Named after the donor Mr. Walter S. Underwood, the Underwood Prayer Book Collection is the centerpiece of the Frances Donaldson Library’s stock of rare books. Mr. Underwood was a prominent Chicago attorney and senior partner in one of the largest law firms in Chicago: McLease, Spray, Price & Underwood. A long-time parishioner of the Church of the Ascension, he served as Chancellor of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago. His gift arrived at Nashotah House in 1977 and has been used in support of the House’s courses ever since. In recent years, items from the Collection have also been exhibited at the Milwaukee Art Museum and the museums of Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Since 1977, The Underwood Foundation has provided financial support for the library’s efforts to preserve and publicize the Collection.
Among the highlights of the Underwood Collection are two magnificently illuminated, late medieval manuscripts. The first of these is a Sarum Use Book of Hours, circa 1400. The volume features many finely painted scenes, illuminated capitals, and extensive decoration. The second illuminated medieval manuscript in the Collection is known as the Boies Penrose II Manuscript. This volume contains many lovely illuminated capitals, with handsome decoration on most pages. In addition, the Underwood Collection includes first editions of the Books of Common Prayer of 1549 and 1552, as well as the Prymer of 1554, commonly called Queen Mary’s Book. Most important subsequent editions of the Book of Common Prayer are also represented in the Collection, including two versions of the 1662 book, the so-called Provisional Prayer Book of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America of 1786, and the first authorized edition of the American Book of Common Prayer of 1790.
The Underwood Collection Bibliography, with Mr. Walter S. Underwood's notes and links to HouseCat records.
A beautiful, well-preserved manuscript, the oldest volume in the Underwood collection, containing 23 full-page miniatures and 23 historiated initials. Border illuminations executed in a Netherlandish style, with three exceptions that are executed in an English style. Vernacular annotations to all calendar pages. One of these inscriptions reads: "This is the book of Anna [Byllaski]." Bound in red velvet with traces of missing metal cross-shaped decoration, stored in a green leather case. Contents: an introductory series of prayers, the Calendar, a series of prayers, Suffrages to the Saints, the Hours of the Virgin, the Joys of the Virgin. a series of prayers, the Penitential Psalms, the Litany, the Office of the Dead, the Passion Psalter, St. Jerome Psalter, and a concluding cycle of prayers.
This volume has been included in three museum exhibitions: "Turn the Pages Slowly: Rare Books and Manuscripts," (Patrick and Beatrice Haggerty Museum of Art at Marquette University, 2008), "Hidden Treasures: Illuminated Manuscripts from Midwestern Collections" (the Chazen Museum of Art at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, December 18, 2010-February 27, 2011), and "The Art of Devotion: Illuminated Manuscripts from Local Collections" (The Milwaukee Art Museum, March 1-June 16th, 2019). Purchased by Mr. Underwood from Brentano's (Chicago) on 6/6/52.
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This lovely volume, 310 leaves on vellum, is decorated throughout. Contains two bookplates: "Ex Libris Boies Penrose, II" and "Thomas Ickford in the County of Bucks, Gent." This volume has been included in two museum exhibitions: "Hidden Treasures: Illuminated Manuscripts from Midwestern Collections" (the Chazen Museum of Art at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, December 18, 2010- February 27, 2011) and "The Art of Devotion: Illuminated Manuscripts from Local Collections" (The Milwaukee Art Museum, March 1-June 16th, 2019).
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HouseCat Record
51. Printed in red and black with woodcut initials. Folio-sized and bound in old calf, stored in a cloth case. Appears to be STC 16191. The Sarum use was influential in the compilation of the first Book of Common Prayer in 1549. This particular copy of the Missal was apparently in use during the reigns of Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary, and Elizabeth as demonstrated by alterations on pages where appear the prayers for Popes and sovereigns. Purchased by Mr. Underwood from Gertrude Angell, c. 1940.
Note: The size and condition of this volume make scanning difficult. Scanning imperfections are most obvious near the end of the book and at the bottoms of pages.
HouseCat Record
45. Reginald Pole, Reginaldi Poli Cardinalis Britanni, Ad Henricu[m] Octauum Britanniæ Regem, pro ecclesiasticæ unitatis defensione, libri quatuor. Rome: Apud Antonium Bladum Asulanum, [between 1536 and 1538]. Folio bound in full purple morocco, gilt and stored in a cloth case. First edition, privately printed, and very rare. Perhaps as few as 50 copies were produced for the Pope and the Cardinal's friends who all recommended suppression, considering a more widespread distribution too dangerous. This is not surprising given sentiments such as this: “No other king claimed to be head of a church.” Henry VIII, unable to lay hands on Pole himself, put Pole's mother and brother to death--based on little other evidence than the sentiments expressed in this volume. Purchased by Mr. Underwood on 12/23/50.
HouseCat Record
5. The booke of the common prayer and administracion of the sacramentes, and other rites and ceremonies of the Churche: after the vse of of the Churche of England. London: in officina Edouardi Whitchurche, 1549. Mense Junij. First edition, June emission, in wonderful condition. Folio, bound in contemporary leather and enclosed in a full red leather case. Purchased by Mr. Underwood from Brentano's (Chicago) on 5/9/51. Produced during the reign of Edward VI, this is the first edition of the first published version of the Book of Common Prayer.
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6. The boke of common prayer, and administracion of the sacramentes, and other rites and ceremonies in the Churche of Englande. London: In officina Edvvardi Whytchurche, 1552. First edition of the first revision of the prayer Book of Edward VI. This volume may be one owned by William Gott, Bishop of Truro, and sold at auction in 1908. Its extreme rarity may be ascribed to the fact that the Reformers themselves destroyed many copies from this printing, thinking that a woodcut inside savored of Mariolatry.
