THE ROXBURGHE CLUB AND THE MEDIEVAL BOOK

Gibbs, Henry Hucks (1819-1907), [Catherine, of Alexandria, Saint]

The Life and Martyrdom of Saint Katherine of Alexandria; Virgin and Martyr [Half Title: The Lyf of Seynt Katerine] [Roxburghe Club Member’s Copy]

London: Nichols and Sons, 1884, Limited Edition. Full Leather Hardcover.

A ROXBURGHE CLUB MEMBER’S COPY OF A MEDIEVAL TEXT
A significant Roxburghe Club publication presenting the Middle English life of Saint Katherine of Alexandria, carefully transcribed from the original manuscript while preserving the spelling, language, and special characters of the medieval text.

Printed for members of the Roxburghe Club, the oldest society of bibliophiles in the world, this edition represents the private distribution state reserved for Club members rather than the later public issue.

The volume reflects the Roxburghe tradition of preserving important works of literature, history, and antiquarian scholarship through carefully prepared editions unavailable through ordinary publishing channels.

THE LIFE OF A MEDIEVAL SAINT.
According to Christian tradition, Katherine of Alexandria was a fourth-century virgin martyr known for her learning, devotion, and confrontation with imperial authority. Her legend became one of the most influential saintly narratives of the medieval period, inspiring literature, art, and devotion throughout Europe.

This edition focuses on the preservation and scholarly presentation of the medieval English text itself, maintaining the linguistic character of the original manuscript tradition rather than modernizing the work for contemporary readers.

A ROXBURGHE CLUB PUBLICATION.
Founded in 1812, the Roxburghe Club is recognized as the oldest and one of the most selective bibliophilic societies in the world. Membership has historically been limited to forty individuals selected for distinguished libraries, collecting interests, or scholarly contributions.

Roxburghe Club publications represent some of the finest examples of nineteenth-century private scholarly printing. Each work was prepared for a small circle of members, preserving texts of literary, historical, and antiquarian importance.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Quarto. Later full navy morocco binding with gilt-stamped spine title. Top edge gilt. [8], xix, [1], 86, [2], lxii, 188 pages. Includes one colored plate. With preface, notes, and glossary by Eugen Einenkel (1853–1930). Includes appendix: The Life of Saint Katherine. From the Royal MS. 17A. XXVII, &c., with its Latin original from the Cotton MS. Caligula A. VIII.

Printed by Nichols and Sons for members of the Roxburghe Club, 1884. The Roxburghe Club member issue was produced in a very small number, with the present volume listing 38 subscribing members. As with many Roxburghe Club publications, surviving examples are most often encountered in major institutional and private collections rather than the ordinary marketplace.

CONDITION: Near Fine. The bindings are tight and square. Text is clean with light, even toning. Minimal shelf handling wear. Minor spine lightening. The front board edges show slight offsetting, likely from adjacent shelving. A well-preserved example in an attractive later fine binding.

SCHOLARLY SIGNIFICANCE: PRESERVING MEDIEVAL VOICES—THE TEXTUAL TRADITION.
 The Roxburghe Club played a central role in nineteenth-century efforts to preserve and circulate important historical and literary texts. This edition of The Lyf of Seynt Katerine reflects Victorian scholarly interest in medieval manuscripts, language, and religious literature.

Rather than modernizing the work, the editors preserved Middle English spelling and special characters, maintaining the character of the manuscript source.

PRIVATE SCHOLARSHIP IN PRINT.
Unlike commercial editions intended for broad distribution, Roxburghe Club publications were created for a restricted circle of collectors and scholars.

The limited membership of the Club meant that many publications entered distinguished private libraries and institutional collections, making privately held examples of the member issue increasingly uncommon in the marketplace. This copy represents the intersection of medieval studies, nineteenth-century scholarship, and the history of private book collecting.

CONTENT HIGHLIGHTS
+++ Middle English Text — Preserves original spelling and special characters from the manuscript tradition.
+++ Roxburghe Club Publication — Issued for one of the world’s oldest and most selective bibliophilic societies.
+++ Medieval Religious Literature — Presents an important English saint’s legend from the medieval tradition.
+++ Scholarly Apparatus — Includes preface, notes, glossary, and appendix comparing manuscript sources.
+++ Private Printing Tradition — Represents nineteenth-century bibliophilic scholarship at its highest level.

SUBJECTS: Roxburghe Club; Henry Hucks Gibbs; Saint Katherine of Alexandria; Middle English Literature; Medieval Manuscripts; Christian Saints; Medieval Hagiography; Private Printing; Bibliophilia; Nineteenth-Century Scholarship; Book Collecting, Fine Bindings; Medieval Studies; Religious Literature; Private Printing; Bibliophilic Editions; Antiquarian Scholarship.

Item #17174

Price: $750.00