The blueprint for the book of Common Prayer, London 1548

WIED, Hermann von [BUCER, Martin and MELANCHTHON, Philipp].

A simple, and religious consultation … by what meanes a Christian reformation … may be begon
London: John Day and William Seres, 1548

Second English edition, revised by the translator. An important source for the earliest English liturgy. Published under the name of Hermann von Wied, Archbishop of Cologne, this programme for reform was principally the work of Martin Bucer, with contributions from Philipp Melanchthon. It sets out proposals for doctrine, the sacraments, ceremonies and pastoral care. First published in German in 1543, it appeared in English in 1547 and in this revised edition the following year. The Cologne liturgy informed Cranmer’s Order of the Communion of 1548 and the first Book of Common Prayer of 1549

Dimensions
8vo (140 x 90 mm)

Description
288 numbered and 12 unnumbered leaves, complete. Printed in black letter with marginal notes, an armorial woodcut on the verso of the title and a woodcut of St John the Evangelist on the final leaf.

Binding
19th century red morocco gilt by Roger de Coverly, edges gilt.

Condition
Light rubbing to the binding; occasional soiling and minor marginal repairs. A few marginal notes touched by cropping; slight abrasion to the final woodcut.

Provenance
1. William Reed Huntington (1838–1909), American Episcopal priest, his signature dated 1887, to:
2. Episcopal Theological School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, with its gift label and faded stamp.
3. A 19 century bookseller’s description is affixed to the front pastedown.