The Book of Common Prayer. Proper Lessons.
Oxford: The University Press, 1834. 2 volume set, 4 1/2 inches tall. Full velvet bindings in pristine condition having been housed on a somewhat rubbed, but solid, box. With fully functioning and complete brass clasps and rubbed brass plates on the upper boards with the titles of the books and on the lower boards the name 'Hilare' with two coronets. All edges gilt. The paste down endpapers are of watered silk with gilt and velvet borders. The free endpapers are of watered silk with gilt borders. On both title pages is the neat ink inscription 'Easter Day April 19th 1835'. The 'Hilare' refers to Hilare Knight, the daughter of Admiral Sir Robert Barlow. Following the death of her first husband she married, in 1829, the much older and recently widowed Reverend William Nelson (1757 -1835), brother of Horatio Nelson. Upon whose death in 1805, William had been created first Earl Nelson (Horatio having only been a Viscount). Hilare, now styled the dowager Countess Nelson, married George Thomas Knight (1795-1867), nephew of Jane Austen, being the son of Austen's brother Edward Knight. A beautiful set with most interesting associations.