19c Grand tour diary recording ancient manuscripts and other antiquarian items

19th century diary of travels through France, Belgium and Germany, chiefly recording items of antiquarian interest, such as ancient manuscripts, churches, etc.

A bookseller note states that this work was likely executed by Philippe Kervyn de Volkaersbeke. Philippe (1815-1881) was a Belgian politician and antiquarian; he published on antiquarian themes including works focused on the regions and manuscripts here explored.

Same bookseller titled this diary, "Relacion ou Voyage en Allemegne via Lille, Ghent & Bruxelles".

In exploring this diary, I found that the author would enter town libraries and record the ancient records extant. In one example, he drew the title page of Matthew for a manuscript likely 9th or 10th century (based on the design).

A handful of sketches throughout, though the author was not an artist.

The diary is written in French, and I think it would be best enjoyed by someone who is fluent in French (enough to read hasty handwritten notes) and enjoys the pursuit of antiquarian items.

I count (approx.) 140 leaves with notes filling both sides. Likely approx. 70 blank leaves following (with one near rear with annotations mixed in).

Physical Attributes -

Measures approx. 21 x 13 x 2 cm. Leather binding. Ticket of paper seller "Garnier Papetier Rui Poissonniere No. 5 A Paris" on pastedown.

Condition -

See pictures. Binding has some wear at edges, corners and joints with a little rubbing. Some evidence of polish. 1 cm crack at top of front joint. Rear board bottom corner bumped. Oiled turn-ins (leather) has ghosted onto facing pages. Ticket of "Garnier Papetier" on pastedown. Some bookseller notes on flyleaf (1830/50, non identifie, proboblement Phillipe Kervyn de Volkaersbeke, etc.) Some toning to paper. Occasional ink smudge. Some underlining, strikethroughs, etc. Approx. 1/3 of the leaves are blank.