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50. Manuale ad vsum per celebris ecclesie Sarisburiensis. : Londini nouiter impressum. London, 1554. STC 16153 in beautiful condition, black letter with much red printing, bound by F. Bedford in full brown morocco, tooled, and gilt on back and sides, stored in cloth box. Purchased by Mr. Underwood from Brentano's (Chicago) on 12/23/50.
HouseCat Record
52. Missale ad usum [ecclesie] Sarisburiensis. [London : John Kingston & Henry Sutton], 1555. Purchased by Mr. Underwood from Brentano's (Chicago) on 2/13/52.
HouseCat Record
47. Hereafter foloweth the prymer in Englysshe and in latin sette out alonge: after the vse of Saru[m]. Rothomagi [Rouen] : In edibus Roberti Valentini, [1555]. Black letter, rubricated, 26 full page wood-cuts by John Mallart. Small 8vo bound in 19th century yellow morocco by C. Smith. STC 16070. Bishop knew of no copies in American libraries. A fine and perfect copy of an excessively rare Primer (known as Queen Mary’s Book). This copy was sold from the Beresford—Hope collection in 1888; previously it was in the collection of William Maskell, the liturgiologist and has his signature and bookplate on the end-paper. The Kalendar ends with "The Dayes of the Weke Moralysed" in 7 stanzas. (Letters identifying this book on file, including one from Helen White and one from the Newberry Library. Purchased from Brentano's, Chicago on 7/16/53.)
HouseCat Record
49. Portiforiu[m] seu breuiarium ad vsum ecclesie Sarisburiensis castigatum : supple[men]tum, marginalibus quotationibus adornatum, ac nunc primum ad verissimum ordinalis exemplar in suum ordinem a peritissimis viris redactum. London: [Printed by Robert Caly], 1555. Contemporary leather binding missing metal hasps. Purchased by Mr.
Underwood from Brentano's Chicago on 10/15/51.
Part I:
Part II:
HouseCat Record
38. The fourme and maner of makyng and consecratyng bishoppes, priestes, and deacons. London : Richard Iugge and John Cawood, 1559. Purchased by Mr. Underwood from Maggs Bros. Ltd. (50 Berkeley Square, London) on 7/26/57.
HouseCat Record
4, 48, 30. Richard Day. A booke of Christian prayers : collected out of the ancie[n]t writers, and best learned in our time, worthy to be read with an earnest mynde of all Christians, in these dangerous and troublesome dayes, that God for Christes sake will yet still be mercyfull vnto vs. London: Printed by John Daye, dwellyng ouer Aldersgate, 1578. Second edition (STC 6429). Otherwise known as "Queen Elizabeth’s Prayers." Black and roman letter, with a woodcut portrait of Queen Elizabeth in an attitude of prayer on the verso of the title-page; title within a woodcut border and each page throughout surrounded by a border of small woodcuts (illustrating texts which are printed in a small type) and printer's ornaments.
From Brentano's catalogue #121 of 1949: "The book was first printed in 1569 in a very limited edition, for the use of Queen Elizabeth, and very few copies now survive." The second edition, of which the Underwood copy is an example, was the first to be distributed, but it is also "very rare." Also from the Brentano's catalogue: "The book itself is a remarkable tribute to the typographical skill of John Day, and the woodcuts rival those of the French Horae of an earlier period. The woodcuts may be divided into three series: the first represents scenes from the life of Christ; the second gives illustrations of various proverbs and wise sayings, and symbolical figures of the cardinal virtues; the final series is a Dance of Death." In her book entitled The Tudor Books of Private Devotion, 1951, Helen C. White devotes pages 187 to 196 to the first (1569) and second (1578) editions of this book. She notes that it is often referred to as "Queen Elizabeth's Prayer Book," partly because of the picture on the reverse of the title page and partly because a number of the prayers such as the "Prayer for wisdome to governe the Realme" are put in the first person. She points out the very considerable differences between these two editions. On its simililarity to the Primer she says that while at first sight the contents of this book would seem to belie its Primer appearance, nothing is further from the truth, as the great bulk of the prayers are either from the Primer and the Primer tradition, or from later writers who wrote in that tradition. She points out that there are prayers from Calvin and other leaders of the Protestant reform, but only a few, and concludes that this book may very well be regarded as the culmination of the process of adaptation of traditional materials to the devotional needs of the Sixteenth Century. See also commentary and history of this book in the preface to Private Prayers of Queen Elizabeth--Parker Society edition.
The Underwood copy was purchased by Mr. Underwood from Brentano's Chicago on 12/13/49 and is inscribed: Katherine Killigre[n] on recto of the first leaf, with CK on recto of the second leaf. The Underwood copy is a fine one (other than the fact that the last leaf is missing and six leaves of a similar colophon have been inserted to complete the text; title and last leaf soiled). Bound in vellum and stored in a custom box labelled "Queen Elizabeth's Prayers, 1578."
However, the library has a second copy (copy b) that is bound in stamped leather with cloth closures which contains the following inscription inside the front cover: “Thomas Thacker me iure vendicat.” Because of the extreme rarity of this title, and the extraordinary circumstance of the library holding two copies, copy b has been shelved with and added to the Underwood Collection.
