The 'Merton' and 'Dowden' manuscripts of the sermons of John Donne, used by G.R. Potter and E.M. Simpson in The sermons of John Donne (10 vols., Berkeley & Los Angeles, 1953-62), and the 'Dowden' manuscript of Donne's poems, used by Sir Herbert Grierson in The poems of John Donne (2 vols., Oxford, 1912) and by Dame Helen Gardner in The divine poems (2nd ed., Oxford, 1978).
Dates
- Creation: Early 17th century
Extent
0.33 Linear metres (3 boxes)
Language of Materials
- English
Preferred Citation
Oxford, Bodleian Libraries [followed by shelfmark and folio or page reference, e.g. MS. Eng. th. c. 71, fols. 1-2].
Full range of shelfmarks:
MSS. Eng. th. c. 71, e. 102; Eng. poet. e. 99
Collection ID (for staff)
CMD ID 9037, 9038, 9039
Abstract
The 'Merton' and 'Dowden' Manuscripts relating to John Donne
Biographical / Historical
See the Dictionary of National Biography for information on Edward Dowden.
Other Finding Aids
M. Clapinson and T.D. Rogers, Summary Catalogue of Post-Medieval Western Manuscripts in the Bodleian Library Oxford. Acquisitions 1916-1975. (Oxford, 1991), vol. II, nos. 46601-3.
Custodial History
The 'Merton' MS. was owned by a H.F. during the 17th century; in the 19th century the MS. appears to have been the property of Mr. J.P. Collier, whose address is inscribed inside the upper cover.
The first 'Dowden' MS., MS. Eng. th. e. 102, was given by [William] Gregg of Ilkeston Park to ?J.W., [possibly John Wylson, rector of Ilkeston, Derbs.], 29 May 1683. Both Dowden MSS. were later owned by Edward Dowden. All three MSS were subsequently owned by Wilfred Merton.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Given to the Library in 1960.
Topical
Subject
- Title
- The 'Merton' and 'Dowden' Manuscripts relating to John Donne
- Status
- Published
- Author
- Collection Level Description by Susan Thomas; EAD version 2019 by Pauline Soum-Paris
- Date
- EAD version 2019
- 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