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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at <a href = "http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre> +<p>Title: Bibliomania; or Book-Madness</p> +<p> A Bibliographical Romance</p> +<p>Author: Thomas Frognall Dibdin</p> +<p>Release Date: April 8, 2009 [eBook #28540]</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BIBLIOMANIA; OR BOOK-MADNESS***</p> +<p> </p> +<h3>E-text prepared by Suzanne Lybarger, Brian Janes, Linda Cantoni,<br /> + and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br /> + (http://www.pgdp.net)</h3> +<p> </p> +<div class="notes"> +<p> </p> +<p class="center"><i>Transcriber's Notes</i></p> + +<p>Thomas Frognall Dibdin's <i>Bibliomania</i> was originally published in +1809 and was re-issued in several editions, including one published by +Chatto & Windus in 1876. This e-book was prepared from a reprint of +the 1876 edition, published by Thoemmes Press and Kinokuniya Company +Ltd. in 1997. Where the reprint was unclear, the transcriber consulted +the actual 1876 edition. All color images were scanned from the 1876 edition.</p> + +<p>The original contains numerous footnotes, denoted by numbers in the +section entitled <a href="#The_Bibliomania">The Bibliomania</a>, and +by symbols in the remainder of the book. All of the +footnotes are consecutively numbered in this e-book; footnotes within +footnotes are lettered.</p> + +<p>Some phrases are rendered in the original in blackletter; they are +rendered in <b><i>bold italic</i></b> in this e-book.</p> + +<p>This e-book contains passages in ancient Greek, which may not +display properly in some browsers, depending on what fonts the reader +has installed. Hover the mouse over the Greek to see a pop-up +transliteration, e.g. <span lang="el" title="Greek: biblos">βιβλος</span>.</p> + +<p>Spelling and typographical errors are retained as they appear in the +original. They are underlined in red, with a popup <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note">Transcriber's Note</span> containing the correct spelling. +Minor punctuation and font errors have been corrected without +note. Inconsistent diacriticals and hyphenation have been retained as +they appear in the original.</p> + +<p>There are frequent inconsistencies in the spelling of certain proper +names. These have been retained as they appear in the original, for example:</p> + +<ul> +<li>Bibliothèque/Bibliothéque</li> +<li>Boccaccio/Bocaccio/Boccacio</li> +<li>De Foe/Defoe</li> +<li>Français/François</li> +<li>Loménie/Lomenie</li> +<li>Montfauçon/Montfaucon</li> +<li>Roxburgh/Roxburghe</li> +<li>Shakspeare/Shakespeare</li> +<li>Spenser/Spencer</li> +<li>Tewrdannckhs/Tewrdranckhs/Teurdanckhs (and other variations)</li> +<li>Vallière/Valliere</li></ul> + +<p>The original pagination used two sets of Roman numerals and two +sets of Arabic numerals. To distinguish between them, in this e-book +the Roman-numeral pages in the <a href="#INDEXES">Indexes</a> are +preceded by "I." The Arabic-numeral pages in the section entitled +<a href="#The_Bibliomania">The Bibliomania</a> are preceded by "B." +Some page numbers are skipped due to blank pages.</p> + +<p>Page references, including those in the <a href="#INDEXES">Indexes</a>, +do not distinguish between references appearing in the main text and +those appearing in footnotes. Therefore, in this e-book, where the +referenced matter does not appear in the main text on the linked page, it can +be found in the nearest footnote.</p> +</div> +<p> </p> +<p class="centertbp">Link to <a href="#CONTENTS">CONTENTS.</a></p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="center"><span class="gesplg">BIBLIOMANIA.</span></p> + +<p class="centertbp"> +<img src="images/libri.png" width="500" height="364" alt="" title="" /> +</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="quotation"> +<tr> +<td> +<i>Libri quosdam ad Scientiam, quosdam <span class="smcap">ad insaniam</span>, deduxêre.</i><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 9em;"><span class="smcap">Geyler</span>: Navis Stultifera: sign. B. iiij. rev.</span></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<hr /> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/dibdin.jpg" width="411" height="500" alt="T.F. DIBDIN, D.D." title="T.F. DIBDIN, D.D." /> +</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="lg">T.F. DIBDIN, D.D.</span></p> + +<p class="center"><i>Engraved by James Thomson from the<br /> +Original Painting by T. Phillips, Esq<span class="super">r</span>. R.A.</i></p> + +<p class="center"><span class="sm">PUBLISHED BY THE PROPRIETORS (FOR THE NEW EDITION) OF THE REV. D<span class="super">r</span>. +DIBDINS BIBLIOMANIA 1840.</span></p> + +<hr /> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/title01.jpg" width="352" height="600" alt="title page - image credit: Engraved by S. Freeman." title="title page - image credit: Engraved by S. Freeman." /> +</p> + +<p class="centerbp"><span class="msm">[<a href="images/title01-lg.jpg">Enlarge</a>]</span></p> + +<div class="bbox"> +<p class="center"><span class="gesplg">BIBLIOMANIA;</span></p> + +<p class="center"><span class="sm">OR</span></p> + +<p class="center"><span class="rllg">Book-Madness;</span></p> + +<p class="center">A BIBLIOGRAPHICAL ROMANCE.</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="msm">ILLUSTRATED WITH CUTS.</span></p> + + +<p class="center"><span class="lg">BY THOMAS FROGNALL DIBDIN, D.D.</span></p> + + +<p class="center"><span class="bl">New and improved Edition,</span></p> + +<p class="center"><span class="sm">TO WHICH ARE ADDED</span></p> + +<p class="center"><span class="msm"> +PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS, AND A SUPPLEMENT INCLUDING A KEY<br /> +TO THE ASSUMED CHARACTERS IN THE DRAMA.</span><br /> +</p> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<p class="center"><span class="bl">London:</span></p> + +<p class="center">CHATTO & WINDUS, PICCADILLY.</p> + +<p class="center">MDCCCLXXVI.</p> +</div> + +<hr /> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/dedication.jpg" width="362" height="600" alt="Dedication" title="Dedication" /> +</p> + +<p class="centerbp"><span class="msm">[<a href="images/dedication-lg.jpg">Enlarge</a>]</span></p> + +<div class="bbox"> +<p class="center"><span class="sm">TO</span></p> + +<p class="center">THE RIGHT HONOURABLE</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="gesperrt"><span class="mlg">THE EARL OF POWIS,</span></span></p> + +<p class="center"><span class="sm">PRESIDENT OF</span></p> + +<p class="center"><span class="rllg">The Roxburgh Club,</span></p> + +<p class="center"><span class="sm">THIS</span></p> + +<p class="center"><span class="lg">NEW EDITION</span></p> + +<p class="center"><span class="sm">OF</span></p> + +<p class="center"><span class="gesplg">BIBLIOMANIA</span></p> + +<p class="center"><span class="sm">IS</span></p> + +<p class="center">RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="lg">THE AUTHOR.</span></p> +</div> + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">vii</a></span></p> + +<p class="centerbp"> +<img src="images/deco01.png" width="500" height="214" alt="" title="" /> +</p> + +<h2>ADVERTISEMENT.</h2> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<p><img src="images/cap_t.png" width="250" height="227" alt="T" title="T" class="floatcap" /><i>HE +public may not be altogether unprepared for the re-appearance of +the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span> in a more attractive garb than heretofore;—and, in +consequence, more in uniformity with the previous publications of the +Author.</i></p> + +<p><i>More than thirty years have elapsed since the last edition; an +edition, which has become so scarce that there seemed to be no +reasonable objection why the possessors of the</i> other <i>works of the +Author should be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">viii</a></span> deprived of an opportunity of adding the</i> present +<i>to the number: and although this re-impression may, on first glance, +appear something like a violation of contract with the public, yet, +when the length of time which has elapsed, and the smallness of the +price of the preceding impression, be considered, there does not +appear to be any very serious obstacle to the present republication; +the more so, as the number of copies is limited to five hundred.</i></p> + +<p><i>Another consideration deeply impressed itself upon the mind of the +Author. The course of thirty years has necessarily brought changes and +alterations amongst "men and things." The dart of death has been so +busy during this period that, of the Bibliomaniacs so plentifully +recorded in the previous work, scarcely</i> three,<i>—including the +Author—have survived. This has furnished a monitory theme for the +<span class="smcap">Appendix</span>; which, to the friends both of the dead and the living, +cannot be perused without sympathising emotions—</i></p> + +<p class="center"> +<i>"A sigh the absent claim, the <span class="smcap">dead</span> a tear."</i> +</p> + +<p><i>The changes and alterations in "things,"—that is to say in the</i> +<span class="rl">Bibliomania</span> <i>itself—have been equally capricious and unaccountable: +our countrymen being, in</i> these <i>days, to the full as fond of novelty +and variety as in those of Henry the Eighth. Dr. Board, who wrote his</i> +Introduction of Knowledge <i>in the year 1542, and dedicated it to the +Princess Mary, thus observes of our countrymen:</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_ix" id="Page_ix">ix</a></span></p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +<i>I am an Englishman, and naked do I stand here,<br /> +Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear;<br /> +For now I will wear</i> this, <i>and now I will wear</i> that,<br /> +<i>Now I will wear—I cannot tell what.</i><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><i>This highly curious and illustrative work was reprinted, with all its +wood-cut embellishments, by Mr. Upcott. A copy of the original and +most scarce edition is among the Selden books in the Bodleian library, +and in the Chetham Collection at Manchester. See the</i> Typographical +Antiquities, <i>vol.</i> iii. <i>p.</i> 158-60.</p> + +<p><i>But I apprehend the general apathy of Bibliomaniacs to be in a great +measure attributable to the vast influx of <span class="smcap">Books</span>, of every +description, from the Continent—owing to the long continuance of +peace; and yet, in the appearance of what are called</i> English +Rarities, <i>the market seems to be almost as barren as ever. The +wounds, inflicted in the <span class="smcap">Heberian</span> contest, have gradually healed, and +are subsiding into forgetfulness; excepting where, from</i> collateral +<i>causes, there are too many</i> striking <i>reasons to remember their +existence.</i></p> + +<p><i>Another motive may be humbly, yet confidently, assigned for the +re-appearance of this Work. It was thought, by its late +proprietor,—<span class="smcap">Mr. Edward Walmsley</span><a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a>—to whose cost and liberality this +edition owes its<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_x" id="Page_x">x</a></span> appearance—to be a volume, in itself, of pleasant +and profitable perusal; composed perhaps in a quaint and original +style, but in accordance with the characters of the</i> Dramatis Personæ. +<i>Be this as it may, it is a work divested of all acrimonious +feeling—is applicable to all classes of society, to whom harmless +enthusiasm cannot be offensive—and is based upon a foundation not +likely to be speedily undermined.</i></p> + +<p class="right"><i>T.F. DIBDIN.</i></p> + +<p class="bp"><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>May</i> 1, 1842.</span></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1">[1]</a> <i>Mr. <span class="smcap">Edward Walmsley</span>, who died in 1841, at an +advanced age, had been long known to me. He had latterly +extensive calico-printing works at Mitcham, and devoted much +of his time to the production of beautiful patterns in that +fabrication; his taste, in almost every thing which he +undertook, leant towards the fine arts. His body was in the +counting-house; but his spirit was abroad, in the studio of +the painter or engraver. Had his natural talents, which were +strong and elastic, been cultivated in early life, he would, +in all probability, have attained a considerable reputation. +How he loved to embellish—almost to satiety—a favourite +work, may be seen by consulting a subsequent page towards +the end of this volume. He planned and published the</i> +Physiognomical Portraits, <i>a performance not divested of +interest—but failing in general success, from the prints +being, in many instances, a repetition of their precursors. +The thought, however, was a good one; and many of the heads +are powerfully executed. He took also a lively interest in +Mr. Major's splendid edition of Walpole's</i> Anecdotes of +Painting in England, <i>a work, which can never want a reader +while taste has an abiding-place in one British bosom.</i> +</p><p> +<i>Mr. Walmsley possessed a brave and generous spirit; and I +scarcely knew a man more disposed to bury the remembrance of +men's errors in that of their attainments and good +qualities.</i></p></div> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xi" id="Page_xi">xi</a></span></p> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/title02.jpg" width="325" height="600" alt="second title page" title="second title page" /> +</p> + +<p class="centerbp"><span class="msm">[<a href="images/title02-lg.jpg">Enlarge</a>]</span></p> + +<div class="bbox"> +<p class="center"><span class="gesperrt"><span class="mlg"><b>THE BIBLIOMANIA;</b></span></span></p> + +<p class="center"><span class="sm">OR</span></p> + +<p class="center"><span class="rllg">Book-Madness;</span></p> + +<p class="center"><span class="sm">CONTAINING SOME ACCOUNT OF THE</span></p> + +<p class="center">HISTORY, SYMPTOMS, AND CURE OF<br /> +<br /> +THIS FATAL DISEASE.</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="sm">IN AN EPISTLE ADDRESSED TO</span></p> + +<p class="center"><span class="gesperrt">RICHARD HEBER</span>, <span class="smcap">Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="center"><span class="sm">BY THE</span></p> + +<p class="center">REV. THOMAS FROGNALL DIBDIN, F.S.A.</p> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +<span class="sm">Styll am I besy bokes assemblynge,<br /> +For to have plenty it is a pleasaunt thynge<br /> +In my conceyt, and to have them ay in honde:<br /> +But what they mene I do nat understonde.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;"><span class="sm"><span class="bl">Pynson's Ship of Fools.</span> Edit. 1509.</span></span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<p class="center"><span class="gesperrt">LONDON:</span><br /> +<span class="sm">REPRINTED FROM THE FIRST EDITION, PUBLISHED IN<br /> +1809.</span></p> +</div> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xiii" id="Page_xiii">xiii</a></span></p> + +<h2><span class="bl">Advertisement.</span></h2> + +<hr class="short" /> + + +<p><i>In laying before the public the following brief and superficial +account of a disease, which, till it arrested the attention of Dr. +Ferriar, had entirely escaped the sagacity of all ancient and modern +physicians, it has been my object to touch chiefly on its leading +characteristics; and to present the reader (in the language of my old +friend Francis Quarles) with an "honest pennyworth" of information, +which may, in the end, either suppress or soften the ravages of so +destructive a malady. I might easily have swelled the size of this +treatise by the introduction of much additional, and not incurious, +matter; but I thought it most prudent to wait the issue of the present +"recipe," at once simple in its composition and gentle in its +effects.</i></p> + +<p><i>Some apology is due to the amiable and accomplished character to whom +my epistle is addressed, as well as to the public, for the apparently +con<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xiv" id="Page_xiv">xiv</a></span>fused and indigested manner in which the notes are attached to the +first part of this treatise; but, unless I had thrown them to the end +(a plan which modern custom does not seem to warrant), it will be +obvious that a different arrangement could not have been adopted; and +equally so that the perusal, first of the text, and afterwards of the +notes, will be the better mode of passing judgment upon both.</i></p> + +<p class="right">T.F.D.</p> + +<p><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Kensington, June</i> 5, 1809.</span></p> + + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xv" id="Page_xv">xv</a></span></p> + +<p class="centerbp"> +<img src="images/deco02.png" width="500" height="200" alt="" title="" /> +</p> + +<h2>TO THE READER.</h2> + + +<p class="tp"><img src="images/cap_a.png" width="250" height="258" alt="A" title="A" class="floatcap" /> +<i>SHORT time after the publication of the first edition of this work, +a very worthy and shrewd Bibliomaniac, accidentally meeting me, +exclaimed that "the book</i> would do, <i>but that there was not</i> gall +<i>enough in it." As he was himself a</i> Book-Auction-loving Bibliomaniac, +<i>I was resolved, in a future edition, to gratify him and similar +Collectors by writing</i> <a href="#PART_III"><span class="smcap">Part III.</span></a> <i>of the present impression; the motto +of which may probably meet their approbation.</i></p> + +<p><i>It will be evident, on a slight inspection of the present edition, +that it is so much altered and enlarged as to assume the character of +a new</i> work. <i>This has not been done without mature reflection; and a +long-cherished hope of making it permanently useful to a large class +of General Readers, as well as to Book-Collectors and +Bibliographers.</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xvi" id="Page_xvi">xvi</a></span></p> + +<p><i>It appeared to me that notices of such truly valuable, and oftentimes +curious and rare, books, as the ensuing pages describe; but more +especially a</i> Personal History of Literature, <i>in the characters of</i> +Collectors of Books; <i>had long been a desideratum even with classical +students: and in adopting the present form of publication, my chief +object was to relieve the dryness of a didactic style by the +introduction of</i> Dramatis Personæ.</p> + +<p><i>The worthy Gentlemen, by whom the</i> Drama <i>is conducted, may be +called, by some, merely wooden machines or</i> pegs <i>to hang notes upon; +but I shall not be disposed to quarrel with any criticism which may be +passed upon their acting, so long as the greater part of the +information, to which their dialogue gives rise, may be thought +serviceable to the real interests of</i> Literature <i>and</i> Bibliography.</p> + +<p><i>If I had chosen to assume a more imposing air with the public, by +spinning out the contents of this closely-printed book into two or +more volumes—which might have been done without violating the +customary mode of publication—the expenses of the purchaser, and the +profits of the author, would have equally increased: but I was +resolved to bring forward as much matter as I could impart, in a +convenient and not inelegantly executed form; and, if my own +emoluments are less, I honestly hope the reader's advantage is +greater.</i></p> + +<p><i>The</i> Engraved Ornaments of Portraits, Vignettes, and Borders, <i>were +introduced, as well to gratify the eyes of tasteful Bibliomaniacs, as +to impress, upon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xvii" id="Page_xvii">xvii</a></span> the minds of readers in general, a more vivid +recollection of some of those truly illustrious characters by whom +the</i> <span class="smcap">History of British Literature</span> <i>has been preserved.</i></p> + +<p><i>It remains only to add that the present work was undertaken to +relieve, in a great measure, the anguish of mind arising from a severe +domestic affliction; and if the voice of those whom we tenderly loved, +whether parent or</i> child, <i>could be heard from the</i> grave, <i>I trust it +would convey the sound of approbation for thus having filled a part of +the measure of that time which, every hour, brings us nearer to those +from whom we are separated.</i></p> + +<p><i>And now</i>, <span class="smcap">Benevolent Reader</span>, <i>in promising thee as much amusement and +instruction as ever were offered in a single volume, of a nature like +to the present, I bid thee farewell in the language of</i> Vogt,<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> <i>who +thus praises the subject of which we are about to treat:—"Quis non</i> +<span class="smcap">amabilem</span> <i>eam laudabit</i> <span class="smcap">insaniam</span>, <i>quæ universæ rei litterariæ non +obfuit, sed profuit; historiæ litterariæ doctrinam insigniter +locupletavit; ingentemque exercitum voluminum, quibus alias aut in +remotiora Bibliothecarum publicarum scrinia commigrandum erat, aut +plane pereundum, a carceribus et interitu vindicavit, exoptatissimæque +luci et eruditorum usui multiplici felicitur restituit?"</i></p> + +<p class="right">T.F.D.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Kensington, March</i> 25, 1811.</span></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2">[2]</a> Catalogus Librorum Rariorum, præf. ix. edit. +1793.</p> +</div> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xviii" id="Page_xviii">xviii</a></span></p> + +<p class="centerbp"> +<img src="images/deco03.png" width="500" height="235" alt="" title="" /> +</p> + +<h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS"></a>CONTENTS.</h2> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="contents"> +<tr> +<td class="right" style="vertical-align: top"><span class="smcap"><a href="#PART_I">Part I.</a></span></td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify"><span class="smcap">The Evening Walk.</span> <i>On the right uses of +Literature</i></td> +<td class="right" style="vertical-align: bottom"><a href="#Page_3">p. 3-20.</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="right" style="vertical-align: top"><span class="smcap"><a href="#PART_II">II.</a></span></td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify"><span class="smcap">The Cabinet.</span> <i>Outline of Foreign and Domestic +Bibliography</i></td> +<td class="right" style="vertical-align: bottom"><a href="#Page_23">p. 23-92.</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="right" style="vertical-align: top"><span class="smcap"><a href="#PART_III">III.</a></span></td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify"><span class="smcap">The Auction-Room.</span> <i>Character of Orlando. Of +ancient Prices of Books, and of Book-Binding. Book-Auction Bibliomaniacs</i></td> +<td class="right" style="vertical-align: bottom"><a href="#Page_103">p. 103-139.</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="right" style="vertical-align: top"><span class="smcap"><a href="#PART_IV">IV.</a></span></td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify"><span class="smcap">The Library.</span> <i>Dr. Henry's History of Great +Britain. A Game at Chess. Of Monachism +and Chivalry. Dinner at Lorenzo's. Some Account +of Book Collectors in England</i></td> +<td class="right" style="vertical-align: bottom"><a href="#Page_143">p. 143-207.</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="right" style="vertical-align: top"><span class="smcap"><a href="#PART_V">V.</a></span></td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify"><span class="smcap">The Drawing Room.</span> <i>History of the Bibliomania, +or Account of Book Collectors, concluded</i></td> +<td class="right" style="vertical-align: bottom"><a href="#Page_211">p. 211-463.</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="right" style="vertical-align: top"><span class="smcap"><a href="#PART_VI">VI.</a></span></td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify"><span class="smcap">The Alcove.</span> <i>Symptoms of the Disease called the +Bibliomania. Probable Means of its Cure</i></td> +<td class="right" style="vertical-align: bottom"><a href="#Page_467">p. 467-565.</a></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><a href="#SUPPLEMENT"><span class="smcap">Supplement.</span></a></p> + +<p><a href="#CHRONOLOGICAL_INDEX"><span class="smcap">Chronological Index.</span></a></p> + +<p><a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><span class="smcap">Bibliographical Index.</span></a></p> + +<p><a href="#GENERAL_INDEX"><span class="smcap">General Index.</span></a></p> + + + +<hr /> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td class="center"><img src="images/luther.png" width="262" height="500" alt="LUTHER." title="LUTHER." /><br /> +LUTHER.</td> +<td class="center"><img src="images/melanchthon.png" width="263" height="500" alt="MELANCHTHON." title="MELANCHTHON." /><br /> +MELANCTHON.</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="center"><span class="sm">PUBLISHED BY THE PROPRIETOR (FOR THE NEW EDITION) OF THE REV. D<span class="super">r</span>. +DIBDINS BIBLIOMANIA, 1840.</span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_1" id="Page_B_1">B. 1</a></span></p> + +<p class="centerbp"> +<img src="images/deco04.png" width="500" height="85" alt="" title="" /> +</p> + +<h2><a name="The_Bibliomania" id="The_Bibliomania"></a><span class="rl">The Bibliomania.</span></h2> + + +<p class="tp">MY DEAR SIR,</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">When</span> the poetical Epistle of Dr. Ferriar, under the popular title of +"<span class="smcap">The Bibliomania</span>," was announced for publication, I honestly confess +that, in common with many of my book-loving acquaintance, a strong +sensation of fear and of hope possessed me: of fear, that I might have +been accused, however indirectly, of having contributed towards the +increase of this Mania; and of hope, that the true object of +book-collecting, and literary pursuits, might have been fully and +fairly developed. The perusal of this elegant epistle dissipated alike +my fears and my hopes; for, instead of caustic verses, and satirical +notes,<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> I found a smooth,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_2" id="Page_B_2">B. 2</a></span> melodious, and persuasive panegyric; +unmixed, however, with any rules for the choice of books, or the +regulation of study.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3">[3]</a> There are, nevertheless, some satirical +allusions which one could have wished had been suppressed. +For instance:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +He turns where <span class="smcap">Pybus</span> rears his atlas-head,<br /> +Or <span class="smcap">Madoc's</span> mass conceals its veins of lead;<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>What has Mr. Pybus's gorgeous book in praise of the late +Russian Emperor Paul I. (which some have called the +chef-d'œuvre of Bensley's press<a name="FNanchor_A_4" id="FNanchor_A_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_A_4" class="fnanchor">[A]</a>) to do with Mr. +Southey's fine Poem of Madoc?—in which, if there are "veins +of lead," there are not a few "of silver and gold." Of the +extraordinary talents of Mr. Southey, the indefatigable +student in ancient lore, and especially in all that regards +Spanish Literature and Old English Romances, this is not the +place to make mention. His "<i>Remains of Henry Kirk White</i>," +the sweetest specimen of modern biography, has sunk into +every heart, and received an eulogy from every tongue. Yet +is his own life</p> + +<p class="center">"The more endearing song."</p> + +<p>Dr. Ferriar's next satirical verses are levelled at Mr. +<span class="smcap">Thomas Hope</span>.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +"The lettered fop now takes a larger scope,<br /> +With classic furniture, design'd by <span class="smcap">Hope</span>.<br /> +(<span class="smcap">Hope</span>, whom upholsterers eye with mute despair,<br /> +The doughty pedant of an elbow chair.")<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>It has appeared to me that Mr. Hope's magnificent volume on +"<i>Household Furniture</i>" has been generally misunderstood, +and, in a few instances, criticised upon false +principles.—The first question is, does the <i>subject</i> admit +of illustration? and if so, has Mr. Hope illustrated it +properly? I believe there is no canon of criticism which +forbids the treating of such a subject; and, while we are +amused with archæological discussions on Roman tiles and +tesselated pavements, there seems to be no absurdity in +making the decorations of our sitting rooms, including +something more than the floor we walk upon, a subject at +least of temperate and classical disquisition. Suppose we +had found such a treatise in the volumes of Gronovius and +Montfaucon? (and are there not a few, apparently, as +unimportant and confined in these rich volumes of the +Treasures of Antiquity?) or suppose something similar to Mr. +Hope's work had been found among the ruins of Herculaneum? +Or, lastly, let us suppose the author had printed it only as +a <i>private</i> book, to be circulated as a present! In each of +these instances, should we have heard the harsh censures +which have been thrown out against it? On the contrary, is +it not very probable that a wish might have been expressed +that "so valuable a work ought to be made public." +</p> +<p> +Upon what principle, <i>a priori</i>, are we to ridicule and +condemn it? I know of none. We admit Vitruvius, Inigo Jones, +Gibbs, and Chambers, into our libraries: and why not Mr. +Hope's book? Is decoration to be confined only to the +exterior? and, if so, are works, which treat of these only, +to be read and applauded? Is the delicate bas-relief, and +beautifully carved column, to be thrust from the cabinet and +drawing room, to perish on the outside of a smoke-dried +portico? Or, is not <i>that</i> the most deserving of +commendation which produces the most numerous and pleasing +associations of ideas? I recollect, when in company with the +excellent <span class="smcap">Dr. Jenner</span>,</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +——[clarum et venerabile nomen<br /> +Gentibus, et multum nostræ quod proderat urbi]<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>and a half dozen more friends, we visited the splendid +apartments in Duchess Street, Portland Place, we were not +only struck with the appropriate arrangement of every thing, +but, on our leaving them, and coming out into the dull foggy +atmosphere of London, we acknowledged that the effect +produced upon our minds was something like that which might +have arisen had we been regaling ourselves on the silken +couches, and within the illuminated chambers, of some of the +enchanted palaces described in the Arabian Nights' +Entertainments. I suspect that those who have criticised Mr. +Hope's work with asperity have never seen his house. +</p> +<p> +These sentiments are not the result of partiality or +prejudice, for I am wholly unacquainted with Mr. Hope. They +are delivered with zeal, but with deference. It is quite +consolatory to find a gentleman of large fortune, of +respectable ancestry, and of classical attainments, devoting +a great portion of that leisure time which hangs like a +leaden weight upon the generality of fashionable people, to +the service of the Fine Arts, and in the patronage of merit +and ingenuity. How much the world will again be indebted to +Mr. Hope's taste and liberality may be anticipated from the +"<i>Costume of the Ancients</i>," a work which has recently been +published under his particular superintendence.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_A_4" id="Footnote_A_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_A_4">[A]</a> This book is beautifully executed, undoubtedly, +but being little more than a thin folio pamphlet devoid of +<i>typographical</i> embellishment—it has been thought by some +hardly fair to say this of a press which brought out so many +works characterized by magnitude and various elegance. B.B.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">To say that I was not gratified by the perusal of it would be a +confession contrary to the truth; but to say how ardently I +anticipated an amplification of the subject, how eagerly I looked +forward to a number of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_3" id="Page_B_3">B. 3</a></span> curious, apposite, and amusing anecdotes, and +found them not therein, is an avowal of which I need not fear the +rashness, when the known talents of the detector of Stern's +plagiarisms<a name="FNanchor_4_5" id="FNanchor_4_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_5" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> are considered. I will not, however, disguise to you +that I read it with uniform delight, and that I rose from the perusal +with a keener appetite for</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +"The small, rare volume, black with tarnished gold."<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 11em;"><i>Dr. Ferriar's Ep.</i> v. 138.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br /></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_4_5" id="Footnote_4_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_5">[4]</a> In the fourth volume of the Transactions of the +Manchester Literary Society, part iv., p. 45-87, will be +found a most ingenious and amusing Essay, entitled +"<i>Comments on Sterne</i>," which excited a good deal of +interest at the time of its publication. This discovery may +be considered, in some measure, as the result of the +<span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>. In my edition of Sir Thomas More's Utopia, a +suggestion is thrown out that even Burton may have been an +imitator of <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Boiastuau">Boisatuau</span>: see +vol. II. 143.</p></div> + +<p class="tp">Whoever undertakes to write down the follies which grow out of an +excessive attachment to any particular<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_4" id="Page_B_4">B. 4</a></span> pursuit, be that pursuit +horses,<a name="FNanchor_5_6" id="FNanchor_5_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_6" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> hawks, dogs, guns, snuff boxes,<a name="FNanchor_6_7" id="FNanchor_6_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_7" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> old china, coins, or +rusty armour, may<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_5" id="Page_B_5">B. 5</a></span> be thought to have little consulted the best means +of ensuring success for his labours, when he adopts the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_6" id="Page_B_6">B. 6</a></span> dull vehicle +of <i>Prose</i> for the <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: communication">commnication</span> of +his ideas not considering that from <i>Poetry</i> ten thousand bright +scintillations are struck off, which please and convince while they +attract and astonish. Thus when Pope talks of allotting for</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +"Pembroke<a name="FNanchor_7_8" id="FNanchor_7_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_8" class="fnanchor">[7]</a> Statues, dirty Gods and Coins;<br /> +Rare monkish manuscripts for Hearne<a name="FNanchor_8_9" id="FNanchor_8_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_9" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> alone;<br /> +And books to Mead<a name="FNanchor_9_10" id="FNanchor_9_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_9_10" class="fnanchor">[9]</a> and butterflies to Sloane,"<a name="FNanchor_10_11" id="FNanchor_10_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_10_11" class="fnanchor">[10]</a><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>when he says that</p> + +<p class="center">These Aldus<a name="FNanchor_11_12" id="FNanchor_11_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_11_12" class="fnanchor">[11]</a> printed, those Du Sūeil has bound<a name="FNanchor_12_13" id="FNanchor_12_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_12_13" class="fnanchor">[12]</a></p> + +<p>moreover that</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +For Locke or Milton<a name="FNanchor_13_14" id="FNanchor_13_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_13_14" class="fnanchor">[13]</a> 'tis in vain to look;<br /> +These shelves admit not any modern book;<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="bp">he not only seems to illustrate the propriety of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_7" id="Page_B_7">B. 7</a></span> foregoing +remark, by shewing the immense superiority of verse to prose, in +ridiculing reigning absurdities, but he seems to have had a pretty +strong foresight of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_8" id="Page_B_8">B. 8</a></span> <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span> which rages at the present day. +However, as the ancients tell us that a Poet cannot be a +<i>manufactured</i> creature, and as I have not the smallest<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_9" id="Page_B_9">B. 9</a></span> pretensions +to the "rhyming art," [although in former times<a name="FNanchor_14_15" id="FNanchor_14_15"></a><a href="#Footnote_14_15" class="fnanchor">[14]</a> I did venture to +dabble with it] I must of necessity have recourse to <i>Prose</i>; and, at +the same time, to your candour and forbearance in perusing the pages +which ensue.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_5_6" id="Footnote_5_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_6">[5]</a> It may be taken for granted that the first book +in this country which excited a passion for the <i>Sports of +the field</i> was Dame Juliana Berners, or Barnes's, work, on +<i>Hunting and Hawking</i>, printed at St. Alban's, in the year +1486; of which Lord Spencer's copy is, I believe, the only +perfect one known. It was formerly the Poet Mason's, and is +mentioned in the quarto edition of Hoccleve's Poems, p. 19, +1786. See too Bibl. Mason. Pt. iv. N<span class="super">o</span>. 153. Whether the +forementioned worthy lady was really the author of the work +has been questioned. Her book was reprinted by Wynkyn de +Worde in 1497, with an additional Treatise on <i>Fishing</i>. The +following specimen, from this latter edition, ascertains the +general usage of the French language with our huntsmen in +the 15th century.</p> + +<p class="center">Beasts of Venery.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Where so ever ye fare by frith or by fell,<br /> +My dear child, take heed how Trystram do you tell.<br /> +How many manner beasts of Venery there were:<br /> +Listen to your dame and she shall you <i>lere</i>.<br /> +Four manner beasts of Venery there are.<br /> +The first of them is the <i>Hart</i>; the second is the <i>Hare</i>;<br /> +The <i>Horse</i> is one of them; the <i>Wolf</i>; and not one <i>mo</i>.<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="center">Beasts of the Chace.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +And where that ye come in plain or in place<br /> +I shall tell you which be beasts of enchace.<br /> +One of them is the <i>Buck</i>; another is the <i>Doe</i>;<br /> +The <i>Fox</i>; and the <i>Marteron</i>, and the wild <i>Roe</i>;<br /> +And ye shall see, my dear child, other beastes all:<br /> +Where so ye them find <i>Rascal</i> ye shall them call.<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="center">Of the hunting of the Hare.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +How to speke of the haare how all shall be wrought:<br /> +When she shall with houndes be founden and sought.<br /> +The fyrst worde to the hoūdis that the hunter shall out pit<br /> +Is at the kenell doore whan he openeth it.<br /> +That all maye hym here: he shall say "<i>Arere!</i>"<br /> +For his houndes would come to hastily.<br /> +That is the firste worde my sone of Venery.<br /> +And when he hath couplyed his houndes echoon<br /> +And is forth wyth theym to the felde goon,<br /> +And whan he hath of caste his couples at wyll<br /> +Thenne he shall speke and saye his houndes tyll<br /> +"<i>Hors de couple avant, sa avant!</i>" twyse soo:<br /> +And then "<i>So ho, so ho!</i>" thryes, and no moo.<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>And then say "<i>Sacy avaunt, so how</i>," I thou praye, etc. The +following are a few more specimens—"<i>Ha cy touz cy est +yll</i>—<i>Venez ares sa how sa</i>—<i>La douce la eit a venuz</i>—<i>Ho +ho ore, swet a lay, douce a luy</i>—<i>So how, so how, venez +acoupler!!!</i>" +</p><p> +Whoever wishes to see these subjects brought down to later +times, and handled with considerable dexterity, may consult +the last numbers of the Censura Literaria, with the +signature J.H. affixed to them. Those who are anxious to +procure the rare books mentioned in these bibliographical +treatises, may be pretty safely taxed with being infected by +the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>. What apology my friend Mr. Haslewood, the +author of them, has to offer in extenuation of the mischief +committed, it is <i>his</i> business, and not mine, to consider; +and what the public will say to his curious forthcoming +reprint of the ancient edition of Wynkyn De Worde <i>on +Hunting, Hawking, and Fishing</i>, 1497 (with wood cuts), I +will not pretend to divine! +</p><p> +In regard to Hawking, I believe the enterprising Colonel +Thornton <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: is">in</span> the only gentleman of +the present day who keeps up this custom of "good old +times." +</p><p> +The Sultans of the East seem not to have been insensible to +the charms of Falconry, if we are to judge from the evidence +of Tippoo Saib having a work of this kind in his library; +which is thus described from the Catalogue of it just +published in a fine quarto volume, of which only 250 copies +are printed. +</p><p> +"<i>Shābbār Nāmeh</i>, 4to. a Treatise on Falcony; +containing Instructions for selecting the best species of +Hawks, and the method of teaching them; describing their +different qualities; also the disorders they are subject to, +and method of cure. Author unknown."—Oriental Library of +Tippoo Saib, 1809, p. 96.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_6_7" id="Footnote_6_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_7">[6]</a> Of <i>Snuff boxes</i> every one knows what a +collection the great Frederick, King of Prussia, had—many +of them studded with precious stones, and decorated with +enamelled portraits. Dr. C. of G——, has been represented +to be the most successful rival of Frederick, in this "line +of collection," as it is called; some of his boxes are of +uncommon curiosity. It may gratify a Bibliographer to find +that there are other <span class="smcap">Manias</span> besides that of the book; and +that even physicians are not exempt from these diseases. +</p><p> +Of <i>Old China</i>, <i>Coins</i>, and <i>Rusty Armour</i>, the names of +hundreds present themselves in these departments; but to the +more commonly-known ones of Rawle and Grose, let me add that +of the late Mr. John White, of Newgate-Street; a catalogue +of whose curiosities [including some very uncommon books] +was published in the year 1788, in three parts, 8vo. Dr. +Burney tells us that Mr. White "was in possession of a +valuable collection of ancient rarities, as well as natural +productions, of the most curious and extraordinary kind; no +one of which however was more remarkable than the obliging +manner in which he allowed them to be viewed and examined by +his friends."—<i>History of Music</i>, vol. II. 539, note.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_7_8" id="Footnote_7_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_8">[7]</a> The reader will find an animated eulogy on this +great nobleman in Walpole's <i>Anecdotes of Painters</i>, vol. +iv. 227: part of which was transcribed by Joseph Warton for +his Variorum edition of Pope's Works, and thence copied into +the recent edition of the same by the Rev. W.L. Bowles. But +<span class="smcap">Pembroke</span> deserved a more particular notice. Exclusively of +his fine statues, and architectural decorations, the Earl +contrived to procure a number of curious and rare books; and +the testimonies of Maittaire [who speaks indeed of him with +a sort of rapture!] and Palmer shew that the productions of +Jenson and Caxton were no strangers to his library. <i>Annales +Typographici</i>, vol. I. 13. edit. 1719. <i>History of +Printing</i>, p. v. "There is nothing that so surely proves the +pre-eminence of virtue more than the universal admiration of +mankind, and the respect paid it even by persons in opposite +interests; and more than this, it is a sparkling gem which +even time does not destroy: it is hung up in the Temple of +Fame, and respected for ever." <i>Continuation of Granger</i>, +vol. I. 37, &c. "He raised, continues Mr. Noble, a +collection of Antiques that were unrivalled by any subject. +His learning made him a fit companion for the literati. +Wilton will ever be a monument of his extensive knowledge; +and the princely presents it contains, of the high +estimation in which he was held by foreign potentates, as +well as by the many monarchs he saw and served at home. He +lived rather as a primitive christian; in his behaviour, +meek: in his dress, plain: rather retired, conversing but +little." Burnet, in the <i>History of his own Times</i>, has +spoken of the Earl with spirit and propriety.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_8_9" id="Footnote_8_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_8_9">[8]</a> In the recent Variorum Edition of Pope's Works, +all that is annexed to Hearne's name, as above introduced by +the Poet, is, "well known as an Antiquarian."</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Alas, Poor Hearne</span>!</p> + +<p>thy merits, which are now fully appreciated, deserve an +ampler notice! In spite of Gibbon's unmerciful critique +[<i>Posthumous Works</i>, vol. II. 711.], the productions of this +modest, erudite, and indefatigable antiquary are rising in +price proportionably to their worth. If he had only edited +the <i>Collectanea</i> and <i>Itinerary</i> of his favourite Leland, +he would have stood on high ground in the department of +literature and antiquities; but his other and numerous works +place him on a much loftier eminence. Of these, the present +is not the place to make mention; suffice it to say that, +for copies of his works, on <span class="smcap">Large Paper</span>, which the author +used to advertise as selling for 7<i>s.</i> or 10<i>s.</i>, or about +which placards, to the same effect, used to be stuck on the +walls of the colleges,—these very copies are now sometimes +sold for more than the like number of guineas! It is amusing +to observe that the lapse of a few years only has caused +such a rise in the article of <span class="smcap">Hearne</span>; and that the Peter +Langtoft on large paper, which at Rowe Mores's sale [Bibl. +Mores. N<span class="super">o</span>. 2191.] was purchased for £1. 2<i>s.</i> produced at +a late sale, [A.D. 1808] £37! A complete list of Hearne's +Pieces will be found at the end of his Life, printed with +Leland's, &c., at the Clarendon Press, in 1772, 8vo. Of +these the "<i>Acta Apostolorum</i>, Gr. Lat;" and "<i>Aluredi +Beverlacensis Annales</i>," are, I believe, the scarcest. It is +wonderful to think how this amiable and excellent man +persevered "through evil report and good report," in +illustrating the antiquities of his country. To the very +last he appears to have been molested; and among his +persecutors, the learned editor of Josephus and Dionysius +Halicarnasseus, Dr. Hudson, must be ranked, to the disgrace +of himself and the party which he espoused. "Hearne was +buried in the church yard of St. Peter's (at Oxford) in the +East, where is erected over his remains, a tomb, with an +inscription written by himself,</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Amicitiæ Ergo.<br /> +Here lyeth the Body of<br /> +<span class="smcap">Thomas Hearne</span>, M.A.<br /> +Who studied and preserved<br /> +Antiquities.<br /> +He dyed June 10, 1735.<br /> +Aged 57 years.<br /> +Deut. xxxii: 7.<br /> +Remember the days of old;<br /> +consider the years<br /> +of many generations;<br /> +ask thy Father<br /> +and he will shew thee;<br /> +thy elders<br /> +and they will tell thee.<br /> +Job. viii. 8, 9, 10.<br /> +Enquire I pray thee."<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><i>Life of Hearne</i>, p. 34.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><a name="Footnote_9_10" id="Footnote_9_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_9_10">[9]</a> Of Dr. <span class="smcap">Mead</span> and his Library a particular +account is given in the following pages.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_10_11" id="Footnote_10_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_10_11">[10]</a> For this distinguished character consult +Nichols's <i>Anecdotes of Bowyer</i>, 550, note*; which, however, +relates entirely to his ordinary habits and modes of life. +His magnificent collection of Natural Curiosities and MSS. +is now in the British Museum.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_11_12" id="Footnote_11_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor_11_12">[11]</a> The annals of the Aldine Press have had ample +justice done to them in the beautiful and accurate work +published by Renouard, under the title of "<i>Annales de +L'Imprimerie des Alde</i>," in two vols., 8vo. 1804. One is +rather surprised at not finding any reference to this +masterly piece of bibliography in the last edition of Mr. +Roscoe's Leo X., where there is a pleasing account of the +establishment of the Aldine Press.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_12_13" id="Footnote_12_13"></a><a href="#FNanchor_12_13">[12]</a> I do not recollect having seen any book bound +by this binder. Of Padaloup, De Rome, and Baumgarten, where +is the fine collection that does not boast of a few +specimens? We will speak "anon" of the Roger Paynes, +Kalthoebers, Herrings, Stagemiers, and in Macklays of the +day!</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_13_14" id="Footnote_13_14"></a><a href="#FNanchor_13_14">[13]</a> This is not the reproach of the age we live +in; for reprints of Bacon, Locke, and Milton have been +published with complete success. It would be ridiculous +indeed for a man of sense, and especially a University man, +to give £5 or £6 for "<i>Gosson's School of Abuse, against +Pipers and Players</i>," or £3. 3<i>s.</i> for a clean copy of +"<i>Recreation for Ingenious Head Pieces</i>, or a <i>Pleasant +Grove for their Wits to walk in,"</i> and grudge the like sum +for a dozen handsome octavo volumes of the finest writers of +his country.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_14_15" id="Footnote_14_15"></a><a href="#FNanchor_14_15">[14]</a> About twelve years ago I was rash enough to +publish a small volume of Poems, with my name affixed. They +were the productions of my juvenile years; and I need hardly +say, at this period, how ashamed I am of their author-ship. +The monthly and Analytical Reviews did me the kindness of +just tolerating them, and of warning me not to commit any +future trespass upon the premises of Parnassus. I struck off +500 copies, and was glad to get rid of half of them as waste +paper; the remaining half has been partly destroyed by my +own hands, and has partly mouldered away in oblivion amidst +the dust of Booksellers' shelves. My only consolation is +that the volume is <i>exceedingly rare</i>!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">If ever there was a country upon the face of the globe—from the days +of Nimrod the beast, to Bagford<a name="FNanchor_15_16" id="FNanchor_15_16"></a><a href="#Footnote_15_16" class="fnanchor">[15]</a> the book-hunter—distinguished for +the variety, the justness, and magnanimity of its views; if ever there +was a nation which really and unceasingly "felt for another's woe" [I +call to witness our Infirmaries, Hospitals, Asylums, and other public +and private<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_10" id="Page_B_10">B. 10</a></span> Institutions of a charitable nature, that, like so many +belts of adamant, unite and strengthen us in the great cause of +<span class="smcap">Humanity</span>]; if ever there was a country and a set of human beings +pre-eminently distinguished for all the social virtues which soften +and animate the soul of man, surely <span class="smcap">Old England</span> and <span class="smcap">Englishmen are +they</span>! The common cant, it may be urged, of all writers in favour of +the country where they chance to live! And what, you will say, has +this to do with Book Collectors and Books?—Much, every way: a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_11" id="Page_B_11">B. 11</a></span> nation +thus glorious is, at this present eventful moment, afflicted not only +with the Dog<a name="FNanchor_16_17" id="FNanchor_16_17"></a><a href="#Footnote_16_17" class="fnanchor">[16]</a>, but the <span class="smcap">Book</span>, disease—</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Fire in each eye, and paper in each hand<br /> +They rave, recite,——<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br /></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_15_16" id="Footnote_15_16"></a><a href="#FNanchor_15_16">[15]</a> "<span class="smcap">John Bagford</span>, by profession a bookseller, +frequently travelled into Holland and other parts, in search +of scarce books and valuable prints, and brought a vast +number into this kingdom, the greatest part of which were +purchased by the Earl of Oxford. He had been in his younger +days a shoemaker; and, for the many curiosities wherewith he +enriched the famous library of Dr. John Moore, Bishop of +Ely, his Lordship got him admitted into the Charter House. +He died in 1706, aged 65: after his death Lord Oxford +purchased all his collections and papers, for his library: +these are now in the Harleian collection in the British +Museum. In 1707 were published, in the Philosophical +Transactions, his Proposals for a General History of +Printing."—Bowyer and Nichols's <i>Origin of Printing</i>, p. +164, 189, note. +</p><p> +It has been my fortune (whether good or bad remains to be +proved) not only to transcribe the slender memorial of +Printing in the Philosophical Transactions, drawn up by +Wanley for Bagford, but to wade through <i>forty-two</i> folio +volumes, in which Bagford's materials for a History of +Printing are incorporated, in the British Museum: and from +these, I think I have furnished myself with a pretty fair +idea of the said Bagford. He was the most hungry and +rapacious of all book and print collectors; and, in his +ravages, spared neither the most delicate nor costly +specimens. His eyes and his mouth seem to have been always +open to express his astonishment at, sometimes, the most +common and contemptible productions; and his paper in the +Philosophical Transactions betrays such simplicity and +ignorance that one is astonished how my Lord Oxford and the +learned Bishop of Ely could have employed so credulous a +bibliographical forager. A modern collector and lover of +<i>perfect</i> copies will witness, with shuddering, among +Bagford's immense collection of Title Pages, in the Museum, +the frontispieces of the Complutensian Polyglot, and +Chauncy's History of Hertfordshire, torn out to illustrate a +History of Printing. His enthusiasm, however, carried him +through a great deal of laborious toil; and he supplied, in +some measure, by this qualification, the want of other +attainments. His whole mind was devoted to book-hunting; and +his integrity and diligence probably made his employers +overlook his many failings. His hand-writing is scarcely +legible, and his orthography is still more wretched; but if +he was ignorant, he was humble, zealous, and grateful; and +he has certainly done something towards the accomplishment +of that desirable object, an accurate General History of +Printing. In my edition of <i>Ames's Typographical +Antiquities</i>, I shall give an analysis of Bagford's papers, +with a specimen or two of his composition.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_16_17" id="Footnote_16_17"></a><a href="#FNanchor_16_17">[16]</a> For an eloquent account of this disorder +consult the letters of Dr. Mosely inserted in the Morning +Herald of last year. I have always been surprised, and a +little vexed, that these animated pieces of composition +should be relished and praised by every one—but <i>the +Faculty</i>!</p></div> + +<p class="tp">Let us enquire, therefore, into the origin and tendency of the +<span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>.</p> + +<p>In this enquiry I purpose considering the subject under three points +of view: I. <span class="smcap">The History of the Disease</span>; or an account of the eminent +men who have fallen victims to it: II. <span class="smcap">The Nature, or Symptoms of the +Disease</span>: and III. <span class="smcap">The probable means of its Cure</span>. We are to consider, +then,</p> + +<p>1. <span class="smcap">The History of the Disease.</span> In treating of the history of this +disease, it will be found to have been attended with this remarkable +circumstance; namely, that it has almost uniformly confined its +attacks to the <i>male</i> sex, and, among these, to people in the higher +and middling classes of society, while the artificer, labourer, and +peasant have escaped wholly uninjured. It has raged chiefly in +palaces, castles, halls, and gay mansions; and those things which in +general are supposed not to be inimical to health, such as +cleanliness, spaciousness, and splendour, are only so many inducements +towards the introduction and propagation of the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>! What +renders it particularly formidable is that it rages in all seasons of +the year, and at all periods of human existence. The emotions of +friendship or of love are weakened or subdued as old age advances; but +the influence of this passion, or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_12" id="Page_B_12">B. 12</a></span> rather disease, admits of no +mitigation: "it grows with our growth, and strengthens with our +strength;" and is oft-times</p> + +<p class="centerbp">——The ruling passion strong in death.<a name="FNanchor_17_18" id="FNanchor_17_18"></a><a href="#Footnote_17_18" class="fnanchor">[17]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_17_18" id="Footnote_17_18"></a><a href="#FNanchor_17_18">[17]</a> The writings of the Roman philologers seem to +bear evidence of this fact. Seneca, when an old man, says +that, "if you are fond of books, you will escape the ennui +of life; you will neither sigh for evening, disgusted with +the occupations of the day—nor will you live dissatisfied +with yourself, or unprofitable to others." <i>De +Tranquilitate</i>, ch. 3. Cicero has positively told us that +"study is the food of youth, and the amusement of old age." +<i>Orat. pro Archia</i>. The younger Pliny was a downright +Bibliomaniac. "I am quite transported and comforted," says +he, "in the midst of my books: they give a zest to the +happiest, and assuage the anguish of the bitterest, moments +of existence! Therefore, whether distracted by the cares or +the losses of my family, or my friends, I fly to my library +as the only refuge in distress: here I learn to bear +adversity with fortitude." <i>Epist.</i> lib. viii. cap. 19. But +consult Cicero <i>De Senectute</i>. All these treatises afford +abundant proof of the hopelessness of cure in cases of the +Bibliomania.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">We will now, my dear Sir, begin "making out the catalogue" of victims +to the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>! The first eminent character who appears to have +been infected with this disease was <span class="smcap">Richard De Bury</span>, one of the tutors +of Edward III., and afterwards Bishop of Durham; a man who has been +uniformly praised for the variety of his erudition, and the +intenseness of his ardour in book-collecting.<a name="FNanchor_18_19" id="FNanchor_18_19"></a><a href="#Footnote_18_19" class="fnanchor">[18]</a> I discover no other<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_13" id="Page_B_13">B. 13</a></span> +notorious example of the fatality of the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span> until the time of +Henry VII.; when the monarch himself may be considered as having added +to the number. Although our venerable typographer, Caxton, lauds and +magnifies, with equal sincerity, the whole line of British Kings, from +Edward IV. to Henry VII. [under whose patronage he would seem, in some +measure, to have carried on his printing business], yet, of all these +monarchs, the latter alone was so unfortunate as to fall a victim to +this disease. His library must have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_14" id="Page_B_14">B. 14</a></span> been a magnificent one, if we may +judge from the splendid specimens of it which now remain.<a name="FNanchor_19_20" id="FNanchor_19_20"></a><a href="#Footnote_19_20" class="fnanchor">[19]</a> It would +appear, too, that, about this time, the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span> was increased by +the introduction of foreign printed books; and it is not very +improbable that a portion of Henry's immense wealth was devoted +towards the purchase of <span class="smcap">vellum</span> copies, which were now beginning to be +published by the great typographical triumvirate, Verard, Eustace, and +Pigouchet.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_18_19" id="Footnote_18_19"></a><a href="#FNanchor_18_19">[18]</a> It may be expected that I should notice a few +book-lovers, and probably <span class="smcap">Bibliomaniacs</span>, previously to the +time of Richard De Bury; but so little is known with +accuracy of Johannes Scotus Erigena, and his patron Charles +the Bald, King of France, or of the book tête-a-têtes they +used to have together—so little, also, of Nennius, Bede, +and Alfred [although the monasteries at this period, from +the evidence of Sir William Dugdale, in the first volume of +the Monasticon were "opulently endowed,"—inter alia, I +should hope, with magnificent MSS. on vellum, bound in +velvet, and embossed with gold and silver], or the +illustrious writers in the Norman period, and the fine books +which were in the abbey of Croyland—so little is known of +book-collectors, previously to the 14th century, that I +thought it the most prudent and safe way to begin with the +above excellent prelate. +</p><p> +<span class="smcap">Richard De Bury</span> was the friend and correspondent of +Petrarch; and is said by Mons. de Sade, in his Memoires pour +la vie de Petrarque, "to have done in England what Petrarch +did all his life in France, Italy, and Germany, towards the +discovery of MSS. of the best ancient writers, and making +copies of them under his own superintendence." His passion +for book-collecting was unbounded ["vir ardentis ingenii," +says Petrarch of him]; and in order to excite the same +ardour in his countrymen, or rather to propagate the disease +of the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span> with all his might, he composed a +bibliographical work under the title of <i>Philobiblion</i>; +concerning the first edition of which, printed at Spires in +1483, Clement (tom. v. 142) has a long gossiping account; +and Morhof tells us that it is "rarissima et in paucorum +manibus versatur." It was reprinted in Paris in 1500, 4to., +by the elder Ascensius, and frequently in the subsequent +century, but the best editions of it are those by Goldastus +in 1674, 8vo., and Hummius in 1703. Morhof observes that, +"however De Bury's work savours of the rudeness of the age, +it is rather elegantly written, and many things are well +said in it relating to Bibliothecism." <i>Polyhist. Literar.</i> +vol. i. 187, edit. 1747. +</p><p> +For further particulars concerning De Bury, read Bale, +Wharton, Cave, and Godwin's Episcopal Biography. He left +behind him a fine library of MSS. which he bequeathed to +Durham, now Trinity, College, Oxford. +</p><p> +It may be worth the antiquary's notice, that, in consequence +(I suppose) of this amiable prelate's exertions, "in every +convent was a noble library and a great: and every friar, +that had state in school, such as they be now, hath <span class="smcap">an hugh +Library</span>." See the curious Sermon of the Archbishop of +Armagh, Nov. 8, 1387, in Trevisa's works among the <i>Harleian +MSS.</i> N<span class="super">o</span>. 1900. Whether these Friars, thus affected with +the frensy of book-collecting, ever visited the "old +chapelle at the Est End of the church of S. Saink +[Berkshire], whither of late time resorted in pilgrimage +many folkes for the disease of <i>madness</i>," [see Leland's +<i>Itinerary</i>, vol. ii. 29, edit. 1770] I have not been able, +after the most diligent investigation, to ascertain.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_19_20" id="Footnote_19_20"></a><a href="#FNanchor_19_20">[19]</a> The British Museum contains a great number of +books which bear the royal stamp of Henry VII.'s arms. Some +of these printed by Verard, <span class="smcap">upon vellum</span>, are magnificent +memorials of a library, the dispersion of which is for ever +to be regretted. As Henry VIII. knew nothing of, and cared +less for, fine books, it is not very improbable that some of +the choicest volumes belonging to the late king were +presented to Cardinal Wolsey.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">During the reign of Henry VIII., I should suppose that the Earl of +Surrey<a name="FNanchor_20_21" id="FNanchor_20_21"></a><a href="#Footnote_20_21" class="fnanchor">[20]</a> and Sir Thomas Wyatt were a little attached to +book-collecting; and that Dean Colet<a name="FNanchor_21_23" id="FNanchor_21_23"></a><a href="#Footnote_21_23" class="fnanchor">[21]</a> and his friend Sir Thomas +More and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_15" id="Page_B_15">B. 15</a></span> Erasmus were downright Bibliomaniacs. There can be little +doubt but that neither the great <span class="smcap">Leland</span><a name="FNanchor_22_24" id="FNanchor_22_24"></a><a href="#Footnote_22_24" class="fnanchor">[22]</a> nor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_16" id="Page_B_16">B. 16</a></span> his Biographer +Bale,<a name="FNanchor_23_25" id="FNanchor_23_25"></a><a href="#Footnote_23_25" class="fnanchor">[23]</a> were able to escape the contagion; and that, in the ensuing +period, <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Roger">Rogar</span> Ascham became notorious for +the Book-disease. He purchased<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_17" id="Page_B_17">B. 17</a></span> probably, during his travels +abroad<a name="FNanchor_24_26" id="FNanchor_24_26"></a><a href="#Footnote_24_26" class="fnanchor">[24]</a> many a fine copy of the Greek and Latin Classics, from +which he read<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_18" id="Page_B_18">B. 18</a></span> to his illustrious pupils, Lady Jane Grey, and Queen +Elizabeth: but whether he made use of an <i>Editio<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_19" id="Page_B_19">B. 19</a></span> Princeps</i>, or a +<i>Large paper copy</i>, I have hitherto not been lucky enough to discover. +This learned cha<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_20" id="Page_B_20">B. 20</a></span>racter died in the vigour of life, and in the bloom +of reputation: and, as I suspect, in consequence of the +<span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>—for he was always collecting books, and always studying +them. His "Schoolmaster" is a work which can only perish with our +language.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_20_21" id="Footnote_20_21"></a><a href="#FNanchor_20_21">[20]</a> The <span class="smcap">Earl</span> of <span class="smcap">Surrey</span> and <span class="smcap">Sir Thomas Wyatt</span> were +among the first who taught their countrymen to be charmed +with the elegance and copiousness of their own language. How +effectually they accomplished this laudable object, will be +seen from the forthcoming beautiful and complete edition of +their works by the Rev. Dr. Nott.<a name="FNanchor_B_22" id="FNanchor_B_22"></a><a href="#Footnote_B_22" class="fnanchor">[B]</a></p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_B_22" id="Footnote_B_22"></a><a href="#FNanchor_B_22">[B]</a> It fell to the lot of the printer of this +volume, during his apprenticeship to his father, to correct +the press of nearly the whole of Dr. Nott's labours, which +were completed, after several years of toil, when in the +extensive conflagration of the printing-office at Bolt +Court, Fleet-street, in 1819, all but <i>two</i> copies were +totally destroyed!</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_21_23" id="Footnote_21_23"></a><a href="#FNanchor_21_23">[21]</a> <span class="smcap">Colet</span>, <span class="smcap">More</span>, and <span class="smcap">Erasmus</span> [considering the +latter when he was in England] were <i>here</i> undoubtedly the +great literary triumvirate of the early part of the 16th +century. The lives of More and Erasmus are generally read +and known; but of <span class="smcap">Dean Colet</span> it may not be so generally +known that his ardour for books and for classical literature +was keen, and insatiable; that, in the foundation of <span class="smcap">St. +Paul's School</span>, he has left behind a name which entitles him +to rank in the foremost of those who have fallen victims to +the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>. How anxiously does he seem to have watched +the progress, and pushed the sale, of his friend Erasmus's +first edition of the Greek Testament! "Quod scribis de Novo +Testamento intelligo. Et libri <i>novæ editionis tuæ hic avide +emuntur et passim leguntur</i>!" The entire epistle (which may +be seen in Dr. Knight's dry Life of Colet, p. 315) is +devoted to an account of Erasmus's publications. "I am +really astonished, my dear Erasmus [does he exclaim], at the +fruitfulness of your talents; that, without any fixed +residence, and with a precarious and limited income, you +contrive to publish so many and such excellent works." +Adverting to the distracted state of Germany at this period, +and to the wish of his friend to live secluded and +unmolested, he observes—"As to the tranquil retirement +which you sigh for, be assured that you have my sincere +wishes for its rendering you as happy and composed as you +can wish it. Your age and erudition entitle you to such a +retreat. I fondly hope, indeed, that you will choose this +country for it, and come and live amongst us, whose +disposition you know, and whose friendship you have proved." +</p><p> +There is hardly a more curious picture of the custom of the +times, relating to the education of boys, than the Dean's +own Statutes for the regulation of St. Paul's School, which +he had founded. These shew, too, the <i>popular books</i> then +read by the learned. "The children shall come unto the +School in the morning at seven of the clock, both winter and +summer, and tarry there until eleven; and return against one +of the clock, and depart at five, &c. In the school, no time +in the year, they shall use tallow candle in no wise, but +<i>only wax candle</i>, at the costs of their friends. Also I +will they bring no meat nor drink, nor bottle, nor use in +the school no breakfasts, nor drinkings, in the time of +learning, in no wise, &c. I will they use no cockfightings, +nor riding about of victory, nor disputing at Saint +Bartholomew, which is but foolish babbling and loss of +time." The master is then restricted, under the penalty of +40 shillings, from granting the boys a holiday, or "remedy," +[play-day,] as it is here called "except the King, an +Archbishop, or a Bishop, present in his own person in the +school, desire it." The studies for the lads were, +"Erasmus's Copia & Institutum Christiani Hominis (composed +at the Dean's request) Lactantius, Prudentius, Juvencus, +Proba and Sedulius, and Baptista Mantuanus, and such other +as shall be thought convenient and most to purpose unto the +true Latin speech: all barbary, all corruption, all Latin +adulterate, which ignorant blind fools brought into this +world, and with the same hath distained and poisoned the old +Latin speech, and the <i>veray</i> Roman tongue, which in the +time of Tully and Sallust and Virgil and Terence was used—I +say that filthiness, and all such abusion, which the later +blind world brought in, which more rather may be called +<i>Bloterature</i> <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: than">that</span> [] <i>Literature</i>, +I utterly banish and exclude out of this school." <i>Life of +Knight's Colet</i>, 362-4. +</p><p> +What was to be expected, but that boys, thus educated, would +hereafter fall victims to the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>?</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_22_24" id="Footnote_22_24"></a><a href="#FNanchor_22_24">[22]</a> The history of this great +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: man">men</span>, and of his literary labours, is most +interesting. He was a pupil of William Lilly, the first +head-master of St. Paul's School; and, by the kindness and +liberality of a Mr. Myles, he afterwards received the +advantage of a College education, and was supplied with +money in order to travel abroad, and make such collections +as he should deem necessary for the great work which even +then seemed to dawn upon his young and ardent mind. Leland +endeavoured to requite the kindness of his benefactor by an +elegant copy of Latin verses, in which he warmly expatiates +on the generosity of his patron, and acknowledges that his +acquaintance with the <i>Almæ Matres</i> [for he was of both +Universities] was entirely the result of such beneficence. +While he resided on the continent, he was admitted into the +society of the most eminent Greek and Latin Scholars, and +could probably number among his correspondents the +illustrious names of Budæus, Erasmus, the Stephani, Faber +and Turnebus. Here, too, he cultivated his natural taste for +poetry; and from inspecting the fine <span class="smcap">books</span> which the Italian +and French presses had produced, as well as fired by the +love of Grecian learning, which had fled, on the sacking of +Constantinople, to take shelter in the academic bowers of +the Medici, he seems to have matured his plans for carrying +into effect the great work which had now taken full +possession of his mind. He returned to England, resolved to +institute an inquiry into the state of the <span class="smcap">Libraries</span>, +Antiquities, Records and Writings then in existence. Having +entered into holy orders, and obtained preferment at the +express interposition of the King, (Henry VIII.), he was +appointed his Antiquary and Library Keeper, and a royal +commission was issued in which Leland was directed to search +after "<span class="smcap">England's Antiquities</span>, and peruse the <span class="smcap">libraries</span> of +all Cathedrals, Abbies, Priories, Colleges, etc., as also +all the places wherein Records, Writings, and Secrets of +Antiquity were reposited." "Before Leland's time," says +Hearne, in the Preface to the Itinerary, "all the literary +monuments of Antiquity were totally disregarded; and +Students of Germany, apprised of this culpable indifference, +were suffered to enter our libraries unmolested, and to cut +out of the books deposited there whatever passages they +thought proper—which they afterwards published as relics of +the ancient literature of their own country." +</p><p> +Leland was occupied, without intermission, in this immense +undertaking, for the space of six years; and, on its +completion, he hastened to the metropolis to lay at the feet +of his Sovereign the result of his researches. This was +presented to Henry under the title of <span class="smcap">A New Year's Gift</span>; and +was first published by Bale in 1549, 8vo. "Being inflamed," +says the author, "with a love to see thoroughly all those +parts of your opulent and ample realm, in so much that all +my other occupations intermitted, I have so travelled in +your dominions, both by the sea coasts and the middle parts, +sparing neither labour nor costs, by the space of six years +past, that there is neither cape nor bay, haven, creek, or +pier, river, or confluence of rivers, breeches, wastes, +lakes, moors, fenny waters, mountains, vallies, heaths, +forests, chases, woods, cities, burghes, castles, principal +manor places, monasteries and colleges, but I have seen +them; and noted, in so doing, a whole world of things very +memorable." Leland moreover tells his Majesty—that "By his +laborious journey and costly enterprise, he had conserved +many good authors, the which otherwise had been like to have +perished; of the which, part remained in the royal palaces, +part also in his own custody, &c." +</p><p> +As Leland was engaged six years in this literary tour, so he +was occupied for a no less period of time in digesting and +arranging the prodigious number of MSS. he had collected. +But he sunk beneath the immensity of the task! The want of +amanuenses, and of other attentions and comforts, seems to +have deeply affected him; in this melancholy state, he wrote +to Archbishop Cranmer a Latin epistle, in verse, of which +the following is the commencement—very forcibly describing +his situation and anguish of mind.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Est congesta mihi domi supellex<br /> +Ingens, aurea, nobilis, venusta<br /> +Qua totus studeo Britanniarum<br /> +Vero reddere gloriam nitori.<br /> +Sed fortuna meis noverca cœptis<br /> +Jam felicibus invidet maligna.<br /> +Quare, ne pereant brevi vel hora<br /> +Multarum mihi noctium labores<br /> +Omnes——<br /> +<span class="smcap">Cranmere</span>, eximium decus piorum!<br /> +Implorare tuam benignitatem<br /> +Cogor.<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>The result was that Leland lost his senses; and, after +lingering two years in a state of total derangement, he died +on the 18th of April, 1552. "Prôh tristes rerum humanarum +vices! prôh viri optimi deplorandam infelicissimamque +sortem!" exclaims Dr. Smith, in his preface to Camden's +Life, 1691, 4to. +</p><p> +The precious and voluminous MSS. of Leland were doomed to +suffer a fate scarcely less pitiable than that of their +owner. After being pilfered by some, and garbled by others, +they served to replenish the pages of Stow, Lambard, Camden, +Burton, Dugdale, and many other antiquaries and historians. +Polydore Virgil, who had stolen from them pretty freely, had +the insolence to abuse Leland's memory—calling him "a vain +glorious man;" but what shall we say to this flippant +egotist? who, according to Caius's testimony [<i>De Antiq. +Cantab. head. lib.</i> 1.] "to prevent a discovery of the many +errors of his own History of England, collected and burnt a +greater number of ancient histories and manuscripts than +would have loaded a waggon." The imperfect remains of +Leland's MSS. are now deposited in the Bodleian Library, and +in the British Museum. +</p><p> +Upon the whole, it must be acknowledged that Leland is a +melancholy, as well as illustrious, example of the influence +of the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>!</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_23_25" id="Footnote_23_25"></a><a href="#FNanchor_23_25">[23]</a> In spite of <span class="smcap">Bale's</span> coarseness, positiveness, +and severity, he has done much towards the cause of +learning; and, perhaps, towards the propagation of the +disease under discussion. His regard for Leland does him +great honour; and although his plays are miserably dull, +notwithstanding the high prices which the original editions +of them bear, (vide ex. gr. Cat. Steevens, N<span class="super">o</span>. 1221; +which was sold for £12 12<i>s.</i> See also the reprints in the +Harleian Miscellany) the lover of literary antiquities must +not forget that his "<i>Scriptores Britanniæ</i>" are yet quoted +with satisfaction by some of the most respectable writers of +the day. That he wanted delicacy of feeling, and +impartiality of investigation, must be admitted; but a +certain rough honesty and prompt benevolence which he had +about him compensated for a multitude of offences. The +abhorrence with which he speaks of the dilapidation of some +of our old libraries must endear his memory to every honest +bibliographer: "Never (says he) had we been offended for the +loss of our <span class="smcap">Libraries</span>, being so many in number, and in so +desolate places for the more part, if the chief monuments +and most notable works of our excellent writers had been +reserved. If there had been in every shire of England, but +one <span class="smcap">solempne Library</span>, to the preservation of those noble +works, and preferment of good learning in our posterity, it +had been yet somewhat. But to destroy all without +consideration, is, and will be, unto England for ever, a +most horrible infamy among the grave seniors of other +nations. A great number of them which purchased those +superstitious mansions, reserved of those library-books, +some to serve the <i>jakes</i>, some to scour their candlesticks, +and some to rub their boots: some they sold to the grocers +and soap-sellers; some they sent over sea to the +book-binders, not in small number, but at times whole ships +full, to the wondering of the foreign nations. Yea, the +Universities of this realm are not all clear of this +detestable fact. But cursed is that belly which seeketh to +be fed with such ungodly gain, and shameth his natural +country. I know a merchant man, which shall at this time be +nameless, that <i>bought the contents of two noble libraries +for forty shillings price</i>; a shame it is to be spoken! This +stuff hath he occupied in the stead of grey paper, by the +space of more than ten years, and yet he hath store enough +for as many year to come!" Bale's Preface to Leland's +"<i>Laboryouse journey</i>, &c." Emprented at London by John +Bale. Anno M.D. xlix. 8vo. +</p><p> +After this, who shall doubt the story of the Alexandrian +Library supplying the hot baths of Alexandria with fuel for +six months! See Gibbon on the latter subject; vol. ix. 440.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_24_26" id="Footnote_24_26"></a><a href="#FNanchor_24_26">[24]</a> <span class="smcap">Ascham's</span> English letter, written when he was +abroad, will be found at the end of Bennet's edition of his +works, in 4to. They are curious and amusing. What relates to +the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span> I here select from similar specimens. "Oct. +4. At afternoon I went about the town [of Bruxelles]. I went +to the <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: friar">frier</span> Carmelites house, +and heard their even song: after, I desired to see the +<span class="smcap">Library</span>. A <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: friar">frier</span> was sent to me, +and led me into it. There was not one good book but <i>Lyra</i>. +The friar was learned, spoke Latin readily, entered into +Greek, having a very good wit, and a greater desire to +learning. He was gentle and honest, &c." p. 370-1. "Oct. 20. +to Spira: a good city. Here I first saw <i>Sturmius de +periodis</i>. I also found here <i>Ajax</i>, <i>Electra</i>, and +<i>Antigone Sophocles</i>, excellently, by my good judgment, +translated into verse, and fair printed this summer by +Gryphius. Your stationers do ill, that at least do 'not +provide you the register of all books, especially of old +authors, &c.'" p. 372. Again: "Hieronimus Wolfius, that +translated Demosthenes and Isocrates, is in this town. I am +well acquainted with him, and have brought him twice to my +Lord's to dinner. He looks very simple. He telleth me that +one Borrheus, that hath written well upon Aristot. priorum, +&c., even now is printing goodly commentaries upon +Aristotle's Rhetoric. But Sturmius will obscure them all." +p. 381. +</p><p> +It is impossible to read these extracts without being +convinced that Roger Ascham was a book-hunter, and infected +with the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">If we are to judge from the beautiful Missal lying open before Lady +Jane Grey, in Mr. Copley's elegant picture now exhibiting at the +British Institution, it would seem rational to infer that this amiable +and learned female was slightly attacked by the disease. It is to be +taken for granted that Queen Elizabeth was not exempt from it; and +that her great Secretary,<a name="FNanchor_25_27" id="FNanchor_25_27"></a><a href="#Footnote_25_27" class="fnanchor">[25]</a> Cecil, sympathised with her! In regard +to Elizabeth, her <i>Prayer-Book</i><a name="FNanchor_26_28" id="FNanchor_26_28"></a><a href="#Footnote_26_28" class="fnanchor">[26]</a> is quite evidence sufficient for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_21" id="Page_B_21">B. 21</a></span> +me that she found the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span> irresistible! During her reign, how +vast and how frightful were the ravages of the Book-madness! If we are +to credit Laneham's celebrated Letter, it had extended far into the +country, and infected some of the worthy inhabitants of Coventry; for +one "Captain Cox,<a name="FNanchor_27_29" id="FNanchor_27_29"></a><a href="#Footnote_27_29" class="fnanchor">[27]</a> by profession a mason, and that right skilful," +had "as fair a library of sciences, and as many goodly monuments both +in Prose and Poetry, and at afternoon could talk as much without book, +as any Innholder betwixt Brentford and Bagshot, what degree soever he +be!"</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_25_27" id="Footnote_25_27"></a><a href="#FNanchor_25_27">[25]</a> It is a question which requires more time for +the solution than I am able to spare, whether <span class="smcap">Cecil's</span> name +stands more frequently at the head of a Dedication, in a +printed book, or of State Papers and other political +documents in MS. He was a wonderful man; but a little +infected—as I suspect—with the <span class="smcap">book-disease</span>.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +——Famous Cicill, treasurer of the land,<br /> +Whose wisedom, counsell, skill of Princes state<br /> +The world admires——<br /> +The house itselfe doth shewe the owners wit,<br /> +And may for bewtie, state, and every thing,<br /> +Compared be with most within the land.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;"><i>Tale of Two Swannes</i>, 1590. 4<i>to.</i></span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>I have never yet been able to ascertain whether the owner's +attachment towards <span class="smcap">vellum</span>, or <span class="smcap">large paper</span>, Copies was the +more vehement!</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_26_28" id="Footnote_26_28"></a><a href="#FNanchor_26_28">[26]</a> Perhaps this conclusion is too precipitate. +But whoever looks at Elizabeth's portrait, on her bended +knees, struck off on the reverse of the title page to her +prayer book (first printed in 1565) may suppose that the +Queen thought the addition of her own portrait would be no +mean decoration to the work. Every page is adorned with +borders, engraved on wood, of the most spirited execution: +representing, amongst other subjects, "The Dance of Death." +My copy is the reprint of 1608—in high preservation. I have +no doubt that there was a <i>presentation</i> copy printed <span class="smcap">upon +vellum</span>; but in what cabinet does this precious gem now +slumber?</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_27_29" id="Footnote_27_29"></a><a href="#FNanchor_27_29">[27]</a> Laneham gives a splendid list of Romances and +Old Ballads possessed by this said <span class="smcap">Captain Cox</span>; and tells +us, moreover, that "he had them all at his fingers ends." +Among the ballads we find "Broom broom on Hil; So Wo is me +begon twlly lo; Over a Whinny Meg; Hey ding a ding; Bony +lass upon Green; My bony on gave me a bek; By a bank as I +lay; and two more he had fair wrapt up in parchment, and +bound with a whip cord." Edit. 1784, p. 36-7-8. Ritson, in +his Historical Essay on <i>Scottish Song</i>, speaks of some of +these, with a zest, as if he longed to untie the "whip-cord" +packet.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">While the country was thus giving proofs of the prevalence of this +disorder, the two Harringtons (especially the younger)<a name="FNanchor_28_30" id="FNanchor_28_30"></a><a href="#Footnote_28_30" class="fnanchor">[28]</a> and the +illustrious Spenser<a name="FNanchor_29_31" id="FNanchor_29_31"></a><a href="#Footnote_29_31" class="fnanchor">[29]</a><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_22" id="Page_B_22">B. 22</a></span> were unfortunately seized with it in the +metropolis.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_28_30" id="Footnote_28_30"></a><a href="#FNanchor_28_30">[28]</a> <span class="smcap">Sir John Harrington</span>, knt. Sir John, and his +father John Harrington, were very considerable literary +characters in the 16th century; and whoever has been +fortunate enough to read through Mr. Park's new edition of +the <i>Nugæ Antiquæ</i>, 1804, 8vo., will meet with numerous +instances in which the son displays considerable +bibliographical knowledge—especially in <i>Italian</i> +literature; Harrington and Spenser seem to have been the +Matthias and Roscoe of the day. I make no doubt but that the +former was as thoroughly acquainted with the <i>vera edizione</i> +of the Giuntæ edition of Boccaccio's Decamerone, 1527, 4to., +as either Haym, Orlandi, or Bandini. Paterson, with all his +skill, was mistaken in this article when he catalogued +Croft's books. See Bibl. Crofts. N<span class="super">o</span>. 3976: his true +edition was knocked down for 6<i>s.</i>!!!</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_29_31" id="Footnote_29_31"></a><a href="#FNanchor_29_31">[29]</a> Spenser's general acquaintance with Italian +literature has received the best illustration in Mr. Todd's +Variorum edition of the poet's works; where the reader will +find, in the notes, a constant succession of anecdotes of, +and references to, the state of anterior and contemporaneous +literature, foreign and domestic.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">In the seventeenth century, from the death of Elizabeth to the +commencement of Anne's reign, it seems to have made considerable +havoc; yet, such was our blindness to it that we scrupled not to +engage in overtures for the purchase of Isaac Vossius's<a name="FNanchor_30_32" id="FNanchor_30_32"></a><a href="#Footnote_30_32" class="fnanchor">[30]</a> fine +library, enriched with many treasures from the Queen of Sweden's, +which this versatile genius scrupled not to pillage without confession +or apology. During this century our great reasoners and philosophers +began to be in motion; and, like the fumes of tobacco, which drive the +concealed and clotted insects from the interior to the extremity of +the leaves, the infectious particles of the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span> set a thousand +busy brains a-thinking, and produced ten thousand capricious works, +which, over-shadowed by the majestic remains of Bacon, Locke, and +Boyle, perished for want of air, and warmth, and moisture.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_30_32" id="Footnote_30_32"></a><a href="#FNanchor_30_32">[30]</a> "The story is extant, and written in very +choice <i>French</i>." Consult Chauffepié's <i>Supplement to +Bayle's Dictionary</i>, vol. iv. p. 621. note Q. Vossius's +library was magnificent and extensive. The University of +Leyden offered not less than 36,000 florins for it. <i>Idem.</i> +p. 631.</p></div> + +<p class="tbp">The reign of Queen Anne was not exempt from the influence of this +disease; for during this period, Maittaire<a name="FNanchor_31_33" id="FNanchor_31_33"></a><a href="#Footnote_31_33" class="fnanchor">[31]</a> began to lay the +foundation of his exten<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_23" id="Page_B_23">B. 23</a></span>sive library, and to publish some +bibliographical works which may be thought to have rather increased, +than diminished, its force. Meanwhile, Harley<a name="FNanchor_32_34" id="FNanchor_32_34"></a><a href="#Footnote_32_34" class="fnanchor">[32]</a> Earl of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_24" id="Page_B_24">B. 24</a></span> Oxford +watched its progress with an anxious eye; and although he might have +learnt experience from the fatal examples of R. Smith,<a name="FNanchor_33_35" id="FNanchor_33_35"></a><a href="#Footnote_33_35" class="fnanchor">[33]</a> and T. +Baker,<a name="FNanchor_34_36" id="FNanchor_34_36"></a><a href="#Footnote_34_36" class="fnanchor">[34]</a> and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_25" id="Page_B_25">B. 25</a></span> more recent ones of Thomas Rawlinson,<a name="FNanchor_35_37" id="FNanchor_35_37"></a><a href="#Footnote_35_37" class="fnanchor">[35]</a> +Bridges,<a name="FNanchor_36_38" id="FNanchor_36_38"></a><a href="#Footnote_36_38" class="fnanchor">[36]</a> and Collins,<a name="FNanchor_37_39" id="FNanchor_37_39"></a><a href="#Footnote_37_39" class="fnanchor">[37]</a> yet he seemed resolved to brave and to +baffle it; but, like his predecessors, he was suddenly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_26" id="Page_B_26">B. 26</a></span> crushed within +the gripe of the demon, and fell one of the most splendid of his +victims. Even the unrivalled<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_27" id="Page_B_27">B. 27</a></span> medical skill of Mead<a name="FNanchor_38_40" id="FNanchor_38_40"></a><a href="#Footnote_38_40" class="fnanchor">[38]</a> could save +neither his friend nor himself. The Doctor survived his Lordship about +twelve years; dying of the complaint called the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>! He left +behind an illustrious character;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_28" id="Page_B_28">B. 28</a></span> sufficient to flatter and soothe +those who may tread in his footsteps, and fall victims to a similar +disorder.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_31_33" id="Footnote_31_33"></a><a href="#FNanchor_31_33">[31]</a> Of <span class="smcap">Michael Maittaire</span> I have given a brief +sketch in my Introduction to the <i>Greek and Latin Classics</i>, +vol. I, 148. Mr. Beloe, in the 3rd vol. of his <i>Anecdotes of +Literature</i>, p. ix., has described his merits with justice. +The principal value of Maittaire's <i>Annales Typographici</i> +consists in a great deal of curious matter detailed in the +notes; but the absence of the "lucidus ordo" renders the +perusal of these fatiguing and dissatisfactory. The author +brought a full and well-informed mind to the task he +undertook—but he wanted taste and precision in the +arrangement of his materials. The eye wanders over a vast +indigested mass; and information, when it is to be acquired +with excessive toil, is, comparatively, seldom acquired. +Panzer has adopted an infinitely better plan, on the model +of Orlandi; and, if his materials had been <i>printed</i> with +the same beauty with which they appear to have been +composed, and his annals had descended to as late a period +as those of Maittaire, his work must have made us, +eventually, forget that of his predecessor. The +bibliographer is, no doubt, aware that of Maittaire's first +volume there are two editions. Why the author did not +reprint, in the second edition (1733), the facsimile of the +epigram and epistle of <span class="smcap">Lascar</span> prefixed to the edition of the +Anthology 1496, and the disquisition concerning the ancient +editions of Quintilian (both of which were in the first +edition of 1719), is absolutely inexplicable. Maittaire was +sharply attacked for this absurdity, in the "Catalogus +Auctorum," of the "<i>Annus Tertius Sæcularis Inv. Art. +Topog.</i>" Harlem, 1741, 8vo. p. 11. "Rara certe Librum +augendi methodus (exclaims the author)! Satis patet auctorem +hoc eo fecisse consilio, ut et primæ et secundæ Libri sive +editioni pretium suum constaret, et una æque ac altera +Lectoribus necessaria esset." +</p><p> +The catalogue of Maittaire's library [1748, 2 parts, 8vo.], +which affords ample proof of the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span> of its +collector, is exceedingly scarce. A good copy of it, even +unpriced, is worth a guinea: it was originally sold for 4 +shillings; and was drawn up by Maittaire himself.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_32_34" id="Footnote_32_34"></a><a href="#FNanchor_32_34">[32]</a> In a periodical publication called "<i>The +Director</i>," to which I contributed under the article of +"<i>Bibliographiana</i>" (and of which the printer of this work, +Mr. William Savage, is now the sole publisher), there was +rather a minute analysis of the famous library of <span class="smcap">Harley, +Earl of Oxford</span>: a library which seems not only to have +revived, but eclipsed, the splendour of the Roman one formed +by Lucullus. The following is an abridgement of this +analysis:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="books"> +<tr><td> </td><td> </td><td class="right">VOLUMES.</td></tr> +<tr><td class="right">1.</td><td>Divinity: <i>Greek, Latin, French and Italian</i>—about</td><td class="right">2000</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td>—— <i>English</i></td><td class="right">2500</td></tr> +<tr><td class="right">2.</td><td>History and Antiquities</td><td class="right">4000</td></tr> +<tr><td class="right" style="vertical-align: top">3.</td><td>Books of Prints, Sculpture, and Drawings—<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Twenty Thousand Drawings and Prints.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Ten Thousand Portraits.</i></span></td><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td class="right">4.</td><td>Philosophy, Chemistry, Medicine, &c.</td><td class="right">2500</td></tr> +<tr><td class="right">5.</td><td>Geography, Chronology, General History</td><td class="right">600</td></tr> +<tr><td class="right">6.</td><td>Voyages and Travels</td><td class="right">800</td></tr> +<tr><td class="right">7.</td><td>Law</td><td class="right">800</td></tr> +<tr><td class="right">8.</td><td>Sculpture and Architecture</td><td class="right">900</td></tr> +<tr><td class="right">9.</td><td>Greek and Latin Classics</td><td class="right">2400</td></tr> +<tr><td class="right">10.</td><td>Books printed <span class="smcap">upon vellum</span></td><td class="right">220</td></tr> +<tr><td class="right">11.</td><td>English Poetry, Romances, &c.</td><td class="right">1000</td></tr> +<tr><td class="right">12.</td><td>French and Spanish do.</td><td class="right">700</td></tr> +<tr><td class="right">13.</td><td>Parliamentary Affairs</td><td class="right">400</td></tr> +<tr><td class="right">14.</td><td>Trade and Commerce</td><td class="right">300</td></tr> +<tr><td class="right">15.</td><td>Miscellaneous Subjects</td><td class="right">4000</td></tr> +<tr><td class="right">16.</td><td>Pamphlets—<i>Four Hundred Thousand</i>!</td></tr> +</table> + +<p>Mr. Gough says, these books "filled thirteen handsome +chambers, and two long galleries." Osborne the bookseller +purchased them for £13,000: a sum little more than two +thirds of the price of the binding, as paid by Lord Oxford. +The bookseller was accused of injustice and parsimony; but +the low prices which he afterwards affixed to the articles, +and the tardiness of their sale, are sufficient refutations +of this charge. Osborne opened his shop for the inspection +of the books on Tuesday the 14th of February, 1744; for fear +"of the curiosity of the spectators, before the sale, +producing disorder in the disposition of the books." The +dispersion of the <span class="smcap">Harleian Collection</span> is a blot in the +literary annals of our country: had there then been such a +Speaker, and such a spirit in the House of Commons, as we +now possess, the volumes of Harley would have been reposing +with the <span class="smcap">marbles of Townley</span>!</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_33_35" id="Footnote_33_35"></a><a href="#FNanchor_33_35">[33]</a> "<span class="smcap">Bibliotheca Smithiana</span>: sive Catalogus +Librorum in quavis facultate insigniorum, quos in usum suum +et Bibliothecæ ornamentum multo ære sibi comparavit vir +clarissimus doctissimusque D. <span class="smcap">Richardus Smith</span>, &c., Londini, +1682," 4to. I recommend the collector of curious and +valuable catalogues to lay hold upon the present one (of +which a more particular description will be given in another +work) whenever it comes in his way. The address "To the +Reader," in which we are told that "this so much celebrated, +so often desired, so long expected, library is now exposed +to sale," gives a very interesting account of the owner. +Inter alia, we are informed that Mr. Smith "was as +constantly known every day to walk his rounds through the +shops, as to sit down to his meals, &c.;" and that "while +others were forming arms, and new-modelling kingdoms, <i>his</i> +great ambition was to become master of a good book." +</p><p> +The catalogue itself justifies every thing said in +commendation of the collector of the library. The +arrangement is good; the books, in almost all departments of +literature, foreign and domestic, valuable and curious; and +among the English ones I have found some of the rarest +Caxtons to refer to in my edition of Ames. What would Mr. +Bindley, or Mr. Malone, or Mr. Douce, give to have the +<i>creaming</i> of such a collection of "Bundles of Stitcht Books +and Pamphlets," as extends from page 370 to 395 of this +catalogue! But alas! while the Bibliographer exults in, or +hopes for, the possession of such treasures, the +physiologist discovers therein fresh causes of disease, and +the philanthropist mourns over the ravages of the +<span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>!</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_34_36" id="Footnote_34_36"></a><a href="#FNanchor_34_36">[34]</a> Consult Masters's "<i>Memoirs of the Life and +Writings of the late Rev.</i> <span class="smcap">Thomas Baker</span>," Camb. 1864, 8vo. +Let any person examine the catalogue of <i>Forty-two</i> folio +volumes of "MS. collections by Mr. Baker," (as given at the +end of this piece of biography) and reconcile himself, if he +can, to the supposition that the said Mr. Baker did not fall +a victim to the <i>Book-disease</i>! For some cause, I do not now +recollect what, Baker took his name off the books of St. +John's College, Cambridge, to which he belonged; but such +was his attachment to the place, and more especially to the +library, that he spent a great portion of the ensuing twenty +years of his life within the precincts of the same: +frequently comforted and refreshed, no doubt, by the sight +of the magnificent <span class="smcap">large paper</span> copies of Walton and Castell, +and of Cranmer's Bible <span class="smcap">upon vellum</span>!</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_35_37" id="Footnote_35_37"></a><a href="#FNanchor_35_37">[35]</a> This <span class="smcap">Thomas Rawlinson</span>, who is introduced in +the Tatler under the name <i>Tom Folio</i>, was a very +extraordinary character, and most desperately addicted to +book-hunting. Because his own house was not large enough, he +hired <i>London House</i>, in Aldersgate Street, for the +reception of his library; and here he used to regale himself +with the sight and the scent of innumerable black letter +volumes, arranged in "sable garb," and stowed perhaps "three +deep," from the bottom to the top of his house. He died in +1725; and Catalogues of his books for sale continued, for +nine succeeding years, to meet the public eye. The following +is a list of all the parts which I have ever met with; taken +from copies in Mr. Heber's possession. +</p><p> +<i>Part</i> 1. <i>A Catalogue of choice and valuable Books in most +Faculties and Languages</i>: being the sixth part of the +collection made by <span class="smcap">Thos. Rawlinson</span>, Esq., &c., to be sold on +Thursday, the 2d day of March, 1726; beginning every evening +at 5 of the clock, by Charles Davis, Bookseller. Qui non +credit, eras credat. Ex Autog. T.R. +</p><p> +2. <i>Bibliotheca Rawlinsoniana</i>; sive Delectus Librorum in +omni ferè Linguâ et Facultate præstantium—to be sold on +Wednesday 26th April, [1726] by Charles Davis, Bookseller. +2600 Numbers. +</p><p> +3. <i>The Same</i>: January 1727-8. By Thomas Ballard, +Bookseller, 3520 Numbers. +</p><p> +4. <i>The Same</i>: March, 1727-8. By the same. 3840 Numbers. +</p><p> +5. <i>The Same</i>: October, 1728. By the same. 3200 Numbers. +</p><p> +6. <i>The Same</i>: November, 1728. By the same. 3520 Numbers. +</p><p> +7. <i>The Same</i>: April, 1729. By the same. 4161 Numbers. +</p><p> +8. <i>The Same</i>: November, 1729. By the same. 2700 Numbers. +</p><p> +9. <i>The Same</i>: [Of Rawlinson's <span class="smcap">Manuscripts</span>] By the same. +March 1733-4. 800 Numbers. +</p><p> +10. <i>Picturæ Rawlinsonianæ.</i> April, 1734. 117 Articles. +</p><p> +At the end, it would seem that a catalogue of his prints, +and MSS. missing in the last sale, were to be published the +ensuing winter. +</p><p> +N.B. The black-letter books are catalogued in the Gothic +letter.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_36_38" id="Footnote_36_38"></a><a href="#FNanchor_36_38">[36]</a> "<span class="smcap">Bibliothecæ Bridgesianæ Catalogus</span>: or, A +Catalogue of the Entire Library of <span class="smcap">John Bridges</span>, late of +<i>Lincoln's Inn</i>, Esq., &c., which will begin to be sold, by +Auction, on Monday the seventh day of February, 1725-6, at +his chambers in <i>Lincoln's Inn</i>, N<span class="super">o</span>. 6." +</p><p> +From a priced copy of this sale catalogue, in my possession, +once belonging to Nourse, the bookseller in the Strand, I +find that the following was the produce of the sale:</p> + +<table style="width: 50%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="sale"> +<tr><td>The Amount of the books</td><td class="right">£3730</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td>Prints and books of Prints</td><td class="right">394</td><td class="right">17</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Total Amount of the Sale</td><td class="right" style="border-top: 1px solid black">£4124</td><td class="right" style="border-top: 1px solid black">17</td><td class="right" style="border-top: 1px solid black">6</td></tr> +</table> + +<p>Two different catalogues of this valuable collection of +books were printed. The one was analysed, or a <i>catalogue +raisonné</i>; to which was prefixed a print of a Grecian +portico, &c., with ornaments and statues: the other +(expressly for the sale) was an indigested and extremely +confused one—to which was prefixed a print, designed and +engraved by A. Motte, of an oak felled, with a number of men +cutting down and carrying away its branches; illustrative of +the following Greek motto inscribed on a scroll +above—<span lang="el" title="Greek: Dryos pesousês pas anêr xyleuetai">Δρυὸς +πεσοὺσης πᾶς ἀνὴρ ξυλευεταὶ</span>: "An +affecting memento (says Mr. Nichols, very justly, in his +<i>Anecdotes of Bowyer</i>, p. 557) to the collectors of great +libraries, who cannot, or do not, leave them to some public +accessible repository."</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_37_39" id="Footnote_37_39"></a><a href="#FNanchor_37_39">[37]</a> In the year 1730-1, there was sold by auction, +at St. Paul's Coffee-house, in St. Paul's Church-yard +(beginning every evening at five o'clock), the library of +the celebrated Free-Thinker,</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Anthony Collins, Esq.</span></p> + +<p>"Containing a collection of several thousand volumes in +Greek, Latin, English, French, and Spanish; in divinity, +history, antiquity, philosophy, husbandry, and all polite +literature: and especially many curious travels and voyages; +and many rare and valuable pamphlets." This collection, +which is divided into <i>two parts</i> (the first containing 3451 +articles, the second 3442), is well worthy of being +consulted by the theologian, who is writing upon any +controverted point of divinity: there are articles in it of +the rarest occurrence. The singular character of its owner +and of his works is well known: he was at once the friend +and the opponent of Locke and Clarke, who were both anxious +for the conversion of a character of such strong, but +misguided, talents. The former, on his death-bed, wrote +Collins a letter to be delivered to him, after his decease, +which was full of affection and good advice.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_38_40" id="Footnote_38_40"></a><a href="#FNanchor_38_40">[38]</a> It is almost impossible to dwell on the memory +of this <span class="smcap">great man</span> without emotions of delight—whether we +consider him as an eminent physician, a friend to +literature, or a collector of books, pictures, and coins. +Benevolence, magnanimity, and erudition were the striking +features of his character: his house was the general +receptacle of men of genius and talent, and of every thing +beautiful, precious, or rare. His curiosities, whether +books, or coins, or pictures, were freely laid open to the +public; and the enterprising student, and experienced +antiquary, alike found amusement and a courteous reception. +He was known to all foreigners of intellectual distinction, +and corresponded both with the artisan and the potentate. +The great patron of literature, and the leader of his +profession (which he practised with a success unknown +before), it was hardly possible for unbefriended merit, if +properly introduced to him, to depart unrewarded. The +clergy, and in general, all men of learning, received his +advice <i>gratuitously</i>: and his doors were open every morning +to the <i>most indigent</i>, whom he frequently assisted with +money. Although his income, from his professional practice, +was very considerable, he died by no means a rich man—so +large were the sums which he devoted to the encouragement of +literature and the fine arts! +</p><p> +The sale of Dr. Mead's <i>books</i> commenced on the 18th of +November, 1754, and again on the 7th of April, 1755: lasting +together 57 days. The sale of the <i>prints</i> and <i>drawings</i> +continued 14 nights. The <i>gems</i>, <i>bronzes</i>, <i>busts</i>, and +<i>antiquities</i>, 8 days.</p> + +<table style="width: 50%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="sale"> +<tr><td>His books produced</td><td class="right">£5496</td><td class="right">15</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Pictures</span></td><td class="right">3417</td><td class="right">11</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Prints and drawings</span></td><td class="right">1908</td><td class="right">14</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Coins and medals</span></td><td class="right">1977</td><td class="right">17</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Antiquities</span></td><td class="right" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black">3246</td><td class="right" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black">15</td><td class="right" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black">0</td></tr> +<tr><td>Amount of all the sales</td><td class="right" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black">£16,047</td><td class="right" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black">12</td><td class="right" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black">0</td></tr> +</table> + +<p>It would be difficult to mention, within a moderate compass, +all the rare and curious articles which his library +contained—but the following are too conspicuous to be +passed over. The <i>Spira Virgil</i> of 1470, <i>Pfintzing's +Tewrkdrancs</i>, 1527, <i>Brandt's Stultifera Navis</i>, 1498, and +the <i>Aldine Petrarch</i> of 1501, <span class="smcap">all upon vellum</span>. The large +paper <i>Olivet's Cicero</i> was purchased by Dr. Askew for £14 +14<i>s.</i> and was sold again at his sale for £36 15<i>s.</i> The +King of France bought the editio princeps of <i>Pliny Senr.</i> +for £11 11<i>s.</i>; and Mr. Willock, a bookseller, bought the +magnificently illuminated <i>Pliny by Jenson</i> of 1472, for £18 +18<i>s.</i>: of which Maittaire has said so many fine things. The +<i>French</i> books, and all the works upon the <i>Fine Arts</i>, were +of the first rarity, and value, and bound in a sumptuous +manner. Winstanley's <i>Prospects of Audley End</i> brought £50. +An amusing account of some of the pictures will be found in +Mr. Beloe's "<i>Anecdotes of Literature and Scarce Books</i>," +vol. i. 166. 71. But consult also <i>Nichol's Anecdotes of +Bowyer</i>, p. 225, &c. Of the catalogue of Dr. Mead's books +there were only six copies printed on <span class="smcap">large paper</span>. See Bibl. +Lort, no. 1149.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_29" id="Page_B_29">B. 29</a></span>The years 1755-6 were singularly remarkable for the mortality excited +by the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>; and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_30" id="Page_B_30">B. 30</a></span> well known names of Folkes,<a name="FNanchor_39_41" id="FNanchor_39_41"></a><a href="#Footnote_39_41" class="fnanchor">[39]</a> and +Rawlinson,<a name="FNanchor_40_42" id="FNanchor_40_42"></a><a href="#Footnote_40_42" class="fnanchor">[40]</a> might have supplied a modern Holbein a hint for the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_31" id="Page_B_31">B. 31</a></span> +introduction of a new subject in the "<i>Dance of Death</i>." The close of +George the Second's reign witnessed another instance of the fatality +of this disease. Henley<a name="FNanchor_41_43" id="FNanchor_41_43"></a><a href="#Footnote_41_43" class="fnanchor">[41]</a> "bawled till he was hoarse" against the +cruelty of its attack; while his library has informed posterity how +severely and how mortally he suffered from it.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_39_41" id="Footnote_39_41"></a><a href="#FNanchor_39_41">[39]</a> "A Catalogue of the entire and valuable +library of <span class="smcap">Martin Folkes, Esq.</span>, President of the Royal +Society, and member of the Royal Academy of Sciences at +Paris, lately deceased; which will be sold by auction by +Samuel Baker, at his house, in York Street, Covent Garden. +To begin on Monday, February 2, 1756, and to continue for +forty days successively (Sundays excepted). Catalogues to be +had at most of the considerable places in Europe, and all +the booksellers of Great Britain and Ireland, Price +Sixpence." +</p><p> +This collection was an exceedingly fine one; enriched with +many books of the choicest description, which Mr. Folkes had +acquired in his travels in Italy and Germany. The works on +natural history, coins, medals, and inscriptions, and on the +fine arts in general, formed the most valuable +department—those in the Greek, Latin and English classics, +were comparatively of inferior importance. It is a great +pity the catalogue was not better digested; or the books +classed according to the nature of their contents. +</p><p> +The following prices, for some of the more rare and +interesting articles, will amuse a bibliographer of the +present day. The chronicles of Fabian, Hall, and Grafton, +did not altogether bring quite £2: though the copies are +described as perfect and fair. There seems to have been a +fine set of Sir Wm. Dugdale's Works (Nos. 3074-81) in 13 +vols. which, collectively, produced about 30 guineas. +</p><p> +In <i>Spanish literature</i>, the history of South America, By +Don Juan and Ant. di Ulloa, Madr. fol. in 5 vols., was sold +for £5: a fine large paper copy of the description of the +Monastery of St. Lorenzo, and the Escorial, Madr. 1657, +brought £1 2<i>s.</i>: de Lastanosa's Spanish Medals, Huesca, +fol. 1645, £2 2<i>s.</i> +</p><p> +In <i>English</i>, the first edition of Shakespeare, 1623, which +is now what a French bibliographer would say "presque +introuvable," produced the sum of £3 3<i>s.</i>; and Fuller's +Worthies, 18<i>s.</i>! +</p><p> +<i>Fine Arts, Antiquities, and Voyages.</i> Sandrart's works, in +9 folio volumes (of which a fine perfect copy is now rarely +to be met with, and of very great value) were sold for £13 +13<i>s.</i> only: Desgodetz Roman edifices, Paris, 1682, £4 +10<i>s.</i>: Galleria Giustiniano, 2 vols., fol. £13 13<i>s.</i> Le +Brun's Voyages in Muscovy, &c., in large paper, £4 4<i>s.</i> De +Rossi's Raccolta de Statue, &c. Rom. 1704, £6 10<i>s.</i> +Medailles du Regne de Louis le Grand, de l'imp. Roy. 1. p. +fol. 1702, £5 15<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> +</p><p> +The works on <i>Natural History</i> brought still higher prices; +but the whole, from the present depreciation of specie, and +increased rarity of the articles, would now bring thrice the +sums then given. +</p><p> +Of the <i>Greek and Latin Classics</i>, the Pliny of 1469 and +1472 were sold to Dr. Askew for £11 11<i>s.</i> and £7 17<i>s.</i> +6<i>d.</i> At the Doctor's sale they brought £43 and £23: +although the first was lately sold (A.D. 1805) among some +duplicates of books belonging to the British Museum, at a +much lower price: the copy was, in fact, neither large nor +beautiful. Those in the Hunter and Cracherode collections +are greatly superior, and would each bring more than double +the price. +</p><p> +From a priced copy of the sale catalogue, in my possession, +I find that the amount of the sale, consisting of 5126 +articles, was £3091 5<i>s.</i> +</p><p> +The <i>Prints and Drawings</i> of Mr. Folkes occupied a sale of 8 +days; and his <i>pictures</i>, <i>gems</i>, <i>coins</i>, and <i>mathematical +instruments</i>, of five days. +</p><p> +Mr. <span class="smcap">Martin Folkes</span> may justly be ranked among the most +useful, as well as splendid, literary characters of which +this country can boast. He appears to have imbibed, at a +very early age, an extreme passion for science and +literature; and to have distinguished himself so much at the +University of Cambridge, under the able tuition of Dr. +Laughton, that, in his 23rd year, he was admitted a Fellow +of the Royal Society. About two years afterwards he was +chosen one of the council, and rose, in gradual succession, +to the chair of the presidentship, which he filled with a +credit and celebrity that has since never been surpassed. On +this occasion he was told by Dr. Jurin, the Secretary, who +dedicated to him the 34th vol. of the Transactions, that +"the greatest man that ever lived (Sir Isaac Newton) singled +him out to fill the chair, and to preside in the society, +when he himself was so frequently prevented by +indisposition: and that it was sufficient to say of him that +he was <i>Sir Isaac's friend</i>." +</p><p> +Within a few years after this, he was elected President of +the Society of Antiquaries. Two situations, the filling of +which may be considered as the <i>ne plus ultra</i> of literary +distinction. Mr. Folkes travelled abroad, with his family, +about two years and a half, visiting the cities of Rome, +Florence, and Venice—where he was noticed by almost every +person of rank and reputation, and whence he brought away +many a valuable article to enrich his own collection. He was +born in the year 1690, and died of a second stroke of the +palsy, under which he languished for three years, in 1754. +Dr. Birch has drawn a very just and interesting character of +this eminent man, which may be found in Nichol's <i>Anecdotes +of Bowyer</i>, 562. 7. Mr. Edwards, the late ornithologist, has +described him in a simple, but appropriate, manner. "He +seemed," says he, "to have attained to universal knowledge; +for, in the many opportunities I have had of being in his +company, almost every part of science has happened to be the +subject of discourse, all of which he handled as an adept. +He was a man of great politeness in his manners, free from +all pedantry and pride, and, in every respect, the real +unaffected fine gentleman."</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_40_42" id="Footnote_40_42"></a><a href="#FNanchor_40_42">[40]</a> "<span class="smcap">Bibliotheca Rawlinsoniana</span>, sive Catalogus +Librorum Richardi Rawlinson, LL.D. Qui prostabunt Venales +sub hasta, Apud Samuelem Baker. In Vico dicto <i>York Street, +Covent Garden Londini, Die Lunæ</i>, 22 Martii <span class="smcap">mdcclvi</span>." +</p><p> +This valuable library must have contained about 20,000 +volumes; for the number of Articles amounted to 9405. On +examining a priced catalogue of it, which now lies before +me, I have not found any higher sum offered for a work than +£4 1<i>s.</i> for a collection of fine prints, by Aldegrave (No. +9405). The Greek and Latin classics, of which there were few +<i>Editiones Principes</i>, or on <i>large paper</i>, brought the +usual sums given at that period. The old English +black-lettered books, which were pretty thickly scattered +throughout the collection, were sold for exceedingly low +prices—if the copies were perfect. Witness the following:</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="books"> +<tr><td> </td><td class="center">£</td><td class="center"><i>s.</i></td><td class="center"><i>d.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>The Newe Testament in English, 1530</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">9</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Ymage of both Churches, after the Revelation of St. John, by Bale, 1550</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>The boke called the Pype or Tonne of Perfection, by Richard Whytforde, 1532</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">9</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Visions of Pierce Plowman, 1561</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Creede of Pierce Plowman, 1553</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Bookes of Moses, in English, 1530</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">9</td></tr> +<tr><td>Bale's Actes of Englishe Votaryes, 1550</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">3</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Boke of Chivalrie, by Caxton</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">11</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Boke of St. Albans, by W. de Worde</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +</table> + +<p>These are only very few of the rare articles in English +literature, of the whole of which (perhaps upwards of 200 in +number) I believe, the 'Boke of St. Albans,' brought the +highest sum. Hence it will be seen that this was not the age +of curious research into the productions of our ancestors. +Shakspeare had not then appeared in a proper <i>Variorum +edition</i>. Theobald, and Pope, and Warburton, had not +investigated the black-letter lore of ancient English +writers, for the illustration of their favourite author. +This was reserved for Farmer, for Steevens, for Malone, for +Chalmers, Reed and Douce: and it is expressly to these +latter gentlemen (for Johnson and Hanmer were very sparing, +or very shy, of the black letter), that we are indebted for +the present spirit of research into the works of our +ancestors. +</p><p> +The sale of the books lasted 50 days. There was a second +sale of pamphlets, books of prints, &c., in the following +year, which lasted 10 days; and this was immediately +succeeded by a sale of the Doctor's single prints and +drawings, which continued 8 days.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_41_43" id="Footnote_41_43"></a><a href="#FNanchor_41_43">[41]</a> This gentleman's library, not so remarkable +for the black letter as for whimsical publications, was sold +by auction, by Samuel Paterson, [the earliest sale in which +I find this well known book-auctioneer engaged] in June, +1759, and the three ensuing evenings. The title of the Sale +Catalogue is as follows: +</p><p> +"A Catalogue of the original MSS. and manuscript collections +of the late Reverend Mr. <span class="smcap">John Henley</span>, A.M., Independent +Minister of the Oratory, &c., in which are included sundry +collections of the late Mons. des Maizeaux, the learned +editor of Bayle, &c., Mr. Lowndes, author of the Report for +the Amendment of Silver Coins, &c., Dr. Patrick Blair, +Physician at Boston, and F.R.S. &c., together with original +letters and papers of State, addressed to Henry d'Avenant, +Esq., her Britannic Majesty's Envoy at Francfort, from 1703 +to 1708 inclusive." +</p><p> +Few libraries have contained more curious and remarkable +publications than did this. The following articles, given as +notable specimens, remind us somewhat of Addison's Memoranda +for the Spectator, which the waiter at the coffee-house +picked up and read aloud for the amusement of the company. +</p><p> +No. 166. God's Manifestation by a Star to the Dutch. A +mortifying Fast Diet at Court. On the Birth Day of the first +and oldest young gentleman. All corrupt: none good: no not +one. +</p><p> +No. 168. General Thumbissimo. The Spring reversed, or the +Flanderkin's Opera and Dutch Pickle Herrings. The Creolean +Fillip, or Royal Mishap. A Martial Telescope, &c., England's +Passion Sunday, and April Changelings. +</p><p> +No. 170. Speech upon Speech. A Telescope for Tournay. No +Battle, but worse, and the True Meaning of it. An Army +Beaten and interred. +</p><p> +No. 174. Signs when the P. will come. Was Captain Sw——n a +Prisoner on Parole, to be catechised? David's Opinion of +like Times. The Seeds of the plot may rise, though the +leaves fall. A Perspective, from the Blair of Athol, the +Pretender's Popery. Murder! Fire! Where! Where! +</p><p> +No. 178. Taking Carlisle, catching an eel by the tail. +Address of a Bishop, Dean and Clergy. Swearing to the +P——r, &c., Anathema denounced against those Parents, +Masters, and Magistrates, that do not punish the Sin at +Stokesley. A Speech, &c. A parallel between the Rebels to K. +Charles I. and those to his Successor. <i>Jane Cameron</i> looked +killing at <i>Falkirk</i>. +</p><p> +No. 179. Let stocks be knighted, write, Sir Banks, &c. the +Ramhead Month. A Proof that the Writers against Popery fear +it will be established in this Kingdom. A Scheme, wisely +blabbed to root and branch the Highlanders. Let St. Patrick +have fair play, &c. +</p><p> +Of <span class="smcap">Orator Henley</span> I have not been able to collect any +biographical details more interesting than those which are +to be found in Warburton's notes to Pope's Dunciad.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">We are now, my dear Sir, descending rapidly to our own times; and, in +a manner sufficiently rough, have traced the <i>History of the +Bibliomania</i> to the commencement of the present illustrious reign: +when<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_32" id="Page_B_32">B. 32</a></span> we discover, among its victims, a General, who had probably +faced many a cannon, and stormed many a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_33" id="Page_B_33">B. 33</a></span> rampart, uninjured. The name +of Dormer<a name="FNanchor_42_44" id="FNanchor_42_44"></a><a href="#Footnote_42_44" class="fnanchor">[42]</a> will remind you of the small but choice library which +affords such a melancholy proof of its owners' fate; while the more +splendid examples of Smith<a name="FNanchor_43_45" id="FNanchor_43_45"></a><a href="#Footnote_43_45" class="fnanchor">[43]</a> and West<a name="FNanchor_44_46" id="FNanchor_44_46"></a><a href="#Footnote_44_46" class="fnanchor">[44]</a><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_34" id="Page_B_34">B. 34</a></span> serve to shew the +increased ravages of a disease, which seemed to threaten the lives of +all, into whose ears<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_35" id="Page_B_35">B. 35</a></span> (like those of "Visto,") some demon had +"whispered" the sound of "<span class="smcap">taste</span>." These three striking instances<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_36" id="Page_B_36">B. 36</a></span> of +the fatality of the Bibliomania occurred—the first in the year 1764; +and the latter in 1773. The following year witnessed the sale of the +Fletewode<a name="FNanchor_45_47" id="FNanchor_45_47"></a><a href="#Footnote_45_47" class="fnanchor">[45]</a><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_37" id="Page_B_37">B. 37</a></span> library; so that nothing but despair and havoc appeared +to move in the train of this pestiferous malady. In the year 1775 died +the famous Dr. Anthony Askew, another illustrious victim to the +Bibliomania. Those<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_38" id="Page_B_38">B. 38</a></span> who recollect the zeal and scholarship of this +great book-collector, and the precious gems with which his library<a name="FNanchor_46_48" id="FNanchor_46_48"></a><a href="#Footnote_46_48" class="fnanchor">[46]</a> +was stored from the cabinets of De Boze and Gaignat, as well as of +Mead and Folkes, cannot<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_39" id="Page_B_39">B. 39</a></span> but sigh with grief of heart on the thought +of such a victim! How ardently, and how kindly [as I remember to have +heard his friend Dr. Burges say], would Askew unfold his glittering +stores—open the magnificent folio, or the shining duodecimo, <span class="smcap">upon +vellum</span>, embossed and fast held together with golden knobs and silver +clasps! How carefully would he unroll the curious MS.—decipher the +half effaced characters—and then, casting an eye of ecstacy over the +shelves upon which similar treasures were lodged, exult in the +glittering prospect before him! But death—who, as Horace tells us, +raps<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_40" id="Page_B_40">B. 40</a></span> equally at the palaces of kings and cottages of peasants, made +no scruple to exercise the knocker of the Doctor's door, and sent, as +his avant-courier, <span class="smcap">this deplorable mania</span>! It appeared; and even Askew, +with all his skill in medicine and books, fell lifeless before +it—bewailed, as he was beloved and respected!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_42_44" id="Footnote_42_44"></a><a href="#FNanchor_42_44">[42]</a> "A Catalogue of the genuine and elegant +Library of the late Sir <span class="smcap">C.C. Dormer</span>, collected by +Lieutenant-General James Dormer, which will be sold, &c., by +Samuel Baker, at his house in York Street, Covent Garden; to +begin on Monday, February the 20th, 1764, and to continue +the nineteen following evenings." At the end of the +catalogue we are told that the books were "in general of the +best editions, and in the finest condition, many of them in +<i>large paper</i>, bound in morocco, gilt leaves, &c." +</p><p> +This was a very choice collection of books, consisting +almost entirely of Greek, Latin, Italian, Spanish and +French. The number of articles did not exceed 3082, and of +volumes, probably not 7000. The catalogue is neatly printed, +and copies of it on <i>large paper</i> are exceedingly scarce. +Among the most curious and valuable articles were those +numbered 599, 604, 2249, 2590; from n<span class="super">o</span>. 2680, to the end, +was a choice collection of Italian and Spanish books.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_43_45" id="Footnote_43_45"></a><a href="#FNanchor_43_45">[43]</a> In the year 1755 was published at Venice, +printed by J.B. Pasquali, a catalogue of the books of <span class="smcap">Joseph +Smith</span>, Esq., Consul at Venice. +</p><p> +The catalogue was published under the following Latin title: +"Bibliotheca Smitheana, seu Catalogus Librorum D. Josephi +Smithii, Angli, per Cognomina Authorum dispositus, Venetiis, +typis Jo. Baptistæ Pasquali, M,DCCLV.;" in quarto; with the +arms of Consul Smith. The title page is succeeded by a Latin +preface of Pasquali, and an alphabetical list of 43 pages of +the authors mentioned in the catalogue: then follow the +books arranged alphabetically, without any regard to size, +language, or subject. These occupy 519 pages, marked with +the Roman numerals; after which are 66 pages, numbered in +the same manner, of "addenda et corrigenda." The most +valuable part of the volume is "The Prefaces and Epistles +prefixed to those works in the Library which were printed in +the 15th century:" these occupy 348 pages. A Catalogue, (in +three pages) of the Names of the illustrious Men mentioned +in these prefaces, &c., closes the book. +</p><p> +It would be superfluous to mention to bibliographers the +rare articles contained in this collection, which are so +generally known and so justly appreciated. They consist +chiefly of early editions of <i>Italian</i>, <i>Greek</i>, and <i>Latin +classics</i>; and of many copies of both printed <span class="smcap">upon vellum</span>. +The library, so rich in these articles, was, however, +defective in English Literature and Antiquities. There was +scarcely any thing of Shakspeare or Dugdale. +</p><p> +On the death of Mr. Smith in 1772, his collection was sold +in 1773, 8vo., by Baker and Leigh; and the books were +announced to the public, as being "in the finest +preservation, and consisting of the very best and scarcest +editions of the Latin, Italian, and French authors, from the +invention of printing; with manuscripts and missals, upon +vellum, finely illuminated." A glance upon the prices for +which most of these fine books were sold made Mr. Cuthell +exclaim, in my hearing, that "<i>they were given away</i>." On +these occasions, one cannot help now and then wishing, with +father Evander,</p> + +<p class="center">"O mihi præteritos referat si Jupiter annos!"</p> + +<p>On comparing Pasquali's, with the sale, catalogue, it will +be obvious that a great number of rare and valuable articles +was disposed of before the books came to public auction. +Indeed it is known that his present <span class="smcap">Majesty</span> enriched his +magnificent collection with many of the Consul's <i>first +editions</i>, and <i>vellum copies</i>, during the life of the +latter. The sale continued thirteen days only; and on the +last day were sold all the English books in the +<i>black-letter</i>. Some of these are rather curious. +</p><p> +Of <span class="smcap">Consul Smith</span> I am unable to present the lover of <span class="smcap">virtu</span> +with any particulars more acceptable than the following. +Pasquali (whose Latin preface is curious enough—abounding +with as many interrogatories as Hamlet's soliloquies) has +told us that "as the Consul himself was distinguished for +his politeness, talents, and prudence, so was his house for +splendid and elegant decorations. You might there view, says +he, the most beautifully painted pictures, and exquisite +ornaments, whether gems, vases, or engravings. In short, the +whole furniture was so brilliant and classical that you +admired at once the magnificence and judgment of the owner." +He tells us, a little further, that he had frequently +solicited the Consul to print a catalogue of his books; +which proposition his modesty at first induced him to +reject; but, afterwards, his liberality, to comply with. He +then observes that, "in the compilation of the catalogue, he +has studied brevity as much as it was consistent with +perspicuity; and that he was once desirous of stating the +<i>value</i> and <i>price</i> of the books, but was dissuaded from it +by the advice of the more experienced, and by the singular +modesty of the Collector." +</p><p> +It must be confessed that Pasquali has executed his task +well, and that the catalogue ranks among the most valuable, +as well as rare, books of the kind.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_44_46" id="Footnote_44_46"></a><a href="#FNanchor_44_46">[44]</a> "<span class="smcap">Bibliotheca Westiana</span>; A catalogue of the +curious and truly valuable library of the late James West, +Esq., President of the Royal Society, deceased, &c. +Including the works of <span class="smcap">Caxton</span>, <span class="smcap">Lettou</span>, <span class="smcap">Machlinia</span>, the +anonymous <span class="smcap">St. Albans</span> <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Schoolmaster"><span class="smcap">Schoolmaste</span></span>, +<span class="smcap">Wynkyn de Worde</span>, <span class="smcap">Pynson</span>, and the rest of the +old English typographers. Digested by Samuel Paterson," +1773, 8vo. +</p> + +<p class="center">ANALYSIS OF THE CATALOGUE.</p> + +<p class="center">1. <i>Volumes of Miscellaneous Tracts.</i></p> + +<p>These volumes extend from N<span class="super">o</span>. 148 to 200, from 915 to +992, from 1201 to 1330, and from N<span class="super">o</span>. 1401 to 1480. +</p> + +<p class="center">2. <i>Divinity.</i></p> + +<p>In the whole, 560 articles; probably about 1200 volumes; +some of them exceedingly scarce and valuable. +</p> + +<p class="center">3. <i>Education, Languages, Criticism, Classics, Dictionaries,<br /> +Catalogues of Libraries, &c.</i></p> + +<p>There were about 700 volumes in these departments. The +catalogues of English books, from that of Maunsell, in 1595, +to the latest before Mr. West's time, were very complete. +The treatises on education and translations of the ancient +classics comprehended a curious and uncommon collection. The +Greek and Latin classics were rather select than rare. +</p> + +<p class="center">4. <i>English Poetry, Romance, and Miscellanies.</i></p> + +<p>This interesting part of the collection comprehended about +355 articles, or probably about 750 volumes: and if the +singularly rare and curious books which may be found <i>under +these heads alone</i> were now concentrated in one library, the +owner of them might safely demand 4000 guineas for such a +treasure. +</p> + +<p class="center">5. <i>Philosophy, Mathematics, Inventions, Agriculture and<br /> +Horticulture, Medicine, Cookery, Surgery, etc.</i></p> + +<p>Two hundred and forty articles, or about 560 volumes.</p> + +<p class="center">6. <i>Chemistry, Natural History, Astrology, Sorcery, +Gigantology.</i></p> + +<p>Probably not more than 100 volumes.</p> + +<p class="center">7. <i>History and Antiquities.</i></p> + +<p>This comprehended a great number of curious and valuable +productions, relating both to foreign and domestic +transactions. +</p> + +<p class="center">8. <i>Heraldry and Genealogy.</i></p> + +<p>A great number of curious and scarce articles may be found +under these heads.</p> + +<p class="center">9. <i>Ancient Legends and Chronicles.</i></p> + +<p>To the English antiquary, few departments of literature are +more interesting that these. Mr. West seems to have paid +particular attention to them, and to have enriched his +library with many articles of this description, of the +rarest occurrence. The lovers of Caxton, Fabian, Hardyng, +Hall, Grafton, and Holinshed, may be highly gratified by +inspecting the various editions of these old chroniclers. I +entreat the diligent bibliographer to examine the first +eight articles of page 209 of the catalogue. Alas, when will +all these again come under the hammer at one sale?!</p> + +<p class="center">10. <i>Topography.</i></p> + +<p>Even to a veteran, like the late Mr. <span class="smcap">Gough</span>, such a +collection as may be found from p. 217 to p. 239 of this +catalogue, would be considered a first-rate acquisition. I +am aware that the gothic wainscot, and stained glass +windows, of <i>Enfield Study</i> enshrined a still more exquisite +topographical collection! But we are improved since the days +of Mr. West; and every body knows to <i>whom</i> these +improvements are, in a great measure, to be attributed. When +I call to mind the author of '<i>British Topography</i>' and +'<i>Sepulchral Monuments</i>,' I am not insensible to the taste, +diligence, and erudition of the "par nobile fratrum," who +have gratified us with the '<i>Environs of London</i>,' '<i>Roman +Remains</i>,' and the first two volumes of '<i>Magna Britannia</i>!' +</p><p> +The preceding is to be considered as a very general, and +therefore superficial, analysis of the catalogue of Mr. +West's library; copies of it, with the sums for which the +books were sold, are now found with difficulty, and bring a +considerable price. I never saw or heard of one on <span class="smcap">large +paper</span>!</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_45_47" id="Footnote_45_47"></a><a href="#FNanchor_45_47">[45]</a> "A catalogue of rare books and tracts in +various languages and faculties; including the <i>Ancient +Conventual Library</i> of Missenden-Abbey, in Buckinghamshire; +together with some choice remains of that of the late +eminent Serjeant at law, <span class="smcap">William Fletewode</span>, Esq., Recorder +of London, in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth; among which are +several specimens of the earliest Typography, foreign and +English, including <span class="smcap">Caxton</span>, <span class="smcap">Wynkyn de Worde</span>, <span class="smcap">Pynson</span>, and +others; a fine collection of English Poetry, some scarce old +law-books, a great number of old English plays, several +choice MSS. upon vellum, and other subjects of literary +curiosity. Also several of the best editions of the +Classics, and modern English and French books. To begin +<i>December</i> 5, 1774, and the 17 following evenings, precisely +at half an hour after five." +</p><p> +I am in possession of a <i>priced Catalogue</i> of this +collection, which once belonged to Herbert, and which +contains all the purchasers' names, as well as the sums +given. The purchasers were principally Herbert, Garrick, +Dodd, Elmsley, T. Payne, Richardson, Chapman, Wagstaff, +Bindley, and Gough. The following is a specimen of some +curious and interesting articles contained in this +celebrated library, and of the prices for which they once +sold! +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">172.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify;"><i>Bale's brefe Chronycle relating to Syr Johan +Oldecastell</i>, 1544. The Life off the 70th Archbishopp off +Canterbury presentleye sittinge, 1574, &c. Life of Hen. +Hills, Printer to O. Cromwell, <i>with the Relation of what +passed between him and the Taylor's Wife in Black Friars</i>, +1688, <i>&c.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="center" colspan="5">Purchased by Mores.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">361 to 367.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Upwards of thirty <i>scarce Theological +Tracts</i>, in Latin and English</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">746 to 784.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A fine collection of early English +Translations, in black letter, with some good foreign +editions of the classics. Not exceeding, in the whole</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">837, 838.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Two copies of the <i>first edition</i> of Bacon's +Essays, 1597!</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="center" colspan="5">The reader will just glance at N<span class="super">o</span>. 970, in the catalogue, +en passant, to</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="right">1082.</td> +<td colspan="4">(£1 2s.) and 1091 (12s.); but more particularly to</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1173.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Caxton's <i>Boke of Tulle of olde age</i>, &c. 1481. +Purchased by the late Mr. T. Payne</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1174.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify"><span class="smcap">Caxton's</span> <i>Boke which is sayd or called Cathon</i>, +&c. 1483.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="center" colspan="5">Purchased by Alchorn.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1256.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify"><span class="smcap">Caxton's</span> <i>Doctrinal of Sapyence</i>, 1489</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="center" colspan="5">Purchased by Alchorn.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1257.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify"><span class="smcap">Caxton's</span> <i>Cordyal</i>, 1479</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1258.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify"><span class="smcap">Wynkyn de Worde's</span> <i>Ocharde of Syon</i>, &c. 1519</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>I will, however, only add that there were upwards of 150 +articles of <i>Old Plays</i>, mostly in quarto. See page 73. Of +<i>Antiquities</i>, <i>Chronicles</i>, and <i>Topography</i>, it would be +difficult to pitch upon the rarest volumes. The collection, +including very few MSS., contained 3641 articles, or +probably nearly 7000 volumes. The Catalogue is uncommon.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_46_48" id="Footnote_46_48"></a><a href="#FNanchor_46_48">[46]</a> I am now arrived, pursuing my chronological +arrangement, at a very important period in the annals of +book-sales. The name and collection of Dr. <span class="smcap">Askew</span> are so well +known in the bibliographical world that the reader need not +be detained with laboured commendations on either: in the +present place, however, it would be a cruel disappointment +not to say a word or two by way of <i>preface</i> or <i>prologue</i>. +</p><p> +Dr. <span class="smcap">Anthony Askew</span> had eminently distinguished himself by a +refined taste, a sound knowledge, and an indefatigable +research relating to every thing connected with Grecian and +Roman literature. It was to be expected, even during his +life, as he was possessed of sufficient means to gratify +himself with what was rare, curious, and beautiful in +literature and the fine arts, that the public would, one +day, be benefited by such pursuits: especially as he had +expressed a wish that his treasures might be unreservedly +submitted to sale, after his decease. In this wish the +Doctor was not singular. Many eminent collectors had +indulged it before him: and, to my knowledge, many modern +ones still indulge it. Accordingly on the death of Dr. +Askew, in 1774, appeared, in the ensuing year, a catalogue +of his books for sale, by Messrs. Baker and Leigh, under the +following title: +</p><p> +"<span class="smcap">Bibliotheca Askeviana</span>, sive Catalogus Librorum Rarissimorum +<span class="smcap">Antonii Askew</span>, M.D., quorum Auctio fiet apud S. Baker et G. +Leigh, in Vico dicto <i>York Street, Covent Garden</i>, Londini. +<i>Die Lunæ</i>, 13 <i>Februarii</i>, MDCCLXXV, et in undeviginti +sequentes dies." A few copies were struck off on large +paper. +</p><p> +We are told by the compiler of the catalogue that it was +thought unnecessary to say much with respect to this Library +of the late Dr. Anthony Askew, as the Collector and +Collection were so well known in almost all parts of Europe. +Afterwards it is observed that "The books in general are in +very fine condition, many of them bound in morocco, and +Russia leather, with gilt leaves." "To give a particular +account," continues the Compiler, "of the <i>many scarce +editions</i> of books in this Catalogue would be almost +endless, therefore the <i>first editions</i> of the Classics, and +some <i>extremely rare books</i> are chiefly noticed. The +catalogue, without any doubt, contains the best, rarest, and +most valuable collection of <span class="smcap">Greek</span> and <span class="smcap">Latin Books</span> that were +ever sold in England." This account is not overcharged. The +collection, in regard to Greek and Roman literature, was +<i>unique</i> in its day. +</p><p> +The late worthy and learned Mr. M. <span class="smcap">Cracherode</span>, whose library +now forms one of the most splendid acquisitions of the +British Museum, and whose <i>bequest</i> of it will immortalize +his memory, was also among the "Emptores literarii" at this +renowned sale. He had enriched his collection with many +<i>Exemplar Askevianum</i>; and, in his latter days, used to +elevate his hands and eyes, and exclaim against the prices +<i>now</i> offered for <span class="smcap">Editiones Principes</span>! +</p><p> +The fact is, Dr. Askew's sale has been considered a sort of +<i>æra</i> in bibliography. Since that period, rare and curious +books in Greek and Latin literature have been greedily +sought after, and obtained at most extravagant prices. It is +very well for a veteran in bibliography, as was Mr. +Cracherode, or as are Mr. Wodhull and Dr. Gosset, whose +collections were formed in the days of Gaignat, Askew, Duke +de la Valliere, and Lamoignon—it is very well for such +gentlemen to declaim against <i>modern prices</i>! But what is to +be done? Books grow scarcer every day, and the love of +literature, and of possessing rare and interesting works, +increases in an equal ratio. Hungry bibliographers meet, at +sales, with well furnished purses, and are resolved upon +sumptuous fare. Thus the hammer <i>vibrates</i>, after a bidding +of <i>Forty pounds</i>, where formerly it used regularly to +<i>fall</i> at <i>Four</i>! +</p><p> +But we lose sight of Dr. Askew's <i>rare editions</i>, and <i>large +paper copies</i>. The following, gentle Reader, is but an +imperfect specimen! +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">168.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Chaucer's Works, by <span class="smcap">Pynson</span>, no date</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">172.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Cicero of Old Age, by Caxton, 1481</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">518.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Gilles' (Nicole) Annales, &c. de France. Paris, +fol. 1520. 2 tom. <span class="smcap">sur velin</span></td> +<td class="rbot">31</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">647.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Æginetæ (Pauli) Præcepta Salubria. Paris, quarto, +1510. <span class="smcap">On vellum</span></td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">666.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Æsopi Fabulæ. <span class="smcap">Edit. Prin.</span> <i>circ.</i> 1480</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">684.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Boccacio, la +Teseide <i>Ferar.</i> 1475. <span class="smcap">Prima Edizione</span></td> +<td class="rbot">85</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1433.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Catullus Tibullus, et Propertius, Aldi. 8vo. 1502. +<span class="smcap">In Membrana</span></td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">This copy was purchased by the late Mr. M.C. Cracherode, and +is now, with his library, in the British Museum. It is a +beautiful book, but cannot be compared with Lord Spencer's +Aldine <span class="smcap">vellum</span> Virgil, of the same size.</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1576.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Durandi Rationale, &c. 1459. <span class="smcap">In Membrana</span></td> +<td class="rbot">61</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">The beginning of the 1st chapter was wanting. Lord Spencer +has a perfect copy of this rare book on spotless <span class="smcap">vellum</span>!</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2656.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Platonis Opera, apud Aldum. 2 vol. fol. 1513. +<i>Edit. Prin.</i> <span class="smcap">On vellum</span></td> +<td class="rbot">55</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">Purchased by the late Dr. W. Hunter; and is at this moment, +in his Museum at <i>Glasgow</i>. The reader who has not seen them +can have no idea of the beauty of these vellum leaves. The +ink is of the finest lustre, and the whole typographical +arrangement may be considered a master-piece of printing. +Lord Oxford told Dr. Mead that he gave 100 guineas for this +very copy.</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +</table> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">After this melancholy event, one would have thought that future +<i>Virtuosi</i> would have barricadoed their doors, and fumigated their +chambers, to keep out such a pest;—but how few are they who profit by +experience, even when dearly obtained! The subsequent history of the +disease is a striking proof of the truth of this remark; for the +madness of book-collecting rather increased—and the work of death +still went on. In<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_41" id="Page_B_41">B. 41</a></span> the year 1776 died John Ratcliffe<a name="FNanchor_47_49" id="FNanchor_47_49"></a><a href="#Footnote_47_49" class="fnanchor">[47]</a> another, and +a very singular, instance of the fatality of the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>. If he +had contented himself with his former occupation, and frequented the +butter and cheese, instead of the book, market—if he could have +<i>fancied himself</i> in a brown peruke, and Russian apron, instead of an +embroidered waistcoat, velvet breeches, and flowing perriwig, he +might, perhaps, have enjoyed greater longevity; but, infatuated by the +Caxtons and Wynkyn De Wordes of Fletewode and of West, he fell into +the snare; and the more he struggled to disentangle himself, the more +certainly did he become a prey to the disease.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_47_49" id="Footnote_47_49"></a><a href="#FNanchor_47_49">[47]</a> <span class="smcap">Bibliotheca Ratcliffiana</span>; or, "A Catalogue of +the elegant and truly valuable Library of <span class="smcap">John Ratcliffe</span>, +Esq. late of Bermondsey, deceased. The whole collected with +great judgment and expense, during the last thirty years of +his life: comprehending a large and most choice collection +of the rare old English <i>black-letter</i>, in fine +preservation, and in elegant bindings, printed by <span class="smcap">Caxton</span>, +<span class="smcap">Lettou</span>, <span class="smcap">Machlinia</span>, the anonymous St. Albans Schoolmaster, +Wynkyn de Worde, Pynson, Berthelet, Grafton, Day, Newberie, +Marshe, Jugge, Whytchurch, Wyer, Rastell, Coplande, and the +rest of the <i>Old English Typographers</i>: several missals and +MSS., and two Pedigrees on vellum, finely illuminated." The +title page then sets forth a specimen of these +black-lettered gems; among which our eyes are dazzled with a +galaxy of Caxtons, Wynkyn de Wordes, Pynsons, &c. &c. The +sale took place on March 27, 1776. +</p><p> +If ever there was a <i>unique</i> collection, this was one—the +very essence of Old Divinity, Poetry, Romances, and +Chronicles! The articles were only 1675 in number, but their +intrinsic value amply compensated for their paucity. +</p> + +<p class="center">The following is but an inadequate specimen.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1315.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Horace's Arte of Poetrie, Pistles and Satyres, by +Drant. 1567, <i>first English edition</i></td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1321.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Sheparde's Calender, 1579. Whetstone's Castle +of Delight, 1576</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1392.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Pastyme of the People, printed by Rastell. +Curious wood cuts. A copy of this book is not now to be +procured. I have known £40 offered for it, and rejected with +disdain</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1403.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Barclay's Shyp of Folys, printed by Pynson, 1508, +<i>first edit.</i> fine copy</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1426.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Doctrinal of Sapyence, printed by <span class="smcap">Caxton</span>, 1489</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1427.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Boke, called Cathon, <span class="smcap">ditto</span>, 1483. <i>Purchased +by Dr. Hunter</i>, and now in his Museum</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1428.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Polytyque Boke, named Tullius de Senectute, in +Englishe, by <span class="smcap">Caxton</span>, 1481. <i>Purchased for his Majesty</i></td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1429.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Game of Chesse Playe. 1474</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1665.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Boke of Jason, printed by <span class="smcap">Caxton</span></td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1669.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Polychronicon of Ranulph Higden, printed by +<span class="smcap">Caxton</span>, 1482. <i>Purchased by Dr. Hunter</i></td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1670.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Legenda Aurea, or the Golden Legende 1483</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1674.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Mr. Ratcliffe's MS. Catalogues of the <i>rare old +black letter</i>, and other curious and uncommon books, 4 vols.</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">This would have been the most delicious article to <i>my</i> +palate. If the present owner of it were disposed to part +with it, I could not find it in my heart to refuse him +<i>compound interest</i> for his money. As is the wooden +frame-work to the bricklayer in the construction of his +arch, so might Mr. Ratcliffe's MS. Catalogues be to me in +the compilation of a certain <i>magnum opus</i>!</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>The memory of such a man ought to be dear to the +"<i>black-lettered dogs</i>" of the present day; for he had +[mirabile dictu!] <i>upwards of</i> <span class="smcap">Thirty Caxtons</span>! +</p><p> +If I might hazard a comparison between Mr. James West's and +Mr. John Ratcliffe's collections, I should say that the +former was more extensive, the latter more curious: Mr. +West's, like a magnificent <i>champagne</i>, executed by the hand +of Claude or Both, and enclosing mountains, and meadows, and +streams, presented to the eye of the beholder a scene at +once extensive, luxuriant, and fruitful: Mr. Ratcliffe's, +like one of those delicious pieces of scenery, touched by +the pencil of Rysdael or Hobbima, exhibited to the +beholder's eye a spot equally interesting, but less varied +and extensive. The sweeping foliage and rich pasture of the +former could not, perhaps, afford greater gratification than +did the thatched cottage, abrupt declivities, and gushing +streams of the latter. To change the metaphor—Mr. West's +was a magnificent repository, Mr. Ratcliffe's a choice +cabinet of gems.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">Thirty years have been considered by Addison (some<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_42" id="Page_B_42">B. 42</a></span>where in his +Spectator) as a pretty accurate period for the passing away of one +generation and the coming on of another. We have brought down our +researches to within a similar period of the present times; but, as +Addison has not made out the proofs of such assertion, and as many of +the relatives and friends of those who have fallen victims to the +<span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>, since the days of Ratcliffe, may yet be alive; moreover, +as it is the part of humanity not to tear open wounds which have been +just closed, or awaken painful sensibilities which have been well nigh +laid to rest; so, my dear Sir, in giving you a further account of this +fatal disorder, I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_43" id="Page_B_43">B. 43</a></span> deem it the most prudent method <i>not to expatiate</i> +upon the subsequent examples of its mortality. We can only mourn over +such names as <span class="smcap">Beauclerk</span>, <span class="smcap">Crofts</span>, <span class="smcap">Pearson</span>, <span class="smcap">Lort</span>, <span class="smcap">Mason</span>, <span class="smcap">Farmer</span>, +<span class="smcap">Steevens</span>, <span class="smcap">Woodhouse</span>, <span class="smcap">Brand</span>, and <span class="smcap">Reed</span>! and fondly hope that the list +may not be increased by those of living characters!</p> + +<p>We are, in the <span class="smcap">second</span> place, to describe the <span class="smcap">Symptoms of the Disease</span>.</p> + +<p class="bp">The ingenious Peignot, in the first volume of his 'Dictionnaire +Bibliologie,' p. 51, defines the Bibliomania<a name="FNanchor_48_50" id="FNanchor_48_50"></a><a href="#Footnote_48_50" class="fnanchor">[48]</a> to be "a passion for +possessing books; not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_44" id="Page_B_44">B. 44</a></span> so much to be instructed by them, as to gratify +the eye by looking on them. He who is affected by this mania knows +books only by their titles and dates, and is rather seduced by the +exterior than interior"! This is, perhaps, too general and vague a +definition to be of much benefit in the knowledge, and consequent +prevention, of the disease: let us, therefore, describe it more +certainly and intelligibly.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_48_50" id="Footnote_48_50"></a><a href="#FNanchor_48_50">[48]</a> There is a short, but smart and interesting, +article on this head in Mr. D'Israeli's <i>Curiosities of +Literature</i>, vol. 1. 10. "Bruyere has touched on this mania +with humour; of such a collector (one who is fond of superb +bindings only) says he, as soon as I enter his house, I am +ready to faint on the stair-case from a strong smell of +morocco leather. In vain he shows me fine editions, gold +leaves, Etruscan bindings, &c.—naming them one after +another, as if he were showing a gallery of pictures!" +Lucian has composed a biting invective against an ignorant +possessor of a vast library. "One who opens his eyes, with +an hideous stare, at an old book, and, after turning over +the pages, chiefly admires the <i>date</i> of its publication."</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">Symptoms of this disease are instantly known by a passion for I. +<i>Large Paper Copies</i>: II. <i>Uncut Copies</i>: III. <i>Illustrated Copies</i>: +IV. <i>Unique Copies</i>: V. <i>Copies printed upon Vellum</i>: VI. <i>First +Editions</i>: VII. <i>True Editions</i>: VIII. <i>A general desire for the Black +Letter</i>. We will describe these symptoms more particularly.</p> + +<p class="bp">I. <i>Large Paper Copies.</i> These are a certain set or limited number of +the work printed in a superior manner, both in regard to ink and press +work, on paper of a larger size, and better quality, than the ordinary +copies. Their price is enhanced in proportion to their beauty and +rarity. In the note below<a name="FNanchor_49_51" id="FNanchor_49_51"></a><a href="#Footnote_49_51" class="fnanchor">[49]</a> are specified a few<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_45" id="Page_B_45">B. 45</a></span> works which have +been published in this manner, that the sober collector may avoid +approaching them.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_49_51" id="Footnote_49_51"></a><a href="#FNanchor_49_51">[49]</a> 1. <i>Lord Bacon's Essays</i>, 1798, 8vo., of which +it is said only five copies were struck off on royal folio. +In Lord Spencer's and the Cracherode, collection I have seen +a copy of this exquisitely printed book; the text of which, +surrounded by such an amplitude of margin, in the language +of Ernesti [see his Critique on Havercamp's Sallust] "natut +velut cymba in oceano." +</p><p> +2. <i>Twenty Plays of Shakespeare</i> published by Steevens from +the old quarto editions, 1766, 8vo. 6 vols. Of this edition +there were only twelve copies struck off on large paper. See +Bibl. Steevens, No. 1312. +</p><p> +3. <i>Dodsley's Collection of Old Plays</i>, 1780, 8vo., 12 vols. +only six copies printed on large paper. See Bibl. Woodhouse, +N<span class="super">o</span>. 198. +</p><p> +4. <i>The Grenville Homer.</i> Græce, 1800. 4to. 4 vols. Fifty +copies with plates were struck off on large paper, in royal +quarto. A copy of this kind was purchased at a sale in 1804, +for £99 15s. +</p><p> +5. <i>Sandford's Genealogical History</i>, etc. 1707, fol. Mr. +Arch of Cornhill purchased a copy of this work on large +paper, at the late sale of Baron Smyth's books, for £46. If +the largest paper of Clarke's Cæsar be excepted, this is the +highest priced single volume on large paper, that I just now +recollect. +</p><p> +6. <i>Hearne's Works</i> on large paper. +</p><p> +Something relating to Hearne will be found in the note at +<a href="#Page_B_7">page 7</a> ante. Here it will be only necessary to observe that +the Hernëan rage for Large Paper is quite of recent growth, +but it promises to be giant-like. When the duplicates of a +part of Mr. Woodhull's library, in 1803, were sold, there +was a fine set of copies of this kind; but the prices, +comparatively with those now offered, were extremely +moderate. Mr. Otridge, the bookseller, told me an amusing +story of his going down to Liverpool, many years ago, and +accidentally purchasing from the library of the late Sir +Thomas Hanmer, a <i>magnificent set of Large Paper Hearnes</i> +for about 40 Guineas. Many of these are now in the choice +library of his Grace the Duke of Grafton. The copies were +catalogued as <i>small</i> paper. Was there ever a more provoking +blunder?!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">This<a name="FNanchor_50_52" id="FNanchor_50_52"></a><a href="#Footnote_50_52" class="fnanchor">[50]</a> symptom of the Bibliomania is, at the present day, both +general and violent, and threatens to extend still more widely. Even +modern publications are not exempt from its calamitous influence; and +when Mr. Miller, the bookseller, told me with what eagerness the large +paper copies of Lord Valentia's Travels were bespoke, and Mr. Evans +shewed me that every similar copy of his new edition of "Burnett's +History of his own Times" was disposed of, I could not help elevating +my eyes and hands, in token of commis<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_46" id="Page_B_46">B. 46</a></span>eration at the prevalence of +this Symptom of the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_50_52" id="Footnote_50_52"></a><a href="#FNanchor_50_52">[50]</a> Analogous to Large Paper Copies are <i>tall +Copies</i>; that is, copies of the work published on the +ordinary size paper and not much cut down by the binder. The +want of <i>margin</i> is a serious grievance complained of by +book-collectors; and when there is a contest of +margin-measuring, with books never professedly published on +large paper, the anxiety of each party to have the largest +copy is better conceived than described! How carefully, and +how adroitly, are the golden and silver rules then +exercised!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">II. <i>Uncut Copies.</i> Of all the symptoms of the Bibliomania, this is +probably the most extraordinary. It may be defined as a passion to +possess books of which the edges have never been sheared by the +binder's tools. And here, my dear Sir, I find myself walking upon +doubtful ground;—your <span class="smcap">uncut Hearnes</span> rise up in "rough majesty" before +me, and almost "push me from my stool." Indeed, when I look around in +my book-lined tub, I cannot but be conscious that this symptom of the +disorder has reached my own threshold; but when it is known that a few +of my bibliographical books are left with the edges uncut <i>merely to +please my friends</i> (as one must sometimes study their tastes and +appetites as well as one's own), I trust that no very serious +conclusions will be drawn about the probable fatality of my own case. +As to uncut copies, although their inconvenience [an uncut lexicon to +wit!] and deformity must be acknowledged, and although a rational man +can want for nothing better than a book <i>once well bound</i>, yet we find +that the extraordinary passion for collecting them not only obtains +with full force, but is attended with very serious consequences to +those "qui n'ont point des pistoles" (to borrow the language of +Clement; vol. vi. p. 36). I dare say an uncut <i>first Shakspeare</i>, as +well as an uncut <i>first Homer</i><a name="FNanchor_51_53" id="FNanchor_51_53"></a><a href="#Footnote_51_53" class="fnanchor">[51]</a> would produce a little annuity!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_51_53" id="Footnote_51_53"></a><a href="#FNanchor_51_53">[51]</a> "Un superbe exemplaire de cette édition +<i>princeps</i> a été vendu, chez M. de Cotte, en 1804, la somme +de 3601 livres; mais il faut ajouter que cet exemplaire +très-precieux est de la plus belle conservation; on dirait +qu'il sort dessous presse. De plus, il est peut-être +<i>l'unique dont les marges n'ont pas été rognées ni +coupées</i>!" +</p> +<p class="right">Peignot's <i>Curiosités Bibliographiques</i>, lxv-vi.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_47" id="Page_B_47">B. 47</a></span>III. <i>Illustrated Copies.</i> A passion for books illustrated or adorned +with numerous prints, representing characters or circumstances +mentioned in the work, is a very general and violent symptom of the +Bibliomania, which has been known chiefly within the last half +century. The origin, or first appearance, of this symptom has been +traced by some to the publication of Granger's "Biographical History +of England;" but whoever will be at the pains of reading the preface +of this work will see that Granger sheltered himself under the +authorities of Evelyn, Ashmole, and others; and that he alone is not +to be considered as responsible for all the mischief which this +passion for collecting prints has occasioned. Granger, however, was +the first who introduced it in the form of a treatise, and surely "in +an evil hour" was this treatise published—although its amiable author +must be acquitted of "malice prepense." His History of England<a name="FNanchor_52_54" id="FNanchor_52_54"></a><a href="#Footnote_52_54" class="fnanchor">[52]</a> +seems to have sounded the tocsin for a general rummage after, and +slaughter of, old prints: venerable philosophers and veteran heroes, +who had long reposed in unmolested dignity within the magnificent +folio volumes which recorded their achievements, were instantly +dragged from their peaceful abodes to be inlaid by the side of some +spruce, modern engraving, within an <span class="smcap">Illustrated Granger</span>! Nor did the +madness stop here. Illustration was the order of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_48" id="Page_B_48">B. 48</a></span> the day; and +Shakspeare<a name="FNanchor_53_55" id="FNanchor_53_55"></a><a href="#Footnote_53_55" class="fnanchor">[53]</a> and Clarendon<a name="FNanchor_54_56" id="FNanchor_54_56"></a><a href="#Footnote_54_56" class="fnanchor">[54]</a> became the next objects of its +attack. From these it has glanced off in a variety of directions, to +adorn the pages of humbler wights; and the passion, or rather this +symptom of the Bibliomania,<a name="FNanchor_55_57" id="FNanchor_55_57"></a><a href="#Footnote_55_57" class="fnanchor">[55]</a> yet rages with undiminished force. If +judiciously<a name="FNanchor_56_58" id="FNanchor_56_58"></a><a href="#Footnote_56_58" class="fnanchor">[56]</a> treated, it is, of all the symptoms, the least liable +to mischief. To possess a series of well executed portraits of +illustrious men, at different periods of their lives, from blooming +boyhood to phlegmatic old age, is sufficiently amusing<a name="FNanchor_57_59" id="FNanchor_57_59"></a><a href="#Footnote_57_59" class="fnanchor">[57]</a>; but to +possess <i>every</i> portrait, <i>bad, indifferent, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_49" id="Page_B_49">B. 49</a></span> unlike</i>, betrays +such a dangerous and alarming symptom as to render the case almost +incurable!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_52_54" id="Footnote_52_54"></a><a href="#FNanchor_52_54">[52]</a> It was first published in two quarto volumes, +1766; and went through several editions in octavo. The last +is, I believe, of the date of 1804; to which three +additional volumes were published by William Noble, in 1806; +the whole seven volumes form what is called an excellent +library work.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_53_55" id="Footnote_53_55"></a><a href="#FNanchor_53_55">[53]</a> About two or three years ago there was an +extraordinary set of prints disposed of, for the +illustration of Shakspeare, collected by a gentleman in +Cornwall, with considerable taste and judgment. Lord +Spencer's beautiful octavo illustrated Shakespeare, +bequeathed to him by the late Mr. Steevens, has been +enriched, since it came into the library of its present +noble possessor, with many a rare and many a beauteous +specimen of the graphic art.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_54_56" id="Footnote_54_56"></a><a href="#FNanchor_54_56">[54]</a> I have heard of an illustrated Clarendon +(which was recently in the metropolis), that has been valued +at 5000 Guineas! "a good round sum!"</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_55_57" id="Footnote_55_57"></a><a href="#FNanchor_55_57">[55]</a> One of the most striking and splendid +instances of the present rage for illustration may be seen +in Mr. Miller's own copy of the Historical Work of Mr. Fox, +in two volumes, imperial quarto. Exclusively of a great +variety of Portraits, it is enriched with the original +drawing of Mr. Fox's bust from which the print, attached to +the publication, is taken; and has also many original notes +and letters by its illustrious author. Mr. Walter Scott's +edition of Dryden has also received, by the same publisher, +a similar illustration. It is on large paper, and most +splendidly bound in blue morocco, containing upwards of 650 +portraits.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_56_58" id="Footnote_56_58"></a><a href="#FNanchor_56_58">[56]</a> The fine copy of Granger, illustrated by the +late Mr. Bull, is now in the library of the Marquis of Bute, +at Lutton. It extends to 37 atlas folio volumes, and is a +repository of almost every rare and beautiful print, which +the diligence of its late, and the skill, taste, and +connoisseurship of its present, noble owner have brought +together.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_57_59" id="Footnote_57_59"></a><a href="#FNanchor_57_59">[57]</a> In the Memoirs of Mr. Thomas Hollis there is a +series of the portraits of Milton (not executed in the best +manner) done in this way; and a like series of Pope's +portraits accompanies the recent edition of the poet's works +by the Rev. W.L. Bowles.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">There is another mode of illustrating copies by which this symptom of +the Bibliomania may be known: it consists in bringing together, from +different works, [by means of the scissors, or otherwise by +transcription] every page or paragraph which has any connection with +the character or subject under discussion. This is a useful and +entertaining mode of illustrating a favourite author; and copies of +works of this nature, when executed by skilful<a name="FNanchor_58_60" id="FNanchor_58_60"></a><a href="#Footnote_58_60" class="fnanchor">[58]</a> hands, should be +preserved in public repositories. I almost ridiculed the idea of an +<span class="smcap">Illustrated Chatterton</span>, in this way, till I saw Mr. Haslewood's copy, +in twenty-one volumes, which rivetted me to my seat!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_58_60" id="Footnote_58_60"></a><a href="#FNanchor_58_60">[58]</a> Numerous are the instances of the peculiar use +and value of copies of this kind, especially to those who +are engaged in publication, of a similar nature. Oldys's +interleaved Langbaine is re-echoed in almost every recent +work connected with the belles-lettres of our country. Oldys +himself was unrivalled in this method of illustration; if, +besides his Langbaine, his copy of 'Fuller's Worthies' [once +Mrs. Steevens's, now Mr. Malone's, See Bibl. Steevens, +n<span class="super">o</span>. 1799] be alone considered! This Oldys was the oddest +mortal that ever scribbled for bread. Grose, in his <i>Olio</i>, +gives an amusing account of his having "a number of small +parchment bags inscribed with the names of the persons whose +lives he intended to write; into which he put every +circumstance and anecdote he could collect, and thence drew +up his history." See Noble's <i>College of Arms</i>, p. 420. +</p><p> +Of illustrated copies in this way, the Suidas of Kuster, +belonging to the famous D'Orville, is a memorable instance. +This is now in the Bodleian library. I should suppose that +one Narcissus Luttrell, in Charles the Second's reign, had a +number of like illustrated copies. His collection of +contemporaneous literature must have been immense, as we may +conclude from the account of it in Mr. Walter Scott's +Preface to his recent edition of Dryden's works. Luckily for +this brilliant poet and editor, a part of Luttrell's +collection had found its way into the libraries of Mr. +Bindley and Mr. Heber, and thence was doomed to shine, with +renewed lustre, by the side of the poetry of Dryden.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">IV. <i>Unique Copies.</i> A passion for a book which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_50" id="Page_B_50">B. 50</a></span> has any peculiarity +about it, by either, or both, of the foregoing methods of +illustration—or which is remarkable for its size, beauty, and +condition—is indicative of a rage for <i>unique copies</i>, and is +unquestionably a strong prevailing symptom of the Bibliomania. Let me +therefore urge every sober and cautious collector not to be fascinated +by the terms "<i>Matchless, and Unique</i>;" which, "in slim Italicks" (to +copy Dr. Ferriar's happy expression) are studiously introduced into +Bookseller's catalogues to lead the unwary astray. Such a Collector +may fancy himself proof against the temptation; and will, in +consequence, <i>call only to look at</i> this unique book, or set of books; +but, when he views the morocco binding, silk water-tabby lining, +blazing gilt edges—when he turns over the white and spotless +leaves—gazes on the amplitude of margin—on a rare and lovely print +introduced—and is charmed with the soft and coaxing manner in which, +by the skill of Herring or Mackinlay,<a name="FNanchor_59_61" id="FNanchor_59_61"></a><a href="#Footnote_59_61" class="fnanchor">[59]</a> "leaf succeeds to leaf"—he +can no longer bear up against the temptation—and, confessing himself +vanquished, purchases, and retreats—exclaiming with Virgil's +shepherd—</p> + +<p class="centerbp">Ut vidi, ut perii—ut me malus abstulit error!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_59_61" id="Footnote_59_61"></a><a href="#FNanchor_59_61">[59]</a> At <a href="#Page_8">page 8</a>, note—the reader has been led to +expect a few remarks upon the luxuriancy of modern +book-binding. Mr. Roscoe, in his Lorenzo de Medici, vol. +ii., p. 79., edit. 8vo., has defended the art with so much +skill that nothing further need be said in commendation of +it. Admitting every degree of merit to our present +fashionable binders, and frankly allowing them the +superiority over De Rome, Padaloup, and the old school of +binding, I cannot but wish to see revived those beautiful +portraits, arabesque borders, and sharp angular ornaments, +that are often found on the outsides of books bound in the +16th century, with calf leather, upon oaken boards. These +brilliant decorations almost make us forget the ivory +crucifix, guarded with silver doors, which is frequently +introduced in the interior of the sides of the binding. Few +things are more gratifying to a genuine collector than a +fine copy of a book in its <i>original binding</i>!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_51" id="Page_B_51">B. 51</a></span>V. <i>Copies printed on vellum.</i> A desire for works printed in this +manner is an equally strong and general symptom of the Bibliomania; +but as these works are rarely to be obtained of modern<a name="FNanchor_60_62" id="FNanchor_60_62"></a><a href="#Footnote_60_62" class="fnanchor">[60]</a> date, the +collector is obliged to have recourse to specimens, executed three +centuries ago, in the printing-offices of Aldus, Verard, and the +Juntæ. Although the Bibliothéque Imperiale, at Paris, and the library +of Count Macarty, at Toulouse, are said to contain the greatest number +of books printed upon vellum, yet, those who have been fortunate +enough to see copies of this kind in the libraries of his Majesty, the +Duke of Marlborough, Earl Spencer, Mr. Johnes, and the late Mr. +Cracherode (now in the British Museum), need not travel on the +Continent for the sake of being convinced of their exquisite beauty +and splendour. Mr. Edward's <i>unique</i> copy (he will forgive the +epithet) of the first Livy, upon vellum, is a Library of itself<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_52" id="Page_B_52">B. 52</a></span>!—and +the recent discovery of a vellum copy of Wynkyn De Worde's reprint of +<i>Juliana Barnes's book</i>,<a name="FNanchor_61_63" id="FNanchor_61_63"></a><a href="#Footnote_61_63" class="fnanchor">[61]</a> complete in every respect, [to say +nothing of his Majesty's similar copy of Caxton's <i>Doctrinal of +Sapience</i>, 1489, in the finest preservation] are, to be sure, +sufficient demonstrations of the prevalence of this symptom of the +Bibliomania in the times of our forefathers; so that it cannot be +said, as some have asserted, to have appeared entirely within the last +half century.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_60_62" id="Footnote_60_62"></a><a href="#FNanchor_60_62">[60]</a> The modern books, printed upon vellum, have in +general not succeeded; whether from the art of preparing the +vellum, or of printing upon it, being lost I will not +presume to determine. The reader may be amused with the +following prices for which a few works, executed in this +manner, were sold in the year 1804:</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">250.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Virgilii Opera, 1789, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">33</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">251.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Somervile's Chase, 1796, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">252.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Poems by Goldsmith and Parnell, 1795, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">253.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Gardens, by Abbé Delille, 1798, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">254.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Castle of Otranto, printed by Bodoni, 1791, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">260.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">La Guirlande Julie, 1784, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">37</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">263.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Economy of Human Life, 1795, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>See "<i>Catalogue of a most splendid and valuable Collection +of Books, Superb Missals, &c.</i>," sold by Mr. Christie, on +April 24, 1804. But the reader should procure the Catalogue +of Mr. Paris's Books, sold in the year 1790, which, for the +number of articles, is unrivalled. The eye is struck, in +every page, with the most sumptuous copies on <span class="smcap">vellum, and +large paper</span>.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_61_63" id="Footnote_61_63"></a><a href="#FNanchor_61_63">[61]</a> See <a href="#Page_B_5">page 5</a>, ante, for some account of this +curious work.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">VI. <i>First Editions.</i> From the time of Ancillon<a name="FNanchor_62_64" id="FNanchor_62_64"></a><a href="#Footnote_62_64" class="fnanchor">[62]</a> to Askew, there +has been a very strong desire expressed for the possession of original +or first published editions of works, as they are in general +superintended and corrected by the author himself; and, like the first +impressions of prints, are considered more valuable. Whoever is +possessed with a passion for collecting books of this kind may +unquestionably be said to exhibit a strong symptom of the Bibliomania; +but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_53" id="Page_B_53">B. 53</a></span> such a case is not quite hopeless, nor is it deserving of severe +treatment or censure. All bibliographers have dwelt on the importance +of these editions, for the sake of collation with subsequent ones, and +detecting, as is frequently the case, the carelessness displayed by +future<a name="FNanchor_63_65" id="FNanchor_63_65"></a><a href="#Footnote_63_65" class="fnanchor">[63]</a> editors. Of such importance is the <i>first edition of +Shakspeare</i><a name="FNanchor_64_66" id="FNanchor_64_66"></a><a href="#Footnote_64_66" class="fnanchor">[64]</a> considered, that a fac-simile reprint of it has been +published with success. In regard to the Greek and Latin Classics, the +possession of these original editions is of the first consequence to +editors who are anxious to republish the legitimate text of an author. +Wakefield, I believe always regretted that the first edition of +Lucretius had not been earlier inspected by him. When he began <i>his</i> +edition, the Editio Princeps was not (as I have understood) in the +library of Earl Spencer—the storehouse of almost every thing that is +exquisite and rare in ancient classical literature!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_62_64" id="Footnote_62_64"></a><a href="#FNanchor_62_64">[62]</a> There is a curious and amusing article in +Bayle [English edition, vol. i., 672, &c.] about the elder +<span class="smcap">Ancillon</span>, who frankly confessed that he "was troubled with +the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>, or disease of buying books." Mr. D'Israeli +says "that he always purchased <i>first editions</i>, and never +waited for second ones,"—but I find it, in the English +Bayle, note D, "he chose <i>the best</i> editions." The manner in +which Ancillon's library was pillaged by the Ecclesiastics +of Metz (where it was considered as the most valuable +curiosity in the town) is thus told by Bayle; "Ancillon was +obliged to leave Metz: a company of Ecclesiastics, of all +orders, came from every part, to lay hands on this fine and +copious library, which had been collected with the utmost +care during forty years. They took away a great number of +the books together, and gave a little money, as they went +out, to a young girl, of twelve or thirteen years of age, +who looked after them, that they might have it to say they +had <i>paid for them</i>. Thus Ancillon saw that valuable +collection dispersed, in which, as he was wont to say, his +chief pleasure and even his heart was placed!"—Edit. 1734.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_63_65" id="Footnote_63_65"></a><a href="#FNanchor_63_65">[63]</a> An instance of this kind may be adduced from +the <i>first edition</i> of Fabian, printed in 1516; of which +Messrs. Longman, and Co., have now engaged a very able +editor to collate the text with that of the subsequent +editions. "The antiquary," says the late Mr. <span class="smcap">Brand</span>, "is +desired to consult the edition of Fabian, printed by Pynson, +in 1516, because there are others, and I remember to have +seen one in the Bodleian Library at Oxford, with a +continuation to the end of Queen Mary, 1559, in which the +<i>language is much modernised</i>." Shakespeare, edit. 1803, +vol. xviii. p. 85-6.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_64_66" id="Footnote_64_66"></a><a href="#FNanchor_64_66">[64]</a> A singular story is "extant" about the +purchase of the late Duke of Roxburgh's fine copy of the +first edition of Shakespeare. A friend was bidding for him +in the sale-room: his Grace had retired to a distance, to +view the issue of the contest. Twenty guineas and more were +offered, from various quarters, for the book: a slip of +paper was handed to the Duke, in which he was requested to +inform his friend whether he was "to go on bidding"—His +Grace took his pencil, and wrote underneath, by way of reply—</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +——lay on Macduff!<br /> +And d——d be he who first cries, 'Hold, enough!'<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Such a spirit was irresistible, and bore down all +opposition. His Grace retired triumphant, with the book +under his arm.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_54" id="Page_B_54">B. 54</a></span>It must not, however, be forgotten that if first editions are, in some +instances, of great importance, they are in many respects superfluous, +and an incumbrance to the shelves of a collector; inasmuch as the +labours of subsequent editors have corrected their errors, and +superseded, by a great fund of additional matter, the necessity of +consulting them. Thus, not to mention other instances (which present +themselves while noticing the present one), all the fine things which +Colomiés and Remannus have said about the rarity of La Croix du +Maine's Bibliotheque, published in 1584, are now unnecessary to be +attended to, since the ample and excellent edition of this work by De +La Monnoye and Juvigny, in six quarto volumes, 1772, has appeared. Nor +will any one be tempted to hunt for Gesner's Bibliotheca of 1545-8, +whatever may be its rarity, who has attended to Morhof's and Vogt's +recommendation of the last and best edition of 1583.</p> + +<p class="bp">VII. <i>True Editions.</i> Some copies of a work are struck off with +deviations from the usually received ones, and, though these +deviations have neither sense nor beauty to recommend them, [and +indeed are principally <i>defects</i>] yet copies of this description are +eagerly sought after by collectors of a certain class! This particular +pursuit may therefore be called another, or the seventh, symptom of +the Bibliomania. The note below <a name="FNanchor_65_67" id="FNanchor_65_67"></a><a href="#Footnote_65_67" class="fnanchor">[65]</a> will furnish the reader with a +few anecdotes relating to it.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_65_67" id="Footnote_65_67"></a><a href="#FNanchor_65_67">[65]</a> <i>Cæsar. Lug. Bat.</i> 1635, 12mo. <i>Printed by +Elzevir.</i> +</p><p> +In the Bibliotheca Revickzkiana we are informed that the +<i>true</i> Elzevir edition is known by having the plate of a +Buffalo's head at the beginning of the preface, and body of +the work: also by having the page numbered 153, which +<i>ought</i> to have been numbered 149. A further account is +given in my Introduction to the Classics, vol. i., 228. +</p><p> +<i>Horace</i>: Londini, 1733, 8vo., 2 vols. Published by Pine. +</p><p> +The <i>true</i> edition is distinguished by having at page 108, +vol ii, the <i>incorrect</i> reading 'Post Est.'—for 'Potest.' +</p><p> +<i>Virgil.</i> Lug. Bat. 1636, 12mo. Printed by Elzevir. +</p><p> +The <i>true</i> edition is known by having at plate 1, before the +Bucolics, the following Latin passage <i>printed in red ink</i>. +"Ego vero frequentes a te litteras accipi"—Consult De Bure, +N<span class="super">o</span>. 2684. +</p><p> +<i>Idem.</i> Birmingh. 1763, 4to. Printed by Baskerville. +</p><p> +A particular account of the <i>true</i> edition will be found in +the second volume of my 'Introduction to the Classics' p. +337—too long to be here inserted. +</p><p> +<i>Boccaccio.</i> Il Decamerone, Venet. 1527, 4to. +</p><p> +Consult De Bure, N<span class="super">o</span>. 3667: Bandini, vol. ii., 24: (who +however is extremely laconic upon this edition, but copious +upon the anterior one of 1516) and Haym., vol. iii., p. 8, +edit. 1803. Bibl. Paris. No. 408. Clement. (vol. iv., 352,) +has abundance of references, as usual, to strengthen his +assertion in calling the edition 'fort rare.' The reprint or +spurious edition has always struck me as the prettier book +of the two.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_55" id="Page_B_55">B. 55</a></span>VIII. Books printed in the <i>Black Letter</i>. Of all symptoms of the +Bibliomania, this eighth symptom (and the last which I shall notice) +is at present the most powerful and prevailing. Whether it was not +imported into this country from Holland, by the subtlety of +Schelhorn<a name="FNanchor_66_68" id="FNanchor_66_68"></a><a href="#Footnote_66_68" class="fnanchor">[66]</a> (a knowing writer upon rare and curious books) may be +shrewdly suspected. Whatever be its origin, certain it is, my dear +Sir, that books printed in the black letter are now coveted with an +eagerness unknown to our collectors in the last century. If the +spirits of West, Ratcliffe, Farmer and Brand, have as yet held any +intercourse with each other, in that place 'from whose bourne no +traveller returns,' what must be the surprise of the three former,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_56" id="Page_B_56">B. 56</a></span> on +being told by the latter, of the prices given for some of the books in +his library, as mentioned below!?<a name="FNanchor_67_69" id="FNanchor_67_69"></a><a href="#Footnote_67_69" class="fnanchor">[67]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_66_68" id="Footnote_66_68"></a><a href="#FNanchor_66_68">[66]</a> His words are as follow: "Ipsa typorum +ruditas, ipsa illa atra crassaque literarum facies <i>belle +tangit sensus, &c.</i>" Was ever the black letter more +eloquently described? See his <i>Amœnitates Literariæ</i>, +vol. i., p. 5.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_67_69" id="Footnote_67_69"></a><a href="#FNanchor_67_69">[67]</a> +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">282.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A Boke of Fishing with Hooke and Line, A Boke of +Engines and Traps to take Polcats, Buzzards, Rats, Mice, and +all other Kinds of Vermine and Beasts whatsoever, with cuts, +very rare, 1600</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">454.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A Quip for an upstart Courtier; or, a quaint Dispute +between Velvet Breeches and Cloth Breeches, &c. 1620</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">475.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A Checke, or Reproof of Mr. Howlet's untimely +screeching in her Majesty's Ear. <i>Black letter.</i> 1581</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="center" colspan="5">As a <i>striking conclusion</i>, I subjoin the following.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">6479.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Pappe with an Hatchett, <i>alias</i>, a Fig for my +Godsonne, or crake me this Nutt, or, a Countrie Cuffe, that +is a sound Box of the Eare for the Idiot Martin, to hold his +Peace: seeing the Patch will take no warning; written by one +that dares call a Dog a Dog. <i>Rare.</i> Printed by Anoke and +Astile</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">A perusal of these articles may probably not impress the reader with +any lofty notions of the superiority of the black letter; but this +symptom of the Bibliomania is, nevertheless, not to be considered as +incurable, or wholly unproductive of good. Under a proper spirit of +modification it has done, and will continue to do, essential service +to the cause of English literature. It guided the taste, and +strengthened the judgment, of Tyrwhitt in his researches after +Chaucerian lore. It stimulated the studies of Farmer and of Steevens, +and enabled them to twine many a beauteous flower round the brow of +their beloved Shakespeare. It has since operated, to the same effect, +in the labours of Mr. Douce,<a name="FNanchor_68_70" id="FNanchor_68_70"></a><a href="#Footnote_68_70" class="fnanchor">[68]</a> the <i>Porson</i> of old English and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_57" id="Page_B_57">B. 57</a></span> +French literature; and in the editions of Milton and Spenser, by my +amiable and excellent friend Mr. Todd the public have had a specimen +of what the <i>Black Letter</i> may perform, when temperately and skilfully +exercised.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_68_70" id="Footnote_68_70"></a><a href="#FNanchor_68_70">[68]</a> In the criticisms on Mr. Douce's +<i>Illustrations of Shakspeare and Ancient Manners</i>, it has +not, I think, been generally noticed that this work is +distinguished; 1. For the singular diffidence and urbanity +of criticism, as well as depth of learning, which it +evinces: 2. For the happy illustrations, by means of wood +cuts: Let any one, for instance, read a laboured +disquisition on the punishment of "the boots"—and only +glance his eye on the plate representing it [vol. i. p. +34.]: from which will he obtain the clearer notions? 3. For +the taste, elegance, and general correctness with which it +is printed. The only omission I regret is that Mr. Douce did +not give us, at the end, a list of the works alphabetically +arranged, with their dates which he consulted in the +formation of his own. Such a <span class="smcap">Bibliotheca Shakspeariana</span> +might, however, have been only a fresh stimulus to the +increase of the black-letter symptom of the <i>Bibliomania</i>. +How Bartholomæus and Batman have risen in price since the +publication of Mr. Douce's work, let those who have lately +smarted for the increase tell!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">I could bring to your recollection other instances; but your own +copious reading and exact memory will better furnish you with them. +Let me not however omit remarking that the beautiful pages of the +<i>Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border, and Sir Trestrem</i>, exhibit, in the +notes [now and then thickly studded with black letter references], a +proof that the author of "The Lay" and "Marmion" has not disdained to +enrich his stores of information by such intelligence as black +lettered books impart. In short, though this be also a strong and +general symptom of the Bibliomania, it is certainly not attended with +injurious effects when regulated by prudence and discretion. An +undistinguishable voracious appetite, to swallow every thing printed +in the black letter can only bring on inconquerable disease, if not +death, to the patient!</p> + +<p>Having in the two preceding divisions of this letter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_58" id="Page_B_58">B. 58</a></span> discoursed +somewhat largely upon the <span class="smcap">History</span> and <span class="smcap">Symptoms</span> of the Bibliomania, it +now remains, according to the original plan, to say a few words upon +the <span class="smcap">Probable Means of its Cure</span>. And, indeed, I am driven to this view +of the subject from every laudable motive; for it would be highly +censurable to leave any reflecting mind impressed with melancholy +emotions concerning the misery and mortality that have been occasioned +by the abuse of those pursuits, to which the most soothing and +important considerations ought to be attached. Far from me, and my +friends, be such a cruel, if not criminal, conduct; let us then, my +dear Sir, seriously discourse upon the</p> + +<p>III. <span class="smcap">Probable Means of the cure</span> of the Bibliomania. <i>He</i> will surely +be numbered among the philanthropists of his day who has, more +successfully than myself, traced and described the ravages of this +disease, and fortified the sufferer with the means of its cure. But, +as this is a disorder of quite a recent date, and as its +characteristics, in consequence, cannot be yet fully known or +described, great candour must be allowed to that physician who offers +a prescription for so obscure and complicated a case. It is in vain +that you search the works [ay, even the best editions] of Hippocrates +and Galen for a description of this malady; nor will you find it +hinted at in the more philosophical treatises of Sydenham and +Heberden. It had, till the medical skill of Dr. Ferriar first noticed +it to the public, escaped the observations of all our pathologists. +With a trembling hand, and fearful apprehension, therefore, I throw +out the following suggestions for the cure, or <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: mitigation">mitigatiou</span>, of this disorder:</p> + +<p>In <i>the first place</i>, the disease of the Bibliomania is materially +softened, or rendered mild, by directing our<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_59" id="Page_B_59">B. 59</a></span> studies to <i>useful and +profitable</i> works—whether these be printed upon small or large paper, +in the gothic, roman, or italic type; To consider purely the +<i>intrinsic</i> excellence, and not the exterior splendour, or +adventitious value, of any production, will keep us perhaps wholly +free from this disease. Let the midnight lamp be burnt to illuminate +the stores of antiquity—whether they be romances, or chronicles, or +legends, and whether they be printed by Aldus or by Caxton—if a +brighter lustre can thence be thrown upon the pages of modern +learning! To trace genius to its source, or to see how she has been +influenced or modified, by "the lore of past times" is both a pleasing +and profitable pursuit. To see how Shakspeare has here and there +plucked a flower, from some old ballad or popular tale, to enrich his +own unperishable garland—to follow Spenser and Milton in their +delightful labyrinths 'midst the splendour of Italian literature—are +studies which stamp a dignity upon our intellectual characters! But, +in such a pursuit let us not overlook the wisdom of modern times, nor +fancy that what is only ancient can be excellent. We must remember +that Bacon, Boyle, Locke, Taylor, Chillingworth, Robertson, Hume, +Gibbon, and Paley, are names which always command attention from the +wise, and remind us of the improved state of reason and acquired +knowledge during the two last centuries.</p> + +<p class="bp">In the <i>second place</i>, the re-printing of scarce and intrinsically +valuable works is another means of preventing the propagation of this +disorder. Amidst all our present sufferings under the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>, it +is some consolation to find discerning and spirited booksellers +re-publishing the valuable Chronicles of Froissart, Holinshed, and +Hall,<a name="FNanchor_69_71" id="FNanchor_69_71"></a><a href="#Footnote_69_71" class="fnanchor">[69]</a> and the collections known by the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_60" id="Page_B_60">B. 60</a></span> names of "The Harleïan +Miscellany," and "Lord Somer's Tracts." These are noble efforts, and +richly deserve the public patronage.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_69_71" id="Footnote_69_71"></a><a href="#FNanchor_69_71">[69]</a> The re-publication of these chronicles is to +be followed by those of Grafton and Fabian. Meanwhile, +Hakluyt's Voyages, (projected by Mr. Evans), and Fuller's +Worthies (by Messrs. Longman, and Co.) will form admirable +acquisitions to these treasures of past times.