HouseCat Record
7. Book of Common Prayer, 1578. The booke of Common Prayer, and administration of the sacraments, and other rites and ceremonies in ye Church of England. [With The Psalter or Psalmes of David after the translation of the Great Byble, pointed as it shall be sung or saide in churches. Black letter.]. London : C. Barker, [1578]. This edition of the Book of Common Prayer dates to the reign of Queen Elizabeth. 410 titles within woodcut compartments. Bound in full black morocco with center gilt device, clasps missing, pages cut in rebinding. Stored in a cloth case. STC 2467 [or 16309?]. Library's copy also bound with The whole Booke of Psalmes, collected into Englysshe metre by T. Sternhold.... London: John Daye, 1583 [Colophon indicates 1584 printing.] Fine full page woodcut. Purchased by Mr. Underwood from Brentano's Chicago in 1953.
HouseCat Record
8. Book of Common Prayer, 1589. The Booke of Common prayer, with the Psalter; or, Psalmes of David (London : Deputies of C. Barker, 1589) and Tvvo right profitable and fruitfull concordances, collected by Robert F. Herrey (London : C. Barker, 1591). Printed during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. Quarto, black letter with Roman type for titles and notes, title page printed in black and red. Bound in brown calf, gilt embossed, stored in cloth box.
Bound with the Geneva or "Breeches" bible. (The appellation "Breeches" is applied to the Geneva bible because of its translation of Genesis 3:7.) The Bible : translated according to the Ebrew and Greeke, and conferred with the best tranlations in diuers languages : With most profitable annotations vpon all the hard places, and other things of great importance, as may appeare in the Epistle to the Reader : and also a most profitable concordance for the readie finding out of any thing in the same conteined. London : By the Deputies of Christopher Barker, Printer to the Queenes most excellent Maiestie, 1589. Separate title page for the New Testament with same printer and date.
Purchased by Mr. Underwood from Howell (San Francisco) on 2/21/48.
HouseCat Record
34. Constitutions and canons ecclesiasticall : treated vpon by the Bishop of London, president of the conuocation for the prouince of Canterbury, and the rest of the bishops and clergie of the said prouince, and agreed vpon with the Kings Maiesties license in their synode begun at London, anno Dom. 1603 and in the yeere of the raigne of Our Soueraigne Lord Iames by the grace of God King of England, France and Ireland the First, and of Scotland the 37 : and now published for the due obseruation of them by His Maiesties authoritie, vnder the Great Seale of England. London: By Robert Barker ..., anno 1604. A very early work on canon law. The Underwood copy contains this inscription: "This original copy of the Canons was the property of Old John Freisen rector of North[iam]: it was originally covered with a piece of parchment (the leaf of an old Romish Missal) having the initials IF stamped on it as is the case with all his books: his name in writing is inserted in the upper corner of the first page of the table." Purchased by Mr. Underwood from Scribner's (NY) on 9/1/56.
HouseCat Record
31, The Bible : that is, the Holy Scriptures contained in contained in the Old & New Testament. London : Robert Barker, [1611 or 1612]. A "Breeches Bible" bound with The booke of Common Prayer ... London: Robert Barker, 1611 ; and The whole booke of psalmes. Collected into English meeter by Thomas Sternhold, John Hopkins and others, conferred with the Hebrew, with apt Notes to sing them withall ... London: printed for the Company of Stationers, 1612. The title page of the Bible does not indicate a publication date; however, at the end of the tables which follow the Bible proper are the words "Imprinted at London by Robert Barker ... 1612." While this volume binds the Book of Common Prayer and the Genevan translation of the Bible, its production dates from the early years of the reign of James I. Bound in brown calf, gold tooled, front cover detached, portion of brass clasps missing. Purchased by Mr. Underwood from John Howells (San Francsico) on 2/21/48.
HouseCat Record
55. King James Bible, 1614. The Holy Bible : Containing the Olde Testament and the Nevv / Newly Translated out of the Originall tongues and with the former Translations diligently compared and reuised by his Maiesties speciall Commandement. London : By Robert Barker, Printer to the Kings most Excellent Maiestie, Anno 1614. This volume dates from slightly later in the reign of James I than the previous item: note that this volume now unites the new Authorized, or King James version of the Bible with the Book of Common Prayer.
Bound with The Book of Common Prayer. Title page missing, begins with proper lessons, the kalendar, and a page setting out the order in which the psalms are to be read, on the back of which is the preface. Also missing are all but the last page of Morning Prayer; however, the Evening office is present, containing a prayer for King James I. Contains pages of family records of the Cooke family from 1713 to 1821. Also bound with The Whole Book of Psalmes, collected into English Meeter by Thomas Sternhold.... London. Printed for the Companie of Stationers. Cum Priuilegio Regis Regali. 1614.
Bound in brown calf with brass clasps. The book was discovered, packed in a box of old silver shipped to the Chicago store of "Collard of London." Purchased by Mr. Underwood sometime between 1935 and 1940.
HouseCat Record
9. The booke of common prayer, and administration of the sacraments, and other rites and ceremonies of the Church of England. Imp[rinted at London]: Bonham Norton, and Iohn Bill, Printers [to the] Kings most Excellent Maiesty, 1627. This volume dates from the reign of Charles I, so note state prayers for King Charles, Queen Mary, Frederick and Elizabeth.This miniature volume (2 1/2 by 4 1/4 inches) is bound in full brown morocco and stored in a custom slipcase. Title page repair at outer edge does not affect text. Purchased by Mr. Underwood from Dawson's (Los Angeles) in 1949.
