Book of Common Prayer Value Guide

This 1935 edition of The Book of Common Prayer represents a pivotal era for the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, serving as a certified printing of the landmark 1928 Standard Book. It is highly collectible for its theological significance and its role in documenting the liturgical evolution of the Anglican Communion during the mid-20th century.

What Is Book of Common Prayer Worth?

The typical price range for Book of Common Prayer is $25 - $30 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The physical condition of the leather binding, specifically looking for cracking at the hinges or spine.
• Presence of original owner inscriptions or genealogical records written on the flyleaves.
• The preservation of the paper, including the absence of foxing, water damage, or torn pages.
• Completeness of the text, including the Psalter and the Ordinal sections.

How to Identify Book of Common Prayer?

• Verify the certification statement confirming the text conforms to the 1928 Standard Book.
• Check the title page for the 1935 printing date and United States origin.
• Look for the traditional leather binding and high-quality paper stock characteristic of this era's Episcopal publications.
• Confirm the inclusion of specific 1928 revisions to the rubrics and language unique to the American Episcopal Church.

History of Book of Common Prayer

The Book of Common Prayer is the foundational prayer book of the Anglican Communion. The 1928 edition for the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States was a significant revision, aiming to update the language and rubrics while maintaining theological continuity. This 1935 printing signifies its continued use and authority within the church during that era.