This happy fruit of Dr. James'
research throws a welcome ray of light on the pursuit of
Greek studies in the last quarter of the fifteenth century.[3]
[1] Leiden, Voss. MSS. Graec., 56.
[2] On this group see Harris, Jas. Rendel, The Leicester Codex.
[3] E. H. R., xxv. 446-7; James.
In view of all the hard things which have been said of
the religious, it is significant to find them taking a leading
part in bringing Greek studies to England. We cannot
collate all the instances here, but a few may be brought
together. Two Benedictines named William of Selling and
William Hadley, some time warden of Canterbury College,
Oxford, were in Italy studying and buying books for
three years after 1464.[1] The former became distinguished
for his aptitude in learning the ancient tongues, and
consequently won the friendship of Angelo Poliziano.
At least two other visits to Italy were made by him;
the last being undertaken as an emissary of the king.
On these occasions he got together as many Greek
and Latin books as he could, and brought them--a
large and precious store--to Canterbury. [2] For some
reason the books were kept in the Prior's lodging
instead of in the monastic library, and here they perished
through the carelessness of Layton's myrmidons.
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