The Book of Common Prayer,

An attractive example, in an unusual contemporary morocco binding of The Book of Common Prayer, the third and last octavo edition from the press of the acclaimed type-founder John Baskerville (1707-1775).

Abijah Mellor was a jeweller and silversmith, who established his business in Derby in 1750, being the first to set up such an industry in the town. His output was apparently deemed superior to any other such establishment in the country, with the exception only of London manufacturers, and at one time he had 300 men in his employ.

'Baskerville was one of the giants of English typography, introducing a number of innovations, including the eponymous typeface still in use today. His typefaces were finely constructed, his designs simple, and spare, and made great use of white space. He also pioneered the development of fine papers for printing' (Society of Archbishop Justus).

Third edition; large 8vo (24 x 16.5 cm); ownership inscription in pen to title; contemporary blue-green morocco, panels with wide gilt borders of alternating flowers and urns, morocco label centrepiece to upper panel lettered 'Abijah Mellor' in gilt within scalloped seedhead border, flanked by floral sprays and laurel-dove tools in gilt, gilt spine in 6 compartments with an all-over design of alternating flowers and lozenges, all edges gilt, minor wear toe extremities and spine ends, otherwise near fine.

Gaskell 19.