HouseCat Record
10. The Booke of common prayer, and administration of the sacraments. And other parts of divine service for the use of the Church of Scotland. Edinburgh: Robert Young, printer to the Kings Most Excellent Majestie, 1637. This is the (in)famous “Laud’s Prayer Book.” First Edition, first issue. Title page partly in red. Bound with The Psalter, or, Psalmes of David: according to the last translation in King James his time of blessed memory. As it shall be said or sung throughout all the churches of Scotland. Edinburgh: Robert Young, M.DC.XXXVI" [from special title page]. The psalter does not have the correct catchword on "hh3." Also bound with The Psalmes of King David: translated by King James. London: Thomas Harper, 1636. The latter being a metrical version that is missing its last two leaves. This book met with great resistance in Scotland when King Charles I and Abp. Laud tried to force its acceptance at a moment when the high church cause was cresting in England. Laud's efforts to force conformity on the Scots, who were by this time predominantly Presbyterian, was doomed from the start. The Scots wanted neither Bishops, nor Prayer Books.
Bound in brown calf, gold lettering with a picture of Archbishop Laud pasted on the fly leaf, and John Howell's bookplate. Purchased by Mr. Underwood from Howell (San Francisco) in 1947.
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11. The Book of common prayer, and administration of the sacraments, and other rites and ceremonies of the Church of England; with the psalter or Psalmes of David. [Cambridge, England]: Printed by Thomas Buck and Roger Daniel, printers to the University of Cambridge, 1638. With this is bound The Holy Bible containing the Old Testament and the New; Cambridge [Eng.] Printed by Thomas Buck and Roger Daniel, printers to the University of Cambridge [n.d.]. With Apocrypha; The New Testament ... 1638. Also The Whole book of Psalmes, collected into English metre ... 1638. Red lined by pen, hand scroll edges, printed by hand. Original binding.
HouseCat Record
35. Westminster Assembly (1643-1652). A directory for the publique worship of God, throughout the three kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland : Together with an ordinance of Parliament for the taking away of the Book of common-prayer: and for establishing and observing of this present directory throughout the kingdom of England, and dominion of Wales. Die jovis, 13. martii, 1644. / Ordered by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, that this ordinance and directory bee forthwith printed and published. Joh: Brown, cleric parliamentorum. H: Elsynge, cler. parl. d. com. London : Printed for Evan Tyler, Alexander Fifield, Ralph Smith and John Field, 1644. Bound with: A Directory of Church-government . . . practised by the first Nonconformists in the daies of Queen Elizabeth . . . [By] Thomas Cartwright . . . printed for John Wright, 1644. Both first editions, with the rare "authorization" leaf, mounted, before the titlepage of the first item. The Book of Common Prayer was totally suppressed in 1645 for a period of 15 years until the restoration, this Directory being established in its place. The Directory, a manual of instructions rather than a liturgy, was drawn up by the Westminster Assembly of Divines in a process that began in 1641 when an abridgement of John Knox's Book of Common Order was presented to them, a second version being presented and printed in 1644. However, the Westminster Assembly of Divines decided to produce their own book, and this volume, the result of their efforts, was approved by the General Assembly in 1645; henceforth, it was of primary authority until annulled in 1660. Bound in full calf. Purchased by Mr. Underwood from Brentano's (Chicago) on 3/27/1953.
HouseCat Record
43. The confession of faith, together with the larger and lesser catechismes, composed by the reverend Assembly of Divines, sitting at Westminster, presented to both houses of Parliament. Again published with the Scriptures at large, and the emphasis of the Scriptures in a different character. To which is annexed two sheets of church-government with the Scriptures at large. London, Printed by E. M. for the Company of Stationers, and are to be sold by J. Rothwel, 1658. London: .J. Rothwed, 1658. 1st ordered printed 1643. Bound with: An ordinance of the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament for the calling of an assembly of learned and Godly divines, to be consulted with by the Parliament for the setling of the government and liturgy of the Church of England ... 12. Iun. 1643. ([7] p. at end) has special title page. Purchased by Mr. Underwood from Brentano's (Chicago) in 1953.
HouseCat Record
12. The book of common prayer and administration of the sacraments : and other rites and ceremonies of the church, according to the use of the Church of England : together with the Psalter or Psalms of David, pointed as they are to be sung or said in churches : the form and manner of making, ordaining, and consecrating of bishops, priests, and deacons. [Cambridge]: Printed by John Field, printer to the University of Cambridge, 1662. 1st Cambridge edition of the sealed book. Note on fly leaf declares: "This, the first edition of the 'Book of Common Prayer' now in use, is so extremely scarce that I never observed a copy of it in any sale catalogue either public or private." With portrait of Charles II and 52 plates, ruled in red throughout, in contemporary green morocco, gilt edge. Once belonged to William Bateman, Fellow of the Antiquarian Society, and has his signature and date 1824 on the verso of the title to the Psalter. Four pp. of notes in a scholarly hand in Latin and English at the end. Purchased by Mr. Underwood from G. Mickelmore & Co. (London) on 12/6/1954.
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13. The book of common-prayer and administration of the sacraments : and other rites & ceremonies of the church, according to the use of the Church of England : together with the Psalter or Psalms of David, pointed as they are to be sung or said in churches : and The form & manner of making, ordaining, & consecrating, of bishops, priests, and deacons. London : Printed by His Ma:ties printers ..., 1662. Title within engraved architectural border, signed: D: Loggan sculp: [after the drawings of Jan Baptist Gaspers]; calendar printed in red and black; head-pieces; initials. "The Psalter or Psalms of David" has separate dated t.p. and "The form and manner of making, ordaining ..." has separate half-title; register is continuous. Library's copy is heavily worn with broken spine. Notation on first leaf reads, "Tho: Gaunt his book 1662." (May have been annexed to the Underwood Collection by library staff subsequent to the Underwood Collection donation: no notes from Mr. Underwood discovered.)
