Description
ESTHER 3:6-6:6 [IIII on manuscript = modern Ch 5]. “Queen Esther and the Origin of Purim”. Illuminated on fine, thin vellum, in Paris, France, c.1230-1240, possibly a bit earlier. Full margins; 6.3″ x 4.25″. Nicely rubricated throughout in Red and Blue, 43 lines per col., 10 lines per inch. “IIII” is the only adornment (copyist might have used an older exemplar without modern [that is, c.1210] chapter divisions; but see marginal notes by a later hand, and notations for Ch IV, 5, and 6. EXCELLENT+ condition; strong ink; pinhole at bottom margin (see pics). COA on premium “gold leaf” paper w. gold seal. A fine example of an early “pocket bible” suitable for carrying on the Crusades. Includes: English trans of parts the “Purim” story (Queen Esther providentially saves her people from slavery and death), plus a scholarly essay on Esther’s place in the Hebrew canon. For larger manuscripts, see the “Bifold Portfolios” category.
