BINDING: MEARNE, SAMUEL.

The Book of Common Prayer. London: John Bill, Thomas Newcomb and Henry Hills, 1681.

The Book of Common Prayer. London: John Bill, Thomas Newcomb and Henry Hills, 1681.
8vo (170 x 105 mm). 47 (of 48) engraved plates, text pages bordered in red hand-ruled lines. Contemporary English red morocco by Samuel Mearne, with alternating black and ivory morocco onlays, richly gilt in floral designs, spine with 5 raised bands, marbled endpapers, top edge gilt. Rubbed, light dampstaining through bottom margins, some leaves evenly toned, minor spotting.
Provenance: Sarah Griffiths (ownership inscription dated 1808); May Elizabeth Griffiths (ownership inscription dated 1858); William Macdonald Bird (1805-1884, bookplate).

MAGNIFICENT MOSAIC BINDING, which can be identified by the tools used as the work of Samuel Mearne (1624-1683), who held the office of Bookbinder to the King from the restoration of Charles II in 1660 until his death. Mearne was also a part owner of the King's Printing House, along with John Bill, who published this edition. Although there were other bookbinders doing similar work contemporaneously, Mearne's work in particular is considered among the finest pre-industrial bookbinding.