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14. The Book of common prayer, and administration of the sacraments : and other rites and ceremonies of the Church : according to the use of the Church of England : together with the Psalter or Psalms of David, pointed as they are to be sung or said in churches. London : Printed by the assigns of John Bill and Ch. Barker ..., 1677. Frontispiece of Charles II and 49 full page text engravings illustrating scenes from the life of Christ, all with contemporary hand coloring. Engravings are similar but not identical to the small format Underwood BCP of 1662 (see above). Classic illustrations for state services at end. Bound in contemporary tortoise-shell with silver clasps and silver on part of the spine. On the front fly leaf is a family record beginning with "Mrs. Sydenham, B. 1729" and ending with "Charles Peter Alford, B 1913." Purchased by E.C.U. from Brentano's (Chicago) on 12/11/'53.
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53. Joyner, William, 1622-1706. Some observations upon the life of Reginaldus Polus, Cardinal of the royal bloud of England : sent in a pacquet out of Wales by G.L., gentleman, ... London : Printed for M. Turner, 1686. Purchased by Mr. Underwood from Brentano's (Chicago) on 2/13/52.
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15. The book of common-prayer, and administration of the sacraments, and other rites and ceremonies of the church, according to the use of the Church of England; together with the Psalter or Psalms of David, pointed as they are to be sung or said in churches. London : Printed by Charles Bill, Henry Hills ..., 1688. Bound with: The New Testament profusely illustrated with full page illustrations, each citing the text to which they refer. [London]: printed at the theatre and are to be sold by Peter Parker..., 1689. Also bound with The Whole Book of Psalms collected into English Metre by Thomas Steinhold, John Hopkins and others. London: Printed for the Company of Stationers 1689. Also contains Prayers, Ten Commandments, Articles of Faith, etc. in Metre. (Note that this BCP contains prayers for King William and Queen Mary in morning and evening prayer. Because James II did not flee from England until December 23, 1688, and William and Mary did not formally accept the joint sovereignty untill February 13, 1689, the dating (1688) of this copy of The Book of Common Prayer is intriguiing: it is possible that it was actually published by the present calender in 1689 but dated 1688 because untill 1750 the new year in England did not officially begin untill March 25th. On the other hand, it is possible that the reign of William and Mary was considered to have begun when James II fled from England.) This Book of Common Prayer contains two illustrations: one of King David with harp, and one of "King Charles I murthered." However, extensive illustrations of the life of Christ and quaint depictions of parables are scattered throughout the Gospels. Other illustrations occur in Acts and many in Revelation. Bound in black leather, tooled in gold. Part of fly leaf partly torn out, and one page immediately before the title page has been cut out for binding--the missing page evidently contained either printing or an illustration. Presented to Mr. Underwood by The Rt. Rev. Wallace E. Conkling, March 195[2].
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54. Sancroft, William, abp., 1617-1693. The proceedings and tryal in the case of the Most Reverend Father in God William, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Right Reverend Fathers in God, William lord bishop of St. Asaph, Francis lord bishop of Ely, John lord bishop of Chichester, Thomas lord bishop of Bath and Wells, Thomas lord bishop of Peterborough, and Jonathan lord bishop of Bristol : in the court of Kings-bench at Westminster, in Trinity-term in the fourth year of the reign of King James the Second, annoque Dom. 1688 .... London : Printed for Thomas Basset, and Thomas Fox, 1689.Bound in--apparently contemporary--black calf, but rebacked by WSU. This volume was presented to Mr. Underwood by Gertrude R. Angell in 1947.
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16. The Book of common prayer : and administration of the sacraments, and other rites and ceremonies of the Church : together with the Psalter. Oxford : University Press, 1701. Library's copy is unusually fine, in full blue calf Queen Anne binding with initials A.R. and crown, elaborately gilt tooled back and sides, gilt edges, with cloth ties. A mss. note identifies provenance as the library of the Dean of Windsor and the words "The Dean" are stamped on the binding in gilt. An interesting feature of this volume is that both in morning and evening prayer, in the prayer entitled "a prayer for the queen's majesty," following the words "sovereign Lady Queen" a piece of paper has been pasted over the name of the Queen (presumably Anne) with the word "Victoria" printed on it in ink, and in the prayer entitled "A prayer for the Royal Family," the original names have similarly been covered with a paper on which are printed the words " the Prince Albert" and "Albert Prince of Wales." Purchased by Mr. Underwood from Brentano's (Chicago) on 4/6/53.
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33. Wheatly, Charles, 1686-1742. The Church of England man's companion, or, A rational illustration of the harmony, excellency, and usefulness of the Book of Common Prayer, etc. : wherein all the rubricks, prayers, rites and ceremonies, etc. are explain'd and vindicated, and compar'd with the ancient liturgies, and the practices of the primitive church : to which is prefix'd an introductory discourse, shewing the lawfulness and necessity of a national precompos'd liturgy. Oxford : printed at the Theater for Anth. Peisley ..., 1714. Copy once belonged to William Blackstone (author of Commentaries on the Laws), inscribed by him and with his bookplate. Second bookplate of Henry White. Purchased from Scribner's (NewYork) in November 1955 as a birthday gift for Mr. Underwood by his wife.
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17. The Book of common prayer and administration of the sacraments and other rites and ceremonies of the Church according to the use of the Church of England together with the Psalter or Psalms of David pointed as they are to be sung or said in churches. John Baskett, 1717. Very beautifully engraved throughout on plate paper by John Sturt, with portraits and numerous choice engravings and initials within symbolical borders. Referred to as a “trick book" because the portrait of King George I contains in fine print the Creed, Prayer for King and Royal Family, the Commandments, and the XXIst Psalm. Bound in black morocco, with richly gilt center ornaments within highly decorative gilt borders, gilt back and spine, all edges gilt; marbled paste downs and fly leaves. First edition of Sturt's Prayer Book engraved on Silver. A beautiful copy with the rare volvelle (intact and pictured here) in the table of movable feasts and the final engraved page of advertisements. Purchased by Mr. Underwood from Brentano's (Chicago) in 1949.
