This 16th-century Bible, bound with a 1584 Book of Psalms, is adorned with the florid 17th-century signature of Ann Kent. She appends her inscription: “Her Book April ye 27th. An: Dni: 1696.”
Though women’s signatures in Bibles are quite common, it is rare to see an inscription so intricate. Ann may have been inspired to show off her calligraphy as a result of the text’s sacred nature.
Source: Book offered for sale by Cobnar Books, 4/24/19. Images used with permission.
Early Modern Female Book Ownership 