Merlini Anglici Ephemeris: or, Astrologicall Predictions for the Year, 1651. By William Lilly, Student in Astrology (London: Printed for the Company of Stationers, and H. Blunden at the Castle in Cornhill, 1650), with notes by the owner of the book, apparently a Midland farmer
A printed almanac of astrological predictions comprising:
- (fol. 4) title page portrait of Lilly.
- (fols. 5-7) address to the English Nation concerning the occupation of Scotland, the Church, and the Commonwealth, 16 Oct. 1650.
- (fol. 7v) list of "Astrologicall and Magicall Books, &c. Printed this Year."
- (fols. 8-19) astrological predictions for the year 1651.
- (fols. 20-45) tables of planetry movements and monthly predictions.
- (fols. 45v-51) tables of houses for the latitude of 51 degrees 34 minutes for each sign of the zodiac.
- (fols. 51v-52) an account of Lilly's role as astrological physician in the treatment of a sick girl.
The volume also contains several notes by the former owner, including:
- (fol. 2) notes of grain and 'small wood' bought and sold.
- (fols. 2v-3, 32) two epitaphs of Mary Wallker, who died 14 June 1651, one epitaph dated 30 June.
- (fols. 21-44 passim) notes on the weather; notes of dates and locations of appointments, possibly of fairs or markets, predominantly within the counties of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Yorkshire.
- (fols. 34v, 36v) noted meetings of "Breathren or Frinds."
- (fol. 36v) note "L. Cromwell cam to Leic[e]sst[e]r", 23 Aug. 1651.
- (fol. 37) note "K. Charls wth Army came out of Scotla[nd] into Engla[nd]. march[...] on to Woster & there stayd to Fortifie it", Aug. 1651.
- (fol. 38v) note "A Grat Fight At Woster", 3 Sep. 1651.
- (fol. 39) note "grat victory obtained by the p[ar]liament fources over the Scotes & their king & Highland[...]", Sep. 1651.
- (fol. 40v) note "day Thanks-givein[g] for Wost[e]r victor[y]", 24 Oct. 1651.
Dates
- Creation: 1651
Extent
53 Leaves
Language of Materials
- English
Preferred Citation
Oxford, Bodleian Libraries [followed by shelfmark and folio or page reference, e.g. MS. Eng. e. 3632, fols. 1-2].
Shelfmark:
MS. Eng. e. 3632
Collection ID (for staff)
CMD ID 6141
Abstract
Merlini Anglici Ephemeris: or, Astrologicall Predictions for the Year, 1651. By William Lilly, Student in Astrology (London: Printed for the Company of Stationers, and H. Blunden at the Castle in Cornhill, 1650), with notes by the owner of the book, apparently a Midland farmer.
Biographical / Historical
William Lilly (1602–81) was an astrologer from Diseworth, Leicestershire. For further details see the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.
Custodial History
The volume has apparently been in private ownership, stored in an envelope on which "Old Book from Derby" was noted.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Bought, Nov. 2006.
Topical
Subject
- Title
- Merlini Anglici Ephemeris: or, Astrologicall Predictions for the Year, 1651. By William Lilly, Student in Astrology (London: Printed for the Company of Stationers, and H. Blunden at the Castle in Cornhill, 1650), with notes by the owner of the book, apparently a Midland farmer
- Status
- Published
- Date
- EAD version 2018
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Bodleian Libraries Repository
Weston Library
Broad Street
Oxford OX1 3BG United Kingdom
specialcollections.enquiries@bodleian.ox.ac.uk