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: And the Form or Manner of Making, Ordaining, and Consecrating of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons.

Elegantly bound 18th century English Book of Common Prayer and Administration of the Sacraments, printed by Thomas Baskett and from the library of John Bird Sumner (1780-1862), Archbishop of Canterbury from 1848 to 1862. Folio, bound in full contemporary dark green grain morocco with elaborate gilt tooling to the spine in seven compartments within raised gilt bands, elaborate gilt paneling to the front and rear panels with royal crown motif cornerpieces, gilt turn-ins and inner dentelles, marbled endpapers, additional engraved title, title in red and black, small section excised from title margin (neatly restored), engraved head- and tail-pieces, previous owner's ink signature to title and title verso, family history manuscript notes in various hands to early blanks. Provenance: From the library of John Bird Sumner (1780-1862), Archbishop of Canterbury from 1848 to 1862. Educated at Eton and King’s College, Cambridge, Sumner emerged as a leading voice of the evangelical wing within the Church of England. Before his elevation to the primacy, he served as Bishop of Chester (1828–1848), where he was known for his pastoral reforms and emphasis on clerical education. Sumner’s numerous theological works—including A Treatise on the Records of Creation (1816) and The Evidence of Christianity Derived from Its Nature and Reception (1824)—sought to reconcile faith with reason and to defend Christian doctrine against the rising challenges of skepticism and natural philosophy. As Archbishop, he presided over a period of growing tension between the evangelical and high-church movements, advocating moderation, piety, and moral earnestness. Though often regarded as cautious and conciliatory, Sumner’s influence helped shape mid-nineteenth-century Anglican thought and maintained the Church’s balance amid the theological controversies of his day. Found in the a house owned by the Sumner family. Although Sumner was not Archbishop of Canterbury at the time Queen Victoria married, it has been said that this Prayer Book was used during the Royal Wedding in Westminster Abbey. Inside was once discovered a letter by Prince Albert to the Archbishop of Canterbury, on the occasion of the death of the Archbishop's wife on February 5th 1861. Title inscribed "John Haddock Sauls Book - 26th July 1787." Title verso inscribed, "Eliz. Thornton Book ... June 6th 1752" and in another hand, "The Gift of Mrs. Eliz. Thornton to Miss Jane ... Haddock." Printed card of "Mrs H. J. G. Griffin" loosely inserted with manuscript note verso, which claims "Marriage Service Book used by the Archbishop of Canterbury when marrying H.M. Queen Victoria & The Prince Regent in Westminster Abbey." In very good condition with wear to the extremities. A stunning example of Baskett's distinguished folio edition with unique provenance.