1759 Handwritten Prayer Book

The angelic choir seems to leap into song when you crack (well, gently open) the pages of this handwritten prayer book from 1759. The text was written in two shades of ink: red and black. The red springs from the page, its color vibrant, while the black remains crisp against the cream of the page. Daily prayers written primarily in German, with some Latin thrown in for fun. This volume shows the detailed work of a talented and enthusiastic pupil of Christianity.

Format Bound in black morocco with gilt decorations (line border and thistles) tooled on both covers. Four raised bands on spine with gilt decorations tooled between each (five total). Sewn onto four cords. All edges gilt. Headbands in blue thread. Endpapers feature hand-drawn flowers, stems, and leaves in purple, burgundy, and yellow. In slipcase made of morocco on the outside and same paper used as endpapers on the interior. Top of slipcase ​“repaired” with modern brown cloth.

409 pages; 7″ x 6″ (18 x 15 cm). A completely filled manuscript book.

Condition Rubbing and cracks at edges but in good condition nonetheless. Morocco rubbed, especially at corners (exposing boards) and spine. Foxing throughout. Pencil inscription that this was a 1927 birthday gift to mom.

Published Germany, 1759.