A.M.D.G., The Eucharistic New Year [1862]

Size: 14 cm.

Volume: 831 pages, with engravings and religious illustrations.

Binding: Original period half-leather binding with embossing on the spine. The spine is cracked, with traces of a previous, unprofessional repair; the leather cover shows numerous signs of wear.

“The New Eucharistic Year” is a comprehensive prayer book containing preparations for Holy Communion and prayers of thanksgiving following it. It was published in 1862 by Józef Zawadzki’s publishing house in Vilnius, one of the longest-running publishers of religious literature in Lithuania. Despite its small format (14 cm), the volume contains 831 pages of small print.

Provenance: A handwritten note in pen is pasted onto the front endpaper: “My dearest lady, please accept this tiny …….. May I come to see you, and what time should I be there? Goodbye [illegible signature].” The author and circumstances of the note are unknown. This personal touch gives the copy the character of a keepsake.

The notebook is in good condition despite its large size; the pages are clean. The cover is heavily worn.

An item from the 19th Polish Antiquarian Book Auction.