Title: Book of Common Prayer and Administration of the Holy Communion.
Publisher: Oxford University Press. Sold by E.Gardner & Son, at the Oxford Bible Warehouse, Paternoster Row. London.
Publication Date: 1852
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Near Fine
16mo. 160 unnumbered pages. Oxford India fine paper. Contemporary ink ownership inscription on verso of preliminary blank leaf, dated 1853. All edges gilt. Original yellow endpapers. 2.4 x 3.7" Full contemporary, burgundy velvet binding with brass edges, plain brass clasp and engraved central monogram shaped plaque -"IHS" with "I" depicted as an elaborate engraved cross- with original plain brown card slipcase with blue paper lining. The bookbinder was very possibly James Hayday (1796-1872), one of the most inventive binders of the 19th century and one of the few to be deemed worthy of an entry in the Dictionary of National Biography; books bound by him became and still are considerably sought after. Edward Gardner of the Oxford Warehouse, 7 Paternoster Row, secured Hayday's services exclusively for Oxford University Press publications (of which this is one). Hayday was specifically engaged by Gardner to bind his copies of the finely printed, small format 'Oxford' Bibles, and his output ranged from the basic plain dark hard-grained morocco trade bindings to the finely finished and worked up examples similar to this example, presumably for the luxury end of the market. William Pickering, bookseller, of 57 Chancery Lane, later introduced Hayday to many wealthy patrons. After entering into a brief partnership with Mr. Boyce, a finisher, Hayday again started on his own account at 31 Little Queen Street. Unable to compete with other and cheaper binders, he was adjudicated a bankrupt on 10 June 1861. Welsh, 1852. Welsh lists a slightly earlier edition of the same size. Seller Inventory # 5286