The Book of Common Prayer is an Episcopal translation attributed to Reverend Eleazer Williams. The text is symbolic of the European quest to convert the Mohawk peoples to Christianity. Missionaries heavily relied on Native peoples to learn indigenous languages and to assist in the translation and printing of bible passages, hymns, and prayers. This book showed signs of heavy use, with preferential openings at certain passages and heavy soiling at the tail edge of pages. ​

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This treatment was collaborative. Book Conservator Renée Wolcott prepared the condition report and treatment proposal, in addition to partially disbinding the book. Paper Conservator Anne Downey removed the pressure sensitive tape from the first gathering. The rest of this treatment was carried out by me. 

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Treatment Overview

• The first two gatherings were removed from the textblock and the pressure sensitive tape was removed.

• The loose gatherings were guarded and resewn onto the textblock over two ramie band supports. 

• The spine fragments were trimmed from the front and back boards. The leather covering from the detached front board was lifted along the spine edge. 

• Hollytex and airplane cotton were toned with Golden acrylic paints to match the color of the covering leather, and laminated in preparation for rebacking. 

• After rebacking, the remaining spine fragments were adhered to the new spine covering material.