[Daniel Berkeley Updike | Large Paper] On The Dedications Of American Churches

[D.B. Updike and H. Brown.] On the Dedications of American Churches. An enquiry into the naming of churches in the United States, some account of English dedications, and suggestions for future dedications in the American Church. Compiled by Two Laymen of the Diocese of Rhode Island. Cambridge [MA]: Riverside Press, 1891. One of 150 copies printed on large paper. In addition to its larger size, the etching on the title page--which was printed in the standard, "small paper" edition--was the work of W.H.W. Bicknell. Blue paper wrappers covering thicker paper covers. Printed paper label to spine. Almost entirely uncut. Measures approx. 7.25" x 10". (The standard edition measured 6” x 8.75”.) Wear and some small chips to edges of the wrappers, in addition to some browning and light stains. Split front right edge of wrappers has been repaired. No fragility to hinges, other than a 1/2" tear to top edge of front hinge. (Darker portion in the image of the front cover is a shadow.)

"...a production, notable, in view of the small amount of other literature on this subject; on account of the clearness and skill shown in the origination and selection of matter; and also for the elegance of the paper and printing" (Publications of the Rhode Island Historical Society).

"...while Updike's tastes are nowhere more marked than in the brilliant imitation of Pickering's later liturgical style in his and Harold Brown's On the Dedications of American Churches, printed under Updike's direction at the Riverside Press in 1891..." (Stanley Morison & D.B. Updike: Selected Correspondence, McKitterick).

Given the scarcity of the standard edition, with its larger size, very fragile binding, and small print run, one wonders how many large paper copies are left extant.