The Printing and the Printers of The Book of Common Prayer, 1549-1561

This volume is a significant contribution to the study of liturgies, providing authoritative information on the development of the Book of Common Prayer. It identifies different editions and reveals changes that were made even after the Act of Uniformity was passed. The reconstruction offered by Peter W. M. Blayney is transformative for the early Anglican liturgy and the wider history of the Church of England.

Format: Hardback
Length: 278 pages
Publication date: 13 January 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Bibliographers have often shied away from delving into liturgies, leaving a significant gap in our understanding of the origins and development of the Book of Common Prayer. However, this groundbreaking volume fills that void with its authoritative exploration of the intricate process that led to the creation of this revered liturgical text. By meticulously examining the first edition of 1549, the first Grafton edition of 1552, and the first quarto edition of 1559, the author identifies these editions with precision, shedding light on their historical significance. Moreover, Peter W. M. Blayney's research reveals that the first two editions of 1559 were likely completed on the same day, providing valuable insights into the meticulousness and rapidity with which the liturgical revisions were executed. Through a relentless examination of the evidence, Blayney unveils the dynamic nature of the 1549 version, revealing that it continued to evolve both during and after the printing of the first edition. This revelation challenges our previous assumptions and sheds new light on the ongoing refinement and adaptation of the Elizabethan revision even after the Act of Uniformity was passed. Blayney's bold reconstruction of the early Anglican liturgy holds immense transformative power, not only for the study of liturgies but also for the broader history of the Church of England. This monumental, revisionist work stands as a remarkable testament to the enduring significance of the Book of Common Prayer and its profound impact on the religious practices of countless generations.

Weight: 610g
Dimension: 160 x 236 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108837415
Edition number: New ed