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">In the <i>third place</i>, the editing of our best ancient authors, whether +in prose or poetry,<a name="FNanchor_70_72" id="FNanchor_70_72"></a><a href="#Footnote_70_72" class="fnanchor">[70]</a> is another means of effectually counteracting +the progress of the Bibliomania, as it has been described under its +several symptoms.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_70_72" id="Footnote_70_72"></a><a href="#FNanchor_70_72">[70]</a> The recent <i>Variorum</i> editions of Shakspeare, +of which some yet prefer that of Steevens, 1793, 15 vols. +8vo.—Mr. Todd's editions of Milton and Spenser; Mr. G. +Chalmers' edition of Sir David Lyndsay's works; Mr. +Gifford's edition of Massinger; and Mr. Octavius +Gilchrist's, of Bishop Corbett's poems, exemplify the good +effects of this <i>third means of cure</i>.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">In the <i>fourth place</i>, the erecting of Public Institutions<a name="FNanchor_71_73" id="FNanchor_71_73"></a><a href="#Footnote_71_73" class="fnanchor">[71]</a> is a +very powerful antidote against the prevalence of several symptoms of +this disease.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_71_73" id="Footnote_71_73"></a><a href="#FNanchor_71_73">[71]</a> The Royal, London, Surrey, and Russel +Institutions have been the means of concentrating, in divers +parts of the metropolis, large libraries of <i>useful</i> books; +which, it is to be hoped, will eventually suppress the +establishment of what are called <i>Circulating +Libraries</i>—vehicles, too often, of insufferable nonsense, +and irremediable mischief!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">In the <i>fifth place</i>, the encouragement of the study of +Bibliography,<a name="FNanchor_72_74" id="FNanchor_72_74"></a><a href="#Footnote_72_74" class="fnanchor">[72]</a> in its legitimate sense, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_61" id="Page_B_61">B. 61</a></span> towards its true +object, may be numbered among the most efficacious cures for this +destructive malady. To place competent Librarians over the several +departments of a large public Library, or to submit a library, on a +more confined scale, to one diligent, enthusiastic, well informed, +well bred, Bibliographer<a name="FNanchor_73_75" id="FNanchor_73_75"></a><a href="#Footnote_73_75" class="fnanchor">[73]</a> or Librarian, [of which in this +metropolis we have so many examples] is doing a vast deal towards +directing the channels of literature to flow in their proper courses.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_72_74" id="Footnote_72_74"></a><a href="#FNanchor_72_74">[72]</a> <span class="smcap">"Unne bonne Bibliographie</span>," says Marchand, "soit +générale soit particulière, soit profane, soit +écclésiastique, soit nationale, provinciale, ou locale, soit +simplement personnelle, en un mot de quelque autre genre que +ce puisse être, n'est pas un ouvrage aussi facile que +beaucoup de gens se le pourroient imaginer; mais, elles ne +doivent néanmoins <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: nullement">nulelment</span> +prévenir contre celle-ci. Telle qu'elle est, elle ne laisse +pas d'être bonne, utile, et digne d'être recherchée par les +amateurs, de l'Histoire Littéraire." <i>Diction. Historique</i>, +vol. i. p. 109. +</p><p> +"Our nation," says Mr. Bridgman, "has been too inattentive +to bibliographical criticisms and enquiries; for generally +the English reader is obliged to resort to foreign writers +to satisfy his mind as to the value of authors. It behoves +us to consider that there is not a more useful or a more +desirable branch of education than a <i>knowledge of books</i>; +which being correctly ascertained and judiciously exercised, +will prove the touch-stone of intrinsic merit, and have the +effect of saving many spotless pages from prostitution." +<i>Legal Bibliography</i>, p. v. vi.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_73_75" id="Footnote_73_75"></a><a href="#FNanchor_73_75">[73]</a> Peignot, in his <i>Dictionnaire de Bibliologie</i>, +vol. i. 50, has given a very pompous account of what ought +to be the talents and duties of a Bibliographer. It would be +difficult indeed to find such things united in one person! +De Bure, in the eighth volume of his <i>Bibliographie +Instructive</i>, has prefixed a "Discourse upon the Science of +Bibliography and the duties of a Bibliographer" which is +worth consulting: but I know of nothing which better +describes, in few words, such a character, than the +following: "In eo sit multijuga materiarum librorumque +notitia, ut saltem potiores eligat et inquirat: fida et +sedula apud exteras gentes procuratio, ut eos arcessat; +summa patientia ut rarè venalis expectet: peculium semper +præsens et paratum, ne, si quando occurrunt, emendi occasio +intercidat; prudens denique auri argentique contemptus, ut +pecuniis sponte careat quæ in bibliothecam formandam et +nutriendam sunt insumendæ. Si fortè vir literatus eo +felicitatis pervenit ut talem thesaurum coaceraverit, nec +solus illo invidios fruatur, sed usum cum eruditis qui +vigilias suas utilitati publicæ devoverunt, liberaliter +communicet; &c."—<i>Bibliotheca Hulsiana</i>, vol. i. Præfat. p. +3, 4.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">Thus briefly and guardedly have I thrown out a few suggestions, which +may enable us to avoid, or mitigate the severity of, the disease +called <span class="smcap">The Bibliomania</span>. Happy indeed shall I deem myself, if, in the +description of its symptoms, and in the recommendation of the means of +cure, I may have snatched any one from a premature grave, or lightened +the load of years that are yet to <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: come">cone</span>!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_62" id="Page_B_62">B. 62</a></span></p> + +<p>You, my dear Sir, who, in your observations upon society, as well as +in your knowledge of ancient times, must have met with numerous +instances of the miseries which "flesh is heir to," may be disposed +perhaps to confess that, of all species of afflictions, <i>the present +one</i> under consideration has the least moral turpitude attached to it. +True, it may be so: for, in the examples which have been adduced, +there will be found neither Suicides, nor Gamesters, nor Profligates. +No woman's heart has been broken from midnight debaucheries: no +marriage vow has been violated: no child has been compelled to pine in +poverty or neglect: no patrimony has been wasted, and no ancestor's +fame tarnished! If men have erred under the influence of this disease, +their aberrations have been marked with an excess arising from +intellectual fevour, and not from a desire of baser gratifications.</p> + +<p>If, therefore, in the wide survey which a philosopher may take of the +"Miseries of Human life"<a name="FNanchor_74_76" id="FNanchor_74_76"></a><a href="#Footnote_74_76" class="fnanchor">[74]</a> the prevalence of this disorder may +appear to be less mischievous than that of others, and, if some of the +most amiable and learned of mortals seemed to have been both +unwilling, as well as unable, to avoid its contagion, you will +probably feel the less alarmed if symptoms of it should appear within +the sequestered abode of Hodnet!<a name="FNanchor_75_77" id="FNanchor_75_77"></a><a href="#Footnote_75_77" class="fnanchor">[75]</a> Recollecting that even in remoter +situations its influence has been felt—and that neither the pure +atmosphere of Hafod nor of Sledmere<a name="FNanchor_76_78" id="FNanchor_76_78"></a><a href="#Footnote_76_78" class="fnanchor">[76]</a> has com<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_63" id="Page_B_63">B. 63</a></span>pletely subdued its +power—you will be disposed to exclaim with violence, at the intrusion +of Bibliomaniacs—</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +What walls can guard me, or what shades can hide?<br /> +They pierce my thickets, through my grot they glide!<br /> +By land, by water, they renew the charge,<br /> +They stop the chariot, and they board the barge.<a name="FNanchor_77_79" id="FNanchor_77_79"></a><a href="#Footnote_77_79" class="fnanchor">[77]</a><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br /></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_74_76" id="Footnote_74_76"></a><a href="#FNanchor_74_76">[74]</a> In the ingenious and witty work so entitled, I +do not recollect whether the disappointment arising from a +<i>cropt</i> or a <i>dirty</i> copy has been classed among "<i>The +Miseries of Human Life</i>."</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_75_77" id="Footnote_75_77"></a><a href="#FNanchor_75_77">[75]</a> <i>Hodnet Hall</i>, Shropshire. The country +residence of Mr. Heber.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_76_78" id="Footnote_76_78"></a><a href="#FNanchor_76_78">[76]</a> <i>Hafod</i>, South Wales, the seat of <span class="smcap">Thos. +Johnes</span>, Esq., M.P., the translator of the Chronicles of +Froissart and Monstrelet, and of the Travels of De Broquiere +and Joinville. The conflagration of part of his mansion and +library, two years ago, which excited such a general +sympathy, would have damped any ardour of collection but +that of Mr. Johnes—his Library has arisen, Phœnix-like, +from the flames! +</p><p> +<i>Sledmere</i>, in Yorkshire, the seat of <span class="smcap">Sir Mark Masterman +Sykes</span>, Bart., M.P. The library of this amiable and tasteful +Baronet reflects distinguished credit upon him. It is at +once copious and choice.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_77_79" id="Footnote_77_79"></a><a href="#FNanchor_77_79">[77]</a> Pope's "<i>Prologue to the Satires</i>," v. 7-10.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">Upon the whole, therefore, attending closely to the symptoms of this +disorder as they have been described, and practising such means of +cure as have been recommended, we may rationally hope that its +virulence may abate, and the number of its victims annually diminish. +But if the more discerning part of the community anticipate a +different result, and the preceding observations appear to have +presented but a narrow and partial view of the mischiefs of the +<span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>, my only consolation is that to advance <i>something</i> upon +the subject is better than to preserve a sullen and invincible +silence. Let it be the task of more experienced bibliographers to +correct and amplify the foregoing outline!</p> + +<p><span style="margin-left: 5em;">Believe me, My dear Sir,</span></p> + +<p class="center">Very sincerely Yours, &c.</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Thomas Frognall</span> <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Dibdin"><span class="smcap">Dibbin</span></span>.</p> + +<p><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Kensington, May</i> 16, 1809.</span></p> + + + +<hr class="med" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_B_64" id="Page_B_64">B. 64</a></span></p> + +<h3>POSTSCRIPT.</h3> + + +<p>On re-considering what has been written, it has struck me that a +<span class="smcap">Synopsis</span> of this disease, after the manner of <span class="smcap">Burton</span>, as prefixed to +his <i>Anatomy of Melancholy</i>, may be useful to some future pathologist. +The reader is, accordingly, presented with the following one:</p> + + +<p class="centertp"><span class="mlg">SYNOPSIS.</span></p> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="synopsis"> +<tr> +<td colspan="4" class="right"><span class="sm">Page.</span></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td rowspan="17" class="center" style="width: 10%; border-right: solid black 1px;"> +T<br /> +<span class="smcap">h</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">e</span><br /> +<br /> +B<br /> +<span class="smcap">i</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">b</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">l</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">i</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">o</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">m</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">a</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">n</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">i</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">a</span><br /> +. +</td> +<td colspan="2"><span style="margin-left: .5em;">I. <span class="smcap">History of</span>; or an account of eminent Book +Collectors who have</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: .5em;">fallen victims to it</span></td> +<td class="right"><a href="#Page_B_12">12</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="4"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td rowspan="8" style="border-right: solid black 1px;"> +<span style="margin-left: .5em;">II. <span class="smcap">Symptoms of</span>;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: .5em;">being a passion for</span> +</td> +<td>1. Large Paper Copies</td> +<td class="right"><a href="#Page_B_44">44</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>2. Uncut Copies</td> +<td class="right"><a href="#Page_B_46">46</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>3. Illustrated Copies</td> +<td class="right"><a href="#Page_B_47">47</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>4. Unique Copies</td> +<td class="right"><a href="#Page_B_49">49</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>5. Vellum Copies</td> +<td class="right"><a href="#Page_B_51">51</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>6. First Editions</td> +<td class="right"><a href="#Page_B_52">52</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>7. True Editions</td> +<td class="right"><a href="#Page_B_54">54</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>8. Black Letter Editions</td> +<td class="right"><a href="#Page_B_56">56</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="4"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td rowspan="5" style="border-right: solid black 1px;"><span style="margin-left: .5em;">III. <span class="smcap">Cure of</span></span></td> +<td>1. Reading useful works</td> +<td class="right"><a href="#Page_B_56">56</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>2. Reprints of scarce and valuable works</td> +<td class="right"><a href="#Page_B_56"><i>ib.</i></a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>3. Editing our best ancient Writers</td> +<td class="right"><a href="#Page_B_60">60</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>4. Erecting of Public Institutions</td> +<td class="right"><a href="#Page_B_60"><i>ib.</i></a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>5. Encouragement of Bibliography</td> +<td class="right"><a href="#Page_B_60"><i>ib.</i></a></td> +</tr> +</table> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">1</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="PART_I" id="PART_I"></a>PART I.<br /> +<br /> +<span class="bl">The Evening Walk.</span></h2> + +<h3>ON THE RIGHT USES OF LITERATURE.</h3> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/line01.png" width="114" height="27" alt="" title="" /> +</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Rede well thyselfe that other folke can'st rede.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 8em;"><span class="smcap">Chaucer's</span> <i>Good Counsail</i>.</span> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">2</a></span></p> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/urn.png" width="159" height="232" alt="" title="" /> +</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">3</a></span></p> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/part1.jpg" width="373" height="600" alt="The Evening Walk" title="The Evening Walk" /> +</p> + +<p class="centerbp"><span class="msm">[<a href="images/part1-lg.jpg">Enlarge</a>]</span></p> + +<h2><span class="bl">The Evening Walk.</span></h2> + +<h3>ON THE RIGHT USES OF LITERATURE.</h3> + + +<p class="tp"><img src="images/cap_i.png" width="250" height="231" alt="I" title="I" class="floatl" />T +was on a fine autumnal evening, when the sun was setting serenely +behind a thick copse upon a distant hill, and his warm tints were +lighting up a magnificent and widely-extended landscape, that, +sauntering 'midst the fields, I was meditating upon the various +methods of honourably filling up the measure of our existence; when I +discovered, towards my left, a messenger running at full speed towards +me. The abruptness of his appearance, and the velocity of his step, +somewhat disconcerted me; but on his near approach my apprehensions +were dissipated.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">4</a></span></p> + +<p>I knew him to be the servant of my old college friend, whom I chuse +here to denominate <span class="smcap">Lysander</span>. He came to inform me, in his blunt and +honest manner, that his master had just arrived with <span class="smcap">Philemon</span>, our +common friend; and that, as they were too fatigued with their journey +to come out to me, they begged I would quickly enter the house, and, +as usual, make them welcome. This intelligence afforded me the +liveliest satisfaction. In fifteen minutes, after a hearty shaking of +hands, I was seated with them in the parlour; all of us admiring the +unusual splendour of the evening sky, and, in consequence, partaking +of the common topics of conversation with a greater flow of spirits.</p> + +<p>"You are come, my friends," said I (in the course of conversation), +"to make some stay with me—indeed, I cannot suffer you to depart +without keeping you at least a week; in order, amongst other things, +to view the beauty of our neighbour Lorenzo's grounds, the general +splendour of his house, and the magnificence of his <span class="smcap">Library</span>." "In +regard to grounds and furniture," replied Lysander, "there is very +little in the most beautiful and costly which can long excite my +attention—but the <span class="smcap">Library</span>—" "Here," exclaimed Philemon, "here you +have him in the toils." "I will frankly confess," rejoined Lysander, +"that I am an arrant <span class="smcap">Bibliomaniac</span>—that I love books dearly—that the +very sight, touch, and, more, the perusal—" "Hold, my friend," again +exclaimed Philemon, "you have renounced your profession—you talk of +<i>reading</i> books—do <span class="smcap">Bibliomaniacs</span> ever <i>read</i> books?" "Nay," quoth +Lysander, "you shall not banter thus with impunity. We will, if it +please you," said he, turning round to me, "make our abode with you +for a few days—and, after seeing the library of your neighbour, I +will throw down the gauntlet to Philemon, challenging him to answer +certain questions which you may put to us, respecting the number, +rarity, beauty, or utility of those works which relate to the +literature and antiquities of our own country. We shall<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">5</a></span> then see who +is able to return the readiest answer." "Forgive," rejoined Philemon, +"my bantering strain. I revoke my speech. You know that, with +yourself, I heartily love books; more from their contents than their +appearance." Lysander returned a gracious smile; and the hectic of +irritability on his cheek was dissipated in an instant.</p> + +<p>The approach of evening made us think of settling our plans. My +friends begged their horses might be turned into the field; and that, +while they stayed with me, the most simple fare and the plainest +accommodation might be their lot. They knew how little able I was to +treat them as they were wont to be treated; and, therefore, taking +"the will for the deed," they resolved to be as happy as an humble +roof could make them.</p> + +<p>While the cloth was laying for supper (for I should add that we dine +at three and sup at nine), we took a stroll in my small garden, which +has a mound at the bottom, shaded with lilacs and laburnums, that +overlooks a pretty range of meadows, terminated by the village church. +The moon had now gained a considerable ascendancy in the sky; and the +silvery paleness and profound quiet of the surrounding landscape, +which, but an hour ago, had been enlivened by the sun's last rays, +seemed to affect the minds of us all very sensibly. Lysander, in +particular, began to express the sentiments which such a scene excited +in him.—"Yonder," says he, pointing to the church-yard, "is the +bourne which terminates our earthly labours; and I marvel much how +mortals can spend their time in cavilling at each other—in murdering, +with their pens as well as their swords, all that is excellent and +admirable in human nature—instead of curbing their passions, +elevating their hopes, and tranquillizing their fears. Every evening, +for at least one-third of the year, heaven has fixed in the sky yonder +visible monitor to man. Calmness and splendour are her attendants: no +dark passions, no carking cares, neither spleen nor jealousy, seem to +dwell in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">6</a></span> that bright orb, where, as has been fondly imagined, "the +wretched may have rest."—"And here," replied Philemon, "we do nothing +but fret and fume if our fancied merits are not instantly rewarded, or +if another wear a sprig of laurel more verdant than ourselves; I could +mention, within my own recollection, a hundred instances of this +degrading prostitution of talent—aye, a thousand."—"Gently reprimand +your fellow creatures," resumed Lysander, "lest you commit an error as +great as any of those which you condemn in others. The most difficult +of human tasks seems to be the exercise of forbearance and temperance. +By exasperating, you only rekindle, and not extinguish, the evil +sparks in our dispositions. A man will bear being told he is in the +wrong; but you must tell him so gently and mildly. Animosity, +petulance, and persecution, are the plagues which destroy our better +parts."—"And envy," replied Philemon, "has surely enough to +do."—"Yes," said Lysander, "we might enumerate, as you were about to +do, many instances—and (what you were not about to do) pity while we +enumerate! I think," continued he, addressing himself particularly to +me, "you informed me that the husband of poor Lavinia lies buried in +yonder church-yard; and perhaps the very tomb which now glistens by +the moonbeam is the one which consecrates his memory! That man was +passionately addicted to literature;—he had a strong mind; a +wonderful grasp of intellect; but his love of paradox and hypothesis +quite ruined his faculties. <span class="smcap">Nicas</span> happened to discover some glaring +errors in his last treatise, and the poor man grew sick at heart in +consequence. Nothing short of <i>infallibility</i> and <i>invincibility</i> +satisfied him; and, like the Spaniard in the 'Diable Boiteux,' who +went mad because five of his countrymen had been beaten by fifty +Portugese, this unhappy creature lost all patience and forbearance, +because, in an hundred systems which he had built with the cards of +fancy, ninety-nine happened to tumble to the ground.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">7</a></span></p> + +<p class="bp">"This is the dangerous consequence, not so much of vanity and +self-love as of downright literary Quixotism. A man may be cured of +vanity as the French nobleman was—'Ecoutez messieurs! Monseigneur le +Duc va dire la meillure chose du monde!'<a name="FNanchor_78_80" id="FNanchor_78_80"></a><a href="#Footnote_78_80" class="fnanchor">[78]</a> but for this raving, +ungovernable passion of soaring beyond all human comprehension, I fear +there is no cure but in such a place as the one which is now before +us. Compared with this, how different was <span class="smcap">Menander's</span> case! Careless +himself about examining and quoting authorities with punctilious +accuracy, and trusting too frequently to the <i>ipse-dixits</i> of good +friends:—with a quick discernment—a sparkling fancy—great store of +classical knowledge, and a never ceasing play of colloquial wit, he +moved right onwards in his manly course—the delight of the gay, and +the admiration of the learned! He wrote much and variously: but in an +evil hour the demon Malice caught him abroad—watched his +deviations—noted down his failings—and, discovering his vulnerable +part, he did not fail, like another Paris, to profit by the discovery. +Menander became the victim of over-refined sensibility: he need not +have feared the demon, as no good man need fear Satan. His pen ceased +to convey his sentiments; he sickened at heart; and after his body had +been covered by the green grass turf, the gentle elves of fairy-land +took care to weave a chaplet to hang upon his tomb, which was never to +know decay! <span class="smcap">Sycorax</span> was this demon; and a cunning and clever demon was +he!"</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_78_80" id="Footnote_78_80"></a><a href="#FNanchor_78_80">[78]</a> This is the substance of the story related in +Darwin's <i>Zoonomia</i>: vol. iv. p. 81.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">"I am at a loss," said Philemon, "to comprehend exactly what you +mean?"—"I will cease speaking metaphorically," replied Lysander; "but +Sycorax was a man of ability in his way. He taught literary men, in +some measure, the value of careful research and faithful quotation; in +other words, he taught them to speak the truth as they found her; and, +doubtless, for this he merits not the name of a demon, unless you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">8</a></span> +allow me the priviledge of a Grecian.<a name="FNanchor_79_81" id="FNanchor_79_81"></a><a href="#Footnote_79_81" class="fnanchor">[79]</a> That Sycorax loved truth +must be admitted; but that he loved no one so much as himself to speak +the truth must also be admitted. Nor had he, after all, any grand +notions of the goddess. She was, in his sight, rather of diminutive +than gigantic growth; rather of a tame than a towering mien; dressed +out in little trinkets, and formally arrayed in the faded point-lace +and elevated toupee of the ancient English school, and not in the +flowing and graceful robes of Grecian simplicity. But his malice and +ill-nature were frightful; and withal his love of scurrility and abuse +quite intolerable. He mistook, in too many instances, the manner for +the matter; the shadow for the substance. He passed his criticisms, +and dealt out his invectives, with so little ceremony, and so much +venom, that he seemed born with a scalping knife in his hand to commit +murder as long as he lived! To him, censure was sweeter than praise; +and the more elevated the rank, and respectable the character of his +antagonist, the more dexterously he aimed his blows, and the more +frequently he renewed his attacks. In consequence, scarcely one +beautiful period, one passionate sentiment of the higher order, one +elevated thought, or philosophical deduction, marked his numerous +writings. 'No garden-flower grew wild' in the narrow field of his +imagination; and, although the words decency and chastity were +continually dropping from his lips, I suspect that the reverse of +these qualities was always settled round his heart.<a name="FNanchor_80_82" id="FNanchor_80_82"></a><a href="#Footnote_80_82" class="fnanchor">[80]</a> Thus you see, +my dear Philemon," concluded Lysander, "that the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">9</a></span> love of paradox, of +carelessness, and of malice, are equally destructive of that true +substantial fame which, as connected with literature, a wise and an +honest man would wish to establish. But come; the dews of evening +begin to fall chilly; let us seek the house of our friend."</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_79_81" id="Footnote_79_81"></a><a href="#FNanchor_79_81">[79]</a> Without turning over the ponderous tones of +Stephen, Constantine, and Scaliger, consult the sensible +remarks upon the word '<span lang="el" title="Greek: Daimôn">Δαίμῶν</span>' in <i>Parkhurst's +Greek and English Lexicon to the New Testament</i>, 8vo. edit. +1798. In the Greek language, it is equally applied to an +accomplished and unprincipled character. Homer alone will +furnish a hundred instances of this.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_80_82" id="Footnote_80_82"></a><a href="#FNanchor_80_82">[80]</a> Mark certain expressions, gentle reader, which +occur in the notes to the life of <i>Robin Hood</i>, prefixed to +the ballads which go under his name: 1795. 2 vols. +8vo.—also a Dissertation on Romance and Minstrelsy in the +first vol. of <i>Ancient Metrical Romances</i>, 1802, 3 vols. +8vo. A very common degree of shrewdness and of acquaintance +with English literature will shew that, in Menander and +Sycorax, are described honest <span class="smcap">Tom Warton</span> and snarling +'mister' <span class="smcap">Joseph Ritson</span>.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">As Lysander concluded his discourse, we turned, abruptly, but +thoughtfully, towards my cottage; and, making the last circuit of the +gravel walk, Philemon stopped to listen to the song of a passing +rustic, who seemed to be uttering all the joy which sometimes strongly +seizes a simple heart. "I would rather," exclaimed he, "be this poor +fellow, chanting his 'native wood-notes wild,' if his heart know not +guilt—than the shrewdest critic in the universe, who could neither +feel, nor write, good-naturedly!" We smiled at this ejaculation; and +quickly reached the house.</p> + +<p>The fatigue of travelling had sharpened the appetites of my friends; +and at a moment when, as the inimitable Cowper expresses it,</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +<span style="margin-left: 4em;">our drawing-rooms begin to blaze</span><br /> +With lights, by clear reflection multiplied<br /> +From many a mirror, in which he of Gath,<br /> +Goliath, might have seen his giant bulk<br /> +Whole, without stooping, towering crest and all,<br /> +<i>Our</i> pleasures too <i>began</i>;<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 15em;"><i>Task</i>, b. iv.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>but they were something more rational than those of merely eating and +drinking. "I seldom partake of this meal," observed Philemon, "without +thinking of the <i>omnium-gatherum</i> bowl, so exquisitely described by +old Isaac Walton. We want here, it is true, the 'sweet shady +arbour—the contexture of woodbines, sweet-briar, jessamine, and +myrtle,'<a name="FNanchor_81_83" id="FNanchor_81_83"></a><a href="#Footnote_81_83" class="fnanchor">[81]</a> and the time of the evening<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">10</a></span> prevents our enjoying it +without; but, in lieu of all this, we have the sight of books, of +busts, and of pictures. I see there the ponderous folio chronicles, +the genuine quarto romances, and, a little above, a glittering row of +thin, closely-squeezed, curiously-gilt, volumes of original plays. As +we have finished our supper, let us—" "My friends," observed I, "not +a finger upon a book to-night—to-morrow you may ransack at your +pleasure. I wish to pursue the conversation commenced by Lysander, as +we were strolling in the garden." "Agreed," replied Philemon,—"the +quietness of the hour—the prospect, however limited, before us—(for +I shall not fail to fix my eyes upon a Froissart printed by Verard, or +a portrait painted by Holbein, while you talk)—every thing conspires +to render this discourse congenial." "As you have reminded me of that +pretty description of a repast in Walton," resumed Lysander, "I will +preface the sequel to my conversation by drinking a glass to your +healths—and so, masters, 'here is a full glass to you' of the liquor +before us." Lysander then continued, "It were to be wished that the +republic or region of <span class="smcap">Literature</span> could be described in as favourable a +manner as Camden has described the air, earth, and sky, of our own +country;<a name="FNanchor_82_84" id="FNanchor_82_84"></a><a href="#Footnote_82_84" class="fnanchor">[82]</a> but I fear Milton's terrific description of the infernal +frozen continent,</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +<span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">beat with perpetual forms</span><br /> +Of whirlwind and dire hail,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;"><i>Par. Lost</i>, b. ii. v. 587.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="bp">is rather applicable to it. Having endeavoured to shew, my dear +friends, that the passionate love of hypothesis<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">11</a></span>—(or a determination +to make every man think and believe as we do) incorrigible +carelessness—and equally incorrigible ill-nature—are each inimical +to the true interests<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">12</a></span> of literature, let us see what other evil +qualities there are which principally frustrate the legitimate view of +learning.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_81_83" id="Footnote_81_83"></a><a href="#FNanchor_81_83">[81]</a> <i>Complete Angler</i>, p. 335. Bagster's edit. +1808. In a similar style of description are "the faire grove +and swete walkes, letticed and gardened on both sides," of +Mr. Warde's letter—describing the nunnery of Little Gidding +in Huntingdonshire. See Hearne's edit. of <i>Peter Langtoft's +Chronicle</i>, vol. 1. p. cx.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_82_84" id="Footnote_82_84"></a><a href="#FNanchor_82_84">[82]</a> "The ayre is most temperate and wholesome, +sited in the middest of the temperate zone, subject to no +stormes and tempests, as the more southerne and northerne +are; but stored with infinite delicate fowle. For water, it +is walled and guarded with y<span class="super">e</span> ocean most commodious for +trafficke to all parts of the world, and watered with +pleasant fishful and navigable rivers, which yeeld safe +havens and roads, and furnished with shipping and sailers, +that it may rightly be termed <span class="smcap">The Lady of the Sea</span>. That I +may say nothing of healthful bathes, and of meares stored +both with fish and fowl. The earth fertile of all kinde of +graine, manured with good husbandry, rich in minerall of +coals, tinne, lead, copper, not without gold and silver, +abundant in pasture, replenished with cattel, both tame and +wilde (for it hath more parks than all Europe besides), +plentifully wooded, provided with all complete provisions of +war, beautified with many populous cities, faire boroughs, +good towns, and well-built villages, strong munitions, +magnificent palaces of the prince, stately houses of the +nobilitie, frequent hospitals, beautiful churches, faire +colledges, as well in the other places as in the two +Vniversities." <i>Remains</i>, p. 12. edit. 1637. +</p><p> +How far Camden was indebted to the following curious +description of our country, written in the time of Edward +vj, (of which I shall modernize the orthography,) the reader +will judge for himself. The running title of the work is +"<i>The Debate between the</i> [French and English] <i>Heralds</i>," +8vo., printed in the bl. lett. (In the possession of Mr. +Heber.) +</p><p> +"We have all manner of grains, and fruits, and more plenty +than you; for, thanked be God, England is a fruitful and +plenteous region, so that we have some fruits whereof you +have few; as <i>wardeines</i>, quinces, peaches, medlers, +chesnuts, and other delicious fruits; serving for all +seasons of the year; and so plenty of pears and apples that, +in the west parts of England and Sussex, they make perry and +cider, and in such abundance that they convey part over the +sea, where, by the Monsieurs of France, it is coveted for +their beverage and drinks."—<i>Sign. L.</i> iiij. rev. +</p><p> +"We have in Cornwall and Devonshire (God be honoured) the +richest mines of silver and tin that may be, also in Ireland +mines of silver, in Derbyshire mines of lead, alabaster, +marble, black and white. In Sussex, Yorkshire, and Durham, +mines of iron, coal, slate, and freestone; and in every +shire of England, generally quarries of hard stone, chalk, +and flint: these be commodities honorable and not feigned, +being of such estimation that France, nor other realms, may +well forbear; and as for saltpetre, there is sufficient made +in England to furnish our turn for the wars. Also we have +hot fountains or bathes, which you nor no other realms +christened have."—<i>Sign. L.</i> v. rev. If ancient <span class="smcap">Gildas</span> +speak the truth, Great Britain was no contemptible place +twelve hundred years ago—the period when he lived and wrote +his lachrymable history. +</p><p> +"The iland of Britaine placed in the ballance of the divine +poising hand (as they call it) which weigheth the whole +world, almost the uttermost bound of his earth towards the +South and West; extending itself from the South-West, out +towards the North pole, eight hundred miles in length; and +containing two hundred in breadth, besides the fare +outstretched forelands of sundry promonteries, embraced by +the embowed bosomes of the ocean sea; with whose most +spacious, and on every side (saving only the Southern +Streights, by which we sale to Gallehelgicke) impassable +enclosure (as I may call it) she is strongly defended; +enriched with the mouths of two noble floods, Thames and +Severne, as it were two armes (by which out-landish +commodities have in times past been transported into the +same) besides other rivers of lesser account, strengthened +with eight and twenty cities, and some other castles, not +meanly fenced with fortresses of walls, embattled towers, +gates, and buildings (whose roofes being raised aloft with a +threatening hugenesse, were mightily in their aspiring +toppes compaced) adorned with her large spreading fields, +pleasant seated hils, even framed for good husbandry, which +over-mastereth the ground, and mountains most convenient for +the changeable pastures of cattell; whose flowers of sundry +collours, troden by the feete of men, imprint no unseemly +picture on the same, as a spouse of choice, decked with +divers jewels; watered with cleere fountains, and sundry +brokes, beating on the snow-white sands, together with +silver streames sliding forth with soft sounding noise, and +leaving a pledge of sweet savours on their bordering bankes, +and lakes gushing out abundantly in cold running +rivers."—<i>Epistle of Gildas</i>, Transl. 1638, 12mo. p. 1, +after the prologue. +</p><p> +Whoever looks into that amusing and prettily-printed little +book, "<i>Barclaii Satyricon</i>," 1629, 18mo., will find a +description of Germany, similar, in part, to the +preceding.—"Olim sylvis et incolis fera, nunc oppidis +passim insignis; nemoribus quoque quibus immensis tegebatur, +ad usum decusque castigatis." p. 316.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">"In the example of <span class="smcap">Gonzalo</span>, with whom Philemon is perfectly well +acquainted, a remarkable exemplification of the passion of <i>Vanity</i> +occurs. I recollect, one evening, he came rushing into a party where I +sat, screaming with the extatic joy of a +maniac—'<span lang="el" title="Greek: Eurêka, Eurêka">Ευρηκα, Ευρηκα</span>'; and, throwing down a scroll, rushed as precipitately out of +the room. The scroll was of vellum; the title to the contents of it +was penned in golden letters, and softly-painted bunches of roses +graced each corner. It contained a sonnet to love, and another to +friendship; but a principal mistake which struck us, on the very +threshold of our critical examination, was that he had incorrectly +entitled these sonnets. Friendship should have been called love, and +love, friendship. We had no sooner made the discovery than Gonzalo +returned, expecting to find us in like ecstacies with himself!—We +gravely told him that we stumbled at the very threshold. It was quite +sufficient—he seized his sonnets with avidity—and, crumpling the +roll (after essaying to tear it) thrust it into his pocket, and +retreated. One of the gentlemen in company made the following remarks, +on his leaving us: 'In the conduct of Gonzalo appears a strange +mixture of intellectual strength and intellectual debility; of wit and +dulness;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">13</a></span> of wisdom and folly; and all this arises chiefly from his +mistaking the means for the end—the instrument of achieving for the +object achieved. The fondest wish of his heart is literary fame: for +this he would sacrifice every thing. He is handsome, generous, an +affectionate son, a merry companion, and is, withal, a very excellent +belles-lettres scholar. Tell him that the ladies admire him, that his +mother doats on him, and that his friends esteem him—and—keeping +back the wished-for eulogy of literary excellence—you tell him of +nothing which he cares for. In truth he might attain some portion of +intellectual reputation, if he would throw aside his ridiculous +habits. He <i>must</i>, as soon as the evening shades prevail, burn wax +tapers—he must always have an Argand lamp lighted up before him, to +throw a picturesque effect upon a dark wood painted by Hobbima—his +pens must be made from the crow's wing—his wax must be green—his +paper must be thick and hot-pressed; and he must have a portfolio of +the choicest bits of ancient vellum that can be procured—his body +must recline upon a chintz sofa—his foot must be perched upon an +ottoman—in short he <i>must</i> have every thing for which no man of +common sense would express the least concern. Can you be surprised, +therefore, that he should commence his sonnet to friendship thus:</p> + +<p class="center">Oh, sweetest softest thing that's friendship hight!</p> + +<p>or that he should conceive the following address to women, by one +William Goddard, worthy of being ranked among the most beautiful +poetical efforts of the 16th century:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Stars of this earthly heaven, you whose essence<br /> +Compos'd was of man's purest quintessence,<br /> +To you, to virtuous you, I dedicate<br /> +This snaggy sprig<a name="FNanchor_83_85" id="FNanchor_83_85"></a><a href="#Footnote_83_85" class="fnanchor">[83]</a>——"<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br /></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_83_85" id="Footnote_83_85"></a><a href="#FNanchor_83_85">[83]</a> From "<i>A Satyrical Dialogue, &c., betweene +Alexander the Great and that truelye woman-hater Diogynes</i>. +Imprinted in the low countryes for all such gentlewomen as +are not altogether idle nor yet well occupyed," 4to. no +date. A strange composition! full of nervous lines and +pungent satire—but not free from the grossest +licentiousness.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">14</a></span>"Enough," exclaimed Philemon—while Lysander paused a little, after +uttering the foregoing in a rapid and glowing manner—"enough for this +effeminate vanity in man! What other ills have you to enumerate, which +assail the region of literature?"—"I will tell you," replied +Lysander, "another, and a most lamentable evil, which perverts the +very end for which talents were given us—and it is in mistaking and +misapplying these talents. I speak with reference to the individual +himself, and not to the public. You may remember how grievously +<span class="smcap">Alfonso</span> bore the lot which public criticism, with one voice, adjudged +to him! This man had good natural parts, and would have abridged a +history, made an index, or analyzed a philosophical work, with great +credit to himself and advantage to the public. But he set his heart +upon eclipsing Doctors Johnson and Jamieson. He happened to know a few +etymons more correctly, and to have some little acquaintance with +black letter literature, and hence thought to give more weight to +lexicographical inquiries than had hitherto distinguished them. But +how miserably he was deceived in all his undertakings of this kind +past events have sufficiently shewn. No, my good Philemon, to be of +use to the republic of literature, let us know our situations; and let +us not fail to remember that, in the best appointed army, the serjeant +may be of equal utility with the captain.</p> + +<p>"I will notice only one other, and a very great, failing observable in +literary men—and this is severity and self-consequence. You will find +that these severe characters generally set up the trade of <i>Critics</i>; +without attending to the just maxim of Pope, that</p> + +<p class="center">Ten censure wrong, for one that writes amiss.</p> + +<p class="bp">"With them, the least deviation from precise correctness, the most +venial trippings, the smallest inattention paid to doubtful rules and +equivocal positions of criticism, inflames their anger, and calls +forth their invectives. Regardless of the sage maxims of Cicero, +Quintilian, and Horace, they not only disdain the sober rules which +their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">15</a></span> ancient brethren have wisely laid down, and hold in contempt +the voice of the public,<a name="FNanchor_84_86" id="FNanchor_84_86"></a><a href="#Footnote_84_86" class="fnanchor">[84]</a> but, forgetting the subject which they +have undertaken to criticise, they push the author out of his seat, +quietly sit in it themselves, and fancy they entertain you by the +gravity of their deportment, and their rash usurpation of the royal +monosyllable 'Nos.'<a name="FNanchor_85_87" id="FNanchor_85_87"></a><a href="#Footnote_85_87" class="fnanchor">[85]</a> This solemn pronoun, or rather 'plural +style,'<a name="FNanchor_86_88" id="FNanchor_86_88"></a><a href="#Footnote_86_88" class="fnanchor">[86]</a> my dear Philemon, is oftentimes usurped by a half-starved +little <i>I</i>, who sits immured in the dusty recess of a garret, and who +has never known the society nor the language of a gentleman; or it is +assumed by a young graduate, just settled in his chambers, and flushed +with the triumph of his degree of 'B.A.', whose 'fond conceyte' [to +borrow Master Francis Thynne's<a name="FNanchor_87_89" id="FNanchor_87_89"></a><a href="#Footnote_87_89" class="fnanchor">[87]</a> terse style,] is, to wrangle for an +asses shadowe, or to seke a knott in a rushe!'</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_84_86" id="Footnote_84_86"></a><a href="#FNanchor_84_86">[84]</a> "Interdum vulgus rectum videt:" says +Horace.—<i>Epist. lib.</i> ii. <i>ad. Augustum</i>, v. 63.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_85_87" id="Footnote_85_87"></a><a href="#FNanchor_85_87">[85]</a> Vide <span class="smcap">Rymeri</span> <i>Fœdera</i>—passim.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_86_88" id="Footnote_86_88"></a><a href="#FNanchor_86_88">[86]</a> A very recent, and very respectable, authority +has furnished me with this expression.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_87_89" id="Footnote_87_89"></a><a href="#FNanchor_87_89">[87]</a> See Mr. Todd's <i>Illustrations of Gower and +Chaucer</i>, p. 10.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">"For my part," continued Lysander, speaking with the most unaffected +seriousness—"for my part, nothing delights me more than modesty and +diffidence, united with 'strong good sense, lively imagination, and +exquisite sensibility,'<a name="FNanchor_88_90" id="FNanchor_88_90"></a><a href="#Footnote_88_90" class="fnanchor">[88]</a> whether in an author or a critic. When I +call to mind that our greatest sages have concluded their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">16</a></span> labours +with doubt, and an avowal of their ignorance; when I see how carefully +and reverently they have pushed forward their most successful +inquiries; when I see the great Newton pausing and perplexed in the +vast world of planets, comets, and constellations, which were, in a +measure, of his own creation—I learn to soften the asperity of my +critical anathemas, and to allow to an author that portion of +fallibility of which I am conscious myself.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_88_90" id="Footnote_88_90"></a><a href="#FNanchor_88_90">[88]</a> It is said, very sensibly, by La Bruyere, I +will allow that good writers are scarce enough; but then I +ask where are the people that know how to read and judge? A +union of these qualities, which are seldom found in the same +person, seems to be indispensably necessary to form an able +critic; he ought to possess strong good sense, lively +imagination, and exquisite sensibility. And of these three +qualities, the last is the most important; since, after all +that can be said on the utility or necessity of rules and +precepts, it must be confessed that the merit of all works +of genius must be determined by taste and sentiment. "Why do +you so much admire the Helen of Zeuxis?" said one to +Nicostratus. "You would not wonder why I so much admired it +(replied the painter) if you had my eyes."—<span class="smcap">Warton</span>: Note to +Pope's Essay on Criticism. <i>Pope's Works</i>, vol. i. 196, +edit. 1806.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">"I see then," rejoined Philemon, "that you are an enemy to +<i>Reviews</i>."<a name="FNanchor_89_91" id="FNanchor_89_91"></a><a href="#Footnote_89_91" class="fnanchor">[89]</a> "Far from it," replied Lysander, "I think them of +essential service to literature. They hold a lash over ignorance and +vanity; and, at any rate, they take care to bestow a hearty +castigation upon vicious and sensual publications. Thus far they do +good: but, in many respects, they do ill—by substituting their own +opinions for those of an author; by judging exclusively according to +their own previously formed decisions in matters of religion and +politics; and by shutting out from your view the plan, and real +tendency, of the book which they have undertaken to review, and +therefore ought to analyze. It is, to be sure, amusing to read the +clamours which have been raised against some of the most valuable, and +now generally received, works! When an author recollects the pert +conclusion of Dr. Kenrick's review<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">17</a></span> of Dr. Johnson's Tour to the +Hebrides,<a name="FNanchor_90_92" id="FNanchor_90_92"></a><a href="#Footnote_90_92" class="fnanchor">[90]</a> he need not fear the flippancy of a reviewer's wit, as +decisive of the fate of his publication!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_89_91" id="Footnote_89_91"></a><a href="#FNanchor_89_91">[89]</a> The earliest publications, I believe, in this +country, in the character of <span class="smcap">Reviews</span> were +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: the">there</span> <i>Weekly Memorials for the +Ingenious</i>, &c. Lond. 1683, 4to.—and <i>The Universal +Historical Bibliotheque</i>: or an Account of most of the +considerable Books printed in all Languages, in the Month of +January 1686. London, 1687, 4to. Five years afterwards came +forth <i>The Young Student's Library</i>, by the Athenian +Society, 1692, folio, "a kind of common theatre where every +person may act, or take such part as pleases him best, and +what he does not like he may pass over, assuring himself +that, every one's judgment not being like his, another may +chuse what he mislikes, and so every one may be pleased in +their turns." Pref. A six weeks' frost is said to have +materially delayed the publication. After these, in the +subsequent century, appeared the <i>Old and New Memoirs of +Literature</i>; then, the <i>Works of the Learned</i>; upon which +was built, eclipsing every one that had preceeded it, and +not excelled by any subsequent similar critical journal, +<i>The Monthly Review</i>.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_90_92" id="Footnote_90_92"></a><a href="#FNanchor_90_92">[90]</a> After all, said the reviewing Doctor, we are +of opinion, with the author himself, that this publication +contains 'the sentiments of one who has seen but little:' +meaning, thereby, that the book was hardly worth perusal! +What has become of the said Dr. Kenrick now? We will not ask +the same question about the said <span class="smcap">Dr. Johnson</span>; whose works +are upon the shelf of every reading man of sense and +virtue.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">"It is certainly," pursued Lysander, "a very prolific age of +knowledge. There never was, at any one period of the world, so much +general understanding abroad. The common receptacles of the lower +orders of people present, in some degree, intellectual scenes. I mean, +that collision of logic, and corruscation of wit, which arise from the +perusal of a newspaper; a production, by-the-bye, upon which Cowper +has conferred immortality.<a name="FNanchor_91_93" id="FNanchor_91_93"></a><a href="#Footnote_91_93" class="fnanchor">[91]</a> You may remember, when we were driven +by a sharp tempest of hail into the small public-house which stands at +the corner of the heath—what a <i>logomachy</i>—what a <i>war of words</i> did +we hear! and all about sending troops to the north or south of Spain, +and the justice or injustice of the newly-raised prices of admission +to Covent Garden theatre!!<a name="FNanchor_92_94" id="FNanchor_92_94"></a><a href="#Footnote_92_94" class="fnanchor">[92]</a> The stage-coach, if you recollect, +passed by quickly after our having drunk a tumbler of warm brandy and +water to preserve ourselves from catching cold; and into it glad +enough we were to tumble! We had no sooner begun to be tolerably +comfortable and composed than a grave old gentleman commenced a most +furious Philippic against the prevailing studies, politics, and +religion of the day—and, in truth, this man evinced a wonderfully +retentive memory, and a fair share of powers of argu<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">18</a></span>ment; bringing +everything, however, to the standard of his <i>own times</i>. It was in +vain we strove to edge in the great <i>Whig and Tory Reviews</i> of the +northern and southern hemispheres! The obdurate champion of other +times would not listen a moment, or stir one inch, in favour of these +latter publications. When he quitted us, we found that he was a —— +of considerable consequence in the neighbourhood, and had acquired his +fortune from the superior sagacity and integrity he had displayed in +consequence of having been educated at the free-school in the village +of ——, one of the few public schools in this kingdom which has not +frustrated the legitimate views of its pious founder, by converting +that into a foppish and expensive establishment which was at once +designed as an asylum for the poor and an academy to teach wisdom and +good morals."</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_91_93" id="Footnote_91_93"></a><a href="#FNanchor_91_93">[91]</a> See the opening the fourth book of "<i>The +Task</i>;" a picture perfectly original and unrivalled in its +manner.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_92_94" id="Footnote_92_94"></a><a href="#FNanchor_92_94">[92]</a> It is not less true, than surprising, that the +ridiculous squabbles, which disgraced both this theatre and +the metropolis, have been deemed deserving of a regular +series of publications in the shape of numbers—1, 2, 3, &c. +As if the subject had not been sufficiently well handled in +the lively sallies and brilliant touches of satire which had +before appeared upon it in the <i>Monthly Mirror</i>!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">Philemon was about to reply, with his usual warmth and quickness, to +the latter part of these remarks—as bearing too severely upon the +eminent public seminaries within seventy miles of the metropolis—but +Lysander, guessing his intentions from his manner and attitude, cut +the dialogue short by observing that we did not meet to discuss +subjects of a personal and irritable nature, and which had already +exercised the wits of two redoubted champions of the church—but that +our object, and the object of all rational and manly discussion, was +to state opinions with frankness, without intending to wound the +feelings, or call forth the animadversions, of well-meaning and +respectable characters. "I know," continued he, "that you, Philemon, +have been bred in one of these establishments, under a man as +venerable for his years as he is eminent for his talents and worth; +who employs the leisure of dignified retirement in giving to the world +the result of his careful and profound researches; who, drinking +largely at the fountain head of classical learning, and hence feeling +the renovated vigour of youth (without having recourse to the black +art of a Cornelius<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">19</a></span> Agrippa<a name="FNanchor_93_95" id="FNanchor_93_95"></a><a href="#Footnote_93_95" class="fnanchor">[93]</a>), circumnavigates 'the Erythrean +sea'—then, ascending the vessel of Nearchus, he coasts 'from Indus to +the Euphrates'—and explores with an ardent eye what is curious and +what is precious, and treasures in his sagacious mind what is most +likely to gratify and improve his fellow-countrymen. A rare and +eminent instance this of the judicious application of acquired +knowledge!—and how much more likely is it to produce good, and to +secure solid fame, than to fritter away one's strength, and undermine +one's health, in perpetual pugilistic contests with snarling critics, +dull commentators, and foul-mouthed philologists."</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_93_95" id="Footnote_93_95"></a><a href="#FNanchor_93_95">[93]</a> Let him who wishes to be regaled in a dull +dreary night—when the snow is heavily falling, and the wind +whistles hollowly—open those leaves of Bayle's <i>Historical +and Biographical Dictionary</i> which relate to this +extraordinary character; and see there how adroitly Agrippa +is defended against the accusation of "having two devils +attending him in the shape of two little dogs—one of them +being called Monsieur, and the other Mademoiselle"—"whereas +Paulus Jovius, Thevet, &c., speak only of <i>one</i> dog, and +never mention his name." Vol. i. 357, 361; edit. 1736, 10 +vols. folio. +</p><p> +The bibliographer, who wishes to be master of the most +curious and rare editions of his works, may go from Bayle to +Clement, and from Clement to Vogt. He must beware of the +castrated Lyons' editions "per Beringos fratres"—against +one of which Bayle declaims, and produces a specimen (quite +to his own liking) of the passage suppressed:—another, of a +similar kind, is adduced by Vogt (edit. 1793, pp. 19, 20); +who tells us, however, that an edition of 1544, 8vo., +without mention of place or printer—and especially a +Cologne edition of 1598, by Hierat, in 12mo.—exhibits the +like castrations; p. 20. This has escaped Clement, learned +as he is upon the Lyons' editions, vol. i. 94, 95, 96. Bauer +(<i>Bibl. Libr. Rarior.</i>) is here hardly worth consulting; and +the compilers of the celebrated <i>Nouveau Dict. Historique</i> +(Caen edit. 1789, vol. i. p. 7. Art. Agrippa) deserve +censure for the recommendation of these Lyons' editions +only. +</p><p> +Agrippa's "<span class="smcap">Vanity of Sciences</span>" was first published at +Antwerp in 4to. 1530; a book, upon the rarity of which +bibliographers delight to expatiate. His "<span class="smcap">Occult +Philosophy</span>"—according to Bayle, in 1531 (at least, the +Elector of Cologne had seen several printed leaves of it in +this year), but according to Vogt and Bauer, in 1533.—There +is no question about the edition of 1533; of which Vogt +tells us, "An Englishman, residing at Frankfort, anxiously +sought for a copy of it, offering fifty crowns (imperiales) +and more, without success." All the editions in Agrippa's +life-time (before 1536) are considered uncastrated, and the +best. It should not be forgotten that Brucker, in his <i>Hist. +Crit. Phil.</i>, has given a masterly account of Agrippa, and +an analysis of his works.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">Philemon heartily assented to the truth of these remarks; and, more +than once, interrupted Lysander in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">20</a></span> his panegyrical peroration by his +cheerings:<a name="FNanchor_94_96" id="FNanchor_94_96"></a><a href="#Footnote_94_96" class="fnanchor">[94]</a> for he had, in his youth (as was before observed), been +instructed by the distinguished character upon whom the eulogy had +been pronounced.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_94_96" id="Footnote_94_96"></a><a href="#FNanchor_94_96">[94]</a> This word is almost peculiar to our own +country, and means a vehement degree of applause. It is +generally used previous to, and during, a contest of any +kind—whether by men in red coats, or blue coats, or black +coats—upon land, upon water, or within doors. Even the +walls of St. Stephen's chapel frequently echo to the "<i>loud +cheerings</i>" of some kind or other. See every newspaper on +every important debate.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">The effort occasioned by the warmth in discussing such interesting +subjects nearly exhausted Lysander—when it was judged prudent to +retire to rest. Each had his chamber assigned to him; and while the +chequered moon-beam played upon the curtains and the wall, through the +half-opened shutter, the minds of Lysander and Philemon felt a +correspondent tranquillity; and sweet were their slumbers till the +morning shone full upon them.</p> + +<p class="centertp"> +<img src="images/deco05.png" width="352" height="280" alt="" title="" /> +</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">21</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="PART_II" id="PART_II"></a>PART II.<br /> +<br /> +<span class="bl">The Cabinet.</span></h2> + +<h3>OUTLINE OF FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC BIBLIOGRAPHY.</h3> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/line02.png" width="113" height="14" alt="" title="" /> +</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Condemn the daies of elders great or small,<br /> +And then blurre out the course of present tyme:<br /> +Cast one age down, and so doe orethrow all,<br /> +And burne the bookes of printed prose or ryme:<br /> +Who shall beleeve he rules, or she doth reign,<br /> +In tyme to come, if writers loose their paine<br /> +The pen records tyme past and present both:<br /> +Skill brings foorth bookes, and bookes is nurse to troth.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 8em;"><span class="smcap">Churchyard's</span> <i>Worthiness of Wales</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 10em;">p. 18, edit. 1776.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">22</a></span></p> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/statue01.png" width="246" height="400" alt="statue" title="statue" /> +</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">23</a></span></p> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/part2.jpg" width="359" height="600" alt="The Cabinet" title="The Cabinet" /> +</p> + +<p class="centerbp"><span class="msm">[<a href="images/part2-lg.jpg">Enlarge</a>]</span></p> + +<h2><span class="bl">The Cabinet.</span></h2> + +<h3>OUTLINE OF FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC BIBLIOGRAPHY.</h3> + +<table style="width: 90%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Tout autour oiseaulx voletoient<br /> +Et si tres-doulcement chantoient,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Qu'il n'est cueur qui n'ent fust ioyeulx.</span><br /> +Et en chantant en l'air montoient<br /> +Et puis l'un l'autre surmontoient<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">A l'estriuee a qui mieulx mieulx.</span></td> +<td> +Le temps n'estoit mie mieulx.<br /> +De bleu estoient vestuz les cieux,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Et le beau Soleil cler luisoit.</span><br /> +Violettes croissoient par lieux<br /> +Et tout faisoit ses deuoirs tieux<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Comme nature le duisoit.</span></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="right" colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Œuvres de Chartier</span>, Paris, 1617, 4to. p. 594.</td> +</tr> +</table> + + +<p class="tp"><img src="images/cap_s.png" width="250" height="257" alt="S" title="S" class="floatl" />UCH +is the lively description of a spring morning, in the opening of +Alain Chartier's "<i>Livre des quatre dames</i>;" and, excepting the +violets, such description conveyed a pretty accurate idea of the +scenery which presented itself, from the cabinet window, to the eyes +of Lysander and Philemon.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> How delightful, my dear friend, are the objects which we have +before our eyes, within and without doors! The freshness of the +morning air, of which we have just been partaking in yonder field, was +hardly more reviving to my senses than is the sight of this exquisite +cabinet of bibliographical works, adorned with small busts and +whole-length figures from the antique! You see these precious books +are bound chiefly in Morocco, or Russia leather: and the greater part +of them appear to be printed upon <i>large paper</i>.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">24</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Our friend makes these books a sort of hobby-horse, and +perhaps indulges his vanity in them to excess. They are undoubtedly +useful in their way.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> You are averse then to the study of bibliography?</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> By no means. I have already told you of my passion for books, +and cannot, therefore, dislike bibliography. I think, with Lambinet, +that the greater part of bibliographical works are sufficiently dry +and soporific:<a name="FNanchor_95_97" id="FNanchor_95_97"></a><a href="#Footnote_95_97" class="fnanchor">[95]</a> but I am not insensible to the utility, and even +entertainment, which may result from a proper cultivation of +it—although both De Bure and Peignot appear to me to have gone +greatly beyond the mark, in lauding this study as "one of the most +attractive and vast pursuits in which the human mind can be +engaged."<a name="FNanchor_96_98" id="FNanchor_96_98"></a><a href="#Footnote_96_98" class="fnanchor">[96]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_95_97" id="Footnote_95_97"></a><a href="#FNanchor_95_97">[95]</a> <i>Recherches, &c., sur l'Origine de +l'Imprimerie</i>: Introd. p. x. Lambinet adds very justly, +"L'art consiste à les rendre supportables par des objets +variés de littérature, de critique, d'anecdotes," &c.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_96_98" id="Footnote_96_98"></a><a href="#FNanchor_96_98">[96]</a> See the "Discours sur la Science +Bibliographique," &c., in the eighth volume of De Bure's +<i>Bibl. Instruct.</i> and Peignot's <i>Dictionnaire Raisonné de</i> +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Bibliologie"><i>Biblilolgie</i></span>, vol. i. p. +50. The passage, in the former authority, beginning "Sans +cesse"—p. xvj.—would almost warm the benumbed heart of a +thorough-bred mathematician, and induce him to exchange his +Euclid for De Bure!!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> But to know what books are valuable and what are worthless; +their intrinsic and extrinsic merits; their rarity, beauty, and +particularities of various kinds; and the estimation in which they are +consequently held by knowing men—these things add a zest to the +gratification we feel in even looking upon and handling certain +volumes.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> It is true, my good Philemon; because knowledge upon any +subject, however trivial, is more gratifying than total ignorance; and +even if we could cut and string cherry-stones, like Cowper's rustic +boy, it would be better than brushing them aside, without knowing that +they could be converted to such a purpose. Hence I am always pleased +with Le Long's reply to the caustic question of Father Malebranche, +when the latter asked him, "how he could be so foolish as to take such +pains about settling the date of a book, or making himself master of +trivial points of philosophy!"—"Truth is so delightful," replied Le +Long, "even in the most<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">25</a></span> trivial matters, that we must neglect nothing +to discover her." This reply, to a man who was writing, or had +written, an essay upon truth was admirable. Mons. A.G. <span class="smcap">Camus</span>, a good +scholar, and an elegant bibliographer, [of whom you will see some +account in "<i>Les Siecles Litteraires de la France</i>,"] has, I think, +placed the study of bibliography in a just point of view; and to his +observations, in the first volume of the "<i>Memoires de l'Institut +National</i>," I must refer you.<a name="FNanchor_97_99" id="FNanchor_97_99"></a><a href="#Footnote_97_99" class="fnanchor">[97]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_97_99" id="Footnote_97_99"></a><a href="#FNanchor_97_99">[97]</a> Lysander had probably the following passage +more particularly in recollection; which, it must be +confessed, bears sufficiently hard upon fanciful and +ostentatious collectors of books. "[Il y a] deux sortes de +connoissance des livres: l'une qui se renferme presque +uniquement dans les dehors et la forme du livre, pour +apprécier, d'après sa date, d'après la caractère de +l'impression, d'après certaines notes, quelquefois seulement +d'après une erreur typographique, les qualités qui le font +ranger dans la classe des livres rares où curieux, et qui +fixent sa valeur pecuniaire: l'autre genre de connoissance +consiste à savoir quels sont les livres les plus propres à +instruire, ceux où les sujets sont le plus clairement +présentés et le plus profondement discutés; les ouvrages à +l'aide desquels il est possible de saisir l'origine de la +science, de la suivre dans ses développemens, d'atteindre le +point actuel de la perfection. Sans doute il seroit +avantageux que ces deux genres de connoisances fussent +toujours réunis: l'expérience montre qu'ils le sont +rairement; l'expérience montre encore que le premier des +deux genres a été plus cultivé que le second. Nous +possédons, sur l'indication des livres curieux et rares, sur +les antiquités et les bijoux litteraires, si l'on me permet +d'employer cette expression, des instructions meilleures que +nous n'en avons sur les livres propres à instruire +foncièrement des sciences. En recherchant la cause de cette +difference, on la trouvera peut-être dans la passion que des +hommes riches et vains ont montrée pour posséder des livres +sans être en état de les lire. Il a fallu créer pour eux une +sorte de bibliotheque composée d'objets qui, sous la forme +exterieure de livres, ne fussent réellement que des raretés, +des objets de curiosité, qu'on ne lit pas, mais que tantôt +on regarde avec complaisance, tantôt en montre avec +ostentation; et comme après cela c'est presque toujours le +goût des personnes en état de récompenser qui dirige le but +des travailleurs, on ne doit pas être surpris qu'on se soit +plus occupé d'indiquer aux hommes riches dont je parle, des +raretés à acquérir, ou de vanter celles qu'ils avoient +rassemblées, que de faciliter, par des indications utiles, +les travaux des hommes studieux dont on n'attendoit aucune +récompense." <i>Memoires de l'Institut</i>, vol. i. 664. See also +the similar remarks of Jardé, in the "Précis sur les +Bibliotheques," prefixed to Fournier's <i>Dict. portatif de +Bibliographie</i>, edit. 1809. +</p><p> +Something like the same animadversions may be found in a +useful book printed nearly two centuries before: "Non enim +cogitant quales ipsi, sed qualibus induti vestibus sint, et +quanta pompa rerum fortunæque præfulgeant—sunt enim omnino +ridiculi, qui in nuda librorum quantumvis selectissimorum +multitudine gloriantur, et inde doctos sese atque admirandos +esse persuadent." Draudius: <i>Bibliotheca Classica</i>, ed. +1611. Epist. ad. Lect. Spizelius has also a good passage +upon the subject, in his description of Book-Gluttons +("Helluones Librorum"): "cum immensa pené librorum sit +multitudo et varietas, fieri non potest, quin eorum opibus +ditescere desiderans (hæres), non assiduam longamque +lectionem adhibeat." <i>Infelix Literatus</i>, p. 296, edit. +1680, 8vo.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">26</a></span><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> I may want time, and probably inclination, to read these +observations: and, at any rate, I should be better pleased with your +analysis of them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> That would lead me into a wide field indeed; and, besides, our +friend—who I see walking hastily up the garden—is impatient for his +breakfast; 'tis better, therefore, that we satisfy just now an +appetite of a different kind.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> But you promise to renew the subject afterwards?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> I will make no such promise. If our facetious friend <span class="smcap">Lisardo</span>, +who is expected shortly to join us, should happen to direct our +attention and the discourse to the sale of <span class="smcap">Malvolio's</span> busts and +statues, what favourable opportunity do you suppose could present +itself for handling so unpromising a subject as bibliography?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> Well, well, let us hope he will not come: or, if he does, let us +take care to carry the point by a majority of votes. I hear the gate +bell ring: 'tis Lisardo, surely!</p> + +<p>Three minutes afterwards, Lisardo and myself, who met in the passage +from opposite doors, entered the Cabinet. Mutual greetings succeeded: +and, after a hearty breakfast, the conversation was more +systematically renewed.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> I am quite anxious to give you a description of the fine things +which were sold at Malvolio's mansion yesterday! Amongst colossal +Minervas, and pigmy fauns and satyrs, a magnificent set of books, in +ten or twelve folio volumes (I forget the precise number) in Morocco +binding, was to be disposed of.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> The Clementine and Florentine museums?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> No indeed—a much less interesting work. A catalogue of the +manuscripts and printed books in the library of the French king, Louis +the fifteenth. It was odd enough to see such a work in such a sale!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> You did not probably bid ten guineas for it, Lisardo?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">27</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Not ten shillings. What should I do with such books? You know I +have a mortal aversion to them, and to every thing connected with +bibliographical learning.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> That arises, I presume, from your profound knowledge of the +subject; and, hence, finding it, as Solomon found most pursuits, +"vanity of vanities, and vexation of spirit."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Not so, truly! I have taken an aversion to it from mere whim and +fancy: or rather from downright ignorance.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> But I suppose you would not object to be set right upon any +subject of which you are ignorant or misinformed? You don't mean to +sport <i>hereditary</i> aversions, or hereditary attachments?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Why, perhaps, something of the kind. My father, who was the best +creature upon earth, happened to come into the possession of a huge +heap of catalogues of private collections, as well as of booksellers' +books—and I remember, on a certain fifth of November, when my little +hands could scarcely grasp the lamplighter's link that he bade me set +fire to them, and shout forth—"Long live the King!"—ever since I +have held them in sovereign contempt.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> I love the king too well to suppose that his life could have +been lengthened by any such barbarous act. You were absolutely a +little Chi Ho-am-ti, or Omar!<a name="FNanchor_98_100" id="FNanchor_98_100"></a><a href="#Footnote_98_100" class="fnanchor">[98]</a><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">28</a></span> Perhaps you were not aware that his +majesty is in possession of many valuable books, which are described +with great care and accuracy in some of these very catalogues.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_98_100" id="Footnote_98_100"></a><a href="#FNanchor_98_100">[98]</a> Pope, in his Dunciad, has treated the +conflagration of the two great ancient libraries, with his +usual poetical skill:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +"Far eastward cast thine eye, from whence the sun<br /> +And orient Science their bright course begun:<br /> +One god-like monarch all that pride confounds,<br /> +He, whose long wall the wandering Tartar bounds;<br /> +Heavens! what a pile! whole ages perish there,<br /> +And one bright blaze turns Learning into air.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Thence to the south extend thy gladden'd eyes;</span><br /> +There rival flames with equal glory rise,<br /> +From shelves to shelves see greedy Vulcan roll,<br /> +And lick up all their <span class="smcap">Physic of the Soul</span>."<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>"Chi Ho-am-ti, Emperor of China, the same who built the +great wall between China and Tartary, destroyed all the +books and learned men of that empire." +</p><p> +"The caliph, Omar I. having conquered Egypt, caused his +general to burn the Ptolemean library, on the gates of which +was this inscription: '<span lang="el" title="Greek: PSYCHÊS IATREION">ΨΥΧΗΣ ΙΑΤΡΕΙΟΝ</span>:' +'<span class="smcap">The Physic of the Soul</span>.'" Warburton's note. The last editor +of Pope's works, (vol. v. 214.) might have referred us to +the very ingenious observations of Gibbon, upon the +probability of this latter event: see his "<i>Decline and Fall +of the Roman Empire</i>," vol. ix. 440, &c.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> The act, upon reflection, was no doubt sufficiently foolish. But +why so warm upon the subject?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Let me defend Philemon; or at least account for his zeal. Just +before you came in, he was leading me to give him some account of the +<span class="smcap">rise and progress of Bibliography</span>; and was fearful that, from your +noted aversion to the subject, you would soon cut asunder the thread +of our conversation.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> If you can convert me to be an admirer of such a subject, or even +to endure it, you will work wonders; and, unless you promise to do so, +I know not whether I shall suffer you to begin.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> Begin, my dear Lysander. A mind disposed to listen attentively +is sometimes half converted. O, how I shall rejoice to see this +bibliographical incendiary going about to buy up copies of the very +works which he has destroyed! Listen, I entreat you, Lisardo.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> I am all attention; for I see the clouds gathering in the south, +and a gloomy, if not a showery, mid-day, promises to darken this +beauteous morning. 'Twill not be possible to attend the antiques at +Malvolio's sale.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Whether the sun shine, or the showers fall, I will make an +attempt—not to convert, but to state simple truths: provided you +"lend me your ears."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> And our hearts too. Begin: for the birds drop their notes, and +the outlines of the distant landscape are already dimmed by the +drizzling rain.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> You call upon me as formally as the shepherds call upon one +another to sing in Virgil's eclogues. But I will do my best.</p> + +<p class="bp">It is gratifying to the English nation—whatever may<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">29</a></span> have been the +strictures of foreigners<a name="FNanchor_99_101" id="FNanchor_99_101"></a><a href="#Footnote_99_101" class="fnanchor">[99]</a> upon the paucity of their +bibliographico-literary works in the 16th century—that the earliest +printed volume upon the love and advantages of book-collecting was the +<i>Philobiblion</i><a name="FNanchor_100_102" id="FNanchor_100_102"></a><a href="#Footnote_100_102" class="fnanchor">[100]</a> of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">30</a></span> <span class="smcap">Richard De Bury</span>; who was bishop of Durham at +the close of the 14th century, and tutor to Edward III. I will at +present say nothing about the merits and demerits of this short +treatise; only I may be permitted to observe, with satisfaction, that +the head of the same see, at the present day, has given many proofs of +his attachment to those studies, and of his reward of such merit as +attracted the notice of his illustrious predecessor. It is with pain +that I am compelled to avow the paucity of publications, in our own +country, of a nature similar to the <i>Philobiblion</i> of De Bury, even +for two centuries after it was composed; but while Leland was making +his library-tour, under the auspices of that capricious tyrant Henry +VIII., many works were planned <i>abroad</i>, which greatly facilitated the +researches of the learned.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_99_101" id="Footnote_99_101"></a><a href="#FNanchor_99_101">[99]</a> "Anglica gens longe fuit negligentior in +consignandis ingeniorum monumentis; nihil enim ab illis +prodiit, quod mereatur nominari, cum tamen sint extentque +pene innumera ingeniossimæ gentis in omnibus doctrinis +scripta, prodeantque quotidie, tam Latina, quam vernacula +lingua, plura," Morhof: <i>Polyhist. Literar.</i> vol. i. 205, +edit. 1747. +</p><p> +Reimmannus carries his strictures, upon the jealousy of +foreigners at the success of the Germans in bibliography, +with a high hand: "Ringantur Itali, nasum incurvent Galli, +supercilium adducant Hispani, scita cavilla serant Britanni, +frendeant, spument, bacchentur ii omnes, qui præstantiam +<span class="smcap">Musarum Germanicarum</span> limis oculis aspiciunt," &c.—"hoc +tamen certum, firmum, ratum, et inconcussum est, <span class="smcap">Germanos</span> +primos fuisse in Rep. Literaria, qui Indices Librorum +Generales, Speciales et Specialissimos conficere, &c. annisi +sunt."—A little further, however, he speaks respectfully of +our James, Hyde, and Bernhard. See his ably-written <i>Bibl. +Acroamatica</i>, pp. 1, 6.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_100_102" id="Footnote_100_102"></a><a href="#FNanchor_100_102">[100]</a> "<i>Sive de Amore Librorum.</i>" The first +edition, hitherto so acknowledged, of this entertaining +work, was printed at Spires, by John and Conrad Hist, in +1483, 4to., a book of great rarity—according to Clement, +vol. v. 435; Bauer (<i>Suppl. Bibl. Libr. Rarior</i>, pt. i. +276); Maichelius, p. 127; and Morhof, vol. i. 187. Mons. De +La Serna Santander has assigned the date of 1473 to this +edition: see his <i>Dict. Bibliog. Chois.</i> vol. ii. 257,—but, +above all, consult Clement—to whom Panzer, vol. iii. p. 22, +very properly refers his readers. And yet some of Clement's +authorities do not exactly bear him out in the +identification of this impression. Mattaire, vol. i. 449, +does not appear to have ever seen a copy of it: but, what is +rather extraordinary, Count Macarty has a copy of a Cologne +edition in 4to., of the date of 1473. No other edition of it +is known to have been printed till the year 1500; when two +impressions of this date were published at Paris, in 4to.: +the one by Philip for Petit, of which both Clement and +Fabricius (<i>Bibl. Med. et Inf. Ætat.</i> vol. i. 842, &c.) were +ignorant; but of which, a copy, according to Panzer, vol. +ii. 336, should seem to be in the public library at +Gottingen; the other, by Badius Ascensius, is somewhat more +commonly known. A century elapsed before this work was +deemed deserving of republication; when the country that had +given birth to, and the university that had directed the +studies of, its illustrious author, put forth an inelegant +reprint of it in 4to. 1599—from which some excerpts will be +found in the ensuing pages—but in the meantime the reader +may consult the title-page account of Herbert, vol. iii. p. +1408. Of none of these latter editions were the sharp eyes +of Clement ever blessed with a sight of a copy! See his +<i>Bibl. Curcuse</i>, &c. vol. v. 438. +</p><p> +The 17th century made some atonement for the negligence of +the past, in regard to <span class="smcap">Richard De Bury</span>. At Frankfort his +<i>Philobiblion</i> was reprinted, with "a Century of +Philological Letters," collected by Goldastus, in 1610, +8vo—and this same work appeared again, at Leipsic, in 1674, +8vo. At length the famous Schmidt put forth an edition, with +some new pieces, "typis et sumtibus Georgii Wolffgangii +Hammii, Acad. Typog. 1703," 4to. Of this latter edition, +neither Maichelius nor the last editor of Morhof take +notice. It may be worth while adding that the subscription +in red ink, which Fabricius (<i>ibid.</i>) notices as being +subjoined to a vellum MS. of this work, in his own +possession—and which states that it was finished at +Auckland, in the year 1343, in the 58th of its author, and +at the close of the 11th year of his episcopacy—may be +found, in substance, in Hearne's edition of Leland's +<i>Collectanea</i>, vol. ii. 385, edit. 1774.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">Among the men who first helped to clear away the rubbish that impeded +the progress of the student, was the learned and modest <span class="smcap">Conrad Gesner</span>; +at once a scholar, a philosopher, and a bibliographer: and upon whom +Julius Scaliger, Theodore Beza, and De Thou, have pronounced noble +eulogiums.<a name="FNanchor_101_103" id="FNanchor_101_103"></a><a href="#Footnote_101_103" class="fnanchor">[101]</a> His <i>Bibliotheca<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">31</a></span> Universalis</i> was the first thing, +since the discovery of the art of printing, which enabled the curious +to become acquainted with the works of preceding authors: thus +kindling, by the light of such a lamp, the fire of emulation among his +contemporaries and successors. I do not pretend to say that the +<i>Bibliotheca</i> of Gesner is any thing like perfect, even as far as it +goes: but, considering that the author had to work with his own +materials alone, and that the degree of fame and profit attached to +such a publication was purely speculative, he undoubtedly merits the +thanks of posterity for having completed it even in the manner in +which it has come down to us. Consider Gesner as the father of +bibliography; and if, at the sale of Malvolio's busts, there be one of +this great man, purchase it, good Lisardo, and place it over the +portico of your library.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_101_103" id="Footnote_101_103"></a><a href="#FNanchor_101_103">[101]</a> His <i>Bibliotheca</i>, or <i>Catalogus Universalis, +&c.</i>, was first printed in a handsome folio volume at +Zurich, 1545. Lycosthyne put forth a wretched abridgement of +this work, which was printed by the learned Oporinus, in +4to., 1551. Robert Constantine, the lexicographer, also +abridged and published it in 1555, Paris, 8vo.; and William +Canter is said by Labbe to have written notes upon Simler's +edition, which Baillet took for granted to be in existence, +and laments not to have seen them; but he is properly +corrected by De La Monnoye, who reminds us that it was a +mere report, which Labbe gave as he found it. I never saw +Simler's own editions of his excellent abridgement and +enlargement of it in 1555 and 1574; but Frisius published +it, with great improvements, in 1583, fol., adding many +articles, and abridging and omitting many others. Although +this latter edition be called the <i>edit. opt.</i> it will be +evident that the <i>editio originalis</i> is yet a desideratum in +every bibliographical collection. Nor indeed does Frisius's +edition take away the necessity of consulting a supplement +to Gesner, which appeared at the end of the <i>Bibliothéque +Françoise</i> of Du Verdier, 1584. It may be worth stating that +Hallevordius's <i>Bibliotheca Curiòsa</i>, 1656, 1687, 4to., is +little better than a supplement to the preceding work. +</p><p> +The <i>Pandects</i> of Gesner, 1548, fol. are also well worth the +bibliographer's notice. Each of the 20 books, of which the +volume is composed, is preceded by an interesting dedicatory +epistle to some eminent printer of day. Consult Baillet's +<i>Jugemens des Savans</i>, vol. ii. p. 11. <i>Bibl. Creven.</i> vol. +v. p. 278; upon this latter work more particularly; and +Morhof's <i>Polyhistor. Literar.</i> vol. i. 197, and Vogt's +<i>Catalog. Libr. Rarior.</i>, p. 164: upon the former. Although +the <i>Dictionnaire Historique</i>, published at Caen, in 1789, +notices the botanical and lexicographical works of Gesner, +it has omitted to mention these Pandects: which however, are +uncommon.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> All this is very well. Proceed with the patriarchal age of your +beloved bibliography.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> I was about resuming, with observing that our <span class="smcap">Bale</span> speedily +imitated the example of Gesner, in putting forth his <i>Britanniæ +Scriptores</i>;<a name="FNanchor_102_104" id="FNanchor_102_104"></a><a href="#Footnote_102_104" class="fnanchor">[102]</a> the materials of the greater part of which were +supplied by Leland. This work is undoubtedly necessary to every +Englishman,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">32</a></span> but its errors are manifold. Let me now introduce to your +notice the little work of <span class="smcap">Florian Trefler</span>, published in 1560;<a name="FNanchor_103_105" id="FNanchor_103_105"></a><a href="#Footnote_103_105" class="fnanchor">[103]</a> +also the first thing in its kind, and intimately connected with our +present subject. The learned, it is true, were not much pleased with +it; but it afforded a rough outline upon which Naudæus afterwards +worked, and produced, as you will find, a more pleasing and perfect +picture. A few years after this, appeared the <i>Erotemata</i> of <span class="smcap">Michael +Neander</span>;<a name="FNanchor_104_106" id="FNanchor_104_106"></a><a href="#Footnote_104_106" class="fnanchor">[104]</a> in the long and learned preface to which, and in the +catalogue of his and of Melancthon's works subjoined, some brilliant +hints of a bibliographical nature were thrown out, quite sufficient to +inflame the lover of book-anecdotes with a desire of seeing a work +perfected according to such a plan: but Neander was unwilling, or +unable, to put his design into execution. Bibliography, however, now +began to make rather a rapid progress; and, in France, the ancient +writers of history and poetry seemed to live again in the +<i>Bibliotheque Françoise</i> of <span class="smcap">La Croix du Maine</span> and <span class="smcap">Du Verdier</span>.<a name="FNanchor_105_107" id="FNanchor_105_107"></a><a href="#Footnote_105_107" class="fnanchor">[105]</a> Nor +were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">33</a></span> the contemporaneous similar efforts of <span class="smcap">Cardona</span> to be despised: a +man, indeed, skilled in various erudition, and distinguished for his +unabating perseverance in examining all the <span class="smcap">mss.</span> and printed books +that came in his way. The manner, slight as it was, in which +Cardona<a name="FNanchor_106_108" id="FNanchor_106_108"></a><a href="#Footnote_106_108" class="fnanchor">[106]</a> mentioned the Vatican library, aroused the patriotic +ardor of <span class="smcap">Pansa</span>; who published his <i>Bibliotheca Vaticana</i>, in the +Italian language, in the year 1590; and in the subsequent year +appeared the rival production of <span class="smcap">Angelus Roccha</span>, written in Latin, +under the same title.<a name="FNanchor_107_109" id="FNanchor_107_109"></a><a href="#Footnote_107_109" class="fnanchor">[107]</a> The magnificent establishment of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">34</a></span> +<span class="smcap">Vatican press</span>, under the auspices of Pope Sixtus V. and Clement VIII. +and under the typographical direction of the grandson of Aldus,<a name="FNanchor_108_110" id="FNanchor_108_110"></a><a href="#Footnote_108_110" class="fnanchor">[108]</a> +called forth these publications—which might, however, have been +executed with more splendour and credit.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_102_104" id="Footnote_102_104"></a><a href="#FNanchor_102_104">[102]</a> The first edition of this work, under the +title of "<i>Illustrium maioris Britanniæ Scriptorum, hoc est, +Anglæ, Cambriæ, ac Scotiæ summarium, in quasnam centurias +divisum, &c.</i>," was printed at Ipswich, in 1548, 4to., +containing three supposed portraits of Bale, and a spurious +one of Wicliffe. Of the half length portrait of Bale, upon a +single leaf, as noticed by Herbert, vol. iii. 1457, I have +doubts about its appearance in all the copies. The above +work was again published at Basil, by Opornius, in 1559, +fol., greatly enlarged and corrected, with a magnificent +half length portrait of Bale, from which the one in a +subsequent part of this work was either copied on a reduced +scale, or of which it was the prototype. His majesty has +perhaps the finest copy of this last edition of Bale's +<i>Scriptores Britanniæ</i>, in existence.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_103_105" id="Footnote_103_105"></a><a href="#FNanchor_103_105">[103]</a> "Les Savans n'ont nullemont été satisfaits des +règles prescrites par <span class="smcap">Florian Treffer</span> (Trefler) le premièr +dont on connoisse un écrit sur ce sujet [de la disposition +des livres dans une bibliothèque]. Sa méthode de classer les +livres fut imprimée à Augsbourg en 1560." Camus: <i>Memoires +de l'Institut</i>. vol. i. 646. The title is "Methodus +Ordinandi Bibliothecam," Augustæ, 1560. The extreme rarity +of this book does not appear to have arisen from its +utility—if the authority quoted by Vogt, p. 857, edit. +1793, may be credited. Bauer repeats Vogt's account; and +Teisser, Morhof, and Baillet, overlook the work.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_104_106" id="Footnote_104_106"></a><a href="#FNanchor_104_106">[104]</a> It would appear, from Morhof, that <span class="smcap">Neander</span> +meditated the publication of a work similar to the +<i>Pandects</i> of Gesner; which would, in all probability, have +greatly excelled it. The "<i>Erotemata Græcæ Linguæ</i>" was +published at Basil in 1565, 8vo. Consult <i>Polyhist. Liter.</i> +vol. i. 199: <i>Jugemens des Savans</i>, vol. iii. art. 887, but +more particularly Niceron's <i>Memoires des Hommes Illustres</i>, +vol. xxx. In regard to Neander, Vogt has given the title at +length (a sufficiently tempting one!) calling the work "very +rare," and the preface of Neander (which is twice the length +of the work) "curious and erudite." See his <i>Catalog. +Libror. Rarior.</i>, p. 614, edit. 1793.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_105_107" id="Footnote_105_107"></a><a href="#FNanchor_105_107">[105]</a> <span class="smcap">La Croix Du Maine's</span> book appeared toward the +end of the year 1584; and that of his coadjutor, <span class="smcap">Anthony +Verdier</span>, in the beginning of the subsequent year. They are +both in folio, and are usually bound in one volume. Of these +works, the first is the rarest and best executed; but the +very excellent edition of both of them, by <span class="smcap">De La Monnoye</span> and +<span class="smcap">Juvigny</span>, in six volumes, 4to., 1772, which has realized the +patriotic wishes of Baillet, leaves nothing to be desired in +the old editions—and these are accordingly dropping fast +into annihilation. It would appear from an advertisement of +De Bure, subjoined to his catalogue of Count Macarty's +books, 1779, 8vo., that there were then remaining only +eleven copies of this new edition upon <span class="smcap">large paper</span>, which +were sold for one hundred and twenty livres. Claude Verdier, +son of Antony, who published a supplement to Gesner's +Bibliotheca, and a "<i>Censio auctorum omnium veterum et +recentiorum</i>," affected to censure his father's work, and +declared that nothing but parental respect could have +induced him to consent to its publication—but consult the +<i>Jugemens des Savans</i>, vol. ii. 87-8, upon Claude's filial +affection; and Morhof's <i>Polyhist. Literar.</i>, vol. i., 176, +concerning the "Censio," &c.—"misere," exclaims Morhof, +"ille corvos deludit hiantes: nam ubi censuram suam exercet, +manifestum hominis phrenesin facile deprehendas!" The +ancient editions are well described in <i>Bibl. Creven.</i>, vol. +v., 277-8, edit. 1776—but more particularly by De Bure, +nos. 6020-1. A copy of the ancient edition was sold at +West's sale for 2<i>l.</i> 15<i>s.</i> See <i>Bibl. West.</i>, N<span class="super">o</span>. 934.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_106_108" id="Footnote_106_108"></a><a href="#FNanchor_106_108">[106]</a> <span class="smcap">John Baptist Cardona</span>, a learned and +industrious writer, and bishop of Tortosa, published a +quarto volume at Tarracona, in 1537, 4to.—comprehending the +following four pieces: 1. <i>De regia Sancti Lamentii +Bibliotheca</i>: 2. <i>De Bibliothecis</i> (<i>Ex Fulvio Ursino</i>,) et +<i>De Bibliotheca Vaticana (ex Omphrii Schedis)</i>: 3. <i>De +Expurgandis hæreticorum propriis nominibus</i>: 4. <i>De +Dipthycis</i>. Of these, the first, in which he treats of +collecting all manner of useful books, and having able +librarians, and in which he strongly exhorts Philip II. to +put the Escurial library into good order, is the most +valuable to the bibliographer. Vogt, p. 224, gives us two +authorities to shew the rarity of this book; and Baillet +refers us to the <i>Bibliotheca Hispana</i> of Antonio.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_107_109" id="Footnote_107_109"></a><a href="#FNanchor_107_109">[107]</a> <span class="smcap">Mutius Panza's</span> work, under the title of +<i>Ragionamenti della Libraria Vaticana</i>, Rome, 1590, 4to., +and <span class="smcap">Angelus Roccha's</span>, that of <i>Bibliotheca Apostolica +Vaticana, Rome</i>, 1591, 4to., relate rather to the ornaments +of architecture and painting, than to a useful and critical +analysis, or a numbered catalogue, of the books within the +Vatican library. The authors of both are accused by Morhof +of introducing quite extraneous and uninteresting matter. +Roccha's book, however, is worth possessing, as it is +frequently quoted by bibliographers. How far it may be +"Liber valde quidem rarus," as Vogt intimates, I will not +pretend to determine. It has a plate of the Vatican Library, +and another of St. Peter's Cathedral. The reader may +consult, also, the <i>Jugemens des Savans</i>, vol. ii., p. 141. +My copy of this work, purchased at the sale of Dr. Heath's +books, has a few pasted printed slips in the margins—some +of them sufficiently curious.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_108_110" id="Footnote_108_110"></a><a href="#FNanchor_108_110">[108]</a> Consult Renouard's <i>L'Imprimerie des Alde</i>, +vol. ii., 122, &c. One of the grandest works which ever +issued from the Vatican press, under the superintendence of +Aldus, was the vulgate bible of Pope Sixtus V., 1590, fol., +the copies of which, upon <span class="smcap">large paper</span>, are sufficiently well +known and coveted. A very pleasing and satisfactory account +of this publication will be found in the <i>Horæ Biblicæ</i> of +Mr. Charles Butler, a gentleman who has long and justly +maintained the rare character of a profound lawyer, an +elegant scholar, and a well-versed antiquary and +philologist.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">Let us here not forget that the celebrated <span class="smcap">Lipsius</span> condescended to +direct his talents to the subject of libraries; and his very name, as +Baillet justly remarks, "is sufficient to secure respect for his +work," however slender it may be.<a name="FNanchor_109_111" id="FNanchor_109_111"></a><a href="#Footnote_109_111" class="fnanchor">[109]</a> We now approach, with the +mention of Lipsius, the opening of the 17th century; a period +singularly fertile in bibliographical productions. I will not pretend +to describe, minutely, even the leading authors in this department. +The works of <span class="smcap">Puteanus</span> can be only slightly alluded to, in order to +notice the more copious and valuable ones of <span class="smcap">Possevinus</span> and of +<span class="smcap">Schottus</span>;<a name="FNanchor_110_112" id="FNanchor_110_112"></a><a href="#Footnote_110_112" class="fnanchor">[110]</a> men who were ornaments to their country,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">35</a></span> and whose +literary and bibliographical publications have secured to them the +gratitude of posterity. While the labours of these authors were +enriching the republic of literature, and kindling all around a love +of valuable and curious books, the <i>Bibliotheca Historica</i> of +<span class="smcap">Bolduanus</span>, and the <i>Bibliotheca Classica</i> of <span class="smcap">Draudius</span><a name="FNanchor_111_113" id="FNanchor_111_113"></a><a href="#Footnote_111_113" class="fnanchor">[111]</a> highly +gratified the generality of readers, and enabled the student to +select, with greater care and safety, such editions of authors as were +deserving of a place in their libraries.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_109_111" id="Footnote_109_111"></a><a href="#FNanchor_109_111">[109]</a> <span class="smcap">Lipsius</span> published his <i>Syntagma de +Bibliothecis</i>, at Antwerp, in 1603, 4to., "in quo de ritibus +variis et antiquitatibus circa rem bibliothecariam agitur." +An improved edition of it, by Maderus, was printed at +Helmstadt, in 1666, 4to., with other curious bibliographical +opuscula. A third edition of it was put forth by Schmid, at +the same place, in 1702, 4to. Consult Morhof. <i>Poly. Lit.</i>, +vol. i., 188.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_110_112" id="Footnote_110_112"></a><a href="#FNanchor_110_112">[110]</a> "Scripsit et <span class="smcap">Erycius Puteanus</span> librum <i>De Usu +Bibliothecæ et quidem speciatim Bibliothecæ Ambrosianæ +Mediol.</i>, in 8vo., 1606, editum, aliumque, cui titulus +<i>Auspicia Bibliothecæ Lovaniensis</i>, an. 1639, in 4to." +Morhof. "It is true," says Baillet, "that this Puteanus +passed for a gossipping sort of writer, and for a great +maker of little books, but he was, notwithstanding, a very +clever fellow." <i>Jugemens des Savans</i>, vol. ii., 150. In the +<i>Bibl. Crev.</i>, vol. v., 311, will be found one of his +letters, never before published. He died in 1646. <span class="smcap">Possevinus</span> +published a <i>Bibliotheca selecta</i> and <i>Apparatus sacer</i>—of +the former of which, the Cologne edition of 1607, folio, and +of the latter, that of 1608, are esteemed the most complete. +The first work is considered by Morhof as less valuable than +the second. The "<i>Apparatus</i>" he designates as a book of +rather extraordinary merit and utility. Of the author of +both these treatises, some have extolled his talents to the +skies, others have depreciated them in proportion. His +literary character, however, upon the whole, places him in +the first class of bibliographers. Consult the <i>Polyhist. +Literar.</i>, vol. i., 175. He was one of the earliest +bibliographers who attacked the depraved taste of the +Italian printers in adopting licentious capital-initial +letters. Catherinot, in his <i>Art d'imprimer</i>, p. 3, makes +the same complaint: so Baillet informs us, vol. i., pt. i., +p. 13, edit. 1725: vol. iii., pt. 1, p. 78. <span class="smcap">Schottus's</span> work, +<i>de Bibl. claris Hispaniæ viris, France</i>, 1608, 4to., is +forgotten in the splendour of Antonio's similar production; +but it had great merit in its day. <i>Jugemens des Savans</i>, +vol. ii., pt. 1, 132, edit. 1725.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_111_113" id="Footnote_111_113"></a><a href="#FNanchor_111_113">[111]</a> <span class="smcap">Bolduanus</span> published a <i>Theological</i> (Jenæ, +1614) and <i>Philosophico Philological</i> (Jenæ, 1616), as well +as an <i>Historical</i> (Lipsiæ, 1620), library; but the latter +work has the pre-eminence. Yet the author lived at too great +a distance, wanting the requisite materials, and took his +account chiefly from the Frankfort catalogues—some of which +were sufficiently erroneous. <i>Polyhist. Literar.</i> vol. i., +199. See also the very excellent historical catalogue, +comprehending the 1st chap. of Meusel's new edition of +Struvius's <i>Bibl. Histor.</i>, vol. i., p. 26. <span class="smcap">Draudius's</span> work +is more distinguished for its arrangement than for its +execution in detail. It was very useful, however, at the +period when it was published. My edition is of the date of +1611, 4to.: but a second appeared at Frankfort, in 1625, +4to.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">The name of <span class="smcap">Du Chesne</span> can never be pronounced by a sensible Frenchman +without emotions of gratitude. His <i>Bibliotheca Historiarum Galliæ</i> +first published in the year 1627, 8vo.—although more immediately +useful to foreigners than to ourselves, is nevertheless worth +mentioning. Morhof, if I recollect aright, supposes there was a still +later edition; but he probably confused with this work the <i>Series +Auctorum, &c. de Francorum Historia</i>;<a name="FNanchor_112_114" id="FNanchor_112_114"></a><a href="#Footnote_112_114" class="fnanchor">[112]</a> of which two handsome folio +editions were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">36</a></span> published by Cramoisy. French writers of +bibliographical eminence now begin to crowd fast upon us.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_112_114" id="Footnote_112_114"></a><a href="#FNanchor_112_114">[112]</a> The reader will find a good account of some +of the scarcer works of Du Chesne in Vogt's <i>Catalog. +Libror. Rarior.</i>, p. 248, &c., and of the life and literary +labours of this illustrious man in the 7th volume of +Niceron's <i>Memoires des Hommes Illustres</i>.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> But what becomes of the English, Spanish, and Italian +bibliographers all this while?</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> The reproach of Morhof is I fear too just; namely that, +although we had produced some of the most learned, ingenious, and able +men in Europe—lovers and patrons of literature—yet our librarians, +or university scholars, were too lazy to acquaint the world with the +treasures which were contained in the several libraries around +them.<a name="FNanchor_113_115" id="FNanchor_113_115"></a><a href="#Footnote_113_115" class="fnanchor">[113]</a> You cannot expect a field-marshal, or a statesman in +office, or a nobleman, or a rich man of extensive connections, +immersed in occupations both pressing and unavoidable—doggedly to set +down to a <i>Catalogue Raisonné</i> of his books, or to an analysis of the +different branches of literature—while his presence is demanded in +the field, in the cabinet, or in the senate—or while all his bells, +at home, from the massive outer gate to the retired boudoir, are torn +to pieces with ringing and jingling at the annunciation of +visitors—you cannot, I say, my good Lisardo, call upon a person, thus +occupied, to produce—or expect from him, in a situation thus +harassed, the production of—any solid bibliographical publication; +but you have surely a right to expect that librarians, or scholars, +who spend the greater part of their time in public libraries, will +vouchsafe to apply their talents in a way which may be an honour to +their patrons, and of service to their country.<a name="FNanchor_114_116" id="FNanchor_114_116"></a><a href="#Footnote_114_116" class="fnanchor">[114]</a> Not to walk<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">37</a></span> with +folded arms from one extremity of a long room (of 120 feet) to +another, and stop at every window to gaze on an industrious gardener, +or watch the slow progress of a melancholy crow "making wing to the +rooky wood," nor yet, in winter, to sit or stand inflexibly before the +fire, with a duodecimo jest book or novel in their hands—but to look +around and catch, from the sight of so much wisdom and so much worth, +a portion of that laudable emulation with which the Gesners, the +Baillets, and the Le Longs were inspired; to hold intimate +acquaintance with the illustrious dead; to speak to them without the +fear of contradiction; to exclaim over their beauties without the +dread of ridicule, or of censure; to thank them for what they have +done in transporting us to other times, and introducing us to other +worlds; and constantly to feel a deep and unchangeable conviction of +the necessity of doing all the good in our power, and in our way, for +the benefit of those who are to survive us!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_113_115" id="Footnote_113_115"></a><a href="#FNanchor_113_115">[113]</a> See the note at <a href="#Page_29">p. 29</a>, ante. "It is a pity," +says Morhof, "that the <i>Dutch</i> had such little curiosity +about the literary history of their country—but the +<i>English</i> were yet more negligent and incurious."—And yet, +Germany, France, and Italy, had already abounded with +treasures of this kind!!</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_114_116" id="Footnote_114_116"></a><a href="#FNanchor_114_116">[114]</a> Senebier, who put forth a very useful and +elegantly printed catalogue of the MSS. in the public +library of Geneva, 1779, 8vo., has the following +observations upon this subject—which I introduce with a +necessary proviso, or caution, that <i>now-a-days</i> his +reproaches cannot affect us. We are making ample amends for +past negligence; for, to notice no others, the labours of +those gentlemen who preside over the <span class="smcap">British Museum</span> +abundantly prove our present industry. Thus speaks Senebier: +'Ill sembleroit d'abord étonnant qu'on ait tant tradé à +composer le Catalogue des Manuscripts de la Bibliothéque de +Genéve; mais on peut faire plus raisonnablement ce reproche +aux Bibliothécaires bien payés et uniquement occupés de leur +vocation, qui sont les dépositaires de tant de collections +précieuses qu'on voit en Italie, en France, en Allemagne, et +en Angleterre; ils le mériteront d'autant mieux, qu'ils +privent le public des piéces plus précieuses, et qu'ils ont +plusieurs aids intelligens qui peuvent les dispenser de la +partie le plus méchanique et la plus ennuyeuse de ce +travail,' &c.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp"><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> Hear him, hear him!<a name="FNanchor_115_117" id="FNanchor_115_117"></a><a href="#Footnote_115_117" class="fnanchor">[115]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_115_117" id="Footnote_115_117"></a><a href="#FNanchor_115_117">[115]</a> This mode of exclamation or expression, like +that of <i>cheering</i> (vide <a href="#Page_20">p. 20</a>, ante) is also peculiar to +our own country; and it is uttered by both friend and foe. +Thus, in the senate, when a speaker upon one side of the +question happens to put an argument in a strong point of +view, those of the same party or mode of thinking +exclaim—<i>hear him, hear him!</i> And if he should happen to +state any thing that may favour the views, or the mode of +thinking, of his opponents, these latter also take advantage +of his eloquence, and exclaim, <i>hear him, hear him!</i> Happy +the man whom friend and foe alike delight to hear!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> But what is become, in the while, of the English, Italian, and +Spanish bibliographers—in the seventeenth century?</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> I beg pardon for the digression; but the less we say of these, +during this period, the better;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">38</a></span> and yet you must permit me to +recommend to you the work of <span class="smcap">Pitseus</span>, our countryman, which grows +scarcer every day.<a name="FNanchor_116_118" id="FNanchor_116_118"></a><a href="#Footnote_116_118" class="fnanchor">[116]</a> We left off, I think, with the mention of Du +Chesne's works. Just about this time came forth the elegant little +work of <span class="smcap">Naudæus</span>;<a name="FNanchor_117_119" id="FNanchor_117_119"></a><a href="#Footnote_117_119" class="fnanchor">[117]</a> which I advise you both to purchase, as it will +cost you but a few shillings, and of the aspect of which you may +inform yourselves by taking it down from yonder shelf. Quickly +afterwards <span class="smcap">Claude Clement</span>, "haud passibus æquis,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">39</a></span> put forth his +<i>Bibliothecæ tam privatæ quam publicæ<a name="FNanchor_118_120" id="FNanchor_118_120"></a><a href="#Footnote_118_120" class="fnanchor">[118]</a> extructio</i>, &c.; a work, +condemned by the best bibliographical judges. But the splendour of +almost every preceding bibliographer's reputation was eclipsed by that +arising from the extensive and excellent publications of <span class="smcap">Louis +Jacob</span>;<a name="FNanchor_119_121" id="FNanchor_119_121"></a><a href="#Footnote_119_121" class="fnanchor">[119]</a> a name at which, if we except those of Fabricius and +Muratori, diligence itself stands amazed; and concerning whose life +and labours it is to be regretted that we have not more extended +details. The harsh and caustic manner in which Labbe and Morhof have +treated the works of <span class="smcap">Gaddius</span>,<a name="FNanchor_120_122" id="FNanchor_120_122"></a><a href="#Footnote_120_122" class="fnanchor">[120]</a> induce me only to mention his name, +and to warn you against looking for much corn in a barn choked with +chaff. We<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">40</a></span> now approach the close of the seventeenth century; when, +stopping for a few minutes only, to pay our respects to <span class="smcap">Cinelli</span>, +<span class="smcap">Conringius</span>, and <span class="smcap">Lomeier</span>,<a name="FNanchor_121_123" id="FNanchor_121_123"></a><a href="#Footnote_121_123" class="fnanchor">[121]</a> we must advance to do homage to the more +illustrious names of Labbe, Lambecius, and Baillet; not forgetting, +however, the equally respectable ones of Antonio and Lipenius.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_116_118" id="Footnote_116_118"></a><a href="#FNanchor_116_118">[116]</a> Pitseus's work "<i>De Rebus Anglicis</i>," Paris, +1619, 4to., vol. i., was written in opposition to Bale's +(vid. <a href="#Page_31">p. 31</a>, ante). The author was a learned Roman Catholic; +but did not live to publish the second volume. I was glad to +give Mr. Ford, of Manchester, 1<i>l.</i> 16<i>s.</i> for a stained and +badly bound copy of it.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_117_119" id="Footnote_117_119"></a><a href="#FNanchor_117_119">[117]</a> "<span class="smcap">Gabriele Naudæo</span> nemo vixit suo tempore +<span lang="el" title="Greek: empeirias">ἐμπειρίας</span> Bibliothecariæ peritior:" <i>Polyhist. +Liter.</i>, vol. i., 187. "Naudæi scripta omnia et singula +præstantissima sunt," Vogt, p. 611. "Les ouvrages de Naudé +firent oublier ce qui les avoient précédé." Camus, <i>Mem. de +l'Institut.</i>, vol. i., 646. After these eulogies, who will +refuse this author's "<i>Avis pour dresser une Bibliothéque</i>, +Paris, 1627, 1644, 8vo." a place upon his shelf? Unluckily, +it rarely comes across the search of the keenest collector. +The other, yet scarcer, productions of Naudé will be found +well described in Vogt's <i>Catalog. Libror. Rarior.</i>, p. 610. +The reader of ancient politics may rejoice in the possession +of what is called, the "<i>Mascurat</i>"—and "<i>Considerations +politiques</i>"—concerning which Vogt is gloriously diffuse; +and Peignot (who has copied from him, without +acknowledgement—<i>Bibliogr. Curieuse</i>, pp. 49, 50,) may as +well be consulted. But the bibliographer will prefer the +"<i>Additions à l'Histoire de Louis XI.</i>," 1630, 8vo., and +agree with Mailchelius that a work so uncommon and so +curious "ought to be reprinted." See the latter's amusing +little book "<i>De Præcipuis Bibliothecis Parisiensibus</i>," pp. +66, 67, &c. Naudæus was librarian to the famous Cardinal +Mazarin, the great Mæcenas of his day; whose library, +consisting of upwards of forty thousand volumes, was the +most beautiful and extensive one which France had then ever +seen. Its enthusiastic librarian, whom I must be allowed to +call a very wonderful bibliomaniac, made constant journeys, +and entered into a perpetual correspondence, relating to +books and literary curiosities. He died at Abbeville in +1653, in his 53rd year, on returning from Sweden, where the +famous Christian had invited him. Naudæus's "<i>Avis, &c.</i>", +[ut supr.] was translated by Chaline; but his "<i>Avis à +Nosseigneurs du Parlement, &c.</i>" 1652, 4to.—upon the sale +of the Cardinal's library—and his "<i>Remise de la</i> +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Bibliothèque"><i>Bihliothéque</i></span> [Du +Cardinal] <i>entre le mains de M. Tubeuf</i>, 1651," are much +scarcer productions. A few of these particulars are gathered +from Peignot's <i>Dict. de la</i> <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Bibliologie"><i>Bibliolologie</i></span>, +vol. ii., p. 1—consult also his <i>Dict. +Portatif de Bibliographie</i>, p. v. In the former work I +expected a copious piece of biography; yet, short as it is, +Peignot has subjoined a curious note from Naudé's +"<i>Considerations politiques</i>"—in which the author had the +hardihood to defend the massacre upon St. Bartholomew's day, +by one of the strangest modes of reasoning ever adopted by a +rational being.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_118_120" id="Footnote_118_120"></a><a href="#FNanchor_118_120">[118]</a> This work, in four books, was published at +Lyons, 1635, 4to. If it be not quite "Much ado about +nothing"—it exhibits, at least, a great waste of ink and +paper. Morhof seems to seize with avidity Baillet's lively +sentence of condemnation—"Il y a trop de babil et trop de +ce que nous appellons <i>fatras</i>," &c.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_119_121" id="Footnote_119_121"></a><a href="#FNanchor_119_121">[119]</a> Le Pere <span class="smcap">Louys Jacob</span> published his "<i>Traicté +des plus belles Bibliothéques publiques et particulières, +qui ont esté, et qui sont à présents dans le monde</i>," at +Paris, in 1644—again in 1655, 8vo.—in which he first +brought together the scattered notices relating to +libraries, especially to modern ones. His work is well worth +consultation; although Baillet and Morhof do not speak in +direct terms of praise concerning it—and the latter seems a +little angry at his giving the preference to the Parisian +libraries over those of other countries. It must be +remembered that this was published as an unfinished +production: as such, the author's curiosity and research are +highly to be commended. I have read the greater part of it +with considerable satisfaction. The same person meditated +the execution of a vast work in four folio volumes—called +"<i>La Bibliothéque universelle de tous les Autheurs de +France, qui ont escrits en quelque sorte de sciences et de +langues</i>"—which, in fact, was completed in 1638: but, on +the death of the author it does not appear what became of +it. Jacob also gave an account of books as they were +published at Paris, and in other parts of France, from the +year 1643 to 1650; which was printed under the title of +<i>Bibliographia Parisina</i>, Paris, 1651, 4to. Consult +<i>Polyhist. Liter.</i>, vol. i., pp. 189, 202: <i>Bibl. Creven.</i>, +vol. v., pp. 281, 287. <i>Jugemens des Savans</i>, vol. ii., p. +151.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_120_122" id="Footnote_120_122"></a><a href="#FNanchor_120_122">[120]</a> He published a work entitled "<i>De +scriptoribus non-ecclesiasticis</i>," 1648, vol. i., 1649, vol. +ii., folio: in which his opinions upon authors are given in +the most jejune and rash manner. His other works, which +would form a little library, are reviewed by Leti with +sufficient severity: but the poor man was crack brained! And +yet some curious and uncommon things, gleaned from MSS. +which had probably never been unrolled or opened since their +execution, are to be found in this "Sciolum Florentinum," as +Labbe calls him. Consult the <i>Polyhist. Literar.</i>, vol. i., +p. 175.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_121_123" id="Footnote_121_123"></a><a href="#FNanchor_121_123">[121]</a> Magliabechi put <span class="smcap">Cinelli</span> upon publishing his +<span class="smcap">Bibliotheca Volante</span>, 1677, 8vo., a pretty work, with a happy +title!—being an indiscriminate account of some rare books +which the author picked up in his travels, or saw in +libraries. It was republished, with valuable additions, by +Sancassani, at Venice, in 1734, 4to. See <i>Cat. de Lomenie</i>, +N<span class="super">o</span>. 2563. Works of this sort form the <span class="smcap">Ana</span> of +bibliography! <span class="smcap">Conringius</span> compiled a charming bibliographical +work, in an epistolary form, under the title of <i>Bibliotheca +Augusta</i>; which was published at Helmstadt, in 1661, +4to.—being an account of the library of the Duke of +Brunswick, in the castle of Wolfenbuttle. Two thousand +manuscripts, and one hundred and sixteen thousand printed +volumes, were then contained in this celebrated collection. +Happy the owner of such treasures—happy the man who +describes them! <span class="smcap">Lomeier's</span>, or Lomejer's "<i>De Bibliothecis +Liber singularis</i>," Ultraj, 1669-1680, 8vo., is considered +by Baillet among the best works upon the subject of ancient +and modern libraries. From this book, Le Sieur <span class="smcap">Le Gallois</span> +stole the most valuable part of his materials for his +"<i>Traité des plus belles Bibliothéques de l'Europe</i>," 1685, +1697—12mo.: the title at full length (a sufficiently +imposing one!) may be seen in <i>Bibé. Crevenn.</i>, vol. v., p. +281; upon this latter treatise, Morhof cuttingly +remarks—"Magnos ille titulus strepitus facit: sed pro +thesauris carbones." <i>Polyhist. Literar.</i>, vol. i., p. 191. +See also "<i>Jugemens des Savans</i>," vol. ii., p. 152. Gallois +dispatches the English libraries in little more than a page. +I possess the second edition of Lomeier's book (1680—with +both its title pages), which is the last and best—and an +interesting little volume it is! The celebrated Grævius used +to speak very favourably of this work.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Pray discuss their works, or merits, <i>seriatim</i>, as the judges +call it; for I feel overwhelmed at the stringing together of such +trisyllabic names. These gentlemen, as well as almost every one of +their predecessors, are strangers to me; and you know my bashfulness +and confusion in such sort of company.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> I hope to make you better acquainted with them after a slight +introduction, and so rid you of such an uncomfortable diffidence. Let +us begin with <span class="smcap">Labbe</span>,<a name="FNanchor_122_124" id="FNanchor_122_124"></a><a href="#Footnote_122_124" class="fnanchor">[122]</a><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">41</a></span> who died in the year 1667, and in the +sixtieth of his own age; a man of wonderful memory and of as wonderful +application—whose whole life, according to his biographers, was +consumed in gathering flowers from his predecessors, and thence +weaving such a chaplet for his own brows as was never to know decay. +His <i>Nova Bibliotheca</i>, and <i>Bibliotheca Bibliothecarum +Manuscriptorum</i>, are the principal works which endear his memory to +bibliographers. More learned than Labbe was <span class="smcap">Lambecius</span>;<a name="FNanchor_123_125" id="FNanchor_123_125"></a><a href="#Footnote_123_125" class="fnanchor">[123]</a> whose +<i>Commentarii de Bibliotheca Cæsareâ-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">42</a></span>Vindobonensis</i>, with Nesselius's +supplement to the same, [1696, 2 vols. fol.] and Kollarius's new +edition of both, form one of the most curious and important, as well +as elaborate, productions in the annals of literature and +bibliography. Less extensive, but more select, valuable, and accurate, +in its choice and execution of objects, is the <i>Bibliotheca Hispana +Vetus et Nova</i> of Nicholas <span class="smcap">Antonio</span>;<a name="FNanchor_124_126" id="FNanchor_124_126"></a><a href="#Footnote_124_126" class="fnanchor">[124]</a> the first, and the best, +bibliographical work which Spain, notwithstanding her fine palaces and +libraries, has ever produced. If neither Philemon nor yourself, +Lisardo, possess this latter work [and I do not see it upon the +shelves of this cabinet], seek for it with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">43</a></span> avidity; and do not fear +the pistoles which the purchase of it may cost you. <span class="smcap">Lipenius</span><a name="FNanchor_125_127" id="FNanchor_125_127"></a><a href="#Footnote_125_127" class="fnanchor">[125]</a> now +claims a moment's notice; of whose <i>Bibliotheca Realis</i> Morhof is +inclined to speak more favourably than other critics. 'Tis in six +volumes; and it appeared from the years 1679 to 1685 inclusive. Not +inferior to either of the preceding authors in taste, erudition, and +the number and importance of his works, was <span class="smcap">Adrien Baillet</span>;<a name="FNanchor_126_128" id="FNanchor_126_128"></a><a href="#Footnote_126_128" class="fnanchor">[126]</a> the +simple pastor of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">44</a></span> Lardiéres, and latterly the learned and +indefatigable librarian of Lamoignon. His <i>Jugemens des Savans</i>, +edited by De la Monnoye, is one of those works with which no man, fond +of typographical and bibliographical pursuits, can comfortably +dispense. I had nearly forgotten to warn you against the capricious +works of <span class="smcap">Beughem</span>; a man, nevertheless, of wonderful mental elasticity; +but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">45</a></span> for ever planning schemes too vast and too visionary for the +human powers to execute.<a name="FNanchor_127_129" id="FNanchor_127_129"></a><a href="#Footnote_127_129" class="fnanchor">[127]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_122_124" id="Footnote_122_124"></a><a href="#FNanchor_122_124">[122]</a> "Vir, qui in texendis catalogis totam pene +vitam consumpsit." "Homo ad Lexica et Catalogos conficiendos +a naturâ factus." Such is Morhof's account of <span class="smcap">Labbe</span>; who, in +the works above-mentioned, in the text, has obtained an +unperishable reputation as a bibliographer. The <i>Bibliotheca +Bibliothecarum</i>, thick duodecimo, or crown octavo, has run +through several impressions; of which the Leipsic edit. of +1682, is as good as any; but <span class="smcap">Teisser</span>, in his work under the +same title, 1686, 4to., has greatly excelled Labbe's +production, as well by his corrections of errata as by his +additions of some hundreds of authors. The <i>Bibliotheca +Nummaria</i> is another of Labbe's well-known performances: in +the first part of which he gives an account of those who +have written concerning medals—in the second part, of those +who have <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: published">publishe</span> separate +accounts of coins, weights, and measures. This is usually +appended to the preceding work, and is so published by +Teisser. The <i>Mantissa Suppellectilis</i> was an unfinished +production; and the <i>Specimen novæ Bibliothecæ +Manuscriptorum Librorum</i>, Paris, 1653, 4to., is too +imperfectly executed for the exercise of rigid criticism; +although Baillet calls it 'useful and curious.' Consult the +<i>Polyhist. Literar.</i>, vol. i., 197, 203: and <i>Jugemens des +Savans</i>, vol. ii., pt. 1, p. 24, edit. 1725. A list of +Labbe's works, finished, unfinished, and projected, was +published at Paris, in 1656 and 1662. He was joint editor +with Cossart of that tremendously voluminous work—the +"Collectio Maxima Conciliorum"—1672, 18 volumes, folio.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_123_125" id="Footnote_123_125"></a><a href="#FNanchor_123_125">[123]</a> <span class="smcap">Lambecius</span> died at, one may almost say, the +premature age of 52: and the above work (in eight folio +volumes), which was left unfinished in consequence, (being +published between the years 1665-79 inclusive) gives us a +magnificent idea of what its author would have accomplished +[see particularly Reimanni <i>Bibl. Acroamatica</i>, p. 51] had +it pleased Providence to prolong so valuable an existence. +It was originally sold for 24 <i>imperiali</i>; but at the +commencement of the 18th century for not less than 80 +<i>thaleri</i>, and a copy of it was scarcely ever to be met +with. Two reasons have been assigned for its great rarity, +and especially for that of the 8th volume; the one, that +Lambecius's heir, impatient at the slow sale of the work, +sold many copies of it to the keepers of herb-stalls: the +other, that, when the author was lying on his death-bed, his +servant maid, at the suggestion and from the stinginess of +the same heir, burnt many copies of this eighth volume +[which had recently left the press] to light the fire in the +chamber. This intelligence I glean from Vogt, p. 495: it had +escaped Baillet and Morhof. But consult De Bure, vol. vi., +Nos. 6004-5. Reimannus published a <i>Bibliotheca +Acroamatica</i>, Hanov., 1712, 8vo., which is both an +entertaining volume and a useful compendium of Lambecius's +immense work. But in the years 1766-82, <span class="smcap">Kollarius</span> published +a new and improved edition of the entire commentaries, in +six folio volumes; embodying in this gigantic undertaking +the remarks which were scattered in his "<i>Analecta +Monumentorum omnis ævi Vindobonensia</i>," in two folio +volumes, 1761. A posthumous work of Kollarius, as a +supplement to his new edition of Lambecius's Commentaries, +was published in one folio volume, 1790. A complete set of +these volumes of Kollarius's bibliographical labours, +relating to the Vienna library, was in Serna Santander's +catalogue, vol. iv., n<span class="super">o</span>. 6291, as well as in Krohn's: in +which latter [n<span class="super">os</span>. 3554, 3562] there are some useful +notices. See my account of <a href="#Footnote_156_158">M. Denis</a>: post. Critics have +accused these "Commentaries concerning the MSS. in the +imperial library at Vienna," as containing a great deal of +rambling and desultory matter; but the vast erudition, +minute research, and unabateable diligence of its author, +will for ever secure to him the voice of public praise, as +loud and as hearty as he has received it from his abridger +Reimannus. In these volumes appeared the first account of +the Psalter, printed at Mentz in 1457, which was mistaken by +Lambecius for a MS. The reader will forgive my referring him +to a little essay upon this and the subsequent Psalters, +printed at Mentz, in 1459, 1490, &c., which was published by +me in the 2nd volume of the <i>Athenæum</i>, p. 360, 490.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_124_126" id="Footnote_124_126"></a><a href="#FNanchor_124_126">[124]</a> Morhof considers the labours of <span class="smcap">Antonio</span> as +models of composition in their way. His grand work began to +be published in 1672, 2 vols., folio—being the <i>Bibliotheca +Hispana Nova</i>: this was succeeded, in 1696, by the +<i>Bibliotheca Hispana Antiqua</i>—in two folio volumes: the +prefaces and indexes contain every thing to satisfy the +hearts of Spanish Literati. A new edition of the first work +was published at Madrid, in 1783, 2 vols., folio; and of the +latter work, in 1788, 2 vols., folio.—These recent editions +are very rarely to be met with in our own country: abroad, +they seem to have materially lowered the prices of the +ancient ones, which had become excessively scarce. See +<i>Polyhist Literar.</i>, vol. i., 203-4: <i>Dictionn. Bibliogr.</i>, +vol. iv., p. 22: and <i>Mem. de l'Inst.</i>, vol. i., 651. Let us +here not forget the learned Michael <span class="smcap">Casiri's</span> <i>Bibliotheca +Arabico-Hispana Escorialensis</i>, published in two superb +folio volumes at Madrid in 1760. All these useful and +splendid works place the Spaniards upon a high footing with +their fellow-labourers in the same respectable career. De La +Serna Santander tells us that Casiri's work is dear, and +highly respected by the Literati. See <i>Cap. de Santander</i>, +vol iv., n<span class="super">o</span>. 6296.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_125_127" id="Footnote_125_127"></a><a href="#FNanchor_125_127">[125]</a> The <i>Bibliotheca Realis</i>, &c., of <span class="smcap">Lipenius</span> +contains an account of works published in the departments of +<i>Jurisprudence</i>, <i>Medicine</i>, <i>Philosophy</i>, and <i>Theology</i>: +of these, the <i>Bibliotheca Theologica</i>, et <i>Philosophica</i>, +are considered by Morhof as the best executed. The <i>Bibl. +Juridica</i> was, however, republished at Leipsic in two folio +volumes, 1757, with considerable additions. This latter is +the last Leipsic reprint of it. Saxius notices only the +re-impressions of 1720, 1736, 1742. See his <i>Onomast. Lit.</i>, +vol. v., 588. I will just notice the <i>Bibliotheca Vetus et +Recens</i> of <span class="smcap">Koenigius</span>, 1678, folio—as chart-makers notice +shoals—to be avoided. I had long thrown it out of my own +collection before I read its condemnation by Morhof. Perhaps +the following account of certain works, which appear to have +escaped the recollection of Lysander, may not be +unacceptable. In the year 1653, Father <span class="smcap">Raynaud</span>, whose +lucubrations fill 20 folio volumes, published a quarto +volume at Lyons, under the title of "<i>Erotemata de malis ac +bonis Libris, deque justa aut injusta eorum conditione</i>;" +which he <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: borrowed">borowed</span> in part from +the "<i>Theotimus, seu de tollendis et expurgandis malis +libris</i>," (Paris, 1549, 8vo.) of Gabriel <span class="smcap">Puhtherb</span>. Of these +two works, <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: it">if</span> were difficult to +determine which is preferable. The bibliographer need not +deeply lament the want of either: consult the <i>Polyhist. +Literar.</i>, vol. i., 177. In the year 1670, <span class="smcap">Vogler</span> published +a very sensible "<i>Universalis in notitiam cujusque generis +bonorum Scriptorum Introductio</i>"—of this work two +subsequent editions, one in 1691, the other in 1700, 4to., +were published at Helmstadt. The last is the best; but the +second, to him who has neither, is also worth purchasing. +The seven dissertations "<i>De Libris legendis</i>" of <span class="smcap">Bartholin</span>, +Hafniæ, 1676, 8vo., are deserving of a good coat and a front +row in the bibliographer's cabinet. "Parvæ quidem molis +liberest, sed in quo quasi constipata sunt utilissima de +libris monita et notitiæ ad multas disciplinas utiles." So +speaks Morhof.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_126_128" id="Footnote_126_128"></a><a href="#FNanchor_126_128">[126]</a> <span class="smcap">Adrien Baillet</span> was the eldest of seven +children born in a second marriage. His parents were in +moderate circumstances: but Adrien very shortly displaying a +love of study and of book-collecting, no means, compatible +with their situation, were left untried by his parents to +gratify the wishes of so promising a child. From his +earliest youth, he had a strong predilection for the church; +and as a classical and appropriate education was then easily +to be procured in France, he went from school to college, +and at seventeen years of age had amassed, in two fair sized +volumes, a quantity of extracts from clever works; which, +perhaps having Beza's example in his mind, he entitled +<i>Juvenilia</i>. His masters saw and applauded his diligence; +and a rest of only five hours each night, during two years +and a half of this youthful period, afforded Baillet such +opportunities of acquiring knowledge as rarely fall to the +lot of a young man. This habit of short repose had not +forsaken him in his riper years: "he considered and treated +his body as an insolent enemy, which required constant +subjection; he would not suffer it to rest more than five +hours each night; he recruited it with only one meal a +day—drank no wine—never came near the fire—and walked out +but once a week." The consequence of this absurd regime was +that Baillet had ulcers in his legs, an erysipelatous +affection over his body, and was, in other respects, +afflicted as sedentary men usually are, who are glued to +their seats from morn till night, never mix in society, and +rarely breathe the pure air of heaven. These maladies +shortened the days of Baillet; after he had faithfully +served the <span class="smcap">Lamoignons</span> as a librarian of unparalleled +diligence and sagacity; leaving behind him a "<i>Catalogue des +Matieres</i>," in 35 volumes folio. "All the curious used to +come and see this catalogue: many bishops and magistrates +requested to have either copies or abridgments of it." When +Baillet was dragged, by his friend M. Hermant, from his +obscure vicarage of Lardiéres, to be Lamoignon's librarian, +he seems to have been beside himself for joy.—"I want a man +of such and such qualities," said Lamoignon.—"I will bring +one exactly to suit you," replied Hermant—"but you must put +up with a diseased and repulsive exterior."—"Nous avons +besoin de fond," said the sensible patron, "la forme ne +m'embarasse point; l'air de ce pays, et un grain de sel +discret, fera le reste: il en trouvera ici." Baillet came, +and his biographer tells us that Lamoignon and Hermant +"furent ravis de le voir." To the eternal honour of the +family in which he resided, the crazy body and nervous mind +of Baillet met with the tenderest treatment. Madame +Lamoignon and her son (the latter, a thorough bred +bibliomaniac; who, under the auspices of his master, soon +eclipsed the book celebrity of his father) always took a +pleasure in anticipating his wishes, soothing his +irritabilities, promoting his views, and speaking loudly and +constantly of the virtues of his head and heart. The last +moments of Baillet were marked with true Christian piety and +fortitude; and his last breath breathed a blessing upon his +benefactors. He died A.D. 1706, ætatis 56. Rest his ashes in +peace!—and come we now to his bibliographical publications. +His "<i>Jugemens des Savans</i>," was first published in 1685, +&c., in nine duodecimo volumes. Two other similar volumes of +<i>Anti Baillet</i> succeeded it. The success and profits of this +work were very considerable. In the year 1722, a new edition +of it in seven volumes, quarto, was undertaken and completed +by De La Monnoye, with notes by the editor, and additions of +the original author. The "Anti Baillet" formed the 8th +volume. In the year 1725, De La Monnoye's edition, with his +notes placed under the text—the corrections and additions +incorporated—and two volumes of fresh matter, including the +Anti Baillet—was republished at Amsterdam, in eight +duodecimo volumes, forming 16 parts, and being, in every +respect, the best edition of the <i>Jugemens des Savans</i>. The +curious, however, should obtain the portrait of Baillet +prefixed to the edition of 1722; as the copy of it in the +latter edition is a most wretched performance. These +particulars, perhaps a little too long and tedious, are +gleaned from the "Abregé" de la Vie de Baillet, printed in +the two last editions of the work just described.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_127_129" id="Footnote_127_129"></a><a href="#FNanchor_127_129">[127]</a> It will not be necessary to notice <i>all</i> the +multifarious productions, in MS. and in print, of this +indefatigable bibliographer; who had cut out work enough for +the lives of ten men, each succeeding the other, and well +employed from morn 'till even, to execute. This is +Marchand's round criticism: <i>Dict. Hist.</i> vol. i., p. 100. +Beughem's <i>Incunabula Typographica</i>, 1688, 12mo., is both +jejune and grossly erroneous. The "<i>Bibliographia Eruditorum +Critico-Curiosa</i>," 1689, 1701, 4 vols., 12mo., being an +alphabetical account of writers—extracts from whom are in +the public literary Journals of Europe from 1665 to +1700—with the title of their works—is Beughem's best +production, and if each volume had not had a separate +alphabet, and contained additions upon additions, the work +would have proved highly useful. His "<i>Gallia Euridita</i>," +Amst., 1683, 12mo., is miserably perplexing. In addition to +Marchand, consult the <i>Polyhist. Literar.</i> of Morhof, vol. +i., p. 179; and the note therein subjoined. See also "<i>Bibl. +Creven.</i>," vol. v., p. 298: <i>Cat. de Santander</i>, vol. iv., +nos. 6273-4: 6281-2.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> You have at length reached the close of the 17th century; but my +limited knowledge of bibliographical literature supplies me with the +recollection of two names which you have passed over: I mean, <span class="smcap">Thomas +Blount</span> and <span class="smcap">Antony-a-wood</span>. There is surely something in these authors +relating to editions of the works of the learned.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> You have anticipated me in the mention of these names. I had +not forgotten them. With the former,<a name="FNanchor_128_130" id="FNanchor_128_130"></a><a href="#Footnote_128_130" class="fnanchor">[128]</a> I have no very intimate +acquaintance; but of the latter I could talk in commendation till +dinner time. Be sure, my good Lisardo, that you obtain <i>both</i> editions +of the <i>Athenæ Oxoniensis</i>.<a name="FNanchor_129_131" id="FNanchor_129_131"></a><a href="#Footnote_129_131" class="fnanchor">[129]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_128_130" id="Footnote_128_130"></a><a href="#FNanchor_128_130">[128]</a> Sir Thomas Pope Blount's "<i>Censura +Celebriorum Authorum</i>," Londini, 1690, folio, is +unquestionably a learned work—the production of a rural and +retired life—"Umbraticam enim vitam et ab omni strepitu +remotam semper in delitiis habui,"—says its author, in the +preface. It treats chiefly of the most learned men, and +sparingly of the English. His "<i>Remarks upon Poetry</i>," +Lond., 1694, 4to. (in English) is more frequently read and +referred to. It is a pity that he had not left out the whole +of what relates to the Greek and Latin, and confined himself +entirely to the English, poets. A life of Sir Thomas Pope +Blount will be found in the new edition of the <i>Biographia +Britannica</i>.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_129_131" id="Footnote_129_131"></a><a href="#FNanchor_129_131">[129]</a> The first, and, what Hearne over and over +again calls the genuine edition of the <i>Athenæ Oxoniensis</i>, +was published in two folio volumes, 1691, 1692. That a +<i>third</i> volume was intended by the author himself may be +seen from Hearne's remarks in his <i>Thom. Caii. Vind. Antiq. +Oxon.</i>, vol. i., p. xliii. For the character of the work +consult his <i>Rob. de Avesb.</i>, pp. xxvi, xxxiii. After the +lapse of nearly half a century, it was judged expedient to +give a new edition of these valuable biographical memoirs; +and Dr. Tanner, afterwards bishop of St. Asaph, was selected +to be the editor of it. It was well known that Wood had not +only made large corrections to his own printed text, but had +written nearly <i>500</i> new lives—his MS. of both being +preserved in the Ashmolean Museum. This new edition, +therefore, had every claim to public notice. When it +appeared, it was soon discovered to be a corrupt and garbled +performance; and that the genuine text of Wood, as well in +his correctness of the old, as in his compositions of the +new, lives, had been most capriciously copied. Dr. Tanner, +to defend himself, declared that Tonson "would never let him +see one sheet as they printed it." This was sufficiently +infamous for the bookseller; but the editor ought surely to +have abandoned a publication thus faithlessly conducted, or +to have entered his caveat in the preface, when it did +appear, that he would not be answerable for the authenticity +of the materials: neither of which were done. He wrote, +however, an exculpatory letter to Archbishop Wake, which the +reader may see at length in Mr. Beloe's <i>Anecdotes of +Literature</i>, vol. ii., p. 304. Consult the life of the +author in Mr. Gutch's valuable reprint of Wood's "<i>History +and Antiquities of the University of Oxford</i>," 1792, 4to., 2 +vols.: also, Freytag's <i>Analect. Literar.</i>, vol. ii., 1105. +I have great pleasure in closing this note, by observing +that Mr. Philip Bliss, of St. John's College, Oxford, is +busily engaged in giving us, what we shall all be glad to +hail, a new and faithful edition of Wood's text of the +<i>Athenæ Oxoniensis</i>, in five or six quarto volumes.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">46</a></span>We have now reached the boundaries of the 17th century, and are just +entering upon the one which is past: and yet I have omitted to mention +the very admirable <i>Polyhistor. Literarius</i> of <span class="smcap">Morhof</span>:<a name="FNanchor_130_132" id="FNanchor_130_132"></a><a href="#Footnote_130_132" class="fnanchor">[130]</a> a work by +which I have been in a great measure guided in the opinions pronounced +upon the bibliographers already<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">47</a></span> introduced to you. This work, under a +somewhat better form, and with a few necessary omissions and +additions, one could wish to see translated into our own language. The +name of <span class="smcap">Maittaire</span> strikes us with admiration and respect at the very +opening of the 18th century. His elaborate <i>Annales Typographici</i> have +secured him the respect of posterity.<a name="FNanchor_131_133" id="FNanchor_131_133"></a><a href="#Footnote_131_133" class="fnanchor">[131]</a> <span class="smcap">Le Long</span>, whose pursuits +were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">48</a></span> chiefly biblical and historical, was his contemporary; an able, +sedulous, and learned bibliographer. His whole soul was in his +library; and he never spared the most painful toil in order to +accomplish the various objects<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">49</a></span> of his inquiry.<a name="FNanchor_132_134" id="FNanchor_132_134"></a><a href="#Footnote_132_134" class="fnanchor">[132]</a> And here, my dear +friends, let me pay a proper tribute of respect to the memory of an +eminently learned and laborious scholar and bibliographer: I mean <span class="smcap">John +Albert Fabricius</span>. His labours<a name="FNanchor_133_135" id="FNanchor_133_135"></a><a href="#Footnote_133_135" class="fnanchor">[133]</a> shed a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">50</a></span> lustre upon the scholastic +annals of the 18th century; for he opened, as it were, the gates of +literature to the inquiring student; inviting him to enter the field +and contemplate the diversity and beauty of the several flowers which +grew therein—telling him by whom they were planted, and explaining +how their growth and luxuriancy were to be regulated. There are few +instructors to whom we owe so much; none to whom we are more indebted. +Let his works, therefore, have a handsome binding, and a conspicuous +place in your libraries: for happy is that man who has them at hand to +facilitate his inquiries, or to solve his doubts. While Fabricius was +thus laudably exercising his great talents in the cause of ancient +literature, the illustrious name of <span class="smcap">Leibnitz</span><a name="FNanchor_134_136" id="FNanchor_134_136"></a><a href="#Footnote_134_136" class="fnanchor">[134]</a> appeared as author +of a work of essential utility to the historian and bibliographer. I +allude to his <i>Scriptores Rerum Brunwicensium</i>, which has received a +well pointed compliment from the polished pen of Gibbon. After the +successful labours of Fabricius and Leibnitz, we may notice those of +<span class="smcap">Struvius</span>! whose <i>Historical Library</i><a name="FNanchor_135_137" id="FNanchor_135_137"></a><a href="#Footnote_135_137" class="fnanchor">[135]</a> should be in every +philological collection.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_130_132" id="Footnote_130_132"></a><a href="#FNanchor_130_132">[130]</a> <span class="smcap">Daniel George Morhof</span>, professor of poetry, +eloquence, and history, was librarian of the University of +Khiel. He published various works, but the above—the best +edition of which is of the date of 1747—is by far the most +learned and useful—"liber non sua laude privandus; cum +primus fere fuerit Morhofius qui hanc amœniorum literarum +partem in meliorum redigerit." <i>Vogt.</i>, pref. ix., edit. +1793. Its leading error is the want of method. His +"<i>Princeps Medicus</i>," 1665, 4to., is a very singular +dissertation upon the cure of the evil by the royal touch; +in the efficacy of which the author appears to have +believed. His "<i>Epistola de scypho vitreo per sonum humanæ +vocis rupto</i>," Kiloni, 1703, 4to.—which was occasioned by a +wine merchant of Amsterdam breaking a wine-glass by the +strength of his voice—is said to be full of curious matter. +Morhof died A.D. 1691, in his 53rd year: beloved by all who +knew the excellent and amiable qualities of his head and +heart. He was so laborious that he wrote during his meals. +His motto, chosen by himself,—<span class="smcap">Pietate, Candore, Prudentia</span>, +should never be lost sight of by bibliomaniacs! His library +was large and select. These particulars are gleaned from the +<i>Dict. Historique</i>, Caen, 1789, vol. vi., p. 350.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_131_133" id="Footnote_131_133"></a><a href="#FNanchor_131_133">[131]</a> A compendious account of <span class="smcap">Maittaire</span> will be +found in the third edition of my <i>Introduction to the +Knowledge of rare and valuable Editions of the Greek and +Latin Classics</i>, vol. i., p. 148. See too Mr. Beloe's +<i>Anecdotes of Literature, &c.</i>, vol iii., p. ix. The various +volumes of his <i>Annales Typographici</i> are well described in +the <i>Bibl. Crevenn.</i>, vol. v. p. 287. To these may be added, +in the bibliographical department, his <i>Historia +Stephanorum, vitas ipsorum ac libros complectens</i>, 1709, +8vo.—and the <i>Historia Typographorum aliquot Parisiensium +vitas et libros complectens</i>, 1717, 8vo.—Of these two +latter works, (which, from a contemporaneous catalogue, I +find were originally published at 4<i>s.</i> the common paper,) +Mr. T. Grenville has beautiful copies upon <span class="smcap">large paper</span>. The +books are rare in any shape. The principal merit of +Maittaire's <i>Annales Typographici</i> consists in a great deal +of curious matter detailed in the notes; but the absence of +the "lucidus ordo" renders the perusal of these fatiguing +and unsatisfactory. The author brought a full and +well-informed mind to the task he undertook—but he wanted +taste and precision in the arrangement of his materials. The +eye wanders over a vast indigested mass; and information, +when it is to be acquired with excessive toil, is, +comparatively, seldom acquired. Panzer has adopted an +infinitely better plan, on the model of Orlandi; and if his +materials had been <i>printed</i> with the same beauty with which +they appear to have been composed, and his annals had +descended to as late a period as those of Maittaire, his +work must have made us eventually forget that of his +predecessor. The bibliographer is, no doubt, aware that of +Maittaire's first volume there are two editions: why the +author did not reprint, in the second edition (1733), the +fac-simile of the epigram and epistle of Lascar prefixed to +the edition of the Anthology, 1496, and the Disquisition +concerning the ancient editions of Quintilian (both of which +were in the first edition of 1719), is absolutely +inexplicable. Maittaire was sharply attacked for this +absurdity, in the "Catalogus Auctorum," of the "<i>Annus +Tertius Sæcularis Inv. Art. Typog.</i>," Harlem, 1741, 8vo., p. +11. "Rara certe Librum augendi methodus! (exclaims the +author) Satis patet auctorem hoc eo fecisse concilio, ut et +primæ et secundæ Libri sui editioni pretium suum constaret, +et una æque ac altera Lectoribus necessaria esset." Copies +of the Typographical Antiquities by Maittaire, upon <span class="smcap">large +paper</span>, are now exceedingly scarce. The work, in this shape, +has a noble appearance. While Maittaire was publishing his +Typographical Annals, <span class="smcap">Orlandi</span> put forth a similar work under +the title of "<i>Origine e Progressi della Stampa o sia dell' +Arte Impressoria, e Notizie dell' Opere stampate dall' Anno +1462, sino all' Anno 1500</i>." Bologna, 1722, 4to. Of this +work, which is rather a compendious account of the several +books published in the period above specified, there are +copies upon strong <span class="smcap">writing paper</span>—which the curious prefer. +Although I have a long time considered it as superseded by +the labours of Maittaire and Panzer, yet I will not withhold +from the reader the following critique: "Cet ouvrage doit +presque nécessairement être annexé à celui de Maittaire à +cause de plusieurs notices et recherches, qui le rendent +fort curieux et intéressant." <i>Bibl. Crevenn.</i>, vol. v., +286-7. As we are upon publications treating of Typography, +we may notice the "<i>Annalium Typographicorum selecta quædam +capita</i>," Hamb., 1740, 4to., of <span class="smcap">Lackman</span>; and <span class="smcap">Hirschius's</span> +supplement to the typographical labours of his +predecessors—in the "<i>Librorum ab Anno I. usque ad Annum L. +Sec. xvi. Typis exscriptorum ex Libraria quadam +supellectile, Norimbergæ collecta et observata, Millenarius +I.</i>" &c. Noriberg, 1746, 4to. About this period was +published a very curious, and now uncommon, octavo volume, +of about 250 pages, by <span class="smcap">Seiz</span>; called "<i>Annus Tertius +Sæcularis Inventæ Artis Typographicæ</i>," Harlem, 1741—with +several very interesting cuts relating to Coster, the +supposed inventor of the art of printing. It is a little +strange that Lysander, in the above account of eminent +typographical writers, should omit to mention +<span class="smcap">Chevillier</span>—whose <i>L'Origine de l'Imprimerie de Paris, &c.</i>, +1694, 4to., is a work of great merit, and is generally found +upon every bibliographer's shelf. Baillet had supplied him +with a pretty strong outline, in his short account of +Parisian printers. All the copies of Chevillier's book, +which I have seen, are printed upon what is called Foxey +paper. I believe there are none upon <span class="smcap">large paper</span>. We may +just notice <span class="smcap">La Caille's</span> <i>Histoire de l'Imprimerie et de la +Librarie</i>, 1689, 4to., as a work full of errors. In order +that nothing may be wanting to complete the typographical +collection of the curious, let the "portraits of booksellers +and printers, from ancient times to our own," published at +Nuremberg, in 1726, folio—and "the Devices and Emblems" of +the same, published at the same place, in 1730, folio, be +procured, if possible. The Latin titles of these two latter +works, both by <span class="smcap">Scholtzius</span>, will be found in the <i>Bibl. +Crevenn.</i> vol. v. 281. Renouard mentions the last in his +"<i>Annales de l'Imprimerie des Alde</i>," vol. ii. p. 63. +Meanwhile the <i>Monumenta Typographica</i> of <span class="smcap">Wolfius</span>, Hamb., +1740, 2 vols., 8vo., embraces a number of curious and +scattered dissertations upon this interesting and valuable +art. It may be obtained for 8<i>s.</i> or 10<i>s.</i> at present! The +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Amœnitates"><i>Amœnitatus</i></span> +<i>Literariæ, &c.</i>, of <span class="smcap">Schelhorn</span> had like to have been passed +over. It was published in 14 small octavo volumes, at +Frankfort and Leipsic, from the year 1725 to 1731 inclusive. +The <i>Amœnitates Historiæ Ecclesiasticæ et Literariæ</i>, of +the same person, and published at the same place in two +octavo volumes, 1738, should accompany the foregoing work. +Both are scarce and sought after in this country. In the +former there are some curious dissertations, with cuts, upon +early printed books. Concerning the most ancient edition of +the Latin Bibles, Schelhorn put forth an express treatise, +which was published at Ulm in 1760, 4to. This latter work is +very desirable to the curious in biblical researches, as one +meets with constant mention of Schelhorn's bible. Let me not +omit <span class="smcap">Zapf's</span> <i>Annales Typographiæ Augustanæ</i>, Aug. Vindel., +1778; which was republished, with copious additions, at +Augsbourg, in two parts, 1786, 4to.—but unluckily, this +latter is printed in the German language. Upon Spanish +Typography (a very interesting subject), there is a +dissertation by Raymond Diosdado Caballero, entitled "<i>De +Prima Typographiæ Hispanicæ Ætate Specimen</i>," Rome, 1793, +4to.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_132_134" id="Footnote_132_134"></a><a href="#FNanchor_132_134">[132]</a> From the Latin life of <span class="smcap">Le Long</span>, prefixed to +his <i>Bibliotheca Sacra</i>, we learn that he was an adept in +most languages, ancient and modern; and that "in that part +of literature connected with <span class="smcap">Bibliography</span> (Typographorum et +Librorum Historia), he retained every thing so correctly in +his memory that he yielded to few literary men, certainly to +no bookseller." Of the early years of such a man it is a +pity that we have not a better account. His <i>Bibliotheca +Sacra</i>, Paris, 1725, folio, has been republished by <span class="smcap">Masch</span> +and <span class="smcap">Boerner</span>, in four volumes, 4to., 1778, and enriched with +copious and valuable additions. This latter work is quite +unrivalled: no young or old theologian, who takes any +interest in the various editions of the Holy Scriptures, in +almost all languages, can possibly dispense with such a fund +of sacred literature. The <i>Bibliothéque Historique de la +France</i>, 1719, folio, by the same learned and industrious +bibliographer, has met with a fate equally fortunate. +<span class="smcap">Fontette</span> republished it in 1768, in five folio volumes, and +has immortalized himself and his predecessor by one of the +most useful and splendid productions that ever issued from +the press. De Bure used to sell copies of it upon <span class="smcap">large +paper</span>, in sheets, for 258 livres: according to the +advertisement subjoined to his catalogue of Count Macarty's +books in 1779, 8vo. The presses of England, which groan too +much beneath the weight of ephemeral travels and trumpery +novels, are doomed, I fear, long to continue strangers to +such works of national utility.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_133_135" id="Footnote_133_135"></a><a href="#FNanchor_133_135">[133]</a> The chief labours of Fabricius +("Vir <span lang="el" title="Greek: ellênichôtatos">ελληνίχώτατος</span>"—as Reimannus truly calls him), connected +with the present object of our pursuit, have the following +titles: 1. "<i>Bibliotheca Græca, sive Notitia Scriptorum +Græcorum, &c.</i>," Hamb. 1705-8-14-18, &c., 4to., 14 vols.—of +which a new edition is now published by <span class="smcap">Harles</span>, with great +additions, and a fresh arrangement of the original matter: +twelve volumes have already been delivered to the public. 2. +<i>Bibliotheca Latina</i>; first published in one volume, +1703—then in three volumes, 1721, and afterwards in two +volumes, 1728, 4to.;—but the last and best edition is that +of 1773, in three vols. 8vo., published by Ernesti at +Leipsic—and yet not free from numerous errors. 3. +<i>Bibliographia Antiquaria</i>, 1716, 4to.: a new edition of +Schaffshausen, in 1760, 4to., has superseded the old one. A +work of this kind in our own language would be very useful, +and even entertaining. Fabricius has executed it in a +masterly manner. 4. <i>Bibliotheca Ecclesiastica, in quâ +continentur variorum authorum tractatus de scriptoribus +ecclesiasticis</i>, Hamb., 1718, folio. An excellent work; in +which the curious after theological tracts and their authors +will always find valuable information. It is generally +sharply contended for at book-auctions. 5. <i>Bibliotheca +Latina Mediæ et Infimæ Ætatis, &c.</i>, Leipsic, 1734, 6 vols. +8vo.—again, with Schoettgenius's supplement, in 1754, 4to., +6 vols. in 3. This latter is in every respect the best +edition of a work which is absolutely indispensable to the +philologist. A very excellent synopsis or critical account +of Fabricius's works was published at Ams., 1738, in 4to., +which the student should procure. Let me here recommend the +<i>Historia Bibliothecæ Fabricianæ</i>, compiled by <span class="smcap">John +Fabricius</span>, 1717-24, 6 vols. 4to., as a necessary and +interesting supplement to the preceding works of John Albert +Fabricius. I have often gleaned some curious bibliographical +intelligence from its copious pages. The reader may consult +<i>Bibl. Crevenn.</i>, vol. v., 272-3.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_134_136" id="Footnote_134_136"></a><a href="#FNanchor_134_136">[134]</a> He is noticed here only as the author of +"<i>Idea Bibliothecæ Publicæ secundum classes scientiarum +ordinandæ, fusior et contractior</i>," and of the "<i>Scriptores +Rerum Brunswicarum</i>," Hanov., 1707, fol., 3 vols. "The +antiquarian, who blushes at his alliance with Thomas Hearne, +will feel his profession ennobled by the name of <span class="smcap">Leibnitz</span>. +That extraordinary genius embraced and improved the whole +circle of human science; and, after wrestling with Newton +and Clark in the sublime regions of geometry and +metaphysics, he could descend upon earth to examine the +uncouth characters and barbarous Latin of a chronicle or +charter." Gibbon: <i>Post. Works</i>, vol. ii., 712. Consult also +<i>Mem. de l'Inst.</i>, vol. v., 648.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_135_137" id="Footnote_135_137"></a><a href="#FNanchor_135_137">[135]</a> I will not pretend to enumerate all the +learned works of <span class="smcap">Burchard Gotthlieb Struvius</span>. His +"<i>Bibliotheca Librorum Rariorum</i>" was published in 1719, +4to. The first edition of the <i>Bibliotheca Historica</i> +appeared as early as 1705: a very valuable one was published +by Buder, in 1740, 2 vols.: but the last, and by far the +most copious and valuable, is that which exhibits the joint +editorial labours of <span class="smcap">Buder</span> and <span class="smcap">Meusel</span>, in eleven octavo +volumes, 1782, 1802—though I believe it does not contain +every thing which may be found in the edition of the <i>Bibl. +Hist. Selecta</i>, by Jugler, 1754, three vols. 8vo.: vide pp. +iv. and vii. of the preface of Meusel's edition. The <i>Bibl. +Hist. Select.</i>, by Jugler, was formerly published under the +title of <i>Introd. in notitiam rei literariæ et usum +Bibliothecæ</i>. Jugler's edition of it contains a stiff +portrait of himself in a finely embroidered satin waistcoat. +The first volume, relating to foreign libraries, is very +interesting: but, unluckily, the work is rare. Of Struvius's +<i>Bibl. Saxonica</i>, 1736, 8vo., I never saw a copy.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">51</a></span><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> You are advancing towards the middle of the 18th century, in +enumerating foreign publications, without calling to mind that we +have, at home, many laudable publications relating to typography and +bibliography, which merit at least some notice, if not commendation.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> I thank you for the reproof. It is true, I was running +precipitately to introduce a crowd of foreigners to your notice, +without paying my respects, by the way, to the <i>Historical Libraries</i> +of Bishop <span class="smcap">Nicolson</span>, the <i>Bibliotheca Literaria</i> of <span class="smcap">Wasse</span>, and the +<i>Librarian</i> of <span class="smcap">William Oldys</span>. Nor should I omit to mention the still +more creditable performance of Bishop <span class="smcap">Tanner</span>: while the typographical +publications of <span class="smcap">Watson</span>, <span class="smcap">Palmer</span>, and <span class="smcap">Middleton</span>,<a name="FNanchor_136_138" id="FNanchor_136_138"></a><a href="#Footnote_136_138" class="fnanchor">[136]</a> may as well be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">52</a></span> +admitted into your libraries, if you are partial to such works; +although upon this latter subject, the elegant quarto volume of <span class="smcap">Ames</span> +merits particular commendation.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_136_138" id="Footnote_136_138"></a><a href="#FNanchor_136_138">[136]</a> Let us go gently over this <i>British</i> ground, +which Lysander depictures in rather a flowery manner. The +first edition of <span class="smcap">Bishop Nicolson's</span> <i>English Historical +Library</i> was published in the years 1696, 1697, and +1699—comprehending the entire three parts. In 1702, came +forth the <i>Scottish</i> Historical library; and in 1724, the +<i>Irish</i> Historical Library. These three libraries, with the +author's letter to Bishop Kennet in defence of the same, are +usually published in one volume; and the last and best +editions of the same are those of 1736, fol., and 1776, 4to. +Mr. John Nichols has recently published an entertaining +posthumous work of the bishop's <i>Epistolary Correspondence</i>, +in two octavo volumes, 1809. Some of these letters throw +light and interest upon the literature of the times. As to +the authority of Bishop Nicolson, in his historical matters, +I fear the sharp things which are said of his libraries by +Tyrrell (Pref. to <i>Hist. Engl.</i>, vol. ii., p. 5.), and Wood +(<i>Athen. Brit.</i>, vol. ii., col. 980, ed. 1721), all which +authorities are referred to by Mr. Nichols, are sufficiently +founded upon truth. He was a violent and wrong-headed writer +in many respects; but he had acumen, strength, and fancy. +The <i>Bibliotheca Literaria</i> of <span class="smcap">Wasse</span> (although his name does +not appear as the professed editor) is a truly solid and +valuable publication; worthy of the reputation of the +learned editor of Sallust. The work was published in +numbers, which were sold at one shilling each; but, I +suppose from the paucity of classical readers, it could not +be supported beyond the 10th number (1724); when it ceased +to be published. Some of the dissertations are very +interesting as well as erudite. <span class="smcap">Oldys's</span> <i>British Librarian</i> +was published in six numbers, during the first six months of +the year 1737; forming, with the index, an octavo volume of +402 pages. It is difficult to say, from the conclusion (p. +373-4), whether the work was dropped for want of +encouragement, or from the capriciousness or indolence of +the author: but I suspect that the ground was suffered "to +lie fallow" (to use his own words) till it was suffocated +with weeds—owing to the <i>former</i> cause: as Oldys never +suffered his pen to lie idle while he could "put money in +his purse" from his lucubrations. We shall speak of him more +particularly in <a href="#PART_V"><span class="smcap">Part v</span></a>. Meanwhile, the reader is informed +that the <i>British Librarian</i> is a work of no common +occurrence, or mean value. It is rigidly correct, if not +very learned, in bibliographical information. I once sent +three guineas to procure a copy of it, according to its +description, upon <span class="smcap">large paper</span>; but, on its arrival, I found +it to be not quite so large as my own tolerably +amply-margined copy. Bishop <span class="smcap">Tanner's</span> <i>Bibliotheca +Britanico-Hibernica</i>, which cost the author forty years' +labour, was published in 1748, folio; with a preface by Dr. +Wilkins. We must receive it with many thanks, imperfect and +erroneous as many parts of it are; but I hope the period is +not very remote when a literary friend, living, as he +constantly is, in an inexhaustible stock of British +literature of all kinds, will give us a new edition, with +copious additions and corrections, translated into our +native tongue. <i>The History of the Art of Printing</i> by +<span class="smcap">Watson</span>, Edit., 1713, 8vo., is at best but a meagre +performance. It happens to be rare, and, therefore, +bibliomaniacs hunt after it. My copy of it, upon <span class="smcap">large +paper</span>, cost me 1<i>l.</i> 8<i>s.</i> It was formerly Paton's, of +Edinburgh, a knowing antiquary in Scottish printing. The +<i>History of Printing</i>, by <span class="smcap">Palmer</span>, 1733, 4to., and Dr. +<span class="smcap">Middleton's</span> <i>Dissertations upon the same</i>, 1735, 4to., have +been particularly treated by me, as well as the similar +works of <span class="smcap">Ames</span> and <span class="smcap">Herbert</span>, in the first volume of my new +edition of Herbert's <i>British Typographical Antiquities</i>; +and the public is too well acquainted with the merits and +demerits of each to require their being pointed out in the +present place. I will close this note by observing that the +<i>Censuria Literaria</i>, in ten volumes octavo; and the +<i>British Bibliographer</i> (now publishing) which grew out of +it; Mr. <span class="smcap">Beloe's</span> <i>Anecdotes of Literature and Scarce Books</i>, +six volumes, 8vo.; and Mr. Savage's continuation of <i>The +British Librarian</i>; are works which render the list of +English publications, relating to typography and curious +books, almost complete. I believe I may safely affirm that +the period is not very distant when some of these latter +publications, from the comparatively few copies which were +struck off, will become very rare.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> I am glad to hear such handsome things said of the performances +of our own countrymen. I was fearful, from your frequent sly +allusions, that we had nothing worth mentioning. But proceed with your +Germans, Italians, and Frenchmen.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> You draw too severe a conclusion. I have made no sly +allusions. My invariable love of truth<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">53</a></span> impels me to state facts as +they arise. That we have philosophers, poets, scholars, divines, +lovers and collectors of books, equal to those of any nation upon +earth is most readily admitted. But bibliography has never been, till +now, a popular (shall I say fashionable?) pursuit amongst the English.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Well, if what you call bibliography has produced such eminent +men, and so many useful works, as those which have been just +enumerated, I shall begin to have some little respect for this +department of literature; and, indeed, I already feel impatient to go +through the list of your bibliographical heroes.—Who is the next +champion deserving of notice?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> This confession gives me sincere pleasure. Only indulge me in +my rambling manner of disquisition, and I will strive to satisfy you +in every reasonable particular.</p> + +<p class="bp">If ever you should be disposed to form a bibliographical collection, +do not omit securing, when it comes across you, the best edition of Du +Fresnoy's<a name="FNanchor_137_139" id="FNanchor_137_139"></a><a href="#Footnote_137_139" class="fnanchor">[137]</a> <i>Methode pour étudier l'Histoire</i>: it is rare, and +sought after in this country. And now—softly approach, and gently +strew the flowers upon, the tomb of worthy <span class="smcap">Niceron</span>:<a name="FNanchor_138_140" id="FNanchor_138_140"></a><a href="#Footnote_138_140" class="fnanchor">[138]</a> Low lies the +head, and quiescent has become the pen, of this most excellent and +learned man!—whose productions have furnished biographers with some +of their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">54</a></span> choicest materials, and whose devotion to literature and +history has been a general theme of admiration and praise. The mention +of this illustrious name, in such a manner, has excited in my mind a +particular train of ideas. Let me, therefore, in imagination, conduct +you both to yonder dark avenue of trees—and, descending a small +flight of steps, near the bottom of which gushes out a salient +stream—let us enter a spacious grotto, where every thing is cool and +silent; and where small alabaster busts, of the greater number of +those bibliographers I am about to mention, decorate the niches on +each side of it. How tranquil and how congenial is such a resting +place!—But let us pursue our inquires. Yonder sharp and well turned +countenances, at the entrance of the grotto, are fixed there as +representations of <span class="smcap">Cardinal Quirini</span><a name="FNanchor_139_141" id="FNanchor_139_141"></a><a href="#Footnote_139_141" class="fnanchor">[139]</a> and <span class="smcap">Goujet</span>; the <i>Bibliothéque +Françoise</i> of the latter of whom—with which I could wish book +collectors, in general, to have a more intimate acquaintance—has +obtained universal reputation.<a name="FNanchor_140_142" id="FNanchor_140_142"></a><a href="#Footnote_140_142" class="fnanchor">[140]</a> Next to him, you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">55</a></span> may mark the +amiable and expressive features of <span class="smcap">David Clement</span>:<a name="FNanchor_141_143" id="FNanchor_141_143"></a><a href="#Footnote_141_143" class="fnanchor">[141]</a> who, in his +<i>Bibliothéque Curieuse</i>, has shown us how he could rove, like a bee, +from flower to flower; sip what was sweet; and bring home his +gleanings to a well-furnished hive. The principal fault of this bee +(if I must keep up the simile) is that he was not sufficiently choice +in the flowers which he visited; and, of course, did not always +extract the purest honey. Nearly allied to Clement in sprightliness, +and an equally gossipping bibliographer, was <span class="smcap">Prosper Marchand</span>;<a name="FNanchor_142_144" id="FNanchor_142_144"></a><a href="#Footnote_142_144" class="fnanchor">[142]</a> +whose<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">56</a></span> works present us with some things no where else to be found, +and who had examined many curious and rare volumes; as well as made +himself thoroughly acquainted with the state of bibliography previous +to his own times.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_137_139" id="Footnote_137_139"></a><a href="#FNanchor_137_139">[137]</a> The last edition of this work is the one +which was printed in fifteen volumes, crown 8vo., at Paris, +1772: with a copious index—and proportionable improvements +in corrections and additions. It is now rare. I threw out +the old edition of 1729, four vols., 4to., upon <span class="smcap">large paper</span>; +and paid three guineas to boot for the new one, neatly +bound.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_138_140" id="Footnote_138_140"></a><a href="#FNanchor_138_140">[138]</a> It is quite delightful to read the account, +in the <i>Dict. Hist.</i>, published at Caen, 1789, (vol. vi., p. +475) of <span class="smcap">Jean Pierre Niceron</span>; whose whole life seems to have +been devoted to bibliography and literary history. Frank, +amiable, industrious, communicative, shrewd, and +learned—Niceron was the delight of his friends, and the +admiration of the public. His "<i>Memoires pour servir à +l'Histoire des Hommes Illustres, &c., avec un Catalogue +raisonné de leur Ouvrages</i>," was published from the years +1729 to 1740, in forty crown 8vo. volumes. A supplement of +three volumes, the latter of which is divided into <i>two +parts</i>, renders this very useful, and absolutely necessary, +work complete in 44 volumes. The bibliomaniac can never +enjoy perfect rest till he is in possession of it!</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_139_141" id="Footnote_139_141"></a><a href="#FNanchor_139_141">[139]</a> <span class="smcap">Quirini</span> published his "<i>Specimen variæ +Literaturæ quæ in urbe Brixiæ ejusque Ditione paulo post +Typographiæ incunabula florebat</i>," <i>&c.</i>, at Brescia, in +1739; two vols., 8vo.: then followed "<i>Catalogo delle Opere +del Cardinale Quirini uscite alla luce quasi tuttee da' +Torchi di mi Gian Maria Rizzardi Stampatore in Brescia</i>," +8vo. In 1751, Valois addressed to him his "<i>Discours sur les +Bibliothéques Publiques</i>," in 8vo.: his Eminence's reply to +the same was also published in 8vo. But the Cardinal's chief +reputation, as a bibliographer, arises from the work +entitled "<i>De Optimorum Scriptorum Editionibus</i>." Lindaugiæ, +1761, 4to. This is Schelhorn's edition of it, which is +chiefly coveted, and which is now a rare book in this +country. It is a little surprising that Lysander, in his +love of grand national biographical works, mingled with +bibliographical notices, should have omitted to mention the +<i>Bibliotheca Lusitana</i> of Joaov and Barbosa, published at +Lisbon, 1741, in four magnificent folio volumes. A lover of +Portuguese literature will always consider this as "opus +splendidissimum et utilissimum."</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_140_142" id="Footnote_140_142"></a><a href="#FNanchor_140_142">[140]</a> <i>La Bibliothéque Françoise, ou Histoire de la +Littérature Françoise</i>, of <span class="smcap">Claude Pierre Goujet</span>, in eighteen +volumes, crown 8vo., 1741, like the similar work of Niceron, +is perhaps a little too indiscriminate in the choice of its +objects: good, bad, and indifferent authors being enlisted +into the service. But it is the chéf-d'œuvre of Goujet, +who was a man of wonderful parts; and no bibliographer can +be satisfied without it. Goujet was perhaps among the most +learned, if not the "facile princeps," of those who +cultivated ancient French literature. He liberally assisted +Niceron in his Memoires, and furnished Moreri with 2000 +corrections for his Dictionary.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_141_143" id="Footnote_141_143"></a><a href="#FNanchor_141_143">[141]</a> The "<i>Bibliothèque Curieuse, Historique et +Critique, ou Catalogue raisonné de Livres difficiles à +trouver</i>," of <span class="smcap">David Clement</span>, published at Gottingen, +Hanover, and Leipsic, in 9 quarto volumes, from the year +1750 to 1760—is, unfortunately, an unfinished production; +extending only to the letter H. The reader may find a +critique upon it in my <i>Introduction to the Greek and Latin +Classics</i>, vol. i., p. 370; which agrees, for the greater +part, with the observations in the <i>Bibl. Crevenn.</i>, vol. +v., 290. The work is a <i>sine quâ non</i> with collectors; but +in this country it begins to be—to use the figurative +language of some of the German bibliographers—"scarcer than +a white crow,"—or "a black swan." The reader may admit +which simile he pleases—or reject both! But, in sober +sadness, it is very rare, and unconscionably dear. I know +not whether it was the same <span class="smcap">Clement</span> who published "<i>Les cinq +Années Littéraires, ou Lettres de M. Clément, sur les +ouvrages de Littérature, qui ont parus dans les Années +1748—á 1752</i>;" Berlin, 1756, 12mo., two volumes. Where is +the proof of the assertion, so often repeated, that Clement +borrowed his notion of the above work from <span class="smcap">Wendler's</span> +<i>Dissertatio de variis raritatis librorum impressorum +causis</i>, Jen., 1711, 4to.?—Wendler's book is rare among us: +as is also <span class="smcap">Berger's</span> <i>Diatribe de libris rarioribus, &c.</i>, +Berol. 1729, 8vo.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_142_144" id="Footnote_142_144"></a><a href="#FNanchor_142_144">[142]</a> The principal biographical labours of this +clever man have the following titles: "<i>Histoire de +l'Imprimerie</i>," La Haye, 1740, 4to.—an elegant and +interesting volume, which is frequently consulted by +typographical antiquaries. Of <span class="smcap">Mercier's</span> supplement to it, +see note in the ensuing pages under the word "Mercier." His +"<i>Dictionnaire Historique, ou Memoires Critiques et +Littéraires</i>," in two folio volumes, 1758, was a posthumous +production; and a very extraordinary and amusing +bibliographical common-place book it is! My friend Mr. +Douce, than whom few are better able to appreciate such a +work, will hardly allow any one to have a warmer attachment +to it, or a more thorough acquaintance with its contents, +than himself—and yet there is no bibliographical work to +which I more cheerfully or frequently turn! In the editor's +advertisement we have an interesting account of Marchand: +who left behind, for publication, a number of scraps of +paper, sometimes no bigger than one's nail; upon which he +had written his remarks in so small a hand-writing that the +editor and printer were obliged to make use of a strong +magnifying glass to decypher it—"et c'est ici (continues +the former) sans doute le premier livre qui n'ait pu être +imprimé sans le secours continuel du Microscope." Marchand +died in 1753, and left his MSS. and books, in the true +spirit of a bibliomaniac, to the University of Leyden. I +see, from the conclusion of this latter authority, that a +new edition of Marchand's History of Printing was in +meditation to be published, after the publication of the +Dictionary. Whether Mercier availed himself of Marchand's +corrected copy, when he put forth his supplement to the +latter's typographical history, I have no means of +ascertaining. Certainly there never was a second edition of +the <i>Histoire de l'Imprimerie</i>, by +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Marchand">Marchsnd</span>.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">Perhaps I ought to have noticed the unoccupied niche under which the +name of <span class="smcap">Vogt</span><a name="FNanchor_143_145" id="FNanchor_143_145"></a><a href="#Footnote_143_145" class="fnanchor">[143]</a> is inscribed; the title<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">57</a></span> of whose work has been +erroneously considered more seductive than the contents of it. As we +go on, we approach <span class="smcap">Fournier</span>; a man of lively parts, and considerable +taste. His works are small in size, but they are written and printed +with singular elegance.<a name="FNanchor_144_146" id="FNanchor_144_146"></a><a href="#Footnote_144_146" class="fnanchor">[144]</a> See what a respectable and almost +dignified air the highly finished bust of the pensionary <span class="smcap">Meerman</span><a name="FNanchor_145_147" id="FNanchor_145_147"></a><a href="#Footnote_145_147" class="fnanchor">[145]</a> +assumes! Few men<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">58</a></span> attained to greater celebrity in his day; and few +men better deserved the handsome things which were said of him. +Polite, hospitable, of an inquisitive and active turn of +mind—passionately addicted to rare and curious books—his library was +a sort of bibliographical emporium, where the idle and the diligent +alike met with a gracious reception. Peace to the manes of such a man! +Turn we now round to view the features of that truly eminent and +amiable bibliographer, <span class="smcap">De Bure</span>!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_143_145" id="Footnote_143_145"></a><a href="#FNanchor_143_145">[143]</a> The earliest edition of <span class="smcap">Vogt's</span> <i>Catalogus +Librorum Rariorum</i> was published in 1732; afterwards in +1737; again in 1748; again in 1752, much enlarged and +improved; and, for the last time, greatly enlarged and +corrected, forming by far the "editio optima," of the +work—at Frankfort and Leipsic, 1793, 8vo.—We are told, in +the new preface to this last edition, that the second and +third impressions were quickly dispersed and anxiously +sought after. Vogt is a greater favourite with me than with +the generality of bibliographers. His plan, and the +execution of it, are at once clear and concise; but he is +too prodigal of the term "rare." Whilst these editions of +Vogt's amusing work were coming forth, the following +productions were, from time to time, making their +appearance, and endeavouring perhaps to supplant its +reputation. First of all <span class="smcap">Beyer</span> put forth his <i>Memoriæ +Historico-Criticæ Librorum Rariorum</i>. Dresd. and Lips., +1734, 8vo.; as well <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: as">has</span> his <i>Arcana +Sacra Bibliothecarum Dresdensium</i>, 1738, 8vo.—with a +continuation to the latter, preceded by an epistle +concerning the electoral library, separately published in +the same year. Then <span class="smcap">Engel</span> (in Republicâ Helveto-Bernensi +Bibliothecarius primus) published his <i>Bibliotheca +selectissima, sive Catalogus librorum in omni genere +scientiarum rarissimorum</i>, &c., Bernæ, 1743, 8vo.; in which +work some axioms are laid down concerning the rarity of +books not perhaps sufficiently correct; but in which a great +deal of curious matter, very neatly executed, will repay the +reader for any expense he may incur in the purchase of it. +Afterwards <span class="smcap">Freytag's</span> <i>Analecta Literaria de libris +rarioribus</i>, Lips., 1750, two vols. 8vo.;—and his +<i>Adparatus Literarius ubi libri partim antiqui partim rari +recensentur</i>, Lipsiæ, 1755, three volumes 8vo., highly +gratified the curious in bibliography. In the former work +the books are described alphabetically, which perhaps is the +better plan: in the latter, they are differently arranged, +with an alphabetical index. The latter is perhaps the more +valuable of the two, although the former has long been a +great favourite with many; yet, from Freytag's own +confession, he was not then so knowing in books, and had not +inspected the whole of what he described. They are both +requisite to the collector; and their author, who was an +enthusiast in bibliography, ranks high in the literature of +his country. In the last place we may notice the +<i>Florilegium Historico-Criticum Librorum Rariorum, cui multa +simul scitu jucunda intersperguntur</i>, &c., of <span class="smcap">Daniel Gerdes</span>; +first published at Groningen, in 1740; but afterwards in +1763, 8vo., at the same place, the third and best edition. +It was meant, in part, to supply the omission of some rare +books in Vogt: and under this title it was published in the +<i>Miscellaneæ Groninganæ</i>, vol. ii., and vol. iii. This work +of Gerdes should have a convenient place in every +bibliographical cabinet. I will close this attempt to supply +Lysander's omission of some very respectable names connected +with bibliography by exhorting the reader to seize hold of a +work (whenever it comes across him, which will be rarely) +entitled <i>Bibliotheca Librorum Rariorum Universalis</i>, by +<span class="smcap">John Jacob Bauer</span>, a bookseller at Nuremberg, and printed +there in 1770, 8vo., two vols.; with three additional +volumes by way of Supplement, 1774-1791, which latter are +usually bound in one. It is an alphabetical Dictionary, like +Vogt's and Fournier's, of what are called rare books. The +descriptions are compendious, and the references +respectable, and sometimes numerous. My copy of this scarce, +dear, and wretchedly-printed, work, which is as large and +clean as possible, and bound in pale Russia, with marbled +edges to the leaves—cost me 5<i>l.</i> 5<i>s.</i></p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_144_146" id="Footnote_144_146"></a><a href="#FNanchor_144_146">[144]</a> We are indebted to <span class="smcap">Pierre Simon Fournier</span> le +jeune, for some very beautiful interesting little volumes +connected with engraving and printing. 1. <i>Dissertation sur +l'Origine et les Progrés de l'art de Graver en Bois, &c.</i>, +Paris, 1758, 8vo. 2. <i>De l'Origine et des Productions de +l'Imprimerie primitive en taille de bois</i>, Paris, 1759, 8vo. +3. <i>Traité sur l'Origine et les Progrés de l'Imprimerie</i>, +Paris, 1764. 4. <i>Observations sur un Ouvrage intitulé +Vindiciæ Typographicæ</i>, Paris, 1760. These treatises are +sometimes bound in one volume. They are all elegantly +printed, and rare. We may also mention—5. <i>Epreuves de deux +petits caractères nouvellement gravès, &c.</i>, Paris, 1757; +and especially his chef-d'œuvre. 6. <i>Manuel +Typographique</i>, Paris, 1764-6, 8vo., two vols.: of which +some copies want a few of the cuts: those upon <span class="smcap">large paper</span> +(there is one of this kind in the Cracherode collections) +are of the first rarity. Fournier's typographical manual +should be in every printing office: his types "are the +models (says his namesake,) of those of the best printed +books at Paris at this day." <i>Dict. Port. de Bibliogr.</i>, p. +218, edit. 1706.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_145_147" id="Footnote_145_147"></a><a href="#FNanchor_145_147">[145]</a> The <i>Origines Typographicæ</i> of <span class="smcap">Meerman</span>, which +was published at the Hague in two handsome quarto volumes, +1765, (after the plan or prospectus had been published in +1761, 8vo.), secured its author a very general and rather +splendid reputation, till the hypothesis advanced therein, +concerning Laurence Coster, was refuted by Heinecken. The +reader is referred to a note in the first volume of my new +edition of the <i>Typographical Antiquities of Great Britain</i>, +p. xxxi. It is somewhat singular that, notwithstanding +Meerman's hypothesis is now exploded by the most knowing +bibliographers, his dissertation concerning the claims of +Haerlem should have been reprinted in French, with useful +notes, and an increased catalogue of all the books published +in the Low Countries, during the 15th century. This latter +work is entitled "<i>De l'Invention de l'Imprimerie, ou +analyse des deux ouvrages publiés sur cette matière par M. +Meerman, &c.; suivi d'une notice chronologique et raisonnée +des livres avec et sans date</i>," Paris, 1809, 8vo. The author +is Mons. Jansen. Prefixed there is an interesting account, +of Meerman. Lysander might have noticed, with the encomium +which it justly merits the <i>Vindiciæ Typographicæ</i> of +<span class="smcap">Schoepflin</span>, printed at Strasburg, in 1760, 4to.; where the +claimes of Gutenburg (a native of the same city) to the +invention of the typographic art are very forcibly and +successfully maintained.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> You absolutely transport me! I see all these interesting busts—I +feel the delicious coolness of the grotto—I hear the stream running +over a bed of pebbles—The zephyrs play upon my cheeks—O dolt that I +was to abuse——</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> Hear him, hear him!<a name="FNanchor_146_148" id="FNanchor_146_148"></a><a href="#Footnote_146_148" class="fnanchor">[146]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_146_148" id="Footnote_146_148"></a><a href="#FNanchor_146_148">[146]</a> Vide note at <a href="#Page_37">p. 37</a>, ante.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> From my heart I pity and forgive you. But only look upon the +bust of <span class="smcap">De Bure</span>; and every time that you open his <i>Bibliographie +Instructive</i>,<a name="FNanchor_147_149" id="FNanchor_147_149"></a><a href="#Footnote_147_149" class="fnanchor">[147]</a> confess,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">59</a></span> with a joyful heart, the obligations you +are under to the author of it. Learn, at the same time, to despise the +petty cavils of the whole Zoilean race; and blush for the Abbé +<span class="smcap">Rive</span>,<a name="FNanchor_148_150" id="FNanchor_148_150"></a><a href="#Footnote_148_150" class="fnanchor">[148]</a> that he could lend his name, and give<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">60</a></span> the weight of his +example, to the propagation of coarse and acrimonious censures.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_147_149" id="Footnote_147_149"></a><a href="#FNanchor_147_149">[147]</a> The works of <span class="smcap">Guillaume-François de Bure</span> +deserve a particular notice. He first published his <i>Musæum +Typographicum</i>, Paris, 1755, 12mo.; of which he printed but +<span class="smcap">twelve</span> copies, and gave away every one of them (including +even his own) to his book-loving friends. It was published +under the name of G.F. Rebude. Peignot is very particular in +his information concerning this rare morçeau of +bibliography—see his <i>Bibliographie Curieuse</i>, p. 21. +Afterwards appeared the <i>Bibliographie Instructive</i>, in +seven volumes, 8vo., 1763-68—succeeded by a small volume of +a catalogue of the anonymous publications, and an essay upon +Bibliography: this 8th volume is absolutely necessary to +render the work complete, although it is frequently missing. +Fifty copies of this work were printed upon <span class="smcap">large paper</span>, of +a quarto size. Its merits are acknowledged by every candid +and experienced critic. In the third place, came forth his +<i>Catalogue des Livres, &c., de L.J. Gaignat, Paris</i>, 1769, +8vo., two vols.: not, however, before he had published two +brochures—"<i>Appel aux Savans</i>," <i>&c.</i>, 1763, 8vo.—and +"<i>Reponse à une Critique de la Bibliographie Instructive</i>," +1763, 8vo.—as replies to the tart attacks of the Abbé <span class="smcap">Rive</span>. +The Catalogue of Gaignat, and the fairness of his answers to +his adversary's censures, served to place De Bure on the +pinnacle of bibliographical reputation; while Rive was +suffered to fret and fume in unregarded seclusion. He died +in the year 1782, aged 50: and was succeeded in his +bibliographical labours by his cousin <span class="smcap">William</span>; who, with +Mons. Van-Praet, prepared the catalogue of the Duke de la +Valliere's library, in 1783, and published other valuable +catalogues as late as the year 1801. But both are eclipsed, +in regard to the <i>number</i> of such publications, by their +predecessor <span class="smcap">Gabriel Martin</span>; who died in the year 1761, aged +83—after having compiled 148 catalogues since the year +1705. This latter was assisted in his labours by his son +Claude Martin, who died in 1788. See Peignot's <i>Dict. de +Bibliologie</i>, vol. i., 221, 422: vol iii., 277.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_148_150" id="Footnote_148_150"></a><a href="#FNanchor_148_150">[148]</a> The mention of De Bure and the Abbé <span class="smcap">Rive</span> +induces me to inform the reader that the <i>Chasse aux +Bibliographes</i>, Paris, 1789, 8vo., of the latter, will be +found a receptacle of almost every kind of gross abuse and +awkward wit which could be poured forth against the +respectable characters of the day. It has now become rare. +The Abbé's "<i>Notices calligraphiques et typographiques</i>," a +small tract of 16 pages—of which only 100 copies were +printed—is sufficiently curious; it formed the first number +of a series of intended volumes (12 or 15) "<i>des notices +calligraphiques de manuscrits des differens siécles, et des +notices typographiques de livres du quinziéme siécle</i>," but +the design was never carried into execution beyond this +first number. The other works of Rive are miscellaneous; but +chiefly upon subjects connected with the belles lettres. He +generally struck off but few copies of his publications; see +the <i>Bibliographie Curieuse</i>, pp. 58-9; and more +particularly the <i>Dictionnaire de Bibliologie</i>, vol. iii., +p. 277, by the same author, where a minute list of Rive's +productions is given, and of which Fournier might have +availed himself in his new edition of the <i>Dict. Portatif de +Bibliographie</i>. From Peignot, the reader is presented with +the following anecdotes of this redoubted champion of +bibliography. When Rive was a young man, and curate of +Mollèges in Provence, the scandalous chronicle reported that +he was too intimate with a young and pretty Parisian, who +was a married woman, and whose husband did not fail to +reproach him accordingly. Rive made no other reply than that +of taking the suspicious Benedick in his arms, and throwing +him headlong out of the window. Luckily he fell upon a +dunghill! In the year 1789, upon a clergyman's complaining +to him of the inflexible determination of a great lord to +hunt upon his grounds—"<i>Mettez-lui une messe dans le +ventre</i>"—<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: replied">repiled</span> Rive. The +clergyman expressing his ignorance of the nature of the +advice given, the facetious Abbé replied, "Go and tear a +leaf from your <i>mass book</i>, wrap a musket-ball in it, and +discharge it at the tyrant." The Duke de la Valliere used to +say—when the knowing ones at his house were wrangling about +some literary or bibliographical point—"Gentlemen, I'll go +and let loose my bull dog,"—and sent into them the Abbé, +who speedily put them all to rights. Rive died in the year +1791, aged seventy-one. He had great parts and great +application; but in misapplying both he was his own +tormentor. His library was sold in 1793.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">Next to the bust of De Bure, consider those of the five Italian +bibliographers and literati, <span class="smcap">Haym</span>, <span class="smcap">Fontanini</span>, <span class="smcap">Zeno</span>, <span class="smcap">Mazzuchelli</span>, and +<span class="smcap">Tiraboschi</span>; which are placed in the five consecutive niches. Their +works are of various merit, but are all superior to that of their +predecessor <span class="smcap">Doni</span>. Although those of the first three authors should +find a place in every bibliographical collection, the productions of +Mazzuchelli,<a name="FNanchor_149_151" id="FNanchor_149_151"></a><a href="#Footnote_149_151" class="fnanchor">[149]</a> and especially of the immortal Tiraboschi, cannot +fail to be admitted into every judicious library, whether vast or +confined. Italy boasts of few literary characters of a higher class, +or of a more widely-diffused reputation<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">61</a></span> than <span class="smcap">Tiraboschi</span>.<a name="FNanchor_150_152" id="FNanchor_150_152"></a><a href="#Footnote_150_152" class="fnanchor">[150]</a> His +diligence, his sagacity, his candour, his constant and patriotic +exertions to do justice to the reputation of his countrymen, and to +rescue departed worth from ill-merited oblivion, assign to him an +exalted situation: a situation with the Poggios and Politians of +former times, in the everlasting temple of Fame! Bind his <i>Storia +della Letteratura Italiana</i> in the choicest vellum, or in the stoutest +Russia; for it merits no mean covering!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_149_151" id="Footnote_149_151"></a><a href="#FNanchor_149_151">[149]</a> We may first observe that "<i>La Libraria del</i> +<span class="smcap">Doni</span> <i>Fiorentino</i>;" Vinegia, 1558, 8vo., is yet coveted by +collectors as the most complete and esteemed of all the +editions of this work. It is ornamented with many portraits +of authors, and is now rare. Consult <i>Bibl. Crevenn.</i>, vol. +v., p. 275. Numerous are the editions of <span class="smcap">Haym's</span> <i>Biblioteca +Italiana</i>; but those of Milan, of the date of 1771, 4to., 2 +vols., and 1803, 8vo. 4 vols., are generally purchased by +the skilful in Italian bibliography. The best edition of +<span class="smcap">Fontanini's</span> <i>Biblioteca dell' Eloquenza Italiana</i> is with +the annotations of <span class="smcap">Zeno</span>, which latter are distinguished for +their judgment and accuracy. It was published at Venice in +1753, 4to., 2 vols.; but it must be remembered that this +edition contains only the <i>third</i> book of Fontanini, which +is a library of the principal Italian authors. All the three +books (the first two being a disquisition upon the +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: origin">orgin</span> and progress of the Italian +language) will be found in the +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: preceding">preceeding</span> Venice edition of 1737, in one volume 4to. +In the year 1753-63, came forth the incomparable but +unfinished work of <span class="smcap">Count Mazzuchelli</span>, in two folio volumes, +[the latter vol. being divided into four thick parts] +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: entitled">entittled</span>: <i>Gli Scrittori +d'Italia, cioé Notizie Storiche e Critiche intorno alle Vite +e agli Scritti dei Letterati Italiani</i>. The death of the +learned author prevented the publication of it beyond the +first two letters of the alphabet. The Count, however, left +behind ample materials for its execution according to the +original plan, which lay shamefully neglected as late as the +year 1776. See <i>Bibl. Crevenn.</i>, vol. v., p. 274. This work +is rare in our own country. If the lover of Italian +philology wishes to increase his critico-literary stores, +let him purchase the <i>Biblioteca degli Autori Antichi Greci, +e Latini volgarizzati</i>, &c., of <span class="smcap">Paitoni</span>, in five quarto +volumes, 1766: the <i>Notizie Istorico-Critiche &c.,</i> +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: corrected printer error in original; 'degli' was misplaced"><i>degli</i></span> <i>Scrittori Viniziani</i>, +of <span class="smcap">Agostini</span>, Venez., 1752, 4to., 2 vols.: and the +<i>Letteratura Turchesca of</i> <span class="smcap">Giambatista Toderini</span>, Venez., +1787, 8vo., 3 vols.—works nearly perfect of their kind, and +(especially the latter one) full of curious matter.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_150_152" id="Footnote_150_152"></a><a href="#FNanchor_150_152">[150]</a> The best edition of his <i>Letteratura +Italiana</i> is that of Modena, 1787-94, 4to., in fifteen +volumes, as it contains his last corrections and additions, +and has the advantage of a complete index. An excellent +account of the life and labours of its wonderful author +appeared in the fifth volume of the <i>Athenæum</i>, to the +perusal of which I strongly recommend the reader.