1826 Sacra Privata Thomas Wilson Miniature Leather Prayer Book

A charming early 19th century miniature devotional in full leather, this 1826 edition of Sacra Privata was made for private reading and daily use. Its small pocket format, gilt-ruled boards, and engraved frontispieces give it the kind of presence collectors look for in antique religious books. Books like this were meant to be carried, read, and returned to often, which makes a clean surviving example especially appealing.

Written by Bishop Thomas Wilson, Sacra Privata is a long-loved Anglican devotional work filled with private meditations and prayers for spiritual reflection. Wilson was one of the best-known Anglican churchmen of the 18th century, and his devotional writings remained in print for generations after his death. This copy offers both historical interest and decorative appeal, with its dark purplish leather binding, engraved portrait, and intimate miniature scale that fits beautifully in a collection of early prayer books, miniature books, or leather-bound antiques.

[d]Author | Thomas Wilson, Bishop of Sodor and Man [d]Title | Sacra Privata: The Private Meditations and Prayers of the Right Rev. Thomas Wilson [d]Publisher | Charles Tilt [d]Date | 1826 (A New Edition) [d]Binding | Full purplish leather, gilt-ruled boards, gilt titling [d]Dimensions | 5 in H x 3 in W x 0.5 in D [d]Origin | London, England [d]Illustrations | Engraved portrait frontispiece and engraved devotional vignette

[condition] The binding shows rubbing and light wear at the extremities, consistent with age and regular handling for a devotional book of this period. The purplish leather retains good color and the gilt titling and ruling remain legible. Interior pages are generally clean with some age toning throughout, expected and appropriate for paper of this date. Both engraved illustrations are present. No major structural issues were noted. A sound and handsome copy overall.