The Travels of Arnolt van Harffe

Single Item

MS. Bodl. 972

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The Travels of Arnolt van Harffe from Cologne to Italy, Egypt, Palestine and India, and back by Madagascar, the Upper Nile, Constantinople, and France, in 1496-99. These are illustrated with 47 coloured drawings.

The volume agrees closely in substance with the printed edition of 1860, but the orthography is different, as will be seen from the first words of the preface after the dedication: 'Durch-luchtighe hoigeheboiren vurste ind furstynne lieue heere ind frauvve As ich Arnolt van Harffe Ritter gheboeren vss vrre vurstelichen genaden landen des hertzochdoms van Guylge hab ...: after 'Duytsche mylen' [printed ed. p. 259] is 'Anno 1554 B I P.'

On fol. 3 is a note by the scribe (?) on the maternal descent of the author.

Dates

Creation: written in 1554

Extent

167 Leaves

Language of Materials

German

Preferred Citation

Oxford, Bodleian Libraries [followed by shelfmark and folio or page reference, e.g. MS. Bodl. 972, fols. 1-2]

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Shelfmark:

MS. Bodl. 972

Collection ID (for staff)

CMD ID 18518

Additional Description

Abstract

The Travels of Arnolt van Harffe from Cologne to Italy, Egypt, Palestine and India, and back by Madagascar, the Upper Nile, Constantinople, and France, in 1496-1499, written in 1554.

Biographical / Historical

Arnold von Harffe (1471-1505) was a German traveler.

Other Finding Aids

Falconer Madan, et al., A summary catalogue of western manuscripts in the Bodleian Library at Oxford which have not hitherto been catalogued in the Quarto series (7 vols. in 8 [vol. II in 2 parts], Oxford, 1895-1953; reprinted, with corrections in vols. I and VII, Munich, 1980), vol. V, no. 28066.

Custodial History

In 1654 the book was owned by F. W. Van Klipping, who wrote some verses etc. on fol. 167: on the inner front cover are an inscription and a printed bookplate, both nearly erased.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

On fol. 1 is an English letter from Karl Etter of London, presenting the volume and his Russian Diploma (not found) to the Library, Nov. 5, 1813.

Physical Facet

On paper, with coloured illustrations; binding, brown leather on boards with stamped ornament. One of the roulettes employed bears LEX prosenpata, 1563, P.B, others MORS ERO MORS TVA, and ECCA VIRGO CONCI (with '1563 NP'), in combination with religious subjects, also in the centre of one panel is a small crucifix with O IESV FILI DEI, all gilt. 'A° 1580' is also stamped on a panel, possibly an addition. The edges are partly chamfered, and one of the two clasps is lost.