1819 "The Psalms of David" Black Leather Wallet Style Book

The Psalms of David in Metre was printed in 1819 by Sir D. Hunter Blair and J. Bruce in Edinburgh, as stated on the title page. This volume contains the metrical version of the Psalms of David approved by the Church of Scotland, intended for congregational singing and private devotion. Each psalm is rendered in poetic meter, enabling congregations to join together in worship through shared hymn tunes. Such metrical psalmody has been a defining feature of Scottish Protestant services since the Reformation, reflecting the Church of Scotland’s commitment to using scriptural texts in a manner accessible to the general populace.

The book was written and published to facilitate corporate praise in churches, as well as private meditation at home. After the Protestant Reformation, it became a central practice in Scotland and other Reformed traditions to sing biblical psalms in the vernacular, thus allowing the faithful to engage directly with the scriptures. By the early 19th century, Scotland had firmly established this tradition, and the volume seen here aligns with a longstanding liturgical heritage that united religious observance with national identity.

From the photographs, the binding stands out for its black leather cover with a wrap-around flap, often referred to as a “wallet-style” binding. This design provided extra protection for the pages and made the volume portable for personal use. Inside, the marbled endpapers add an element of decorative appeal, characteristic of higher-quality bindings of the era. A personal inscription reading “Helen Oliver Her Book,” dated 31 July 1834, imparts a note of provenance, illustrating the book’s historical ownership and the personal devotion it likely witnessed.

In simple terms, The Psalms of David in Metre (1819) is an authorized Scottish psalter meant to guide worshippers in singing scripture. Its publication and binding reflect a deep-rooted tradition of metrical psalmody in the Church of Scotland and the broader religious life of early 19th-century Scotland. The volume’s protective leather flap and marbled endpapers suggest it was designed to be both practical and durable for everyday spiritual use.

Condition:

In terms of condition, the copy appears well-preserved for its age. The leather shows moderate wear, including some scuffing and abrasions on the flap and edges, yet it still functions effectively. The marbled endpapers retain much of their original vibrancy, though signs of handling are visible near the hinges. The pages exhibit typical age-toning and occasional foxing, particularly near the title page and margins. Nonetheless, the text block remains intact, and the personal inscription adds a tangible connection to the book’s past. Overall, it is a charming example of a 19th-century metrical psalter, reflecting both the spiritual and cultural milieu of its time.