Manuscript, on vellum, in a single hand, of this unique English prose version of the twelfth-century Latin treatise Secretum secretorum, itself a translation of the Kitab sirr al-asrar. In addition to this text, the volume also includes a short astrological text (ff. 112-125) in Middle English, headed "secreta." The opening leaf is not present; the introduction by the translator praises Sir Miles Stapleton as his patron.
Alternative Title:
Secretum secretorum.
Description:
Binding: fifteenth-century blind-stamped calf over wooden boards; remains of clasps., Decoration: numerous initials in gold or in blue with contrasting penwork., Formerly owned by Richard Elde; John Harcourt; A. A. Judo?. Johannes de Caritate, Privite of Privyteis. From the collection of Toshiyuki Takamiya, 2013-., Layout: single columns of 21-23 lines., Numerous errors in pencil foliation., Script: English bookhand., and Several verses and aphorisms in a sixteenth?-century cursive hand on blank leaves and in margins.
Subject (Name):
Johannes,--de Caritate.
Subject (Topic):
Astrology--Early works to 1800., Astronomy, Medieval., Astronomy--Early works to 1800., Education of princes--Early works to 1800., English prose literature--Middle English, 1100-1500., Manuscripts, Medieval--Connecticut--New Haven., Medicine, Medieval., Medicine--Early works to 1800., Medicine--Formulae, receipts, prescriptions--Early works to 1800., and Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts in Beinecke Library.