University of Toronto researchers identify rare 15th-century Louis XI royal decree
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Apr 26
University of Toronto researchers identify rare 15th-century Louis XI royal decree
4 articles · Updated · Fox News · Apr 26
The letter, discovered in the binding of a book at Massey College’s Robertson Davies Library, was identified using advanced imaging by Jessica Lockhart and Chana Algarvio.
Donated by Will Rueter, the fragment had passed through collectors and bookbinders before its significance was recognized. The document, a lettre patente, is a rare example of a royal decree.
Such royal letters are seldom found in book bindings, and experts say the discovery sheds light on the evolution of French bureaucracy under Louis XI, known as the 'Spider King' for his political intrigue.
What secrets of France's 'Spider King' can new technology reveal from this faded royal letter?
How did a French king's 15th-century decree end up hidden inside a Canadian library book?
How does a 500-year-old French document connect to modern Canadian law?
Are priceless historical treasures hiding undiscovered on library shelves?
What lost history is being revealed by scanning the bindings of ancient books?