Dec 01, 2016 - Sale 2433

Sale 2433 - Lot 73

Price Realized: $ 3,250
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 2,500 - $ 3,500
(MERRYMOUNT PRESS.) The Book of Common Prayer and Administration of the Sacraments . . . According to the Use of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America. Together with The Psalter or Psalms of David. Printed in red and black. xli, 611 pages. Thick folio, original burgundy pigskin with title and faux bands stamped in black; top edges trimmed and gilt, others uncut, hinges cracked along lengths of top and bottom bands with attempts at early restoration; unobtrusive foxing to final signature visible on colophon; custom velvet-lined clamshell box with gilt-lettered leather spine label. Boston, 1928[-30]

Additional Details

one of 500 unnumbered copies printed by d. b. updike at his merrymount press. The radical and controversial Protestant Episcopal revision of The Book of Common Prayer by The General Convention of 1928. The printing was financed by J. P. Morgan. A lifelong Episcopalian and with solid knowledge of the liturgical requirements and practical use of the Prayer Book, Updike took great pride in the work. It took two dedicated years to complete and is known as his crowning achievement. Smith 713.