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">The range of busts which occupies the opposite niches represents +characters of a more recent date. Let us begin with <span class="smcap">Mercier</span>;<a name="FNanchor_151_153" id="FNanchor_151_153"></a><a href="#Footnote_151_153" class="fnanchor">[151]</a> a +man of extraordinary, and almost unequalled, knowledge in every thing +connected with bibliography and typography; of a quick apprehension, +tenacious memory, and correct<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">62</a></span> judgment; who was more anxious to +detect errors in his own publications than in those of his fellow +labourers in the same pursuit; an enthusiast in typographical +researches—the Ulysses of bibliographers! Next to him stand the +interesting busts of <span class="smcap">Saxius</span> and <span class="smcap">Laire</span>;<a name="FNanchor_152_154" id="FNanchor_152_154"></a><a href="#Footnote_152_154" class="fnanchor">[152]</a> the latter of whom has +frequently erred, but who merited not such a castigation as subsequent +bibliographers have attempted to bestow upon him: in the number of +which, one is sorry to rank the very respectable name of +<span class="smcap">Audiffredi</span><a name="FNanchor_153_155" id="FNanchor_153_155"></a><a href="#Footnote_153_155" class="fnanchor">[153]</a>—whose bust, you observe, immediately follows that of +Laire. Audiffredi has left behind him a most enviable reputation: that +of having examined libraries with a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">63</a></span> curious eye, and described the +various books which he saw with scrupulous fidelity. There are no +lively or interesting sallies, no highly-wrought, or tempting +descriptions—throughout his two quarto volumes: but, in lieu of this, +there is sober truth, and sound judgment. I have mentioned Audiffredi +a little out of order, merely because his name is closely connected +with that of Laire: but I should have first directed your attention to +the sagacious countenance of <span class="smcap">Heinecken</span>;<a name="FNanchor_154_156" id="FNanchor_154_156"></a><a href="#Footnote_154_156" class="fnanchor">[154]</a> whose work upon ancient +printing, and whose <i>Dictionary of Engravers</i> (although with the +latter we have nothing just now to do) will never fail to be justly +appreciated by the collector. I regret, Lisardo, for your own sake—as +you are about to collect a few choice books upon typography—that you +will have so much to pay for the former work, owing to its extreme +rarity in this country, and to the injudicious phrenzy of a certain +class of buyers, who are resolved to purchase it at almost any price. +Let me not forget to notice, with the encomiums which they deserve, +the useful and carefully compiled works of <span class="smcap">Seemiller</span>, <span class="smcap">Braun</span>, +<span class="smcap">Wurdtwein</span>, <span class="smcap">De Murr</span>, <span class="smcap">Rossi</span>, and <span class="smcap">Panzer</span>, whose busts are arranged in +progressive order. All these authors<a name="FNanchor_155_157" id="FNanchor_155_157"></a><a href="#Footnote_155_157" class="fnanchor">[155]</a> are greatly eminent in the +several<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">64</a></span> departments which they occupy; especially Panzer—whose +<i>Annales Typographici</i>, in regard to arrangement and fulness of +information, leaves the similar work of his precedessor, Maittaire, +far behind. It is unluckily printed upon wretched paper—but who +rejects the pine-apple from the roughness of its coat? Get ready the +wherry; man it with a choice bibliomanical crew, good Lisardo!—and +smuggle over in it,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">65</a></span> if you can, the precious works of these latter +bibliographers—for you may saunter "from rise to set of sun," from +Whitechapel to Hyde-Park Corner—for them—in vain!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_151_153" id="Footnote_151_153"></a><a href="#FNanchor_151_153">[151]</a> Barthelemy, <span class="smcap">Mercier de St. Leger</span>, died in the +year 1800, and in the sixty-sixth of his age, full of +reputation, and deeply regretted by those who knew the +delightful qualities of his head and heart. It is not my +intention to enumerate <i>all</i> his publications, the titles of +which may be found in the <i>Siécles Littéraires</i>, vol. iv., +p. 350: but, in the present place, I will only observe that +his "<i>Supplement à l'Histoire de l'Imprimerie, par P. +Marchand</i>," was first published in 1773, and afterwards in +1775, 4to., a rare and curious work; but little known in +this country. His <i>Bibliothéque des Romans, traduit de +Grec</i>, was published in 1796, 12 vols. 12mo. His letter +concerning De Bure's work, 1763, 8vo., betrayed some severe +animadversions upon the <i>Bibliogr. Instruct.</i>: but he got a +similar flagellation in return, from the Abbé Rive, in his +<i>Chasse aux Bibliographes</i>—who held him and De Bure, and +all the bibliographical tribe, in sovereign contempt. His +letter to Heinecken upon the rare editions of the 15th +century, 1783, 8vo., and his other works, I never saw in any +collection. The imperial library at Paris purchased his copy +of Du Verdier's and La Croix du Maine's Bibliothéques, +covered with his marginal annotations, as well as his copy +of Clement's <i>Bibl. Curieuse</i>. Le Blond, member of the +Institute, obtained his copy of De Bure's <i>Bibliographie +Instructive</i>, also enriched with MS. notes. Mr. Ochéda, Lord +Spencer's librarian, who knew well the Abbé de St. Leger, +informed me that he left behind him ample materials for a +History of Printing, in a new edition of his Supplement to +Marchand's work, which he projected publishing, and which +had received from him innumerable additions and corrections. +"He was a man," says Mr. Ochéda, "the most conversant with +editions of books of all kinds, and with every thing +connected with typography and bibliography, that I ever +conversed with." The reader may consult Peignot's <i>Dict. de +Bibliologie</i>, vol. i., p. 452, vol. iii., p. 212.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_152_154" id="Footnote_152_154"></a><a href="#FNanchor_152_154">[152]</a> The <i>Onomasticon Literarium</i> of <span class="smcap">Christopher +Saxius</span>, <i>Traject. ad Rhenum</i>, 1775-90, seven vols. 8vo., +with a supplement, or eighth volume, published in 1803, is +considered as a work of the very first reputation in its +way. The notices of eminent men are compendious, but +accurate; and the arrangement is at once lucid and new. An +elegantly bound copy of this scarce work cannot be obtained +for less than six and seven guineas. The first +bibliographical production of the Abbé <span class="smcap">Laire</span> was, I believe, +the <i>Specimen Historicum Typographiæ Romanæ, xv. seculi, +Romæ</i>, 1778, large 8vo.; of which work, a copy printed <span class="smcap">upon +vellum</span> (perhaps unique) was sold at the sale of M. +d'Hangard, in 1789, for 300 livres. <i>Dictionn. Bibliogr.</i>, +vol. iv., p. 250. In my Introduction, &c., to the Greek and +Latin Classics, some account of its intrinsic merit will be +found: vol. i., p. xviii. In the year 1784 Laire published a +"<i>Dissertation sur l'origine et Progrès de l'Imprimerie en +Franche-Comté</i>," 8vo.; and, in the year 1791, came forth his +Catalogue Raisonné of the early printed books in the library +of Cardinal de Lomenie de Brienne; under the title of +"<i>Index Librorum ab Inventa Typographia, ad annum 1500</i>," in +two octavo volumes. See the article "<a href="#Lomenie"><span class="smcap">Lomenie</span></a>," in the list +of foreign catalogues, post. Laire was also the author of a +few other minor bibliographical productions. All the books +in his library, relating to this subject, were covered with +marginal notes; some of them very curious. See Peignot's +<i>Dict. de Bibliologie</i>, vol. i., p. 330: and <i>Les Siecles +Littéraires</i>, (1801, 8vo.) vol. iv., p. 75.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_153_155" id="Footnote_153_155"></a><a href="#FNanchor_153_155">[153]</a> The works and the merits of <span class="smcap">Audiffredi</span> have +been before submitted by me to the public; and Mr. Beloe, in +the third volume of his "<i>Anecdotes of Literature</i>," &c., +has justly observed upon the latter. In Lord Spencer's +magnificent library at Althorpe, I saw a copy of the +"<i>Editiones Italicæ</i>," sec. xv., 1793, 4to., upon <span class="smcap">large +paper</span>. It is much to be wished that some knowing +bibliographer upon the Continent would complete this +unfinished work of Audiffredi. His <i>Editiones Romanæ</i>, sec. +xv., 1783, 4to., is one of the most perfect works of +bibliography extant: yet Laire's "<i>Index Librorum</i>," &c. +(see preceeding note), is necessary to supply the omission +of some early books printed at Rome, which had escaped even +this keen bibliographer!</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_154_156" id="Footnote_154_156"></a><a href="#FNanchor_154_156">[154]</a> <span class="smcap">Heinecken's</span> name stands deservedly high +(notwithstanding his tediousness and want of taste) among +bibliographical and typographical antiquaries. Of his +"<i>Nachrichten von Kunstlern und Kunst-Sachen</i>," Leipzig, +1768, 8vo., two vols., (being "New Memoirs upon Artists and +the objects of Art"—and which is frequently referred to by +foreigners,) I never saw a copy. It was again published in +1786. His "<i>Idée Générale d'une Collection complette +d'Estampes</i>," &c., Leips., 1771, 8vo., is a most curious and +entertaining book; but unconscionably dear in this country. +His "<i>Dictionnaire des Artistes dont nous avons des +Estampes</i>," &c., Leips. 1778, 8vo., four vols., is an +unfinished performance, but remarkably minute as far as it +goes. The remainder, written in the German language, +continues in MS. in the Electorate library at Dresden, +forming twelve volumes. Of the character of Heinecken's +latter work, consult Huber's <i>Manuel, &c., des Amateurs de +l'Art</i>, Zurich, 1797, 8vo.: and a recent work entitled +"<i>Notices des Graveurs</i>," Paris, 1804, 8vo., two vols. +Heinecken died at the advanced age of eighty.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_155_157" id="Footnote_155_157"></a><a href="#FNanchor_155_157">[155]</a> We will discuss their works <i>seriatim</i>, as +Lisardo has said above. <span class="smcap">Seemiller's</span> <i>Bibliothecæ +Incolstadiensis Incunabula Typographica</i>, contains four +parts, or fasciculi: they are bound in one volume, quarto, +1787, &c.; but, unfortunately for those who love curious and +carefully executed works, it is rather rare in this country. +The <i>Notitia Historico-Critica de libris ab art typog. +invent.</i>, by <span class="smcap">Placid Braun</span>, in two parts, or volumes, 1788, +4to., with curious plates, has long been a desideratum in my +own collection; and my friend Mr. Beloe, who is luckily in +possession of a copy, enjoys his triumph over me when he +discovers it not in my bibliographical boudoir. The same +author also published his "<i>Notitia Historico-Literaria de +cod. MSS. in Bibl. Monast. ord. S. Bened. ad SS. Vidal. et +Afram Augustæ ex tantibus</i>," Aug. Vindel., 1791, 4to., two +vols. <i>Cat. de Santander</i>, vol. iv., p. 170. I know not how +any well versed bibliographer can do without the +"<i>Bibliotheca Moguntina libris sæculo primo +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Typographico">Tpyographico</span> Moguntiæ impressis +instructa</i>;" 1787, 4to., of <span class="smcap">Wurdtwein</span>. It has some curious +plates of fac-similes, and is rarely seen in the Strand or +King-street book-markets.——<span class="smcap">C.T. De Murr</span> published a work +of some interest, entitled, "<i>Memorabilia Bibliothecarum +Publicarum Norimbergensium</i>," Norimb., 1786-91, three parts +or vols. 8vo.; which is also rare.——<span class="smcap">Rossi's</span> valuable work +concerning the annals of Hebrew typography: <i>Annales +Hebræo-Typographici, à 1475, ad 1540</i>, Parmæ, 1795, 1799, +4to., two separate publications, is prettily printed by +Bodoni, and is an indispensable article in the collection of +the typographical antiquary. See the <i>Dict. de Bibliologie</i>, +vol. iii., p. 286.——<span class="smcap">Panzer's</span> <i>Annales Typographici</i>, in +eleven quarto volumes (1793-1803) is a work of the very +first importance to bibliographers. Its arrangement, after +the manner of Orlandi's, is clear and most convenient; and +the references to authorities, which are innumerable, are, +upon the whole, very faithful. The indexes are copious and +satisfactory. This work (of which I hear there are only +three copies upon <span class="smcap">large paper</span>) contains an account of books +which were printed in all parts of Europe from the year +1457, to 1536, inclusive; but it should be remembered that +the author published a distinct work in the year 1788, 4to., +relating to books which were printed, within the same +period, in the <i>German Language</i>; and this should always +accompany the eleven Latin volumes. I will just add from it, +as a curiosity, the title and colophon (translated into +English) of the first printed book in the German +language:—"<span class="smcap">The Publication of Diethers, Elector of Mayence, +against Count Adolphus of Nassau</span>; <i>given out under our +impressed seal on Tuesday, after the fourth Sunday in +Advent, anno Domini 1462</i>." Consult also Wurdtwein's <i>Bibl. +Mogunt.</i>, p. 80; and the authorities there referred to. It +seems doubtful whether this curious little brochure, of +which scarcely any thing more than a fragment now remains, +was printed by Fust and Schoeffer, or by Gutenberg.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">What countenances are those which beam with so much quiet, but +interesting, expression? They are the resemblances of <span class="smcap">Denis</span> and +<span class="smcap">Camus</span>:<a name="FNanchor_156_158" id="FNanchor_156_158"></a><a href="#Footnote_156_158" class="fnanchor">[156]</a> the former of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">66</a></span> whom is better known from his <i>Annalium +Typographicorum Maittaire Supplementum</i>; and the latter very generally +respected abroad, although our acquaintance with him in this country +is exceedingly slight. If I mistake not, I observe the mild and modest +countenance of my old acquaintance, <span class="smcap">Herbert</span>, in this bibliographical +group of heads? Do not despise his toil<a name="FNanchor_157_159" id="FNanchor_157_159"></a><a href="#Footnote_157_159" class="fnanchor">[157]</a> because it is not +sprinkled with gay conceits, or learned digressions: he wrote to be +useful, not to be entertaining; and so far as he went, his work was +such an improvement upon his predecessor's plan as to place it quite +at the head of <span class="smcap">National Typography</span>. See yonder the sensible +countenance of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">67</a></span> <span class="smcap">Harwood</span>!<a name="FNanchor_158_160" id="FNanchor_158_160"></a><a href="#Footnote_158_160" class="fnanchor">[158]</a> the first writer in this country who +taught us to consider the respective merits and demerits of the +various editions of Greek and Latin authors.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_156_158" id="Footnote_156_158"></a><a href="#FNanchor_156_158">[156]</a> <span class="smcap">Michael Denis</span>, the translator of Ossian, and +a bibliographer of justly established eminence, was +principal librarian of the Imperial library at Vienna, and +died in the year 1800, at the age of 71. His <i>Supplement to +Maittaire's Typographical Annals</i>, in two parts or volumes, +1789, 4to., is a work of solid merit, and indispensable to +the possessor of its precursor. The bibliographical +references are very few; but the descriptions of the volumes +are minutely accurate. The indexes also are excellent. In +the year 1793, Denis published the first volume (in three +thick parts in folio) of his <i>Codices Manuscripti Theologici +Bibl. Palat. Vindob.</i>; a production which the reader will +find somewhat fully described in the ensuing pages. The +second volume appeared after his death in 1801. In 1795-6, +came forth his second edition of an <i>Introduction to the +Knowledge of Books</i>, in two quarto volumes; unfortunately +written in the German language—but mentioned with +approbation in the first volume of the <i>Mem. de l'Inst.</i>, p. +648. Consult also Peignot's <i>Dict. de Bibliologie</i>, vol. i., +p. 122; ii., 232.——<span class="smcap">Armand Gaston Camus</span> is a bibliographer +of very first rate reputation. The reader has only to peruse +the following titles of some of his works, and he will +certainly bewail his ill fortune if they are not to be found +in his library. 1. <i>Observations sur la distribution et le +classement des livres d'une Bibliothéque</i>: 2. <i>Additions aux +mêmes</i>; 3. <i>Memoire sur un livre Allemand</i> (which is the +famous <span class="smcap">Tewrdannckhs</span>; and about which is to be hoped that Mr. +Douce will one day favour us with his curious remarks): 4. +<i>Addition au même</i>: 5. <i>Memoire sur l'histoire et les +procédés du Polytypage et de la Stéréotypie</i>: 6. <i>Rapport +sur la continuation de la Collection des Historiens de +France, et de celle des Chartres et Diplomes</i>: 7. <i>Notice +d'un livre imprimé à Bamberg en 1462</i>. All these works are +thus strung together, because they occur in the first three +volumes of the <i>Memoires de l'Institut</i>. This curious book, +printed at Bamberg, was discovered by a German clergyman of +the name of Stenier, and was first described by him in the +<i>Magasin Hist.-Litt., bibliogr.</i> Chemintz, 1792: but Camus's +memoir is replete with curious matter, and is illustrated +with fac-simile cuts. In the "<i>Notices et Extraits des MSS. +de la Bibl. Nationale</i>," vol. vi., p. 106, will be found a +most interesting memoir by him, relating to two ancient +manuscript bibles, in two volumes folio, adorned with a +profusion of pictures: of some of which very elegant +fac-similes are given. These pictures are 5152 in number! +each of them having a Latin and French verse beautifully +written and illuminated beneath.—Camus supposes that such a +work could not now be executed under 100,000 francs!—"Where +(exclaims he) shall we find such modern specimens of +book-luxury?" In the year 1802, he published an admirable +"<i>Mémoire sur la collection des grands et petits voyages, et +sur la Collection des Voyages des Melchesedech Thevenot</i>," +4to., with an excellent "Table des Matières." Of his own +journey into the Low Countries, recently published, I never +met with a copy. All the preceding works, with the exception +of the last, are in my own humble collection.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_157_159" id="Footnote_157_159"></a><a href="#FNanchor_157_159">[157]</a> A short bibliographical memoir of <span class="smcap">Herbert</span> +will be found in the first volume of my edition of the +<i>Typographical Antiquities of Great Britain</i>. Since that was +published, I have gleaned a few further particulars relating +to him, which may be acceptable to the reader. Shortly after +the appearance of his third volume, he thus speaks in a +letter to Mr. Price, librarian of the Bodleian library, "If +at any time you meet with any book of which I have not taken +notice, or made any mistake in the description of it, your +kind information will be esteemed a favour; as I purpose to +continue collecting materials for a future publication, when +enough shall be collected to make another volume." This was +in April, 1790. In the ensuing month he thus addresses his +old friend Mr. White, of Crickhowell, who, with himself, was +desperately addicted to the black-letter. "To morrow my wife +and self set out for Norfolk to take a little relaxation for +about a fortnight. I hope my labours will in some good +measure answer the expectation of my friends and subscribers +in general. Sure I am my best endeavours have been exerted +for that purpose. I have been 24 years collecting materials; +have spent many a fair pound, and many a weary hour; and it +is now ten years since the first part was committed to the +press. I purpose to continue collecting materials in order +to a fourth volume, &c.;—yet by no means will I make myself +debtor to the public when to publish: if it shall please God +to take me to himself, Isaac will in due time set it forth. +However I shall keep an interleaved copy for the purpose." +In a letter to a Mr. John Banger Russell (in Dorsetshire), +written in the ensuing month of June, the same sentiments +and the same intention are avowed. Thus ardent was the +bibliomaniacal spirit of Herbert in his 72d year! The +<i>interleaved copy</i> here alluded to (which was bound in six +volumes 4to., in Russia binding, and for which Mr. Gough had +given Herbert's widow 52<i>l.</i> 10<i>s.</i>) is now in my +possession; as well as the yet more valuable acquisition of +some numerous MS. addenda to his History of Printing—both +of these articles having been purchased by me at the sale of +Mr. Gough's MSS. and printed books, A.D. 1810.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_158_160" id="Footnote_158_160"></a><a href="#FNanchor_158_160">[158]</a> Dr. <span class="smcap">Edward Harwood</span> published the fourth and +last edition of his "<i>View of the various editions of the +Greek and Roman Classics</i>," in the year 1790, 8vo. A work +which, in the public estimation, has entitled its author's +memory to very considerable respect in the classical world; +although the late Professor Porson, in the fly leaf of a +copy of my second edition of a similar publication, was +pleased to call the Doctor by a name rather unusually harsh +with <i>him</i>, who was "Criticus et lenis et acutus;" censuring +also my dependance upon my predecessor. In the year 1808, +was published my third edition of "<i>An introduction to the +knowledge of rare and valuable editions of the Greek and +Latin Classics</i>," two volumes 8vo.: in which, if I may +presume to talk of anything so insignificant, I have +endeavoured to exhibit the opinions—not of Dr. Harwood +alone, but of the most eminent foreign critics and +editors—upon the numerous editions which, in a +chronological series, are brought before the reader's +attention. The remarks of the first bibliographers in Europe +are also, for the first time in a English publication, +subjoined; so that the lover of curious, as well as of +valuable, editions may be equally gratified. The +authorities, exceedingly numerous as well as respectable, +are referred to in a manner the most unostentatious; and a +full measure of text, and to be really useful, was my design +from the beginning to the end of it. To write a long and +dull homily about its imperfections would be gross +affectation. An extensive sale has satisfied my publishers +that its merit a little counterbalances its defects.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> You are, no doubt, a fond and partial critic in regard to the +works of Herbert and Harwood: but I am glad to recognise my fellow +countrymen in such an illustrious assemblage. Go on.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> We are just at the close. But a few more busts, and those very +recently executed, remain to be noticed. These are the resemblances of +<span class="smcap">La Serna Santander</span>, <span class="smcap">Cailleau</span>, and <span class="smcap">Oberlin</span>;<a name="FNanchor_159_161" id="FNanchor_159_161"></a><a href="#Footnote_159_161" class="fnanchor">[159]</a> while several<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">68</a></span> vacant +niches remain to be filled up with the busts of more modern +bibliographers of eminence: namely, of <span class="smcap">Van-Praet</span>, <span class="smcap">Fischer</span>, <span class="smcap">Lambinet</span>, +<span class="smcap">Renouard</span>, <span class="smcap">Peignot</span>, <span class="smcap">Fournier</span>, <span class="smcap">Barbier</span>, <span class="smcap">Boucher</span>, and <span class="smcap">Brunet</span>.<a name="FNanchor_160_162" id="FNanchor_160_162"></a><a href="#Footnote_160_162" class="fnanchor">[160]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_159_161" id="Footnote_159_161"></a><a href="#FNanchor_159_161">[159]</a> <span class="smcap">De la Serna Santander</span> will always hold a +distinguished place amongst bibliographers, not only from +the care and attention with which he put forth the catalogue +of his own books—the parting from which must have gone near +to break his heart—but from his elegant and useful work +entitled, "<i>Dictionnaire Bibliographique choisi du quinzieme +Siécle</i>," 1805, &c., 8vo., in three parts or volumes. His +summary of researches, upon the invention of printing, Mr. +Edwards told me, he read "with complete satisfaction"—this +occupies the first part or volume. The remaining volumes +form a necessary, as well as brilliant, supplement to De +Bure. Just at this moment, I believe that Mr. Beloe's, and +my own, copy of the work, are the only ones in this +country.——<span class="smcap">Cailleau</span> has the credit of being author of the +<i>Dictionnaire Bibliographique</i>, &c., in three volumes, +octavo, 1790—of which there are a sufficient number of +counterfeited and faulty re-impressions; but which, after +all, in its original shape, edit. 1790, is not free from +gross errors; however useful it is in many respects. I +suspect, however, that the Abbé <span class="smcap">Duclos</span> had the greater share +in this publication: but, be this as it may, the fourth +supplemental volume (by the younger Brunet) is, in every +respect, a more accurate and valuable performance. <span class="smcap">Oberlin</span>, +librarian of the central school or college at Strasbourg, is +author of a bibliographical treatise particularly deserving +of the antiquary's attention: namely, <i>Essai d'annales de la +vie de Jean</i> <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Gutenberg"><i>Gutenburg</i></span>, <i>&c.</i>, +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Strasb.">Stasb.</span>, an. ix., 8vo. His +other numerous (belles-lettres) works are minutely specified +by Peignot in his <i>Dict. de Bibliologie</i>, vol. iii., p. 230. +His edition of Horace, Argent., 1788, 4to., is both elegant +and correct.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_160_162" id="Footnote_160_162"></a><a href="#FNanchor_160_162">[160]</a> Let us go quietly through the modern French +school of bibliography.——Mons. <span class="smcap">Joseph Van-Praet</span> is +principal librarian of the Imperial collection at Paris, and +is justly called, by some of his fellow-labourers in the +same career, "one of the first bibliographers in Europe." He +is known to me, as a bibliographical writer, only by the +part which he took, and so ably executed, in the Valliere +catalogue of 1783. Peignot informs us that M. Van-Praet is +now busy in composing a little work—which I am sure will +rejoice the hearts of all true bibliomaniacs to be apprised +of—called a <i>Catalogue raisonné</i> of books <span class="smcap">printed upon +vellum</span>; for which he has already prepared not fewer than +2000 articles! See the <i>Curiosités Bibliogr.</i>, p. iij. Among +these <span class="smcap">vellum</span> articles, gentle reader, I assure thee that +thine eyes will be blest with the description of "<span class="smcap">The Shyp +of Fooles</span>," printed by Pynson, 1509! The urbanity and +politeness of this distinguished librarian are equal to his +knowledge.——<span class="smcap">Gotthelf Fischer</span>, a Saxon by birth, and +librarian of the public collection at Mentz, has given us +the following interesting treatises, of which, I believe, +not five copies are to be found in this country: +namely—<i>Essai sur les Monumens Typographiques de Jean +Gutenberg, &c.</i>, an. x. [1801], 4to.: and <i>Descriptions de +raretés typographiques et de Manuscrits remarquables, &c.</i>, +Nuremb., 1801, 8vo.—the latter is in the German language, +and has cuts—with a portrait of Fust. By this time, the +work has most probably been translated into French, as it is +frequently referred to and highly spoken of by foreigners. +Peignot [<i>Dict. de Bibliologie</i>, vol. iii., p. 128] refers +us to the fine eulogy pronounced upon +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Fischer">Fisher</span> (not yet 40 years of age) by Camus, in his +"Voyage dans les departemens réunis," p. 12.——<span class="smcap">Lambinet</span> +will always be remembered and respected, as long as printing +and bibliography shall be studied, by his "<i>Recherches +Historiques Littéraires et Critiques, sur l'Originè de +L'Imprimerie; particulièrement sur les premiers +établissemens au</i> XV<span class="super">me</span> <i>siécle dans la Belgique</i>," &c., +Brux., an. vii. (1798), 8vo. It is, indeed, a very +satisfactory performance: the result of judgment and +taste—rare union!——In like manner, <span class="smcap">Renouard</span> has procured +for himself a bibliographical immortality by his <i>Annales de +l'Imprimerie des Aide</i>, 1803, 8vo., two vols.: a work almost +perfect of its kind, and by many degrees superior to +Bandini's dry <i>Annales Typog. Juntarum.</i>, Lucæ, 1761. In +Renouard's taste, accuracy and interest are delightfully +combined; and the work is printed with unrivalled beauty. +There were only six copies of it printed upon <span class="smcap">large paper</span>; +one of which I saw in the fine collection of the Rt. Hon. T. +Grenville.——Few modern bibliographers have displayed so +much diligence as <span class="smcap">Gabriel Peignot</span>: from whom we have, 1. +<i>Dictionnaire Raisonné de Bibliologie</i>, Paris, 1802, 8vo., +two vols., with a third, by way of supplement (1804). With +necessary corrections and additions, this work would answer +many useful purposes in an English translation. 2. <i>Essai de +Curiosités Bibliographiques</i>, 1804, 8vo. This is a very +amusing (but scarce and unconscionably dear) book. It +contains elaborate descriptions of many curious and +sumptuous works, which were sold for 1000 and more livres at +public sales. 3. <i>Dictionnaire, &c., des principaux livres +condamnés au feu, supprimés ou censurés</i>, Paris, 1806, 8vo., +2 vols. The very title of such a work must sharpen the edge +of curiosity with those bibliomaniacs who have never seen +it. 4. <i>Bibliographie Curieuse, ou Notice Raisonnée des +livres imprimés a cent exemplaires au plus, suivie d'une +notice de quelques ouvrages tirés sur papier de couleur</i>, +Paris, 1808, 8vo. Only one hundred copies of this thin +volume were struck off: of which I possess the 86th copy, +according to Peignot's notification. Indeed I am fortunate +in having all his preceding works. Let us wish long life and +never-failing success to so brave a book-chevalier as +Gabriel Peignot.——<span class="smcap">François Ignace Fournier</span>, at 18 years of +age, published an elegantly printed little volume, entitled +<i>Essai Portatif de Bibliographie</i>, 1796, 8vo., of which only +26 copies were struck off. In the year 1805, this essay +assumed the form of a Dictionary, and appeared under the +title of <i>Dictionnaire portatif de Bibliographie, &c.</i>, +8vo., comprising 17,000 articles, printed in a very small +character. Last year, in the month of May, Fournier put +forth a new edition of this <i>Dictionnaire</i>, considerably +augmented; but in which (such is the fate of bibliographical +studies) notwithstanding all the care of the author, Brunet +tells us that he has discovered not fewer than five hundred +errors! Let not Fournier, however be discouraged; in a few +years he will achieve something yet more worthy of his +laudable seal in bibliography.——<span class="smcap">Antoine-Alexandre Barbier</span>, +librarian of the Council of State, has favoured us with an +admirably well executed work, entitled <i>Dictionnaire des +Ouvrages Anonymes et Pseudonymes, composés, traduits ou +publiés en Français, &c., accompagneé de notes historiques +et critiques</i>, Paris, <i>Imprimis Bibliogr.</i>, 1806, 8vo., two +vols. See also art. "<a href="#Conseil">Conseil d'Etat</a>," in the list of French +Catalogues, post. From these the reader will judge of the +warm thanks to which this eminent bibliographer is entitled +for his very useful labours.——<span class="smcap">G. Boucher</span> de la Richarderie +has, in an especial manner, distinguished himself by his +<i>Bibliothéque Universelle des Voyages</i>, Paris, 1808, 8vo., +six vols.: a work executed with care, minuteness, and +considerable interest. Some of its extracts are, perhaps, +unnecessarily long. The index to the sixth volume will lead +the reader to consult an account of some of the most +ancient, rare, and curious publications of voyages which +have ever appeared: and Boucher "has deserved well" of the +book world by this truly valuable and almost indispensable +performance.——<span class="smcap">Brunet</span> Le Fils. This able writer, and +enthusiastic devotee to bibliography, has recently published +an excellent and copious work which would appear greatly to +eclipse Fournier's; entitled "<i>Manuel du Libraire et de +l'Amateur de Livres, contenant, 1. Un Nouveau Dictionnaire +Bibliographigue, 2. Une Table en forme de Catalogue +Raisonnée</i>," Paris, 1810, 8vo., 3 vols.: in which he tells us +he has devoted at least thirty years to the examination of +books. The first two volumes form a scientific arrangement: +the latter is an alphabetical one, referring to one or the +other of the preceding volumes for a more copious account of +the work. It must be confessed that Brunet has, in this +publication, executed a difficult task with great ability.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">69</a></span><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> I am quite anxious to possess the publications of these moderns: +but you say nothing of their comparative value with the ancients.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">70</a></span></p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Generally speaking, in regard to discoveries of rare books and +typographical curiosities, the moderns have the advantage. They have +made more rational conclusions, from data which had escaped their +predecessors: and the sparkling and animated manner in which they +dress out the particular objects that they describe renders the +perusal of their works more pleasant and gratifying. I am not sure +that they have the learning of the old school: but their works are, in +general, less ponderous and repulsive. The ancient bibliographers were +probably too anxious to describe every thing, however minute and +unimportant: they thought it better to say too much than too little; +and, finding the great mass of readers in former times, uninstructed +in these particular pursuits, they thought they could never exhaust a +subject by bringing to bear upon it every point, however remotely +connected! They found the plain, it is true, parched and sandy; but +they were not satisfied with pouring water upon it, 'till they had +converted it into a deluge.<a name="FNanchor_161_163" id="FNanchor_161_163"></a><a href="#Footnote_161_163" class="fnanchor">[161]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_161_163" id="Footnote_161_163"></a><a href="#FNanchor_161_163">[161]</a> What Denis says, in the preface to his +<i>Catalog. Cod. MSS. Bibl. Palat. Vindob.</i> (of which see <a href="#Page_65">p. +65</a>, ante) is very just; "media incedendum via; neque nudis +codicum titulis, ut quibusdam bibliothecis placuit, in +chartam conjectis provehi multum studia, neque <i>doctis, quæ +superioris seculi fuit intemperantia, ambagibus et +excursibus</i>."—This is certainly descriptive of the <span class="smcap">old +school</span> of bibliography.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Let me ask you, at this stage of our inquiries, what you mean by +bibliographical publications?—and whether the works of those authors +which you have enumerated are sufficient to enable a novice, like +myself, to have pretty accurate notions about the rarity and intrinsic +value of certain works?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> By bibliographical publications, I mean such works as give us +some knowledge of the literary<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">71</a></span> productions, as well as of the life, +of certain learned men; which state the various and the best editions +of their lucubrations; and which stimulate us to get possession of +these editions. Every biographical narrative which is enriched with +the mention of curious and rare editions of certain works is, to a +great extent, a bibliographical publication. Those works which treat +professedly upon books are, of course, immediately within the pale of +bibliography.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> But am I to be satisfied with the possession of those works +already recommended?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> I suppose Lisardo has heard of certain valuable <span class="smcap">catalogues</span>, and +he wishes to know how far the possession of these may be requisite in +order to make him a bibliographer?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> At present I will say nothing about the catalogues of the +collections of our own countrymen. As we have been travelling +principally abroad, we may direct our attention to those which relate +to foreign collections.</p> + +<p class="bp">And first, let us pay a due tribute of praise to the published +Catalogues of Libraries collected by the <span class="smcap">Jesuits</span>: men of shrewd +talents and unabating research, and in derogation of whose merits +Voltaire and D'Alembert disgraced themselves by scribbling the most +contemptible lampoons. The downfall of this society led, not very +indirectly, to the destruction of the ancient French monarchy. Men +seemed to forget that while the most shameless depredations were +committed within the libraries of the Jesuits, the cause of learning, +as well as of liberty, suffered,—and the spoils which have glittered +before our eyes, as the precious relics of these collections, serve to +afford a melancholy proof how little those men stick at any thing who, +in raising the war-whoop of liberty and equality, tear open the very +bowels of order, tranquillity, peace, and decorum! But, to the +subject. Let the catalogues of <span class="smcap">public collections</span>, when they are well +arranged, be received into your library. Of foreign <span class="smcap">private +collections</span>, the catalogues<a name="FNanchor_162_164" id="FNanchor_162_164"></a><a href="#Footnote_162_164" class="fnanchor">[162]</a> of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">72</a></span> <span class="smcap">Du Fresne</span>, <span class="smcap">Cordes</span>, <span class="smcap">Heinsias</span>, +<span class="smcap">Baluze</span>, <span class="smcap">Colbert</span>, <span class="smcap">Rothelin</span>, <span class="smcap">De Boze</span>, <span class="smcap">Prefond</span>, <span class="smcap">Pompadour</span>, <span class="smcap">Gaignat</span>, +<span class="smcap">Gouttard</span>, <span class="smcap">Bunau</span>, <span class="smcap">Soubise</span>, <span class="smcap">La Valliere</span>, <span class="smcap">Crevenna</span>,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">73</a></span> <span class="smcap">Lamoignon</span>, and of +several other collections, with which my memory does not just now +serve me, will enable you to form a pretty correct estimate of the +<i>market<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">74</a></span>able value</i> of certain rare and sumptuous publications. +Catalogues are, to bibliographers, what <i>Reports</i> are to lawyers: not +to be read through from beginning to end<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">75</a></span>—but to be consulted on +doubtful points, and in litigated cases. Nor must you, after all, +place too strong a reliance upon the present prices of books, from +what they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">76</a></span> have produced at former sales; as nothing is more +capricious and unsettled than the value of books at a public auction. +But, in regard to these catalogues, if<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">77</a></span> you should be fortunate enough +to possess any which are printed upon <i>Large Paper, with the Names of +the Purchasers, and the Prices</i> for which each set of books<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">78</a></span> was sold, +thrice and four times happy may you account yourself to be, my good +Lisardo!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_162_164" id="Footnote_162_164"></a><a href="#FNanchor_162_164">[162]</a> As it would have required more breath than +usually falls to the lot of an individual, for Lysander to +have given even a rough sketch of the merits, demerits, and +rarity of certain foreign catalogues of public and private +collections—in his discourse with his friends—I have +ventured to supply the deficiency by subjoining, in the +ensuing <i>tolerably copious</i> note, a list of these +catalogues, alphabetically arranged; as being, perhaps, the +most convenient and acceptable plan. Such an attempt is +quite novel; and must be received, therefore, with many +grains of allowance. Although I am in possession of the +greater number (at least of two thirds) of the catalogues +described, I am aware that, in regard to the description of +those not in my own library, I subject myself to the lash of +P. Morhof. "Inepti sunt, qui librorum catalogos scribunt e +catalogis. Oculata fides et judicium præsens requiritur." +<i>Polyhist. Literar.</i>, vol. i., 230. But the weight of my +authorities will, I trust, secure me from any great violence +of critical indignation. To render so dry a subject (the +very "<i>Hortus Siccus</i>" of bibliography) somewhat palatable, +I have here and there besprinkled it with biographical +anecdotes of the collectors, and of the state of French +literature in the last century and a half.——<span class="smcap">D'Aguesseau.</span> +<i>Catalogue des Livres Imprimés et Manuscrits de la +Bibliothéque de feu Monsieur D'Aguesseau</i>, &c., Paris, 1785, +8vo. "Anxious to enrich his collection, (says the compiler +of this catalogue) the Bibliomaniac sees with delight the +moment arrive when, by the sale of a library like this, he +may add to his precious stores. It is, in truth, a grand +collection; especially of history, arts, and sciences, and +jurisprudence. The famous Chancellor D'Aguesseau laid the +foundation of this library, which was as universal as his +own genius." It would appear that the son, to whom the +collection latterly belonged, was gracious in the extreme in +the loan of books; and that, in consequence, a public +advertisement was inserted at the foot of the "Avis +preliminaire," to entreat those, who had profited by such +kindness, to return their borrowed (shall I say stolen?) +goods? For want of these volumes, many sets of books were +miserably defective.——<span class="smcap">Anonymiana.</span> <i>Catalogus Bibliothecæ +Anonymianæ, in quo libri rariores recensentur, una cum notis +litterariis</i>, Norimb., 1738, 8vo. This is a catalogue of +value, and may be well ranged with its brethren upon the +bibliographer's shelf. Another "<i>Bibliotheca Anonymiana</i>," +was published ten years preceding the present one; at the +Hague, in three parts, one vol., 8vo.: which, in the <i>Bibl. +Solger.</i>, vol iii., n<span class="super">o</span>. 1388, is said to contain many +rare books: see also n<span class="super">o</span>. 1370, <i>ibid.</i>——<span class="smcap">D'Artois.</span> +<i>Catalogue des Livres du Cabinet de Monseigneur Le Compte +D'Artois</i>, Paris, 1783, 8vo. Very few copies of this +catalogue, which is printed in a wide octavo page, +resembling that of a quarto, were struck off: according to +Fournier's <i>Dict. Portat. de Bibliogr.</i>, p. 120, edit. 1809. +See also <i>Cat. de Boutourlin</i>, n<span class="super">o</span>. 3876.——<span class="smcap">Augustana.</span> +<i>Catalogus Bibliothecæ inclytæ Reipubl. Augustanæ utriusque +linguæ tum Græcæ tum Latinæ librorum et impressorum et manu +exaratorum.</i> Aug. Vindel., 1600, fol. Morhof informs us that +this catalogue, of which Hoeschelius was the compiler, +contains an account of some manuscripts which have never +been printed, as well as of some which Marcus Velserus +published. It is, moreover, full of precious bibliographical +matter; but unfortunately (the possessor of it may think +otherwise) only <span class="smcap">one hundred copies</span> were struck off. +<i>Polyhist. Literar.</i>, vol. i., 211. I find, however, some +little difficulty about distinguishing this catalogue of the +Augsbourg library from the impression of 1633, fol., which +Vogt mentions at p. 323, and of which he also talks of 100 +copies being printed. It should not be forgotten that +Hoeschelius published an admirable catalogue of the Greek +MSS. in the library of Augsbourg, 1595, and again 1605, in +4to. Colomiés pronounces it a model in its way. <i>Bibl. +Choisie</i>, p. 194-5. The catalogue of the Greek MSS. in the +library of the Duke of Bavaria, at Munich, was published +about the same period; namely, in 1602: the compiler was a +skilful man, but he tells us, at the head of the catalogue, +that the MSS. were open to the inspection of every one who +had any work in hand, provided he were a <i>Roman Catholic</i>! +This was being very kind to protestants! <i>Jugemens des +Savans</i>, vol. ii., part i., p. 215, edit. 1725. See also +Vogt's <i>Catalog. Libror. Rarior.</i>, p. 232.——<span class="smcap">Augustana.</span> +<i>Notitia historica-literaria de libris ab artis typographicæ +inventione usque ad annum, 1478, impressis, in Bibliotheca +Monasterii ad SS. Udalricum et Afram Augustæ extantibus.</i> +August, Vindel, 1788, 4to. This volume, which I have no +doubt would gratify the curious bibliographer, it has never +been my good fortune to meet with. It is here introduced +upon the authority of the <i>Cat. du Cardinal de Loménie</i>, +n<span class="super">o</span>. 2647: ed. 1797. I ought not to close this account of +the Augsbourg catalogues of books, without remarking, on the +authority of Reimannus, that the <i>first</i> published catalogue +of books is that which Villerius, a bookseller at Augsburg, +put forth in the year 1564. See the <i>Bibl. Acroam.</i>, p. +5.——<span class="smcap">Aurivillius.</span> <i>Catalogus Bibliothecæ quam collegerat +Carolus Aurivillius</i>, <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: section">sectio</span> +i. and ii., Upsal, 1787, 8vo. This catalogue contains a +plentiful sprinkling of short literary and bibliographical +notes; according to <i>Bibl. Krohn</i>, p. 256, n<span class="super">o</span>. +3582.——<span class="smcap">Badenhaupt.</span> <i>Bibliotheca selectissima; sive +Catalogus librorum magnam partem philologicorum, quos inter +eminent. Auctores Græci et Romani classica quos collegit +E.F. Badenhaupt</i>, Berol, 1773, 8vo. The pithy +bibliographical notes which are here and there scattered +throughout this catalogue, render it of estimation in the +opinion of the curious.——<span class="smcap">Baluze.</span> <i>Bibliotheca Balusiana; +seu catalogus librorum bibliothecæ D.S. Baluzii, A. Gab. +Martin</i>, Paris, 1719, 8vo., two vols. Let any enlightened +bibliographers read the eulogy upon the venerable Baluze +(who died in his eighty-eighth year, and who was the great +Colbert's librarian), in the preface of the <i>Bibl. +Colbertina</i> (vide <a href="#Colbert">post</a>), and in the <i>Dict. Hist.</i> (Caen, +1789, vol. i., p. 443-4), and he will not hesitate a moment +about the propriety of giving this volume a conspicuous +place upon his shelf. From the <i>Bibl. Mencken</i>, p. 10, it +would appear that a third volume, containing translations of +some MSS. in the royal library, is wanting to make this +catalogue complete. This third volume is +uncommon.——<span class="smcap">Barberini.</span> <i>Index Bibliothecæ Francisci +Barberini Cardinalis. Romæ, Typis Barberinis</i>, 1681, fol., +three vols. in two. The widely spread celebrity of Cardinal +Barberini suffers no diminution from this publication of the +riches contained within his library. The authors are +arranged alphabetically, and not according to classes. +Although it be not the most luminous in its arrangement, or +the most accurate in its execution, this finely printed +catalogue will never remain long upon a bookseller's shelf +without a purchaser. It were much to be desired that our own +noblemen, who have fine collections of books, would put +forth (after the example of Cardinal Barberini) similar +publications.——<span class="smcap">Barthelemy.</span> <i>Catalogue des Livres de la +Bibliothéque de M. l'Abbé Barthelemy, par M. Bernard</i>, 1800, +8vo. The high reputation of the owner of this collection +will always secure purchasers for this catalogue of useful +and interesting books.——<span class="smcap">Bibliographie</span> <i>des Pays Bas, avec +quelques notes. Nyon, en Suisse</i>, 1783, 4to. Only fifty +copies of this work were printed. It is a pity that Peignot, +who gives us this information, does not accompany it with +some account of the nature and merits of the work—which +probably grew out of the <i>Histoire Littéraire des Pays +Blas</i>, 1725, in three folio volumes. <i>Bibl. Curieuse</i>, p. +10.——<span class="smcap">Bodleian.</span> <i>Catalog. Libr. Bibl. Publ., &c., in Acad. +Oxon.</i>, 1605, 4to. <i>Catal. Libr. Impr.</i>, 1674, fol. +<i>Catalogi Libror. MSS. Angl. et Hibern.</i>, 1697, fol. +<i>Catalogus Impress. Libror. Bibl. Bodl.</i>, 1733, fol., two +vols. Although none but catalogues of foreign public and +private collections were intended to be noticed in this +list, the reader will forgive a little violation of the rule +laid down by myself, if I briefly observe upon the +catalogues of the Bodleian library and the British Museum. +[For the latter, vide '<a href="#Museum"><span class="smcap">Museum</span></a>.'] The first of these Bodleian +catalogues contains an account of the MSS. It was prepared +by Dr. James, the editor of the Philobiblion of De Bury +(vide <a href="#Page_30">p. 30</a>, ante), and, as it was the first attempt to +reduce to "lucid order" the indigested pile of MSS. +contained in the library, its imperfections must be +forgiven. It was afterwards improved, as well as enlarged, +in the folio edition of 1697, by Bernard; which contains the +MSS. subsequently bequeathed to the library by Selden, +Digby, and Laud, alone forming an extensive and valuable +collection. The editor of Morhof (vol. i., 193, n.) has +highly commended this latter catalogue. Let the purchaser of +it look well to the frontispiece of the portraits of Sir +Thomas Bodley and of the fore-mentioned worthies, which +faces the title-page; as it is frequently made the prey of +some prowling Grangerite. The first catalogue of the +<i>Printed Books</i> in the Bodleian library was compiled by the +celebrated orientalist, Dr. Hyde: the second by Fisher: of +these, the latter is the more valuable, as it is the more +enlarged. The plan adopted in both is the same: namely, the +books are arranged alphabetically, without any reference to +their classes—a plan fundamentally erroneous: for the chief +object in catalogues of public collections is to know what +works are published upon particular subjects, for the +facility of information thereupon—whether our inquiries +lead to publication or otherwise: an alphabetical index +should, of course, close the whole. It is with reluctance my +zeal for literature compels me to add that a <i>Catalogue +Raisonnée of the Manuscripts and Printed Books in the +Bodleian Library</i> is an urgent desideratum—acknowledged by +every sensible and affectionate son of <span class="smcap">Alma Mater</span>. Talent +there is, in abundance, towards the completion of such an +honourable task; and the only way to bring it effectually +into exercise is to employ heads and hands enough upon the +undertaking. Let it be remembered what Wanley and Messrs. +Planta and Nares have done for the Cottonian and Harleian +MSS.—and what Mr. Douce is now doing for those of the +Lansdowne collection! One gentleman alone, of a very +distinguished college, in whom the acuteness and solidity of +Porson seem almost revived, might do wonders for the Greek +MSS., and lend an effectual aid towards the arrangement of +the others. The printed books might be assigned, according +to their several classes, to the gentlemen most conversant +with the same; and the numerous bibliographical works, +published since the catalogue of 1733, might be occasionally +referred to, according to the plan observed in the <i>Notitia +Editionum vel Primariæ, &c., in Bibl. Bodl. Oxon.</i>, 1795, +8vo.; which was judiciously drawn up by the Bishop of +London, and the Rev. Dr. William Jackson. I am aware that +the aged hands of the present venerable librarian of the +Bodleian library can do little more than lay the +foundation-stone of such a massive superstructure; but even +this would be sufficient to enrol his name with the +Magliabecchis and Baillets of former times—to entitle him +to be classed among the best benefactors to the library—and +to shake hands with its immortal founder, in that place +where are</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +<span style="margin-left: 7em;">et amœna vireta</span><br /> +Fortunatorum nemorum, sedesque beatæ.<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><span class="smcap">Bonnier.</span> <i>Catalogue des livres de la Bibliothéque de +Bonnier.</i> Paris, 1800, 8vo. This catalogue is here +introduced to the bibliographer's notice in order to sharpen +his bibliomaniacal appetite to obtain one of the four copies +only which were printed upon <span class="smcap">large paper</span> of Dutch +manufacture. See <i>Cat. de Caillard</i> (1808), n<span class="super">o</span>. +2596.——<span class="smcap">Boutourlin.</span> <i>Catalogue des livres de la +Bibliothéque de S.E.M. Le Comte de Boutourlin.</i> Paris (an. +xiii.), 1805, 8vo. Every one must conceive a high respect +for the owner of this choice collection, from the amiable +sentiments which pervade the preface to the catalogue. It +has a good index; and is elegantly printed. My copy is upon +<span class="smcap">large paper</span>.——<span class="smcap">De Boze.</span> <i>Catalogue des Livres du Cabinet de +M. Claude Gros de Boze.</i> Paris. <i>De l'Imp. Royale</i>, 1745, +small folio. This is the first printed catalogue of the +choice and magnificent library of De Boze, the friend and +correspondent of Dr. Mead, between whom presents of books +were continually passing—as they were the first collectors +of the day in their respective countries. Some have said 50, +some 35, others 25, and others <span class="smcap">only 12 copies</span> of this +impression were struck off, as presents for the collector's +friends. Consult <i>Bibl. Mead</i>, p. 81, n<span class="super">o</span>. 617. <i>Bibl. +Creven.</i>, vol. v., 291. <i>Bauer's Bibl. Rarior.</i>, vol. i., +151. <i>Bibl. Curieuse</i>, p. 12. <i>Bibl. Askev.</i>, n<span class="super">o</span>. 508. +Barbier's <i>Dict. des Anonymes</i>, vol. ii., n<span class="super">o</span>. 8002.——<span class="smcap">De +Boze</span>, <i>de la même bibliothéque</i>, 1753, 8vo. This catalogue, +which was executed by Martin, after the death of De Boze, +does not contain all the notices of works mentioned in the +preceding one. It is, however, well deserving of a place in +the bibliographer's library. Peignot tells us that there was +yet a <i>third</i> catalogue printed, in 8vo., containing 192 +pages, and giving an account of some books taken out of De +Boze's collection: a few of which are described in the +preceding edition of 1753. See his <i>Bibl. Cur.</i>, p. +12.——<span class="smcap">Bozerian.</span> <i>Notice des livres précieux</i> +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: de"><i>ye</i></span> <i>M. Bozérian, par M. Bailly</i>, 1798, +8vo. A cabinet of "precious books," indeed! The misfortune +is, so small a number of modern foreign catalogues come over +here that the best of them will be found in few of our +libraries. Whenever the "Bibliotheca Bozeriana" shall be +imported, it will not stop seven days upon a bookseller's +shelf!——<span class="smcap">Bulteau.</span> <i>Bibliotheca Bultelliana; (Caroli +Bulteau) a Gabr. Martin</i>, Paris, 1711, 12mo., 2 vols. in +one. This catalogue, which is carefully compiled, contains +curious and uncommon books; many of which were purchased for +the collections of Préfond, De Boze, and others.——<span class="smcap">Bunau.</span> +<i>Catalogus Bibliothecæ Bunavianæ.</i> Lipsiæ, 1750. Six parts, +in three volumes, each volume having two parts—usually +bound in six vols. Highly and generally esteemed as is this +extensive collection, and methodically arranged catalogue, +of Count Bunau's books, the latter has always appeared to me +as being branched out into too numerous ramifications, so as +to render the discovery of a work, under its particular +class, somewhat difficult, without reference to the index. I +am aware that what Camus says is very true—namely, that +"nothing is more absurd than to quarrel about +catalogue-making: and that every man ought to have certain +fixed and decisive ideas upon the subject," [<i>Mem. de +l'Inst.</i> vol. i., 650,] but simplicity and perspicuity, +which are the grand objects in every undertaking, might have +been, in my humble apprehension, more successfully exhibited +than in this voluminous catalogue. It represents <i>over-done +analysis</i>! yet those who are writing upon particular +subjects will find great assistance in turning to the +different works here specified upon the same. It is rare and +high-priced. From the preface, which is well worth an +attentive perusal, it appears that this grand collection, +now deposited in the electoral library at Dresden (see <i>Cat. +de Caillard</i>, n<span class="super">o</span>. 2545, 1808,) was at Count Bunau's +country-house, situated in a pleasant village about half a +mile from Dresden—</p> + +<p class="center">Vicinam videt unde lector urbem.</p> + +<p>Saxius, in his <i>Onomast. Literar.</i>, vol i., p. xxxiii., +edit. 1775, &c., has a smart notice of this splendid +collection.——<span class="smcap">Bunneman.</span> <i>J.L. Bunnemanni Catalogus +Manuscriptorum, item librorum impressorum rarissimorum pro +assignato pretio venalium.</i> Minda, 1732, 8vo. For the sake +of knowing, by way of curiosity, what books (accounted rare +at this period) were sold for, the collector may put this +volume into his pocket, when he finds it upon a book-stall +marked at 1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> In the <i>Bibl. Solger.</i>, vol iii., +n<span class="super">o</span>. 1396, there was a priced copy upon <span class="smcap">large paper</span> with +bibliographical memoranda.——<span class="smcap">Caillard.</span> <i>Catalogue des +livres du Cabinet de M.A.B. Caillard</i>, Paris, 1805, 8vo. Of +this private catalogue, compiled by Caillard himself, and +printed upon fine Dutch paper, in super-royal 8vo., only +twenty-five copies were struck off. So says Fournier, <i>Dict. +Portatif de Bibliographie</i>: p. 120; edit. 1809, and the +"avant-propos" prefixed to the subsequent catalogue here +following:——<i>Livres rares et précieux de la Bibliothéque +de feu M. Ant. Bern. Caillard</i>, Paris, 1808, 8vo. There were +but twenty-five copies of this catalogue of truly valuable, +and, in many respects, rare, and precious, books, printed +upon <span class="smcap">large paper</span>, of the same size as the preceding. This +was the sale catalogue of the library of Caillard, who died +in 1807, in his sixty-ninth year, and of whose +bibliomaniacal spirit we have a most unequivocal proof in +his purchasing De Cotte's celebrated uncut copy of the first +printed Homer, at an enormous sum! [vide <a href="#Cotte"><span class="smcap">Cotte</span></a>, post.] "Sa +riche bibliothéque est á-la-fois un monument de son amour +pour l'art typographique, et de la vaste étendue de ses +connoissances," p. xiv. Some excellent indexes close this +volume; of which Mr. Payne furnished me with the loan of his +copy upon <span class="smcap">large paper</span>.——<span class="smcap">Cambis.</span> <i>Catalogue des principaux +manuscrits du cabinet de M. Jos. L.D. de Cambis</i>, Avignon, +1770, 4to. Although this is a catalogue of MSS., yet, the +number of copies printed being very few, I have given it a +place here. Some of these copies contain but 519, others +766, pages; which shews that the owner of the MSS. continued +publishing his account of them as they increased upon him. +Rive, in his "<i>Chasse aux bibliographes</i>," has dealt very +roughly with the worthy Cambis; but Peignot tells us that +this latter was a respectable literary character, and a +well-informed bibliographer—and that his catalogue, in +spite of Rive's diatribe, is much sought after. See the +<i>Bibliogr. Curieuse</i>, p. 14; also <i>Cat. de la Valliere</i>, +vol. iii., n<span class="super">o</span>. 5543.——<span class="smcap">Camus de Limare.</span> <i>Catalogues des +livres de M. le Camus de Limare</i>, Paris, 1779, 12mo.—<i>Des +livres rares et précieux de M—— (Camus de Limare)</i>, Paris, +1786, 8vo.—<i>Des livres rares et précieux, reliés en +maroquin, de la bibliothéque du même, Paris, an trois</i> +(1795), 8vo. Of the <i>first</i> catalogue only a small number of +copies was printed, and those for presents. <i>Bibliogr. +Curieuse</i>, p. 15. It contains a description of De Boze's +extraordinary copy of Du Fresnoy's "Methode pour étudier +l'Histoire," 1729, 4to., four volumes, with the supplement, +1740, two vols.; which was sold for 1500 livres; and which +was, of course, upon <span class="smcap">large paper</span>, with a thousand inviting +additions, being much more complete than the similar copies +in <i>Cat. de Valliere</i>, n<span class="super">o</span>. 4467; and <i>Cat. de Crevenna</i>, +n<span class="super">o</span>. 5694, edit. 1789; although this latter was preferable +to the Valliere copy. Consult also the <i>Curiosités +Bibliographiques</i>, p. 77-8. The <i>second</i> catalogue was +prepared by De Bure, and contains a very fine collection of +natural history, which was sold at the Hôtel de Bullion. The +printed prices are added. The <i>third</i> catalogue, which was +prepared by Santus, after the decease of Camus, contains +some very choice articles [many printed <span class="smcap">upon vellum</span>] of +ancient and modern books superbly bound.——<span class="smcap">Catalogue</span> <i>des +livres rares. Par Guillaume de Bure, fils âiné.</i> Paris, +1786, 8vo. We are told, in the advertisement, that this +collection was formed from a great number of sales of +magnificent libraries, and that particular circumstances +induced the owner to part with it. The books were in the +finest order, and bound by the most skilful binders. The +bibliographical notices are short, but judicious; and a good +index closes the catalogue. The sale took place at the Hôtel +de Bullion.——<span class="smcap">Catalogue</span> <i>fait sur un plan nouveau, +systématique et raisonné, d'une Bibliothéque de Littérature, +particulièrement d'Histoire et de Poésie, &c.</i> Utrecht, +1776, 8vo., two vols. A judicious and luminous arrangement +of 19,000 articles, or sets of books; which, in the +departments specified in the title-page, are singularly +copious and rich.——<span class="smcap">Catalogus</span> <i>Librorum rarissimorum, ab +Artis Typographicæ inventoribus, aliisque ejus artis +Principibus ante annum 1500 excusorum; omnium optime +conservatorum</i>, 8vo., <i>Sine loco aut anno</i>. Peignot, who has +abridged Vogt's excellent account of this very uncommon and +precious catalogue, of which <span class="smcap">only twenty-five copies</span> were +printed, has forgotten to examine the last edition of the +<i>Catalog. Libror. Rarior.</i>, pp. 262-3; in which we find that +the collection contained 248 (and not 217) volumes. At the +end, it is said: "Pretiosissima hæc Librorum Collectio, +cujusvis magni Principis Bibliotheca dignissima, constat +voll. ccxlviii." Consult the respectable references in Vogt, +<i>ibid.</i>; also the <i>Bibliogr. Curieuse</i> of Peignot, p. +15.——<span class="smcap">Ceran.</span> <i>Catalogue des livres de M. Mel de Saint +Ceran.</i> Paris, 1780, 8vo., again in 1791, 8vo. These +catalogues were compiled by De Bure, and are carefully +executed. Some of the books noticed in them are sufficiently +curious and rare.——<span class="smcap">Clementino-Vaticana.</span> <i>Bibliotheca +Orientalis Clementino Vaticana, in quâ manuscriptos codices +Orientalium Linguarum recensuit Joseph Simonius Assemanus</i>, +Romæ, 1719. Folio, four vols. Asseman's son compiled an +excellent catalogue of the Oriental MSS. in the +Medico-Laurentian library; but this work of the father is +more curious and elaborate. Whenever a few half-guineas can +procure it, let the country-settled philologist send his +"henchman" to fly for it!—"Speed, Malise, speed." But alas! +Santander tells us that copies of it are rare. <i>Cat. de +Santander</i>, vol. iv., n<span class="super">o</span>. 6287.——<a name="Colbert" id="Colbert"></a><span class="smcap">Colbert.</span> <i>Bibliotheca +Colbertina: seu Catalogus Librorum Bibliothecæ quæ fuit +primum J.B. Colbert, deinde J.B. Colbert (fil) postea J. +Nic. Colbert, ac demum C.L. Colbert.</i> Parisiis, 1728, 8vo., +three vols. The preface to this valuable catalogue (executed +by Martin) gives us a compressed, but sufficiently +perspicuous, account of the auspices under which such an +extensive and magnificent collection was assembled and +arranged. It contains not fewer than 18,219 articles; being +perhaps 60,000 volumes. The celebrated Baluze was the +librarian during the life of the former branches of the +Colbert family; a family which, if nothing remained to +perpetuate their fame but this costly monument of literary +enterprise, will live in the grateful remembrance of +posterity—but it wants not even such a splendid memorial! +The lover of fine and curious books will always open the +volumes of the <span class="smcap">Colbert Catalogue</span> with a zest which none but +a thorough bred bibliomaniac can ever hope to +enjoy.——<a name="Conseil" id="Conseil"></a><span class="smcap">Conseil d'Etat.</span> <i>Catalogue des livres de la +Bibliothéque du Conseil d'Etat (par M. Barbier, +Bibliothecaire du Conseil d'Etat).</i> Paris, an. xi. (1802), +folio. "This catalogue is most superbly executed. The +richness of the materials of which it is composed, the fine +order of its arrangement, and the skilful researches +exhibited in it relating to anonymous authors, are worthy of +the typographical luxury of the national press, from which +this curious work was put forth. It will be perfect in three +parts: the third part, containing the supplement and tables, +is now at press." (A.D. 1804.) The preface and table of the +divisions of this catalogue were published in a small 8vo. +volume, 1801. This information I glean from Peignot's +<i>Curiosités Bibliographiques</i>, p. lix.; and from the <i>Cat. +de Boutourlin</i>, n<span class="super">o</span>. 3892, I learn that only 190 copies of +so useful, as well as splendid, a work were printed, of +which the French government took upon itself the +distribution.——<span class="smcap">Cordes.</span> <i>Bibliothecæ Cordesianæ Catalogus, +cum indice titulorum</i>, Parisiis, 1643, 4to. The celebrated +Naudé had the drawing up and publishing of this catalogue, +which is highly coveted by collectors, and is now of rare +occurrence. De Cordes was intimate with all the learned men +of his country and age; and his eulogy, by Naudé, prefixed +to the catalogue, gives us a delightful account of an +amiable and learned man living in the bosom, as it were, of +books and of book-society. This collection, which was +purchased by Cardinal Mazarin, formed the foundation of the +latter's magnificent library. Consult the <i>Jugemens des +Savans</i>, vol. ii., p. 142; Colomié's <i>Biblioth. Choisie</i>, p. +126; <i>Mem. de l'Inst.</i>, vol. i., p. 647. Nor must we forget +Morhof—<i>Polyhist. Literar.</i>, vol. i., p. 211; who, after a +general commendation of the collection, tells us it is +remarkable for containing a fine body of foreign history. De +Cordes died A.D. 1642, in the 72d year of his age—nearly 50 +years having been devoted by him to the formation of his +library. "Fortunate senex!"——<a name="Cotte" id="Cotte"></a><span class="smcap">Cotte.</span> <i>Catalogue des Livres +rares et précieux et de MSS. composant la bibliothéque de +M—— (le President de Cotte)</i>, Paris, 1804, 8vo. We are +told by Peignot that the books at this sale were sold for +most exorbitant sums: "the wealthy amateurs striving to make +themselves masters of the <span class="smcap">large paper</span> Alduses, Elzevirs, and +Stephenses, which had been Count d'Hoym's copies." An uncut +first edition of Homer, in the highest state of +preservation, was purchased by Mons. +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Caillard">Caillaird</span> for 3,601 livres! See the +<i>Curiosités Bibliographiques</i>, pp. lxv, lxvj. According to +<i>Cat. de Caillard</i>, n<span class="super">o</span>. 2600 (1808, 8vo.), there were +only ten copies of this catalogue printed upon <span class="smcap">large +paper</span>.——<span class="smcap">Couvay.</span> <i>Catalogue de la bibliothéque de M. +Couvay, chevalier de l'ordre de Christ, secrétaire du Roi</i>, +Paris, 1728, fol. Very few copies of this catalogue were +printed, and those only for presents. <i>Bibliogr. Curieuse</i>, +p. 21.——<span class="smcap">Crevenna.</span> <i>Catalogue raisonnée de la collection +des Livres de M. Pierre Antoine Crevenna, Négocient à +Amsterdam</i>, 1776, 4to., six vols.—<i>De la même collection</i>, +1789, 8vo., five vols.—<i>De la même collection</i>, 1793, 8vo. +Of these catalogues of one of the most extensive and +magnificent collections ever formed in Amsterdam, the first +impression of 1776 (to which I have generally referred) is +by far the most valuable in regard to bibliographical +remarks and copious description. Peignot tells us that no +bibliographer can do without it. It was commenced in the +year 1774, and published during the life time of Peter +Antony Crevenna, the father; from whom the collection passed +into the hands of the son Bolongari Crevenna, and in whose +lifetime it was sold by public auction. The second +impression of 1789 is the sale-catalogue, and contains more +books than the preceding one; but the bibliographical +observations are comparatively trifling. There are copies of +this latter impression upon <span class="smcap">large paper</span> in quarto. I possess +an interesting copy of the small paper, which has numerous +marginal remarks in pencil, by Mr. Edwards; who examined the +library at Amsterdam, with a view to purchase it entire. The +last catalogue of 1793, which was published after the death +of the son, contains a few choice books which he had +reserved for himself, and, among them, a curious set of +fac-simile drawings of old prints and title-pages; some of +which were obtained at the sale of the elder Mirabeau (vide +<a href="#Mirabeau">post</a>). It seems to have been the ruling passion of B. +Crevenna's life to collect all the materials, from all +quarters, which had any connection, more or less, with "<span class="smcap">the +origin and progress of printing</span>," and it is for ever to be +regretted that such extensive materials as those which he +had amassed, and which were sold at the sale of 1793 should +have been dissipated beyond the hope of restoration. See +Peignot's <i>Dict. de Bibliologie</i>, vol. iii., p. 100; and his +<i>Curiosités Bibliographiques</i>, p. 139.——<span class="smcap">Crozat.</span> <i>Catalogue +des Livres de Monsieur Le President Crozat de Tugny</i>, Paris, +1751, 8vo. This collection was particularly rich in the +belles-lettres—and especially in Italian and French +Romance-Literature.——<span class="smcap">Van Damme.</span> <i>Catalogue d'une +Bibliotheque, vendue publiquement à la Haye, le 8 Octobre, +par Varon et Gaillard</i>, 1764, three vols. 8vo. "This +precious and rare collection belonged to M. Pierre Van +Damme, book-merchant at Amsterdam, equally well known for +his knowledge of bibliography and of medals; of which latter +he had a beautiful and uncommon collection." <i>Bibl. +Crevenn.</i>, vol. v., p. 306.——<span class="smcap">Dubois.</span> <i>Bibliotheca +Duboisiana, ou Catalogue de la Bibliothéque du Cardinal +Dubois. A la Haye</i>, 1725, 8vo., four vols. A collection +which evinces the fine taste and sound judgment of the +Cardinal Du Bois. It is not rare abroad.——<span class="smcap">Elzevir.</span> +<i>Catalogus librorum qui in Bibliopolio Officinæ Danielis +Elzevirii venales extant</i>, Ams. 1674, 12mo.: 1681, +12mo.—<i>qui in Bibliopoli Elzeviriano venales extant</i>, Lug. +Bat., 1634, 1684, 4to. These, and other catalogues of the +books printed by the distinguished family of the Elzevirs, +should find a place within the cabinet of bibliographers. +The first book ever published by the Elzevirs was of the +date of 1595; the last, of 1680 or 1681, by Daniel Elzevir, +who was the only surviving branch. His widow carried on the +business after his decease in 1680. In the <i>Dictionnaire de +Bibliologie</i> of Peignot, vol. i., p. 216, vol. iii., p. 116, +will be found a pleasing account of this family of (almost) +unrivalled printers.——<span class="smcap">Du Fay.</span> <i>Bibliotheca Fayana seu +Catalogus librorum Bibl. Cor. Hier. de Cisternay du Fay, +digestus à Gabriel Martin</i>, Paris, 1725, 8vo. The catalogue +of this collection, which is a judicious one, and frequently +referred to, is very carefully put forth by Martin. I think +that I have seen a copy of it upon <span class="smcap">large paper</span>.——<span class="smcap">Fagel.</span> +<i>Bibliotheca Fageliana. A catalogue of the valuable and +extensive Library of the Greffier Fagal, of the Hague: in +two parts.</i> London, 1802, 8vo. It is highly creditable to +that most respectable establishment, Trinity College, +Dublin, that the present grand collection of books was +purchased "en masse" (for 7000<i>l.</i>) to be deposited within +its library; thus rendering the interior of the latter +"companion meet" for its magnificent exterior. The +title-page of the first part announces the sale of the books +by auction by Mr. Christie; but the above offer having been +made for the whole collection, the same was forthwith +transported to Ireland. Collectors should take care that the +second part of this catalogue be not wanting, which is +oftentimes the case. A good index only is requisite to make +the <span class="smcap">Bibliotheca Fageliana</span> rank with the most valuable +publications of its kind in existence. It was compiled by +the well-known S. Paterson.——<span class="smcap">Faultrier.</span> <i>Catalogus +Librorum Bibliothecæ Domini Joachimi Faultrier, digestus à +Prosper Marchand</i>, Paris, 1709, 8vo. The bibliographical +introductory remarks, by Marchand, render this volume (which +rarely occurs) very acceptable to collectors of catalogues. +Maittaire has spoken well of the performance, <i>Annal. +Typog.</i> iii., p. 482. Consult also the <i>Mem. de l'Inst.</i>, +vol. i., p. 675, and the <i>Dict. de Bibliologie</i>, vol. ii., +p. 235, upon Marchand's introductory remarks relating to the +arrangement of a library.——<span class="smcap">Favier.</span> <i>Catalogue des Livres +de la Bibliothéque de feu Mons. L'Abbé Favier, Prêtre à +Lille</i>, Lille, 1765, 8vo. A well arranged catalogue of a +choice collection of books, which cost the Abbé fifty years +of pretty constant labour in amassing. Prefixed, are some +interesting notices of MSS.: and, among them, of a valuable +one of Froissart. The prints of the Abbé were afterwards +sold, from a catalogue of 143 pages, printed at Lisle in the +same year.——<span class="smcap">Du Fresne.</span> <i>Raphaelis Tricheti du Fresne +Bibliothecæ Catalogus.</i> Paris, 1662, 4to. "I have observed," +says Morhof, "a number of authors in this catalogue which I +have in vain sought after elsewhere. The typographical +errors (especially in regard to dates, adds Baillet) are +innumerable: and the theological, legal, and medical works, +comparatively few—but in the departments of history, +antiquities, and general literature, this collection is +wonderfully enriched—containing authors hardly ever heard +of." <i>Polyhist. Literar.</i>, vol. i., p. 212. Colomiés and +Labbe unite in conferring the highest praises upon Du Fresne +and his collection. See the <i>Jugemens des Savans</i>, vol. ii., +p. 143; where, however, the confused and inaccurate manner +in which the catalogue is executed is sharply censured by +Baillet. Morhof informs us that this collection was disposed +of by Du Fresne's widow, to the Royal Library, for 24,000 +<i>livres</i>, after she had refused 33,000 for the +same.——<span class="smcap">Gaignat.</span> <i>Catalogue des Livres du Cabinet de feu M. +Louis Jean Gaignat, disposé et mis en ordre par Guill. +François de Bure le Jeune.</i> Paris, 1769, 8vo., two vols. One +of the best executed, and most intrinsically valuable +catalogues in existence. Almost all the books of Gaignat +were in the choicest condition; being the cream of the +collections of Colbert, Préfond, and De Boze. The possession +of this rare catalogue, which is indispensable to the +collector, forms what is called a Supplement to De Bure's +"<i>Bibliographie Instructive</i>." There are 50 copies struck +off upon <span class="smcap">small quarto</span> paper, to arrange with a like number +of this latter work. Consult <i>Bibl. Crevenn.</i>, vol. v., p. +291.——<span class="smcap">Genève.</span> <i>Catalogue raisonné des Manuscrits conservés +dans la bibliothéque, &c., de Genève; par Jean Senibier.</i> +Genève, 1779, 8vo. A neatly executed and useful catalogue of +some manuscripts of no mean value. It has received a good +character by Mons. Van-Praet, in the <i>Cat. de la Valliere</i>, +vol. iii., n<span class="super">o</span>. 5542. See also <a href="#Page_36">p. 36</a>, ante.——<span class="smcap">Goez.</span> +<i>Bibliothecæ Goësinæ Catalogus</i>, Leidæ, 1687, 8vo. A fine +collection of books and of coins distinguished the Museum of +Goez.——<span class="smcap">Golowkin.</span> <i>Catalogue des Livres de la Bibliothéque +du Comte Alexis de Golowkin</i>, Leipsic, 1798, 4to. It is said +that <span class="smcap">only 25 copies</span> of this catalogue were struck off, and +that not more than two of these are known to be in France. +Neither the type nor paper has the most inviting aspect; but +it is a curious volume, and contains a description of books +"infiniment précieux." Consult Peignot's <i>Bibliogr. +Curieuse</i>, p. 31. Dr. Clarke, in his <i>Travels in Russia, +&c.</i>, p. 138, has noticed the extraordinary library of Count +Botterline, but says nothing of Golowkin's.——<span class="smcap">Gouttard</span>. +<i>Catalogue des Livres rares et precieux de feu M. Gouttarde +par Guillaume de Bure fils aîné.</i> Paris, 1780, 8vo. A short +bibliographical notice of the amiable and tasteful owner of +this select collection precedes the description of the +books. The bibliographical observations are sometimes +copious and valuable. This catalogue is indispensable to the +collector.——<span class="smcap">Guyon.</span> <i>Catalogue des livres de la +Bibliothéque de feu M.J.B. Denis Guyon, Chev. Seigneur de +Sardiere, Ancien Capitaine au Regiment du Roi, et l'un des +Seigneurs du Canal de Briare.</i> Paris, 1759, 8vo. It is +justly said, in the "advertisement" prefixed to this +catalogue, that, in running over the different classes of +which the collection is composed, there will be found +articles "capable de piquer la curiosité des bibliophiles." +In ancient and modern poetry, and in romances—especially +relating to chivalry—this "ancient Captain" appears to have +been deeply versed. The advertisement is followed by 28 +pages of "Eclaircissemens"—which give an interesting +account of some precious manuscripts of old poetry and +romances. A MS. note, in my copy of this catalogue, informs +me that the books were sold "en masse."——<span class="smcap">Heinsius.</span> (<span class="smcap">Nic.</span>) +<i>Nicolai Heinsii Bibliothecæ Catalogus</i>, (1682) 8vo. A +portrait of the elegant and learned owner of this collection +faces the title-page. The books contained in it are +remarkable both for their rarity and intrinsic value; and a +great number of them were enriched with the notes of +Scaliger, Salmasius, and others. Few collections display +more judgment and taste in the selection than the present +one; and few critics have been of more essential service to +the cause of ancient classical literature than Nicholas +Heinsius. He excelled particularly in his editions of the +poets. Mr. Dyer, of Exeter, the bookseller, has a copy of +this catalogue, which was formerly Grævius's; in which that +celebrated critic has made marginal remarks concerning the +rarity and value of certain works described in +it.——<span class="smcap">Hohendorf.</span> <i>Bibliotheca Hohendorfiana; ou Catalogue +de la Bibliothéque de feu Mons. George Guillaume Baron de +Hohendorf: à la Haye</i>, 1720, 8vo., three parts. A +magnificent collection; which a MS. note, by Dr. Farmer (in +my copy of the catalogue), informs me was "added to the +Emperor's library at Vienna." In the <i>Bibl. Mencken</i>, p. 10, +it is thus loftily described: "Catalogus per-rarus +rarissimis libris superbiens."——<span class="smcap">Hoym.</span> <i>Catalogus Librorum +Bibliothecæ Caroli Henrici Comitis de Hoym</i>, 1738, 8vo. This +catalogue, which is exceedingly well "digested by Martin," +is a great favourite with collectors. A copy out of Count +Hoym's collection tells well—whether at a book-sale, or in +a bookseller's catalogue. There are copies upon <span class="smcap">large paper</span>, +which, when priced, sell high.——<span class="smcap">Hulsius.</span> <i>Bibliotheca +Hulsiana, sive Catalogus Librorum quos magno labore, summa +cura et maximis sumptibus collegit Vir Consularis Samuel +Hulsius.</i> Hag. Com. 1730, four vols. 8vo. (the second and +third being in two parts, and the fourth in three). This is, +in sober truth, a wonderful collection of books; containing +nearly 34,000 articles—which, allowing three volumes to an +article, would make the owner to have been in possession of +100,000 volumes of printed books and MSS. The English +library, (vol. iv., pt. ii.) of nearly 3300 articles, +comprehended nearly all the best books of the day. There +were about 1200 articles of Spanish Literature. Nor was the +worthy Consul deficient in the love of the fine arts ("hæc +est, sitque diu, Senis optimi voluptas et oblectatio," says +the compiler of the catalogue); having 11,000 most beautiful +prints of subjects relating to the Bible, bound up in 92 +atlas folio volumes. Long live the memory of Hulsius; a +consular hero of no ordinary renown!——<span class="smcap">Jena.</span> <i>Memorabilia +Bibliothecæ Academicæ Jenensis: sive designatio Codicum +manuscriptorum illa Bibliothecâ et Librorum impressorum +plerumque rariorum. Joh. Christophoro Mylio.</i> Jenæ, 1746, +8vo. A work of some little importance; and frequently +referred to by Vogt and Panzer. It is uncommon.——<span class="smcap">Jesu Soc.</span> +<i>Bibliotheca Scriptorum Societatis Jesu.</i> Antv., 1643. Romæ, +1676, fol. Although this work is not a professed catalogue +of books, yet, as it contains an account of the writings of +those learned men who were in the society of the +Jesuits—and as Baillet, Antonio, and Morhof, have said +every thing in commendation of it—I strongly recommend one +or the other of these editions to the bibliographer's +attention. I possess the edition of 1643; and have +frequently found the most satisfactory intelligence on +referring to it. How clever some of the Jesuits were in +their ideas of the arrangement of a library may be seen from +their "<i>Systema Bibliothecæ Jesuitarum Collegii +Ludoviciani</i>"—which was written by Garnier for the private +use of the Louvain college, and which is now extremely +difficult to be found. See Maichelius, <i>de Præcip. Bibl. +Parisiens</i>, p. 128. Their "<i>Systema bibliothecæ collegii +Parisiensis societatis Jesu</i>," 1678, 4to. (or catalogue of +books in the college of Clermont), is handsomely noticed by +Camus in the <i>Mem. de l'Inst.</i>, vol. i., 647.——<span class="smcap">Just, St.</span> +<i>Catalogue des livres en très-petit nombre qui composent la +Bibliothéque de M. Merard de St. Just, ancien maitre-d'hotêl +de Monsieur, frère du Roi (avec les prix d'achat).</i> Paris, +1783, 18mo. Of this book, printed upon superfine paper, of +the manufactory of d'Annonay, only 25 copies were struck +off. <i>Bibl. Curieuse</i>, p. 43. Another catalogue of the same +collection (perhaps a more copious one) was put forth in +1799, 8vo., prepared by M. Mauger, See <i>Diction. +Bibliographique</i>, tom. iv., p. xiv.——<span class="smcap">Krohn.</span> <i>Catalogus +Bibliothecæ Præstantissimorum &c., Librorum selectum +complectentis. Libros collegit et Literariis Catalogum +Animadversionibus instruxit, B.N. Krohn. Editio altera.</i> +Hamb. 1796, 8vo. The preface to this very excellent +collection of books is written in Latin by Rambach; and a +most interesting one it is. After giving a slight sketch of +the life and literary occupations of Krohn, he thus finishes +the picture of his death—"Ego certe (exclaims the grateful +biographer), mi <span class="smcap">Krohni</span>, te amabo, et quamdiu 'spiritus hos +reget artus' gratam Tui memoriam ex animo nunquam elabi +patiar. O! me felicem, si, qua olim me beasti, amicitiâ nunc +quoque frui possem. Sed fruar aliquando, cum Deus me ad +beatorum sedes evocaverit, ac Te mihi rediderit +conjunctissimum. Vale, interim, pia anima; et quem jam +tristem reliquisti, prope diem exspecta, in tenerrimos Tuos +amplexus properantem, ac de summa, quam nunc habes, +felicitate Tibi congratulantem," p. xix. This is the genuine +language of heart-felt grief; language, which those who have +lost an old and good friend will know well how to +appreciate. This catalogue, which was given to me by my +friend the Rev. Dr. Gosset, 'vir in re bibliographicâ +<span lang="el" title="Greek: polymathestatos">πολυμαθεστατος</span>,' exhibits a fine collection of +books (3821 in number) relating to history and philology. +Some of Krohn's notes are sufficiently shrewd and +intelligent.——<span class="smcap">Lamoignon.</span> <i>Catalogue des Livres Imprimés et +manuscrits de la Bibliothéque de M. le President de +Lamoignon (redigé par L. Fr. Delatour) avec une table des +auteurs, et des anonymes.</i> Paris, 1770, fol. The +bibliographer has only to hear Peignot speak in his own +language, and he will not long hesitate about the price to +be given for so precious <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: 'a' missing in original">volume</span>: "Catalogue fort rare, tiré a <span class="smcap">quinze +exemplaires</span> seulement, sur du papier de coton fabriqué, par +singularité, à Angoulême." Mr. Harris, of the Royal +Institution, possesses a copy of it, bound in +orange-coloured Morocco, which was presented to him by Mr. +Payne; and, as Alexander placed his beloved Homer—so does +he this catalogue—<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: under">uner</span> his +pillow "quand il vent se reposer—a cause des songes +agréables qu'il doit inspirer." This beautiful volume, which +was printed for Lamoignon's own convenience, in supplemental +parts, does not, however, contain Baillet's interesting +Latin prefece, which may be seen in the <i>Jugemens des +Savans</i>, <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: volume number missing in original">vol.</span> +pt. ii., p. 140, ed. 1725.——<span class="smcap">Lamoignon.</span> <i>Des +Livres de la Bibliothéque de feu M. de Lamoignon, Garde de +Sçeaux de France.</i> Paris, 1791, 8vo., 3 vols. These volumes +contain the sale catalogue of Lamoignon's books as they were +purchased by Mr. T. Payne, the bookseller. Like the great +libraries of Crevenna and Pinelli, this immense collection +(with the exception of the works upon French jurisprudence) +has been dissipated by public sale. It yet delights Mr. +Payne to think and to talk of the many thousand volumes +which were bound in Morocco, or Russia, or +white-calf-leather, "with gilt on the edges"—which this +extraordinary family of book-collectors had amassed with so +much care and assiduity. The preface gives us a short, but +pleasing, account of the bibliomanical spirit of Lamoignon's +father-in-law, Monsieur Berryer; who spent between thirty +and forty years in enriching this collection with all the +choice, beautiful, and extraordinary copies of works which, +from his ministerial situation, and the exertions of his +book-friends, it was possible to obtain. M. Berryer died in +1762, and his son-in-law in 1789.——<span class="smcap">Lamoignon.</span> <i>Des Livres +de la même Biblothéque, par Nyon l'âiné.</i> Paris, 1797, 8vo. +This volume presents us with the relics of a collection +which, in its day, might have vied with the most splendid in +Europe. But every thing earthly must be +dissipated.——<span class="smcap">Lancelot.</span> <i>Catalogue des Livres de feu M. +Lancelot de l'Academie Royale des Belles Lettres.</i> Paris, +1741, 8vo. Those who are fond of making their libraries rich +in French History cannot dispense with this truly valuable +catalogue. Lancelot, like the elder Lamoignon, appears to +have been "buried in the benedictions of his +countrymen"—according to the energetic language of +Bourdaloue.——<span class="smcap">Lemarié.</span> <i>Catalogue des livres de feu M. +Lemarié, disposé et mis en ordre, par Guil. De Bure, fils +aîné</i>, Paris, 1776, 8vo. A well digested catalogue of a rich +collection of Greek and Latin Literature, which evinces a +man of taste and judgment. Nothing can be more handsomely +said of a collection than what De Bure has prefixed to the +present one. In the <i>Cat. de Gouttard</i>, n<span class="super">o</span>. 1545, I find +a copy of it upon <span class="smcap">large paper</span>.——<span class="smcap">Loménie.</span> <i>Index Librorum +ab inventa Typographia da annum 1500, &c., cum notis, &c.</i> +Senonis, 1791, 8vo., two vols. The owner of this collection, +whose name does not appear in the title-page, was the +celebrated Cardinal <span class="smcap">de Loménie de Brienne</span>: who is described, +in the advertisement prefixed to the catalogue of his books +in 1797, [vide <a href="#Lomenie">infra</a>] as having, from almost early youth, +pushed his love of book-collecting to an excess hardly +equalled by any of his predecessors. When he was but a young +ecclesiastic, and had only the expectation of a fortune, his +ruling passion for books, and his attachment to fellow +bibliomaniacs, was ardent and general. But let his +panegyrist speak in his own language—"Si le hazard +procuroit à ses amis quelque objét précieux, il n'avoit de +repos qu'aprés l'avoir obtenu; les sacrifices ne +l'effrayoient pas; il étoit né généreaux; mais ce qu'on lui +accordoit, il le devoit sur-tout à ses manières insinuantes. +Ses sollicitations étoient toujours assaisonnées d'un ton +d'amabilité auquel on résistoit difficilement. Lorsque le +tems et les grâces de la cour eurent aggrandi ses moyens, +ses veus s'etendirent à proportion. Insensiblement il +embressa tous les genres, et sa bibliothéque devint un dépôt +universel. Dans ses fréquens voyages, s'il s'arrêtoit +quelques instans dans une ville, on le voyoit visiter +lui-même les libraries, s'introduire dans les maisons +religieuses, s'insinuer dans les cabinets d'amateurs, +chercher par-tout à acquérir; c'etoit un besoin pour lui +d'acheter sans cesse, d'entasser les volumes. Cette passion +a peut-être ses excés; mais du moins, elle ne fut pas pour +le cardinal de Loménie une manie stérile. Non seulement il +aimoit, il connoissoit les livres, mais il savoit s'en +servir; sans contredit il fut un des hommes les plus +éclairés du Clergé de France."——To return from this +pleasing rhapsody to the catalogue, the title of which is +above given. It is composed by Laire, in the Latin language, +with sufficient bibliographical skill: but the index is the +most puzzling one imaginable. The uncommonly curious and +magnificent collection, not being disposed of "en +masse"—according to advertisement—was broken up; and the +more ancient books were sold by auction at Paris, in 1792, +from a French catalogue prepared by De Bure. Some of the +books were purchased by Mr. Edwards, and sold at London in +the Paris collection [vide <a href="#Page_90">p. 90</a>, post]; as were also those +relating to Natural History; which latter were sold by +auction without his Eminence's name: but it is a gross error +in the <i>Bibl. Krohn</i>, p. 259, n<span class="super">o</span>. 3466, to say that many +of these books were impious and obscene. These are scarce +and dear volumes; and as they supply some deficiencies +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: missing 'in'">Audiffredi's</span> account of +books published at Rome in the xvth century [vid. <a href="#Page_62">p. 62</a>, +ante], the bibliographer should omit no opportunity of +possessing them.——<a name="Lomenie" id="Lomenie"></a><span class="smcap">Loménie.</span> <i>D'une partie des livres de la +Bibliothéque du Cardinal de Loménie de Brienne</i>, Paris, an. +v. [1797], 8vo. This collection, the fragments or ruins of +the Lomenie library, contains 2754 articles, or numbers, +with a rich sprinkling of Italian literature; leaving +behind, however, a surplus of not fewer than twelve hundred +pieces relating to the Italian Drama—many of them +rare—which were to be sold at a future auction. From the +biographical memoir prefixed to this catalogue, I have given +the preceding extract concerning the character of the owner +of the collection—who died in the same year as the +sale.——<span class="smcap">Macarthy.</span> <i>Catalogue des livres rares et précieux +du cabinet de M.L.C.D.M.</i> (<i>M. Le Comte de Macarthy</i>), +Paris, 1779, 8vo. <i>Supplement au Catalogue des livres, &c.</i>, +de M.L.C.D.M., Paris, 1779, 8vo. <i>Chez de Bure, fils aîné.</i> +These books were sold in January, 1780; and great things are +said, in the advertisement, of their rarity and beauty. The +Count Macarthy has, at this moment, one of the most +magnificent collections upon the continent. His books +printed <span class="smcap">upon vellum</span> are unequalled by those of any private +collection. Of the above catalogue, a copy upon strong +writing paper occurs in the <i>Cat. de Gouttard</i>, n<span class="super">o</span>. +1549.——<span class="smcap">Magliabechi.</span> <i>Catalogus Codicum Sæculo</i> xv. +<i>Impressorum qui in publica Bibliotheca Magliabechiana +Florentiæ adservantur. Autore Ferdinando Fossio; ejusd. +bibl. Præf.</i>, Florent., 1793, folio, three vols. A +magnificent and truly valuable publication (with excellent +indexes) of the collection of the famous Magliabechi; +concerning whom the bibliographical world is full of curious +anecdotes. The reader may consult two volumes of letters +from eminent men to Magliabechi, published in 1745, &c., +vide <i>Bibl. Pinell</i>, n<span class="super">o</span>. 8808, &c., edit. 1789: Wolfius's +edition of the <i>Bibliotheca Aprosiana</i>, p. 102; and the +Strawberry Hill<a name="FNanchor_C_165" id="FNanchor_C_165"></a><a href="#Footnote_C_165" class="fnanchor">[C]</a> edition of the <i>Parallel between +Magliabechi and Mr. Hill</i>, 1758, 8vo.—an elegant and +interesting little volume. Before we come to speak of his +birth and bibliographical powers, it may be as well to +contemplate his expressive physiognomy. +</p> + +<p> +<img src="images/magliabechi.png" width="263" height="258" alt="Magliabechi" title="Magliabechi" class="floatl" /> +</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Magliabechi</span> was born at Florence October 29, 1633. His +parents, of low and mean rank, were well satisfied when they +got him into the service of a man who sold herbs and fruit. +He had never learned to read; and yet he was perpetually +poring over the leaves of old books that were used in his +master's shop. A bookseller, who lived in the neighbourhood, +and who had often observed this, and knew the boy could not +read, asked him one day "what he meant by staring so much on +printed paper?" Magliabechi said that "he did not know how +it was, but that he loved it of all things." The consequence +was that he was received, with tears of joy in his eyes, +into the bookseller's shop; and hence rose, by a quick +succession, into posts of literary honour, till he became +librarian to the Grand Duke of Tuscany. In this situation +Magliabechi had nothing further, or more congenial to his +feelings, to sigh for: in the Florentine library he revelled +without cessation in the luxury of book-learning. The +strength of his memory was remarkable; one day, the Grand +Duke sent for him to ask whether he could procure a book +that was particularly scarce. "No, sir," answered +Magliabechi, "it is impossible; for there is but one in the +world, and that is in the Grand Signior's Library at +Constantinople, and is the seventh book on the second shelf +on the right hand as you go in." In spite of his cobwebs, +dirt, and cradle lined with books, Magliabechi reached his +81st year. Hearne has contrived to interweave the following +(rather trifling) anecdote of him, in his <i>Johan. Confrat., +&c., de Reb. Glaston</i>, vol. ii., 486—which I give merely +because it is the fashion to covet every thing which +appertaineth to Tom Hearne. "I have mentioned the bank where +the MSS. (concerning the Epistles of St. Ignatius; Bank +<span class="smcap">lvii</span>.) stands, and the title of the book, because Vossius +tells us not in his preface which of the several MSS. in +this library he made use of; and to finde it out gave me so +much trouble that, if the Grand Duke's library-keeper had +not known the book, and searched it for me, I think I should +never have met with it, there being not one canon of St. +Laurence, not their library-keeper himself, nor, I believe, +any other in Florence, except this S<span class="super">re</span>. <span class="smcap">Magliabechi</span>, that +could direct me to it. The learned Bishop will be pleased to +take notice of S<span class="super">re</span>. +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Magliabechi's">Maliabechi's</span> civility; who, besides procuring me the Grand +Duke's leave to collate the epistles, attended himself in +the library, all the time I was there (the licence being +granted by the Grand Duke upon this condition): and since, +as a mark of his respect to the reverend bishop, hath been +pleased to present him with a book (about the Florentine +history) which I have committed to Mr. Ferne, my Lord +Lexinton's Gentleman, to be conveyed to his lordship." (Mr. +Ledgerd's account of his collations of the Florentine MS. +with the edition of Vossius.)——<span class="smcap">St. Mark.</span> <i>Græca D. Marci +Bibliotheca Codicum Manuscriptorum Præside Laurentio +Theopolo.</i> Venet. 1740, folio: <i>Ejusdem Latina et Italica +Bibliotheca Codicum Manuscriptorum Præside eodem</i>, Venet. +1741, folio. These useful and handsomely executed volumes +should be found in every extensive philological +collection.——<span class="smcap">Medici-Lorenzo.</span> <i>Bibliothecæ +Mediceo-Laurentianæ et Palatinæ Codicum Manuscriptorum +Orientalium Catalogus digessit S.E. Assemanus.</i> Florent. +1742, folio. A very valuable and splendid publication; +evincing the laudable ambition of the Medici in their +encouragement of oriental literature. The editor is +commended in the preface of the subsequent catalogue, p. +xxxxv.——<span class="smcap">Medici-Lorenzo.</span> <i>Bibliothecæ Hebraico-Grecæ +Florentinæ sive Bibliothecæ Mediceo-Laurentianæ Catalogus ab +Antonio Maria Biscionio, &c., digestus atque editus</i>, +Florent., 1752, folio, two vols. in one. A grand book; full +of curious fac-similes of all sorts of things. It was begun +to be printed in 1752, but Biscioni's death, in May, 1756, +prevented the completion of the publication 'till May 1757. +See præfat., p. xxxxvii—and particularly the +colophon.——<span class="smcap">Medici-Lorenzo.</span> <i>Catalogus Codicum +Manuscriptorum, Græcorum, Latinorum, et Italicoram, +Bibliothecæ Medicæ Laurentianæ: Angelus Maria Bandinus +recensuit, illustravit edidit.</i> Florent., 1764; 3 vols., +1774; 5 vols., folio. An equally splendid work with the +preceding—and much more copious and erudite in regard to +intrinsically valuable matter. The indexes are excellent. No +extensive philological library should be without these +volumes—especially since the name of <span class="smcap">Medici</span> has recently +become so popular, from the able biographical memoirs of the +family by Mr. Roscoe.——<span class="smcap">Menarsiana.</span> <i>Bibliotheca +Menarsiana; ou Catalogue de la Bibliothéque de feu Messire +Jean Jaques Charron, Chevalier Marquis de Menars</i>, &c. A La +Haye, 1720, 8vo. A very fine collection of books in all +branches of literature. After the "Ordo Venditionis," there +is an additional leaf pasted in, signifying that a +magnificent copy of Fust's bible of 1462, upon paper, would +be sold immediately after the theological MSS. in folio. It +brought the sum of 1200 florins. The sale commenced at nine +and at two; giving the buyers time to digest their +purchases, as well as their dinners, at twelve! "Tempora +mutantur!"——<span class="smcap">Menckenius.</span> <i>Catalogus Bibliothecæ Menckenianæ +ab Ottone et Burchardo collectæ. Editior altera longe +emendatior.</i> Lips., 1727, 8vo. There are some curious and +uncommon books in this collection; which evince the taste +and judgment of Menckenius, who was a scholar of no mean +reputation. Perhaps the word "rare" is too lavishly bestowed +upon some of the books described in it.——<span class="smcap">Meon.</span> <i>Catalogue +des livres précieux singuliéres et rares de la Bibliothèque +de M. Meon.</i> Paris, an. xii. (1804), 8vo. A very choice +collection of books; catalogued with considerable +care.——<span class="smcap">Mercier.</span> <i>Catalogue de la Bibliothéque de M. +Mercier, Abbé de Saint Leger</i>, par. M. De Bure, 1799, 8vo. +If the reader has chanced to cast his eye over the account +of the Abbé de St. Leger, at <a href="#Page_61">p. 61</a>, ante, he will not +hesitate long about procuring a copy of the catalogue of the +library of so truly eminent a bibliographer.——<span class="smcap">Mérigot.</span> +<i>Catalogue des livres de M.J.G. Mérigot, Libraire</i>, par M. +De Bure, 1800, 8vo. It is very seldom that this catalogue +appears in our own country: which is the more provoking as +the references to it, in foreign bibliographical works, +render its possession necessary to the collector. Mérigot +was an eminent bookseller, and prepared a good catalogue of +M. Lorry's library, which was sold in 1791, 8vo.——<span class="smcap">St. +Michael.</span> <i>Bibliotheca Codicum Manuscriptorum Monasterij +Sancti Michaelis Venetiarum, una cum appendice librorum +impressorum sæculi</i> xv. <i>Opus posthumum Joannis Bened. +Mittarelli.</i> Venet., 1779, folio. It were much to be wished +that, after the example of this and other monasteries, all +religious houses, which have large libraries attached to +them, would publish accounts of their MSS. and printed +books. There is no knowing what treasures are hid in them, +and of which the literary world must remain ignorant, unless +they are thus introduced to general notice. How many curious +and amusing anecdotes may be told of precious works being +discovered under barbarous titles! Among others, take, +gentle reader, the two following ones—relating to books of +a very different character. Within a volume, entitled +<i>Secreta Alberti</i>, were found "<i>The Fruyte of Redempcyon</i>," +printed by W. De Worde, 1532, 4to.; and a hitherto +imperfectly described impression of <i>The Boke of Fyshinge</i>, +printed by W. De Worde, in 4to., without date; which usually +accompanies that fascinating work, ycleped Dame Juliana +Barnes's <i>Boke of Hawkyng, Huntyng, and Cote Armoor</i>. My +friend Mr. J. Haslewood first made me acquainted with this +rare treasure—telling me he had "a famous tawny little +volume" to shew me: his pulse, at the same time, I ween, +beating one hundred and five to the minute! The second +anecdote more exactly accords with the nature of my +preliminary observations. In one of the libraries abroad, +belonging to the Jesuits, there was a volume entitled, on +the back of it "<i>Concilium Tridenti</i>:" the searching eye and +active hands of a well-educated Bibliomaniac discovered and +opened this volume—when lo! instead of the <i>Council of +Trent</i>, appeared the <i>First</i>, and almost unknown, <i>Edition</i> +of the <i>Decameron of Boccaccio</i>! This precious volume is now +reposing upon the deserted shelves of the late Duke of +Roxburgh's library; and, at the forth-coming sale of the +same, it will be most vigorously contended for by all the +higher and more knowing powers of the bibliographical world;</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +But when the gods descending swell'd the fight,<br /> +Then tumult rose; fierce rage and pale affright<br /> +Varied each face:<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4em;">[<i>Pope's</i>] <i>Homer's Iliad</i>, b. xx. v. 63.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><a name="Mirabeau" id="Mirabeau"></a><span class="smcap">Mirabeau.</span> <i>Catalogue de la Bibliotheque de Mirabeau l'aîné, +par Rozet</i>, 1792, 8vo. A fine collection of books; some of +them very curious and uncommon. At the head of the choice +things contained in it must be noticed the "Recueil de +Calques, ou dessins des titres et figure d'un grand nombre +des plus anciens ouvrages, gravés en bois, ou imprimés en +caractères mobiles, depuis l'origine de l'imprimerie," &c. +These designs were 226 in number; of which a description is +given at the head of the catalogue. They were purchased for +1105 livres, and again sold, with the same description +prefixed, at the last Crevenna sale of 1793 (see <a href="#Page_79">p. 79</a>, +ante). Consult the <i>Curiosités Bibliographiques</i> of Peignot, +p. 139.——<span class="smcap">Miromenil.</span> <i>Catalogue des Livres de la +Bibliothéque de M. Hüe de Miromenil, garde des sceaux de +France</i>, Paris, 1781, 4to. "It appears, from the catalogue +of M. de Coste, that this is a rare book, of which only few +copies were printed, and those never sold." <i>Bibliogr. +Curieuse</i>, p. 33.——<span class="smcap">Montfauçon.</span> <i>Diarium Italicum; sive +Monumentorum Veterum, Bibliothecarum, Musæorum Notitiæ +Singulares a D. Bernardo de Montfauçon</i>, Paris, 1702, 4to. +<i>Bibliotheca Bibliothecarum Manuscriptorum nova, autore De +Bern. de Montfauçon</i>, Paris, 1739, folio, two vols. These +are the bibliographical works (which I thought would be +acceptable if placed in this list of Catalogues) of the +illustrious Montfauçon; whose publications place him on the +summit of antiquarian fame. So much solid sense, careful +enquiry, curious research, and not despicable taste, mark +his voluminous productions! The bibliographer may rest +assured that he will not often be led into confusion or +error in the perusal of the above curious and valuable +volumes, which have always been considered precious by the +philologist.——<span class="smcap">Morelli.</span> <i>Jacobi Morellii Bibliothecæ Regiæ +divi Marci Venetiarum Custodis, Bibliotheca Manuscripta +Græca et Latina.</i> Tom. prim. Bassani, 8vo. Morelli was the +amiable and profoundly learned librarian of St. Mark's at +Venice; and this catalogue of his Greek and Latin MSS. is +given upon the authority of Peignot's <i>Curiosités +Bibliographiques</i>, p. lix.——<a name="Museum" id="Museum"></a><span class="smcap">Museum British.</span> <i>Catalogus +Librorum Manuscript. Bibl. Cotton.</i>, Oxon., 1696, fol. <i>A +Catalogue of the Manuscripts in the Cottonian Library</i>, +Lond. 1777, 8vo. <i>A Catalogue of the same</i>, 1802, fol. <i>A +Catalogue of the Harleian Manuscripts, &c.</i>, Lond., 1759, +fol., 2 vols. <i>A Catalogue of the same</i>, Lond., 1808, fol., +3 vols. <i>A Catalogue of the MSS. of the Kings Library, &c.</i>, +1734, 4to. <i>A Catalogue of the MSS., &c., hitherto +undescribed</i>, Lond., 1782, 4to., two vols. <i>Catalog. Libror. +Impress., &c.</i>, Lond., 1787, folio, 2 vols. These are the +published catalogues of the literary treasures, in +manuscript and in print, which are contained in the British +Museum. The <i>first Cottonian</i> catalogue has a life of Sir +Robert Cotton, and an account of his library prefixed to it. +The <i>second</i>, by Samuel Hooper, was intended "to remedy the +many defects" in the preceding catalogue, and "the +injudicious manner" in which it was compiled; but it is of +itself sufficiently confused and imperfect. The <i>third</i>, +which is the most copious and valuable, with an index (and +which has an abridged account of Sir Robert Cotton, and of +his Library), was drawn up by Mr. Planta, the principal +librarian of the British Museum. A great part of the first +catalogue of the <i>Harleian MSS.</i> was compiled by the +celebrated Humphrey Wanley, and a most valuable and ably +executed publication it is! The <i>Second</i> is executed by the +Rev. R. Nares: it contains the preface of the first, with an +additional one by himself, and a copious index; rendering +this the most complete catalogue of MSS. which has ever yet +appeared in our own country; although one regrets that its +typographical execution should not have kept pace with its +intrinsic utility. The two latter catalogues of MSS. above +described give an account of those which were presented by +royal munificence, and collected chiefly by Sir Hans Sloane +and Dr. Birch. The catalogue of 1734 (which is now rare) was +compiled by David Casley: that of 1782, by Samuel Ascough. +Of the catalogue of <i>Printed Books</i>, it would be unfair to +dwell upon its imperfections, since a new, and greatly +enlarged and improved, impression of it is about going to +press, under the editorial care and inspection of Messrs. H. +Ellis and Baber, the gentlemen to whom the printed books are +at present intrusted. Mr. Douce, who has succeeded Mr. Nares +as head librarian of the MSS., is busily employed in +examining the multifarious collection of the <i>Lansdowne +MSS.</i> (recently purchased by the Trustees of the Museum), +and we may hope that the day is not very far distant when +the public are to be congratulated on his minute and +masterly analysis of these treasures.——<span class="smcap">Paris.</span> <i>Catalogue +de la Bibliothéque de M. Paris de Meyzieux</i>, Paris, 1779, +8vo. <i>Bibliotheca elegantissima Parisina, par M. Lourent</i>, +1790, 8vo. <i>The same</i>: Lond., 1791, 8vo. Since the days of +Gaignat and the Duke de la Valliere, the longing eyes of +bibliographers were never blessed with a sight of more +splendid and choice books than were those in the possession +of <span class="smcap">M. Paris de Meyzieux</span>. The Spira Virgil of 1470, <span class="smcap">upon +vellum</span>, will alone confer celebrity upon the <i>first</i> +catalogue—but what shall we say to the <i>second</i>? It +consists of only 635 articles, and yet, as is well observed +in the preface, it was never equalled for the like number. +Happy is that noviciate in bibliography who can forget the +tedium of a rainy day in sitting by the side of a log-wood +fire, and in regaling his luxurious fancy, by perusing the +account of "fine, magnificent, matchless, large paper," and +"vellum" copies which are thickly studded from one end of +this volume to the other. Happier far the veteran, who can +remember how he braved the <i>perils of the sale</i>, in +encountering the noble and heavy metalled competitors who +flocked, from all parts of the realm, to partake of these +<i>Parisian</i> spoils! Such a one casts an eye upon his +well-loaded shelves, and while he sees here and there a +yellow morocco Aldus, or a Russian leather Froben, he +remembers how bravely he fought for each, and with what +success his exertions were crowned! For my own part, gentle +reader, I frankly assure thee that—after having seen the +"<span class="smcap">Heures de Notre Dame</span>," written by the famous Jarry, and +decorated with <span class="smcap">seven</span> small exquisite paintings of the Virgin +and Christ—and the <i>Aldine Petrarch</i> and <i>Virgil</i> of 1501, +all of them executed upon <span class="smcap">snow-white vellum</span>—after having +seen only these books out of the Paris collection, I hope to +descend to my obscure grave in perfect peace and +satisfaction! The reader may smile; but let him turn to +n<span class="super">os</span>. 14, 201, 328, of the <i>Bibl. Paris</i>: n<span class="super">o</span>. 318 of +the <i>Cat. de la Valliere</i>; and <i>Curiositès +Bibliographiques</i>, p. 67. This strain of "ètourderie +bibliographique," ought not to make me forget to observe +that we are indebted to the enterprising spirit and correct +taste of Mr. Edwards for these, as well as for many other, +beautiful books imported from the Continent. Nor is it yet +forgotten that some thorough-bred bibliomaniacs, in their +way to the sale, used to call for a glass of ice, to allay +the contagious inflammation which might rage in the +auction-room. And now take we leave of Monsieur Paris de +Meyzieux. Peace to the ashes of so renowned a +book-chevalier.——<span class="smcap">Petau et Mansart.</span> <i>Bibliotheca Potavina +et Mansartiana; ou Catalogue des Bibliothéques de Messrs. +Alexander Petau, et François Mansart; auxquells on a ajouté +le Cabinet des MSS. de Justus Lipsius.</i> Haye, 1722, 8vo. A +catalogue not very common, and well worth the +bibliographer's consultation.——<span class="smcap">Pinelli.</span> <i>Bibliotheca +Maphæi Pinelli Veneti, &c. A Jacobo Morellio.</i> Venetiis, +1787, 6 vols., 8vo. <i>Bibliotheca Pinelliana: a catalogue of +the magnificent and celebrated library of Maffæi Pinelli, +late of Venice</i>, &c., London, 1789, 8vo. There can be no +question about the priority, in point both of typographical +beauty and intrinsic excellence, of these catalogues; the +latter being only a common sale one, with the abridgment of +the learned preface of Morelli, and of his bibliographical +notices. This immense collection (of the ancient owners of +which we have a short sketch in Morhof, vol. i., pp. 28, +202) was purchased by Messrs. Edwards and Robson: the Greek +and Latin books were sold for 6786<i>l.</i>, the Italian, for +2570<i>l.</i>—which barely repaid the expenses of purchase, +including duties, carriage, and sale. Although, as Dr. +Harwood has observed, "there being no dust in Venice, this +most magnificent library has in general lain reposited for +some centuries, in excellent preservation,"—yet the copies +were not, upon the whole, in the choicest condition. There +are copies of the catalogue of 1789 upon <span class="smcap">large paper</span>. The +catalogue of 1787 (with an elegant portrait of Pinelli +prefixed) has, at first sight, the aspect of a work printed +in small quarto.——<span class="smcap">Pompadour.</span> <i>Catalogue des Livres de la +Bibliothéque de feue Madame La Marquise de Pompadour, Dame +du Palais de la Reine</i>, Paris, 1765, 8vo. The name of Madame +de Pompadour will be always respected by bibliographers, on +account of the taste and judgment which are displayed in +this elegant collection. The old popular romances form the +leading feature; but there is an ample sprinkling of the +belles-lettres and poetry. An animated eulogium is +pronounced upon Mad. de Pompadour by Jardé, in his "Précis +sur les Bibliothéques;" prefixed to the last edition of +Fournier's <i>Dictionnaire Portatif de Bibliographie</i>, p. +vij.——<span class="smcap">Préfond.</span> <i>Catalogue des Livres du Cabinet de M.D.P. +(Girardot de Préfond) Par Guillaume F. De Bure</i>, Paris, +1757, 8vo. An excellent collection; not wanting in rare and +magnificent productions. The owner of it was distinguished +for many solid, as well as splendid, qualifications. Only +six copies of it were printed upon <span class="smcap">large paper</span>. See <i>Cat. de +Gaignat</i>, vol. ii., n<span class="super">o</span>. 3467.——<span class="smcap">Randon de Boisset.</span> +<i>Catalogue des livres du cabinet de feu M. Randon du +Boisset. Par Guil. de Bure, fils aîné</i>, Paris, 1777, 12mo. +Although the generality of catalogue collectors will be +satisfied with the usual copy of this well-digested volume, +yet I apprehend the curious will not put up with any thing +short of a copy of it upon strong <span class="smcap">writing paper</span>. Such a one +was in the Gouttard collection. See <i>Cat. de Gouttard</i>, +n<span class="super">o</span>. 1546.——<i>Reimannus.</i> <i>J.F. Reimanni Catalogus +Bibliothecæ Theologicæ Systematico-Criticus.</i> Hildes. 1731, +8vo., two vols. <i>Ejusdem accessiones uberiores ad Catalogum +Systematico-Criticum, editæ a Jo. W. Reimannus</i>, Brunsv., +1747, 8vo. I have before given the character of this work in +the introductory part of my "Knowledge of the Greek and +Latin Classics." Every thing commendatory of it may be here +repeated.——<span class="smcap">Renati.</span> <i>Bibliothecæ Josephi Renati Imperialis, +&c., Cardinalis Catalogus, &c.</i> Romæ, 1711, fol. This +excellent catalogue, which cost the compiler of it, +Fontanini, nine years of hard labour, is a most useful and +valuable one; serving as a model for catalogues of large +libraries. See the more minute criticism upon it in <i>Cat. de +Santander</i>, n<span class="super">o</span>. 6315. My copy, which wants the +title-page, but luckily contains the Latin preface, was +formerly Ruddiman's. The volume has 738 pages: this is +noticed because all the appendixes and addenda are +comprehended in the same.——<span class="smcap">Revickzky.</span> <i>Bibliotheca Græca +et Latina, complectens auctores fere omnes Græcia et Latii +veteris, &c., cum delectu editionum tam primariarum, &c., +quam etiam optimarum, splendidissimarum, &c., quas usui meo +paravi.</i> <span class="smcap">Periergus Deltophilus</span> (the feigned name for +<span class="smcap">Revickzky</span>), Berolini, 1784: 1794, 8vo. It was the delight of +Count Revickzky, the original owner of this collection, to +devote his time and attention to the acquisition of scarce, +beautiful, and valuable books; and he obtained such fame in +this department of literature as to cause him to be ranked +with the Vallieres, Pinellis, and Loménies of the day. He +compiled, and privately disposed of, the catalogue of his +collection, which bears the above title; and to some few of +which are prefixed a letter to M. L' A.D. [enini] (Member of +the French Academy) and a preface. <i>Three Supplements</i> to +this catalogue were also, from time to time, circulated by +him; so that the purchaser must look sharply after these +acquisitions to his copy—as some one or the other of them +are generally missing. Peignot supposes there are only <i>two</i> +supplements. <i>Bibl. Curieuse</i>, p. 58. When Count Revickzky +came over to England, he made an offer to Earl Spencer to +dispose of the whole collection to his lordship, for a +certain "round sum" to be paid immediately into his hands, +and to receive, in addition, a yearly sum by way of annuity. +So speaks fame. Shortly after this contract was closed, the +Count died; and Earl Spencer, in consequence, for a +comparatively small sum (the result of an immediate and +generous compliance with the Count's wishes!), came into the +possession of a library which, united with his previous +magnificent collection, and the successful ardour with which +he has since continued the pursuit, places him quite at the +head of all the collectors in Europe—for early, rare, +precious, and beautiful, books. Long may he possess such +treasures!—and fleeing from the turbulence of politics, and +secluded as he is, both in the metropolis and at Althorp, +from the stunning noise of a city, may he always exclaim, +with Horace, as the Count did before him—</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Sit mihi, quod nunc est, etiam minus; ut mihi vivam<br /> +Quod superest ævi, si quid superesse volunt Dí.<br /> +Sit bona librorum et provisæ frugis in annum<br /> +Copia, ne fluitem dubiæ spe pendulus horæ.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 6em;"><i>Epist. Lib.</i> i.: <i>Epist.</i> xviii. v., 107.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Sir M.M. Sykes, Bart., has a copy of the edition of 1784 +[which is in every respect the better one], printed upon +<span class="smcap">fine vellum paper</span>. A similar copy of the edition of 1794 is +noticed in the <i>Cat. de Caillard</i>,(1808) n<span class="super">o</span>. 2572. At the +sale of M. Meon's books, in 1804, a copy of the first +edition, charged with MS. notes of the celebrated Mercier +St. Leger, was sold for 30 livres.——<span class="smcap">Rive.</span> <i>Catalogue de la +Bibliothéque de l'Abbé Rive, par Archard</i>, Marseille, 1793, +8vo. A catalogue of the books of so sharp-sighted a +bibliographer as was the Abbé Rive cannot fail to be +interesting to the collector.——<span class="smcap">Du Roi</span> [Louis XV.] +<i>Catalogus Codicum Manuscriptorum Bibliothecæ Regiæ (studio +et labore Anicetti Mellot). Paris, e Typog. Reg.</i>, 1739, +folio, four vols.——<span class="smcap">Du Roi.</span> <i>Des Livres imprimés de la même +Bibliothéque Royale. (Disposè par Messrs. les Abbés Sallier +et Boudot, &c.) Paris, De L'Imprim. Royale</i>, 1739-53, folio, +six vols. The most beautiful and carefully executed +catalogue in the world: reflecting a truly solid lustre upon +the literary reputation of France! The first four volumes, +written in Latin, comprehend an account of MSS.: the six +last, written in French, of printed works in <span class="smcap">Theology</span>, +<span class="smcap">Jurisprudence</span>, and <span class="smcap">Belles-Lettres</span>; the departments of +<span class="smcap">History</span> and the <span class="smcap">Arts and Sciences</span> still remaining to be +executed. De Bure told us, half a century ago, that the +"Gens de Lettres" were working hard at the completion of it; +but the then complaints of bibliographers at its imperfect +state are even yet continued in Fournier's last edition of +his <i>Dictionnaire Portatif de Bibliographie</i>, p. 468. So +easy it is to talk; so difficult to execute! I believe, +however, that M. Van-Praet, one of the principal librarians, +is now putting all engines to work to do away the further +disgrace of such unaccountably protracted negligence. My +copy of this magnificent set of books is bound in red +Morocco, gilt leaves, and was a presentation one from the +King "au Comte de Neny, comme une marque de son estime, +1770." I should add that the first volume of "Theology" +contains a history of the rise and progress of the royal +library, which was reprinted in 8vo., 1782.——<span class="smcap">Du Roi.</span> +<i>Notices et Extraits des Manuscrits de la Bibliothéque du +Roi, Paris. De l'Imprim. Roy.</i> 1787, 4to., seven vols. It +will be obvious to the candid reader that this work could +not be better introduced than in the present place; and a +most interesting and valuable one it is! My copy of it, +which is only in six volumes [but a seventh is mentioned in +<i>Cat. de Boutourlin</i>, n<span class="super">o</span>. 3845, and in Caillot's <i>Roman +Bibliographique</i>, p. 195], was purchased by me of Mr. Evans +of Pall-Mall, who had shewn it to several lovers of +bibliography, but none of whom had courage or curiosity +enough to become master of the volumes. How I have profited +by them, the Supplement to my first volume of the +"Typographical Antiquities of Great Britain," may in part +shew. The public shall be made acquainted with still more +curious excerpts. In my humble judgment the present work is +a model of extraction of the marrow of old MSS. It may be +worth adding, the plates in the sixth volume are singular, +curious and beautiful.——<span class="smcap">Du Roi.</span> <i>Accounts and Extracts of +the Manuscripts in the Library of the King of France. +Translated from the French</i>, London, 1789, 8vo., two vols. +"The French Monarch [Louis XVI.], in the publication now +before us, has set an example to all Europe, well worthy to +be followed"—says the opening of the translator's preface. +The present volumes contain a translation of only twenty-two +articles from the preceding work; and very strongly may they +be recommended to the curious philologist, as well as to the +thorough-bred bibliomaniac.——<span class="smcap">Röver.</span> <i>Bibliotheca +Röveriana, sive Catalogus Librorum qui studiis inservierunt +Matthiæ Röveri.</i> Lug. Bat. 1806, 8vo., <i>two parts</i>. From the +elegant and pleasing Latin preface to this most carefully +compiled catalogue, we learn that the owner of the books +lived to his 82d year—and [what must be a peculiar +gratification to Bibliomaniacs] that he beat Pomponius +Atticus in the length of time during which he never had +occasion to take physic; namely, 50 years! Röver's life +seemed to glide away in rational tranquillity, and in total +seclusion from the world; except that he professed and +always shewed the greatest kindness to his numerous, and +many of them helpless, relatives—"vix in publicum prodiit, +nisi cultus Divini externi aut propinquorum caussâ," p. xv. +His piety was unshaken. Like the venerable Jacob Bryant, his +death was hastened in consequence of a contusion in his leg +from a fall in endeavouring to reach a book.——<span class="smcap">Rothelin.</span> +<i>Catalogue des livres de feu M'L. Abbé D'Orleans de +Rothelin. Par G. Martin</i>, Paris, 1746, 8vo. This catalogue +of the library of the amiable and learned Abbé Rothelin, +"known (says Camus) for his fine taste for beautiful books," +is judiciously drawn up by Martin, who was the De Bure of +his day. A portrait of its owner faces the title-page. It +was the Abbé Rothelin who presented De Boze with the +celebrated '<i>Guirlande de Julie</i>'—a work which afterwards +came into the Valliere collection, and was sold for 14,510 +livres,—"the highest price (says Peignot) ever given for a +modern book." Consult his <i>Curiosités Bibliographiques</i>, pp. +62, 67; and <i>Bibl. Curieuse</i>, p. 61.——<span class="smcap">Sarraz.</span> <i>Bibliotheca +Sarraziana.</i> Hag. Com., 1715, 8vo. This catalogue, which is +frequently referred to by bibliographers, should not escape +the collector when he can obtain it for a few shillings. A +tolerably good preface or diatribe is prefixed, upon the +causes of the rarity of Books, but the volume itself is not +deserving of all the fine things in commendation of it which +are said in the <i>Bibl. Reiman</i>, pt. ii., p. 671, +&c.——<span class="smcap">Sartori.</span> <i>Catalogus Bibliographicus Librorum +Latinorum et Germanicorum in Bibliotheca Cæsar. reg. et +equestris Academiæ Theresianæ extantium, cum accessionibus +originum typographicarum. Vindobonensium, et duobus +supplementis necnon, indice triplici, systematico, +bibliographico, et typographico; auctore Josepho de +Sartori.</i> Vindobonæ, 1801-3, 4to. Vol. i., ii., iii. Of this +very curious and greatly-to-be-desired catalogue, which is +to be completed in eight volumes, it is said that only <span class="smcap">one +hundred</span> copies are struck off. Peignot has a long and +interesting notice of it in his <i>Bibliographie Curieuse</i>, p. +64.——<span class="smcap">Schalbruck.</span> <i>Bibliotheca Schalbruchiana; sive +Catalogus exquisitissimorum rarissimorumque librorum, quos +collegit Joh. Theod. Schalbruch.</i> Amst. 1723, 8vo. A very +fine collection of rare and curious books. From a priced +copy of the catalogue, accidentally seen, I find that some +of them produced rather large sums.——<span class="smcap">Schwartz.</span> <i>Catalogus +Librorum continens codd. MSS. et libros sæculo</i> xv. +<i>impressos, quos possedit et notis recensuit A.G. +Schwarzius</i>, Altorf. 1769, 8vo. The name of Schwartz is so +respectable in the annals of bibliography that one cannot +help giving the present catalogue a place in one's +collection. According to <i>Bibl. Solger.</i>, vol. iii., n<span class="super">o</span>. +1459, a first part (there said to be printed upon <span class="smcap">large +paper</span>) was published in 1753. Schwartz's treatise, "<i>De +Orig. Typog. Document. Primar.</i>" Altorf, 1740, 4to., should +have been noticed at <a href="#Page_41">p. 41</a>, ante.——<span class="smcap">Scriverius.</span> +<i>Bibliothecæ Scriverianæ Catalogus</i>, Amst., 1663, +4to.—"exquisitissimus est: constat enim selectissimus +omnium facultatum et artium autoribus." This is the strong +recommendatory language of Morhof: <i>Polyhist. Literar.</i>, +vol. i., 212.——<span class="smcap">Serna Santander.</span> <i>Catalogue des livres de +la Bibliothéque de M.C. De La Serna Santander; redigé et mis +en ordre par lui même; avec des notes bibliographiques et +littèraires</i>, &c. Bruxelles, 1803, 8vo., five volumes. An +extensive collection of interesting works; with a +sufficiently copious index at the end of the fourth volume. +The fifth volume contains a curious disquisition upon the +antiquity of signatures, catchwords, and numerals; and is +enriched with a number of plates of watermarks of the paper +in ancient books. This catalogue, which is rarely seen in +our own country, is well worth a place in any library. It is +a pity the typographical execution of it is so very +indifferent. For the credit of a bibliographical taste, I +hope there were a few copies struck off upon <span class="smcap">large +paper</span>.——<span class="smcap">Sion College.</span> <i>Catalogus universalis librorum +omnium in Bibliotheca Collegii Sionii apud Londinenses</i>; +Londini, 1650, 4to. <i>Ejusdem Collegii librorum Catalogus, +&c., Cura Reading</i>, Lond., 1724, fol. As the first of these +catalogues (of a collection which contains some very curious +and generally unknown volumes) was published before the +great fire of London happened, there will be found some +books in it which were afterwards consumed, and therefore +not described in the subsequent impression of 1724. This +latter, which Tom Osborne, the bookseller, would have called +a "pompous volume," is absolutely requisite to the +bibliographer: but both impressions should be procured, if +possible. The folio edition is common and cheap.——<span class="smcap">Smith</span> +[<span class="smcap">Consul</span>]. <i>Bibliotheca Smithiana, seu Catalogus Librorum +D.J. Smithii Angli, per cognomina Authorum dispositus.</i> +Venetiis, 1755, 4to. <i>A Catalogue of the curious, elegant, +and very valuable library of Joseph Smith, Esq., His +Britannic Majesty's Consul at Venice, lately deceased</i>, +1773, 8vo. These are the catalogues of the collections of +books occasionally formed at Venice, by Mr. Joseph Smith, +during his consulship there. The quarto impression contains +a description of the books which were purchased "en masse" +by his present majesty. It is singularly well executed by +Paschali, comprehending, by way of an appendix, the prefaces +to those volumes in the collection which were printed in the +fifteenth century. I possess a brochûre of 71 pages, +containing a catalogue of books printed in the fifteenth +century, which has Consul Smith's arms at the beginning, +and, at the end, this subscription, "Pretiosissima hæc +librorum collectio, cujusvis magni principis Bibliotheca +dignissima, constat voluminibus ccxlviii." The title-page +has no date. I suspect it to be the same catalogue of books +which is noticed at <a href="#Page_77">p. 77</a>, ante, and which probably the +Consul bought: forming the greater part of his own library +of early printed books. See too the <i>Bibliogr. Miscellany</i>, +vol. ii., 72. The collection of 1773 was sold by auction, +for Mr. Robson, by Messrs. Baker and Leigh—and a fine one +it was. Among these books, the Spira Virgil of 1470, printed +<span class="smcap">upon vellum</span>, was purchased for <i>only twenty-five guineas</i>!</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Excidat ille dies ævo—ne postera credant</span><br /> +Sæcula—!<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>——<span class="smcap">Solger.</span> <i>Bibliotheca sive Supellex Librorum Impressorum, +&c., et Codicum Manuscriptorum, quos per plurimos annos +collegit, &c., Adamus Rudolphus Solger.</i> Norimb., 1760, +8vo., three parts or vols. I should almost call this +publication "facile princeps Catalogorum"—in its way. The +bibliographical notices are frequent and full; and saving +that the words "rarus, rarior, et rarissimus," are sometimes +too profusely bestowed, nothing seems to be wanting to +render this a very first rate acquisition to the collector's +library. I am indebted to the bibliomanical spirit of honest +Mr. Manson, of Gerard-street, the bookseller, for this +really useful publication.——<a name="Soubise" id="Soubise"></a><span class="smcap">Soubise.</span> <i>Catalogue des livres +imprimés et manuscrits, &c., de feu Monseigneur Le Prince de +Soubise (par feu Le Clerc)</i>, Paris, 1788, 8vo. A short +history of this collection will be the best inducement to +purchase the present catalogue, whenever it comes in the way +of the collector. The foundation of this splendid library +was that of the famous De Thou's [vide Art. <a href="#Thuanus"><span class="smcap">Thuanus</span></a>, post], +which was purchased by the Cardinal de Rohan, who added it +to his own grand collection—"the fruit of a fine taste and +a fine fortune." It continued to be augmented and enriched +'till, and after, it came into the possession of the <span class="smcap">Prince +de Soubise</span>—the last nobleman of his name—who dying in +January, 1789, the entire collection was dispersed by public +auction: after it had been offered for the purchase of one +or two eminent London booksellers, who have repented, and +will repent to their dying day, their declining the offer. +This catalogue is most unostentatiously executed upon very +indifferent paper; and, while an excellent index enables us +to discover any work of which we may be in want, the +beautiful copies from this collection which are in the +Cracherode library in the British Museum, give +unquestionable proof of the splendour of the books. For the +credit of French bibliography, I hope there are some few +copies upon <span class="smcap">large paper</span>.——<span class="smcap">Tellier.</span> <i>Bibliotheca +Tellereana, sive Catalogus Librorum Bibliotheca Caroli +Mauritii Le Tellier, Archiepiscopi Ducis Remensis. Parisiis, +e Typographia Regia</i>, 1693, fol. A finely engraved portrait +of Tellier faces the title-page. This is a handsome volume, +containing a numerous and well-chosen collection of +books.——<a name="Thuanus" id="Thuanus"></a><span class="smcap">Thuanus.</span> [<span class="smcap">de Thou</span>] <i>Bibliothecæ Thuanæ Catalogus</i>, +Parisiis, 1679, 8vo. "Three particular reasons," says +Baillet, "should induce us to get possession of this +catalogue; first, the immortal glory acquired by De Thou in +writing his history, and in forming the most perfect and +select library of his age: and secondly, the abundance and +excellence of the books herein specified; and, thirdly, the +great credit of the bibliographers Du Puys and Quesnel, by +whom the catalogue was compiled." <i>Jugemens des Savans</i>, +vol. ii., p. 144, &c. Morhof is equally lavish in +commendation of this collection. See his <i>Polyhist. +Literar.</i>, vol. i., 36, 211. The Books of De Thou, whose +fame will live as long as a book shall be read, were +generally in beautiful condition, with his arms stamped upon +the exterior of the binding, which was usually of Morocco; +and, from some bibliographical work (I think it is +Santander's catalogue), I learn that this binding cost the +worthy president not less than 20,000 crowns. De Thou's copy +of the editio princeps of Homer is now in the British +Museum; having been presented to this national institution +by the Rev. Dr. Cyril Jackson, who has lately resigned the +deanery of Christ Church College, Oxford,—"and who is now +wisely gone to enjoy the evening of life in repose, +sweetened by the remembrance of having spent the day in +useful and strenuous exertion." For an account of the +posterior fate of De Thou's library, consult the article +"<a href="#Soubise"><span class="smcap">Soubise</span></a>," ante. I should add that, according to the <i>Bibl. +Solgeriana</i>, vol. iii., p. 243, n<span class="super">o</span>. 1431, there are +copies of this catalogue upon <span class="smcap">large paper</span>.——<span class="smcap">Uffenbach.</span> +<i>Catalogus universalis Bibliothecæ Uffenbachinæ librorum tam +typis quam manu exaratorum.</i> Francof. ad Mœn, 1729, 8vo., +4 vols. This catalogue is no mean acquisition to the +bibliographer's library. It rarely occurs in a perfect and +clean condition.——<span class="smcap">Valliere (duc de la).</span> <i>Catalogue des +Livres provenans de la Bibliothéque de M.L.D.D.L.V.</i>, (M. le +Duc de la Valliere) <i>disposé et mis en ordre par Guill. +Franc. De Bure le Jeune.</i> Paris, 1767, 8vo., 2 vols.—<i>Des +Livres de la même Bibliothéque.</i> Paris, 1772, 8vo.—<i>Des +Livres et Manuscrits de la même Bibliothéque</i>, Paris, 1783, +8vo., 3 vols.—<i>Des Livres de la même Bibliothéque</i>, Paris, +1783, 6 vols. 8vo. These twelve volumes of catalogues of +this nobleman's library impress us with a grand notion of +its extent and value—perhaps never exceeded by that of any +private collection! It would seem that the Duke de la +Valliere had two sales of part of his books (of which the +two first catalogues are notifications) during his +life-time: the two latter catalogues of sales having been +put forth after his decease. Of these latter (for the former +contain nothing remarkable in them, except that there are +copies of the first on <span class="smcap">large paper</span>, in 4to.), the impression +of 1783, which was compiled by Van Praet and De Bure, is the +most distinguished for its notices of MSS. and early printed +books: and in these departments it is truly precious, being +enriched with some of the choicest books in the Gaignat +Collection. Those printed <span class="smcap">upon vellum</span> alone would form a +little library! Of the impression of 1783, which has a +portrait of the owner prefixed, there were fifty copies +printed upon <span class="smcap">large paper</span>, in 4to., to harmonize with the +<i>Bibliographie Instructive</i>, and <i>Gaignat's Catalogue</i>. See +<i>Bibliographical Miscell.</i>, vol. ii., 66. Twelve copies were +also printed in royal 8vo., upon fine stout <span class="smcap">vellum paper</span>; of +which the Rt. Hon. T. Grenville has a beautiful uncut copy +in six volumes. See also <i>Cat. de Loménie</i> [1797], n<span class="super">o</span>. +2666. The last publication of 1788 was put forth by Nyon +l'aîné; and although the bibliographical observations are +but few in comparison with those in the preceding catalogue, +and no index is subjoined, yet it is most carefully +executed; and presents us with such a copious collection of +French topography, and old French and Italian poetry and +romances, as never has been, and perhaps never will be, +equalled. It contains 26,537 articles. The Count D'Artois +purchased this collection "en masse;" and it is now +deposited in the "bibliothéque de l'Arsenal." See <i>Dictionn. +Bibliographique</i>, vol. iv., p. 133. It was once offered for +purchase to a gentleman of this country—highly +distinguished for his love of Virtû. Mr. Grenville has also +a similar large paper copy of this latter edition, of the +date of 1784.——<span class="smcap">Vienna.</span> <i>Codices Manuscripti Theologici. +Bibl. Palat. Vindob. Latini aliarumque Occidentis +Linguarum</i>, vol. i. (in tribus partibus.) <i>Recens.</i>, &c., +<i>Michael Denis.</i> Vindob. 1793, folio. Some mention of this +work has been made at <a href="#Page_65">page 65</a>, ante. It may be here +necessary to remark that, from the preface, it would appear +to contain a ninth additional book to Lambecius's well-known +Commentaries (vide, <a href="#Page_41">p. 41</a>, ante) which Kollarius had left +unpublished at his death. The preface is well worth perusal, +as it evinces the great pains which Denis has taken; and the +noble, if not matchless, munificence of his patron—"qui +præter augustam Bibliothecæ fabricam in ipsos libros +centenis plura Rhenensium expendit millia."—This catalogue +is confined to a description of Latin, with some few notices +of Oriental Manuscripts; as the preceding work of Lambecius +and Kollarius contained an account of the Greek MSS. These +three parts, forming one volume, are closed by an excellent +index. The second volume was published in 1801. Upon the +whole, it is a noble and highly useful publication; and +places its author in the foremost rank of +bibliographers.——<span class="smcap">Volpi.</span> <i>Catalogo della Libreria de +Volpi</i>, &c. <i>Opera di Don Gaetano Volpi.</i> Padova, 1756, 8vo. +The Crevenna library was enriched with a great number of +valuable books which came from the library of the celebrated +Vulpii; of which the present is a well-arranged and uncommon +catalogue. Annexed to it there is an account of the press of +the Comini, which belonged to the owners of this collection. +The reader may consult <i>Bibl. Crevenn.</i>, vol. v., pp. 302-3; +and Dr. Clarke's <i>Bibliogr. Miscell.</i>, vol. ii., +72.——<span class="smcap">Voyage</span> <i>de deux Français dans le nord de l'Europe, en +1790-92, (par M. de Fortia)</i> Paris, 1796, 8vo., 5 vols. That +the collector of catalogues may not scold me for this +apparent deviation from the subject discussed in this note, +I must inform him, upon the authority of Peignot, that these +interesting volumes contain "some account of the most +beautiful and curious books contained in the Libraries of +the North, and in those of Italy, Spain, Holland, &c." +<i>Curiosités Bibliographiques</i>, p. lviii.——<span class="smcap">De Witt.</span> +<i>Catalogus Bibliothecæ Joannis De Witt</i>, Dordraci, 1701, +12mo. The preface to this catalogue, (from which an extract +was given in the <i>first</i> edition of my "<i>Introduction to the +Editions of the Greek and Latin Classics</i>," 1802, 8vo.,) +gives us a pleasing account of an ardent and elegant young +man in the pursuit of every thing connected with Virtû. De +Witt seems to have been, in books and statues, &c., what his +great ancestor was in politics—"paucis comparandus." A +catalogue of the library of a collector of the same name was +published at Brussels, in 1752, by De Vos. See <i>Cat. de +Santander</i>, vol. iv., n<span class="super">o</span>. 6334.——<span class="smcap">Zurich.</span> <i>Catalogus +librorum Bibliothecæ Tigurinæ.</i> Tiguri, 1744, 8vo., 4 vols. +Although the last, this is not the most despicable, +catalogue of collections here enumerated. A reading man, who +happens to winter in Switzerland, may know, upon throwing +his eyes over this catalogue, that he can have access to +good books at Zurich—the native place of many an +illustrious author! The following, which had escaped me, may +probably be thought worthy of forming an +</p> + +<h3>APPENDIX TO THE PRECEDING NOTE.</h3> + +<p> +<span class="smcap">Bern.</span> <i>Cat. Codd. MSS. Bibl. Bernensis. Cum annotationibus, +&c. Curante Sinner.</i> Bernæ, 1760, 8vo. A very curious and +elegantly printed Catalogue with three plates of +fac-similes.——<span class="smcap">Parker</span> [<span class="smcap">abp.</span>] <i>Catalog. Libror. MSS. in +Bibl. Coll. Corporis Christi in Cantab., quos legavit M. +Parkerus Archiepiscop. Cant.</i> Lond., 1722, fol.; <i>Eorundem +Libror. MSS. Catalogus. Edidit J. Nasmith.</i> Cantab., 1777, +4to. Of these catalogues of the curious and valuable MSS. +which were bequeathed to Corpus College (or Bennet College, +as it is sometimes called) by the immortal Archbishop +Parker, the first is the more elegantly printed, but the +latter is the more copious and correct impression. My copy +of it has a fac-simile etching prefixed, by Tyson, of the +rare print of the Archbishop, which will be noticed in <a href="#PART_V"><span class="smcap">Part +V.</span></a>, post.——<span class="smcap">Royal Institution.</span> <i>A Catalogue of the Library +of the Royal Institution of Great Britain, &c. By William +Harris, Keeper of the Library.</i> Lond., 1809, 8vo. If a lucid +order, minute and correct description of the volumes of an +admirably chosen library, accompanied with a copious and +faithful alphabetical index, be recommendations with the +bibliographer, the present volume will not be found wanting +upon his shelf. It is the most useful book of its kind ever +published in this country. Let the bibliomaniac hasten to +seize one of the five remaining copies only (out of the +<i>fifty</i> which were printed) upon <span class="smcap">large paper</span>!——<span class="smcap">Wood +(Anthony).</span> <i>A Catalogue of Antony-a-Wood's Manuscripts in +the Ashmolean Museum; by W. Huddesford</i>, Oxon, 1761, 8vo. +The very name of <i>old Anthony</i> (as it delights some +facetious book-collectors yet to call him!) will secure +respect for this volume. It is not of common occurrence.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_C_165" id="Footnote_C_165"></a><a href="#FNanchor_C_165">[C]</a> In <a href="#PART_VI">Part VI.</a> of this work will be found a List +of Books printed here. The armorial bearings of Lord Orford +are placed at <a href="#Page_100">p. 100</a>.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> You have so thoroughly animated my feelings,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">79</a></span> and excited my +curiosity, in regard to <span class="smcap">Bibliography</span>, that I can no longer dissemble +the eagerness which I feel to make myself master of the several books +which you have recommended.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">80</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Alas, your zeal will most egregiously deceive you! <i>Where</i> +will you look for such books? At what bookseller's shop, or at what +auction, are they to be procured? In this country, my friend, few are +the private<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">81</a></span> collections, however choice, which contain two third +parts of the excellent works before mentioned. Patience, vigilance, +and personal activity, are your best friends in such a dilemma.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">82</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> But I will no longer attend the sale of Malvolio's busts and +statues, and gaudy books. I will fly to the Strand, or King-street: +peradventure<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">83</a></span>—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> Gently, my good Lisardo. A breast thus suddenly changed from the +cold of Nova Zembla to the warmth of the torrid zone requires to be +ruled with discretion. And yet, luckily for you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">84</a></span>—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Speak—are you about to announce the sale of some bibliographical +works?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">85</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> Even so. To morrow, if I mistake not, <span class="smcap">Gonzalvo's</span> choice gems, in +this way, are to be disposed of.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">86</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Consider them as my own. Nothing shall stay me from the +possession of them.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">87</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> You speak precipitately. Are you accustomed to attend +book-auctions?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">88</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> No; but I will line my pockets with pistoles, and who dare oppose +me?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">89</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> And do you imagine that no one, but yourself, has his pockets +"lined with pistoles," on these occasions?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">90</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> It may be so—that other linings are much warmer than my +own:—but, at any rate, I will make a glorious struggle, and die with +my sword in my hand.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">91</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> This is <i>Book-Madness</i> with a vengeance! However, we shall see +the issue. When and how do you propose going?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">92</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> A chaise shall be at this door by nine in the morning. Who will +accompany me?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">93</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Our friend and Philemon will prevent your becoming absolutely +raving, by joining you. I shall be curious to know the result.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">94</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Never fear. <i>Bibliomania</i> is, of all species of insanity, the +most rational and praise-worthy. I here solemnly renounce my former +opinions, and wish my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">95</a></span> errors to be forgotten. I here crave pardon of +the disturbed manes of the Martins, De Bures, and Patersons, for that +flagitious act of <i>Catalogue-Burning</i>; and fondly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">96</a></span> hope that the +unsuspecting age of boyhood will atone for so rash a deed. Do you +frankly forgive—and will you henceforth consider me as a +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: worthy">worth</span> "<i>Aspirant</i>" in the noble cause of +bibliography?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">97</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Most cordially do I forgive you; and freely admit you into the +fraternity of Bibliomaniacs. Philemon, I trust, will be equally +merciful.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">98</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> Assuredly, Lisardo, you have my entire forgiveness: and I exult +a little in the hope that you will prove yourself to be a sincere +convert to the cause, by losing no opportunity of enriching your +bibliographical<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">99</a></span> stores. Already I see you mounted, as a book +chevalier, and hurrying from the country to London—from London again +to the country—seeking adventures in which your prowess may be +displayed—and yielding to no competitor who brandishes a lance of +equal weight with your own!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> 'Tis well. At to-morrow's dawn my esquire shall begin to burnish +up my armour—and caparison my courser. Till then adieu!</p> + +<hr class="med" /> + +<p>Here the conversation, in a connected form, ceased; and it was +resolved that Philemon and myself should accompany Lisardo on the +morrow.</p> + +<p class="centertp"> +<img src="images/deco06.png" width="344" height="288" alt="" title="" /> +</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">100</a></span></p> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/orfordarms.png" width="308" height="500" alt="FARI QUÆ SENTIAT" title="FARI QUÆ SENTIAT" /> +</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">101</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="PART_III" id="PART_III"></a>PART III.<br /> +<br /> +<span class="bl">The Auction Room.</span></h2> + + +<h3>CHARACTER OF ORLANDO.<br /> +OF ANCIENT PRICES OF BOOKS, AND BOOK-BINDING.<br /> +BOOK-AUCTION BIBLIOMANIACS.</h3> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/line02.png" width="113" height="14" alt="" title="" /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p>"As to the late method used in selling books by <span class="smcap">auction</span> in +London, I suppose that many have paid dear for their +experience in this way—it being apparent that most books +bought in an auction may be had cheaper in booksellers' +shops."</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Clavel</span>: <i>Cat. of Books for 1680, Pref.</i></p> +</div> + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">102</a></span></p> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/statue02.png" width="178" height="376" alt="statue" title="statue" /> +</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">103</a></span></p> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/part3.jpg" width="364" height="600" alt="The Auction Room" title="The Auction Room" /> +</p> + +<p class="centerbp"><span class="msm">[<a href="images/part3-lg.jpg">Enlarge</a>]</span></p> + +<h2><span class="bl">The Auction Room.</span></h2> + +<h3> +CHARACTER OF ORLANDO.<br /> +OF ANCIENT PRICES OF BOOKS, AND BOOK-BINDING.<br /> +BOOK AUCTION BIBLIOMANIACS.<br /> +</h3> + + +<p class="tp"><img src="images/cap_n.png" width="250" height="243" alt="N" title="N" class="floatl" />EVER, +surely, did two mortals set off upon any expedition with +greater glee and alacrity than did Lisardo and Philemon for the sale, +by auction, of <span class="smcap">Gonzalvo's</span> bibliographical library. The great pains +which Lysander had taken in enumerating the various foreign and +domestic writers upon Bibliography, with his occasionally animated +eulogies upon some favourite author had quite inflamed the sanguine +mind of Lisardo; who had already, in anticipation, fancied himself in +possession of every book which he had heard described. Like Homer's +high-bred courser, who</p> + +<p class="center">—ere he starts, a thousand steps are lost—</p> + +<p>our young bibliomaniac began to count up his volumes, arrange his +shelves, bespeak his binder,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">104</a></span> and revel in the luxury of a splendid +and nearly matchless collection. The distance from my house to the +scene of action being thirteen miles, Lisardo, during the first six, +had pretty nearly exhausted himself in describing the delightful +pictures which his ardent fancy had formed; and finding the +conversation beginning to flag, Philemon, with his usual good-nature +and judgment, promised to make a pleasing digression from the dry +subject of book-catalogues, by an episode with which the reader shall +be presently gratified. Having promised to assist them both, when we +arrived at Messrs. L. and S., in the Strand, with some information +relating to the prices of such books as they stood in need of, and to +the various book-collectors who attended public sales, Lisardo +expressed himself highly obliged by the promise; and, sinking quietly +into a corner of the chaise, he declared that he was now in a most apt +mood to listen attentively to Philemon's digressive chat: who +accordingly thus began.</p> + +<p class="bp">"Lord Coke,"—exclaimed <span class="smcap">Philemon</span>, in a mirthful strain—"before he +ventured upon '<i>The Jurisdiction of the Courts of the Forest</i>,' wished +to 'recreate himself' with Virgil's description of 'Dido's Doe of the +Forest;'<a name="FNanchor_163_166" id="FNanchor_163_166"></a><a href="#Footnote_163_166" class="fnanchor">[163]</a> in order that he might 'proceed the more cheerfully' +with the task he had undertaken; and thus exchange somewhat of the +precise and technical language of the lawyer for that glowing tone of +description which woodland scenes and hunting gaieties seldom fail to +produce. Even so, my good friends (pursued Philemon), I shall make a +little digression from the confined subject to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">105</a></span> which our attentions +have been so long directed by taking you with me, in imagination, to +the delightful abode of <span class="smcap">Orlando</span>."</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_163_166" id="Footnote_163_166"></a><a href="#FNanchor_163_166">[163]</a> The quaint language of Lord Coke is well +worth quotation: "And seeing we are to treat of matters of +game, and hunting, let us (to the end we may proceed the +more chearfully) recreate ourselves with the excellent +description of Dido's Doe of the Forest wounded with a +deadly arrow sticken in her, and not impertinent to our +purpose:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Uritur infælix Dido, totaque vagatur<br /> +Urbe furens, &c.<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>And in another place, using again the word (Sylva) and +describing a forest saith:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Ibat in antiquam sylvam stabula alta ferarum."<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3.5em;"><i>Institutes</i>, pt. iv., p. 289, ed. 1669.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Thus pleasantly could our sage expounder of the laws of the +realm illustrate the dry subject of which he treated!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> I have heard of him: a very "<i>Helluo Librorum</i>!" Thus we only +change sides—from things to men; from books to book-collectors. Is +this digressive? Is this an episode?</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> Why this abrupt interruption? If I did not know you and myself, +too, Lisardo, I should observe an obstinate silence during the +remainder of the journey. An episode, though it suspend the main +action for a while, partakes of the nature of the subject of the work. +It is an <i>appropriate</i> digression. Do pray read Dr. Blair<a name="FNanchor_164_167" id="FNanchor_164_167"></a><a href="#Footnote_164_167" class="fnanchor">[164]</a> upon +the subject—and now only listen.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_164_167" id="Footnote_164_167"></a><a href="#FNanchor_164_167">[164]</a> <i>Lecture</i> <span class="smcap">xlii.</span>, vol. iii.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">Orlando (continued Philemon) had from his boyhood loved books and +book-reading. His fortune was rather limited; but he made shift—after +bringing up three children, whom he lost from the ages of nineteen to +twenty-four, and which have been recently followed to their graves by +the mother that gave them birth—he made shift, notwithstanding the +expenses of their college education, and keeping up the reputation of +a truly hospitable table, to collect, from year to year, a certain +number of volumes, according to a certain sum of money appropriated +for the purchase of them; generally making himself master of the +principal contents of the first year's purchase, before the ensuing +one was placed upon his shelves. He lives in a large ancestral house; +and his library is most advantageously situated and delightfully +fitted up. Disliking such a wintry residence as Thomson has +described<a name="FNanchor_165_168" id="FNanchor_165_168"></a><a href="#Footnote_165_168" class="fnanchor">[165]</a>—although fond of solemn<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">106</a></span> retirement, and of Cowper's +"boundless contiguity of shade,"—he has suffered the rules of common +sense always to mingle themselves in his plans of domestic comfort; +and, from the bow-windowed extremity of his library, he sees realized, +at the distance of four hundred yards, Cæsar's gently-flowing river +<i>Arar</i>,<a name="FNanchor_166_169" id="FNanchor_166_169"></a><a href="#Footnote_166_169" class="fnanchor">[166]</a> in a stream which loses itself behind some low shrubs; +above which is a softly-undulating hill, covered with hazel, and +birch, and oak. To the left is an open country, intersected with +meadows and corn fields, and terminated by the blue mountains of +Malvern at the distance of thirteen miles. Yet more to the left, but +within one hundred and fifty yards of the house, and forming something +of a foreground to the landscape, are a few large and lofty elm trees, +under which many a swain has rested from his toil; many a tender vow +has been breathed; many a sabbath-afternoon<a name="FNanchor_167_170" id="FNanchor_167_170"></a><a href="#Footnote_167_170" class="fnanchor">[167]</a> innocently kept; and +many a village-wake cordially celebrated! Some of these things yet +bless the aged eyes of <span class="smcap">Orlando</span>!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_165_168" id="Footnote_165_168"></a><a href="#FNanchor_165_168">[165]</a></p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +"In the wild depth of Winter, while without<br /> +The ceaseless winds blow ice, be my retreat<br /> +Between the groaning forest and the shore,<br /> +Beat by the boundless multitude of waves,<br /> +A rural, sheltered, solitary scene!"——<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 13.5em;"><i>Winter.</i></span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>One would like a situation somewhat more <i>sheltered</i>, when +"The ceaseless winds blow ice!"</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_166_169" id="Footnote_166_169"></a><a href="#FNanchor_166_169">[166]</a> "Flumen est <i>Arar</i>, quod per fines Æduorum et +Sequanorum in Rhodanum fluit, incredibili lenitate, ita ut +oculis, in utram partem fluat, judicari nos possit." <i>De +Bell. Gall.</i>, lib. i., § x. Philemon might as happily have +compared Orlando's quiet stream to "the silent river"</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +——quæ Liris quietâ<br /> +Mordet aquâ——<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>which Horace has so exquisitely described, in contrast with</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +——obliquis laborat<br /> +Lympha fugax trepidare rivo.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><i>Carm.</i>, <i>lib.</i> i., <i>Od.</i> xxxi., <i>lib.</i> ii., <i>Od.</i> ii.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Yet let us not forget Collin's lovely little bit of landscape—</p> + +<p class="center">"Where slowly winds the stealing wave."</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_167_170" id="Footnote_167_170"></a><a href="#FNanchor_167_170">[167]</a> There is a curious proclamation by Q. +Elizabeth, relating to some Sabbath recreations or games, +inserted in Hearne's preface to his edition of <i>Camden's +Annals</i>, p. xxviii. It is a little too long to be given +entire; but the reader may here be informed that "shooting +with the standard, shooting with the broad arrow, shooting +at the twelve score prick, shooting at the Turk, leaping for +men, running for men, wrestling, throwing the sledge, and +pitching the bar," were suffered to be exhibited, on several +Sundays, for the benefit of one "John Seconton Powlter, +dwelling within the parish of St. Clements Danes, being a +poor man, having four small children, and fallen to decay."</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">I have slightly noticed the comfortable interior of his library.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">107</a></span>—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> You spoke of a bow-windowed extremity—</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> Yes, in this bow-window—the glass of which was furnished full +two hundred and fifty years ago, and which has recently been put into +a sensible modern frame-work—thereby affording two hours longer light +to the inhabitant—in this bow-window, you will see a great quantity +of stained glass of the different arms of his own, and of his wife's, +family; with other appropriate embellishments.<a name="FNanchor_168_171" id="FNanchor_168_171"></a><a href="#Footnote_168_171" class="fnanchor">[168]</a> And when the +evening sun-beams throw a chequered light throughout the room, 'tis +pleasant to observe how Orlando enjoys the opening of an Aldine Greek +Classic—the ample-margined leaves of which receive a mellower tint +from the soft lustre that pervades the library. Every book, whether +opened or closed, is benefited by this due portion of light; so that +the eye, in wandering over the numerous shelves, is neither hurt by +morning glare nor evening gloom. Of colours, in his furniture, he is +very sparing: he considers white shelves, picked out with gold, as +heretical—mahogany, wainscot, black, and red, are, what he calls, +orthodox colours. He has a few busts and vases; and as his room is +very lofty, he admits above, in black and gold frames, a few portraits +of eminent literary characters; and whenever he gets a genuine +Vandyke, or Velasquez, he congratulates himself exceedingly upon his +good fortune.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_168_171" id="Footnote_168_171"></a><a href="#FNanchor_168_171">[168]</a> The reader, who is partial to the +lucubrations of Thomas Hearne, may peruse a long gossipping +note of his upon the importance of <i>stained glass +windows</i>—in his account of Godstow nunnery. See his <i>Guil. +Neubrig.</i>, vol. ii., 768.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> All this bespeaks a pretty correct taste. But I wish to know +something of the man.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> You shall, presently; and, in hearing what I am about to relate, +only let us both strive, good Lisardo, so to regulate our studies and +feelings that our old age may be like unto Orlando's.</p> + +<p>Last year I went with my uncle to pay him our annual visit. He +appeared quite altered and shaken from the recent misfortune of losing +his wife; who had survived<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">108</a></span> the death of her children fifteen years; +herself dying in the sixtieth of her own age. The eyes of Orlando were +sunk deeply into his forehead, yet they retained their native +brilliancy and quickness. His cheeks were wan, and a good deal +withered. His step was cautious and infirm. When we were seated in his +comfortable library chairs, he extended his right arm towards me, and +squeezing my hand cordially within his own—"Philemon," said he, "you +are not yet thirty, and have therefore sufficient ardour to enable you +to gratify your favourite passion for books. Did you ever read the +inscription over the outside of my library door—which I borrowed from +Lomeir's account of one over a library at Parma?<a name="FNanchor_169_172" id="FNanchor_169_172"></a><a href="#Footnote_169_172" class="fnanchor">[169]</a>" On my telling +him that it had escaped me—"Go," said he, "and not only read, but +remember it."—The inscription was as follows:</p> + +<p class="centerbp"> +INGREDERE MUSIS SACER, NAM<br /> +ET HIC DII HABITANT.<br /> +ITEM<br /> +NULLUS AMICUS MAGIS LIBET,<br /> +QUAM LIBER.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_169_172" id="Footnote_169_172"></a><a href="#FNanchor_169_172">[169]</a> <i>De Bibliothecis</i>: p. 269, edit. 1680.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">"Have a care," said he, on my resuming my seat—"have a care that you +do not treat such a friend ill, or convert him into a foe. For myself, +my course is well nigh run. My children have long taken their leave of +me, to go to the common parent who created, and to the Saviour who has +vouchsafed to redeem, us all; and, though the usual order of nature +has been here inverted, I bow to the fate which Heaven has allotted me +with the unqualified resignation of a Christian. My wife has also +recently left me, for a better place; and I confess that I begin to +grow desolate, and anxious to take my departure to join my family. In +my solitude, dear Philemon, I have found these (pointing to his books) +to be what<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">109</a></span> Cicero, and Seneca, and our own countryman De Bury,<a name="FNanchor_170_173" id="FNanchor_170_173"></a><a href="#Footnote_170_173" class="fnanchor">[170]</a> +have so eloquently and truly described them to be—our friends, our +instructors, and our comforts. Without any affectation of hard +reading, great learning, or wonderful diligence, I think I may venture +to say that I have read more valuable books than it falls to the lot +of the generality of book-collectors to read; and I would fain believe +that I have profited by my studies. Although not of the profession of +the church, you know that I have always cherished a fondness for +sacred literature; and there is hardly a good edition of the Greek +Testament, or a commentator of repute upon the Bible, foreign or +domestic, but what you will find some reference to the same in my +interleaved copy of Bishop Wilson's edition of the Holy Scriptures. A +great number of these commentators themselves are in my library, as +well as every authoritative edition of the Greek Testament, from the +Complutensian to Griesbach's. Yet do not suppose that my theological +books are equal in measure to one fourth part of those in the Imperial +library at Paris.<a name="FNanchor_171_174" id="FNanchor_171_174"></a><a href="#Footnote_171_174" class="fnanchor">[171]</a> My object has always been instruction and +improvement; and when these could be obtained from any writer, whether +Roman Catholic or Protestant, Arminian or Calvinistic, I have not +failed to thank him, and to respect him, too, if he has declared his +opinions with becoming diffidence and moderation. You know that +nothing so sorely grieves me as dogmatical arrogance,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">110</a></span> in a being who +will always be frail and capricious, let him think and act as he +please. On a Sunday evening I usually devote a few hours to my +theological studies—(if you will allow my sabbath-meditations to be +so called) and, almost every summer evening in the week, saunter +'midst yon thickets and meadows by the river side, with Collins, or +Thompson, or Cowper, in my hand. The beautiful sentiments and grand +imagery of Walter Scott are left to my in-door avocations; because I +love to read the curious books to which he refers in his notes, and +have always admired, what I find few critics have noticed, how +adroitly he has ingrafted fiction upon truth. As I thus perambulate, +with my book generally open, the villagers treat me as Sir Roger De +Coverley made his tenants treat the Spectator—by keeping at a +respectful distance—but when I shut up my volume, and direct my steps +homewards, I am always sure to find myself, before I reach my +threshold, in company with at least half a dozen gossipping and +well-meaning rustics. In other departments of reading, history and +poetry are my delight. On a rainy or snowy day, when all looks sad and +dismal without, my worthy friend and neighbour, <span class="smcap">Phormio</span>, sometimes +gives me a call—and we have a rare set-to at my old favourite +volumes—the '<i>Lectiones Memorabiles et Reconditæ</i>' of <span class="smcap">Wolfius</span><a name="FNanchor_172_175" id="FNanchor_172_175"></a><a href="#Footnote_172_175" class="fnanchor">[172]</a>—a +common<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">111</a></span>place book of as many curious, extraordinary, true and false +occurrences, as ever were introduced into two ponderous folios. The +number of strange cuts in it used to amuse my dear children—whose +parent, from the remembrance of the past, still finds a pleasing +recreation in looking at them. So much, dear Philemon, for my +desultory mode of studying: improve upon it—but at all events, love +your books for the good which they may produce; provided you open them +with 'singleness of heart—' that is, a sincerity of feeling.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_170_173" id="Footnote_170_173"></a><a href="#FNanchor_170_173">[170]</a> Every school-lad who has written a copy under +a writing-master, or who has looked into the second book of +the <i>"Selectæ è Profanis Scriptoribus," &c.</i>, has probably +been made acquainted with the sentiments of the above +ancient heathen philosophers relating to Learning and Books; +but may not have been informed of the conciliatory manner in +which our countryman De Bury has invited us to approach the +latter. "Hi sunt magistri (says he) qui nos instruunt sine +vergis et ferula, sine verbis et colera, sine pane et +pecunia. Si accedis, non dormiunt; si inquiris, non se +abscondunt; non remurmurant, si oberres; cachinnos nesciunt, +si ignores." These original and apt words are placed in the +title-page to the first volume of <i>Dr. Clarke's +Bibliographical Dictionary</i>.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_171_174" id="Footnote_171_174"></a><a href="#FNanchor_171_174">[171]</a> "Il y a 300 pieds cubes de livres de +théologie,"—"qui tapissent les murs des deux premières +salles de la Bibliothéque Impériale." Caillot: <i>Roman +Bibliographique</i>, tom. i., 72, edit. 1809.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_172_175" id="Footnote_172_175"></a><a href="#FNanchor_172_175">[172]</a> There are few men, of any literary curiosity, +who would not wish to know something of the work here +noticed; and much more than appears to be known of its +illustrious author; concerning whom we will first discourse +a little: "<span class="smcap">Johannes Wolfius</span> (says +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Melchior">Melchoir</span> Adam), the laborious compiler of the +<i>Lectionum Memorabilium et Reconditarum Centenarii</i> xvi. +(being a collection of curious pieces from more than 3000 +authors—chiefly Protestant) was a civilian, a soldier, and +a statesman. He was born A.D. 1537, at Vernac, in the duchy +of Deux Ponts; of which town his father was chief +magistrate. He was bred under Sturmius at Strasbourg, under +Melancthon at Wittemberg, and under Cujas at Bruges. He +travelled much and often; particularly into France and +Burgundy, with the Dukes of Stettin, in 1467. He attended +the Elector Palatine, who came with an army to the +assistance of the French Hugonots in 1569; and, in 1571, he +conducted the corpse of his master back to Germany by sea. +After this, he was frequently employed in embassies from the +electors Palatine to England and Poland. His last patrons +were the Marquisses of Baden, who made him governor of +Mündelsheim, and gave him several beneficial grants. In +1594, Wolfius bade adieu to business and courts, and retired +to Hailbrun; where he completed his "<i>Lectiones</i>," which had +been the great employment of his life. He died May 23, A.D. +1600—the same year in which the above volumes were +published." Thus far, in part, our biographer, in his <i>Vitæ +Eruditorum cum Germanorum tum Exterorum</i>: pt. iii., p. 156, +edit. 1706. These particulars may be gleaned from Wolfius's +preface; where he speaks of his literary and diplomatic +labours with great interest and propriety. In this preface +also is related a curious story of a young man of the name +of Martin, whom Wolfius employed as an amanuensis to +transcribe from his "three thousand authors"—and who was at +first so zealously attached to the principles of the Romish +Church that he declared "he wished for no heaven where +Luther might be." The young man died a Protestant; quite +reconciled to a premature end, and in perfect good will with +Luther and his doctrine. As to Wolfius, it is impossible to +read his preface, or to cast a glance upon his works—"magno +et pene incredibili labore multisque vigiliis +elaboratum"—(as Linsius has well said, in the opening of +the admonition to the reader, prefixed to his index) without +being delighted with his liberality of disposition, and +astonished at the immensity of his labour. Each volume has +upwards of 1000 pages closely printed upon an indifferent +brown-tinted paper; which serves nevertheless to set off the +several hundreds of well executed wood cuts which the work +contains. Linsius's index, a thin folio, was published in +the year 1608: this is absolutely necessary for the +completion of a copy. As bibliographers have given but a +scanty account of this uncommon work (mentioned, however, +very properly by Mr. Nicol in his interesting preface to the +catalogue of the Duke of Roxburgh's books; and of which I +observe in the <i>Bibl. Solgeriana</i>, vol. i., n<span class="super">o</span>. 1759, +that a second edition, printed in 1672, is held in +comparatively little estimation), so biographers (if we +except Melchior Adam, the great favourite of Bayle) have +been equally silent respecting its author. Fabricius, and +the Historical Dictionary published at Caen, do not mention +him; and Moreri has but a meagre and superficial notice of +him. Wolfius's <i>Penus Artis Historicæ</i>, of which the best +edition is that of 1579, is well described in the tenth +volume of Fournier's <i>Methode pour étudier l'histoire</i>, p. +12, edit. 1772. My respect for so extraordinary a +bibliomaniac as <span class="smcap">Wolfius</span>, who was groping amongst the books +of the public libraries belonging to the several great +cities which he visited, (in his diplomatic character—vide +præf.) whilst his masters and private secretary were +probably paying their devotions to Bacchus—induces me to +treat the reader with the following impression of his +portrait.</p> + +<p class="centertbp"> +<img src="images/wolfius.png" width="400" height="316" alt="Wolfius" title="Wolfius" /> +</p> + +<p>This cut is taken from a fac-simile drawing, made by me of +the head of Wolfius as it appears at the back of the +title-page to the preceding work. The original impression is +but an indifferent one; but it presents in addition, the +body of Wolfius as far as the waist; with his right hand +clasping a book, and his left the handle of a sword. His +ponderous chain has a medallion suspended at the end. This +print, which evidently belongs to the English series, has +escaped Granger. And yet I know not whether such +intelligence should be imparted!—as the scissars may hence +go to work to deprive many a copy of these "<i>Lectiones</i>," of +their elaborately-ornamented title-pages. Forbid it, good +sense!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">"In a short time," continued the venerable Orlando, after a pause of +fifteen seconds, "in a short time I must<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">112</a></span> bid adieu to this scene; to +my choice copies; beautiful bindings: and all the classical furniture +which you behold around you. Yes!—as Reimannus<a name="FNanchor_173_176" id="FNanchor_173_176"></a><a href="#Footnote_173_176" class="fnanchor">[173]</a> has well +observed,—'there is no end to accumulating books, whilst the +boundaries of human existence are limited, indeed!' But I have made +every necessary, and, I hope, appropriate, regulation; the greater +part of my library is bequeathed to one of the colleges in the +University of Oxford; with an injunction to put an inscription over +the collection very different from what the famous<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">113</a></span> Ranzau<a name="FNanchor_174_177" id="FNanchor_174_177"></a><a href="#Footnote_174_177" class="fnanchor">[174]</a> +directed to be inscribed over his own.—About three hundred volumes +you will find bequeathed to you, dear Philemon—accompanied with a few +remarks not very different from what Lotichius<a name="FNanchor_175_178" id="FNanchor_175_178"></a><a href="#Footnote_175_178" class="fnanchor">[175]</a> indited, with his +dying breath, in his book-legacy to the learned Sambucus. I will, at +present, say no more. Come and see me whenever you have an +opportunity. I exact nothing extraordinary of you; and shall therefore +expect nothing beyond what one man of sense and of virtue, in our +relative situations, would pay to the other."</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_173_176" id="Footnote_173_176"></a><a href="#FNanchor_173_176">[173]</a> "Vita brevis est, et series librorum longa." +He adds: "Æs magnum tempus, quo id dispungere conatus est, +parvum." <i>Bibl. Acroamat.</i>, p. 51, sign. d† 2.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_174_177" id="Footnote_174_177"></a><a href="#FNanchor_174_177">[174]</a> "Henry de Ranzau—avoit dressé une excellente +bibliothéque au chateau de Bredemberg, dans laquelle +estoient conservez plusieurs manuscrits Grecs et Latins, et +autres raretez, &c.—Ce sçavant personnage a fait un decret +pour sa bibliothéque, qui merite d'estre icy inseré, pour +faire voir a la posterité l'affection qu'il auoit pour sa +conservation."</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +... Libros partem ne aliquam abstulerit,<br /> +Extraxerit, clepserit, rapserit,<br /> +Concerpserit, coruperit,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 7em;">Dolo malo:</span><br /> +Illico maledictus,<br /> +Perpetuo execrabilis,<br /> +Semper detestabilis<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 7em;">Esto maneto.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><span class="smcap">Jacob</span>: <i>Traicté des Bibliothéques</i>, pp. 237, 240.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>I have inserted only the fulminatory clause of this +inscription, as being that part of it against which +Orlando's indignation seems to be directed.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_175_178" id="Footnote_175_178"></a><a href="#FNanchor_175_178">[175]</a> "Petrus Lotichius Johanni Sambuco Pannonio +gravissimo morbo laborans Bononiæ, bibliothecam suam +legaverit, <i>lib.</i> 3, <i>eleg.</i> 9, verba ejus lectu non +injucunda:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Pro quibus officiis, hæres abeuntis amici,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Accipe fortunæ munera parva meæ.</span><br /> +Non mihi sunt Baccho colles, oleisque virentes,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Prædiave Æmiliis conspicienda jugis.</span><br /> +Tu veterum dulces scriptorum sume libellos,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Attritos manibus quos juvat esse meis.</span><br /> +Invenies etiam viridi quæ lusimus ævo,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Dum studiis ætas mollibus apta fuit.</span><br /> +Illa velim rapidis sic uras carmina flammis<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Ut vatem ipse suis ignibus jussit Amor."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;"><span class="smcap">Lomeier</span>: <i>de Bibliothecis</i>, p. 288.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> +</div> + +<p class="tp">"So spake Orlando," said Philemon, with tears in his eyes, who, upon +looking at Lisardo and myself, found our faces covered with our +handkerchiefs, and unable to utter a word.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">114</a></span></p> + +<p>The deliberate manner in which this recital was made—the broken +periods, and frequent pauses—filled up a great measure of our +journey; and we found that St. Paul's dome was increasing upon us in +size and distinctness, and that we had not more than three miles to +travel, when Lisardo, wishing to give a different turn to the +discourse, asked Philemon what was the cause of such extravagant sums +being now given at book-sales for certain curious and uncommon—but +certainly not highly intrinsically-valuable—publications; and whether +our ancestors, in the time of Hen. VIII. and Elizabeth, paid in +proportion for the volumes of <i>their</i> Libraries?</p> + +<p>Upon Philemon's declaring himself unable to gratify his friend's +curiosity, but intimating that some assistance might probably be +derived from myself, I took up the discourse by observing that—</p> + +<p class="bp">"In the infancy of printing in this country (owing to the competition +of foreigners) it would seem that our own printers (who were both +booksellers and book-binders) had suffered considerably in their +trade, by being obliged to carry their goods to a market where the +generality of purchasers were pleased with more elegantly executed +works at an inferior price. The legislature felt, as every patriotic +legislature would feel, for their injured countrymen; and, +accordingly, the statute of Richard III. was enacted,<a name="FNanchor_176_179" id="FNanchor_176_179"></a><a href="#Footnote_176_179" class="fnanchor">[176]</a> whereby +English printers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">115</a></span> and book-binders were protected from the mischiefs, +which would otherwise have overtaken them. Thus our old friend Caxton +went to work with greater glee, and mustered up all his energies to +bring a good stock of British manufacture to the market. What he +usually sold his books for, in his life time, I have not been able to +ascertain; but, on his decease, one of his <i>Golden Legends</i> was +valued, in the churchwardens' books, at six shillings and eight +pence.<a name="FNanchor_177_180" id="FNanchor_177_180"></a><a href="#Footnote_177_180" class="fnanchor">[177]</a> Whether this was a great or small sum I know not; but, +from the same authority we find that twenty-two pounds were given, +twelve years before, for eleven huge folios, called +'<i>Antiphoners</i>.'<a name="FNanchor_178_181" id="FNanchor_178_181"></a><a href="#Footnote_178_181" class="fnanchor">[178]</a> In the reign of Henry VIII. it would seem, from +a memorandum in the catalogue of the Fletewode library (if I can trust +my memory with such minutiæ) that Law-Books were sold for about ten +sheets to the groat.<a name="FNanchor_179_182" id="FNanchor_179_182"></a><a href="#Footnote_179_182" class="fnanchor">[179]</a> Now, in the present day, +Law-Books—con<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">116</a></span>sidering the wretched style in which they are +published, with broken types upon milk-and-water-tinted paper—are the +dearest of all modern publications. Whether they were anciently sold +for so comparatively extravagant a sum may remain to be proved. +Certain it is that, before the middle of the sixteenth century, you +might have purchased Grafton's abridgment of Polydore Virgil's +superficial work about <i>The Invention of Things</i> for fourteen +pence;<a name="FNanchor_180_183" id="FNanchor_180_183"></a><a href="#Footnote_180_183" class="fnanchor">[180]</a> and the same printer's book of <i>Common Prayer</i> for four +shillings. Yet if you wanted a superbly bound <i>Prymer</i>, it would have +cost you (even five and twenty years before) nearly half a +guinea.<a name="FNanchor_181_184" id="FNanchor_181_184"></a><a href="#Footnote_181_184" class="fnanchor">[181]</a> Nor could you have purchased a decent <i>Ballad</i> much under +sixpence; and <i>Hall's Chronicle</i> would have drawn<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">117</a></span> from your purse +twelve shillings;<a name="FNanchor_182_185" id="FNanchor_182_185"></a><a href="#Footnote_182_185" class="fnanchor">[182]</a> so that, considering the then value of specie, +there is not much ground of complaint against the present prices of +books."</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_176_179" id="Footnote_176_179"></a><a href="#FNanchor_176_179">[176]</a> By the 1st of Richard III. (1433, ch. ix. +sec. xii.) it appeared that, Whereas, a great number of the +king's <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: subjects">subjeets</span> within this +realm having "given themselves diligently to learn and +exercise <span class="smcap">the craft of printing</span>, and that at this day there +being within this realm a great number cunning and expert in +the said science or craft of printing, as able to exercise +the said craft in all points as any stranger, in any other +realm or country, and a great number of the king's subjects +living by the craft and mystery of <span class="smcap">binding of books</span>, and +well expert in the same;"—yet "all this notwithstanding, +there are divers persons that bring from beyond the sea +great plenty of printed books—not only in the Latin tongue, +but also in our maternal English tongue—some bound in +boards, some in leather, and some in parchment, and them +sell by retail, whereby many of the king's subjects, being +binders of books, and having no other faculty therewith to +get their living, be destitute of work, and like to be +undone, except some reformation herein be had,—Be it +therefore enacted, &c." By the 4th clause or provision, if +any of these printers or sellers of printed books vend them +"at too high and unreasonable prices," then the Lord +Chancellor, Lord Treasurer, or any of the Chief Justices of +the one bench or the other—"by the oaths of twelve honest +and discreet persons," were to regulate their prices. This +remarkable act was confirmed by the 25th Hen. VIII., ch. 15, +which was not repealed till the 12th Geo. II., ch. 36, § 3. +A judge would have enough to do to regulate the prices of +books, by the oaths of twelve men, in the present times!</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_177_180" id="Footnote_177_180"></a><a href="#FNanchor_177_180">[177]</a> The reader will be pleased to refer to p. cx. +of the first volume of my recent edition of the +<i>Typographical Antiquities of Great Britain</i>.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_178_181" id="Footnote_178_181"></a><a href="#FNanchor_178_181">[178]</a> The following is from 'the churchwardens' +accompts of St. Margaret's, Westminster. "A.D. 1475. Item, +for 11 great books, called Antiphoners, 22<i>l.</i> 0<i>s.</i> 0<i>d.</i>" +<i>Manners and Expenses of Ancient Times in England</i>, &c., +collected by John Nichols, 1797, 4to., p. 2. <i>Antiphonere</i> +is a book of anthems to be sung with responses: and, from +the following passage in Chaucer, it would appear to have +been a common school-book used in the times of papacy:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +This litel childe his litel book lerning,<br /> +As he sate in the scole at his primere<br /> +He <i>Alma Redemptoris</i> herde sing,<br /> +As children lered hir <i>Antiphonere</i>:<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;"><i>Cant. Tales</i>, v. 13,446, &c.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>"A legend, an <i>Antiphonarye</i>, a grayle, a psalter," &c., +were the books appointed to be kept in every parish church +"of the province of Canterbury" by Robert Winchelsen. +<i>Const. Provin. and of Otho and Octhobone</i>, fol. 67, rect., +edit. 1534.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_179_182" id="Footnote_179_182"></a><a href="#FNanchor_179_182">[179]</a> "The year books, 9 v. parcels, as published, +impr. in different years by Pynson, Berthelet, Redman, +Myddylton, Powell, Smythe, Rastell, and Tottyl, 1517 to +1531." Some of them have the prices printed at the end; as +"The Prisce of thys Boke ys xiid. unbounde—The Price of +thys Boke is xvid. un bownde;" and upon counting the sheets, +it appears that the stated price of Law-Books, in the reign +of Hen. 8, was ten sheets for one groat. <i>Bibl. +Monast-Fletewodiana</i>, n<span class="super">o</span>. 3156.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_180_183" id="Footnote_180_183"></a><a href="#FNanchor_180_183">[180]</a> In a copy of this book, printed by Grafton in +1546, which was in the library of that celebrated +bibliomaniac, Tom Rawlinson, was the following singular MS. +note: "At Oxforde the yeare 1546, browt down to Seynbury by +John Darbye <i>pryce</i> 14<i>d.</i> When I kepe Mr. Letymers shype I +bout thys boke when the testament was obberagatyd that shepe +herdys myght not red hit I pray god amende that blyndnes +wryt by Robert Wyllyams keppynge shepe uppon Seynbury hill. +1546." <i>Camdeni Annales: Edit. Hearne</i>, vol. i., p. xxx.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_181_184" id="Footnote_181_184"></a><a href="#FNanchor_181_184">[181]</a> From Mr. Nichol's curious work, I make the +following further extracts:</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="account"> +<tr> +<td class="right">A.D.</td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1539.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Item, paid for the half part of the Bybell, accordingly after the King's injunction</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1544.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Item, also paid for six books of the Litany in English</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1549.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Paid for iv books of the service of the church</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="center" colspan="5">[This was probably Grafton's Prayer book of 1549, fol.]</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1559.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Paid for a Bybyl and Parafrawse</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="center">[From the Ch. Wardens Accts. of St. Margaret's Westminster]</p> + +<p class="centertp"> +The Inventory of John Port, 1524.<br /> +In the shop. +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="inventory"> +<tr> +<td>Item, a premmer lymmed with gold, and with imagery written honds</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="center">(From the do. of St. Mary Hill, London.)</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="inventory"> +<tr> +<td>To William Pekerynge, a ballet, called a Ryse and Wake</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="center">(From the books of the Stationers' Company).</p> + +<p class="center">See pp. 13, 15, 126, and 133, of Mr. Nichols's work.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_182_185" id="Footnote_182_185"></a><a href="#FNanchor_182_185">[182]</a> By the kindness of Mr. William Hamper, of +Birmingham (a gentleman with whom my intercourse has as yet +been only epistolary, but whom I must be allowed to rank +among our present worthy bibliomaniacs), I am in possession +of some original entries, which seem to have served as part +of a day-book of a printer of the same name: "it having been +pasted at the end of '<i>The Poor Man's Librarie</i>' printed by +John Day in 1565." From this sable-looking document the +reader has the following miscellaneous extracts:</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="daybook entries"> +<tr> +<td>A.D. 1553.</td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>(Two) Meserse of bloyene in bordis<br /> +One Prymare latane & englis</td> +<td><span class="xlg">}</span></td> +<td class="right">0</td> +<td class="right">ii</td> +<td class="right">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Balethis (ballads) nova of sortis</td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">0</td> +<td class="right">0</td> +<td class="right">ii</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Boke of paper 1 quire in forrell</td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">0</td> +<td class="right">0</td> +<td class="right">iv</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Morse workes in forrell</td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">0</td> +<td class="right">9</td> +<td class="right">viij</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Castell of Love in forrelle wi: a sarmo nova</td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">0</td> +<td class="right">0</td> +<td class="right">x</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="5">A.D. 1554.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Balethis nova arbull in 8<span class="super">vo.</span> 1 catechis</td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">0</td> +<td class="right">0</td> +<td class="right">viiij</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Prymare for a chyllde in 8<span class="super">vo.</span> englis</td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right"> </td> +<td class="right">0</td> +<td class="right">iv</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Halles Croneckelle nova englis</td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">0</td> +<td class="right">xii</td> +<td class="right">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="centertp"> +From a Household Book kept in London, A.D. 1561<br /> +(in the possession of the same Gent.)<br /> +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="household book"> +<tr> +<td>Item, p-d for a Lyttellton in English</td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">xij<i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>—— —— for the booke of ij englishe lovers</td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">vj<i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>—— —— for the booke of Songes and Sonnettes and the<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">booke of dyse, and a frenche booke</span></td> +<td><span class="xlg">}</span></td> +<td class="right">ij<i>s.</i> viij<i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="center">(viz. the frenche booke xvj<i>d.</i> the ij other bookes at viij<i>d.</i> the pece.)</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>—— —— for printing the xxv orders of honest men</td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">xx<i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +</table> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> All this is very just. You are now creeping towards the +seventeenth century. Go on with your prices of books 'till nearly the +present day; when the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span> has been supposed to have attained +its highest pitch.</p> + +<p class="bp">"Don't expect," resumed I, "any antiquarian exactness in my +chronological detail of what our ancestors used to give for their +curiously-covered volumes. I presume that the ancient method of +<i>Book-Binding</i><a name="FNanchor_183_186" id="FNanchor_183_186"></a><a href="#Footnote_183_186" class="fnanchor">[183]</a> added<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">118</a></span> much to the expense of the purchase. But be +this as it may, we know that Sir Ralph Sadler, at the close of the +sixteenth century, had a pretty fair library, with a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">119</a></span> <i>Bible</i> in the +chapel to boot, for £10.<a name="FNanchor_184_187" id="FNanchor_184_187"></a><a href="#Footnote_184_187" class="fnanchor">[184]</a> Towards the close of the seventeenth +century, we find the Earl of Peterborough enlisting among the book +champions; and giving, at the sale of Richard Smith's books in 1682, +not less than eighteen shillings and two pence for the first English +edition of his beloved <i>Godfrey of Boulogne</i>.<a name="FNanchor_185_188" id="FNanchor_185_188"></a><a href="#Footnote_185_188" class="fnanchor">[185]</a> In Queen Ann's +time, Earl Pembroke and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">120</a></span> Lord Oxford spared no expense for books; and +Dr. Mead, who trod closely upon their heels, cared not at what price +he purchased his <i>Editiones Principes</i>, and all the grand books which +stamped such a value upon his collection. And yet, let us look at the +priced catalogue of his library, or at that of his successor Dr. +Askew, and compare the sums <i>then</i> given for those <i>now</i> offered for +similar works!"</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_183_186" id="Footnote_183_186"></a><a href="#FNanchor_183_186">[183]</a> As a little essay, and a very curious one +too, might be written upon the history of <span class="smcap">Book-Binding</span>, I +shall not attempt in the present note satisfactorily to +supply such a desideratum; but merely communicate to the +reader a few particulars which have come across me in my +desultory researches upon the subject. Mr. Astle tells us +that the famous <i>Textus Sancti Cuthberti</i>, which was written +in the 7th century, and was formerly kept at Durham, and is +now preserved in the Cottonian library, (Nero, D. <span class="smcap">iv.</span>) was +adorned in the Saxon times by Bilfrith, a monk of Durham, +with a silver cover gilt, and precious stones. Simeon +Dunelmensis, or Turgot, as he is frequently called, tells us +that the cover of this fine MS. was ornamented "forensecis +Gemmis et Auro." "A booke of Gospelles garnished and wrought +with antique worke of silver and gilte with an image of the +crucifix with Mary and John, poiz together cccxxij oz." In +the secret Jewel House in the Tower. "A booke of gold +enameled, clasped with a rubie, having on th' one side, a +crosse of dyamounts, and vj other dyamounts, and th' other +syde a flower de luce of dyamounts, and iiij rubies with a +pendaunte of white saphires and the arms of Englande. Which +booke is garnished with small emerades and rubies hanging to +a cheyne pillar fashion set with xv knottes, everie one +conteyning iij rubies (one lacking)." <i>Archæologia</i>, vol. +xiii., 220. Although Mr. Astle has not specified the time in +which these two latter books were bound, it is probable that +they were thus gorgeously attired before the discovery of +the art of printing. What the ancient Vicars of Chalk (in +Kent) used to pay for binding their missals, according to +the original endowment settled by Haymo de Hethe in 1327 +(which compelled the vicars to be at the expense of the +same—<i>Reg. Roff.</i>, p. 205), Mr. Denne has not informed us. +<i>Archæologia</i>, vol. xi., 362. But it would seem, from +Warton, that "students and monks were anciently the binders +of books;" and from their Latin entries respecting the same, +the word "conjunctio" appears to have been used for +"ligatura." <i>Hist. of Engl. Poetry</i>, vol. ii., p. 244. +Hearne, in N<span class="super">o</span>. III. of the appendix to <i>Adam de Domerham +de reb. gest. Glast.</i>, has "published a grant from Rich. de +Paston to Bromholm abbey, of twelve pence a year rent charge +on his estates to <i>keep their books in repair</i>." This I +gather from Gough's <i>Brit. Topog.</i>, vol. ii., p. 20: while +from the <i>Liber Stat. Eccl. Paulinæ</i>, Lond. MSS., f. 6, 396 +(furnished me by my friend Mr. H. Ellis,<a name="FNanchor_D_189" id="FNanchor_D_189"></a><a href="#Footnote_D_189" class="fnanchor">[D]</a> of the British +Museum), it appears to have been anciently considered as a +part of the Sacrist's duty to bind and clasp the books: +"Sacrista curet quod <i>Libri bene ligentur et haspentur</i>," &c. +In Chaucer's time, one would think that the fashionable +binding for the books of young scholars was +<i>various-coloured velvet</i>: for thus our poet describes the +library of the Oxford Scholar:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +A twenty bokes, clothed in black and red<br /> +Of Aristotle——<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 6em;">(<i>Prolog. to Cant. Tales.</i>)</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>We have some account of the style in which Chaucer's royal +patron, Edward III., used to have his books bound; as the +following extract (also furnished me by Mr. H. Ellis) will +testify:——"To Alice Claver, for the making of <span class="smcap">xvi</span> laces +and <span class="smcap">xvi</span> tasshels for the garnyshing of diuers of the Kings +books, ij<i>s.</i> viij<i>d.</i>——And to Robert Boillet for blac +paper and nailles for closing and fastenyng of diuers cofyns +of ffyrre wherein the Kings boks were conveyed and caried +from the Kings grete warderobe in London vnto Eltham +aforesaid, v<i>d.</i>——Piers Bauduyn Stacioner for bynding +gilding and dressing of a booke called Titus Liuius, xx<i>s</i>: +for binding gilding and dressing of a booke called +Ffrossard, xvj<i>s</i>: or binding gilding and dressing of a +booke called the Bible, xvj<i>s</i>: for binding gilding and +dressing of a booke called le Gouuernement of Kings and +Princes, xvj<i>s.</i>" "For the dressing of ij books whereof oon +is called la forteresse de Foy and the other called the +booke of Josephus, iij<i>s.</i> iiij<i>d.</i> And for binding gilding +and dressing of a booke called the bible historial, xx<i>s.