Book of Common Prayer (1662, 1979, 2019)

The Book of Common Prayer is the Anglican service book. Several editions exist, so match the year to your church.

Updated Oct 20, 2026. Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

Church Publishing issues the 1979 Episcopal book in print and digital forms. The 2019 ACNA book links to Anglican House for print copies. Parish shops often take bulk pew orders.

Professional insight

Church booksellers confirm the province and edition year. Only then do they discuss bindings.

A 1979 book will not match a 1662 service.
Pew editions use thick paper and plain covers.
Gift editions add ribbons, gilt edges and leather.
Check whether the Psalter and lectionary are included.

Check the label

Edition year on the title page: 1662, 1928, 1979 or 2019.
Church named: Church of England, Episcopal Church or ACNA.
Publisher and ISBN on the copyright page.
Page count close to the full text, not a selection.
Binding: hardcover, paperback, leather or imitation leather.
Print size stated if you need large print.
Language edition, such as English or Spanish.

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Book of Common Prayer editions

Edition	Used by	Notes
1662	Church of England	Still its official prayer book
1928 (US)	Some traditional US parishes	Older American text
1979	The Episcopal Church	Has Rite I traditional and Rite II modern services
2019	Anglican Church in North America	Free PDF on the ACNA site

Book of Common Prayer history

First edition: 1549; Compiled largely by Thomas Cranmer.
Church of England text: 1662
Episcopal approval: 1979; Approved at the General Convention in Denver.

Types

Pew edition

Durable and plain. Sold in bulk for churches.

Personal or gift edition

Smaller trim, ribbon markers and leather style covers.

Large print

Bigger type for reading aloud or weaker eyesight.

Digital

Searchable eBook or PDF versions for phones and tablets.

Before you buy

Ask your parish which edition it uses on Sundays.
Read the free 2019 PDF before buying a print copy.
Look inside a listing for the table of contents.
For antique copies, check for loose pages and foxing.

Care

Store upright on a shelf away from damp walls.
Keep leather covers out of strong sun.
Use the ribbons instead of folding page corners.
Wrap old printings in acid free paper.