1890s The Book of Common Prayer | Finger Bible

The Book of Common Prayer. Published by Oxford University Press, Oxford, England. Published 1890-1900. English Language.

A brown leather 'Finger Bible' Book of Common Prayer; the front cover features a gilded IHS Christogram and title; the spine also features the gilded title; all page edges are gold-gilt, with a red hidden fore-edge. 

In late Victorian society, church attendance was the center of social and spiritual life. However, fashion trends of the 1880s and 1890s leaned toward tailored garments and tight waistcoats with slim, narrow pockets. Standard pocket books were too bulky and ruined the silhouette of a formal outfit. The finger book was shaped to glide seamlessly into an inner vest pocket, a purse, or even a glove. 

Clients loved the curiously shaped mini books so much that Oxford University Press even began creating custom, high-end sterling cases to house them. 

27 mm W x 87 mm H. 599 pages.

Condition: Wear to the spine; rubbing to the corners; some pages are slightly loose but still attached. Good condition. 

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