Buchinger, Matthias | A book with a calligraphic gift inscription by Buchinger

Buchinger, Matthias 

Autograph inscription signed ("Matthew Buchinger"), Edinburgh, 26 February 1728, on a front blank of a copy of The Book of Common Prayer (University of Oxford: Printed by John Baskett, 1716) with illustrations from The Liturgy of the Church of England. 1726

8vo (195 x 118 mm). Extra-illustrated with engravings from an edition of The Liturgy of the Church of England; occasional staining and spotting. Contemporary panelled black morocco; very worn, rebacked and otherwise restored, recased. Ex-library, with stamps, call number on spine, and other markings, including discard stamp.

Buchinger's calligraphic inscription reads "Mrs Elizabeth Tyke [or Inke] her Book. Which is a Gift From Matthew Buchinger, born Without Hands or Feet in Germany June the 3, 1674. This was Written by me, in Edinburgh Febry. the 26: 1728." The title-page is signed by Isabella Keating, who owned the book sometime after its original recipient. Tipped to the front pastedown is a further note by Keating, "When I am dead I desire this Prayer Book that has the writing of Matthew Buchinger in it to be given to Miss Mary Anne Kirwan as a token of my affection having known her since she was born. Writing my hand the 19th day of August 1822. Isabella Keating."

Inscribed leaves in books are the rarest of all forms of Buchinger's calligraphy.

REFERENCE:

Exemplars, p.50; MB fig 58; Wordplay 64