1641 New Testament & 1643 The "Whole Booke of Psalmes" with Beautiful 17th Century Embroidered Binding

1641 New Testament & 1643 The "Whole Booke of Psalmes" with Beautiful 17th Century Embroidered Binding

“The New Testament” - 1641

Bound with

"The Whole Booke of Psalmes. Collected into English meeter by Thomas Sternhold, John Hopkins, and others, London: Imprinted by I. L. for the Company of Stationers, 1643"

- 11 x 6 cm approx

The delicate contemporary 17^th Century embroidered binding contains floral patterns on the boards and spine, alongside an elegant bird perching at the designs edge.

Embroidered bindings reached their height in England towards the middle of the 17^th Century, before falling out of fashion in the 18^th Century. Designs varied, but they typically employed floral patterns with intricate use of varied embroidery styles. They could be produced at home by the owner, or commissioned separately by specialists to be later bound to books. Often, the books were owned by women who prized the highly personalised books.

Historically, the Book of Psalms was read daily by Christians for spiritual reflection and a source of guidance for everyday life. Copies were well used so embroidered bindings rarely survive unscathed (especially on the market today).

Condition: Complete text including final blank. Internally very good condition with some marks and soiling. Binding worn with stains and losses to hinges.

£1950