The Book of Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments, and Other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, According to the Use of the Church of Ireland; Psalter or Psalms of David, Pointed as They are to Be Sung or Said in Churches: and the Form or Manner of Making, Ordaining, and Consecrating of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons

Gwim, James [Artist]

Published by Printed by and for George Grierson, at the Two Bibles in Essex-Street, Dublin, 1721

About this Item

First thus. Folio measuring 17.5" x 11.5", over 2" thick. Contemporary calf over new leather spine in eight compartments, elaborately ruled in gilt, black title label lettered in gilt, all edges gilt. Text ruled in red with engraved headpieces. Very Good+, sturdily bound with wear to calf, dulling to gilt, a few ink stains to fore edge, corner crease to prelims, former owners' names written on front free endpaper (dating up to 1850); small ink number written on page facing table of contents and a single inked number in margin of another page, contents otherwise unmarked. Scarce in commerce, as later printings and editions of this work printed by Grierson have shown up at auction but none of the original 1721 edition have since 1932. Called "the finest" Book of Common Prayer that "had been printed in Dublin" by The Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland in 1920. One of the Irish artist James Gwim's greatest works was the frontispiece. Around 1755, he left Dublin for London where he worked for John Brooks as a designer of snuff-box lids at the Battersea Enamel Works, living in seclusion. An eccentric, he refused to leave his room for long periods of time, and was found dead in it after a brawl with a friend about his agoraphobia in 1769. The Book of Common Prayer was the first book printed in Ireland. Benton 275. Seller Inventory # 140944599

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Book of Common Prayer, and ...

Publisher: Printed by and for George Grierson, at the Two Bibles in Essex-Street, Dublin

Publication Date: 1721