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44. Howel, Laurence, 1664?-1720. The orthodox communicant, : by way of meditation on the order for the administration of the Lord's-Supper, or Holy Communion; according to the liturgy of the Church of England. London, : Engraven and sold by J. Sturt ..., 1721 Like the Underwood BCP 1717 (above), this volume is the product of the engraving genius John Sturt. Bound in full morocco, gold tooled. Each of this volume's 82 pages features an engraved illustration and border. A beautiful copy of a very scarce work. Purchased by Mr. Underwood from Brentano's (Chicago) on 2/13/52.
HouseCat Record
18. The book of common prayer, and administration of the Sacraments, ... according to the use of the Church of England: together with the Psalter or Psalms of David.... Oxford, : printed by T. Wright and W. Gill, and sold by R. Baldwin, and S. Crowder, London; and by W. Jackson, in Oxford, 1770. Bound with: The whole book of psalms, collected into English metre ; conferred with the Hebrew : set forth and allowed to be sung in all churches, of all the people, together, before and after morning and evening prayer ; and also before and after sermons ; and morover in private houses, for their godly solace and comfort ; laying apart all ungodly songs and ballads, which tend only to the nourishing of vice and corrupting of youth by Thomas Sternhold, John Hopkins, and others. Oxford: Wright and Gill, n.d. Also bound with: A new version of the psalms of David by N. Brady and N. Tate. London: Edward Say, 1769. Bound in gold tooled red morocco. Presented to Mr. Underwood by the Rt. Rev. Wallace E. Conkling in March of 1953.
HouseCat Record
19. Wright, Paul, d. 1785. The new and complete family prayer-book, or, Church of England man's divine library : being an universal illustration, commentary, exposition, and paraphrase on the Book of Common-Prayer and administration of the sacraments, and other rites, ceremonies, and offices of the Church, according to the use of the Church of England, together with the psalter or Psalms of David ... also, a companion to and preparation for the altar, the new and old versions of the Psalms ... the whole forming a valuable work, very useful for all Christian families, to excite devotion, and enable one to pray with the understanding; ... embellished with ... copper-plate engravings. London : Printed for Alex. Hogg, [1784]. Described in the frontspiece as "the Rev'd Dr, Wright's complete Common Prayer Book, with notes," this is a beautiful example of the kind of book designed for home use. Copiously illustrated with full page copper plates. Bound in calf, rebacked. Presented to Mr. Underwood and E[F]U by Mrs. Gertrude Angell.
HouseCat Record
46. The A, B, C. With the Church of England catechism. To which are annexed, prayers used in the Academy of the Protestant Episcopal church, in Philadelphia. Also, a hymn on the nativity of Our Saviour; and another for Easter-day. Philadelphia: Printed by Young, Stewart, and M'Culloch, in Chesnut-street, no. 7, below Third-street,1785. Paper, wonderful condition. Blank spaces for the words "King" and "him" were left on p. 6, and the teacher instructed to fill them with forms of expression suitable to a republican government. Purchased by Mr. Underwood from Brentano's (Chicago) on 8/3/53.
HouseCat Record
20. The book of common prayer, and administration of the sacraments, : and other rites and ceremonies, as revised and proposed to the use of the Protestant Episcopal Church, at a convention of said church in the states of New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and South-Carolina, held in Philadelphia, from September 27th to October 7th, 1785. Philadelphia: Printed by Hall and Sellers: and sold for the benefit of sundry corporations and societies, instituted for the support of the widows and children of deceased clergymen., 1786. The first edition of the proposed Book of Common Prayer (American) Includes the services, propers, and hymns and “Tunes suited to the Psalms and Hymns.” Bound in brown calf. Purchased by Mr. Underwood from Brentano's (Chicago) on 8/9/52.
HouseCat Record
32. The Catholic doctrines of the Church of England asserted and explained, with reference to the cavils of the present times. [N.p.] 1788. Purchased by Mr. Underwood from Scribner's (New York) on 9/10/56.
HouseCat Record
57. The Book of common prayer, and administration of the sacraments, and other rites and ceremonies, as revised and proposed to the use of the Protestant Eposcopal Church, at a convention of the said church in the states of New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and South-Carolina, held in Philadelphia, from September 27th to October 7th 1785. Philadelphia, Printed: London, Re-printed for J. Debrett, opposite Burlington House, Piccadilly, 1789. An English reprint of 50 copies (from the American Proposed Book of 1785/86), without music.
HouseCat Record
42. Observations upon the Liturgy. With a proposal for its reform upon the principles of Christianity, as professed and taught by the Liturgy of the Church of England ... By a Layman of the Church of England, late an Under-Secretary of State [W. Knox]. To which is added the Journals of the American Convention, appointed to frame an Ecclesiastical Constitution, and prepare a Liturgy for the Episcopal Churches in the United States. London : J. Debrett, 1789. The convention referred to in the title was held in 1785 and 1786, and the journals contain copies of the constitution of the church and correspondence with the archbishops and bishops of the Church of England relative to the consecration of Bishops for the American church, and agreements about alterations of the Provisional Book of Common Prayer.
HouseCat Record
40. Journal of a convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the states of New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and South-Carolina : held in Christ-Church, in the city of Philadelphia, from July 28th to August 8th, 1789. Philadelphia : Hall and Sellers, 1789. (Mr. Underwood's notes do not mention this work.)
