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The 'Merton' and 'Dowden' Manuscripts relating to John Donne

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The 'Merton' and 'Dowden' manuscripts of the sermons of John Donne, used by G.R. Potter and E.M. Simpson in The sermons of John Donne (10 vols., Berkeley & Los Angeles, 1953-62), and the 'Dowden' manuscript of Donne's poems, used by Sir Herbert Grierson in The poems of John Donne (2 vols., Oxford, 1912) and by Dame Helen Gardner in The divine poems (2nd ed., Oxford, 1978).

Dates

  • Creation: Early 17th century

Extent

0.33 Linear metres (3 boxes)

Language of Materials

  • English

Preferred Citation

Oxford, Bodleian Libraries [followed by shelfmark and folio or page reference, e.g. MS. Eng. th. c. 71, fols. 1-2].

Please see our help page for further guidance on citing archives and manuscripts.

Full range of shelfmarks:

MSS. Eng. th. c. 71, e. 102; Eng. poet. e. 99

Collection ID (for staff)

CMD ID 9037, 9038, 9039

Abstract

The 'Merton' and 'Dowden' Manuscripts relating to John Donne

Biographical / Historical

See the Dictionary of National Biography for information on Edward Dowden.

Custodial History

The 'Merton' MS. was owned by a H.F. during the 17th century; in the 19th century the MS. appears to have been the property of Mr. J.P. Collier, whose address is inscribed inside the upper cover.

The first 'Dowden' MS., MS. Eng. th. e. 102, was given by [William] Gregg of Ilkeston Park to ?J.W., [possibly John Wylson, rector of Ilkeston, Derbs.], 29 May 1683. Both Dowden MSS. were later owned by Edward Dowden. All three MSS were subsequently owned by Wilfred Merton.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Given to the Library in 1960.

Title
The 'Merton' and 'Dowden' Manuscripts relating to John Donne
Status
Published
Author
Collection Level Description by Susan Thomas; EAD version 2019 by Pauline Soum-Paris
Date
EAD version 2019
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Bodleian Libraries Repository

Contact:
Weston Library
Broad Street
Oxford OX1 3BG United Kingdom