Megarey's Elegant Edition of the Book of Common Prayer according to the use of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America [with] The Whole Book of Psalms, in Metre; with Hymns, Suited to the Feasts and Fasts of the Church and Other Occasions of Public Worship

Henry I. Megarey

Published by Henry I. Megarey, New York, 1818

About this Item

First edition. Megarey's Elegant Edition of the Book of Common Prayer bounds with the Psalms, published in 1818 and 1819, respectively, is considered the first fine binding produced in the United States. This copy has elaborate gilt tooling to the boards and spine, as well as the name of the owner tooled onto the front board. Sadly, the leather on the spine has deteriorated and was rebacked in the early 20th century, with original spine laid down (though without bottom 10% of original leather at spine). The corners of the boards are all quite rounded with boards partially exposed. Double frontis to the Book of Common Prayer, single frontis to the Psalms, with five additional single page plates, complete. Some foxing to plates and adjacent pages, else a fairly fresh copy internally. Ownership signature in pen from the Stebbins family, with their pew in Trinity Church, New York, with later presentation to Mrs. C. Stearns and her pew in Brooklyn. Some later pencil notes at rear and occasionally in text. For an excellent survey of Megarey's bindings, see "A Tale of Two Boards: A Study of A Bookbinding" by Sidney F. Huttner. Book sold as-is, with steeply discounted price reflecting the rebind.

Seller Inventory # 002794

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Megarey's Elegant Edition of the Book of Common Prayer according to the use of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America [with] The Whole Book of Psalms, in Metre; with Hymns, Suited to the Feasts and Fasts of the Church and Other Occasions of Public Worship
• Publisher: Henry I. Megarey, New York
• Publication Date: 1818
• Language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition