Ethiopia, early 19th century A.D. A collection of 93 vellum leaves bound into gatherings of around ten leaves, in black inked handwritten Ge'ez text with the typical rubrics- opening lines of the main text; divisions; personal names- in two different hands, both by the same scribe and datable to the later part of the Early Räqiq period; the text contains a collection of homilies of St. Michael for each month of the year from Hedar through to T'eqemt, each accompanied by the Synaxarium entry for the Feast of St. Michael on the 12th of the month and a miracle story and sälam hymn; two collections: 19 lines up to f.70; 24 lines from f.72 to end; the owner's name appears as Wäldä Yohannes throughout, often accompanied by that of a scribe named Wäldä Sänbät; a later endnote on folio 92v records a witnessed loan and the date 1917 E.C., i.e. 1924/5; three full-page polychrome paintings; ruling and pricking visible throughout; bound between wooden boards, the front board split and glued; discolouration around the edges of many leaves through use. 1.1 kg, 22.5 x 17.5 cm (8 7/8 x 6 7/8 in.). Previously in a private collection, New Jersey, USA. Acquired from the antiquarian book trade, 2011. Ex central London gallery. Accompanied by a copy of a typed three page information sheet which includes a more detailed index of the contents and context for the paintings for catalogue entry ms. 15126. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate no.11427-192180. [No Reserve]