Proper Lessons to be Read at Morning and Evening Prayer on the Sundays and Other Holy-days throughout the Year

1835

Special Collections BX5145 A66 1835

Oxford: Printed at the University Press, by Samuel Collingwood and Co.

Fore-edge painting is where a scene (landscapes, buildings, or a subject relevant to the content of the book) is painted on the fore-edge of a book. Usually the image is visible only when the edges are fanned. To enhance the ‘invisibility’ of the image, the edges are often gilded or marbled. A book can also carry double and triple fore-edge paintings. Someone has had fun decorating this book. Just visible through the faded gilt is a fore-edge painting of a frilly-knickered, corseted girl, who presumably offered the reader mild diversion from the serious nature of the publication. The fanned image on the foamboard is much clearer.