HouseCat Record
22. The Book of common prayer, and administration of the sacraments, and other rites and ceremonies of the church, according to the use of the Protestant Episcopal church in the United States of America: together with the Psalter, or Psalms of David. Philadelphia: Printed by Hall & Sellers, 1790. Bound with: The whole Book of Psalms, in metre, with hymns suited to the feasts and fasts of the church (Philadelphia, 1790). This, the first edition of the American Prayer Book, was required to be received as “the Liturgy of this Church” and to be in use “from and after” October 1, 1790. Wonderful conditon, bound in brown calf. Purchased by Mr. Underwood from John Howell (San Francisco) on 12/8/49.
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HouseCat Record
1. The book of common prayer, and administration of the sacraments, and other rites and ceremonies of the church, according to the use of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United states of America : together with the psalter or Psalms of David. New York : By direction of the General Convention, printed by Hugh Gaine, at the Bible, Hanover-Square, 1793. Bound with: The whole book of Psalms, in metre; with hymns ... with separate title page. This is the first 8vo published by this printer; he published a 12mo in the same year. This is the second edition of the American Prayer Book. It is described in "Early Prayer Books of America" by the Rev. John Wright, D.D., (printed privately, St. Paul, Minn. 1900) at pages 125-129 where the points of difference from the First Authorized Prayer Book of 1790 are noted. Note however, that Wright shows the date of this 2nd edition in Roman numerals while they are in Arabic in this book. The slight changes from the 1790 Prayer Book are numerous but the principal difference is the clause in the Apostles Creed "He descended into Hell" was changed from italics to ordinary type and the parentheses were omitted. Purchased by Mr. Underwood from John Howell (San Francisco) in 195[_].
HouseCat Record
41. The New England primer : or, an easy and pleasant guide to the art of reading. Adorned with cuts; To which is added, the Catechism. New England : The Purchaser, [1800-1810]. According to Chas. F. Heartman's The New England Primer issued prior to 1830, this is no. 330, published some time between 1800 - 1810. It should have 32 leaves; however, this copy has 26 leaves only. Mr. Underwood records that the volume was given to him by Florence Fawcett.
HouseCat Record
2, 58. Articles of religion : as established by the bishops, the clergy, and laity of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America in Convention, on the 12th day of September, in the year of our Lord 1801. New York: T. & J. Swords, 1802. (Mr. Underwood's notes do not mention this work.)
HouseCat Record
23. The book of common prayer and administration of the sacraments : and other rites and ceremonies of the Church according to the use of the United Church of England and Ireland : together with the psalter or psalms of David, pointed as they are to be sung or said in churches. Oxford : Clarendon Press, 1809. Bound with: The whole book of psalms, collected into English metre ; conferred with the Hebrew : set forth and allowed to be sung in all churches, of all the people, together, before and after morning and evening prayer ; and laso before and after sermons ; and morover in private houses, for their godly solace and comfort ; laying apart all ungodly songs and ballads, which tend only to the nourishing of vice and corruptin of youth by Thomas Sternhold, John Hopkins, and others. Also bound with: A new version of the psalms of David fitted to the tunes used in churches, by N. Brady and N. Tate, London: Company of Stationers, n.d.
Unusually fine book of Common Prayer bound in full gilt calf and having both the psalters of Sternhold and Hopkins, and of Tate & Brady. Purchased by Mr. Underwood from John Howell (San Francisco) in 1947/8.
HouseCat Record
24. The book of common prayer transcribed by Geo[rge] Wilson. [S.l.] : [s.n.] , 1810. Text in shorthand. (Mr. Underwood's notes do not mention this work.)
HouseCat Record
25. The Book of common prayer : and administration of the sacraments, and other rites and ceremonies of the church according to the use of the United Church of England and Ireland / together with the Psalter or Psalms of David, pointed as they are to be sung or said in churches. Oxford : Printed at the Clarendon Press, by Bensley, Cooke, and Collingwood, 1815. Bound with: A new version of the Psalms of David fitted to the tunes used in churches." By Nicholas Brady, D.D., chaplain in ordinary and Nahum Tate, Esq., Poet-laureate to His Majesty with separate title page, but same printers and same date. Bound in full red morocco with elaborate gold embossing, and gilt edges. Presented to Mr. Underwood by the Rev. Frank H. Millett in 1952.
HouseCat Record
26. The Book of common prayer and administration of the sacraments, and other rites and ceremonies of the church : according to the use of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America ; together with the Psalter, or Psalms of David. Baltimore : Joseph N. Lewis, 1834. (Mr. Underwood's notes do not mention this work.)
HouseCat Record
56, 37. The first prayer-book of Edward VI : compared with the successive revisions of The book of common prayer, also a concordance to the rubricks in the several editions. Oxford : J. Parker, 1877. (Mr. Underwood's notes do not mention this work.)
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36. Ecclesiastical curiosities. William Andrews, ed. London : William Andrews & Co., 1899. (Mr. Underwood's notes do not mention this work.)
HouseCat Record
27, 28. Book of Common Prayer (1928). Greenwich, Conn.: Seabury, 1952. This volume is a facsimile of The standard edition of the Book of Common Prayer, printed by D. B. Updike at The Merrymount Press in 1930. Of this facsimile edition, fifty-five copies were bound by Gerhard Gerlach, New York, of which this is number 22. Bound in red morocco over boards, gold edges, gold stamping, special laid paper, special end papers. Purchased by Mr. Underwood directly from Seabury Press on 10/17/52.
HouseCat Record60. Lambert, Miss (F.) Church needlework : with practical remarks on its arrangement and preparation. London : J. Murray, 1844.