</i>" +Among the expenses entered in the Wardrobe Accompts 20th +Edw. III. I suspect that it was not 'till towards the close +of the 15th century, when the sister art of painting +directed that of engraving, that books were bound in thick +boards, with leather covering upon the same; curiously +stamped with arabesque, and other bizarre, ornaments. In the +interior of this binding, next to the leaves, there was +sometimes an excavation, in which a silver crucifix was +safely guarded by a metal door, with clasps. The exterior of +the binding had oftentimes large embossed ornaments of +silver, and sometimes of precious stones [as a note in the +Appendix to the <i>History of Leicester</i>, by Mr. Nichols, p. +102, indicates—and as Geyler himself, in his <i>Ship of +Fools</i>, entitled "<i>Navicula, sive Speculum Fatuorum</i>," edit. +1511, 4to., thus expressly declares:—"sunt qui libros +inaurunt et serica tegimenta apponunt preciosa et superba," +sign. B. v. rev.], as well as the usual ornaments upon the +leather; and two massive clasps, with thick metalled corners +on each of the outward sides of the binding, seemed to +render a book impervious to such depredations of time as +could arise from external injury. Meantime, however the worm +was secretly engendered within the wood: and his perforating +ravages in the precious leaves of the volume gave dreadful +proof of the defectiveness of ancient binding, beautiful and +bold as it undoubtedly was! The reader is referred to an +account of a preciously bound diminutive godly book (once +belonging to Q. Elizabeth), in the first volume of my +edition of the British <i>Typographical Antiquities</i>, p. 83; +for which I understand the present owner asks the sum of +160<i>l.</i> We find that in the sixteenth year of Elizabeth's +reign, she was in possession of "Oone Gospell booke covered +with tissue and garnished on th' onside with the crucifix +and the Queene's badges of silver guilt, poiz with wodde, +leaves, and all, czij. oz." <i>Archæologia</i>, vol. xiii., 221. +I am in possession of the covers of a book, bound (A.D. +1569) in thick parchment or vellum, which has the whole +length portrait of Luther on one side, and of Calvin on the +other. These portraits, which are executed with uncommon +spirit and accuracy, are encircled with a profusion of +ornamental borders of the most exquisite taste and richness. +We shall speak occasionally of more modern book-binding as +we proceed. Meanwhile, let the curious bibliomaniac glance +his eye upon the copper-plate print which faces this +concluding sentence—where he will see fac-similes of the +portraits just mentioned.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_184_187" id="Footnote_184_187"></a><a href="#FNanchor_184_187">[184]</a> See the recent very beautiful edition of Sir +Ralph Sadler's <i>State Papers</i>, vol. ii., p. 590.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_185_188" id="Footnote_185_188"></a><a href="#FNanchor_185_188">[185]</a> See the <i>Catalogue of R. Smith's Books</i>, +1682, 4to., p. 199 (falsely numbered 275), n<span class="super">o</span>. 94.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_D_189" id="Footnote_D_189"></a><a href="#FNanchor_D_189">[D]</a> Since created a Knight.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> You allude to a late sale in Pall Mall, of one of the choicest +and most elegant libraries ever collected by a man of letters and +taste?</p> + +<p>"I do, Lisardo—but see we are just entering the smoke and bustle of +London; and in ten minutes shall have reached the scene of action."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> How do you feel?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Why, tolerably calm. My pulse beats as leisurely as did my Lord +Strafford's at his trial—or (to borrow Hamlet's phrase)</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">—as yours, it doth temperately keep time,</span><br /> +And makes as healthful music.<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> Ninety-five to the minute! You are just now in a fit frame of +mind to write a political pamphlet. Pray consider what will be the +issue of this madness?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> No more! Now for my catalogue; and let me attend to my marks. But +our friend is not forgetful of his promise?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> I dare say he will assist us in regulating the prices we ought +to give—and more particularly in making us acquainted with the most +notable book-collectors.</p> + +<p>Upon my readily acquiescing in their demand, we leapt from the chaise +(giving orders for it to attend by three o'clock) and hurried +immediately up stairs into <span class="smcap">the auction room</span>.</p> + +<p>The clock had struck twelve, and in half an hour the sale was to +begin. Not more than nine or ten gentlemen were strolling about the +room: some examining the volumes which were to be sold, and making +hieroglyphical marks thereupon, in their catalogues: some giving +commissions to the clerk who entered their names, with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">121</a></span> the sums they +intended staking, in a manner equally hieroglyphical. Others, again, +seemed to be casting an eye of vacancy over the whole collection; or +waiting till a book friend arrived with whom they might enter into a +little chat. You observe, my friends, said I, softly, yonder active +and keen-visaged gentleman? 'Tis <span class="smcap">Lepidus</span>. Like Magliabechi, content +with frugal fare and frugal clothing<a name="FNanchor_186_190" id="FNanchor_186_190"></a><a href="#Footnote_186_190" class="fnanchor">[186]</a> and preferring the riches of +a library to those of house-furniture, he is insatiable in his +bibliomaniacal appetites. "Long experience has made him sage:" and it +is not therefore without just reason that his opinions are courted, +and considered as almost oracular. You will find that he will take his +old station, commanding the right or left wing of the auctioneer; and +that he will enliven, by the gaiety and shrewdness of his remarks, the +circle that more immediately surrounds him. Some there are who will +not bid 'till Lepidus bids; and who surrender all discretion and +opinion of their own to his universal book-knowledge. The consequence +is that Lepidus can, with difficulty, make purchases for his own +library; and a thousand dexterous and happy manœuvres are of +necessity obliged to be practised by him, whenever a rare or curious +book turns up. How many fine collections has this sagacious +bibliomaniac seen disposed of! Like Nestor, who preaches about the +fine fellows he remembered in his youth, Lepidus (although barely yet +in his grand climacteric!) will depicture, with moving eloquence, the +numerous precious volumes of far-famed collectors, which he has seen, +like Macbeth's witches,</p> + +<p class="centerbp">"Come like shadows, so depart!"</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_186_190" id="Footnote_186_190"></a><a href="#FNanchor_186_190">[186]</a> Tenni cultu, victuque contentus, quidquid ei +pecuniæ superaret in omnigenæ eruditionis libros comparandos +erogabat, selectissimamque voluminum multitudinem ea mente +adquisivit, ut aliquando posset publicæ utilitati—dicari, +<i>Præf. Bibl. Magliab. a Fossio</i>, p. x.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">And when any particular class of books, now highly coveted, but +formerly little esteemed, comes under the hammer, and produces a large +sum,—ah then! 'tis pleasant to hear Lepidus exclaim—</p> + +<p class="center">O mihi præteritos referat si Jupiter annos!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">122</a></span>Justly respectable as are his scholarship and good sense, he is not +what you may call a <i>fashionable</i> collector; for old chronicles and +romances are most rigidly discarded from his library. Talk to him of +Hoffmen, Schoettgenius, Rosenmuller, and Michaelis, and he will listen +courteously to your conversation; but when you expatiate, however +learnedly and rapturously, upon Froissart and Prince Arthur, he will +tell you that he has a heart of stone upon the subject; and that even +a clean uncut copy of an original impression of each, by Verard or by +Caxton, would not bring a single tear of sympathetic transport in his +eyes.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> I will not fail to pay due attention to so extraordinary and +interesting a character—for see, he is going to take his +distinguished station in the approaching contest. The hammer of the +worthy auctioneer, which I suppose is of as much importance as was Sir +Fopling's periwig of old,<a name="FNanchor_187_191" id="FNanchor_187_191"></a><a href="#Footnote_187_191" class="fnanchor">[187]</a> upon the stage—the hammer is upon the +desk!—The company begin to increase and close their ranks; and the +din of battle will shortly be heard. Let us keep these seats. Now, +tell me who is yonder strange looking gentleman?</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_187_191" id="Footnote_187_191"></a><a href="#FNanchor_187_191">[187]</a> See Warburton's piquant note, in Mr. Bowles's +edition of <i>Pope's Works</i>, vol. v., p. 116. "This remarkable +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: periwig"><i>periwiy</i></span> (says he) usually +made its entrance upon the stage in a sedan chair, brought +in by two chairmen with infinite approbation of the +audience." The <i>snuff-box</i> of Mr. L. has not a less imposing +air; and when a high-priced book is balancing between 15<i>l.</i> +and 20<i>l.</i> it is a fearful signal of its reaching an +additional sum, if Mr. L. should lay down his hammer, and +delve into this said crumple-horned snuff-box!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">"'Tis <span class="smcap">Mustapha</span>, a vender of books. Consuetudine invalescens, ac veluti +callum diuturna cogitatione obducens,<a name="FNanchor_188_192" id="FNanchor_188_192"></a><a href="#Footnote_188_192" class="fnanchor">[188]</a> he comes forth, like an +alchemist from his laboratory, with hat and wig 'sprinkled with +learned dust,' and deals out his censures with as little ceremony as +correctness. It is of no consequence to him by whom positions are +advanced, or truth is established; and he hesitates very little about +calling Baron Heinecken a Tom fool, or —— a shameless impostor. If +your<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">123</a></span> library were as choice and elegant as Dr. H——'s he would tell +you that his own disordered shelves and badly coated books presented +an infinitely more precious collection; nor must you be at all +surprised at this—for, like Braithwait's Upotomis,</p> + +<p class="center">'Though weak in judgment, in opinion strong;'</p> + +<p>or, like the same author's Meilixos,</p> + +<p class="center">'Who deems all wisdom treasur'd in his pate,'</p> + +<p class="bp">our book-vender, in the catalogues which he puts forth, shews himself +to be 'a great and bold carpenter of words;'<a name="FNanchor_189_193" id="FNanchor_189_193"></a><a href="#Footnote_189_193" class="fnanchor">[189]</a> overcharging the +description of his own volumes with tropes, metaphors, flourishes, and +common-place authorities; the latter of which one would think had but +recently come under his notice, as they had been already before the +public in various less ostentatious forms."</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_188_192" id="Footnote_188_192"></a><a href="#FNanchor_188_192">[188]</a> The curious reader may see the entire caustic +passage in Spizelius's <i>Infelix Literatus</i>, p. 435.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_189_193" id="Footnote_189_193"></a><a href="#FNanchor_189_193">[189]</a> <i>Coryat's Crudities</i>, vol. i., sign. (b. 5.) +edit. 1776.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> Are you then an enemy to booksellers, or to their catalogues +when interlaced with bibliographical notices?</p> + +<p class="bp">"By no means, Philemon. I think as highly of our own as did the author +of the Aprosian library<a name="FNanchor_190_194" id="FNanchor_190_194"></a><a href="#Footnote_190_194" class="fnanchor">[190]</a> of the Dutch booksellers; and I love to +hear that the bibliographical labour bestowed upon a catalogue has +answered the end proposed, by sharpening the appetites of purchasers. +But the present is a different case. Mustapha might have learnt good +sense and good manners,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">124</a></span> from his right hand, or left hand, or +opposite, neighbour; but he is either too conceited, or too obstinate, +to have recourse to such aid. What is very remarkable, although he is +constantly declaiming against the enormous sums of money given for +books at public auctions, Mustapha doth not scruple to push the +purchaser to the last farthing of his commission; from a ready knack +which he hath acquired, by means of some magical art in his foresaid +laboratory, of deciphering the same; thus adopting in a most +extraordinary manner, the very line of conduct himself which he so +tartly censures in others."</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_190_194" id="Footnote_190_194"></a><a href="#FNanchor_190_194">[190]</a> See pages 103-4, of Wolfius's edition of the +<i>Bibliotheca Aprosiana</i>, 1734, 8vo. It is not because Mr. +Ford, of Manchester, has been kind enough to present me with +one of the <i>six</i> copies of his last catalogue of books, +printed upon <span class="smcap">strong writing paper</span>—that I take this +opportunity of praising the contents of it,—but that his +catalogues are to be praised for the pains which he exhibits +in describing his books, and in referring to numerous +bibliographical authorities in the description. While upon +this subject, let me recommend the youthful bibliomaniac to +get possession of Mr. Edwards's catalogues, and especially +of that of 1794. If such a catalogue were but recently +published, it would be one of the pleasantest breakfast +lounges imaginable to <i>tick off</i> a few of the volumes with +the hope of possessing them at the prices therein afixed.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> Was this the gentleman whose catalogue (as you shewed me) +contained the fascinating colophon of Juliana Berner's book of +hawking, hunting, and heraldry, printed in the year 1486, subjoined to +a copy of the common reprint of it by Gervase Markham—thereby +provoking a thousand inquiries after the book, as if it had been the +first edition?</p> + +<p>"The same," resumed I. "But let us leave such ridiculous vanity."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Who is that gentleman, standing towards the right of the +auctioneer, and looking so intently upon his catalogue?</p> + +<p>"You point to my friend <span class="smcap">Bernardo</span>. He is thus anxious, because an +original fragment of the fair lady's work, which you have just +mentioned, is coming under the hammer; and powerful indeed must be the +object to draw his attention another way. The demure prioress of +Sopewell abbey is his ancient sweetheart; and he is about introducing +her to his friends, by a union with her as close and as honourable as +that of wedlock. Engaged in a laborious profession (the duties of +which are faithfully performed by him) Bernardo devotes his few +leisure hours to the investigation of old works; thinking with the +ancient poet, quoted by Ashmole, that</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +'——out of old fields as men saythe<br /> +Cometh all this new corne fro yeare to yeare;<br /> +And out of olde Bokes in good faythe<br /> +Cometh all this scyence that men leare:'<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="bp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">125</a></span>or, with Ashmole himself; that 'old words have strong emphasis: others +may look upon them as rubbish or trifles, but they are grossly +mistaken: for what some light brains may esteem as foolish toys, +deeper judgments can and will value as sound and serious matter.<a name="FNanchor_191_195" id="FNanchor_191_195"></a><a href="#Footnote_191_195" class="fnanchor">[191]</a>'</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_191_195" id="Footnote_191_195"></a><a href="#FNanchor_191_195">[191]</a> <i>Theatrum Chemicum</i>: proleg. sign. A. 3. +rev.: B. 4. rect. The charms of ancient phraseology had been +before not less eloquently described by Wolfius: "Habet hoc +jucundi priscorum quorundam obsoleta dictio, ac suo quodam +modo rudius comta oratio, ut ex ea plus intelligamus quam +dicitur; plus significetur quam effertur." <i>Lect. Memorab. +Epist. Ded.</i> fol. xiv. rev. Of Wolfius, and of this his +work, the reader will find some mention at <a href="#Page_110">page 110</a>, ante.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">"If you ask me whether Bernardo be always successful in his labours, I +should answer you, as I have told him, No: for the profit and applause +attendant upon them are not commensurate with his exertions. Moreover, +I do verily think that, in some few instances, he sacrifices his +judgment to another's whim; by a reluctance to put out the strength of +his own powers. He is also, I had almost said, the admiring slave of +Ritsonian fastidiousness; and will cry 'pish' if a <i>u</i> be put for a +<i>v</i>, or a <i>single e</i> for a <i>double one</i>: but take him fairly as he is, +and place him firmly in the bibliographical scale, and you will +acknowledge that his weight is far from being inconsiderable. He is a +respectable, and every way a praise-worthy man: and although he is +continually walking in a thick forest of black letter, and would +prefer a book printed before the year 1550, to a turtle dressed +according to the rules of Mr. Farley, yet he can ever and anon sally +forth to enjoy a stroll along the river side, with Isaac Walton<a name="FNanchor_192_196" id="FNanchor_192_196"></a><a href="#Footnote_192_196" class="fnanchor">[192]</a> +in his hand; when<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">126</a></span> 'he hath his wholesome walk and merry, at his ease: +a sweet air of the sweet savour of the mead flowers, that maketh him +hungry.'<a name="FNanchor_193_197" id="FNanchor_193_197"></a><a href="#Footnote_193_197" class="fnanchor">[193]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_192_196" id="Footnote_192_196"></a><a href="#FNanchor_192_196">[192]</a> "Let me take this opportunity of recommending +the amiable and venerable <span class="smcap">Isaac Walton's</span> <i>Complete Angler</i>: +a work the most singular of its kind, breathing the very +spirit of contentment, of quiet, and unaffected +philanthrophy, and interspersed with some beautiful relics +of poetry, old songs, and ballads." So speaks the Rev. W. +Lisle Bowles, in his edition of <i>Pope's Works</i>, vol i., p. +135. To which I add—Let me take this opportunity of +recommending Mr. Bagster's very beautiful and creditable +reprint of Sir John Hawkin's edition of Walton's amusing +little book. The plates in it are as true as they are +brilliant: and the bibliomaniac may gratify his appetite, +however voracious, by having copies of it upon paper of all +sizes. Mr. Bagster has also very recently published an +exquisite facsimile of the original edition of old Isaac. +Perhaps I ought not to call it a fac-simile, for it is, in +many respects, more beautifully executed.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_193_197" id="Footnote_193_197"></a><a href="#FNanchor_193_197">[193]</a> The reader may see all this, and much more, +dressed in its ancient orthographic garb, in a proheme to +the first edition of the merry art of fishing, extracted by +Herbert in his first volume, p. 131. I have said the +"<i>merry</i>," and not the "<i>contemplative</i>," art of +fishing—because we are informed that "Yf the angler take +fyshe, surely thenne is there noo man <i>merier</i> than he is in +his spyryte!!" Yet Isaac Walton called this art, "The +<i>Contemplative</i> Man's Recreation." But a <i>book-fisherman</i>, +like myself, must not presume to reconcile such great and +contradictory authorities.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">"But see—the hammer is vibrating, at an angle of twenty-two and a +half, over a large paper priced catalogue of Major Pearson's +books!—Who is the lucky purchaser?</p> + +<p>"<span class="smcap">Quisquilius</span>:—a victim to the Bibliomania. If one single copy of a +work happen to be printed in a more particular manner than another; +and if the compositor (clever rogue) happen to have transposed or +inverted a whole sentence or page; if a plate or two, no matter of +what kind or how executed; go along with it, which is not to be found +in the remaining copies; if the paper happen to be <i>unique</i> in point +of size—whether <span class="smcap">maxima</span> or <span class="smcap">minima</span>—oh, then, thrice happy is +Quisquilius! With a well-furnished purse, the strings of which are +liberally loosened, he devotes no small portion of wealth to the +accumulation of <i>Prints</i>; and can justly boast of a collection of +which few of his contemporaries are possessed. But his walk in +book-collecting is rather limited. He seldom rambles into the +luxuriancy of old English black-letter literature; and cares still +less for a <i>variorum</i> Latin classic, stamped in the neat mintage of +the Elzevir press. Of a Greek <i>Aldus</i>, or an Italian <i>Giunta</i>, he has +never yet had the luxury to dream:—'trahit sua quemque voluptas;' and +let Quisquilius enjoy his hobby-horse, even to the riding of it to +death! But let him not harbour malevolence against supposed injuries +inflicted: let not foolish prejudices, or unmanly suspicions, rankle +in his breast: authors and book-collectors are sometimes as +enlightened as himself, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">127</a></span> have cultivated pursuits equally +honourable. Their profession, too, may sometimes be equally beneficial +to their fellow creatures. A few short years shall pass away, and it +will be seen who has contributed the more effectively to the public +stock of amusement and instruction. We wrap ourselves up in our own +little vanities and weaknesses, and, fancying wealth and wisdom to be +synonymous, vent our spleen against those who are resolutely striving, +under the pressure of mediocrity and domestic misfortune, to obtain an +honourable subsistence by their intellectual exertions."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> A truce to this moralizing strain. Pass we on to a short +gentleman, busily engaged yonder in looking at a number of volumes, +and occasionally conversing with two or three gentlemen from five to +ten inches taller than himself. What is his name?</p> + +<p>"<span class="smcap">Rosicrusius</span> is his name; and an ardent and indefatigable book-forager +he is. Although just now busily engaged in antiquarian researches +relating to British typography, he fancies himself nevertheless deeply +interested in the discovery of every ancient book printed abroad. +Examine his little collection of books, and you will find that</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +'There Caxton sleeps, with Wynkyn at his side,<br /> +One clasp'd in wood, and one in strong cow-hide!'<a name="FNanchor_194_198" id="FNanchor_194_198"></a><a href="#Footnote_194_198" class="fnanchor">[194]</a><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="bp">—and yet, a beautiful volume printed at 'Basil or Heidelberg makes +him spinne: and at seeing the word Frankford or Venice, though but on +the title of a booke, he is readie to break doublet, cracke elbows, +and over-flowe the room with his murmure.'<a name="FNanchor_195_199" id="FNanchor_195_199"></a><a href="#Footnote_195_199" class="fnanchor">[195]</a> Bibliography is his +darling delight—'una voluptas et meditatio assidua;'<a name="FNanchor_196_200" id="FNanchor_196_200"></a><a href="#Footnote_196_200" class="fnanchor">[196]</a> and in +defence of the same he would quote you a score of old-fashioned +authors, from Gesner to Harles, whose very names would excite +scepticism about their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">128</a></span> existence. He is the author of various works, +chiefly bibliographical; upon which the voice of the public (if we +except a little wicked quizzing at his <i>black-letter</i> propensities in +a celebrated North Briton Review) has been generally favourable. +Although the old maidenish particularity of Tom Hearne's genius be not +much calculated to please a bibliomaniac of lively parts, yet +Rosicrusius seems absolutely enamoured of that ancient wight; and to +be in possession of the cream of all his pieces, if we may judge from +what he has already published, and promises to publish, concerning the +same. He once had the temerity to dabble in poetry;<a name="FNanchor_197_201" id="FNanchor_197_201"></a><a href="#Footnote_197_201" class="fnanchor">[197]</a> but he never +could raise his head above the mists which infest the swampy ground at +the foot of Parnassus. Still he loves 'the divine art' +enthusiastically; and affects, forsooth, to have a taste in matters of +engraving and painting! Converse with him about Guercino and Albert +Durer, Berghem and Woollett, and tell him that you wish to have his +opinion about the erection of a large library, and he will 'give +tongue' to you from rise to set of sun. Wishing him prosperity in his +projected works, and all good fellows to be his friends, proceed we in +our descriptive survey."</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_194_198" id="Footnote_194_198"></a><a href="#FNanchor_194_198">[194]</a> Pope's <i>Dunciad</i>, b. i. v. 149.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_195_199" id="Footnote_195_199"></a><a href="#FNanchor_195_199">[195]</a> <i>Coryat's Crudities</i>, vol. i., sign. (b. 5.) +edit. 1776.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_196_200" id="Footnote_196_200"></a><a href="#FNanchor_196_200">[196]</a> Vita Jacobi Le Long., p. xx., <i>Biblioth. +Sacra</i>, edit. 1778.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_197_201" id="Footnote_197_201"></a><a href="#FNanchor_197_201">[197]</a> See the note p. 11, in the first edition of +the <i>Bibliomania</i>.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> I am quite impatient to see <span class="smcap">Atticus</span> in this glorious group; of +whom fame makes such loud report—</p> + +<p>"Yonder see he comes, Lisardo! 'Like arrow from the hunter's bow,' he +darts into the hottest of the fight, and beats down all opposition. In +vain <span class="smcap">Boscardo</span> advances with his heavy artillery, sending forth +occasionally a forty-eight pounder; in vain he shifts his mode of +attack—now with dagger, and now with broadsword, now in plated, and +now in quilted armour: nought avails him. In every shape and at every +onset he is discomfited. Such a champion as Atticus has perhaps never +before appeared within the arena of book-gladiators:</p> + +<p class="center">'Blest with talents, wealth, and taste;'<a name="FNanchor_198_202" id="FNanchor_198_202"></a><a href="#Footnote_198_202" class="fnanchor">[198]</a></p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">129</a></span>and gifted with no common powers of general scholarship, he can easily +master a knotty passage in Eschylus or Aristotle; and quote Juvenal +and Horace as readily as the junior lads at Eton quote their '<i>As in +præsenti</i>:' moreover, he can enter, with equal ardour, into a minute +discussion about the romance literature of the middle ages, and the +dry though useful philology of the German school during the 16th and +17th centuries. In the pursuit after rare, curious, and valuable +books, nothing daunts or depresses him. With a mental and bodily +constitution such as few possess, and with a perpetual succession of +new objects rising up before him, he seems hardly ever conscious of +the vicissitudes of the seasons, and equally indifferent to petty +changes in politics. The cutting blasts of Siberia, or the fainting +heat of a Maltese sirocco, would not make him halt, or divert his +course, in the pursuit of a favourite volume, whether in the Greek, +Latin, Spanish, or Italian language. But as all human efforts, however +powerful, if carried on without intermission, must have a period of +cessation; and as the most active body cannot be at 'Thebes and at +Athens' at the same moment; so it follows that Atticus cannot be at +every auction and carry away every prize. His rivals narrowly watch, +and his enemies closely way-lay, him; and his victories are rarely +bloodless in consequence. If, like Darwin's whale, which swallows +'millions at a gulp,' Atticus should, at one auction, purchase from +two to seven hundred volumes, he must retire, like the '<i>Boa +Constrictor</i>,' for digestion: and accordingly he does, for a short +season, withdraw himself from 'the busy hum' of sale rooms, to +collate, methodize, and class his newly acquired treasures—to repair +what is defective, and to beautify what is deformed. Thus rendering +them 'companions meet' for their brethren in the rural shades of H—— +Hall; where, in gay succession, stands many a row, heavily laden with +'rich and rare' productions. In this rural retreat, or academic bower, +Atticus spends a due portion of the autumnal season of the year; now +that the busy scenes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">130</a></span> of book-auctions in the metropolis have changed +their character—and dreary silence, and stagnant dirt, have succeeded +to noise and flying particles of learned dust.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_198_202" id="Footnote_198_202"></a><a href="#FNanchor_198_202">[198]</a> Dr. Ferriar's <i>Bibliomania</i>, v. 12.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">"Here, in his ancestral abode, Atticus can happily exchange the +microscopic investigation of books for the charms and manly exercises +of a rural life; eclipsing, in this particular, the celebrity of Cæsar +Antoninus; who had not universality of talent sufficient to unite the +love of hawking and hunting with the passion for book-collecting.<a name="FNanchor_199_203" id="FNanchor_199_203"></a><a href="#Footnote_199_203" class="fnanchor">[199]</a> +The sky is no sooner dappled o'er with the first morning sun-beams, +than up starts our distinguished bibliomaniac, either to shoot or to +hunt; either to realize all the fine things which Pope has written +about 'lifting the tube, and levelling the eye;'<a name="FNanchor_200_204" id="FNanchor_200_204"></a><a href="#Footnote_200_204" class="fnanchor">[200]</a> or to join the +jolly troop while they chant the hunting song of his poetical +friend.<a name="FNanchor_201_205" id="FNanchor_201_205"></a><a href="#Footnote_201_205" class="fnanchor">[201]</a> Meanwhile, his house is not wanting in needful garniture +to render a country residence most congenial. His cellars below vie +with his library above. Besides 'the brown October'—'drawn from his +dark retreat of thirty years'—and the potent comforts of every<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">131</a></span> +species of 'barley broth'—there are the ruddier and more sparkling +juices of the grape—'fresh of colour, and of look lovely, smiling to +the eyz of many'—as Master Laneham hath it in his celebrated +letter.<a name="FNanchor_202_206" id="FNanchor_202_206"></a><a href="#Footnote_202_206" class="fnanchor">[202]</a> I shall leave you to finish the picture, which such a +sketch may suggest, by referring you to your favourite, Thomson."<a name="FNanchor_203_207" id="FNanchor_203_207"></a><a href="#Footnote_203_207" class="fnanchor">[203]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_199_203" id="Footnote_199_203"></a><a href="#FNanchor_199_203">[199]</a> This anecdote is given on the authority of +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Gesner's">Kesner's</span> <i>Pandects</i>, fol. 29: rect. +'<span lang="el" title="Greek: Alloi men hippôn">Ἁλλοι μεν ἵππων</span> (says the grave Antoninus) +<span lang="el" title="Greek: alloi de orneôn, alloi thêriôn ebôsin: emoi de bibliôn ktêseôs ek paidoiriou +deinos entetêke pothos">᾽άλλοι δε ὁρνὲων, ἅλλοι θηρὶων +ἐβωσιν: ἐμοι δέ βιβλίων κτησεως ἐκ παιδοιρίου +δεινος εντετηκε πόθος</span>.'</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_200_204" id="Footnote_200_204"></a><a href="#FNanchor_200_204">[200]</a> See Pope's <i>Windsor Forest</i>, ver. 110 to +134.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_201_205" id="Footnote_201_205"></a><a href="#FNanchor_201_205">[201]</a></p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Waken lords and ladies gay;<br /> +On the mountain dawns the day.<br /> +All the jolly chase is here,<br /> +With hawk and horse and hunting spear:<br /> +Hounds are in their couples yelling,<br /> +Hawks are whistling, horns are knelling;<br /> +Merrily, merrily, mingle they.<br /> +"Waken lords and ladies gay."<br /> +<br /> +Waken lords and ladies gay,<br /> +The mist has left the mountain grey.<br /> +Springlets in the dawn are steaming,<br /> +Diamonds on the lake are gleaming;<br /> +And foresters have busy been,<br /> +To track the buck in thicket green:<br /> +Now we come to chaunt our lay,<br /> +"Waken lords and ladies gay."<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><span class="smcap">Hunting Song</span>, by Walter Scott: the remaining stanzas will be +found in the <i>Edinb. Annual Register</i>, vol. i., pt. ii., +xxviii.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_202_206" id="Footnote_202_206"></a><a href="#FNanchor_202_206">[202]</a> "<i>Whearin part of the Entertainment untoo the +Queenz Majesty of Killingworth Castl in Warwick Sheer, &c., +1576, is signified.</i>" edit. 1784, p. 14.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_203_207" id="Footnote_203_207"></a><a href="#FNanchor_203_207">[203]</a> <i>Autumn</i>, v. 519, 701, &c.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Your account of so extraordinary a bibliomaniac is quite amusing: +but I suspect you exaggerate a little.</p> + +<p class="bp">"Nay, Lisardo, I speak nothing but the truth. In book-reputation, +Atticus unites all the activity of De Witt and Lomanie, with the +retentiveness of Magliabechi and the learning of Le Long.<a name="FNanchor_204_208" id="FNanchor_204_208"></a><a href="#Footnote_204_208" class="fnanchor">[204]</a> And +yet—he has his peccant part."</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_204_208" id="Footnote_204_208"></a><a href="#FNanchor_204_208">[204]</a> The reader will be pleased to turn for one +minute to pages <a href="#Page_49">49</a>, <a href="#Page_85">85</a>, <a href="#Page_86">86</a>, ante.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Speak, I am anxious to know.</p> + +<p class="bp">"Yes, Lisardo; although what Leichius hath said of the library +attached to the senate-house of Leipsic be justly applicable to his +own extraordinary collection<a name="FNanchor_205_209" id="FNanchor_205_209"></a><a href="#Footnote_205_209" class="fnanchor">[205]</a>—yet <span class="smcap">Atticus</span> doth sometimes sadly +err. He has now and then an ungovernable passion to possess more +copies of a book than there were ever parties to a deed, or stamina to +a plant: and therefore I cannot call him a duplicate or triplicate +collector. His best friends scold—his most respectable rivals +censure—and a whole 'mob of gentlemen' who think to collect 'with +ease,' threaten vengeance against—him, for this despotic spirit which +he evinces; and which I fear nothing can stay or modify but an act of +parliament that no gentleman shall purchase more than two copies of a +work; one for his town, the other for his country, residence."</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_205_209" id="Footnote_205_209"></a><a href="#FNanchor_205_209">[205]</a> Singularis eius ac propensi, in iuvandam +eruditionem studii insigne imprimis monumentum exstat, +Bibliotheca instructissima, sacrarium bonæ menti dicatum, in +quo omne, quod transmitti ad posteritatem meretur, copiose +reconditum est. <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: De"><i>e</i></span> <i>Orig. et +Increment. Typog. Lipsiens. Lips. An. Typog.</i> sec. iii., +sign. 3.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">132</a></span><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> But does he atone for his sad error by being liberal in the loan +of his volumes?</p> + +<p>"Most completely so, Philemon. This is the 'pars melior' of every book +collector, and it is indeed the better part with Atticus. The learned +and curious, whether rich or poor, have always free access to his +library—</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +His volumes, open as his heart,<br /> +Delight, amusement, science, art,<br /> +To every ear and eye impart.<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>His books, therefore, are not a stagnant reservoir of unprofitable +water, as are those of <span class="smcap">Pontevallo's</span>; but like a thousand rills, which +run down from the lake on Snowdon's summit, after a plentiful fall of +rain, they serve to fertilize and adorn every thing to which they +extend. In consequence, he sees himself reflected in a thousand +mirrors: and has a right to be vain of the numerous dedications to +him, and of the richly ornamented robes in which he is attired by his +grateful friends."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Long life to Atticus, and to all such book heroes! Now pray +inform me who is yonder gentleman, of majestic mien and shape?—and +who strikes a stranger with as much interest as Agamemnon did +Priam—when the Grecian troops passed at a distance in order of +review, while the Trojan monarch and Helen were gossipping with each +other on the battlements of Troy!</p> + +<p>"That gentleman, Lisardo, is <span class="smcap">Hortensius</span>; who, you see is in close +conversation with an intimate friend and fellow-bibliomaniac—that +ycleped is <span class="smcap">Ulpian</span>. They are both honourable members of an honourable +profession; and although they have formerly sworn to purchase no old +book but Machlinia's first edition of Littleton's Tenures, yet they +cannot resist, now and then, the delicious impulse of becoming masters +of a black-letter chronicle or romance. Taste and talent of various +kind they both possess; and 'tis truly pleasant to see gentlemen and +scholars, engaged in a laborious profession, in which, comparatively, +'little vegetation quickens, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">133</a></span> few salutary plants take root,' +finding 'a pleasant grove for their wits to walk in' amidst rows of +beautifully bound, and intrinsically precious, volumes. They feel it +delectable, 'from the loop-holes of such a retreat,' to peep at the +multifarious pursuits of their brethren; and while they discover some +busied in a perversion of book-taste, and others preferring the +short-lived pleasures of sensual gratifications—which must 'not be +named' among good bibliomaniacs—they can sit comfortably by their +fire-sides; and, pointing to a well-furnished library, say to their +wives—who heartily sympathize in the sentiment—</p> + +<p class="centerbp">This gives us health, or adds to life a day!"<a name="FNanchor_206_210" id="FNanchor_206_210"></a><a href="#Footnote_206_210" class="fnanchor">[206]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_206_210" id="Footnote_206_210"></a><a href="#FNanchor_206_210">[206]</a> Braithwaite's <i>Arcadian Princesse</i>: lib. 4, +p. 15, edit. 1635. The two immediately following verses, +which are worthy of Dryden, may quietly creep in here:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Or helps decayed beauty, or repairs<br /> +Our chop-fall'n cheeks, or winter-molted hairs.<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> When I come to town to settle, pray introduce me to these amiable +and sensible bibliomaniacs. Now gratify a curiosity that I feel to +know the name and character of yonder respectably-looking gentleman, +in the dress of the old school, who is speaking in so gracious a +manner to Bernardo?</p> + +<p>"'Tis <span class="smcap">Leontes</span>: a man of taste, and an accomplished antiquary. Even yet +he continues to gratify his favourite passion for book and +print-collecting; although his library is at once choice and copious, +and his collection of prints exquisitely fine. He yet enjoys, in the +evening of life, all that unruffled temper and gentlemanly address +which delighted so much in his younger days, and which will always +render him, in his latter years, equally interesting and admired. Like +Atticus, he is liberal in the loan of his treasures; and, as with him, +so 'tis with Leontes—the spirit of book-collecting 'assumes the +dignity of a virtue.'<a name="FNanchor_207_211" id="FNanchor_207_211"></a><a href="#Footnote_207_211" class="fnanchor">[207]</a> Peace and comfort be the attendant spirits +of Leontes, through life, and in death: the happiness of a better +world await him beyond the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">134</a></span> grave! His memory will always be held in +reverence by honest bibliomaniacs; and a due sense of his kindness +towards myself shall constantly be impressed upon me—</p> + +<p class="centerbp">Dum memor ipse mei, dum spiritus hos regret artus."</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_207_211" id="Footnote_207_211"></a><a href="#FNanchor_207_211">[207]</a> <i>Edinburgh Review</i>, vol. xiii., p. 118.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> Amen. With Leontes I suppose you close your account of the most +notorious bibliomaniacs who generally attend book sales in person; for +I observe no other person who mingles with those already +described—unless indeed, three very active young ones, who +occasionally converse with each other, and now and then have their +names affixed to some very expensive purchases—</p> + +<p>"They are the three <span class="smcap">Mercurii</span>, oftentimes deputed by distinguished +bibliomaniacs: who, fearful of the sharp-shooting powers of their +adversaries, if they <i>themselves</i> should appear in the ranks, like +prudent generals, keep aloof. But their aides-de-camp are not always +successful in their missions; for such is the obstinacy with which +book-battles are now contested, that it requires three times the +number of guns and weight of metal to accomplish a particular object +to what it did when John Duke of Marlborough wore his full-bottomed +periwig at the battle of Blenheim.</p> + +<p>"Others there are, again, who employ these Mercurii from their own +inability to attend in person, owing to distance, want of time, and +other similar causes. Hence, many a desperate bibliomaniac keeps in +the back-ground; while the public are wholly unacquainted with his +curious and rapidly-increasing treasures. Hence <span class="smcap">Sir Tristram</span>, +embosomed in his forest-retreat,</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">—down the steepy linn</span><br /> +That hems his little garden in,<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="bp">is constantly increasing his stores of tales of genii, fairies, fays, +ghosts, hobgoblins, magicians, highwaymen, and desperadoes—and +equally acceptable to him is a copy of Castalio's elegant version of +Homer, and of St. Dunstan's book '<i>De Occulta Philosophia</i>;' +concerning which <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: latter">lattter</span>, Elias Ashmole +is vehement in commen<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">135</a></span>dation.<a name="FNanchor_208_212" id="FNanchor_208_212"></a><a href="#Footnote_208_212" class="fnanchor">[208]</a> From all these (after melting them +down in his own unparalleled poetical crucible—which hath charms as +potent as the witches' cauldron in Macbeth) he gives the world many a +wondrous-sweet song. Who that has read the exquisite poems, of the +fame of which all Britain 'rings from side to side,' shall deny to +such ancient legends a power to charm and instruct? Or who, that +possesses a copy of <span class="smcap">Prospero's</span> excellent volumes, although composed in +a different strain (yet still more fruitful in ancient matters), shall +not love the memory and exalt the renown of such transcendent +bibliomaniacs? The library of Prospero is indeed acknowledged to be +without a rival in its way. How pleasant it is, dear Philemon, only to +contemplate such a goodly prospect of elegantly bound volumes of old +English and French literature!—and to think of the matchless stores +which they contain, relating to our ancient popular tales and romantic +legends!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_208_212" id="Footnote_208_212"></a><a href="#FNanchor_208_212">[208]</a> He who shall have the happiness to meet with +St. Dunstan's Worke "<i>De Occulta Philosophia</i>," may therein +reade such stories as will make him amaz'd, &c. Prolegom. to +his <i>Theatrum Chemicum</i>, sign A., 4. rev.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">"Allied to this library, in the general complexion of its literary +treasures, is that of <span class="smcap">Marcellus</span>: while in the possession of numberless +rare and precious volumes relating to the drama, and especially to his +beloved Shakespeare, it must be acknowledged that Marcellus hath +somewhat the superiority. Meritorious as have been his labours in the +illustration of our immortal bard, he is yet as zealous, vigilant, and +anxious, as ever, to accumulate every thing which may tend to the +further illustration of him. Enter his book-cabinet; and with the +sight of how many <i>unique</i> pieces and tracts are your ardent eyes +blessed! Just so it is with <span class="smcap">Aurelius</span>! He also, with the three last +mentioned bibliomaniacs, keeps up a constant fire at book auctions; +although he is not personally seen in securing the spoils which he +makes. Unparalleled as an antiquary in Caledonian history and poetry, +and passionately attached to every thing connected with the fate of +the lamented Mary, as well as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">136</a></span> with that of the great poetical +contemporaries, Spenser and Shakespeare, Aurelius is indefatigable in +the pursuit of such ancient lore as may add value to the stores, +however precious, which he possesses. His <i>Noctes Atticæ</i>, devoted to +the elucidation of the history of his native country, will erect to +his memory a splendid and imperishable monument. These, my dear +friends, these are the virtuous and useful, and therefore salutary +ends of book-collecting and book-reading. Such characters are among +the proudest pillars that adorn the greatest nations upon earth.</p> + +<p>"Let me, however, not forget to mention that there are bashful or busy +bibliomaniacs, who keep aloof from book-sales, intent only upon +securing, by means of these Mercurii, <i>stainless</i> or <i>large paper</i> +copies of ancient literature. While <span class="smcap">Menalcas</span> sees his oblong cabinet +decorated with such a tall, well-dressed, and perhaps matchless, +regiment of <i>Variorum Classics</i>, he has little or no occasion to +regret his unavoidable absence from the field of battle, in the Strand +or Pall Mall. And yet—although he is environed with a body guard, of +which the great Frederick's father might have envied him the +possession, he cannot help casting a wishful eye, now and then, upon +still choicer and taller troops which he sees in the territories of +his rivals. I do not know whether he would not sacrifice the whole +right wing of his army, for the securing of some magnificent treasures +in the empire of his neighbour <span class="smcap">Rinaldo</span>: for there he sees, and adores, +with the rapture-speaking eye of a classical bibliomaniac, the tall, +wide, thick, clean, brilliant, and illuminated copy of the <i>first +Livy</i> <span class="smcap">upon vellum</span>—enshrined in an impenetrable oaken case, covered +with choice morocco!</p> + +<p>"There he often witnesses the adoration paid to this glorious object, +by some bookish pilgrim, who, as the evening sun reposes softly upon +the hill, pushes onward, through copse, wood, moor, heath, bramble, +and thicket, to feast his eyes upon the mellow lustre of its leaves, +and upon the nice execution of its typography. Menalcas<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">137</a></span> sees all +this; and yet has too noble a heart to envy Rinaldo his treasures! +These bibliomaniacs often meet and view their respective forces; but +never with hostile eyes. They know their relative strength; and wisely +console themselves by being each 'eminent in his degree.' Like +Corregio, they are 'also painters' in their way."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> A well-a-day, Lisardo! Does not this recital chill your blood +with despair? Instead of making your purchases, you are only listening +supinely to our friend!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Not exactly so. One of these obliging Mercurii has already +executed a few commissions for me. You forget that our friend entered +into a little chat with him, just before we took possession of our +seats. As to despair of obtaining book-gems similar to those of the +four last mentioned bibliomaniacs, I know not what to say—yet this I +think must be granted: no one could make a better use of them than +their present owners. See, the elder Mercurius comes to tell me of a +pleasant acquisition to my library! What a murmur and confusion +prevail about the auctioneer! Good news, I trust?</p> + +<p class="bp">At this moment Lisardo received intelligence that he had obtained +possession of the catalogues of the books of Bunau, Crevenna, and +Pinelli; and that, after a desperate struggle with <span class="smcap">Quisquilius</span>, he +came off victorious in a contest for De Bure's <i>Bibliographie +Instructive</i>, <i>Gaignat's Catalogue</i>, and the two copious ones of the +<i>Duke de la Valliere</i>: these four latter being half-bound and uncut, +in nineteen volumes. Transport lit up the countenance of Lisardo, upon +his receiving this intelligence; but as pleasure and pain go hand in +hand in this world, so did this young and unsuspecting bibliomaniac +evince heavy affliction, on being told that he had failed in his +attack upon the best editions of Le Long's <i>Bibliotheca Sacra</i>, +Fresnoy's <i>Méthode pour etudier l'Histoire</i>, and Baillet's <i>Jugemens +des Savans</i>—these having been carried off, at the point of the +bayonet, by an irresistible onset from <span class="smcap">Atticus</span>.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">138</a></span> "Remember, my +friend," said I, in a soothing strain, "remember that you are but a +Polydore; and must expect to fall when you encounter Achilles.<a name="FNanchor_209_213" id="FNanchor_209_213"></a><a href="#Footnote_209_213" class="fnanchor">[209]</a> +Think of the honour you have acquired in this day's glorious contest; +and, when you are drenching your cups of claret, at your hospitable +board, contemplate your De Bure as a trophy which will always make you +respected by your visitors! I am glad to see you revive. Yet further +intelligence?"</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_209_213" id="Footnote_209_213"></a><a href="#FNanchor_209_213">[209]</a> The reader may peruse the affecting death of +this beautiful youth, by the merciless Achilles, from the +407 to 418th verso of the xxth book of <i>Homer's Iliad</i>. +Fortunately for Lisardo, he survives the contest, and even +threatens revenge.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> My good Mercurius, for whom a knife and fork shall always be laid +at my table, has just informed me that Clement's <i>Bibliotheque +Curieuse</i>, and Panzer's <i>Typographical Annals</i>, are knocked down to +me, after Mustapha had picked me out for single combat, and battered +my breast-plate with a thousand furious strokes!</p> + +<p>"You must always," said I, "expect tough work from such an enemy, who +is frequently both wanton and wild. But I congratulate you heartily on +the event of this day's contest. Let us now pack up and pay for our +treasures. Your servant has just entered the room, and the chaise is +most probably at the door."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> I am perfectly ready. Mercurius tells me that the whole amounts +to——</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> Upwards of thirty guineas?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Hard upon forty pounds. Here is the draft upon my banker: and +then for my precious tomes of bibliography! A thousand thanks, my +friend. I love this place of all things; and, after your minute +account of the characters of those who frequent it, I feel a strong +propensity to become a deserving member of so respectable a +fraternity. Leaving them all to return to their homes as satisfied as +myself, I wish them a hearty good day.</p> + +<p>Upon saying this, we followed Lisardo and his biblio<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">139</a></span>graphical +treasures into the chaise; and instantly set off, at a sharp trot, for +the quiet and comfort of green fields and running streams. As we +rolled over Westminster-bridge, we bade farewell, like the historian +of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, to the</p> + +<p class="center">"Fumum et opes strepitumque Romæ."</p> + +<p class="centertp"> +<img src="images/deco07.png" width="472" height="367" alt="" title="" /> +</p> + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">140</a></span></p> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/chiswick.png" width="500" height="355" alt="Chiswick House" title="Chiswick House" /> +</p> + +<p class="center">CHISWICK HOUSE as in 1740.</p> + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">141</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="PART_IV" id="PART_IV"></a>PART IV.<br /> +<br /> +<span class="bl">The Library.</span></h2> + +<h3> +DR. HENRY’S HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN.<br /> +A GAME AT CHESS.—OF MONACHISM AND CHIVALRY.<br /> +DINNER AT LORENZO’S.<br /> +SOME ACCOUNT OF BOOK-COLLECTORS IN ENGLAND.<br /> +</h3> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/line01.png" width="114" height="27" alt="" title="" /> +</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +<span style="margin-left: 6em;">——Wisdom loves</span><br /> +This seat serene, and Virtue's self approves:—<br /> +Here come the griev'd, a change of thought to find;<br /> +The curious here, to feed a craving mind:<br /> +Here the devout, their peaceful temple chuse;<br /> +And here, the poet meets his favouring Muse.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 6em;">CRABBE'S POEMS. (<i>The Library.</i>)</span> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">142</a></span></p> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/ingredere.jpg" width="341" height="500" alt="Ingredere ut Proficias." title="Ingredere ut Proficias." /> +</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">143</a></span></p> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/part4.jpg" width="379" height="600" alt="The Library" title="The Library" /> +</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="msm">[<a href="images/part4-lg.jpg">Enlarge</a>]</span></p> + +<h2><span class="bl">The Library.</span></h2> + +<h3> +DR. HENRY’S HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN.<br /> +A GAME OF CHESS.—OF MONACHISM AND CHIVALRY.<br /> +DINNER AT LORENZO’S.<br /> +SOME ACCOUNT OF BOOK-COLLECTORS IN ENGLAND.<br /> +</h3> + + +<p class="tp"><img src="images/cap_d.png" width="250" height="248" alt="D" title="D" class="floatl" />URING +the first seven miles of our return from the busy scene which +has just been described, it was sufficiently obvious that Lisardo was +suffering a little under the pangs of mortification. True it was, he +had filled his pocket with an ampler supply of pistoles than it ever +fell to the lot of Gil Blas, at the same time of life, to be master +of; but he had not calculated upon the similar condition of his +competitors; some of whom had yet greater powers of purchase, and a +more resolute determination, as well as nicer skill, in exercising +these powers, than himself. Thus rushing into the combat with the heat +and vehemence of youth, he was of necessity<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">144</a></span> compelled to experience +the disappointment attendant upon such precipitancy. It was in vain +that Philemon and myself endeavoured to make him completely satisfied +with his purchase: nothing produced a look of complacency from him. At +length, upon seeing the rising ground which was within two or three +miles of our respective homes, he cheered up by degrees; and a sudden +thought of the treasures contained in his Clement, De Bure and Panzer, +darted a gleam of satisfaction across his countenance. His eyes +resumed their wonted brilliancy, and all the natural gaiety of his +disposition returned with full effect to banish every vapour of +melancholy. "Indeed, my good friend," said he to me—"I shall always +have reason to think and speak well of your kindness shewn towards me +this day; and although some years may elapse before a similar +collection may be disposed of—and I must necessarily wait a tedious +period 'ere I get possession of Maittaire, Audiffredi, and others of +the old school—yet I hope to convince Lysander, on the exhibition of +my purchase, that my conversion to bibliography has been sincere. Yes: +I perceive that I have food enough to digest, in the volumes which are +now my travelling companions, for two or three years to come—and if, +by keeping a sharp look-out upon booksellers' catalogues when they are +first published, I can catch hold of Vogt, Schelhorn and Heinecken, my +progress in bibliography, within the same period, must be downright +marvellous!" "I congratulate you," exclaimed <span class="smcap">Philemon</span>, "upon the +return of your reason and good sense. I began to think that the story +of Orlando had been thrown away upon you; and that his regular yearly +purchases of a certain set of books, and making himself master of +their principal contents before he ventured upon another similar +purchase, had already been banished from your recollection."</p> + +<p>We were now fast approaching the end of our journey; when the groom of +Lorenzo, mounted upon a well-bred courser, darted quickly by the +chaise, ap<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">145</a></span>parently making towards my house—but on turning his head, +and perceiving me within it, he drew up and bade the postilion stop. A +note from his master soon disclosed the reason of this interruption. +<span class="smcap">Lorenzo</span>, upon hearing of the arrival of Lysander and Philemon, and of +their wish to visit his library, had sent us all three a kind +invitation to dine with him on the morrow. His close intimacy with +Lisardo (who was his neighbour) had left no doubt in the mind of the +latter but that a similar note had been sent to his own house. After +telling the messenger that we would not fail to pay our respects to +his master, we drove briskly homewards; and found Lysander sitting on +a stile under some wide-spreading beech trees, at the entrance of the +paddock, expecting our arrival. In less than half an hour we sat down +to dinner (at a time greatly beyond what I was accustomed to); +regaling Lysander, during the repast, with an account of the contest +we had witnessed; and every now and then preventing Lisardo from +rushing towards his packet (even in the midst of his <i>fricandeau</i>), +and displaying his book-treasures. After dinner, our discussion +assumed a more methodical shape. Lysander bestowed his hearty +commendations upon the purchase; and, in order to whet the +bibliomaniacal appetite of his young convert, he slyly observed that +his set of De Bure's pieces were <i>half bound</i> and <i>uncut</i>; and that by +having them bound in morocco, with gilt leaves, he would excel my own +set; which latter was coated in a prettily-sprinkled calf leather, +with speckled edges. Lisardo could not repress the joyful sensations +which this remark excited; and I observed that, whenever his eyes +glanced upon my shelves, he afterwards returned them upon his own +little collection, with a look of complacency mingled with exultation. +It was evident, therefore, that he was now thoroughly reconciled to +his fortune.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> During your absence, I have been reading a very favourite work +of mine—<span class="smcap">Dr. Henry's</span> <i>History of Great Britain</i>; especially that part +of it which I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">146</a></span> prefer so much to the history of human cunning and +human slaughter; I mean, the account of learning and of learned men.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> It is also a great favourite with me. But while I regret the +inexcuseable omission of an index to such a voluminous work, and the +inequality of Mr. Andrews's partial continuation of it, I must be +permitted to observe that the history of our literature and learned +men is not the most brilliant, or best executed, part of Dr. Henry's +valuable labours. There are many omissions to supply, and much +interesting additional matter to bring forward, even in some of the +most elaborate parts of it. His account of the arts might also be +improved; although in commerce, manners and customs, I think he has +done as much, and as well, as could reasonably be expected. I +question, however, whether his work, from the plan upon which it is +executed, will ever become so popular as its fondest admirers seem to +hope.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> You are to consider, Philemon, that in the execution of such +an important whole, in the erection of so immense a fabric, some parts +must necessarily be finished in a less workman-like style than others. +And, after all, there is a good deal of caprice in our criticisms. You +fancy, in this fabric (if I may be allowed to go on with my simile), a +boudoir, a hall, or a staircase; and fix a critical eye upon a recess +badly contrived, an oval badly turned, or pillars weakly put +together:—the builder says, Don't look at these parts of the fabric +with such fastidious nicety; they are subordinate. If my boudoir will +hold a moderate collection of old-fashioned Dresden China, if my +staircase be stout enough to conduct you and your company to the upper +rooms; and, if my hall be spacious enough to hold the hats, umbrellas +and walking-sticks of your largest dinner-party, they answer the ends +proposed:—unless you would <i>live</i> in your boudoir, upon your +staircase, or within your hall! The fact then is, you, Philemon, +prefer the boudoir, and might, perhaps, im<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">147</a></span>prove upon its structure; +but, recollect, there are places in a house of equal, or perhaps more, +consequence than this beloved boudoir. Now, to make the obvious +application to the work which has given rise to this wonderful stretch +of imagination on my part:—Dr. Henry is the builder, and his history +is the building, in question: in the latter he had to put together, +with skill and credit, a number of weighty parts, of which the "<i>Civil +and Ecclesiastical</i>" is undoubtedly the most important to the +generality of readers. But one of these component parts was the <i>The +History of Learning and of Learned Men</i>; which its author probably +thought of subordinate consequence, or in the management of which, to +allow you the full force of your objection, he was not so well +skilled. Yet, still, never before having been thus connected with such +a building, it was undoubtedly a delightful acquisition; and I +question whether, if it had been more elaborately executed—if it had +exhibited all the fret-work and sparkling points which you seem to +conceive necessary to its completion; I question, whether the +popularity of the work would have been even so great as it is, and as +it unquestionably merits to be! A few passionately-smitten literary +antiquaries are not, perhaps, the fittest judges of such a production. +To be generally useful and profitable should be the object of every +author of a similar publication; and as far as candour and liberality +of sentiment, an unaffected and manly style, accompanied with weighty +matter, extensive research, and faithful quotation, render a work +nationally valuable—the work of Dr. Henry, on these grounds, is an +ornament and honour to his country.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> Yet I wish he had rambled (if you will permit me so to speak) a +little more into book-men and book-anecdotes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> You may indulge this wish very innocently; but, certainly, you +ought not to censure Dr. Henry for the omission of such minutiæ.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Does he ever quote Clement, De Bure, or Panzer?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">148</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Away with such bibliomaniacal frenzy! He quotes solid, useful +and respectable authorities; chiefly our old and most valuable +historians. No writer before him ever did them so much justice, or +displayed a more familiar acquaintance with them.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Do pray give us, Lysander, some little sketches of +book-characters—which, I admit, did not enter into the plan of Dr. +Henry's excellent work. As I possess the original quarto edition of +this latter, bound in Russia, you will not censure me for a want of +respect towards the author.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> I second Lisardo's motion; although I fear the evening presses +too hard upon us to admit of much present discussion.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Nothing—(speaking most unaffectedly from my heart) nothing +affords me sincerer pleasure than to do any thing in my power which +may please such cordial friends as yourselves. My pretensions to that +sort of antiquarian <i>knowledge</i>, which belongs to the history of +book-collectors, are very poor, as you well know,—they being greatly +eclipsed by my <i>zeal</i> in the same cause. But, as I love my country and +my country's literature, so no conversation or research affords me a +livelier pleasure than that which leads me to become better acquainted +with the ages which have gone by; with the great and good men of old; +who have found the most imperishable monuments of their fame in the +sympathizing hearts of their successors. But I am wandering—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Go on as you please, dear Lysander; for I have been too much +indebted to your conversation ever to suppose it could diverge into +any thing censoriously irrelevant. Begin where and when you please.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> I assure you it is far from my intention to make any formal +exordium, even if I knew the exact object of your request.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> Tell us all about book-collecting and <span class="smcap">Bibliomaniacs</span> in this +country—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> "Commençez au commençement"—as the French adage is.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">149</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> In sober truth, you impose upon me a pretty tough task! "One +Thousand and One Nights" would hardly suffice for the execution of it; +and now, already, I see the owl flying across the lawn to take her +station in the neighbouring oak; while even the middle ground of +yonder landscape is veiled in the blue haziness of evening. Come a +short half hour, and who, unless the moon befriend him, can see the +outline of the village church? Thus gradually and imperceptibly, but +thus surely, succeeds age to youth—death to life—eternity to +time!—You see in what sort of mood I am for the performance of my +promise?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Reserve these meditations for your pillow, dear Lysander: and +now, again I entreat you—"commençez au commençement."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> Pray make a beginning only: the conclusion shall be reserved, as +a desert, for Lorenzo's dinner to-morrow.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Lest I should be thought coquettish, I will act with you as I +have already done; and endeavour to say something which may gratify +you as before.</p> + +<p class="bp">It has often struck me my dear friends, continued Lysander—(in a +balanced attitude, and seeming to bring quietly together all his +scattered thoughts upon the subject) it has often struck me that few +things have operated more unfavourably towards the encouragement of +learning, and of book-collecting, than the universal passion for +<i>chivalry</i>—which obtained towards the middle ages; while, on the +other hand, a <i>monastic life</i> seems to have excited a love of +retirement, meditation, and reading.<a name="FNanchor_210_214" id="FNanchor_210_214"></a><a href="#Footnote_210_214" class="fnanchor">[210]</a><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">150</a></span> I admit readily, that, +considering the long continuance of the monastic orders, and that +almost all intellectual improvement was confined within the cloister, +a very slow and partial progress was made in literature. The system of +education was a poor, stinted, and unproductive one. Nor was it till +after the enterprising activity of Poggio had succeeded in securing a +few precious remains of classical antiquity,<a name="FNanchor_211_215" id="FNanchor_211_215"></a><a href="#Footnote_211_215" class="fnanchor">[211]</a> that the wretched +indolence of the monastic life began to be diverted from a constant +meditation upon "antiphoners, grailes, and psalters,"<a name="FNanchor_212_216" id="FNanchor_212_216"></a><a href="#Footnote_212_216" class="fnanchor">[212]</a> towards +subjects of a more generally interesting nature. I am willing to admit +every degree of merit to the manual dexterity of the cloistered +student. I admire his snow-white vellum missals, emblazoned with gold, +and sparkling with carmine and ultramarine blue. By the help of the +microscopic glass, I peruse his diminutive penmanship, executed with +the most astonishing neatness and regularity; and often wish in my +heart<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">151</a></span> that our typographers printed with ink as glossy black as that +which they sometimes used in their writing. I admire all this; and now +and then, for a guinea or two, I purchase a specimen of such +marvellous leger-de-main: but the book, when purchased, is to me a +sealed book. And yet, Philemon, I blame not the individual, but the +age; not the task, but the task-master; for surely the same exquisite +and unrivalled beauty would have been exhibited in copying an ode of +Horace, or a dictum of Quintilian. Still, however, you may say that +the intention, in all this, was pure and meritorious; for that such a +system excited insensibly a love of quiet, domestic order, and +seriousness: while those counsels and regulations which punished a +"Clerk for being a hunter," and restricted "the intercourse of +Concubines,"<a name="FNanchor_213_217" id="FNanchor_213_217"></a><a href="#Footnote_213_217" class="fnanchor">[213]</a> evinced a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">152</a></span> spirit of jurisprudence which would have +done justice to any age. Let us allow, then, if you please, that a +love of book-reading, and of book-collecting, was a meritorious trait +in the monastic life; and that we are to look upon old abbies and +convents as the sacred depositories of the literature of past ages. +What can you say in defence of your times of beloved chivalry?</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_210_214" id="Footnote_210_214"></a><a href="#FNanchor_210_214">[210]</a> As early as the sixth century commenced the +custom, in some monasteries, of copying ancient books and +composing new ones. It was the usual, and even only, +employment of the first monks of Marmoutier. A monastery +without a library was considered as a fort or a camp +deprived of the necessary articles for its defence: +"claustrum sine armario, quasi castrum sine armentario." +Peignot, <i>Dict. de Bibliolog.</i>, vol. i., 77. I am fearful +that this good old bibliomanical custom of keeping up the +credit of their libraries among the monks had ceased—at +least in the convent of Romsey, in Hampshire—towards the +commencement of the sixteenth century. One would think that +the books had been there disposed of in bartering for +<i>strong liquors</i>; for at a visitation by Bishop Fox, held +there in 1506, Joyce Rows, the abbess, is accused of +<i>immoderate drinking</i>, especially in the night time; and of +inviting the nuns to her chamber every evening, for the +purpose of these excesses, "post completorium." What is +frightful to add,—"this was a rich convent, and filled with +ladies of the best families." See Warton's cruel note in his +<i>Life of Sir Thomas Pope</i>, p. 25, edit. 1772. A +tender-hearted bibliomaniac cannot but feel acutely on +reflecting upon the many beautifully-illuminated vellum +books which were, in all probability, exchanged for these +inebriating gratifications! To balance this unfavourable +account read Hearne's remark about the libraries in ancient +monasteries, in the sixth volume of <i>Leland's Collectanea</i>, +p. 86-7, edit. 1774: and especially the anecdotes and +authorities stated by Dr. Henry in book iii., chap, iv., +sec. 1.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_211_215" id="Footnote_211_215"></a><a href="#FNanchor_211_215">[211]</a> See the first volume of Mr. Roscoe's <i>Lorenzo +de Medici</i>; and the Rev. Mr. Shepherd's <i>Life of Poggio +Bracciolini</i>.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_212_216" id="Footnote_212_216"></a><a href="#FNanchor_212_216">[212]</a> When Queen Elizabeth deputed a set of +commissioners to examine into the superstitious books +belonging to All-Souls library, there was returned, in the +list of these superstitious works, "eight grailes, seven +antiphoners of parchment and bound." Gutch's <i>Collectanea +Curiosa</i>, vol. ii., 276. At <a href="#Page_115">page 115</a>, ante, the reader will +find a definition of the word "Antiphoner." He is here +informed that a "gradale" or "grail," is a book which ought +to have in it "the office of sprinkling holy water: the +beginnings of the masses, or the offices of <i>Kyrie</i>, with +the verses of <i>gloria in excelsis</i>; the <i>gradales</i>, or what +is gradually sung after the epistles; the hallelujah and +tracts, the sequences, the creed to be sung at mass, the +offertories, the hymns holy, and Lamb of God, the communion, +&c., which relate to the choir at the singing of a solemn +mass." This is the Rev. J. Lewis's account; <i>idem opus</i>, +vol. ii., 168.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_213_217" id="Footnote_213_217"></a><a href="#FNanchor_213_217">[213]</a> <span style="margin-left: 10em;">"<i>Of a Clerk that is an Hunter.</i>"</span> +</p><p> +"We ordain that if any clerk be defamed of trespass +committed in forest or park of any man's, and thereof be +lawfully convicted before his ordinary, or do confess it to +him, the diocesan shall make redemption thereof in his +goods, if he have goods after the quality of his fault; and +such redemption shall be assigned to him to whom the loss, +hurt, or injury, is done; but if he have no goods, let his +bishop grievously punish his person according as the fault +requireth, lest through trust to escape punishment they +boldly presume to offend." <i>Fol.</i> 86, <i>rev.</i>: vide <i>infra</i>. +(The same prohibition against clergymen being Hunters +appears in a circular letter, or injunctions, by Lee, +Archbishop of York, A.D. 1536. "Item; they shall not be +common <i>Hunters ne Hawkers</i>, ne playe at gammes prohibytede, +as dycese and cartes, and such oder." Burnet's <i>Hist. of the +Reformation</i>; vol. iii. p. 136, "Collections.") +</p> + +<p class="center">"<i>Of the removing of Clerks' Concubines.</i>"</p> + +<p> +"Although the governors of the church have always laboured +and enforced to drive and chase away from the houses of the +church that rotten contagiousness of pleasant filthiness +with the which the sight and beauty of the church is +grievously spotted and defiled, and yet could never hitherto +bring it to pass, seeing it is of so great a lewd boldness +that it thursteth in unshamefastly without ceasing; we, +therefore," &c. <i>Fol.</i> 114, <i>rect.</i> +</p> + +<p class="center">"<i>Of Concubines, that is to say of them that keep +Concubines.</i>" +</p> + +<p> +"How unbecoming it is, and how contrary to the pureness of +Christians, to touch sacred things with lips and hands +polluted, or any to give the laws and praisings of +cleanness, or to present himself in the Lord's temple, when +he is defiled with the spots of lechery, not only the divine +and canonical laws, but also the monitions of secular +princes, hath evidently seen by the judgment of holy +consideration, commanding and enjoining both discreetly and +also wholesomely, shamefacedness unto all Christ's faithful, +and ministers of the holy church." <i>Fol.</i> 131, <i>rect.</i> +<i>Constitutions Provincialles, and of Otho</i> +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: and"><i>aud</i></span> <i>Octhobone.</i> Redman's edit. 1534, 12mo. On looking +into Du Pin's <i>Ecclesiastical History</i>, vol. ix., p. 58, +edit. 1699, I find that Hugh of Dia, by the ninth canon in +the council of Poictiers, (centy. xi.) ordained "That the +sub-deacons, deacons, and priests, shall have no concubine, +or any other suspicious women in their houses; and that all +those who shall wittingly hear the mass of a priest that +keeps a concubine, or is guilty of simony, shall be +excommunicated."</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> Shew me in what respect the gallant spirit of an ancient knight +was hostile to the cultivation of the belles-lettres?</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Most readily. Look at your old romances, and what is the +system of education—of youthful pursuits—which they in general +inculcate? Intrigue and bloodshed.<a name="FNanchor_214_218" id="FNanchor_214_218"></a><a href="#Footnote_214_218" class="fnanchor">[214]</a> Examine your favourite new +edition of the <i>Fabliaux et Contes</i> of the middle ages, collected by +Barbazan! However the editor may say that "though some of these pieces +are a little too free, others breathe<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">153</a></span> a spirit of morality and +religion—"<a name="FNanchor_215_219" id="FNanchor_215_219"></a><a href="#Footnote_215_219" class="fnanchor">[215]</a> the main scope of the poems, taken collectively, is +that which has just been mentioned. But let us come to particulars. +What is there in the <i>Ordene de Chevalerie</i>, or <i>Le Castoiement d'un +Pere à son fils</i> (pieces in which one would expect a little +seriousness of youthful instruction), that can possibly excite a love +of reading, book-collecting, or domestic quiet? Again; let us see what +these chivalrous lads do, as soon as they become able-bodied! Nothing +but assault and wound one another. Read concerning your favourite +<i>Oliver of Castile</i>,<a name="FNanchor_216_220" id="FNanchor_216_220"></a><a href="#Footnote_216_220" class="fnanchor">[216]</a> and his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">154</a></span> half-brother <i>Arthur</i>! Or, open +the beautiful volumes of the late interesting translation of +Monstrelet, and what is almost the very first thing which meets your +eye? Why, "an Esquire of Arragon (one of your chivalrous heroes) named +Michel D'Orris, sends a challenge to an English esquire of the same +complexion with himself—and this is the nature of the challenge: +[which I will read from the volume, as it is close at my right hand, +and I have been dipping into it this morning in your absence—]</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_214_218" id="Footnote_214_218"></a><a href="#FNanchor_214_218">[214]</a> The celebrated <span class="smcap">Ludovicus Vives</span> has strung +together a whole list of ancient popular romances, calling +them "ungracious books." The following is his saucy +philippic: "Which books but idle men wrote unlearned, and +set all upon filth and viciousness; in whom I wonder what +should delight men, but that vice pleaseth them so much. As +for learning, none is to be looked for in those men, which +saw never so much as a shadow of learning themselves. And +when they tell ought, what delight can be in those things +that be so plain and foolish lies? One killeth twenty by +himself alone, another killeth thirty; another, wounded with +a hundred wounds, and left for dead, riseth up again; and on +the next day, made whole and strong, overcometh two giants, +and then goeth away loaden with gold and silver and precious +stones, mo than a galley would carry away. What madness is +it of folks to have pleasure in these books! Also there is +no wit in them, but a few words of wanton lust; which be +spoken to move her mind with whom they love, if it chance +she be steadfast. And if they be read but for this, the best +were to make books of bawd's crafts, for in other things +what craft can be had of such a maker that is ignorant of +all good craft? Nor I never heard man say that he liked +these books, but those that never touched good +books."—<i>Instruction of a Christian Woman</i>, sign. D. 1. +rev., edit. 1593. From the fifth chapter (sufficiently +curious) of "What books be to be read, and what not."</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_215_219" id="Footnote_215_219"></a><a href="#FNanchor_215_219">[215]</a> Vol. ii., p. 39, edit. 1808.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_216_220" id="Footnote_216_220"></a><a href="#FNanchor_216_220">[216]</a> "When the king saw that they were puissant +enough for to wield armour at their ease, he gave them +license for to do cry a Justing and Tournament. The which +<span class="smcap">Oliver</span> and <span class="smcap">Arthur</span> made for to be cried, that three +aventurous knights should just against all comers, the which +should find them there the first day of the lusty month of +May, in complete harness, for to just against their +adversaries with sharp spears. And the said three champions +should just three days in three colours: that is to wit, in +black, grey and violet—and their shields of the same hue; +and them to find on the third day at the lists. There justed +divers young knights of the king's court: and the justing +was more <i>asperer</i> of those young knights than ever they had +seen any in that country. And, by the report of the ladies, +they did so knightly, every one, that it was not possible +for to do better, as them thought, by their strokes. But, +above all other, <span class="smcap">Oliver</span> and <span class="smcap">Arthur</span> (his loyal fellow) had +the <i>bruit</i> and <i>loos</i>. The justing endured long: it was +marvel to see the hideous strokes that they dealt; for the +justing had not finished so soon but that the night +<i>separed</i> them. Nevertheless, the adversary party abode +'till the torches were light. But the ladies and +<i>damoyselles</i>, that of all the justing time had been there, +were weary, and would depart. Wherefore the justers departed +in likewise, and went and disarmed them for to come to the +banquet or feast. And when that the banquet was finished and +done, the dances began. And there came the king and the +valiant knights of arms, for to enquire of the ladies and +<i>damoyselles</i>, who that had best borne him as for that day. +The ladies, which were all of one accord and agreement, said +that Oliver and Arthur had surmounted all the best doers of +that <i>journey</i>. And by cause that Oliver and Arthur were +both of one party, and that they could find but little +difference between them of knighthood, they knew not the +which they might sustain. But, in the end, they said that +Arthur had done right valiantly: nevertheless, they said +that Oliver had done best unto their seeming. And therefore +it was concluded that the <i>pryce</i> should be given unto +Oliver, as for the best of them of within. And another noble +knight, of the realm of Algarbe, that came with the queen, +had the pryce of without. When the pryce of the juste that +had been made was brought before Oliver, by two fair +<i>damoyselles</i>, he waxed all red, and was ashamed at that +present time; and said that it was of their bounty for to +give him the pryce, and not of his desert: nevertheless, he +received it; and, as it was of custom in guerdoning them, he +kissed them. And soon after they brought the wine and +spices; and then the dances and the feast took an end as for +that night." <i>Hystorye of Olyuer of Castylle, and of the +fayre Helayne, &c.</i>, 1518, 4to., sign. A. v. vj. This I +suppose to be the passage alluded to by Lysander. The +edition from which it is taken, and of which the title was +barely known to Ames and Herbert, is printed by Wynkyn De +Worde. Mr. Heber's copy of it is at present considered to be +unique. The reader will see some copious extracts from it in +the second volume of the <i>British Typographical +Antiquities</i>.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">"First, to enter the lists on foot, each armed in the manner he shall +please, having a dagger and sword attached to any part of his body, +and a battle-axe, with the handle of such length as the challenger +shall fix on. The combat to be as follows: ten strokes of the +battle-axe, without intermission; and when these strokes shall have +been given, and the judge shall cry out 'Ho!' ten cuts with the sword +to be given without intermission or change of armour. When the judge +shall cry out 'Ho!' we will resort to our daggers, and give ten stabs +with them. Should either party lose or drop his weapon, the other may +continue the use of the one in his hand until the judge shall cry out +'Ho!'" &c.<a name="FNanchor_217_221" id="FNanchor_217_221"></a><a href="#Footnote_217_221" class="fnanchor">[217]</a> A very pretty specimen of honourable combat, +truly!—and a mighty merciful judge who required even more cuts and +thrusts than these (for the combat is to go on) before he cried out +"Ho!" Defend us from such ejaculatory umpires!—</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_217_221" id="Footnote_217_221"></a><a href="#FNanchor_217_221">[217]</a> See <i>Monstrelet's Chronicles</i>, translated by +Thomas Johnes, Esq., vol. i., p. 8, edit. 1809, 4to. Another +elegant and elaborate specimen of the Hafod press; whose +owner will be remembered as long as literature and taste +shall be cultivated in this country.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">155</a></span><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Pray dwell no longer upon such barbarous heroism! We admit that +<i>Monachism</i> may have contributed towards the making of bibliomaniacs +more effectually than <i>Chivalry</i>. Now proceed—</p> + +<p>These words had hardly escaped Lisardo, when the arrival of my worthy +neighbour <span class="smcap">Narcottus</span> (who lived by the parsonage house), put a stop to +the discourse. Agreeably to a promise which I had made him three days +before, he came to play a <span class="smcap">game of chess</span> with Philemon; who, on his +part, although a distinguished champion at this head-distracting game, +gave way rather reluctantly to the performance of the promise: for +<span class="smcap">Lysander</span> was now about to enter upon the history of the Bibliomania in +this country. The Chess-board, however was brought out; and down to +the contest the combatants sat—while Lisardo retired to one corner of +the room to examine thoroughly his newly-purchased volumes, and +Lysander took down a prettily executed 8vo. volume upon the Game of +Chess, printed at Cheltenham, about six years ago, and composed "by an +amateur." While we were examining, in this neat work, an account of +the numerous publications upon the Game of Chess, in various countries +and languages, and were expressing our delight in reading anecdotes +about eminent chess players, Lisardo was carefully packing up his +books, as he expected his servant every minute to take them away. The +servant shortly arrived, and upon his expressing his inability to +carry the entire packet—"Here," exclaimed Lisardo, "do you take the +quartos, and follow me; who will march onward with the octavos." This +was no sooner said than our young bibliomaniacal convert gave De Bure, +Gaignat, and La Valliere, a vigorous swing across his shoulders; while +the twenty quarto volumes of Clement and Panzer were piled, like "Ossa +upon Pelion," upon those of his servant—and</p> + +<p class="center">"Light of foot, and light of heart"</p> + +<p>Lisardo took leave of us 'till the morrow.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile, the chess combat continued with unabated<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">156</a></span> spirit. Here +Philemon's king stood pretty firmly guarded by both his knights, one +castle, one bishop, and a body of common soldiers<a name="FNanchor_218_222" id="FNanchor_218_222"></a><a href="#Footnote_218_222" class="fnanchor">[218]</a>—impenetrable +as the Grecian phalanx, or Roman legion; while his queen had made a +sly sortie to surprise the only surviving knight of Narcottus. +Narcottus, on the other hand, was cautiously collecting his scattered +foot soldiers, and, with two bishops, and two castle-armed elephants, +were meditating a desperate onset to retrieve the disgrace of his lost +queen. An inadvertent remark from Lysander, concerning the antiquity +of the game, attracted the attention of Philemon so much as to throw +him off his guard; while his queen, forgetful of her sex, and +venturing unprotected, like Penthesilea of old, into the thickest of +the fight, was trampled under foot, without mercy,<a name="FNanchor_219_223" id="FNanchor_219_223"></a><a href="#Footnote_219_223" class="fnanchor">[219]</a> by a huge +elephant, carrying a castle of armed men upon his back. Shouts of +applause, from Narcottus's men, rent the vaulted air; while grief and +consternation possessed the astonished army of Philemon. "Away with +your antiquarian questions," exclaimed the latter, looking sharply at +Lysander: "away with your old editions of the Game of Chess! The +moment is critical; and I fear the day may be lost. Now for desperate +action!" So saying, he bade the King exhort his dismayed subjects. His +Majesty made a spirited oration; and called upon <i>Sir Launcelot</i>, the +most distinguished of the two Knights,<a name="FNanchor_220_224" id="FNanchor_220_224"></a><a href="#Footnote_220_224" class="fnanchor">[220]</a><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">157</a></span> to be mindful of his own +and of his country's honour: to spare the effusion of blood among his +subjects as much as possible; but rather to place victory or defeat in +the comparative skill of the officers: and, at all events, to rally +round that throne which had conferred such high marks of distinction +upon his ancestors. "I needed not, gracious sire," replied Sir +Launcelot—curbing in his mouth-foaming steed, and fixing his spear in +the rest—"I needed not to be here reminded of your kindness to my +forefathers, or of the necessity of doing every thing, at such a +crisis, beseeming the honour of a true round-table knight.—Yes, +gracious sovereign, I swear to you by the love I bear to <span class="smcap">the Lady of +the Lake</span><a name="FNanchor_221_225" id="FNanchor_221_225"></a><a href="#Footnote_221_225" class="fnanchor">[221]</a>—by the remembrance of the soft moments we have passed +together in the honey-suckle bowers of her father—by all that an +knight of chivalry is taught to believe the most sacred and binding—I +swear that I will not return this day alive without the laurel of +victory entwined round my brow. Right well do I perceive that deeds +and not words must save us now—let the issue of the combat prove my +valour and allegiance." Upon this, Sir Launcelot clapped spurs to his +horse, and after driving an unprotected Bishop into the midst of the +foot-soldiers, who quickly took him prisoner, he sprang forward, with +a lion-like nimbleness and ferocity, to pick out <i>Sir Galaad</i>, the +only remaining knight in the adverse army, to single combat. Sir +Galaad, strong and wary, like the Greenland bear when assailed by the +darts and bullets of our whale-fishing men, marked the fury of Sir +Launcelot's course, and sought rather to present a formidable defence +by calling to aid his elephants, than to meet such a champion +single-handed. A shrill blast from his horn told the danger of his +situation, and the necessity of help. What should now be done? The +unbroken ranks of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">158</a></span> Philemon's men presented a fearful front to the +advance of the elephants, and the recent capture of a venerable bishop +had made the monarch, on Narcottus's side, justly fearful of risking +the safety of his empire by leaving himself wholly without episcopal +aid. Meanwhile the progress of Sir Launcelot was marked with blood; +and he was of necessity compelled to slaughter a host of common men, +who stood thickly around Sir Galaad, resolved to conquer or die by his +side. At length, as Master Laneham aptly expresses it, "get they +grysly together."<a name="FNanchor_222_226" id="FNanchor_222_226"></a><a href="#Footnote_222_226" class="fnanchor">[222]</a> The hostile leaders met; there was neither time +nor disposition for parley. Sir Galaad threw his javelin with +well-directed fury; which, flying within an hair's breadth of Sir +Launcelot's shoulder, passed onward, and, grazing the cheek of a foot +soldier, stood quivering in the sand. He then was about to draw his +ponderous sword—but the tremendous spear of Sir Launcelot, whizzing +strongly in the air, passed through his thickly quilted belt, and, +burying itself in his bowels, made Sir Galaad to fall breathless from +his horse. Now might you hear the shouts of victory on one side, and +the groans of the vanquished on the other; or, as old Homer expresses +it,</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Victors and vanquished shouts promiscuous rise.<br /> +With streams of blood the slippery fields are dyed,<br /> +And slaughtered heroes swell the dreadful tide.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 14.5em;"><i>Iliad</i> [passim].</span> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br /></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_218_222" id="Footnote_218_222"></a><a href="#FNanchor_218_222">[218]</a> "Whilst there are strong, able, and active +men of the king's side, to defend his cause, there is no +danger of [this] misfortune." <i>Letter to the Craftsman on +the Game of Chess</i>, p. 13.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_219_223" id="Footnote_219_223"></a><a href="#FNanchor_219_223">[219]</a> "When therefore the men of one party attack +those of the other, though their spleen at first may only +seem bent against a <i>Bishop</i>, a <i>Knight</i>, or an inferior +officer; yet, if successful in their attacks on that servant +of the king, they never stop there: they come afterwards to +think themselves strong enough even to attack <i>the Queen</i>," +&c. <i>The same</i>, p. 12.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_220_224" id="Footnote_220_224"></a><a href="#FNanchor_220_224">[220]</a> "<i>The Knight</i> (whose steps, as your +correspondent justly observes, are not of an ordinary kind, +and often surprise men who oppose him) is of great use in +extricating <i>the King</i> out of those difficulties in which +his foes endeavour to entangle him.—He is a man whom a wise +player makes great use of in these exigences, and who +oftenest defeats the shallow schemes and thin artifices of +unskilful antagonists. They must be very bad players who do +not guard against the steps of <i>the Knight</i>." <i>The same</i>, p. +14.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_221_225" id="Footnote_221_225"></a><a href="#FNanchor_221_225">[221]</a> "The Lady of the Lake; famous in King Arthurz +Book"—says Master Laneham, in his Letter to Master Humfrey +Martin; concerning the entertainment given by Lord Leicester +to Q. Elizabeth at Kenilworth Castle: A.D. 1575, edit. 1784, +p. 12. Yet more famous, I add, in a poem under this express +title, by <span class="smcap">Walter Scott</span>, 1810.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_222_226" id="Footnote_222_226"></a><a href="#FNanchor_222_226">[222]</a> See the authority (p. 40) quoted in the note +at <a href="#Page_157">page 157</a>, ante.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">And, truly, the army of Narcottus seemed wasted with a great +slaughter: yet on neither side, had the monarch been <i>checked</i>, so as +to be put in personal danger! "While there is life there is hope," +said the surviving Bishop<a name="FNanchor_223_227" id="FNanchor_223_227"></a><a href="#Footnote_223_227" class="fnanchor">[223]</a> on the side of Narcottus: who now +taking upon him the command of the army, and perceiving Sir Launcelot +to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">159</a></span> be pretty nearly exhausted with fatigue, and wantonly exposing +his person, ordered the men at arms to charge him briskly on all +sides; while his own two castles kept a check upon the remaining +castle, knight, and bishop of the opposite army: also, he exhorted the +king to make a feint, as if about to march onwards. Sir Launcelot, on +perceiving the movement of the monarch, sprang forward to make him a +prisoner; but he was surprised by an elephant in ambuscade, from whose +castle-bearing back a well-shot arrow pierced his corslet, and +inflicted a mortal wound. He fell; but, in falling, he seemed to smile +even sweetly, as he thought upon the noble speech of Sir Bohort<a name="FNanchor_224_228" id="FNanchor_224_228"></a><a href="#Footnote_224_228" class="fnanchor">[224]</a> +over the dead body of his illustrious ancestor, of the same name; and, +exhorting his gallant men to revenge his fall, he held the handle of +his sword firmly, till his whole frame was stiffened in death. And now +the battle was renewed with equal courage and equal hopes of victory +on both sides: but the loss of the flower of their armies, and +especially of their beloved spouses, had heavily oppressed the adverse +monarchs: who, retiring to a secured spot, bemoaned in secret the +hapless deaths of their queens, and bitterly bewailed that injudicious +law which, of necessity, so much exposed their fair persons, by giving +them such an unlimited power. The fortune of the day, therefore, +remained in the hands of the respective commanders; and if the knight +and bishop, on Philemon's side, had not contested about superiority of +rule, the victory had surely been with Philemon. But the strife of +these commanders threw every thing into confusion. The men, after +being trampled upon by the elephants of Narcottus, left their king +exposed, without the power of being aided by his castle. An error so +fatal was instantly perceived by the bishop of Narcottus's shattered +army; who, like<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">160</a></span> another Ximenes,<a name="FNanchor_225_229" id="FNanchor_225_229"></a><a href="#Footnote_225_229" class="fnanchor">[225]</a> putting himself at the head of +his forces, and calling upon his men resolutely to march onwards, gave +orders for the elephants to be moved cautiously at a distance, and to +lose no opportunity of making the opposite monarch prisoner. Thus, +while he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">161</a></span> charged in front, and captured, with his own hands, the +remaining adverse knight, his men kept the adverse bishop from sending +reinforcements; and Philemon's elephant not having an opportunity of +sweeping across<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">162</a></span> the plain to come to the timely aid of the +king,<a name="FNanchor_226_230" id="FNanchor_226_230"></a><a href="#Footnote_226_230" class="fnanchor">[226]</a> the victory was speedily obtained, for the men upon the +backs of Narcottus's elephants kept up so tremendous a discharge of +arrows that the monarch was left without a single attendant: and, of +necessity, was obliged to submit to the generosity of his captors.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_223_227" id="Footnote_223_227"></a><a href="#FNanchor_223_227">[223]</a> "I think <i>the Bishops</i> extremely considerable +throughout the whole game. One quality too they have, which +is peculiar to themselves; this is that, throughout the +whole game, they have a <i>steadiness</i> in their conduct, +superior to men of any other denomination on the board; as +they never change their colour, but always pursue the path +in which they set out." <i>The same</i> (vid. 206-7) p. 20.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_224_228" id="Footnote_224_228"></a><a href="#FNanchor_224_228">[224]</a> This truly chivalrous speech may be seen +extracted in Mr. Burnet's <i>Specimens of English Prose +Writers</i>, vol. i., 269. One of Virgil's heroes, to the best +of my recollection, dies serenely upon thinking of his +beloved countrymen:</p> + +<p class="center">——dulces moriens reminiscitur Argos!</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_225_229" id="Footnote_225_229"></a><a href="#FNanchor_225_229">[225]</a> It is always pleasant to me to make +comparisons with eminent book-patrons, or, if the reader +pleases, bibliomaniacs. <span class="smcap">Cardinal Ximenes</span> was the promoter +and patron of the celebrated Complutensian Polyglott Bible; +concerning which I have already submitted some account to +the public in my <i>Introduction to the Classics</i>, vol. i., +pp. 7, 8. His political abilities and personal courage have +been described by Dr. Robertson (in his history of Charles +V.), with his usual ability. We have here only to talk of +him as connected with books. Mallinkrot and Le Long have +both preserved the interesting anecdote which is related by +his first biographer, Alvaro Gomez, concerning the +completion of the forementioned Polyglott. "I have often +heard John Brocarius (says Gomez) son of Arnoldus Brocarius, +who printed the Polyglott, tell his friends that, when his +father had put the finishing stroke to the last volume, he +deputed <i>him</i> to carry it to the Cardinal. John Brocarius +was then a lad; and, having dressed himself in an elegant +suit of clothes, he gravely approached Ximenes, and +delivered the volume into his hands. 'I render thanks to +thee, oh God!' exclaimed the Cardinal, 'that thou hast +protracted my life to the completion of these biblical +labours.' Afterwards, when conversing with his friends, +Ximenes would often observe that the surmounting of the +various difficulties of his political situation did not +afford him half the satisfaction which he experienced from +the finishing of his Polyglott. He died in the year 1517, +not many weeks after the last volume was published." Gomez, +or Gomecius's work "<i>de rebus gestis, à Francisco Ximenio +Cisnerio Archiepiscopo Complut</i>," 1569, fol., is a book of +very uncommon occurrence. It is much to be wished that Lord +Holland, or Mr. Southey, would give us a life of this +celebrated political character: as the biographies of +Flechier and Marsolier seem miserably defective, and the +sources of Gomez to have been but partially consulted. But I +must not let slip this opportunity of commemorating the +book-reputation of <span class="smcap">Ximenes</span>, without making the reader +acquainted with two other singularly scarce and curious +productions of the press, which owe their birth to the +bibliomanical spirit of our Cardinal. I mean the "<i>Missale +mixtum</i> <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: secundum"><i>secundun</i></span> <i>regulum B. +Isidori, dictum Mozarabes, cum præfat.</i>" <i>A. Ortiz.</i> Toleti, +1500, fol. and the "<i>Breviarium, mixtum," &c.</i> <i>Mozarabes.</i> +Toleti, 1502, fol.: of the former of which there was a copy +in the Harleian collection; as the ensuing interesting note, +in the catalogue of Lord Harley's books, specifies. I shall +give it without abridgment: "This is the scarcest book in +the whole Harleian collection. At the end of it are the +following words, which deserve to be inserted +here:—Adlaudem Omnipotentis Dei, nec non Virginis Mariæ +Matris ejus, omnium sanctorum sanctarumq; expletum est +Missale mixtum secundum regulam beati Isidori dictum +Mozarabes: maxima cum diligentia perlectum et emendatum, per +Reverendum in utroq; Jure Doctorem Dominum Alfonsum Ortiz, +Canonicum Toletanum. Impressum in regal. civitate Toleti, +Jussu Reverendissimi in Christo Patris Domini D. Francisci +Ximenii, ejusdem civitatis Archiepiscopi. Impensis Nobilis +Melchioris Gorricii Novariensis, per Magistrum Petrum +Hagembach, Almanum, anno salutis nostræ 1500, Die 29<span class="super">o</span> +mensis Januarii." "This is supposed to be the ancient Missal +amended and purged by St. Isidore, archbishop of Sevil, and +ordered by the Council of Toledo to be used in all churches; +every one of which before that time had a missal peculiar to +itself. The Moors afterwards committing great ravages in +Spain, destroying the churches, and throwing every thing +there, both civil and sacred, into confusion, all St. +Isidore's missals, excepting those in the city of Toledo, +were lost. But those were preserved even after the Moors had +made themselves masters of that city; since they left six of +the churches there to the Christians, and granted them the +free exercise of their religion. Alphonsus the Sixth, many +ages afterwards, expelled the Moors from Toledo, and ordered +the Roman missal to be used in those churches where St. +Isidore's missal had been in vogue, ever since the council +above-mentioned. But the people of Toledo insisting that +their missal was drawn up by the most ancient bishops, +revised and corrected by St. Isidore, proved to be the best +by the great number of saints who had followed it, and been +preserved during the whole time of the Moorish government in +Spain, he could not bring his project to bear without great +difficulty. In short, the contest between the Roman and +Toletan missals came to that height that, according to the +genius of the age, it was decided by a single combat, +wherein the champion of the Toletan missal proved +victorious. But King Alphonsus, say some of the Spanish +writers, not being satisfied with this, which he considered +as the effect of chance only, ordered a fast to be +proclaimed, and a great fire to be then made; into which, +after the king and people had prayed fervently to God for +his assistance in this affair, both the missals were thrown; +but the Toletan only escaped the violence of the flames. +This, continue the same authors, made such an impression +upon the king that he permitted the citizens of Toledo to +use their own missal in those churches that had been granted +the Christians by the Moors. However, the copies of this +missal grew afterwards so scarce, that Cardinal Ximenes +found it extremely difficult to meet with one of them: which +induced him to order this impression, and to build a chapel, +in which this service was chanted every day, as it had at +first been by the ancient Christians. But, notwithstanding +this, the copies of the Toletan missal are become now so +exceeding rare that it is at present almost in as much +danger of being buried in oblivion as it was when committed +to the press by Cardinal Ximenes." <i>Bibl. Harl.</i>, vol. iii., +p. 117. But let the reader consult the more extended details +of De Bure (<i>Bibl. Instruct.</i>, vol. i., n<span class="super">o</span>. 210, 211), +and De La Serna Santander (<i>Dict. Chois. Bibliogr. du</i> xv. +<i>Siecle</i>, part iii., p. 178); also the very valuable notice +of Vogt; <i>Cat. Libror. Rarior.</i>, p. 591; who mention a fine +copy of the missal and breviary, each struck off <span class="smcap">upon +vellum</span>, in the collegiate church of St. Ildefonso. If I +recollect rightly, Mr. Edwards informed me that an Italian +Cardinal was in possession of a similar copy of each. This +missal was republished at Rome, with a capital preface and +learned notes, by Lesleus, a Jesuit, in 1755, 4to.: and +Lorenzana, archbishop of Toledo, republished the breviary in +a most splendid manner at Madrid, in 1788. Both these +re-impressions are also scarce. I know not whether the late +king of Spain ever put his design into execution of giving a +new edition of these curious religious volumes; some ancient +MSS. of which had been carefully collated by Burriel. +Consult Osmont's <i>Dict. Typog.</i>, vol. i., p. 477; <i>Cat. de +Gaignat</i>, n<span class="super">os</span>. 179, 180; <i>Cat. de la Valliere</i>, n<span class="super">os</span>. +271, 272; <i>Bibl. Solger.</i>, vol. ii. n<span class="super">o</span>. 1280; and <i>Bibl. +Colbert</i>, n<span class="super">os</span>. 342, 366. Having expatiated thus much, and +perhaps tediously, about these renowned volumes, let me +introduce to the notice of the heraldic reader the <i>Coat of +Arms</i> of the equally renowned Cardinal—of whose genuine +editions of the Mozarabic Missal and Breviary my eyes were +highly gratified with a sight, in the exquisite library of +Earl Spencer, at Althorp.</p> + +<p class="centertbp"> +<img src="images/ximenesarms.png" width="453" height="427" alt="Cardinal Ximenes's arms" title="Cardinal Ximenes's arms" /> +</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_226_230" id="Footnote_226_230"></a><a href="#FNanchor_226_230">[226]</a> Of the <i>Tower</i> or <i>Rook</i> (or <i>Elephant</i>) one +may indeed—to speak in the scripture style—(and properly +speaking, considering its situation) call this piece "the +head stone of the corner." There are two of them; and, +whilst they remain firm, his majesty is ever in safety. The +common enemies, therefore, of them and their king watch +their least motion very narrowly, and try a hundred tricks +to decoy them from the king's side, by feints, false alarms, +stumbling blocks, or any other method that can be contrived +to divert them from their duty. The <i>same</i>, p. 15. (vide. +<a href="#Page_159">159</a>, ante.)</p></div> + +<p class="tp">Thus ended one of the most memorable chess contests<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">163</a></span> upon record. Not +more stubbornly did the Grecians and Romans upon Troy's plain, or the +English and French upon Egypt's shores, contend for the palm of +victory, than did Philemon and Narcottus compel their respective +forces to signalize themselves in this hard-fought game. To change the +simile for a more homely one; no Northamptonshire hunt was ever more +vigorously kept up; and had it not been (at least so Philemon +thought!) for the inadvertent questions of Lysander, respecting the +antiquity of the amusement, an easy victory would have been obtained +by my guest over my neighbour. Lysander, with his usual politeness, +took all the blame upon himself. Philemon felt, as all +chess-combatants feel upon defeat, peevish and vexed. But the +admirably well adapted conversation of Lysander, and the natural +diffidence of Narcottus, served to smooth Philemon's ruffled plumage; +and at length diffused o'er his countenance his natural glow of good +humour.</p> + +<p>It was now fast advancing towards midnight; when Narcottus withdrew to +his house, and my guests to their chambers.</p> + +<p>To-morrow came; and with the morrow came composure and hilarity in the +countenances of my guests. The defeat of the preceding evening was no +longer thought of; except that Philemon betrayed some little marks of +irritability on Lysander's shewing him the fac-simile wood-cuts of the +pieces and men in Caxton's edition of the game of chess, which are +published in the recent edition of the Typographical Antiquities of +our country.</p> + +<p>Lisardo visited us betimes. His countenance, on his entrance gave +indication of vexation and disappointment—as well it might; for, on +his return home the preceding evening, he found the following note +from Lorenzo:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"My dear Lisardo;</span></p> + +<p class="letter">Our friend's visitors, Lysander and Philemon, are coming with their +host to eat old mutton, and drink old sherry, with me to-morrow; and +after<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">164</a></span>wards to discuss subjects of bibliography. I do not ask you to +join them, because I know your thorough aversion to every thing +connected with such topics. Adieu!</p> + +<p class="right"><span style="margin-right: 4em;">Truly yours,</span></p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Lorenzo</span>."</p> +</div> + +<p>"Little," exclaimed Lisardo, "does he know of my conversion. I'll join +you uninvited; and abide by the consequences."</p> + +<p>At four o'clock we set off, in company with Lisardo, for Lorenzo's +dinner. I need hardly add that the company of the latter was cordially +welcomed by our host; who, before the course of pastry was cleared +away, proposed a sparkling bumper of Malmsey madeira, to commemorate +his conversion to Bibliomaniacism. By half-past-five we were ushered +into <span class="smcap">the library</span>, to partake of a costly dessert of rock melons and +Hamburgh grapes, with all their appropriate embellishments of +nectarines and nuts. Massive and curiously cut decanters, filled with +the genuine juice of the grape, strayed backwards and forwards upon +the table: and well-furnished minds, which could not refuse the luxury +of such a feast, made every thing as pleasant as rational pleasure +could be.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> If Lorenzo have not any thing which he may conceive more +interesting to propose, I move that you, good Lysander, now resume the +discussion of a subject which you so pleasantly commenced last night.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> I rise to second the motion.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> And I, to give it every support in my power.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> There is no resisting such adroitly levelled attacks. Do pray +tell me what it is you wish me to go on with?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> The history of book-collecting and of book-collectors in this +country.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> The history of <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>, if you please.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> You are madder than the maddest of book-collectors, Lisardo. +But I will gossip away upon the subjects as well as I am able.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">165</a></span></p> + +<p>I think we left off with an abuse of the anti-bibliomaniacal powers of +chivalry. Let us pursue a more systematic method; and begin, as +Lisardo says, "at the beginning."</p> + +<p class="bp">In the plan which I may pursue, you must forgive me, my friends, if +you find it desultory and irregular: and, as a proof of the sincerity +of your criticism, I earnestly beg that, like the chivalrous judge, of +whom mention was made last night, you will cry out "<i>Ho!</i>" when you +wish me to cease. But where shall we begin? From what period shall we +take up the history of <span class="smcap">Bookism</span> (or, if you please, <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>) in +this country? Let us pass over those long-bearded gentlemen called the +Druids; for in the various hypotheses which sagacious antiquaries have +advanced upon their beloved <i>Stone-henge</i>, none, I believe, are to be +found wherein the traces of a <i>Library</i>, in that vast ruin, are +pretended to be discovered. As the Druids were sparing of their +writing,<a name="FNanchor_227_231" id="FNanchor_227_231"></a><a href="#Footnote_227_231" class="fnanchor">[227]</a> they probably read the more; but whether they carried +their books with them into trees, or made their pillows of them upon +Salisbury-plain, tradition is equally silent. Let us therefore +preserve the same prudent silence, and march on at once into the +seventh, eighth, and ninth centuries; in which the learning of Bede, +Alcuin, Erigena, and Alfred, strikes us with no small degree of +amazement. Yet we must not forget that their predecessor <span class="smcap">Theodore</span>, +archbishop of Canterbury, was among the earliest book-collectors in +this country; for he brought over from Rome, not only a number of able +professors, but a valuable collection of books.<a name="FNanchor_228_232" id="FNanchor_228_232"></a><a href="#Footnote_228_232" class="fnanchor">[228]</a> Such, however, +was the scarcity of the book article, that Benedict Biscop (a founder +of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">166</a></span> monastery of Weremouth in Northumberland), a short time +after, made not fewer than five journeys to Rome to purchase books, +and other necessary things for his monastery—for one of which books +our immortal Alfred (a very <i>Helluo Librorum</i>! as you will presently +learn) gave afterwards as much land as eight ploughs could +labour.<a name="FNanchor_229_233" id="FNanchor_229_233"></a><a href="#Footnote_229_233" class="fnanchor">[229]</a> We now proceed to <span class="smcap">Bede</span>; whose library I conjecture to +have been both copious and curious. What matin and midnight vigils +must this literary phenomenon have patiently sustained! What a full +and variously furnished mind was his! Read the table of contents of +the eight folio volumes of the Cologne edition<a name="FNanchor_230_234" id="FNanchor_230_234"></a><a href="#Footnote_230_234" class="fnanchor">[230]</a> of his works, as +given by Dr. Henry in the appendix to the fourth volume of his history +of our own country; and judge, however you may wish that the author +had gone less into abstruse and ponderous subjects, whether it was +barely possible to avoid falling upon such themes, considering the +gross ignorance and strong bias of the age? Before this, perhaps, I +ought slightly to have noticed <span class="smcap">Ina</span>, king of the West Saxons, whose +ideas of the comforts of a monastery, and whose partiality to +<i>handsome book-binding</i>, we may gather from a curious passage in +Stow's Chronicle or Annals.<a name="FNanchor_231_235" id="FNanchor_231_235"></a><a href="#Footnote_231_235" class="fnanchor">[231]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_227_231" id="Footnote_227_231"></a><a href="#FNanchor_227_231">[227]</a> Julius Cæsar tells us that they dared not to +commit their laws to writing. <i>De Bell. Gall.</i>, lib. vi., § +xiii.-xviii.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_228_232" id="Footnote_228_232"></a><a href="#FNanchor_228_232">[228]</a> Dr. Henry's <i>Hist. of Great Britain</i>, vol. +iv., p. 12, edit. 1800, 8vo. We shall readily forgive +Theodore's singularity of opinions in respect to some cases +of pharmacy, in which he held it to be "dangerous to perform +bleeding on the fourth day of the moon; because both the +light of the moon and the tides of the sea were then upon +the increase."—We shall readily forgive this, when we think +of his laudable spirit of <span class="smcap">bibliomania</span>.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_229_233" id="Footnote_229_233"></a><a href="#FNanchor_229_233">[229]</a> Dr. Henry says that "This bargain was +concluded by Benedict with the king a little before his +death, A.D. 690; and the book was delivered, and the estate +received by his successor abbot Ceolfred." <i>Hist. of Great +Britain</i>, vol. iv., p. 21. There must be some mistake here: +as Alfred was not born till the middle of the ninth century. +<i>Bed. Hist. Abbat Wermuthien, edit. Smith</i>, pp. 297-8, is +quoted by Dr. Henry.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_230_234" id="Footnote_230_234"></a><a href="#FNanchor_230_234">[230]</a> 1612, folio. De Bure (<i>Bibliogr. Instruct.</i> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 353) might have just informed us that the Paris and +Basil editions of Bede's works are incomplete: and, at +n<span class="super">o</span>. 4444, where he notices the Cambridge edition of +Bede's <i>Ecclesiastical History</i>, (1644, fol.) we may add +that a previous English translation of it, by the celebrated +Stapleton, had been printed at Antwerp in 1565, 4to., +containing some few admirably-well executed wood cuts. +Stapleton's translation has become a scarce book; and, as +almost every copy of it now to be found is in a smeared and +crazy condition, we may judge that it was once popular and +much read.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_231_235" id="Footnote_231_235"></a><a href="#FNanchor_231_235">[231]</a> The passage is partly as follows—"the sayde +king did also erect a chapell of gold and silver (to wit, +garnished) with ornaments and vesselles likewise of golde +and siluer, to the building of the which chappell hee gaue +2640 pounds of siluer, and to the altar 264 pounde of golde, +a chaleis with the patten, tenne pounde of golde, a censar 8 +pound, and twenty mancas of golde, two candlesticks, twelue +pound and a halfe of siluer, <span class="smcap">a kiver for the gospel booke +twenty pounds</span>"! &c. This was attached to the monastery of +Glastonbury; which Ina built "in a fenni place out of the +way, to the end the monkes mought so much the more giue +their minds to heauenly things," &c. <i>Chronicle</i>, edit. +1615, p. 76.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">167</a></span>We have mentioned <span class="smcap">Alcuin</span>: whom Ashmole calls one of the +school-mistresses to France.<a name="FNanchor_232_236" id="FNanchor_232_236"></a><a href="#Footnote_232_236" class="fnanchor">[232]</a> How incomparably brilliant and +beautifully polished was this great man's mind!—and, withal, what an +enthusiastic bibliomaniac! Read, in particular, his celebrated letter +to Charlemagne, which Dr. Henry has very ably translated; and see, how +zealous he there shews himself to enrich the library of his +archiepiscopal patron with good books and industrious students.<a name="FNanchor_233_237" id="FNanchor_233_237"></a><a href="#Footnote_233_237" class="fnanchor">[233]</a> +Well might Egbert be proud of his librarian: the first, I believe upon +record, who has composed a catalogue<a name="FNanchor_234_238" id="FNanchor_234_238"></a><a href="#Footnote_234_238" class="fnanchor">[234]</a> of books in Latin hexameter +verse: and full reluctantly, I ween, did this librarian take leave of +his <i>Cell</i> stored with the choicest volumes—as we may judge from his +pathetic address to it, on quitting England for France! If I recollect +rightly, Mr. Turner's elegant translation<a name="FNanchor_235_239" id="FNanchor_235_239"></a><a href="#Footnote_235_239" class="fnanchor">[235]</a> of it begins thus:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +"O my lov'd cell, sweet dwelling of my soul,<br /> +Must I for ever say, dear spot, farewell?"<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br /></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_232_236" id="Footnote_232_236"></a><a href="#FNanchor_232_236">[232]</a> <i>Theatrum Chemicum</i>, proleg. sign. A. 3. +rect.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_233_237" id="Footnote_233_237"></a><a href="#FNanchor_233_237">[233]</a> <i>History of Great Britain</i>, vol. iv., pp. 32, +86. "Literatorum virorum fautor et Mæcenas habebatur ætate +sua maximus ac doctissimus," says Bale: <i>Scrip. Brytan. +Illustr.</i>, p. 109, edit. 1559. "Præ cæteris (says Lomeier) +insignem in colligendis illustrium virorum scriptis operam +dedit Egbertus Eboracensis archiepiscopus, &c.: qui +nobilissimam Eboraci bibliothecam instituit, cujus meminit +Alcuinis," &c. <i>De Bibliothecis</i>, p. 151. We are here +informed that the archbishop's library, together with the +cathedral of York, were accidentally burnt by fire in the +reign of Stephen.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_234_238" id="Footnote_234_238"></a><a href="#FNanchor_234_238">[234]</a> This curious catalogue is printed by Dr. +Henry, from Gale's <i>Rer. Anglicar. Scriptor. Vet.</i>, tom. i., +730. The entire works of Alcuin were printed at Paris, in +1617, folio: and again, at Ratisbon, in 1777, fol., 2 vols. +See Fournier's <i>Dict. Portat. de Bibliographie</i>, p. 12. Some +scarce separately-printed treatises of the same great man +are noticed in the first volume of the appendix to Bauer's +<i>Bibl. Libror. Rarior.</i>, p. 44.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_235_239" id="Footnote_235_239"></a><a href="#FNanchor_235_239">[235]</a> <i>Anglo-Saxon History</i>, vol. ii., p. 355, +edit. 1808, 4to.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">Now, don't imagine, my dear Lisardo, that this anguish of heart +proceeded from his leaving behind all the woodbines, and apple-trees, +and singing birds, which were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">168</a></span> wont to gratify his senses near the +said cell, and which he could readily meet with in another clime!—No, +no: this monody is the genuine language of a bibliomaniac, upon being +compelled to take a long adieu of his choicest <i>book-treasures</i>, +stored in some secretly-cut recess of his hermitage; and of which +neither his patron, nor his illustrious predecessor, Bede, had ever +dreamt of the existence of copies! But it is time to think of Johannes +<span class="smcap">Scotus Erigena</span>; the most facetious wag of his times, notwithstanding +his sirname of the <i>Wise</i>. "While Great Britain (says Bale) was a prey +to intestine wars, our philosopher was travelling quietly abroad +amidst the academic bowers of Greece;"<a name="FNanchor_236_240" id="FNanchor_236_240"></a><a href="#Footnote_236_240" class="fnanchor">[236]</a> and there I suppose he +acquired, with his knowledge of the Greek language, a taste for +book-collecting and punning.<a name="FNanchor_237_241" id="FNanchor_237_241"></a><a href="#Footnote_237_241" class="fnanchor">[237]</a> He was in truth a marvellous man; as +we may gather from the eulogy of him by Brucker.<a name="FNanchor_238_242" id="FNanchor_238_242"></a><a href="#Footnote_238_242" class="fnanchor">[238]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_236_240" id="Footnote_236_240"></a><a href="#FNanchor_236_240">[236]</a> Freely translated from his <i>Script. Brytan. +Illustr.</i>, p. 124.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_237_241" id="Footnote_237_241"></a><a href="#FNanchor_237_241">[237]</a> Scot's celebrated reply to his patron and +admirer, Charles the Bald, was first made a popular story, I +believe, among the "wise speeches" in <i>Camden's Remaines</i>, +where it is thus told: "Johannes Erigena, surnamed Scotus, a +man renowned for learning, sitting at the table, in respect +of his learning, with Charles the Bauld, Emperor and King of +France, behaved himselfe as a slovenly scholler, nothing +courtly; whereupon the Emperor asked him merrily, <i>Quid +interest inter Scotum et Sotum</i>? (what is there between a +Scot and a Sot?) He merrily, but yet malapertly answered, +'<i>Mensa</i>'—(the table): as though the emperor were the Sot +and he the Scot." p. 236. <i>Roger Hoveden</i> is quoted as the +authority; but one would like to know where Hoveden got his +information, if Scotus has not mentioned the anecdote in his +own works? Since Camden's time, this facetious story has +been told by almost every historian and annalist.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_238_242" id="Footnote_238_242"></a><a href="#FNanchor_238_242">[238]</a> <i>Hist. Philosoph.</i>, tom. 3, 616: as referred +to and quoted by Dr. Henry; whose account of our +book-champion, although less valuable than Mackenzie's, is +exceedingly interesting.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">In his celebrated work upon predestination, he maintained that +"material fire is no part of the torments of the damned;"<a name="FNanchor_239_243" id="FNanchor_239_243"></a><a href="#Footnote_239_243" class="fnanchor">[239]</a> a very +singular notion in those times of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">169</a></span> frightful superstition, when the +minds of men were harrowed into despair by descriptions of hell's +torments—and I notice it here merely because I should like to be +informed in what curious book the said John Scotus Erigena acquired +the said notion? Let us now proceed to <span class="smcap">Alfred</span>; whose bust, I see, +adorns that department of Lorenzo's library which is devoted to +English History.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_239_243" id="Footnote_239_243"></a><a href="#FNanchor_239_243">[239]</a> "He endeavours to prove, in his logical way, +that the torments of the damned are mere privations of the +happiness, or the trouble of being deprived of it; so that, +according to him, material fire is no part of the torments +of the damned; that there is no other fire prepared for them +but the fourth element, through which the bodies of all men +must pass; but that the bodies of the elect are changed into +an ætherial nature, and are not subject to the power of +fire: whereas, on the contrary, the bodies of the wicked are +changed into air, and suffer torments by the fire, because +of their contrary qualities. And for this reason 'tis that +the demons, who had a body of an ætherial nature, were +massed with a body of air, that they might feel the fire." +<i>Mackenzie's Scottish Writers</i>: vol. i., 49. All this may be +ingenious enough; of its truth, a future state only will be +the evidence. Very different from that of Scotus is the +language of Gregory Narienzen: "Exit in inferno frigus +insuperabile: ignis inextinguibilis: vermis immortalis: +fetor intollerabilis: tenebræ palpabiles: flagella +cedencium: horrenda visio demonum: desperatio omnium +bonorum." This I gather from the <i>Speculum Christiani</i>, fol. +37, printed by Machlinia, in the fifteenth century. The idea +is enlarged, and the picture aggravated, in a great number +of nearly contemporaneous publications, which will be +noticed, in part, hereafter. It is reported that some +sermons are about to be published, in which the personality +of Satan is questioned and denied. Thus having, by the +ingenuity of Scotus, got rid of the fire "which is never +quenched"—and, by means of modern scepticism, of the devil, +who is constantly "seeking whom he may devour," we may go on +comfortably enough, without such awkward checks, in the +commission of every species of folly and crime!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">This great and good man, the boast and the bulwark of his country, was +instructed by his mother, from infancy, in such golden rules of virtue +and good sense that one feels a regret at not knowing more of the +family, early years, and character, of such a parent. As she told him +that "a wise and a good man suffered no part of his time, but what is +necessarily devoted to bodily exercise, to pass in unprofitable +inactivity"—you may be sure that, with such book-propensities as he +felt, Alfred did not fail to make the most of the fleeting hour. +Accordingly we find, from his ancient biographer, that he resolutely +set to work by the aid of his wax tapers,<a name="FNanchor_240_244" id="FNanchor_240_244"></a><a href="#Footnote_240_244" class="fnanchor">[240]</a> and produced some<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">170</a></span> +very respectable compositions; for which I refer you to Mr. Turner's +excellent account of their author:<a name="FNanchor_241_245" id="FNanchor_241_245"></a><a href="#Footnote_241_245" class="fnanchor">[241]</a> adding only that Alfred's +translation of Boethius is esteemed his most popular performance.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_240_244" id="Footnote_240_244"></a><a href="#FNanchor_240_244">[240]</a> The story of the <i>wax tapers</i> is related both +by Asser and William of Malmesbury, differing a little in +the unessential parts of it. It is this: Alfred commanded +six wax tapers to be made, each 12 inches in length, and of +as many ounces in weight. On these tapers he caused the +inches to be regularly marked; and having found that one +taper burnt just four hours, he committed them to the care +of the keepers of his chapel; who, from time to time gave +him notice how the hours went. But as in windy weather the +tapers were more wasted—to remedy this inconvenience, he +placed them in a kind of lanthorn, there being no glass to +be met with in his dominions. This event is supposed to have +occurred after Alfred had ascended the throne. In his +younger days, Asser tells us that he used to carry about, in +his bosom, day and night, a curiously-written volume of +hours, and psalms, and prayers, which by some are supposed +to have been the composition of Aldhelm. That Alfred had the +highest opinion of Aldhelm, and of his predecessors and +contemporaries, is indisputable; for in his famous letter to +Wulfseg, Bishop of London, he takes a retrospective view of +the times in which they lived, as affording "churches and +monasteries filled with libraries of excellent books in +several languages." It is quite clear, therefore, that our +great Alfred was not a little infected with the +bibliomaniacal disease.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_241_245" id="Footnote_241_245"></a><a href="#FNanchor_241_245">[241]</a> <i>The History of the Anglo-Saxons</i>; by Sharon +Turner, F.S.A., 1808, 4to., 2 vols. This is the last and +best edition of a work which places Mr. Turner quite at the +head of those historians who have treated of the age of +Alfred.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">After Alfred, we may just notice his son <span class="smcap">Edward</span>, and his grandson +<span class="smcap">Athelstan</span>; the former of whom is supposed by Rous<a name="FNanchor_242_246" id="FNanchor_242_246"></a><a href="#Footnote_242_246" class="fnanchor">[242]</a> (one of the +most credulous of our early historians) to have founded the University +of Cambridge. The latter had probably greater abilities than his +predecessor; and a thousand pities it is that William of Malmesbury +should have been so stern and squeamish as not to give us the +substance of that old book, containing a life of Athelstan—which he +discovered, and supposed to be coeval with the monarch—because, +forsooth, the account was too uniformly flattering! Let me here, +however, refer you to that beautiful translation of a Saxon ode, +written in commemoration of Athelstan's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">171</a></span> decisive victory over the +Danes of Brunamburg, which Mr. George Ellis has inserted in his +interesting volumes of <i>Specimens of the Early English Poets</i>:<a name="FNanchor_243_247" id="FNanchor_243_247"></a><a href="#Footnote_243_247" class="fnanchor">[243]</a> +and always bear in recollection that this monarch shewed the best +proof of his attachment to books by employing as many learned men as +he could collect together for the purpose of translating the +Scriptures into his native Saxon tongue.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_242_246" id="Footnote_242_246"></a><a href="#FNanchor_242_246">[242]</a> Consult <i>Johannis Rossi Historia Regum +Angliæ; edit. Hearne</i>, 1745, 8vo., p. 96. This passage has +been faithfully translated by Dr. Henry. But let the lover +of knotty points in ancient matters look into Master Henry +Bynneman's prettily printed impression (A.D. 1568) of <i>De +Antiquitate Cantabrigiensis Academiæ</i>, p. 14—where the +antiquity of the University of Cambridge is gravely assigned +to the æra of Gurguntius's reign, A.M. 3588!—Nor must we +rest satisfied with the ingenious temerity of this author's +claims in favour of his beloved Cambridge, until we have +patiently examined Thomas Hearne's edition (A.D. 1720) of +<i>Thomæ Caii Vindic. Antiquitat. Acad. Oxon.</i>: a work well +deserving of a snug place in the antiquary's cabinet.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_243_247" id="Footnote_243_247"></a><a href="#FNanchor_243_247">[243]</a> Edit. 1803, vol. i., p. 14.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">Let us pass by that extraordinary scholar, courtier, statesman, and +monk—<span class="smcap">St. Dunstan</span>; by observing only that, as he was even more to +Edgar than Wolsey was to Henry VIII.—so, if there had then been the +same love of literature and progress in civilization which marked the +opening of the sixteenth century, Dunstan would have equalled, if not +eclipsed, Wolsey in the magnificence and utility of his institutions. +How many volumes of legends he gave to the library of Glastonbury, of +which he was once the abbot, or to Canterbury, of which he was +afterwards the Archbishop, I cannot take upon me to guess: as I have +neither of Hearne's three publications<a name="FNanchor_244_248" id="FNanchor_244_248"></a><a href="#Footnote_244_248" class="fnanchor">[244]</a> relating to Glastonbury in +my humble library.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_244_248" id="Footnote_244_248"></a><a href="#FNanchor_244_248">[244]</a> There is an ample Catalogue Raisonné of these +three scarce publications in the first volume of the +<i>British Bibliographer</i>. And to supply the deficiency of any +extract from them, in this place, take, kind-hearted reader, +the following—which I have gleaned from Eadmer's account of +St. Dunstan, as incorporated in Wharton's +<i>Anglia-Sacra</i>—and which would not have been inserted could +I have discovered any thing in the same relating to +book-presents to Canterbury cathedral.—"Once on a time, the +king went a hunting early on Sunday morning; and requested +the Archbishop to postpone the celebration of the mass till +he returned. About three hours afterwards, Dunstan went into +the cathedral, put on his robes, and waited at the altar in +expectation of the king—where, reclining with his arms in a +devotional posture, he was absorbed in tears and prayers. A +gentle sleep suddenly possessed him; he was snatched up into +heaven; and in a vision associated with a company of angels, +whose harmonious voices, chaunting <i>Kyrie eleyson, Kyrie +eleyson, Kyrie eleyson</i>, burst upon his ravished ears! He +afterwards came to himself, and demanded whether or not the +king had arrived? Upon being answered in the negative, he +betook himself again to his prayers, and, after a short +interval, was once more absorbed in celestial extasies, and +heard a loud voice from heaven saying—<i>Ite, missa est</i>. He +had no sooner returned thanks to God for the same, when the +king's clerical attendants cried out that his majesty had +arrived, and entreated Dunstan to dispatch the mass. But he, +turning from the altar, declared that the mass had been +already celebrated; and that no other mass should be +performed during that day. Having put off his robes, he +enquired of his attendants into the truth of the +transaction; who told him what had happened. Then, assuming +a magisterial power, he prohibited the king, in future, from +hunting on a Sunday; and taught his disciples the <i>Kyrie +eleyson</i>, which he had heard in heaven: hence this +ejaculation, in many places, now obtains as a part of the +mass service." Tom. ii., p. 217. What shall we say to "the +amiable and elegant Eadmer" for this valuable piece of +biographical information?—"The face of things was so +changed by the endeavours of Dunstan, and his master, +Ethelwald, that in a short time learning was generally +restored, and began to flourish. From this period, the +monasteries were the schools and seminaries of almost the +whole clergy, both secular and regular." Collier's <i>Eccles. +History</i>, vol. ii., p. 19, col. 2. That Glastonbury had many +and excellent books, vide Hearne's <i>Antiquities of +Glastonbury</i>; pp. <span class="smcap">lxxiv-vii</span>. At Cambridge there is a +catalogue of the MSS. which were in Glastonbury library, +A.D. 1248.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">172</a></span>We may open the eleventh century with <span class="smcap">Canute</span>; upon whose political +talents this is not the place to expatiate: but of whose +bibliomaniacal character the illuminated MS. of <i>The Four Gospels</i> in +the Danish tongue—now in the British Museum, and once this monarch's +own book—leaves not the shadow of a doubt! From Canute we may proceed +to notice that extraordinary literary triumvirate—Ingulph, Lanfranc, +and Anselm. No rational man can hesitate about numbering them among +the very first rate book-collectors of that age. As to <span class="smcap">Ingulph</span>, let us +only follow him, in his boyhood, in his removal from school to +college: let us fancy we see him, with his <i>Quatuor Sermones</i> on a +Sunday—and his <i>Cunabula Artis Grammaticæ</i><a name="FNanchor_245_249" id="FNanchor_245_249"></a><a href="#Footnote_245_249" class="fnanchor">[245]</a> on a week day—under +his arm: making his obeisance to Edgitha, the queen of Edward the +Confessor, and introduced by her to William Duke of Normandy! Again, +when he was placed, by this latter at the head of the rich abbey of +Croyland, let us fancy we see him both adding to, and arranging, its +curious library<a name="FNanchor_246_250" id="FNanchor_246_250"></a><a href="#Footnote_246_250" class="fnanchor">[246]</a>—before he ventured<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">173</a></span> upon writing the history of +the said abbey. From Ingulph we go to <span class="smcap">Lanfranc</span>; who, in his earlier +years, gratified his book appetites in the quiet and congenial +seclusion of his little favourite abbey in Normandy: where he +afterwards opened a school, the celebrity of which was acknowledged +throughout Europe. From being a pedagogue, let us trace him in his +virtuous career to the primacy of England; and when we read of his +studious and unimpeachable behaviour, as head of the see of +Canterbury,<a name="FNanchor_247_251" id="FNanchor_247_251"></a><a href="#Footnote_247_251" class="fnanchor">[247]</a> let us acknowledge that a love of books and of mental +cultivation is among the few comforts in this world of which neither +craft nor misfortune can deprive us. To Lanfranc succeeded, in +book-fame and in professional elevation, his disciple <span class="smcap">Anselm</span>; who was +"lettered and chaste of his childhood," says Trevisa:<a name="FNanchor_248_252" id="FNanchor_248_252"></a><a href="#Footnote_248_252" class="fnanchor">[248]</a> but who was +better suited to the cloister than to the primacy. For, although, like +Wulston, Bishop of Worcester, he might have "sung a long mass, and +held him <i>apayred</i> with only the offering of Christian men, and was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">174</a></span> +holden a clean <i>mayde</i>, and did no outrage in drink,"<a name="FNanchor_249_253" id="FNanchor_249_253"></a><a href="#Footnote_249_253" class="fnanchor">[249]</a> yet in his +intercourse with William II. and Henry I., he involved himself in +ceaseless quarrels; and quitted both his archiepiscopal chair and the +country. His memory, however, is consecrated among the fathers of +scholastic divinity.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_245_249" id="Footnote_245_249"></a><a href="#FNanchor_245_249">[245]</a> These were the common school books of the +period.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_246_250" id="Footnote_246_250"></a><a href="#FNanchor_246_250">[246]</a> Though the abbey of Croyland was burnt only +twenty-five years after the conquest, its library then +consisted of 900 volumes, of which 300 were very large. The +lovers of English history and antiquities are much indebted +to Ingulph for his excellent history of the abbey of +Croyland, from its foundation, A.D. 664, to A.D. 1091: into +which he hath introduced much of the general history of the +kingdom, with a variety of curious anecdotes that are no +where else to be found. <span class="smcap">Dr. Henry</span>: book iii., chap. iv., § 1 +and 2. But Ingulph merits a more particular eulogium. The +editors of that stupendous, and in truth, matchless +collection of national history, entitled <i>Recueil des +Historiens des Gaules</i>, thus say of him: "Il avoit tout vu +en bon connoisseur, et ce qu'il rapporte, il l'écrit en +homme lettré, judicieux et vrai:" tom. xi., p. xlij. In case +any reader of this note and lover of romance literature +should happen to be unacquainted with the French language, I +will add, from the same respectable authority, that "The +readers of the <i>Round Table History</i> should be informed that +there are many minute and curious descriptions in <span class="smcap">Ingulph</span> +which throw considerable light upon the history of <i>Ancient +Chivalry</i>." Ibid. See too the animated eulogy upon him, at +p. 153, note <i>a</i>, of the same volume. These learned editors +have, however, forgotten to notice that the best, and only +perfect, edition of Ingulph's History of Croyland Abbey, +with the continuation of the same, by Peter de Blois and +Edward Abbas, is that which is inserted in the first volume +of Gale's <i>Rerum Anglicarum Scriptores Veteres</i>: Oxon, 1684. +(3 vols.)</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_247_251" id="Footnote_247_251"></a><a href="#FNanchor_247_251">[247]</a> <span class="smcap">Lanfranc</span> was obliged, against his will, by +the express command of Abbot Harlein, to take upon him the +archbishopric in the year 1070. He governed that church for +nineteen years together, with a great deal of wisdom and +authority. His largest work is a commentary upon the +Epistles of St. Paul; which is sometimes not very faithfully +quoted by Peter Lombard. His treatise in favour of the real +presence, in opposition to Birenger, is one of his most +remarkable performances. His letters "are short and few, but +contain in them things very remarkable." Du Pin's +<i>Ecclesiastical History</i>, vol. xi., p. 12, &c., edit. 1699.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_248_252" id="Footnote_248_252"></a><a href="#FNanchor_248_252">[248]</a> <i>Polychronicon</i>, Caxton's edit., sign. 46, +rev.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_249_253" id="Footnote_249_253"></a><a href="#FNanchor_249_253">[249]</a> <i>Polychronicon.</i> Caxton's edit., fol. cccvj. +rev. Poor Caxton (towards whom the reader will naturally +conceive I bear some little affection) is thus dragooned +into the list of naughty writers who have ventured to speak +mildly (and justly) of Anselm's memory. "They feign in +another fable that he (Anselm) tare with his teeth Christ's +flesh from his bones, as he hung on the rood, for +withholding the lands of certain bishoprics and abbies: +Polydorus not being ashamed to rehearse it. Somewhere they +call him a red dragon: somewhere a fiery serpent, and a +bloody tyrant; for occupying the fruits of their vacant +benefices about his princely buildings. Thus rail they of +their kings, without either reason or shame, in their +legends of abominable lies: Look Eadmerus, Helinandus, +Vincentius, Matthew of Westminster, Rudborne, Capgrave, +<span class="smcap">William Caxton</span>, Polydore, and others." This is the language +of master Bale, in his <i>Actes of Englyshe Votaryes</i>, pt. +ii., sign. I. vij. rev. Tisdale's edit. No wonder Hearne +says of the author, "erat immoderata +intemperantia."—<i>Bened. Abbas.</i>, vol. i., præf. p. xx.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">And here you may expect me to notice that curious book-reader and +Collector, <span class="smcap">Girald</span>, <i>Archbishop of York</i>, who died just at the close of +the 11th century. Let us fancy we see him, according to Trevisa,<a name="FNanchor_250_254" id="FNanchor_250_254"></a><a href="#Footnote_250_254" class="fnanchor">[250]</a> +creeping quietly to his garden arbour, and devoting his midnight +vigils to the investigation of that old-fashioned author, Julius +Firmicus; whom Fabricius calls by a name little short of that of an +old woman. It is a pity we know not more of the private studies of +such a bibliomaniac. And equally to be lamented it is that we have not +some more substantial biographical memoirs of that distinguished<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">175</a></span> +bibliomaniac, <span class="smcap">Herman</span>, bishop of Salisbury; a Norman by birth; and who +learnt the art of book-binding and book-illumination, before he had +been brought over into this country by William the Conqueror.<a name="FNanchor_251_255" id="FNanchor_251_255"></a><a href="#Footnote_251_255" class="fnanchor">[251]</a> (A +character, by the bye, who, however completely hollow were his claims +to the crown of England, can never be reproached with a backwardness +in promoting learned men to the several great offices of church and +state.)</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_250_254" id="Footnote_250_254"></a><a href="#FNanchor_250_254">[250]</a> "This yere deyd thomas archbisohop of york +and gyralde was archebishop after him; a lecherous man, a +wytch and euyl doer, as the fame tellyth, for under his pyle +whan he deyde in an erber was founde a book of curyous +craftes, the book hight Julius frumeus. In that booke he +radde pryuely in the under tydes, therefor unnethe the +clerkes of his chirche would suffre him be buryed under +heuene without hooly chirche," <i>Polychronicon: Caxton's +edit.</i>, sign. 43., 4 rect. (fol. cccxlij.) Godwyn says that +"he was laide at the entrance of the church porch." "Bayle +chargeth him (continues he) with sorcery and coniuration, +because, forsooth, that, after his death, there was found in +his chamber a volume of Firmicus: who writ of astrology +indeed, but of coniuration nothing that ever I heard." +<i>Catalogue of the Bishops of England</i>, p. 453—edit. 1601. +Concerning Girard's favourite author, consult Fabricius's +<i>Bibl. Lat.: cura Ernesti</i>, vol. iii., p. 114, &c., edit. +1773.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_251_255" id="Footnote_251_255"></a><a href="#FNanchor_251_255">[251]</a> Leland tells us that Herman erected "a noble +library at Sailsbury, having got together some of the best +and most ancient works of illustrious authors:" <i>de +Scriptor. Britan.</i>, vol. i., 174: and Dugdale, according to +Warton (<i>Monasticon Anglican.</i>; vol. iii., p. 375), says +that "he was so fond of letters that he did not disdain to +bind and illuminate books."</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> If you proceed thus systematically, my good Lysander, the +morning cock will crow 'ere we arrive at the book-annals even of the +Reformation.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> It is true; I am proceeding rather too methodically. And yet I +suppose I should not obtain Lisardo's forgiveness if, in arriving at +the period of <span class="smcap">Henry the Second</span>,<a name="FNanchor_252_256" id="FNanchor_252_256"></a><a href="#Footnote_252_256" class="fnanchor">[252]</a> I did not notice that +extraordinary student and politician, <span class="smcap">Becket</span>!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_252_256" id="Footnote_252_256"></a><a href="#FNanchor_252_256">[252]</a> I make no apology to the reader for +presenting him with the following original character of our +once highly and justly celebrated monarch, Henry II.—by the +able pen of Trevisa. "This <span class="smcap">Henry II.</span> was somewhat reddish, +with large face and breast; and yellow eyen and a dim voice; +and fleshy of body; and took but scarcely of meat and drink: +and for to <i>alledge</i> the fatness, he travailed his body with +business; with hunting, with standing, with wandering: he +was of mean stature, renable of speech, and well y lettered; +noble and <i>orped</i> in knighthood; and wise in counsel and in +battle; and dread and doubtfull destiny; more manly and +courteous to a Knight when he was dead than when he was +alive!" <i>Polychronicon</i>, Caxton's edit., fol. cccliij., +rev.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> At your peril omit him! I think (although my black-letter reading +be very limited) that Bale, in his <i>English Votaries</i>, has a curious +description of this renowned archbishop; whose attachment to books, in +his boyish years, must on all sides be admitted.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> You are right. Bale has some extraordinary strokes of +description in his account of this canonized character: but if I can +trust to my memory (which the juice of Lorenzo's nectar, here before +us, may have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">176</a></span> somewhat impaired), Tyndale<a name="FNanchor_253_257" id="FNanchor_253_257"></a><a href="#Footnote_253_257" class="fnanchor">[253]</a> has also an equally +animated account of the same—who deserves, notwithstanding his pomp +and haughtiness, to be numbered among the most notorious bibliomaniacs +of his age.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_253_257" id="Footnote_253_257"></a><a href="#FNanchor_253_257">[253]</a> We will first amuse ourselves with Bale's +curious account of</p> + +<p class="center">"<i>The fresh and lusty beginnings of</i> <span class="smcap">Thomas Becket</span>."</p> + +<p>As those authors report, which chiefly wrote Thomas Becket's +life—whose names are Herbert Boseham, John Salisbury, +William of Canterbury, Alen of Tewkesbury, Benet of +Peterborough, Stephen Langton, and Richard Croyland—he +bestoyed his youth in all kinds of lascivious lightness, and +lecherous wantonness. After certain robberies, rapes, and +murders, committed in the king's wars at the siege of +Toulouse in Languedoc, and in other places else, as he was +come home again into England, he gave himself to great +study, not of the holy scriptures, but of the bishop of +Rome's lousy laws, whereby he first of all obtained to be +archdeacon of Canterbury, under Theobald the archbishop; +then high chancellor of England; metropolitan, archbishop, +primate; pope of England, and great legate from antichrist's +own right side. In the time of his high-chancellorship, +being but an ale-brewer's son of London, John Capgrave saith +that he took upon him as he had been a prince. He played the +courtier altogether, and fashioned himself wholly to the +king's delights. He ruffled it out in the whole cloth with a +mighty rabble of disguised ruffians at his tail. He sought +the worldly honour with him that sought it most. He thought +it a pleasant thing to have the flattering praises of the +multitude. His bridle was of silver, his saddle of velvet, +his stirrups, spurs, and bosses double gilt; his expenses +far passing the expenses of an earl. That delight was not on +the earth that he had not plenty of. He fed with the +fattest, was clad with the softest, and kept company with +the plesantest. Was not this (think you) a good mean to live +chaste? I trow it was. <i>Englyshe Votaryes</i>, pt. ii., sign. +P. vi. rect. Printed by Tisdale, 8vo. The orthography is +modernized, but the words are faithfully <i>Balëan</i>! Thus +writes Tyndale: and the king made him (Becket) his +chancellor, in which office he passed the pomp and pride of +Thomas (Wolsey) cardinal, as far as the ones shrine passeth +the others tomb in glory and riches. And after that, he was +a man of war, and captain of five or six thousand men in +full harness, as bright as St. George, and his spear in his +hand; and encountered whatsoever came against him, and +overthrew the jollyest rutter that was in the host of +France. And out of the field, hot from bloodshedding, was he +made bishop of Canterbury; and did put off his helm, and put +on his mitre; put off his harness, and on with his robes; +and laid down his spear, and took his cross ere his hands +were cold; and so came, with a lusty courage of a man of +war, to fight an other while against his prince for the +pope; when his prince's cause were with the law of God, and +the pope's clean contrary. <i>Practise of Popish Prelates.</i> +<i>Tyndale's Works</i>, edit. 1572, p. 361. The curious +bibliographer, or collector of ancient books of biography, +will find a very different character of Becket in a scarce +Latin life of him, printed at Paris in the black letter, in +the fifteenth century. His archiepiscopal table is described +as being distinguished for great temperance and propriety: +"In ejus mensa non audiebantur tibicines non cornicines, non +lira, non fiala, non karola: nulla quidem præterquam mundam +splendidam et inundantem epularum opulentiam. Nulla gule, +nulla lascivie, nulla penitus luxurie, videbantur +incitamenta. Revera inter tot et tantas delicias quæ ei +apponebantur, in nullo penitus sardanapalum sed solum +episcopum sapiebat," &c. <i>Vita et processus sancti Thome +Cantuariensis martyris super libertate ecclesiastica</i>; +Paris, 1495, sign. b. ij. rect. From a yet earlier, and +perhaps the first printed, mention of Becket—and from a +volume of which no perfect copy has yet been found—the +reader is presented with a very curious account of the +murder of the Archbishop, in its original dress. "Than were +there iiij. cursed knyghtes of leuyng yt thoughte to haue +had a grete thanke of the kyng and mad her a vowe to gedir +to sle thomas. And so on childremasse day all moste at +nyghte they come to caunterbury into thomas hall Sire +Reynolde beriston, Sire william tracy, Sire Richard breton, +and sire hewe morley. Thanne Sire Reynolde beriston for he +was bitter of kynde a none he seyde to thomas the king that +is be yonde the see sente us to the and bad that thou +shuldst asoyle the bishoppe that thou cursiddiste than seyde +thomas seris they be not acursed by me but by the Pope and I +may not asoyle that he hathe cursid well seyde Reynolde than +we see thou wolte not do the kynges byddynge and swore a +grete othe by the eyon of God thou shalt be dede. than cryde +the othir knyghtes sle sle and they wente downe to the +courte and armyd hem. Than prestis and clerkis drowe hem to +the church to thomas and spered the dores to hem. But whan +thomas herde the knyghtes armed and wold come into the +churche and myghte not he wente to the dore and un barred it +and toke one of the knyghtes by the honde and seyde hit be +semyth not to make a castell of holy churche, and toke hem +by the honde and seyde come ynne my children in goddis name +Thanne for it was myrke that they myghte not see nor knowe +thomas they seyde where is the traytour nay seyde thomas no +traytour but Archebishoppe. Than one seyde to hym fle fore +thou arte but dede. Nay seyde thomas y come not to fle but +to a byde Ego pro deo mori paratus sum et pro defensione +iusticie et ecclesie libertate I am redy to dye for the loue +of God and for the fredomme and righte of holy churche Than +reynold with his swerdes poynte put off thomas cappe and +smote at his hede and cutte of his crowne that it honge by +like a dysche Than smote anothir at him and smote hit all of +than fill he downe to the grounde on his knees and elbowes +and seyde god into thy hondes I putte my cause and the +righte of holy churche and so deyde Than the iij knyghte +smote and his halfe stroke fell upon his clerkis arme that +helde thomas cross be fore him and so his swerde fill down +to the grounde and brake of the poynte and he seyde go we +hens he is dede. And when they were all at the dore goyng +robert broke wente a geyne and sette his fote to thomas +necke and thruste out the brayne upon the pauement Thus for +righte of holoye churche and the lawe of the londe thomas +toke his dethe." <i>The boke that is callid Festiuall</i>; 1486, +fol. sign. m. iij. These anecdotes, which are not to be +found in Lyttleton or Berrington, may probably be gratifying +to the curious.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">177</a></span>Although I wish to be as laconic as possible in my <i>Catalogue +Raisonné</i> of libraries and of book-collectors, during the earlier +periods of our history, yet I must beg to remind you that some of the +nunneries and monasteries, about these times, contained rather +valuable collections of books: and indeed those of Glasgow,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">178</a></span> +Peterborough, and Glastonbury,<a name="FNanchor_254_258" id="FNanchor_254_258"></a><a href="#Footnote_254_258" class="fnanchor">[254]</a> deserve to be particularly noticed +and commended. But I will push on with the personal history of +literature, or rather of the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_254_258" id="Footnote_254_258"></a><a href="#FNanchor_254_258">[254]</a> "I shall retire back to <i>Godstowe</i>, and, for +the farther reputation of the nunns there, shall observe +that they spent a great part of their time in reading good +books. There was a common library for their use well +furnished with books, many of which were English, and divers +of them historical. The lives of the holy men and women, +especially of the latter, were curiously written <span class="smcap">on vellum</span>, +and many <span class="smcap">illuminations</span> appeared throughout, so as to draw +the nunns the more easily to follow their examples." +Hearne's edit. <i>Guil. Neubrig.</i>, vol. ii., p. 768. Again he +says, "It is probable they (certain sentences) were written +in large letters, equal to the writing that we have in the +finest books of offices, the best of which were for the use +of the nunns, and for persons of distinction, and such as +had weak eyes; and many of them were finely covered, not +unlike the Kiver for the Gospell book, given to the chapell +of Glastonbury by king Ina." p. 773. Can the enlightened +reader want further proof of the existence of the +<span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span> in the nunnery of Godstow? As to <i>Peterborough</i> +abbey, Gunston, in his history of the same place, has copied +the catalogue of the different libraries belonging to the +abbots. Benedict, who became abbot in 1177, had a collection +of no less than <i>fifty-seven</i> volumes. But alas! the book +reputation of this monastery soon fell away: for master +Robert, who died abbot in 1222, left but <i>seven</i> books +behind him; and Geoffrey de Croyland, who was abbot in 1290, +had only that dreary old gentleman, <i>Avicenna</i>, to keep him +company! At its dissolution, however, it contained 1700 +volumes in MSS. <i>Gunton's Peterborough</i>, p. 173. +<i>Glastonbury</i> seems to have long maintained its reputation +for a fine library; and even as late as the year 1248 it +could boast of several classical authors, although the +English books were only four in number; the rest being +considered as "vetustas et inutilia." The classical authors +were Livy, Sallust, Tully, Seneca, Virgil, and Persius. See +<i>Joh. Confrat. Glaston.</i>, vol. ii., p. 423, 435: Hearne's +edit. "Leland," says Warton, "who visited all the +monasteries just before their dissolution, seems to have +been struck with the venerable air and amplitude of this +library." <i>Hist. Engl. Poetry</i>, Diss. ii.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">I should be wanting in proper respect to the gentlemanly and +scholar-like editor of his works, if I omitted the mention of that +celebrated tourist and topographer, <span class="smcap">Girald Barri</span>, or Giraldus +Cambrensis; whose Irish and Welch itinerary has been recently so +beautifully and successfully put forth in our own language.<a name="FNanchor_255_259" id="FNanchor_255_259"></a><a href="#Footnote_255_259" class="fnanchor">[255]</a> +Giraldus,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">179</a></span> long before and after he was bishop of St. David's, seems +to have had the most enthusiastic admiration of British antiquities; +and I confess it would have been among the keenest delights of my +existence (had I lived at the period) to have been among his auditors +when he read aloud (perhaps from a stone pulpit) his three books of +the Topography of Ireland.<a name="FNanchor_256_260" id="FNanchor_256_260"></a><a href="#Footnote_256_260" class="fnanchor">[256]</a> How many choice volumes, written and +emblazoned upon snow-white vellum, and containing many a curious and +precious genealogy, must this observing traveller and curious +investigator have examined, when he was making the tour of Ireland in +the suite of Prince, afterwards King, John! Judge of the anxiety of +certain antiquated families, especially of the Welch nation, which +stimulated them to open their choicest treasures, in the book way, to +gratify the genealogical ardour of our tourist!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_255_259" id="Footnote_255_259"></a><a href="#FNanchor_255_259">[255]</a> There is a supplemental volume to the two +English ones, containing the only complete Latin edition +extant of the Welsh Itinerary. Of this impression there are +but 200 copies printed on small, and 50 on large, paper. The +whole work is most creditably executed, and does great +honour to the taste and erudition of its editor, Sir Richard +Colt Hoare, bart.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_256_260" id="Footnote_256_260"></a><a href="#FNanchor_256_260">[256]</a> "Having finished his topography of Ireland, +which consisted of three books, he published it at Oxford, +A.D. 1187, in the following manner, in three days. On the +first day he read the first book to a great concourse of +people, and afterwards entertained all the poor of the town. +On the second day he read the second book, and entertained +all the Doctors and chief scholars: and on the third day he +read the third book, and entertained the younger scholars, +soldiers, and burgesses."—"A most glorious spectacle (says +he), which revived the ancient times of the poets, and of +which no example had been seen in England." This is given by +Dr. Henry (b. iii., ch. 4, § 2), on the authority of +Giraldus's own book, <i>De rebus a se gestis</i>, lib. i. c. 16. +Twyne, in his arid little quarto Latin volume of the +<i>Antiquities of Oxford</i>, says not a word about it; and, what +is more extraordinary, it is barely alluded to by Antony +Wood! See Mr. Gutch's genuine edition of Wood's <i>Annals of +the University of Oxford</i>, vol. i., pp. 60, 166. Warton, in +his <i>History of English Poetry</i>, vol. i., Diss. ii., notices +Giraldus's work with his usual taste and interest.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> I wish from my heart that Girald Barri had been somewhat more +communicative on this head!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> Of what do you suppose he would have informed us, had he +indulged this bibliographical gossipping?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Of many a grand and many a curious volume.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Not exactly so, Lisardo. The art of book-illumination in this +country was then sufficiently barbarous, if at all known.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> And yet I'll lay a vellum Aldus that Henry the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">180</a></span> second presented +his fair Rosamond with some choice <i>Heures de Notre Dame</i>! But +proceed. I beg pardon for this interruption.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Nay, there is nothing to solicit pardon for! We have each a +right, around this hospitable table, to indulge our book whims: and +mine may be as fantastical as any.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> Pray proceed, Lysander, in your book-collecting history! unless +you will permit me to make a pause or interruption of two minutes—by +proposing as a sentiment—"<span class="smcap">Success to the Bibliomania!</span>"</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> 'Tis well observed: and as every loyal subject at our great +taverns drinks the health of his Sovereign "with three times three +up-standing," even so let us hail this sentiment of Lorenzo!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Philemon has cheated me of an eloquent speech. But let us receive +the sentiment as he proposes it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> Now the uproar of Bacchus has subsided, the instructive +conversation of Minerva may follow. Go on, Lysander.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Having endeavoured to do justice to Girald Barri, I know of no +other particularly distinguished bibliomaniac till we approach the æra +of the incomparable <span class="smcap">Roger</span>, or <span class="smcap">Friar</span>, <span class="smcap">Bacon</span>. I say incomparable, +Lorenzo; because he was, in truth, a constellation of the very first +splendour and magnitude in the dark times in which he lived; and +notwithstanding a sagacious writer (if my memory be not treacherous) +of the name of Coxe, chooses to tell us that he was "miserably starved +to death, because he could not introduce a piece of roast beef into +his stomach, on account of having made a league with Satan to eat only +cheese;"<a name="FNanchor_257_261" id="FNanchor_257_261"></a><a href="#Footnote_257_261" class="fnanchor">[257]</a>—yet I suspect that the end<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">181</a></span> of Bacon was hastened by +other means more disgraceful to the age and equally painful to +himself.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_257_261" id="Footnote_257_261"></a><a href="#FNanchor_257_261">[257]</a> "<i>A short treatise declaringe the detestable +wickednesse of magicall sciences, as necromancie, +coniuration of spirites, curiouse astrologie, and suche +lyke, made by</i> <span class="smcap">Francis Coxe</span>." Printed by Allde, 12mo., +without date (14 leaves). From this curious little volume, +which is superficially noticed by Herbert (vol. ii., p. +889), the reader is presented with the following extract, +appertaining to the above subject: "I myself (says the +author) knew a priest not far from a town called +Bridgewater, which, as it is well known in the country, was +a great magician in all his life time. After he once began +these practices, he would never eat bread, but, instead +thereof, did always eat <i>cheese</i>: which thing, as he +confessed divers times, he did because it was so concluded +betwixt him and the spirit which served him," &c. sign. A +viii. rect. "(R.) Bacon's end was much after <i>the like +sort</i>; for having a greedy desire unto meat, he could cause +nothing to enter the stomach—wherefore thus miserably he +starved to death." Sign. B. iij. rev. Not having at hand +John Dee's book of the defence of Roger Bacon, from the +charge of astrology and magic (the want of which one laments +as pathetically as did Naudé, in his "<i>Apologie pour tous +les grands personnages, &c., faussement soupçonnez de +Magic</i>," Haye, 1653, 8vo., p. 488), I am at a loss to say +the fine things, which Dee must have said, in commendation +of the extraordinary talents of <span class="smcap">Roger Bacon</span>; who was +miserably matched in the age in which he lived; but who, +together with his great patron <span class="smcap">Grosteste</span>, will shine forth +as beacons to futurity. Dr. Friend in his <i>History of +Physic</i> has enumerated what he conceived to be Bacon's +leading works; while Gower in his <i>Confessio Amantis</i> +(Caxton's edit., fol. 70), has mentioned the brazen head—</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +<span style="margin-left: 6.5em;"><span class="bl">for to telle</span></span><br /> +<span class="bl">Of such thyngs as befelle:</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>which was the joint manufactory of the patron and his èleve. +As lately as the year 1666, Bacon's life formed the subject +of a "famous history," from which Walter Scott has given us +a facetious anecdote in the seventh volume (p. 10) of +<i>Dryden's Works</i>. But the curious investigator of ancient +times, and the genuine lover of British biography, will +seize upon the more prominent features in the life of this +renowned philosopher; will reckon up his great discoveries +in optics and physics; and will fancy, upon looking at the +above picture of his study, that an explosion from +gun-powder (of which our philosopher has been thought the +inventor) has protruded the palings which are leaning +against its sides. Bacon's "<i>Opus Majus</i>," which happened to +meet the eyes of Pope Clement IV., and which <i>now</i> would +have encircled the neck of its author with an hundred golden +chains, and procured for him a diploma from every learned +society in Europe—just served to liberate him from his +first long imprisonment. This was succeeded by a subsequent +confinement of twelve years; from which he was released only +time enough to breathe his last in the pure air of heaven. +Whether he expended 3000, or 30,000 pounds of our present +money, upon his experiments, can now be only matter of +conjecture. Those who are dissatisfied with the meagre +manner in which our early biographers have noticed the +labours of Roger Bacon, and with the <i>tetragonistical</i> +story, said by Twyne to be propagated by our philosopher, of +Julius Cæsar's seeing the whole of the British coast and +encampment upon the Gallic shore, "maximorum ope speculorum" +(<i>Antiquit. Acad. Oxon. Apolog.</i> 1608, 4to., p. 353), may be +pleased with the facetious story told of him by Wood +(<i>Annals of Oxford</i>, vol. i., 216, Gutch's edit.) and yet +more by the minute catalogue of his works noticed by Bishop +Tanner (<i>Bibl. Brit. Hibern.</i> p. 62): while the following +eulogy of old Tom Fuller cannot fail to find a passage to +every heart: "For mine own part (says this delightful and +original writer) I behold the name of Bacon in Oxford, not +as of an individual man, but corporation of men; no single +cord, but a twisted cable of many together. And as all the +acts of strong men of that nature are attributed to an +Hercules; all the predictions of prophecying women to a +Sibyll; so I conceive all the achievements of the Oxonian +Bacons, in their liberal studies, are ascribed to <span class="smcap">one</span>, as +chief of the name." <i>Church History</i>, book iii., p. 96.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">182</a></span></p> + +<p class="centertbp"> +<img src="images/baconstudy.png" width="439" height="476" alt="Bacon's study" title="Bacon's study" /> +</p> + +<p class="bp">Only let us imagine we see this sharp-eyed philosopher at work in his +study, of which yonder print is generally received as a +representation! How heedlessly did he hear the murmuring of the stream +beneath, and of the winds without—immersed in the vellum and +parchment rolls of theological, astrological, and mathematical lore, +which, upon the dispersion of the libraries of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">183</a></span> Jews,<a name="FNanchor_258_262" id="FNanchor_258_262"></a><a href="#Footnote_258_262" class="fnanchor">[258]</a> he was +constantly perusing, and of which so large a share had fallen to his +own lot!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_258_262" id="Footnote_258_262"></a><a href="#FNanchor_258_262">[258]</a> Warton, in his second Dissertation, says that +"great multitudes of their (the Jews) books fell into the +hands of Roger Bacon;" and refers to Wood's <i>Hist. et +Antiquit. Univ. Oxon.</i>, vol. i., 77, 132—where I find +rather a slight notification of it—but, in the genuine +edition of this latter work, published by Mr. Gutch, vol. +i., p. 329, it is said: "At their (the Jews) expulsion, +divers of their tenements that were forfeited to the king, +came into the hands of William Burnell, Provost of Wells; +and <i>their books</i> (for many of them were learned) to divers +of our scholars; among whom, as is verily supposed, <span class="smcap">Roger +Bacon</span> was one: and that he furnished himself with such +Hebrew rarities, that he could not elsewhere find. Also +that, when he died, he left them to the Franciscan library +at Oxon, which, being not well understood in after-times, +were condemned to moths and dust!" Weep, weep, kind-hearted +bibliomaniac, when thou thinkest upon the fate of these poor +Hebrew MSS.!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">Unfortunately, my friends, little is known with certainty, though much +is vaguely conjectured, of the labours of this great man. Some of the +first scholars and authors of our own and of other countries have been +proud to celebrate his praises; nor would it be considered a disgrace +by the most eminent of modern experimental philosophers—of him, who +has been described as "unlocking the hidden treasures of nature, and +explaining the various systems by which air, and earth, and fire, and +water, counteract and sustain each other"<a name="FNanchor_259_263" id="FNanchor_259_263"></a><a href="#Footnote_259_263" class="fnanchor">[259]</a>—to fix the laureate +crown round the brows of our venerable Bacon!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_259_263" id="Footnote_259_263"></a><a href="#FNanchor_259_263">[259]</a> See a periodical paper, entitled <i>The +Director</i>! vol. ii., p. 294.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">We have now reached the close of the thirteenth century and the reign +of <span class="smcap">Edward the First</span>;<a name="FNanchor_260_264" id="FNanchor_260_264"></a><a href="#Footnote_260_264" class="fnanchor">[260]</a> when the principal thing that strikes us, +connected with the history of libraries, is this monarch's insatiable +lust of strengthening his title to the kingdom of Scotland by +purchasing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">184</a></span> "the libraries of all the monasteries" for the securing of +any record which might corroborate the same. What he gave for this +tremendous book-purchase, or of what nature were the volumes +purchased, or what was their subsequent destination, is a knot yet +remaining to be untied.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_260_264" id="Footnote_260_264"></a><a href="#FNanchor_260_264">[260]</a> "King Edward the first caused and committed +divers copies of the records, and much concerning the realm +of Scotland, unto divers abbies for the preservance thereof; +which for the most part are now perished, or rare to be had; +and which privilie by the dissolution of monasteries is +detained. The same king caused the libraries of all +monasteries, and other places of the realm, to be purchased, +for the further and manifest declaration of his title, as +chief Lord of Scotland: and the record thereof now extant, +doth alledge divers leger books of abbeys for the +confirmation thereof": Petition (to Q. Elizabeth) for an +academy of Antiquities and History. <i>Hearne's Curious +Discourses written by eminent Antiquaries</i>; vol. ii., 326, +edit. 1775.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">Of the bibliomaniacal propensity of Edward's grandson, the great +<span class="smcap">Edward the Third</span>, there can be no question. Indeed, I could gossip +away upon the same 'till midnight. His severe disappointment upon +having Froissart's presentation copy of his Chronicles<a name="FNanchor_261_265" id="FNanchor_261_265"></a><a href="#Footnote_261_265" class="fnanchor">[261]</a> +(<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: gorgeously">gergeously</span> attired as it must have +been) taken from him by the Duke of Anjou, is alone a sufficient +demonstration of his love of books; while his patronage of Chaucer +shews that he had accurate notions of intellectual excellence. +Printing had not yet begun to give any hint, however faint, of its +wonderful powers; and scriveners or book-copiers were sufficiently +ignorant and careless.<a name="FNanchor_262_266" id="FNanchor_262_266"></a><a href="#Footnote_262_266" class="fnanchor">[262]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_261_265" id="Footnote_261_265"></a><a href="#FNanchor_261_265">[261]</a> Whether this presentation copy ever came, +eventually, into the kingdom, is unknown. Mr. Johnes, who is +as intimate with Froissart as Gough was with Camden, is +unable to make up his mind upon the subject; but we may +suppose it was properly emblazoned, &c. The duke detained it +as being the property of an enemy to France!—Now, when we +read of this wonderfully chivalrous age, so glowingly +described by the great Gaston, Count de Foix, to Master +Froissart, upon their introduction to each other (vide St. +Palaye's memoir in the 10th vol. of <i>L'Acadamie des +Inscriptions</i>, &c.), it does seem a gross violation (at +least on the part of the Monsieur of France!) of all +gentlemanly and knight-like feeling, to seize upon a volume +of this nature, as legitimate plunder! The robber should +have had his skin tanned, after death, for a case to keep +the book in! Of Edward the Third's love of curiously bound +books, see <a href="#Page_118">p. 118</a>, ante.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_262_266" id="Footnote_262_266"></a><a href="#FNanchor_262_266">[262]</a> "How ordinary a fault this was (of +'negligently or willfully altering copies') amongst the +transcribers of former times, may appear by Chaucer; who (I +am confident) tooke as greate care as any man to be served +with the best and heedfullest scribes, and yet we finde him +complayning against Adam, his scrivener, for the very same:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">So ofte a daye I mote thy worke renew,</span><br /> +If to correct and eke to rubbe and scrape,<br /> +And all is thorow thy neglegence and rape."<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Ashmole <i>Theatrum Chemicum</i>; p. 439.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">The mention of Edward the Third, as a patron of learned men, must +necessarily lead a book-antiquary to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">185</a></span> the notice of his eminent +chancellor, <span class="smcap">Richard De Bury</span>; of whom, as you may recollect, some +slight mention was made the day before yesterday.<a name="FNanchor_263_267" id="FNanchor_263_267"></a><a href="#Footnote_263_267" class="fnanchor">[263]</a> It is hardly +possible to conceive a more active and enthusiastic lover of books +than was this extraordinary character; the passion never deserting him +even while he sat upon the bench.<a name="FNanchor_264_268" id="FNanchor_264_268"></a><a href="#Footnote_264_268" class="fnanchor">[264]</a> It was probably De Bury's +intention to make his royal master eclipse his contemporary <span class="smcap">Charles +the Vth</span>, of France—the most renowned foreign bibliomaniac of his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">186</a></span> +age!<a name="FNanchor_265_269" id="FNanchor_265_269"></a><a href="#Footnote_265_269" class="fnanchor">[265]</a> In truth, my dear friends, what can be more delightful to a +lover of his country's intellectual reputation than to find such a +character as De Bury, in such an age of war and bloodshed, uniting the +calm and mild character of a legislator, with the sagacity of a +philosopher, and the elegant-mindedness of a scholar! Foreigners have +been profuse in their commendations of him, and with the greatest +justice; while our Thomas Warton, of ever-to-be-respected memory, has +shewn us how pleasingly he could descend from the graver tone of a +his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">187</a></span>torical antiquary, by indulging himself in a chit-chat style of +book-anecdote respecting this illustrious character.<a name="FNanchor_266_270" id="FNanchor_266_270"></a><a href="#Footnote_266_270" class="fnanchor">[266]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_263_267" id="Footnote_263_267"></a><a href="#FNanchor_263_267">[263]</a> See <a href="#Page_29">p. 29</a>, ante.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_264_268" id="Footnote_264_268"></a><a href="#FNanchor_264_268">[264]</a> "—patescebat nobis aditus facilis, regalis +favoris intuitu, ad librorum latebras libere perscrutandas. +Amoris quippe nostri fama volatilis jam ubique percrebuit, +tamtumque librorum, et maxime veterum, ferebamur cupiditate +languescere; posse vero quemlibet, nostrum <i>per quaternos</i> +facilius, quam <i>per pecuniam</i>, adipisci favorem." +<i>Philobiblion; sive de Amore Librorum</i> (vide <a href="#Page_29">p. 29</a>, ante), +p. 29: edit. 1599, 4to. But let the reader indulge me with +another extract or two, containing evidence +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: 'of' missing in original">the</span> most unquestionable of +the severest symptoms of the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span> that ever assailed +a Lord Chancellor or a Bishop!—Magliabechi must have read +the ensuing passage with rapture: "Quamobrem cum prædicti +principis recolendæ memoriæ bonitate suffulti, possemus +obesse et prodesse, officere et proficere vehementer tam +maioribus quam pusillis; affluxerunt, loco xeniorum et +munerum, locoque, donorum et iocalium, temulenti quaterni, +ac decripiti codices; nostris tamen tam affectibus, quam +aspectibus, pretiosi. Tunc nobilissimorum monasteriorum +aperiebantur armaria, referebantur scrinia, et cistulæ +solvebantur, et per longa secula in sepulchris soporata +volumina, expergiscunt attonita, quæque in locis tenebrosis +latuerant, novæ lucis radiis perfunduntur." "Delicatissimi +quondam libri, corrupti et abhominabiles iam effecti, murium +fætibus cooperti, et vermium morsibus terebrati, iacebant +exanimes—et qui olim purpura vestiebantur et bysso, nunc in +cinere et cilicio recubantes, oblivioni traditi videbantur, +domicilia tinearum. Inter hæc nihilominus, captatis +temporibus, magis voluptuose consedimus, quam fecisset +Medicus delicatus inter aromatum apothecas, ubi amoris +nostri objectum reperimus et fomentum; sic sacra vasa +scientiæ, ad nostræ dispensationis provenerunt arbitrium: +quædam data, quædam vendita, ac nonnulla protempore +commodata. Nimirum cum nos plerique de hujusmodi donariis +cernerent contentatos, ea sponte nostris usibus studuerent +tribuere, quibus ipsi libentius caruerunt: quorum tamen +negotia sic expedire curavimus gratiosi, ut et eisdem +emolumentum accresceret, nullum tamen iustitia detrimentum +sentiret." "Porro si scyphos aureos et argenteos, si equos +egregios, si nummorum summas non modicas amassemus tunc +temporis, dives nobis ærarium instaurasse possemus: sed +revera <span class="smcap">libros non libras</span> maluimus, codicesque plusquam +florenos, ac panfletos exiguos incrassatis prætulimus +palfridis," <i>Philobiblion</i>; p. 29, 30, &c. Dr. James's +preface to this book, which will be noticed in its proper +place, in another work, is the veriest piece of old +maidenish particularity that ever was exhibited! However, +the editor's enthusiastic admiration of De Bury obtains his +forgiveness in the bosom of every honest bibliomaniac!</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_265_269" id="Footnote_265_269"></a><a href="#FNanchor_265_269">[265]</a> <span class="smcap">Charles the Fifth</span>, of France, may be called +the founder of the Royal Library there. The history of his +first efforts to erect a national library is thus, in part, +related by the compilers of <i>Cat. de la Bibliothéque +Royale</i>, pt. i., p. ij.-iij.: "This wise king took advantage +of the peace which then obtained, in order to cultivate +letters more successfully than had hitherto been done. He +was learned for his age; and never did a prince love reading +and book-collecting better than did he! He was not only +constantly making transcripts himself, but the noblemen, +courtiers, and officers that surrounded him voluntarily +tendered their services in the like cause; while, on the +other hand, a number of learned men, seduced by his liberal +rewards, spared nothing to add to his literary treasures. +Charles now determined to give his subjects every possible +advantage from this accumulation of books; and, with this +view, he lodged them in one of the <i>Towers of the Louvre</i>; +which tower was hence called <i>La Tour de la Librarie</i>. The +books occupied three stories: in the first, were desposited +269 volumes; in the second 260; and in the third, 381 +volumes. In order to preserve them with the utmost care (say +Sauval and Felibien), the king caused all the windows of the +library to be fortified with iron bars; between which was +painted glass, secured by brass-wires. And that the books +might be accessible at all hours, there were suspended, from +the ceiling, thirty chandeliers and a silver lamp, which +burnt all night long. The walls were wainscotted with Irish +wood; and the ceiling was covered with cypress wood: the +whole being curiously sculptured in bas-relief." Whoever has +not this catalogue at hand (vide <a href="#Page_93">p. 93</a>, ante) to make +himself master of still further curious particulars relating +to this library, may examine the first and second volume of +<i>L'Academie des Inscriptions</i>, &c.—from which the preceding +account is taken. The reader may also look into Warton +(Diss. 11, vol. i., sign. f. 2); who adds, on the authority +of Boivin's <i>Mem. Lit.</i>, tom. ii., p. 747, that the Duke of +Bedford, regent of France, "in the year 1425 (when the +English became masters of Paris) sent his whole library, +then consisting of only 853 volumes, and valued at 2223 +livres, into England," &c. I have little doubt but that +Richard De Bury had a glimpse of this infantine royal +collection, from the following passage—which occurs +immediately after an account of his ambassadorial +excursion—"O beate Deus Deorum in Syon, quantus impetus +fluminis voluptatis lætificavit cor nostrum, quoties +Paradisum mundi <i>Parisios</i> visitare vacavimus ibi moraturi? +Ubi nobis semper dies pauci, præ amoris magnitudine, +videbantur. Ibi Bibliothecæ jucundæ super sellas aromatum +redolentes; ibi virens viridarium universorum voluminum," +&c. <i>Philobiblion</i>; p. 31, edit. 1559.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_266_270" id="Footnote_266_270"></a><a href="#FNanchor_266_270">[266]</a> After having intruded, I fear, by the +preceding note respecting <i>French Bibliomania</i>, there is +only room left to say of our <span class="smcap">De Bury</span>—that he was the friend +and correspondent of Petrarch—and that Mons. Sade, in his +<i>Memoirs of Petrarch</i>, tells us that "the former did in +England, what the latter all his life was doing in France, +Italy, and Germany, towards the discovery of the best +ancient writers, and making copies of them under his own +superintendence." De Bury bequeathed a valuable library of +MSS. to Durham, now Trinity College, Oxford. The books of +this library were first packed up in chests; but upon the +completion of the room to receive them, "they were put into +pews or studies, and chained to them." Wood's <i>History of +the University of Oxford</i>, vol. ii., p. 911. Gutch's edit. +De Bury's <i>Philobiblion</i>, from which so much has been +extracted, is said by Morhof to "savor somewhat of the +rudeness of the age, but is rather elegantly written; and +many things are well expressed in it relating to +bibliothecism." <i>Polyhist. Literar.</i>, vol. i., 187. The real +author is supposed to have been Robert Holcott, a Dominican +friar. I am, however, loth to suppress a part of what Warton +has so pleasantly written (as above alluded to by Lysander) +respecting such a favourite as <span class="smcap">De Bury</span>. "Richard de Bury, +otherwise called Richard Aungervylle, is said to have alone +possessed more books than all the bishops of England +together. Beside the fixed libraries which he had formed in +his several palaces, the floor of his common apartment was +so covered with books that those who entered could not with +due reverence approach his presence. He kept binders, +illuminators, and writers, in his palaces. Petrarch says +that he had once a conversation with him, concerning the +island called by the ancients Thule; calling him 'virum +ardentis ingenii.' While chancellor and treasurer, instead +of the usual presents and new-year's gifts appendant to his +office, he chose to receive those perquisites in books. By +the favour of Edward III. he gained access to the libraries +of most of the capital monasteries; where he shook off the +dust from volumes, preserved in chests and presses, which +had not been opened for many ages." <i>Philobiblion</i>, cap. 29, +30.—Warton also quotes, in English, a part of what had been +already presented to the reader in its original Latin form. +<i>Hist. Engl. Poetry</i>, vol. i., Diss. <span class="smcap">ii.</span>, note g., sign. h. +4. Prettily painted as is this picture, by Warton, the +colouring might have been somewhat heightened, and the +effect rendered still more striking, in consequence, if the +authority and the words of Godwyn had been a little attended +to. In this latter's <i>Catalogue of the Bishops of England</i>, +p. 524-5, edit. 1601, we find that De Bury was the son of +one <span class="smcap">Sir Richard Angaruill</span>, knight: "that he saith of +himselfe 'exstatico quodam librorum amore potenter se +abreptum'—that he was mightily carried away, and even +beside himself, with immoderate love of bookes and desire of +reading. He had alwaies in his house many chaplaines, all +great schollers. His manner was, at dinner and supper-time, +to haue some good booke read unto him, whereof he would +discourse with his chaplaines a great part of the day +following, if busines interrupted not his course. He was +very bountiful unto the poore. Weekely he bestowed for their +reliefe, 8 quarters of wheat made into bread, beside the +offall and fragments of his tables. Riding betweene +Newcastle and Durham he would give 8<i>l.</i> in almes; from +Durham to Stocton, 5<i>l.</i>: from Durham to Aukland, 5 marks; +from Durham to Middleham, 5<i>l.</i>" &c. This latter is the +"pars melior" of every human being; and bibliomaniacs seem +to have possessed it as largely as any other tribe of +mortals. I have examined Richardson's magnificent reprint of +Godwyn's book, in the Latin tongue, London, 1743, folio; p. +747; and find nothing worth adding to the original text.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">188</a></span><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> The task we have imposed upon you, my good Lysander, would be +severe indeed if you were to notice, with minute exactness, all the +book-anecdotes of the middle ages. You have properly introduced the +name and authority of Warton; but if you suffered yourself to be +beguiled by his enchanting style, into all the bibliographical +gossiping of this period, you would have no mercy upon your lungs, and +there would be no end to the disquisition.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Forgive me, if I have transgressed the boundaries of good +sense or good breeding: it was not my intention to make a "<i>Concio ad +Aulam</i>"—as worthy old Bishop Saunderson was fond of making—but +simply to state facts, or indulge in book chit-chat, as my memory +served me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Nay, Lorenzo, do not disturb the stream of Lysander's eloquence. +I could listen 'till "Jocund day stood tip-toe on the mountain."</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> You are a little unconscionable, Lisardo: but I apprehend +Lorenzo meant only to guard Lysander against that minuteness of +narration which takes us into every library and every study of the +period at which we are arrived. If I recollect aright, Warton was +obliged to restrain himself in the same cause.<a name="FNanchor_267_271" id="FNanchor_267_271"></a><a href="#Footnote_267_271" class="fnanchor">[267]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_267_271" id="Footnote_267_271"></a><a href="#FNanchor_267_271">[267]</a> The part alluded to, in Warton, is at the +commencement of his second Dissertation "On the Introduction +of Learning into Great Britain." After rambling with the +utmost felicity, among the libraries, and especially the +monastic ones, of the earlier and middle ages—he thus +checks himself by saying, that "in pursuit of these +anecdotes, he is imperceptibly seduced into later periods, +or rather is deviating from his subject."</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> It belongs to me, Lysander, to solicit your forgiveness. If you +are not tired with the discussion of such a various and extensive +subject (and more particularly from the energetic manner in which it +is conducted on your part), rely upon it that your auditors cannot<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">189</a></span> +possibly feel <i>ennui</i>. Every thing before us partakes of your +enthusiasm: the wine becomes mellower, and sparkles with a ruddier +glow; the flavour of the fruit is improved; and the scintillations of +your conversational eloquence are scattered amidst my books, my busts, +and my pictures. Proceed, I entreat you; but first, accept my libation +offered up at the shrine of an offended deity.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> You do me, and the <i>Bibliomania</i>, too much honour. If my +blushes do not overpower me, I will proceed: but first, receive the +attestation of the deity that he is no longer affronted with you. I +drink to your health and long life!—and proceed:</p> + +<p class="bp">If, among the numerous and gorgeous books which now surround us, it +should be my good fortune to put my hand upon one, however small or +imperfect, which could give us some account of the <i>History of British +Libraries</i>, it would save me a great deal of trouble, by causing me to +maintain at least a chronological consistency in my discourse. But, +since this cannot be—since, with all our love of books and of +learning, we have this pleasing desideratum yet to be supplied—I must +go on, in my usual desultory manner, in rambling among libraries, and +discoursing about books and book-collectors. As we enter upon the +reign of <span class="smcap">Henry IV.</span>, we cannot avoid the mention of that distinguished +library hunter, and book describer, <span class="smcap">John Boston</span> of Bury;<a name="FNanchor_268_272" id="FNanchor_268_272"></a><a href="#Footnote_268_272" class="fnanchor">[268]</a> who may +justly be considered the Leland of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">190</a></span> his day. Gale, if I recollect +rightly, unaccountably describes his bibliomaniacal career as having +taken place in the reign of Henry VII.; but Bale and Pits, from whom +Tanner has borrowed his account, unequivocally affix the date of 1410 +to Boston's death; which is three years before the death of Henry. It +is allowed, by the warmest partizans of the reformation, that the +dissolution of the monastic libraries has unfortunately rendered the +labours of Boston of scarcely any present utility.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_268_272" id="Footnote_268_272"></a><a href="#FNanchor_268_272">[268]</a> It is said of <span class="smcap">Boston</span> that he visited almost +every public library, and described the titles of every book +therein, with punctilious accuracy. Pits (593) calls him +"vir pius, litteratus, et bonarum litterarum fautor ac +promotor singularis." Bale (p. 549, edit. 1559) has even the +candour to say, "mirâ sedulitate et diligentia omnes omnium +regni monasteriorum bibliothecas invisit: librorum collegit +titulos, et authorum eorum nomina: quæ omnia alphabetico +disposuit ordine, et quasi unam omnium bibliothecam fecit." +What Lysander observes above is very true: "non enim +dissimulanda (says Gale) monasteriorum subversio, quæ brevi +spatio subsecuta est—libros omnes dispersit et <span class="smcap">Bostoni</span> +providam diligentiam, maxima ex parte, inutilem reddidit." +<i>Rer. Anglicar. Scrip. Vet.</i>, vol. iii., præf. p. 1. That +indefatigable antiquary, Thomas Hearne, acknowledges that, +in spite of all his researches in the Bodleian library, he +was scarcely able to discover any thing of Boston's which +related to Benedictus Abbas—and still less of his own +compositions. <i>Bened. Abbat.</i> vol. i., præf. p. xvii. It is +a little surprising that Leland should have omitted to +notice him. But the reader should consult Tanner's <i>Bibl. +Britan.</i>, p. xvii., 114.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">There is a curious anecdote of this period in Rymer's Fœdera,<a name="FNanchor_269_273" id="FNanchor_269_273"></a><a href="#Footnote_269_273" class="fnanchor">[269]</a> +about taking off the duty upon <i>six barrels of books</i>, sent by a Roman +Cardinal to the prior of the Conventual church of St. Trinity, +Norwich. These barrels, which lay at the custom-house, were imported +duty free; and I suspect that Henry's third son, the celebrated John +Duke of Bedford, who was then a lad, and just beginning to feed his +bibliomaniacal appetite, had some hand in interceding with his father +for the redemption of the duty.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_269_273" id="Footnote_269_273"></a><a href="#FNanchor_269_273">[269]</a> Vol. viii., p. 501. It is a Clause Roll of +the 9th of Henry IV. A.D. 1407: "De certis Libris, absque +Custumenda solvenda, liberandis;" and affords too amusing a +specimen of custom-house latinity to be withheld from the +reader. "Mandamus vobis, quod certos libros <i>in sex Barellis +contentos</i>, Priori qt Conventui Ecclesiæ Sanctæ Trinitatis +Norwici, per quendam Adam nuper Cardinalem legatos, et in +portum civitatis nostræ predictæ (Londinensis) ab urbe +Romanâ jam adductos, præfato, Priori, absque Custuma seu +subsidio inde ad opus nostrum capiendis, liberetis +indilate," &c.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> This <span class="smcap">Duke of Bedford</span> was the most notorious bibliomaniac as well +as warrior of his age; and, when abroad, was indefatigable in stirring +up the emulation of Flemish and French artists, to execute for him the +most splendid books of devotion. I have heard great things of what +goes by the name of <i>The Bedford Missal</i>!<a name="FNanchor_270_274" id="FNanchor_270_274"></a><a href="#Footnote_270_274" class="fnanchor">[270]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_270_274" id="Footnote_270_274"></a><a href="#FNanchor_270_274">[270]</a> This missal, executed under the eye and for +the immediate use of the famous John, Duke of Bedford +(regent of France), and Jane (the daughter of the Duke of +Burgundy) his wife, was, at the beginning of the 18th +century, in the magnificent library of Harley, Earl of +Oxford. It afterwards came into the collection of his +daughter, the well-known Duchess of Portland; at whose sale, +in 1786, it was purchased by Mr. Edwards for 215 guineas; +and 500 guineas have been, a few years ago, offered for this +identical volume. It is yet the property of this last +mentioned gentleman. Among the pictures in it, there is an +interesting one of the whole length portraits of the Duke +and Duchess;—the head of the former of which has been +enlarged and engraved by Vertue for his portraits to +illustrate the History of England. The missal frequently +displays the arms of these noble personages; and also +affords a pleasing testimony of the affectionate gallantry +of the pair; the motto of the former being "<span class="smcap">a vous entier</span>:" +that of the latter, "<span class="smcap">j'en suis contente</span>." There is a former +attestation in the volume, of its having been given by the +Duke to his nephew, Henry VI. as "a most suitable present." +But the reader shall consult (if he can procure it) Mr. +Gough's curious little octavo volume written expressly upon +the subject.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">191</a></span><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> And not greater than what merits to be said of it. I have seen +this splendid bijou in the charming collection of our friend ——. It +is a small thick folio, highly illuminated; and displaying, as well in +the paintings as in the calligraphy, the graphic powers of that age, +which had not yet witnessed even the dry pencil of Perugino. More +gorgeous, more beautifully elaborate, and more correctly graceful, +missals may be in existence; but a more curious, interesting, and +perfect specimen, of its kind, is no where to be seen: the portraits +of the Duke and of his royal brother Henry V. being the best paintings +known of the age. 