Nov 30, 2025
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In the library at Hatfield House there is an elegant manuscript of the Acts of the Apocolypse, written by Pieter Meghen and decorated by a member of the Horenbout family, who were Flemish miniaturists. This manuscript forms part of a set, but unlike the others, which were prepared for John Colet, this one was intended for Henry [VIII] and Catherine [of Aragon], whose initials, linked by true-love knots on a ground of green and white, the Tudor colours, are found in the border design. (101) Meghen, who wished to become 'Writer of the King's Books', included Catherine [of Aragon] in the design because she was known to be sympathetic to this sort of material - the translation is by Jerome and Erasmus - as well as being a mediator for literary patronage with the king. — The Books of King Henry VIII and his Wives by James P. Carley, published 2004.
'HK' — Detail from the above image, showing the combined initials of Henry VIII & Katharine of Aragon, entwined in a true-love knot, with a background of white and green, the colours of the Tudor dynasty.
not to get all academic today...
but desiderius erasmus is SUCH an extravagant diva. like sure there are many synonymous ways to write "your letter pleased me mightily" why WHY did he write like over 100?? surely he could've capped it off at about 30 or so. but nooOOooo. here are some of my favorites:
Your brief missive flooded me with inexplicable joy.
Once I had read your affectionate letter, I was carried away with a strange happiness.
On receipt of your letter, an incredible delight seized my spirits.
Heavens, what causes for joy did your letter provide!
When I received your most gracious letter, boundless happiness occupied every recess of my soul.
Can you imagine the time of joy on which I rode as I perceived in your letter your affection for me?
What your wrote is sweeter to me than any ambrosia.
In the perusal of your affectionate letter the heart of Erasmus leapt for joy.
Sugar is not sugar when set beside your letter.
i love this
Now this correspondence between Gardiner and Erasmus is sweet and somewhat funny. stephen basically wrote an essay, he really admired erasmus.
"We kickstarted the Reformation, by mistake"
Erasmus of Rotterdam moving to Freiburg, 1529:
kütüphaneniz sizin cennetinizdir..
"Your library is your paradise."
-Desiderius Erasmus