A translation or rather paraphrase of the Memorabilia of Valerius Maximus, with additions and notes
MS. Douce 203
Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Description
From Medieval manuscripts in Oxford libraries
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From Bodleian Archives & Manuscripts
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Title
A translation or rather paraphrase of the Memorabilia of Valerius Maximus, with additions and notes
Shelfmark
MS. Douce 203
Summary
Distinguished by the heading 'translateur', as opposed to the paraphrase which is headed 'Atteur', i.e. auteur. The following colophons explain the work, which was begun 'en honneur et reuerence de' Henry V of France (fol. 1v, see miniature on fol. 1):--at end of bk. vii, ch. 4 (fol. 124), 'Jusques yci dure la translacion ... faite par maistre Symon de Hesdin ... Et commence la translacion de maistre Nicole de Gonnesse qui ce present liure paracheva ...': at end of bk. ix (fol. 262v) 'Par laide diuine ... est la translacion ... terminee, laquelle commenca ... maistre Symon de Haydin ... qui poursuy jusques au vije liure ou chapitre des stratagemes & la laissa cort . Des la en auant ... je. N. de Gonnesse maistre es ars et en theologie ay poursuy la ditte translacion ... Et fu finee lan mil cccc & J. la veille saint Michiel larchangele. Deo gracias.'
Other MSS. have similar colophons. Some of the miniatures have half-erased directions to the artist as to his design, written with a metal stylus on the lower margin: but in most cases these have been rubbed out.
Date
written in the 15th cent.
Language
French
Physical facet
On parchment, with many fine miniatures and illuminated capitals
Physical extent
265 leaves, in double columns
Custodial history
This MS. was in the library of the Duc de La Valliere (sale catal. 1783, iii. 383, no. 5654): then belonged to John Towneley whose armorial bookplate is in each volume.
View full record in Bodleian Archives & Manuscripts
Collection contents
A translation or rather paraphrase of the Memorabilia of Valerius Maximus, with additions and notes