'Tis, in truth, a lovely treasure in the book way; +and it should sleep every night upon an eider-down pillow encircled +with emeralds!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Hear him—hear him! Lysander must be a collateral descendant of +this noble bibliomaniac, whose blood, now circulating in his veins, +thus moves him to "discourse most eloquently."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Banter as you please; only "don't disturb the stream of my +eloquence."</p> + +<p class="bp">The period of this distinguished nobleman was that in which +book-collecting began to assume a fixed and important character in +this country. Oxford saw a glimmering of civilization dawning in her +obscured atmosphere. A short but dark night had succeeded the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">192</a></span> +patriotic efforts of De Bury; whose curious volumes, bequeathed to +Trinity College, had laid in a melancholy and deserted condition 'till +they were kept company by those of <span class="smcap">Cobham</span>, Bishop of Worcester, <span class="smcap">Rede</span>, +Bishop of Chichester, and <span class="smcap">Humphrey</span> the good Duke of Gloucester.<a name="FNanchor_271_275" id="FNanchor_271_275"></a><a href="#Footnote_271_275" class="fnanchor">[271]</a> +Now began the fashion (and may it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">193</a></span> never fall to decay!) of making +presents to public libraries:—but, during the short and splendid +career of <span class="smcap">Henry V.</span>, learning yielded to arms: the reputation of a +scholar to that of a soldier. I am not aware of any thing at this +period, connected with the subject of our discourse, that deserves +particular mention; although we ought never to name this illustrious +monarch, or to think of his matchless prowess in arms, without +calling<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">194</a></span> to mind how he adorned the rough character of a soldier by +the manners of a prince, the feelings of a Christian, and, I had +almost said, the devotion of a saint.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_271_275" id="Footnote_271_275"></a><a href="#FNanchor_271_275">[271]</a> We will first notice <span class="smcap">Cobham</span>, Bishop of +Worcester: who "having had a great desire to show some love +to his mother the university of Oxford, began, about the +year 1320, to build, or at least to make some reparations +for <i>a Library</i>, over the old congregation house in the +north church-yard of St. Mary's; but he dying soon after, +before any considerable matter was done therein, left +certain moneys for the carrying on of the work, and all his +books, with others that had been lately procured, to be, +with those belonging to the university (as yet kept in +chests) reposed therein." Some controversy afterwards +arising between the University and Oriel College, to which +latter Cobham belonged, the books lay in dreary and +neglected state till 1367; when a room having been built for +their reception, it was settled that they "should be reposed +and chained in the said room or solar; that the scholars of +the University should have free ingress and regress, at +certain times, to make proficiency in them; that certain of +the said books, of greater price, should be sold, till the +sum of <i>l.</i> 40 was obtained for them (unless other remedy +could be found) with which should be bought an yearly rent +of <i>l.</i> 3, for the maintenance of a chaplain, that should +pray for the soul of the said bishop, and other benefactors +of the University both living and dead, and have the custody +or oversight of the said books, and of those in the ancient +chest of books, and chest of rolls." Wood's <i>Hist. of the +University of Oxford</i>, vol. ii., pt. ii., 911. Gutch's edit. +<span class="smcap">William Rede</span>, or <span class="smcap">Read</span>, bishop of Chichester, "sometimes +Fellow (of Merton College) gave a chest with <i>l.</i> 100 in +gold in it, to be borrowed by the Fellows for their relief; +bond being first given in by them to repay it at their +departure from the college; or, in case they should die, to +be paid by their executors: A.D. 1376. He also built, about +the same time, <i>a Library</i> in the college; being the first +that the society enjoyed, and gave books thereunto." Wood's +<i>History of the Colleges and Halls</i>, p. 15, Gutch's edit. In +Mr. Nicholl's <i>Appendix to the History of Leicester</i>, p. +105, note 20, I find some account of this distinguished +literary character, taken from Tanner's <i>Bibl. Britan.</i>, p. +618. He is described, in both authorities, as being a very +learned Fellow of Merton College, where he built and +furnished <i>a noble library</i>; on the wall of which was +painted his portrait, with this inscription: "<span class="smcap">Gulielmus +Redæus, episcopus Cicestrensis, Magister in theologia, +profundus astronomus, quondam socius istius collegii, qui +hanc librariam fieri fecit</span>." Many of Read's mathematical +instruments, as well as his portrait, were preserved in the +library when Harrison wrote his description of England, +prefix'd to Holinshed's Chronicles; some of the former of +which came into the possession of the historian. For thus +writes Harrison: "William Read, sometime fellow of Merteine +college in Oxford, doctor of divinitie, and the most +profound astronomer that liued in his time, as appeareth by +his collection, which some time I did possesse; his image is +yet in the librarie there; and manie instruments of +astronomie reserued in that house," &c. <i>Chronicles</i> (1587), +edit. 1807, vol. i., p. 237. In the year 1808, when I +visited the ancient and interesting brick-floored library of +Merton College, for the purpose of examining early printed +books, I looked around in vain for the traces, however +faded, of Read's portrait: nor could I discover a single +vestige of the <span class="smcap">Bibliotheca Readiana</span>! The memory of this once +celebrated bishop lives therefore only in what books have +recorded of him; and this brief and <i>verbal picture</i> of Read +is here drawn—as was the more finished resemblance of +Chaucer by the pencil, which Occleve has left behind—</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +<span class="bl">That thei that have of him lost thoute and mynde</span><br /> +<span class="bl">By this peinture may ageine him fynde.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><span class="smcap">Humphrey</span>, Duke of <span class="smcap">Gloucester</span>, "commonly called <i>the good</i>, +was youngest brother to Henry V. and the first founder of +the university library in Oxford, which was pillaged of the +greater part of its books in the reign of Edward the Sixth." +Park's edit. of the <i>Royal and Noble Authors</i>; vol. i., 198. +"As for the books which he gave (says Wood) they were very +many, more by far than authors report; for whereas 'tis said +he gave 129, you shall find anon that they were more than +treble the number." The Duke's first gift, in 1439, of one +hundred and twenty-nine treatises, was worth, according to +Wood, a thousand pounds. All his book presents, "amounting +to above 600 (mostly treating of divinity, physic, history, +and humanity) which were from several parts of the world +obtained, were transmitted to the university, and for the +present laid up in chests in Cobham's library. The catalogue +also of them which were then sent, and the indentures for +the receipt of the said books, were laid up in the chest +called <i>Cista Librorum et Rotulorum</i>." <i>History</i> (or Annals) +<i>of the University of Oxford</i>; vol. ii., pt. ii., 914. +Gutch's edit. Consult also the recent and very amusing +<i>History of the same University</i>, by Mr. A. Chalmers, vol. +ii., p. 459. Leland has not forgotten this distinguished +bibliomaniac; for he thus lauds him in roman verse:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Tam clari meminit viri togata<br /> +Rectè Gallia; tum chorus suavis<br /> +Cygnorum Isidis ad vadum incolentûm<br /> +Cui magnum numerum dedit <span class="smcap">bonorum</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">Librorum</span>, statuitque sanctiori<br /> +Divinus studio scholæ theatrum;<br /> +Nostro quale quidem videtur esse<br /> +Magnum tempore, forsan et futuro<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><i>Cygn. Cant.</i> Vide Lelandi Itinerarium</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Curâ Hearne; edit. 1770, vol. ix., p. 17.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">The reign of his successor, <span class="smcap">Henry VI.</span>, was the reign of trouble and +desolation. It is not to be wondered that learning drooped, and +religion "waxed faint," 'midst the din of arms and the effusion of +human blood. Yet towards the close of this reign some attempt was made +to befriend the book cause; for the provost and fellows of Eton and +Cambridge petitioned the king to assist them in increasing the number +of books in their libraries;<a name="FNanchor_272_276" id="FNanchor_272_276"></a><a href="#Footnote_272_276" class="fnanchor">[272]</a> but the result of this petition has +never, I believe, been known.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_272_276" id="Footnote_272_276"></a><a href="#FNanchor_272_276">[272]</a> In the manuscript history of Eton College, in +the British Museum (<i>MSS. Donat.</i> 4840, p. 154.), the +Provost and Fellows of Eton and Cambridge are stated, in the +25th of Henry the Sixth, to have petitioned the king that, +as these new colleges were not sufficiently seised of books +for divine service, and for their libraries, he would be +pleased to order one of his chaplains, Richard Chestre, "to +take to him such men as shall be seen to him expedient in +order to get knowledge where such bookes may be found, +paying a reasonable price for the same, and that the sayd +men might have the first choice of such bookes, ornaments, +&c., before any man, and in especiall of all manner of +bookes, ornaments, and other necessaries as now <i>late were +perteynyng to the Duke of Gloucester</i>, and that the king +would particular(ly) cause to be employed herein John Pye +his stacioner of London." For this anecdote I am indebted to +Sir H. Ellis. See also the interesting note in Warton's +<i>Hist. Engl. Poet.</i>, diss. ii., sign. f. 2.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">I had nearly passed through the reign of Henry the Sixth without +noticing the very meritorious labours of a sort of precursor of Dean +Colet; I mean, <span class="smcap">Sir Walter Sherington</span>. He was a most assiduous +bibliomaniac;<a name="FNanchor_273_277" id="FNanchor_273_277"></a><a href="#Footnote_273_277" class="fnanchor">[273]</a><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">195</a></span> and, in the true spirit of ancient monachism, +conceived that no cathedral could be perfect without a library. +Accordingly, he not only brought together an extraordinary number of +curious books, but framed laws or regulations concerning the treatment +of the books, and the hours of perusing them; which, if I can trust to +my memory, are rather curious, and worth your examination. They are in +Hearne's edition of the Antiquities of Glastonbury, composed in our +own language.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_273_277" id="Footnote_273_277"></a><a href="#FNanchor_273_277">[273]</a> "Over the east quadrant of this (great) +cloyster (on the north side of this church) was a fayre +librarie, builded at the costes and charges of (Sir) <span class="smcap">Waltar +Sherington</span>, chancellor of the duchie of Lancaster, in the +raigne of Henrie the 6. which hath beene well furnished with +faire written books <span class="smcap">in vellem</span>: but few of them now do +remaine there." <i>Antiquities of Glastonbury</i>; Hearne's edit. +1722; p. 308. +</p> + +<p class="center"><i>Regulations concerning Sherington's Library.</i></p> + +<p> +"Quodque dicta libraria, hostiis ipsius per præfatos +capellanos custodes ejusdem, et eorum successores, aut +alterum ipsorum, apertis singulis diebus profestis annuatim +á festo Nativ. beat. Mar. Virg. usque festum Annunciacionis +ejusdem, ob ortu solis, donec hora nona post altam missam de +servicio diei in dicta ecclesiâ cathedrali finiatur: et +iterum ab hora prima post meridiem usque ad finem +completorii in eadem ecclesia cathedrali, vel saltem usque +ad occasum solis per eosdem, seu eorum alterum, sic continue +diligenter custodiatur. Et eciam singulis diebus profestis +annuatim, ab eodem festo Annunciacionis beatæ Mariæ Virginis +usque ad prædictum festum nativitatis ejusdem, ab hora diei +sexta, donec hora nona post altam missam in dicta ecclesia +cathedrali, et iterum ab hora prima post meridiem quosque +completorium in eadem ecclesia cathedrali finiatur, per +præfatos capellanos, seu eorum alterum et successores suos +custodes dictæ librariæ debitè et diligenter aperta, +custodiatur, nisi causa racionabilis hoc fieri impediat. Ita +quod nullum dampnum eidem librariæ aut in libris, aut in +hostiis, seruris vel fenestris vitreis ejusdem, ex +negligencia dictorum capellanorum aut successorum suorum +custodum dictæ librariæ evenire contingat. Et si quid +dampnum hujusmodi in præmissis, seu aliquo præmissorum, per +negligenciam ipsorum capellanorum, seu eorum alterius, aut +successorum suorum quoque modo imposterum evenerit, id vel +ipsa dampnum aut dampna recompensare, emendare et +satisfacere, tociens quociens contigerit, de salariis seu +stipendiis suis propriis, auctoritate et judicio dictorum +Decani et Capituli, debeant et teneantur, ut est justum. +Ceteris vero diebus, noctibus et temporibus hostia prædicta, +cum eorum seruris et clavibus, omnino sint clausa et secure +serata." <i>Id.</i>: p. 193.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">We now enter upon the reign of an active and enterprising monarch; +who, though he may be supposed to have cut his way to the throne by +his sword, does not appear to have persecuted the cause of learning; +but rather to have looked with a gracious eye upon its operations by +means of the press. In the reign of <span class="smcap">Edward IV.</span>, our venerable and +worthy Caxton fixed the first press that ever was set to work in this +country, in the abbey of Westminster. Yes, Lorenzo; now commenced more +decidedly, the æra of <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>! Now the rich, and comparatively +poor, began to build them small <i>Book Rooms</i> or <i>Libraries</i>. At first, +both the architecture and furniture were sufficiently rude, if I +remember well the generality of wood cuts of ancient book-boudoirs:—a +few simple implements only being deemed necessary; and a three-legged +stool, "in fashion square<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">196</a></span> or round," as Cowper<a name="FNanchor_274_278" id="FNanchor_274_278"></a><a href="#Footnote_274_278" class="fnanchor">[274]</a> says, was thought +luxury sufficient for the hard student to sit upon. Now commenced a +general love and patronage of books: now (to borrow John Fox's +language) "tongues became known, know<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">197</a></span>ledge grew, judgment increased, +<span class="smcap">books were dispersed</span>, the scripture was read, stories were opened, +times compared, truth discerned, falsehood detected, and with finger +pointed (at)—and all, <span class="smcap">through the benefit of printing</span>."<a name="FNanchor_275_279" id="FNanchor_275_279"></a><a href="#Footnote_275_279" class="fnanchor">[275]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_274_278" id="Footnote_274_278"></a><a href="#FNanchor_274_278">[274]</a> The entire passage is worth extraction: as it +well describes many an old stool which has served for many a +studious philosopher:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +"Joint stools were then created: on three legs<br /> +Upborne they stood. Three legs upholding firm<br /> +A massy slab, in fashion square or round.<br /> +On such a stool immortal Alfred sat,<br /> +And sway'd the sceptre of his infant realms.<br /> +And such in ancient halls and mansions drear<br /> +May still be seen; but perforated sore,<br /> +And drilled in holes, the solid oak is found,<br /> +By worms voracious eating through and through."<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 10em;"><i>Task</i>: b. i., v. 19, &c.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>It had escaped the amiable and sagacious author of these +verses that such tripodical seats were frequently introduced +into <span class="smcap">old book-rooms</span>; as the subjoined print—which gives us +also a curious picture of one of the libraries alluded to by +Lysander—may serve to shew: +</p> + +<p class="centertp"> +<img src="images/birgitte.png" width="515" height="491" alt="St. Birgitte" title="St. Birgitte" /> +</p> + +<p class="centerbp"><i>Revelaciones Sancte Birgitte; ed. 1521, +sign. z. 3 rev.</i></p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_275_279" id="Footnote_275_279"></a><a href="#FNanchor_275_279">[275]</a> <i>Book of Martyrs</i>, vol. i., p. 927; edit. +1641.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Now you have arrived at this period, pray concentrate your +anecdotes into a reasonable compass. As you have inveigled us into the +printing-office of Caxton, I am fearful, from your strong attachment +to him, that we shall not get over the threshhold of it, into the open +air again, until midnight.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> Order, order, Lisardo! This is downright rudeness. I appeal to +the chair!—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lorenz.</span> Lisardo is unquestionably reprehensible. His eagerness makes +him sometimes lose sight of good breeding.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> I was going to mention some <i>Vellum</i> and <i>Presentation</i> +copies—but I shall hurry forward.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Nay, if you love me, omit nothing about "vellum and presentation +copies." Speak at large upon these glorious subjects.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Poor Lisardo!—we must build an iron cage to contain such a +book-madman as he promises to become!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> Proceed, dear Lysander, and no longer heed these interruptions.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Nay, I was only about to observe that, as Caxton is known to +have printed <i>upon vellum</i>,<a name="FNanchor_276_280" id="FNanchor_276_280"></a><a href="#Footnote_276_280" class="fnanchor">[276]</a> it is most probable that one of his +presentation copies of the romances of <i>Jason and Godfrey of Boulogne</i> +(executed under the patronage of Edward IV.), might have been printed +in the same manner. Be this as it may, it seems reasonable to conclude +that Edward the Fourth was not only fond of books, as objects of +beauty or curiosity, but that he had some affection for literature and +literary<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">198</a></span> characters; for how could the firm friend and generous +patron of <span class="smcap">Tiptoft, Earl</span> of <span class="smcap">Worcester</span>—with whom this monarch had spent +many a studious, as well as jovial, hour—be insensible to the charms +of intellectual refinement! Pause we here for one moment—and let us +pour the juice of the blackest grape upon the votive tablet, +consecrated to the memory of this illustrious nobleman! and, as Caxton +has become so fashionable<a name="FNanchor_277_281" id="FNanchor_277_281"></a><a href="#Footnote_277_281" class="fnanchor">[277]</a> among us, I will read to you, from +yonder beautiful copy of his English edition of "<i>Tully upon +Friendship</i>," a part of our printer's affecting eulogy upon the +translator:—"O good blessed Lord God, what great loss was it of that +noble, virtuous, and well-disposed lord! When I remember and advertise +his life, his science, and his virtue, me thinketh God not displeased +over a great loss of such a man, considering his estate and cunning," +&c. "At his death every man that was there, might learn to die and +take his (own) death patiently; wherein I hope and doubt not, but that +God received his soul into his everlasting bliss. For as I am informed +he right advisedly ordained all his things, as well for his last will +of worldly goods, as for his soul's health; and patiently, and holily, +without grudging, in charity, to fore that he departed out of this +world: which is gladsome and joyous to hear."—What say you to this +specimen of Caxtonian eloquence?</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_276_280" id="Footnote_276_280"></a><a href="#FNanchor_276_280">[276]</a> Consult the recent edition of the +<i>Typographical Antiquities</i> of our own country: vol. i., p. +56, 137, 268.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_277_281" id="Footnote_277_281"></a><a href="#FNanchor_277_281">[277]</a> As a proof of the ardour with which the books +printed by him are now sought after, the reader shall judge +for himself—when he is informed that an imperfect copy of +the <i>Golden Legend</i>, one of Caxton's commonest productions, +produced at a book sale, a few months ago, the sum of +<i>twenty-seven</i> guineas!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> It has a considerable merit; but my attention has been a good +deal diverted, during your appropriate recital of it, to the beautiful +condition of the copy. Thrice happy Lorenzo! what sum will convey this +volume to my own library!</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> No offer, in the shape of money, shall take it hence. I am an +enthusiast in the cause of Tiptoft; and am always upon the watch to +discover any volume, printed by Caxton, which contains the composition +of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">199</a></span> the hapless Earl of Worcester! Dr. Henry has spoken so handsomely +of him, and Mr. Park, in his excellent edition of Walpole's Royal and +Noble Authors,<a name="FNanchor_278_282" id="FNanchor_278_282"></a><a href="#Footnote_278_282" class="fnanchor">[278]</a> has made his literary character so interesting +that, considering the dearth of early good English authors,<a name="FNanchor_279_283" id="FNanchor_279_283"></a><a href="#Footnote_279_283" class="fnanchor">[279]</a> I +know of no other name that merits greater respect and admiration.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_278_282" id="Footnote_278_282"></a><a href="#FNanchor_278_282">[278]</a> Vol i., p. 200, &c. <i>History of Great +Britain</i>, by Dr. Henry, vol. x., p. 143, &c.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_279_283" id="Footnote_279_283"></a><a href="#FNanchor_279_283">[279]</a> "In the library of Glastonbury abbey, in +1248, there were but four books in Engleish, &c. We have not +a single historian, in Engleish prose, before the reign of +Richard the Second; when John Treviza translateëd the +Polychronicon of Randal Higden. Boston of Bury, who seems to +have consulted all the monasterys in Engleland, does not +mention one author who had written in Engleish; and Bale, at +a lateër period, has, comparatively, but an insignificant +number: nor was Leland so fortunate as to find above two or +three Engleish books, in the monastick and other librarys, +which he rummage'd, and explore'd, under the king's +commission." Ritson's Dissertation on Romance and +Minstrelsy: prefixed to his <i>Ancient Engleish Metrical +Romanceës</i>, vol. i., p. lxxxi.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> True; and this nobleman's attention to the acquisition of fine +and useful books, when he was abroad, for the benefit of his own +country,<a name="FNanchor_280_284" id="FNanchor_280_284"></a><a href="#Footnote_280_284" class="fnanchor">[280]</a> gives him a distinguished place in the list of +<span class="smcap">Bibliomaniacs</span>. I dare say Lisardo would give some few hundred guineas +for his bust, executed by Flaxman, standing upon a pedestal composed +of the original editions of his works, bound in grave-coloured morocco +by his favourite Faulkener?<a name="FNanchor_281_285" id="FNanchor_281_285"></a><a href="#Footnote_281_285" class="fnanchor">[281]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_280_284" id="Footnote_280_284"></a><a href="#FNanchor_280_284">[280]</a> Dr. Henry's <i>History of Great Britain</i>; +<i>ibid.</i>: from which a copious note has been given in the new +edition of our <i>Typographical Antiquities</i>; vol. i., p. 127, +&c.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_281_285" id="Footnote_281_285"></a><a href="#FNanchor_281_285">[281]</a> Henry Faulkener, n<span class="super">o</span>. 4, George Court, near +the Adelphi, in the Strand. An honest, industrious, and +excellent book-binder: who, in his mode of re-binding +ancient books is not only scrupulously particular in the +preservation of that important part of a volume, the margin; +but, in his ornaments of tooling, is at once tasteful and +exact. Notwithstanding these hard times, and rather a +slender bodily frame, and yet more slender purse—with five +children, and the prospect of five more—honest Mr. +Faulkener is in his three-pair-of-stairs confined workshop +by five in the morning winter and summer, and oftentimes +labours 'till twelve at night. Severer toil, with more +uniform good humour and civility in the midst of all his +embarrassments, were never perhaps witnessed in a brother of +the ancient and respectable craft of <i>Book-binding</i>!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> I entreat you not to inflame my imagination by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">200</a></span> such tantalizing +pictures! You know this must ever be a fiction: the most successful +bibliomaniac never attained to such human happiness.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> Leave Lisardo to his miseries, and proceed.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> I have supposed Edward to have spent some jovial hours with +this unfortunate nobleman. It is thought that our monarch and he +partook of the superb feast which was given by the famous <span class="smcap">Nevell</span>, +archbishop of York, at the inthronization of the latter; and I am +curious to know of what the library of such a munificent +ecclesiastical character was composed! But perhaps this feast +itself<a name="FNanchor_282_286" id="FNanchor_282_286"></a><a href="#Footnote_282_286" class="fnanchor">[282]</a> is one of Lisardo's fictions.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_282_286" id="Footnote_282_286"></a><a href="#FNanchor_282_286">[282]</a> Lysander is perfectly correct about the feast +which was given at the archbishop's inthronization; as the +particulars of it—"out of an old paper roll in the archives +of the Bodleian library," are given by Hearne in the sixth +volume of <i>Leland's Collectanea</i>, p. 1-14: and a most +extraordinary and amusing bill of fare it is. The last +twenty dinners given by the Lord Mayors at Guildhall, upon +the first day of their mayoralties, were only +<i>sandwiches</i>—compared with such a repast! What does the +reader think of 2000 chickens, 4000 pigeons, 4000 coneys, +500 "and mo," stags, bucks, and roes, with 4000 "pasties of +venison colde?"—and these barely an 18th part of the kind +of meats served up! At the high table our amiable <span class="smcap">Earl</span> of +<span class="smcap">Worcester</span> was seated, with the Archbishop, three Bishops, +the Duke of Suffolk, and the Earl of Oxford. The fictitious +archiepiscopal feast was the one intended to be given by +<span class="smcap">Nevell</span> to Edward IV.; when the latter "appointed a day to +come to hunt in More in Hertfordshire, and make merry with +him." Nevell made magnificent preparations for the royal +visit; but instead of receiving the monarch as a guest, he +was saluted by some of his officers, who "arrested him for +treason," and imprisoned him at Calais and Guisnes. The +cause of this sudden, and apparently monstrous, conduct, on +the part of Edward, has not been told by Stow (<i>Chronicles</i>, +p. 426; edit. 1615), nor by Godwyn, (<i>Catalogue of the +Bishops of England</i>, p. 481, edit. 1601): both of whom +relate the fact with singular naiveté. I have a strong +suspicion that Nevell was so far a bibliomaniac as to have +had a curious collection of <i>astrological books</i>; for "there +was greate correspondency betweene this Archbishop and the +Hermetique philosophers of his time; and this is partly +confirmed to me from Ripley's dedication of his '<i>Medulla</i>' +to him, ann. 1746; as also the presentation of Norton's +'<i>Ordinall</i>,'" &c. Thus writes Ashmole, in his <i>Theatrum +Chemicum</i>, p. 455.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">Enough has probably been said of Edward. We will stop, therefore, but +a minute, to notice the completion of the <span class="smcap">Humphrey Library</span>, and the +bibliomaniacal spirit of master <span class="smcap">Richard Courtney</span>,<a name="FNanchor_283_287" id="FNanchor_283_287"></a><a href="#Footnote_283_287" class="fnanchor">[283]</a> during the same +reign;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">201</a></span> and give but another minute to the mention of the statute of +<span class="smcap">Richard III.</span> in protection of English printers,<a name="FNanchor_284_288" id="FNanchor_284_288"></a><a href="#Footnote_284_288" class="fnanchor">[284]</a> when we reach the +<span class="smcap">Augustan book-age</span>, in the reign of <span class="smcap">Henry VII.</span></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_283_287" id="Footnote_283_287"></a><a href="#FNanchor_283_287">[283]</a> Speaking of the public library of Oxford, at +this period, Hearne tells us, from a letter sent by him to +Thomas Baker, that there was "a chaplein of the Universitie +chosen, after the maner of a Bedell, and to him was the +custodie of the librarye committed, his stipend—cvi<i>s</i>. and +viii<i>d</i>. his apparell found him <i>de secta generosorum</i>. No +man might come in to studdie but graduats and thoes of 8 +years contynuance in the Universitie, except noblemen. All +that come in must firste sweare to use the bookes well, and +not to deface theim, and everye one after at his proceedings +must take the licke othe. Howers apoynted when they shuld +come in to studdie, viz. betwene ix and xi aforenoone, and +one and four afternoone, the keper geving attendaunce: yet a +prerogative was graunted the chancelour <span class="smcap">Mr. Richard Courtney</span> +to come in when he pleased, during his own lieffe, so it was +in the day-tyme: and the cause seemeth, that he was <span class="smcap">cheiffe +cawser and setter on of the librarye</span>." <i>Curious Discourses +by Eminent Antiquaries</i>; vol. ii., p. 410., edit. 1775.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_284_288" id="Footnote_284_288"></a><a href="#FNanchor_284_288">[284]</a> See <a href="#Page_114">page 114</a>, ante. When Lysander talks, +above, of the reign of Henry the Seventh being the "<span class="smcap">Augustan +age</span> for <span class="smcap">books</span>," he must be supposed to allude to the +facility and beauty of publishing them by means of <span class="smcap">the +press</span>: for at this period, abroad, the typographical +productions of Verard, Eustace, Vostre, Bonfons, Pigouchet, +Regnier, and many others ("quæ nunc perscribere longum est") +were imitated, and sometimes equalled by W. de Worde, +Pynson, and Notary, at home. In regard to <i>intellectual</i> +fame, if my authority be good, "in the reign of Henry VII. +Greek was a stranger in both universities; and so little +even of Latin had Cambridge, of its own growth, that it had +not types sufficient to furnish out the common letters and +epistles of the University. They usually employed an +Italian, one Caius Auberinus, to compose them, whose +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: ordinary">ordinarry</span> fee was twentypence +a letter." (MSS. in Benet College Library, lib. P. p. 194,) +<i>Ridley's Life of Ridley</i>, p. 22. "Greek began to be taught +in both universities: quietly at Cambridge, but ('Horresco +referens!') with some tumult at Oxford!" <i>ibid.</i></p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> Before we proceed to discuss the bibliomaniacal ravages of this +age, we had better retire, with Lorenzo's leave, to the <span class="smcap">drawing-room</span>; +to partake of a beverage less potent than that which is now before us.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lorenz.</span> Just as you please. But I should apprehend that Lysander could +hold out 'till he reached the Reformation;—and, besides, I am not +sure whether our retreat be quite ready for us.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Pray let us not take leave of all these beauteous books, and +busts, and pictures, just at present. If Lysander's lungs will bear +him out another twenty minutes, we shall, by that time, have reached +the Reformation; and then "our retreat," as Lorenzo calls it, may be +quite ready for our reception.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">202</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Settle it between yourselves. But I think I could hold out for +another twenty minutes—since you will make me your only book-orator.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lorenz.</span> Let it be so, then. I will order the lamps to be lit; so that +Lisardo may see his favourite Wouvermans and Berghems, in company with +my romances, (which latter are confined in my satin-wood book-case) to +every possible degree of perfection!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Provided you indulge me also with a sight of these delightful +objects, you shall have what you desire:—and thus I proceed:</p> + +<p class="bp">Of the great passion of <span class="smcap">Henry the VIIth</span> for fine books, even before he +ascended the throne of England,<a name="FNanchor_285_289" id="FNanchor_285_289"></a><a href="#Footnote_285_289" class="fnanchor">[285]</a> there is certainly no doubt. And +while he was king, we may judge, even from the splendid fragments of +his library, which are collected in the British Museum, of the nicety +of his taste, and of the soundness of his judgment. That he should +love extravagant books of devotion,<a name="FNanchor_286_290" id="FNanchor_286_290"></a><a href="#Footnote_286_290" class="fnanchor">[286]</a> as well as histories and +chronicles, must be considered the fault of the age, rather than of +the individual. I will not, however, take upon me to say that the +slumbers of this monarch were disturbed in consequence of the +extraordinary and frightful passages, which, accompanied with bizarre +cuts,<a name="FNanchor_287_291" id="FNanchor_287_291"></a><a href="#Footnote_287_291" class="fnanchor">[287]</a> were now in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">203</a></span>troduced into almost every work, both of +ascetic divinity and also of plain practical morality. His +predecessor,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">204</a></span> Richard, had in all probability been alarmed by the +images which the reading of these books had created; and I guess that +it was from such frightful objects, rather than from the ghosts of his +murdered brethren, that he was compelled to pass a sleepless night +before<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">205</a></span> the memorable battle of Bosworth Field. If one of those +artists who used to design the horrible pictures which are engraved in +many old didactic volumes of this period had ventured to take a peep +into Richard's tent, I question whether he would not have seen, lying +upon an oaken table, an early edition of some of those fearful works +of which he had himself aided in the embellishment, and of which +Heinecken has given us such curious fac-similes:<a name="FNanchor_288_292" id="FNanchor_288_292"></a><a href="#Footnote_288_292" class="fnanchor">[288]</a>—and this, in my +humble apprehension, is quite sufficient to account for all the +terrible workings in Richard, which Shakespeare has so vividly +described.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_285_289" id="Footnote_285_289"></a><a href="#FNanchor_285_289">[285]</a> Mr. Heber has a fine copy of one of the +volumes of a black-letter edition of Froissart, printed by +Eustace, upon the exterior of the binding of which are +<span class="smcap">Henry's</span> arms, with his name—<span class="smcap">Henricvs Dvx Richmvndiæ</span>. The +very view of such a book, while it gives comfort to a +low-spirited bibliomaniac, adds energy to the perseverance +of a young collector! the latter of whom fondly, but vainly, +thinks he may one day be blessed with a similar treasure!</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_286_290" id="Footnote_286_290"></a><a href="#FNanchor_286_290">[286]</a> The possession of such a volume as "<i>The +Revelations of the monk of Euesham</i>" (vide vol. ii., of the +new edition of <i>Brit. Typog. Antiquities</i>), is evidence +sufficient of Henry's attachment to extravagant books of +devotion.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_287_291" id="Footnote_287_291"></a><a href="#FNanchor_287_291">[287]</a> It is certainly one of the comforts of modern +education, that girls and boys have nothing to do, even in +the remotest villages, with the perusal of such books as +were put into the juvenile hands of those who lived towards +the conclusion of the 15th century. One is at a loss to +conceive how the youth of that period could have ventured at +night out of doors, or slept alone in a darkened room, +without being frightened out of their wits! Nor could +maturer life be uninfluenced by reading such volumes as are +alluded to in the text: and as to the bed of death—<i>that</i> +must have sometimes shaken the stoutest faith, and disturbed +the calmest piety. For what can be more terrible, and at the +same time more audacious, than human beings arrogating to +themselves the powers of the deity, and denouncing, in +equivocal cases, a certainty and severity of future +punishment, equally revolting to scripture and common sense? +To drive the timid into desperation, and to cut away the +anchor of hope from the rational believer, seem, among other +things, to have been the objects of these "ascetic" authors; +while the pictures, which were suffered to adorn their +printed works, confirmed the wish that, where the reader +might not comprehend the text, he could understand its +illustration by means of a print. I will give two extracts, +and one of these "bizarre cuts," in support of the preceding +remarks. At <a href="#Page_168">page 168</a>, ante, the reader will find a slight +mention of the subject: he is here presented with a more +copious illustration of it. "In likewise there is none that +may declare the piteous and horrible cries and howlings the +which that is made in hell, as well of devils as of other +damned. And if that a man demand what they say in crying; +the answer: All the damned curseth the Creator. Also they +curse together as their father and their mother, and the +hour that they were begotten, and that they were born, and +that they were put unto nourishing, and those that them +should correct and teach, and also those the which have been +the occasion of their sins, as the bawd, cursed be the bawd, +and also of other occasions in diverse sins. The second +cause of the cry of them damned is for the consideration +that they have of the time of mercy, the which is past, in +the which they may do penance and purchase paradise. The +third cause is of their cry for by cause of the horrible +pains of that they endure. As we may consider that if an +hundred persons had every of them one foot and one hand in +the fire, or in the water seething without power to die, +what <i>bruit</i> and what cry they should make; but that should +be less than nothing in comparison of devils and of other +damned, for they ben more than an hundred thousand +thousands, the which all together unto them doeth +<i>noysaunce</i>, and all in one thunder crying and braying +horribly."—<i>Thordynary of Crysten Men</i>, 1506, 4to., k k. +ii., rect. Again: from a French work written "for the +amusement of all worthy ladies and gentlemen:"</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +De la flamme tousiours esprise<br /> +De feu denfer qui point ne brise<br /> +De busches nest point actise<br /> +Ne de soufflemens embrase<br /> +Le feu denfer, mais est de Dieu<br /> +Cree pour estre en celuy lieu<br /> +Des le premier commencement<br /> +Sans jamais pendre finement<br /> +Illec nya point de clarte<br /> +Mais de tenebres obscurte<br /> +De peine infinie durte<br /> +De miseres eternite<br /> +Pleur et estraignement de dens<br /> +Chascun membre aura la dedans<br /> +Tourmmens selon ce qua forfait<br /> +La peine respondra au fait,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">&c. &c. &c.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="center"><i>Le passe tempe de tout home, et de toute femme</i>; sign. q. ii., rev.</p> + +<p>Printed by Verard in 8vo., without date: (from a copy, +printed upon vellum, in the possession of John Lewis +Goldsmyd, Esq.)—The next extract is from a book which was +written to amuse and instruct the common people: being +called by Warton a "universal magazine of every article of +salutary and useful knowledge." <i>Hist. Engl. Poetry</i>: vol. +ii., 195.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +In hell is great mourning<br /> +Great trouble of crying<br /> +Of thunder noises roaring<br /> +with plenty of wild fire<br /> +Beating with great strokes like guns<br /> +with a great frost in water runs<br /> +And after a bitter wind comes<br /> +which goeth through the souls with ire<br /> +There is both thirst and hunger<br /> +fiends with hooks putteth their flesh asunder<br /> +They fight and curse and each on other wonder<br /> +with the fight of the devils dreadable<br /> +There is shame and confusion<br /> +Rumour of conscience for evil living<br /> +They curse themself with great crying<br /> +In smoak and stink they be evermore lying<br /> +with other pains innumerable.<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="center"><i>Kalendar of Shepherds. Sign G. vij. rev. Pynson's edit., fol.</i></p> + +<p><img src="images/hell.png" width="136" height="242" alt="Hell" title="Hell" class="floatl" /> +</p> + +<p>Specimens of some of the tremendous cuts which are crowded +into this thin folio will be seen in the second volume of +the new edition of the <i>Typographical Antiquities</i>. However, +that the reader's curiosity may not here be disappointed, he +is presented with a similar specimen, on a smaller scale, of +one of the infernal tortures above described. It is taken +from a book whose title conveys something less terrific; and +describes a punishment which is said to be revealed by the +Almighty to St. Bridget against those who have "ornamenta +indecentia in capitibus et pedibus, et reliquis membris, ad +provocandum luxuriam et irritandum deum, in strictis +vestibus, ostensione mamillarum, unctionibus," &c. +<i>Revelaciones sancte Birgitte; edit. Koeberger, 1521, fol., +sign. q., 7, rev.</i></p> + +<p class="tp"><a name="Footnote_288_292" id="Footnote_288_292"></a><a href="#FNanchor_288_292">[288]</a> See many of the cuts in that scarce and +highly coveted volume, entitled, "<i>Idée Generale d'une +Collection complètte d'Estampes</i>." Leips. 1771, 8vo.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> This is, at least, an original idea; and has escaped the sagacity +of every commentator in the last twenty-one volume edition of the +works of our bard.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> But to return to Henry. I should imagine that his mind was not +much affected by the perusal of this description of books: but rather +that he was constantly meditating upon some old arithmetical work—the +prototype of Cocker—which, in the desolation of the ensuing half +century, has unfortunately perished. Yet, if this monarch be accused +of avaricious propensities—if, in consequence of speculating deeply +in <i>large paper</i> and <i>vellum</i> copies, he made his coffers to run over +with gold—it must be remembered that he was, at the same time, a +patron as well as judge of architectural artists; and while the +completion of the structure of King's college Chapel, Cambridge, and +the building of his own magnificent chapel<a name="FNanchor_289_293" id="FNanchor_289_293"></a><a href="#Footnote_289_293" class="fnanchor">[289]</a> at Westminster (in +which latter, I suspect, he had a curiously-carved gothic closet for +the preservation of choice copies from Caxton's neighbour<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">206</a></span>ing press), +afford decisive proofs of Henry's skill in matters of taste, the +rivalship of printers and of book-buyers shews that the example of the +monarch was greatly favourable to the propagation of the Bibliomania. +Indeed, such was the progress of the book-disease that, in the very +year of Henry's death, appeared, for the first time in this country, +an edition of <i>The Ship of Fools</i>—in which work, ostentatious and +ignorant book-collectors<a name="FNanchor_290_294" id="FNanchor_290_294"></a><a href="#Footnote_290_294" class="fnanchor">[290]</a> are, amongst other characters, severely +satirized.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_289_293" id="Footnote_289_293"></a><a href="#FNanchor_289_293">[289]</a> Harpsfield speaks with becoming truth and +spirit of Henry's great attention to ecclesiastical +establishments: "Splendidum etiam illud sacellum +westmonasterij, magno sumptu atque magnificentia ab eodem +est conditum. In quod cœnobium valde fuit liberalis et +munificus. Nullumque fere fuit in tota Anglia monachorum, +aut fratrum cœnobium, nullum collegium, cujus preces, ad +animam ipsius Deo post obitum commendandam, sedulo non +expetierat. Legavit autem singulorum præfectis sex solidos +et octo denarios, singulis autem eorundem presbyteris, tres +solidos et quatuor denarios: ceteris non presbyteris viginti +denarios." <i>Hist. Eccles. Anglic.</i>, p. 606, edit. 1622, +fol.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_290_294" id="Footnote_290_294"></a><a href="#FNanchor_290_294">[290]</a> The reader is here introduced to his old +acquaintance, who appeared in the title-page to my first +"<i>Bibliomania</i>:"— +</p> + +<p class="centertbp"> +<img src="images/bookfool.png" width="359" height="277" alt="Book fool" title="Book fool" /> +</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +I am the firste fole of all the hole navy<br /> +To kepe the pompe, the helme, and eke the sayle:<br /> +For this is my mynde, this one pleasoure have I—<br /> +Of bokes to haue great plenty and aparayle.<br /> +I take no wysdome by them: nor yet avayle<br /> +Nor them perceyve nat: And then I them despyse.<br /> +Thus am I a foole, and all that serue that guyse.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><i>Shyp of Folys</i>, &c., <i>Pynson's edit.</i>, 1509, fol.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> +</div> + +<p class="tp">We have now reached the threshhold of the reign of <span class="smcap">Henry VIII.</span>—and of +the era of <span class="smcap">the Reformation</span>. An era in every respect most important, +but, in proportion to its importance, equally difficult to +describe—as it operates upon the history of the Bibliomania. Now +blazed forth, but blazed for a short period, the exquisite talents of +Wyatt, Surrey, Vaux, Fischer, More, and,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">207</a></span> when he made his abode with +us, the incomparable Erasmus. But these in their turn.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> You omit Wolsey. Surely he knew something about books?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> I am at present only making the sketch of my grand picture. +Wolsey, I assure you, shall stand in the foreground. Nor shall the +immortal Leland be treated in a less distinguished manner. Give me +only "ample room and verge enough," and a little time to collect my +powers, and then—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> "Yes, and then"—you will infect us from top to toe with the +<span class="smcap">book-disease</span>!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> In truth I already begin to feel the consequence of the +innumerable miasma of it, which are floating in the atmosphere of this +library. I move that we adjourn to a purer air.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> I second the motion: for, having reached the commencement of +Henry's reign, it will be difficult to stop at any period in it +previous to that of the Reformation.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Agreed. Thanks to the bacchanalian bounty of Lorenzo, we are +sufficiently enlivened to enter yet further, and more +enthusiastically, into this congenial discourse. Dame nature and good +sense equally admonish us now to depart. Let us, therefore, close the +apertures of these gorgeous decanters:—</p> + +<p class="center">"Claudite jam rivos, pueri: sat prata bibêrunt!"</p> + +<p class="centertp"> +<img src="images/deco08.png" width="480" height="205" alt="" title="" /> +</p> + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">208</a></span></p> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/striking.jpg" width="329" height="500" alt="striking device" title="striking device" /> +</p> + +<p class="center">The striking device of <span class="smcap">M. Morin</span>, Printer, Rouen.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">209</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="PART_V" id="PART_V"></a>PART V.<br /> +<br /> +<span class="bl">The Drawing Room.</span></h2> + + +<h3>HISTORY OF THE BIBLIOMANIA, OR ACCOUNT<br /> +OF BOOK COLLECTORS, CONCLUDED.</h3> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/line02.png" width="113" height="14" alt="" title="" /> +</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +<span style="margin-left: 9em;">Some in Learning's garb</span><br /> +With formal hand, and sable-cinctur'd gown,<br /> +And rags of mouldy volumes.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><span class="smcap">Akenside</span>; <i>Pleasures of Imagination</i>, b. iii., v. 96.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">211</a></span></p> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/part5.jpg" width="362" height="600" alt="The Drawing Room" title="The Drawing Room" /> +</p> + +<p class="centerbp"><span class="msm">[<a href="images/part5-lg.jpg">Enlarge</a>]</span></p> + +<h2><span class="bl">The Drawing Room.</span></h2> + +<h3> +HISTORY OF THE BIBLIOMANIA, OR ACCOUNT OF<br /> +BOOK-COLLECTORS, CONTINUED.<br /> +</h3> + + +<p class="tp"><img src="images/cap_v.png" width="250" height="249" alt="V" title="V" class="floatl" />OLATILE +as the reader may <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: conceive">comceive</span> the +character of Lisardo to be, there were traits in it of marked goodness +and merit. His enthusiasm so frequently made him violate the rules of +severe politeness; and the quickness with which he flew from one +subject to another, might have offended a narrator of the gravity, +without the urbanity, of Lysander; had not the frankness with which he +confessed his faults, and the warmth with which he always advocated +the cause of literature, rendered him amiable in the eyes of those who +thoroughly knew him. The friends, whose company he was now enjoying, +were fully competent to appreciate his worth. They perceived that +Lisardo's mind had been rather brilliantly cultivated; and that, as +his heart had always beaten at the call of virtue, so,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">212</a></span> in a due +course of years, his judgment would become matured, and his opinions +more decidedly fixed. He had been left, very early in life, without a +father, and bred up in the expectation of a large fortune; while the +excessive fondness of his mother had endeavoured to supply the want of +paternal direction, and had encouraged her child to sigh for every +thing short of impossibility for his gratification.</p> + +<p>In consequence, Lisardo was placed at College upon the most +respectable footing. He wore the velvet cap, and enjoyed the rustling +of the tassels upon his silk gown, as he paraded the High street of +Oxford. But although he could translate Tacitus and Theocritus with +creditable facility, he thought it more advantageous to gratify the +cravings of his body than of his mind. He rode high-mettled horses; he +shot with a gun which would have delighted an Indian prince; he drank +freely out of cut-glasses, which were manufactured according to his +own particular taste; and wines of all colours and qualities sparkled +upon his table; he would occasionally stroll into the Bodleian Library +and Picture Gallery, in order to know whether any acquisitions had +been recently made to them; and attended the Concerts when any +performer came down from London. Yet, in the midst of all his gaiety, +Lisardo passed more sombrous than joyous hours: for when he looked +into a book, he would sometimes meet with an electrical sentence from +Cicero, Seneca, or Johnson, from which he properly inferred that life +was uncertain, and that time was given us to prepare for eternity.</p> + +<p>He grew dissatisfied and melancholy. He scrambled through his terms; +took his degree; celebrated his anniversary of twenty-one, by +drenching his native village in ale which had been brewed at his +birth; added two wings to his father's house; launched out into coin +and picture collecting; bought fine books with fine bindings; then +sold all his coins and pictures; and, at the age of twenty-five, began +to read, and think, and act for himself.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">213</a></span></p> + +<p>At this crisis, he became acquainted with the circle which has already +been introduced to the reader's attention; and to which circle the +same reader may think it high time now to return.</p> + +<p>Upon breaking up for <span class="smcap">the drawing room</span>, it was amusing to behold the +vivacity of Lisardo; who, leaping about Lysander, and expressing his +high gratification at the discourse he had already heard, and his +pleasure at what he hoped yet to hear, reminded us of what Boswell has +said of Garrick, who used to flutter about Dr. Johnson, and try to +soften his severity by a thousand winning gestures.</p> + +<p>The doors were opened; and we walked into Lorenzo's Drawing Room. The +reader is not to figure to himself a hundred fantastical and fugitive +pieces of furniture, purchased at Mr. Oakley's, and set off with +curtains, carpet, and looking-glasses—at a price which would have +maintained a country town of seven hundred poor with bread and soup +during the hardest winter—the reader will not suppose that a man of +Lorenzo's taste, who called books his best wealth, would devote two +thousand pounds to such idle trappings; which in the course of three +years, at farthest, would lose their comfort by losing their fashion. +But he will suppose that elegance and propriety were equally consulted +by our host.</p> + +<p>Accordingly, a satin-wood book-case of 14 feet in width and 11 in +height, ornamented at the top with a few chaste Etruscan vases—a +light blue carpet, upon which were depicted bunches of grey roses, +shadowed in brown—fawn-coloured curtains, relieved with yellow silk +and black velvet borders—alabaster lamps shedding their soft light +upon small marble busts—and sofas and chairs corresponding with the +curtains—(and upon which a visitor might sit without torturing the +nerves of the owner of them) these, along with some genuine pictures +of Wouvermans, Berghem, and Rysdael, and a few other (subordinate) +ornaments, formed the furniture of Lorenzo's Drawing Room. As it was +<i>en suite</i> with the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">214</a></span> library, which was fitted up in a grave style or +character, the contrast was sufficiently pleasing.</p> + +<p>Lisardo ran immediately to the book-case. He first eyed, with a greedy +velocity, the backs of the folios and quartos; then the octavos; and, +mounting an ingeniously-contrived mahogany rostrum, which moved with +the utmost facility, he did not fail to pay due attention to the +duodecimos; some of which were carefully preserved in Russia or +morocco backs, with water-tabby silk linings, and other appropriate +embellishments. In the midst of his book-reverie, he heard, on a +sudden, the thrilling notes of a harp—which proceeded from the +further end of the library!—it being Lorenzo's custom, upon these +occasions, to request an old Welch servant to bring his instrument +into the library, and renew, if he could, the strains of "other +times." Meanwhile the curtains were "let fall;" the sofa wheeled +round;</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">—and the cups</span><br /> +That cheer, but not inebriate,<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>with "the bubbling and loud hissing urn," "welcomed the evening in." +Lorenzo brought from his library a volume of Piranesi, and another of +engravings from the heads of Vandyke. Lisardo, in looking at them, +beat time with his head and foot; and Philemon and Lysander +acknowledged that Dr. Johnson himself could never have so much enjoyed +the beverage which was now before them.</p> + +<p>If it should here be asked, by the critical reader, why our society is +not described as being more congenial, by the presence of those "whom +man was born to please," the answer is at once simple and +true—Lorenzo was a bachelor; and his sisters, knowing how long and +desperate would be our discussion upon the black letter and white +letter, had retreated, in the morning, to spend the day with Lisardo's +mother—whither —— —— had been invited to join them.</p> + +<p>The harper had now ceased. The tea-things were moved away; when we +narrowed our circle, and, two of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">215</a></span> us upon the sofa, and three upon +chairs, entreated Lysander to resume his narrative; who, after +"clearing his pipes (like Sir Roger de Coverley) with a loud hem or +two," thus proceeded.</p> + +<p class="bp">"I think we left off," said Lysander, "with seating <span class="smcap">Henry the Eighth</span> +upon the throne of England. It will be as well, therefore, to say +something of this monarch's pretensions to scholarship and love of +books. Although I will not rake together every species of abuse which +has been vented against him by one Anthony Gilbie,<a name="FNanchor_291_295" id="FNanchor_291_295"></a><a href="#Footnote_291_295" class="fnanchor">[291]</a> yet Henry must +be severely censured, in the estimation of the most candid inquirer, +for that gross indifference which he evinced to the real interests of +literature, in calmly suffering the libraries of convents and +monasteries to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">216</a></span> be pillaged by the crafty and rapacious. He was +bibliomaniac enough to have a few copies of his own work, in defence +of the Roman Catholic exposition of the Sacrament, struck off <span class="smcap">upon +vellum</span>:<a name="FNanchor_292_296" id="FNanchor_292_296"></a><a href="#Footnote_292_296" class="fnanchor">[292]</a> but when he quarrelled with the Roman pontiff about his +divorce from Queen Catharine, in order to marry Anne Boleyn,<a name="FNanchor_293_297" id="FNanchor_293_297"></a><a href="#Footnote_293_297" class="fnanchor">[293]</a> he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">217</a></span> +sounded the tocsin for the eventful destruction of all monastic +libraries: and although he had sent Leland, under an express +commission, to make a due examination of them, as well as a +statistical survey of the realm, yet, being frustrated in the +forementioned darling object, he cared for nothing about books, +whether <i>upon vellum</i> or <i>large paper</i>. But had we not better speak of +the book ravages, during the reformation, in their proper place?"</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_291_295" id="Footnote_291_295"></a><a href="#FNanchor_291_295">[291]</a> "In the time (saith he) of King <span class="smcap">Henrie the +eight</span>, when by Tindall, Frith, Bilney, and other his +faithful seruantes, God called England to dresse his +vineyarde, many promise ful faire, whome I coulde name, but +what fruite followed? Nothing but bitter grapes, yea, bryers +and brambles, the wormewood of auarice, the gall of +crueltie, the poison of filthie fornication, flowing from +head to fote, the contempt of God, and open defence of the +cake idole, by open proclamation to be read in the churches +in steede of God's Scriptures. Thus was there no +reformation, but a deformation, in the time of the tyrant +and lecherouse monster. The bore I graunt was busie, +wrooting and digging in the earth, and all his pigges that +followed him, but they sought onely for the pleasant +fruites, that they winded with their long snoutes; and for +their own bellies sake, they wrooted up many weeds; but they +turned the grounde so, mingling goode and badde togeather, +sweet and sower, medecine and poyson, they made, I saye, +suche confusion of religion and lawes, that no good thinge +could growe, but by great miracle, under suche gardeners. +And no maruaile, if it be rightlye considered. For this bore +raged against God, against the Divell, against Christe, and +against Antichrist, as the fome that he cast oute against +Luther, the racing out of the name of the pope, and yet +allowing his lawes, and his murder of many Christian +souldiars, and of many Papists, doe declare and evidentlie +testifie unto us; especially the burning of Barnes, Jerome, +and Garrette, their faithfull preachers of the truthe, and +hanging the same daye for the maintenaunce of the pope, +Poel, Abel, and Fetherstone, dothe clearlie painte his +beastlines, that he cared for no religion. This monsterous +bore for all this must needes be called the head of the +church in paine of treason, displacing Christ, our onely +head, who ought alone to haue this title." <i>Admonition to +England and Scotland, &c.</i>, Geneva, 1558, p. 69. Quoted by +Stapleton in his <i>Counter Blaste to Horne's Vayne Blaste</i>, +Lovan., 1567, 4to., fol. 23. Gilbie was a Protestant; upon +which Stapleton who was a rigid Roman Catholic, shrewdly +remarks in the margin: "See how religiously the Protestantes +speak of their princes!"</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_292_296" id="Footnote_292_296"></a><a href="#FNanchor_292_296">[292]</a> Mr. Edwards informs me that he has had a copy +of the "<i>Assertio Septem Sacramentorum aduersus Martin +Lutherum</i>," &c. (printed by Pynson in 4to., both with and +without date—1521), <span class="smcap">upon vellum</span>. The presentation copy to +Henry, and perhaps another to Wolsey, might have been of +this nature. I should have preferred a similar copy of the +small book, printed a few years afterwards, in 12mo., of +Henry's Letters in answer to Luther's reply to the foregoing +work. This is not the place to talk further of these curious +pieces. I have seen some of Pynson's books printed upon +vellum; which are not remarkable for their beauty.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_293_297" id="Footnote_293_297"></a><a href="#FNanchor_293_297">[293]</a> Those readers who are not in possession of +Hearne's rare edition of <i>Robert de Avesbury</i>, 1720, 8vo., +and who cannot, in consequence, read the passionate letters +of Henry VIII. to his beloved Boleyn, which form a leading +feature in the Appendix to the same, will find a few +extracts from them in the <i>British Bibliographer</i>; vol. ii., +p. 78. Some of the monarch's signatures, of which Hearne has +given fac-similes, are as follow: +</p> + +<p class="centertbp"> +<img src="images/signatures.png" width="500" height="337" alt="signatures" title="signatures" /> +</p> + +<p> +When one thinks of the then imagined happiness of the fair +object of these epistles—and reads the splendid account of +her coronation dinner, by Stow—contrasting it with the +melancholy circumstances which attended her death—one is at +loss to think, or to speak, with sufficient force, of the +fickleness of all sublunary grandeur! The reader may, +perhaps, wish for this, "coronation dinner?" It is, in part, +strictly as follows: "While the queen was in her chamber, +every lord and other that ought to do service at the +coronation, did prepare them, according to their duty: as +the Duke of Suffolk, High-Steward of England, which was +richly apparelled—his doublet and jacket set with orient +pearl, his gown crimson velvet embroidered, his courser +trapped with a close trapper, head and all, to the ground, +of crimson velvet, set full of letters of gold, of +goldsmith's work; having a long white rod in his hand. On +his left-hand rode the Lord William, deputy for his brother, +as Earl Marshall, with ye marshal's rod, whose gown was +crimson velvet, and his horse's trapper purple velvet cut on +white satin, embroidered with white lions. The Earl of +Oxford was High Chamberlain; the Earl of Essex, carver; the +Earl of Sussex, sewer; the Earl of Arundel, chief butler; on +whom 12 citizens of London did give their attendance at the +cupboard; the Earl of Derby, cup-bearer; the Viscount Lisle, +panter; the Lord Burgeiny, chief larder; the Lord Broy, +almoner for him and his copartners; and the Mayor of Oxford +kept the buttery-bar: and Thomas Wyatt was chosen ewerer for +Sir Henry Wyatt, his father." "When all things were ready +and ordered, <span class="smcap">the queen</span>, under her canopy, came into the +hall, and washed; and sat down in the middest of the table, +under her cloth of estate. On the right side of her chair +stood the Countess of Oxford, widow: and on her left hand +stood the Countess of Worcester, all the dinner season; +which, divers times in the dinner time, did hold a fine +cloth before the Queen's face, when she list to spit, or do +otherwise at her pleasure. And at the table's end sate the +Archbishop of Canterbury, on the right hand of the Queen; +and in the midst, between the Archbishop and the Countess of +Oxford, stood the Earl of Oxford, with a white staff, all +dinner time; and at the Queen's feet, under the table, sate +two gentlewomen all dinner time. When all these things were +thus ordered, came in the Duke of Suffolk and the Lord +William Howard on horseback, and the Serjeants of arms +before them, and after them the sewer; and then the knights +of the Bath, bringing in the <i>first course</i>, which was eight +and twenty dishes, besides subtleties, and ships made of +wax, marvellous gorgeous to behold: all which time of +service, the trumpets standing in the window, at the nether +end of the hall, played," &c. <i>Chronicles</i>; p. 566: edit. +1615, fol.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lorenz.</span> As you please. Perhaps you will go on with the mention of some +distinguished patrons 'till you arrive at that period?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Yes; we may now as well notice the efforts of that +extraordinary <i>bibliomaniacal triumvirate</i>, Colet, More, and Erasmus.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> Pray treat copiously of them. They are my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">218</a></span> great favourites. But +can you properly place Erasmus in the list?</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> You forget that he made a long abode here, and was Greek +professor at Cambridge. To begin, then, with the former. <span class="smcap">Colet</span>, as you +well know, was Dean of St. Paul's; and founder of the public school +which goes by the latter name. He had an ardent and general love of +literature;<a name="FNanchor_294_298" id="FNanchor_294_298"></a><a href="#Footnote_294_298" class="fnanchor">[294]</a> but his attention to the improve<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">219</a></span>ment of youth, in +superintending appropriate publications, for their use, was +unremitting. Few men did so much and so well, at this period: for +while he was framing the statutes by which his little community was to +be governed, he did not fail to keep the presses of Wynkyn De Worde +and Pynson pretty constantly at work, by publishing the grammatical +treatises of Grocyn, Linacre, Stanbridge, Lilye, Holte, Whittington, +and others—for the benefit, as well of the public, as of his own +particular circle. I take it, his library must have been both choice +and copious; for books now began to be multiplied in an immense ratio, +and scholars and men of rank thought <i>a Study</i>, or <i>Library</i>, of some +importance to their mansions. What would we not give for an +authenticated representation of Dean Colet in his library,<a name="FNanchor_295_299" id="FNanchor_295_299"></a><a href="#Footnote_295_299" class="fnanchor">[295]</a> +surrounded with books? You, Lisardo, would be in ecstacies with such a +thing!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_294_298" id="Footnote_294_298"></a><a href="#FNanchor_294_298">[294]</a> How anxiously does <span class="smcap">Colet</span> seem to have watched +the progress, and pushed the sale, of his friend Erasmus's +first edition of the Greek Testament! "Quod scribis de Novo +Testamento intelligo. Et libri novæ editionis tuæ <i>hic avide +emuntur et passim leguntur</i>!" The entire epistle (which may +be seen in Dr. Knight's dry Life of Colet, p. 315) is +devoted to an account of Erasmus's publications. "I am +really astonished, my dear Erasmus (does he exclaim), at the +fruitfulness of your talents; that, without any fixed +residence, and with a precarious and limited income, you +contrive to publish so many and such excellent works." +Adverting to the distracted state of Germany at this period, +and to the wish of his friend to live secluded and +unmolested, he observes—"As to the tranquil retirement +which you sigh for, be assured that you have my sincere +wishes for its rendering you as happy and composed as you +can wish it. Your age and erudition entitle you to such a +retreat. I fondly hope, indeed, that you will choose this +country for it, and come and live amongst us, whose +disposition you know, and whose friendship you have proved." +There is hardly a more curious picture of the custom of the +times relating to the education of boys, than the Dean's own +Statutes for the regulation of St. Paul's School, which he +had founded. These shew, too, the <i>popular books</i> then read +by the learned. "The children shall come unto the school in +the morning at seven of the clock, both winter and summer, +and tarry there until eleven; and return again at one of the +clock, and depart at five, &c. In the school, no time in the +year, they shall use tallow candle, in no wise, but <i>only +wax candle</i>, at the costs of their friends. Also I will they +bring no meat nor drink, nor bottle, nor use in the school +no breakfasts, nor drinkings, in the time of learning, in no +wise, &c. I will they use no cockfighting, nor riding about +of victory, nor disputing at Saint Bartholomew, which is but +foolish babbling and loss of time." The master is then +restricted, under the penalty of 40 shillings, from granting +the boys a holiday, or "remedy" (play-day), as it is here +called, "except the king, an archbishop, or a bishop, +present in his own person in the school, desire it." The +studies for the lads were "Erasmus's <i>Copia</i> et <i>Institutum +Christiani Hominii</i> (composed at the Dean's request), +<i>Lactantius</i>, <i>Prudentius</i>, <i>Juvencus</i>, <i>Proba</i> and +<i>Sedulius</i>, and <i>Baptista Mantuanus</i>, and such other as +shall be thought convenient and most to purpose unto the +true Latin speech; all barbary, all corruption, all Latin +adulterate, which ignorant blind fools brought into this +world, and with the same hath distained and poisoned the old +Latin speech, and the <i>veray</i> Roman tongue, which in the +time of Tully, and Sallust, and Virgil, and Terence, was +used—I say, that filthiness, and all such abusion, which +the later blind world brought in, which more rather may be +called <span class="smcap">Bloterature</span> than <span class="smcap">Literature</span>, I utterly banish and +exclude out of <span class="smcap">this school</span>." Knight's <i>Life of Colet</i>, 362, +4. The sagacious reader will naturally enough conclude that +boys, thus educated, would, afterwards, of necessity, fall +victims to the ravages of the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>!</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_295_299" id="Footnote_295_299"></a><a href="#FNanchor_295_299">[295]</a> I wish it were in my power to come forward +with any stronger degree of probability than the exhibition +of the subjoined cut, of what might have been the interior +of <i>Dean Colet's Study</i>. This print is taken from an old +work, printed in the early part of the sixteenth century, +and republished in a book of Alciatus's emblems, translated +from the Latin into Italian, A.D. 1549, 8vo. There is an air +of truth about it; but the frame work is entirely modern, +and perhaps not in the purest taste. It may turn out that +this interior view of a private library is somewhat too +perfect and finished for the times of Colet, in this +country; especially if we may judge from the rules to be +observed in completing a public one, just about the period +of Colet's death: "Md. couenawntyd and agreid wyth Comell +Clerke, for the making off the dextis in the library, (of +Christ Church College, Oxford) to the summe off xvi, after +the maner and forme as they be in Magdalyn college, except +the popie heedes off the seites, this to be workmanly +wrought and clenly, and he to have all manner off stooff +foond hym, and to have for the makyng off one dexte x<span class="super">s</span>. +the sum off the hole viii. li. Item: borowd att Magdaleyn +college one c. off v. d nayle, a c. off vi. d nayle, dim. c. +x. d. nayle."—<i>Antiquities of Glastonbury</i>; edit. Hearne, +p. 307. +</p> + +<p class="centertp"> +<img src="images/coletstudy.png" width="465" height="439" alt="Colet's study" title="Colet's study" /> +</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">220</a></span><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Pray don't make such tantalizing appeals to me! Proceed, proceed.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Of this amiable and illustrious character I will only further +observe that he possessed solid, good sense—unaffected and unshaken +piety—a love towards the whole human race—and that he dignified his +attachment to learning by the conscientious discharge of his duty +towards God and man. He sleeps in peace beneath a monument, which has +been consecrated by the tears of all who were related to him, and by +the prayers of those who have been benefitted by his philanthropy.</p> + +<p>Of <span class="smcap">Sir Thomas More</span>,<a name="FNanchor_296_300" id="FNanchor_296_300"></a><a href="#Footnote_296_300" class="fnanchor">[296]</a> where is the schoolboy that is ignorant? He +was unquestionably, next to Erasmus, the most brilliant scholar of his +age: while the precious biographical memoirs of him, which have +luckily descended to us, place his character, in a domestic point of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">221</a></span> +view, beyond that of all his contemporaries. Dr. Wordsworth<a name="FNanchor_297_301" id="FNanchor_297_301"></a><a href="#Footnote_297_301" class="fnanchor">[297]</a> has +well spoken of "the heavenly mindedness" of More: but how are +bibliomaniacs justly to appreciate the classical lore, and +incessantly-active book-pursuits,<a name="FNanchor_298_302" id="FNanchor_298_302"></a><a href="#Footnote_298_302" class="fnanchor">[298]</a> of this scholar and martyr! How +he soared<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">222</a></span> "above his compeers!" How richly, singularly, and +curiously, was his mind furnished! Wit, playfulness, elevation, and +force—all these are distinguishable in his writings, if we except his +polemical compositions; which latter, to speak in the gentlest terms, +are wholly unworthy of his name. When More's head was severed from his +body, virtue and piety exclaimed, in the language of Erasmus,—"He is +dead: More, whose breast was purer than snow, whose genius was +excellent above all his nation."<a name="FNanchor_299_303" id="FNanchor_299_303"></a><a href="#Footnote_299_303" class="fnanchor">[299]</a></p> + +<p class="centertp"> +<img src="images/more.png" width="500" height="406" alt="More's execution" title="More's execution" /> +</p> + +<p class="centerbp">Behold him going to execution—his beloved daughter<br /> +(Mrs. Roper) rushing through the guards, to take her last embrace.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_296_300" id="Footnote_296_300"></a><a href="#FNanchor_296_300">[296]</a> In the first volume of my edition of <span class="smcap">Sir +Thomas More's</span> <i>Utopia</i>, the reader will find an elaborate +and faithful account of the biographical publications +relating to this distinguished character, together with a +copious <i>Catalogue Raisonnè</i> of the engraved portraits of +him, and an analysis of his English works. It would be +tedious to both the reader and author, here to repeat what +has been before written of Sir Thomas More—whose memory +lives in every cultivated bosom. Of this edition of the +Utopia there appeared a flimsy and tart censure in the +<i>Edinburgh Review</i>, by a critic, who, it was manifest, had +never examined the volumes, and who, when he observes upon +the fidelity of Bishop Burnet's translation of the original +Latin of More, was resolved, from pure love of Whiggism, to +defend an author at the expense of truth.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_297_301" id="Footnote_297_301"></a><a href="#FNanchor_297_301">[297]</a> I have read this newly published biographical +memoir of Sir Thomas More: which contains nothing very new, +or deserving of particular notice in this place.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_298_302" id="Footnote_298_302"></a><a href="#FNanchor_298_302">[298]</a> A bibliomanical anecdote here deserves to be +recorded; as it shews how More's love of books had infected +even those who came to seize upon him to carry him to the +Tower, and to endeavour to inveigle him into treasonable +expressions:—"While Sir Richard Southwell and Mr. Palmer +were bussie in <i>trussinge upp his bookes</i>, Mr. Riche, +pretending," &c.—"Whereupon Mr. Palmer, on his desposition, +said, that he was soe bussie about the <i>trussinge upp Sir +Tho. Moore's bookes</i> in a sacke, that he tooke no heed to +there talke. Sir Richard Southwell likewise upon his +disposition said, that because he was appoynted only to +looke to the conveyance <i>of his bookes</i>, he gave noe ear +unto them."—<i>Gulielmi Roperi Vita D.T. Mori</i>; edit Herne, +p. 47, 51.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_299_303" id="Footnote_299_303"></a><a href="#FNanchor_299_303">[299]</a> Epistle Dedicatory to Ecclesiastes: quoted in +that elegant and interesting quarto volume of the "<i>Lives of +British Statesmen</i>," by the late Mr. Macdiarmid; p. 117.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">How can I speak, with adequate justice, of the author of these +words!—Yes, <span class="smcap">Erasmus</span>!—in spite of thy timidity, and sometimes, almost +servile compliances with the capricious whims of the great; in spite +of thy delicate foibles, thou shalt always live in my memory; and dear +to me shall be the possession of thy intellectual labours! No pen has +yet done justice to thy life.<a name="FNanchor_300_304" id="FNanchor_300_304"></a><a href="#Footnote_300_304" class="fnanchor">[300]</a> How<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">223</a></span> I love to trace thee, in all +thy bookish pursuits, from correcting the press of thy beloved Froben, +to thy social meetings with Colet and More! You remember well, +Lisardo,—we saw, in yonder room, a <i>large paper</i> copy of the fine +Leyden edition of this great man's works! You opened it; and were +struck with the variety—the solidity, as well as gaiety, of his +productions.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_300_304" id="Footnote_300_304"></a><a href="#FNanchor_300_304">[300]</a> It were much to be wished that Mr. Roscoe, +who has so successfully turned his attention to the history +of <i>Italian Literature</i>, of the period of Erasmus, would +devote himself to the investigation of the philological +history of the German schools, and more especially to the +literary life of the great man of whom Lysander is above +speaking. The biographical memoirs of Erasmus by Le Clerc, +anglicised and enlarged by the learned Jortin, and Dr. +Knight's life of the same, can never become popular. They +want method, style and interest. Le Clerc, however, has made +ample amends for the defectiveness of his biographical +composition, by the noble edition of Erasmus's works which +he put forth at Leyden, in the year 1703-6, in eleven +volumes folio: of which volumes the reader will find an +excellent analysis or review in the <i>Act. Erudit.</i>, A.D. +1704, &c. Le Clerc, <i>Bibl. Choisie</i>, vol. i., 380; Du Pin's +<i>Bibl. Eccles.</i>, vol. xiv., and <i>Biblioth. Fabric</i>, pt. i., +359; from which latter we learn that, in the public library, +at Deventer, there is a copy of Erasmus's works, in which +those passages, where the author speaks freely of the laxity +of the monkish character, have been defaced, "chartâ +fenestrata." A somewhat more compressed analysis of the +contents of these volumes appeared in the <i>Sylloge +Opusculorum Hist.-Crit., Literariorum, J.A. Fabricii, Hamb.</i> +1738, 4to., p. 363, 378—preceded, however, by a pleasing, +yet brief account of the leading features of Erasmus's +literary life. Tn one of his letters to Colet, Erasmus +describes himself as "a very poor fellow in point of +fortune, and wholly exempt from ambition." A little before +his death he sold his library to one John a Lasco, a +Polonese, for only 200 florins. (Of this amiable foreigner, +see <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Strype's">Stypye's</span> <i>Life of</i> +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Cranmer"><i>Crammer</i></span>; b. ii., ch. xxii.) +Nor did he—notwithstanding his services to booksellers—and +although every press was teeming with his lucubrations—and +especially that of Colinæeus—(which alone put forth 24,000 +copies of his <i>Colloquies</i>) ever become much the wealthier +for his talents as an author. His bibliomaniacal spirit was +such, that he paid most liberally those who collated or +described works of which he was in want. In another of his +letters, he declares that "he shall not +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: receive">recieve</span> an <i>obolus</i> that year; as he +had spent more than what he had gained in rewarding those +who had made book-researches for him;" and he complains, +after being five months at Cambridge, that he had, +fruitlessly, spent upwards of fifty crowns. "Noblemen," says +he, "love and praise literature, and my lucubrations; but +they praise and do not reward." To his friend Eobanus Hessus +(vol. vi., 25), he makes a bitter complaint "de Comite +quodam." For the particulars, see the last mentioned +authority, p. 363, 4. In the year 1519, Godenus, to whom +Erasmus had bequeathed a silver bowl, put forth a facetious +catalogue of his works, in hexameter and pentameter verses; +which was printed at Louvain by Martin, without date, in +4to.; and was soon succeeded by two more ample and +methodical ones by the same person in 1537, 4to.; printed by +Froben and Episcopius. See Marchand's <i>Dict. Bibliogr. et +Histor.</i>, vol. i., p. 98, 99. The bibliomaniac may not +object to be informed that Froben, shortly after the death +of his revered Erasmus, put forth this first edition of the +entire works of the latter, in nine folio volumes; and that +accurate and magnificent as is Le Clerc's edition of the +same (may I venture to hint at the rarity of <span class="smcap">large paper</span> +copies of it?), "it takes no notice of the <i>Index +Expurgatorius</i> of the early edition of Froben, which has +shown a noble art of curtailing this, as well as other +authors." See <i>Knight's Life of Erasmus</i>, p. 353. The +mention of Froben and Erasmus, thus going down to +immortality together, induces me to inform the curious +reader that my friend Mr. Edwards is possessed of a chaste +and elegant painting, by Fuseli, of this distinguished +author and printer—the portraits being executed after the +most authentic representations. Erasmus is in the act of +calmly correcting the press, while Froben is urging with +vehemence some emendations which he conceives to be of +consequence, but to which his master seems to pay no +attention! And now having presented the reader (<a href="#Page_221">p. 221</a>, +ante) with the <i>supposed</i> study of Colet, nothing remains +but to urge him to enter in imagination, with myself, into +the <i>real</i> study of Erasmus; of which we are presented with +the exterior in the following view—taken from Dr. Knight's +<i>Life of Erasmus</i>; p. 124. +</p> + +<p class="centertbp"> +<img src="images/erasmusstudy.png" width="500" height="407" alt="Erasmus's study" title="Erasmus's study" /> +</p> + +<p><img src="images/erasmus.png" width="269" height="300" alt="Erasmus 1524" title="Erasmus 1524" class="floatl" /> +I shall conclude this <span class="smcap">Erasmiana</span> (if the reader will +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: permit">premit</span> me so to entitle it) with a +wood-cut exhibition of a different kind: it being perhaps +the earliest portrait of Erasmus published in this country. +It is taken from a work entitled, "<i>The Maner and Forme of +Confesion</i>," printed by <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Byddel">Byddell</span>, in 8vo., without date; and is placed immediately +under an address from Erasmus, to Moline, Bishop of Condome; +dated 1524; in which the former complains bitterly of "the +pain and grief of the reins of his back." The print is taken +from a tracing of the original, made by me, from a neat copy +of Byddel's edition, in the collection of Roger Wilbraham, +Esq. I am free to confess that it falls a hundred degrees +short of Albert Durer's fine print of him, executed A.D. +1526. +</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Let me go and bring it here! While you talk thus, I long to feast +my eyes upon these grand books.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> You need not. Nor must I give to Erasmus<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">224</a></span> a greater share of +attention than is due to him. We have a large and varied field—or +rather domain—yet to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">225</a></span> pass over. Wishing, therefore, Lorenzo speedily +to purchase a small bronze figure of him, from the celebrated large +one at Rotterdam, and to place the same upon a copy of his first +edition of the <i>Greek Testament</i> printed <i>upon vellum</i>,<a name="FNanchor_301_305" id="FNanchor_301_305"></a><a href="#Footnote_301_305" class="fnanchor">[301]</a> by way of +a pedestal—I pass on to the notice of other bibliomaniacs of this +period.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_301_305" id="Footnote_301_305"></a><a href="#FNanchor_301_305">[301]</a> In the library of York cathedral there is a +copy of the first edition of Erasmus's Greek and Latin +Testament, 1516, fol., struck off <span class="smcap">upon vellum</span>. This, I +believe, was never before generally known.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">Subdued be every harsher feeling towards <span class="smcap">Wolsey</span>, when we contemplate +even the imperfect remains of his literary institutions which yet +survive! That this chancellor and cardinal had grand views, and a +magnificent taste, is unquestionable: and I suppose few libraries +contained more beautiful or more numerous copies of precious volumes +than his own. For, when in favour with his royal master, Henry VIII., +Wolsey had, in all probability, such an ascendency over him as to coax +from him almost every choice book which he had inherited from his +father, Henry VII.; and thus I should apprehend, although no +particular mention is made of his library in the inventories of his +goods<a name="FNanchor_302_306" id="FNanchor_302_306"></a><a href="#Footnote_302_306" class="fnanchor">[302]</a> which have been published, there can be no question about +such a character as that of Wolsey having numerous copies of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">226</a></span> the +choicest books, bound in velvet of all colours, embossed with gold or +silver, and studded even with pre<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">227</a></span>cious stones! I conceive that his +own <i>Prayer Book</i> must have been gorgeous in the extreme! Unhappy +man—a pregnant and ever-striking example of the fickleness of human +affairs, and of the instability of human grandeur! When we think of +thy baubles and trappings—of thy goblets of gold, and companies of +retainers—and turn our thoughts to Shakspeare's shepherd, as +described in the soliloquy of one of our monarchs, we are<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">228</a></span> fully +disposed to admit the force of such truths as have been familiar to us +from boyhood, and which tell us that those shoulders feel the most +burdened upon which the greatest load of responsibility rests. Peace +to the once proud, and latterly repentant, spirit of Wolsey!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_302_306" id="Footnote_302_306"></a><a href="#FNanchor_302_306">[302]</a> In the last <i>Variorum edition of Shakspeare</i>, +1803, vol. xv., p. 144, we are referred by Mr. Douce to "the +particulars of this inventory at large, in Stowe's +<i>Chronicle</i>, p. 546, edit. 1631:" my copy of Stowe is of the +date of 1615; but, not a syllable is said of it in the place +here referred to, or at any other page; although the account +of Wolsey is ample and interesting. Mr. Douce (<i>ibid.</i>) says +that, among the <i>Harl. MSS.</i> (n<span class="super">o</span>. 599) there is one +entitled "An Inventorie of Cardinal Wolsey's rich householde +stuffe; temp. Hen. VIII.; the original book, as it seems, +kept by his own officers." In Mr. Gutch's <i>Collectanea +Curiosa</i>, vol. ii., 283-349, will be found a copious account +of Wolsey's plate:—too splendid, almost, for belief. To a +life and character so well known as are those of Wolsey, and +upon which Dr. Fiddes has published a huge folio of many +hundred pages, the reader will not here expect any +additional matter which may convey much novelty or interest. +The following, however, may be worth submitting to his +consideration. The Cardinal had poetical, as well as +political, enemies. Skelton and Roy, who did not fail to +gall him with their sharp lampoons, have shewn us, by their +compositions which have survived, that they were no +despicable assailants. In the former's "<i>Why come ye not to +Court?</i>" we have this caustic passage:</p> + +<table style="width: 90%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +He is set so high<br /> +In his hierarchy<br /> +Of frantic <i>frenesy</i><br /> +And foolish fantasy,<br /> +That in chamber of stars<br /> +All matters there he mars,<br /> +Clapping his rod on the <i>borde</i><br /> +No man dare speake a word;<br /> +For he hath all the saying<br /> +Without any <i>renaying</i>:<br /> +He rolleth in his records</td> +<td>He saith: "How say ye my lords?<br /> +Is not my reason good?"<br /> +Good!—even good—Robin-hood?<br /> +Borne upon every side<br /> +<i>With pomp and with pride, &c.</i><br /> +To drink and for to eat<br /> +Sweet <i>ypocras</i>, and sweet meat,<br /> +To keep his flesh chaste<br /> +In Lent, for his repast<br /> +He eateth capons stew'd<br /> +Pheasant and partidge mewed.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2" class="right"><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><span class="smcap">Warton's</span> <i>Hist. Engl. Poetry</i>, vol. ii., 345.</span></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Steevens has also quoted freely from this poem of Skelton; +see the editions of <i>Shakspeare</i>, 1793, and 1803, in the +play of "King Henry VIII." Skelton's satire against Wolsey +is noticed by our chronicler Hall: "In this season, the +cardinal, by his power legantine, dissolved the convocation +at Paul's, called by the Archbishop of Canterbury; and +called him and all the clergy to his convocation to +Westminster, which was never seen before in England; whereof +Master Skelton, a merry poet, wrote:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Gentle Paul lay down thy <i>sweard</i><br /> +For Peter of Westminster hath shaven thy beard."<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 7em;"><i>Chronicle</i>, p. 637, edit. 1809.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>In Mr. G. Ellis's <i>Specimens of the Early English Poets</i>, +vol. ii., pp. 7, 8, there is a curious extract from the same +poet's "<i>Image of Ypocrycye</i>"—relating to Sir Thomas +More—which is printed for the first time from "an +apparently accurate transcript" of the original, in the +possession of Mr. Heber. From the last mentioned work (vol. +ii., p. 11, &c.), there is rather a copious account of a yet +more formidable poetical attack against Wolsey, in the +"<i>Rede me and be not wroth</i>," of William Roy: a very rare +and precious little black-letter volume, which, although it +has been twice printed, is scarcely ever to be met with, and +was unknown to Warton. It will, however, make its appearance +in one of the supplemental volumes of Mr. Park's valuable +reprint of the <i>Harleian Miscellany</i>. While the cardinal was +thus attacked, in the biting strains of poetry, he was +doomed to experience a full share of reprobation in the +writings of the most popular theologians. William Tyndale +stepped forth to shew his zeal against papacy in his +"<i>Practise of Popishe Prelates</i>," and from this work, as it +is incorporated in those of Tyndale, Barnes, and Frith, +printed by Day in 1572, fol., the reader is presented with +the following amusing specimen of the author's vein of +humour and indignation: "And as I heard it spoken of divers, +he made, by craft of necromancy, graven imagery to bear upon +him; wherewith he bewitched the king's mind—and made the +king to doat upon him, more than he ever did on any lady or +gentlewoman: so that now the king's grace followed him, as +he before followed the king. And then what he said, that was +wisdom; what he praised, that was honourable only." Practise +of Popishe Prelates, p. 368. At p. 369, he calls him "Porter +of Heaven." "There he made a journey of gentlemen, arrayed +altogether in silks, so much as their very shoes and lining +of their boots; more like their mothers than men of war: +yea, I am sure that many of their mothers would have been +ashamed of so nice and wanton array. Howbeit, they went not +to make war, but peace, for ever and a day longer. But to +speak of the pompous apparel of my lord himself, and of his +chaplains, it passeth the xij Apostles. I dare swear that if +Peter and Paul had seen them suddenly, and at a blush, they +would have been harder in belief that they, or any such, +should be their successors than Thomas Didimus was to +believe that Christ was risen again from death." <i>Idem</i>, p. +370,—"for the worship of his hat and glory of his precious +shoes—when he was pained with the cholic of an evil +conscience, having no other shift, because his soul could +find no other issue,—he took himself a medicine, <i>ut +emitteret spiritum per posteriora</i>." Exposition upon the +first Ep. of St. John, p. 404. Thomas Lupset, who was a +scholar of Dean Colet, and a sort of <i>elève</i> of the +cardinal, (being appointed tutor to a bastard son of the +latter) could not suppress his sarcastical feelings in +respect of Wolsey's pomp and severity of discipline. From +Lupset's works, printed by Berthelet in 1546, 12mo., I +gather, in his address to his "hearty beloved Edmond"—that +"though he had there with him plenty of books, yet the place +suffered him not to spend in them any study: for you shall +understand (says he) that I lie waiting on my <span class="smcap">Lord Cardinal</span>, +whose hours I must observe to be always at hand, lest I +should be called when I am not by: the which should be taken +for a fault of great negligence. Wherefore, that I am now +well satiated with the beholding of these gay hangings, that +garnish here every wall, I will turn me and talk with you." +(<i>Exhortacion to yonge men</i>, fol. 39, rev.) Dr. Wordsworth, +in the first volume of his <i>Ecclesiastical Biography</i>, has +printed, for the first time, the genuine text of Cavendish's +interesting life of his reverend master, Wolsey. It is well +worth perusal. But the reader, I fear, is beginning to be +outrageous (having kept his patience, during this +long-winded note, to the present moment) for some +<i>bibliomaniacal</i> evidence of Wolsey's attachment to gorgeous +books. He is presented, therefore, with the following case +in point. My friend Mr. Ellis, of the British Museum, +informs me that, in the splendid library of that +establishment, there are two copies of Galen's "<i>Methodus +Medendi</i>," edited by Linacre, and printed at Paris, in +folio, 1519. One copy, which belonged to Henry the Eighth, +has an illuminated title, with the royal arms at the bottom +of the title-page. The other, which is also illuminated, has +the cardinal's cap in the same place, above an empty shield. +Before the dedication to the king, in the latter copy, +Linacre has inserted an elegant Latin epistle to <span class="smcap">Wolsey</span>, in +manuscript. The king's copy is rather the more beautiful of +the two: but the <i>unique</i> appendage of the Latin epistle +shews that the editor considered the cardinal a more +distinguished bibliomaniac than the monarch.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">We have now reached the <span class="smcap">Reformation</span>; upon which, as Burnet, Collier, +and Strype, have written huge folio volumes, it shall be my object to +speak sparingly: and chiefly as it concerns the history of the +Bibliomania. A word or two, however, about its origin, spirit, and +tendency.</p> + +<p class="bp">It seems to have been at first very equivocal, with Henry the Eighth, +whether he would take any decisive measures in the affair, or not. He +hesitated, resolved, and hesitated again.<a name="FNanchor_303_307" id="FNanchor_303_307"></a><a href="#Footnote_303_307" class="fnanchor">[303]</a> The creature of caprice +and tyranny, he had neither fixed principles, nor settled data, upon +which to act. If he had listened to the temperate advice of <span class="smcap">Cromwell</span> +or <span class="smcap">Cranmer</span>,<a name="FNanchor_304_308" id="FNanchor_304_308"></a><a href="#Footnote_304_308" class="fnanchor">[304]</a> he would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">229</a></span> have attained his darling object by less +decisive, but certainly by more justifiable, means. Those able and +respectable counsellors saw clearly that violent measures would +produce violent results; and that a question of law, of no mean +magnitude, was involved in the very outset of the transaction—for +there seemed, on the one side, no right to possess; and, on the other, +no right to render possession.<a name="FNanchor_305_309" id="FNanchor_305_309"></a><a href="#Footnote_305_309" class="fnanchor">[305]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_303_307" id="Footnote_303_307"></a><a href="#FNanchor_303_307">[303]</a> "The king seemed to think that his subjects +owed an entire resignation of their reasons and consciences +to him; and, as he was highly offended with those who still +adhered to the papal authority, so he could not bear the +haste that some were making to a further reformation, before +or beyond his allowance. So, in the end of the year 1538, he +set out a proclamation, in which he prohibits the importing +of all foreign books, or the printing of any at home without +license; and the printing of any parts of the scripture, +'till they were examined by the king and his council," &c. +"He requires that none may argue against the presence of +Christ in the Sacrament, under the pain of death, and of the +loss of their goods; and orders all to be punished who did +disuse any rites or ceremonies not then abolished; yet he +orders them only to be observed without superstition, only +as remembrances, and not to repose in them a trust of +salvation."—Burnet's <i>Hist. of the Reformation</i>. But long +before this obscure and arbitrary act was passed, Henry's +mind had been a little shaken against papacy from a singular +work, published by one Fish, called "<i>The Supplication of +Beggers</i>." Upon this book being read through in the presence +of Henry, the latter observed, shrewdly enough, "If a man +should pull down an old stone wall, and begin at the lower +part, the upper part thereof might chance to fall upon his +head." "And then he took the book, and put it into his desk, +and commanded them, upon their allegiance, that they should +not tell to any man that he had seen this book." Fox's <i>Book +of Martyrs</i>; vol. ii., p. 280: edit. 1641. Sir Thomas More +answered this work (which depicted, in frightful colours, +the rapacity of the Roman Catholic clergy), in 1529; see my +edition of the latter's <i>Utopia</i>; vol. i., xciii.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_304_308" id="Footnote_304_308"></a><a href="#FNanchor_304_308">[304]</a> "These were some of the resolute steps King +Henry made towards the obtaining again this long struggled +for, and almost lost, right and prerogative of kings, in +their own dominions, of being supreme, against the +encroachments of the bishops of Rome. Secretary <span class="smcap">Cromwel</span> had +the great stroke in all this. All these counsels and methods +were struck out of his head." Strype's <i>Ecclesiastical +Memorials</i>; vol. i., p. 205. When great murmurs ensued, on +the suppression of the monasteries, because of the cessation +of hospitality exercised in them, "<span class="smcap">Cromwell</span> advised the king +to sell their lands, at very easie rates, to the gentry in +the several counties, obliging them, since they had them +upon such terms, to keep up the wonted hospitality. This +drew in the gentry apace," &c. Burnet's <i>Hist. of the +Reformation</i>; vol. i., p. 223. "<span class="smcap">Archbishop Cranmer</span> is said +to have counselled and pressed the king to dissolve the +monasteries; but for other ends (than those of personal +enmity against 'the monks or friars'—or of enriching +himself 'with the spoils' of the same); viz. that, out of +the revenues of these monasteries, the king might found more +bishoprics; and that dioceses, being reduced into less +compass, the diocesans might the better discharge their +office, according to the scripture and primitive +rules.——And the archbishop hoped that, from these ruins, +there would be new foundations in every cathedral erected, +to be nurseries of learning for the use of the whole +diocese." Strype's <i>Life of Archbishop Cranmer</i>, p. 35.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_305_309" id="Footnote_305_309"></a><a href="#FNanchor_305_309">[305]</a> "A very rational doubt yet remained, how +religious persons could alienate and transfer to the king a +property, of which they themselves were only tenants for +life: and an act of parliament was framed in order to remove +all future scruples on this head, and 'settle rapine and +sacrilege,' as Lord Herbert terms them, 'on the king and his +heirs for ever.'——It does not appear to have been debated, +in either house, whether they had a power to dispossess some +hundred thousand persons of their dwellings and fortunes, +whom, a few years before, they had declared to be good +subjects: if such as live well come under that +denomination."—"Now," says Sir Edward Coke, "observe the +conclusion of this tragedy. In that very parliament, when +the great and opulent priory of St. John of Jerusalem was +given to the king, and which was the last monastery seized +on, he demanded a fresh subsidy of the clergy and laity: he +did the same again within two years; and again three years +after; and since the dissolution exacted great loans, and +against law obtained them."—<i>Life of Reginald Pole</i>; vol. +i., p. 247-9: edit. 1767, 8vo. Coke's 4th <i>Institute</i>, fol. +44.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp"><span class="smcap">Latimer</span>, more hasty and enthusiastic than his episcopal brethren, set +all the engines of his active mind to work, as if to carry the point +by a <i>coup de main</i>; and although his resolution was, perhaps, upon +more than one occa<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">230</a></span>sion, shaken by the sufferings of the innocent, +yet, by his example, and particularly by his sermons,<a name="FNanchor_306_310" id="FNanchor_306_310"></a><a href="#Footnote_306_310" class="fnanchor">[306]</a> he tried<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">231</a></span> +to exasperate every Protestant bosom against the occupiers of +monasteries and convents.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_306_310" id="Footnote_306_310"></a><a href="#FNanchor_306_310">[306]</a> "It was once moved by <span class="smcap">Latymer</span>, the good +bishop of Worcester, that two or three of these foundations +might be spared in each diocese, for the sake of +hospitality. Which gave the foresaid bishop occasion to move +the Lord Crumwell once in the behalf of the <i>Priory of +Malvern</i>." Strype's <i>Ecclesiastical Memorials</i>, vol. i., +259. Latimer's letter is here printed; and an interesting +one it is. Speaking of the prior, he tells Cromwell that +"The man is old, a good housekeeper, feedeth many; and that, +daily. For the country is poor, and full of penury." But the +hospitality and infirmities of this poor prior were less +likely to operate graciously upon the rapacious mind of +Henry than "the 500 marks to the king, and 200 marks more to +the said Lord Crumwell," which he tendered at the same time. +See Strype, <i>ibid.</i> For the credit of Latimer, I hope this +worthy prior was not at the head of the priory when the +former preached before the king, and thus observed: "To let +pass the <i>solempne</i> and nocturnal bacchanals, the prescript +miracles, that are done upon certain days in the West part +of England, who hath not heard? I think ye have heard of +Saint <i>Blesis's</i> heart, which is <i>at Malvern</i>, and of Saint +Algar's bones, how long they deluded the people!" See +Latimer's <i>Sermons</i>: edit. 1562, 4to.: fol. 12, rect. In +these Sermons, as is justly said above, there are many +cutting philippics—especially against "in-preaching +prelates;" some of whom Latimer doth not scruple to call +"minters—dancers—crouchers—pamperers of their paunches, +like a monk that maketh his jubilee—mounchers in their +mangers, and moilers in their gay manors and mansions:" see +fol. 17, rect. Nevertheless, there are few productions which +give us so lively and interesting a picture of the manners +of the age as the <span class="smcap">sermons of Latimer</span>; which were spoilt in +an "<i>editio castrata</i>" that appeared in the year 1788, 8vo. +But Latimer was not the only popular preacher who directed +his anathemas against the Roman Catholic clergy. The well +known <span class="smcap">John Fox</span> entered into the cause of the reformation +with a zeal and success of which those who have slightly +perused his compositions can have but a very inadequate +idea. The following curious (and I may add very interesting) +specimen of Fox's pulpit eloquence is taken from "<i>A Sermon +of Christ crucified, preached at Paule's Crosse, the Friday +before Easter, commonly called Good Fridaie</i>:"—"Let me tell +you a story, which I remember was done about the beginning +of Queen Mary's reign, anno 1554. There was a certain +message sent, not from heaven, but from Rome: not from God, +but from the pope: not by any apostle, but by a certain +cardinal, who was called Cardinal Poole, Legatus a latere, +Legatus natus, a legate from the pope's own white side, sent +hither into England. This cardinal legate, first coming to +Dover, was honourably received and brought to Greenwich: +where he again, being more honourably received by lords of +high estate, and of the Privy Council (of whom some are yet +alive) was conducted thence to the privy stairs of the +queen's court at Westminster, no less person than King +Philip himself waiting upon him, and receiving him; and so +was brought to the queen's great chamber, she then being, or +else pretending, not to be well at ease. Stephen Gardiner, +the bishop of Winchester, and Lord Chancellor of England, +receiving this noble legate in the king and the queen's +behalf, to commend and set forth the authority of this +legate, the greatness of his message, and the supreme +majesty of the sender, before the public audience of the +whole parliament at that time assembled, there openly +protested, with great solemnity of words, what a mighty +message, and of what great importance was then brought into +the realm, even the greatest message (said he) that ever +came into England, and therefore desired them to give +attentive and inclinable ears to such a famous legation, +sent from so high authority." "Well, and what message was +this? forsooth, that the realm of England should be +reconciled again unto their father the pope; that is to say, +that the queen, with all her nobility and sage council, with +so many learned prelates, discreet lawyers, worthy commons, +and the whole body of the realm of England, should captive +themselves, and become underlings to an Italian stranger, +and friarly priest, sitting in Rome, which never knew +England, never was here, never did, or shall do, England +good. And this forsooth (said Gardiner) was the greatest +ambassage, the weightiest legacy that ever came to England: +forgetting belike either this message of God, sent here by +his apostles unto vs, or else because he saw it made not so +much for his purpose as did the other, he made the less +account thereof." "Well, then, and will we see what a +weighty message this was that Gardiner so exquisitely +commended? first, the sender is gone, the messenger is gone, +the queen is gone, and the message gone, and yet England +standeth not a rush the better. Of which message I thus say, +answering again to Gardiner, <i>per inversionem Rhetoricam</i>, +that, as he sayeth, it was the greatest—so I say again, it +was the lightest—legacy; the most ridiculous trifle, and +most miserablest message, of all other that ever came, or +ever shall come, to England, none excepted, for us to be +reconciled to an outlandish priest, and to submit our necks +under a foreign yoke. What have we to do more with him than +with the great Calypha of Damascus? If reconciliation ought +to follow, where offences have risen, the pope hath offended +us more than his coffers are able to make us amends. We +never offended him. But let the pope, with his +reconciliation and legates, go, as they are already gone +(God be thanked): and I beseech God so they may be gone, +that they never come here again. England never fared better +than when the pope did most curse it. And yet I hear +whispering of certain privy reconcilers, sent of late by the +pope, which secretly creep in corners. But this I leave to +them that have to do with all. Let us again return to our +matter."—<i>Imprinted by Jhon Daie</i>, &c., 1575, 8vo., sign. +A. vij.-B. i.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">With Henry, himself, the question of spiritual supremacy was soon +changed, or merged (as the lawyers call it) into the exclusive +consideration of adding to his wealth. The Visitors who had been +deputed to inspect the abbies, and to draw up reports of the same +(some of whom, by the bye, conducted themselves with sufficient +baseness<a name="FNanchor_307_311" id="FNanchor_307_311"></a><a href="#Footnote_307_311" class="fnanchor">[307]</a>), did not fail to inflame his feelings by the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">232</a></span> tempting +pictures which they drew of the riches appertaining to these +establishments.<a name="FNanchor_308_312" id="FNanchor_308_312"></a><a href="#Footnote_308_312" class="fnanchor">[308]</a> Another topic was also strongly urged upon +Henry's susceptible mind: the alleged abandoned lives of the owners of +them. These were painted with a no less overcharged pencil:<a name="FNanchor_309_313" id="FNanchor_309_313"></a><a href="#Footnote_309_313" class="fnanchor">[309]</a> so<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">233</a></span> +that nothing now seemed wanting but to set fire to the train of +combustion which had been thus systematically laid.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_307_311" id="Footnote_307_311"></a><a href="#FNanchor_307_311">[307]</a> Among the visitors appointed to carry into +execution the examination of the monasteries, was a Dr. +London; who "was afterwards not only a persecutor of +Protestants, but a suborner of false witnesses against them, +and was now zealous even to officiousness in suppressing the +monasteries. He also studied to frighten the abbess of +Godstow into a resignation. She was particularly in +Cromwell's favour:" &c. Burnet: <i>Hist. of the Reformation</i>, +vol. iii., p. 132. Among Burnet's "Collection of Records," +is the letter of this said abbess, in which she tells +Cromwell that "Doctor London was suddenly <i>cummyd</i> unto her, +with a great rout with him; and there did threaten her and +her sisters, saying that he had the king's commission to +suppress the house, spite of her teeth. And when he saw that +she was content that he should do all things according to +his commission, and shewed him plain that she would never +surrender to his band, being her ancient enemy—then he +began to entreat her and to inveigle her sisters, one by +one, otherwise than ever she heard tell that any of the +king's subjects had been handel'd;" vol. iii., p. 130. +"Collection." It is not very improbable that this treatment +of Godstow nunnery formed a specimen of many similar +visitations. As to London himself, he ended his days in the +Fleet, after he had been adjudged to ride with his face to +the horse's tail, at Windsor and Oakingham. Fox in his <i>Book +of Martyrs</i>, has given us a print of this transaction; +sufficiently amusing. Dod, in his <i>Church History</i>, vol. i., +p. 220, has of course not spared Dr. London. But see, in +particular, Fuller's shrewd remarks upon the character of +these visitors, or "emissaries;" <i>Church History</i>, b. vi., +pp. 313, 314.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_308_312" id="Footnote_308_312"></a><a href="#FNanchor_308_312">[308]</a> "The yearly revenue of all the abbies +suppressed is computed at £135,522<i>l.</i> 18<i>s.</i> 10<i>d.</i> Besides +this, the money raised out of the stock of cattle and corn, +out of the timber, lead, and bells; out of the furniture, +plate, and church ornaments, amounted to a vast sum, as may +be collected from what was brought off from the monastery of +St. Edmonsbury. Hence, as appears from records, 5000 marks +of gold and silver, besides several jewels of great value, +were seized by the visitors." Collier's <i>Ecclesiastical +History</i>, vol. ii., 165. See also Burnet's similar work, +vol. i., p. 223. Collier specifies the valuation of certain +monasteries, which were sufficiently wealthy; but he has not +noticed that of St. Swithin's in Winchester—of which Strype +has given so minute and interesting an inventory. A lover of +old coins and relics may feed his imagination with a +gorgeous picture of what might have been the "massive silver +and golden crosses and shrines garnished with stones"—but a +tender-hearted bibliomaniac will shed tears of agony on +thinking of the fate of "<span class="smcap">a book of the four evangelists, +written al with gold; and the utter side of plate of gold</span>!" +<i>Life of Cranmer</i>, <i>Appendix</i>, pp. 24-28.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_309_313" id="Footnote_309_313"></a><a href="#FNanchor_309_313">[309]</a> The amiable and candid Strype has polluted +the pages of his valuable <i>Ecclesiastical Memorials</i> with an +account of such horrid practices, supposed to have been +carried on in monasteries, as must startle the most +credulous Anti-Papist; and which almost leads us to conclude +that <i>a legion of fiends</i> must have been let loose upon +these "Friar Rushes!" The author tells us that he takes his +account from authentic documents—but these documents turn +out to be the letters of the visitors; and of the character +of one of these the reader has just had a sufficient proof. +Those who have the work here referred to, vol. i., p. 256-7, +may think, with the author of it, that "this specimen is +enough and too much." What is a little to be marvelled at, +Strype suffers his prejudices against the conduct of the +monks to be heightened by a letter from one of the name of +Beerly, at Pershore; who, in order that he might escape the +general wreck, turned tail upon his brethren, and vilified +them as liberally as their professed enemies had done. Now, +to say the least, this was not obtaining what Chief Baron +Gilbert, in his famous Law of Evidence, has laid it down as +necessary to be obtained—"the best possible evidence that +the nature of the case will admit of." It is worth remarking +that Fuller has incorporated a particular account of the +names of the abbots and of the carnal enormities of which +they are supposed to have been guilty; but he adds that he +took it from the 3d edition of Speed's <i>Hist. of Great +Britain</i>, and (what is worth special notice) that it was not +to be found in the prior ones: "being a posthume addition +after the author's death, attested in the margine with the +authority of Henry Steven his <i>Apologie for Herodotus</i>, who +took the same out of an English book, containing the +<i>Vileness discovered at the Visitation of Monasteries</i>." +<i>Church History</i>, b. vi., pp. 316, 317.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">A pause perhaps of one moment might have ensued. A consideration of +what had been done, in these monasteries, for the preservation of the +literature of past ages, and for the cultivation of elegant and +peaceful pursuits, might, like "the still small voice" of conscience, +have suspended, for a second, the final sentence of confiscation. The +hospitality for which the owners of these places had been, and were +then, eminently distinguished; but more especially the yet higher +consideration of their property having been left with them only as a +sacred pledge to be handed down, unimpaired, to their +successors—these things,<a name="FNanchor_310_314" id="FNanchor_310_314"></a><a href="#Footnote_310_314" class="fnanchor">[310]</a> one would think, might have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">234</a></span> infused +some little mercy and moderation into Henry's decrees!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_310_314" id="Footnote_310_314"></a><a href="#FNanchor_310_314">[310]</a> There are two points, concerning the +subversion of monasteries, upon which all sensible Roman +Catholics make a rest, and upon which they naturally indulge +a too well-founded grief. The dispersion of books or +interruption of study; and the breaking up of ancient +hospitality. Let us hear Collier upon the subject: "The +advantages accruing to the public from these religious +houses were considerable, upon several accounts. To mention +some of them: The temporal nobility and gentry had a +creditable way of providing for their younger children. +Those who were disposed to withdraw from the world, or not +likely to make their fortunes in it, had a handsome retreat +to the cloister. Here they were furnished with conveniences +for life and study, with opportunities for thought and +recollection; and, over and above, passed their time in a +condition not unbecoming their quality."—"The abbies were +very serviceable places for the education of young people: +every convent had one person or more assigned for this +business. Thus the children of the neighbourhood were taught +grammar and music without any charge to their parents. And, +in the nunneries, those of the other sex learned to work and +read English, with some advances into Latin," &c.—"Farther, +it is to the abbies we are obliged for most of our +historians, both of church and state: these places of +retirement had both most learning and leisure for such +undertakings: neither did they want information for such +employment," <i>Ecclesiastical History</i>, vol. ii., 165. A host +of Protestant authors, with Lord Herbert at the head of +them, might be brought forward to corroborate these sensible +remarks of Collier. The hospitality of the monastic life has +been on all sides admitted; and, according to Lord Coke, one +of the articles of impeachment against Cardinal Wolsey was +that he had caused "this hospitality and relief to grow into +decay and disuse;" which was "a great cause that there were +so many vagabonds, beggars, and thieves;"—<i>Fourth +Institute</i>; p. 91, edit. 1669. So that the author of an +ancient, and now rarely perused work had just reason, in +describing the friars of his time as "living in common upon +the goods of a monastery, either gotten by common labour, or +else upon lands and possessions where with the monastery was +endowed." <i>Pype or Tonne of the Lyfe of Perfection</i>; fol. +clxxii., rev. 1532, 4to. And yet, should the active +bibliomaniac be disposed to peruse this work, after +purchasing Mr. Triphook's elegant copy of the same, he might +probably not think very highly of the author's good sense, +when he found him gravely telling us that "the appetite of +clean, sweet, and fair, or fine cloaths, and oft-washing and +curious <i>pykyng</i> of the body, is an enemy of chastity," fol. +ccxxix. rect. The <span class="smcap">devastation of books</span> was, I fear, +sufficiently frightful to warrant the following writers in +their respective conclusions. "A judicious author (says +Ashmole) speaking of the dissolution of our monasteries, +saith thus: Many manuscripts, guilty of no other +superstition then (having) <i>red letters</i> in the front, were +condemned to the fire: and here a principal key of antiquity +was lost, to the great prejudice of posterity. Indeed (such +was learning's misfortune, at that great devastation of our +English libraries, that) where a <i>red letter</i> or a +mathematical diagram appeared, they were sufficient to +entitle the book to be popish or diabolical." <i>Theatrum +Chemicum</i>; prolegom. A. 2. rev. "The avarice of the late +intruders was so mean, and their ignorance so +undistinguishing, that, when the books happened to have +<span class="smcap">costly covers</span>, they tore them off, and threw away the works, +or turned them to the vilest purposes." <i>Life of Reginald +Pole</i>; vol. i., p. 253-4, edit. 1767, 8vo. The author of +this last quotation then slightly notices what Bale has said +upon these book-devastations; and which I here subjoin at +full length; from my first edition of this work:—"Never +(says Bale) had we been offended for the loss of our +<span class="smcap">libraries</span>, being so many in number, and in so desolate +places for the more part, if the chief monuments and most +notable works of our excellent writers had been preserved. +If there had been, in every shire of England, but one +<span class="smcap">solempne library</span>, to the preservation of those noble works, +and preferment of good learning in our posterity, it had +been yet somewhat. But to destroy all, without +consideration, is, and will be, unto England, for ever, a +most horrible infamy among the grave seniors of other +nations. A great number of them, which purchased those +superstitious mansions, reserved of those library-books some +to serve the <i>jakes</i>, some to scour their candlesticks, and +some to rub their boots: some they sold to the grocers and +soap sellers; some they sent over sea to the book-binders, +not in small number, but at times whole ships full, to the +wondering of the foreign nations. Yea, the Universities of +the realm are not all clear of this detestable fact. But +cursed is that belly which seeketh to be fed with such +ungodly gains, and shameth his natural country. I know a +merchant man, which shall at this time be nameless, that +<i>bought the contents of two noble libraries for forty +shillings price</i>; a shame it is to be spoken! This stuff +hath he occupied in the stead of grey paper, by the space of +more than ten years, and yet he hath store enough for as +many years to come!" Preface to <i>Leland's Laboryouse +Journey</i>, &c., 1549, 8vo. Reprint of 1772; sign. C.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">235</a></span><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> But what can be said in defence of the dissolute lives of the +monks?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Dissoluteness shall never be defended by me, let it be shewn +by whom it may; and therefore I will not take the part, on this head, +of the tenants of old monasteries. But, Philemon, consider with what +grace could this charge come from <span class="smcap">him</span> who had "shed innocent blood," +to gratify his horrid lusts?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Yet, tell me, did not the dissolution of these libraries in some +respects equally answer the ends of literature, by causing the books +to come into other hands?</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> No doubt, a few studious men reaped the benefit of this +dispersion, by getting possession of many curious volumes with which, +otherwise, they might never have been acquainted. If my memory be not +treacherous, the celebrated grammarian <span class="smcap">Robert Wakefield</span><a name="FNanchor_311_315" id="FNanchor_311_315"></a><a href="#Footnote_311_315" class="fnanchor">[311]</a> was +singularly lucky in this way. It is time, however, to check my +rambling ideas. A few more words only, and we cease to sermonize upon +the Reformation.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_311_315" id="Footnote_311_315"></a><a href="#FNanchor_311_315">[311]</a> "This <span class="smcap">Robert Wakefield</span> was the prime linguist +of his time, having obtained beyond the seas the Greek, +Hebrew, Chaldaic, and Syriac tongues. In one thing he is to +be commended, and that is this, that he carefully preserved +divers books of Greek and Hebrew at the dissolution of +religious houses, and especially some of those in the +library of Ramsey abbey, composed by Laurence Holbecke, monk +of that place, in the reign of Henry IV. He died at London +8th October, 1537, leaving behind him the name of <i>Polypus</i>, +as Leland is pleased to style him, noting that he was of a +witty and crafty behaviour." Wood's <i>Hist. of Colleges and +Halls</i>, p. 429, Gutch's edit.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> There is no occasion to be extremely laconic.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">236</a></span> The evening has +hardly yet given way to night. The horizon, I dare say, yet faintly +glows with the setting-sun-beams. But proceed as you will.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> The commotions which ensued from the arbitrary measures of +Henry were great;<a name="FNanchor_312_316" id="FNanchor_312_316"></a><a href="#Footnote_312_316" class="fnanchor">[312]</a> but such as were naturally to be expected. At +length Henry died, and a young and amiable prince reigned for a few +months. Mary next ascended the throne; and the storm took an opposite +direction. Then an attempt was made to restore chalices, crucifixes, +and missals. But the short period of her sovereignty making way for +the long and illustrious one of her sister Elizabeth, the Cecils and +Walsinghams<a name="FNanchor_313_317" id="FNanchor_313_317"></a><a href="#Footnote_313_317" class="fnanchor">[313]</a> united their great talents with the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">237</a></span> equally vigorous +ones of the Queen and her favourite archbishop Parker, in establishing +that form of religion which, by partaking in a reasonable degree of +the solemnity of the Romish church, and by being tempered with great +simplicity and piety in its prayers, won its<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">238</a></span> way to the hearts of the +generality of the people. Our <i>Great English Bibles</i><a name="FNanchor_314_318" id="FNanchor_314_318"></a><a href="#Footnote_314_318" class="fnanchor">[314]</a> were now +restored to their conspicuous situations; and the Bibliomania, in +consequence, began to spread more widely and effectively.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_312_316" id="Footnote_312_316"></a><a href="#FNanchor_312_316">[312]</a> Fuller has devoted one sentence only, and +that not written with his usual force, to the havoc and +consternation which ensued on the devastation of the +monasteries. <i>Ch. Hist.</i>, b. vi., p. 314. Burnet is a little +more moving: <i>Hist. of the Reformation</i>; vol. i., p. 223. +But, from the foregoing premises, the reader may probably be +disposed to admit the conclusion of a virulent Roman +Catholic writer, even in its fullest extent: namely, that +there were "subverted monasteries, overthrown abbies, broken +churches, torn castles, rent towers, overturned walls of +towns and fortresses, with the confused heaps of all ruined +monuments." <i>Treatise of Treasons</i>, 1572, 8vo., fol. 148, +rev.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_313_317" id="Footnote_313_317"></a><a href="#FNanchor_313_317">[313]</a> There are few bibliographers at all versed in +English literature and history, who have not heard, by some +side wind or other, of the last mentioned work; concerning +which Herbert is somewhat interesting in his notes: +<i>Typographical Antiquities</i>, vol. iii., p. 1630. The reader +is here presented with a copious extract from this curious +and scarce book—not for the sake of adding to these +ponderous notes relating to the <span class="smcap">Reformation</span>—(a subject, +upon which, from a professional feeling, I thought it my +duty to say something!)—but for the sake of showing how +dexterously the most important events and palpable truths +may be described and perverted by an artful and headstrong +disputant. The work was written expressly to defame +<span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>, <span class="smcap">Cecil</span>, and <span class="smcap">Bacon</span>, and to introduce the Romish +religion upon the ruins of the Protestant. The author thus +gravely talks</p> + +<p class="center">"<i>Of Queen Mary and her Predecessors.</i></p> + +<p>"She (Mary) found also the whole face of the commonwealth +settled and acquieted in the ancient religion; in which, and +by which, all kings and queens of that realm (from as long +almost before the conquest as that conquest was before that +time) had lived, reigned, and maintained their states; and +the terrible correction of those few that swerved from it +notorious, as no man could be ignorant of it. As King John, +without error in religion, for contempt only of the See +Apostolic, plagued with the loss of his state, till he +reconciled himself, and acknowledged to hold his crown of +the Pope. King Henry VIII., likewise, with finding no end of +heading and hanging, till (with the note of tyranny for +wasting his nobility) he had headed him also that procured +him to it. Fol. 85, 86.</p> + +<p class="center">"<i>Libellous Character of Cecil.</i></p> + +<p>"In which stem and trunk (being rotten at heart, hollow +within, and without sound substance) hath our spiteful +pullet (<span class="smcap">Cecil</span>) laid her ungracious eggs, mo than a few: and +there hath hatched sundry of them, and brought forth +chickens of her own feather, I warrant you. A hen I call +him, as well for his cackling, ready and smooth tongue, +wherein he giveth place to none, as for his deep and subtle +art in hiding his serpentine eggs from common men's sight: +chiefly for his hennish heart and courage, which twice +already hath been well proved to be as base and deject at +the sight of any storm of adverse fortune, as ever was hen's +heart at the sight of a fox. And, had he not been by his +confederate, as with a dunghill cock, trodden as it were and +gotten with egg, I doubt whether ever his hennish heart, +joined to his shrewd wit, would have served him, so soon to +put the Q.'s green and tender state in so manifest peril and +adventure. Fol. 88, rect.</p> + +<p class="center">"<i>Libellous Characters of Cecil and N. Bacon.</i></p> + +<p>"Let the houses and possessions of these two Catalines be +considered, let their furniture, and building, let their +daily purchases, and ready hability to purchase still, let +their offices and functions wherein they sit, let their +titles, and styles claimed and used, let their places in +council, let their authority over the nobility, let their +linking in alliance with the same, let their access to the +prince, let their power and credit with her: let this their +present state, I say, in all points (being open and unknown +to no men) be compared with their base parentage and +progeny, (the one raised out of the robes, and the other +from a <i>Sheeprive's</i> son) and let that give sentence as well +of the great difference of the tastes, that the several +fruits gathered of this tree by your Q., and by them do +yield, as whether any man at this day approach near unto +them in any condition wherein advancement consisteth. Yea, +mark you the jollity and pride that in this prosperity they +shew; the port and countenance that every way they carry; in +comparison of them that be noble by birth. Behold at whose +doors your nobility attendeth. Consider in whose chambers +your council must sit, and to whom for resolutions they must +resort; and let these things determine both what was the +purpose indeed, and hidden intention of that change of +religion, and who hath gathered the benefits of that +mutation: that is to say, whether for your Q., for your +realms, or for their own sakes, the same at first was taken +in hand, and since pursued as you have seen. For according +to the principal effects of every action must the intent of +the act be deemed and presumed. For the objected excuses +(that they did it for conscience, or for fear of the French) +be too frivolous and vain to abuse any wise man. For they +that under King Henry were as catholic, as the six articles +required: that under King Edward were such Protestants as +the Protector would have them; that under Q. Mary were +Catholics again, even to creeping to the Cross: and that +under Q. Elizabeth were first Lutheran, setting up Parker, +Cheiny, Gest, Bill, &c., then Calvinists, advancing +Grindall, Juell, Horne, &c.: then Puritans, maintaining +Sampson, Deering, Humfrey, &c.; and now (if not Anabaptists +and Arians) plain Machiavellians, yea, that they persuade in +public speeches that man hath free liberty to dissemble his +religion, and for authority do allege their own examples and +practice of feigning one religion for another in Q. Mary's +time (which containeth a manifest evacuation of Christ's own +coming and doctrine, of the Apostles, preaching and +practice, of the blood of the martyrs, of the constancy of +all confessors; yea, and of the glorious vain deaths of all +the stinking martyrs of their innumerable sects of +hereticks, one and other having always taught the confession +of mouth to be as necessary to salvation as the belief of +heart): shall these men now be admitted to plead conscience +in religion; and can any man now be couzined so much, as to +think that these men by conscience were then moved to make +that mutation?" Fol. 96, 97. "At home, likewise, apparent it +is how they provided, every way to make themselves strong +there also. For being by their own marriages allied already +to the house of Suffolk of the blood royal, and by +consequence thereof to the house of Hertford also, and their +children thereby incorporated to both: mark you how now by +marriage of their children with wily wit and wealth +together, they wind in your other noblest houses unto them +that are left, I mean in credit and countenance. Consider +likewise how, at their own commendation and preferment, they +have erected, as it were, almost a new half of your nobility +(of whom also they have reason to think themselves assured) +and the rest then (that were out of hope to be won to their +faction) behold how, by sundry fine devices, they are either +cut off, worn out, fled, banished or defaced at home," &c., +fol. 105, rect. The good <span class="smcap">Lord Burghley</span>, says Strype, was so +moved at this slander that he uttered these words: "God +amend his spirit, and confound his malice." And by way of +protestation of the integrity and faithfulness of both their +services, "God send this estate no worse meaning servants, +in all respects, than we two have been." <i>Annals of the +Reformation</i>, vol. ii., 178. Camden's <i>Hist. of Q. +Elizabeth</i>, p. 192,—as quoted by Herbert.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_314_318" id="Footnote_314_318"></a><a href="#FNanchor_314_318">[314]</a> "All curates must continually call upon their +parochians to provide a book of the <i>Holy Bible in English</i>, +of <span class="smcap">the largest form</span>, within 40 days next after the +publication hereof, that may be chained in some open place +in the church," &c. Injunctions by Lee, Archbishop of York: +Burnet's <i>Hist. of the Reformation</i>, vol. iii., p. 136, +Collections. This custom of fixing a great bible in the +centre of a place of worship yet obtains in some of the +chapels attached to the colleges at Oxford. That of Queen's, +in particular, has a noble brazen eagle, with outstretched +wings, upon which the foundation members read the lessons of +the day in turn.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> Had you not better confine yourself to per<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">239</a></span>sonal anecdote, +rather than enter into the boundless field of historical survey?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> I thank you for the hint. Having sermonized upon the general +features of the Reformation, we will resume the kind of discourse with +which we at first set out.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> But you make no mention of the number of curious and fugitive +pamphlets of the day, which were written in order to depreciate and +exterminate the Roman Catholic religion? Some of these had at least +the merit of tartness and humour.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Consult Fox's <i>Martyrology</i>,<a name="FNanchor_315_319" id="FNanchor_315_319"></a><a href="#Footnote_315_319" class="fnanchor">[315]</a> if you wish to have some +general knowledge of these publications; although I apprehend you will +not find in that work any mention of the poetical pieces of Skelton +and Roy; nor yet of Ramsay.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_315_319" id="Footnote_315_319"></a><a href="#FNanchor_315_319">[315]</a> The curious reader who wishes to become +master of all the valuable, though sometimes loose, +information contained in this renowned work—upon which Dr. +Wordsworth has pronounced rather a warm eulogium +(<i>Ecclesiastical Biography</i>, vol. i., p. xix.)—should +secure the <i>first</i> edition, as well as the latter one of +1641, or 1684; inasmuch as this first impression, of the +date of 1563, is said by Hearne to be "omnium optima:" see +his Adami de Domerham, <i>Hist. de reb. gest. Glaston.</i>, vol. +i., p. xxii. I also learn, from an original letter of +Anstis, in the possession of Mr. John Nichols, that "the +late editions are not quite so full in some particulars, and +that many things are left out about the Protector Seymour."</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp"><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> Skelton and Roy are in my library;<a name="FNanchor_316_320" id="FNanchor_316_320"></a><a href="#Footnote_316_320" class="fnanchor">[316]</a> but who is <span class="smcap">Ramsay</span>?</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_316_320" id="Footnote_316_320"></a><a href="#FNanchor_316_320">[316]</a> Vide <a href="#Page_226">p. 226</a>, ante.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> He wrote a comical poetical satire against the Romish priests, +under the title of "<i>A Plaister for a galled Horse</i>,"<a name="FNanchor_317_321" id="FNanchor_317_321"></a><a href="#Footnote_317_321" class="fnanchor">[317]</a> which +Raynald printed in a little thin quarto volume of six or seven pages.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_317_321" id="Footnote_317_321"></a><a href="#FNanchor_317_321">[317]</a> In Herbert's <i>Typographical Antiquities</i>, +vol. i., p. 581, will be found rather a slight notice of +this raw and vulgar satire. It has, however, stamina of its +kind; as the reader may hence judge:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Mark the gesture, who that lyst;<br /> +First a shorne shauelynge, clad in a clowt,<br /> +Bearinge the name of an honest priest,<br /> +And yet in no place a starker lowte.<br /> +A whore monger, a dronkard, ye makyn him be snowte—<br /> +At the alehouses he studieth, till hys witte he doth lacke.<br /> +Such are your minysters, to bringe thys matter about:<br /> +But guppe ye god-makers, beware your galled backe.<br /> +<br /> +Then wraped in a knaues skynne, as ioly as my horse,<br /> +Before the aulter, in great contemplacion<br /> +Confessinge the synnes of his lubbrysh corse<br /> +To god and all saynctes, he counteth hys abhomination<br /> +Then home to the aulter, with great saintification<br /> +With crosses, and blesses, with his boy lytle Jacke:<br /> +Thus forth goeth syr Jhon with all his preparation.<br /> +But guppe ye god-makers, beware your galled backe.<br /> +<br /> +Then gloria in excelsis for ioye dothe he synge<br /> +More for his fat liuinge, than for devocion:<br /> +And many there be that remember another thinge<br /> +Which syng not wyth mery hart for lacke of promocion<br /> +Thus some be mery, some be sory according to their porcion<br /> +Then forth cometh collects, bounde up in a packe,<br /> +For this sainct and that sainct, for sickenes, and extorcion<br /> +But guppe ye god-makers, beware your galled backe.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 15em;">Stanzas, 17, 18, 19.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>At the sale of Mr. Brand's books, in 1807, a copy of this +rare tract, of six or seven pages, was sold for 3<i>l.</i> 17<i>s.</i> +6<i>d.</i> Vide <i>Bibl. Brand</i>, part i., n<span class="super">o</span>. 1300. This was +surely more than both plaister and horse were worth! A +poetical satire of a similar kind, entitled "<i>John Bon and +Mast Person</i>," was printed by Daye and Seres; who struck off +but a few copies, but who were brought into considerable +trouble for the same. The virulence with which the author +and printer of this lampoon were persecuted in Mary's reign +is sufficiently attested by the care which was taken to +suppress every copy that could be secured. The only perfect +known copy of this rare tract was purchased at the sale of +Mr. R. Forster's books, for the Marquis of Bute; and Mr. +Stace, the bookseller, had privilege to make a fac-simile +reprint of it; of which there were six copies struck off +<span class="smcap">upon vellum</span>. It being now rather common with +book-collectors, there is no necessity to make a quotation +from it here. Indeed there is very little in it deserving of +republication.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">240</a></span><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> I will make a memorandum to try to secure this "comical" piece, +as you call it; but has it never been reprinted in our "<i>Corpora +Poetarum Anglicorum</i>?"</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Never to the best of my recollection. Mr. Alexander Chalmers +probably shewed his judgment in the omission of it, in his lately +published collection of our poets. A work, which I can safely +recommend to you as being, upon the whole, one of the most faithful +and useful, as well as elegant, compilations of its kind, that any +country has to boast of. But I think I saw it in your library, +Lorenzo?—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> It was certainly there, and bound in stout Russia, when we +quitted it for this place.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Dispatch your "gall'd horse," and now—having placed a justly +merited wreath round the brow of your<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">241</a></span> poetical editor, proceed—as +Lorenzo has well said—with personal anecdotes. What has become of +Wyatt and Surrey—and when shall we reach Leland and Bale?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> I crave your mercy, Master Lisardo! One at a time. Gently ride +your bibliomaniacal hobby-horse!</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Wyatt</span> and <span class="smcap">Surrey</span> had, beyond all question, the most exquisitely +polished minds of their day. They were far above the generality of +their compeers. But although Hall chooses to notice <i>the whistle</i><a name="FNanchor_318_322" id="FNanchor_318_322"></a><a href="#Footnote_318_322" class="fnanchor">[318]</a> +of the latter, it does not follow that I should notice his <i>library</i>, +if I am not able to discover any thing particularly interesting +relating to the same. And so, wishing every lover of his country's +literature to purchase a copy of the poems of both these heroes,<a name="FNanchor_319_323" id="FNanchor_319_323"></a><a href="#Footnote_319_323" class="fnanchor">[319]</a> +I march onward to introduce a new friend to you, who preceded Leland +in his career, and for an account of whom we are chiefly indebted to +the excellent and best editor of the works of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">242</a></span> Spencer and Milton. +Did'st ever hear, Lisardo, of one <span class="smcap">William Thynne</span>?</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_318_322" id="Footnote_318_322"></a><a href="#FNanchor_318_322">[318]</a> About the year 1519, Hall mentions the Earl +of Surrey "on a great coursir richely trapped, and a greate +whistle of gold set with stones and perle, hanging at a +great and massy chayne baudrick-wise." Chronicles: p. 65, a. +See Warton's <i>Life of Sir Thomas Pope</i>: p. 166, note o., ed. +1780. This is a very amusing page about the custom of +wearing whistles, among noblemen, at the commencement of the +16th century. If Franklin had been then alive, he would have +had abundant reason for exclaiming that these men "paid too +much for their <i>whistles</i>!"</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_319_323" id="Footnote_319_323"></a><a href="#FNanchor_319_323">[319]</a> Till the long promised, elaborate, and +beautiful edition of the works of <span class="smcap">Sir Thomas Wyatt</span> and <span class="smcap">Lord +Surrey</span>, by the Rev. Dr. Nott,<a name="FNanchor_E_324" id="FNanchor_E_324"></a><a href="#Footnote_E_324" class="fnanchor">[E]</a> shall make its appearance, +the bibliomaniac must satisfy his book-appetite, about the +editions of the same which have already appeared, by +perusing the elegant volumes of Mr. George Ellis, and Mr. +Park; <i>Specimens of the Early English Poets</i>; vol. ii., pp. +43-67: <i>Royal and Noble Authors</i>, vol. i., pp. 255-276. As +to early black letter editions, let him look at <i>Bibl. +Pearson</i>, n<span class="super">o</span>. 2544; where, however, he will find only the +7th edition of 1587: the first being of the date of 1557. +The eighth and last edition was published by Tonson, in +1717, 8vo. It will be unpardonable not to add that the Rev. +Mr. Conybeare is in possession of a perfect copy of Lord +Surrey's Translation of a part of the Æneid, which is the +third only known copy in existence. Turn to the animating +pages of Warton, <i>Hist. Engl. Poetry</i>; vol. iii., pp. 2-21, +about this translation and its author.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_E_324" id="Footnote_E_324"></a><a href="#FNanchor_E_324">[E]</a> Conducting this celebrated book through the +press occupied Dr. Nott several years; it was printed by the +father of the printer of this work, in two large 4to. +volumes—and was just finished when, in the year 1819, the +Bolt Court printing-office, and all it contained, was +destroyed by fire. Only <i>two</i> copies of the works of Wyatt +and Surrey escaped, having been sent to Dr. Nott by the +printer, as <i>clean sheets</i>.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Pray make me acquainted with him.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> You will love him exceedingly when you thoroughly know him; +because he was the first man in this country who took pains to do +justice to Chaucer, by collecting and collating the mutilated editions +of his works. Moreover, he rummaged a great number of libraries, under +the express order of Henry VIII.; and seems in every respect (if we +may credit the apparently frank testimony of his son<a name="FNanchor_320_325" id="FNanchor_320_325"></a><a href="#Footnote_320_325" class="fnanchor">[320]</a>), to have +been a thoroughbred bibliomaniac. Secure Mr. Todd's <i>Illustrations of +Gower and Chaucer</i>, and set your heart at ease upon the subject.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_320_325" id="Footnote_320_325"></a><a href="#FNanchor_320_325">[320]</a> "—but (my father, <span class="smcap">William Thynne</span>) further +had commissione to serche all the libraries of England for +Chaucer's works, so that oute of all the abbies of this +realme (which reserved any monuments thereof), he was fully +furnished with multitude of bookes," &c. On Thynne's +discovering Chaucer's Pilgrim's Tale, when Henry VIII. had +read it—"he called (continues the son) my father unto hym, +sayinge, 'William Thynne, I doubt this will not be allowed, +for I suspecte the byshoppes will call thee in question for +yt.' To whome my father beinge in great fauore with his +prince, sayed, 'yf your Grace be not offended, I hope to be +protected by you.' Whereupon the kinge bydd hym goo his waye +and feare not," &c. "But to leave this, I must saye that, in +those many written bookes of Chaucer, which came to my +father's hands, there were many false copyes, which Chaucer +shewethe in writinge of Adam Scriuener, of which written +copies there came to me, after my father's death, some fyve +and twentye," &c. <i>Illustrations of Gower and Chaucer</i>; pp. +11, 13, 15. Let us not hesitate one moment about the +appellation of <i>Helluo Librorum</i>,—justly due to <span class="smcap">Master +William Thynne</span>!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">But it is time to introduce your favourite <span class="smcap">Leland</span>: a bibliomaniac of +unparalleled powers and unperishable fame. To entwine the wreath of +praise round the brow of this great man seems to have been considered +by Bale among the most exquisite gratifications of his existence. It +is with no small delight, therefore, Lorenzo, that I view, at this +distance, the marble bust of Leland in yonder niche of your library, +with a laureate crown upon its pedestal. And with almost equal +satisfaction did I observe, yesterday, during the absence of Philemon +and Lisardo at the book-sale, the handsome manner in which +Harrison,<a name="FNanchor_321_326" id="FNanchor_321_326"></a><a href="#Footnote_321_326" class="fnanchor">[321]</a> in his <i>Description of England</i>, prefixed to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">243</a></span> +Holinshed's Chronicles, has spoken of this illustrious antiquary. No +delays, no difficulties, no perils, ever<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">244</a></span> daunted his personal +courage, or depressed his mental energies. Enamoured of study, to the +last rational<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">245</a></span> moment of his existence, Leland seems to have been born +for the "Laborious Journey" which he undertook in search of truth, as +she was to be discovered among mouldering records, and worm-eaten +volumes. Uniting<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">246</a></span> the active talents of a statist with the painful +research of an antiquary, he thought nothing too insignificant for +observation. The confined streamlet or the capacious river—the +obscure village or the populous town—were, with parchment rolls and +oaken-covered books, alike objects of curiosity in his philosophic +eye! Peace to his once vexed spirit!—and never-fading honours attend +the academical society in which his youthful mind was disciplined to +such laudable pursuits!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_321_326" id="Footnote_321_326"></a><a href="#FNanchor_321_326">[321]</a> "One helpe, and none of the smallest, that I +obtained herein, was by such commentaries as <span class="smcap">Leland</span> had +sometime collected of the state of Britaine; books vtterlie +mangled, defaced with wet and weather, and finallie +vnperfect through want of sundrie volumes." <i>Epistle +Dedicatorie</i>; vol. i., p. vi., edit. 1807. The history of +this great man, and of his literary labours, is most +interesting. He was a pupil of William Lilly, the first +head-master of St. Paul's school; and, by the kindness and +liberality of a Mr. Myles, he afterwards received the +advantage of a college education, and was supplied with +money in order to travel abroad, and make such collections +as he should deem necessary for the great work which even +then seemed to dawn upon his young and ardent mind. Leland +endeavoured to requite the kindness of his benefactor by an +elegant copy of Latin verses, in which he warmly expatiates +on the generosity of his patron, and acknowledges that his +acquaintance with the <i>Almæ Matres</i> (for he was of both +Universities) was entirely the result of such beneficence. +While he resided on the continent, he was admitted into the +society of the most eminent Greek and Latin scholars, and +could probably number among his correspondents the +illustrious names of Budæus, Erasmus, the Stephenses, Faber +and Turnebus. Here, too, he cultivated his natural taste for +poetry; and, from inspecting the <span class="smcap">fine books</span> which the +Italian and French presses had produced, as well as fired by +the love of Grecian learning, which had fled, on the sacking +of Constantinople, to take shelter in the academic bowers of +the Medici—he seems to have matured his plans for carrying +into effect the great work which had now taken full +possession of his mind. He returned to England, resolved to +institute an inquiry into the state of the <span class="smcap">Libraries</span>, +<span class="smcap">Antiquities</span>, <span class="smcap">Records</span>, and <span class="smcap">Writings</span> then in existence. Having +entered into holy orders, and obtained preferment at the +express interposition of the king (Henry VIII.), he was +appointed his antiquary and library-keeper; and a royal +commission was issued, in which Leland was directed to +search after "<span class="smcap">England's Antiquities</span>, and peruse the +libraries of all cathedrals, abbies, priories, colleges, +&c., as also all the places wherein records, writings, and +secrets of antiquity were reposited." "Before Leland's +time," says Hearne—in a strain which makes one +shudder—"all the literary monuments of antiquity were +totally disregarded; and students of Germany, apprized of +this culpable indifference, were suffered to enter our +libraries unmolested, and to cut out of the books, deposited +there, whatever passages they thought proper—which they +afterwards published as relics of the ancient literature of +their own country." <i>Pref. to the Itinerary.</i> Leland was +occupied, without intermission, in his laborious +undertaking, for the space of six years; and, on its +completion, he hastened to the metropolis to lay at the feet +of his sovereign the result of his researches. As John Kay +had presented his translation of the <i>Siege of Rhodes</i> to +Edward IV., as "<span class="smcap">a gift</span> of his labour," so Leland presented +his Itinerary to Henry VIII., under the title of <i>A New +Year's Gift</i>; and it was first published as such by Bale in +1549, 8vo. "Being inflamed," says the author, "with a love +to see thoroughly all those parts of your opulent and ample +realm, in so much that all my other occupations intermitted, +I have so travelled in your dominions both by the sea coasts +and the middle parts, sparing neither labour nor costs, by +the space of six years past, that there is neither cape nor +bay, haven, creek, or pier, river, or confluence of rivers, +breaches, wastes, lakes, moors, fenny waters, mountains, +valleys, heaths, forests, chases, woods, cities, burghes, +castles, principal manor places, monasteries, and colleges, +but I have seen them; and noted, in so doing, a whole world +of things very memorable." Leland moreover tells his +majesty—that "By his laborious journey and costly +enterprise, he had conserved many good authors, the which +otherwise had been like to have perished; of the which part +remained in the royal palaces, part also in his own +custody," &c. As Leland was engaged six years in this +literary tour, so he was occupied for a no less period of +time in digesting and arranging the prodigious number of +MSS. which he had collected. But he sunk beneath the +immensity of the task. The want of amanuenses, and of other +attentions and comforts, seems to have deeply affected him. +In this melancholy state, he wrote to Archbishop Cranmer a +Latin epistle, in verse, of which the following is the +commencement—very forcibly describing his situation and +anguish of mind:</p> + +<table style="width: 80%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Est congesta mihi domi supellex<br /> +Ingens, aurea, nobilis, venusta,<br /> +Qua totus studeo Britanniarum<br /> +Vero reddere gloriam nitori;<br /> +Sed fortuna meis noverca cœptis<br /> +Jam felicibus invidet maligna.</td> +<td>Quare, ne pereant brevi vel hora<br /> +Multarum mihi noctium labores<br /> +Omnes——<br /> +<span class="smcap">Cranmere</span>, eximium decus priorum!<br /> +Implorare tuam benignitatem<br /> +Cogor.<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>The result was that Leland lost his senses; and, after +lingering two years in a state of total derangement, he died +on the 18th of April, 1552. "Prôh tristes rerum humanarum +vices! prôh viri optimi deplorandam infelicissimamque +sortem!" exclaims Dr. Smith, in his preface to Camden's +Life, 1691, 4to. The precious and voluminous MSS. of Leland +were doomed to suffer a fate scarcely less pitiable +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: than">that</span> that of their owner. After being +pilfered by some, and garbled by others, they served to +replenish the pages of Stow, Lambard, Camden, Burton, +Dugdale, and many other antiquaries and historians. +"Leland's Remains," says Bagford, "have been ever since a +standard to all that have any way treated of the Antiquities +of England. Reginald Wolfe intended to have made use of +them, although this was not done 'till after his death by +Harrison, Holinshed, and others concerned in that work. +Harrison transcribed his Itinerary, giving a Description of +England by the rivers, but he did not understand it. They +have likewise been made use of by several in part, but how +much more complete had this been, had it been finished by +himself?" <i>Collectanea</i>: Hearne's edit., 1774; vol. i., p. +<span class="smcap">lxxvii.</span> Polydore Virgil, who had stolen from these Remains +pretty freely, had the insolence to abuse Leland's +memory—calling him "a vain-glorious man;" but what shall we +say to this flippant egotist? who according to Caius's +testimony (<i>De Antiq. Cantab. Acad.</i>, lib. 1.) "to prevent a +discovery of the many errors of his own History of England, +collected and burnt a greater number of ancient histories +and manuscripts than would have loaded a waggon." There are +some (among whom I could number a most respectable friend +and well qualified judge) who have doubted of the propriety +of thus severely censuring Polydore Virgil; and who are even +sceptical about his malpractices. But Sir Henry Savile, who +was sufficiently contemporaneous to collect the best +evidence upon the subject, thus boldly observes: "Nam +Polydorus, ut homo Italus, et in rebus nostris hospes, et +(quod caput est) neque in republica versatus, nec magni +alioqui vel judicii vel ingenii, pauca ex multis delibans, +et falsa plerumque pro veris amplexus, historiam nobis +reliquit cum cætera mendosam tum exiliter sanè et jejunè +conscriptam." <i>Script. post. Bedam.</i>, edit. 1596; pref. "As +for Polydore Virgil, he hath written either nothing or very +little concerning them; and that so little, so false and +misbeseeming the ingenuitie of an historian, that he seemeth +to have aimed at no other end than, by bitter invectives +against Henry VIII., and Cardinal Wolsey, to demerit the +favour of Queen Mary," &c., Godwyn's translation of the +<i>Annales of England</i>; edit. 1630, author's Preface. "It is +also remarkable that Polydore Virgil's and Bishop Joscelin's +edition of Gildas's epistle differ so materially that the +author of it hardly seems to be one and the same person." +This is Gale's opinion: <i>Rer. Anglican. Script. Vet.</i>; vol. +i., pref., p. 4. Upon the whole—to return to Leland—it +must be acknowledged that he is a melancholy, as well as +illustrious, example of the influence of the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>! +But do not let us take leave of him without a due +contemplation of his expressive features, as they are given +in the frontispiece of the first volume of the Lives of +Leland, Hearne, and Wood. 1772, 8vo. +</p> + +<p class="centertp"> +<img src="images/leland.png" width="404" height="466" alt="Leland" title="Leland" /> +</p> + +<p class="center">IN REFECTORIO COLL. OMN. ANIM. OXON.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp"><span class="smcap">Bale</span> follows closely after Leland. This once celebrated, and yet +respectable, writer had probably more zeal than discretion; but his +exertions in the cause of our own church can never be mentioned +without admiration. I would not, assuredly, quote Bale as a decisive +authority in doubtful or difficult cases;<a name="FNanchor_322_327" id="FNanchor_322_327"></a><a href="#Footnote_322_327" class="fnanchor">[322]</a> but, as he lived<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">247</a></span> in +the times of which he in a great measure wrote, and as his society was +courted by the wealthy and powerful, I am not sure whether he merits +to be treated with the roughness with which some authors mention his +labours. He had, certainly, a tolerable degree of strength in his +English style; but he painted with a pencil which reminded us more +frequently of the horrific pictures of Spagnoletti than of the tender +compositions of Albano.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">248</a></span> That he idolized his master, Leland, so +enthusiastically, will always cover, in my estimation, a multitude of +his errors: and that he should leave a scholar's inventory (as Fuller +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: says">saps</span>), "more books than money behind him," +will at least cause him to be numbered among the most renowned +bibliomaniacs.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_322_327" id="Footnote_322_327"></a><a href="#FNanchor_322_327">[322]</a> Like all men, who desert a religion which +they once enthusiastically profess, Bale, after being +zealous for the papal superstitions, holding up his hands to +rotten posts, and calling them his "fathers in heaven," +(according to his own confession) became a zealous +Protestant, and abused the church of Rome with a virulence +almost unknown in the writings of his predecessors. But in +spite of his coarseness, positiveness, and severity, he +merits the great praise of having done much in behalf of the +cause of literature. His attachment to Leland is, +unquestionably, highly to his honour; but his biographies, +especially of the Romish prelates, are as monstrously +extravagant as his plays are incorrigibly dull. He had a +certain rough honesty and prompt benevolence of character, +which may be thought to compensate for his grosser failings. +His reputation as a <i>bibliomaniac</i> is fully recorded in the +anecdote mentioned at <a href="#Page_234">p. 234</a>, ante. His "magnum opus," the +<i>Scriptores Britanniæ</i>, has already been noticed with +sufficient minuteness; vide <a href="#Page_31">p. 31</a>, ante. It has not escaped +severe animadversion. Francis Thynne tells us that Bale has +"mistaken infynyte thinges in that booke de Scriptoribus +Anglie, being for the most part the collections of Lelande." +<i>Illustrations of Gower and Chaucer</i>; p. 23. Picard, in his +wretched edition of <i>Gulielmus Neubrigensis</i> (edit. 1610, p. +672), has brought a severe accusation against the author of +having "burnt or torn all the copies of the works which he +described, after he had taken the titles of them;" but see +this charge successfully rebutted in Dr. Pegge's +<i>Anonymiana</i>; p. 311. That Bale's library, especially in the +department of manuscripts, was both rich and curious, is +indisputable, from the following passage in <i>Strype's Life +of Archbishop Parker</i>. "The archbishop laid out for <span class="smcap">Bale's</span> +rare collection of MSS. immediately upon his death, fearing +that they might be gotten by somebody else. Therefore he +took care to bespeak them before others, and was promised to +have them for his money, as he told Cecil. And perhaps +divers of those books that do now make proud the University +Library, and that of Benet and some other colleges, in +Cambridge, were Bale's," p. 539. It would seem, from the +same authority, that our bibliomaniac "set himself to search +the libraries in Oxford, Cambridge, London (wherein there +was but one, and that a slender one), Norwich, and several +others in Norfolk and Suffolk: whence he had collected +enough for another volume De Scriptoribus Britannicis." +<i>Ibid.</i> The following very beautiful wood-cut of Bale's +portrait is taken from the original, of the same size, in +the <i>Acta Romanorum Pontificum</i>; Basil, 1527, 8vo. A similar +one, on a larger scale, will be found in the "<i>Scriptores</i>," +&c., published at Basil, 1557, or 1559—folio. Mr. Price, +the principal librarian of the Bodleian Library, shewed me a +rare head of Bale, of a very different cast of features—in +a small black-letter book, of which I have forgotten the +name. +</p> + +<p class="centertp"> +<img src="images/bale.png" width="384" height="490" alt="Bale" title="Bale" /> +</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">Before I enter upon the reign of Elizabeth, let me pay a passing, but +sincere, tribute of respect to the memory of <span class="smcap">Cranmer</span>; whose <i>Great +Bible</i><a name="FNanchor_323_328" id="FNanchor_323_328"></a><a href="#Footnote_323_328" class="fnanchor">[323]</a> is at once a monument of his attachment to the Protestant +religion, and to splendid books. His end was sufficiently lamentable; +but while the flames were consuming his parched body, and while his +right hand, extended in the midst of them, was reproached by him for +its former act of wavering and "offence," he had the comfort of +soothing his troubled spirit by reflecting upon what his past life had +exhibited in the cause of learning, morality, and religion.<a name="FNanchor_324_329" id="FNanchor_324_329"></a><a href="#Footnote_324_329" class="fnanchor">[324]</a> Let +his memory be respected among virtuous bibliomaniacs!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_323_328" id="Footnote_323_328"></a><a href="#FNanchor_323_328">[323]</a> I have perused what Strype (<i>Life of +Cranmer</i>, pp. 59, 63, 444), Lewis (<i>History of English +Bibles</i>, pp. 122-137), Johnson (<i>Idem opus</i>, pp. 33-42), and +Herbert (<i>Typog. Antiquities</i>, vol. i., p. 513,) have +written concerning the biblical labours of Archbishop +Cranmer; but the accurate conclusion to be drawn about the +publication which goes under the name of <span class="smcap">Cranmer's</span>, or <span class="smcap">the +Great Bible</span>, <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: 'is' missing in original">not</span> +quite so clear as bibliographers may imagine. However, +this is not the place to canvass so intricate a subject. It +is sufficient that a magnificent impression of the Bible in +the English language, with a superb frontispiece (which has +been most feebly and inadequately copied for Lewis's work), +under the archiepiscopal patronage of <span class="smcap">Cranmer</span>, did make its +appearance in 1539: and it has been my good fortune to turn +over the leaves of the identical copy of it, printed <span class="smcap">upon +vellum</span>, concerning which Thomas Baker expatiates so +eloquently to his bibliomaniacal friend, Hearne. <i>Rob. of +Gloucester's Chronicle</i>; vol. i., p. xix. This copy is in +the library of St. John's College, Cambridge; and is now +placed upon a table, to the right hand, upon entering of the +same: although formerly, according to Bagford's account, it +was "among some old books in a private place nigh the +library." <i>Idem</i>; p. xxii. There is a similar copy in the +British Museum.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_324_329" id="Footnote_324_329"></a><a href="#FNanchor_324_329">[324]</a> "And thus"—says Strype—(in a strain of +pathos and eloquence not usually to be found in his +writings) "we have brought this excellent prelate unto his +end, after two years and a half hard imprisonment. His body +was not carried to the grave in state, nor buried, as many +of his predecessors were, in his own cathedral church, nor +inclosed in a monument of marble or touchstone. Nor had he +any inscription to set forth his praises to posterity. No +shrine to be visited by devout pilgrims, as his +predecessors, S. Dunstan and S. Thomas had. Shall we +therefore say, as the poet doth:</p> + +<p class="center"> +Marmoreo Licinus tumulo jacet, at Cato parvo,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Pompeius nullo. Quis putet esse Deos?</span><br /> +</p> + +<p>No; we are better Christians, I trust, than so: who are +taught, that the rewards of God's elect are not temporal but +eternal. And Cranmer's martyrdom is his monument, and his +name will outlast an epitaph or a shrine." <i>Life of +Cranmer</i>; p. 391. It would seem, from the same authority, +that <span class="smcap">Ridley</span>, <span class="smcap">Latimer</span>, and <span class="smcap">Cranmer</span>, were permitted to dine +together in prison, some little time before they suffered; +although they were "placed in separate lodgings that they +might not confer together." Strype saw "a book of their +diet, every dinner and supper, and the charge thereof,"—as +it was brought in by the bailiffs attending them.</p> + +<p class="center"><i>Dinner Expenses of Ridley, Latimer, and Cranmer.</i></p> + +<table style="width: 80%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="expenses"> +<tr><td>Bread and Ale</td><td class="right">ii<i>d.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>Item, Oisters</td><td class="right">i<i>d.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>Item, Butter</td><td class="right">ii<i>d.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>Item, Eggs</td><td class="right">ii<i>d.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>Item, Lyng</td><td class="right">viii<i>d.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>Item, A piece of fresh Salmon</td><td class="right">x<i>d.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>Wine</td><td class="right">iii<i>d.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>Cheese and pears</td><td class="right">ii<i>d.</i></td></tr> +</table> + +<p class="center"><i>Charges for burning Ridley and Latimer.</i></p> + +<table style="width: 80%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="charges"> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right"><i>s.</i></td><td class="right"><i>d.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>For three loads of wood fagots</td><td class="right">12</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td>Item, One load of furs fagots</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">4</td></tr> +<tr><td>For the carriage of the same</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td>Item, A Post</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">4</td></tr> +<tr><td>Item, Two chains</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">4</td></tr> +<tr><td>Item, Two staples</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Item, Four Labourers</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">8</td></tr> +</table> + +<p class="center"><i>Charges for burning Cranmer.</i></p> + +<table style="width: 80%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="charges"> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right"><i>s.</i></td><td class="right"><i>d.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>For an 100 of wood fagots,</td><td class="right">06</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td>For an 100 and half of furs fagots</td><td class="right">03</td><td class="right">4</td></tr> +<tr><td>For the carriage of them</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">8</td></tr> +<tr><td>To two labourers</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">4</td></tr> +</table> + +<p>I will draw the curtain upon this dismal picture, by a short +extract from one of Cranmer's letters, in which this great +and good man thus ingeniously urges the necessity of the +Scriptures being translated into the English language; a +point, by the bye, upon which neither he, nor Cromwell, nor +Latimer, I believe, were at first decided; "God's will and +commandment is, (says Cranmer) that when the people be +gathered together, the minister should use such language as +the people may understand, and take profit thereby; or else +hold their peace. For as an harp or lute, if it give no +certain sound that men may know what is stricken, who can +dance after it—for all the sound is vain; so is it vain and +profiteth nothing, sayeth Almighty God, by the mouth of St. +Paul, if the priest speak to the people in a language which +they know not." <i>Certain most godly, fruitful, and +comfortable letters of Saintes and holy Martyrs, &c.</i>, 1564; +4to., fol. 8.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">All hail to the sovereign who, bred up in severe habits of reading and +meditation, loved books and scholars to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">249</a></span> very bottom of her heart! +I consider <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span> as a royal bibliomaniac of transcendent fame!—I +see her, in imagination, wearing her favourite little <i>Volume of +Prayers</i>,<a name="FNanchor_325_330" id="FNanchor_325_330"></a><a href="#Footnote_325_330" class="fnanchor">[325]</a> the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">250</a></span> composition of Queen Catherine Parr, and Lady +Tirwit, "bound in solid gold, and hanging by a gold chain at her +side," at her morning and evening devotions—afterwards, as she became +firmly seated upon her throne,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">251</a></span> taking an interest in the +embellishments of the <i>Prayer Book</i>,<a name="FNanchor_326_331" id="FNanchor_326_331"></a><a href="#Footnote_326_331" class="fnanchor">[326]</a> which goes under her own +name; and then indulging her strong bibliomaniacal appetites in +fostering the institution "for the +erecting of <i>a Library and an +Academy for the study of Antiquities and History</i>."<a name="FNanchor_327_332" id="FNanchor_327_332"></a><a href="#Footnote_327_332" class="fnanchor">[327]</a><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">254</a></span> +Notwithstanding her earnestness to root out all relics of the Roman +Catholic religion (to which, as the best excuse, we must, perhaps, +attribute the sad cruelty of the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots), I +cannot in my heart forbear to think but +that she secured, for her own book-boudoir, one or two of the curious articles which the +commissioners often-times found in the libraries that they inspected: +and, amongst other volumes, how she could forbear pouncing upon "<i>A +great Pricksong Book of parchment</i>"—discovered in the library of All +Soul's College<a name="FNanchor_328_333" id="FNanchor_328_333"></a><a href="#Footnote_328_333" class="fnanchor">[328]</a>—is absolutely beyond my wit to divine!</p> + +<p class="centertbp"> +<img src="images/elizabeth.jpg" width="244" height="360" alt="Elizabeth" title="Elizabeth" /> +</p> + + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_325_330" id="Footnote_325_330"></a><a href="#FNanchor_325_330">[325]</a> Of this curious little devotional volume the +reader has already had some account (<a href="#Page_119">p. 119</a>, ante); but if +he wishes to enlarge his knowledge of the same, let him +refer to vol. lx. pt. ii. and vol. lxi. pt. i. of the +<i>Gentleman's Magazine</i>. By the kindness of Mr. John Nichols, +I am enabled to present the bibliomaniacal virtuoso with a +fac-simile of the copper-plate inserted in the latter volume +(p. 321) of the authority last mentioned. It represents the +<span class="smcap">golden cover</span>, or binding, of this precious manuscript. Of +the Queen's attachment to works of this kind, the following +is a pretty strong proof: "In the Bodl. library, among the +MSS. in mus. num. 235, are the <i>Epistles of St. Paul, &c.</i>, +printed in an old black letter in 12<span class="super">o</span>. which was <i>Queen +Elizabeth's own book</i>, and her own hand writing appears at +the beginning, viz.: "August. I walke many times into the +pleasant fieldes of the Holy Scriptures, where I plucke up +the goodliesome herbes of sentences by pruning: eate them by +reading: chawe them by musing: and laie them up at length in +the hie seate of memorie by gathering them together: that so +having tasted their sweetenes I may the lesse perceave the +bitterness of this miserable life." The covering is done in +needle work by the Queen [then princess] herself, and +thereon are these sentences, viz. on one side, on the +borders; <span class="smcap">celvm patria: scopvs vitæ xpvs. christvs via. +christo vive</span>. In the middle a heart, and round about it, +<span class="smcap">eleva cor svrsvm ibi vbi e.c.</span> [est Christus]. On the other +side, about the borders, <span class="smcap">beatvs qvi divitias scriptvræ +legens verba vertit in opera</span>. In the middle a star, and +round it, <span class="smcap">vicit omnia pertinax virtvs</span> with <span class="smcap">e.c.</span>, <i>i.e.</i> as I +take it, <span class="smcap">elisabetha captiva</span>, or [provided it refer to +Virtus] <span class="smcap">elisabethæ captivæ</span>, she being, then, when she worked +this covering, a prisoner, if I mistake not, at Woodstock." +<i>Tit. Liv. For. Jul. vit. Henrici</i> v., p. 228-229. +</p> + +<p class="centertp"> +<img src="images/goldencover.jpg" width="500" height="329" alt="Golden Cover" title="Golden Cover" /> +</p> + +<p class="centerbp"><span class="msm">[<a href="images/goldencover-lg.jpg">Enlarge</a>]</span></p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_326_331" id="Footnote_326_331"></a><a href="#FNanchor_326_331">[326]</a> In the <span class="smcap">prayer-book</span> which goes by the name of +<span class="smcap">Queen Elizabeth's</span>, there is a portrait of her Majesty +kneeling upon a superb cushion, with elevated hands, in +prayer. This book was first printed in 1575; and is +decorated with wood-cut borders of considerable spirit and +beauty; representing, among other things, some of the +subjects of Holbein's dance of death. The last impression is +of the date of 1608. Vide <i>Bibl. Pearson</i>; n<span class="super">o</span>. 635. The +presentation copy of it was probably printed <span class="smcap">upon +vellum</span>.<a name="FNanchor_F_334" id="FNanchor_F_334"></a><a href="#Footnote_F_334" class="fnanchor">[F]</a></p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_327_332" id="Footnote_327_332"></a><a href="#FNanchor_327_332">[327]</a> The famous John Dee entreated <span class="smcap">Queen Mary</span> to +erect an institution similar <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: 'to' missing in original">the</span> one above alluded to. If she +adopted the measure, Dee says that "her highnesse would have +a most <span class="smcap">notable library</span>, learning wonderfully be advanced, +the passing excellent works of our forefathers from rot and +worms preserved, and also hereafter continually the whole +realm may (through her grace's goodness) use and enjoy the +incomparable treasure so preserved: where now, no one +student, no, nor any one college, hath half a dozen of those +excellent jewels, but the whole stock and store thereof +drawing nigh to utter destruction, and extinguishing, while +here and there by private men's negligence (and sometimes +malice) many a famous and excellent author's book is rent, +burnt, or suffered to rot and decay. By your said +suppliant's device your Grace's said library might, in very +few years, most plentifully be furnisht, and that without +any one penny charge unto your Majesty, or doing injury to +any creature." In another supplicatory article, dated xv. +Jan. 1556, Dee advises copies of the monuments to be taken, +and the original, after the copy is taken, to be restored to +the owner. That there should be "allowance of all necessary +charges, as well toward the riding and journeying for the +recovery of the said worthy monuments, as also for the +copying out of the same, and framing of necessary stalls, +desks, and presses."—He concludes with proposing to make +copies of all the principal works in MS. "in the <span class="smcap">notablest</span> +libraries beyond the sea"—"and as concerning all other +excellent authors printed, that they likewise shall be +gotten in wonderful abundance, their carriage only to be +chargeable." He supposes that three months' trial would shew +the excellence of his plan; which he advises to be instantly +put into practice "for fear of the spreading of it abroad +might cause many to hide and convey away their good and +ancient writers—which, nevertheless, were ungodly done, and +a certain token that such are not sincere lovers of good +learning." [In other words, not sound bibliomaniacs.] See +the Appendix to Hearne's edition of <i>Joh. Confrat. Monach. +de Reb. Glaston.</i> Dee's "supplication" met with no attention +from the bigotted sovereign to whom it was addressed. A +project for a similar establishment in Queen Elizabeth's +reign, when a Society of Antiquaries was first established +in this kingdom, may be seen in Hearne's <i>Collection of +Curious Discourses of Antiquaries</i>; vol. ii., p. 324,—when +this library was "to be entitled <span class="smcap">the library of Queen +Elizabeth</span>, and the same to be well furnished with divers +ancient books, and rare monuments of antiquity," &c., edit. +1775.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_328_333" id="Footnote_328_333"></a><a href="#FNanchor_328_333">[328]</a> In Mr. Gutch's <i>Collectanea Curiosa</i>, vol. +ii., p. 275, we have a "Letter from Queen Elizabeth's high +commissioners, concerning the superstitious books belonging +to All Soul's College:" the "schedule" or list returned was +as follows:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p> +Three mass books, old and new, and 2 portmisses<br /> +Item, 8 grailes, 7 antiphoners of parchment and bound<br /> +—— 10 Processionals old and new<br /> +—— 2 Symnalls<br /> +—— an old manual of paper<br /> +—— an Invitatorie book<br /> +—— 2 psalters—and one covered with a skin<br /> +—— <i>A great pricksong book of parchment</i><br /> +—— One other pricksong book of vellum covered with a hart's skyn<br /> +—— 5 other of paper bound in parchment<br /> +—— The Founder's mass-book in parchment bound in board<br /> +—— In Mr. Mill his hand an antiphoner and a legend<br /> +—— A portmisse in his hand two volumes, a manual, a mass-book, and a<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">processional.</span><br /> +</p> +</div> + +<p><a name="Footnote_F_334" id="Footnote_F_334"></a><a href="#FNanchor_F_334">[F]</a> The two following pages are appropriated to +copies of the frontispiece (of the edit. of 1608), and a +page of the work, from a copy in the possession of the +printer of this edition of the <i>Bibliomania</i>. +</p> + +<p class="centertp"> +<img src="images/elizreg.jpg" width="352" height="600" alt="Elizabeth Regina" title="Elizabeth Regina" /> +</p> + +<p class="centerbp"><span class="msm">[<a href="images/elizreg-lg.jpg">Enlarge</a>]</span></p> + +<p class="center"><span class="rllg">Elizabeth Regina.</span></p> + +<p class="center"><span style="color: red">2 PARALIPOM 6.</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p class="hang"><span class="rl">Domine Deus Israel, non est similis tui Deus in coelo & in +terra, qui pacta custodis & misericordiam cum seruis tuis, +qui ambulant coram te in toto corde suo.</span></p> +</div> + +<hr class="med" /> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/prayer.jpg" width="347" height="600" alt="A prayer for charitie, or loue" title="A prayer for charitie, or loue" /> +</p> + +<p class="centerbp"><span class="msm">[<a href="images/prayer-lg.jpg">Enlarge</a>]</span></p> + + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="right"><span class="rl">Giue a sweete<br />smell as incense, &c.<br /> +Eccles. 39.</span></p> + +<p class="center"><span class="lg"><span style="color: red">A prayer for charitie, or loue</span></span><br /> +<br /> +towards our neighbours.</p> + +<p class="tp"><span class="dropcap">L</span><span class="bl">ORD, inlighten and instruct our mindes, that we may esteeme +euerie thing as it is worth, & yet not make the lesse +reckoning of thee, sith nothing can be made better then +thou. And secondly let us make account of man, then whome, +there is nothing more excellent among the things of this +world. Make vs to loue him next thee, either as likest our +selues, or as thy childe, and therefore our brother, or as +one ordayned to bee a member of one selfe same countrie with +vs.</span></p> + +<p><span class="bl">And cause vs also euen heere, to resemble the heauenly +kingdome through mutual loue, where all hatred is quite +banished, and all is full of loue, and consequently full of +joy and gladnes.</span> Amen. +</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="rl">Matthew<br /> +xxvi. 26-29.</span></p> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> You are full of book anecdote of Elizabeth: but do you forget +her schoolmaster, <span class="smcap">Roger Ascham</span>?</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> The master ought certainly to have been mentioned before his +pupil. Old Roger is one of my most favourite authors; and I wish +English scholars<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">255</a></span> in general not only to read his works frequently, +but to imitate the terseness and perspicuity of his style. There is a +great deal of information in his treatises, respecting the manners and +customs of his times; and as Dr. Johnson has well remarked, "his +philological learning would have gained him honour in any +country."<a name="FNanchor_329_335" id="FNanchor_329_335"></a><a href="#Footnote_329_335" class="fnanchor">[329]</a><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">256</a></span> That he was an ardent bibliomaniac, his letters when +upon the continent, are a sufficient demonstration.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_329_335" id="Footnote_329_335"></a><a href="#FNanchor_329_335">[329]</a> <span class="smcap">Roger Ascham</span> is now, I should hope, pretty +firmly established among us as one of the very best +classical writers in our language. Nearly three centuries +are surely sufficient to consecrate his literary celebrity. +He is an author of a peculiar and truly original cast. There +is hardly a dull page or a dull passage in his lucubrations. +He may be thought, however, to have dealt rather harshly +with our old romance writers; nor do I imagine that the +original edition of his <i>Schoolmaster</i> (1571), would be +placed by a <i>Morte d'Arthur</i> collector alongside of his thin +black-letter quarto romances. Ascham's invectives against +the Italian school, and his hard-hearted strictures upon the +innocent ebullitions of Petrarch and Boccaccio, have been +noticed, with due judgment and spirit, by Mr. Burnet, in his +pleasing analysis of our philosopher's works. See <i>Specimens +of English Prose Writers</i>; vol. ii., p. 84. Our tutor's +notions of academical education, and his courteous treatment +of his royal and noble scholars, will be discoursed of anon; +meantime, while we cursorily, but strongly, applaud Dr. +Johnson's almost unqualified commendation of this able +writer; and while the reader may be slightly informed of the +elegance and interest of his epistles; let the bibliomaniac +hasten to secure Bennet's edition of Ascham's works (which +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: incorporates">incorparates</span> the notes of +Upton upon the Schoolmaster, with the Life of, and remarks +upon Ascham, by Dr. Johnson), published in a handsome quarto +volume [1761]. This edition, though rather common and cheap, +should be carefully reprinted in an octavo volume; to +harmonize with the greater number of our best writers +published in the same form. But it is time to mention +something of the author connected with the subject of this +work. What relates to the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>, I here select from +similar specimens in his English letters, written when he +was abroad: "Oct. 4. at afternoon I went about the town [of +Bruxelles]. I went to the frier Carmelites house, and heard +their even song: after, I desired to see the <span class="smcap">library</span>. A +frier was sent to me, and led me into it. There was not one +good book but <i>Lyra</i>. The friar was learned, spoke Latin +readily, entered into Greek, having a very good wit, and a +greater desire to learning. He was gentle and honest," &c. +pp. 370-1. "Oct. 20. to Spira: a good city. Here I first saw +<i>Sturmius de Periodis</i>. I also found here <i>Ajax</i>, <i>Electra</i>, +and <i>Antigone</i> of <i>Sophocles</i>, excellently, by my good +judgment, translated into verse, and fair printed this +summer by Gryphius. Your stationers do ill, that at least do +not provide you the register of all books, especially of old +authors," &c., p. 372. Again: "Hieronimus Wolfius, that +translated Demosthenes and Isocrates, is in this town. I am +well acquainted with him, and have brought him twice to my +lord's to dinner. He looks very simple. He telleth me that +one Borrheus, that hath written well upon Aristot. priorum, +&c., even now is printing goodly commentaries upon +Aristotle's Rhetoric. But Sturmius will obscure them all." +p. 381. These extracts are taken from Bennet's edition. Who +shall hence doubt of the propriety of classing Ascham among +the most renowned bibliomaniacs of the age?</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">From the tutor of Elizabeth let us go to her prime minister, +<span class="smcap">Cecil</span>.<a name="FNanchor_330_336" id="FNanchor_330_336"></a><a href="#Footnote_330_336" class="fnanchor">[330]</a> We have already seen how success<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">257</a></span>fully this great man +interposed in matters of religion; it remains to notice his zealous +activity in the cause of learning. And of this latter who can possibly +entertain a doubt? Who that has seen how frequently his name is +affixed to Dedications, can disbelieve that Cecil was a <span class="smcap">lover of +books</span>? Indeed I question whether it is inserted more frequently in a +diplomatic document or printed volume. To possess all the presentation +copies of this illustrious minister would be to possess an ample and +beautiful library of the literature of the sixteenth century.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_330_336" id="Footnote_330_336"></a><a href="#FNanchor_330_336">[330]</a> The reader, it is presumed, will not form his +opinion of the bibliomaniacal taste of this great man, from +the distorted and shameful delineation of his character, +which, as a matter of curiosity only, is inserted at <a href="#Page_237">p. 237</a>, +ante. He will, on the contrary, look upon Cecil as a lover +of books, not for the sake of the numerous panegyrical +dedications to himself, which he must have so satisfactorily +perused, but for the sake of the good to be derived from +useful and ingenious works. With one hand, this great man +may be said to have wielded the courageous spirit, and +political virtue, of his country—and with the other, to +have directed the operations of science and literature. +Without reading the interesting and well-written life of +Cecil, in Mr. Macdiarmid's <i>Lives of British Statesmen</i> (a +work which cannot be too often recommended, or too highly +praised), there is evidence sufficient of this statesman's +bibliomaniacal passion and taste, in the <span class="smcap">fine old library</span> +which is yet preserved at Burleigh in its legitimate +form—and which, to the collector of such precious volumes, +must have presented a treat as exquisite as are the fresh +blown roses of June to him who regales himself in the +flowery fragrance of his garden—the production of his own +manual labour! Indeed Strypes tells us that Cecil's "library +was a very choice one:" his care being "in the preservation, +rather than in the private possession of (literary) +antiquities." Among other curiosities in it, there was a +grand, and a sort of presentation, copy of Archbishop +Parker's Latin work of the <i>Antiquity of the British +Church</i>; "bound costly, and laid in colours the arms of the +Church of Canterbury, empaled with the Archbishop's own +paternal coat." Read Strype's tempting description; <i>Life of +Parker</i>; pp. 415, 537. Well might Grafton thus address Cecil +at the close of his epistolary dedication of his +<i>Chronicles</i>: "and now having ended this work, and seeking +to whom I might, for testification of my special good-will, +present it, or for patronage and defence dedicate it, and +principally, for all judgment and correction to submit +it—among many, I have chosen your <span class="smcap">Mastership</span>, moved thereto +by experience of your courteous judgment towards those that +travail to any honest purpose, rather helping and comforting +their weakness, than condemning their simple, but yet well +meaning, endeavours. By which, your accustomed good +acceptation of others, I am the rather boldened to beseech +your Mastership to receive this my work and me, in such +manner as you do those in whom (howsoever there be want of +power) there wanteth no point of goodwill and serviceable +affection." Edit. 1809, 4to. If a chronicler could talk +thus, a poet (who, notwithstanding the title of his poem, +does not, I fear, rank among Pope's bards, that "sail aloft +among <i>the Swans of Thames</i>,") may be permitted thus to +introduce Cecil's name and mansion:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Now see these Swannes the new and worthie seate<br /> +Of famous <span class="smcap">Cicill</span>, treasorer of the land,<br /> +Whose wisedome, counsell skill of Princes state<br /> +The world admires, then Swannes may do the same:<br /> +The house itselfe doth shewe the owner's wit,<br /> +And may for bewtie, state, and every thing,<br /> +Compared be with most within the land,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Vallan's <i>Tale of Two Swannes</i>, 1590, 4to.,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4em;">reprinted in <i>Leland's Itinerary</i>;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4em;">vol. v. p. xiii, edit. 1770.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> +</div> + +<p class="tp">But the book-loving propensities of Elizabeth's minister were greatly +eclipsed by those of her favourite archbishop, <span class="smcap">Parker</span>:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +<span style="margin-left: 6em;">clarum et venerabile nomen</span><br /> +Gentibus, et multum nostræ quod proderat urbi.<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="bp">For my part, Lorenzo, I know of no character, either of this or of any +subsequent period, which is more entitled to the esteem and veneration +of Englishmen. Pious, diffident, frank, charitable, learned, and +munificent, Parker was the great episcopal star of his age, which +shone with undiminished lustre to the last moment of its appearance. +In that warm and irritable period, when the Protestant religion was +assailed in proportion to its excellence, and when writers mistook +abuse for argument, it is delightful to think upon the mild and +temperate course which this discreet metropolitan pursued! Even with +such arrant bibliomaniacs as yourselves, Parker's reputation must +stand as high as that attached to any name, when I inform you that of +his celebrated work upon the "<i>Antiquity of the British Church</i>"<a name="FNanchor_331_337" id="FNanchor_331_337"></a><a href="#Footnote_331_337" class="fnanchor">[331]</a> +are only twenty copies supposed to have been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">258</a></span> printed. He had a +private press, which was worked with types cast at his own expense; +and a more determined book-fancier, and treasurer of ancient lore, did +not at that time exist in Great Britain.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_331_337" id="Footnote_331_337"></a><a href="#FNanchor_331_337">[331]</a> This is not the place to enter minutely into +a bibliographical account of the above celebrated work; such +account being with more propriety reserved for the history +of our <i>Typographical Antiquities</i>. Yet a word or two may be +here said upon it, in order that the bibliomaniac may not be +wholly disappointed; and especially as Ames and Herbert have +been squeamishly reserved in their +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: communications">comunications</span> respecting the same. +The above volume is, without doubt, one of the scarcest +books in existence. It has been intimated by Dr. Drake, in +the preface of his magnificent reprint of it, 1729, fol., +that only 20 copies were struck off: but, according to +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Strype">Stype</span>, Parker tells Cecil, in an +emblazoned copy presented to him by the latter, that he had +not given the book to <i>four</i> men in the whole realm: and +peradventure, added he, "it shall never come to sight +abroad, though some men, smelling of the printing of it, +were very desirous cravers of the same." <i>Life of Parker</i>, +p. 415. This certainly does not prove any thing respecting +the number of copies printed; but it is probable that Dr. +Drake's supposition is not far short of the truth. One thing +is remarkable: of all the copies known, no two are found to +accord with each other. The archbishop seems to have altered +and corrected the sheets as they each came from the press. +The omission of the Archbishop's own life in this volume, as +it contained the biography of 69 archbishops, exclusively of +himself, was endeavoured to be supplied by the publication +of a sharp satirical tract, entitled, "<i>The life off the 70 +Archbishop of Canterbury, presenttye sittinge Englished, and +to be added to the 69 lately sett forth in Latin</i>," &c., +12mo., 1574. After this title page there is another. +"<i>Histriola, a little storye of the acts and life of Mathew, +now Archbishoppe of Canterb.</i>" This latter comprehends 17 +leaves, and was written either by the archbishop himself, or +by his Chaplain Joscelyne; but whether it be at all like a +distinct printed folio tract, of twelve leaves and a half, +which was kept carefully undispersed in the archbishop's own +possession, 'till his death—being also a biography of +Parker—I am not able to ascertain. The following extracts +from it (as it is a scarce little volume) may be acceptable, +</p> + +<p class="center"><i>Archbishop Parker's early Studies and popular Preaching.</i></p> + +<p>"But now, he being very well and perfectly instructed in the +liberal sciences, he applied all his mind to the study of +divinity, and to the reading of the volumes of the +ecclesiastical fathers; and that so earnestly that, in short +space of time, he bestowed his labour not unprofitably in +this behalf; for, after the space of four or five years, he, +issuing from his secret and solitary study into open +practice in the commonwealth, preached every where unto the +people with great commendation; and that in the most famous +cities and places of this realm, by the authority of King +Henry VIII., by whose letters patent this was granted unto +him, together with the license of the Archbishop of +Canterbury. In execution of this function of preaching, he +gained this commodity; that the fame of him came unto the +ears of King Henry," &c. Sign. A. iij. recto. +</p> + +<p class="center"><i>His attention to Literature and Printing, &c.</i></p> + +<p>"——he was very careful, and not without some charges, to +seek the monuments of former times; to know the religion of +the ancient fathers, and those especially which were of the +English church. Therefore in seeking up the Chronicles of +the Britons and English Saxons, which lay hidden every where +contemned and buried in forgetfulness, and through the +ignorance of the languages not well understanded, his own +especially, and his mens, diligence wanted not. And to the +end that these antiquities might last long, and be carefully +kept, he caused them, being brought into one place, <i>to be +well bound and trimly covered</i>. And yet, not so contented, +he endeavoured to set out in print certain of those ancient +monuments, whereof he knew very few examples to be extant; +and which he thought would be most profitable for the +posterity, to instruct them in the faith and religion of the +elders. [Orig. 