction catalogue, although this attribution has not been independently verified.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn earlier ownership inscription records Patrick Railton of Cambridge, dated 1928, establishing a further element of the volume's provenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe association with Gauld is particularly appropriate given his lifelong scholarly interest in supernatural beliefs and the historical study of paranormal phenomena.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRetaining the original publisher's red-stained vellum spine and ochre cloth-covered boards, with the gilt spine lettering and papal insignia remaining visible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe binding exhibits general age-related wear, including rubbing to the extremities, some wear to the spine edges, and noticeable surface soiling and discolouration to the cloth boards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe text block retains its original untrimmed, deckle-edged leaves, with some unevenness and minor wear along the exposed edges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInternally, the printed pages appear generally clean and well preserved, with occasional minor age-related marks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExtensive manuscript annotations occupy blank leaves towards the rear of the volume, as described above.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bookplate of Alan Gauld and earlier ownership inscription are present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease refer to the accompanying photographs for a more detailed assessment of the condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistorical Significance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Malleus Maleficarum occupies a central position in the history of European witchcraft persecution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts publication in the late fifteenth century helped disseminate a systematic theological and judicial framework for identifying and prosecuting alleged witches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough its authority was disputed by some contemporary theologians and legal scholars, the work became an important reference point in subsequent discussions of witchcraft and demonology.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 1928 translation by Montague Summers introduced this historically significant text to a wider English-speaking readership and remains a notable publication in the history of occult literature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe present copy is distinguished by its original publisher's binding, limited-edition status, and provenance from the library of Alan Gauld, together with substantial manuscript commentary on the subject matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn appealing example for collectors of witchcraft, demonology, occult literature, religious history, and twentieth-century psychical research.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight - 1.28kg\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeight - 30.8cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWidth - 20.3cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThickness - 3.4cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Momo Rare Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55689494561107,"sku":null,"price":3500.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/9187\/5411\/files\/IMG_9803.jpg?v=1793374887"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.momorarebooks.co.uk\/collections\/religious-non-bible-books.oembed","provider":"Momo Rare Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}