Two Grey collections

  • Christopher De Hamel Director, Medieval Manuscript Collection, Sotheby's Ltd, 34 new Bond Street, London WI, England

Abstract

The author, an expert on medieval manuscripts, recalls how Sir George Grey, successively Governor at the Cape and New Zealand, formed two collections. The first, at the South African Public Library, Cape Town was succeeded by the later collection in Auckland, New Zealand. Interesting examples are given of the most important medieval manuscripts in the two collections. The contrasting strengths and differentiating characteristics of the various categories of manuscripts are assessed, including Bibles, Gospels, illuminated texts, in a variety of languages. The conclusion is reached that the Cape Town collection is superior to the one in the Auckland Public Library.Die outeur verhaal hoe Sir George Grey, wat opeenvolgend Goewerneur in die Kaap en Nieu Zeeland was, twee boekversamelings opgebou het. Die eerste versameling by die Suid-Afrikaanse Biblioteek in Kaapstad is opgevolg deur 'n latere versameling in Auckland, Nieu Zeeland. Interessante voorbeelde word gegee van die belangrikste middeleeuse manuskripte in die twee versamelings. Die kontrasterende sterkpunte en differensierende eienskappe van die verskillende kategoriee word geevalueer. Dit sluit Bybels, Evangelies en ge"illumineerde tekste in 'n verskeidcnheid tale in. Die outeur kom tot die gevolgtrekking dat die Kaapstad-versameling van 'n hoer standaard is as die een in die Auckland Openbare Biblioteek.
Published
2014-01-26
Section
Research Articles