0040 LIVES OF SAINTS, NARRATIVES AND INCIDENTS

LIVES OF SAINTS, NARRATIVES AND INCIDENTS

[in simple vernacular language]. Second half of the 16th century. Manuscript on paper, dimensions: 20 x 15 cm, written on 72 leaves (=144 pages), with 20 verses per page. Two-tone writing (black and bright red ink), red initials, decorative titles and heading text. With 4 red ornate decorative title motifs on leaves 1a, 29b, 40b and 56b. Begins f. 1a: "Life and state of the holy and righteous Philaretos the merciful [...] who became the grandfather of the queen, Constantine reigning, and the young Job financier", f. 29b: "Speech on the collection of the holy right hand of the honorable Prodromos and about her miracles", f. 40b: "Life and state of our holy father John of Kalyvitos", f. 56a: "Life and state of our holy and god-bearing father Xenophon the synod and his wife Maria and his children John and Arkadiou". The text in simple vernacular of the time. The scribe uses abbreviations and grammatical complexes similar to those used in the early Greek printings of Aldos, Zacharias Kalliergis and other 15th & 16th century printers. Very thick and glossy paper of excellent quality. With corrections. Binding: crimson long-grain morocco leather, gold leaf decorative border running around the covers.