'to instructe them in the faythe and religion +off the elders.] Hereupon, he caused the perpetual histories +of the English affairs, by <i>Mathæus Parisiensis</i>, once a +monk of Saint Alban's, and <i>Mathæus Florilegus</i>, a monk of +Saint Peter in Westminster, written in Latin, to be printed; +after he had diligently conferred them with the examples +which he could get in any place; to the end that, as +sincerely as might be, as the authors first left them, he +might deliver them into other men's hands. Lastly, that he +might not be unmindful of those monuments which, both in +antiquity, worthiness, and authority, excelled all other, or +rather wherewith none are to be compared (I mean the Holy +Scriptures) here he thought to do great good if, by his +number, he increased the <i>Holy Bibles</i>, which shortly would +be wanting to many churches, if this discommodity were not +provided for in time. Therefore it seemed good unto him, +first, with his learned servants, to examine thoroughly the +English translation; wherein he partly used the help of his +brethren bishops, and other doctors; with whom he dealt so +diligently in this matter that they disdained not to be +partners and fellows with him of his labor. And now all +their work is set out in very fair forms and letters of +print," &c. Sign. C. rect. & rev. +</p> + +<p class="center"><i>His work De Antiquitate Ecclesiæ Britannicæ.</i></p> + +<p>"——Much more praiseworthy is she (the 'Assyrian Queen of +Babylon,') than he, whosoever it was, that of late hath set +forth, to the hurt of christian men, certain rhapsodies and +shreds of the old forworn stories, almost forgotten—had he +not (Parker) now lately awakened them out of a dead sleep, +and newly sewed them together in one book printed; whose +glorious life promiseth not mountains of gold, as that silly +heathen woman's (the aforesaid Queen) tomb, but beareth +Christ in the brow, and is honested with this title in the +front, 'De Antiquitate,' &c." Sign. C. iiij. rev. The +satirical part, beginning with "To the Christian Reader," +follows the biography from which these extracts have been +taken. It remains to observe, that our <span class="smcap">Archbishop</span> was a +bibliomaniac of the very first order; and smitten with every +thing attached to a <span class="smcap">Book</span>, to a degree beyond any thing +exhibited by his contemporaries. Parker did not scruple to +tell Cecil that he kept in his house "drawers of pictures, +wood-cutters, painters, limners, writers, and +book-binders,"—"one of these was <span class="smcap">Lylye</span>, an excellent +writer, that could counterfeit any antique writing. Him the +archbishop customarily used to make old books +compleat,"—&c. <i>Strype's Life of Parker</i>; pp. 415, 529. +Such was his ardour for book-collecting that he had agents +in almost all places, abroad and at home, for the purpose of +securing everything that was curious, precious, and rare: +and one of these, of the name of Batman (I suppose the +commentator upon Bartholomæus) "in the space of no more than +four years, procured for our archbishop to the number of +6700 books." <i>Id.</i> p. 528. The riches of his book bequests +to Cambridge are sufficiently described by Strype; pp. 501, +518, 519, 529, &c. The domestic habits and personal +appearance of <span class="smcap">Parker</span> are described by his biographer (p. +504) as being simple and grave. Notwithstanding his aversion +to wearing silk, to plays and jests, and hawks and hounds +(even when he was a young man), I take it for granted he +could have no inward dislike to the beautiful and +appropriate ceremony which marked his consecration, and +which is thus narrated by the lively pen of Fuller: "The +east part of the chapel of Lambeth was hung with tapestry, +the floor spread with red cloth, chairs and cushions are +conveniently placed for the purpose: morning prayers being +solemnly read by Andrew Peerson, the archbishop's chaplain, +Bishop Scory went up into the pulpit, and took for his text, +<i>The Elders which are among you I exhort, who also am an +elder; and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, &c.</i> +Sermon ended, and the sacrament administered, they proceed +to the consecration. The <span class="smcap">Archbishop</span> had his rochet on, with +<span class="smcap">Hereford</span>; and the suffragan of Bedford, <span class="smcap">Chichester</span>, wore a +silk cope; and <span class="smcap">Coverdale</span> a plain cloth gown down to his +ancles. All things are done conformable to the book of +ordination: Litany sung; the Queen's patent for Parker's +consecration audibly read by Dr. Vale: He is presented: the +oath of supremacy tendered to him; taken by him; hands +reverently imposed on him; and all with prayers begun, +continued, concluded. In a word, though here was no +theatrical pomp to made it a popish pageant; though no +sandals, gloves, ring, staff, oil, pall, &c., were used upon +him—yet there was ceremony enough to clothe his +consecration with decency, though not to clog it with +superstition." <i>Church History</i>, b. ix., p. 60. But the +virtues of the primate, however mild and unostentatious, +were looked upon with an envious eye by the maligant +observer of human nature; and the spontaneous homage which +he received from some of the first noblemen in the realm was +thus lampooned in the satirical composition just before +noticed: +</p> + +<p class="center"><i>Homage and Tribute paid to Archbishop Parker.</i></p> + +<p>"The next is, what great tributes every made bishop paid +him. How they entertained his whole household or court, for +the time, with sumptuous feasting. How dearly they redeemed +their own cloaths, and carpets, at his chaplain's hands. +What fees were bestowed on his crucifer, marshall, and other +servants. All which plentiful bounty, or rather, he might +have said, largess, is shrunk up, he saith, to a small sum +of ten pounds, somewhat beside, but very small, bestowed, he +might have said cast away, upon the archbishop's family, +&c.—The same earl (of Gloucester) must be his steward and +chief cupbearer, the day of his inthronization: This is not +to be called gracious Lords, as the Lords of the earth, but +this is to be beyond all grace; and to be served of these +gracious Lords, and to be their Lord paramount. In this roll +of his noble tenants, the next are the Lord Strangways, the +Earl of Oxford, the Lord Dacy, all which (saith he) owe +service to that Archbishop. Then descendeth he to the gifts +that every his suffragan provincial bishop bestoweth on him, +in their life, and at their death: some their palfrey with +saddle and furniture; some their rings, and some their +seals. Among the rest, the Bishop of Rochester, who is there +called specially his chaplain, giveth him a brace of dogs. +These be trim things for prelates to give or receive; +especially of them to make such account as to print them +among such special prerogatives." Sign. D. iiij. v. Yet even +to this libel was affixed the following epitaph upon Parker; +which shews that truth "is great, and will prevail."</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Matthew Parker liued sober and wise<br /> +Learned by studie, and continuall practise,<br /> +Louinge, true, off life uncontrold<br /> +The courte did foster him, both young and old.<br /> +Orderly he delt, the ryght he did defend,<br /> +He lyved unto God, to God he mad his ende.<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><img src="images/parker.png" width="222" height="198" alt="Parker" title="Parker" class="floatl" /></p> + +<p class="bp">Let us take leave of this amiable, erudite, and truly +exemplary, character, by contemplating his +features—according to the ensuing cut of Tyson's fac-simile +of the rare ancient print, prefixed to some of the copies of +the <i>Antiquity of the British Church</i>; premising that the +supposed original painting of Parker, at Benet College, +Cambridge, is nothing more than one of the aforesaid ancient +prints, delicately coloured: as a tasteful antiquary, of the +first authority, discovered, and mentioned to me. +</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">259</a></span><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> You have called the reign of Henry the Seventh the +<span class="smcap">Augustan-Book-age</span>; but, surely, this distinction is rather due to the +æra of Queen Elizabeth?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">260</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Both periods merit the appellation. In Henry's time, the +invention of printing was of early<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">261</a></span> growth; but the avidity of readers +considerable. The presses of Rome, Venice, and Paris, sent forth their +costly productions; and a new light, by such means, was poured upon +the darkened mind. Our own presses began to contribute to the +diffusion of this light; and, compared with the preceding part of the +fifteenth century, the reign of Henry VII. was highly distinguished +for its bibliomaniacal celebrity. Undoubtedly, the æra of Queen +Elizabeth was the <span class="smcap">golden age</span> of Bibliomaniacism.</p> + +<p class="bp">Do not let me forget, in my rambling method of treating of books and +book-men, the name and celebrity of the renowned <span class="smcap">Dr. John Dee</span>. Let us +fancy we see him in his conjuring cap and robes—surrounded with +astrological, mathematical, and geographical instruments—with a +profusion of Chaldee characters inscribed upon vellum rolls—and with +his celebrated <i>Glass</i> suspended by magical wires. Let us then follow +him into his study at midnight, and view him rummaging his books; +con<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">262</a></span>templating the heavens; making calculations; holding converse with +invisible spirits; writing down their responses: anon, looking into +his correspondence with <i>Count a Lasco</i> and the emperors Adolphus and +Maximilian; and pronouncing himself, with the most heartfelt +complacency, the greatest genius of his age!<a name="FNanchor_332_338" id="FNanchor_332_338"></a><a href="#Footnote_332_338" class="fnanchor">[332]</a> In the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">263</a></span> midst of +these self-complacent reveries, let us imagine we see his wife and +little ones intruding; beseeching<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">264</a></span> him to burn his books and +instruments; and reminding him that there was neither a silver spoon, +nor a loaf of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">265</a></span> bread, in the cupboard. Alas, poor <span class="smcap">Dee</span>!—thou wert the +dupe of the people and of the Court: and, although Meric Casaubon has +enshrined thy conjurations in a pompous folio volume, thy name, I +fear, will only live in the memory of bibliomaniacs!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_332_338" id="Footnote_332_338"></a><a href="#FNanchor_332_338">[332]</a> Those who are fond of copious biographical +details of astrologers and conjurers will read, with no +small pleasure and avidity, the long gossipping account of +<span class="smcap">Dee</span>, which Hearne has subjoined to his edition of <i>John +Confrat. Monach. de rebus gestis Glaston.</i>, vol. ii.; where +twelve chapters are devoted to the subject of our +philosopher's travels and hardships. Meric Casaubon—who put +forth a pompous folio volume of "<i>A true and faithful +relation of what passed for many yeers between Dr. John Dee +and some spirits</i>:" 1659—gravely assures us, in an +elaborate, learned, and rather amusing preface, that the +volume contains what "he thinks is not to be paralleled in +that kind by any book that hath been set out in any age to +read:" sign A. This is true enough; for such a farago of +incongruous, risible, and horrible events, are no where else +recorded. "None but itself can be its parallel." Casaubon +wrote a professed dissertation (1652, 8vo.) upon witches, +and nothing seemed to be too unpalatable for his credulity +to swallow. A compressed and rather interesting account of +Dee, who was really the weakest as well as the ablest +scholar and philosopher of his day, will be found in +Ashmole's <i>Theatrum Chemicum</i>, p. 480. From the substance of +these authorities, the reader is presented with the +following sketch. The first chapter in Hearne's publication, +which treats of the "entrance and ground plot of his first +studies," informs us that he had received his Latin +education in London and Chelmsford: that he was born in +July, 1527, and at 15 years of age was entered at the +University of Cambridge, 1542. In the three following years, +"so vehemently was he bent to study that, for those years, +he did inviolably keep this order; only to sleep 4 hours +every night; to allow to meat and drink (and some refreshing +after) 2 hours every day; and of the other 18 hours, all +(excepting the time of going to, and being at, divine +service) was spent in his studies and learning." In May, +1547, after having taken his Bachelor's decree, he went +abroad. "And after some months spent about the Low +Countries, he returned home, and brought with him the first +astronomer's staff in brass, that was made of Gemma Frisius +devising; the two great globes of Gerardus Mercator's +making, and the astronomer's ring of brass, as Gemma Frisius +had newly framed it." Dee's head now began to run wild upon +astronomy, or rather astrology; and the tremendous +assistance of the "occult art" was called in to give effect +to the lectures which he read upon it at home and abroad. +"He did set forth (and it was seen of the University) a +Greek comedy of Aristophanes, named, in Greek, +<span lang="el" title="Greek: eirênê">ειρήνη</span>, in Latin, <i>Pax</i>; with the performance of the +<i>Scarabæus</i> his flying up to Jupiter's palace, with a man +and his basket of victuals on his back: whereat was great +wondering and many vain reports spread abroad of the means +how that was effected. In that college (Trinity, for he had +now left St. John's), by his advice and endeavours, was +their Christmas magistrate first named and confirmed an +<span class="smcap">emperor</span>." The first emperor of this sort, (whose <i>name</i>, it +must be confessed, is rather unpopular in a University) he +takes care to inform us, "was one Mr. Thomas <i>Dun</i>, a very +goodly man of person, stature, and complexion, and well +learned also." Dee afterwards ranks these things among "his +boyish attempts and exploits scholastical." In 1548 he was +made Master of Arts, and in the same year "went over beyond +the seas again, and never after that was any more student in +Cambridge." Abroad, almost every emperor and nobleman of +distinction, according to his own account, came to see and +hear him. "For recreation, he looked into the method of the +civil law, and profitted therein so much that, in +<i>Antinomiis</i>, imagined to be in the law, he had good hap to +find out (well allowed of) their agreements; and also to +enter into a plain and due understanding of diverse civil +laws, accounted very intricate and dark." At Paris, when he +gave lectures upon Euclid's elements, "a thing never done +publicly in any university in Christendom, his auditory in +Rhemes college was so great, and the most part elder than +himself, that the mathematical schools could not hold them; +for many were fain, without the schools, at the windows, to +be <i>Auditores et Spectatores</i>, as they could best help +themselves thereto. And by the first four principal +definitions representing to their eyes (which by imagination +only are exactly to be conceived) a greater wonder arose +among the beholders than of his <i>Aristophanes Scarabæus</i> +mounting up to the top of Trinity Hall, <i>ut supra</i>." +Notwithstanding the tempting offers to cause him to be +domiciled in France and Germany, our astrologer, like a true +patriot, declined them all. The French king offered an +annual stipend of 200 French crowns; a Monsieur Babeu, +Monsieur de Rohan, and Monsieur de Monluc, offered still +greater sums, but were all refused. In Germany he was +tempted with the yearly salary of 3000 dollars; "and lastly, +by a messenger from the Russie or Muscovite Emperor, +purposely sent with a very rich present unto him at Trebona +castle, and with provision for the whole journey (being +above 1200 miles from the castle where he lay) of his coming +to his court at Moscow, with his wife, children, and whole +family, there to enjoy at his imperial hands 2000<span class="super">lib.</span> +sterling yearly stipend; and of his Protector yearly a +thousand rubles; with his diet also to be allowed him free +out of the emperor's own kitchen: and to be in dignity with +authority amongst the highest sort of the nobility there, +and of his Privy Counsellors."—But all this was heroically +declined by our patriotic philosopher. Lord Pembroke and +Lord Leicester introduced Dee to the notice of Q. Elizabeth, +before her coronation. At which time her Majesty used these +words—"<i>Where my brother hath given him a crown, I will +give him a noble!</i>" Before the accession of Elizabeth, he +was imprisoned on being accused of destroying Queen Mary by +enchantment. "The Queen Elizabeth herself became a prisoner +in the same place (Hampton Court) shortly afterwards; and +Dee had for bedfellow one Barthelet Green, who was +afterwards burnt." Dee himself was examined by Bishop +Bonner. On the deanery of Gloucester becoming void in 1564, +Dee was nominated to fill it: but the same deanery was +afterwards bestowed on Mr. Man, who was sent into Spain in +her Majesty's service. "And now this Lent, 1594, when it +became void again (says Dee), I made a motion for it, but I +came too late; for one that might spend 400 or 500 lib. a +year already, had more need of it than I belike; or else +this former gift was but words only to me, and the fruit +ever due to others, that can espy and catch better than I +for these 35 years could do." Mistris Blanche à Parry came +to his house with an offer from the Queen of "any +ecclesiastical dignity within her kingdom, being then, or +shortly becoming, void and vacant"—but "Dee's most humble +and thankful answer to her Majesty, by the same messenger, +was that <i>cura animarum annexa</i> did terrifie him to deal +with." He was next promised to "have of her Majesty's gift +other ecclesiastical livings and revenues (without care of +souls annexed) as in her Majesty's books were rated at two +hundred pounds yearly revenue; of which her Majesty's gift +he never as yet had any one penny." In Oct. 1578, he had a +consultation with Mr. Doctor Bayly, her Majesty's physician, +"about her Majestie's grievous pangs and pains by reason of +the toothake and rheum," &c. "He set down in writing, with +hydrographical and geographical description, what he then +had to say or shew, as concerning her Majesty's title royal +to any foreign countries. Whereof two parchment great rolls +full written, of about <span class="smcap">xii white vellum skins</span>, were good +witnesses upon the table before the commissioners." Dee had +refused an hundred pounds for these calligraphical labours. +A list of his printed and unprinted works: the former 8 +(ending with the year 1573), the latter 36 (ending with the +year 1592), in number. Anno 1563, Julii ultimo, the Earl of +Leicester and Lord Laskey invited themselves to dine with +Dee in a day or two; but our astrologer "confessed sincerely +that he was not able to prepare them a convenient dinner, +unless he should presently sell some of his plate or some of +his pewter for it. Whereupon," continues Dee, "her Majesty +sent unto me very royally within one hour after forty angels +of gold, from Sion; whither her Majesty was now come by +water from Greenwich." A little before Christmas, 1599, Dee +mentions a promise of another royal donation of +100<i>l.</i>—"which intent and promise, some once or twice +after, as he came in her Majesty's sight, she repeated unto +him; and thereupon sent unto him <i>fifty pounds</i> to keep his +Christmas with that year—but what, says he, is become of +the other fifty, truly I cannot tell! If her Majesty can, it +is sufficient; '<i>Satis, citò, modò, satis bene</i>, must I +say.'" In 1591, his patroness, the Countess of Warwick, made +a powerful diversion at Court to secure for him the +mastership of St. Cross, then filled by Dr. Bennet, who was +to be made a bishop.—The queen qualified her promise of +Dee's having it with a nota bene, <i>if he should be fit for +it</i>. In 1592, the Archbishop of Canterbury openly "affirmed +that the mastership of St. Crosse was a living most fit for +him; and the Lord Treasurer, at Hampton Court, lately to +himself declared, and with his hand very earnestly smitten +on his breast used these very words to him—'<i>By my faith</i>, +if her Majestie be moved in it by any other for you, I will +do what I can with her Majestie to pleasure you therein, Mr. +Dee.'" But it is time to gratify the <span class="smcap">Bibliomaniac</span> with +something more to his palate. Here followeth, therefore, as +drawn up by our philosopher himself, an account of +</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Dee's Library:</span></p> + +<p>"4000 <i>Volumes</i>—printed and unprinted—bound and +unbound—valued at 2000 <i>lib.</i> +</p><p> +1 Greek, 2 French, and 1 High Dutch, volumes of MSS., alone +worth 533 <i>lib.</i> 40 years in getting these books together." +</p><p> +Appertaining thereto, +</p><p> +<i>Sundry rare and exquisitely made Mathematical Instruments.</i> +</p><p> +<i>A radius Astronomicus</i>, ten feet long. +</p><p> +<i>A Magnet Stone, or Loadstone</i>; of great virtue—"which was +sold out of the library for <i>v shill.</i> and for it afterwards +(yea piece-meal divided) was more than xx <i>lib.</i> given in +money and value." +</p><p> +"<i>A great case or frame of boxes</i>, wherein some hundreds of +very rare evidences of divers Irelandish territories, +provinces, and lands, were laid up. Which territories, +provinces, and lands were therein notified to have been in +the hands of some of the ancient Irish princes. Then, their +submissions and tributes agreed upon, with seals appendant +to the little writings thereof in parchment: and after by +some of those evidences did it appear how some of those +lands came to the Lascies, the Mortuomars, the Burghs, the +Clares," &c. +</p><p> +"<i>A box of Evidences</i> antient of some Welch princes and +noblemen—the like of Norman donation—their peculiar titles +noted on the forepart with chalk only, which on the poor +boxes remaineth." This box, with another, containing similar +deeds, were embezzled. +</p><p> +"One great bladder with about 4 pound weight, of a very +sweetish thing, like a brownish gum in it, artificially +prepared by thirty times purifying of it, hath more than I +could well afford him for 100 crownes; as may be proved by +witnesses yet living." +</p><p> +To these he adds his <i>three Laboratories</i>, "serving for +Pyrotechnia"—which he got together after 20 years' labour. +"All which furniture and provision, and many things already +prepared, is unduly made away from me by sundry meanes, and +a few spoiled or broken vessels remain, hardly worth 40 +shillings." But one more feature in poor Dee's +character—and that is his unparalleled serenity and good +nature under the most griping misfortunes—remains to be +described: and then we may take farewell of him, with aching +hearts. In the 10th chapter, speaking of the wretched +poverty of himself and family—("having not one penny of +certain fee, revenue, stipend, or pension, either left him +or restored unto him,")—Dee says that "he has been +constrained now and then to send parcels of his little +furniture of plate to pawn upon usury; and that he did so +oft, till no more could be sent. After the same manner went +his wives' jewels of gold, rings, bracelets, chains, and +other their rarities, under the thraldom of the usurer's +gripes: 'till <i>non plus</i> was written upon the boxes at +home." In the 11th chapter, he anticipates the dreadful lot +of being brought "to the stepping out of doors (his house +being sold). He, and his, with bottles and wallets +furnished, to become wanderers as homish vagabonds; or, as +banished men, to forsake the kingdom!" Again: "with bloody +tears of heart, he, and his wife, their seven children, and +their servant (seventeen of them in all), did that day make +their petition unto their honours," &c. Can human misery be +sharper than this—and to be the lot of a philosopher and +bibliomaniac?! But "<span class="smcap">veniet felicius ævum</span>."</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">266</a></span>Of a wholly different cast of character and of reading was the +renowned <span class="smcap">Captain Cox</span> of Coventry. How many of Dee's magical books he +had exchanged for the pleasanter magic of <i>Old Ballads</i> and +<i>Romances</i>, I will not take upon me to say; but that this said +bibliomaniacal Captain had a library, which, even from Master +Laneham's imperfect description of it,<a name="FNanchor_333_339" id="FNanchor_333_339"></a><a href="#Footnote_333_339" class="fnanchor">[333]</a> I should<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">267</a></span> have preferred +to the four thousand volumes of Dr. John Dee, is most +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: unquestionable">nuquestionable</span>.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_333_339" id="Footnote_333_339"></a><a href="#FNanchor_333_339">[333]</a> Let us be introduced to the sprightly figure +and expression of character of this renowned Coventry +captain, before we speak particularly of his library. +"<span class="smcap">Captain Cox</span> (says the above-mentioned Master Laneham) came +marching on valiantly before, clean trust and gartered above +the knee, all fresh in a velvet cap (Master Golding a lent +it him), flourishing with his <i>ton</i> sword; and another fence +master with him:" p. 39. A little before, he is thus +described as connected with his library: "And first, Captain +Cox; an odd man, I promise you: by profession a mason, and +that right skilful: very cunning in fens (fencing); and +hardy as Gawin; for his <i>ton</i> sword hangs at his table's +end. Great oversight hath he in matters of story: for as for +<i>King Arthur's</i> Book, <i>Huon of Bourdeaux</i>, the <i>Four Sons of +Aymon</i>, <i>Bevys of Hampton</i>, <i>The Squyre of Low Degree</i>, <i>The +Knight of Curtsy</i>, and the <i>Lady Fagnel</i>, <i>Frederick of +Gene</i>, <i>Syr Eglamour</i>, <i>Syr Tryamour</i>, <i>Syr Lamurell</i>, <i>Syr +Isenbras</i>, <i>Syr Gawyn</i>, <i>Olyver of the Castl</i>, <i>Lucres and +Eurialus</i>, <i>Virgil's Life</i>, <i>the Castl of Ladies</i>, <i>the +Widow Edyth</i>, <i>the King and the Tanner</i>, <i>Frier Rous</i>, +<i>Howleglas</i>, <i>Gargantua</i>, <i>Robin Hood</i>, <i>Adam Bel</i>, <i>Clim on +the Clough</i>, and <i>William of Cloudsley</i>, <i>the Churl and the +Burd</i>, <i>the Seaven Wise Masters</i>, <i>the Wife lapt in a +Morel's skin</i>, <i>the Sakful of Nuez</i>, <i>the Sergeaunt that +became a Fryar</i>, <i>Skogan</i>, <i>Collyn Cloout</i>, <i>the Fryar and +the Boy</i>, <i>Elynor Rumming</i>, and <i>the Nutbrooun Maid</i>, with +many more than I rehearse here. I believe he has them all at +his finger's ends," p. 36. The preceding is a list of the +worthy Captain's <span class="smcap">Romances</span>; some of which, at least in their +original shape, were unknown to Ritson: what would be the +amount of their present produce under the hammer of those +renowned black-letter-book auctioneers in King-street, +Covent Garden—? Speak we, in the next place, of the said +military bibliomaniac's collection of books in "<span class="smcap">philosophy +moral</span> and <span class="smcap">natural</span>." "Beside <i>Poetry</i> and <i>Astronomy</i>, and +other hid sciences, as I may guess by the omberty of his +books: whereof part are, as I remember, <i>The Shepherd's +Kalendar</i>, <i>the Ship of Fools</i>, <i>Daniel's Dreams</i>, <i>the Book +of Fortune</i>, <i>Stans</i>, <i>puer ad mensam</i>, <i>the bye way to the +Spitl-house</i>, <i>Julian of Brainford's Testament</i>, <i>the Castle +of Love</i>, <i>the Booget of Demaunds</i>, <i>the Hundred Mery +Talez</i>, <i>the Book of Riddels</i>, <i>the Seaven Sorows of Wemen</i>, +<i>the Proud Wives' Pater-Noster</i>, <i>the Chapman of a +Penniworth of Wit</i>: Beside his <span class="smcap">auncient plays</span>; <i>Youth and +Charitee</i>, <i>Hikskorner</i>, <i>Nugize</i>, <i>Impacient Poverty</i>, and +herewith Doctor <i>Boord's Breviary of Health</i>. What should I +rehearse here, what a bunch of <span class="smcap">ballads and songs</span>, all +ancient?!—Here they come, gentle reader; lift up thine eyen +and marvel while thou dost peruse the same: <i>Broom Broom on +Hill</i>, <i>So wo iz me begon</i>, <i>trolly lo Over a Whinny Meg</i>, +<i>Hey ding a ding</i>, <i>Bony lass upon a green</i>, <i>My bony on +gave me a bek</i>, <i>By a bank az I lay</i>; and <i>two more</i> he hath +fair wrapt up in parchment, and bound with a whipcord!" It +is no wonder that Ritson, in the historical essay prefixed +to his collection of <i>Scottish Songs</i>, should speak of some +of these ballads with a zest as if he would have sacrificed +half his library to untie the said "whipcord" packet. And +equally joyous, I ween, would my friend Mr. R.H. Evans, of +Pall-Mall, have been—during his editorial labours in +publishing a new edition of his father's collection of +Ballads—(an edition, by the bye, which gives us more of the +genuine spirit of the <span class="smcap">Coxean collection</span> than any with which +I am acquainted)—equally joyous would Mr. Evans have been +to have had the inspection of some of these 'bonny' songs. +The late Duke of Roxburgh, of never-dying bibliomaniacal +celebrity, would have parted with half the insignia of his +order of the Garter to have obtained <i>clean original copies</i> +of these fascinating effusions! But let us return, and take +farewell of Captain Cox, by noticing only the remaining +department of his library, as described by Laneham. "As for +<span class="smcap">Almanacs</span> of antiquity (a point for Ephemerides) I ween he +can shew from <i>Jasper Laet of Antwerp</i>, unto <i>Nostradam of +Frauns</i>, and thence unto our <i>John Securiz of Salisbury</i>. To +stay ye no longer herein (concludes Laneham) I dare say he +hath as fair a library of these sciences, and as many goodly +monuments both in prose and poetry, and at afternoon can +talk as much without book, as any innholder betwixt +Brentford and Bagshot, what degree soever he be." <i>A Letter +wherein part of the Entertainment untoo the Queenz Majesty +at Killingwoorth Castl in Warwick-Sheer, in this Soomerz +Progrest, 1575, is signefied</i>: Warwick, 1784, 8vo. <span class="smcap">O rare +Captain Cox</span>!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">We now approach two characters of a more dignified cast; and who, in +every respect, must be denominated the greatest bibliomaniacs of the +age: I mean <span class="smcap">Sir Robert Cotton</span> and <span class="smcap">Sir Thomas Bodley</span>. We will touch +upon them separately.</p> + +<p class="bp">The numerous relics which are yet preserved of the <i>Cottonian +Collection</i>, may serve to convey a pretty strong idea of its splendour +and perfection in its original shape. Cotton had all the sagacity and +judgment of Lord Coke, with a more beautifully polished mind, and a +more benevolent heart. As to books, and book men, he was the +Mecænas<a name="FNanchor_334_340" id="FNanchor_334_340"></a><a href="#Footnote_334_340" class="fnanchor">[334]</a> of his day. His thirst for knowledge<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">268</a></span> could never be +satiated; and the cultivation of the mind upon the foundation of a +good heart, he considered to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">269</a></span> be the highest distinction, and the most +permanent delight, of human beings. Wealth, pomp, parade, and titles, +were dissipated, in the pure atmosphere of his mind before the +invigorating sun of science and learning. He knew that the tomb which +recorded the <i>worth</i> of the deceased had more honest tears shed upon +it than the pompous mausoleum which spoke only of his pedigree and +possessions. Accordingly, although he had excellent blood flowing in +his veins, Cotton sought connection with the good rather than with the +great; and where he found a cultivated understanding, and an honest +heart,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">270</a></span> there he carried with him his <i>Lares</i>, and made another's +abode his own.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_334_340" id="Footnote_334_340"></a><a href="#FNanchor_334_340">[334]</a> There are few eminent characters of whom so +many, and such ably-executed, memoirs are extant as of <span class="smcap">Sir +Robert Cotton, Knt.</span> In the present place we have nothing to +do with his academical studies, his philosophical, or +legislative, or diplomatic, labours: literature and <i>Book +Madness</i> are our only subjects of discussion. Yet those who +may wish for more general, and possibly more interesting, +details, may examine the authorities referred to by Mr. +Planta in his very excellent <i>Catalogue of the MSS. in the +Cottonian Library</i>, 1802, folio. Sir Robert Cotton was +educated at Trinity-College, Cambridge. The number of +curious volumes, whether in the roman, gothic, or italic +type, which he in all probability collected during his +residence at the university, has not yet been ascertained; +but we know that, when he made his antiquarian tour with the +famous Camden, ("par nobile fratrum!") in his 29th year, +Cotton must have greatly augmented his literary treasures, +and returned to the metropolis with a sharpened appetite, to +devour every thing in the shape of a book. Respected by +three sovereigns, Elizabeth, James, and Charles, and admired +by all the literati in Europe, Sir Robert saw himself in as +eminent a situation as wealth, talents, taste, and integrity +can place an individual. His collection of books increased +rapidly; but MS. records, deeds, and charters, were the +chief objects of his pursuit. His mansion was noble, his +library extensive, and his own manners such as conciliated +the esteem of almost every one who approached him. Dr. Smith +has well described our illustrious bibliomaniac, at this +golden period of his life: "Ad Cottoni ædes, tanquam ad +communem reconditioris doctrinæ apothecam, sive ad novam +Academiam, quotquot animo paulo erectiori musis et gratiis +litaverint, sese recepere, nullam a viro humanissimo +repulsam passuri: quippe idem literas bonas promovendi +studium erat omni auctoramento longe potentius. Nec ista +obvia morum facilitas, qua omnes bonos eruditionisque +candidatos complexus est, quicquam reverentiæ qua vicissim +ille colebatur, detraxerat: potius, omnium, quos familiari +sermone, repititisque colloquiis dignari placuit, in se +amores et admirationem hac insigni naturæ benignitate +excitavit." Vit. Rob. Cottoni, p. xxiv., prefixed to the +<i>Catalogus Librorum Manuscriptorum Bibl. Cott.</i>, 1696, +folio. Sir Robert was, however, doomed to have the evening +of his life clouded by one of those crooked and disastrous +events, of which it is now impossible to trace the correct +cause, or affix the degree of ignominy attached to it, on +the head of its proper author. Human nature has few blacker +instances of turpitude on record than that to which our +knight fell a victim. In the year 1615, some wretch +communicated to the Spanish ambassador "the valuable state +papers in his library, who caused them to be copied and +translated into the Spanish:" these papers were of too much +importance to be made public; and James the 1st had the +meanness to issue a commission "which excluded Sir Robert +from his own library." The storm quickly blew over, and the +sunshine of Cotton's integrity diffused around its wonted +brilliancy. But in the year 1629, another mischievous wretch +propagated a report that Sir Robert had been privy to a +treasonable publication: because, forsooth, the original +tract, from which this treasonable one had been taken, was, +in the year 1613, without the knowledge of the owner of the +library, introduced into the Cottonian collection. This +wretch, under the abused title of librarian, had, "for +pecuniary considerations," the baseness to suffer one or +more copies of the pamphlet of 1613 +(<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: written">writtten</span> at Florence by Dudley, Duke of +Northumberland, under a less offensive title) to be taken, +and in consequence printed. Sir Robert was therefore again +singled out for royal vengeance: his library was put under +sequestration; and the owner forbidden to enter it. It was +in vain that his complete innocence was vindicated. To +deprive such a man as <span class="smcap">Cotton</span> of the ocular and manual +comforts of his library—to suppose that he could be happy +in the most splendid drawing room in Europe, without his +books—is to suppose what our experience of virtuous +bibliomaniacs will not permit us to accede to. In +consequence, Sir Robert declared to his friends, "that they +had broken his heart who had locked up his library from +him:" which declaration he solemnly repeated to the Privy +Council. In the year 1631, this great and good man closed +his eyes for ever upon mortal scenes; upon those whom he +gladdened by his benevolence, and improved by his wisdom. +Such was the man, of whom Gale has thus eloquently +spoken:—"quisquis bona fide Historiam nostram per omne ævum +explicare sataget, nullum laudatum Scriptorem à se +desiderari exoptarique posse, quem <span class="smcap">Cottonianus</span> ille +incomparabilis thesaurus promptissime non exhibebit: Ea est, +et semper fuit, nobilis Domus ergo literatos +indulgentia—Hujus fores (ut illæ Musaram, apud Pindarum) +omnibus patent. Testes apello Theologos, Antiquarios, +Jurisconsultos, Bibliopolas; qui quidem omnes, ex Cottoniana +Bibliotheca, tanquam ex perenni, sed et communi fonte, sine +impensis et molestiâ, abundè hauserunt." <i>Rer. Anglic. +Script. Vet.</i>, vol. i., præf., p. 3. The loss of such a +character—the deprivation of such a patron—made the whole +society of book-collectors tremble and turn pale. Men began +to look sharply into their libraries, and to cast a +distrustful eye upon those who came to consult and to copy: +for the spirit of <span class="smcap">Cotton</span>, like the ghost of Hamlet's father, +was seen to walk, before cock-crow, along the galleries and +balconies of great collections, and to bid the owners of +them "remember and beware"!—But to return. The library of +this distinguished bibliomaniac continued under +sequestration some time after his death, and was preserved +entire, with difficulty, during the shock of the civil wars. +In the year 1712, it was removed to Essex House, in +Essex-street, Strand, where it continued till the year 1730, +when it was conveyed back to Westminster, and deposited in +Little Dean's Yard. In October, 1731, broke out that +dreadful fire, which Hearne (<i>Benedict. Abbat.</i>, vol. i., +præf. p. xvi.) so pathetically deplores; and in which the +nation so generally sympathized—as it destroyed and +mutilated many precious volumes of this collection. Out of +958 volumes, 97 were destroyed, and 105 damaged. In the year +1753 the library, to the honour of the age, and as the only +atonement which could be made to the injured name of Cotton, +as well as to the effectual <i>laying</i> of his perturbed +spirit—was purchased by parliament, and transported within +the quiet and congenial abode of the <span class="smcap">British Museum</span>: and +here may it rest, unabused, for revolving ages! The +collection now contains 26,000 articles. Consult Mr. +Planta's neatly written preface to the catalogue of the +same; vide p. <a href="#Page_39">39</a>, <a href="#Page_267">267</a>, ante. And thus take we leave of the +ever-memorable bibliomaniac, Sir <span class="smcap">Robert Cotton, Knt.</span></p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">Equally celebrated for literary zeal, and yet more for bibliomaniacal +enthusiasm, was the famous <span class="smcap">Sir Thomas Bodley</span>; whose account of +himself, in <i>Prince's Worthies of Devon</i>, and particularly in one of +<i>Hearne's publications</i>,<a name="FNanchor_335_341" id="FNanchor_335_341"></a><a href="#Footnote_335_341" class="fnanchor">[335]</a> can never be read without transport by +an affec<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">271</a></span>tionate son of our Oxford <i>Alma Mater</i>. View this illustrious +bibliomaniac, with his gentleman-like air, and expressive countenance, +superintending, with the zeal of a Custom-house officer, the shipping, +or rather <i>barging</i>,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">272</a></span> of his books for the grand library which is now +called by his <span class="smcap">own name</span>! Think upon his activity in writing to almost +every distinguished character of the realm:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">273</a></span> soliciting, urging, +arguing, entreating for their support towards his magnificent +establishment; and, moreover,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">274</a></span> superintending the erection of the +building, as well as examining the timbers, with the nicety of a +master-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">275</a></span>carpenter!—Think of this; and when you walk under the grave +and appropriately-ornamented roof, which tells you that you are within +the precincts of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">276</a></span> <span class="smcap">Bodleian Library</span>, pay obeisance to the portrait +of the founder, and hold converse with his gentle spirit that dwells +therein!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_335_341" id="Footnote_335_341"></a><a href="#FNanchor_335_341">[335]</a> There are few subjects—to the bibliomaniac +in general—and particularly to one, who, like the author of +this work, numbers himself among the dutiful sons of the +<span class="smcap">fair Oxonian mother</span>—that can afford a higher gratification +than the history of the <span class="smcap">Bodleian library</span>, which, like +Virgil's description of fame,</p> + +<p class="center">"Soon grew from pigmy to gigantic size."</p> + +<p>The reader is therefore here informed, as a necessary +preliminary piece of intelligence, that the present note +will be more monstrous than any preceding one of a similar +nature. Let him, however, take courage, and only venture to +dip his feet in the margin of the lake, and I make little +doubt but that he will joyfully plunge in, and swim across +it. Of the parentage, birth, and education of Bodley there +seems to be no necessity for entering into the detail. The +monument which he has erected to his memory is lofty enough +for every eye to behold; and thereupon may be read the +things most deserving of being known. How long the subject +of his beloved library had occupied his attention it is +perhaps of equal difficulty and unimportance to know; but +his determination to carry this noble plan into effect is +thus pleasingly communicated to us by his own pen: "when I +had, I say, in this manner, represented to my thoughts, my +peculiar estate, I resolved thereupon to possess my soul in +peace all the residue of my days; to take my full farewell +of state employments; to satisfy my mind with that +mediocrity of worldly living that I have of my own, and so +to retire me from the Court; which was the epilogue and end +of all my actions and endeavours, of any important note, +till I came to the age of fifty-three years."—"Examining +exactly, for the rest of my life, what course I might take; +and, having, as I thought, sought all the ways to the wood, +I concluded, at the last, to set up my staff <span class="smcap">at the library +door in Oxon</span>, being thoroughly persuaded, in my solitude and +surcease from the commonwealth affairs, I could not busy +myself to better purpose than by reducing that place (which +then in every part lay ruinated and waste) to the public use +of Students." Prince's <i>Worthies of Devon</i>, p. 95, edit. +1810. Such being the reflections and determination of Sir +Thomas Bodley, he thus ventured to lay open his mind to the +heads of the University of Oxford: +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p class="center">"<i>To the Vice-Chancellor (Dr. Ravis) of Oxon; about +restoring the public library.</i></p> + +<p class="center">(This letter was published in a convocation holden March 2, +1597)</p> + +<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><span class="smcap">Sir</span>,</span></p> + +<p class="letter">Although you know me not, as I suppose, yet for the +farthering an offer, of evident utility, to your whole +university, I will not be too scrupulous in craving your +assistance. I have been always of a mind that, if God, of +his goodness, should make me able to do any thing, for the +benefit of posterity, I would shew some token of affection, +that I have ever more borne, to the studies of good +learning. I know my portion is too slender to perform, for +the present, any answerable act to my willing disposition: +but yet, to notify some part of my desire in that behalf, I +have resolved thus to deal. Where there hath been heretofore +a public library in Oxford, which, you know, is apparent by +the room itself remaining, and by your statute records, I +will take the charge and cost upon me to reduce it again to +his former use: and to make it fit and handsome, with seats, +and shelves, and desks, and all that may be needfull, to +stir up other men's benevolence, to help to furnish it with +books. And this I purpose to begin, as soon as timber can be +gotten, to the intent that you may reap some speedy profit +of my project. And where before, as I conceive, it was to be +reputed but a store of books of divers benefactors, because +it never had any lasting allowance, for augmentation of the +number, or supply of books decayed: whereby it came to pass +that, when those that were in being were either wasted or +embezelled, the whole foundation came to ruin:—to meet with +that inconvenience, I will so provide hereafter (if God do +not hinder my present design) as you shall be still assured +of a standing annual rent, to be disbursed every year in +buying of books, in officers' stipends, and other pertinent +occasions, with which provision, and some order for the +preservation of the place, and of the furniture of it, from +accustomed abuses, it may, perhaps, in time to come, prove a +notable treasure for the multitude of volumes; an excellent +benefit for the use and ease of students; and a singular +ornament in the University. I am, therefore, to intreat you, +because I will do nothing without their public approbation, +to deliver this, that I have signified, in that good sort, +that you think meet: and when you please to let me know +their acceptation of my offer, I will be ready to effect it +with all convenient expedition. But, for the better +effecting of it, I do desire to be informed whether the +University be sufficiently qualified, by licence of +Mortmain, or other assurance, to receive a farther grant of +any rent or annuity than they do presently enjoy. And, if +any instruments be extant of the ancient donations to their +former library, I would, with their good liking, see a +transcript of them: and likewise of such statutes as were +devised by the founders, or afterwards by others for the +usage of the books. Which is now as much as I can think on, +whereunto, at your good leisure, I would request your +friendly answer. And, if it lie in my ability to deserve +your pains in that behalf, although we be not yet +acquainted, you shall find me very forward. From London, +Feb. 23, 1597. +</p> + +<p class="right"><span style="margin-right: 2em;">Your affectionate friend,</span></p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Tho. Bodley.</span>"</p> +</div> + +<p>In the Easter following, "Mr. Bodley came to Oxford to view +the place on which he intended his bounty, and making them a +model of the design with the help of Mr. Saville, Warden of +Merton College, ordered that the room, or place of stowage, +for books, should be new planked, and that benches and +repositories <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: for">fo</span> books should be +set up." Wood's <i>Annals of the University</i>, vol. ii., pt. +ii., p. 920. The worthy founder then pursued his epistolary +intercourse with the Vice-Chancellor: +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p class="center">"<i>To Mr. Vice Chancellor.</i></p> + +<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><span class="smcap">Sir</span>,</span></p> + +<p class="letter">I find myself greatly beholden unto you for the speed that +you have used in proposing my offer to the whole University, +which I also hear by divers friends was greatly graced in +their meeting with your courteous kind speeches. And though +their answer of acceptance were over thankful and +respective; yet I take it unto me for a singular comfort, +that it came for that affection, whose thanks in that behalf +I do esteem a great deal more than they have reason to +esteem a far better offer. In which respect I have returned +my dutiful acknowledgement, which I beseech you to present, +when you shall call a convocation, about some matter of +greater moment. Because their letter was in <i>Latin</i>, +methought it did enforce me not to show myself a truant, by +attempting the like, with a pen out of practice: which yet I +hope they will excuse with a kind construction of my +meaning. And to the intent they may perceive that my good +will is as forward to perform as to promise, and that I +purpose to shew it to their best contentation, I do hold it +very requisite that some few should be deputed by the rest +of the House to consider, for the whole, of the fittest kind +of facture of desks, and other furniture; and when I shall +come to Oxford, which I determine, God willing, some time +before Easter, I will then acquaint the self same parties +with some notes of a platform, which I and Mr. Savile have +conceived here between us: so that, meeting altogether, we +shall soon resolve upon the best, as well for shew, and +stately form, as for capacity and strength, and commodity of +students. Of this my motion I would pray you to take some +notice in particular, for that my letter herewith to your +public assembly doth refer itself in part to your delivery +of my mind. My chiefest care is now, the while, how to +season my timber as soon as possible. For that which I am +offered by the special favour of Merton College, although it +were felled a great while since, yet of force it will +require, after time it is sawed, a convenient seasoning; +least by making too much haste, if the shelves and seats +should chance to warp, it might prove to be an eye sore, and +cost in a manner cast away. To gain some time in that +regard, I have already taken order for setting sawyers +a-work, and for procuring besides all other materials; +wherein my diligence and speed shall bear me witness of my +willingness to accomplish all that I pretend, to every man's +good liking. And thus I leave and commend you to God's good +tuition. From London, March 19, —97</p> + +<p class="right"><span style="margin-right: 2em;">Your assured to use in all your occasions,</span></p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Tho. Bodley</span>."</p> +</div> + +<p>Neither this nor the preceding letter are published in Mr. +Gutch's valuable edition of Wood's original text: but are to +be found, as well as every other information here subjoined, +in Hearne's edition of <i>Joh. Confrat. &c., de Reb. +Glaston.</i>, vol. ii., pp. 612 to 645. We will next peruse the +curious list of the first benefactors to the Bodleian +Library. +</p> + +<p class="hang"> +<i>My Lord of Essex</i>: about 300 volumes: greater part in +folio. +</p> + +<p class="hang"> +<i>My Lord Chamberlain</i>: 100 volumes, all in a manner new +bound, with his arms, and a great part in folio. +</p> + +<p class="hang"> +<i>The Lord Montacute</i>: 66 costly great volumes, in folio; all +bought of set purpose, and fairly bound with his arms. +</p> + +<p class="hang"> +<i>The Lord Lumley</i>: 40 volumes in folio. +</p> + +<p class="hang"> +<i>Sir Robert Sidney</i>: 102 new volumes in folio, to the value +of one hundred pounds, being all very fair, and especially +well bound with his arms. +</p> + +<p class="hang"> +<i>Merton College</i>: 38 volumes of singular good books in +folio, &c. +</p> + +<p class="hang"> +<i>Mr. Philip Scudamor</i>: 50 volumes: greatest part in folio. +</p> + +<p class="hang"> +<i>Mr. William Gent</i>: 100 volumes at the least. +</p> + +<p class="hang"> +<i>Mr. Lawrence Bodley</i>: 37 very fair and new bought books in +folio. (There were seven other donations—in money, from 4 +to 10<i>l.</i>) +</p> + +<p class="center">Another list of benefactors; read in Convocation, July 17, +1601.</p> + +<p class="hang"> +<i>Sir John Fortescue, Knt.</i>: 47 volumes: of which there are 5 +Greek MSS. of singular worth. +</p> + +<p class="hang"> +<i>Mr. Jo. Crooke</i>: Recorder of the City of London: 27 good +volumes; of which 25 are in folio. +</p> + +<p class="hang"> +<i>Mr. Henry Savile</i>: all the Greek interpreters upon +Aust(in). +</p> + +<p class="hang"> +<i>Mr. William Gent, of Glocester Hall</i>: 160 volumes; of which +there are 50 in folio. +</p> + +<p class="hang"> +<i>Mr. Thomas Allen, of do.</i>, hath given 12 rare MSS., with a +purpose to do more, and hath been ever a most careful +provoker and solicitor of sundry great persons to become +benefactors. +</p> + +<p class="hang"> +<i>Mr. William Camden</i>, by his office <i>Clarentius</i>: 7 volumes; +of which 4 are manuscripts. +</p> + +<p class="hang"> +<i>Mr. Thomas James, of New College</i>: 100 volumes: almost all +in folio, and sundry good manuscripts. With about 50 other +donations, chiefly in money. +</p> + +<p class="center">To Dr. Raves, Vice-Chanc. (Read in Convoc. May 10, 1602.)</p> + +<p>A yet larger, and more complete, list will be found in Mr. +Gutch's publication of Wood's text. Let us next observe how +this distinguished bibliomaniac seized every +opportunity—laying embargoes upon barges and carriages—for +the conveyance of his book-treasures. The ensuing is also in +Mr. Gutch's work: +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p class="center"> +"<i>To the Right W. Mr. D. King, Dean of Christ-Church, and +Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxon, or, in his +absence, to his Deputies there.</i></p> + +<p class="center">(Read in Convocation, July 8, 1608.)</p> + +<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><span class="smcap">Sir</span>,</span></p> + +<p class="letter">I have sent down, by a western barge, all the books that I +have of this year's collection, which I have requested Mr. +James, and other of my friends, to see safely brought from +Burcote, and placed in the library. Sir Francis Vere hath +sent me this year his accustomed annual gift of ten pounds. +The Lady Mary Vere, wife to Sir Horace Vere, in the time of +her widowhood (for so she is desired it should be recorded), +being called Mrs. Hoby, of Hales, in Gloucestershire, hath +given twenty pound. (He then enumerates about 15 other +donations, and thus goes on:) Thus I thought meet to observe +my yearly custom, in acquainting the University with the +increase of their store: as my care shall be next, and that +very shortly, to endow them with that portion of revenue and +land that I have provided, whensoever God shall call me, for +the full defraying of any charge that, by present +likelihood, the conservation of the books, and all needful +allowances to the keeper and others, may from time to time +require. I will send you, moreover, a draught of certain +statutes, which I have rudely conceived about the employment +of that revenue, and for the government of the library: not +with any meaning that they should be received, as orders +made by me (for it shall appear unto you otherwise) but as +notes and remembrances to abler persons, whom hereafter you +may nominate (as I will also then request you) to consider +of those affairs, and so frame a substantial form of +government, sith that which is a foot is in many thinges +defective for preservation of the library: for I hold it +altogether fitting that the University Convocation should be +always possessed of an absolute power to devise any +statutes, and of those to alter as they list, when they find +an occasion of evident utility. But of these and other +points, when I send you my project, I will both write more +of purpose, and impart unto you freely my best cogitations, +being evermore desirous, whatsoever may concern your public +good, to procure and advance it so, to the uttermost of my +power: as now in the meanwhile, reminding unto you my +fervent affection, I rest for any service,</p> + +<p class="right"><span style="margin-right: 2em;">Your most assured, at commandment,</span></p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Tho. Bodleie.</span></p> + +<p>London, June 30, 1608."</p> +</div> + +<p> +In a letter to his "dearest friends, Doctor Kinge, +Vice-Chancellor, the Doctors, Proctors, and the rest of the +Convocation House in Oxon," (16th June, 1609) after telling +them how he had secured certain landed property for the +payment of the salaries and other expenses attendant upon +the library, Sir Thomas thus draws to a conclusion: "Now +because I presuppose that you take little pleasure in a +tedious letter, having somewhat besides to impart unto you, +I have made it known by word to Mr. Vicechancellor, who, I +know, will not fail to acquaint you with it: as withall I +have intreated him to supply, in my behalf, all my negligent +omissions, and defective form of thanks, for all your public +honours, entertainments, letters, gifts, and other graces +conferred upon me, which have so far exceeded the compass of +my merits that, where before I did imagine that nothing +could augment my zealous inclination to your general good, +now methinks I do feel it (as I did a great while since) was +very highly augmented: insomuch as I cannot but shrive +myself thus freely and soothly unto you. That, albeit, among +a number of natural imperfections, I have least of all +offended in the humour of ambition, yet now so it is, that I +do somewhat repent me of my too much niceness that way: not +as carried with an appetite to rake more riches to myself +(wherein, God is my witness, my content is complete) but +only in respect of my greedy desire to make a livelier +demonstration of the same that I bear to my <span class="smcap">common mother</span>, +than I have hitherto attained sufficient ability to put in +execution. With which unfeigned testification of my devotion +unto you, and with my daily fervent prayers for the endless +prosperity of your joint endeavours, in that whole +institution of your public library, I will close up this +letter, and rest, as I shall ever,</p> + +<p class="right"><span style="margin-right: 2em;">Yours, in all loving and dutiful affection,</span></p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Thomas Bodley</span>.</p> + +<p>London, May 31, 1609."</p> + +<p>The following, which is also in Mr. Gutch's publication, +shews the laudable restlessness, and insatiable ambition, of +our venerable bibliomaniac, in ransacking foreign libraries +for the completion of his own.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p class="center">"<i>To the Right Worshipfull Mr. D. Singleton, Vicechancellor +of the University of Oxon.</i></p> + +<p class="center">(Read in Convocation, Nov. 9, 1611.)</p> + +<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><span class="smcap">Sir</span>,</span></p> + +<p class="letter">About some three years past, I made a motion, here in +London, to Mr. Pindar, Consul of the Company of English +Merchants at Aleppo (a famous port in the Turk's dominions) +that he would use his best means to procure me some books in +the Syriac, Arabic, Turkish, and Persian tongues, or in any +other language of those Eastern nations: because I make no +doubt but, in process of time, by the extraordinary +diligence of some one or other student, they may be readily +understood, and some special use made of their kind of +learning in those parts of the world: and where I had a +purpose to reimburse all the charge that might grow +thereupon, he sent of late unto me 20 several volumes in the +foresaid tongues, and of his liberal disposition hath +bestowed them freely on the library. They are manuscripts +all (for in those countries they have no kind of printing) +and were valued in that place at a very high rate. I will +send them, ere be long, praying you the while to notify so +much unto the University, and to move them to write a letter +of thanks, which I will find means to convey to his hands, +being lately departed from London to Constantinople. Whether +the letter be indited in Latin or English, it is not much +material, but yet, in my conceit, it will do best to him in +English."</p> +</div> + +<p>(The remainder of this letter is devoted to a scheme of +building the public schools at Oxford; in which Sir Thomas +found a most able and cheerful coadjutor, in one, <i>Sir Jo. +Benet</i>; who seems to have had an extensive and powerful +connection, and who set the scheme on foot, "like a true +affected son to his <span class="smcap">ancient mother</span>, with a cheerful +propension to take the charge upon him without groaning.") +</p><p> +In April 1585, Queen Elizabeth granted Sir Thomas "a +passport of safe conveyance to Denmark"; and wrote a letter +to the King of Denmark of the same date, within two days. +She wrote, also, a letter to Julius, Duke of Brunswick of +the same date: in which the evils that were then besetting +the Christian world abroad were said to be rushing suddenly, +as "from the Trojan Horse." "These three letters (observes +Mr. Baker to his friend Hearne) are only copies, but very +fairly wrote, and seem to have been duplicates kept by him +that drew the original letters." +</p><p> +We will peruse but two more of these Bodleian epistles, +which Hearne very properly adds as an amusing appendix, as +well to the foregoing, as to his <i>Reliquiæ Bodleianæ</i> (1703, +8vo). They are written to men whose names must ever be held +in high veneration by all worthy bibliomanacs. +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p class="center">"<i>Sir Tho. Bodley to Sir Robert Cotton.</i> (<i>Ex. Bibl. +Cotton.</i>)</p> + +<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><span class="smcap">Sir</span>,</span></p> + +<p class="letter">I was thrice to have seen you at your house, but had not the +hap to find you at home. It was only to know how you hold +your old intention for helping to furnish the University +Library: where I purpose, God willing, to place all the +books that I have hitherto gathered, within these three +weeks. And whatsoever any man shall confer for the storing +of it, such order is taken for a due memorial of his gift as +I am persuaded he cannot any way receive a greater +contentment of any thing to the value otherwise bestowed. +Thus much I thought to signify unto you: and to request you +to hear how you rest affected.</p> + +<p class="right"><span style="margin-right: 2em;">Yours, to use in any occasion,</span></p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Tho. Bodley.</span></p> + +<p>From my house, June 6."</p> + +<p class="center">"<i>Sir Henry Savile to Sir R(obert) C(otton).</i></p> + +<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><span class="smcap">Sir</span>,</span></p> + +<p class="letter">I have made Mr. Bodley acquainted with your kind and +friendly offer, who accepteth of it in most thankful manner: +and if it pleaseth you to appoint to-morrow at afternoon, or +upon Monday or Tuesday next, at some hour likewise after +dinner, we will not fail to be with you at your house for +that purpose. And remember I give you fair warning that if +you hold any book so dear as that you would be loth to have +him out of your sight, set him aside before hand. For my own +part, I will not do that wrong to my judgment as to chuse of +the worst, if better be in place: and, beside, you would +account me a simple man. +</p><p> +But to leave jesting, we will any of the days come to you, +leaving, as great reason is, your own in your own power +freely to retain or dispose. True it is that I have raised +some expectation of the quality of your gift in Mr. Bodley, +whom you shall find a gentleman in all respects worthy of +your acquaintance. And so, with my best commendations, I +commit you to God. This St. Peter's day.</p> + +<p class="right"><span style="margin-right: 2em;">Your very assured friend,</span></p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Henry Savile</span>."</p> +</div> + +<p>It only remains now to indulge the dutiful sons of <span class="smcap">Alma +Mater</span> with a fac-simile wood-cut impression of the profile +of the venerable founder of the Bodleian Library, taken from +a print of a medal in the <i>Catalogi Librorum Manuscriptorum +Angliæ, &c.</i>, 1697, fol.; but whether it have any +resemblance to the bust of him, "carved to the life by an +excellent hand at London, and shortly after placed in a +niche in the south wall of the same library," with the +subjoined inscription, I cannot at this moment recollect. +</p> + +<p class="centertp"> +<img src="images/bodley.png" width="370" height="341" alt="Bodley" title="Bodley" /> +</p> + +<p class="centerbp"> +THOMAS SACKVILLUS DORSET, COMES,<br /> +SUMMUS ANGLIÆ THESAURAR. ET<br /> +HUJUS ACAD. CANCELLAR.<br /> +THOMÆ BODLEIO EQUITI AURATO<br /> +QUI BIBLIOTHECAM HANC INSTITUIT<br /> +HONORIS CAUSA P.P.<br /> +</p> + +<p>The library of Sir Thomas Bodley, when completed, formed the +figure of a T: it was afterwards resolved, on the books +accumulating, and the benefactions increasing, to finish it +in the form of an H; in which state it now remains. Sir +Kenelm Digby, like a thorough bred bibliomaniac, "gave fifty +very good oaks, to purchase a piece of ground of Exeter +College, laying on the north west side of the library; on +which, and their own ground adjoining, they might erect the +future fabric." The laying of the foundation of this +erection is thus described by Wood; concluding with a +catastrophe, at which I sadly fear the wicked reader will +smile. "On the thirteenth of May, being Tuesday, 1634, the +Vice-chancellor, Doctors, Heads of Houses, and Proctors, met +at St. Mary's church about 8 of the clock in the morning; +thence each, having his respective formalities on came to +this place, and took their seats that were then erected on +the brim of the foundation. Over against them was built a +scaffold, where the two proctors, with divers masters, +stood. After they were all settled, the University +Musicians, who stood upon the leads at the west end of the +library, sounded a lesson on their wind music. Which being +done, the singing men of Christ-Church, with others, sang a +lesson, after which the senior Proctor, Mr. Herbert Pelham, +of Magdalen College, made an eloquent oration: that being +ended also, the music sounded again, and continued playing +till the Vice-Chancellor went to the bottom of the +foundation to lay the first stone in one of the south +angles. <img src="images/oxfordarms.png" width="217" height="299" alt="DOMINVS ILLVMINATIO MEA" title="DOMINVS ILLVMINATIO MEA" class="floatl" />But no sooner had he deposited a piece of gold on +the said stone, according to the usual manner in such +ceremonies, but the earth fell in from one side of the +foundation, and the scaffold that was thereon broke and fell +with it; so that all those that were thereon, to the number +of a hundred at least, namely, the Proctors, Principals of +Halls, Masters, and some Bachelaurs, fell down all together, +one upon another, into the foundation; among whom, the under +butler of Exeter College had his shoulder broken or put out +of joint, and a scholar's arm bruised." "The solemnity being +thus concluded with such a sad catastrophe, the breach was +soon after made up and the work going chearfully forward, +was in four years space finished." <i>Annals of the University +of Oxford</i>; vol. ii., pt. ii., p. 939. Gutch's edition. We +will take leave of <span class="smcap">Sir Thomas Bodley</span>, and of his noble +institution, with the subjoined representation of the +University's Arms—as painted upon the ceiling of the +library, in innumerable compartments; hoping that the period +is not very remote when a <i>History of the Bodleian Library</i>, +more ample and complete than any thing which has preceded +it, will appear prefixed to a <i>Catalogue of the Books</i>, like +unto that which is hinted at <a href="#Page_74">p. 74</a>, ante, as "an urgent +desideratum."</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Alas, you bring to my mind those precious hours that are gone by, +never to be recalled, which I wasted within this glorious palace of +Bodley's erection! How I sauntered, and gazed, and sauntered again.—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> Your case is by no means singular. But you promise, when you +revisit the library, not to behave so naughtily again?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">277</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> I was not then a convert to the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>! Now, I will +certainly devote the leisure of six autumnal<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">278</a></span> weeks to examine +minutely some of the precious tomes which are contained in it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Very good. And pray favour us with the result of your profound +researches: as one would like to have the most minute account of the +treasures contained within those hitherto unnumbered volumes.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> As every sweet in this world is balanced by its bitter, I wonder +that these worthy characters were not lampooned by some sharp-set +scribbler—whose only chance of getting perusers for his work, and +thereby bread for his larder, was by the novelty and impudence of his +attacks. Any thing new and preposterous is sure of drawing attention. +Affirm that you see a man standing upon one leg, on the pinnacle of +Saint Paul's<a name="FNanchor_336_342" id="FNanchor_336_342"></a><a href="#Footnote_336_342" class="fnanchor">[336]</a>—or that the ghost of Inigo Jones had appeared to +you, to give you the extraordinary information that Sir Christo<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">279</a></span>pher +Wren had stolen the whole of the plan of that cathedral from a design +of his own—and do you not think that you would have spectators and +auditors enough around you?</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_336_342" id="Footnote_336_342"></a><a href="#FNanchor_336_342">[336]</a> This is now oftentimes practised by some wag, +in his "<i>Walke in Powles</i>." Whether the same anecdote is +recorded in the little slim pamphlet published in 1604, +4to., under the same title—not having the work—(and indeed +how should I? vide <i>Bibl. Reed</i>, n<span class="super">o</span>. 2225, <i>cum +pretiis</i>!) I cannot take upon me to determine.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Yes, verily: and I warrant some half-starved scrivener of the +Elizabethan period drew his envenomed dart to endeavour to perforate +the cuticle of some worthy bibliomaniacal wight.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> You may indulge what conjectures you please; but I know of no +anti-bibliomaniacal satirist of this period. <span class="smcap">Stubbes</span> did what he +could, in his "<i>Anatomy of Abuses</i>,"<a name="FNanchor_337_343" id="FNanchor_337_343"></a><a href="#Footnote_337_343" class="fnanchor">[337]</a> to disturb every social and +harmless amusement of the age. He was the forerunner of that snarling +satirist, Prynne; but I ought not thus to cuff him, for fear of +bringing upon me the united indignation of a host of black-letter +critics and philologists. A <i>large and clean</i> copy of his sorrily +printed work is among the choicest treasures of a Shakspearian +virtuoso.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_337_343" id="Footnote_337_343"></a><a href="#FNanchor_337_343">[337]</a> "<span class="smcap">The Anatomie of Abuses</span>: <i>contayning a +discoverie, or briefe summarie of such notable vices and +imperfections as now raigne in many Christian Countreyes of +the Worlde: but (especiallie) in a very famous Ilande called +Ailgna</i>:" &c. Printed by Richard Jones, 1583, small 8vo. +Vide Herbert's <i>Typographical Antiquities</i>, vol. iii., p. +1044, for the whole title. Sir John Hawkins, in his <i>History +of Music</i>, vol iii., 419, calls this "a curious and very +scarce book;" and so does my friend, Mr. Utterson; who +revels in his morocco-coated copy of it—"<i>Exemplar olim +Farmerianum!</i>" But let us be candid; and not sacrifice our +better judgments to our book-passions. After all, Stubbes's +work is a caricatured drawing. It has strong passages, and a +few original thoughts; and, is moreover, one of the very few +works printed in days of yore which have running titles to +the subjects discussed in them. These may be recommendations +with the bibliomaniac; but he should be informed that this +volume contains a great deal of puritanical cant, and +licentious language; that vices are magnified in it in order +to be lashed, and virtues diminished that they might not be +noticed. Stubbes equals Prynne in his anathemas against +"Plays and Interludes:" and in his chapters upon "Dress" and +"Dancing" he rakes together every coarse and pungent phrase +in order to describe "these horrible sins" with due +severity. He is sometimes so indecent that, for the credit +of the age, and of a virgin reign, we must hope that every +virtuous dame threw the copy of his book, which came into +her possession, behind the fire. This may reasonably account +for its present rarity. I do not discover it in the +catalogues of the libraries of <i>Pearson</i>, <i>Steevens</i>, or +<i>Brand</i>; but see <i>Bibl. Wright</i>, n<span class="super">o</span>. 1390.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">But admitting even that Stubbes had drawn his arrow to the head, and +grazed the skin of such men as Bodley<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">280</a></span> and Cotton, the wound inflicted +by this weapon must have been speedily closed and healed by the +balsamic medicine administered by <span class="smcap">Andrew Maunsell</span>, in his <i>Catalogue +of English Printed Books</i>.<a name="FNanchor_338_344" id="FNanchor_338_344"></a><a href="#Footnote_338_344" class="fnanchor">[338]</a> This little thin folio volume afforded +a delicious treat to all honest bibliomaniacs. It revived the drooping +spirits of the despondent; and, like the syrup of the renowned Dr. +Brodum, circulated within the system, and put all the generous juices +in action. The niggardly collector felt the influence of rivalship; he +played a deeper stake at book-gambling; and hastened, by his painfully +acquired knowledge of what was curious and rare in books, to +anticipate the rustic collector—which latter, putting the best wheels +and horses to his carriage, rushed from the country to the metropolis, +to seize, at Maunsell's shop, a choice copy of <i>Cranmer's Bible, or +Morley's Canzonets</i>.<a name="FNanchor_339_345" id="FNanchor_339_345"></a><a href="#Footnote_339_345" class="fnanchor">[339]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_338_344" id="Footnote_338_344"></a><a href="#FNanchor_338_344">[338]</a> This Catalogue, the first publication of the +kind ever put forth in this country, is complete in two +parts; 1595, folio: first part containing 123 pages, +exclusive of three preliminary epistles: the second, 27 +pages; exclusive of three similar introductory pieces. The +<i>first part</i> is devoted entirely to Divinity: and in the +dedicatory epistle to Queen Elizabeth, Maunsell tells her +majesty that he thought it "worth his poor labour to collect +a catalogue of the divine books, so mightily increased in +her reign; whereby her majesty's most faithful and loving +subjects may be put in remembrance of the works of so +excellent authors," &c. The second part is devoted to a +brief account of books in the remaining branches of +literature, arts, sciences, &c. Maunsell promised to follow +it up by a <i>third</i> part; but a want of due encouragement +seems to have damped the bibliographical ardour of the +compiler; for this third part never appeared: a circumstance +which, in common with the late Mr. Steevens, all +bibliomaniacs may "much lament." See the <i>Athenæum</i>, vol i., +155; also Herbert's <i>Typographical Antiquities</i>, vol ii., p. +1137. A copy of this volume has found its way into the +Advocates' Library at Edinburgh; <i>Cat. Adv. Libr.</i>, vol ii., +p. 99. Ruddiman, who was formerly the librarian of this +latter valuable collection, had probably read Hearne's +commendation of it:—namely, that it was "a very scarce, and +yet a very useful, book." <i>Bened. Abbat.</i>, vol. i., p. <span class="smcap">liv</span>. +Mr. Heber possesses a curious copy of it, which was formerly +Herbert's, with the margins filled with his MS. addenda.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_339_345" id="Footnote_339_345"></a><a href="#FNanchor_339_345">[339]</a> "Of the translation appointed to bee read in +churches, in Kinge Henry the 8, his daies," printed in the +largest volume, 1539. "<span class="smcap">Tho. Morley</span>, Bachiler of Musique, and +one of her Maiestie's Royal Chappell, <i>his Conzonets</i>, or +little short songes to three voyces. Prin. by Tho. Est. +1593. 4to." See p. 10., pt. i., p. 17, pt. ii., of +<i>Maunsell's Catalogue</i>; but let the reader consult <a href="#Page_248">p. 248</a>, +ante, concerning this "largest volume" of the Holy +Scriptures.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">281</a></span>Let us, however, not forget that we have reached the reign of <span class="smcap">James +I.</span>; a monarch who, like Justinian, affected to be "greatly given to +study of books;"<a name="FNanchor_340_346" id="FNanchor_340_346"></a><a href="#Footnote_340_346" class="fnanchor">[340]</a> and who, according to Burton's testimony, wished +he had been chained to one of the shelves of the Bodleian +library.<a name="FNanchor_341_347" id="FNanchor_341_347"></a><a href="#Footnote_341_347" class="fnanchor">[341]</a> Of all literary tastes, James had the most strange and +sterile. Let us leave him to his <i>Demonology</i>; but notice, with the +respect that it merits, the more rational and even elegantly +cultivated mind of his son <span class="smcap">Prince Henry</span>;<a name="FNanchor_342_348" id="FNanchor_342_348"></a><a href="#Footnote_342_348" class="fnanchor">[342]</a> of whose passion for +books there are some good evidences upon record. We will next proceed +to the mention of a shrewd scholar and bibliomaniac, and ever active +voyager, ycleped <span class="smcap">Thomas Coryate</span>, the <i>Peregrine of Odcombe</i>. This +facetious traveller, who was as quaint and original a writer as old +Tom Fuller, appears (when he had time and opportunity) to have taken +special notice of libraries; and when he describes to us his "worm +eaten" copy of <i>Josephus's Antiquities</i>,<a name="FNanchor_343_349" id="FNanchor_343_349"></a><a href="#Footnote_343_349" class="fnanchor">[343]</a><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">282</a></span> "written in ancient +Longobard characters in parchment," one cannot but indulge a natural +wish to know something of the present existence of a MS. which had +probably escaped Oberthür, the last laborious editor of Josephus.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_340_346" id="Footnote_340_346"></a><a href="#FNanchor_340_346">[340]</a> "Greatly gyuen to study of bokys:" <i>Rastell's +Chronicle, or Pastyme of People</i>, p. 28, edit. 1811, 4to.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_341_347" id="Footnote_341_347"></a><a href="#FNanchor_341_347">[341]</a> The passage is somewhere in Burton's <i>Anatomy +of Mechanoly</i>. But I cannot just now, put my finger upon +it.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_342_348" id="Footnote_342_348"></a><a href="#FNanchor_342_348">[342]</a> The works of <span class="smcap">King James I.</span> (of England) were +published in rather a splendid folio volume in the year +1616. Amongst these, his <i>Demonology</i> is the "opus maximum." +Of his son <span class="smcap">Prince Henry</span>, there is, in this volume, at the +top of one of the preliminary pieces, a very pretty half +length portrait; when he was quite a boy. A charming whole +length portrait of the same accomplished character, when he +was a young man, engraved by Paas, may be seen in the first +folio edition of Drayton's <i>Polyolbion</i>: but this, the +reader will tell me, is mere Grangerite information. Proceed +we, therefore, to a pithy, but powerful, demonstration of +the bibliomaniacal character of the said Prince Henry. "In +the paper office, there is a book, N<span class="super">o</span>. 24, containing +Prince Henry's privy-purse expences, for one year," &c. The +whole expense of one year was 1400<i>l.</i> Among other charges, +the following are remarkable:</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="charges"> +<tr><td> </td><td> </td><td class="right">£</td><td class="right"><i>s.</i></td><td class="right"><i>d.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>17th October, paid to a Frenchman, that presented <i>a book</i></td><td> </td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">10</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td>20th October, paid Mr. Holyoak for writing a <i>Catalogue of<br /> +the Library</i> which the Prince had of Lord Lumley</td><td rowspan="2"><span class="xlg">}</span></td><td class="right">8</td><td class="right">13</td><td class="right">4</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;">&c. &c. &c.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Apology for the Believers in the Shakspeare-Papers</i>, 1797, +8vo., p. 233.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_343_349" id="Footnote_343_349"></a><a href="#FNanchor_343_349">[343]</a> Look, gentle reader, at the entire ungarbled +passage—amongst many similar ones which may be adduced—in +vol. i., p. 116, of his "<i>Crudities</i>"—or Travels: edit. +1776, 8vo. <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: alternative spelling">Coryat's</span> +talents, as a traveller, are briefly, but +brilliantly, described in the <i>Quarterly Review</i>, vol. ii., +p. 92.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">Let me here beseech you to pay due attention to the works of <span class="smcap">Henry +Peacham</span>, when they come across you. The first edition of that +elegantly written volume, "<i>The Compleat Gentleman</i>," was published I +believe in the reign of James I., in the year 1622.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> I possess not only this, but every subsequent copy of it, and a +fair number of copies of his other works. He and <span class="smcap">Braithwait</span> were the +"par nobile fratrum" of their day.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> I have often been struck with some curious passages in Peacham, +relating to the Education of Youth<a name="FNanchor_344_350" id="FNanchor_344_350"></a><a href="#Footnote_344_350" class="fnanchor">[344]</a><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">283</a></span> in our own country; as I +find, from them, that the complaint of <i>severity of discipline</i> still +continued, notwith<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">284</a></span>standing the able work of Roger Ascham, which had +recommended a mild and conciliatory mode of treatment.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_344_350" id="Footnote_344_350"></a><a href="#FNanchor_344_350">[344]</a> The <span class="smcap">History</span> of the <span class="smcap">Education of Youth</span> in this +country might form an amusing little octavo volume. We have +<i>Treatises</i> and <i>Essays</i> enough upon the subject; but a +narrative of its first rude efforts, to its present, yet not +perfected, form, would be interesting to every parent, and +observer of human nature. My present researches only enable +me to go back as far as Trevisa's time, towards the close of +the 14th century; when I find, from the works of this Vicar +of Berkeley, that "every friar that had <i>state in school</i>, +such as they were then, had an <span class="smcap">huge library</span>." <i>Harl. MSS.</i>, +n<span class="super">o</span>. 1900. But what the particular system was, among +youth, which thus so highly favoured the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>, I have +not been able to ascertain. I suspect, however, that +knowledge made but slow advances; or rather that its +progress was almost inverted; for, at the end of the +subsequent century, our worthy printer, Caxton, tells us +that he found "but few who could write in their registers +the occurrences of the day." <i>Polychronicon; prol. Typog. +Antiquit.</i>, vol. i., 148. In the same printer's prologue to +<i>Catho Magnus</i> (<i>Id.</i>, vol. i., 197) there is a melancholy +complaint about the youth of London; who, although, when +children, they were "fair, wise, and prettily bespoken—at +the full ripening, they had neither kernel nor good corn +found in them." This is not saying much for the academic or +domestic treatment of young gentlemen, towards the close of +the 15th century. At the opening of the ensuing century, a +variety of elementary treatises, relating to the education +of youth, were published chiefly under the auspices of Dean +Colet, and composed by a host of learned grammarians, of +whom honourable mention has been made at <a href="#Page_218">page 218</a>, ante. +These publications are generally adorned with a rude +wood-cut; which, if it be copied from truth, affords a +sufficiently striking proof of the severity of the ancient +discipline: for the master is usually seated in a large +arm-chair, with a tremendous rod across his knees; and the +scholars are prostrate before him, either on the ground upon +bended knees, or sitting upon low benches. Nor was this +rigid system relaxed in the middle of the same (xvi<span class="super">th</span>) +century; when Roger Ascham composed his incomparable +treatise, intitled the "<i>Schoolmaster</i>;" the object of which +was to decry the same severity of discipline. This able +writer taught his countrymen the value of making the road to +knowledge smooth and inviting, by smiles and remunerations, +rather than by stripes and other punishments. Indeed, such +was the stern and Draco-like character which schoolmasters +of this period conceived themselves authorized to assume +that neither rank, nor situation, nor sex, were exempt from +the exercise of their tyranny. Lady Jane Grey tells Ascham +that her former teacher used to give her "pinches, and +cuffs, and bobs," &c. The preface to the Schoolmaster +informs us that two gentlemen, who dined with Ascham at +Cecil's table, were of opinion that <span class="smcap">Nicolas Udal</span>, then head +master of Eaton School, "was the best schoolmaster of their +time, and the <i>greatest beater</i>!" Bishop Latimer, in his +fourth sermon (edit. 1562, fol. 15 to 18), has drawn such a +picture of the Londoners of this period that the philosopher +may imagine that youths, who sprung from such parents, +required to be ruled with a rod of iron. But it has been the +fashion of all writers, from the age of St. Austin +downwards, to depreciate the excellences, and magnify the +vices, of the times in which they lived. Ludovicus Vives, +who was Latimer's contemporary, has attacked both +schoolmasters and youths, in an ungracious style; saying of +the former that "some taught Ovid's books of love to their +scholars, and some make expositions and expounded the +vices." He also calls upon the young women, in the language +of St. Jerome, "to avoid, as a mischief or poison of +chastity, young men with heads bushed and trimmed; and sweet +smelling skins of outlandish mice." <i>Instruction of a +Christian Woman</i>; edit. 1592, sign. D 3, rect. &c. I am not +aware of any work of importance, relating to the education +of youth, which appeared till the publication of the +<i>Compleat Gentleman</i> by <span class="smcap">Henry Peacham</span>: an author, who richly +deserves all the handsome things above said of him in the +text. His chapters "<i>Of the Duty of Masters</i>," and "<i>Of the +Duty of Parents</i>," are valuable upon many accounts: inasmuch +as they afford curious anecdotes of the system of academic +and domestic education then pursued, and are accompanied +with his own sagacious and candid reflections. Peacham was +an <i>Aschamite</i> in respect to lenity of discipline; as the +following extracts, from the foregoing work, (edit. 1661) +will unequivocally prove. Peacham first observes upon the +different modes of education: "But we see on the contrary, +out of the master's carterly judgment, like horses in a +team, the boys are set to draw all alike, when some one or +two prime and able wits in the school, +<span lang="el" title="Greek: auto didaktoi">ὰυτο δίδακτοι</span> (which he culs out to admiration if strangers +come, as a costardmonger his fairest pippins) like fleet +hovnds go away with the game, when the rest need helping +over a stile a mile behind: hence, being either quite +discouraged in themselves, or taken away by their friends +(who for the most part measure their learning by the form +they set in), they take leave of their books while they +live," &c. p. 23. "Some affect, and severer schools enforce, +a precise and tedious strictness, in long keeping the +schollers by the walls: as from before six in the morning, +till twelve or past: so likewise in the afternoon. Which, +beside the dulling of the wit and dejecting the spirit (for, +"otii non minus quam negotii ratio extare debet") breeds in +him, afterwards, a kind of hate and carelessness of study +when he comes to be "sui juris," at his own liberty (as +experience proves by many, who are sent from severe schools +unto the universities): withall over-loading his memory, and +taking off the edge of his invention, with over heavy tasks, +in themes, verses," &c., p. 25. "Nor is it my meaning that I +would all masters to be tyed to one method, no more than all +the shires of England to come up to London by one highway: +there may be many equally alike good. And since method, as +one saith, is but <span lang="el" title="Greek: odopoiêtikê">ὀδοποιητικὴ</span>, let every master, if +he can, by pulling up stiles and hedges, make a more near +and private way to himself; and in God's name say, with the +divinest of poets,</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +<span style="margin-left: 9em;"><i>deserta per avia dulcis</i></span><br /> +<i>Raptat amor. Juvat ire iugis, quâ nulla priorum</i><br /> +<span class="smcap">Castaliam</span> <i>molli divertitur orbita clivo.</i><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">(Georg. libi. iij.)</span> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +With sweet love rapt, I now by deserts pass,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And over hills where never track of yore:</span><br /> +Descending easily, yet remembered was,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">That led the way to <span class="smcap">Castalie</span> before.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">(Peacham.)</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>But instead of many good, they have infinite bad; and go +stumbling from the right, as if they went blindfold for a +wager. Hence cometh the shifting of the scholler from master +to master; who, poor boy (like a hound among a company of +ignorant hunters hollowing every deer they see), misseth the +right, begetteth himself new labour, and at last, by one of +skill and well read, beaten for his paines," pp. 29, 30. +Peacham next notices the extreme severity of discipline +exercised in some schools. "I knew one, who in winter would +ordinarily, in a cold morning, whip his boys over for no +other purpose than to get himself a heat: another beats them +for swearing, and all the while sweares himself with +horrible oaths. He would forgive any fault saving that! I +had, I remember, myself (neer St. Alban's in Hertfordshire, +where I was born) a master, who, by no entreaty, would teach +any scholler he had farther than his father had learned +before him; as if he had only learned but to read English, +the son, though he went with him seven years, should go no +further: his reason was, they would then prove saucy rogues, +and controle their fathers! Yet these are they that +oftentimes have our hopefull gentry under their charge and +tuition, to bring them up in science and civility!" p. 27. +This absurd system is well contrasted with the following +account of the lenity observed in some of the schools on the +continent: "In Germany the school is, and as the name +imports, it ought to be, merely, <span class="smcap">Ludus literarius</span>, a very +pastime of learning, where it is a rare thing to see a rod +stirring: yet I heartily wish that our children of England +were but half so ready in writing and speaking Latin, which +boys of ten and twelve years old will do so roundly, and +with so neat a phrase and style, that many of our masters +would hardly mend them; having only for their punishment, +shame; and for their reward, praise," p. 24. "Wherefore I +cannot but commend the custome of their schools in the +Low-countries, where for the avoyding of this tedious +sitting still, and with irksome poring on the book all day +long, after the scholler hath received his lecture, he +leaveth the school for an houre, and walkes abroad with one +or two of his fellows, either into the field or up among the +trees upon the rampire, as in <span class="smcap">Antwerp</span>, <span class="smcap">Breda</span>, <span class="smcap">Vtrecht</span>, &c., +when they confer and recreate themselves till time calls +them in to repeat, where perhaps they stay an hour; so +abroad again, and thus at their pleasure the whole day," p. +26. Thus have we pursued the <i>History of the Education of +Boys</i> to a period quite modern enough for the most +superficial antiquary to supply the connecting links down to +the present times. Nor can we conclude this prolix note +without observing upon two things which are remarkable +enough: first, that in a country like our own—the +distinguishing characteristics of whose inhabitants are +gravity, reserve, and good sense—lads should conduct +themselves with so much rudeness, flippancy, and tyranny +towards each other—and secondly, that masters should, in +too many instances, exercise a discipline suited rather to a +government of despotism and terror than to a land of liberty +and social comfort! But all human improvement, and human +happiness, is progressive. Speramus meliora!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">285</a></span><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> But you must not believe every thing that is said in favour of +<i>Continental</i> lenity of discipline, shewn to youth, if the testimony +of a modern newspaper may be credited!——</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> What your newspaper may hold forth I will not pretend to enter +into.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Nay, here is the paragraph; which I cut out from "<i>The +Observer</i>," and will now read it to you. "A German Magazine recently +announced the death of a schoolmaster in Suabia, who, for 51 years, +had superintended a large institution with old fashioned severity. +From an average, inferred by means of recorded observations, one of +the ushers had calculated that, in the course of his exertions, he had +given <i>911,500 canings, 121,000 floggings, 209,000 custodes, 136,000 +tips with the ruler, 10,200 boxes on the ear, and 22,700 tasks by +heart</i>. It was further calculated that he had made <i>700 boys stand on +peas, 6000 kneel on a sharp edge of wood, 5000 wear the fool's cap, +and 1,700 hold the rod</i>. How vast (exclaims the journalist) the +quantity of human misery inflicted by a single perverse educator!" +Now, my friends, what have you to say against the <i>English</i> system of +education?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> This is only defending bad by worse.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Where are we digressing? What are become of our bibliomaniacal +heroes?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">286</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> You do right to call me to order. Let us turn from the birch, +to the book, history.</p> + +<p class="bp">Contemporaneous with Peacham, lived that very curious collector of +ancient popular little pieces, as well as lover of "sacred secret soul +soliloquies," the renowned <i>melancholy</i> composer, ycleped <span class="smcap">Robert +Burton</span>;<a name="FNanchor_345_351" id="FNanchor_345_351"></a><a href="#Footnote_345_351" class="fnanchor">[345]</a> who, I do not scruple to number among the most marked +bibliomaniacs of the age; notwithstanding his saucy railing against +Frankfort book-fairs. We have abundance of testimony (exclusive of the +fruits of his researches, which appear by his innumerable marginal +references to authors of all ages and characters) that this original, +amusing, and now popular, author was an arrant book-hunter; or, as old +Anthony hath it, "a devourer of authors."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">287</a></span> Rouse, the Librarian of +Bodleian, is said to have liberally assisted Burton in furnishing him +with choice books for the prosecution of his extraordinary work.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_345_351" id="Footnote_345_351"></a><a href="#FNanchor_345_351">[345]</a> I suppose Lysander to allude to a memorandum +of Hearne, in his <i>Benedictus Abbas</i>, p. iv., respecting +<span class="smcap">Robert Burton</span> being a collector of "ancient popular little +pieces." From this authority we find that he gave "a great +variety" of these pieces, with a multitude of books, of the +best kind, to the "Bodleian Library."—One of these was that +"opus incomparabile," the "<i>History of Tom Thumb</i>," and the +other, the "<i>Pleasant and Merry History of the Mylner of +Abingdon</i>." The expression "sacred secret soul soliloquies" +belongs to Braithwait: and is thus beautifully interwoven in +the following harmonious couplets:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +——No minute but affords some tears.<br /> +No walks but private solitary groves<br /> +Shut from frequent, his contemplation loves;<br /> +No treatise, nor discourse, so sweetly please<br /> +As sacred-secret soule soliloquies.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;"><i>Arcadian Princesse</i>, lib. 4, p. 162.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>And see, gentle reader, how the charms of solitude—of +"walking alone in some solitary grove, betwixt wood and +water, by a brook-side, to meditate upon some delightsome +and pleasant subject" are depicted by the truly original +pencil of this said Robert Burton, in his <i>Anatomy of +Melancholy</i>, vol. i., p. 126, edit. 1804. But our theme is +Bibliomania. Take, therefore, concerning the same author, +the following: and then hesitate, if thou canst, about his +being infected with the <span class="smcap">book-disease</span>. "What a catalogue of +new books all this year, all this age (I say) have our +Frank-furt marts, our domestic marts, brought out! Twice a +year, 'Proferunt se nova ingenia et ostentant;' we stretch +our wits out! and set them to sale: 'Magno conatu nihil +agimus,' &c. 'Quis tam avidus librorum helluo,' who can read +them? As already, we shall have a vast chaos and confusion +of books; we are oppressed with them; our eyes ake with +reading, our fingers with turning," &c. This is painting <i>ad +vivum</i>—after the life. We see and feel every thing +described. Truly, none but a thorough master in +bibliomaniacal mysteries could have thus thought and +written! See "<i>Democritus to the Reader</i>," p. 10; perhaps +the most highly finished piece of dissection in the whole +<i>anatomical work</i>.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">About this period lived <span class="smcap">Lord Lumley</span>; a nobleman of no mean reputation +as a bibliomaniac. But what shall we say to Lord Shaftesbury's +eccentric neighbour, <span class="smcap">Henry Hastings</span>? who, in spite of his hawks, +hounds, kittens, and oysters,<a name="FNanchor_346_352" id="FNanchor_346_352"></a><a href="#Footnote_346_352" class="fnanchor">[346]</a> could not +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: extraneous 'for'">for</span> forbear to indulge his book propensities though in a +moderate degree! Let us fancy we<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">288</a></span> see him, in his eightieth year, just +alighted from the toils of the chase, and listening, after dinner, +with his "single glass" of ale by his side, to some old woman with +"spectacle on nose" who reads to him a choice passage out of John +Fox's <i>Book of Martyrs</i>! A rare old boy was this Hastings. But I +wander—and may forget another worthy, and yet more ardent, +bibliomaniac, called <span class="smcap">John Clungeon</span>, who left a press, and some books +carefully deposited in a stout chest, to the parish church at +Southampton. We have also evidence of this man's having <i>erected a +press</i> within the same; but human villany has robbed us of every relic +of his books and printing furniture.<a name="FNanchor_347_353" id="FNanchor_347_353"></a><a href="#Footnote_347_353" class="fnanchor">[347]</a> From Southampton, you must +excuse me if I take a leap to London; in order to introduce you into +the wine cellars of one <span class="smcap">John Ward</span>; where, I suppose, a few choice +copies of favourite authors were sometimes kept in a secret recess by +the side of the oldest bottle of hock. We are indebted to Hearne for a +brief, but not uninteresting, notice of this <i>vinous</i> book +collector.<a name="FNanchor_348_354" id="FNanchor_348_354"></a><a href="#Footnote_348_354" class="fnanchor">[348]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_346_352" id="Footnote_346_352"></a><a href="#FNanchor_346_352">[346]</a> Of the bibliomaniacal spirit of <span class="smcap">Lord Lumley</span> +the reader has already had some slight mention made at pages +<a href="#Page_273">273</a>, <a href="#Page_281">281</a>, ante. Of <span class="smcap">Henry Hastings</span>, Gilpin has furnished us +with some anecdotes which deserve to be here recorded. They +are taken from Hutchin's <i>Hist. of Dorsetshire</i>, vol. ii., +p. 63. "Mr. <span class="smcap">Hastings</span> was low of stature, but strong and +active, of a ruddy complexion, with flaxen hair. His cloaths +were always of green cloth. His house was of the old +fashion; in the midst of a large park, well stocked with +deer, rabbits, and fish-ponds. He had a long narrow bowling +green in it, and used to play with round sand bowls. Here +too he had a banquetting room built, like a stand in a large +tree. He kept all sorts of hounds, that ran buck, fox, hare, +otter, and badger; and had hawks of all kinds, both long and +short winged. His great hall was commonly strewed with +marrow-bones, and full of hawk-perches, hounds, spaniels, +and terriers. The upper end of it was hung with fox-skins of +this and the last year's killing. Here and there a pole-cat +was intermixed, and hunter's poles in great abundance. The +parlour was a large room, completely furnished in the same +style. On a broad hearth, paved with brick, lay some of the +choicest terriers, hounds, and spaniels. One or two of the +great chairs had litters of cats in them, which were not to +be disturbed. Of these, three or four always attended him at +dinner, and a little white wand lay by his trencher, to +defend it, if they were too troublesome. In the windows, +which were very large, lay his arrows, cross-bows, and other +accoutrements. The corners of the room were filled with his +best hunting and hawking poles. His oyster table stood at +the lower end of the room, which was in constant use twice a +day, all the year round; for he never failed to eat oysters +both at dinner and supper, with which the neighbouring town +of Pool supplied him. At the upper end of the room stood a +small table with a double desk; one side of which held a +<span class="smcap">Church Bible</span>: the other the <span class="smcap">Book of Martyrs</span>. On different +tables in the room lay hawks'-hoods, bells, old hats, with +their crowns thrust in, full of pheasant eggs, tables, dice, +cards, and store of tobacco pipes. At one end of this room +was a door, which opened into a closet, where stood bottles +of strong beer and wine; which never came out but in single +glasses, which was the rule of the house, for he never +exceeded himself, nor permitted others to exceed. Answering +to this closet was a door into an old chapel; which had been +long disused for devotion; but in the pulpit, as the safest +place, was always to be found a cold chine of beef, a +venison pasty, a gammon of bacon, or a great apple-pye, with +thick crust, well baked. His table cost him not much, though +it was good to eat at. His sports supplied all but beef and +mutton, except on Fridays, when he had the best of fish. He +never wanted a London pudding, and he always sang it in with +"<i>My part lies therein-a</i>." He drank a glass or two of wine +at meals; put syrup of gilly-flowers into his sack, and had +always a tun glass of small beer standing by him, which he +often stirred about with rosemary. He lived to be an +hundred, and never lost his eyesight, nor used spectacles. +He got on horseback without help, and rode to the death of +the stag till he was past fourscore." Gilpin's <i>Forest +Scenery</i>, vol. ii., pp. 23, 26. I should add, from the same +authority, that Hastings was a neighbour of Anthony Ashley +Cooper, Earl of Shaftesbury, with whom (as was likely +enough) he had no cordial agreement.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_347_353" id="Footnote_347_353"></a><a href="#FNanchor_347_353">[347]</a> "In the northern chapel which is parted from +the side aile by a beautiful open Gothic screen, is a +handsome monument to the memory of the lord Chancellor +Wriothesly, and a <i>large and costly standing chest</i>, carved +and inlaid, and stated, by an inscription on its front, to +have been given, <i>with the books in it</i>, by <span class="smcap">John Clungeon</span>. +The inscription is as follows:</p> + +<p class="center"> +"John, the sonne of John Clungeon of this towne, Alderman, <i>erected this<br /> +presse</i> and gave certain books, who died, anno 1646.<br /> +</p> + +<p>"The books are, however, now gone, and the surplices, &c. +are kept in the chest." See a tasteful and elegantly printed +little volume, entitled "<i>A Walk through Southampton</i>;" by +Sir H.C. Englefield, Bart. 1801, 8vo., p. 64.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_348_354" id="Footnote_348_354"></a><a href="#FNanchor_348_354">[348]</a> Ward is described by Hearne as being "a +citizen and vintner of London," and "a lover of +antiquity's." He had a copy of the <i>Chartulary of +Dunstaple</i>, in MS., which was put by Wanley into the +Harleian collection. The following entry is too much of a +characteristic trait, not to be gratifying to the palate of +a thorough bred bibliomaniac; it relates to the said +Chartulary:—"also this vellum, at both ends of the booke, +was then added, put in, and inserted, at the costs of the +said Mr. (<span class="smcap">John</span>) <span class="smcap">Ward</span>, in the said yeare of our Lord, 1655,</p> + +<table style="width: 60%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="costs"> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right"><i>s.</i></td><td class="right"><i>d.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>binding and claspes</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right"><span style="margin-right: .3em;">00</span></td></tr> +<tr><td>vellum</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">00"</td></tr> +</table> + +<p class="right"><i>Annals of Dunstaple Priory</i>, vol. i., p. xxx., note.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">289</a></span><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> If Master Cox, "by profession a mason," and living in the +country, could have collected such a cabinet of romances and +ballads—why should not a wine merchant, living in the metropolis, +have turned his attention to a similar pursuit, and have been even +more successful in the objects of it?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> I know not; particularly as we have, at the present day, some +commercial characters—whose dealings in trade are as opposite to +books as frogs are to roast beef—absolute madmen in search after +black-letter, large paper, and uncut copies! But proceed, Lysander.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Such was the influence of the <i>Book Mania</i> about, or rather a +little before, this period that even the sacred retirement of a +monastery, established upon Protestant principles, and conducted by +rules so rigid as almost to frighten the hardiest ascetic, even such a +spot was unable to resist the charms of book-collecting and +book-embellishment. How St. Jerome or St. Austin would have lashed the +<span class="smcap">Ferrar Family</span><a name="FNanchor_349_355" id="FNanchor_349_355"></a><a href="#Footnote_349_355" class="fnanchor">[349]</a> for the gor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">290</a></span>geous decorations of their volumes, and +for devoting so much precious time and painful attention to the art +and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">291</a></span> mystery of Book-binding! Yes, Lisardo; it is truly curious to +think upon the <i>Little Gidding Monastery</i>—near which, perhaps, were</p> + +<p class="center">——"rugged rocks, that holy knees had worn—"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">292</a></span></p> + +<p class="bp">and to imagine that the occupiers of such a place were infected—nay, +inflamed—with a most powerful ardour for curious, neat, splendid, +and, I dare venture to affirm, matchless copies of the several volumes +which they composed! But I will now hasten to give very different +evidence of the progress of this disease, by noticing the labours of a +bibliomaniac of first rate celebrity; I mean <span class="smcap">Elias Ashmole</span>:<a name="FNanchor_350_356" id="FNanchor_350_356"></a><a href="#Footnote_350_356" class="fnanchor">[350]</a> whose +museum at Oxford abundantly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">293</a></span> proves his curious and pertinacious +spirit in book-collecting. His works, put forth under his own +super<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">294</a></span>intendence, with his name subjoined, shew a delicate taste, an +active research, and, if we except his <i>Herme<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">295</a></span>tical</i> propensities, a +fortunate termination. His "opus maximum" is the <i>Order of the +Garter</i>; a volume of great elegance both in the composition and +decorations. Your copy of it, I perceived, was upon <i>large paper</i>; and +cost you—</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_349_355" id="Footnote_349_355"></a><a href="#FNanchor_349_355">[349]</a> It remains here to make good the above +serious charges brought against the ancient and worthy +family of the <span class="smcap">Ferrars</span>; and this it is fully in my power to +do, from the effectual aid afforded me by Dr. Wordsworth, in +the fifth volume of his <i>Ecclesiastical Biography</i>; where +the better part of Dr. Peckard's Life of Nicholas Ferrar is +published, together with some valuable and original addenda +from the archiepiscopal library at Lambeth. Be it, however, +known to Dr. Wordsworth, and the reviewer of the +Ecclesiastical Biography in the <i>Quarterly Review</i>, vol. +iv., pp. 93, 103, that Hearne had previously published a +copious and curious account of the monastery at Little +Gidding in the supplement to his <i>Thom. Caii. Vind. +Antiquit. Oxon.</i>, 1730, 8vo., vol. ii.: which, as far as I +have had an opportunity of examining Dr. Wordsworth's +account, does not appear to have been known to this latter +editor. We will now proceed to the bibliomaniacal anecdotes +of <span class="smcap">Nicholas Ferrar, senior and junior</span>. "Amongst other +articles of instruction and amusement, Mr. <span class="smcap">Ferrar</span> (senior) +entertained an ingenious <i>Book-binder</i> who taught the +family, females as well as males, the whole art and skill of +<i>book-binding</i>, gilding, lettering, and what they called +pasting-printing, by the use of the rolling press. By this +assistance he composed a full harmony, or concordance, of +the four evangelists, <i>adorned with many beautiful +pictures</i>, which required more than a year for the +composition, and was divided into 150 heads or chapters." +There is then a minute account of the mechanical process (in +which the nieces assisted) how, by means of "great store of +the best and strongest white paper, nice knives and +scissars, pasting and rolling-press" work—the arduous task +was at length accomplished: and Mary Collet, one of Mr. +Ferrar's nieces, put the grand finishing stroke to the +whole, by "doing a deed"—which has snapt asunder the +threads of Penelope's web for envy:—"She bound the book +entirely, <span class="smcap">all wrought in gold</span>, in a new and most elegant +fashion." The fame of this book, or concordance, as it was +called, reached the ears of Charles I., who "intreated" +(such was his Majesty's expression) to be favoured with a +sight of it. Laud and Cousins, who were then chaplains in +waiting, presented it to the King; who "after long and +serious looking it over, said, 'This is indeed a most +valuable work, and in many respects to be presented to the +greatest prince upon earth: for the matter it contains is +the richest of all treasures. The laborious composure of it +into this excellent form of <i>an Harmony</i>, the judicious +contrivance of the method, the curious workmanship in so +neatly cutting out and disposing the text, <i>the nice laying +of these costly pictures, and the exquisite art expressed in +the binding</i>, are, I really think, not to be equalled. I +must acknowledge myself to be, indeed, greatly indebted to +the family for <span class="smcap">this jewel</span>: and whatever is in my power I +shall, at any time, be ready to do for any of them.'" +<i>Eccles. Biogr.</i>, vol. v., 172-8. This was spoken, by +Charles, in the true spirit of a Book-Knight! Cromwell, I +suppose, would have shewn the same mercy to this treasure as +he did to the madonnas of Raffaelle—thrown it behind the +fire, as idolatrous! The nephew emulated and eclipsed the +bibliomaniacal celebrity of his uncle. At the age of +twenty-one, he executed three books (or "works" as they are +called) of uncommon curiosity and splendour. Archbishop +Laud, who had a keen eye and solid judgment for things of +this sort (as the reader will find in the following pages) +undertook to introduce young Ferrars to the King. The +introduction is told in such a pleasing style of <i>naiveté</i>, +and the manual dexterity of the young bibliomaniac is so +smartly commended by Charles, that I cannot find it in my +heart to abridge much of the narrative. "When the king saw +the Archbishop enter the room, he said, 'What have you +brought with you those <i>rarities</i> and <i>jewels</i> you told me +of?' 'Yea, sire,' replied the bishop; 'here is the <span class="smcap">young +gentleman</span> and his works.' So the bishop, taking him by the +hand, led him up to the king. He, falling down on his knees, +the king gave him his hand to kiss, bidding him rise up. The +box was opened, and <span class="smcap">Nicholas Ferrar</span>, first presented to the +king that book made for the prince; who taking it from him, +looking well on the outside, which was <i>all green velvet, +stately and richly gilt all over, with great broad strings, +edged with gold lace, and curiously bound</i>, said, 'Here is a +fine book for Charles, indeed! I hope it will soon make him +in love with what is within it, for I know it is good,' &c. +And lo! here are also store of <i>rare pictures</i> to delight +his eye with! &c., &c. Then, turning him to the Lord of +Canterbury, he said, 'Let this young gentleman have your +letters to the princes to-morrow, to Richmond, and let him +carry this present. It is a good day, you know, and a good +work would be done upon it.' So he gave Nicholas Ferrar the +book; who, carrying it to the box, took out of it a very +large paper book, which was the <span class="smcap">Fourth Work</span>, and laid it on +the table before the king. 'For whom,' said the king, 'is +this model?' 'For your majesty's eyes, if you please to +honour it so much.' 'And that I will gladly do,' said the +king, 'and never be weary of such sights as I know you will +offer unto me.' The king having well perused the title page, +beginning, 'The Gospel of our Lord and blessed Saviour, +Jesus Christ, in eight several languages,' &c., said unto +the lords, 'You all see that one good thing produceth +another. Here we have more and more rarities; from print now +to pen. These are fair hands, well written, and as well +composed.' Then replied the Lord of Canterbury, 'When your +majesty hath seen all, you will have more and more cause to +admire.' 'What!' said the king, 'is it possible we shall +behold yet more rarities?' then said the bishop to Nicholas +Ferrar, 'Reach the other piece that is in the box:' and this +we call the <span class="smcap">Fifth Work</span>; the title being <i>Novum Testamentum, +&c., in viginti quatuor linguis, &c.</i> The king, opening the +book, said, 'Better and better. This is the largest and +fairest paper that ever I saw.' Then, reading the +title-page, he said, 'What is this? What have we here? The +incomparablest book this will be, as ever eye beheld. My +lords, come, look well upon it. This finished, must be the +<span class="smcap">Emperor of all Books</span>. It is the crown of all works. It is an +admirable masterpiece. The world cannot match it. I believe +you are all of my opinion.' The lords all seconded the king, +and each spake his mind of it. 'I observe two things amongst +others,' said the king, 'very remarkable, if not admirable. +The first is, how is it possible that a young man of +twenty-one years of age (for he had asked the Lord of +Canterbury before, how old Nicholas Ferrar was) should ever +attain to the understanding and knowledge of more languages +than he is of years; and to have the courage to venture upon +such an Atlas work, or Hercules labour. The other is also of +high commendation, to see him write so many several +languages, so well as these are, each in its proper +character. Sure so few years had been well spent, some men +might think, to have attained only to the <i>writing</i> thus +fairly, of these twenty-four languages!' All the lords +replied his majesty had judged right; and said, except they +had seen, as they did, the young gentleman there, and the +book itself, all the world should not have persuaded them to +the belief of it." <i>Ecclesiastical Biography</i>, vol. v., pp. +216, 220. But whatever degree of credit or fame of young +<span class="smcap">Ferrars</span> might suppose to have been attached to the execution +of these "pieces," his emulation was not damped, nor did his +industry slacken, 'till he had produced a specimen of much +greater powers of book-decoration. His appetite was that of +a giant; for he was not satisfied with any thing short of +bringing forth a volume of such dimensions as to make the +bearer of it groan beneath its weight—and the beholders of +it dazzled with its lustre, and astonished at its amplitude. +Perhaps there is not a more curious book-anecdote upon +record than the following. "Charles the 1st, his son +Charles, the Palsgrave, and the Duke of Lennox, paid a visit +to the monastery of Little Gidding, in Huntingdonshire—the +abode of the Ferrars."—"Then, the king was pleased to go +into the house, and demanded where the <span class="smcap">great book</span> was, that +he had heard was made for Charles's use. It was soon brought +unto him; and the <i>largeness</i> and <i>weight</i> of it was such +that he that carried it seemed to be <i>well laden</i>. Which the +duke, observing, said, 'Sir, one of your strongest guard +will but be able to carry this book.' It being laid on the +table before the king, it was told him that, though it were +then fairly bound up in <i>purple velvet</i>, that the outside +was not fully finished, as it should be, for the prince's +use and better liking. 'Well,' said the king, 'it is very +well done.' So he opened the book, the prince standing at +the table's end, and the Palsgrave and Duke on each side of +the king. The king read the title page and frontispice all +over very deliberately; and well viewing the form of it, how +adorned with <i>a stately garnish of pictures, &c.</i>, and the +curiousness of the writing of it, said, 'Charles, here is a +book that contains excellent things. This will make you both +wise and good.' Then he proceeded to turn it over, leaf by +leaf, and took exact notice of all in it: and it being <i>full +of pictures of sundry mens cuts</i>, he could tell the +palsgrave, who seemed also to be knowing in that kind, that +this and this, and that and that, were of such a man's +graving and invention. The prince all the while greatly eyed +all things; and seemed much to be pleased with the book. The +king having spent some hours in the perusal of it, and +demanding many questions was occasion as, concerning the +contrivement, and having received answers to all he +demanded, at length said, 'It was only <i>a jewel for a +Prince</i>, and hoped <span class="smcap">Charles</span> would make good use of it: and I +see and find, by what I have myself received formerly from +this good house, that they go on daily in the prosecution of +these excellent pieces. They are brave employments of their +time.' The Palsgrave said to the prince, 'Sir, your father +the king is master of the goodliest ship in the world, and I +may now say you will be master of the <span class="smcap">gallantest greatest +book</span> in the world: for I never saw <i>such paper</i> before; and +believe there is no book of this largeness to be seen in +Christendom.' 'The paper and the book in all conditions,' +said the king, 'I believe it not to be matched. Here hath +also in this book not wanted, you see, skill, care, nor +cost.' 'It is a most admirable piece,' replied the Duke of +Richmond. So the king, closing the book, said, 'Charles, +this is yours.' He replied, 'But, Sir, shall I not now have +it with me?' Reply was made by one of the family, 'If it +please your highness, the book is not <i>on the outside so +finished</i> as it is intended for you, but shall be, with all +expedition, done, and you shall have it.' 'Well,' said the +king, 'you must content yourself for a +while.'"—<i>Ecclesiastical Biography</i>, vol. v., p. 237.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_350_356" id="Footnote_350_356"></a><a href="#FNanchor_350_356">[350]</a> In the year 1774, was published an octavo +volume, containing the lives of <span class="smcap">William Lilly</span> the +astrologer, and <span class="smcap">Elias Ashmole</span> the antiquary: two of the +greatest <i>cronies</i> of their day. The particulars of +Ashmole's life are drawn from his own <i>Diary</i>, in which is +detailed every thing the most minute and ridiculous; while +many of the leading features in his character, and many +interesting occurrences in his life, are wholly suppressed. +The editor has not evinced much judgment in causing +posterity to be informed when Ashmole's "<i>great and little +teeth ached, or were loose</i>:" when his "<i>neck break forth, +occasioned by shaving his beard with a bad razor</i>" (p. 312); +when "<i>his maid's bed was on fire, but he rose quickly +(thanking God) and quenched it</i>" (p. 313); and when he +"<i>scratched the right-side of his buttocks, &c., and applied +pultices thereunto, made of white bread crums, oil of roses, +and rose leaves</i>;" (p. 363—and see particularly the long +and dismal entries at p. 368.) All this might surely have +been spared, without much injury to the reputation of the +sufferer. Yet, in some other minute entries, we glean +intelligence a little more interesting. At p. 324, we find +that Ashmole had quarrelled with his wife; and that "Mr. +Serjeant Maynard observed to the Court that there were 800 +sheets of depositions on his wife's part, and not one word +proved against him of using her ill, or ever giving her a +bad or provoking word:" at page 330, we find Ashmole +accompanying his heraldic friend Dugdale, in his +"visitations" of counties; also that "his picture was drawn +by Le Neve in his herald's coat:" Loggan afterwards drew it +in black lead: p. 352. But here again (p. 353) we are +gravely informed that "<i>his tooth, next his fore tooth in +his upper jaw, was very loose, and he easily pulled it out, +and that one of his middle teeth in his lower jaw, broke out +while he was at dinner</i>." He sat (for the last time) for "a +second picture to Mr. Ryley," p. 379. Ashmole's intimacy +with Lilly was the foundation of the former's (supposed) +profundity in alchemical and astrological studies. In this +Diary we are carefully told that "Mr. Jonas Moore brought +and acquainted him with Mr. William Lilly, on a Friday +night, on the 20th of November," p. 302. Ashmole was then +only 26 years of age; and it will be readily conceived how, +at this susceptible period, he listened with rapture to his +master's exposition of the black art, and implicitly adopted +the recipes and maxims he heard delivered. Hence the pupil +generally styled himself <i>Mercuriophilus Anglicus</i>, at the +foot of most of his title-pages: and hence we find such +extraordinary entries, in the foresaid diary, as the +following: "This night (August 14, 1651) about one of the +clock, I fell ill of a surfeit, occasioned by drinking +<i>water after Venison</i>. I was greatly oppressed in my +stomach; and next day Mr. Saunders, <i>the astrologian</i>, sent +me a piece of briony-root to hold in my hand; and within a +quarter of an hour my stomach was freed from that great +oppression," p. 314. "Sep. 27, 1652, I came to Mr. John +Tompson's, who dwelt near Dove Bridge; he used a call, and +had responses in a soft voice," p. 317. At p. 318 is +narrated the commencement of his acquaintance with the +famous Arise Evans, a Welsh prophet: whose "<i>Echo from +Heaven</i>," &c., 2 parts, 1652, 12mo., is a work noticed by +Warburton, and coveted by bibliomaniacs. Yet one more +quack-medicine entry: "March 11, 1681. I took early in the +morning a good dose of Elixir, and hung three spiders about +my neck, and they drove my ague away—Deo gratias!" p. 359. +It seems that Ashmole always punctually kept "<i>The +Astrologer's Feast</i>;" and that he had such celebrity as a +curer of certain diseases, that Lord Finch the Chancellor +"sent for him to cure him of his rheumatism. He dined there, +but would not undertake the cure," p. 364. This was behaving +with a tolerable degree of prudence and good sense. But let +not the bibliomaniac imagine that it is my wish to degrade +honest old Elias Ashmole, by the foregoing delineation of +his weaknesses and follies. The ensuing entries, in the said +Diary, will more than counterbalance any unfavourable effect +produced by its precursors; and I give them with a full +conviction that they will be greedily devoured by those who +have been lucky enough to make good purchases of the entire +libraries of deceased characters of eminence. In his 37th +year, Ashmole "bought of Mr. Milbourn all his books and +mathematical instruments;" and the day after (N.B. "8 +o'clock, 39 min. post merid.") "he bought Mr. Hawkins's +books," p. 312. In the ensuing year he "agreed with Mrs. +Backhouse, of London, for her deceased husband's books," p. +313. He now became so distinguished as a successful +bibliomaniac that Seldon and Twysden sought his +acquaintance; and "Mr. Tredescant and his wife told him that +they had been long considering upon whom to bestow their +<i>closet of curiosities</i>, and at last had resolved to give it +unto him," p. 326. Having by this time (A.D. 1658) commenced +his famous work upon <i>The Order of the Garter</i>, he was +introduced to Charles II.: kissed hands, and was appointed +by the king "to make a description of his medals, and had +them delivered into his hands, and <i>Henry the VIIIth's +closet</i> assigned for his use," p. 327. In this same year +came forth his "<i>Way to Bliss</i>;" 4to.: a work so invincibly +dull that I despair of presenting the reader with any thing +like entertainment even in the following heterogeneous +extract: "When our natural heat, the life of this little +world, is faint and gone, the body shrinks up and is +defaced: but bring again heat into the parts, and likewise +money into the bankrupt's coffers, and they shall be both +lusty, and flourish again as much as ever they did. But how +may this heat be brought again? To make few words, even as +she is kept and held by due <i>meat</i> and <i>motion</i>; for if she +faint, and falleth for want of them only, then give her +them, and she shall recover herself again. Meat is the bait +that draws her down: motion comes after, like a <i>Gad-Bee</i>, +to prick her forward; but the work is performed in this +order. First this meat, which is that fine and æthereal oyl +often above-described, by the exceeding piercing swifteness, +divides, scatters, and scowres away the gross and foul dregs +and leavings which, for want of the tillage of heat, had +overgrown in our bodies, and which was cast, like a blockish +stay-fish in the way, to stay the free course of the ship of +life: these flying out of all sides, abundantly pluck up all +the old leavings of hair, nails, and teeth, by the roots, +and drive them out before them: in the mean while, our +medicine makes not onely clear way and passage for life, if +she list to stir and run her wonted race (which some think +enough of this matter), but also scattereth all about her +due and desired meat, and first moisture to draw her +forward. By which means our life, having gotten both her +full strength and liveliness, and returned like the sun in +summer into all our quarters, begins to work afresh as she +did at first; (for being the same upon the same, she must +needs do the same) knitting and binding the weak and loose +joynts and sinews, watering and concocting all by good +digestion; and then the idle parts like leaves shall, in +this hot summer, spring and grow forth afresh, out of this +new and young temper of the body: and all the whole face and +shew shall be young again and flourishing," pp. 119, 120. +With such a farrago of sublime nonsense were our worthy +forefathers called upon to be enlightened and amused! But I +lose sight of Ashmole's <i>book-purchases</i>. That he gave away, +as well as received, curious volumes, is authenticated by +his gift of "five volumes of Mr. Dugdale's works to the +Temple Library:" p. 331. "Again: I presented the public +library at Oxford with three folio volumes, containing a +description of the Consular and Imperial coins there, which +I had formerly made and digested, being all fairly +transcribed with my own hand," p. 332. But mark well: "My +first boatful of books, which were carried to Mrs. +Tredescant's, were brought back to the Temple:" also, (May +1667) "I bought Mr. John Booker's study of books, and gave +140<i>l.</i> for them," p. 333. In the same year that his <i>Order +of the Garter</i> was published, his "good friend Mr. Wale sent +him Dr. <span class="smcap">Dee's</span> original books and papers," p. 339. But he yet +went on buying: "Nil actum reputans, dum quid superesset +agendum:" for thus journalises our super-eminent +bibliomaniac:—(June 12, 1681) "I bought Mr. Lilly's library +of books of his widow, for fifty pounds," p. 360. In August, +1682, Ashmole went towards Oxford, "to see the building +prepared to receive his rarities;" and in March, 1683, "the +last load of his rarities was sent to the barge." In July, +1687, he received a parcel of books from J.W. Irnhoff, of +Nurembergh, among which was his <i>Excellentium Familiarum in +Gallia Genealogia</i>: p. 379. But it is time to put an end to +this unwieldly note: reserving the account of Ashmole's +<i>Order of the Garter</i>, and <i>Theatrum Chemicum</i>, for the +ensuing one—and slightly informing the reader, of what he +may probably be apprized, that our illustrious bibliomaniac +bequeathed his museum of curiosities and library of books to +his beloved <span class="smcap">Alma Mater Oxoniensis</span>—having first erected a +large building for their reception. It is justly said of +him, in the inscription upon his tombstone,</p> + +<p class="center"> +DURANTE MUSÆO ASHMOLEANO OXON.<br /> +NUNQUAM MORITURUS.<br /> +</p> + +<p>A summer month might be profitably passed in the Ashmolean +collection of Books! Let us not despair that a complete +<i>Catalogue Raisonné</i> of them may yet be given.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> Not eight guineas—although you were about to say <i>fourteen</i>!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Even so. But it must have been obtained in the golden age of +book-collecting?</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> It was obtained, together with an uncut copy of his <i>Theatrum +Chemicum</i>,<a name="FNanchor_351_357" id="FNanchor_351_357"></a><a href="#Footnote_351_357" class="fnanchor">[351]</a> by my father, at the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">296</a></span> shop of a most respectable +bookseller, lately living, at Mews-Gate, and now in Pall-Mall—where +the choicest copies of rare and beautiful books are oftentimes to be +procured, at a price much less than the extravagant ones given at +book-sales. You observed it was bound in blue morocco—and by that +Coryphæus of book-binders, the late <span class="smcap">Roger Payne</span>!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_351_357" id="Footnote_351_357"></a><a href="#FNanchor_351_357">[351]</a> First let us say a few words of the <span class="smcap">Theatrum +Chemicum Britannicum</span>, as it was the anterior publication. It +contains a collection of ancient English poetical pieces +relating to Alchemy, or the "Hermetique Mysteries;" and was +published in a neat quarto volume, in 1652; accompanied with +a rich sprinkling of plates "cut in brass," and copious +annotations, at the end, by Ashmole himself. Of these +plates, some are precious to the antiquary; for reasons +which will be given by me in another work. At present, all +that need be said is that a fine tall copy of it brings a +fair sum of money. I never heard of the existence of a +<i>large paper</i> impression. It went to press in July 1651; and +on the 26th of January following, "the first copy of it was +sold to the Earl of Pembroke:" see the Diary, pp. 313-315. +In May, 1658, Ashmole made his first visit to the Record +Office in the Tower, to collect materials for his work of +"<span class="smcap">The Order of the Garter</span>." In May following, Hollar +accompanied the author to Windsor, to take views of the +castle. In the winter of 1665, Ashmole composed a "good part +of the work at Roe-Barnes (the plague increasing)." In May, +1672, a copy of it was presented to King Charles II.: and in +June, the following year, Ashmole received "his privy-seal +for 400<i>l.</i> out of the custom of paper, which the king was +pleased to bestow upon him for the same." This, it must be +confessed, was a liberal remuneration. But the author's +honours increased and multiplied beyond his most sanguine +expectations. Princes and noblemen, abroad and at home, read +and admired his work; and Ashmole had golden chains placed +round his neck, and other superb presents from the greater +part of them; one of which (from the Elector of +Brandenburgh) is described as being "composed of ninety +links, of philagreen links in great knobs, most curious +work," &c. In short, such was the golden harvest which +showered down upon him on all sides, on account of this +splendid publication, that "he made a feast at his house in +South Lambeth, in honour to his benefactors of the work of +<span class="smcap">the garter</span>." I hope he had the conscience to make <span class="smcap">Hollar</span> his +Vice-President, or to seat him at his right hand; for this +artist's <i>Engravings</i>, much more than the author's +composition, will immortalize the volume. Yet the +artist—died in penury! These particulars relating to this +popular work, which it was thought might be amusing to the +lover of fine books, have been faithfully extracted from the +'forementioned original and amusing Diary. <i>The Order of the +Garter</i> was originally sold for 1<i>l.</i> 10<i>s.</i> See <i>Clavel's +Catalogue</i>, 1675, p. 31.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> I observed it had a "glorious aspect," as bibliographers term +it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> But what has become of Ashmole all this while?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> I will only further remark of him that, if he had not suffered +his mind to wander in quest of the puzzling speculations of alchemy +and astrology—which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">297</a></span> he conceived himself bound to do in consequence, +probably, of wearing John Dee's red velvet night cap—he might have +mingled a larger portion of common sense and sound practical +observations in his writings.</p> + +<p>But a truce to worthy old Elias. For see yonder the bibliomaniacal +spirit of <span class="smcap">Archbishop Laud</span> pacing your library! With one hand resting +upon a folio,<a name="FNanchor_352_358" id="FNanchor_352_358"></a><a href="#Footnote_352_358" class="fnanchor">[352]</a> it points,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">298</a></span> with the other, to your favourite print +of the public buildings of the University of Oxford—thereby reminding +us of his attachment, while living, to literature and fine books, and +of his benefactions to the Bodleian Library. Now it "looks frowningly" +upon us; and, turning round, and shewing the yet reeking gash from +which the life-blood flowed, it flits away—</p> + +<p class="centerbp">Par levibus ventis, volucrique simillima somno!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_352_358" id="Footnote_352_358"></a><a href="#FNanchor_352_358">[352]</a> <span class="smcap">Archbishop Laud</span>, who +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: was">has</span> beheaded in the year 1644, had a great fondness for +sumptuous decoration in dress, books, and ecclesiastical +establishments; which made him suspected of a leaning +towards the Roman Catholic religion. His life has been +written by Dr. Heylin, in a heavy folio volume of 547 pages; +and in which we have a sufficiently prolix account of the +political occurrences during Laud's primacy, but rather a +sparing, or indeed no, account of his private life and +traits of domestic character. In Lloyd's <i>Memoirs of the +Sufferers</i> from the year 1637 to 1660 inclusive (1668, fol.) +are exhibited the articles of impeachment against the +Archbishop; and, amongst them, are the following +bibliomaniacal accusations. "Art. 5. Receiving a <i>Bible</i>, +with a crucifix embroidered on the cover of it by a lady. +Art. 6. A book of popish pictures, <i>two Missals</i>, +Pontificals, and Breviaries, which he made use of as a +scholar. Art. 7. His (own) admirable <i>Book of Devotion</i>, +digested according to the ancient way of canonical hours, +&c. Art. 19. <i>The book of Sports</i>, which was published first +in King James his reign, before he had any power in the +church; and afterward in King Charles his reign, before he +had the chief power in the church," &c., pp. 235-237. But if +Laud's head was doomed to be severed from his body in +consequence of these his bibliomaniacal frailties, what +would have been said to the fine copy of one of the +<i>Salisbury Primers or Missals</i>, printed by Pynson <span class="smcap">upon +vellum</span>, which once belonged to this archbishop, and is now +in the library of St. John's College, Oxford?! Has the +reader ever seen the same primate's copy of the <i>Aldine +Aristophanes</i>, 1498, in the same place? 'Tis a glorious +volume; and I think nearly equals my friend Mr. Heber's +copy, once Lord Halifax's, of the same edition. Of Laud's +benefactions to the Bodleian Library, the bibliographer will +see ample mention made in the <i>Catalogus Librorum +Manuscriptorum Angliæ, Hiberniæ</i>, &c., 1697, folio. The +following, from Heylin, is worth extracting: "Being come +near the block, he (Laud) put off his doublet, &c., and +seeing through the chink of the boards that some people were +got under the scaffold, about the very place where the block +was seated, he called to the officer for some dust to stop +them, or to remove the people thence; saying, it was no part +of his desire 'that his blood should fall upon the heads of +the people.' Never did man put off mortality with a better +courage, nor look upon his bloody and malicious enemies with +more christian charity." <i>Cyprianus Anglicus</i>; or the <i>Life +and Death of Laud</i>; 1668, fol.; p. 536. In the Master's +library at St. John's, Oxford, they shew the velvet cap +which it is said Laud wore at his execution; and in which +the mark of the axe is sufficiently visible. The archbishop +was a great benefactor to this college. Mr. H. Ellis, of the +Museum, who with myself were "quondam socii" of the same +establishment, writes me, that "Among what are called the +king's pamphlets in the British Museum, is a fragment of a +tract, without title, of fifty-six pages only, imperfect; +beginning, 'A briefe examination of a certaine pamphlet +lately printed in Scotland, and intituled <i>Ladensium +Autocatacrisis</i>,' &c., 'The Cantabarians Self-Conviction.' +On the blank leaf prefixed, is the following remark in a +hand of the time. 'This Briefe Examen following, was found +in the Archbishop's (Laud?) Library, wher the whole +impression of these seauen sheets was found, but nether +beginning nor ending more then is hearein contained. May +11th, 1644.' This work, (continues Mr. Ellis,) which is a +singular and valuable curiosity, is in fact a personal +vindication of Archbishop Laud, not only from the slanders +of the pamphlet, but from those of the times in general: and +from internal evidence could have been written by no one but +himself. It is in a style of writing beyond that of the +ordinary productions of the day."</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">Peace, peace, thou once "lofty spirit"—peace to thy sepulchre—always +consecrated by the grateful student who has been benefited by thy +bounty!</p> + +<p class="bp">Perhaps Laud should have been noticed a little earlier in this list of +bibliomanical heroes; but, having here noticed him, I cannot refrain +from observing to you that the notorious <span class="smcap">Hugh Peters</span> revelled in some +of the spoils of the archbishop's library; and that there are, to the +best of my recollection, some curious entries on the journals of the +House of Commons relating to the same.<a name="FNanchor_353_359" id="FNanchor_353_359"></a><a href="#Footnote_353_359" class="fnanchor">[353]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_353_359" id="Footnote_353_359"></a><a href="#FNanchor_353_359">[353]</a> I am indebted to the same literary friend who +gave me the intelligence which closes the last note, for the +ensuing particulars relating to <span class="smcap">Hugh Peters</span>; which are taken +from the journals of the lower house: "Ao. 1643-4. March 8. +Ordered, that a study of books, to the value of 100<i>l.</i> out +of such books as are sequestered, be forthwith bestowed upon +Mr. <span class="smcap">Peters</span>." <i>Journals of the House of Commons</i>, vol. ii., +p. 421. "Ao. 1644. 25 April. Whereas this House was formerly +pleased to bestow upon Mr. Peters books to the value of +100<i>l.</i>, it is this day ordered that Mr. Recorder, Mr. +Whitlock, Mr. Hill, or two of them, do cause to be delivered +to Mr. Peters, to the value of 100<i>l.</i>, books out of the +private and particular study of the <span class="smcap">Archbishop of +Canterbury</span>." <i>Id.</i>, vol. iii., p. 469. "Ao. 1644. 26 Junij. +Dies publicæ Humiliationis. Mr. Peters made a large and full +relation of the state of the western counties, and of the +proceedings of my Lord General's army, since its coming +thither," &c. "Whereas, formerly, books to the amount of +100<i>l.</i> were bestowed upon Mr. Peters out of the +archbishop's private library, and whereas the said study is +appraised at above 40<i>l.</i> more than the 100<i>l.</i>, it is +ordered this day that Mr. Peters shall have the whole study +of books freely bestowed upon him." <i>Id.</i> p. 544. "Ao. 1660. +May 16. Ordered, That all books and papers, heretofore +belonging to the library of the archbishop of Canterbury, +and now, or lately, in the hands of Mr. <span class="smcap">Hugh Peters</span>, be +forthwith secured." In Ashmole's life, before the first +volume of his Antiq. of Berkshire, it is said in Aug. 1660, +"Mr. Ashmole had a commission to examine that infamous +buffoon and trumpeter of rebellion, Hugh Peters, concerning +the disposal of the pictures, jewels, &c., belonging to the +royal family, which were committed chiefly to his care, and +sold and dispersed over Europe: which was soon brought to a +conclusion by the obstinacy or ignorance of their criminal, +who either would not, or was not able to, give the desired +satisfaction."</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">299</a></span><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> This is extraordinary enough. But, if I well remember, you +mentioned, a short time ago, the name of <span class="smcap">Braithwait</span> as connected with +that of Peacham. Now, as I <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: presume">persume</span> +Lorenzo has not tied down his guests to any rigid chronological rules, +in their literary chit-chat, so I presume you might revert to +Braithwait, without being taxed with any great violation of colloquial +order.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Nay, I am not aware of any <i>bookish</i> anecdote concerning +Braithwait. He was mentioned with Peacham as being a like accomplished +character.<a name="FNanchor_354_360" id="FNanchor_354_360"></a><a href="#Footnote_354_360" class="fnanchor">[354]</a> Some<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">300</a></span> of his pieces are written upon the same subjects +as were Peacham's, and with great point and elegance.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">301</a></span> He seems, +indeed, to have had the literary credit and moral welfare of his +countrymen so much at stake that, I confess, I have a vast fondness +for his lucubrations. His "<i>English Gentlewoman</i>" might be reprinted +with advantage.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_354_360" id="Footnote_354_360"></a><a href="#FNanchor_354_360">[354]</a> The talents of <span class="smcap">Richard Braithwait</span> do not +appear to me to be so generally known and highly commended +as they merit to be. His <i>Nursery for Gentry</i>, 1651, 4to. +(with his portrait in an engraved frontispiece by Marshall), +is written with the author's usual point and spirit; but, as +I humbly conceive, is a less interesting performance than +his <i>English Gentleman</i>, 1633, 4to. (with a frontispiece by +Marshall), or <i>English Gentlewoman</i>, 1631, 4to. (also with a +frontispiece by the same artist). There is a terseness and +vigour in Braithwait's style which is superior to that of +his contemporary, Peacham; who seems to excel in a calm, +easy, and graceful manner of composition. Both these eminent +writers are distinguished for their scholastic and +gentlemanly attainments; but in the "divine art of poesy" +(in which light I mean here more particularly to display the +powers of Braithwait) Peacham has no chance of being +considered even as a respectable competitor with his +contemporary. Mr. George Ellis, in his pleasing <i>Specimens +of the early English Poets</i>, vol. iii., p. 103, has selected +two songs of Braithwait "from a work not enumerated by +Wood;" calling the author, "a noted wit and poet." His fame, +however, is not likely to "gather strength" from these +effusions. It is from some passages in <i>The Arcadian +Princesse</i>—a work which has been already, and more than +once, referred to, but which is too dislocated and +heterogeneous to recommend to a complete perusal—it is from +some passages in <i>this</i> work that I think Braithwait shines +with more lustre as a poet than in any to which his name is +affixed. Take the following miscellaneous ones, by way of +specimens. They are sometimes a little faulty in rhyme and +melody: but they are never lame from imbecility.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +<span style="margin-left: 4em;">——he has the happiest wit,</span><br /> +Who has discretion to attemper it.<br /> +And of all others, those the least doe erre,<br /> +Who in opinion are least singular.<br /> +Let Stoicks be to opposition given,<br /> +Who to extreames in arguments are driven;<br /> +Submit thy judgment to another's will<br /> +If it be good; oppose it mildly, ill.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 10em;"><i>Lib.</i> iv., p. 7.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Strong good sense has been rarely exhibited in fewer lines +than in the preceding ones. We have next a vigorously drawn +character which has the frightful appellation of</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;"><i>Uperephanos</i>, who still thought</span><br /> +That th' world without him would be brought to nought:<br /> +For when the dogge-starre raged, he used to cry,<br /> +"No other Atlas has the world but I.<br /> +I am that only <i>Hee</i>, supports the state;<br /> +Cements divisions, shuts up Janus' gate;<br /> +Improves the publike fame, chalks out the way<br /> +How princes should command, subjects obey.<br /> +Nought passeth my discovery, for my sense<br /> +Extends itself to all intelligence."<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">&c. &c. &c.</span><br /> +So well this story and this embleme wrought,<br /> +<i>Uperephanos</i> was so humble brought,<br /> +As he on earth disvalu'd nothing more,<br /> +Than what his vainest humour priz'd before.<br /> +More wise, but lesse conceited of his wit;<br /> +More pregnant, but lesse apt to humour it;<br /> +More worthy, 'cause he could agnize his want;<br /> +More eminent, because less arragant.<br /> +In briefe, so humbly-morally divine,<br /> +He was esteem'd the <i>Non-such</i> of his time.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;"><i>Id.</i>, pp. 8, 11.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Another character, with an equally bizarre name, is drawn +with the same vigour:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;"><i>Melixos</i>; such a starved one,</span><br /> +As he had nothing left but skin and bone.<br /> +The shady substance of a living man,<br /> +Or object of contempt wheree'er he came.<br /> +Yet had hee able parts, and could discourse,<br /> +Presse moving reasons, arguments enforce,<br /> +Expresse his readings with a comely grace,<br /> +And prove himselfe a <i>Consul</i> in his place!<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;"><i>Id.</i>, p. 12.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>We have a still more highly-coloured, and indeed a terrific, +as well as original, picture, in the following animated +verses:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Next him, <i>Uptoomos</i>; one more severe,</span><br /> +Ne'er purple wore in this inferiour sphere:<br /> +Rough and distastefull was his nature still,<br /> +His life unsociable, as was his will.<br /> +<i>Eris</i> and <i>Enio</i> his two pages were,<br /> +His traine stern <i>Apuneia</i> us'd to beare.<br /> +Terrour and thunder echo'd from his tongue,<br /> +Though weake in judgment, in opinion strong.<br /> +A fiery inflammation seiz'd his eyes,<br /> +Which could not well be temper'd any wise:<br /> +For they were bloud-shot, and so prone to ill,<br /> +As basiliske-like, where'ere they look, they kill.<br /> +No laws but Draco's with his humour stood,<br /> +For they were writ in characters of bloud.<br /> +His stomacke was distemper'd in such sort<br /> +Nought would digest; nor could he relish sport.<br /> +His dreames were full of melancholy feare,<br /> +Bolts, halters, gibbets, halloo'd in his eare:<br /> +Fury fed nature with a little food,<br /> +Which, ill-concocted, did him lesser good,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;"><i>Id.</i>, p. 16.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>But it is time to pause upon Braithwait. Whoever does not +see, in these specimens, some of the most powerful rhyming +couplets of the early half of the seventeenth century, if +not the model of some of the verses in Dryden's satirical +pieces, has read both poets with ears differently +constructed from those of the author of this book.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">As I am permitted to be desultory in my remarks, (and, indeed, I +craved this permission at the outset of them) I may here notice the +publication of an excellent <i>Catalogue of Books</i>, in 1658, 4to.; +which, like its predecessor, Maunsell's, helped to inflame the +passions of purchasers, and to fill the coffers of booksellers. +Whenever you can meet with this small volume, purchase it, Lisardo; if +it be only for the sake of reading the spirited introduction prefixed +to it.<a name="FNanchor_355_361" id="FNanchor_355_361"></a><a href="#Footnote_355_361" class="fnanchor">[355]</a> The author<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">302</a></span> was a man, whoever he may chance to be, of no +mean intellectual powers. But to return.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_355_361" id="Footnote_355_361"></a><a href="#FNanchor_355_361">[355]</a> This volume, which has been rather fully +described by me in the edition of More's <i>Utopia</i>, vol. ii., +p. 260, 284—where some specimens of the "Introduction," so +strongly recommended by Lysander, will be found—is also +noticed in the <i>Athenæum</i>, vol. ii., 601; where there is an +excellent analysis of its contents. Here, let me subjoin +only one short specimen: In praise of learning, it is said: +"Wise and learned men are the surest stakes in the hedge of +a nation or city: they are the best conservators of our +liberties: the hinges on which the welfare, peace, and +happiness, hang; the best public good, and only +commonwealth's men. These lucubrations, meeting with a true +and brave mind, can conquer men; and, with the basilisk, +kill envy with a look." Sign. E. 4. rect.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">Where sleep now the relics of <span class="smcap">Dyson's</span> Library, which supplied that +<i>Helluo Librorum</i>, Richard Smith, with "most of his rarities?"<a name="FNanchor_356_362" id="FNanchor_356_362"></a><a href="#Footnote_356_362" class="fnanchor">[356]</a> I +would give something pretty considerable to have a correct list—but +more to have an unmolested sight—of this library, in its original +state: if it were merely to be convinced whether or not it contained a +copy of the <i>first edition of Shakespeare</i>, of larger dimensions, and +in cleaner condition, than the one in <span class="smcap">Philander's</span> Collection!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_356_362" id="Footnote_356_362"></a><a href="#FNanchor_356_362">[356]</a> "<span class="smcap">H. Dyson</span> (says Hearne) a person of a very +strange, prying, and inquisitive genius, in the matter of +books, as may appear from many libraries; there being books, +chiefly in old English, almost in every library, that have +belonged to him, with his name upon them." <i>Peter Langtoft's +Chronicles</i>, vol. i., p. xiii. This intelligence Hearne +gleaned from his friend Mr. T. Baker. We are referred by the +former to the <i>Bibl. R. Smith</i>, p. 371, alias 401, N<span class="super">o</span>. +115, to an article, which confirms what is said of Smith's +"collecting most of his rarities out of the library of H. +Dyson." The article is thus described in Bibl. Smith, +<i>ibid.</i>; "115 Six several catalogues of all such books, +touching the state ecclesiastical as temporal of the realm +of England, which were published upon several occasions, in +the reigns of K. Henry the viith and viiith, Philip and +Mary, Q. Elizabeth, K. James, and Charles I., collected by +Mr. H. Dyson: out of whose library was gathered, by Mr. +Smith, a great part of the rarities of this catalogue." A +catalogue of the books sold in the reign of Hen. VII. would +be invaluable to a bibliographer! Let me add, for the sake +of pleasing, or rather, perhaps, tantalising my good friend +Mr. Haleswood, that this article is immediately under one +which describes "<i>An Ancient MS. of Hunting</i>, <span class="smcap">in vellum</span> +(wanting something) <i>quarto</i>." I hear him exclaim—"Where is +this treasure now to be found?" Perhaps, upon the cover of a +book of Devotion!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">I have incidentally mentioned the name of <span class="smcap">Richard Smith</span>.<a name="FNanchor_357_363" id="FNanchor_357_363"></a><a href="#Footnote_357_363" class="fnanchor">[357]</a> Such a +bibliomaniac deserves ample notice,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">303</a></span> and the warmest commendation. Ah, +my Lisardo! had you lived in the latter days of Charles II.—had you, +by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">304</a></span> accident, fallen into the society of this indefatigable +book-forager, while he pursued his book-rounds in <i>Little +Britain</i>—could you have listened to his instructive conversation, and +returned home with him to the congenial quiet and avocations of his +book-room—would you, however caressed St. James's, or even smiled +upon by the first Duchess in the land—have cared a rush for the +splendours of a Court, or concentrated your best comforts in a coach +drawn by six cream-coloured horses? Would you not, on the contrary, +have thought with this illustrious bibliomaniac, and with the sages of +Greece and Rome before him, that "in books is wisdom, and in wisdom is +happiness."</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_357_363" id="Footnote_357_363"></a><a href="#FNanchor_357_363">[357]</a> From the address To the Reader, prefixed to +the Catalogue of <span class="smcap">Richard Smith's</span> books, which was put forth +by Chiswel the bookseller, in May 1682, 4to.—the +bibliomaniac is presented with the following interesting but +cramply written, particulars relating to the owner of them: +"Though it be needless to recommend what to all intelligent +persons sufficiently commend itself, yet, perhaps, it may +not be unacceptable to the ingenious to have some short +account concerning <i>This so much celebrated, so often +desired, so long expected, Library</i>, now exposed to sale. +The gentleman that collected it was a person infinitely +curious and inquisitive after books; and who suffered +nothing considerable to escape him, that fell within the +compass of his learning; for he had not the vanity of +desiring to be master of more than he knew how to use. He +lived to a very great age, and spent a good part of it +almost entirely in the search of books. Being as constantly +known every day to walk his rounds through the shops as he +sat down to meals, where his great skill and experience +enabled him to make choice of what was not obvious to every +vulgar eye. He lived in times which ministered peculiar +opportunities of meeting with books that are not every day +brought into publick light; and few eminent libraries were +bought where he had not the liberty to pick and choose. And +while others were forming arms, and new-modelling kingdoms, +<i>his</i> great ambition was to become master of a good <span class="smcap">Book</span>. +Hence arose, as that vast number of his books, so the +choiceness and rarity of the greatest part of them; and that +of all kinds, and in all sorts of learning," &c. "Nor was +the owner of them a meer idle possessor of so great a +treasure: for as he generally <i>collated</i> his books upon the +buying of them (upon which account the buyer may rest pretty +secure of their being perfect) so he did not barely turn +over the leaves, but observed the defects of impressions, +and the ill arts used by many; compared the differences of +editions; concerning which, and the like cases, he has +entered memorable, and very useful, remarks upon very many +of the books under his own hand: Observations wherein, +certainly, never man was more diligent and industrious. Thus +much was thought fit to be communicated to publick notice, +by a gentleman who was intimately acquainted both with Mr. +Smith and his books. <i>This excellent library will be exposed +by auction, and the sale will begin on Monday the 15th day +of May next, at the auction house, known by the name of</i> <span class="smcap">the +swan</span>, <i>in Great St. Bartholomew's Close, and there continue, +day by day, the five first days of every week, till all the +books be sold.</i>" In this catalogue of Richard Smith's books, +the sharp-eyed bibliomaniac will discover twelve volumes +printed by <span class="smcap">Caxton</span>; which collectively, produced only the sum +of 3<i>l.</i> 7<i>s.</i> 5<i>d.</i> The price of each of these volumes has +been already given to the public (<i>Typog. Antiq.</i>, vol i., +p. cxxxii.) I suppose a thousand guineas would <i>now</i> barely +secure perfect copies of them! The catalogue itself is most +barbarously printed, and the arrangement and description of +the volumes such as to damn the compiler "to everlasting +fame." A number of the most curious, rare, and intrinsically +valuable books—the very insertion of which in a +bookseller's catalogue would probably now make a hundred +bibliomaniacs start from their homes by star-light, in order +to come in for the <i>first pickings</i>—a number of volumes of +this description are huddled together in one lot, and all +these classed under the provoking running title of "<i>Bundles +of Books</i>," or "<i>Bundles of sticht Books</i>!" But it is time +to bid adieu to this matchless collection. Leaving the +virtuoso "to toil, from rise to set of sun" after W. +Sherwin's "extra rare and fine" portrait of the collector, +which will cost him hard upon ten pounds (see <i>Sir William +Musgrave's Catalogue of English Portraits</i>, p. 92, n<span class="super">o</span>. +82), and to seize, if it be in his power, a copy of the +catalogue itself, "with the prices and purchasers' names" +(vide <i>Bibl. Lort.</i>, n<span class="super">o</span>. 1354). I proceed to attend upon +Lysander: not, however, without informing him that Strype +(<i>Life of Cranmer</i>, p. 368), as well as Hearne (<i>Liber Niger +Scaccarii</i>, vol. ii., p. 542), has condescended to notice +the famous library of this famous collector of books, +<span class="smcap">Richard Smith</span>!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> In truth I should have done even more than what your barren +imagination has here depicted. Smith's figure, his address, his +conversation, his library—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> Enough—peace! There is no end to Lisardo's <i>fruitful</i> +imagination. We are surfeited with the richness of it. Go on, dear +Lysander; but first, satisfy a desire which I just now feel to be +informed of the period when <i>Sales of Books, by Auction</i>, were +introduced into this country.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> You take <i>that</i> for granted which +remains <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: missing 'to' in original">be</span> <i>proved</i>: namely, my ability to gratify +you in this particular. Of the precise period when this memorable +revolution in the sale of books took place I have no means of being +accurately informed: but I should think not anterior to the year 1673, +or 1674; for, in the year 1676, to the best of my recollection, the +catalogue of the Library of Dr. <span class="smcap">Seaman</span> was put forth; to which is +prefixed an address to the reader, wherein the custom of selling books +by auction is mentioned as having been but of recent origin in our +country.<a name="FNanchor_358_364" id="FNanchor_358_364"></a><a href="#Footnote_358_364" class="fnanchor">[358]</a> It was, however,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">305</a></span> no sooner introduced than it caught +the attention, and pleased the palates, of bibliomaniacs exceedingly: +and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">306</a></span> Clavel, a bookseller, who published useful catalogues of books to +be sold in his own warehouse, retorted in sharp<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">307</a></span> terms upon the folly +and extravagance which were exhibited at book auctions. However, +neither Clavel nor his successors, from that period to the present, +have been able to set this custom aside, nor to cool the fury of +book-auction bibliomaniacs—who, to their eternal shame be it said, +will sometimes, from the hot and hasty passions which are stirred up +by the poisonous miasmata floating in the auction-room, give a sum +twice or thrice beyond the real value of the books bidden for! Indeed, +I am frequently amused to see the vehemence and rapture with which a +dirty little volume is contended for and embraced—while a respectable +bookseller, like <span class="smcap">Portius</span>, coolly observes across the table—"I have a +better copy on sale at one third of the price!"</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_358_364" id="Footnote_358_364"></a><a href="#FNanchor_358_364">[358]</a> A part of the address "To the Reader," in the +catalogue above-mentioned by Lysander, being somewhat of a +curiosity, is here reprinted in its <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: remainder of sentence missing in original">unadulterated</span> +</p> + +<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Reader,</span></p> + +<p class="letter">"It hath not been usual here in England to make <i>Sale of +Books by way of Auction or who will give most for them</i>: But +it having been practised in other countreys to the advantage +both of buyers and sellers, it was therefore conceived (for +the encouragement of learning) to publish the sale of these +books this manner of way; and it is hoped that this will not +be unacceptable to schollers: and therefore, methought it +convenient to give an advertisement concerning the manner of +proceeding therein. <i>First</i>, That having this catalogue of +the books, and their editions, under their several heads and +numbers, it will be more easie for any person of quality, +gentleman, or others, to depute any one to buy such books +for them as they shall desire, if their occasions will not +permit them to be present at the auction themselves." The +<i>second</i> clause is the usual one about <i>differences</i> +arising. The <i>third</i>, about discovering the imperfections of +the copies before they are taken away. The <i>fourth</i>, that +the buyers are to pay for their purchases within one month +after the termination of the auction. The <i>fifth</i>, that the +sale is to begin "punctually at 9 o'clock in the morning, +and two in the afternoon; and this to continue daily until +all the books be sold; wherefore it is desired that the +gentlemen, or those deputed by them, may be there precisely +at the hours appointed, lest they should miss the +opportunity of buying those books which either themselves or +their friends desire." As this is the earliest auction +catalogue which I have chanced to meet with, the <i>present</i> +reader may probably be pleased with the following specimens, +selected almost at random of the prices which were given for +books at a public sale, in the year 1676.</p> + +<p class="center"><i>In Folio.</i> <span class="smcap">Philologists.</span></p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right"><i>s.</i></td><td class="right"><i>d.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>Pet. Heylyn's Cosmographie, Lond. 1652.</td><td class="right">14</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td>Io. Stow's Annals, or Chronicles of England, &c. ibid., 1631.</td><td class="right">15</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td>Burton's Anatomy of Melancholy, Oxon, 1638.</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td>Geo. Withers, his Emblems; illustrated with brass figures, 1635.</td><td class="right">8</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Os. Gabelhower's book called the Dutch Physic, Dort, 1579.</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +</table> + +<p class="right">p. 12.</p> + +<p class="center"><i>In Quarto.</i> <span class="smcap">Philologie.</span></p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td style="border-right: 1px solid black; width: 90%">The Royal Passage of her Majesty, from the tower to Whitehall, Lond., 1604.<br /> +The Vision of the Goddesses, a mask by the Queen and her Ladies, 1604.<br /> +King James his Entertainment through the city of London, ibid.<br /> +A particular Entertainment of the Queen and Prince, 1608.<br /> +The magnificent Entertainment of King James, Queen Anne, and Prince Henry<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Frederick, 1604.</span><br /> +Her Majesties speech to both Houses of Parliament, 1604.<br /> +Vox Cœli, or News from Heaven, 1624.<br /> +An experimental Discovery of the Spanish Practises, 1623.<br /> +Tho. Scotts aphorisms of State, or secret articles for the re-edifying the Romish<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Church, 1624.</span><br /> +The Tongue Combat between two English Souldiers, 1621.<br /> +Votivæ Angliæ, or the Desires and Wishes of England, 1624.<br /> +A book of Fishing, with hook and line, and other instruments, 1600. +</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i><br /> +5</td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i><br /> +0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="right">p. 63.</p> + +<p>Now a-days, the last article alone would +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: produce">pr duce</span>—shall I say <i>nine</i> times the +sum of the whole? But once more:</p> + +<p class="center"><i>In Octavo.</i> <span class="smcap">Philologists.</span></p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td style="border-right: 1px solid black; width: 90%">Rob. Crowley's Confutation and Answer to a wicked ballade of the abuse of the<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">sacrament of the altar, 1548.</span><br /> +Philargyne, or Covetousness of Great Britain, 1551.<br /> +A Confutation of 13 articles of Nicol Sharton's, 1551.<br /> +The Voice of the last Trumpet, blown by the seventh angel, 1550.<br /> +Rob. Crowley's four last things.<br /> +A petition against the oppressors of the poor of this realm, 1550.<br /> +A supplication of the poor Commons, 1550.<br /> +Piers Plowman Exhortation to the Parliament, and a New-Year's gift, 1550.<br /> +The Hurt of Sedition to the Commonwealth, 1549. +</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i><br /> +3</td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i><br /> +2</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>To continue the <i>History of Book Auctions</i>, a little +further. Two years after the preceding sale, namely, in +1678, were sold the collections of Dr. <span class="smcap">Manton</span>, Dr. <span class="smcap">Worsley</span>, +and others. In the address to the Reader, prefixed to +Manton's catalogue, it would seem that this was the +"<i>fourth</i> triall" of this mode of sale in our own country. +The conditions and time of sale the same as the preceding; +and because one Briggs, and not one Cooper, drew up the +same, Cooper craves the reader's "excuse for the mistakes +that have happened; and desires that the saddle may be laid +upon the right horse." In this collection there is a more +plentiful sprinkling of English books; among which, +Dugdale's Warwickshire, 1656, was sold for 1<i>l.</i> 6<i>s.</i>; and +Fuller's Worthies for the same sum. The "Collections of +Pamphlets, bound together in Quarto," were immense. Dr. +Worsley's collection, with two others, was sold two months +afterwards; namely, in May, 1678: and from the address "To +the Reader," it would appear that Dr. Manton's books brought +such high prices as to excite the envy of the trade. +Worsley's collection was sold at 9 and 2, the usual hours +"at the house over against the hen and chickens, in +Pater-Noster Row." The venders thus justify themselves at +the close of their address: "We have only this to add in +behalf of ourselves; that, forasmuch as a report has been +spread that we intend to use indirect means to advance the +prices, we do affirm that it is a groundless and malicious +suggestion of some of our own trade, envious of our +undertaking: and that, to avoid all manner of suspicion of +such practice, we have absolutely refused all manner of +commissions that have been offered us for buying (some of +them without limitation): and do declare that the company +shall have nothing but candid and ingenuous dealing from</p> + +<p class="right"> +<span class="smcap">John Dunmore.</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">Richard Chiswel.</span>"<br /> +</p> + +<p>At this sale, the Shakspeare of 1632 brought 16<i>s.</i>; and of +1663, 1<i>l.</i> 8<i>s.</i> +</p><p> +In the November and December of the same year were sold by +auction the books of <span class="smcap">Voet</span>, <span class="smcap">Sangar</span>, and others, and from the +preface to each catalogue it would seem that the sale of +books by auction was then but a recent, yet a very +successful, experiment; and that even collections from +abroad were imported, in order to be disposed of in a like +manner.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> From what you say, it would appear to be wiser to lay out one's +money at a bookseller's than at a book-auction?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Both methods must of necessity be resorted to: for you cannot +find with the one what you may obtain at the other. A distinguished +collector, such as the late Mr. Reed, or Mr. Gough, or Mr. Joseph +Windham, dies, and leaves his library to be sold by auction for the +benefit of his survivors. Now, in this library so bequeathed, you have +the fruits of book-labour, collected for a long period, and cultivated +in almost every department of literature. A thousand radii are +concentrated in such a circle; for it has, probably, been the object +of the collector's life to gather and to concentrate these radii. In +this case, therefore, you must attend the auction; you must see how +such a treasure is scattered, like the Sibylline leaves, by the winds +of fate.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">308</a></span> You must catch at what you want, and for what you have been +a dozen years, perhaps, in the pursuit of. You will pay dearly for +these favourite volumes; but you have them, and that is comfort +enough; and you exclaim, as a consolation amidst all the agony and +waste of time which such a contest may have cost you,—"Where, at what +bookseller's, are such gems now to be procured?" All this may be well +enough. But if I were again to have, as I have already had, the power +of directing the taste and applying the wealth of a young +collector—who, on coming of age, wisely considers books of at least +as much consequence as a stud of horses—I would say, go to Mr. Payne, +or Mr. Evans, or Mr. Mackinlay, or Mr. Lunn, for your Greek and Latin +Classics; to Mr. Dulau, or Mr. Deboffe, for your French; to Mr. +Carpenter, or Mr. Cuthell, for your English; and to Mr. White for your +Botany and rare and curious books of almost every description. Or, if +you want delicious copies, in lovely binding, of works of a sumptuous +character, go and drink coffee with Mr. Miller, of Albemarle +Street—under the warm light of an Argand lamp—amidst a blaze of +morocco and russia coating, which brings to your recollection the view +of the Temple of the Sun in the play of Pizarro! You will also find, +in the vender of these volumes, courteous treatment and "gentlemanly +notions of men and things." Again, if you wish to speculate deeply in +books, or to stock a newly-discovered province with what is most +excellent and popular in our own language, hire a vessel of 300 tons' +burthen, and make a contract with Messrs. Longman, Hurst, and Co., who +are enabled, from their store of <i>quires</i>, which measure 50 feet in +height, by 40 in length, and 20 in width, to satisfy all the wants of +the most craving bibliomaniacs. In opposition to this pyramid, enter +the closet of Mr. Triphook, jun., of St. James's Street—and resist, +if it be in your power to resist, the purchase of those clean copies, +so prettily bound, of some of our rarest pieces of black-letter +renown!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">309</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> From this digression, oblige us now by returning to our +bibliomaniacal history.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Most willingly. But I am very glad you have given me an +opportunity of speaking, as I ought to speak, of some of our most +respectable booksellers, who are an ornament to the cause of <span class="smcap">the +bibliomania</span>.</p> + +<p class="bp">We left off, I think, with noticing that renowned book-collector, +Richard Smith. Let me next make honourable mention of a "<i>par nobile +fratrum</i>" that ycleped are <span class="smcap">North</span>. The "Lives" of these men, with an +"Examen" (of "Kennet's History of England"), were published by a +relative (I think a grandson) of the same name; and two very amusing +and valuable quarto volumes they are! From one of these Lives, we +learn how pleasantly the <span class="smcap">Lord Keeper</span> used to make his meals upon some +one entertaining Law-volume or another: how he would breakfast upon +<i>Stamford</i>,<a name="FNanchor_359_365" id="FNanchor_359_365"></a><a href="#Footnote_359_365" class="fnanchor">[359]</a> dine upon <i>Coke</i>, and sup upon <i>Fitzherbert</i>, &c.; +and, in truth, a most insatiable book appetite did this eminent judge<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">310</a></span> +possess. For, not satisfied ("and no marvel, I trow") with the +foregoing lean fare, he would oftentimes regale himself with a +well-served-up course of the <i>Arts</i>, <i>Sciences</i>, and the +<i>Belles-Lettres</i>!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_359_365" id="Footnote_359_365"></a><a href="#FNanchor_359_365">[359]</a> These are the words of <span class="smcap">Lord Keeper North's</span> +Biographer: "There are of Law-Books, institutions of various +sorts, and reports of cases (now) almost innumerable. The +latter bear most the controversial law, and are read as +authority such as may be quoted: and I may say the gross of +law lecture lies in them. But to spend weeks and months +wholly in them, is like horses in a string before a loaden +waggon. They are indeed a careful sort of reading, and +chiefly require common-placing, and that makes the work go +on slowly. His <span class="smcap">Lordship</span> therefore used to mix some +institutionary reading with them, as after a fulness of the +reports in a morning, about noon, to take a repast in +<i>Stamford</i>, <i>Compton</i>, or the Lord <i>Coke's</i> Pleas of the +Crown and Jurisdiction of Courts, <i>Manwood</i> of the Forest +Law, <i>Fitzherbert's</i> Natura Brevium; and also to look over +some of the Antiquarian Books, as <i>Britton</i>, <i>Bracton</i>, +<i>Fleta</i>, <i>Fortescue</i>, <i>Hengham</i>, <i>the old Tenures +Narrationes Novæ</i>, the old <i>Natura Brevium</i>, and the +Diversity of Courts. These, at times, for change and +refreshment, being books all fit to be known. And those +that, as to authority, are obsoleted, go rounder off-hand, +because they require little common-placing, and that only as +to matter very singular and remarkable, and such as the +student fancies he shall desire afterwards to recover. And, +besides all this, the day afforded him room for a little +History, especially of England, modern books, and +Controversy in Print, &c. In this manner he ordered his own +studies, but with excursions into <i>Humanity</i> and <i>Arts</i>, +beyond what may be suitable to the genius of every young +student in the law." <i>Life of Lord Keeper Guildford</i>, pp. +18, 19. <i>North's Lives</i>, edit. 1754, 4to.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">His brother, Dr. <span class="smcap">John North</span>, was a still greater <i>Helluo Librorum</i>; +"his soul being never so staked down as in an old bookseller's shop." +Not content with a superficial survey of whatever he inspected, he +seems to have been as intimately acquainted with all the book-selling +fraternity of <i>Little-Britain</i> as was his contemporary, Richard Smith; +and to have entered into a conspiracy with <span class="smcap">Robert Scott</span><a name="FNanchor_360_366" id="FNanchor_360_366"></a><a href="#Footnote_360_366" class="fnanchor">[360]</a>—the most +renowned book<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">311</a></span> vender in this country, if not in Europe—to deprive +all bibliomaniacs of a chance of procuring rare and curious<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">312</a></span> volumes, +by sweeping every thing that came to market, in the shape of a book, +into their own curiously-wrought and widely-spread nets. Nay, even +Scott himself was sometimes bereft of all power, by means of the +potent talisman which this learned Doctor exercised—for the latter, +"at one lift," would now and then sweep a whole range of shelves in +Scott's shop of every volume which it contained. And yet how +whimsical, and, in my humble opinion, ill-founded, was Dr. North's +taste in matters of typography! Would you believe it, Lisardo, he +preferred the meagre classical volumes, printed by the <i>Gryphii</i>, in +the italic letter, to the delicate and eye-soothing lustre of the +<i>Elzevir</i> type—?</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_360_366" id="Footnote_360_366"></a><a href="#FNanchor_360_366">[360]</a> "Now he began to look after books, and to lay +the foundation of a competent library. He dealt with Mr. +<span class="smcap">Robert Scott</span>, of <i>Little-Britain</i>, whose sister was his +grandmother's woman; and, upon that acquaintance he +expected, and really had from him, useful information of +books and their editions. This Mr. Scott was, in his time, +the greatest librarian in Europe; for, besides his stock in +England, he had warehouses in Francfort, Paris, and other +places, and dealt by factors. After he was grown old, and +much worn by multiplicity of business, he began to think of +his ease and to leave off. Whereupon he contracted with one +Mills, of St. Paul's Church-yard, near £10,000 deep, and +articled not to open his shop any more. But Mills, with his +auctioneering, Atlasses, and projects, failed, whereby poor +Scott lost above half his means: but he held to his contract +of not opening his shop, and when he was in London (for he +had a country house), passed most of his time at his house +amongst the rest of his books; and his reading (for he was +no mean scholar) was the chief entertainment of his time. He +was not only an expert bookseller, but a very conscientious +good man; and when he threw up his trade, Europe had no +small loss of him. Our Doctor, at one lift, bought of him a +whole set of Greek Classics in folio, of the best editions. +This sunk his stock at that time; but afterwards, for many +years of his life, all that he could (as they say) rap or +run, went the same way. But the progress was small; for such +a library as he desired, compared with what the pittance of +his stock would purchase, allowing many years to the +gathering, was of desperate expectation. He was early +sensible of a great disadvantage to him in his studies, by +the not having a good library in his reach; and he used to +say that a man could not be a scholar at the second-hand: +meaning, that learning is to be had from the original +authors, and not from any quotations, or accounts in other +books, for men gather with divers views, and, according to +their several capacities, often perfunctorily, and almost +always imperfectly: and through such slight reading, a +student may know somewhat, but not judge of either author or +subject. He used to say <i>an old author could not be +unprofitable</i>; for although in their proper time they had +little or no esteem, yet, in after times, they served to +interpret words, customs, and other matters, found obscure +in other books; of which A. Gellius is an apt instance. He +courted, as a fond lover, all <i>best editions, fairest +character, best bound and preserved</i>. If the subject was in +his favour (as the Classics) he cared not how many of them +he had, even of the same edition, if he thought it among the +best, either <i>better bound</i>, <i>squarer cut</i>, <i>neater covers</i>, +or some such qualification caught him. He delighted in the +small editions of the Classics, by Seb. Gryphius; and divers +of his acquaintance, meeting with any of them, bought and +brought them to him, which he accepted as choice presents, +although perhaps he had one or two of them before. He said +that the <i>black italic</i> character agreed with his eye sight +(which he accounted but weak) better than any other print, +the old Elzevir not excepted, whereof the characters seemed +to him more blind and confused than those of the other. +Continual use gives men a judgment of things comparatively, +and they come to fix on that as most proper and easy which +no man, upon cursory view, would determine. <i>His soul was +never so staked down as in an old bookseller's shop</i>; for +having (as the statutes of the college required) taken +orders, he was restless till he had compassed some of that +sort of furniture as he thought necessary for his +profession. He was, for the most part, his own factor, and +seldom or never bought by commission; which made him lose +time in turning over vast numbers of books, and he was very +hardly pleased at last. I have borne him company at shops +for hours together, and, minding him of the time, he hath +made a dozen proffers before he would quit. By this care and +industry, at length, he made himself master of a very +considerable library, wherein the choicest collection was +<i>Greek</i>." There is some smartness in the foregoing +observations. The following, in a strain of equal interest, +affords a lively picture of the <i>bookselling trade</i> at the +close of the 17th century: "It may not be amiss to step a +little aside, to reflect on the vast change in the trade of +books, between that time and ours. Then, <i>Little-Britain</i> +was a plentiful and perpetual emporium of learned authors; +and men went thither as to a market. This drew to the place +a mighty trade; the rather because the shops were spacious, +and the learned gladly resorted to them, where they seldom +failed to meet with agreeable conversation. And the +booksellers themselves were knowing and conversible men, +with whom, for the sake of bookish knowledge, the greatest +wits were pleased to converse. And we may judge the time as +well spent there, as (in latter days) either in tavern or +coffee-house: though the latter hath carried off the spare +hours of most people. But now this emporium is vanished, and +trade contracted into the hands of two or three persons, +who, to make good their monopoly, ransack, not only their +neighbours of the trade that are scattered about town, but +all over England, aye, and beyond sea too, and send abroad +their circulators, and, in that manner, get into their hands +all that is valuable. The rest of the trade are content to +take their refuse, with which, and the fresh scum of the +press, they furnish one side of a shop, which serves for the +sign of a bookseller, rather than a real one; but, instead +of selling, dealing as factors, and procure what the country +divines and gentry send for; of whom each hath his book +factor, and, when wanting any thing, writes to his +bookseller, and pays his bill. And it is wretched to +consider what pickpocket work, with help of the press, these +demi-booksellers make. They crack their brains to find out +selling subjects, and keep hirelings in garrets, at hard +meat, to write and correct by the great (qu. groat); and so +puff up an octavo to a sufficient thickness, and there's six +shillings current for an hour and a half's reading, and +perhaps never to be read or looked upon after. One that +would go higher must take his fortune at blank walls, and +corners of streets, or repair to the sign of Bateman, Innys, +and one or two more, where are best choice and better +pennyworth's. I might touch other abuses, as bad paper, +incorrect printing, and false advertising; all which, and +worse, is to be expected, if a careful author is not at the +heels of them." Life of the Hon. and Rev. Dr. John North. +<i>North's Lives</i>, edit. 1744, 4to., p. 240, &c. At page 244, +there is a curious account of the doctor's amusing himself +with keeping spiders in a glass case—feeding them with +bread and flies—and seeing these spiders afterwards quarrel +with, and destroy, each other—"parents and offspring!"</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> "<i>De gustibus</i>—" you know the rest. But these Norths were brave +bibliomaniacs! Proceed, we are now advancing towards the threshold of +the eighteenth century; and the nearer you come to it, the greater is +the interest excited.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Take care that I don't conclude with the memorable +catalogue-burning deed of your father! But I spare your present +feelings.</p> + +<p class="bp">All hail to the noble book-spirit by which the <i>Lives of +Oxford-Athenians</i>, and the <i>Antiquities of Oxford University</i>, are +recorded and preserved beyond the power of decay!<a name="FNanchor_361_367" id="FNanchor_361_367"></a><a href="#Footnote_361_367" class="fnanchor">[361]</a> All hail to +thee, <span class="smcap">Old Anthony a-Wood</span>!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">313</a></span> May the remembrance of thy researches, +amidst thy paper and parchment documents, stored up in chests,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">314</a></span> pews, +and desks, and upon which, alas! the moth was "feeding sweetly," may +the remembrance of these thy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">315</a></span> laborious researches always excite +sensations of gratitude towards the spirit by which they were +directed! Now I see thee, in imagination, with thy cautious step, and +head bowing from premature decay, and solemn air, and sombre visage, +with cane under the arm, pacing from library to library, through +gothic quadrangles; or sauntering along the Isis, in thy way to some +neighbouring village, where thou wouldst<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">316</a></span> recreate thyself with "pipe +and pot." Yes, Anthony! while the <i>Bodleian</i> and <i>Ashmolean</i> +collections remain—or rather as long as Englishmen know how to value +that species of literature by which the names and actions of their +forefathers are handed down to posterity, so long shall the memory of +thy laudable exertions continue unimpaired!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_361_367" id="Footnote_361_367"></a><a href="#FNanchor_361_367">[361]</a> The name and literary labours of <span class="smcap">Anthony Wood</span> +are now held in general, and deservedly high, respect: and +it is somewhat amusing, though not a little degrading to +human nature, to reflect upon the celebrity of that man who, +when living, seems to have been ridiculed by the proud and +flippant, and hated by the ignorant and prejudiced, part of +his academical associates. The eccentricities of Wood were +considered heretical; and his whims were stigmatized as +vices. The common herd of observers was unable to discover, +beneath his strange garb, and coarse exterior, all that +acuteness of observation, and retentiveness of memory, as +well as inflexible integrity, which marked the intellectual +character of this wonderful man. But there is no necessity +to detain and tantalize the reader by this formal train of +reasoning, when a few leading features of Wood's person, +manners, and habits of study, &c., have been thus pleasingly +described to us by Hearne, in the life of him prefixed to +the genuine edition of the <i>History and Antiquities (or +Annals) of the University of Oxford</i>. "He was equally +regardless of envy or fame, out of his great love to truth, +and therefore 'twas no wonder he took such a liberty of +speech, as most other authors, out of prudence, cunning, or +design, have usually declined. And indeed, as to his +language, he used such words as were suitable to his +profession. It is impossible to think that men, who always +converse with old authors, should not learn the dialect of +their acquaintance—an antiquary retains an old word, with +as much religion as an old relick. And further, since our +author was ignorant of the rules of conversation, it is no +wonder he uses so many severe reflections, and adds so many +minute passages of men's lives. I have been told that it was +usual with him, for the most part, to rise about four +o'clock in the morning, and to eat hardly any thing till +night; when, after supper, he would go into some by-alehouse +in town, or else to one in some village near, and there by +himself take his <i>pipe and pot</i>," &c. "But so it is that, +notwithstanding our author's great merits, he was but little +regarded in the University, being observed to be more +clownish than courteous, and always to go in an old +antiquated dress. Indeed he was a mere scholar, and +consequently must expect, from the greatest number of men, +disrespect; but this notwithstanding, he was always a true +lover of his mother, the University, and did more for her +than others care to do that have received so liberally from +her towards their maintenance, and have had greater +advantages of doing good than he had. Yea, his affection was +not at all alienated, notwithstanding his being so hardly +dealt with as to be expelled; which would have broken the +hearts of some. But our author was of a most noble spirit, +and little regarded whatever afflictions he lay under, +whilst he was conscious to himself of doing nothing but what +he could answer. At length after he had, by continual +drudging, worn out his body, he left this world contentedly, +by a stoppage of his urine, anno domini 1695, and was buried +in the east corner of the north side of St. John's Church, +adjoyning to Merton College, and in the wall is a small +monument fixed, with these words:</p> + +<p class="center"> +H.S.E.<br /> +<span class="smcap">antonius wood, antiquarius</span>.<br /> +<i>ob. 28 Nov.</i> <span class="smcap">Ao.</span> 1695, æt. 64."<br /> +</p> + +<p>In his person, he was of a large robust make, tall and thin, +and had a sedate and thoughtful look, almost bordering upon +a melancholy cast. Mr. Hearne says, in his <i>Collectanea +MSS.</i>, that though he was but sixty-four years of age when +he died, he appeared to be above fourscore; that he used +spectacles long before he had occasion for them, that he +stooped much when he walked, and generally carried his stick +under his arm, seldom holding it in his hand. As to the +manner of his life, it was solitary and ascetic. The +character which Gassendus gives of Peireskius, may, with +propriety, be used as descriptive of Mr. Wood's. "As to the +care of his person, cleanliness was his chief object, he +desiring no superfluity or costliness, either in his habit +or food. His house was furnished in the same manner as his +table; and as to the ornament of his private apartment, he +was quite indifferent. Instead of hangings, his chamber was +furnished with the prints of his particular friends, and +other men of note, with vast numbers of commentaries, +transcripts, letters, and papers of various kinds. His bed +was of the most ordinary sort; his table loaded with papers, +schedules, and other things, as was also every chair in the +room. He was a man of strict sobriety, and by no means +delicate in the choice of what he eat. Always restrained by +temperance, he never permitted the sweet allurements of +luxury to overcome his prudence." Such, as is here +represented, was the disposition of Mr. <span class="smcap">Wood</span>: of so retired +a nature as seldom to desire or admit a companion at his +walks or meals; so that he is said to have dined alone in +his chamber for thirty years together. Mr. Hearne says that +it was his custom to "go to the booksellers at those hours +when the greater part of the University were at their +dinners," &c. And at five leaves further, in a note, we find +that, "when he was consulting materials for his <i>Athenæ +Oxon.</i>, he would frequently go to the booksellers, and +generally give money to them, purposely to obtain titles of +books from them; and 'twas observed of him that he spared no +charges to make that work as compleat and perfect as +possible." <i>Hearne's Coll. MSS. in Bodl. Lib.</i>, vol. ix., p. +185. The following letter, describing Wood's last illness, +and the disposition of his literary property, is +sufficiently interesting to be here, in part, laid before +the reader: it was written by Mr. (afterwards Bishop) Tanner +to Dr. Charlett. +</p> + +<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Honoured Master,</span></p> + +<p class="letter">Yesterday, at dinner-time, Mr. Wood sent for me; when I +came, I found Mr. Martin and Mr. Bisse of Wadham (college) +with him, who had (with much ado) prevailed upon him to set +about looking over his papers, so to work we went, and +continued tumbling and separating some of his MSS. till it +was dark. We also worked upon him so far as to sign and +declare that sheet of paper, which he had drawn up the day +before, and called it <i>his will</i>; for fear he should not +live till night. He had a very bad night of it last night, +being much troubled with vomiting. This morning we three +were with him again, and Mr. Martin bringing with him the +form of a will, that had been drawn up by Judge Holloway, we +writ his will over again, as near as we could, in form of +law. He has given to the University, to be reposited in the +<i>Museum Ashmol.</i>, all his MSS., not only those of his own +collection, but also all others which he has in his +possession, except some few of Dr. Langbain's Miscellanea, +which he is willing should go to the public library. He has +also given all his printed books and pamphlets to the said +musæum which are not there already. This benefaction will +not, perhaps, be so much valued by the University as it +ought to be, because it comes from Anthony Wood; but truly +it is a most noble gift, his collection of MSS. being +invaluable, and his printed books, most of them, not to be +found in town," &c. This letter is followed by other +accounts yet more minute and touching, of the last mortal +moments of poor old Anthony! It now remains to say a few +words about his literary labours. A short history of the +editions of the <i>Athenæ Oxonienses</i> (vide <a href="#Page_45">p. 45</a>, ante) has +already been communicated to the reader. We may here observe +that his <i>Antiquities of the University</i> shared a similar +fate; being garbled in a Latin translation of them, which +was put forth under the auspices of Bishop Fell: 1676, fol., +in 2 vols. Wood's own MS. was written in the English +language, and lay neglected till towards the end of the 18th +century, when the Rev. Mr. Gutch conferred a real benefit +upon all the dutiful sons of <span class="smcap">alma mater</span>, by publishing the +legitimate text of their venerable and upright historian; +under the title of <i>The History and Antiquities of the +Colleges and Halls</i>, 1786, 4to., with a supplemental volume +by way of <i>Appendix</i>, 1790, 4to., containing copious indexes to +the two. Then followed the Annals of the University at large, viz. <i>The +History and Antiquities of the University +of Oxford</i>; 1792, 4to., in two volumes; the latter being +divided into <i>two</i> parts, or volumes, with copious indexes. +These works, which are now getting scarce, should be in +every philological, as well as topographical, collection. In +order to compensate the reader for the trouble of wading +through the preceding tremendous note, I here +present him with a wood-cut facsimile of a copper-plate print of Wood's portrait, which is prefixed to his Life, 1772, 8vo. If he +wishes for more curious particulars respecting Wood's +literary labours, let him take a peep into <i>Thomæ Caii +Vindic. Antiq. Acad. Oxon.</i>: 1730, 8vo., vol. i., pp. xl. +xliii. <i>Edit. Hearne.</i> Wood's study, in the Ashmolean +museum, is yet to be seen. It is filled with curious books, +which, however, have not hitherto been catalogued with +accuracy. Ritson has availed himself, more successfully than +any antiquary in poetry, of the book treasures in this +museum.</p> + +<p class="centertp"> +<img src="images/wood.png" width="236" height="420" alt="Wood" title="Wood" /> +</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">A very few years after the death of this distinguished character, died +Dr. <span class="smcap">Francis Bernard</span>;<a name="FNanchor_362_368" id="FNanchor_362_368"></a><a href="#Footnote_362_368" class="fnanchor">[362]</a> a stoic in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">317</a></span> bibliography. Neither beautiful +binding, nor amplitude of margin, ever delighted his eye or rejoiced +his heart: for he was a stiff, hard, and straight-forward reader—and +learned, in Literary History, beyond all his contemporaries. His +collection was copious and excellent; and although the compiler of the +catalogue of his books sneers at any one's having "an entire +collection in physic," (by the bye, I should have told you that +Bernard was a <i>Doctor of Medicine</i>,) yet, if I forget not, there are +nearly 150 pages in this said catalogue which are thickly studded with +"<i>Libri Medici</i>," from the folio to the duodecimo size. Many very +curious books are afterwards subjoined; and some precious <i>bijous</i>, in +English Literature, close the rear. Let Bernard be numbered among the +most learned and eminent bibliomaniacs.