‘The historie of the Reformation’ by John Knox (c.1514-1572) and museum catalogue for John Knox’s House

Three volumes relating to John Knox (although none contemporaneous).

MS KNO 1:

Manuscript sections of John Knox's 'The History of the Reformation in Scotland', containing the preliminary leaves of the text, part of the First Book of Discipline, and Book IV of the History. A note inserted in the front identifies the hand as that of a Dutch amanuensis [copyist], about 1640. The hand is secretary, and formal, with marginal notes and comments upon the work. Titles and headings are often in a stylised hand for emphasis.

The volume has clearly been rebound in vellum, gilded with the crest of the Church of Scotland Library. The first leaf of the original text block bears the name 'Alex. Colvill'. From the General Assembly Library.

MS KNO 2:

17th Century manuscript copy of John Knox's 'The History of the Reformation in Scotland'. 453 numbered pages. Signature statements are faithfully transcribed, presumably from a printed text. The front endboard bears the name 'William Whytock' and several pen trials

The main body of the manuscript is a clear italic, with marginal notes in several different hands. The volume concludes with the Book of Discipline, which is incomplete.

Several leaves loosely inserted into the front, ranging from an unidenfied fragment with notes in an aged secretary hand, to a 19th century index highlighting errors in the copyists' work.

MS KNO 3:

Catalogue of Museum John Knox's House, 1854. Alphabetised thumb indexed leger, with entries mostly relating to books.