One of my nieces has her confirmation on Sunday, and thinking about a suitable present thought it would be nice to give her one of my old 16th century books, a New testament dating from 1576, with an impressive engraving of Queen Bess in the front along with a dedication to her.
But then I had a better idea on the same lines. She is very interested in history, especially the Tudor period, and I thought it would be nice to try and find her a book printed even earlier, in the time of Henry VIII. (She seems quite a fan of his, although it's hard to imagine a more unlikely hero than that grim old tyrant, especially for a young girl!)
So anyway, knowing CUK regulars' eclectic tastes and expertise, I wondered if anyone might know where I could buy an antique book of that age (prior to 1547) at short notice, or even have one for sale themselves. Chances are it would be religious in some form, which I suppose would be appropriate; but it needn't be.
I imagine books that old must be quite rare and expensive by now. So maybe I should stick with the 1576 one after all. And I've left it until the last minute, as usual, which doesn't help.
But then I had a better idea on the same lines. She is very interested in history, especially the Tudor period, and I thought it would be nice to try and find her a book printed even earlier, in the time of Henry VIII. (She seems quite a fan of his, although it's hard to imagine a more unlikely hero than that grim old tyrant, especially for a young girl!)
So anyway, knowing CUK regulars' eclectic tastes and expertise, I wondered if anyone might know where I could buy an antique book of that age (prior to 1547) at short notice, or even have one for sale themselves. Chances are it would be religious in some form, which I suppose would be appropriate; but it needn't be.
I imagine books that old must be quite rare and expensive by now. So maybe I should stick with the 1576 one after all. And I've left it until the last minute, as usual, which doesn't help.
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