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_362_368" id="Footnote_362_368"></a><a href="#FNanchor_362_368">[362]</a> I do not know that I could produce a better +recipe for the cure of those who are affected with the worst +symptoms of the <span class="smcap">book-mania</span>, in the <i>present day</i>, than by +shewing them how the same symptoms, upwards of a <i>century +ago</i>, were treated with ridicule and contempt by a collector +of very distinguished fame, both on account of his literary +talents and extensive library. The following copious extract +is curious on many accounts; and I do heartily wish that +foppish and tasteless collectors would give it a very +serious perusal. At the same time, all collectors possessed +of common sense and liberal sentiment will be pleased to see +their own portraits so faithfully drawn therein. It is taken +from the prefatory address, +</p> + +<p class="center">"TO THE READER.</p> + +<p>The character of the person whose collection this was, is so +well known, that there is no occasion to say much of him, +nor to any man of judgment that inspects the catalogue of +the collection itself. Something, however, it becomes us to +say of both; and this I think may with truth and modesty +enough be said, that as few men knew books, and that part of +learning which is called <i>Historia Litteraria</i>, better than +himself, so there never yet appeared in England so choice +and valuable a catalogue to be thus disposed of as this +before us: more especially of that sort of books which are +out of the common course, which a man may make the business +of his life to collect, and at last not to be able to +accomplish. A considerable part of them being so little +known, even to many of the learned buyers, that we have +reason to apprehend this misfortune to attend the sale, that +there will not be competitors enough to raise them up to +their just and real value. Certain it is this library +contains not a few which never appeared in any auction here +before; nor indeed, as I have heard him say, for ought he +knew, (and he knew as well as any man living) <i>in any +printed catalogue in the world</i>."—"We must confess that, +being a person who collected his books for use, and not for +ostentation or ornament, he seemed no more solicitous about +<i>their</i> dress than <i>his own</i>; and therefore you'll find that +a <i>gilt back</i>, or a <i>large margin</i>, was very seldom any +inducement to him to buy. 'Twas sufficient that he had the +book." "Though considering that he was so unhappy as to want +heirs capable of making that use of them which he had done, +and that therefore they were to be dispersed after this +manner; I have heard him condemn his own negligence in that +particular; observing, that the garniture of a book was as +apt to recommend it to a great part of our <i>modern +collectors</i> (whose learning goes not beyond the edition, the +title-page, and the printer's name) as the intrinsic value +could. But that he himself was not a mere nomenclator, and +versed only in title-pages, but had made that just and +laudable use of his books which would become all those that +set up for collectors, I appeal to the Literati of his +acquaintance, who conversed most frequently with him; how +full, how ready, and how exact he was in answering any +question that was proposed to him relating to learned men, +or their writings; making no secret of any thing that he +knew, or any thing that he had; being naturally one of the +most communicative men living, both of his knowledge and his +books."—"And give me leave to say this of him, upon my own +knowledge; that he never grudged his money in procuring, nor +his time or labour in perusing, any book which he thought +could be any ways instructive to him, and having the +felicity of a memory always faithful, always officious, +which never forsook him, though attacked by frequent and +severe sickness, and by the worst of diseases, old age, his +desire of knowledge attended him to the last; and he pursued +his studies with equal vigour and application to the very +extremity of his life." It remains to add a part of the +title of the catalogue of the collection of this +extraordinary <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: bibliomaniac">bibilomaniac</span>: "<i>A Catalogue of the Library of the late +learned</i> <span class="smcap">Dr. Francis Bernard</span>, <i>Fellow of the College of +Physicians, and Physician to St. Bartholomew's Hospital, +&c.</i>," 1698, 8vo. The English books are comprised in 1241 +articles; and, among them, the keen investigator of ancient +catalogues will discover some prime rarities.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">Having at length reached the threshold, let us knock at the door, of +the eighteenth century. What gracious figures are those which approach +to salute us? They are the forms of <span class="smcap">Bishops Fell</span> and <span class="smcap">More</span>:<a name="FNanchor_363_369" id="FNanchor_363_369"></a><a href="#Footnote_363_369" class="fnanchor">[363]</a> +prelates,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">318</a></span> distinguished for their never ceasing admiration of +valuable and curious works. The former is better known<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">319</a></span> as an editor; +the latter, as a collector—and a collector, too, of such multifarious +knowledge, of such vivid and just perceptions, and unabating +activity—that while he may be hailed as the <i>Father of</i> <span class="bl">black-letter</span> +<i>Collectors</i> in this country, he reminds us of his present successor +in the same see; who is not less enamoured of rare and magnificent +volumes, but of a different description, and whose library assumes a +grander cast of character.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_363_369" id="Footnote_363_369"></a><a href="#FNanchor_363_369">[363]</a> As I have already presented the public with +some brief account respecting <span class="smcap">Bishop Fell</span>, and sharpened the +appetites of Grangerites to procure rather a rare portrait +of the same prelate (See <i>Introd. to the Classics</i>, vol. i., +89), it remains only to add, in the present place, that +Hearne, in his <i>Historia Vitæ et Regni Ricardi II.</i>, 1729, +8vo., p. 389, has given us a curious piece of information +concerning this eminent bibliomaniac, which may not be +generally known. His authority is Anthony Wood. From this +latter we learn that, when Anthony and the Bishop were +looking over the <i>History and Antiquities of the University +of Oxford</i>, to correct it for the press, Fell told Wood that +"<span class="smcap">Wicliffe</span> was a grand dissembler; a man of little +conscience; and what he did, as to religion, was more out of +vain glory, and to obtain unto him a name, than out of +honesty—or to that effect." Can such a declaration, from +such a character, be credited? <span class="smcap">Bishop More</span> has a stronger +claim on our attention and gratitude. Never has there +existed an episcopal bibliomaniac of such extraordinary +talent and fame in the walk of <i>Old English Literature</i>!—as +the reader shall presently learn. The bishop was admitted of +Clare Hall, Cambridge, in 1662. In 1691, he became Bishop of +Norwich; and was translated to Ely in 1707; but did not +survive the translation above seven years. How soon and how +ardently the passion for collecting books possessed him it +is out of my present power to make the reader acquainted. +But that More was in the zenith of his bibliomaniacal +reputation while he filled the see of Norwich is +unquestionable; for thus writes Strype: "The Right Reverend, +the Lord Bishop of Norwich, the possessor of a great and +curious collection of MSS. and other ancient printed pieces +(little inferior to MSS. in regard of their scarceness) hath +also been very considerably assistant to me as well in this +present work as in others;" &c. Preface (sign. a 2) to <i>Life +of Aylmer</i>, 1701, 8vo. Burnet thus describes his fine +library when he was Bishop of Ely. "This noble record was +lent me by my reverend and learned brother, Dr. <span class="smcap">More</span>, Bishop +of Ely, who has gathered together a most valuable treasure, +both of printed books and manuscripts, beyond what one can +think that the life and labour of one man could have +compassed; and which he is as ready to communicate, as he +has been careful to collect it." <i>Hist. of the Reformation</i>, +vol. iii., p. 46. It seems hard to reconcile this testimony +of Burnet with the late Mr. Gough's declaration, that "The +bishop collected his library by plundering those of the +clergy in his diocese; some he paid with sermons or more +modern books; others only with '<i>quid illiterati cum +libris</i>.'" On the death of More, his library was offered to +Lord Oxford for 8000<i>l.</i>; and how that distinguished and +truly noble collector could have declined the purchase of +such exquisite treasures—unless his own shelves were +groaning beneath the weight of a great number of similar +volumes—is difficult to account for. But a public-spirited +character was not wanting to prevent the irreparable +dispersion of such book-gems: and that patriotic character +was <span class="smcap">George I.</span>!—who gave 6000<i>l.</i> for them, and presented +them to the public library of the University of Cambridge!—</p> + +<p class="center">"These are imperial works, and worthy kings!"</p> + +<p>And here, benevolent reader, the almost unrivalled +<i>Bibliotheca Moriana</i> yet quietly and securely reposes. Well +do I remember the congenial hours I spent (A.D. 1808) in the +<i>closet</i> holding the most precious part of Bishop More's +collection, with my friend the Rev. Mr. ——, tutor of one +of the colleges in the same University, at my +right-hand—(himself "greatly given to the study of books") +actively engaged in promoting my views, and increasing my +extracts—but withal, eyeing me sharply "ever and anon"—and +entertaining a laudable distrust of a keen book-hunter from +a rival University! I thank my good genius that I returned, +as I entered, with clean hands! My love of truth and of +bibliography compels me to add, with a sorrowful heart, that +not only is there no printed catalogue of Bishop More's +books, but even the <span class="smcap">fine public library of the university</span> +remains unpublished in print! In this respect they really do +"order things better in France." Why does such indifference +to the cause of general learning exist—and in the 19th +century too? Let me here presume to submit a plan to the +consideration of the syndics of the press; provided they +should ever feel impressed with the necessity of informing +the literati, of other countries as well as our own, of the +book treasures contained in the libraries of Cambridge. It +is simply this. Let the books in the Public Library form the +substratum of the <i>Catalogue Raisonné</i> to be printed in +three or more quarto volumes. If, in any particular +department, there be valuable editions of a work which are +<i>not</i> in the public, but in another, library—ex. gr. in +Trinity, or St. John's—specify this edition in its +appropriate class; and add <i>Trin. Coll., &c.</i>—If this copy +contain notes of Bentley, or Porson, add "<i>cum notis +Bentleii</i>," <i>&c.</i>: so that such a catalogue would present, +not only <i>every</i> volume in the <i>Public Library</i>, but <i>every +valuable</i> edition of a work in the whole University. Nor is +the task so Herculean as may be thought. The tutors of the +respective colleges would, I am sure, be happy, as well as +able, to contribute their proportionate share of labour +towards the accomplishment of so desirable and invaluable a +work.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">The opening of the 18th century was also distinguished by the death of +a bibliomaniac of the very first order and celebrity. Of one, who had, +no doubt, frequently discoursed largely and eloquently with Luttrell, +(of whom presently) upon the rarity and value of certain editions of +old <i>Ballad Poetry</i>: and between whom presents of curious black-letter +volumes were, in all probability, frequently passing. I allude to the +famous <span class="smcap">Samuel Pepys</span>;<a name="FNanchor_364_370" id="FNanchor_364_370"></a><a href="#Footnote_364_370" class="fnanchor">[364]</a> Secretary to the Admiralty.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_364_370" id="Footnote_364_370"></a><a href="#FNanchor_364_370">[364]</a> "<i>The Maitland Collection of Manuscripts</i> was +ever in the collector's (Sir Richard Maitland's) +family."—"His grandson was raised to the dignity of Earl of +Lauderdale." "The Duke of Lauderdale, a descendant of the +collector's grandson, presented the Maitland Collection, +along with other MSS., to <span class="smcap">Samuel Pepys</span>, Esq. Secretary of +the Admiralty to Charles II. and James II. Mr. Pepys was one +of the earliest collectors of rare books, &c. in England; +and the duke had no taste for such matters; so either from +friendship, or some point of interest, he gave them to Mr. +Pepys,"—who "dying 26 May, 1703, in his 71st year, ordered, +by will, the <span class="smcap">Pepysian Library</span> at Magdalen College, +Cambridge, to be founded, in order to preserve his very +valuable collection entire. It is undoubtedly the most +curious in England, those of the British Museum excepted; +and is kept in excellent order." Mr. Pinkerton's preface, p. +vii., to <i>Ancient Scottish Poems from the Maitland +Collection, &c.</i>, 1786, 8vo., 2 vols. I wish it were in my +power to add something concerning the parentage, birth, +education, and pursuits of the extraordinary collector of +this extraordinary collection; but no biographical work, +which I have yet consulted, vouchsafes even to mention his +name. His merits are cursorily noticed in the <i>Quarterly +Review</i>, vol. iv., p. 326-7. Through the medium of a friend, +I learn from Sir Lucas Pepys, Bart., that our illustrious +bibliomaniac, his great uncle, was President of the Royal +Society, and that his collection at Cambridge contains a +<i>Diary</i> of his life, written with his own hand. But it is +high time to speak of the black-letter gems contained in the +said collection. That the <span class="smcap">Pepysian collection</span> is at once +choice and valuable cannot be disputed; but that access to +the same is prompt and facile, is not quite so indisputable. +There is a MS. catalogue of the books, by Pepys himself, +with a small rough drawing of a view of the interior of the +library. The books are kept in their original (I think +walnut-wood) presses: and cannot be examined unless in the +presence of a fellow.—Such is the nice order to be +observed, according to the bequest, that every book must be +replaced where it was taken from; and the loss of a single +volume causes the collection to be confiscated, and +transported to Benet-college library. Oh, that there were +<i>an act of parliament</i> to regulate bequests of this +kind!—that the doors to knowledge might, by a greater +facility of entrance, be more frequently opened by students; +and that the medium between unqualified confidence and +unqualified suspicion might be marked out and followed. Are +these things symptomatic of an iron or a brazen age! But the +bibliomaniac is impatient for a glance at the 'forementioned +black-letter treasures!—Alas, I have promised more than I +can perform! Yet let him cast his eye upon the first volume +of the recent edition of <i>Evans' Collection of Old Ballads</i> +(see <i>in limine</i>, p. ix.) and look into the valuable notes +of <i>Mr. Todd's Illustrations of Gower and Chaucer</i>,—in +which latter, he will find no bad specimen of these +<i>Pepysian gems</i>, in the exultation of my friend, the author, +over another equally respected friend—in consequence of his +having discovered, among these treasures, a strange, merry, +and conceited work, entitled "<i>Old Meg of Herefordshire for +a Mayd-Marian; and Hereford Town for a Morris-daunce, &c.</i>," +1609, 4to., p. 273. <span class="smcap">Ex uno Disce omnes.</span> The left-handed +critic, or anti-black-letter reader, will put a wicked +construction upon the quotation of this motto in capital +letters: let him: he will repent of his folly in due time.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">320</a></span>Now it was a convincing proof to me, my dear friends, that the +indulgence of a <span class="smcap">passion for books</span> is perfectly compatible with any +situation, however active and arduous. For while this illustrious +bibliomaniac was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">321</a></span> sending forth his messengers to sweep every +bookseller's shop from the Tweed to Penzance, for the discovery of old +and almost unknown ballads—and while his name rung in the ears of +rival collectors—he was sedulous, in his professional situation, to +put the <i>Navy of Old England</i> upon the most respectable footing; and +is called the <i>Father</i> of that system which, carried into effect by +British hearts of oak, has made the thunder of our cannon to be heard +and feared on the remotest shores. Nor is it a slight or common +coincidence that a spirit of book-collecting, which stimulated the +<i>Secretary</i> of the Admiralty at the opening of the 18th century, +should, at the close of it, have operated with equal or greater force +in a <i>First Lord</i> of the same glorious department of our +administration. But we shall speak more fully of this latter +character, and of his matchless collection, in a future stage of our +discussion.</p> + +<p class="bp">While we are looking round us at this period, we may as well slightly +notice the foundation of the <i>Blenheim Library</i>. The <span class="smcap">Duke of +Marlborough</span><a name="FNanchor_365_371" id="FNanchor_365_371"></a><a href="#Footnote_365_371" class="fnanchor">[365]</a> was resolved<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">322</a></span> that no naval commander, or person +connected with the navy, should eclipse himself in the splendour of +book-collecting: but it was to <span class="smcap">Prince Eugene</span> that Marlborough was +indebted for his taste in this par<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">323</a></span>ticular; or rather the English +commander was completely bitten with the bibliomaniacal disease in +consequence of seeing Eugene secure rare and magnificent copies of +works, when a city or town was taken: and the German Prince himself +expatiates upon the treasures of his library, with a rapture with +which none but the most thorough-bred bibliomaniacs can ever +adequately sympathise.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_365_371" id="Footnote_365_371"></a><a href="#FNanchor_365_371">[365]</a> The <span class="smcap">Library at Blenheim</span> is one of the +grandest rooms in Europe. The serpentine sheet of water, +which flows at some little distance, between high banks of +luxuriant and moss-woven grass, and is seen from the +interior, with an overhanging dark wood of oaks, is +sufficient to awaken the finest feelings that ever animated +the breast of a bibliomaniac. The books are select and +curious, as well as numerous; and although they may be +eclipsed, in both these particulars, by a few rival +collections, yet the following specimen is no despicable +proof of the ardour with which <span class="smcap">Marlborough</span>, the founder of +the Library, pushed forward his bibliomaniacal spirit. I am +indebted to Mr. Edwards for this interesting list of the</p> + +<p class="center">ANCIENT CLASSICS PRINTED UPON VELLUM IN THE BLENHEIM LIBRARY.</p> + +<table style="width: 80%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="ancient classics"> +<tr><td>Apoll. Rhodius</td><td> </td><td>1496</td></tr> +<tr><td>Augustinus, <i>de Civ. Dei</i></td><td><i>Spiræ</i></td><td>1470</td></tr> +<tr><td>A. Gellius, <i>Romæ</i></td><td> </td><td>1469</td></tr> +<tr><td>Aug. <i>de Civ. Dei</i></td><td><i>Jenson</i></td><td>1475</td></tr> +<tr><td>Biblia Moguntina</td><td> </td><td>1462</td></tr> +<tr><td>Bonifacii Decretalia</td><td> </td><td>1465</td></tr> +<tr><td>Ciceronis <i>Rhetorica</i></td><td><i>Jens.</i></td><td>1470</td></tr> +<tr><td>—— <i>Epist. Fam.</i></td><td><i>Spiræ</i></td><td>1469</td></tr> +<tr><td>—— <i>Officia</i></td><td><i>Mogunt</i></td><td>1465</td></tr> +<tr><td>—— ——</td><td> </td><td>1466</td></tr> +<tr><td>—— <i>Tuscul. Ques.</i></td><td><i>Jenson</i></td><td>1472</td></tr> +<tr><td><i>Clementis Const.</i></td><td><i>Mogunt</i></td><td>1460</td></tr> +<tr><td>—— <i>Fust. s.a.</i></td><td> </td><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td>Durandus</td><td> </td><td>1459</td></tr> +<tr><td>Horatius Landini</td><td> </td><td>1482</td></tr> +<tr><td>—— Epist.</td><td> </td><td>1480</td></tr> +<tr><td>Justinian</td><td><i>Mogunt</i></td><td>1468</td></tr> +<tr><td>Lactantius</td><td><i>A Rot</i></td><td>1471</td></tr> +<tr><td>Lucian</td><td><i>Florent</i></td><td>1496</td></tr> +<tr><td>Petrarca</td><td><i>Spira</i></td><td>1470</td></tr> +<tr><td>Plinius</td><td><i>Jenson</i></td><td>1472</td></tr> +<tr><td>Quintilian</td><td><i>Campani</i></td><td>1470</td></tr> +<tr><td>Sallustius</td><td><i>Spira</i></td><td>1470</td></tr> +<tr><td>V. Maximus, s.a.</td><td> </td><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td>Virgilius</td><td><i>Spira</i></td><td>1470</td></tr> +</table> + +<p>The present <span class="smcap">Marquis of Blandford</span> inherits, in no small +degree, the book-collecting spirit of his illustrious +ancestor. He is making collections in those departments of +literature in which the Blenheim Library is comparatively +deficient; and his success has already been such as to lead +us to hope for as perfect a display of volumes printed by +<i>Caxton</i> as there is of those executed by foreign printers. +The Marquis's collection of <i>Emblems</i> is, I believe, nearly +perfect: of these, there are a few elegantly printed +catalogues for private distribution. Lysander, above, +supposes that Marlborough caught the infection of the +<i>book-disease</i> from <span class="smcap">Prince Eugene</span>; and the supposition is, +perhaps, not very wide of the truth. The library of this +great German prince, which is yet entire, (having been +secured from the pillage of Gallic Vandalism, when a certain +emperor visited a certain city) is the proudest feature in +the public library at Vienna. The books are in very fine old +binding, and, generally of the largest dimensions. And, +indeed, old England has not a little to boast of (at least, +so bibliomaniacs must always think) that, from the recently +published <i>Memoirs of Eugene</i> (1811, 8vo., p. 185), it would +appear that the prince "bought his fine editions of books <span class="smcap">at +London</span>:"—he speaks also of his "excellent French, Latin, +and Italian works, well bound"—as if he enjoyed the +"arrangment" of <i>them</i>, as much as the contemplation of his +"cascades, large water-spouts, and superb basins." <i>Ibid.</i> +Whether Eugene himself was suddenly inflamed with the ardour +of buying books, from some lucky spoils in the pillaging of +towns—as Lysander supposes—is a point which may yet admit +of fair controversy. For my own part, I suspect the German +commander had been straying, in his early manhood, among the +fine libraries in <i>Italy</i>, where he might have seen the +following exquisite <i>bijous</i>—</p> + +<p class="center"><i>In St. Mark's, at Venice.</i></p> + +<table style="width: 70%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="St. Mark's"> +<tr><td>Apuleius</td><td style="border-right: 1px solid black">1469</td><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td>Aulus Gellius</td><td style="border-right: 1px solid black">1469</td><td class="right">PRINTED UPON VELLUM.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Petrarca</td><td style="border-right: 1px solid black">1479</td><td> </td></tr> +</table> + +<p class="center"><i>In the Chapter House at Padua.</i></p> + +<table style="width: 90%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Padua"> +<tr><td>Ciceronis <i>Epist. ad Atticum</i></td><td><i>Jenson</i></td><td style="border-right: 1px solid black">1470</td><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td>Quintilian</td><td><i>Jenson</i></td><td style="border-right: 1px solid black">1471</td><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td>Macrobius</td><td> </td><td style="border-right: 1px solid black">1472</td><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td>Solinus</td><td><i>Jenson</i></td><td style="border-right: 1px solid black">1473</td><td class="right">PRINTED UPON VELLUM.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Catullus</td><td> </td><td style="border-right: 1px solid black">1472</td><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td>Plautus</td><td> </td><td style="border-right: 1px solid black">1472</td><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td>Ovidii Opera</td><td><i>Bonon.</i></td><td style="border-right: 1px solid black">1471</td><td> </td></tr> +</table> + +<p>The public is indebted to Mr. Edwards for the timely supply +of the foregoing bibliographical intelligence.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">Ever ardent in his love of past learning, and not less voracious in +his bibliomaniacal appetites, was the well known <span class="smcap">Narcissus Luttrell</span>. +Nothing—if we may judge from the spirited sketch of his book +character, by the able editor<a name="FNanchor_366_372" id="FNanchor_366_372"></a><a href="#Footnote_366_372" class="fnanchor">[366]</a> of Dryden's works—nothing would +seem to have escaped his Lynx-like vigilance. Let the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">324</a></span> object be what +it would (especially if it related to <i>poetry</i>) let the volume be +great or small, or contain good, bad, or indifferent warblings of the +muse—his insatiable craving had "stomach for them all." We may +consider his collection as the fountain head of those copious streams +which, after fructifying the libraries of many bibliomaniacs in the +first half of the eighteenth century, settled, for a while, more +determinedly, in the curious book-reservoir of a Mr. <span class="smcap">Wynne</span>—and hence, +breaking up, and taking a different direction towards the collections +of Farmer, Steevens, and others, they have almost lost their identity +in the innumerable rivulets which now inundate the book-world.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_366_372" id="Footnote_366_372"></a><a href="#FNanchor_366_372">[366]</a> "In this last part of his task, the editor +(Walter Scott) has been greatly assisted by free access to a +valuable collection of fugitive pieces of the reigns of +Charles II., James II., William III., and Queen Anne. This +curious collection was made by <span class="smcap">Narcissus Luttrell</span>, Esq., +under whose name the Editor usually quotes it. The +industrious collector seems to have bought every poetical +tract, of whatever merit, which was hawked through the +streets in his time, marking carefully the price and date of +the purchase. His collection contains the earliest editions +of many of our most excellent poems, bound up, according to +the order of time, with the lowest trash of Grub-street. It +was dispersed on Mr. Luttrell's death," &c. Preface to <i>The +Works of John Dryden</i>, 1808: vol. i., p. iv. Mr. James +Bindley and Mr. Richard Heber are then mentioned, by the +editor, as having obtained a great share of the Luttrell +collection, and liberally furnished him with the loan of the +same, in order to the more perfect editing of Dryden's +Works. But it is to the persevering book-spirit of Mr. +<span class="smcap">Edward Wynne</span>, as Lysander above intimates, that these +notorious modern bibliomaniacs are indebted for the +preservation of most of the choicest relics of the +<i>Bibliotheca Luttrelliana</i>. Mr. Wynne lived at Little +Chelsea; and built his library in a room which had the +reputation of having been <span class="smcap">Locke's</span> <i>study</i>. Here he used to +sit, surrounded by innumerable books—a "great part being +formed by an eminent and curious collector in the last +century"—viz. the aforesaid Narcissus Luttrell. (See the +title to the Catalogue of his Library.) His books were sold +by auction in 1786; and, that the reader may have some faint +idea of the treasures contained in the <i>Bibliotheca +Wynniana</i>, he is presented with the following extracts: +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">LOT</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A parcel of pamphlets on poetry, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">3</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Do. Tragedies and Comedies, 4to. and 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Do. Historical and Miscellaneous, 4to. and 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">5</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Poetical, Historical, and Miscellaneous, folio</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">11</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Do. giving an account of horrid Murders, Storms, +Prodigies, Tempests, Witchcraft, Ghosts, Earthquakes, &c., +<i>with frontispieces</i> and <i>cuts</i>, 4to. and 8vo. 1606</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">12</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Do. Historical and Political, English and Foreign, from +1580 to 1707</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">13</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Do. consisting of Petitions, Remonstrances, Declarations, +and other political matters, from 1638 to 1660, during the +great Rebellion, and the whole of the Protectorate: <i>a very +large parcel, many of them with cuts</i>. Purchased by the +present Marquis of Bute</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">14</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Do. of single sheets, giving an account of the various +sieges in Ireland in 1695-6; and consisting likewise of +Elegies, Old Ballads, accounts of Murders, Storms, Political +Squibs, &c. &c., <i>many of them with curious plates</i>, from +1695 to 1706. Purchased by the same</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Lots 23-4 comprised a great number of "<i>Old Poetry and +Romances</i>," which were purchased by Mr. Baynes for 7<i>l.</i> +9<i>s.</i> Lot 376 comprehended a "<i>Collection of Old +Plays—Gascoigne, White, Windet, Decker, &c.</i>," 21 vols.: +which were sold for 38<i>l.</i> 17<i>s.</i> Never, to be sure, was a +precious collection of English History and Poetry so +wretchedly detailed to the public, in an auction catalogue! +It should be noticed that a great number of poetical tracts +was disposed of, previous to the sale, to Dr. <span class="smcap">Farmer</span>, who +gave not more than forty guineas for them. The Doctor was +also a determined purchaser at the sale, and I think the +ingenious Mr. Waldron aided the illustrious commentator of +Shakspeare with many a choice volume. It may be worth adding +that Wynne was the author of an elegant work, written in the +form of dialogues, entitled <i>Eunomus</i>, or <i>Discourses upon +the Laws of England</i>, 4 vols., 8vo. It happened to be +published at the time when Sir William Blackstone's +<i>Commentaries on the Laws of England</i> made their appearance; +and, in consequence, has seen only three editions: the +latter being published in 1809, 2 vols., 8vo.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">Why have I delayed, to the present moment, the mention of that +illustrious bibliomaniac, <span class="smcap">Earl Pembroke</span>?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">325</a></span> a patron of poor scholars, +and a connoisseur, as well as collector, of every thing the most +precious and rare in the book-way. Yet was his love of <i>Virtû</i> not +confined to objects in the shape of volumes, whether printed or in +MS.: his knowledge of statues and coins was profound;<a name="FNanchor_367_373" id="FNanchor_367_373"></a><a href="#Footnote_367_373" class="fnanchor">[367]</a> and his +collection of these,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">326</a></span> such as to have secured for him the admiration +of posterity.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_367_373" id="Footnote_367_373"></a><a href="#FNanchor_367_373">[367]</a> +<img src="images/pembroke.png" width="246" height="290" alt="Pembroke" title="Pembroke" class="floatl" /> +The reader will find an animated eulogy on this great +nobleman in Walpole's <i>Anecdotes of Painters</i>, vol. iv., +227; part of which was transcribed by Joseph Warton for his +variorum edition of Pope's works, and thence copied into the +recent edition of the same by the Rev. W.L. Bowles. But +<span class="smcap">Pembroke</span> deserved a more particular notice. Exclusively of +his fine statues and architectural decorations, the Earl +contrived to procure a great number of curious and rare +books; and the testimonies of Maittaire (who speaks indeed +of him with a sort of rapture!) and Palmer show that the +productions of Jenson and Caxton were no strangers to his +library. <i>Annales Typographici</i>, vol. i., 13. edit. 1719. +<i>History of Printing</i>, p. 5. "There is nothing that so +surely proves the pre-eminence of virtue more than the +universal admiration of mankind, and the respect paid it by +persons in opposite interests; and, more than this, it is a +sparkling gem which even time does not destroy: it is hung +up in the Temple of Fame, and respected for ever." +<i>Continuation of Granger</i>, vol. i., 37, &c. "He raised +(continues Mr. Noble) a collection of antiques that were +unrivalled by any subject. His learning made him a fit +companion for the literati. Wilton will ever be a monument +of his extensive knowledge; and the princely presents it +contains, of the high estimation in which he was held by +foreign potentates, as well as by the many monarchs he saw +and served at home. He lived rather as a primitive +christian; in his behaviour, meek; in his dress, plain: +rather retired, conversing but little." Burnet, in the +<i>History of his own Times</i>, has spoken of the Earl with +spirit and propriety. Thus far the first edition of the +Bibliomania. From an original MS. letter of Anstis to Ames +(in the possession of Mr. John Nichols) I insert the +following memoranda, concerning the book celebrity of Lord +Pembroke. "I had the book of Juliana Barnes (says Anstis) +printed at St. Albans, 1486, about hunting, which was +afterwards reprinted by W. de Worde at Westminster, +1496—but the <span class="smcap">Earl of Pembroke</span> would not rest till he got it +from me." From a letter to Lewis (the biographer of Caxton) +by the same person, dated Oct. 11, 1737, Anstis says that +"the Earl of Pembroke would not suffer him to rest till he +had presented it to him." He says also that "he had a later +edition of the same, printed in 1496, <i>on parchment</i>, by W. +de Worde, which he had given away: but he could send to the +person who had it." From another letter, dated May 8, 1740, +this "person" turns out to be the famous <span class="smcap">John Murray</span>; to +whom we are shortly to be introduced. The copy, however, is +said to be "imperfect; but the St. Albans book, a fair +folio." In this letter, Lord Pembroke's library is said to +hold "the greatest collection of the first books printed in +England." Perhaps the reader will not be displeased to be +informed that in the <i>Antiquities of Glastonbury</i>, published +by Hearne, 1722, p. <span class="smcap">lviii</span>, there is a medal, with the +reverse, of one of the Earl's ancestors in Queen Elizabeth's +time, which had escaped Evelyn. It was lent to Hearne by Sir +Philip Sydenham, who was at the expense of having the plate +engraved.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">While this nobleman was the general theme of literary praise there +lived a <i>Bibliomaniacal Triumvirate</i> of the names of <span class="smcap">Bagford</span>, <span class="smcap">Murray</span>, +and <span class="smcap">Hearne</span>: a triumvirate, perhaps not equalled, in the mere love of +book-collecting, by that which we mentioned a short time ago. At the +head, and the survivor of these three,<a name="FNanchor_368_374" id="FNanchor_368_374"></a><a href="#Footnote_368_374" class="fnanchor">[368]</a><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">327</a></span> was Thomas Hearne; who, +if I well remember, has been thus described by Pope, in his Dunciad, +under the character of Wormius:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +But who is he, in closet close ypent,<br /> +Of sober face, with learned dust besprent?<br /> +Right well mine eyes arede the myster wight,<br /> +On parchment scraps y-fed, and <span class="smcap">Wormius</span> hight.<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br /></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_368_374" id="Footnote_368_374"></a><a href="#FNanchor_368_374">[368]</a> The former bibliomaniacal triumvirate is +noticed at <a href="#Page_217">p. 217</a>, ante. We will now discuss the merits of +the above, <i>seriatim</i>. And first of <span class="smcap">John Bagford</span>, "by +profession a bookseller; who frequently travelled into +Holland and other parts, in search of scarce books and +valuable prints, and brought a vast number into this +kingdom, the greater part of which were purchased by the +Earl of Oxford. He had been in his younger days a shoemaker; +and for the many curiosities wherewith he enriched the +famous library of Dr. John More, Bishop of Ely, his Lordship +got him admitted into the Charter House. He died in 1716, +aged 65; after his death, Lord Oxford purchased all his +collections and papers for his library: these are now in the +Harleian collection in the British Museum. In 1707 were +published, in the Philosophical transactions, his Proposals +for a General History of Printing."—Bowyer and Nichol's +<i>Origin of Printing</i>, pp. 164, 189, note. It has been my +fortune (whether good or bad remains to be proved) not only +to transcribe, and cause to be reprinted, the slender +Memorial of Printing in the Philosophical Transactions, +drawn up by Wanley for Bagford, but to wade through +<i>forty-two</i> folio volumes, in which Bagford's materials for +a History of Printing are incorporated, in the British +Museum: and from these, I think I have furnished myself with +a pretty correct notion of the collector of them. Bagford +was the most hungry and rapacious of all book and print +collectors; and, in his ravages, he spared neither the most +delicate nor costly specimens. He seems always to have +expressed his astonishment at the most common productions; +and his paper in the Philosophical Transactions betrays such +simplicity and ignorance that one is astonished how my Lord +Oxford, and the learned Bishop of Ely, could have employed +so credulous a bibliographical forager. A modern collector +and lover of <i>perfect</i> copies, will witness, with +shuddering, among Bagford's immense collection of +title-pages in the Museum, the frontispieces of the +Complutensian Polyglot, and Chauncy's History of +Hertfordshire, torn out to illustrate a History of Printing. +His enthusiasm, however, carried him through a great deal of +laborious toil; and he supplied in some measure, by this +qualification, the want of other attainments. His whole mind +was devoted to book-hunting; and his integrity and diligence +probably made his employers overlook his many failings. His +handwriting is scarcely legible, and his orthography is +still more wretched; but if he was ignorant, he was humble, +zealous, and grateful; and he has certainly done something +towards the accomplishment of that desirable object, an +accurate <span class="smcap">general history of printing</span>. The preceding was +inserted in the <i>first edition</i> of this work. It is +incumbent on me to say something more, and less declamatory, +of so extraordinary a character; and as my sources of +information are such as do not fall into the hands of the +majority of readers, I trust the prolixity of what follows, +appertaining to the aforesaid renowned bibliomaniac, will be +pardoned—at least by the lover of curious biographical +memoranda. My old friend, Tom Hearne, is my chief authority. +In the preface to that very scarce, but rather curious than +valuable, work, entitled <i>Guil. Roper Vita D. Thomæ Mori</i>, +1716, 8vo., we have the following brief notice of Bagford: +§. ix. "Epistolas et Orationes excipit Anonymi Scriptoris +chronicon; quod idcirco Godstovianum appellare visum est, +quia in illud forte fortuna inciderim, quum, anno <span class="smcap">mdccxv.</span> +una cum <span class="smcap">Joannæ Bagfordio</span>, amico egregio ad rudera Prioratûs +de Godstowe juxta Oxoniam animi recreandi gratia, +perambularem. De illo vero me prius certiorem fecerat ipse +Bagfordius, qui magno cum nostro mœrore paullo post +Londini obiit, die nimirum quinto Maij anno <span class="smcap">mdccxvi.</span> quum +jam annum ætatis sexagessimum quintum inplerisset, ut è +litteris intelligo amici ingenio et humanitate ornati +Jacobei Sothebeii, junioris, qui, si quis alius, è +familiaribus erat Bagfordii. Virum enimvero ideo mihi quam +maxime hâc occasione lugendum est, quod amicum probitate et +modestia præditum amiserim, virumque cum primis diligentem +et peritum intercidisse tam certum sit quam quod +certissimum. Quamvis enim artes liberales nunquam +didicisset, vi tamen ingenii ductus, eruditus plane evasit; +et, ut quod verum est dicam, incredibile est quam feliciter +res abstrusas in historiis veteribus explicaverit, nodosque +paullo difficiliores ad artis typographicæ incunabula +spectantes solverit et expedierit. Expertus novi quod +scribo. Quotiescunque enim ipsum consului (et quidem id +sæpissime faciendum erat) perpetuo mihi aliter atque +exspectaveram satisfecit, observationis itidem nonnunquam +tales addens, quales antea neque mihi neque viris longe +doctioribus in mentem venerant. Quidni itaque virum magnum +fuisse pronunciarem, præcipue quum nostra sententia illi +soli magni sint censendi, qui recte agant, et sint vere boni +et virtute præditi?"—<i>Præf.</i> pp. xxi., ii. In Hearne's +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: preface">perface</span> to <i>Walter +Hemingford's</i> history, Bagford is again briefly introduced: +"At vero in hoc genere fragmenta colligendi omnes quidem +alios (quantum ego existimare possum) facile superavit +<span class="smcap">Joannes Bagfordius</span>, de quo apud Hemingum, &c. Incredibile +est, quanta usus sit diligentia in laciniis veteribus +coacervandis. Imo in hoc labore quidem tantum versari +exoptabat quantum potuit, tantum autem re vera versabatur, +quantum ingenio (nam divino sane fruebatur) quantum mediocri +doctrina (nam neque ingenue, neque liberaliter, unquam fuit +educatus) quantum usu valuit," p. ciii. The reader here +finds a reference to what is said of Bagford, in the +<i>Hemingi Wigornensis Chartularium</i>; which, though copious, +is really curious and entertaining, and is forthwith +submitted to his consideration. "It was therefore very +laudable in my friend, Mr. <span class="smcap">J. Bagford</span> (who I think was born +in Fetter-lane, London) to employ so much of his time as he +did in collecting remains of antiquity. Indeed he was a man +of a very surprising genius, and had his education (for he +was first a shoe-maker, and afterwards for some time a +book-seller) been equal to his natural genius, he would have +proved a much greater man than he was. And yet, without this +education, he was certainly the greatest man in the world in +his way. I do not hear of any monument erected to his +memory, but 'twas not without reason that a worthy +gentleman, now living in London, designed the following +epitaph for him:</p> + +<p class="center"> +Hic. Sitvs. <span class="smcap">Joannes. Bagfordivs.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Antiquarivs. Penitvs. Britannvs.</span><br /> +Cujvs. Nuda. Solertia. Aliorvm.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Vicit. Operosam. Diligentiam.</span><br /> +Obiit. Maii. v. A.D. <span class="smcap">m.dcc.xvi.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Ætatis [LXV.]</span><br /> +Viri. Simplicis. Et. Sine. Fvco.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Memoria. Ne. Periret.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Hunc. Lapidem. Posvit.</span><br /> +. . . . . . . . . . . . +</p> + +<p>"'Tis very remarkable that, in collecting, his care did not +extend itself to books and to fragments of books only; but +even to the very <i>Covers</i>, and to <i>Bosses</i> and <i>Clasps</i>; and +all this that he might, with greater ease, compile the +History of Printing, which he had undertaken, but did not +finish. In this noble work he intended a Discourse about +<i>Binding Books</i> (in which he might have improved what I have +said elsewhere about the ancient Æstels) and another about +the <i>Art of making Paper</i>, in both which his observations +were very accurate. Nay, his skill <i>in paper</i> was so +exquisite that, at first view, he could tell the place +where, and the time when, any paper was made, though at +never so many years' distance. I well remember that, when I +was reading over a famous book of collections (written by +John Lawerne, Monk of Worcester, and now preserved) in the +Bodleian Library, Mr. Bagford came to me (as he would often +come thither on purpose to converse with me about +curiosities) and that he had no sooner seen the book, but he +presently described the time when, and the place where, the +paper of which it consists, was made. He was indefatigable +in his searches, and was so ambitious of seeing what he had +heard of, relating to his noble design, that he had made +several journies into Holland to see the famous books there. +Nor was he less thirsty after other antiquities, but, like +old John Stow, was for seeing himself, if possible (although +he travelled on foot), what had been related to him. +Insomuch that I cannot doubt, but were he now living, he +would have expressed a very longing desire of going to +Worcester, were it for no other reason but to be better +satisfied about the famous monumental stones mentioned by +Heming (<i>Chart, Wigorn.</i>, p. 342), as he often declared a +most earnest desire of walking with me (though I was +diverted from going) to Guy's Cliff by Warwick, when I was +printing that most rare book called, <i>Joannis Rossi +Antiquarii Warwicensis Historia Regum Angliæ</i>. And I am apt +to think that he would have shewed as hearty an inclination +of going to Stening in Sussex, that being the place +(according to Asser's Life of Ælfred the Great) where K. +Ethelwulph (father of K. Alfred) was buried, though others +say it was at Winchester," &c. "Mr. <span class="smcap">Bagford</span> was as +communicative as he was knowing: so that some of the chief +curiosities in some of our best libraries are owing to him; +for which reason it was that the late <i>Bishop of Ely</i>, Dr. +<span class="smcap">More</span> (who received so much from him), as an instance of +gratitude, procured him a place in the Charter-House. I wish +all places were as well bestowed. For as Mr. Bagford was, +without all dispute, a very worthy man, so, being a despiser +of money, he had not provided for the necessities of old +age. He never looked upon those as true philosophers that +aimed at heaping up riches, and, in that point, could never +commend that otherwise great man, Seneca, who had about two +hundred and fifty thousand pounds sterling, at use in +Britain; the loan whereof had been thrust upon the Britains, +whether they would or no. He would rather extol such men as +a certain rector near Oxford, whose will is thus put down in +writing, by Richard Kedermister, the last abbot but one of +Winchcomb (<i>Leland Collect.</i> vol. vi., 168), in the margin +of a book (I lately purchased) called <i>Hieronymi Cardinalis +Vitas Patrum</i>, Lugd. <span class="smcap">mcccccii.</span> 4to. Nihil habeo, nihil +debeo, benedicamus Domino. Testamentum cujusdam rectoris, +juxta Oxoniam decedentis circiter annum salutis, 1520." "Nor +was Mr. Bagford versed only in our own old writers, but in +those likewise of other countries, particularly the Roman. +His skill in that part of the Roman history that immediately +relates to Britain is sufficiently evident from his curious +letter, printed at the beginning of Leland's Collectanea. +That he might be the better acquainted with the Roman +stations, and the several motions of the soldiers from one +place to another, he used to pick up coins, and would, upon +occasion, discourse handsomely, and very pertinently, about +them; yet he would keep none, but would give them to his +friends, telling them (for he was exemplarily modest and +humble) that he had neither learning nor sagacity enough to +explain and illustrate them, and that therefore it was more +proper they should be in the possession of some able +persons. He would have done any thing to retrieve a Roman +author, and would have given any price for so much as a +single fragment (not yet discovered) of the learned +commentaries, written by Agrippina, mother to Nero, touching +the fortunes of her house, which are (as I much fear) now +utterly lost, excepting the fragment or two cited out of +them by Pliny the elder and Cornelius Tacitus; as he would +also have stuck at no price for a grammar <i>printed at +Tavistock</i>, commonly called <span class="bl">The long Grammar</span>. When he went +abroad he was never idle, but if he could not meet with +things of a better character, he would divert himself with +looking over <i>Ballads</i>, and he was always mightily pleased +if he met with any that were old. Anthony à Wood made good +collections, with respect to ballads, but he was far outdone +by Mr. Bagford. Our modern ballads are, for the most part, +romantic; but the old ones contain matters of fact, and were +generally written by good scholars. In these old ones were +couched the transactions of our great heroes: they were a +sort of Chronicles. So that the wise founder of New College +permitted them to be sung, by the fellows of that college, +upon extraordinary days. In those times, the poets thought +they had done their duty when they had observed truth, and +put the accounts they undertook to write, into rhythm, +without extravagantly indulging their fancies. Nobody knew +this better than Mr. Bagford; for which reason he always +seemed almost ravished when he happened to light upon old +rhythms, though they might not, perhaps, be so properly +ranged under the title of ballads," &c., pp. 656-663. Being +unable to furnish a portrait of Bagford (although I took +some little trouble to procure one) I hope the reader—if +his patience be not quite exhausted—will endeavour to +console himself, in lieu thereof, with a specimen of +Bagford's epistolary composition; which I have faithfully +copied from the original among the <i>Sloanian MSS.</i>, n<span class="super">o</span>. +4036, in the British Museum. It is written to Sir Hans +Sloane.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p class="right"><i>From my Lodgings</i>, July 24, 1704.</p> + +<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><span class="smcap">worthy sir</span>,</span></p> + +<p class="letter">Since you honoured me with your good company for seeing +printing and card-making, I thought it my duty to explain +myself to you per letter on this subject. Till you had seen +the whole process of card-making, I thought I could not so +well represent it unto you by writing—for this I take to be +the first manner of printing. In this short +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: discourse">discouse</span> I have explained myself when +I design to treat of it in the famous subject of the Art of +Printing. It hath been the labour of several years past, and +if now I shall have assistance to midwife it into the world, +I shall be well satisfied for the sake of the curious. For +these 10 years past I have spared no cost in collecting +books on this subject, and likewise drafts of the effigies +of our famous printers, with other designs that will be +needful on this subject. If this short account of the design +of the whole shall give you any satisfaction, I shall esteem +my pains well bestowed. Hitherto, I have met with no +encouragement but from three reverend gentlemen of Bennet +College in Cambridge, who generously, of their own accord, +gave me 10 pound each, which is all I ever received of any +person whatsoever. It may indeed be imputed to my own +neglect, in not acquainting the learned with my design, but +modesty still keeps me silent. I hope your goodness will +pardon my impertinence. I shall be ready at all times to +give you any satisfaction you desire on this subject, who +am,</p> + +<p class="center">Honoured Sir,</p> + +<p class="center">Your most humble Servant to command,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Jo. Bagford.</span></p> + +<p><i>For the Worthy Sir Hans</i> <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Sloane"><i>Slone</i></span>.</p> +</div> + +<p>And now it only remains to close the whole of this +<span class="smcap">Bagfordiana</span> by the following unique communication. One of +Bagford's friends sent him this letter with the subjoined +device:—"<i>For my Lovinge friend Mr. Jno. Bagford.</i>—You +having shewed me so many rebuses, as I was returning home, I +thought of one for you—a bagge, and below that, a fourd or +passable water." (<i>Harl. MS.</i>, n<span class="super">o</span>. 5910.)</p> + +<p class="centertbp"> +<img src="images/bagford.png" width="148" height="172" alt="Bagford rebus" title="Bagford rebus" /> +</p> + +<p>I wish it were in my power to collect information, equally +acceptable with the foregoing, respecting the above-named +<span class="smcap">John Murray</span>; but Hearne, who was his intimate friend, has +been very sparing in his anecdotes of him, having left us +but a few desultory notices, written chiefly in the Latin +language. The earliest mention of him that I find is the +following: "Verum illud præcipue mentionem meretur, quod +mutuo accepi, schedula una et altera jam excusa, á <span class="smcap">Joanne +Murario</span> Londinensi, rei antiquariæ perscrutatore diligenti, +cui eo nomine gratias ago." "Denique subdidi descriptionem +fenestrarum depictarum ecclesiæ parochialis de Fairford in +agro Glocestriensi, è schedula quam mutuo sumpsi ab amico +supra laudato Johanne Murrario, qui per literas etiam +certiorem me fecit è codice quodam vetusto MS. fuisse +extractum. Neque dubito quin hic idem fuerit Codex quem olim +in ecclesia de Fairford adservatum surripuisse nebulonem +quempiam mihi significavit ecclesiæ ædituus, vir simplex, +necnon ætate et scientia venerandus." Præf: p. <span class="smcap">xxii.</span> <i>Guil. +Roperi Vita Thomæ Mori</i>, 1716, 8vo., edit. Hearne. There is +another slight mention of Murray, by Hearne, in the latter's +edition of <i>Thom. Caii. Vindic. Antiq. Acad. Oxon</i>, vol. +ii., 803-4—where he discourses largely upon the former's +copy of <i>Rastel's Pastyme of People</i>: a book which will be +noticed by me very fully on a future occasion. At present, +it may suffice to observe that a perfect copy of it is +probably the rarest English book in existence. There is a +curious copper plate print of Murray, by Vertue, in which +our bibliomaniac's right arm is resting upon some books +entitled "<i>Hearne's Works, Sessions Papers, Tryals of +Witches</i>." Beneath is this inscription:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +<i>Hoh Maister John Murray of Sacomb,<br /> +The Works of old Time to collect was his pride,</i><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Till Oblivion dreaded his Care:</i></span><br /> +<i>Regardless of Friends, intestate he dy'd,</i><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>So the Rooks and the Crows were his Heir.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 17em;">G.N.</span> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Of the above-mentioned <span class="smcap">Thomas Britton</span>, I am enabled to +present a very curious and interesting account, from a work +published by Hearne, of no very ordinary occurrence, and in +the very words of Hearne himself. It is quite an unique +picture. "Before I dismiss this subject, I must beg leave to +mention, and to give a short account of, one that was +intimately acquainted with Mr. Bagford, and was also a great +man, though of but ordinary education. The person I mean is +Mr. <span class="smcap">Thos. Britton</span>, the famous <i>Musical Small Coal Man</i>, who +was born at or near Higham Ferrers in Northamptonshire. +Thence he went to London, where he bound himself apprentice +to a small coal man in St. John Baptist's Street. After he +had served his full time of seven years, his master gave him +a sum of money not to set up. Upon this, Tom went into +Northamptonshire again, and after he had spent his money, he +returned again to London, set up the <i>small coal trade</i> +(notwithstanding his master was still living) and withall, +he took a stable, and turned it into a house, which stood +the next door to the little gate of St. John's of Jerusalem, +next Clerkenwell Green. Some time after he had settled here, +he became acquainted with Dr. Garenciers, his near +neighbour, by which means he became an excellent chymist, +and perhaps, he performed such things in that profession, as +had never been done before, with little cost and charge, by +the help of a moving elaboratory, that was contrived and +built by himself, which was much admired by all of that +faculty that happened to see it; insomuch that a certain +gentleman in Wales was so much taken with it that he was at +the expense of carrying him down into that country, on +purpose to build him such another, which Tom performed to +the gentleman's very great satisfaction, and for the same he +received of him a very handsome and generous gratuity. +Besides his great skill in chymistry, he was as famous for +his knowledge in the <i>Theory of Music</i>; in the practical +part of which Faculty he was likewise very considerable. He +was so much addicted to it that he pricked with his own hand +(very neatly and accurately), and left behind him, a +valuable collection of music, mostly pricked by himself, +which was sold upon his death for near a hundred pounds. Not +to mention the excellent collection of <span class="smcap">printed books</span>, that +he also left behind him, both of chemistry and music. +Besides these books that he left behind him, he had, some +years before his death, sold by auction a <i>noble collection +of books</i>, most of them in the <i>Rosacrucian Faculty</i> (of +which he was a great admirer): whereof there is a printed +catalogue extant (as there is of those that were sold after +his death), which I have often looked over with no small +surprize and wonder, and particularly for the great number +of MSS. in the before mentioned faculties that are specified +in it. He had, moreover, a considerable collection of +musical instruments, which were sold for fourscore pounds +upon his death, which happened in September 1714, being +upwards of threescore years of age; and (he) lyes buried in +the church-yard of Clerkenwell, without monument or +inscription: being attended to his grave, in a very solemn +and decent manner, by a great concourse of people, +especially of such as frequented the Musical club, that was +kept up for many years at his own charges (he being a man of +a very generous and liberal spirit) at his own little cell. +He appears by the print of him (done since his death) to +have been a man of an ingenuous countenance and of a +sprightly temper. It also represents him as a comely person, +as indeed he was; and withal, there is a modesty expressed +in it every way agreeable to him. Under it are these verses, +which may serve instead of an epitaph:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Tho' mean thy rank, yet in thy humble cell<br /> +Did gentle peace and arts unpurchas'd dwell;<br /> +Well pleas'd Apollo thither led his train,<br /> +And music warbled in her sweetest strain.<br /> +Cyllenius, so, as fables tell, and Jove,<br /> +Came willing guests to poor <span class="smcap">Philemon's</span> grove.<br /> +Let useless pomp behold, and blush to find<br /> +So low a station, such a liberal mind.<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>In short, he was an extraordinary and very valuable man, +much admired by the gentry; even those of the best quality, +and by all others of the more inferior rank, that had any +manner of regard for probity, sagacity, diligence, and +humility. I say humility, because, though he was so much +famed for his knowledge, and might, therefore, have lived +very reputably without his trade, yet he continued it to his +death, not thinking it to be at all beneath him. Mr. <span class="smcap">Bagford</span> +and he used frequently to converse together, and when they +met <i>they seldom parted very soon</i>. Their conversation was +very often about <span class="smcap">old mss.</span> and the havock made of them. They +both agreed to retrieve what fragments of antiquity they +could, and, upon that occasion, they would frequently divert +themselves in talking of <span class="smcap">old chronicles</span>, which both loved to +read, though, among our more late Chronicles printed in +English, Isaackson's was what they chiefly preferred for a +general knowledge of things; a book which was much esteemed +also by those two eminent Chronologers, Bishop Lloyd and Mr. +Dodwell. By the way, I cannot but observe that Isaackson's +Chronicle is really, for the most part, Bishop Andrews's; +Isaackson being amanuensis to the bishop." <i>Hemingi +Chartular. Eccles. Wigornien.</i>, vol. ii., 666-9, Edit. +Hearne. See also, <i>Robert of Glocester's Chronicle</i>, vol. +i., p. <span class="smcap">lxxii.</span> We will close our account of this perfectly +<i>unique</i> bibliomaniac by subjoining the title of the +<i>Catalogue of his Books</i>; for which I am indebted to the +ever-active and friendly assistance of Mr. Heber. The volume +is so rare that the late Mr. Reed told Mr. H. he had never +seen another copy: but another has recently been sold, and +is now in the curious collection of Mr. R. Baker. "The +Library of Mr. <span class="smcap">Thomas Britton</span>, Small-coal man, Deceas'd: +who, at his own charge, kept up a Concort of Musick above 40 +years, in his little Cottage. Being a curious Collection of +every Ancient and Uncommon book in Divinity, History, +Physick, Chemistry, Magick, &c. Also a Collection of MSS. +chiefly on vellum. <i>Which will be sold by auction at Paul's +Coffee House, &c., the 24th day of January, 1714-15, at Five +in the Evening.</i> By Thomas Ballard, Esq., 8vo., p. 30. +Containing 102 articles in folio—274 in 4to.—664 in +octavo—50 pamphlets—and 23 MSS." A few of the works, in +octavo, were sufficiently amatory. The third and last +character above mentioned, as making this illustrious +bibliomaniacal triumvirate complete, is <span class="smcap">Thomas Hearne</span>. That +Pope, in the verses which Lysander has quoted, meant this +distinguished antiquary seems hardly to be questioned; and +one wonders at the Jesuitical note of Warburton, in striving +to blow the fumes of the poet's satire into a different +direction. They must settle upon poor Hearne's head: for +<span class="smcap">Wanley's</span> antiquarian talents were equally beyond the touch +of satire and the criticism of the satirist. Warton has, +accordingly, admitted that <span class="smcap">Hearne</span> was represented under the +character of <span class="smcap">Wormius</span>; and he defends the character of Hearne +very justly against the censures of Pope. His eulogy will be +presently submitted to the reader. Gibbon, in his +<i>Posthumous Works</i>, vol. ii., 711, has aimed a deadly blow +at the literary reputation of Hearne; and an admirer of this +critic and historian, as well as an excellent judge of +antiquarian pursuits, has followed up Gibbon's mode of +attack in a yet more merciless manner. He calls him "Thomas +Hearne, of black-letter memory, <i>carbone notandus</i>"—"a +weaker man (says he) never existed, as his prefaces, so +called, lamentably show." He continues in this hard-hearted +strain: but I have too much humanity to make further +extracts. He admits, however, the utility of most of +Hearne's publications—"of which he was forced to publish a +few copies, at an extravagant subscription." The remarks of +this (anonymous) writer, upon the neglect of the cultivation +of <span class="smcap">English History</span>, and upon the want of valuable editions +of <span class="smcap">our old Historians</span>, are but too just, and cannot be too +attentively perused. See <i>Gentleman's Magazine</i>, vol. 58, +pt. 1, 196-8 (A.D. 1788). Thus far in deterioration of poor +Hearne's literary fame. Let us now listen to writers of a +more courteous strain of observation. Prefixed to Tanner's +<i>Bibliotheca Britannico-Hibernica</i>, there is a preface, of +which Dr. Wilkins is the reputed author. The whole of +Hearne's publications are herein somewhat minutely +criticised, and their merits and demerits slightly +discussed. It is difficult to collect the critic's summary +opinion upon Hearne's editorial labours; but he concludes +thus: "Quia autem leporis est mortuis insultare leonibus, +cineres celeberrimi hujus et olim mihi amicissimi viri +turbare, neutiquam in animum inducere possum," p. xlvii. Mr. +Gough, in his <i>British Topography</i>, vol. ii., p. 579, calls +Hearne an "acute observer;" but, unluckily, the subject to +which the reader's attention is here directed discovers our +antiquary to have been in error. J. Warton, in the passage +before alluded to, observes: "In consideration of the many +very accurate and very elegant editions which Hearne +published of our valuable old chronicles, which shed such a +light on English history, he (Hearne) ought not to have been +so severely lashed as in these bitter lines," (quoted in the +text, <a href="#Page_327">p. 327</a>, ante) <i>Pope's Works</i>, edit. Bowles; vol. v., +232. Let the reader consult also Dr. Pegge's <i>Anonymiana</i>, +in the passages referred to, in the truly valuable index +attached to it, concerning Hearne. Thus much, I submit, may +be fairly said of our antiquary's labours. That the greater +part of them are truly useful, and absolutely necessary for +a philological library, must on all sides be admitted. I +will mention only the <i>Chronicles of Langtoft and Robert of +Gloucester</i>; <i>Adam de Domerham, de rebus Glastoniensibus</i>; +<i>Gulielmus Neubrigensis</i>; <i>Forduni Scotichronicon</i>; and all +his volumes appertaining to <i>Regal Biography</i>:—these are, +surely, publications of no mean importance. Hearne's +prefaces and appendices are gossiping enough; sometimes, +however, they repay the labour of perusal by curious and +unlooked-for intelligence. Yet it must be allowed that no +literary cook ever enriched his dishes with such little +piquant sauce, as did Hearne: I speak only of their +<i>intrinsic</i> value, for they had a very respectable +exterior—what Winstanley says of Ogilvey's publications +being, applicable enough to Hearne's;—they were printed on +"special good paper, and in a very good letter." We will now +say a few words relative to Hearne's habits of study and +living—taken from his own testimony. In the preface +prefixed to <i>Roper's Life of Sir Thomas More</i>, p. xix. +(edit. 1716), he describes himself "as leading the life of +an ascetic." In the preface to the <i>Annals of Dunstable +Priory</i>, his bibliographical diligence is evinced by his +saying he had "turned over every volume in the Bodleian +Library." In one of his prefaces (to which I am not able +just now to refer) he declares that he was born—like our +British tars—"for action:" and indeed his activity was +sufficiently demonstrated; for sometimes he would set about +transcribing for the press papers which had just been put +into his hands. Thus, in the <i>Antiquities of Glastonbury</i>, +p. 326, he writes, "the two following old evidences were +lent me <i>to-day</i> by my friend the Hon. Benedict Leonard +Calvert, Esq." His excessive regard to fidelity of +transcription is, among many other evidences that may be +brought forward, attested in the following passage: "Have +taken particular care (saith Mr. Harcourt, in his letter to +me from Aukenvyke, Sep. 25, 1734) in the copying; well +knowing your exactness." <i>Benedict Abbas</i>, vol ii., 870. But +this servility of transcription was frequently the cause of +multiplying, by propagating, errors. If Hearne had seen the +word "faith" thus disjointed—"fay the"—he would have +adhered to this error, for "faythe." As indeed he has +committed a similar one, in the <i>Battle of Agincourt</i>, in +the appendix to Thomas de Elmham: for he writes "breth +reneverichone"—instead of "brethren everichone"—as Mr. +Evans has properly printed it, in his recent edition of his +father's <i>Collection of Old Ballads</i>, vol. ii., 334. But +this may be thought trifling. It is certainly not here meant +to justify capriciousness of copying; but surely an obvious +corruption of reading may be restored to its genuine state: +unless, indeed, we are resolved to consider antiquity and +perfection as synonymous terms. But there are some traits in +Hearne's character which must make us forgive and forget +this blind adherence to the errors of antiquity. He was so +warm a lover of every thing in the shape of a <span class="smcap">book</span> that, in +the preface to <i>Alured of Beverley</i>, pp. v. vi., he says +that he jumped almost out of his skin for joy, on reading a +certain MS. which Thomas Rawlinson sent to him ("vix credi +potest qua voluptate, qua animi alacritate, perlegerim," +&c.). Similar feelings possessed him on a like occasion: +"When the pious author (of the <i>Antiquities of Glastonbury</i>) +first put it (the MS.) into my hands, I read it over with as +much delight as I have done anything whatsoever upon the +subject of antiquity, and I was earnest with him to print +it," p. lxxviii. Hearne's horror of book-devastations is +expressed upon a variety of occasions: and what will +reconcile him to a great portion of <i>modern</i> readers—and +especially of those who condescend to read this account of +him—his attachment to the black-letter was marvelously +enthusiastic! Witness his pathetic appeal to the English +nation, in the 26th section of his preface to <i>Robert of +Gloucester's Chronicle</i>, where he almost predicts the +extinction of "right good" literature, on the disappearance +of the <i>black-letter</i>! And here let us draw towards the +close of these <span class="smcap">Hearneana</span>, by contemplating a wood-cut +portrait of this illustrious Bibliomaniac; concerning whose +life and works the reader should peruse the well-known +volumes published at Oxford in 1772, 8vo.: containing the +biographical memoirs of Leland, Bale, Hearne, and Wood. +</p> + +<p class="centertp"> +<img src="images/hearne.png" width="353" height="376" alt="Hearne" title="Hearne" /> +</p> + +<p class="center">OBIIT MDCCXXXV: ÆTATIS SUÆ LVII.</p> + +<p class="centerbp"><i>Deut. xxxii: 7. Remember the days of old.</i></p> + +<p>The library of Hearne was sold in February, 1736, by Osborne +the book-seller; "the lowest price being marked in each +book." The title-page informs us of what all bibliomaniacs +will be disposed to admit the truth, that the collection +contained "a very great variety of uncommon books, and +scarce ever to be met withal," &c. There is, at bottom, a +small wretched portrait of Hearne, with this well known +couplet subjoined:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Pox on't quoth <i>Time</i> to <i>Thomas Hearne</i>,<br /> +Whatever I <i>forget</i> you learn.<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Let the modern collector of Chronicles turn his eye towards +the 15th page of this catalogue—n<span class="super">os</span>. 384, 390—and see +what "compleat and very fair" copies of these treasures were +incorporated in Hearne's extensive library!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">328</a></span>A little volume of book chit-chat might be written upon the marvellous +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: discoveries">discovesies</span> and voluminous +compilations<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">329</a></span> of Bagford and Hearne: and to these, we may add another +<i>unique</i> bibliomaniac, who will go down to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">330</a></span> posterity under the +distinguished, and truly enviable, title of "<i>The Musical Small-Coal +Man</i>;" I mean, master <span class="smcap">Thomas Britton</span>. Yes, Lisardo; while we give to +the foregoing characters their full share of merit and praise; we +admit that Bagford's personal activity and manual labour have hardly +been equalled—while we allow John Murray to have looked with sharper +eyes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">331</a></span> after black-letter volumes than almost any of his predecessors +or successors—while we grant Thomas Hearne<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">332</a></span> a considerable portion of +scholarship, an inflexible integrity, as well as indefatigable +industry, and that his works are generally interesting, both from the +artless style in which they are composed, and the intrinstic utility +of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">333</a></span> greater part of them, yet let our admiration +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: superfluous 'be'">be</span> "be screwed to its sticking place," when we +think upon the wonderous<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">334</a></span> genius of the aforesaid Thomas Britton; who, +in the midst of his coal cellars, could practise upon "fiddle<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">335</a></span> and +flute," or collate his curious volumes; and throwing away, with the +agility of a harlequin, his sombre suit of business-cloths, could put +on his velvet coat and bag-wig, and receive his concert visitors, at +the stair-head, with the politeness of a Lord of the Bedchamber!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">336</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> In truth, a marvellous hero was this <i>Small-Coal Man</i>! Have you +many such characters to notice?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Not many of exactly the same stamp. Indeed, I suspect that +Hearne, from his love of magnifying the simple into the marvellous, +has a little<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">337</a></span> caricatured the picture. But Murray seems to have been a +quiet unaffected character; passionately addicted to old books of +whatever kind they chanced to be; and, in particular, most +enthusiastically devoted to a certain old English Chronicle, entitled +<i>Rastell's Pastime of (the) People</i>.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> I observed a notification of the re-appearance of this Chronicle +in some of the Magazines or Reviews: but I hope, for the benefit of +general readers, the orthography will be modernized.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> I hope, for the sake of consistency with former similar +publications,<a name="FNanchor_369_375" id="FNanchor_369_375"></a><a href="#Footnote_369_375" class="fnanchor">[369]</a> the ancient garb will not be thrown aside. It would +be like—what Dr. Johnson accuses Pope of having committed—"clothing +Homer with Ovidian graces."</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_369_375" id="Footnote_369_375"></a><a href="#FNanchor_369_375">[369]</a> The <span class="smcap">Ancient Chonicles</span> of the history of our +country are in a progressive state of being creditably +reprinted, with a strict adherence to the old phraseology. +Of these Chronicles, the following have already made their +appearance: <span class="smcap">Holinshed</span>, 1807, 4to., 6 vols.; <span class="smcap">Hall</span>, 1809, +4to.; <span class="smcap">Grafton</span>, 1809, 4to., 2 vols.; <span class="smcap">Fabian</span>, 1811, 4to. This +latter is not a mere reprint of the first edition of Fabian, +but has, at the bottom, the various readings of the +subsequent impressions. The index is copious and valuable. +Indeed, all these re-impressions have good indexes. The +public will hear, with pleasure, that <span class="smcap">Arnold</span>, <span class="smcap">Harding</span>, and +<span class="smcap">Lord Berners'</span> translation of <span class="smcap">Froissard</span>, and <span class="smcap">Rastell</span>, are +about to bring up the rear of these popular Chroniclers.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Much may be said on both sides of the question. But why are we +about to make learned dissertations upon the old English Chronicles?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Proceed, and leave the old chroniclers to settle the matter +themselves. Who is the next bibliomaniac deserving of particular +commendation?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> As we have sometimes classed our bibliomaniacs in tribes, let +me now make you acquainted with another <i>Trio</i>, of like renown in the +book-way: I mean Anstis, Lewis, and Ames. Of these in their turn.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Anstis</span><a name="FNanchor_370_376" id="FNanchor_370_376"></a><a href="#Footnote_370_376" class="fnanchor">[370]</a> stands deservedly the first in the list; for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">338</a></span> he was, in +every respect, a man of thorough benevolent character, as well as a +writer of taste and research. I do not know of any particulars +connected with his library that merit a distinct recital; but he is +introduced here from his connection with the two latter +bibliographers. <span class="smcap">Lewis</span><a name="FNanchor_371_377" id="FNanchor_371_377"></a><a href="#Footnote_371_377" class="fnanchor">[371]</a> is known to us, both as a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">339</a></span> topographer and +bibliographical antiquary. His <i>Life of Caxton</i> has been reprinted +with additions and corrections; and, in particular, his edition of +<i>Wicliffe's New Testament</i> has been recently put forth by the Rev. Mr. +Baber, in a handsome quarto volume, with valuable<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">340</a></span> emendations. Lewis +was a sharp censurer of Hearne, and was somewhat jealous of the +typographical reputation of Ames. But his integrity and moral +character, as well as his love of rare and curious books, has secured +for him a durable reputation. Of <span class="smcap">Ames</span>, and here—though a little out +of order—I may add <span class="smcap">Herbert</span>—the public has already heard probably +"more than enough." They were both, undoubtedly, men of extraordinary +mental vigour and bodily activity in the darling pursuit which they +cultivated.<a name="FNanchor_372_378" id="FNanchor_372_378"></a><a href="#Footnote_372_378" class="fnanchor">[372]</a> Indeed, Herbert deserves high commendation; for while +he was rearing, with his own hands, a lofty pyramid of typographical +fame, he seems to have been unconscious of his merits; and, possessing +the most natural and diffident character imaginable, he was always +conjuring up supposed cases of vanity and arrogance, which had no +foundation whatever but in the reveries of a timid imagination. His +<i>Typographical Antiquities</i> are a mass of useful, but occasionally +uninteresting, information. They are as a vast plain, wherein the +traveller sees nothing, immediately, which is beautiful or inviting; +few roses, or cowslips, or daisies; but let him persevere, and walk +only a little way onward, and he will find, in many a shelter'd +recess, "flowers of all hue," and herbs of all qualities: so that +fragrance and salubrity are not wanting in this said plain, which has +been thus depicted in a style so marvellously metaphorical!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_370_376" id="Footnote_370_376"></a><a href="#FNanchor_370_376">[370]</a> The reader will be pleased to consult the +account of Earl Pembroke, <a href="#Page_325">p. 325</a>, ante, where he will find a +few traits of the bibliomaniacal character of <span class="smcap">Anstis</span>. He is +here informed, from the same authority, that when Anstis +"acquainted <span class="smcap">Bagford</span> that he would find in Rymer a commission +granted to Caxton, appointing him ambassador to the Duchess +of Burgundy, he (Bagford) was transported with joy." Of +<span class="smcap">Hearne</span> he thus speaks: "I am ashamed that Mr. Hearne hath +made so many mistakes about the translation of <i>Boetius, +printed at Tavistock</i>; which book I had, and gave it to the +Duke of Bedford." But in another letter (to Lewis) Anstis +says, "I lent this book to one Mr. Ryder, who used me +scurvily, by presenting it, without my knowledge, to the +Duke of Bedford." There are some curious particulars in this +letter about the abbey of Tavistock. Anstis's <i>Order of the +Garter</i> is a valuable book; and will one day, I +prognosticate, retrieve the indifferent credit it now +receives in the book-market. The author loved rare and +curious volumes dearly; and was, moreover, both liberal and +prompt in his communications. The reader will draw his own +conclusions on Anstis's comparative merit with Lewis and +Ames, when he reaches the end of the second note after the +present one.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_371_377" id="Footnote_371_377"></a><a href="#FNanchor_371_377">[371]</a> Concerning the Rev. <span class="smcap">John Lewis</span>, I am enabled +to lay before the reader some particulars now published for +the first time, and of a nature by no means uninteresting to +the lovers of literary anecdote. His printed works, and his +bibliographical character, together with his conduct towards +Ames, have been already sufficiently described to the +public: <i>Typographical Antiquities</i>, vol. i., 30-3. And +first, the aforesaid reader and lovers may peruse the +following extract from an original letter by Lewis to Ames: +"I have no other design, in being so free with you, than to +serve you, by doing all I can to promote your credit and +reputation. I take it, that good sense and judgment, +attended with care and accuracy in making and sorting a +collection, suits every one's palate: and that they must +have none at all who are delighted with trifles and play +things fit only for fools and children: such, for the most +part, as <span class="smcap">Thomas Hearne</span> dished out for his chaps, among whom +I was so silly as to rank myself." Again, to the same +person, he thus makes mention of <span class="smcap">Lord Oxford</span> and Hearne: "I +can truly say I never took ill any thing which you have +written to me: but heartily wish you well to succeed in the +execution of your projects. I han't sense to see, by the +death of Lord Oxford, how much more you are likely to make +your account better. But time will shew. I don't understand +what you mean by his having a love to surprize people with +his vast communications. Dr. R(awlinson, qu.?) tells me he +knew nobody who had so free a use of his Lordship's rarities +as T. Hearne, a sure proof of the exactness and solidity of +his Lordship's judgment. But Hearne answered, perhaps, his +Lordship's design of making the world have a very great +opinion of his collections, and setting an inestimable value +on them. And this Hearne attempted; but his daubing is, I +think, too coarse, and the smoke of his incense troublesome +and suffocating." But it is to the loan of a copy of Lewis's +folio edition of the <i>History of the Translations of the +Bible</i>, belonging to my friend Mr. G.V. Neunburg, that I am +indebted for the following further, and more interesting, +particulars. This valuable copy, illustrated with some rare +prints, and charged with numerous MS. memoranda, contains +some original letters to Lewis by the famous Dr. White +Kennet, Bishop of Peterborough: from which these extracts +are taken. "Jan. 23, 1720-1. Dear Sir; I thank you for your +kind acceptance of the advice to my clergy: well meant, I +pray God well applied. I have wisht long to see your <i>Life +of Wiclif</i>, and shall now impatiently expect it. I am not +surprised that a man of dignity, near you, should be jealous +of publishing an impartial account of that good old +evangelical author, &c. I have a mighty veneration for +Wicliff, and am the more angry with Mr. Russell for +deceiving the world in his promise of the Bible, after +proposals given and money taken. But he has in other +respects behaved so very basely that, forgiving him, I have +done with him for ever. I would not have you discouraged, by +an ungrateful world, or by a sharp bookseller. Go on, and +serve truth and peace what you can, and God prosper your +labours." Signed "Wh. Peterbor." "Feb. 20, 1720-1. You +perceive your own unhappiness in not being able to attend +the press. I cannot but importune you to revise the whole, +to throw the additions and corrections into their proper +places, to desire all your friends and correspondents to +suggest any amendments, or any new matter; in order to +publish a new correct edition that will be a classic in our +history, &c.—If the booksellers object against a second +edition till the full disposal of the first, I hope we may +buy them off with subscription for a new impression; wherein +my name should stand for six copies, and better example I +hope would be given by more able friends. I pray God bless +your labours and reward them." Several letters follow, in +which this amiable prelate and learned antiquary sends Lewis +a good deal of valuable information for his proposed second +edition of the Life of Wicliffe; but which was never put to +press. One more extract only from the Bishop of +Peterborough, and we bid farewell to the Rev. John Lewis: a +very respectable bibliomaniac. "Rev. Sir; In respect to you +and your good services to the church and our holy religion, +I think fit to acquaint you that, in the <i>Weekly Journal</i>, +published this day, Oct. 28 (1721), by <i>Mr. Mist</i>, there is +a scandalous advertisement subscribed M. Earbury, beginning +thus: 'Whereas a pretended <i>Vindication of John Wickliffe</i> +has been published under the name of one Lewis of Margate, +by the incitement, as the preface asserts, of the Archbishop +of Canterbury, and in the same I am injuriously reflected +upon as a scurrilous writer, this is to inform the public +that I shall reserve the author for a more serious whipping +in my leisure hours, and in the meantime give him a short +correction for his benefit, if he has grace and sense to +take it'—and ending thus—'Why does this author persuade +the world the late Archbishop of Canterbury could have any +veneration for the memory of one who asserts God ought to +obey the devil; or that he could be desirous to open the +impure fountains from whence the filth of Bangorianism has +been conveyed to us? M. <span class="smcap">Earbury</span>." "I confess (proceeds the +bishop) I don't know that, in the worst of causes, there has +appeared a more ignorant, insolent, and abandoned writer +than this Matth. Earbury. Whether you are to answer, or not +to answer, the F. according to his folly, I must leave to +your discretion. Yet I cannot but wish you would revise the +Life of Wickliffe; and, in the preface, justly complain of +the spiteful injuries done to his memory, and, through his +sides, to our Reformation. I have somewhat to say to you on +that head, if you think to resume it. I am, in the mean +time, your affectionate friend and brother, <span class="smcap">Wh. Petesbor</span>."</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_372_378" id="Footnote_372_378"></a><a href="#FNanchor_372_378">[372]</a> It is unnecessary for me to add any thing +here to the copious details respecting these eminent +bibliomaniacs, <span class="smcap">Ames</span> and <span class="smcap">Herbert</span>, which have already been +presented to the public in the first volume of the new +edition of the <i>Typographical Antiquities</i> of our own +country. See also <a href="#Page_66">p. 66</a>, ante; and the note respecting the +late <a href="#Footnote_409_415"><span class="smcap">George Steevens</span></a>, post.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">By mentioning Herbert in the present place, I have a little inverted +the order of my narrative. A crowd of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">341</a></span> distinguished bibliomaniacs, in +fancy's eye, is thronging around me, and demanding a satisfactory +memorial of their deeds.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> Be not dismayed, Lysander. If any one, in particular, looks +"frowningly" upon you, leave him to me, and he shall have ample +satisfaction.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> I wish, indeed, you would rid me of a few of these +book-madmen. For, look yonder, what a commanding attitude <span class="smcap">Thomas +Baker</span><a name="FNanchor_373_379" id="FNanchor_373_379"></a><a href="#Footnote_373_379" class="fnanchor">[373]</a> assumes!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_373_379" id="Footnote_373_379"></a><a href="#FNanchor_373_379">[373]</a> <span class="smcap">Thomas Baker</span> was a learned antiquary in most +things respecting <i>Typography</i> and <i>Bibliography</i>; and seems +to have had considerable influence with that distinguished +corps, composed of Hearne, Bagford, Middleton, Anstis, and +Ames, &c. His life has been written by the Rev. Robert +Masters, Camb., 1784, 8vo.; and from the "Catalogue of +forty-two folio volumes of MS. collections by Mr. +Baker"—given to the library of St. John's College, +Cambridge—which the biographer has printed at the end of +the volume—there is surely sufficient evidence to warrant +us in concluding that the above-mentioned Thomas Baker was +no ordinary bibliomaniac. To Hearne in particular (and +indeed to almost every respectable author who applied to +him) he was kind and communicative; hence he is frequently +named by the former in terms of the most respectful +admiration: thus—"Vir amicissimus, educatus optime, +emendatus vitâ, doctrinâ clarus, moribus singularis et +perjucundus, exemplum antiquitatis, cujus judicio plurimum +esse tribuendum mecum fatebuntur litterati:" <i>Vita Mori</i>, p. +<span class="smcap">xviii.</span> In his preface to the <i>Antiquities of Glastonbury</i>, +p. <span class="smcap">cxxx.</span>, Hearne calls him "that great man;" and again, in +his <i>Walter Hemingford</i>, vol. i., p. <span class="smcap">xvii.</span>—"amicus +eruditissimus, mihi summe colendus; is nempe, qui è scriniis +suis MSS. tam multa meam in gratiam deprompsit." Indeed, +Hearne had good occasion to speak well of the treasures of +Baker's "<i>scrinia</i>;" as the Appendix to his <i>Thomas de +Elmham</i> alone testifies. Of Baker's abilities and private +worth, we have the testimonies of Middleton (<i>Origin of +Printing</i>, p. 5) and Warburton. The latter thus mentions +him: "Good old Mr. Baker, of St John's College, has indeed, +been very obliging. The people of St. John's almost adore +the man." <i>Masters's Life of Baker</i>, p. 94. This authority +also informs us that "Mr. Baker had, for many years before +his death, been almost a recluse, and seldom went farther +than the college walks, unless to a coffee-house in an +evening, after chapel, where he commonly spent an hour with +great chearfulness, conversing with a select number of his +friends and acquaintance upon literary subjects," p. 108. +Every thing the most amiable, and, I had almost said, +enviable, is here said of the virtues of his head and heart; +and that this venerable bibliomaniac should have reached his +80th year is at least a demonstration that tarrying amongst +folios and octavos, from morn till night (which Baker used +to do, in St. John's Library, for nearly 20 years together), +does not unstring the nerves, or dry up the juices, of the +human frame. Yet a little further extension of this note, +gentle reader, and then we bid adieu to Thomas Baker, of +ever respectable book-memory. Among the MSS., once the +property of Herbert, which I purchased at the late sale of +Mr. Gough's MSS., I obtained a volume full of extracts from +original letters between Baker and Ames; containing also the +<i>Will</i> of the former, which is not inserted in Master's Life +of him, nor in the <i>Biographia Britannica</i>. The original +documents are in his Majesty's library, and were bought at +the sale of Mr. Tutet's books, A.D. 1786; n<span class="super">o</span>. 375. From +this will, as Herbert has copied it, the reader is presented +with the following strong proofs of the bibliomaniacal +"ruling passion, strong in death," of our illustrious +antiquary. But let us not omit the manly tone of piety with +which this Will commences. "In the name of God, Amen! I, +<span class="smcap">Thomas Baker</span>, ejected Fellow of St. John's college, +Cambridge, do make my last will and testament, as follows: +First, I commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God (my +most gracious and good God), my faithful Creator and +merciful Redeemer, and, in all my dangers and difficulties, +a most constant protector. Blessed for ever be his holy +name." "As to the temporal goods which it hath pleased the +same good God to bestow upon me (such as all men ought to be +content with) and are, I bless God, neither poverty nor +riches—I dispose of them in the following manner." Here +follow a few of his book bequests, which may be worth the +attention of those whose pursuits lead them to a particular +examination of these authors. "Whereas I have made a deed of +gift or sale for one guinea, of 21 volumes in folio, of my +own hand-writing, to the Right Honourable <span class="smcap">Edward Earl of +Oxford</span>, I confirm and ratify that gift by this my last will. +And I beg his lordship's acceptance of 'em, being sensible +that they are of little use or value, with two other volumes +in fol., markt Vol. 19, 20, since convey'd to him in like +manner. To my dear cosin, George Baker, of Crook, Esq., I +leave the <i>Life of Cardinal Wolsey</i>, noted with my own hand, +<i>Lord Clarendon's History</i>, with cuts and prints; and +<i>Winwood's Memorials</i>, in three volumes, fol., with a five +pound (Jacobus) piece of gold, only as a mark of respect and +affection, since he does not want it. To my worthy kinsman +and Friend Mr. George Smith, I leave <i>Godwin de Præsulibus +Angliæ</i>, and <i>Warræus de Præsulibus Hibernia</i>, both noted +with my own hand. To St. John's College Library I leave all +such books, printed or MSS., as I have and are wanting +there: excepting that I leave in trust to my worthy friend, +Dr. Middleton, for the University Library, <i>Archbishop +Wake's State of the Church</i>, noted and improved under his +own hand; <i>Bp. Burnet's History of the Reformation</i>, in +three volumes, noted in my hand; and <i>Bp. Kennett's Register +and Chronicle</i> (for the memory of which three great +prelates, my honoured friends, I must always have due +regard). To these I add Mr. Ansty's, my worthy friend, +<i>History of the Garter</i>, in two vols., fol. <i>Wood's Athenæ +Oxon.</i>; and <i>Maunsell's Catalogue</i>; both noted with my own +hand—and <i>Gunton's and Patrick's History of The Church of +Peterburgh</i>, noted (from Bishop Kennett) in my hand; with +fifteen volumes (more or less) in fol., all in my own hand; +and three volumes in 4to., part in my own hand." Let us +conclude in a yet more exalted strain of christian piety +than we began. "Lastly, I constitute and appoint my dear +nephew, Richard Burton, Esq., my sole executor, to whom I +leave every thing undisposed of, which I hope will be enough +to reward his trouble. May God Almighty bless him, and give +him all the engaging qualities of his father, all the +vertues of his mother, and none of the sins or failings of +his uncle, which God knows are great and many:—and humbly, +O my God, I call for mercy! In testimony of this my will, I +have hereunto set my hand and seal, this 15th day of +October, 1739. +</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Tho. Baker.</span></p> + +<p>And now, O my God, into thy hands I contentedly resign +myself: whether it be to life or death, thy will be done! +Long life I have not desired (and yet thou hast given it +me). Give me, if it be thy good pleasure, an easy and happy +death. Or if it shall please thee to visit me sorely, as my +sins have deserved, give me patience to bear thy correction, +and let me always say (even with my dying breath) Thy will +be done, Amen, Amen." Subjoined was this curious memorandum: +"At the making of this will, I have, in the corner of my +outer study, next my chamber, 170 guineas; and on the other +side of the study towards the river, 100 guineas, more or +less, in several canvass bags, behind the shelves, being +more secret and hidden, to prevent purloyning. One or more +of the shelves markt G. among the latter is a five pound +(Jacobus) piece of gold."</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">342</a></span><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> Never fear. He is an old acquaintance of mine; for, when +resident at St. John's, Cambridge, I was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">343</a></span> frequently in the habit of +conversing with his spirit in the library, and of getting curious +information relating to choice and precious volumes, which had escaped +the sagacity of his predecessors, and of which I fear his successors +have not made the most proper use.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> This is drawing too severe a conclusion. But Baker merits the +thanks of a book-loving posterity.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> He is satisfied with this mention of his labours; for see, he +retreats—and <span class="smcap">Theobald</span><a name="FNanchor_374_380" id="FNanchor_374_380"></a><a href="#Footnote_374_380" class="fnanchor">[374]</a> and Tom Rawlinson rush forward to claim a +more marked attention: although I am not much disposed to draw a +highly finished picture of the editor of Shakespeare.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_374_380" id="Footnote_374_380"></a><a href="#FNanchor_374_380">[374]</a> Notwithstanding Pope has called <span class="smcap">Theobald</span> by +an epithet which I have too much respect for the ears of my +readers to repeat, I do not scruple to rank the latter in +the list of bibliomaniacs. We have nothing here to do with +his edition of Shakspeare; which, by the bye, was no +despicable effort of editorial skill—as some of his notes, +yet preserved in the recent editions of our bard, +testify—but we may fairly allow Theobald to have been a +lover of Caxtonian lore, as his curious extract in <i>Mist's +Journal</i>, March 16, 1728, from our old printer's edition of +Virgil's Æneid, 1490, sufficiently testifies. While his +gothic library, composed in part of "Caxton, Wynkyn, and De +Lyra," proves that he had something of the genuine blood of +bibliomaniacism running in his veins. See Mr. Bowles's +edition of <i>Pope's Works</i>, vol. v., 114, 257.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Is <span class="smcap">Thomas Rawlinson</span><a name="FNanchor_375_381" id="FNanchor_375_381"></a><a href="#Footnote_375_381" class="fnanchor">[375]</a> so particularly deserving of +commendation, as a bibliomaniac?</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_375_381" id="Footnote_375_381"></a><a href="#FNanchor_375_381">[375]</a> Let us, first of all, hear Hearne discourse +rapturously of the bibliomaniacal reputation of T. +Rawlinson: "In his fuit amicus noster nuperus <span class="smcap">Thomas +Rawlinsonus</span>; cujus peritiam in supellectile libraria, +animique magnitudinem, nemo fere hominum eruditorum unquam +attigit, quod tamen vix agnoscet seculum ingratum. Quanquam +non desunt, qui putent, ipsius memoriæ statuam deberi, idque +etiam ad sumptus Bibliopolarum, quorum facultates mire +auxerat; quorum tamen aliqui (utcunque de illis optime +meritus fuisset) quum librorum Rawlinsoni auctio fieret, pro +virili (clandestinò tamen) laborabant, ut minus auspicatò +venderentur. Quod videntes probi aliquot, qui rem omuem +noverant, clamitabant, ô homines scelestos! hos jam oportet +in cruciatum hinc abripi! Quod hæc notem, non est cur vitio +vertas. Nam nil pol falsi dixi, mi lector. Quo tempore vixit +Rawlinsonus (et quidem perquam jucundum est commemorare), +magna et laudabilis erat æmulatio inter viros eruditos, +aliosque etiam, in libris perquirendis ac comparandis, imo +in fragmentis quoque. Adeo ut domicilia, ubi venales id +genus res pretiosæ prostabant, hominum cœtu frequenti +semper complerentur, in magnum profecto commodum eorum, ad +quos libri aliæque res illæ pertinebant; quippe quod +emptores parvo ære nunquam, aut rarissime, compararent." +<i>Walter Hemingford, præfat.</i>, p. <span class="smcap">civ.</span> In his preface to +<i>Alured de Beverly</i>, pp. v. vi., the copious stores of +Rawlinson's library, and the prompt kindness of the +possessor himself, are emphatically mentioned; while in the +preface to <i>Titi Livii Foro-Juliensis Vit. Henrici V.</i>, p. +xi., we are told, of the former, that it was "plurimis +libris rarissimis referta:" and, in truth, such a +"Bibliotheca refertissima" was perhaps never before beheld. +Rawlinson was introduced into the Tatler, under the name <span class="smcap">Tom +Folio</span>. His own house not being large enough, he hired +<i>London House</i>, in Aldersgate Street, for the reception of +his library; and there he used to regale himself with the +sight and the scent of innumerable black letter volumes, +arranged in "sable garb," and stowed perhaps "three deep," +from the bottom to the top of his house. He died in 1725; +and catalogues of his books for sale continued, for nine +succeeding years, to meet the public eye. The following is, +perhaps, as correct a list of these copious and +heterogeneously compiled catalogues, as can be presented to +the reader. I am indebted to the library of Mr. Heber for +such a curious bibliographical morçeau. <span class="smcap">i.</span> <i>A Catalogue of +choice and valuable Books in most Faculties and Languages; +being part of the Collection made by Thomas Rawlinson, +Esq.</i>, which will begin to be sold by auction at Paul's +Coffee House, the West-end of St. Paul's, 4th Dec., 1721, +beginning every evening at 5, by Thomas Ballard, bookseller, +at the Rising Sun, Little Britain. 12mo. Price 1s. 144 +pages.——<span class="smcap">ii.</span> <i>A Catalogue</i>, &c., being the 2nd part of the +Collection by T. Rawlinson, Esq., to be sold by auction at +Paul's Coffee-House, 7th March, 1721-2, every evening at 5, +by T. Ballard. 12mo. Price 1s., paged on from the last, pp. +145 to 288. [These two parts contain together 1438 8vo. +lots; 1157 in 4to., 618 in folio.]——<span class="smcap">iii.</span> <i>A Catalogue</i>, +&c., being the third part of the Collection by T. Rawlinson, +Esq., to be sold by auction at Paul's Coffee-House, 17th +Oct., 1722, every evening at 5, by T. Ballard. 12mo. Price +1s. (no paging or printer's letter.)——<span class="smcap">iv.</span> <i>A Catalogue</i>, +&c., being the 4th part of the Collection by T. Rawlinson, +Esq., to be sold by auction at Paul's Coffee-House, 2nd +April, 1723, every evening at 5, by T. Ballard, 12mo. Price +1s. (no paging or printer's letter.)——<span class="smcap">v.</span> & <span class="smcap">vi.</span> <i>A +Catalogue</i>, &c., being the 5th part of the Collection by T. +Rawlinson, Esq., to be sold by auction at Paul's +Coffee-House, 20th Jan. 1723, every evening at 5, by T. +Ballard. 12mo. Price 1s. Altho' this vol. seems to have been +the last of only one sale—yet it may be collected, from the +concurrent testimony of his notes in more copies than +one—that it was divided and sold at two different times; +the latter part commencing about the middle of the volume, +with the <i>Libri Theologici</i>. In folio.—Test. Nov. 1588, +being the first article. This collection began to be sold in +Feb. 2. [1724?]—<span class="smcap">vii.</span> <i>A Catalogue</i>, &c., being the 6th part +of the Collection made by T. Rawlinson, Esq., <i>Deceased</i>, +which will begin to be sold by auction at London-House, in +Aldersgate Street, 2nd March, 1726, every evening at 5, by +Charles Davis, bookseller. 12mo. Price 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> (no +paging—printer's mark at bottom irregularly continued from +1 to 35.)—<span class="smcap">viii.</span> <i>Bibliotheca Rawlinsoniana</i>, being a Cat. +of part the Val. Libr. of Tho. Rawlinson, Esq., Deceased: +which will begin to be sold by auction at the Bedford +Coffee-House, in the great Piazza, Covent Garden, the 26th +of this present April [1727] every evening at 5, by Charles +Davis, bookseller. 8vo. Price 6<i>d.</i> (20 days' sale—2600 +lots.)——<span class="smcap">ix.</span> <i>Bibliothecæ Rawlinsonianæ, &c., Pars</i> <span class="smcap">ix.</span> +being a Cat. of part of the Libr. of Th. Rawlinson, Esq., +Deceased, to be sold by auction at St. Paul's Coffee-House, +16th Oct., 1727, every evening at 6, by T. Ballard. 8vo. +Price 1<i>s.</i> (20 days' sale, 3200 lots.)——<span class="smcap">x.</span> <i>Bibliothecæ +Rawlinsonianæ, &c., Pars altera</i>, being a Cat. of part of +Lib. of Th. Rawlinson, Esq., Deceased, to be sold by auction +at St. Paul's Coffee-House, 22d Nov., 1727, every evening at +6, by Th. Ballard. 8vo. Price 1<i>s.</i> (22 days' sale, 3520 +articles.)——<span class="smcap">xi.</span> <i>Bibliothecæ Rawlinsonianæ, Pars altera</i>, +being a Catalogue of part of the Library of T. Rawlinson, +Esq., deceased, to be sold by auction at St. Paul's +Coffee-House, 22d Jan. 1727-8, every evening, Saturdays +excepted, at 6. 8vo. Price 1<i>s.</i> (22 days' sale, 3520 +lots.)——<span class="smcap">xii.</span> <i>Bibliothecæ Rawlinsonianæ, Pars altera</i>, +being a Cat. of part of the Library of Th. Rawlinson, Esq., +deceased, to be sold by auction at St. Paul's Coffee-House, +18th March, 1727-8, every evening at 5, by T. Ballard. Price +1<i>s.</i> (8vo. 24 days' sale, 3840 lots.)——<span class="smcap">xiii.</span> <i>Bibliothecæ +Rawlinsonianæ, Pars altera</i>, being a Cat. of part of the +Library of Th. Rawlinson, Esq., deceased, to be sold by +auction at St. Paul's Coffee-House, 21st April, 1729, every +evening at 5, by T. Ballard. Price 1<i>s.</i> (8vo. 26 days' +sale, 4161 lots.)——<span class="smcap">xiv.</span> <i>Bibliothecæ Rawlinsonianæ, Pars +altera</i>, being a Cat. of part of the Library of T. +Rawlinson, Esq., deceased, to be sold by auction at St. +Paul's Coffee-House, 24 Nov. 1729, every evening at 5, by T. +Ballard. Price 1<i>s.</i> (8vo. 18 days' sale, 2700 lots.)——<span class="smcap">xv.</span> +<i>Bibliothecæ Rawlinsonianæ, Pars altera</i>, being a Cat. of +part of the Library of T. Rawlinson, F.R.S., deceased, to be +sold by auction 13th Nov., 1732, at St. Paul's Coffee-House, +every evening at 5, by Tho. Ballard. Price 1<i>s.</i> (8vo. 26 +days' sale, 3456 lots.)——<span class="smcap">xvi.</span> <i>Codicum Manuscriptorum +Bibliothecæ Rawlinsonianæ Catalogus—cum appendice +Impressorum</i>—to be sold 4th March, 1733-4, at St. Paul's +Coffee-House, every night at 6, by T. Ballard. Price 1<i>s.</i> +(8vo., 16 days' sale, MSS. 1020 lots—appendix 800). To +these may be added, <i>Picturæ Rawlinsonianæ</i>—being the +collection of original paintings of T. Rawlinson, Esq., +F.R.S., by the best masters—part of which were formerly the +Earl of Craven's Collection. To be sold by auction, at the +Two Golden Balls, in Hart Street, Covent Garden, 4th April, +1734, at 11. 8vo. (117 lots.) Now let any man, in his sober +senses, imagine what must have been the number of volumes +contained in the library of the above-named <span class="smcap">Thomas +Rawlinson</span>? Does he imagine that the tomes in the Bodleian, +Vatican, and British Museum were, in each single collection, +more numerous than those in the <i>Aldersgate Street</i> +repository?—Or, at any rate, would not a view of this +Aldersgate Street collection give him the completest idea of +the <i>ne plus ultra</i> of <span class="smcap">book-phrensy</span> in a private collector? +Rawlinson would have cut a very splendid figure, indeed, +with posterity, if some judicious catalogue-maker, the +Paterson of former times, had consolidated all these +straggling <i>Bibliothecal</i> corps into one compact wedge-like +phalanx. Or, in other words, if one thick octavo volume, +containing a tolerably well classed arrangement of his +library, had descended to us—oh, then we should all have +been better able to appreciate the extraordinary treasures +of <span class="smcap">such a collection</span>! The genius of Pearson and Crofts would +have done homage to the towering spirit of Rawlinson.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">344</a></span><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> If the most unabating activity and an insatiable appetite—if +an eye, in regard to books, keen and sparkling as the ocean-bathed +star—if a purse, heavily laden and inexhaustible—if store-rooms +rivalled only by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345">345</a></span> the present warehouses of the East-India Company—if +a disposition to spread far and wide the influence of the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>, +by issuing a <i>carte blanche</i> for every desperately smitten antiquary +to enter, and partake of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346">346</a></span> benefits of, his library—be criteria of +<span class="smcap">book-phrensy</span>—why then the resemblance of this said Tom Rawlinson +ought to form a principal ornament in the capital of that gigantic +column, which sustains the temple of <span class="smcap">Book Fame</span>! He was the <i>Tom Folio</i> +of the Tatler, and may be called the <i>Leviathan</i> of book-collectors +during nearly the first thirty years of the eighteenth century.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> I suppose, then, that Bagford, Murray, and Hearne, were not +unknown to this towering bibliomaniac?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> On the contrary, I conclude, for certain, that, if they did +not drink wine, they constantly drank coffee, together: one of the +huge folio volumes of Bleau's Atlas serving them for a table.</p> + +<p class="bp">But see yonder the rough rude features of <span class="smcap">Humphrey Wanley</span><a name="FNanchor_376_382" id="FNanchor_376_382"></a><a href="#Footnote_376_382" class="fnanchor">[376]</a> peering +above the crowd! All hail to thy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347">347</a></span> honest physiognomy—for thou wert a +rare <i>Book-wight</i> in thy way! and as long as the fame of thy patron +Harley shall live, so long, honest Humphrey, dost thou stand a sure +chance of living "for aye," in the memory of all worthy bibliomaniacs.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_376_382" id="Footnote_376_382"></a><a href="#FNanchor_376_382">[376]</a> Lysander is well warranted in borrowing the +pencil of Jan Steen, in the above bold and striking portrait +of <span class="smcap">Wanley</span>: who was, I believe, as honest a man, and as +learned a librarian, as ever sat down to morning chocolate +in velvet slippers. There is a portrait of him in oil in the +British Museum, and another similar one in the Bodleian +Library—from which latter it is evident, on the slightest +observation, that the inestimable, I ought to say immortal, +founder of the <i>Cow Pox system</i> (my ever respected and +sincere friend, Dr. <span class="smcap">Jenner</span>) had not then made known the +blessings resulting from the vaccine operation: for poor +Wanley's face is absolutely <i>peppered</i> with <i>variolous</i> +indentations! Yet he seems to have been a hale and hearty +man, in spite of the merciless inroads made upon his visage; +for his cheeks are full, his hair is cropt and curly, and +his shoulders have a breadth which shew that the unrolling +of the <span class="smcap">Harleian</span> MSS. did not produce any enervating effluvia +or <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: miasmata">mismata</span>. Our poet, Gay, in +his epistle to Pope, <i>ep.</i> 18, thus hits off his +countenance:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +O <span class="smcap">Wanley</span>, whence com'st thou with <i>shorten'd hair</i>,<br /> +And <i>visage</i>, from thy shelves, <i>with</i> dust besprent?<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>But let us hear the testimony of a friend and fellow +bibliomaniac, called Thomas Hearne. The following desultory +information is translated from the preface to the <i>Annales +Prioratûs de Dunstable</i>—wherein, by the bye, there is a +good deal of pleasant information relating to Wanley. We are +here told that Wanley was "born at Coventry; and, in his +younger days, employed his leisure hours in turning over +ancient MSS., and imitating the several hands in which they +were written. Lloyd, Bishop of Litchfield and Coventry, in +one of his episcopal visitations, was the first who noticed +and patronized him. He demanded that Wanley should be +brought to him; he examined him "suis ipsius, non alterius, +oculis;" and ascertained whether what so many respectable +people had said of his talents was true or false—'A few +words with you, young man,' said the Bishop. Wanley +approached with timidity—'What are your pursuits, and where +are the ancient MSS. which you have in your possession?' +Wanley answered readily; exhibited his MSS., and entered +into a minute discussion respecting the ancient method of +painting." Hearne then expatiates feelingly upon the +excessive care and attention which Wanley devoted to ancient +MSS.; how many pieces of vellum he unrolled; and how, +sometimes, in the midst of very urgent business, he would +lose no opportunity of cultivating what was useful and +agreeable in his particular pursuit. His hobby horse seems +to have been the discovery of the ancient method of +colouring or painting—yet towards <span class="smcap">British History</span> and +<span class="smcap">Antiquities</span> he constantly cast a fond and faithful eye. How +admirably well-calculated he was for filling the situation +of librarian to Lord Oxford is abundantly evinced by his +catalogue of the Harleian MSS.; vide <a href="#Page_89">p. 89</a>, ante. Of his +attachment to the Bibliomania there are innumerable proofs. +Take this, <i>inter alia</i>; "I spoke to Mr. Wanley, who is not +unmindful of his promise, but says he will not trouble you +with a letter, till he has something better to present you, +which he doubts not he shall have this winter <i>among Mr. +Harley's MSS.</i> Mr. Wanley has the greatest collection of +<i>English Bibles, Psalters, &c.</i>, that ever any one man had. +They cost him above 50<i>l.</i>, and he has been above twenty +years in collecting them. He would part with them, I +believe, but I know not at what price." <i>Masters's Life of +Baker</i>, p. 27. Consult also the preface to the <i>Catalogue of +the Harleian MSS.</i>, 1808, 3 vols., folio, p. 6.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">A softer noise succeeds; and the group becomes calm and attentive, as +if some grand personage were advancing. See, 'tis <span class="smcap">Harley, Earl of +Oxford</span>!<a name="FNanchor_377_383" id="FNanchor_377_383"></a><a href="#Footnote_377_383" class="fnanchor">[377]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_377_383" id="Footnote_377_383"></a><a href="#FNanchor_377_383">[377]</a> There was an amusing little volume, printed +in 1782, 8vo., concerning the library of the late King of +France; and an equally interesting one might have been +composed concerning the <span class="smcap">Harleian Collection</span>—but who can now +undertake the task?—who concentrate all the rivulets which +have run from this splendid reservoir into other similar +pieces of water? The undertaking is impracticable. We have +nothing, therefore, I fear, left us but to sit down and +weep; to hang our harps upon the neighbouring willows, and +to think upon the Book "<span class="smcap">Sion</span>," with desponding sensations +that its foundations have been broken up, and its wealth +dissipated. But let us adopt a less flowery style of +communication. Before <span class="smcap">Harley</span> was created a peer, his library +was fixed at Wimple, in Cambridgeshire, the usual place of +his residence; "whence he frequently visited his friends at +Cambridge, and in particular Mr. <span class="smcap">Baker</span>, for whom he always +testified the highest regard. This nobleman's attachment to +literature, the indefatigable pains he took, and the large +sums he expended in making the above collection, are too +well known to stand in need of any further notice." +<i>Masters's life of Baker</i>, p. 107. The eulogies of Maittaire +and Hearne confirm every thing here advanced by Masters; and +the testimony of Pope himself, that Harley "left behind him +one of the finest libraries in Europe," warrants us, if +other testimonies were not even yet daily before our eyes, +to draw the same conclusion. In a periodical publication +entitled <i>The Director</i>, to which I contributed all the +intelligence under the article "<span class="smcap">Bibliographiana</span>," there +appeared the following copious, and, it is presumed, not +uninteresting, details respecting the Earl of Oxford, and +his Library. After the sale of Mr. Bridges's books, no event +occurred in the bibliographical world, worthy of notice, +till the sale of the famous <i>Harleian Library</i>, or the books +once in the possession of the celebrated <span class="smcap">Harley, Earl of +Oxford</span>. This nobleman was not less distinguished in the +political than in the literary world; and "was a remarkable +instance of the fickleness of popular opinion, and the +danger of being removed from the lower to the upper house of +parliament." (Noble's <i>Continuation of Granger</i>, vol. ii., +23.) He was born in the year 1661, was summoned to the house +of Lords by the titles of Earl of Oxford and Mortimer, in +1711; declared minister and lord high treasurer in the same +year; resigned, and was impeached, in the year 1715; +acquitted, without being brought to a trial, in 1717; and +died at his house in Albemarle Street, in 1724. A character +so well known in the annals of this country needs no +particular illustration in the present place. The <i>Harleian +Collection of MSS.</i> was purchased by government for +10,000<i>l.</i>, and is now deposited in the British Museum (vide +<a href="#Page_89">p. 89</a>, ante). The <i>Books</i> were disposed of to <span class="smcap">Thomas +Osborne</span>, of Gray's Inn, bookseller;—to the irreparable +loss, and, I had almost said, the indelible disgrace, of the +country. It is, indeed, for ever to be lamented that a +collection so extensive, so various, so magnificent, and +intrinsically valuable, should have become the property of +one who necessarily, from his situation in life, became a +purchaser, only that he might be a vender, of the volumes. +Osborne gave 13,000<i>l.</i> for the collection; a sum which must +excite the astonishment of the present age, when it is +informed that Lord Oxford gave 18,000<i>l.</i> for the <i>Binding</i> +only, of the least part of them. (From Oldys's <i>interleaved +Langbaine</i>. See Brydges's <i>Cens. Literar.</i>, vol. i., p. +438.) In the year 1743-4 appeared an account of this +collection, under the following title, <i>Catalogus +Bibliothecæ Harleianæ, &c.</i>, in four volumes (the 5th not +properly appertaining to it). Dr. Johnson was employed by +Osborne to write the preface, which, says Boswell, "he has +done with an ability that cannot fail to impress all his +readers with admiration of his philological attainments." +<i>Life of Johnson</i>, vol. i., 81, edit. 4to. In my humble +apprehension, the preface is unworthy of the doctor: it +contains a few general philological reflections, expressed +in a style sufficiently stately, but is divested of +bibliographical anecdote and interesting intelligence. The +first two volumes are written in Latin by Johnson; the third +and fourth volumes, which are a repetition of the two +former, are composed in English by Oldys: and, +notwithstanding its defects, it is the best catalogue of a +large library of which we can boast. It should be in every +good collection. To the volumes was prefixed the following +advertisement: "As the curiosity of spectators, before the +sale, may produce disorder in the disposition of the books, +it is necessary to advertise the public that there will be +no admission into the library before the day of sale, which +will be on Tuesday, the 14th of February, 1744." It seems +that Osborne had charged the sum of 5<i>s.</i> to each of his +first two volumes, which was represented by the booksellers +"as an avaricious innovation;" and, in a paper published in +"<i>The Champion</i>," they, or their mercenaries, reasoned so +justly as to allege that "if Osborne could afford a very +large price for the library, he might therefore afford to +<i>give away</i> the catalogue." <i>Preface to</i> vol. iii., p. 1. To +this charge Osborne answered that his catalogue was drawn up +with great pains, and at a heavy expense; but, to obviate +all objections, "those," says he, "who have paid five +shillings a volume shall be allowed, at any time within +three months after the day of sale, either to return them in +exchange for books, or to send them back, and receive their +money." This, it must be confessed, was sufficiently +liberal. Osborne was also accused of <i>rating his books at +too high a price</i>: to this the following was his reply, or +rather Dr. Johnson's; for the style of the Doctor is +sufficiently manifest: "If, therefore, I have set a high +value upon books—if I have vainly imagined literature to be +more fashionable than it really is, or idly hoped to revive +a taste well nigh extinguished, I know not why I should be +persecuted with clamour and invective, since I shall only +suffer by my mistake, and be obliged to keep those books +which I was in hopes of selling."—<i>Preface to the 3d +volume.</i> The fact is that Osborne's charges were extremely +moderate; and the sale of the books was so very slow that +Johnson assured Boswell "there was not much gained by the +bargain." Whoever inspects Osborne's catalogue of 1748 (four +years after the Harleian sale), will find in it many of the +most valuable of Lord Oxford's books; and, among them, a +copy of the Aldine Plato of 1513, <i>struck off upon vellum</i>, +marked at 21<i>l.</i> only: for this identical copy Lord Oxford +gave 100 guineas, as Dr. Mead informed Dr. Askew; from the +latter of whose collections it was purchased by Dr. Hunter, +and is now in the Hunter Museum. There will also be found, +in Osborne's catalogues of 1748 and 1753, some of the +scarcest books in English Literature, marked at 2, or 3, or +4<i>s.</i>, for which three times the number of <i>pounds</i> is now +given. +</p> + +<p class="center">ANALYSIS OF THE HARLEIAN LIBRARY.</p> + +<p>I shall take the liberty of making an arrangement of the +books different from that which appears in the Harleian +catalogue; but shall scrupulously adhere to the number of +departments therein specified. And first of those in +</p> + +<p class="center">1. <i>Divinity.</i></p> + +<p>In the <i>Greek</i>, <i>Latin</i>, <i>French</i>, and <i>Italian</i> languages, +there were about 2000 theological volumes. Among these, the +most rare and curious were Bamler's bible of 1466, +beautifully illuminated, in 2 volumes: Schæffer's bible of +1472. The famous Zurich bible of 1543, "all of which, except +a small part done by Theodoras Bibliander, was translated +from the Hebrew by a Jew, who styled himself Leo Judæ, or +the Lion of Judah. The Greek books were translated by Petrus +Cholinus. The New Testament is Erasmus's." The Scrutinium +Scripturarum of Rabbi Samuel, Mant., 1475; a book which is +said "to have been concealed by the Jews nearly 200 years: +the author of it is supposed to have lived at a period not +much later than the destruction of Jerusalem." The Islandic +bible of 1664, "not to be met with, without the utmost +difficulty, and therefore a real curiosity." The works of +Hemmerlin, Basil: 1497; "the author was ranked in the first +class of those whose works were condemned by the church of +Rome." The Mozarabic Missal printed at Toledo, in 1500—of +which some account is given at <a href="#Page_161">p. 161</a>, ante. The collection +of <i>English</i> books in Divinity could not have amounted to +less than 2500 volumes. Among the rarest of these, printed +in the fifteenth century, was "The Festyvall, begynning at +the fyrst Sonday of Advent, in worship of God and all his +Sayntes," &c., printed at Paris, in 1495. There was ten +books printed by Caxton, and some exceedingly curious ones +by Wynkyn de Worde and Pynson. +</p> + +<p class="center">2. <i>History and Antiquities.</i></p> + +<p>There appear to have been, on the whole, nearly 4000 volumes +in this department: of which, some of those relating to +Great Britain were inestimable, from the quantity of MS. +notes by Sir William Dugdale, Archbishop Parker, Thomas +Rawlinson, Thomas Baker, &c. The preceding number includes +600 relating to the history and antiquities of Italy; 500 to +those of France. (This part of the catalogue deserves +particular attention, as it contains a larger collection of +pieces relating to the history of France than was, perhaps, +ever exposed to sale in this nation; here being not only the +ancient chronicles and general histories, but the memoirs of +particular men, and the genealogies of most of the families +illustrious for their antiquity. See <i>Bibl. Harl.</i>, vol. +iii., p. 159.) 150 to those of Spain; and about 250 relating +to Germany and the United Provinces. +</p> + +<p class="center">3. <i>Books of Prints, Sculpture, and Drawings.</i></p> + +<p>In this department, rich beyond description, there could not +have been fewer than 20,000 articles, on the smallest +computation: of which nearly 2000 were original drawings by +the great Italian and Flemish masters. The works of <span class="smcap">Callot</span> +were preserved in 4 large volumes, containing not fewer than +<i>nine hundred and twelve prints</i>. "All choice impressions, +and making the completest set of his works that are to be +seen." See <i>Bibl. Harl.</i>, vol. iii., n<span class="super">o</span>. 562, "<span class="smcap">Hollar's</span> +works, consisting of all his pieces, and bound in 12 folio +volumes, in morocco. One of the completest and best sets in +the world, both as to the number and goodness of the +impressions." Vid. <i>ibid.</i>, n<span class="super">o</span>. 468. It is now in the +library of the Duke of Rutland. "One hundred and +thirty-three heads of illustrious men and women, after +<span class="smcap">Vandyke</span>. This set of Vandyke's heads may be said to be the +best and completest that is to be met with any where: there +being the 12 heads which he etched himself, as likewise 79 +worked off by Martin Vanden Enden: and what adds still to +the value of them is that the greater part were collected by +the celebrated Marriette at Paris, his name being signed on +the back, as warranting them good proofs." +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: The">Tne</span> engravings from <span class="smcap">Raphael's</span> +paintings, upwards of 200 in number, and by the best foreign +masters, were contained in 4 splendid morocco volumes. The +works of the <span class="smcap">Sadelers</span>, containing upwards of 959 prints, in +8 large folio volumes, were also in this magnificent +collection: and the Albert Durers, Goltziuses, Rembrandts, +&c., innumerable! +</p> + +<p class="center">4. <i>Collection of Portraits.</i></p> + +<p>This magnificent collection, uniformly bound in 102 large +folio volumes, contained a series of heads of illustrious +and remarkable characters, to the amount of nearly 10,000 in +number. It is said, in the catalogue, to be "perhaps the +largest collection of heads ever exposed to sale." We are +also informed that it "was thought proper, for the +accommodation of the curious, to separate the volumes." +Eheu! Eheu! +</p> + +<p class="center">5. <i>Philosophy, Chemistry, Medicine, &c.</i></p> + +<p>Under this head, comprehending anatomy, astronomy, +mathematics, and alchemy, there appear to have been not +fewer than 2500 volumes in the foreign languages, and about +600 in the English: some of them of the most curious kind, +and of the rarest occurrence. +</p> + +<p class="center">6. <i>Geography, Chronology, and General History.</i></p> + +<p>There were about 290 volumes on these subjects, written in +the Latin, French, Italian, and Spanish languages: and about +300 volumes in our own language. Some of the scarcest books +printed by Caxton were among the latter. +</p> + +<p class="center">7. <i>Voyages and Histories relating to the East and West +Indies.</i></p> + +<p>About 800 volumes:—nearly equally divided into the English +and foreign languages. Among the English, were Caxton's +"Recuyell of the historys of Troye," 1471 (supposed to be +the first book printed in this country;) and his "Siege and +conquest of Jherusalem," 1481. +</p> + +<p class="center">8. <i>Civil, Canon, and Statute Law.</i></p> + +<p>At least 800 volumes: 300 in the foreign languages, and the +remaining in English. +</p> + +<p class="center">9. <i>Books of Sculpture, Architecture, &c.</i></p> + +<p>Not fewer than 900 volumes, comprehending every thing +published up to that period which was valuable or rare. Of +these, more than 700 were written in Latin, Italian, French, +or Spanish—and embellished with every beauty of graphic +illustration. +</p> + +<p class="center">10. <i>Greek and Latin Classics; Grammars and Lexicons.</i></p> + +<p>This very valuable body of Grecian and Roman literature +could not have included fewer than 2400 volumes—and, among +these, almost every work of rarity and excellence. In the +article of "Cicero" alone, there were 115 volumes printed in +the <i>fifteenth century</i>; every subsequent edition of that +and other authors, then distinguished for its accuracy or +erudition, may also, I believe, be discovered in the +catalogue. Most book-collectors know the sumptuous manner in +which the Harleian copies are bound. +</p> + +<p class="center">11. <i>Books printed upon Vellum.</i></p> + +<p>In this interesting department of typography, there were +about 220 volumes—upwards of 70 in folio, 40 in quarto, and +100 in octavo. Of the former, the most curious and rare +articles were the Mentz bible of 1462, 2 vols., and the +travels of Breydenbachus, printed at Mentz in 1486. "This +book is an uncommon object of curiosity, as it is, perhaps, +the first book of travels that was ever printed, and is +adorned with maps and pictures very remarkable. The view of +<i>Venice</i> is more than five feet long, and the map of the +<i>Holy Land</i> more than three; there are views of many other +cities. It is printed in the Gothic character." See <i>Bibl. +Harl.</i>, vol. iii., n<span class="super">o</span>. 3213. The octavos were chiefly +"Heures à l'usage," so common at the beginning of the 16th +century: but, if the catalogue be correctly published, there +appears to have been one of these books printed at Paris, as +early as the year 1466, "extremely beautiful cuts." See the +<i>Bibl. Harl.</i>, vol. iv., n<span class="super">o</span>. 18406. Now, if this were +true, it would make known a curious fact in Parisian +typography—for the usually received opinion among +bibliographers is that no printed book appeared in France +before the year 1467, when the art was first introduced at +<i>Tours</i>; and none at <i>Paris</i> before the year 1469-70—when +Crantz and Friburger were engaged to print there. +</p> + +<p class="center">12. <i>English Poetry, Romances, and Novels.</i></p> + +<p>There could not have been fewer than 900 volumes in this +amusing department; and among them some editions of the +rarest occurrence. Every thing printed by Caxton on these +subjects, including a complete and magnificent copy of +<i>Morte d'Arthur</i>, was in the collection—and, in respect to +other curious works, it will be sufficient to mention only +the following, as a specimen. "Kynge-Richarde Cuer du Lyon, +W. de Worde, 1528: Gascoigne's Poesies, 1575—Spenser's +Shepheardes Calenders, 1586: Webbe's Discourse of English +Poetrie, 1586: Nash's Art of English Poesie, 1589." Some of +these volumes were afterwards marked by Osborne, in his +catalogues, at 3 or 4 shillings! +</p> + +<p class="center">13. <i>Livres François, Ital., et Hispan.</i></p> + +<p>There might have been 700 volumes in these foreign +languages, of which nearly 500 related to <i>poetry</i> +(exclusively of others in the foregoing and following +departments). +</p> + +<p class="center">14. <i>Parliamentary Affairs and Trials.</i></p> + +<p>Upwards of 400 volumes.</p> + +<p class="center">15. <i>Trade and Commerce.</i></p> + +<p>About 300 volumes.</p> + +<p>It will be seen from the preceding divisions, and from the +gradual diminution of the number of volumes in each, that I +have gone through the principal departments of the Harleian +collection of books: and yet there remain <i>fifty +departments</i> to be enumerated! These are the following: 16. +<i>Critici et Opera collecta.</i> 17. <i>Vultus et Imagines Illust. +Virorum.</i> 18. <i>Pompæ, Ceremoniæ, et Exequiæ.</i> 19. <i>De re +Militari, de Arte Equestri, et de re Navali.</i> 20. +<i>Heraldica.</i> 21. <i>Epistolæ, Panegyrici, et Orationes.</i> 22. +<i>Bibliothecarii et Miscellanei.</i> 23. <i>Tractatus Pacis et +Politici.</i> 24. <i>Traductions des Auteurs Gr. et Latin.</i> 25. +<i>Translations from Greek and Latin Authors.</i> 26. <i>Laws, +Customs, &c., of the City of London.</i> 27. <i>Military, Naval +affairs, and Horsemanship.</i> 28. <i>Heraldry.</i> +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: 29.">9.</span> <i>Husbandry, Gardening, +Agriculture.</i> 30. <i>Magic, Sorcery, Witchcraft.</i> 31. +<i>Miraculous, Monstrous, and Supernatural.</i> 32. <i>Lives of +Eminent Persons.</i> 33. <i>Laws and Customs of divers Places.</i> +34. <i>Tythes, Sacrilege, and Non-residence, &c.</i> 35. <i>Cases +of divers Persons.</i> 36. <i>Prisons and Prisoners.</i> 37. <i>Lives +of Murderers, Highwaymen, Pirates, &c.</i> 38. <i>Speeches of +Persons executed for divers Offences.</i> 39. <i>Justices, +Juries, and Charges.</i> 40. <i>Poor, and Charitable Uses.</i> 41. +<i>Matrimony, Divorce, &c.</i> 42. <i>Universities.</i> 43. +<i>Allegiance, Supremacy, Non Resistance, &c.</i> 44. <i>Bank and +Bankers.</i> 45. <i>Funds, Taxes, Public Credit, Money, Coin, +&c.</i> 46. <i>War and Standing Armies.</i> 47. <i>Admiralty and +Navy.</i> 48. <i>Letters on various Subjects.</i> 49. <i>Treatises of +Peace, Royal Prerogative, &c.</i> 50. <i>Navigation.</i> 51. +<i>Education, Grammar and Schools.</i> 52. <i>Ludicrous, +Entertaining, Satirical, and Witty.</i> 53. <i>English +Miscellanies.</i> 54. <i>Ecclesiastical and Civil History of +Scotland.</i> 55. <i>Do. of Ireland.</i> 56. <i>Grammars and +Dictionnaries.</i> 57. <i>Plays, and relating to the Theatre.</i> +58. <i>Mathematics.</i> 59. <i>Astrology, Astronomy, and +Chymistry.</i> 60. <i>Horsemanship.</i> 61. <i>Cookery.</i> 62. +<i>Convocation.</i> 63. <i>Sieges, Battles, War, &c.</i> 64. <i>Pomp and +Ceremony.</i> 65. <i>Books relating to Writing and Printing.</i> 66. +<i>Essays on various Subjects.</i> It will probably be no very +unreasonable computation to allow to each of these remaining +divisions 80 volumes: so that multiplying the whole 50 +divisions by 80 there will be the additional number of 4000 +volumes to make the library complete. I ought to mention +that, in my account of this extensive library, I have not +included the <i>Pamphlets</i>. Of these alone, according to Mr. +Gough (<i>Brit. Topog.</i> v., i., 669), there were computed to +be 400,000! We will now say a few words about the private +character of Lord Oxford, and conclude with a brief account +of Osborne. Every body has heard of the intimacy which +subsisted between <span class="smcap">Pope</span> and the Earl of Oxford. In the year +1721, when the latter was at his country seat, Pope sent him +a copy of Parnell's poems (of which he had undertaken the +publication on the decease of Parnell), with a letter in +poetry and prose. It seems that Pope wished to prefix his +own verses to the collection; and thus alludes to them, in +his letter to Lord Harley of the date of 1721: "Poor +Parnell, before he died, left me the charge of publishing +those few remains of his: I have a strong desire to make +them, their author, and their publisher, more considerable, +by addressing and dedicating them all to you, &c. All I +shall say for it is that 'tis the only dedication I ever +writ, and shall be the only one, whether you accept it or +not: for I will not bow the knee to a less man than my Lord +Oxford, and I expect to see no greater in my time." +</p><p> +The following is the latter part of the <i>Poetical Epistle</i> +here alluded to:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +And sure, if aught below the seats divine<br /> +Can touch immortals, 'tis a soul like thine:<br /> +A soul supreme, in each hard instance tried,<br /> +Above all pain, all passion, and all pride;<br /> +The rage of power, the blast of public breath,<br /> +The lust of lucre, and the dread of death.<br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">In vain to deserts thy retreat is made;</span><br /> +The muse attends thee to thy silent shade:<br /> +'Tis her's the brave man's latest steps to trace,<br /> +Rejudge his acts, and dignify disgrace.<br /> +When int'rest calls off all her sneaking train,<br /> +And all th' obliged desert, and all the vain;<br /> +She waits, or to the scaffold, or the cell,<br /> +When the last lingering friend has bid farewell.<br /> +Ev'n now, she shades thy evening walk with bays,<br /> +(No hireling she, no prostitute of praise)<br /> +Ev'n now, observant of the parting ray,<br /> +Eyes the calm sun-set of thy various day;<br /> +Thro' fortune's cloud <span class="smcap">one</span> truly great can see,<br /> +Nor fears to tell that <span class="smcap">Mortimer</span> is he!<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><i>Pope's Works</i>, vol. ii., p. 320-3. Bowles's edit.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>The following was the reply of the Earl of Oxford to Mr. +Pope. +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><span class="smcap">Sir</span>,</span></p> + +<p class="letter">I received your packet, which could not but give me great +pleasure to see you preserve an old friend in your memory; +for it must needs be very agreeable to be remembered by +those we highly value. But then, how much shame did it cause +me when I read your very fine verses inclosed! My mind +reproached me how far short I came of what your great +friendship and delicate pen would partially describe me. You +ask my consent to publish it: to what straits doth this +reduce me! I look back, indeed, to those evenings I have +usefully and pleasantly spent with Mr. Pope, Mr. Parnell, +Dean Swift, the Doctor (Arbuthnot), &c. I should be glad the +world knew you admitted me to your friendship; and since +your affection is too hard for your judgment, I am contented +to let the world know how well Mr. Pope can write upon a +barren subject. I return you an exact copy of the verses, +that I may keep the original, as a testimony of the only +error you have been guilty of. I hope, very speedily, to +embrace you in London, and to assure you of the particular +esteem and friendship wherewith I am your, &c., +</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Oxford.</span></p> +</div> + +<p>Of <span class="smcap">Tom Osborne</span> I have in vain endeavoured to collect some +interesting biographical details. What I know of him shall +be briefly stated. He was the most celebrated bookseller of +his day; and appears, from a series of his catalogues in my +possession, to have carried on a successful trade from the +year 1738 to 1768. What fortune he amassed, is not, I +believe, very well known: his collections were truly +valuable, for they consisted of the purchased libraries of +the most eminent men of those times. In his stature he was +short and thick; and, to his inferiors, generally spoke in +an authoritative and insolent manner. "It has been +confidently related," says Boswell, "that Johnson, one day, +knocked Osborne down in his shop with a folio, and put his +foot upon his neck. The simple truth I had from Johnson +himself. 'Sir, he was impertinent to me, and I beat him. But +it was not in his shop: it was in my own chamber.'" 4to. +edit., i., 81. Of Osborne's philological attainments, the +meanest opinion must be formed, if we judge from his +advertisements, which were sometimes inserted in the London +Gazette, and drawn up in the most ridiculously vain and +ostentatious style. He used to tell the public that he +possessed "all the pompous editions of Classicks and +Lexicons." I insert the two following advertisements, +prefixed, the one to his catalogue of 1748, the other to +that of 1753, for the amusement of my bibliographical +readers, and as a model for Messrs. Payne, White, Miller, +Evans, Priestley, and Cuthell. "This catalogue being very +large, and of consequence very expensive to the proprietor, +he humbly requests that, if it falls into the hands of any +gentleman <i>gratis</i>, who chooses not himself to be a +purchaser of any of the books contained in it, that such +gentleman will be pleased to recommend it to any other whom +he thinks may be so, or to return it." To his catalogue of +1753 was the following: "To the Nobility and Gentry who +please to favour me with their commands. It is hoped, as I +intend to give no offence to any nobleman or gentleman, that +do me the honour of being my customer, by putting a price on +my catalogue, by which means they may not receive it as +usual—it is desired that such nobleman or gentleman as have +not received it, would be pleased to send for it; and it's +likewise requested of such gentleman who do receive it, +that, if they chuse not to purchase any of the books +themselves, <i>they would recommend it to any bookish +gentleman of their acquaintance, or to return it</i>, and the +favour shall be acknowledged by, their most obedient and +obliged, +</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">T. Osborne</span>."</p> + +<p>I shall conclude with the following curious story told of +him, in Mr. Nichols's <i>Anecdotes of Bowyer</i> the Printer. +"Mr. David Papillon, a gentleman of fortune and literary +taste, as well as a good antiquary (who died in 1762) +contracted with Osborne to furnish him with an 100<i>l.</i> worth +of books, at <i>threepence a piece</i>. The only conditions were, +that they should be perfect, and that there should be no +duplicate. Osborne was highly pleased with his bargain, and +the first great purchase he made, he sent Mr. P. a large +quantity; but in the next purchase, he found he could send +but few, and the next, still fewer. Not willing, however, to +give up, he sent books worth <i>five shillings</i> a piece; and, +at last, was forced to go and beg to be let off the +contract. Eight thousand books would have been wanted!"—See +p. 101-2, note ‡‡.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348">348</a></span><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Let us rise to pay him homage!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> Lisardo is now fairly bewitched. He believes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_349" id="Page_349">349</a></span> in the existence +of the group!—Help, ho! Fetters and warder for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_350" id="Page_350">350</a></span>—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> Philemon loves to indulge his wit at his friend's expense. Is't +not so, Lisardo?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_351" id="Page_351">351</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> I forgive him. 'Twas a "glorious fault." But, indeed, I would +strip to the skin, if this said nobleman<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_352" id="Page_352">352</a></span> longed for my coat, +waistcoat, small clothes, and shirt, to form him a cushion to sit +upon! I have heard such wonderful things said of his library!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_353" id="Page_353">353</a></span>—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> And not more wonderful than its reputation justifies. Well +might Pope be enamoured of such a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_354" id="Page_354">354</a></span> noble friend—and well might even +Dr. Mead bow to the superior splendour of such a book-competitor! +While<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_355" id="Page_355">355</a></span> the higher order of bibliomaniacs, reposing upon satin sofas, +were quaffing burgundy out of Harley's curiously cut goblets, and +listening to the captivating tale of Mead or Folkes, respecting a +<span class="smcap">vellum</span> <i>Editio Princeps</i>—the lower order, with Bagford at their head, +were boisterously regaling themselves below, drinking ale round an +oaken table, and toasting their patron, till the eye could no longer +discover the glass, nor the tongue utter his name. Aloft, in mid air, +sat the soothed spirits of Smith and North; pointing, with their thin, +transparent fingers, to the apotheosis of <span class="smcap">Caxton</span> and <span class="smcap">Aldus</span>! Suddenly, +a crowd of pipy fragrance involves the room: these ærial forms cease +to be visible; and broken sounds, like the retiring tide beneath Dover +cliff, die away<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_356" id="Page_356">356</a></span> into utter silence. Sleep succeeds: but short is the +slumber of enthusiastic bibliomaniacs! The watchman rouses them from +repose: and the annunciation of the hour of "two o'clock, and a +moonlight morning," reminds them of their cotton night-caps and flock +mattrasses. They start up, and sally forwards; chaunting, midst the +deserted streets, and with eyes turned sapiently towards the moon, +"Long life to the King of Book-Collectors, <span class="smcap">Harley, Earl of Oxford</span>!"</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> A truce, Lysander! I entreat a truce!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> To what?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> To this discourse. You must be exhausted.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> Indeed I agree with Lorenzo: for Lysander has surpassed, in +prolixity, the reputation of any orator within St. Stephen's chapel. +It only remains to eclipse, in a similar manner, the speeches which +were delivered at Hardy's trial—and then he may be called the +<i>Nonpareil</i> of orators!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> If you banter me, I am dumb. Nor did I know that there was any +thing of eloquence in my chit-chat. If Lisardo had had my experience, +we might <i>then</i> have witnessed some glittering exhibitions of +imagination in the book-way!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> My most excellent friend, I will strive to obtain this +experience, since you are pleased to compliment me upon what I was not +conscious of possessing—But, in truth, Lysander, our obligations to +you are infinite.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> No more; unless you are weary of this discourse—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> <span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Weary!?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> Let me here exercise my undeniable authority. A <i>sandwich</i>, +like the evening rain after a parching day, will recruit Lysander's +exhausted strength. What say you?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> "I shall in all things obey your high command." But hark—I +hear the outer gate bell ring! The ladies are arrived: and you know my +bashfulness in female society. Adieu, <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>! 'till the morrow.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_357" id="Page_357">357</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> Nay, you are drawing too dismal conclusions. My sisters are not +sworn enemies to this kind of discourse.</p> + +<p class="centertbp"> +<img src="images/line03.png" width="144" height="38" alt="" title="" /> +</p> + +<p>The arrival of <span class="smcap">Almansa</span> and <span class="smcap">Belinda</span>, the sisters of Lorenzo put a stop +to the conversation. So abrupt a silence disconcerted the ladies; who, +in a sudden, but, it must be confessed, rather taunting, strain—asked +whether they should order their bed-chamber candlesticks, and retire +to rest?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Not if you are disposed to listen to the most engaging +book-anecdote orator in his majesty's united realms!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Alman.</span> Well, this may be a sufficient inducement for us to remain. But +why so suddenly silent, gentlemen?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> The conversation had ceased before you arrived. We were +thinking of a <i>hung-beef sandwich</i> and a glass of madeira to recruit +Lysander's exhausted powers. He has been discoursing ever since +dinner.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Belind.</span> I will be his attendant and cup-bearer too, if he promises to +resume his discourse. But you have probably dispatched the most +interesting part.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Not exactly so, I would hope, fair Lady! Your brother's +hospitality will add fresh energy to my spirit; and, like the renewed +oil in an exhausted lamp, will cause the flame to break forth with +fresh splendour.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Belind.</span> Sir, I perceive your ingenuity, at least, has not forsaken +you—in whatever state your memory may be!—</p> + +<p class="centertbp"> +<img src="images/line04.png" width="142" height="37" alt="" title="" /> +</p> + +<p>Here the <i>sandwiches</i> made their appearance: and Lorenzo seated his +guests, with his sisters, near him,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_358" id="Page_358">358</a></span> round a small circular table. The +repast was quickly over: and Philemon, stirring the sugar within a +goblet of hot madeira wine and water, promised them all a romantic +book-story, if the ladies would only lend a gracious ear. Such a +request was, of course, immediately complied with.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> The story is short—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> And sweet, I ween.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> That remains to be proved. But listen.</p> + +<p>You all know my worthy friend, <span class="smcap">Ferdinand</span>: a very <i>Helluo Librorum</i>. It +was on a warm evening in summer—about an hour after sunset—that +Ferdinand made his way towards a small inn, or rather village +alehouse, that stood on a gentle eminence, skirted by a luxuriant +wood. He entered, oppressed with heat and fatigue; but observed, on +walking up to the porch "smothered with honey-suckles" (as I think +Cowper expresses it), that every thing around bore the character of +neatness and simplicity. The holy-oaks were tall and finely variegated +in blossom: the pinks were carefully tied up: and roses of all colours +and fragrance stood around, in a compacted form, like a body-guard, +forbidding the rude foot of trespasser to intrude. Within, Ferdinand +found corresponding simplicity and comfort.</p> + +<p>The "gude" man of the house was spending the evening with a neighbour; +but poached eggs and a rasher of bacon, accompanied with a flagon of +sparkling ale, gave our guest no occasion to doubt the hospitality of +the house, on account of the absence of its master. A little past ten, +after reading some dozen pages in a volume of Sir Egerton Brydges's +<i>Censura Literaria</i>, which he happened to carry about him, and +partaking pretty largely of the aforesaid eggs and ale, Ferdinand +called for his candle, and retired to repose. His bed-room was small, +but neat and airy: at one end, and almost facing the window, there was +a pretty large closet, with the door open: but Ferdinand was too +fatigued to indulge any curiosity about what it might contain.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_359" id="Page_359">359</a></span></p> + +<p>He extinguished his candle, and sank upon his bed to rest. The heat of +the evening seemed to increase. He became restless; and, throwing off +his quilt, and drawing his curtain aside, turned towards the window, +to inhale the last breeze which yet might be wafted from the +neighbouring heath. But no zephyr was stirring. On a sudden, a broad +white flash of lightning—(nothing more than summer heat) made our +bibliomaniac lay his head upon his pillow, and turn his eyes in an +opposite direction. The lightning increased—and one flash, more vivid +than the rest, illuminated the interior of the closet, and made +manifest—<i>an old mahogany Book-Case</i>, <span class="smcap">stored with books</span>. Up started +Ferdinand, and put his phosphoric treasures into action. He lit his +match, and trimmed his candle, and rushed into the closet—no longer +mindful of the heavens—which now were in a blaze with the summer +heat.</p> + +<p>The book-case was guarded both with glass and brass wires—and the +key—no where to be found! Hapless man!—for, to his astonishment, he +saw <i>Morte d'Arthur</i>, printed by <i>Caxton</i>—<i>Richard Cœur de Lyon</i>, +by <i>W. de Worde</i>—<i>The Widow Edyth</i>, by <i>Pynson</i>—and, towering above +the rest, a <span class="smcap">large paper</span> copy of the original edition of <i>Prince's +Worthies of Devon</i>; while, lying transversely at top, reposed <i>John +Weever's Epigrams</i>, "The spirit of Captain Cox is here +revived"—exclaimed Ferdinand—while, on looking above, he saw a +curious set of old plays, with <i>Dido, Queen of Carthage</i>, at the head +of them! What should he do? No key: no chance of handling such +precious tomes—'till the morning light, with the landlord, returned! +He moved backwards and forwards with a hurried step—prepared his +pocket knife to cut out the panes of glass, and untwist the brazen +wires—but a "<i>prick of conscience</i>" made him desist from carrying his +wicked design into execution. Ferdinand then advanced towards the +window; and throwing it open, and listening to the rich notes of a +concert of nightingales, forgot the cause of his torments—'till,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_360" id="Page_360">360</a></span> his +situation reminding him of "<i>The Churl and the Bird</i>," he rushed with +renewed madness into the cupboard—then searched for the bell—but, +finding none, he made all sorts of strange noises. The landlady rose, +and, conceiving robbers to have broken into the stranger's room, came +and demanded the cause of the disturbance.</p> + +<p>"Madam," said Ferdinand, "is there no possibility of inspecting the +<i>books</i> in the <i>cupboard</i>—where is the key?" "Alack, sir," rejoined +the landlady, "what is there that thus disturbs you in the sight of +those books? Let me shut the closet-door and take away the key of it, +and you will then sleep in peace." "Sleep in <i>peace</i>!" resumed +Ferdinand—"sleep in <i>wretchedness</i>, you mean! I can have no peace +unless you indulge me with the key of the book-case. To whom do such +gems belong?" "Sir, they are not stolen goods."—"Madam, I ask +pardon—I did not mean to question their being honest +property—but"—"Sir, they are not mine or my husband's." "Who, madam, +who is the lucky owner?" "An elderly gentleman of the name of—Sir, I +am not at liberty to mention his name—but they belong to an elderly +gentleman." "Will he part with them—where does he live? Can you +introduce me to him?"—The good woman soon answered all Ferdinand's +rapid queries, but the result was by no means satisfactory to him.</p> + +<p>He learnt that these uncommonly scarce and precious volumes belonged +to an ancient gentleman, whose name was studiously concealed; but who +was in the habit of coming once or twice a week, during the autumn, to +smoke his pipe, and lounge over his books: sometimes making extracts +from them, and sometimes making observations in the margin with a +pencil. Whenever a very curious passage occurred, he would take out a +small memorandum book, and put on a pair of large tortoise-shell +spectacles, with powerful magnifying glasses, in order to insert this +passage with particular care and neatness. He usually concluded his +evening amusements<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_361" id="Page_361">361</a></span> by sleeping in the very bed in which Ferdinand had +been lying.</p> + +<p>Such intelligence only sharpened the curiosity, and increased the +restlessness, of poor Ferdinand. He retired to this said +bibliomaniacal bed, but not to repose. The morning sun-beams, which +irradiated the book-case with complete effect, shone upon his pallid +countenance and thoughtful brow. He rose at five: walked in the +meadows till seven; returned and breakfasted—stole up stairs to take +a farewell peep at his beloved <i>Morte d'Arthur</i>—sighed "three times +and more"—paid his reckoning; apologised for the night's adventure; +told the landlady he would shortly come and visit her again, and try +to pay his respects to the anonymous old gentleman. "Meanwhile," said +he, "I will leave no bookseller's shop in the neighbourhood unvisited, +'till I gain intelligence of his name and character." The landlady +eyed him steadily; took a pinch of snuff with a significant air; and, +returning, with a smile of triumph, to her kitchen, thanked her stars +that she had got rid of such a madman!</p> + +<p>Ladies and gentlemen, I have done.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> And creditably done, too!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Alman.</span> If this be a specimen of your previous conversation, we know +not what we have lost by our absence. But I suspect, that the +principal ingredient of poetry, fiction, has a little aided in the +embellishment of your story.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Belin.</span> This is not very gallant or complimentary on your part, +Almansa. I harbour no suspicion of its verity; for marvellous things +have been told me, by my brother, of the whimsical phrensies of +book-fanciers.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> If you will only listen a little to Lysander's <i>sequel</i>, you +will hear almost equally marvellous things; which I suspect my +liberally minded sister, Almansa, will put down to the score of +poetical embellishment. But I see she is conscious of her treasonable +aspersions of the noble character of bibliomaniacs, and is only +anxious for Lysander to resume.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_362" id="Page_362">362</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Alman.</span> Sir, I entreat you to finish your <span class="smcap">History of Bibliomaniacs</span>. +Your friend, Philemon, has regaled us with an entertaining episode, +and you have probably, by this time, recovered strength sufficient to +proceed with the main story.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Madam, I am equally indebted to your brother for his care of +the body, and to my friend for his recreation of the mind. The +midnight hour, I fear, is swiftly approaching.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> It is yet at a considerable distance. We have nearly reached +the middle of the eighteenth century, and you may surely carry on your +reminiscential exertions to the close of the same. By that time, we +may be disposed for our nightcaps.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Unheeded be the moments and hours which are devoted to the +celebration of eminent <span class="smcap">Book-Collectors</span>! Let the sand roll down the +glass as it will; let "the chirping on each thorn" remind us of +Aurora's saucy face peering above the horizon! in such society, and +with such a subject of discussion, who—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Lysander brightens as his story draws to a close: his colouring +will be more vivid than ever.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Belind.</span> Tell me—are bibliographers usually thus eloquent? They have +been described to me as a dry, technical race of mortals—quoting only +title-pages and dates.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Madam, believe not the malicious evidence of book-heretics. +Let ladies, like yourself and your sister, only make their appearance +with a choice set of bibliomaniacs, at this time of night, and if the +most interesting conversation be not the result—I have very much +under-rated the colloquial powers of my brethren. But you shall hear.</p> + +<p class="bp">We left off with lauding the bibliomaniacal celebrity of Harley, Earl +of Oxford. Before the dispersion of his grand collection, died <span class="smcap">John +Bridges</span>,<a name="FNanchor_378_384" id="FNanchor_378_384"></a><a href="#Footnote_378_384" class="fnanchor">[378]</a> a gentle<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_363" id="Page_363">363</a></span>man, a scholar, and a notorious book-collector. +The catalogue of his books is almost the first classically arranged +one in the eighteenth century: and it must be confessed that the +collection was both curious and valuable. Bridges was succeeded by +<span class="smcap">Anthony Collins</span>,<a name="FNanchor_379_385" id="FNanchor_379_385"></a><a href="#Footnote_379_385" class="fnanchor">[379]</a> the Free Thinker; a character equally strange +and unenviable. Book-fanciers now and then bid a few shillings, for a +copy of the catalogue of his library; and some sly free-thinkers, of +modern date, are not backward in shewing a sympathy in their +predecessor's fame, by the readiness with which they bid a +half-guinea, or more, for a <i>priced copy</i> of it.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_378_384" id="Footnote_378_384"></a><a href="#FNanchor_378_384">[378]</a> <i>Bibliothecæ Bridgesianæ Catalogus</i>: or a +Catalogue of the Library of <span class="smcap">John Bridges</span>, Esq., consisting +of above 4000 books and manuscripts in all Languages and +Faculties; particularly in Classics and History; and +especially the History and Antiquities of Great Britain and +Ireland, &c., London, 1725, 8vo. Two different catalogues of +this valuable collection of books were printed. The one was +analysed, or a <i>catalogue raisonné</i>, to which was prefixed a +print of a Grecian portico, &c., with ornaments and statues: +the other (expressly for the sale) was an indigested and +extremely confused one—to which was prefixed a print, +designed and engraved by A. Motte, of an oak felled, with a +number of men cutting down and carrying away its branches; +illustrative of the following Greek Motto inscribed on a +scroll above—<span lang="el" title="Greek: Dryos pesousês pas anêr xyleuetai">Δρυὸς +πεσοὺσης πᾶς ἀνὴρ ξυλευεταὶ</span>; +"An affecting momento (says Mr. Nichols, very justly, in his +<i>Anecdotes of Bowyer</i>, p. 557) to the collectors of great +libraries, who cannot, or do not, leave them to some public +accessible repository." My friend, Dr. Gosset, was once so +fortunate as to pick up for me a <i>large paper</i> copy of the +analysed catalogue, bound in old blue morocco, and ruled +with red lines, for 4<i>s.</i>!—"Happy day!"</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_379_385" id="Footnote_379_385"></a><a href="#FNanchor_379_385">[379]</a> In the year 1730-1, there was sold by auction +at St. Paul's Coffee House, in St. Paul's Church Yard +(beginning every evening at five o'clock), the library of +the celebrated Free Thinker, <span class="smcap">Anthony Collins</span>, Esq. +"Containing a collection of several thousand volumes in +Greek, Latin, English, French, and Spanish; in divinity, +history, antiquity, philosophy, husbandry, and all polite +literature: and especially many curious travels and voyages; +and many rare and valuable pamphlets." This collection, +which is divided into <i>two parts</i> (the first containing 3451 +articles, the second 3442), is well worthy of being +consulted by the theologian who is writing upon any +controverted point of divinity; as there are articles in it +of the rarest occurrence. The singular character of its +owner and of his works is well known: he was at once the +friend and the opponent of Locke and Clarke, who both were +anxious for the conversion of a character of such strong, +but misguided, talents. The former, on his death-bed, wrote +Collins a letter to be delivered to him after his decease, +which was full of affection and good advice.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">We may here but slightly allude to the bibliographical reputation of +<span class="smcap">Maittaire</span>, as so much was said of him the day before yesterday.<a name="FNanchor_380_386" id="FNanchor_380_386"></a><a href="#Footnote_380_386" class="fnanchor">[380]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_380_386" id="Footnote_380_386"></a><a href="#FNanchor_380_386">[380]</a> The reader will find some account of +<span class="smcap">Maittaire's</span> bibliographical labours at <a href="#Page_47">p. 47</a>, ante; and of +his editions of the ancient Classics, at p. 442, vol. ii., +of my <i>Introduction to the Knowledge of rare and valuable +editions of the Greek and Latin Classics</i>. He need here only +be informed that Maittaire's books were sold by auction in +November, 1748, and January, 1749; the catalogue of them +forming <i>two parts</i>, with one of these dates affixed to +each. The collection must have been uncommonly numerous; and +of their intrinsic value the reader will best judge by the +following extract from the "Advertisement," by Cock the +auctioneer, at the back of the title-page: "tho' the books, +in their present condition, make not the most ostentatious +appearance, yet, like the late worthy possessor of them, +however plain their outside may be, they contain within an +invaluable treasure of ingenuity and learning. In fine, this +is (after fifty years' diligent search and labour in +collecting) <span class="smcap">the entire library of Mr. Maittaire</span>; whose +judgement in the choice of books, as it ever was confessed, +so are they, undoubtedly, far beyond whatever I can attempt +to say in their praise. In exhibiting them thus to the +public, I comply with the will of my deceased friend; and in +printing the catalogue from his <span class="smcap">own copy</span> just as he left it +(tho' by so doing it is the more voluminous) I had an +opportunity, not only of doing the justice I owe to his +memory, but also of gratifying the curious." I incline +strongly to think there were no copies of this catalogue +printed upon large paper. When priced, the usual copy brings +a fair round sum.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_364" id="Page_364">364</a></span><span class="smcap">Belin.</span> All this may be very learned and just. But of these gentlemen I +find no account in the fashionable necrologies.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> Only wait a little, and Lysander will break forth with the +mention of some transcendental bibliomaniac.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Yes, ever renowned <span class="smcap">Richard Mead</span>!<a name="FNanchor_381_387" id="FNanchor_381_387"></a><a href="#Footnote_381_387" class="fnanchor">[381]</a> thy <i>pharmacopæal</i> +reputation is lost in the blaze of thy <i>bibliomaniacal</i> glory! +Æsculapius may plant his herbal crown round thy brow, and Hygeia may +scatter her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_365" id="Page_365">365</a></span> cornucopia of roses at thy feet—but what are these +things compared with the homage offered thee by the Gesners,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_366" id="Page_366">366</a></span> +Baillets, and Le Longs, of old? What avail even the roseate blushes of +thousands, whom thy medical skill,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_367" id="Page_367">367</a></span> may have snatched from a premature +grave—compared with the life, vigour, animation and competition which +thy example infused into the <span class="smcap">book-world</span>!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_381_387" id="Footnote_381_387"></a><a href="#FNanchor_381_387">[381]</a> It is almost impossible to dwell on the +memory of <span class="smcap">this great man</span>, without emotions of +delight—whether we consider him as an eminent physician, a +friend to literature, or a collector of books, pictures, and +coins. Benevolence, magnanimity, and erudition were the +striking features of his character. His house was the +general receptacle of men of genius and talent, and of every +thing beautiful, precious, and rare. His curiosities, +whether books, or coins, or pictures, were freely laid open +to the public; and the enterprising student, and experienced +antiquary, alike found amusement and a courteous reception. +He was known to all foreigners of intellectual distinction, +and corresponded both with the artisan and the potentate. +The great patron of literature, and the leader of his +profession, it was hardly possible, as Lysander has well +observed, "for modest merit if properly introduced to him, +to depart unrewarded or ungratified." The clergy, and, in +general, all men of learning, received his advice +gratuitously; and his doors were open every morning to the +most indigent, whom he frequently assisted with money. +Although his income, from his professional practice, was +very considerable, he died by no means a rich man—so large +were the sums which he devoted to the encouragement of +literature and the fine arts! The sale of Dr. Mead's <i>Books</i> +commenced on the 18th of November, 1754, and again on the +7th of April, 1755: lasting together 57 days. The sale of +the <i>prints</i> and <i>drawings</i> continued 14 nights. The <i>gems</i>, +<i>bronzes</i>, <i>busts</i>, and <i>antiquities</i>, 8 days.</p> + +<table style="width: 70%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="sale"> +<tr><td class="right">His </td><td>books produced</td><td class="right">£5496</td><td class="right">15</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td>Pictures</td><td class="right">3417</td><td class="right">11</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td>Prints and drawings</td><td class="right">1908</td><td class="right">14</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td>Coins and medals</td><td class="right">1977</td><td class="right">17</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td>Antiquities</td><td class="right" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black">3246</td><td class="right" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black">15</td><td class="right" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black">0</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td>Amount of all the sales</td><td class="right" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black">£16,047</td><td class="right" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black">12</td><td class="right" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black">0</td></tr> +</table> + +<p>It would be difficult to mention, within a moderate compass, +all the rare and curious articles which his library +contained—but the following are too conspicuous to be +passed over. The <i>Spira Virgil</i>, of 1470, <i>Pfintzing's +Tewrdanchk's</i>, 1527, <i>Brandt's Stultifera Navis</i>, 1498, and +the <i>Aldine Petrarch</i>, of 1501, <span class="smcap">all upon vellum</span>. The large +paper <i>Olivet's Cicero</i> was purchased by Dr. Askew, for +14<i>l.</i> 14<i>s.</i>, and was sold again at his sale for 36<i>l.</i> +15<i>s.</i> The King of France bought the editio princeps of +<i>Pliny Senior</i> for 11<i>l.</i> 11<i>s.</i>: and Mr. Wilcock, a +bookseller, bought the magnificently illuminated <i>Pliny by +Jenson</i>, of 1472, for 18<i>l.</i> 18<i>s.</i>: of which Maittaire has +said so many fine things. The <i>French</i> books, and all the +works upon the <i>Fine Arts</i>, were of the first rarity and +value, and bound in a sumptuous manner. Winstanley's +<i>Prospects of Audley End</i> brought 50<i>l.</i> An amusing account +of some of the pictures will be found in Mr. Beloe's +<i>Anecdotes of Literature and scarce Books</i>, vol. i., 166, +71. But consult also <i>Nichols's Anecdotes of Bowyer</i>, p. +225, &c. Of the catalogue of Dr. Mead's books, there were +only six copies printed upon <i>large paper</i>. See <i>Bibl. +Lort</i>, n<span class="super">o</span>. 1149. I possess one of these copies, uncut and +priced. Dr. <span class="smcap">Mead</span> had parted, in his life-time, to the +present king's father, with several miniature pictures of +great value (Walpole Anec., vol. i., 165) by Isaac Oliver +and Holbein, which are now in his majesty's collection. Dr. +Askew had purchased his Greek MSS. for 500<i>l.</i> Pope has +admirably well said,</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +"Rare <i>monkish manuscripts</i> for <span class="smcap">Hearne</span> alone,<br /> +And <i>Books</i> <span class="smcap">for Mead</span>, and <i>butterflies</i> for <span class="smcap">Sloane</span>."<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 15em;"><i>Epistle</i> iv.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Upon which his commentator, Warburton, thus observes: "These +were two eminent physicians; the one had an excellent +library, the other the finest collection in Europe of +natural curiosities." For nearly half a century did Dr. Mead +pursue an unrivalled career in his profession. He was +(perhaps "thrice") presented with the presidentship of the +College of Physicians, which he ("thrice") refused. One year +it is said he made 7000<i>l.</i>, a great sum in his time! His +regular emoluments were between 5000<i>l.</i> and 6000<i>l.</i> per +annum. He died on the 25th of February, 1754, in the 81st +year of his age. On his death, Dr. <span class="smcap">Askew</span>, who seems to have +had a sort of filial veneration for his character, and whose +pursuits were in every respect congenial with Dr. Mead's, +presented the College of Physicians with a marble bust of +him, beautifully executed by Roubilliac, and for which he +paid the sculptor 100<i>l.</i> A whimsical anecdote is connected +with the execution of this bust. Roubilliac agreed with Dr. +Askew for 50<i>l.</i>: the doctor found it so highly finished +that he paid him for it 100<i>l.</i> The sculptor said this was +not enough, and brought in a bill for 108<i>l.</i> 2<i>s.</i> Dr. +Askew paid this demand, even to the odd shillings, and then +enclosed the receipt to Mr. Hogarth, to produce at the next +meeting of artists. Nichols's <i>Anec. of Bowyer</i>, p. 580. "I +cannot help," says Mr. Edwards, the late ornithologist, +"informing succeeding generations that they may see the +<i>real features</i> of Dr. Mead in this bust: for I, who was as +well acquainted with his face as any man living, do +pronounce this bust of him to be so like that, as often as I +see it, my mind is filled with the strongest idea of the +original." Hearne speaks of the <span class="smcap">Meadean Family</span> with proper +respect, in his <i>Alured de Beverly</i>, p. <span class="smcap">xlv.</span>; and in <i>Walter +Hemingford</i>, vol. i., <span class="smcap">xxxv.</span> In his <i>Gulielmus Nubrigensis</i>, +vol. iii., p. 744 (note), he says of our illustrious +bibliomaniac:—"that most excellent physician, and truly +great man, Dr. Richard Mead, to whom I am eternally +obliged." There is an idle story somewhere told of Dr. +Mead's declining the acceptance of a challenge to fight with +swords—alleging his want of skill in the art of fencing: +but this seems to be totally void of authority. Thus far, +concerning Dr. Mead, from the first edition of this work, +and the paper entitled "The Director." The following +particulars, which I have recently learnt of the <span class="smcap">Mead +Family</span>, from John Nicholl, Esq., my neighbour at Kensington, +and the maternal grandson of the Doctor, may be thought well +worth subjoining. <span class="smcap">Matthew Mead</span>, his father, was a clergyman. +He gave up his living at Stepney in 1662; which was +afterwards divided into the four fine livings now in the +gift of Brazen-Nose College, Oxford. His parishioners built +him a chapel; but he retired to a farm in the country, and +had the reputation of handling a bullock as well as any +butcher in the county. He went abroad in the reign of James +II., and had his sons, Samuel and Richard, educated under +Grævius. <span class="smcap">Samuel Mead</span>, <i>his brother</i>, was a distinguished +Chancery barrister, and got his 4000<i>l.</i> per ann.; his +cronies were Wilbraham and Lord Harcourt. These, with a few +other eminent barristers, used to meet at a coffee-house, +and drink their favourite, and then fashionable, +liquor—called <i>Bishop</i>, which consisted of red wine, lemon, +and sugar. Samuel was a shy character, and loved privacy. He +had a good country house, and handsome chambers in Lincoln's +Inn, and kept a carriage for his sister's use, having his +coachmaker's arms painted upon the panel. What is very +characteristic of the modesty of his profession, he +pertinaciously refused a silk gown! A word or two remains to +be said of our illustrious bibliomaniac <span class="smcap">Richard</span>. His brother +left him 30,000<i>l.</i>, and giving full indulgence to his noble +literary feelings, the Doctor sent Carte, the historian, to +France, to rummage for MSS. of <i>Thuanus</i>, and to restore the +castrated passages which were not originally published for +fear of offending certain families. He made Buckley, the +editor, procure the best <i>ink and paper</i> from Holland, for +this edition of Thuanus, which was published at his own +expense; and the Doctor was remarkably solicitous that +nothing of exterior pomp and beauty should be wanting in the +publication. The result verified his most sanguine +expectation; for a finer edition of a valuable historian has +never seen the light. Dr. Ward, says Mr. Nichols, is +supposed to have written Mead's Latin, but the fact is not +so; or it is exclusively applicable to the <i>later</i> pieces of +Mead. The Doctor died in his 83rd year (and in full +possession of his mental powers), from a fall occasioned by +the negligence of a servant. He was a great <i>diagnostic</i> +physician; and, when he thought deeply, was generally +correct in judging of the disorder by the appearance of the +countenance.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">The tears shed by virtuous bibliomaniacs at Harley's death were +speedily wiped away, when the recollection of thine, and of thy +contemporary's, <span class="smcap">Folkes's</span><a name="FNanchor_382_388" id="FNanchor_382_388"></a><a href="#Footnote_382_388" class="fnanchor">[382]</a> fame, was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_368" id="Page_368">368</a></span> excited in their bosoms. +Illustrious Bibliomaniacs! your names and memories will always live in +the hearts of noble-minded Literati: the treasures of your Museums and +Libraries—your liberal patronage and ever-active exertions in the +cause of <span class="smcap">virtu</span>—whether connected with coins, pictures, or books—can +never be banished, at least, from my grateful mind:—And if, at this +solemn hour, when yonder groves and serpentine<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_369" id="Page_369">369</a></span> walks are sleeping in +the quiet of moon-light, your spirits could be seen placidly to flit +along, I would burst from this society—dear and congenial as it +is—to take your last instructions, or receive your last warnings, +respecting the rearing of a future age of bibliomaniacs! Ye were, in +good earnest, noble-hearted book-heroes!—but I wander:—forgive me!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_382_388" id="Footnote_382_388"></a><a href="#FNanchor_382_388">[382]</a> "<i>A Catalogue of the entire and valuable +library of</i> <span class="smcap">Martin Folkes</span>, Esq., President of the Royal +Society, and Member of the Royal Academy of Sciences at +Paris, lately deceased; which will be sold by auction, by +Samuel Baker, at his house in York Street, Covent-Garden. To +begin on Monday, February 2, 1756, and to continue for forty +days successively (Sundays excepted). Catalogues to be had +at most of the considerable places in Europe, and all the +booksellers of Great Britain and Ireland. Price sixpence." +This collection was an exceedingly fine one; enriched with +many books of the choicest description, which Mr. Folkes had +acquired in his travels in Italy and Germany. The works on +natural history, coins, medals, inscriptions, and on the +fine arts in general, formed the most valuable +department—those on the Greek, Latin, and English classics +were comparatively of inferior importance. It is a great +pity the catalogue was not better digested; or the books +classed according to the nature of their contents. The +following prices, for some of the more rare and interesting +articles, will amuse a bibliographer of the present day. The +chronicles of Fabian, Hall, and Grafton, did not, +altogether, bring quite 2<i>l.</i>, though the copies are +described as perfect and fair. There seems to have been a +fine set of Sir Wm. Dugdale's Works (Nos. 3074-81) in 13 +vols., which, collectively, produced about 30 guineas! At +the present day, they are worth about 250<i>l.</i>—In <i>Spanish +literature</i>, the history of South America, by John Duan and +Ant. di Ulloa, Madr., fol., in 5 vols., was sold for 5<i>l.</i>: +a fine large paper copy of the description of the monastery +of St. Lorenzo, and the Escorial, Madr., 1657, brought 1<i>l.</i> +2<i>s.</i>; de Lastanosa's Spanish medals, Huesca, fol., 1645, +2<i>l.</i> 2<i>s.</i>—In <i>English</i>, the first edition of Shakspeare, +1623, which is now what a French bibliographer would say, +"presque introuvable," produced the sum of 3<i>l.</i> 3<i>s.</i>; and +Fuller's Worthies, 18<i>s.</i>!——<i>Fine Arts, Antiquities, and +Voyages.</i> Sandrart's works, in 9 folio volumes (of which a +fine perfect copy is now rarely to be met with, and of very +great value) were sold for 13<i>l.</i> 13<i>s.</i> only: Desgodetz +Roman edifices, Paris, 1682, 4<i>l.</i> 10<i>s.</i> Galleria +Giustiniano, 2 vols., fol., 13<i>l.</i> 13<i>s.</i> Le Brun's Voyages +in Muscovy, &c., in large paper, 4<i>l.</i> 4<i>s.</i> De Rossi's +Raccolta de Statue, &c., Rom., 1704, 6<i>l.</i> 10<i>s.</i> Medailles +du Regne de Louis le Grand: de l'Imp. Roy. 1. p. fol., 1702, +5<i>l.</i> 15<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i>——The works on <i>Natural History</i> brought +still higher prices: but the whole, from the present +depreciation of money, and increased rarity of the articles, +would now bring thrice the sums then given.—Of the <i>Greek +and Latin Classics</i>, the Pliny of 1469 and 1472 were sold to +Dr. Askew, for 11<i>l.</i> 11<i>s.</i> and 7<i>l.</i> 17<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> At the +Doctor's sale they brought 43<i>l.</i> and 23<i>l.</i>, although the +first was lately sold (A.D. 1805) among some duplicates of +books belonging to the British Museum, at a much lower +price: the copy was, in fact, neither large nor beautiful. +Those in Lord Spencer's, and the Hunter and Cracherode +collections, are greatly superior, and would each bring more +than double the price. From a priced copy of the sale +catalogue, upon <i>large paper</i>, and uncut, in my possession, +I find that the amount of the sale, consisting of 5126 +articles, was 3091<i>l.</i> 6<i>s.</i> The <i>Prints, and Drawings</i> of +Mr. Folkes occupied a sale of 8 days: and his <i>pictures</i>, +<i>gems</i>, <i>coins</i>, and <i>mathematical instruments</i>, of five +days. Mr. <span class="smcap">Martin Folkes</span> may justly be ranked among the most +useful, as well as splendid, literary characters, of which +this country can boast. He appears to have imbibed, at a +very early age, an extreme passion for science and +literature; and to have distinguished himself so much at the +University of Cambridge, under the able tuition of Dr. +Laughton, that, in his 23rd year, he was admitted a Fellow +of the Royal Society. About two years afterwards he was +chosen one of the council; and rose in succession to the +chair of the presidentship, which, as Lysander above truly +says, he filled with a credit and celebrity that has since +never been surpassed. On this occasion he was told by Dr. +Jurin, the Secretary, who dedicated to him the 34th vol. of +the Transactions, that "the greatest man that ever lived +(Sir Isaac Newton) singled him out to fill the chair, and to +preside in the society, when he himself was so frequently +prevented by indisposition; and that it was sufficient to +say of him that he was <i>Sir Isaac's friend</i>." Within a few +years afterwards, he was elected President of the Society of +Antiquaries. Two situations, the filling of which may be +considered as the <i>ne plus ultra</i> of literary distinction. +Mr. Folkes travelled abroad, with his family, about two +years and a half, visiting the cities of Rome, Florence, and +Venice—where he was noticed by almost every person of rank +and reputation, and whence he brought away many a valuable +article to enrich his own collection. He was born in the +year 1690, and died of a second stroke of the palsy, under +which he languished for three years, in 1754. He seems to +have left behind him a considerable fortune. Among his +numerous bequests was one to the Royal Society of 200<i>l.</i>, +along with a fine portrait of Lord Bacon, and a large +cornelian ring, with the arms of the society engraved upon +it, for the perpetual use of the president and his +successors in office. The MSS. of his own composition, not +being quite perfect, were, to the great loss of the learned +world, ordered by him to be destroyed. The following +wood-cut portrait is taken from a copper-plate in the +<i>Portraits des Hommes Illustres de Denmark</i>, 4to., 7 parts, +1746: part 4th, a volume which abounds with a number of +copper-plate engravings, <i>worked off</i> in a style of uncommon +clearness and brilliancy. Some of the portraits themselves +are rather stiff and unexpressive; but the vignettes are +uniformly tasteful and agreeable. The seven parts are rarely +found in an equal state of perfection. +</p> + +<p><img src="images/folkes.png" width="202" height="200" alt="Folkes" title="Folkes" class="floatr" /> +Dr. Birch has drawn a very just and interesting character of +this eminent man, which may be found in Nichols's <i>Anecdotes +of Bowyer</i>, pp. 562-7. Mr. Edwards, the late ornithologist, +has described him in a simple, but appropriate, manner. "He +seemed," says he, "to have attained to universal knowledge; +for, in the many opportunities I have had of being in his +company, almost every part of science has happened to be the +subject of discourse, all of which he handled as an adept. +He was a man of great politeness in his manners, free from +all pedantry and pride, and, in every respect, the real, +unaffected, fine gentleman."</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Alman.</span> Pray keep to this earth, and condescend to notice us mortals of +flesh and blood, who have heard of Dr. Mead, and Martin Folkes, only +as eminently learned and tasteful characters.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> I crave your forgiveness. But Dr. Mead's cabinet of coins, +statues, and books, was so liberally thrown open for the public +inspection that it was hardly possible for modest merit, if properly +made known to him, to depart unrewarded or ungratified. Nor does the +renowned President of the Royal and Antiquarian Societies—Martin +Folkes—merit a less warm eulogy; for he filled these distinguished +situations with a credit which has never since been surpassed.</p> + +<p class="bp">But there is yet an illustrious tribe to be recorded. We have, first, +<span class="smcap">Richard Rawlinson</span>,<a name="FNanchor_383_389" id="FNanchor_383_389"></a><a href="#Footnote_383_389" class="fnanchor">[383]</a> brother of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_370" id="Page_370">370</a></span> renowned <i>Tom Folio</i>, whose +choice and tasteful collection of books, as recorded in auctioneering +annals, is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_371" id="Page_371">371</a></span> deserving of high commendation. But his name and virtues +are better known in the University, to which he was a benefactor, than +to the noisy circles of the metropolis. The sale of <span class="smcap">Orator Henley's</span> +books "followed hard upon" that of Richard Rawlinson's; and if the +spirit of their owner could, from his "gilt tub," have witnessed the +grimaces and jokes which marked the sale—with the distorted +countenances and boisterous laughter which were to be seen on every +side—how it must have writhed under the smart of general ridicule, or +have groaned under the torture of contemptuous indignation! Peace to +Henley's<a name="FNanchor_384_390" id="FNanchor_384_390"></a><a href="#Footnote_384_390" class="fnanchor">[384]</a> vexed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_372" id="Page_372">372</a></span> <i>manes</i>!—and similar contempt await the efforts +of all literary quacks and philosophical knaves!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_383_389" id="Footnote_383_389"></a><a href="#FNanchor_383_389">[383]</a> "<span class="smcap">Bibliotheca Rawlinsoniana</span>, <i>sive Catalogus +Librorum Richardi Rawlinson</i>, LL.D. Qui prostabunt Venales +sub hasta, Apud Samuelem Baker, In Vico dicto York-street, +Covent Garden, Londoni, Die Lunæ 29 Marti <span class="smcap">mdcclvi.</span>" With the +following whimsical Greek motto in the title-page:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +<span lang="el" title="Kai gar o taôs dia to spanion thaumazetai">Και γαρ ὀ ταὼς διὰ τὸ σπάνίον θαυμάζεται</span>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 14em;"><span class="smcap">Eubulus.</span></span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="center">("The peacock is admired on account of its rarity.")</p> + +<p>This valuable library must have contained nearly 25,000 +volumes, multiplying the number of articles (9405) by 3—the +usual mode of calculation. Unfortunately, as was the case +with Dr. Mead's and Mr. Folkes's, the books were not +arranged according to any particular classification. Old +black-letter English were mixed with modern Italian, French, +and Latin; and novels and romances interspersed with +theology and mathematics. An <i>alphabetical</i> arrangement, be +the books of whatever kind they may, will in general obviate +the inconvenience felt from such an undigested plan; and it +were "devoutly to be wished," by all true bibliographers, +that an act of parliament should pass for the due observance +of this alphabetical order. We all know our A, B, C, but +have not all analytical heads; or we may differ in our ideas +of analysis. The scientific and alphabetical <i>united</i> is +certainly better; like Mr. Harris's excellent catalogue, +noticed at <a href="#Page_99">p. 99</a>, ante. The "<i>Méthode pour dresser une +bibliothéque</i>," about which De Bure, Formey, and Peignot +have so solemnly argued, is not worth a moment's discussion. +Every man likes to be his own librarian, as well as "his own +broker." But to return to Dr. Rawlinson's collection. On +examining a priced catalogue of it, which now lies before +me, I have not found any higher sum offered for a work than +4<i>l.</i> 1<i>s.</i> for a collection of fine prints, by Aldegrever. +(No. 9405.) The Greek and Latin Classics, of which there +were few <i>Editiones Principes</i>, or on <i>large paper</i>, brought +the usual sums given at that period. The old English +black-letter books, which were pretty thickly scattered +throughout the collection, were sold for exceedingly low +prices—if the copies were perfect. Witness the following:</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary="sale"> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">£</td><td class="right"><i>s.</i></td><td class="right"><i>d.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>The Newe Testament in English, 1500</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">9</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Ymage of both Churches, after the Revelation of St. John, by Bale, 1550</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>The boke called the Pype or Tonne of Perfection, by Richard Whytforde, 1553</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">9</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Visions of Pierce Plowman, 1561</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Creede of Pierce Plowman, 1532</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Bookes of Moses, in English, 1530</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">9</td></tr> +<tr><td>Bale's Actes of English Votaryes, 1550</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">3</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Boke of Chivalrie, by Caxton</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">11</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td>The Boke of St. Alban's, by W. de Worde</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +</table> + +<p>These are only very few of the rare articles in English +literature; of the whole of which (perhaps upwards of 200 in +number) I believe the boke of St. Albans brought the highest +sum. Hence it will be seen that this was not the age of +curious research into the productions of our ancestors. +Shakspeare had not then appeared in a proper <i>variorum +edition</i>. Theobald, Pope, and Warburton, had not +investigated the <span class="bl">black-letter</span> lore of ancient English +writers for the illustration of their favourite author. This +was reserved for Capell, Farmer, Steevens, Malone, Chalmers, +Reed, and Douce: and it is expressly to these latter +gentlemen (for Johnson and Hanmer were very sparing, or very +shy, of the black-letter), that we are indebted for the +present spirit of research into the works of our ancestors. +The sale of the <i>books</i> lasted 50 days. There was a second +sale of <i>pamphlets, books of prints, &c.</i>, in the following +year, which lasted 10 days: and this was immediately +succeeded by a sale of the doctor's <i>single prints and +drawings</i>, which continued 8 days. Dr. Rawlinson's +benefactions to Oxford, besides his Anglo-Saxon endowment at +St. John's College, were very considerable; including, +amongst other curiosities, <i>a series of medals of the +Popes</i>, which the Doctor supposed to be one of the most +complete collections in Europe; and a great number of +valuable MSS., which he directed to be safely locked up, and +not to be opened till seven years after his decease. He died +on the 6th of April, 1755. To St. John's College, where he +had been a gentleman commoner, Dr. Rawlinson left the bulk +of his estate, amounting to near 700<i>l.</i> a year: <i>a plate of +Abp. Laud</i>, 31 volumes of <i>Parliamentary Journals and +Debates</i>, a set of <i>Rymer's Fœdera</i>, his <i>Greek</i>, +<i>Roman</i>, and <i>English coins</i>, not given to the Bodleian +Library; all his plates engraved at the expense of the +Society of Antiquaries; his diploma, and his <i>heart</i>; which +latter is placed in a beautiful urn against the chapel wall, +with this inscription:</p> + +<p class="center"> +Urbi thesaurus, ibi cor.<br /> +<span class="smcap">Ric. Rawlinson, LL.D. & Ant. S.S.</span><br /> +Olim hujus collegii superioris ordinis<br /> +commensalis.<br /> +Obiit. vi. Apr. <span class="smcap">mdcclv.</span><br /> +</p> + +<p>Hearne speaks of him, in the preface of his <i>Tit. Liv. For. +Jul. vita Hen. V.</i>, p. xvi., as "vir antiquis moribus +ornatus, perque eam viam euns, quæ ad immortalem gloriam +ducit."</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_384_390" id="Footnote_384_390"></a><a href="#FNanchor_384_390">[384]</a> This gentleman's library, not so remarkable +for the black-letter as for whimsical publications, was sold +by auction, by Samuel Paterson (the earliest sale in which I +find this well known book-auctioneer engaged), in June, +1759, and the three ensuing evenings. The title of the Sale +Catalogue is as follows:——"<i>A Catalogue of the original +MSS. and manuscript collections of the late</i> Reverend Mr. +<span class="smcap">John Henley</span>, A.M., Independent Minister of the Oratory, &c., +in which are included sundry collections of the late Mons. +des Maizeaux, the learned editor of Bayle, &c., Mr. Lowndes, +author of the Report for the Amendment of Silver coins, &c., +Dr. Patrick Blair, Physician at Boston, and F.R.S., &c. +Together with original letters and papers of State, +addressed to Henry d'Avenant, Esq., her Britannic Majesty's +Envoy at Francfort, from 1703 to 1708 inclusive." Few +libraries have contained more curious and remarkable +publications than did this. The following articles, given as +notable specimens, remind us somewhat of Addison's memoranda +for the Spectator, which the waiter at the coffee-house +picked up and read aloud for the amusement of the +company.——No. 166. God's Manifestation by a Star to the +Dutch. A mortifying Fast-Diet at Court. On the Birth Day of +the first and oldest young Gentleman. All corrupt: none +good; no, not one.——168. General Thumbissimo. The Spring +reversed, or the Flanderkin's Opera and Dutch Pickle +Herrings. The Creolean Fillip, or Royal Mishap. A Martial +Telescope, &c. England's Passion Sunday, and April +Changelings.——170. Speech upon Speech. A Telescope for +Tournay. No Battle, but worse, and the True Meaning of it. +An Army beaten and interred.——174. Signs when the P. will +come. Was Captain Sw-n, a Prisoner on Parole, to be +catechised? David's Opinion of like Times. The Seeds of the +plot may rise though the leaves fall. A Perspective, from +the Blair of Athol. The Pretender's Popery. Murder! Fire! +Where! Where!——178. Taking Carlise, catching an eel by the +tail. Address of a Bishop, Dean, and Clergy. Swearing to the +P——r, &c. Anathema denounced against those parents, +Masters, and Magistrates, that do not punish the Sin at +Stokesley. A Speech, &c. A Parallel between the Rebels to K. +Charles I. and those to his successor. <i>Jane Cameron</i> looked +killing at <i>Falkirk</i>.——179. Let Stocks be knighted, write, +Sir Bank, &c., the Ramhead Month. A Proof that the Writers +against Popery, fear it will be established in this Kingdom. +A Scheme wisely blabbed to root and branch the Highlanders. +Let St. Patrick have fair Play, &c.——Of <span class="smcap">Orator Henley</span> I +have not been able to collect any biographical details, more +interesting than those which are to be found in Warburton's +notes to Pope's Dunciad: He was born at Melton Mowbray, in +Leicestershire, in 1692, and was brought up at St. John's +College, in the University of Cambridge. After entering into +orders, he became a preacher in London, and established a +lecture on Sunday evenings, near Lincoln's-Inn Fields, and +another on Wednesday evenings, chiefly on political and +scientific subjects. Each auditor paid one shilling for +admission. "He declaimed," says Warburton, "against the +greatest persons, and occasionally did our poet (Pope) that +honour. When he was at Cambridge, he began to be uneasy; for +it shocked him to find he was commanded to believe against +his own judgment in points of religion, philosophy, &c.: for +his genius leading him freely to <i>dispute all propositions</i>, +and <i>call all points to account</i>, he was impatient under +those fetters of the free-born mind." When he was admitted +into priest's orders, he thought the examination so short +and superficial that he considered it "<i>not necessary to +conform to the Christian religion</i>, in order either to be a +deacon or priest." With these quixotic sentiments he came to +town; and "after having, for some years, been a writer for +the booksellers, he had an ambition to be so for ministers +of state." The only reason he did not rise in the church, we +are told, "was the envy of others, and a disrelish +entertained of him, because <i>he was not qualified to be a +complete spaniel</i>." However, he offered the service of his +pen to two great men, of opinions and interests directly +opposite: but being rejected by both of them, he set up a +new project, and styled himself, "<i>The restorer of ancient +eloquence.</i>" Henley's pulpit, in which he preached, "was +covered with velvet, and adorned with gold." It is to this +that Pope alludes, in the first couplet of his second book +of the Dunciad:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +High on a gorgeous seat, that far outshone<br /> +<span class="smcap">Henley's</span> <i>gilt tub</i>——<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>"He had also an altar, and placed over it this extraordinary +inscription, '<i>The primitive Eucharist.</i>'" We are told by +his friend Welsted (narrative in Oratory Transact. N<span class="super">o</span>. 1) +that "he had the assurance to form a plan, which no mortal +<i>ever thought of</i>; he had success against all opposition; +challenged his adversaries to fair disputations, and <i>none +would dispute with him</i>: he wrote, read, and studied, twelve +hours a day; composed three dissertations a week on all +subjects; undertook to teach in <i>one year</i> what schools and +universities teach in <i>five</i>: was not terrified by menaces, +insults, or satires; but still proceeded, matured his bold +scheme, and put the church and <i>all that in danger</i>!" See +note to Dunciad, book iii., v. 199. Pope has described this +extraordinary character with singular felicity of +expression:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">But, where each science lifts its modern type,</span><br /> +Hist'ry her Pot, Divinity her Pipe,<br /> +While proud philosophy repines to shew,<br /> +Dishonest sight! his breeches rent below;<br /> +Imbrown'd with native bronze, lo! Henley stands,<br /> +Tuning his voice and balancing his hands.<br /> +How fluent nonsense trickles from his tongue!<br /> +How sweet the periods, neither said nor sung!<br /> +Still break the benches, Henley! with thy strain,<br /> +While <span class="smcap">Sherlock</span>, <span class="smcap">Hare</span>, and <span class="smcap">Gibson</span>, preach in vain.<br /> +Oh great restorer of the good old stage,<br /> +Preacher at once, and zany of thy age,<br /> +Oh worthy thou, of Egypt's wise abodes,<br /> +A decent priest, where monkeys were the gods!<br /> +But fate with butchers plac'd thy priestly stall,<br /> +Meek modern faith to murder, hack, and mawl;<br /> +And bade thee live, to crown Britannia's praise,<br /> +In <span class="smcap">Toland's</span>, <span class="smcap">Tindal's</span>, and in <span class="smcap">Woolston's</span> days.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 10em;"><i>Dunciad</i>, b. iii., v. 190, &c.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Bromley, in his catalogue of engraved Portraits, mentions +<i>four</i> of orator Henley: two of which are inscribed, one by +Worlidge "The Orator of Newport Market;" another (without +engraver's name) "A Rationalist." There is a floating story +which I have heard of Henley. He gave out that he would shew +a new and expeditious method of converting a pair of boots +into shoes. A great concourse of people attended, expecting +to see something very marvellous; when Henley mounted his +"tub," and, holding up a boot, he took a knife, and <i>cut +away the leg part of the leather</i>!