Shelfmark
MS 247
Author
Title
A large and excellent discourse of the estate of Christendome. Written by an unknowne author about the yeare of o[ur] Lord 1594 and 35th of the raigne of Queen Elizab[eth]. Contayning many secrett passages and hidden mistories of the times both past and present, with much varietie of other good matter both historicall and politicall. manuscript / by Henry Wotton.
Varying form of title
Other title: The state of Christendom: or, A most exact and curious discovery of many secret passages, and hidden mysteries of the times.
Publication, distribution, etc.
England, 1620s or 1630s.
Physical description
1 volume (347 leaves) : paper ; 32 x 23 cm.
Note
Title taken from title-page.
Note
Printed for the first time in 1657, with the title The state of Christendom: or, A most exact and curious discovery of many secret passages, and hidden mysteries of the times. ESTC R21322.
Note
According to Beal, authorship of this work is not confirmed.
Note
Written in a professional cursive secretary hand. Title-page written in a different cursive secretary hand.
Note
First 2 leaves and final 2 leaves are blank.
Note
With catchwords on each page.
Note
Annotations throughout in several different hands.
Note
Inscription on front flyleaf in seventeenth century hand: Dignissimj Dominj & Reverendi virj CS[?].
Note
Engraved armorial bookplates of Sheppard Frere and John Frere on inside front cover. Sheppard Frere (1712-1780) was a landowner of Thwaite, Suffolk, and John Frere (1740-1807) his eldest son and an antiquary.
Note
Bookplate of J. Eliot Hodgkin, F.S.A., 1829-1912. Hodgkin assembled a large collection of historical documents, rare books and prints much of which was auctioned after his death by Sotheby's in 1914.
Note
Red library stamp of Roydon Hall Library. Roydon Hall in Norfolk was also owned by the Frere family. This stamp is observed on Frere manuscripts by Seymour de Ricci, 'English collectors of books and manuscripts (1530-1930), (CUP, 1930), p. 68.
Citation/references note
Beal, Catalogue of English Literary Manuscripts 1450-1700, WoH 299
Binding
Contemporary parchment case; holes for ties; four sewn bands; title inked on spine.
Subject
Christianity Early works to 1800.
Subject
Europe History Early works to 1800.
Subject
Europe Politics and government Early works to 1800.
Added entry--name
Frere, Sheppard, 1712 - 1780 former owner.
Added entry--name
Frere, John, 1740 - 1807 former owner.
Added entry--name
Hodgkin, John Eliot former owner.
Added entry--place
England
Language code
eng
Identifier
B46686