Early Italian Meditation Manuscript in Original Binding Compiled by a Woman of Nobility. by Anon

[Italy], circa 1790 Manuscript deeds on vellum, entitled "Complesso delle Meditazioni estratte dai manoscritti di una Pia, e Noble Signora La di cui memoria sarà in benedizione." [Compilation of Meditations taken from the Mmanuscripts of a Devout and Noble Lady Whose Memory will be Blessed.], delineating boundaries between the fens in the parishes of Helpringham, Swayton [Swaton], and Donington. With a small paper clipping loosely inserted, being a brief Latin text referring to a work from the year 1781 found in the parochial church of San Marie Majoris [Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore] in Rome. 8vo. 80 pages in manuscript including title page, an elegant presentation with wide margins and text ruled in ink by the writer. Half calf over glazed paper boards, paper label to spine with manuscript armorial drawing and initials. Volume measures approximately 15 x 20,5 cm. Minor loss to upper spine and front board, otherwise in very good condition, a solid and lovely early Italian binding, beautifully preserved, clean and bright internally, with a contemplative work of spirituality uncommon for its attribution to a female of nobility. [The terms "Signore" and "Signora" were formerly signified landed nobility, being translations of "Lord" and "Lady." They were used also in the military hierarchy and for persons in official positions or for members of a society's elite.] The volume begins with a short devotion by Thomas à Kempis, CRSA (c. 1380 - 1471), a German-Dutch canon regular of the late medieval period and the author of "The Imitation of Christ", one of the most popular and best known Christian books on devotion.. Manuscript.