Judging a Cover by Its Book.

The article focuses on a gold girdle-book produced in the 1540s by the goldsmith Hans van Antwerpen in London, which originally contained a miniature prayer-book. The case, designed to be worn by a woman, features intricate enamel work and was later repurposed in the 1570s to house a collection of printed leaves, including a 1574 edition of "Morning and Evening Prayer" attributed to Lady Elizabeth Tyrwhit. The article discusses the historical context of the girdle-book, its contents, and the potential motivations behind its assembly, suggesting connections to notable figures in the Elizabethan era, including Christopher Barker, a prominent printer. The current state of the girdle-book, its fragility, and its significance as a piece of jewelry and religious artifact are also highlighted. [Extracted from the article]