A very rare edition of an eighteenth-century Dutch prayer book in a remarkable Dutch East India Company (VOC) binding. The present work includes the New Testament in the famous Dutch States translation, commissioned during the National Synod in Dordrecht in 1618-1619, the psalms in their famous 1773 State-commissioned rhyme-edition, chants, and the forms of unity (including the catechism). All psalms and chants are accompanied by musical notation.
With an elaborate manuscript presentation inscription, written in Dutch in brown ink on the verso of the first free flyleaf; and some Dutch and English newspaper clippings inserted between the front endpapers. Ad 1 with a manuscript signature on the verso of the title-page beneath the small Amsterdam coat of arms beneath the "act of consent" (= privilege); ad 2 with the manuscript signature of J. J. Kessler beneath the small (but slightly more prominent) Amsterdam coat of arms beneath the 1773 "Acte van Consent" for the Psalms. Somewhat foxed throughout, the last four pages (including 3 blank flyleaves) are lightly water stained, the edges are somewhat browned. Leaf A1 in ad 2 is missing a small part of the bottom outer corner, slightly affecting the text of the printed commentary in the margins. The spine shows clear signs of use and wear, the joints are weakened but all sewing supports are still intact, the boards are slightly scuffed. Otherwise in good condition. Ad 1: STCN 168398591 (3 copies, including 1 incomplete); WorldCat 68856396, 606428796, 1386292514 (4 copies); Ad 2: STCN 24068463X (6 copies, including 4 incomplete); WorldCat 475516231, 67541856 (3 copies).