Beautiful and scarce example of fine embroidery in rare Dos A Dos binding,


The item consists of two separate books, bound back to back,


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 England,

Together with The Psalter or Psalms of David, Pointed as they are to be sung or said in Churches; and the form and manner of making, ordaining, and consecrating of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons.

Printed at the Oxford University Press, London. Henry Frowde is named as the University Printer, whose tenure began in 1880, so a late 19th Century Edition. No confirmed print year on title page.

With,

HYMNS ANCIENT AND MODERN,

For Use in The Services of The Church.

Complete Edition.

Printed for the proprietors by William Clowes and Sons, London.

In bookbinding, a dos-à-dos binding (/doʊsiːdoʊ/ or /doʊseɪdoʊ/, from the French for "back-to-back") is a binding structure in which two separate books are bound together such that the fore edge of one is adjacent to the spine of the other, with a shared lower board between them serving as the back cover of both. When shelved, the spine of the book to the right faces outward, while the spine of the book to the left faces the back of the shelf; the text of both works runs head-to-tail.

The dos-à-dos format dates back at least to the 16th century, though they were most common in England in the first half of the 17th century. Two books frequently bound in this form were the New Testament and Psalter, which were both needed during church services. Regardless of content, the outer boards of dos-à-dos bindings were usually embroidered, or covered with leather and then finished with gold

The book is small measuring 6.5cm x 10cm, 4cm thick.

Please check all photos as these give the best idea of condition. There are some signs of age, use and wear. The cream patterned silk cover is a little discoloured but in generally good condition. The Common Prayer side is good, embroidered floral design remains bright and the colours striking. There are remnants of tiny beads dotted across the cover, the majority are now missing, with some loose threads visible in place, a few beads remain nearest the spine. The Hymns side is almost identical to the Common Prayer side. Similar floral design, in matching condition. Majority of beads also missing. Faint pencil line/scuff top left just above floral curve. The spines are matching, thread pattern around edge, with remnants of missing beads. The colourful floral design is highlighted with gold thread, very skillfully embroidered work.

The binding is firm, boards holding very well, hinges strong. Shared rear/middle board firm and  holding well. Pink end pages matching both books. Page edge are gold gilded, a little worn and scratched but remain bright overall. The Hymns side has a page that juts out slightly more than the others, leaving it noticeable and a little crumpled on its outer edge, it is however bound firmly and not loose.

There are no inscriptions or page markings/highlighting. The blank end paper opposite the Hymns title page has been removed, some torn remnants visible in the gutter. Some mild page creasing, corner folds dotted throughout.

Overall remains in good reading condition. A fascinating and unique floral design, in a scarce binding style. Not many 19th century examples around, especially this beautiful.

Please check all photos for the best understanding of condition, more photos available upon request. Please do expect signs of age, use and wear. We are proud members of the International Online Booksellers Association.