John Donne

Dr John Donne (1572–1631), Dean of St Paul's, had a considerable library which was dispersed after his death.

Sir Geoffrey Keynes's A bibliography of Dr. John Donne (4th edition 1973) gives a list of surviving books known to him at that date. Many volumes are now found in the library of the Middle Temple, London.

Donne's books typically have his motto Per Rachel ho servito, et non per Lea at the top of the title page and his signature in the bottom right-hand corner. Many of his books have a limp vellum binding.

Shelfmark W/H-2-32

Anastasius, Bibliothecarius. Historia, de vitis Romanorum pontificum a B. Petro apostolo vsque ad Nicolaum I. ... deinde Vita Hadriani II. et Stephani VI .... Mainz, 1602.

Inscription at top of title page: Per Rachel ho servito, et non per Lea.
Inscription at foot of title page in the same hand: J. Donnes.

This book from the library of John Donne (1572–1631), Dean of St Paul's, is not recorded in Sir Geoffrey Keynes's A bibliography of Dr. John Donne, 4th edition 1973. It has his usual motto and signature and his typical limp vellum binding.