In the library at Windsor are several bindings that were done for James
II., but they are generally of a simple kind, bearing heraldic devices in
the centre enclosed in rectangular panels of more or less elaboration. At
the British Museum are some Jacobean bindings of a more ornamental kind.
One of these, a Cambridge Bible of 1674, is bound in crimson velvet, and
has rich silk ties with bullion fringe (Fig. 20). It is heavily
embroidered in gold, silver, and coloured silks, and bears in the centre
the crowned initials "J. R." enclosed in a strap border intertwined with
rose sprays and other floral designs. In each of the corners is a cherub's
head with wings. There are two volumes, each measuring 18 × 12 inches.
Although, from the size of these books and the splendid colour, they are
undoubtedly of imposing appearance, neither the design nor the workmanship
can be considered of a high quality.
Belonging to the King's Library in the British Museum are two specimens,
almost exactly alike except for their size, which may, for the present, be
considered the finest that were done for James II. One of these is a
Common Prayer, printed at Oxford in 1681. It is bound in red morocco, and
has a black "cottage" fillet, broken at the angles and at each side. The
crowned monogram "J. R.," with laurel spray, occurs in several places on
the boards. The remaining spaces are closely filled with small gold
stamped work, similar to that used by Samuel Mearne. The book is an
unusually fat one, and bears upon its broad front edges, under the gold,
the most elaborate painting I have found in such a position. It has the
full coat-of-arms of England, with supporters, crown, and crest, enclosed
in an elaborate border of flowers, cherubs, and ribbons. This painting is
in remarkably fine condition, but, like all this class of work, the
appearance of it depends very largely upon the manner in which it is
displayed. The companion volume is a Bible of 1685. It is bound in an
almost identical way; but the painting on the edge, although brighter, is
not to be compared with it, either for size or excellence.
[Illustration: FIG. 21.--_Euclide. Oxford, 1705. Queen Anne._]
A note at the beginning, signed _G. Sarum_, says that this was the book
which "lay before His Majesty above two years in the closet of his
chappell," and afterwards it was the property of the Archbishop of
Canterbury, and then of the Bishop himself.
At Windsor there is a small book bound for Mary of Modena in red morocco,
with the royal coats of England and Este, crowned, and enclosed within a
cordelière des veuves, the rest, with the field, being occupied with small
panels ornamented in the Mearne fashion.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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