HouseCat Record63. Liturgical services. Liturgies and occasional forms of prayer set forth in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. Edited for the Parker Society by William Keatinge Clay. Cambridge: University Press, 1847
HouseCat Record64. Private prayers : put forth by authority during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. The Primer of 1559. The Orarium of 1560. The Preces privatae of 1564. The Book of Christian prayers of 1578. With an appendix, containing The Litany of 1544. Edited for the Parker Society by William Keatinge Clay. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1851.
HouseCat Record61, 62. The Sarum missal in English, newly translated by Frederick E. Warren. London: A. Moring, The De La More Press, 1911. Vol. VIII, Part I and Vol. IX, Part II. London: Alexander Moring, Ltd, 32 George St., Hanover Square W., 1911.
HouseCat Record59. White, Helen C. The Tudor Books of Private Devotion. [Madison] : University of Wisconsin Press, 1951.
HouseCat RecordThrough generous donations from the Underwood Foundation, two of the oldest books in the library's collection and several of the earliest Books of Common Prayer have been digitized.
Watch a brief video showing highlights from the Book of Hours Sarum Use Manuscript c. 1400 or read a sample online.
Watch a Video Read a SampleWatch a brief video showing highlights from The Boies Penrose II Decorated Manuscript or read a sample online.
Watch a Video Read a SampleThe book of the common prayer and administration of the sacramentes, and other rites and ceremonies of the Churche: after the use of of the Churche of England. London: in officina Edouardi Whitchurche, 1549. Mense Junij. First edition, June emission.
Produced during the reign of Edward VI, this is the first edition of the first published version of the Book of Common Prayer.
Read OnlineThe book of common prayer, and administration of the sacraments: and other rites and ceremonies in the Churche of Englande.London: In officina Edvvardi Whytchurche, 1552.
First edition of the first revision of the Prayer Book of Edward VI. Within six months of its introduction, Edward died, and Queen Mary, his successor, outlawed the Book of Common Prayer and reintroduced the Latin Rites of Rome.
Read OnlineThis is the (in)famous “Laud’s Prayer Book.” This book met with great resistance in Scotland when King Charles I and Abp. Laud tried to force its acceptance at a moment when the high church cause was cresting in England. Laud's efforts to force conformity on the Scots, who were by this time predominantly Presbyterian, was doomed from the start. The Scots wanted neither Bishops nor Prayer Books.
The Booke of common prayer, and administration of the sacraments. And other parts of divine service for the use of the Church of Scotland. Edinburgh: Robert Young, printer to the Kings Most Excellent Majestie, 1637. First Edition, first issue. Title page partly in red.
Bound with The Psalter: Psalmes of David: according to the last translation in King James his time of blessed memory. As it shall be said or sung throughout all the churches of Scotland. Edinburgh: Robert Young, M.DC.XXXVI.
Also bound with The Psalmes of King David: translated by King James. London: Thomas Harper, 1636. This is a metrical version that is missing its last two leaves.
Bound in brown calf, gold lettering with a picture of Archbishop Laud pasted on the flyleaf, and John Howell's bookplate.
Read OnlineThe 1662 Book of Common Prayer was issued in the reign of King Charles II after the monarchy was restored. The languages of the 1662 BCP were little changed from that of Cranmer's BCP's. But the readings for the epistle and gospel came from the 1611 King James bible. The 1662 edition was the official BCP during the growth of the British Empire. As a result, it had a great influence on the prayer books of Anglican churches worldwide.
The book of common prayer and administration of the sacraments : and other rites and ceremonies of the church, according to the use of the Church of England : together with the Psalter or Psalms of David, pointed as they are to be sung or said in churches : the form and manner of making, ordaining, and consecrating of bishops, priests, and deacons. [Cambridge]: Printed by John Field, printer to the University of Cambridge, 1662. 1st Cambridge edition of the sealed book. Note on fly leaf declares: "This, the first edition of the 'Book of Common Prayer' now in use, is so extremely scarce that I never observed a copy of it in any sale catalogue either public or private." With portrait of Charles II and 52 plates, ruled in red throughout, in contemporary green morocco, gilt edge. Once belonged to William Bateman, Fellow of the Antiquarian Society, and has his signature and date 1824 on the verso of the title to the Psalter. Four pp. of notes in a scholarly hand in Latin and English at the end. Purchased by Mr. Underwood from G. Mickelmore & Co. (London) on 12/6/1954.
Read OnlineThe book of common-prayer and administration of the sacraments : and other rites & ceremonies of the church, according to the use of the Church of England : together with the Psalter or Psalms of David, pointed as they are to be sung or said in churches : and The form & manner of making, ordaining, & consecrating, of bishops, priests, and deacons. London : Printed by His Ma:ties printers ..., 1662. Title within engraved architectural border, signed: D: Loggan sculp: [after the drawings of Jan Baptist Gaspers]; calendar printed in red and black; head-pieces; initials. "The Psalter or Psalms of David" has separate dated t.p. and "The form and manner of making, ordaining ..." has separate half-title; register is continuous. Library's copy is heavily worn with broken spine. Notation on first leaf reads, "Tho: Gaunt his book 1662." (May have been annexed to the Underwood Collection by library staff subsequent to the Underwood Collection donation: no notes from Mr. Underwood discovered.)
Read OnlineThis, the first edition of the American Prayer Book, was required to be received as “the Liturgy of this Church” and to be in use “from and after” October 1, 1790.
The Book of common prayer, and administration of the sacraments, and other rites and ceremonies of the church, according to the use of the Protestant Episcopal church in the United States of America: together with the Psalter, or Psalms of David. Philadelphia: Printed by Hall & Sellers, 1790. Bound with: The whole Book of Psalms, in metre, with hymns suited to the feasts and fasts of the church. (Philadelphia, 1790).
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