Sunday 26 February 2017

The Texas Gutenburg Bible

I've just watched a good lecture, by Eric White, analysing the provenance of the copy of the Gutenburg Bible now in the Harry Ransom Center, at Austin, Texas. Despite concerning a printed book, the lecture combines analysis of the most of my favourite clues to a manuscript's provenance: added decoration, handwritten additions, and entries in modern printed catalogues.

For example, there is this inscription, which (as Neil Ker pointed out) indicates that it was in Carthusian ownership:


You can watch the lecture on YouTube here.

Saturday 18 February 2017

George Jackson (1692-1763) of Livorno

[sourceidentification]
This week, I learned of the existence of the significant library of George Jackson, an English merchant who lived in Livorno, and about whom I would like to know more.