Hagiography

Estimate

5,000 - 7,000 USD

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Description

Saint Etheldred Queen: Virgin and Abbesse of the holy order of saint Benedict in England June [corr. from Julie] 23d anno 685 Canonized by the name of St Audry
paper

Scribal manuscript in a mid-seventeenth-century mixed hand with italic for emphasis, title-page with portrait of Ethelreda in a nun's habit with discarded royal regalia, ink, wash, and gilt, running title ("June 23 The life of S Audry Virgin and Abbesse"), ruled margins, occasional marginal glosses, 51 pages, 4to (185 x 150mm). Contemporary paper wrappers in a blue protective cover and slipcase; worn.

Provenance

Narcissus Luttrell (1657–1732; ownership inscription "Nar. Luttrell: His Book 1682," and note on price "1s 8d") — Sir Clive Coates, Bt., of Helperby Hall, Yorkshire (1879–1971; "CC" book-label and monogram also blocked in gilt on slipcase). acquisition: Bernard Quaritch, 2001

Catalogue Note

The historical Aethelthryth was a Saxon noblewoman who became Queen of Northumbria and founded the great monastic house at Ely. As Saint Etheldreda, or Audry, she became the subject of a major Medieval English cult centered on Ely.