Holy Bible and Book of Common Prayer

5B Oxford: University Press, 1858. In Original Leather Gift Box.

Notes

The Holy Bible is one of the most influential texts in human history, shaping religious belief, moral philosophy, law, art, and literature for over two millennia. Comprising the Old Testament (shared with Judaism) and the New Testament(centered on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ), the Bible has been central to the development of Christianity, the world’s largest religion. Its translation into numerous languages—most notably the Latin Vulgate, the Gutenberg Bible, and the King James Version—made it increasingly accessible and helped fuel movements like the Reformation, the Enlightenment, and the spread of literacy. Beyond its religious significance, the Bible has played a key role in historical debates on human rights, law, governance, and social justice, deeply embedding itself in the cultural and ethical foundations of many societies around the world.

The Book of Common Prayer is a foundational text of the Anglican tradition, first compiled in 1549 under the leadership of Thomas Cranmer during the English Reformation. Designed to provide a unified form of worship in English, it replaced the Latin liturgies previously used by the Church and brought structure to services such as Morning and Evening Prayer, Holy Communion, baptisms, marriages, and funerals. Revered for its poetic language and theological depth, the Book of Common Prayer not only shaped the religious life of the Church of England and its global offshoots but also had a profound influence on English literature and cultural identity.

Description

Brown leather bindings with five raised bands and gilt lettering in the second compartments. Brass edges and functioning clasps. All edges gilt. Original box in brown leather with two separate compartments within to safely house both books. Very fine condition overall.