In Fine Binding & With Royal Connection   Manuscript: Gr...

Hammer

€620

In Fine Binding & With Royal Connection
 
Manuscript: Green (E.) Chronology and Geography by E. Green, Folio manuscript, written in copper plate hand, with diagrams (some in colour) statistical tables etc., c. 71pp. No date but c. 1800. In cont. full calf, attractive large gilt borders, raised bands, spine tooled gilt in panels, & red mor. gilt lettered label on front cover. As a m/ss., w.a.f.

Page One reads: “This Book of Chronology and Geography began October 26th and finished June 20th following [year not stated; early 19c?] by Elizabeth Green aged 12 years and 9 months. Papworth Master.” The text, comprising neatly written notes and illustrated with diagrams (some in colour) and statistical tables, is an astonishingly accomplished work for a twelve-year-old girl.

Note on t.p.: “Maud Messel. Given me by John Maxwell Lyte with very many happy returns for your birthday August 5th, 1945.” Accompanying letter by the donor comments on the “shocking” results of the recent general election and hopes she will enjoy her curious present. Lyte was a son of the prolific historian and archivist Henry Maxwell Lyte. Maud Messel (1875-1960) was the wife of Leopold Messel of Nymans in Sussex, which they transformed together into one of the great gardens of England. Their daughter Anne married successively Robert Armstrong-Jones and the 6th Earl of Rosse; she was the mother of Antony Armstrong Jones, Earl of Snowdon (Husband of Princess Margaret) and of the 7th Earl of Rosse.

A charming memento, with Provenance to Nymans and to Birr Castle.

Provenance:  Birr Castle Estate