The Prince and the Plunder

A book on how Britain took one boy and piles of treasures from Ethiopia

Tag: British Library

A 17th century copy of Arganona Maryam, prayers arranged for the days of the week (OR 591)

Published / by Andrew Heavens / Leave a Comment

What: A 17th century Ethiopian manuscript containing Argānona Māryām, prayers arranged for the days of the week

Where: The British Library, 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB

Ref: OR 591
Digital version – http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/FullDisplay.aspx?ref=Or_591

Provenance:
Stamped on the first page: “Presented by the Secretary of State for India Aug. 1868”
Listed as part of the “Magdala collection” in William Wright’s Catalogue of the Ethiopic manuscripts in the British Museum acquired since the year 1847

A manuscript containing a discourse in praise of the blessed Virgin Mary, Twelve Fathers and Holy Trinity (OR 593)

Published / by Andrew Heavens / Leave a Comment

What: An 18th century discourse in praise of the blessed Virgin Mary, Twelve Fathers and Holy Trinity

Where: The British Library, 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB

Ref: OR 593
Digital version – http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/FullDisplay.aspx?ref=Or_593

Provenance:
Stamped on the first page: “Presented by the Secretary of State for India Aug. 1868”
Listed as part of the “Magdala collection” in William Wright’s Catalogue of the Ethiopic manuscripts in the British Museum acquired since the year 1847

A manuscript including ‘The Harp of Praise’, initially presented to Queen Victoria (OR 594)

Published / by Andrew Heavens / Leave a Comment

What: A 17th century Ethiopian manuscript of Arganona Weddase “The Harp of Praise”, Weddase Maryam “Praise of Mary” and Weddase Amlak, initially presented to Queen Victoria

Where: The British Library, 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB

Ref: OR 594
Digital version – http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/FullDisplay.aspx?ref=Or_594

Provenance:
On the opening page there is a note reading: “Presented by H.M. the Queen 21 January 1869”
Listed in William Wright’s Catalogue of the Ethiopic manuscripts in the British Museum acquired since the year 1847 as one of the “Magdala collection” manuscripts initially presented to Queen Victoria who then gave them to the British Museum.

A manuscript of ‘The Harp of Praise’ including a drawing of a king labelled Tewodros (OR 595)

Published / by Andrew Heavens / Leave a Comment

What: An 18th century manuscript of Arganona Weddase ‘The Harp of Praise’, including “a drawing of a king on his throne, playing on a harp, and above it, in coarse letters, ንጉሠ ነገሥት ቴዎድሮስ ‘King of Kings Téwodros'”

Where: The British Library, 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB

Ref: OR 595
Digital version – http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/FullDisplay.aspx?ref=Or_595

Provenance:
Stamped inside the cover: “Presented by the Secretary of State for India Aug. 1868”
Listed as part of the “Magdala collection” in William Wright’s Catalogue of the Ethiopic manuscripts in the British Museum acquired since the year 1847

A 14th-15th century Book of the Rite of the Holy Week (OR 597)

Published / by Andrew Heavens / Leave a Comment

What: A 14th-15th century Book of the Rite of the Holy Week, including details of an excommunication by the abuna Yemrehana Krestos

Where: The British Library, 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB

Ref: OR 597
Digital version – http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/FullDisplay.aspx?ref=Or_597

Provenance:
Stamped inside the cover: “Presented by the Secretary of State for India Aug. 1868”
Listed as part of the “Magdala collection” in William Wright’s Catalogue of the Ethiopic manuscripts in the British Museum acquired since the year 1847

A Lectionary of the Holy Week (OR 598)

Published / by Andrew Heavens / Leave a Comment

What: A manuscript dated 1708-11 containing a Lectionary of the Holy Week

Where: The British Library, 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB

Ref: OR 598
Digital version – http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/FullDisplay.aspx?ref=Or_598

Provenance:
Stamped on the first page: “Presented by the Secretary of State for India Aug. 1868”
Listed as part of the “Magdala collection” in William Wright’s Catalogue of the Ethiopic manuscripts in the British Museum acquired since the year 1847