The Prince and the Plunder

A book on how Britain took one boy and piles of treasures from Ethiopia

Category: The Plunder

An 18th century manuscript of the second volume of Mashafa Madbal or Mysteries of the Times (OR 791)

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What: An 18th century Ethiopian manuscript containing the second volume of Mashafa Madbal, that is, the Mest’ira Zaman Sadis, or ” Mystery of the New Time,” as opposed to vol. I., Mest’ira Zaman Beluy. It has 351 illustrations, some of them unfinished and in outline. See often Christ’s face left to last. Paired with OR 790 which has Volume 1.

Where: The British Library, 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB

Ref: OR 791
Digital version – http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/FullDisplay.aspx?ref=Or_791

Provenance:
Stamped on first page: “Presented by the Secretary of State for India Aug. 1868”
Listed as part of the “Magdala collection” in William Wright’s Catalogue of the Ethiopic manuscripts in the British Museum acquired since the year 1847

An 18th century collection of commentaries in Amharic (OR 792)

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What: An 18th century Ethiopian manuscript containing a collection of commentaries in Amharic. Described as “Old Testament History in Amharic” in Wright’s catalogue.

Where: The British Library, 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB

Ref: OR 792
Digital version – http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/FullDisplay.aspx?ref=Or_792

Provenance:
Stamped inside cover: “Presented by the Secretary of State for India Aug. 1868”
Listed as part of the “Magdala collection” in William Wright’s Catalogue of the Ethiopic manuscripts in the British Museum acquired since the year 1847

A 15th century manuscript of the Synodos (OR 794)

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What: A 15th century Ethiopian manuscript containing the Synodos – Apostolic Canons after Ascension. A collection of canonico-liturgical writing dealing with various aspects of ecclesiastical practice. It has ornamental designs.

Where: The British Library, 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB

Ref: OR 794
Digital version – http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/FullDisplay.aspx?ref=Or_794

Provenance:
Stamped on first page: “Presented by the Secretary of State for India Aug. 1868”
Listed as part of the “Magdala collection” in William Wright’s Catalogue of the Ethiopic manuscripts in the British Museum acquired since the year 1847

An 18th century manuscript of the Synodos (OR 796)

Published / by Andrew Heavens / Leave a Comment

What: An 18th century Ethiopian manuscript containing the Synodos. Orders of the Apostles and various prayers.

Where: The British Library, 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB

Ref: OR 796
Digital version – http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/FullDisplay.aspx?ref=Or_796

Provenance:
Stamped on first page: “Presented by the Secretary of State for India Aug. 1868”
Listed as part of the “Magdala collection” in William Wright’s Catalogue of the Ethiopic manuscripts in the British Museum acquired since the year 1847

A 17th century manuscript of the Fetha Nagast or Justice of Kings (OR 801)

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What: An Ethiopian manuscript dated 1689 of the Fetha Nagast or Justice of Kings, Ecclesiastical laws and Civil laws

Where: The British Library, 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB

Ref: OR 801
Digital version – http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/FullDisplay.aspx?ref=Or_801

Provenance:
Stamped on first page: “Presented by the Secretary of State for India Aug. 1868”
Listed as part of the “Magdala collection” in William Wright’s Catalogue of the Ethiopic manuscripts in the British Museum acquired since the year 1847

An 18th century manuscript of the Fetha Nagast or Justice of Kings (OR 806)

Published / by Andrew Heavens / Leave a Comment

What: An Ethiopian manuscript dated 1721 of the Justice of Kings, Ecclesiastical laws and Civil laws. Deeds of gift of King Takla Haimanot.

Where: The British Library, 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB

Ref: OR 806
Digital version – http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/FullDisplay.aspx?ref=Or_806

Provenance:
Stamped on first page: “Presented by the Secretary of State for India Aug. 1868”
Listed as part of the “Magdala collection” in William Wright’s Catalogue of the Ethiopic manuscripts in the British Museum acquired since the year 1847