Author: Stoke, Melis
Title: [Rare early edition, 1620, Melis Stoke] Hollandtsche Riim-Kroniik. Inhoudende de gheschiedenissen der Graven van Hollandt tot het Iaer M.CCC.V. The Hague: H. Jacobssz., 1620, (14),99[=100],6,(6)p.
Description: A rare 1620 edition of Melis Stoke's Rijmkroniek, with large title vignette.From 1290 on Melis Stoke composed a chronicle in verse on the county of Holland. Written in Middle Dutch, this “Rijmkroniek” was one of the first books to appear in the Dutch language. It describes (among other stories) the assassination of Floris V, Count of Holland and Zeeland. Stoke’s chronicle was based on written sources, testimonies and his own observations. Unfortunately, Melis Stoke is not praised for his historical accuracy and reliability.The first published edition of the Rijmkroniek appeared in Amsterdam in 1591 (ed. J. van der Does). Due to his ability to read and write (most people of his time were illiterate) Stoke is believed to have been a monk. The Melis Stokelaan in The Hague was named after him.Rare - Rijmkroniek - Counts of Holland - Melis Stoke Contemporary vellum, lacks ties. 32 x 21 cm. With ex libris of J.B. Vervliet and E. Ipers on front pastedown. Stamp of Edw. Ipers on upper first front endleaf. Handwritten inscription on the verso with the year 1869 and number 262. Possibly related to Ipers. Occasional foxing.

Keywords: Dutch History|History|Literature & Philosophy|Poetry|Rare|the Hague