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_373" id="Page_373">373</a></span>There are, I had almost said, innumerable contemporaneous +bibliomaniacal characters to be described—or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_374" id="Page_374">374</a></span> rather, lesser stars or +satellites that move, in their now unperceived orbits, around the +great planets of the book world—but, at this protracted hour of +discussion, I will not pretend even to mention their names.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Yet, go on—unless the female part of the audience be weary—go +on describing, by means of your great telescopic powers, every little +white star that is sprinkled in this bibliomaniacal <i>Via Lactea</i>!<a name="FNanchor_385_391" id="FNanchor_385_391"></a><a href="#Footnote_385_391" class="fnanchor">[385]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_385_391" id="Footnote_385_391"></a><a href="#FNanchor_385_391">[385]</a> With great submission to the "reminescential" +talents of Lysander, he might have devoted one <i>minute</i> to +the commendation of the very curious library of <span class="smcap">John Hutton</span>, +which was disposed of, by auction, in the same year (1764) +in which Genl. Dormer's was sold. Hutton's library consisted +almost entirely of <i>English Literature</i>: the rarest books in +which are printed in the italic type. When the reader is +informed that "<i>Robinsons Life, Actes, and Death of Prince +Arthur</i>," and his "<i>ancient order, societie, and unitie, +laudable of the same</i>," 1583, 4to. (see n<span class="super">o</span>. 2730; +concerning which my worthy friend, Mr. Haslewood, has +discoursed so accurately and copiously: <i>British +Bibliographer</i>, vol. i., pp. 109; 125), when he is informed +that this produced only 9<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i>—that +"<i>Hypnerotomachia</i>," 1592, 4to. (n<span class="super">o</span>. 2755), was sold for +only 2<i>s.</i>—the <i>Myrrour of Knighthood</i>, 1585, 4to. (n<span class="super">o</span>. +2759), only 5<i>s.</i>—<i>Palmerin of England</i>, 3 pts. in 3 vols. +1602, 1639, 4to. (n<span class="super">o</span>. 2767), 14<i>s.</i>—<i>Painter's Palace of +Pleasure</i>, 2 vols. in 1, 1566-7, 4to. (n<span class="super">o</span>. 2770)—when, I +say, the tender-hearted bibliomaniac thinks that all these +rare and precious black letter gems were sold, collectively, +for only 2<i>l.</i> 16<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i>!—what must be his reproaches +upon the lack of spirit which was evinced at this sale! +Especially must his heart melt within him, upon looking at +the produce of some of these articles at the sale of George +Steevens' books, only 36 years afterwards! No depreciation +of money can account for this woful difference. I possess a +wretchedly priced copy of the <i>Bibl. Huttoniana</i>, which I +purchased, without title-page or a decent cover, at the sale +of Mr. Gough's books, for 11<i>s.</i> Lysander ought also to have +noticed in its chronological order, the extensive and truly +valuable library of <span class="smcap">Robert Hoblyn</span>; the catalogue of which +was published in the year 1769, 8vo., in two parts: pp. 650. +I know not who was the author of the arrangement of this +collection; but I am pretty confident that the judicious +observer will find it greatly superior to every thing of its +kind, with hardly even the exception of the <i>Bibliotheca +Croftsiana</i>. It is accurately and handsomely executed, and +wants only an index to make it truly valuable. The +collection, moreover, is a very sensible one. My copy is +upon <i>large paper</i>; which is rather common.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Alman.</span> Upon my word, Lisardo, there is no subject however barren, but +what may be made fruitful by your metaphorical powers of imagination.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Madam, I entreat you not to be excursive. Lysander has taken a +fresh sip of his nectar, and has given a hem or two—preparing to +resume his narrative.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_375" id="Page_375">375</a></span></p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> We have just passed over the bar that separates the one half +of the 18th century from the other: and among the ensuing eminent +collectors, whose brave fronts strike us with respect, is <span class="smcap">General +Dormer</span>:<a name="FNanchor_386_392" id="FNanchor_386_392"></a><a href="#Footnote_386_392" class="fnanchor">[386]</a> a soldier who, I warrant you, had faced full many a +cannon, and stormed many a rampart, with courage and success. But he +could not resist the raging influence of the Book-Mania: nor could all +his embrasures and entrenchments screen him from the attacks of this +insanity. His collection was both select and valuable.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_386_392" id="Footnote_386_392"></a><a href="#FNanchor_386_392">[386]</a> "<i>A Catalogue of the genuine and elegant +Library of the late</i> Sir C.C. <span class="smcap">Dormer</span>, collected by +Lieutenant General James Dormer; which will be sold, &c., by +Samuel Baker, at his house in York-Street, Covent Garden; to +begin on Monday, February the 20th, 1764, and to continue +the nineteen following evenings." At the end of the +catalogue we are told that the books were "in general of the +best editions, and in the finest condition, many of them in +<i>large paper</i>, bound in morocco, gilt leaves," &c. This was +a very choice collection of books; consisting almost +entirely of French, Greek, Latin, Italian, and Spanish. The +number of articles did not exceed 3082; and of volumes, +probably not 7000. The catalogue is neatly printed, and +copies of it on <i>large paper</i> are exceedingly scarce. Among +the most curious and valuable articles are the +following:——n<span class="super">o</span>. 599. Les Glorieuses Conquestes de Louis +le Grand, par Pontault, <i>en maroquin</i>. Paris, 1678. ("<i>N.B. +In this copy many very fine and rare portraits are added, +engraved by the most eminent masters.</i>")——n<span class="super">o</span>. 604. +Recueil des Maisons Royales, fort bien gravés par Sylvestre, +&c. (N.B. In the book was the following note. "<i>Ce recueil +des Maisons Royales n'est pas seulement complet, en toutes +manières, mais on y a ajouté plusieurs plans, que l'on ne +trouvent que très rarement.</i>")——n<span class="super">o</span>. 731. Fabian's +Chronicle, 1559.——752, Hall's ditto. 1548.——751. +Higden's Polychronicon. 1527. (I suspect that Dr. Askew +purchased the large paper Hutchinson's Xenophon, and +Hudson's Thucydides. n<span class="super">os</span>. 2246, 2585.)——n<span class="super">o</span>. 2249. +Don Quixote, por Cervantes. Madr., 4to., 1605. In hoc libro +hæc nota est. "<i>Cecy est l'edition originale; il y a une +autre du mesme année, imprimée en quarto à Madrid, mais +imprimée apres cecy. J'ay veu l'autre, et je les ay comparez +avec deux autres editions du mesme année, 1605; une imprimée +à Lisbonne, en 4to., l'autre en Valentia, en</i> +8vo."——n<span class="super">o</span>. 2590. Thuanus by Buckley, on <i>large paper</i>, +in 14 volumes, folio; a magnificent copy, illustrated with +many beautiful and rare portraits of eminent characters, +mentioned by De Thou. (N.B. This very copy was recently sold +for 74<i>l.</i>)——From n<span class="super">o</span>. 2680 to the end of the Catalogue +(401 articles) there appears a choice collection of Italian +and Spanish books.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">We have before noticed the celebrated diplomatic character, <span class="smcap">Consul +Smith</span>, and have spoken with due respect of his library: let us here, +therefore, pass by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_376" id="Page_376">376</a></span> him,<a name="FNanchor_387_393" id="FNanchor_387_393"></a><a href="#Footnote_387_393" class="fnanchor">[387]</a> in order to take a full and complete +view of a <i>Non-Pareil</i> Collector: the first who, after the days of +Richard Smith, succeeded in reviving the love of black-letter lore and +of Caxtonian typography—need I say <span class="smcap">James West</span>?<a name="FNanchor_388_394" id="FNanchor_388_394"></a><a href="#Footnote_388_394" class="fnanchor">[388]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_387_393" id="Footnote_387_393"></a><a href="#FNanchor_387_393">[387]</a> The reader has had a sufficiently particular +account of the book-collections of <span class="smcap">Consul Smith</span>, at <a href="#Page_95">p. 95</a>, +ante, to render any farther discussion superfluous. As these +libraries were collected <i>abroad</i>, the catalogues of them +were arranged in the place here referred to.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_388_394" id="Footnote_388_394"></a><a href="#FNanchor_388_394">[388]</a> I am now to notice, in less romantic manner +than Lysander, a collection of books, in <i>English +Literature</i>, which, for rarity and value, in a proportionate +number, have never been equalled; I mean the library of +<span class="smcap">James West</span>, Esq., <i>President of the Royal Society</i>. The sale +commenced on March 29, 1773, and continued for the +twenty-three following days. The catalogue was digested by +Samuel Paterson, a man whose ability in such undertakings +has been generally allowed. The title was as follows: +"<span class="smcap">Bibliotheca Westiana</span>; <i>A Catalogue of the curious and truly +valuable library of the late</i> <span class="smcap">James West</span>, Esq., <i>President +of the Royal Society, deceased</i>; comprehending a choice +collection of books in various languages, and upon most +branches of polite literature: more especially such as +relate to the history and antiquities of Great Britain and +Ireland; their early navigators, discoverers, and improvers, +and the <i>ancient English literature</i>: of which there are a +great number of uncommon books and tracts, elucidated by MS. +notes and original letters, and embellished with scarce +portraits and devices, rarely to be found: including the +works of Caxton, Lettou, Machlinia, the anonymous St. Albans +school-master, Wynkyn de Worde, Pynson, and the rest of the +old English typographers. Digested by Samuel Paterson, and +sold by Messrs. Langfords." The title-page is succeeded by +the</p> + +<p class="center">PREFACE.</p> + +<p>"The following catalogue exhibits a very curious and +uncommon collection of printed books and tracts. Of British +History and Antiquities, and of <i>Rare Old English +Literature</i>, the most copious of any which has appeared for +several years past; formed with great taste, and a thorough +knowledge of authors and characters, by that judicious +critic and able antiquary the late <span class="smcap">James West</span>, Esq., +President of the Royal Society. Several anonymous writers +are herein brought to light—many works enlarged and further +explained by their respective authors and editors—and a far +greater number illustrated with the MS. notes and +observations of some of our most respectable antiquaries: +among whom will be found the revered names of Camden, +Selden, Spelman, Somner, Dugdale, Gibson, Tanner, Nicolson, +Gale, Le Neve, Hearne, Anstis, Lewis, St. Amand, Ames, +Browne, Willis, Stukely, Mr. West, &c. But, above all, the +intense application and unwearied diligence of the admirable +Bishop White Kennett, upon the ecclesiastical, monastical, +constitutional, and topographical history of Great Britain, +so apparent throughout this collection, furnish matter even +to astonishment; and are alone sufficient to establish the +reputation, and to perpetuate the memory, of this +illustrious prelate, without any other monuments of his +greatness." "In an age of general inquiry, like the present, +when studies less interesting give place to the most +laudable curiosity and thirst after investigating every +particular relative to the history and literature of our own +country, nothing less than an elaborate digest of this +valuable library could be expected; and, as a supplement to +the history of English literature, more desired." "That task +the Editor has cheerfully undertaken: and, he flatters +himself, executed as well as the short time allowed would +permit. He further hopes, to the satisfaction of such who +are capable of judging of its utility and importance." "The +lovers of engraved English portraits (a species of modern +connoisseurship which appears to have been first started by +the late noble Earl of Oxford, afterwards taken up by Mr. +West, Mr. Nicolls, editor of Cromwell's State-Papers, Mr. +Ames, &c., and since perfected by the Muse of +Strawberry-Hill, the Rev. Wm. Granger, and some few more +ingenious collectors) may here look to find a considerable +number of singular and scarce heads, and will not be +disappointed in their search." Thus much Paterson; who, it +must be confessed, has promised more than he has performed: +for the catalogue, notwithstanding it was the <i>second</i> which +was published (the first being by a different hand, and most +barbarously compiled) might have exhibited better method and +taste in its execution. Never were rare and magnificent +books more huddled together and smothered, as it were, than +in this catalogue. Let us now proceed to an analysis of Mr. +West's Collection.</p> + +<p class="center">1. <i>Volumes of Miscellaneous Tracts.</i></p> + +<p>These volumes extend from n<span class="super">o</span>. 148 to 200, from 915 to +992, from 1201 to 1330, and from n<span class="super">o</span>. 1401 to 1480.—Among +them are some singularly choice and curious articles. The +following is but an imperfect specimen.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">154.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Atkyns on Printing, <i>with the frontispiece</i>, &c., +&c., 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">164.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">G. Whetstone's Honorable Profession of a Soldier, 1586, +&c., 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">179.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Life and death of Wolsey, 1641, &c.</td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">183.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Nashe's Lenten Stuffe, with the Praise of the Red +Herring, 1599, &c. 4to. (the three articles together did not +exceed)</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">188.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A Mornynge Remembrance, had at the Moneth Mynde of the +Noble Prynces Countesse of Rychmonde, &c. Wynkyn de Worde, +&c. 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">194.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Oh! read over Dr. John Bridges, for it is a worthie +Worke, &c. bl. letter, &c. 4to. Strange and fearful Newes +from Plasto, near Bow, in the house of one Paul Fox, a Silk +Weaver, where is daily to be seene throwing of Stones, +Bricbats, Oyster-shells, Bread, cutting his Work in Pieces, +breaking his Windows, &c. <i>No date</i>, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1477.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Leylande's Journey and Serche, given of hym as a Newe +Yeares Gyfte to K. Henry 8th, enlarged by Bale, bl. letter, +1549, 8vo., (with three other curious articles.)</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1480.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A disclosing of the great Bull and certain Calves that +he hath gotten, and especially the Monster Bull that roared +at my Lord Byshop's gate. Bl. letter, pr. by Daye. No date. +4to.</td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>The preceding affords but a very inadequate idea of the +"pithie, pleasant, and profitable" discourses mid tracts +which abounded among the miscellaneous articles of Mr. +West's library. Whatever be the defects of modern +literature, it must be allowed that we are not <i>quite so +coarse</i> in the <i>title pages</i> of our books. +</p> + +<p class="center">2. <i>Divinity.</i></p> + +<p>This comprehended a vast mass of information, under the +following general title. Scarce Tracts: Old and New +Testaments (including almost all the first English editions +of the New Testament, which are now of the rarest +occurrence): Commentators: Ecclesiastical History: Polemics: +Devotions, Catholic and Calvinistical: Enthusiasm: +Monastical History: Lives of Saints: Fathers: Missionaries: +Martyrs: Modern Divines and Persons of eminent piety: Free +Thinkers: Old English Primers: Meditations: Some of the +earliest Popish and Puritanical Controversy: Sermons by old +English Divines, &c. In the whole 560 articles: probably +about 1200 volumes. These general heads are sufficient to +satisfy the bibliographer that, with such an indefatigable +collector as was Mr. West, the greater part of the +theological books must have been extremely rare and curious. +From so <i>many Caxtons</i>, <i>Wynkyn de Wordes</i>, <i>Pynsons, &c.</i>, +it would be difficult to select a <i>few</i> which should give a +specimen of the value of the rest. Suffice it to observe +that such a cluster of <i>Black Letter Gems</i>, in this +department of English literature, has never since been seen +in any sale catalogue. +</p> + +<p class="center">3. <i>Education, Languages, Criticism, Classics, Dictionaries, +Catalogues of Libraries, &c.</i></p> + +<p>There were about 700 volumes in these departments. The +catalogues of English books, from that of Maunsell in 1595, +to the latest before Mr. West's time, were nearly complete. +The treatises on education, and translations of the ancient +classics, comprehended a curious and uncommon collection. +The Greek and Latin Classics were rather select than rare. +</p> + +<p class="center">4. <i>English Poetry, Romances, and Miscellanies.</i></p> + +<p>This interesting part of the collection comprehended about +355 articles, or probably about 750 volumes: and, if the +singularly rare and curious books which may be found <i>under +these heads alone</i> were now to be concentrated in one +library, the owner of them might safely demand 4000 guineas +for such a treasure! I make no doubt but that his <span class="smcap">Majesty</span> is +the fortunate possessor of the greater number of articles +under all the foregoing heads. +</p> + +<p class="center">5. <i>Philosophy, Mathematics, Inventions, Agriculture, and +Horticulture, Medicine, Cookery, Surgery, &c.</i></p> + +<p>Two hundred and forty articles, or about 560 volumes.</p> + +<p class="center">6. <i>Chemistry, Natural History, Astrology, Sorcery, +Gigantology.</i></p> + +<p>Probably not more than 100 volumes. The word "Gigantology," +first introduced by Mr. Paterson, I believe, into the +English language, was used by the French more than two +centuries ago. See n<span class="super">o</span>. 2198 in the catalogue. +</p> + +<p class="center">7. <i>History and Antiquities.</i></p> + +<p>This comprehended a great number of curious and valuable +productions, relating both to foreign and domestic +transactions.</p> + +<p class="center">8. <i>Heraldry and Genealogy.</i></p> + +<p>An equal number of curious and scarce articles may be found +under these heads.</p> + +<p class="center">9. <i>Antient Legends and Chronicles.</i></p> + +<p>To the English antiquary, few departments of literature are +more interesting than this. Mr. West seems to have paid +particular attention to it, and to have enriched his library +with many articles of this description of the rarest +occurrence. The lovers of Caxton, Fabian, Hardyng, Hall, +Grafton, and Holinshed, may be highly gratified by +inspecting the various editions of these old chroniclers. I +entreat the diligent bibliographer to examine the first 8 +articles of page 209 of the catalogue. Alas! when will such +gems again glitter at one sale? The fortunate period for +collectors is gone by: a knowledge of books almost every +where prevails. At York, at Exeter, at Manchester, and at +Bristol, as well as in London, this knowledge may be found +sometimes on the dusty stall, as well as in the splendid +shop. The worth of books begins to be considered by a +different standard from that of the quantity of gold on the +exterior! We are now for "<i>drinking deep</i>," as well as +"<i>tasting</i>!" But I crave pardon for this digression, and +lose sight of Mr. West's <i>uniques</i>.</p> + +<p class="center">10. <i>Topography.</i></p> + +<p>Even to a veteran like the late Mr. Gough, such a collection +as may be found from p. 217 to 239 of the catalogue, would +be considered a very first-rate acquisition. I am aware that +the Gothic wainscot and stained glass windows of <i>Enfield +Study</i> enshrined a still more exquisite topographical +collection! But we are improved since the days of Mr. West; +and every body knows to <i>whom</i> these improvements are, in a +great measure, to be attributed! When I call to mind the +author of "<i>British Topography</i>" and "<i>Sepulchral +Monuments</i>," I am not insensible to the taste, diligence, +and erudition of the "par nobile fratrum," who have +gratified us with the "<i>Environs of London</i>," and the three +volumes of "<i>Magna Britannia</i>!" Catalogues of Mr. West's +library, with the sums for which the books were sold, are +now found with difficulty, and bring a considerable price. +The late Mr. G. Baker, who had a surprisingly curious +collection of priced catalogues, was in possession of the +<i>original sale</i> one of West's library. It is interleaved, +and, of course, has the prices and names of the purchasers. +Mr. Heber has also a priced copy, with the names, which was +executed by my industrious and accurate predecessor, William +Herbert, of typographico-antiquarian renown. The number of +articles, on the whole, was 4653; and of the volumes as many +articles were single, probably about 8000. <i>Ample</i> as some +"pithy" reader may imagine the foregoing analysis to be, I +cannot find it in my heart to suffer such a collection, as +was the <i>Bibliotheca Westiana</i>, to be here dismissed in so +<i>summary</i> a manner. Take, therefore, "pleasaunt" reader, the +following account of the <i>prices</i> for which some of the +aforesaid book-gems were sold. They are presented to thee as +a matter of curiosity only; and not as a criterion of their +present value. And as <span class="smcap">Master Caxton</span> has of late become so +popular amongst us, we will see, inter alios, what some of +the books printed by so "simple a person" produced at this +renowned sale.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">564.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Salesbury (Wyllyam) his Dictionary in Englyshe and +Welshe, moste necessary to all such Welshemen as wil spedly +learne the English tongue, &c. <i>Printed by Waley</i>, 1547, +4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">566.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Mulcaster (Rich.) of the right writing of our English +Tung. <i>Imp. by Vautrollier</i>, 1582, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">575.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Florio's Frutes to be gathered of 12 trees of divers +but delyghtfule tastes to the Tongues of Italians and +Englishmen, also his Garden of Recreation, &c., 1591, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">580.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Eliot's Indian Grammar, <i>no title</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="center">Thus much for <span class="smcap">Grammatical Tracts</span>.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">808.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The fyve Bokes of Moses, wythe the Prologes of Wyllyam +Tyndale, b.b. 1534, <i>printed in different characters at +different periods</i>, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">813.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Actes of the Apostles translated into Englyshe +metre, by Chrystofer Tye, Doctor in musyke, with notes to +synge, and also to play upon the lute. <i>Printed by Seres</i>, +1553, 12mo.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">819.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Newe Testament, with the Prologes of Wyllyam +Tyndale, cuts, printed at Andwarp, &c., 1534, 12mo.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">820.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The same, with the same cuts, emprynted at Antwerpe, by +M. Crom, 1538, <i>a fine copy, in morocco binding</i> (title +wanting).</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1341.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Gospels of the fower Evangelists, translated in +the olde Saxons Tyme, &c. Sax. and Eng. Imprinted by Daye, +1571, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1383.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Discipline of the Kirk of Scotlande, subscribet by +the Handes off Superintendentes, one parte off Ministers, +and scribet in oure generalle Assemblies ad Edenbourg, 28 +Decemb., 1566. <i>No title.</i> 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1714.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The most sacred Bible, recognised with great diligence +by Richard Taverner, &c., <i>printed by Byddell for Barthelet, +1539, in russia</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1716.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Byble in Englyshe of the largest and greatest +volume, &c. <i>Printed by Grafton</i>, 1541, Folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1870.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Speculum Vite Christi, the Booke that is cleped the +Myrroure of the blessed Lyf of Jhesu Cryste, <i>emprynted by +Caxton</i>, fol., <i>no date, fine copy in morocco</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1871.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The prouffytable Boke for Mannes Soule, &c., +<i>emprynted by Caxton</i>, fol., no date, a fine copy in +morocco.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1873.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Cordyale, or of the fowre last Thynges, &c., +<i>emprynted by Caxton</i>, 1480, fol., <i>fine copy in morocco</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1874.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Pylgremage of the Sowle, &c., 1483, folio, +<i>emprynted by Caxton</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1875.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Booke entytled and named Ryal, &c., <i>translated +and printed by Caxton</i>, 1484, <i>fine morocco copy</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1876.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Arte and Crafte to knowe well to dye; <i>translated +and prynted by Caxton</i>, 1490, folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="center">So take we leave of <span class="smcap">Divinity</span>!</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1047.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Hall's Virgidemiarum, lib. vi. 1599, 1602, 12mo. "Mr. +Pope's copy, who presented it to Mr. West, telling him that +he esteemed them the best poetry and truest satire in the +English language." (N.B. These satires were incorrectly +published in 1753, 8vo.: a republication of them, with +pertinent notes, would be very acceptable.)</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1658.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Churchyard's Works; 3 vols. in 1, <i>very elegant</i>, bl. +letter.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1816.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Passe Tyme of Pleasure, &c., <i>printed by Wynkyn de +Worde</i>, 1517, 4to., fine copy.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1821.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Merie conceited Jests of George Peele, Gent. 1607, 4to.<br /> +Robin the Devil, his two penni-worth of Wit in half a +penni-worth of paper, &c., 1607, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1846.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Hye Waye to the Spyttell Hous; printed by the +compyler Rob. Copland, no date.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1847.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Another copy of the Spyttell House; "A thousande fyve +hundredth fortye and foure," no printer's name, mark, or +date, 4to.<br /> +Here begynneth a lytell propre Jest, called +Cryste Crosse me spede, a b c.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2274.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Chaucer's Work; first edition, <i>emprentyd by Caxton</i>, +folio, <i>in russia</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">47</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2280.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— Troylus and Creseyde, <i>printed <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: by">b</span> +Caxton</i>, folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2281.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— Booke of Fame, <i>printed by Caxton</i>, folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2297.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Gower de Confessione Amantis; <i>printed by Caxton</i>, +1483, folio, <i>in morocco</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2282.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Bokys of Haukyng and Hunting; <i>printed at Seynt +Albons</i>, 1486, <i>folio: fine copy in morocco</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="center">And here farewell <span class="smcap">Poetry</span>!</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1678.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Booke of the moste victoryouse Prynce, Guy of +Warwick. <i>Impr. by W. Copland</i>, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1683.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Historye of Graunde Amoure and la bell Pucel, &c. +<i>Impr. by John Wayland</i>, 1554, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1685.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Historye of Olyver of Castylle, &c. <i>Impr. by +Wynkyn de Worde</i>, 1518, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1656.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Booke of the Ordre of Chyvalry or Knyghthode. +<i>Translated and printed by William Caxton</i>; no date, a fine +copy in russia, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td>(Shall I put one, or one hundred marks—not of admiration +but of astonishment—at this price?! but go on kind reader!)</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2480.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Boke of Jason: <i>emprynted by Caxton</i>, folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2481.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Boke of Fayttes of Armes and of Chyvalrye, +<i>emprynted by Caxton</i>, 1489, folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2582.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Thystorye, &c., of the Knyght Parys, and of the fayre +Vyenne, &c. 1485, fol., <i>translated and printed by Caxton</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="centertp"> +<img src="images/caxton.png" width="211" height="266" alt="Caxton" title="Caxton" /> +</p> + +<p class="centerbp">CAXTON.</p> + +<p>But why should I go on tantalising the S——s, H——s, +S——s, R——s, and U——s, of the day, by further specimens +of the <i>enormous</i> sums here given for such <i>common</i> editions +of old <span class="smcap">Romances</span>? Mr. George Nicol, his majesty's bookseller, +told me, with his usual pleasantry and point, that he got +abused in the public papers, by Almon and others, for his having purchased nearly the whole of the Caxtonian volumes +in this collection for his Majesty's library. It was said +abroad that "a Scotchman had lavished away the king's money +in buying old black-letter books." A pretty specimen of +<i>lavishing</i> away royal money, truly! There is also another +thing, connected with these <i>invaluable</i> (I speak as a +bibliomaniac—and, perhaps, as a metaphysician may think—as +a fool! but let it pass!) with these invaluable +purchases:—his Majesty, in his directions to Mr. Nicol, +forbade any competition with those purchasers who wanted +books of science and belles-lettres for their <i>own +professional</i> or <i>literary</i> pursuits: thus using, I ween, +the powers of his purse in a manner at once merciful and +wise.—"O si sic"—may we say to many a heavy-metalled +book-auction bibliomaniac of the present day!—Old Tom +Payne, the father of the respectable Mr. Payne, of +Pall-Mall, used to tell Mr. Nichol—<i>pendente hastâ</i>—that +he had been "raising all the <span class="smcap">Caxtons</span>!" "Many a copy," quoth +he, "hath <i>stuck</i> in my shop at two guineas!" Mr. <span class="smcap">Nichols</span>, +in his amusing biography of Bowyer, has not devoted so large +a portion of his pages to the description of Mr. West's +collection, life, and character, as he has to many +collectors who have been less eminently distinguished in the +bibliographical world. Whether this was the result of the +paucity, or incongruity, of his materials, or whether, from +feelings of delicacy he might not choose to declare all he +knew, are points into which I have neither right nor +inclination to enquire. There seems every reason to conclude +that, from youth, West had an elegant and well-directed +taste in matters of literature and the fine arts. As early +as the year 1720, he shewed the munificence of his +disposition, in these respects, by befriending Hearne with a +plate for his <i>Antiquities of Glastonbury</i>; see p. +285—which was executed, says Hearne, "Sumptibus ornatissimi +amicissimique Juvenis (multis sane nominibus de studiis +nostris optime meriti) <span class="smcap">Jacobi West</span>," &c. So in his pref. to +<i>Adam de Domerham de reb. gest. Glaston</i>:—"antiquitatum ac +historiarum nostrarum studiosus in primis—Jacobus West." p. +xx. And in his <i>Walter Hemingford</i>, we have:—"fragmentum, +ad civitatem Oxoniensem pertinens, admodum egregium, mihi +dono dedit amicus eximius Jacobus West—is quem alibi +juvenem ornatissimum appellavi," &c., p. 428. How the +promise of an abundant harvest, in the mature years of so +excellent a young man, was realized, the celebrity of West, +throughout Europe, to his dying day, is a sufficient +demonstration. I conclude with the following; which is +literally from Nichols's <i>Anecdotes of Bowyer</i>. "James West, +of Alscott, in the county of Warwick, Esq., M.A., of Baliol +College, Oxford, (son of Richard West, said to be descended, +according to family tradition, from Leonard, a younger son +of Thomas West, Lord Delawar, who died in 1525) was +representative in parliament for St. Alban's, in 1741; and +being appointed one of the joint Secretaries of the +Treasury, held that office till 1762. In 1765 or 1766, his +old patron the Duke of Newcastle, obtained for him a pension +of 2000<i>l.</i> a year. He was an early member, and one of the +Vice Presidents, of the Antiquary Society; and was first +Treasurer, and afterwards President, of the Royal Society. +He married the daughter and heiress of Sir Thomas Stephens, +timber merchant, in Southwark, with whom he had a large +fortune in houses in Rotherhithe; and by whom he had a son, +James West, Esq., now (1782) of Alscott, one of the Auditors +of the Land-Tax, and sometime Member of Parliament for +Boroughbridge, in Yorkshire (who in 1774 married the +daughter of Christopher Wren, of Wroxhall in Warwickshire, +Esq.), and had two daughters. Mr. West died in July, 1772. +His large and valuable collection of <span class="smcap">Manuscripts</span> was sold to +the <i>Earl of Shelburne</i>, and is now deposited in the British +Museum."</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_377" id="Page_377">377</a></span><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> All hail to thee—transcendant bibliomaniac of other times!—of +times, in which my father lived,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_378" id="Page_378">378</a></span> and procured, at the sale of thy +precious book-treasures, not a few of those rare volumes which have so +much gladdened the eyes of Lisardo.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_379" id="Page_379">379</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Belin.</span> I presume you mean, dear brother, some of those <i>black-looking</i> +gentlemen, bound in fancifully<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_380" id="Page_380">380</a></span> marked coats of morocco, and <i>washed</i> +and <i>ironed</i> within (for you collectors must have recourse to a +woman's occupation) with so much care and nicety that even<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_381" id="Page_381">381</a></span> the eyes +of our ancient Rebecca, with "spectacle on nose" to boot, could hardly +detect the cunning' conceit of your binder!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_382" id="Page_382">382</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> Spare my feelings and your own reputation, if you wish to +appreciate justly the noble craft of book-repairing, &c.—But proceed, +dear Lysander.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> You cannot have a greater affection towards<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_383" id="Page_383">383</a></span> the memory of the +collector of the <i>Bibliotheca Westiana</i> than myself. Hark—! or is it +only a soft murmur from a congregation of autumnal zephyrs!—but +methought I heard a sound, as if calling upon us to look well to the +future fate of our libraries—to look well to their being <i>creditably +catalogued</i>—"For" (and indeed it <i>is</i> the voice of West's spirit that +speaks) "my collection was barbarously murdered; and hence I am doomed +to wander for a century, to give warning to the ——, ——, and ——, +of the day, to execute this useful task with their own hands! Yes; +even the name of <span class="smcap">Paterson</span> has not saved my collection from censure; +but his hands were then young and inexperienced—yet I suffer from +this innocent error!" Away, away, vexed spirit—and let thy head rest +in peace beneath the sod!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Alman.</span> For heaven's sake, into what society are we introduced, sister? +All mad—book mad! but I hope harmless.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Allay your apprehensions; for, though we<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_384" id="Page_384">384</a></span> may have the +energies of the lion, we have the gentleness of the "unweaned lamb." +But, in describing so many and such discordant characters, how can I +proceed in the jog-trot way of—"next comes such a one—and then +follows another—and afterwards proceeds a third, and now a fourth!?"</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Alman.</span> Sir, you are right, and I solicit your forgiveness. If I have +not sufficient bookish enthusiasm to fall down and worship your +<span class="smcap">Caxtonian Deity</span>, <span class="smcap">James West</span>, I am at least fully disposed to concede +him every excellent and amiable quality which sheds lustre upon a +literary character.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> All offence is expiated: for look, the spirit walks off +calmly—and seems to acknowledge, with satisfaction, such proper +sentiments in the breast of one whose father and brother have been +benefited by his book treasures.</p> + +<p class="bp">The rapturous, and, I fear you will think, the wild and incoherent, +manner in which I have noticed the sale of the <i>Bibliotheca Westiana</i> +had nearly driven from my recollection that, in the preceding, the +same, and subsequent, year, there was sold by auction a very curious +and extraordinary collection of books and Prints belonging to honest +<span class="smcap">Tom Martin</span>,<a name="FNanchor_389_395" id="FNanchor_389_395"></a><a href="#Footnote_389_395" class="fnanchor">[389]</a> <i>of Palgrave</i>,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_385" id="Page_385">385</a></span> in Suffolk: a collector of whom, if I +remember rightly, Herbert has, upon several occasions, spoken with a +sort<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_386" id="Page_386">386</a></span> of veneration. If Lavater's system of physiognomy happen to +receive your approbation, you will conclude, upon contemplating Tom's +frank countenance—of which a cut precedes the title-page of the first +catalogue—that the collector of Palgrave must have been "a fine old +fellow." Martin's book-pursuits were miscellaneous, and perhaps a +little too wildly followed up; yet some good fortune contributed to +furnish his collection with volumes of singular curiosity.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_389_395" id="Footnote_389_395"></a><a href="#FNanchor_389_395">[389]</a> "Hereafter followeth" rather a rough outline +of the contents of honest Tom Martin's miscellaneous and +curious collection. To the <span class="smcap">iv</span>th part I have added a few +prices, and but a few. I respect too much the quiet and +comfort of the present race of bibliomaniacs, to inflame +their minds by a longer extract of such tantalizing sums +given for some of the most extraordinary volumes in English +Literature.——<span class="smcap">i.</span> <i>A Catalogue of the Library of</i> Mr. <span class="smcap">Thomas +Martin</span>, <i>of Palgrave, in Suffolk, lately deceased. Lynn, +Printed by W. Whittingham</i>, 1772, 8vo. With a portrait +engraved by Lamborn, from a painting of Bardwell. 5240 +articles; with 15 pages of Appendix, containing +MSS.——n<span class="super">o</span>. 86. Juliana Barnes on Hawking, &c., +black-letter, wants a leaf, folio. 56. Chauncey's History of +Hertfordshire, with marginal notes, by P. Le Neve, Esq., +1700, folio. 757. Scriptores Rerum Brunsvicensium, 3 vols. +folio, 1707. ("N.B. Only 3 sets in England at the accession +of Geo. III.")——<span class="smcap">ii.</span> <i>A Catalogue of the very curious and +numerous collection of Manuscripts of</i> <span class="smcap">Thomas Martin</span>, Esq., +<i>of Suffolk, lately deceased</i>. Consisting of Pedigrees, +Genealogies, Heraldic Papers, Old Deeds, Charters, Sign +Manuals, Autographs, &c., likewise some very rare old +printed books. Sold by auction by Baker and Leigh, April 28, +1773, 8vo. The MSS. (of many of which Edmonson was a +purchaser) consisted of 181 articles, ending with "The 15 +O's, in old English verse—St. Bridget." Among the 19 +volumes only of "Scarce Printed Books" were the +following:—n<span class="super">o</span>. 188. Edwards' Paradyse of daynty Devices, +1577. 196. The Holy Life of Saynt Werburge, printed by +Pynson, 1521. The Lyfe of Saynte Radegunde, by Pynson. Lyfe +of Saynt Katherine, printed by Waley, 4to.——<span class="smcap">iii.</span> <i>A +Catalogue of the remaining Part of the valuable Collection +of the late well known Antiquary</i>, Mr. <span class="smcap">Martin</span>, <i>of Palgrave, +Suffolk</i>: consisting of many very valuable and ancient +Manuscripts on vellum, early printed black-letter Books, and +several other scarce Books; his Law Library, Deeds, Grants, +and Pedigrees; a valuable collection of Drawings and Prints, +by the best masters—and his Collection of Greek, Roman, +Saxon, and English Coins—with some curiosities. Sold by +auction by Baker and Leigh, 18th May, 1774. 8vo. This +collection consisted of 537 articles, exclusively of the +coins, &c., which were 75 in number. Among the printed books +were several very curious ones; such as——n<span class="super">o</span>. 88. The +Death and Martyrdom of Campione the Jesuite, 1581, 8vo. 124. +Heywood's "If you know not me, you know nobody," 1623, 4to. +"This has a wood-cut of the whole length of Q. Elizabeth, +and is very scarce." 183. Fabyan's Chronicle. This I take it +was the first edition. 186. Promptuarium Parvulorum. Pynson, +folio, 1499. See Hearne's Peter Langtoft, vol. ii., 624-5. +228. Dives et Pauper; yis Tretyys ben dyvydit into elevene +partys, and ev'ry part is dyvidit into chapitalis. "The +above extremely curious and valuable Manuscript on vellum is +wrote on 539 pages. Vide Leland, vol. ii., 452: Bale, 609. +Pits, 660. MS., 4to." 236. Original Proclamations of Q. +Elizabeth, folio. "A most rare collection, and of very great +value: the Earl of Oxford once offered Mr. Martin one +hundred guineas for them, which he refused." Qu. what they +sold for? 237. The Pastyme of the People; the Cronycles of +dyvers Realmys, and most specyally of the Realme of Englond, +&c., by John Rastell. An elegant copy, in the original +binding, large folio, black-letter, London, 1529. "Supposed +to be only two or three copies existing;" but see <a href="#Page_337">page 337</a>, +ante. The folio Manuscripts, extending to n<span class="super">o</span>. 345, are +very curious; especially the first 60 numbers.——<span class="smcap">iv.</span> +<i>Bibliotheca Martiniana. A Catalogue of the entire Library +of the late eminent Antiquary</i> Mr. <span class="smcap">Thomas Martin</span>, <i>of +Suffolk</i>. Containing some thousand volumes in every +Language, Art, and Science, a large collection of the +scarcest early Printers, and some hundreds of Manuscripts, +&c., which will begin to be sold very cheap, on Saturday, +June 5 (1773). By Martin Booth and John Berry, Booksellers, +at their Warehouse in the Angel Yard, Market Place, Norwich, +and continue on sale only two months: 8vo. This Catalogue is +full of curious, rare, and interesting books; containing +4895 articles; all priced. Take, as a sample, the following: +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4071.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Wynkyn de Worde's reprint of Juliana Berners' book +of Hawking, &c., 1496, folio, 1<i>l.</i> 11<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i>: n<span class="super">o</span>. +4292. Copland's ditto of ditto, fair</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4099.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A collection of Old Romances in the Dutch Language, +with wood-cuts, very fair, 1544 to 1556, folio</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4169.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Horace's Art of poetry, by Drant, 1567, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4234.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A certayne Tragedye, &c., entitled, Freewil, wants +title, very fair and scarce, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4254.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Historie of Prince Arthur and his Knights of the Round +Table, 1634, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4336.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Life off the 70 Archbishopp off Canterbury +presentlye sittinge, &c. Imprinted in 1574, 8vo., neat</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">A severe satire against Parker, Abp. of Canterbury, for +which 'tis said the author was punished with the loss of his +arm.</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4345.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Amorous Tales, by James Sanforde, very rare, printed +by Bynneman, 1567, 12mo. (or small 8vo. perhaps)</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4432.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Hereafter followeth a little boke whyche hath to name +Whye come ye not to court: by Mayster Skelton; printed by +Anthony Kytson, no date. A little boke of Philip Sparrow, +compiled by Mayster Skelton; printed by Ant. Veale, no date, +very fair, both 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">"This is a most extraordinarily scarce edition of Skelton's +Pieces, and has besides these, some other fragments of his +by various early printers."</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +</table> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">But I proceed. The commotions excited in the book world, by means of +the sales of the <i>Bibliotheca Westiana</i> and <i>Martiniana</i>, had hardly +ceased, when a similar agitation took place from the dispersion of the +<i>Monastic Library</i> which once belonged to <span class="smcap">Serjeant Fletewode</span>;<a name="FNanchor_390_396" id="FNanchor_390_396"></a><a href="#Footnote_390_396" class="fnanchor">[390]</a><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_387" id="Page_387">387</a></span> a +bibliomaniac who flourished in full vigour during the reign of +Elizabeth. The catalogue of these truly curious books is but a sorry +performance; but let the lover of rare articles put on his bathing +corks, and swim quietly across this ocean of black-letter, and he will +be abundantly repaid for the toil of such an aquatic excursion.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_390_396" id="Footnote_390_396"></a><a href="#FNanchor_390_396">[390]</a> The year following the sale of Mr. West's +books, a very curious and valuable collection, chiefly of +English literature, was disposed of by auction, by Paterson, +who published the catalogue under the following title: +"<span class="smcap">Bibliotheca Monastico-Fletewodiana</span>." "<i>A Catalogue of rare +books and tracts in various languages and faculties; +including the Ancient Conventual Library of Missenden Abbey, +in Buckinghamshire</i>; together with some choice remains of +that of the late eminent Serjeant at Law, <span class="smcap">William Fletewode</span>, +Esq., Recorder of London, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth; +among which are several specimens of the earliest +typography, foreign and English, including Caxton, Wynkyn de +Worde, Pynson, and others: a fine collection of English +history, some scarce old law books, a great number of old +English plays, several choice MSS. upon vellum, and other +subjects of literary curiosity. Also several of the best +editions of the classics, and modern English and French +books. Sold by auction by S. Paterson, December," 1774, +8vo., 3641 lots, or articles. I am in possession of a +<i>priced catalogue</i> of this collection, with the names of the +purchasers. The latter were principally Herbert, Garrick, +Dodd, Elmsley, T. Payne, Richardson, Chapman, Wagstaff, +Bindley, and Gough. The following is a specimen of some +curious and interesting articles contained in this +celebrated library: +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">172.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Bale's brefe Chronycle relating to Syr Johan +Oldecastell, 1544. The Life off the 70th Archbishop off +Canterbury, presentlye sittinge, 1574, &c. Life of Hen. +Hills, Printer to O. Cromwell, with the Relation of what +passed between him and the Taylor's Wife in Black Friars, +1688, 8vo., &c.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="center" colspan="5">Purchased by Mores.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">361 to 367.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Upwards of thirty <i>scarce Theological Tracts</i>, +in Latin and English.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">746 to 784.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A fine collection of early English Translations, +in black letter, with some good foreign editions of the +classics. Not exceeding, in the whole</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">837, 838.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Two copies of the <i>first edition</i> of Bacon's +Essays, 1597. <span class="smcap">mirabile dictu!</span></td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="center" colspan="5">The reader will just glance at n<span class="super">o</span>. 970, in the catalogue, +en passant, to</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1082.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">(1<i>l.</i> 2<i>s.</i>) and 1091 (12<i>s.</i>) but more particularly +to</td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1173.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Boke of Tulle of Olde Age, &c. <i>Emprynted by +Caxton</i>, 1481, folio</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1174.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Boke which is sayd or called Cathon, &c. <i>printed +by the same</i>, 1483, folio. Purchased by Alchorne</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1256.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Doctrinal of Sapyence, <i>printed by the same</i>, +1489, folio. Purchased by Alchorne</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1257.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Booke named the Cordyal, <i>printed by the same</i>, +1479, folio</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>But there is no end to these curious volumes. I will, +however, only add that there were upwards of 150 articles of +<i>Old Plays</i>, mostly in quarto. See page 73. Of +<i>Antiquities</i>, <i>Chronicles</i>, and <i>Topography</i>, it would be +difficult to pitch upon the rarest volumes. The collection, +including very few MSS., contained probably about 7000 +volumes. The catalogue, in a clean condition, is somewhat +uncommon.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">You will imagine that the <span class="smcap">Book-Disease</span> now began to be more active and +fatal than ever; for the ensuing year (namely, in 1775) died the +famous <span class="smcap">Anthony Askew</span>, M.D. Those who recollect the zeal and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_388" id="Page_388">388</a></span> +scholarship of this illustrious bibliomaniac,<a name="FNanchor_391_397" id="FNanchor_391_397"></a><a href="#Footnote_391_397" class="fnanchor">[391]</a> and the precious +volumes with which his library was stored,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_389" id="Page_389">389</a></span> from the choice +collections of De Boze, Gaignat, Mead, and Folkes, cannot but sigh, +with grief of heart, on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_390" id="Page_390">390</a></span> reflecting upon such a victim! How ardently, +and how kindly (as I remember to have heard one of his intimate +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: friends">friend</span> say) would Askew unlock the stores of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_391" id="Page_391">391</a></span> +his glittering book-treasures!—open the magnificent folio, or the +shining duodecimo, <i>printed upon vellum</i>, and embossed with golden +knobs, or held fast with silver clasps! How carefully would he unrol +the curious <i>manuscript</i>, decipher the half effaced characters—and +then, casting an eye of ecstacy over the shelves upon which similar +treasures were lodged, exult in the glorious prospect before him! But +death—who, as Horace tells us, equally exercises the knocker of the +palace and cottage-door, made no scruple to rap at that of our<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_392" id="Page_392">392</a></span> +renowned Doctor—when Askew, with all his skill in medicine and +knowledge of books, yielded to the summons of the grim tyrant—and +died lamented, as he lived beloved!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_391_397" id="Footnote_391_397"></a><a href="#FNanchor_391_397">[391]</a> Lysander is now arrived, pursuing his +chronological order, at a very important period in the +annals of book-sales. The name and collection of Dr. <span class="smcap">Askew</span> +are so well known in the bibliographical world that the +reader need not be detained with laboured commendations on +either: in the present place, however, it would be a cruel +disappointment not to say a word or two by way of preface or +prologue. Dr. <span class="smcap">Anthony Askew</span> had eminently distinguished +himself by a refined taste, a sound knowledge, and an +indefatigable research, relating to every thing connected +with Grecian and Roman literature. It was to be expected, +even during his life, as he was possessed of sufficient +means to gratify himself with what was rare, curious, and +beautiful, in literature and the fine arts, that the public +would one day be benefited by such pursuits: especially as +he had expressed a wish that his treasures might be +unreservedly submitted to sale, after his decease. In this +wish the doctor was not singular. Many eminent collectors +had indulged it before him: and, to my knowledge, many +modern ones still indulge it. Accordingly, on the death of +Dr. Askew, in 1774, appeared, in the ensuing year, a +catalogue of his books for sale, by Messrs. Baker and Leigh, +under the following title: "<span class="smcap">Bibliotheca Askeviana</span>, <i>sive +Catalogus Librorum Rarissimorum Antonii Askew, M.D., quorum +Auctio fiet apud S. Baker et G. Leigh, in Vico dicto York +Street, Covent Garden, Londini, Die Lunæ, 13 Februarii</i>, +<span class="smcap">mdcclxxv</span>, <i>et in undeviginti sequentes dies</i>." A few copies +were struck off on <i>large paper</i>, which are yet rather +common. My own copy is of this kind, with the prices, and +names of the purchasers. We are told, by the compiler of the +catalogue, that it was thought "unnecessary to say much with +respect to this library of the late Dr. Anthony Askew, as +the collector and the collection were so well known in +almost all parts of Europe." Afterwards it is observed that +"The books in general are in very fine condition, many of +them bound in morocco, and russia leather, with gilt +leaves." "To give a particular account," continues the +compiler, "of the <i>many scarce editions</i> of books in this +catalogue would be almost endless, therefore the <i>first +editions</i> of the classics, and some <i>extremely rare books</i>, +are chiefly noticed. The catalogue, without any doubt, +contains the best, rarest, and most valuable collection of +<span class="smcap">Greek</span> and <span class="smcap">Latin Books</span> that was ever sold in England, and the +great time and trouble of forming it will, it is hoped, be a +sufficient excuse for the price put to it." (1<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> the +small paper, and 4<i>s.</i> the large.) This account is not +overcharged. The collection in regard to Greek and Roman +literature was <i>unique</i> in its day. Enriched with many a +tome from the Harleian, Dr. Mead's, Martin Folkes's, and Dr. +Rawlinson's library, as well as with numerous rare and +splendid articles from foreign collections (for few men +travelled with greater ardour, or had an acuter +discrimination than Dr. Askew), the books were sought after +by almost every one then eminent for bibliographical +research. <span class="smcap">His Majesty</span> was a purchaser, says Mr. J. Nichols, +to the amount of about 300<i>l.</i>; Dr. Hunter, to the amount of +500<i>l.</i>; and De Bure (who had commissions from the King of +France and many foreign collectors, to the amount of +1500<i>l.</i>) made purchases to the same amount; Dr. Maty was +solicited by the trustees of the British Museum not to be +unmindful of <i>that repository</i>; and accordingly he became a +purchaser to a considerable amount. The late worthy and +learned Mr. M. <span class="smcap">Cracherode</span>, whose library now forms one of +the most splendid acquisitions of the British Museum, and +whose <i>bequest</i> of it will immortalize his memory, was also +among the "Emptores literarii" at this renowned sale. He had +enriched his collection with many an "<i>Exemplar +Askevianum</i>;" and, in his latter days, used to elevate his +hands and eyes, and exclaim against the prices <i>now</i> offered +for <span class="smcap">Editiones Principes</span>. The fact is, Dr. Askew's sale has +been considered a sort of <i>era</i> in bibliography. Since that +period, rare and curious books in Greek and Latin literature +have been greedily sought after, and obtained (as a recent +sale abundantly testifies) at most extravagant prices. It is +very well for a veteran in bibliographical literature, as +was Mr. Cracherode, or as are Mr. Wodhull, and Dr. +Gosset—whose collections were, in part, formed in the days +of De Bure, Gaignat, Askew, Duke de la Valliere, and +Lamoignon—it is very well for such gentlemen to declaim +against <i>modern prices</i>! But what is to be done? Classical +books grow scarcer every day, and the love of literature, +and of possessing rare and interesting works, increases in +an equal ratio. Hungry bibliographers meet, at sales, with +well-furnished purses, and are resolved upon sumptuous fare! +Thus the hammer <i>vibrates</i>, after a bidding of <span class="smcap">forty pounds</span>, +where formerly it used regularly to <i>fall</i> at <span class="smcap">four</span>! But we +lose sight of Dr. Askew's <i>rare editions</i>, and <i>large paper +copies</i>. The following, gentle reader, is but an imperfect +specimen! +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">168.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Chaucer's Works, by <i>Pynson</i>, no date</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">172.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Cicero of Old Age, by Caxton, 1481</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">518.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Gilles (Nicole) Annales, &c., de France. Paris, fol. +1520, 2 tom. <span class="smcap">sur velin</span></td> +<td class="rbot">31</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">647.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Æginetæ (Pauli) Præcepta Salubria; Paris, quarto, 1510. +On <span class="smcap">vellum</span></td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">666.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Æsopi Fabulæ. <i>Edit. Princeps circ.</i> 1483</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">684.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Boccacio, il Teseide, +<i>Ferar.</i>, 1475. <i>Prima Edizione</i></td> +<td class="rbot">85</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">[This copy, which is called, "<i>probably unique</i>," was once, +I suspect, in Consul Smith's library. See <i>Bibl. Smith</i>, p. +lxiii. The reader will find some account of it in Warton's +History of Engl. Poetry, vol. i., 347. It was printed, as +well as the subsequent editions of 1488, and 1528, "with +some deviations from the original, and even +misrepresentations of the story." His majesty was the +purchaser of this precious and uncommon book.]</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">708.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Cornelius Nepos, 1471. <i>Edit. Prin.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">713.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Alexander de Ales, super tertium Sententiar. 1474, <span class="smcap">on +vellum</span></td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">817.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Anthologia Græca. <i>Edit. Prin.</i> 1494, <span class="smcap">on vellum</span></td> +<td class="rbot">28</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="center" colspan="5">In Dr. Hunter's Museum.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">856.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Ammianus Marcellinus, 1474. <i>Edit. Prin.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">23</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1332.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Ciceronis Opera omnia, Oliveti, 9 vols. quarto, 1740, +<i>Charta Maxima</i></td> +<td class="rbot">36</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1389.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Ejusdem Officia, 1465. <i>Edit. Prin.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">30</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1433.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Catullus, Tibullus, et Propertius; Aldi, 8vo., 1502. +<span class="smcap">In Membranis</span></td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">This copy was purchased by the late Mr. M.C. Cracherode, and +is now, with his library, in the British Museum. It is a +beautiful book; but cannot be compared with Lord Spencer's +Aldine <span class="smcap">vellum</span> Virgil, of the same size.</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1576.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Durandi Rationale, &c., 1459. <span class="smcap">In Membranis</span></td> +<td class="rbot">61</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">The beginning of the 1st chapter was wanting. Lord Spencer +has a perfect copy of this rare book, printed upon spotless +<span class="smcap">vellum</span>.</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2656.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Platonis Opera, apud Aldum; 2 vols., fol., 1513. +<i>Edit. Prin.</i> <span class="smcap">on vellum.</span></td> +<td class="rbot">55</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">Purchased by the late Dr. William Hunter; and is, at this +moment, with the Doctor's books and curiosities, at +<i>Glasgow</i>. The reader can have no idea of the beauty of +these vellum leaves. The ink is of the finest lustre, and +the whole typographical arrangement may be considered a +masterpiece of printing. If I could forget the magnificent +copy which I have seen (but not upon vellum) of the +"Etymologicum magnum," in the Luton Library, I should call +<i>this</i> the chef-d'œuvre of the <span class="smcap">Aldine Press</span>.</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2812.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Plinii Hist. Natural; apud Spiram, fol., 1469. <i>Edit. +Princeps.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">43</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">This copy has been recently sold for a sum considerably less +than it brought. It bears no kind of comparison with the +copy in Lord Spencer's, Dr. Hunter's, and the Cracherode, +collections. These latter are <i>giants</i> to it!</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2813.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Id. cum notis Harduini; 1723, 3 vols., <span class="smcap">on vellum</span></td> +<td class="rbot">42</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">3345.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Tewrdranckhs; Poema Germanica, Norimb. fol., 1517, <span class="smcap">on +vellum</span>.</td> +<td class="rbot">21</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">This is a book of uncommon rarity. It is a poetical +composition on the life and actions of the Emperor +Maximilian I., and was frequently reprinted; but not with +the same care as were the earlier editions of 1517 and +1519—the latter, at Augsburg, by John Schouspergus. +Kœllerus, who purchased a copy of this work on vellum, +for 200 crowns, has given a particularly tempting +description of it. See Schelhorn's "<i>Amœnitates</i> +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Literariæ"><i>Literaræ</i></span>," tom. ii., 430-iii., 144. +Dr. Hunter purchased Dr. Askew's copy, which I have seen in +the Museum of the former: the wood-cuts, 118 in number, +justify every thing said in commendation of them by Papillon +and Heinecken. Probably Dr. Askew purchased the above copy +of Osborne; for I find one in the <i>Bibl. Harleian</i>, vol. +iii., n<span class="super">o</span>. 3240. See, too, <i>Bibl. Mead</i>, p. 239, n<span class="super">o</span>. +43; where a <span class="smcap">vellum</span> copy, of the edition of 1527, was sold +for 9<i>l.</i> 9<i>s.</i> My friend, Mr. Douce, has also beautiful +copies of the editions of 1517 and 1519, upon paper of the +finest lustre. It has been a moot point with bibliographers +whether the extraordinary type of this book be <i>wood</i>, and +cut in solid blocks, or moveable types of <i>metal</i>. No one is +better able to set this point "at rest," as lawyers call it, +than the gentleman whose name is here last mentioned.</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">3337.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Terentianus Maurus de Literis, Syllabis, et Metris +Horatii. <i>Mediol.</i> fol., 1497</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">"This is judged to be the only copy of this edition in +England, if not in the whole world. Dr. Askew could find no +copy in his travels over Europe, though he made earnest and +particular search in every library which he had an +opportunity of consulting." Note in the catalogue. It was +purchased by Dr. Hunter, and is now in his Museum. +Originally it belonged to Dr. Taylor, the editor of Lysias +and Demosthenes, who originally procured it from the +Harleian Library, for <i>four</i> guineas only. We are told that, +during his life, <i>one hundred</i> guineas would not have +obtained it!</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +</table> + +<hr class="med" /> + +<p>Rare and magnificent as the preceding articles may be +considered, I can confidently assure the reader that they +form a very small part of the extraordinary books in Dr. +<span class="smcap">Askew's</span> library. Many a <i>ten</i> and <i>twenty pounder</i> has been +omitted—many a <i>prince</i> of an edition passed by unregarded! +The articles were 3570 in number; probably comprehending +about 7000 volumes. They were sold for 4000<i>l.</i> It remains +only to add that Dr. <span class="smcap">Askew</span> was a native of Kendal, in +Westmorland; that he practised as a physician there with +considerable success, and, on his establishment in London, +was visited by all who were distinguished for learning, and +curious in the fine arts. Dr. Mead supported him with a sort +of paternal zeal; nor did he find in his <i>protegé</i> an +ungrateful son. (See the Director, vol. i., p. 309.) Few +minds were probably more congenial than were those of <span class="smcap">Mead</span> +and <span class="smcap">Askew</span>: the former had, if I may so speak, a magnificence +of sentiment which infused into the mind of the latter just +notions of a character aiming at <i>solid intellectual</i> fame; +without the petty arts and dirty tricks which we now see too +frequently pursued to obtain it. Dr. <span class="smcap">Askew</span>, with less +pecuniary means of gratifying it, evinced an equal ardour in +the pursuit of books, MSS., and inscriptions. I have heard +from a very worthy old gentleman, who used to revel 'midst +the luxury of <span class="smcap">Askew's</span> table, that few men exhibited their +books and pictures, or, as it is called, <i>shewed the Lions</i>, +better than did the Doctor. Of his attainments in Greek and +Roman literature it becomes not me to speak, when such a +scholar as Dr. <span class="smcap">Parr</span> has been most eloquent in their praise. +I should observe that the MSS. of Dr. <span class="smcap">Askew</span> were separately +sold in 1781, and produced a very considerable sum. The +Appendix to Scapula, published in an 8vo. volume, in 1789, +was <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: compiled">compiied</span> from one of +these MSS.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">After an event so striking and so melancholy, one would think that +future <i>Virtuosi</i> would have barricadoed their doors, and fumigated +their chambers, in order to escape the ravages of the +<i>Book-Pest</i>:—but how few are they who profit by experience, even when +dearly obtained! The subsequent <span class="smcap">History of the Bibliomania</span> is a +striking proof of the truth of this remark: for the disease rather +increased, and the work of death yet went on. In the following year +(1776) died <span class="smcap">John Ratcliffe</span>;<a name="FNanchor_392_398" id="FNanchor_392_398"></a><a href="#Footnote_392_398" class="fnanchor">[392]</a> a bibliomaniac of a very peculiar<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_393" id="Page_393">393</a></span> +character. If he had contented himself with his former occupation, and +frequented the butter and cheese,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_394" id="Page_394">394</a></span> instead of the book, market—if he +could have fancied himself in a brown peruke, and Russian apron, +instead of an embroidered waistcoat, velvet breeches, and flowing +periwig, he might, perhaps, have enjoyed greater longevity; but, +infatuated by the <i>Caxtons</i> and <i>Wynkyn de Wordes</i> of the West and +Fletewode collections, he fell into the snare; and the more he +struggled to disentangle himself, the more certainly did he become a +victim to the disease.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_392_398" id="Footnote_392_398"></a><a href="#FNanchor_392_398">[392]</a> <span class="smcap">Bibliotheca Ratcliffiana</span>; or, "<i>A Catalogue +of the elegant and truly valuable Library of</i> <span class="smcap">John +Ratcliffe</span>, <i>Esq., late of Bermondsey, deceased</i>. The whole +collected with great judgment and expense, during the last +thirty years of his life: comprehending a large and most +choice collection of the rare old English <i>black-letter</i>, in +fine preservation, and in elegant bindings, printed by +Caxton, Lettou, Machlinia, the anonymous St. Alban's +Schoolmaster, Wynkyn de Worde, Pynson, Berthelet, Grafton, +Day, Newberie, Marshe, Jugge, Whytchurch, Wyer, Rastell, +Coplande, and the rest of the <i>Old English Typographers</i>: +several missals and MSS., and two pedigrees on vellum, +finely illuminated." The title-page then sets forth a +specimen of these black-letter gems; among which our eyes +are dazzled with a galaxy of Caxtons, Wynkyn de Wordes, +Pynsons, &c., &c. The sale took place on March 27, 1776; +although the <i>year</i> is unaccountably omitted by that +renowned auctioneer, the late Mr. Christie, who disposed of +them. If ever there was a <i>unique</i> collection, this was +one—the very essence of Old Divinity, Poetry, Romances, and +Chronicles! The articles were only 1675 in number; but their +intrinsic value amply compensated for their paucity. The +following is but an inadequate specimen: +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1315.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Horace's Arte of Poetrie, Pistles, and Satyres, by +Durant, 1567. <i>First English. Edition</i></td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1321.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Shepard's Calendar, 1579. Whetstone's Castle of +Delight, 1576</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1392.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Pastyme of People, <i>printed</i> by Rastell. Curious +wood-cuts</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1393.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Chronicles of Englande, <i>printed by Caxton</i>, fine +copy, 1480</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1394.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Ditto, <i>printed at St. Albans</i>, 1483. Purchased by Dr. +Hunter, and now in his Museum (which copy I have seen)</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1403.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Barclay's Shyp of Folys, printed by Pynson, 1508, +<i>first edit.</i>, a fine copy</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1426.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Doctrinal of Sapyence, <i>printed by Caxton</i>, 1489</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1427.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Boke called Cathon, <i>ditto</i>, 1483. Purchased by +Dr. Hunter, and now in his Museum</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1428.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Polytyque Boke, named Tullius de Senectute, in +Englyshe, <i>printed by Caxton</i>, 1481</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1429.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Game of Chesse Playe. No date. <i>Printed by Caxton</i></td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1665.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Boke of Jason, <i>printed by Caxton</i></td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1669.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Polychronicon of Ranulph Higden, translated by +Trevisa, 1482. <i>Printed by the same</i>, and purchased by Dr. +Hunter</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1670.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Legenda Aurea, or the Golden Legende. <i>Printed by the +same</i>, 1483</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1674.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Mr. Ratcliffe's MS. Catalogue of the <i>rare old +black-letter and other curious and uncommon books</i>, 4 vols.</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">[This would have been the most delicious article to <i>my</i> +palate. If the present owner of it were disposed to part +with it, I could not find it in my heart to refuse him +<i>compound interest</i> for his money. As is the wooden +frame-work to the bricklayer, in the construction of his +arch, so might Mr. Ratcliffe's MS. Catalogues be to me in +the compilation of a certain <i>magnum opus</i>!]</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>I beg pardon of the <i>manes</i> of "John Ratcliffe, Esq.," for +the very inadequate manner in which I have brought forward +his collection to public notice. The memory of such a man +ought to be dear to the "<i>black-letter-dogs</i>" of the present +day: for he had (mirabile dictu!) <i>upwards of</i> <span class="smcap">Thirty +Caxtons</span>! I take the present opportunity of presenting the +reader with the following engraving of the Ratcliffe +Library, Oxon.</p> + +<p><img src="images/ratcliffelibrary.jpg" width="283" height="338" alt="Ratcliffe Library" title="Ratcliffe Library" class="floatr" /> +If I might hazard a comparison between Mr. James West's and +Mr. John Ratcliffe's collections, I should say that the +former was more extensive; the latter more curious. Mr. +West's, like a magnificent <i>champagne</i>, executed by the hand +of Claude or Both, and enclosing mountains, meadows, and +streams, presented to the eye of the beholder a scene at +once luxuriant and fruitful: Mr. Ratcliffe's, like one of +those confined pieces of scenery, touched by the pencil of +Rysdael or Hobbima, exhibited to the beholder's eye a spot +equally interesting, but less varied and extensive: the +judgment displayed in both might be the same. The sweeping +foliage and rich pasture of the former could not, perhaps, +afford greater gratification than the thatched cottage, +abrupt declivities, and gushing streams of the latter. To +change the metaphor—Mr. West's was a magnificent +repository; Mr. Ratcliffe's, a cabinet of curiosities. Of +some particulars of Mr. Ratcliffe's life, I had hoped to +have found gleanings in Mr. Nichols's <i>Anecdotes of Bowyer</i>; +but his name does not even appear in the index; being +probably reserved for the second forth-coming enlarged +edition. Meanwhile, it may not be uninteresting to remark +that, like Magliabechi, (vide <a href="#Page_86">p. 86</a>, ante) he imbibed his +love of reading and collecting from the accidental +possession of scraps and leaves of books. The fact is, Mr. +Ratcliffe once kept a <i>chandler's shop</i> in the Borough; and, +as is the case with all retail traders, had great quantities +of old books brought to him to be purchased at so much <i>per +lb.</i>! Hence arose his passion for collecting the +<i>black-letter</i>, as well as <i>Stilton cheeses</i>: and hence, by +unwearied assiduity, and attention to business, he amassed a +sufficiency to retire, and live, for the remainder of his +days, upon the luxury of <span class="smcap">Old English Literature</span>!</p></div> + +<p class="tbp">It is with pain that I trace the ravages of the <span class="smcap">Book-Mania</span> to a later +period. Many a heart yet aches, and many a tear is yet shed, on a +remembrance of the mortality of this frightful disease. After the +purchasers of Ratcliffe's treasures had fully perused, and deposited +in fit places within their libraries, some of the scarcest volumes in +the collection, they were called upon to witness a yet more splendid +victim to the Bibliomania: I mean, the Honourable <span class="smcap">Topham +Beauclerk</span>.<a name="FNanchor_393_399" id="FNanchor_393_399"></a><a href="#Footnote_393_399" class="fnanchor">[393]</a> One, who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_395" id="Page_395">395</a></span> had frequently gladdened <span class="smcap">Johnson</span> in his +gloomy moments; and who is allowed, by that splenetic sage and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_396" id="Page_396">396</a></span> great +teacher of morality, to have united the elegant manners of a gentleman +with the mental accomplishments of a scholar. Beauclerk's Catalogue is +a fair specimen of the analytico-bibliographical powers of Paterson: +yet it must be confessed that this renowned champion of +catalogue-makers shines with greater, and nearly perfect, splendour, +in the collection of the <span class="smcap">Rev. Thomas Crofts</span><a name="FNanchor_394_400" id="FNanchor_394_400"></a><a href="#Footnote_394_400" class="fnanchor">[394]</a>—a collection which, +taking it "for all<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_397" id="Page_397">397</a></span> in all," I know not whether it be exceeded by any +which this country has recorded in the shape of a private catalogue. +The owner was a modest, careful, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_398" id="Page_398">398</a></span> acutely sagacious bibliomaniac: +learned, retired, yet communicative: and if ever you lay hold of a +<i>large<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_399" id="Page_399">399</a></span> paper</i> copy of a catalogue of his books, which, as well as the +small, carries the printed prices at the end, seize it in triumph, +Lisardo, for it is a noble volume, and by no means a worthless prize.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_393_399" id="Footnote_393_399"></a><a href="#FNanchor_393_399">[393]</a> There are few libraries better worth the +attention of a scholarlike collector than was the one of the +distinguished character above noticed by Lysander. The +Catalogue of Beauclerk's books has the following title: +"<i>Bibliotheca Beauclerkiana; A Catalogue of the large and +valuable Library of the late Honourable</i> <span class="smcap">Topham Beauclerk</span>, +F.R.S., <i>deceased</i>; comprehending an excellent choice of +books, to the number of upwards of 30,000 volumes, &c. Sold +by auction, by Mr. Paterson, in April, 1781," 8vo. The +catalogue has two parts: part <span class="smcap">i.</span> containing 230; part <i>ii.</i> +137, pp. The most magnificent and costly volume was the +largest paper copy of Dr. Clarke's edition of Cæsar's +Commentaries, 1712, fol., which was sold for 44<i>l.</i>; and of +which the binding, according to Dr. Harwood's testimony, +cost 5<i>l.</i> 5<i>s.</i> There is nothing, in <i>modern</i> times, very +marvellous in this price of binding. Of the <i>two parts</i> of +the Beauclerk collection, the <i>second</i> is the most valuable +to the collector of English Antiquities and History, and the +<i>first</i> to the general scholar. But let not the bibliomaniac +run too swiftly over the first, for at nos. 3450, 3453, he +will find two books which rank among the rarest of those in +old English poetry. At the close of the second part, there +are a few curious manuscripts; three of which are deserving +of a description here. +</p> + +<p class="center">PART II.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">3275.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Thomas of Arundel, his Legend in old English verse; +<span class="smcap">vii</span> parts, with the Entre, or Prologue: <i>written A.D. +M.C.VII. upon vellum, the Capitals illuminated</i>, fol. Here +follows a specimen of the verse</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<table style="padding-bottom: 1em" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +<i>ye fyrst pt of ys yt es<br /> +of mon and of his urechednes.</i><br /> +<br /> +<i>ye secounde pte folowyng es<br /> +of ye worldes unstabillnes.</i><br /> +<br /> +<i>ye yyrdde pt yt is of deth<br /> +& of peyn yt wt hy geth.</i><br /> +<br /> +<i>the ferthe parte is of purgatorye<br /> +yere soules ben clensed of her folye.</i><br /> +<br /> +<i>ye fyfte pt of ys dey of doom<br /> +& of tokens yt byfore shul coom.</i><br /> +<br /> +<i>ye syxte pt of ys boke to telle<br /> +yt speketh of ye peynes of helle.</i><br /> +<br /> +<i>ye seventhe part of joys in heven<br /> +yat bene more yenne tong may neuen.</i> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">3276.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Life and Acts of St. Edmond, King and Martyr, by +John Lydgate, Monk of Bury, fol.: <i>a choice MS. upon vellum, +illuminated throughout, and embellished with 52 Historical +Miniatures</i>. For a specimen of the verse, take the first +stanza:</td> +<td class="rbot">22</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<table style="padding-bottom: 1em" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +<i>The noble stoory to putte in remembraunce<br /> +Of Seynt Edmond mayd martre and kyng<br /> +With his suppoor: my style i wyl avaunce<br /> +ffirst to compyle afftre my konnyng<br /> +his gloryous lyff his birthe and his gynnying<br /> +And by discent how he was soo good<br /> +Was in Saxonye borne of the royal blood.</i><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">3288.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Armes, Honours, Matches, and Issues of the +auncient and illustrious <span class="smcap">Family of Veer</span>: described in the +honourable progeny of the Earles of Oxenford and other +branches thereof. Together with a genealogical deduction of +this noble family from the blood of 12 forreyne princes: +viz. 3 Emperours, 3 Kings, 3 Dukes, and 3 Earles, &c. +<i>Gathered out of History, Recordes, and other Monuments of +Antiquity, by Percivall Goulding, Gent. The Arms +illuminated, folio.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>I will just add that this catalogue is creditably printed in +a good size octavo volume, and that there are copies upon +<i>large paper</i>. The arrangement of the books is very +creditable to the bibliographical reputation of Paterson.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_394_400" id="Footnote_394_400"></a><a href="#FNanchor_394_400">[394]</a> When the reader is informed that Paterson +tells us, in the preface of this volume, that "In almost +every language and science, and even under the shortest +heads, some one or more rare articles occur; but in the +copious classes, such as follow, literary curiosity is +gratified, is <i>highly feasted</i>"—and that the author of this +remark used, in his latter days, to hit his knee hard with +his open hand, and exclaim—"By G——, Crofts' Catalogue is +my chef d'œuvre, out and out"—when he reflects, I say, +for a minute upon these two bibliographical stimuli, he will +hasten (if he have it not already) to seize upon that volume +of which the following is but an imperfect specimen of the +treasures contained in it: "<i>Bibliotheca Croftsiana: A +Catalogue of the curious and distinguished Library of the +late Reverend and Learned</i> <span class="smcap">Thomas Crofts</span>, A.M., &c. Sold by +auction, by Mr. Paterson, in April, 1783," 8vo. This +collection, containing 8360 articles, although not quite so +generally useful as the preceding, is admirably well +arranged; and evinces, from the rarity of some of the +volumes in the more curious departments of literature, the +sound bibliographical knowledge and correct taste of Mr. +Crofts: who was, in truth, both a scholar and bibliomaniac +of no ordinary reputation. I hasten to treat the reader with +the following <i>Excerpta Croftsiana</i>: being a selection of +articles from this catalogue, quite according with the +present prevailing fashion of Book-Collecting: +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2741.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Raccolta de Poeti Provenzali MS. antiq. +<i>Supermembr.</i>, 8vo., <i>cor. turc. avec une table des noms des +troubadours contenu dans ce MS.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4920.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Les cent nouvelles nouvelles, <i>Lettres Gothiques</i>, +fig. fol., <i>velin Paris, imprimées par Nic. Desprez</i>. <span class="smcap">m.d.v.</span></td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4921.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Le Chevalier de la Tour. Et le guidon des guerres; +<i>lettres Gothiques, fig. fol. maroq. rouge, imprimé à Paris, +pour Guil. Eustace.</i> <span class="smcap">m.d.xiv.</span></td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4922.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Le premier, second, et tiers volume de Lancelot du +Lac; <i>nouvellement imprimé à Paris. L'an mil cinq cens et +xx, pour Michel le Noir; Lettres Gothiques, fig. fol. maroq. +rouge</i></td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4923.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Le premier et le second volume du Sainct Greaal, +contenant la conqueste dudict Sainct Greaal, faicte par +Lancelot du Lac, Galaad Perceval et Boors; <i>Lettres +Gothiques, fig. fol. maroq. rouge, Paris, imprimé par Phel +le Noir</i>, <span class="smcap">m.d.xxiii</span></td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">"Ce volume est un des plus rares de la classe des Romans de +Chevalerie. T.C."</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4924.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Ci Commence Guy de Warwick chevalier Dangleterre qui +en son tems fit plusieurs prouesses et conquestes en +Allemaigne, Ytalie, et Dannemarche. Et aussi sur les +infidelles ennemys de la Crestienté; <i>Lettres Gothiques, +fig. fol. maroq. rouge. Paris, imprimé par Ant. Couteau</i>, +<span class="smcap">m.d.xxv.</span></td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4925.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Le premier et le second volume de Merlin, qui est le +premier livre de la table ronde, avec plusieurs choses moult +recreative: aussi les Prophecies de Merlin, qui est le +tierce partie et derniere: <i>Lettres Gothiques, 2 tom. 4to., +maroq. rouge, Paris</i>, <span class="smcap">m.d.xxviii.</span></td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4926.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">La treselegante, delicieuse, melliflue, et +tresplaisante Hystoire du tresnoble, victori, et +excellentissime roy Perceforest, Roy de la Grand Bretaigne, +fundateur du Francpalais et du temple du souverain Dieu. En +laquelle lecture pourra veoir la source et decoration de +toute Chevalerie, culture de vraye Noblesse, Prouesses, &c. +Avecques plusieurs propheties, Comptes Damans, et leur +divers fortunes. <i>Lettres Gothiques, 6 tom. en 3 fol., +Paris, chez Galliot du Pre</i>, <span class="smcap">m.d.xxviii.</span></td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4927.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Le tiers, quart, cinquiesme, sixiesme, et dernier +volumes des Anciennes Croniques Dangleterre, faictz et +gestes du trespreux et redoubte en chevalerie, le noble roy +Perceforest: <i>imprimé à Paris pour Egide Gourmont et Phil. +le Noir</i>, <span class="smcap">m.d.xxxii.</span> 2 tom. folio</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4298.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Le Parangon des Nouvelles, honestes et delectables à +tous ceulx qui desirent voir et ouyr choses nouvelles et +recreatives soubz umbre et couleur de joyeuste, 8vo. fig. +maroq. rouge. <i>Imprimez à Lyon, par Denys de Harsy</i>, 1532<br /> +Les Parolles joyeuses et Dicts memorables des nobles et +saiges Homes anciens, redigez par le gracieulx et honeste +Poete Messire Francoys Petrarcque, <i>fig. ib.</i> 1532</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4929.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">L'Histoire de Isaie le triste filz de Tristan de +leonnoys, jadis Chevalier de la table ronde, et de la Royne +Izeut de Cornouaille, ensemble les nobles prouesses de +chevallerie faictes par Marc lexille filz. au dict Isaye: +<i>Lettres Gothiques, avec fig., 4to., maroq. rouge. On les +vend à Paris par Jehan Bonfons</i>, 1535</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">"There is no direct date either at the beginning or end, nor +any privilege annexed to this rare Romance. Mr. Crofts, +though extremely accurate, for the most part, has made no +remark; neither has the industrious Mr. de Bure taken notice +of this particular edition. The date is, nevertheless, +obvious, according to my conjecture. After the words filz du +dict Isaye, in the general title, at some distance, stand +these numerals lxv. c. At first I apprehended they referred +to the work, as containing so many chapters; but upon +examining the table, I found the Romance to consist of 92 +chapters: I conclude they must relate to the date of the +book, and are to be read lxv. ante M.D.C., or 1535. S.P."</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4932.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Meliadus de Leonmoys. Du present Volume sont contenus +les nobles faictz darmes du vaillant roy Meliadus. Ensemble +plusieurs autres nobles proesses de Chevalerie faictes tant +par le roy Artus, Palamedes, &c., &c. <i>Lettres Gothiques, +fig., fol., maroq. bleu, Paris, chez Galliot du Pré</i></td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4933.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Lhystoire tresrecreative, traictant des faictz et +gestes du noble et vaillant Chevalier Theseus de Coulongne, +par sa proesse Empereur de Rome. Et aussi de sons fils +Gadifer, Empereur de Grece. Pareillement des trois enfans de +Gadifer, cestassavoir Regnault, Reynier, et Regnesson, &c. +<i>Lettres Gothiques, avec fig. 4to., en peau russe. Paris, +pour Jehan Bonfons, s.a.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4938.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">L'Histoire Palladienne, traitant des gestes et +genereux Faitz d'armes et d'armour de plusieurs Grandz +Princes et Seigneurs, specialement de Palladien filz du roy +Milanor d'Angleterre, et de la belle Selenine, &c.; par feu +Cl. Colet Champenois, <i>fig., fol., maroquin jaune. Paris, de +l'imprimerie d'Estien. Goulleau</i>, 1555</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4945.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Hist. du noble Tristan Prince de Leonnois, Chevalier de +la table ronde, et d'Yseulte, Princesse d'Yrlande, Royne de +Cornouaille; fait Francois par Jean Maugin, dit l'Angevin, +<i>fig., 4to., maroq. rouge, Rouen</i>. 1586</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4953.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">L'Hist. du noble et vaillant Chevalier Paris et la +belle Vienne, <i>4to., Rouen</i></td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4961.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Histoires Prodigieuses, extractes de plusieurs fameux +Autheurs, Grecs et Latins, par Pier Boaisteau, Cl. de +Tesserant, F. de Belleforest, Rod. Hoyer, &c., <i>fig. 6 tom. +en 3, 12mo., maroq. rouge. Par chez la Verfue Cavellat</i>, +1598</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4964.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Valentine and Orson, cuts, black letter, 4to. <i>London; +no date</i>. (Not sold.)</td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">7276.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Hollinshed's (Raphe) and William Harrison's Chronicles +of England, Scotland, and Ireland, continued by John Hooker, +alias Vowell, and others; <i>black letter, 3 vols. fol., large +paper, in Russia</i>, 1586</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">7399.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Lynch (Jo.) Seu Gratiani Lucii Hiberni Cambrensis +Eversus, seu potius Historica fides, in Rebus Hibernicis, +Giraldo Cambrensi abrogata, fol. <i>Impress. An. 1662. Sine +Loco aut Nomine Impressoris</i></td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">"Liber inter Historicos Hibernicos rarissimus et inventu +difficilimus, quippe cujus pars maxima exemplarium in +incendio periit Londinensi. Sub Lucii Gratiani nomine latet +verus autor Johannes Lynch (Tuamensis Archidiaconus) qui +post Gallvæ deditionem, Exul in Gallia hocce opus patriæ +vindex composuit. T.C."</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>This catalogue contains 8360 articles. There are printed +lists of the prices for which each set of books was sold: +but I am afraid that an arrant bibliomaniac, like myself +(for thus my friends are cruel enough to call me!) will be +content only with a <i>large paper</i> copy of it, with the +prices neatly penned in the margin. I conclude that Lysander +recommends the volume in this shape to all tasteful +collectors.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> But there are surely other large paper——</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Alman.</span> What can there possibly be in a large paper copy of a +<i>Catalogue of Books</i> which merits the appellation of "nobleness" and +"richness?"</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> You are a little out of order. Such a question cuts the heart +of a bibliographer in twain. Pray let Lysander pursue his narrative.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> I have no sort of objection to such interruptions. But I think +the day is not very far distant when females will begin to have as +high a relish for <i>large paper</i> copies of every work as their male +rivals. Now let us go on quietly towards the close of my long-winded +bibliomaniacal history. And first let us not fail to pay due respect +to the cabinet of literary bijoux collected by that renowned +bibliomaniac, <span class="smcap">Mark Cephas Tutet</span>.<a name="FNanchor_395_401" id="FNanchor_395_401"></a><a href="#Footnote_395_401" class="fnanchor">[395]</a> His collection was distinguished +by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_400" id="Page_400">400</a></span> some very uncommon articles of early date, both of foreign and +British typography; and, if you take a peep into Lorenzo's priced copy +of the catalogue containing also the purchasers' names, you will find +that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_401" id="Page_401">401</a></span> most notorious modern bibliomaniacs ran away with the choicest +prizes. Tutet's catalogue, although drawn up in a meagre and most +disadvantageous style, is a great favourite with me; chiefly for the +valuable articles which it exhibits.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_395_401" id="Footnote_395_401"></a><a href="#FNanchor_395_401">[395]</a> <i>A Catalogue of the genuine and valuable +Collection of printed Books and Manuscripts of the late</i> +<span class="smcap">Mark Cephas Tutet</span>, Esq., to be sold by auction by Mr. +Gerard, on Wednesday, the 15th of February, 1786, 8vo. This +library evinces the select taste and accurate judgment of +its collector. There were only 513 articles, or lots; but +these in general were both curious and valuable. I will give +a specimen or two of the <span class="smcap">Tutet Cabinet</span> of books. +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">10.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Various Catalogues of Curiosities, elegantly bound +in 14 volumes, and a few loose: <i>most of them priced, with +the purchasers' names</i>. A.D. 1721 to 1783, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">55.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Two volumes of ancient and modern cards, <i>eleg. in +russia</i></td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">[These volumes were purchased by Mr. Payne's father, and of +him by Mr. Gough. At the sale of the MSS. of the latter +(1810) they were purchased by Mr. Robert Triphook, +bookseller, of St. James's Street; with a view of making +them instrumental to a work which he is projecting, <i>Upon +the History and Antiquity of Playing Cards</i>.]</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">86.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Broughton's Concent of Scripture: <i>printed upon vellum</i></td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">118.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Snelling's Silver Coinage,—1762; ditto Gold Coinage, +1763; ditto Copper Coinage, 1768; ditto Miscellaneous Views, +1769; ditto Jettons, 1769: all in folio</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">"These form a complete set of Snelling's works in folio, and +are interspersed with a great number of very useful and +interesting notes and observations, by Mr. Tutet."</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">126.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Byble, &c. Printed by Grafton and Whitchurch, 1537, +folio</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">[There is a note here by Tutet which does not evince any +profound knowledge of English etymology.]</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">168.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Rede me and be not wroth, 12mo., no place nor date</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">175.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Servetus de Trinitatis erroribus, <i>cor. tur.</i>, 1531, +12mo.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">316.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— de Trinitate divinâ, Lond., 1723, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">329.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Arte and Crafte to know well to dye. <i>Printed by +Caxton</i>, 1490, folio</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">337.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Hautin, Figures des Monnoyes de France, 1619, folio</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">364.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Parker de Antiq. Brit. Ecclesiæ, 1572, folio. A long +and curious note is here appended</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">371.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Boke of Hawkinge, Huntynge, and Fysshynge, 1496, +fol.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">372.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Sancta Peregrinatio in Mont. Syon, &c. 1486, folio</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">["This is the first book of travels that was ever printed. +The maps are very remarkable; that of the Holy Land is above +4 feet long."]</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">463.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Spaccio della Bestia trionfante. <i>Paris</i>, 1584, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">477.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Expositio Sancti Jeronimi in Symbolum Apostolorum, +<i>cor. maur. Oxon.</i>, 1468, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">479.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Polychronycon; <i>printed by Caxton</i>, 1482, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">480.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Pfintzing (<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Melchior">Melchoir</span>) His +German Poem of the Adventures of the Emperor Maximilian, +under the name of Tewrdanckh's. Nuremb., 1517, folio</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">481.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Initial Letters, Vignettes, Cul de Lampes, &c., 2 +vols., <i>elegantly bound in russia</i>. [These beautiful books +are now in the possession of Mr. Douce]</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">483.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Bouteroue, Recherches curieuses des Monnoyes de France: +<i>in morocco, gilt, Paris</i>, 1666, folio</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">486.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Froissart's Chronicles; printed by Pynson, 1523, folio, +2 vols. <i>A beautiful copy elegantly bound.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">487.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Recule of the Hystoryes of Troye; <i>printed by Caxton</i>, +(1471) Folio. <i>A very fine copy, and quite complete.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">21</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">490.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Ciceronis Officia, 1466, 4to. <i>On paper.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">25</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>And thus we take leave of that judicious and tasteful +bibliomaniac, <span class="smcap">Mark Cephas Tutet</span>! +</p><p> +Three months after the sale of the preceding library, +appeared the <i>Bibliotheca Universalis Selecta</i> of <span class="smcap">Samuel +Paterson</span>; containing a collection to be sold by auction in +May, 1786. To this catalogue of 8001 articles, there is a +short (I wish I could add "sweet") preface, which has been +extracted in the <i>Gentleman's Magazine</i>, vol. lvi., p. 334; +and in the <i>Censura Literaria</i>, vol. ii., p. 252—but, +whatever accidental reputation the volume may have received +from the notice of it in these periodical works, I deem both +the preface and the work itself quite unworthy of Paterson's +credit. There is an alphabetical index (not always very +correct); and a few bibliographical notes are subjoined to +the specification of the titles; and these considerations +alone will give the book a place in the library of the +bibliomaniac. The collection is, in fact, neither universal +nor select: and the preface is written in the worst of all +styles, containing the most commonplace observations.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">The following year, was sold, in a similar way, the select and very +curious collection of <span class="smcap">Richard Wright</span>, M.D.;<a name="FNanchor_396_402" id="FNanchor_396_402"></a><a href="#Footnote_396_402" class="fnanchor">[396]</a> the strength of which +lay chiefly in publications<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_402" id="Page_402">402</a></span> relating to the <i>Drama</i> and <i>Romances</i>. +It is, in my humble opinion, a most judicious, as well as neatly +printed, little catalogue; and not more than a dozen copies of it, I +think, were printed upon <i>large paper</i>. Secure this volume, Lisardo, +if you wish to add to your riches in English bibliography.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_396_402" id="Footnote_396_402"></a><a href="#FNanchor_396_402">[396]</a> Lysander has not drawn too strong an outline +in his picture of the <i>Bibliotheca Wrightiana</i>. The +collection was elegant and select. Let us say a little more +about it. "<i>A Catalogue of the Library of</i> <span class="smcap">Richard Wright</span>, +M.D. &c., consisting of an elegant and extensive collection +of books in every branch of learning, &c., many of the +scarcest editions of the Old English Poets, Novels, and +Romances; also a most singular assemblage of Theatrical +Writers, including the rarest productions of the English +Drama." Sold by auction by T. and J. Egerton, April 23rd, +1787, 8vo. The volume is neatly printed, and the books in +the collection are arranged in alphabetical order under +their respective departments. We will now fill up a little +of the aforementioned strong outline of the picture of +Wright's library: which contained 2824 articles. +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"> </td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">917,</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">920, 921-4-5-6-7, 931-2-3, exhibit a glorious specimen +of the ancient English Chronicles—which, collectively, did +not produce a sum above</td> +<td class="rbot">45</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1223.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">England's Parnassus, 1600, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1333.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Churchyarde's Choice, 1579, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1334.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— first part of his Chippes, 1575, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1343.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Robert Greene's Works, 2 vols., <i>elegantly bound</i>, +4to. (containing 17 pieces.)</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">19</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1374.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Shyp of Folys. <i>Printed by Pynson</i>, 1508, fol.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1384.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Skelton's Works: 1568, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1398.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Turberville's epitaphs, epigrams, songs and sonnets, +1567, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">My copy has no price to this article.</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1493.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Thomas Nashe's Works, in three vols. 4to., containing +21 pieces</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1567</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">to 2091, comprehends <i>The English Theatre</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="blockquot">These numbers exhibit almost every thing that is rare, +curious, and valuable in this popular department. I know not +how to select stars from such a galaxy of black-letter +lustre—but the reader may follow me to the ensuing numbers, +which will at least convince him that I am not insensible to +the charms of <i>dramatic bijoux</i>, n<span class="super">os</span>. 1567-9: 1570-6-8: +1580: 1595-6-8-9: 1606: 1626: 1636-7-8: 1712 (Dekker's +Pieces: 15 in number—sold for 3<i>l.</i> 3<i>s.</i> <span class="smcap">Eheu</span>!) 1742: +1762. (Heywood's 26 plays, 3<i>l.</i> 4<i>s.</i>) 1776.—1814: +(Marston's 9 pieces, 3<i>l.</i> 4<i>s.</i>) 1843. (Tragedie of Dido, +1594, 16<i>l.</i> 16<i>s.</i> <span class="smcap">Euge</span>!) 1850. (Middleton; 13 pieces: +4<i>l.</i> 5<i>s.</i>) 1873-5. (George Peele's: 7<i>l.</i> 7<i>s.</i>) 1902: +(Sackville's Ferrex and Porrex: 2<i>l.</i> 4<i>s.</i>)—But—"quo Musa +tendis?" I conclude, therefore, with the following detailed +<i>seriatim</i>. +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1960.</td> +<td style="vertical-align: top">Shakspeare's Works;</td> +<td style="vertical-align: top">1623, folio.</td> +<td><i>First edition; bound in Russia<br /> +leather, with gilt leaves.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="right">1961.</td> +<td>The same;</td> +<td>1632.</td> +<td><i>Second impression.</i></td> +<td class="right">2</td> +<td class="right">9</td> +<td class="right">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="right">1962.</td> +<td>The same;</td> +<td>1632.</td> +<td><i>The same.</i></td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="right">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="right">1963.</td> +<td>The same;</td> +<td>1663.</td> +<td><i>Third Edit. in Russia.</i></td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="right">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="right">1964.</td> +<td>The same;</td> +<td>1683.</td> +<td><i>Fourth Edition.</i></td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="right">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>My copy of this catalogue is upon <i>large paper</i>, beautifully +priced by a friend who "hath an unrivalled pen in this way;" +and to whom I owe many obligations of a higher kind in the +literary department—but whose modesty, albeit he was born +on the banks of the Liffey, will not allow me to make the +reader acquainted with his name. Therefore, "<span class="smcap">Stat nominis +umbra</span>:" viz. ——!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp"><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> Was Wright's the only collection disposed of at this period, +which was distinguished for its dramatic treasures? I think +<span class="smcap">Henderson's</span><a name="FNanchor_397_403" id="FNanchor_397_403"></a><a href="#Footnote_397_403" class="fnanchor">[397]</a> library was sold about this time?</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_397_403" id="Footnote_397_403"></a><a href="#FNanchor_397_403">[397]</a> <i>A Catalogue of the Library of</i> <span class="smcap">John +Henderson</span>, Esq. (late of Covent Garden Theatre), &c. Sold by +auction by T. and J. Egerton, on February, 1786, 8vo. Do not +let the lover of curious books in general imagine that +Henderson's collection was entirely dramatical. A glance at +the contents of page 12 to page 22, inclusively, will shew +that this library contained some very first-rate rarities. +When the dramatic collector enters upon page 23, (to the end +of the volume, p. 71) I will allow him to indulge in all the +<i>mania</i> of this department of literature, "withouten ony +grudgynge." He may also ring as many <i>peals</i> as it pleaseth +him, upon discovering that he possesses all the copies of a +dramatic author, ycleped <i>George Peele</i>, that are notified +at n<span class="super">os</span>. 923-4! Henderson's library was, without doubt, an +extraordinary one. As we are upon <i>Dramatic Libraries</i>, let +us, for fear Lysander should forget it, notice the +following, though a little out of chronological order. "<i>A +Catalogue, &c., of the late</i> Mr. <span class="smcap">James William Dodd</span>, of the +<i>Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, &c. Sold by auction by Leigh and +Sotheby</i>, Jan. 19, 1797, 8vo., 2435 lots." There was more of +the <i>Drama</i> in this than in Henderson's collection. Mr. +Kemble purchased the dearest volume, which was "Whetstone's +Promos and Cassandra," 1578, 4to. (n<span class="super">o</span>. 2396) for 7<i>l.</i> +10<i>s.</i> Mr. George Nicol (for the late Duke of Roxburgh) kept +up a tremendous fire at this sale! Akin to Dodd's, was the +"<i>Curious and Valuable Library of</i> <span class="smcap">George Smyth</span>, Esq.—sold +by Leigh and Sotheby, June 2, 1797, 8vo." There were many +uncommon books in this collection, exclusively of those +appertaining to the Drama; and when I mention, in this +latter department—Hughes's Misfortunes of Prince Arthur, +&c., printed by Robinson, 1587, 4to. (n<span class="super">o</span>. 1376; 16<i>l.</i> +15<i>s.</i>), both the parts of Shakespeare's Henry the Fourth +(1599-1600, 4to., n<span class="super">os</span>. 1436-7; 18<i>l.</i> 18<i>s.</i>), his Much +Ado about Nothing, 1600, 4to., (n<span class="super">o</span>. 1438; 7<i>l.</i> +10<i>s.</i>)—I say enough to sharpen the collector's appetite to +obtain, if he have it not, possession of this curious but +barbarously printed catalogue. To these, let me add the +"<i>Catalogue of a portion of the Library of</i> <span class="smcap">William +Fillingham</span>, Esq., <i>consisting of old quarto plays, early +English Poetry, and a few scarce Tracts, &c., sold by Leigh +and Sotheby</i>, April 1805, 8vo." The arrangement of this +small catalogue is excellent. Many of the books in it are of +the rarest occurrence; and, to my knowledge, were in the +finest preservation. The collector is no more! He died in +India; cut off in the prime of life, and in the midst of his +intellectual and book-collecting ardour! He was a man of +exceedingly gentlemanlike manners, and amiable disposition; +and his taste was, upon the whole, well cultivated and +correct. Many a pleasant, and many a profitable, hour have I +spent in his "delightsome" library!!!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_403" id="Page_403">403</a></span><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> It was; and if you had not reminded me of it, I should have +entirely forgotten it. Catalogues of <i>dramatic Libraries</i>, well +arranged, are of great service to the cause of the Bibliomania.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> I wish we could procure some act of parliament to induce the +dramatic collectors—by a fair remuneration—to give a well analysed +account of their libraries. We should then have the <i>Bibliotheca +Roxburghiana</i>, <i>Bibliotheca Maloniana</i>, and what say you to the +<i>Bibliotheca Kemblëiana</i>.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> You are running wild. Let me continue my bibliomaniacal +history.</p> + +<p class="bp">We may now advance directly to the exquisite—and shall I say, +unparalleled?—library of <span class="smcap">Major Pearson</span>!<a name="FNanchor_398_404" id="FNanchor_398_404"></a><a href="#Footnote_398_404" class="fnanchor">[398]</a><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_404" id="Page_404">404</a></span> a gentleman, who has +far eclipsed the bibliomaniacal reputation of his military +predecessor, General Dormer.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_405" id="Page_405">405</a></span> This extraordinary collection was sold +by auction the very next year ensuing the sale of Dr. Wright's books<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_406" id="Page_406">406</a></span> +and so thickly and richly is it sprinkled with the black-letter, and +other curious lore—so varied, interesting, and valuable, are the +departments into which it is divided—that it is no wonder his present +Majesty, the late Duke of Roxburgh, and George Steevens, were earnest +in securing some of the choicest gems contained in the same. Such a +collection, sold at the present day—when there is such a "<i>qui vive</i>" +for the sort of literature which it displays—what would it produce? +At least four times more, than its sum total, two and twenty years +ago!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_398_404" id="Footnote_398_404"></a><a href="#FNanchor_398_404">[398]</a> If the reader attend only to the above +flourishing eulogy, by Lysander, upon the extraordinary +collection of Major, or Thomas, Pearson, I fear he will not +rise from the perusal of these pages impressed with very +accurate notions of the same. To qualify such ardent +panegyric, and at the same time to please the hearts of all +honest bibliomaniacs, I here subjoin something like a sober +analysis of the <i>Bibliotheca Pearsoniana</i>. The title to the +Sale Catalogue is as follows: "<i>Biblioth. Pearson. A +Catalogue of the Library of</i> <span class="smcap">Thomas Pearson</span>, Esq. +<i>Containing a very extensive Collection of the best and +rarest books in every branch of English Literature, &c. Sold +by Auction by T. and J. Egerton, in April, 1788</i>," 8vo. Like +all the sale catalogues put forth by the Egertons, the +present is both judiciously arranged and neatly printed. It +is said that there are only twelve copies upon <i>large +paper</i>; but I doubt the smallness of this number. My own is +of this kind, superbly bound, and priced with a neatness +peculiar to the calligraphical powers of the 'forementioned +friend. It may not be amiss to prefix an extract from a +newspaper of the day; in which this sale was thus noticed: +"The Black-lettero-mania, which raged so furiously in the +course of last Spring at the Sale of Dr. <span class="smcap">Wright's</span> Books, has +broken out with still greater violence at the present +auction of <span class="smcap">Major Pearson's</span> Library. This assertion may be +countenanced by the following examples." Then follow a few +specimens of the prices given. The reader is now presented +with copious specimens, selected according to their +numerical order: the addenda, between inverted commas, being +copied from the said newspaper. +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1888.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Webbe's Discourse of English Poetrie, 1586, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="center" colspan="5">"Bought by Mr. Steevens versus Mr. Malone."</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1889.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Puttenham's Art of English Poesie, 1589, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1900.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The fyrst Boke of the Introduction to Knowledge, &c.; +<i>Printed by W. Copland</i>, no date, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="center" colspan="5">"By the Rev. Mr. Brand versus Lord Charlemont."</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1910.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Castell of Laboure; <i>Emprynted by Pynson</i>, 4to., +<i>no date</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1926.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Dekker's Miscellaneous Pieces, 1604, &c., 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1932.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A curious collection of sundry rare pieces, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1951.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Drollery's (eleven) 1661, &c., 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">These droll pieces are now much coveted by knowing +bibliomaniacs. Mr. Heber and Mr. Hill have each a copious +collection of them; and Mr. Gutch of Bristol, a bookseller +of great spirit in his trade, and of equal love of general +literature, recently gratified the curious by exhibiting, in +his catalogue of 1810, a number of "<i>Garlands</i>;" which ere +now, have, in all probability, proved a successful bait for +some hungry book fish.</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2035.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Sir John Harrington's most elegant and witty Epigrams, +with portrait, 1618, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2090.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Flowers of Epigrammes, &c. <i>Impr. by Shepperd</i>, 1577, +12mo.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2130.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Paradise of Dainty Devises, &c., <i>printed for E. +White</i>, 1600, 4to. The workes of a Young Wit, by N.B. b.l. +<i>printed by Thomas Dawson, no date</i>. Watson's Mistresse, +&c., and Sonnets, b.l. <i>imperf.</i> Diana, by the Earl and +Countess of Oxenford, <i>printed for J. Roberts</i>, wanting +title, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="center" colspan="5">"Bought by Mr. Steevens versus Mr. Malone."</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2131.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">England's Helicon, 1600, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="center" colspan="5">"By ditto versus ditto."</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2147.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Example of Vertu; <i>printed by W. de Worde</i>, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="center" colspan="5">"Bought by Mr. Mason versus Mr. Malone."</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2162.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A Mirrour of Mysterie; <i>finely written upon, vellum, +with two very neat drawings with pen and ink</i>, 1557, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2186.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Manley's Affliction and Deliverance of Saints, portr. +1652, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2190.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Tragedie of Sir Richard Grenvile, Knt. printed by J. +Roberts, 1595, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2289.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Laquei Ridiculosi, or Springes for Woodcocks, by Henry +Parrot, 1613, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">N.B. <i>This little volume was sold for as many guineas at the +sale of Mr. Reed's books in 1807.</i></td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2373.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Lyf of St. Ursula; <i>Impr. by Wynkyn de Worde</i>, no +date, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2374.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Lyf and History of Saynt Werburge. <i>Printed by +Pynson</i>, 1521, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">N.B. <i>This volume was sold for</i> 18<i>l.</i> 18<i>s.</i> <i>at the last +mentioned sale.</i></td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2575.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">This lot comprehends a cluster of precious little +black-letter pieces, which were purchased at the sale of +West's books, by Major Pearson. Eight in the whole: executed +before the year 1540.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">19</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2421.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Goodly Garlande, or Chaplet of Laurell, by Maister +Skelton; <i>Impr.</i> by Fawkes, 1523, 4to. See here a long note +upon the rarity and intrinsic worth of this curious little +volume. "Purchased by Brand versus the King."</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2710.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Ancient Songs and Ballads; written on various +subjects, and printed between the years 1560 and 1700; +chiefly collected by Robert Earl of Oxford, and purchased at +the sale of the library of James West, Esq., in 1773 (for +20<i>l.</i>): increased by several additions: <i>2 volumes bound in +Russia leather</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">26</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">"Bought by Mr. Nicol for the Duke of Roxburgh, versus +Messrs. Arnold and Ritson." "N.B. The preceding numerous and +matchless collection of <i>Old Ballads</i> are all printed in the +black-letter, and decorated with many hundred wooden prints. +They are pasted upon paper, with borders (printed on +purpose) round each ballad: also, a printed title and index +to each volume. To these are added the paragraphs which +appeared in the public papers respecting the above curious +collection, at the time they were purchased at Mr. West's." +Thus far Messrs. Egerton. I have to add that the late <span class="smcap">Duke +of Roxburgh</span> became the purchaser of these "matchless" +volumes. Whilst in Major Pearson's possession, "with the +assistance of Mr. Reed, the collection received very great +additions, and was bound in two very large volumes; in this +state (says Mr. Nicol,) it was bought by the Duke of +Roxburghe. After the industrious exertions of two such +skilful collectors as Major Pearson and Mr. Reed, the Duke +did not flatter himself with ever being able to add much to +the collection; but, as usual, he undervalued his own +industry. Finding that his success far exceeded his +expectations, he determined to add a <i>third volume</i> to the +collection. Among these new acquisitions are some very rare +ballads; one quoted by Hamlet, of which no other copy is +known to exist." <i>Preface to the Roxburgh Catalogue</i>, p. 5. +The ballad here alluded to may be seen in Mr. Evans's recent +edition of his father's <i>Collection of Old Ballads</i>; vol. +i., p. 7.</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">3262</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">to 3329. These numbers comprehend a very uncommon and +interesting set of <i>Old Romances</i>! which, collectively, did +not produce 35<i>l.</i>—but which now, would have been sold +for——!?</td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">3330</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">to 4151. An extraordinary collection of the English +Drama.</td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="center">And thus farewell <span class="smcap">Major Pearson</span>!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> O rare <span class="smcap">Thomas Pearson</span>! I will look sharply after a <i>large paper</i>, +<i>priced</i>, copy of the <i>Bibliotheca Pearsoniana</i>!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> You must pay smartly for it, if you are determined to possess +it.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Belin.</span> Madness!—Madness inconceivable!—and undescribed by Darwin, +Arnold, and Haslam! But, I pray you, proceed.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Alas, madam, the task grows more and more complex as I draw +towards the completion of it.</p> + +<p class="bp">In the year 1789 the book-treasures of the far-famed <span class="smcap">Pinelli</span><a name="FNanchor_399_405" id="FNanchor_399_405"></a><a href="#Footnote_399_405" class="fnanchor">[399]</a> +Collection were disposed of by public auction:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_407" id="Page_407">407</a></span> nor can one think, +without some little grief of heart, upon the dispersion of a library, +which (much more than commercial speculations and profits) had, for +upwards of a century, reflected so much credit upon the family<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_408" id="Page_408">408</a></span> of its +possessors. The atmosphere of our metropolis, about this period, +became as much infected with the miasmata of the <span class="smcap">Book-Plague</span> as it +did, about 130 years before, with the miasmata of a plague of a +different description: for the worthy inhabitants of Westminster had +hardly recovered from the shock of the bibliomaniacal attack from the +Pinelli sale, 'ere they were doomed to suffer the tortures of a +similar one in that of the <span class="smcap">Paris</span><a name="FNanchor_400_406" id="FNanchor_400_406"></a><a href="#Footnote_400_406" class="fnanchor">[400]</a> collection. This latter was of +shorter dura<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_409" id="Page_409">409</a></span>tion; but of an infinitely more powerful nature: for then +you might have seen the most notorious bibliomaniacs, with blood +inflamed and fancies intoxicated,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_410" id="Page_410">410</a></span> rushing towards the examination of +the truly matchless volumes contained within this collection. Yet +remember that, while the whole of Pall Mall was thronged<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_411" id="Page_411">411</a></span> with the +carriages of collectors, anxious to carry off in triumph some <i>vellum +copy</i> of foreign execution—there was sold, in a quiet corner of the +metropolis, the copious and scholar-like collection of <span class="smcap">Michael Lort</span>, +D.D. The owner of this latter library was a learned and amiable +character, and a bibliographer of no mean repute.<a name="FNanchor_401_407" id="FNanchor_401_407"></a><a href="#Footnote_401_407" class="fnanchor">[401]</a> His<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_412" id="Page_412">412</a></span> books were +frequently enriched with apposite <span class="smcap">ms.</span> remarks; and the variety and +extent of his collection, suited to all tastes, and sufficiently +abundant for every appetite, forms, I think, a useful model after +which future bibliomaniacs may build their libraries.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_399_405" id="Footnote_399_405"></a><a href="#FNanchor_399_405">[399]</a> Mention has already been made of the +different <i>Catalogues of the</i> <span class="smcap">Pinelli</span> <i>Collection</i>: see <a href="#Page_21">p. +21</a>, ante. Here, as Lysander has thought proper again to +notice the name of the collector, I am tempted to add a few +specimens of the extraordinary books contained in his +extraordinary library: adding thereto the prices for which +they were sold. But—again and again I observe, <i>in +limine</i>—these sums form no criterion of the <i>present</i> worth +of the books; be the same more or less! It is a document +only of bibliographical curiosity. +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">703.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">La Biblia Sacra in Lingua Vulgare tradotta; 1471. +folio. 2 vols.</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2555.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Bandello, Canti xi delle lodi della Signora Lucrezia +Gonzaga di Gazuolo, &c., 1545, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2605.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Dante, La Divina Comedia; 1472, folio. <i>Ediz. Prin.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">25</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">3348.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Petrarca, Le Rime. Venez. 1470, 4to. <i>Prin. Ediz.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">27</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">3458.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Sannazzaro, L'Arcadia. Ven. Ald. 1514, 8vo. <i>Esemp. +stampata in Cartapecora.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4909.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Biblia Polyglotta; Complut. 1514, &c., folio. 6 vols. +<i>Exemplar integerrimum splendidissimum.</i> <span class="smcap">impressum in +membranis.</span></td> +<td class="rbot">483</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">All the world (perhaps I should have said the +<i>bibliographical</i> world) has heard of this pre-eminently +wonderful set of books; now in Count Macarty's library at +Thoulouse. My friend, Dr. Gosset—who will not (I trust) +petition for excommunicating me from the orthodox church to +which I have the honour of belonging, if I number him in the +upper class of bibliomaniacs—was unable to attend the sale +of the Pinelli collection, from severe illness: but he <i>did +petition</i> for a sight of one of these volumes of old +Ximenes's polyglott—which, much more effectually than the +spiders round Ashmole's neck (vide <a href="#Page_293">p. 293</a>, ante), upon an +embrace thereof, effected his cure. Shakspeare, surely, +could never have meant to throw such "physic" as this "to +the dogs?!" But, to return.</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">8956.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Anthologia Epig. Græc. 1494. 4to. <i>Exemp. impr. in +membranis.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">45</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">9308.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Theocritus (absque ulla nota) 4to. <i>Editio Princeps.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">31</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">9772.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Plautus, 1472. folio. <i>Editio Princeps.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">36</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">11,215.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Aulus Gellius, 1469, folio. <i>Edit. Princeps.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">58</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">11,233.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Macrobius, 1472, folio. <i>Edit. Prin.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">33</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">12,141.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Priscianus de art. gram. 1470. fol. <i>In Membranis.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">51</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="right">[Sale Catalogue, 1789, 8vo.]</p> + +<p class="center">But—"Jam satis."</p> + +<p>It probably escaped Lysander that, while the sale of the +Pinelli collection attracted crowds of bibliomaniacs to +Conduit Street, Hanover Square, a very fine library was +disposed of, in a quiet and comfortable manner, at the rooms +of Messrs. Leigh and Sotheby, in York Street, Covent Garden; +under the following title to the catalogue: <i>A Catalogue of +a very elegant and curious Cabinet of Books, lately imported +from France</i>, &c. (sold in May, 1789). My priced copy of +this catalogue affixes the name (in MS.) of <span class="smcap">Macartney</span>, as +the owner of this precious "Cabinet." There were only 1672 +articles; containing a judicious sprinkling of what was +elegant, rare, and curious, in almost every department of +literature. The eleventh and twelfth days' sale were devoted +to MSS.; many of them of extraordinary beauty and +singularity. It was from this collection, n<span class="super">o</span>. 248, that +Lord Spencer obtained, for a comparatively small sum, one of +the most curious books (if not an unique volume) in the +class of early English printed ones, which are in his own +matchless collection. It is the "<i>Siege of Rhodes</i>," which +has a strong appearance of being the production of Caxton's +press. The copy is perfectly clean and almost uncut.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_400_406" id="Footnote_400_406"></a><a href="#FNanchor_400_406">[400]</a> If the reader will be pleased to turn to +<a href="#Page_90">page 90</a>, ante, he will find a tolerably copious and correct list +of the different sales of books which were once in the +possession of <span class="smcap">Mons. Paris de Meyzieux</span>. In the same place he +will also find mention made of a singular circumstance +attending the sale of the above collection noticed by +Lysander. As a corollary, therefore, to what has been before +observed, take the following specimens of the books—with +the prices for which they are sold—which distinguished the +<i>Bibliotheca Parisiana</i>. They are from the French Catalogue, +1790, 8vo. +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Biblia sacra latina vulgatæ editionis (ex +translatione et cum præfationibus S. Hieronymi); Venetiis, +N. Jenson, 1476, 2 vol. in fol.: <i>avec miniatures, relié en +mar. r. doublé de tabis, dentelles et boîtes</i>: <span class="smcap">imprime sur +velin</span>. "On connoît l'extrême rareté de cette belle edition +quand les exemplaires sont sur vélin. Nous n'en connoissons +qu'un seul, bien moins beau que celui ci; celui que nous +annonçons est de toute beauté, et on ne peut rien ajouter au +luxe de la relieure."</td> +<td class="rbot">59</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">3.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Biblia sacra vulgatæ editionis, tribus tomis distincta +(jussu Sixt. V., pontificis maximi edita); <i>Romæ, ex +typographia apostolica vaticana</i>, 1590; <i>in. fol. ch. mag. +maroquin rouge</i>. "Superbe exemplaire d'un livre de la plus grande rareté; il +porte sur la couverture les armes de Sixte Quint."</td> +<td class="rbot">64</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">10.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Epitome passionis Jesu Christi, in 4<span class="super">o</span>. <span class="smcap">sur velin</span> avec +miniatures. <i>Manuscrit très précieux</i> du commencement du 16 +siecle, contenant 37 feuillets écrits en ancienne ronde +bâtarde, et 17 pages de miniatures d'un dessein et d'un fini +inappréciables. "Les desseins sont d'Albert Durer, tels +qu'il les a gravés dans ses ouvrages, et l'exécution est si +animée qu'on peut croire qu'elle est, en tout ou en partie, +de la main de ce peintre célebre. On ne peut trop louer la +beauté de ce livre."</td> +<td class="rbot">50</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">13.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Officium beatæ Mariæ virginis cum calendario; in 4<span class="super">o</span>. +mar. r. dentelles. "<i>Cette paire d'heures manuscrite</i> <span class="smcap">sur +velin</span>, est sans contredit une des plus belles et des plus +achevées que l'on puisse trouver. Au rare mérite de sa +parfaite exécution elle réunit encore celui d'avoir été +faite pour Françoise 1er, roi de France, et d'être décoree +dans toutes ses pages de l'embléme et du chiffre de ce +monarque. Ce manuscrit, d'un prix inestimable, est ecrit en +lettres rondes sur un vélin très blanc"—"il est decoré de +très belles capitales, de guirlandes superbes de fleurs, de +culs-de-lampe, & de 12 bordures ornées d'oiseaux, +d'insectes, de fleurs et de lames d'or très brillant."—"Il +est impossible de donner une idée satisfaisante de le beauté +et de la richesse de 12 peintures admirables qui +enrichissent autant de pages de 8 pouces et demi de hauteur, +sur environ 6 pouces de largeur; elles sont au dessus de +toute expression; mais il n'y en a qu'une qui soit du temps +de François 1er.; un seigneur dont on voit les armes peintes +sur le second feuillet, a fait exécuter les autres dans la +siecle dernier, avec une magnificence peu commune. Les +tableaux et les ornemens dont il a enrichi ce précieux +manuscrit se distinguent par une composition savante et +gracieuse, un dessin correct, une touche précieuse et un +coloris agréable," &c.</td> +<td class="rbot">109</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">14.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Heures de Notre-Dame, écrites à la main, 1647, par +Jarry, Parisien, in 8<span class="super">o</span>. <i>chagrin noir, avec deux fermoirs +d'or et boîte de mar. bl.</i> "Ces heures sont un +chef-d'œuvre d'écriture & de peinture. Le fameux Jarry, +qui n'a pas encore eu son égal en l'art d'écrire, s'y est +surpassé, & y a prouvé que la regularité, la netteté & la +precision des caracteres du burin et de l'impression +pouvoient être imitées avec la plume à un degré de +perfection inconcevable."—"Le peintre, dont le nom nous est +inconnu, & qui doit avoir été un des plus fameux du siecle +de Louis XIV., a travaillé à l'envi avec Nicolas Jarry à +rendre ces heures dignes d'admiration."—"Les sept peintures +dont il les a enriches, sont recommendables par la purité de +leur dessein, la vivacité des couleurs, la verité de +l'expression, et leur précieux fini."</td> +<td class="rbot">73</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">This matchless little volume was purchased by Mr. Johnes of +Hafod, and presented by him to his daughter, who has +successfully copied the miniatures; and, in the true spirit +of a female bibliomaniac, makes this book her travelling +companion "wherever she goes."</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">15.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Office de la Vierge, <i>manuscrit</i>, avec 39 miniatures et +un grand nombre de figures bizarres, oiseaux, etc. +supérieurement executé; 2 vol. in 8<span class="super">o</span>. <i>m. bl. doublé de +tapis, avec étuis</i>. "On ne peut rien voir de plus agréable & +de mieux diversifié que les différents sujets des +miniatures; en tout, cet exemplaire est un des plus beaux +que j'aie jamais vus; c'est celui de Picart. Il est à +remarquer à cause du costume de quelques figures; il a été +relié avec le plus grand soin et la plus grande dépense."</td> +<td class="rbot">110</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">145.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">L'art de connoître et d'apprécier les miniatures des +anciens manuscrits; par M. l'abbé Rive, avec 30 tableaux +enlumines, copiés d'après les plus beaux manuscrits qui se +trouvoient dans la bibliothéque de M. le Duc de la Valliere, +et d'autres précieux cabinets. <i>Exemplaire peint</i> <span class="smcap">sur velin</span>. +"M. l'abbé Rive se proposoit de donner une dissertation sur +les manuscrits enluminés pour accompagner ces dessins; mais +jusqu'ici ayant des raisons qui l'empêchent d'en gratifier +le public, il en a donné la description en manuscrit (le +seul qui existe) au propriétaire de ce superbe exemplaire."</td> +<td class="rbot">56</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">240.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Les faicts, dictes et ballades de maitre Alain +Chartier: <i>Paris, Pierre le Caron, sans date, in fol. +velours vert</i>; <span class="smcap">imprime sur velin</span>. "Exemplaire qui ne laisse +rien à desirer, pour la grandeur des marges, la peinture des +miniatures et de toutes les lettres capitales. La finesse +des lignes rouges, qui divisent chaque ligne, demontre +combien on a été engagé à le rendre précieux. Il est dans sa +relieure originale parfaitement bien conservé; il a +appartenu à Claude d'Urfé: l'edition passe pour étre de +l'année, 1484. <i>Voyez Bibliographie Instructive</i>, n<span class="super">o</span>. +2999."</td> +<td class="rbot">31</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">242.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Contes de la Fontaine, avec miniatures, vignettes et +culs-de-lampes à chaque conte; 2 vol. in 4<span class="super">o</span>.; m. bleu, +doublé de tapis, étuis. "<i>Manuscrit incomparable</i> pour le +génie et l'exécution des dessins. Il est inconcevable que la +vie d'un artiste ait pu suffire pour exécuter d'une manière +si finie un si grand nombre de peintures exquises; le tout +est d'un coloris éclatant, d'une conservation parfaite, & +sur du vélin egalement blanc et uni; enfin c'est un +assemblage de miniatures précieuses et dignes d'orner le +plus beau cabinet." L'ecriture a été faite par Monchaussé, et les miniatures par +le fameux Marolles.</td> +<td class="rbot">315</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">328.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Opere di Francesco Petrarcha; <i>senza luogho</i> 1514, +<i>mar. r. doublé de tabis et étui</i>; <span class="smcap">imprime sur velin</span>. +"Exemplaire sans prix, avec grand nombre de miniatures +charmantes. Il passoit pour constant à Florence, où je l'ai +acheté, qu'il avoite été imprimé à part probablement pour +quelqu'un des Mêdicis, et sur les corrections de l'edition +de 1514; car les fautes ne s'y trouvent pas, et il ne m'a +pas éte possible d'en découvrir une seule.—La parfaite +conservation de ce livre précieux démontre combien ses +possesseurs ont été sensible a sa valeur. P——."</td> +<td class="rbot">116</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">486.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Collectiones Peregrinationum in Indiam Orientalem et in +Indiam Occidentalem, xxv partibus comprehensæ, &c. <i>Francof. +ad Mæen. 1590, &c., 60 vol. reliés en 24, folio; maroq. +citr. bleu et rouge.</i> "Exemplaire de la plus grande beauté, +et qui possede autant de perfection que pouvoient lui donner +les soins et les connoissances des plus grands amateurs."</td> +<td class="rbot">210</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">543.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Les grands chroniques de France (dites les chroniques +de St. Denys); <i>Paris, Antoine Verard</i>, 1493, 3 vols. fol. +<i>vel. rouge, et boîtes</i>; <span class="smcap">imprime sur velin</span>. "Exemplaire +d'une magnificence étonante pour la blancheur du vélin, la +grandeur des marges, et l'ouvrage immense de l'enluminure; +chaque lettre-capitale étant peinte en or, et contenant 953 +miniatures, dont 13 sont de la grandeur des pages, et 940 +environ de 4 pouces de hauteur sur 3 de largeur. Il est +encore dans sa relieure originale, et d'une fraîcheur & +d'une conservation parfaites: il a appartenu à Claude +d'Urfé."</td> +<td class="rbot">151</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">546.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Chroniques de France, d'Angleterre, d'Ecosse, +d'Espagnes, et de Bretaigne, etc.; par <i>Froissart; Paris, G. +Eustace, 1514. 4 vol. in fol. mar. r. doublé de tabis, et +boîtes</i> <span class="smcap">imprime sur velin</span>. "On peut regarder ce livre comme +un des plus rares qui existe. L'exemplaire est unique et +inconnu aux meilleurs bibliographes; Sauvage ne l'a jamaie +vu; il est de la premiere beauté par la blancheur du vélin, +& par sa belle conservation. On y a joint tout le luxe de la +rélieure." <i>In the Hafod Collection.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">149</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><a name="Footnote_401_407" id="Footnote_401_407"></a><a href="#FNanchor_401_407">[401]</a> The following is the title of the Bibliotheca +Lortiana. "<i>A Catalogue of the entire and valuable Library +of the late</i> <span class="smcap">Rev. Michael Lort</span>, D.D., F.R.S. and A.S., +<i>which will be sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, &c., +April 5, 1791</i>," 8vo. The sale lasted twenty-five days; and +the number of lots or articles was 6665. The ensuing +specimens of a few of the book-treasures in this collection +prove that Lysander's encomium upon the collector is not +without foundation. +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1738.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Gardiner's (Bishop) Detection of the Devil's +Sophistry, MS. title: printed by <i>John Hertford, in +Aldersgate Street, at the cost and charges of Robert Toye</i>, +1546, 12mo. Note in this book: "Though this book is +imperfect, yet the remarkable part of it, viz. sheet E, +printed in the Greek letter, and sheet F in Latin, with the +Roman letter, are not wanting."</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1847.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Hale's (T.) Account of New Inventions, in a letter to +the Earl of Marlborough, 8vo. Note in this book: "Many +curious particulars in this book, more especially a +prophetic passage relative to the Duke of Marlborough, p. +<span class="smcap">xlvii</span>."</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1880.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Harrison's (Michael) four Sermons. "N.B. The author of +this book cut the types himself, and printed it at St. +Ives," 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1930.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Festival (The) impressus Rothomage, 1499, 4to. In this +book (which is in English) at the end of each Festival is a +narration of the life of the Saint, or of the particular +festival.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1931.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Festival (The) with wooden cuts, compleat: <i>emprynted +by Wynkyn de Worde</i>, 1408, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2156.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Johnson's (Dr. Sam.) Journey to the Western Islands of +Scotland. "In this book is contained the cancelled part of +page 48, relative to Litchfield Cathedral; likewise the +cancelled part of page 296, respecting the cave at Egg, and +the transaction there; also parts of reviews and newspapers, +concerning Dr. Johnson; two plates, MS. copy of a letter of +Dr. Johnson's: and Henderson's letter to Johnson on his +journey to Scotland." 1776, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2558.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Muggleton's Acts of the Witnesses of the Spirit; <i>with +heads, MS. remarks, and notes</i>, 1699. Ludowick Muggleton, +born in Bishopgate Street, 1609; put apprentice to John +Quick, a taylor. Married a virgin of 19, ætat. suæ 22. +Another virgin of 19, ætat. 32. A third virgin wife of 25, +ætat. 53. Chosen a prophet 1665, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2559.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Muggleton's and Reeve's volume of Spiritual Epistles; +elegantly bound, with a head of Muggleton underneath a MS. +note, 1755, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2579.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Lower's Voyage of Charles II. made into Holland, head +and plates. Hague. 1660. Folio. N.B. "A very uncommon book, +containing many curious particulars."</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2776.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Owen's (Dr. John) Divine Originall, &c. of the +Scriptures, Oxford, 1659, 8vo. Note in this book: "One of +the scarcest and best of Dr. Owen's works."</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">3005.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Psalms (The whole Booke of) with Hymns, by +Ravenscroft, with music, 8vo. "Note; in this book are some +tunes by John Milton, the great poet's father. See page 242, +62."</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">3342.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Stubbes's Anatomie of Abuses, printed at London by +Richard Jones, 16 August, 1583, 8vo. Note in this book: "I +bought this rare book at the auction of Mr. Joseph Hart's +books, in May 1772, where it cost me 8<i>s.</i> &c." M.L. [The +reader may just run back to <a href="#Page_279">page 279</a>, ante; where he will +find some account of this work.]</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4185.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Champ Fleury, auquel est contenu l'Art et Science de +la deue et vraye Proportion de Lettres Antiques et Romaines +selon le Corps et visage Humain, avec figures. Par. 1529. +Folio. "<i>This uncommon book was sold at an auction, 1722, +for 2l. 15s.</i>"</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4437.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Alberti Descriptione di tutta Italia, Venez., 1568, +4to. Note in this book—"<i>This is a very scarce and much +valued account of Italy.</i>" With another curious note +respecting the author.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4438.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Aldrete Varias Antiguedales de Espana, Africa, y otras +Provincias. Amberes, 1641, 4to. <i>Note in this book</i>: "One of +the most valuable books of this kind in the Spanish +language, and very rarely to be met with."</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">5532.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Humfredi, Vita Episcop. Juelli, foliis deauratis, +Lond. ap Dayum, 1573, 4to. <i>Note in this book</i>: "At the end +of this book are probably some of the first Hebrew types +used in England."</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">6227.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Præsidis (Epistola R.A.P.) Generalis et Regiminis +totius Congregationis Anglicanæ Ordinis St. Benedicti. +Duaci, 1628. 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">[<i>Note in this book</i>: "This is a very scarce book; it was +intended only for the use of the order, and care taken that +it should not get into improper hands. See the conclusion of +the General's mandate, and of the book itself."]</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">6616.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Wakefeldi Oratio de Laudibus et Utilitate trium +linguarum, Arabicæ, Chaldaicæ, & Hebraicæ; atque idiomatibus +Hebraicis quæ in utroque Testamento inveniuntur. <i>Lond. ap. +Winandum de Worde.</i>—Shirwode Liber Hebræorum concionatoris, +seu Ecclesiasten. Antv. 1523. 4to. <i>Note in this book</i>: +"These two pieces by Shirwood and Wakefield are exceedingly +rare."</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>For some particulars concerning the very respectable Dr. +<span class="smcap">Lort</span>, the reader may consult the <i>Gentleman's Magazine</i>; +vol. lx. pt. ii. p. 1055, 1199.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_413" id="Page_413">413</a></span><span class="smcap">Alman.</span> I am glad to hear you notice such kind of collections; for +utility and common sense have always appeared to me a great +desideratum among the libraries of your professed bibliomaniacs.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Belin.</span> Yes:—You pride yourselves upon your large paper, and clean, +and matchless copies—but you do not dwell quite so satisfactorily +upon your useful and profitable volumes—which, surely stand not in +need of expensive embellishments. Lort's collection would be the +library for my money—if I were disposed to become a female +bibliomaniac!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> You are even a more jejune student than myself in bibliography, +or you would not talk in this strain, Belinda. Abuse fine copies of +books! I hope you forgive her, Lysander?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Most cordially. But have I not discoursed sufficiently? The +ladies are, I fear, beginning to be wearied; and the night is "almost +at odds with morning which is which."</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> Nay, nay, we must not yet terminate our conversation. Pursue, +and completely accomplish, the noble task which you have begun. But a +few more years to run down—a few more renowned bibliomaniacs to "kill +off"—and then we retire to our pillows delighted and instructed by +your——</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Halt! If you go on thus, there is an end to our "Table Talk." +I now resume.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_414" id="Page_414">414</a></span></p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> Yet a word to save your lungs, and slightly vary the discourse. +Let me take you with me to Ireland, about this time; where, if you +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: remember">reremember</span>, the library of <span class="smcap">Denis +Daly</span><a name="FNanchor_402_408" id="FNanchor_402_408"></a><a href="#Footnote_402_408" class="fnanchor">[402]</a> was disposed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_415" id="Page_415">415</a></span> of by public auction. My father attended the +sale; and purchased at it a great number of the <i>Old English +Chronicles</i>, and volumes relating to <i>English History</i>, which Lisardo +so much admired in the library. You remember the copy of Birch's +<i>Lives of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain</i>!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_402_408" id="Footnote_402_408"></a><a href="#FNanchor_402_408">[402]</a> <i>A Catalogue of the Library of the late Right +Honourable</i> <span class="smcap">Denis Daly</span>, <i>which will be sold by auction on +the first of May, 1792, by James Vallance.</i> <i>Dublin</i>, 8vo. A +fac-simile copper-plate of a part of the first psalm, taken +from a Bible erroneously supposed to have been printed by +Ulric Zell in 1458, faces the title-page; and a short and +pertinent preface succeeds it. The collection was choice and +elegant: the books are well described, and the catalogue is +printed with neatness. The copies on <i>large paper</i> are very +scarce. I subjoin, as a curiosity, and for the sake of +comparing with modern prices, the sums for which a few +popular articles in <span class="smcap">English History</span> were disposed of. +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">527.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Tyrrell's General History of England, 5 vols. Lond. +1697, fol. "To this copy Mr. Tyrell has made considerable +additions in MS. written in a fair hand, which must be +worthy of the attention of the learned."</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">533.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Rapin's History of England with Tyndal's Continuation, +5 vols. <i>elegantly bound in russia</i>. Lond. 1743-1747, folio. +"One of the most capital sets of Rapin extant; besides the +elegant portraits of the kings and queens, monuments, +medals, &c. engraved for this work, it is further enriched +with the beautiful prints executed by Vertue and Houbraken, +for Birch's Illustrious Heads." folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">534.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Carte's General History of England, 4 vols., fine +paper, <i>elegant in russia</i>. Lond. 1747, folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">19</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">537.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Birch's Lives of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain, +with their heads by Houbraken and Vertue; 2 vols. in one, +<i>first impression of the plates, imperial paper</i>. Lond. +1743-1751, folio. It is impossible to give a perfect idea of +this book: every plate is fine, and appears to be selected +from the earliest impressions: it is now very scarce.</td> +<td class="rbot">22</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">538.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Campbell's Vitruvius Britannicus, with Woolfe's and +Gandon's Continuation, 5 vols. <i>large paper, fine +impressions of the plates, elegantly bound in morocco, gilt +leaves, &c.</i> Lond. 1717-1767, folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">25</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">540.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Wood's Historia et Antiquitates Oxoniensis, <i>large +paper, russia, gilt leaves, &c.</i> Ox. 1674.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">542.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Biographia Britannica, 7 vols. <i>large paper, elegantly +bound</i>. Lond. 1747, fol.</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">543.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— —— 4 vols. new edition, <i>elegantly bound in +green Turkey</i>. Lond. 1778.</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">19</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">545.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Mathæi Paris, Monachi Albanensis Angli, Historia Major, +a Wats. Lond. 1640, folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">19</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">546.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Mathæi Westmonasteriensis, Flores Historiarum. Franc. +1601, folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">547.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Historiæ Anglicanæ Scriptores Varii, a Sparke. Lond. +1723, folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">548.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Historiæ Anglicanæ Scriptores X. a Twysden; 2 tom. fol. +<i>deaurat.</i> Lond. 1652, folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">549.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Rerum Anglicarum Scriptores post Bedam, a Saville, fol. +<i>deaurat.</i> Lond. 1596, folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">550.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Rerum Anglicarum Scriptorum Veterum, a Gale; 3 tom. +fol. <i>deaurat.</i> Lond. 1684-91.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">551.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Rerum Britannicarum, Scriptores Vetustiores. Lugd. +1587, folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">573.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Prynne's Records, 3 vols., with the <i>frontispieces +complete, gilt, broad border of gold</i>. Lond. 1666-68. "For +an account of this rare and valuable work, see Oldy's +British Librarian, page <span class="smcap">ii</span>. Not more than 70 copies of the +first vol. were rescued from the fire of London, 1666." +folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">80</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>I learn from the nephew of the late Mr. Archer, of Dublin, +bookseller, that the late Lord Clare offered 4000 guineas +for the collection—which contained only 1441 lots or +articles. The offer was rejected. Although the amount of the +sale did not exceed 3700<i>l.</i>—according to a rough +calculation.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> I do:—and a marvellously fine one it is!</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> Well, this was formerly <i>Exemplar Dalyanum</i>. But now proceed. I +wished only to convince you that the miasmata (as you call them) of +the bibliomaniacal disease had reached our Sister Kingdom. Of +Scotland<a name="FNanchor_403_409" id="FNanchor_403_409"></a><a href="#Footnote_403_409" class="fnanchor">[403]</a>—I know nothing in commendation respecting the +<span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_403_409" id="Footnote_403_409"></a><a href="#FNanchor_403_409">[403]</a> This is rather a hasty speech, on the part of +Lorenzo. The copious and curious catalogues of those +booksellers, Messrs. <span class="smcap">Constable</span>, <span class="smcap">Laing</span>, and <span class="smcap">Blackwood</span>—are a +sufficient demonstration that the cause of the <i>Bibliomania</i> +flourishes in the city of Edinburgh. Whether they have such +desperate bibliomaniacs in Scotland, as we possess in +London, and especially of the book-auction species—is a +point which I cannot take upon me to decide. Certain it is +that the notes of their great poet are not deficient in +numerous tempting extracts from rare black-letter tomes; and +if his example be not more generally followed than it is, +the fault must lie with some scribe or other who counteracts +its influence by propagating opinions, and recommending +studies, of a different, and less tasteful, cast of +character. I am fearful that there are too many +politico-economical, metaphysical, and philosophical +miasmata, floating in the atmosphere of Scotland's +metropolis, to render the climate there just now favourable +to the legitimate cause of the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_416" id="Page_416">416</a></span>I had nearly forgotten to mention, with the encomiums which they +merit, the select, curious, and splendid collections of the +<span class="smcap">Chauncys</span>:<a name="FNanchor_404_410" id="FNanchor_404_410"></a><a href="#Footnote_404_410" class="fnanchor">[404]</a> very able scholars, and zealous bibliomaniacs. Many a +heavy-metalled compe<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_417" id="Page_417">417</a></span>titor attended the sale of the <i>Bibliotheca +Chauncyana</i>; and, I dare say, if such a collection of books were now +<i>sub hastâ</i>——</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_404_410" id="Footnote_404_410"></a><a href="#FNanchor_404_410">[404]</a> <i>A Catalogue of the elegant and valuable +Libraries of</i> <span class="smcap">Charles Chauncy</span>, M.D. F.R.S. and F.S.A.; <i>and +of his brother</i>, <span class="smcap">Nathaniel Chauncy</span>, <i>Esq., both deceased: +&c. Sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, April, 1790</i>, +8vo.: 3153 articles. +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">99.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Booke of Raynarde the Foxe, morocco, gilt leaves, +<i>London by Thomas Gaultier</i>, 1550, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">108.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Merie Tales by Master Skelton, Poet Laureat; <i>imprinted +by Thomas Colwell</i>; no date, 12mo.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">109.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Pleasunt Historie of Lazarillo de Tormes, by David +Rouland; <i>impr. at London, by Abel Jeffes</i>, 1586, 12mo.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">112.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Newe Testament, corrected by Tyndal, with +exhortations by Erasmus; <i>gilt leaves</i>, 1536, 12mo.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">113.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">More's Utopia, by Robynson; <i>impr. by Abraham Veale</i>, +12mo. (1551.)</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">"N.B. In this are the passages which have been left out in +the later editions." (But the reader may be pleased to +examine my edition of this translation of the Utopia; 1808, +2 vols., 8vo., see vol. i., p. clix.)</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">119.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Epidicion into Scotland of the most woorthely +fortunate Prince Edward, Duke of Somerset, Uncle unto our +most noble sovereign, &c., Edward the VIth; <i>imprinted by +Grafton</i>; 1548, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">(At the sale of Mr. Gough's books in 1810, a fine copy of +this work was sold for 10<i>l.</i> 10<i>s.</i>)</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">362.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Ben Jonson his Volpone, or the Foxe; <i>morocco, gilt +leaves</i>, 1607, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">"In this book is this note written by Ben Jonson himself. +'To his loving father, and worthy friend Mr. John Florio: +the ayde of his Muses. Ben Jonson seales this testimony of +friendship and love.'"</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">384.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Nychodemus's Gospell, <i>morocco, gilt leaves, emprynted +at London, by Wynkyn de Worde</i>, 1511, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">388.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Oxford and Cambridge Verses; <i>in blue and red morocco, +gilt leaves, with gold tassels</i>, 13 vols., 1617, &c., fol.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">572.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Caius of English Dogges, the diversities, the names, +the natures, and the properties, by Fleming; <i>imprinted at +London by Richard Johnes</i>, 1576, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">592.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Life and Death of the merry Devill of Edmonton, +with the pleasant Prancks of Smug the smith, Sir John, and +mine Host of the George, about the stealing of Venison, +frontispiece, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">599.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Speculum Xristiani, corio turcico, impress. <i>London, p. +Willelmum de Machlinia</i> ad instanciam nec non expensas +Henrici Urankenburg, mercatoris, <i>sine anno vel loco, +circa</i>, 1480, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop"><span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: sic">599.</span></td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A Hundreth Sundrie Flowers, bounde up in one small +poesie, gathered in the fyne outlandish gardins of +Euripides, Ovid, Petrake, Aristo, and others. <i>London</i>, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1669.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Recuile of the Historie of Troie; <i>imprynted</i> +1553, <i>by William Copland, folio</i></td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1670.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Pastyme of People. The Chronicles of dyvers +Realmys, and most specyally of the Realme of Englond, +brevely compylyd and <i>emprynted in Chepesyde at the sygne of +the Mearmayde, next Polly's Gate (made up with MS.) morocco, +gilt leaves</i>, folio</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1684.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Cunningham's Cosmographical Glasse. <i>Lond. printed by +Daye</i>, 1559, fol.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="center" colspan="5">(I conclude that it had the portrait.)</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2932.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Ptolomæi Cosmographie; cum tab. +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: geogr.">georgr.</span> +illum. <i>Impress. in Membranis</i>, 1482, fol.</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2933.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Virgilii Opera: <i>Impres. in Membram. Venet. ap. +Barthol. Cremonens</i>, 1472, fol. (Two leaves on vellum in MS. +very fairly written)</td> +<td class="rbot">43</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="center" colspan="5">Purchased by the late Mr. Quin.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2934.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Plinii Hist. Naturalis; Venet. 1472, folio. <i>Impres. +in Membranis.</i> The first leaf illuminated on very fine +vellum paper. Note in this book: "This book, formerly Lord +Oxford's, was bought by him of Andrew Hay for 160 guineas."</td> +<td class="rbot">65</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="center" colspan="5">Purchased by Mr. Edwards.</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>There was also a magnificent copy of <i>Pynson's first edition +of Chaucer's Works</i>, in folio, which is now in the +collection of Earl Spencer.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> He means "under the hammer."—Ladies are not supposed to know +these cramp Latin phrases.—</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Well, "under the hammer:"—if, I say, such a collection were +now to be disposed of by public auction, how eager and emulous would +our notorious book-collectors be to run away with a few splendid +spoils!</p> + +<p class="bp">We will next notice a not less valuable collection, called the +<i>Bibliotheca Monroiana</i>; or the library of Dr. <span class="smcap">John Monro</span>;<a name="FNanchor_405_411" id="FNanchor_405_411"></a><a href="#Footnote_405_411" class="fnanchor">[405]</a> the +sale of which took place in the very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_418" id="Page_418">418</a></span> year, and a little before, the +preceding library was disposed of. Don't imagine that Monro's books +were chiefly medical; on the contrary, besides exhibiting<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_419" id="Page_419">419</a></span> some of the +rarest articles in Old English literature, they will convince +posterity of the collector's accurate taste in Italian Belles Lettres: +and here and there you will find, throughout the catalogue, some +interesting bibliographical memoranda by the Doctor himself.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_405_411" id="Footnote_405_411"></a><a href="#FNanchor_405_411">[405]</a> "<i>Bibliotheca Elegantissima Monroiana: A +Catalogue of the elegant and valuable library of</i> <span class="smcap">John +Munro</span>, M.D., <i>Physician to Bethelem Hospital, lately +deceased. Sold by auction by Leigh and +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Sotheby">Sotherby</span>, &c. April 23d, 1792</i>, 8vo." +As usual I subjoin a few specimens of the collector's +literary treasures in confirmation of the accuracy of +Lysander's eulogy upon the collection——N<span class="super">o</span>. 709, +Cowell's Interpreter; or, Booke containing the signification +of words, <i>first edition</i>, ("rare to be met with.") <i>Camb. +by Legate</i>, 1607, 4to.——N<span class="super">o</span>. 1951. Cent (Les) Nouvelles +Nouvelles, ou pour mieux dire, Nouveaux Comptes à plaisance, +par maniere de Joyeuseté.——<i>Lettres Gothiques, fig. et +bois et titre MSS. feuilles dorées, en maroquin, Paris, par +Ant. Verard</i>, 1475, fol.——N<span class="super">o</span>. 1963, Heide Beschryving +der nieuevlyks uitgevonden en geoctrojeerde +Slang-Brand-Spuiten, en Haare wijze van Brand-Blussen, +Tegenwoordig binnen <i>Amsterdam in gebruik zynde. Wyze +figuurs Amst.</i> 1690, fol. "<i>Note in this book: Paris</i>, 1736. +Paid for this book for his Grace the Duke of Kingston, by +Mr. Hickman, 24<i>l.</i>" A great sum for a book about a "newly +discovered fire engine!"——N<span class="super">o</span>. 2105, Vivre (Le livre +intitulé l'art de bein) et de bien mourir, lettres +gothiques, avec fig. en maroquin dorées sur tranches. +<i>Imprimé à Paris</i>, 1543, 4to. Note by Dr. Munro: "It is a +very scarce book, more so than generally thought." With a +long account of the book on separate papers.——N<span class="super">o</span>. 2121, +Ariosto, Orlando Furioso, con figure da Porro, foglio dorat. +Venet. 1584, 4to. N.B. In this copy the true print is +replaced <i>with a fine head of Ariosto</i>, and <i>elegantly +inlaid with morocco and calf</i>.——N<span class="super">o</span>. 2147, Boccacio +(Nimpale Fiesolano: composto par il Clarissimo Poeta Misser +Joanni) Fiorentino, &c. rigato. Senza data, 4to. See in this +book a long account of this poem from Dom. Maria Manni, in +the Istoria del Decamerone, p. 55. "From what Manni says in +the above account, I suppose this to be the first edition he +makes mention of, as there is no place or date to be found. +J.M."——N<span class="super">o</span>. 2194. Dante di Landino, con. fig. La prima +Edizione di Landino, impf. <i>Firenze per Nicholo di Lorenzo +della Magna</i>, 1481, folio. "In this book are several remarks +by Dr. Munro, on separate papers. An old scarce print, +separate. On the title-page the following initials +C<span class="super">M</span><sub>DC</sub>R; upon which the Doctor remarks it might probably +be the signature of Charles the First, whose property it +might have been. The Doctor likewise observes this copy, +though imperfect, is still very valuable, on account of its +having eight plates, the generality having only the two +first."——N<span class="super">o</span>. 2208, Molinet (Les Faictz et dictz de bone +Memoire Maistre Jehan) <i>Lettres gothiques, en maroquin Par.</i> +1537, 8vo.——N<span class="super">o</span>. 2366, Peri Fiesole Distrutta, poema: +with portrait and engraved title, Firenze, 1619, 4to. <i>Note +in this book</i>: "This is the only copy I ever saw of this +work, which I imagine is at present become extremely scarce. +The title and portrait are engraved by Callott. The portrait +is common enough, but the title, known by the name of the +Bella Giardiniera, very seldom seen. J.M."——N<span class="super">o</span>. 2379. +Ridolfi, Le Maraviglie dell'Arte, overo le vite di Pittori +Veneti e dello stato, con. fig. 2 tom. 4to. N.B. On the +blank leaf of this book is an etching by Carolus Rodolphus, +with this <i>MS. note</i>: "I imagine this to be an etching of +Cavaier Rodolphi, as I do not remember any other of the +name."——N<span class="super">o</span>. 2865, Lazii in Genealogiam Austriacam, +Basil. ap. Oporinum, 1564.—Lazii Vienna Austriæ Basil, +1546. Francolin Res Gestæ Viennensis, cum fig. <i>Viennæ +Austriæ excudebat Raphæl Hofhalter</i>, 1563. Folio. <i>Note in +this book</i>: "The last book in this volume is curious and +uncommon."</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">We shall now run rapidly towards the close of the eighteenth century. +But first, you may secure, for a shilling or two, the <span class="smcap">Southgate +Collection</span>;<a name="FNanchor_406_412" id="FNanchor_406_412"></a><a href="#Footnote_406_412" class="fnanchor">[406]</a> and make up your minds to pay a few more shillings +for good copies, especially upon <i>large paper</i>, of all the parts of +the catalogues of the library of <span class="smcap">George Mason</span><a name="FNanchor_407_413" id="FNanchor_407_413"></a><a href="#Footnote_407_413" class="fnanchor">[407]</a>. This collection +was an exceedingly valuable one; rather select than extensive: +exhibiting, in pretty<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_420" id="Page_420">420</a></span> nearly an equal degree, some of the rarest +books in Greek, Latin, and English literature. The <i>keimelion</i> of the +Masonian cabinet, in the estimation of the black-letter bibliomaniacs, +was a perfect copy of the <i>St.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_421" id="Page_421">421</a></span> Albans' edition</i> of Juliana Barnes's +book of <i>Hawking, Hunting</i>, and <i>Angling</i>; which perfect copy is now +reposing in a collection where there are <i>keimelia</i> of far greater +value to dim its wonted lustre. But let<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_422" id="Page_422">422</a></span> Mason have our admiration and +esteem. His library was elegant, judicious, and, in many respects, +very precious: and the collector of such volumes was a man of worth +and learning.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_406_412" id="Footnote_406_412"></a><a href="#FNanchor_406_412">[406]</a> "<i>Museum Southgatianum; being a Catalogue of +the valuable Collection of Books, Coins, Medals, and Natural +History of the late Rev.</i> <span class="smcap">Richard Southgate</span>, A.B., F.A.S., +&c. To which are prefixed Memoirs of his Life. London: +printed for Leigh and Sotheby," &c. 1795, 8vo. The books were +comprised in 2593 lots. The coins and medals extend, in the +catalogue, to 68 pages. The shells and natural curiosities +(sold in May, 1795) to 11 pages. This catalogue possesses, +what every similar one should possess, a compendious and +perspicuous account of the collector. My copy of it is upon +<i>large paper</i>; but the typographical execution is +sufficiently defective.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_407_413" id="Footnote_407_413"></a><a href="#FNanchor_407_413">[407]</a> Lysander is right in noticing "<i>all the +parts</i>" of the Masonian Library. I will describe them +particularly. P<span class="super">t</span>. <span class="smcap">i.</span> <i>A Catalogue of a considerable +portion of the Greek and Latin Library of</i> <span class="smcap">George Mason</span>, +Esq., with some articles in the Italian, French, English, +and other languages, &c. Sold by auction by Leigh and +Sotheby, on Wednesday, January 24, 1798, 8vo. 497 articles. +P<span class="super">t</span>. <span class="smcap">ii.</span> <i>A Catalogue of most of the reserved portion of +the Greek and Latin Library of</i> G.M., &c., chiefly classical +and bibliographical, with a few miscellaneous articles in +French: sold as before, May 16, 1798, &c. 480 articles. +P<span class="super">t</span>. <span class="smcap">iii.</span> <i>A Catalogue of a considerable portion of the +remaining Library of</i> G.M., Esq.—chiefly historical, with +some curious theological, and some scientific, articles: +sold as before; Nov. 27 to 30; 1798, &c. 547 articles. P<span class="super">t</span> +<span class="smcap">iv.</span> <i>A Catalogue, &c., of the remaining library of</i> G.M., +Esq.—chiefly Belles Lettres, English, French, and Italian, +&c., sold as before; April 25, 1799: 338 articles. These +<span class="smcap">four parts</span>, priced, especially the latter one—are uncommon. +My copies of all of them are upon <i>large paper</i>. It must +have been a little heart-breaking for the collector to have +seen his beautiful library, the harvest of many a year's +hard reaping, melting away piece-meal, like a +snow-ball—before the warmth of some potent cause or other, +which now perhaps cannot be rightly ascertained. See here, +gentle reader, some of the fruits of this golden Masonian +harvest!—gathered almost promiscuously from the several +parts. They are thus presented to thy notice, in order, +amongst other things, to stimulate thee to be equally choice +and careful in the gathering of similar fruits. +</p> + +<p class="center">PART I.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">150.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Winstanley's Audley End, inscribed to James the +Second, fol. <i>Never published for sale</i></td> +<td class="rbot">27</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">158.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Hypnerotomachia Poliphili, C.T. <i>F.D. Ald.</i> 1499</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">162.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Aquinæ (Thomæ) Quartiscriptum, C.R. <i>Moguntiæ +Schoeffer</i>, 1492, fol.</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">295.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Cicero de Officiis, C.T. F.D. <i>Moguntiæ ap. Fust.</i> +1465. 4to. In hoc exemplari Rubrica inter libros secundum ac +tertium habet singularia errata, quæ in nullo alio exemplari +adhuc innotuerunt; viz. <i>primus</i> ponitur pro <i>secundus</i>, +<i>secundus</i> pro <i>tertius</i>, et <i>secundum</i> pro <i>tertium</i></td> +<td class="rbot">26</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">307.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Chalcondylas, Moschopulus, et Corinthus, Gr. <i>editio +princeps.</i> Vide notam ante Librum</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">308.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Constantini Lexicon Græcum. <i>Genevæ</i>, 1592</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">324.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Ciceronis Orationes, C.T. viridi F.D. <i>per Adamum de +Ambergau</i>, 1472, fol.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">468.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Homerus, Gr., 2 vol., <i>Editio princeps</i>, C.R. Flor. +1488</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">496.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Xenophon, Gr., <i>editio princeps</i>, C.T. F.D. <i>Flor. ap. +Junt.</i> 1516, fol.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="centertp">PART III.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">70.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Maundrel's Journey from Aleppo to Jerusalem, <i>L.P. Oxf.</i> +1714, 8vo. First edition of the entire work</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">101.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Psalter of David, large B.L. C.T. nigro F.D. +<i>Cantorbury, in St. Paule's Parysh, by John Mychell</i>, 1549, +4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">102.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Gospels in Saxon and English, dedicated to Queen +Elizabeth, by John Foxe, C.T. nigro, F.D. <i>Lond. by Daye</i>, +1571, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">103.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The new Testament, by Thomas Matthew, 1538, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">["There are cuts to the Revelations, different from any Mr. +Herbert had seen; nor had he seen the book itself, till he +was writing his 'Corrections and additions,' where, at p. +1833, he describes it."]</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">105.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Nychodemus' Gospell, C.T. F.D. <i>wood prints. Wynkyn de +Worde</i>, 1511, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">107.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">English Prymer, in red and black types: <i>with +emblematic frontispiece from a wood-cut</i>. C.T. cæruleo F.D. +<i>Byddell</i>, 1535, 4to. <span class="smcap">Printed on vellum</span></td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">110.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Speculum Christiani (in Latin prose and English verse) +C.T. nigro. <i>In civitate Londoniarum, per Wilhelmum de +Machlinia. Supposed to be the first book printed in London, +and about</i> 1480, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">111.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Contemplation of Synners, (Latin prose and English +verse) with double frontispiece, and other wood-cuts. +<i>Westminster, by Wynkyn de Worde</i>, 1499, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">112.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">(Walter Hylton's) Scala Perfectionis, London, <i>without +Temple-Barre</i>, by Julyan Notary, 1507, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">151.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Dives and Pauper, C.R. <i>first dated impression by +Pynson</i>, 1493, folio</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">164.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Hackluyt's Collection of Voyages, B.L. 3 vols. in 2. +Lond. 1599. "This work contains in vol. <span class="smcap">i.</span> (beginning at p. +187) a political tract in verse (of the time of Henry VI.) +exhorting England to keep the sea."</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">178.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Arnold's Chronicle, or Customs of London, B.L. +C.T.—F.D. (1521) folio</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">180.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Chaucer's Hertfordshire; <i>with all the plates</i>, C.R. +<i>Once the book of White Kennet, Bishop of Peterborough; +whose marginal notes in are pp.</i> 64, 359, 523, folio</td> +<td class="rbot">21</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">338.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Froissart's Chronycles, 2 vols. C.R. F.D. <i>Printed by +Pynson</i>, 1523-5, <i>folio</i>, 2 vols.</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">341.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Rastell's Pastyme of People, C.T.—F.D. Johannes +Rastell, (1529) <i>One page and part of a pieced leaf +written.</i></td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">349.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Monasticon Anglicanum, 3 vols. ligat. in 4, C.R. all +the plates, Lond. 1651, 61, 73. "This copy contains that +very scarce leaf, which sometimes follows the title-page of +the first volume: an account of which leaf (by Tanner and +Hearne) may be seen from p. 45 to p. 50 of the sixth volume +of Leland's Collectanea, and their account rectified by +Bridges, at the conclusion of Hearne's preface to Titus +Livius Foro-Juliensis." Folio.</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">466.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Hardyng's Chronicle (in verse) C.R.—F.D. <i>With an +original grant (on vellum) from Henry VI. to Hardyng, +Londoni.</i> Grafton, 1543, 4to.</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">[This beautiful copy, formerly West's, is now in the +collection of George Hibbert, Esq.]</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">518.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Fabian's Chronicle, C.T. cærulo F.D. 2 vols. in 1. B.L. +Lond. W. Rastell, 1533. "This edition (as well as Pynson's) +has the hymns to the Virgin, though Mr. T. Warton thought +otherwise." folio.</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="centertp">PART IV.</p> + +<p class="notes" style="text-align: center"><i>Transcriber's Note:</i> +In this section, no prices are given in the original.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">37.</td> +<td style="text-align: justify">Kendall's Flowers of Epigrams, B.L.—C.R. <i>Leaf 93 is +wanting</i>, 12mo.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">47.</td> +<td style="text-align: justify">M(arloe)'s Ovid's Elegies and Epigrams, by J. D(avies of +Hereford). (Ovid's head engraved by W.M.) C.T.—F.D. +<i>Middlebourg</i>, 12mo.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">57.</td> +<td style="text-align: justify">Observations on Authors, Ancient and Modern, 2 vol. +Lond. 1731-2. "This was Dr. Jortin's own copy, who has +written the name of each author to every piece of criticism, +and added a few marginal remarks of his own," 8vo.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">150.</td> +<td style="text-align: justify">Valentine and Orson, B.L. cuts. <i>Wants title, two +leaves in one place, and a leaf in another</i>, 4to.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">152.</td> +<td style="text-align: justify">La Morte D'Arthur, B.L. <i>wood-cuts</i>, Lond. <i>Thomas +East.</i> <i>Wants one leaf in the middle of the table.</i> See <i>MS. +note prefixed</i>.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">153.</td> +<td style="text-align: justify">Barnes's (Dame Juliana) Boke of Haukynge, Huntynge, and +Cootarmuris, C.T.—F.D. <i>Seynt Albon's</i>, folio, 1486. "This +perhaps is the only perfect copy of this original edition, +which is extant. Its beginning with sig. a ii is no kind of +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: contradiction">cantradiction</span> to its +being perfect; the registers of many Latin books at this +period mention the first leaf of A as quite blank. The copy +of the public library at Cambridge is at least so worn or +mutilated at the bottom of some pages that the bottom lines +are not legible." [This copy is now in the matchless +collection of Earl Spencer.]</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">157.</td> +<td style="text-align: justify">Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, C.R. <i>woodcuts, Pynson</i>, +folio, "This is Pynson's original edition, and probably the +first book he printed. See a long MS. note prefixed. Bound +up at the end of this copy are two leaves of a MS. on +vellum, which take in the conclusion of the Miller's +Prologue, and beginning of his Tale. One of these pages is +illuminated, and has a coloured drawing of the Miller on his +mule."</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">166.</td> +<td style="text-align: justify">Mort D'Arthur, B.L. <i>woodcuts. Lond. W. Copland.</i> See +MS. notes at the beginning and end, folio.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">175.</td> +<td>Roy's <i>Rede me and be not wrothe,</i><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;"><i>For I say nothing but trothe.</i></span></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">"This is the famous satire against Cardinal Wolsey, printed +some years before his fall. See Herbert, p. 1538, 8vo." [The +reader may look for one minute at <a href="#Page_225">page 225</a>, ante.]</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">263.</td> +<td style="text-align: justify">Boetius, (The Boke of Comfort, by) translated into +Englishe Tonge (in verse) <i>Emprented in the exempt Monastery +of Taverstock, in Denshire, by me, Thomas Rycharde, Monke of +the said Monastery</i>, 1525, 4to.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">261.</td> +<td style="text-align: justify">Caxton's Blanchardyn and Eglantine, or Proude Lady of +Love, C.T.—F.D., <i>printed by Caxton</i>, folio. [See my +edition of the <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Typographical"><i>Typograhical</i></span> +<i>Antiquities</i>, vol. i. p. 346.]</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">274.</td> +<td style="text-align: justify">Hawkyng, Huntyng, and Fyshyng, (from Juliana Barnes) +B.L. <i>woodcuts. Lond. Toye, and W. Copland</i>, 4to. <i>See MS. +notes prefixed.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">275.</td> +<td style="text-align: justify">Hawys's Compendions Story, or Exemple of Vertue, +B.L.—C.R. <i>wood-cuts</i>, <i>ib.</i> <i>Wynkyn de Worde</i>, 1533.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">276.</td> +<td style="text-align: justify">—— Passe-Tyme of Pleasure, B.L. <i>wood-cuts ib. by W. +de Worde</i>, 1517, 4to.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">306.</td> +<td style="text-align: justify">Spenser's Shephearde's Calendar. C.T.—F.D., +<i>wood-cuts: first edition, ib.</i> Singleton, 1579, 4to.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">308.</td> +<td style="text-align: justify">Taylor, the water poet (fifteen different pieces by) +all of posterior date to the collection of his works. Among +them is the Life of Old Par, with Par's head, and 31 plates +of curious needle-work. The volume also contains some +replies to Taylor. A written list of all the contents is +prefixed. Lond. and Oxford, 4to.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">330.</td> +<td style="text-align: justify">Tulle of Old Age (translated by William Botoner, or of +Worcester) <i>pr. by Caxton</i>, 1481. folio.<br /> +—— of Friendship, translated by Tiptoft, Earl of +Worcester; to which is added another tract written by the +same Earl, C.R.—F.D.—L.R. <i>Explicit per Caxton</i>, folio.</td> +</tr> +</table> +</div> + +<p class="tbp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_423" id="Page_423">423</a></span>How shall I talk of thee, and of thy wonderful collection, <span class="smcap">O rare +Richard Farmer</span>?<a name="FNanchor_408_414" id="FNanchor_408_414"></a><a href="#Footnote_408_414" class="fnanchor">[408]</a>—and of thy scholarship, acuteness, pleasantry, +singularities, varied<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_424" id="Page_424">424</a></span> learning, and colloquial powers! Thy name will +live long among scholars in general; and in the bosoms of virtuous and +learned bibliomaniacs thy memory shall ever be enshrined! The walls of +Emanuel College now<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_425" id="Page_425">425</a></span> cease to convey the sounds of thy festive +wit—thy volumes are no longer seen, like Richard Smith's "bundles of +sticht books," strewn upon the floor; and thou hast ceased, in the +cause of thy beloved Shakspeare, to delve into the fruitful ore of +black-letter literature.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_426" id="Page_426">426</a></span> Peace to thy honest spirit; for thou wert +wise without vanity, learned without pedantry, and joyous without +vulgarity!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_408_414" id="Footnote_408_414"></a><a href="#FNanchor_408_414">[408]</a> There is but a scanty memorial of this +extraordinary and ever respectable bibliomaniac, in the +<i>Gentleman's Magazine</i>; vol. lxvii. pt. ii. p. 805: 888: nor +is it noticed, among Farmer's theologico-literary labours, +that he was author of an ingenious essay upon the +<i>Demoniacs</i> mentioned in scripture; in which essay he took +up the idea of Mede, that these Demoniacs were <i>madmen</i>. Dr. +Farmer's essay upon the <i>Learning of Shakespeare</i> is, in +respect to the materials, arguments, and conclusions—what +the late Bishop of Salisbury's [Douglas] was upon +<i>Miracles</i>—original, powerful, and incontrovertible. Never +was there an octavo volume, like Farmer's upon +Shakespeare—which embraced so many, and such curious, +points, and which displayed such research, ingenuity, and +acuteness—put forth with so little pomp, parade, or +pedantry. Its popularity was remarkable; for it delighted +both the superficial and deeply-versed reader in +black-letter lore. Dr. Parr's well applied Ciceronian +phrase, in lauding the "ingenious and joy-inspiring +language" of Farmer, gives us some notion of the colloquial +powers of this acute bibliomaniac; whose books were +generally scattered upon the floor, as Lysander above +observes, like old Richard Smith's "stitched bundles." +Farmer had his foragers; his jackalls: and his +avant-couriers: for it was well known how dearly he loved +every thing that was interesting and rare in the literature +of former ages. As he walked the streets of London—careless +of his dress—and whether his wig was full-bottomed or +narrow-bottomed—he would talk and "mutter strange speeches" +to himself; thinking all the time, I ween, of some curious +discovery he had recently made in the aforesaid precious +black-letter tomes. But the reader is impatient for the +<i>Bibliotheca Farmeriana</i>: the title to the catalogue whereof +is as follows. "<i>Bibl. Farm. A Catalogue of the curious, +valuable, and extensive Library in print and manuscript, of +the late</i> <span class="smcap">Rev. Richard Farmer</span>, <i>D.D., Canon Residentiary of +St. Paul's; Master of Emanuel College: Librarian to the +University of Cambridge; and Fellow of the Royal & Antiquary +Societies</i> (deceased, &c.) Sold by Auction by Mr. King; May, +1798," 8vo. [8199 articles]. The collection is justly said, +in the title page, to contain the "most rare and copious +assemblage of <i>Old English Poetry</i> that, perhaps, was ever +exhibited at one view; together with a great variety of <i>Old +Plays</i>, and early printed books, English and Foreign, in the +black-letter." The reader has already (<a href="#Page_324">p. 324</a> ante) had some +intimation of the source to which Dr. Farmer was chiefly +indebted for these poetical and dramatical treasures; of +some of which, "hereafter followeth" an imperfect specimen: +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">5950.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Marbecke (John) the book of Common Prayer, noted, +1550. 4to. See Dr. Burney's long account of this very scarce +book in his History of Musick, vol. ii. p. 578, &c.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">6127.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +6128.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify; border-right: 1px solid black">Skinner's Discovery and Declaration of the Inquisition +of Spayne, <i>imp. J. Daye</i>, 1569, 4to.<br /> +<br /> +Shippe of Fooles, by Brant, wood cuts, <i>imp. Wynkyn de Worde</i>, 1517, +4to.</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="right">16</td> +<td class="right">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">6194.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Brunswyke's Medical Dictionary, translated by Huet, +<i>imp. by Treveris</i>, 1525. folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">6195.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Customs of the Citie of London, or Arnold's Chronicle, +with the Nut-Brown Mayde, <i>1st edition</i>, 1502, folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">19</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">6386.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Annalia Dubrensia, or Robert Dover's Olimpic Games +upon Cotswold-Hills, <i>with frontispiece</i>, 1636.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">6387.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Barley-breake, or a Warning for Wantons, by W.N. 1607, +4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">6395.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Britton's Bowre of Delights, by N.B. 1597. 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">6413.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Byrd's (Will.) Psalmes, Sonets, and Songs of Sadnes +and Pietie made into Musicke of 5 partes. 1588. Ditto Sacræ +Cantiones, 2 parts; and various Madrigals and Canzonets, by +Morley, Weelkes, Wilbye, Bateson, &c. 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">6608.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Copie of a Letter sent from the roaring Boyes in +Elizium, to the two arrant Knights of the Grape in Limbo, +Alderman Abel and M. Kilvert, the two projectors for wine; +with their portraits.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">6785.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Turbervile's (George) Epitaphs, Epigrams, Songs and +Sonets, with a Discourse of the freendly affections of +Tymetes to Pyndara his ladie, b.l. 1570, <i>imp. by Denham</i>, +8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">6804.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Virgil's Æneis, the first foure bookes, translated +into English heroicall verse, by Richard Stanyhurst, with +other poetical devises thereunto annexed; <i>impr. by +Bynneman</i>, 1583, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">6826.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Essayes of a Prentise in the Divine Art of Poesie +(King James VI.) <i>Edinburgh, by Vautrollier</i>, 1585, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">6846.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Fulwell's (Ulpian) Flower of Fame, or bright Renoune +and fortunate Raigne of King Henry VIII. b.l. with curious +wood cuts: <i>imp. by Will. Hoskin</i>, 1575, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">6847.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Flytting (the) betwixt Montgomerie and Polwarte, +<i>Edin.</i>, 1629, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">7058.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Horace's Art of Poetrie, Pistles, and Satyrs, +English'd by Drant, b.l. <i>Imp. by Marshe</i>, 1566, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">7066.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Humours Ordinarie, where a man may be verie merrie and +exceeding well used for his sixpence, 1607, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">7187.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Mastiffe Whelp, with other ruff-island-like curs +fetcht from among the Antipodes, which bite and barke at the +fantasticall humourist and abuses of the time.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">19</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">7199.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Merry Jest of Robin Hood, and of his Life, with a new +Play for to be plaied in May-Games; very pleasant and full +of pastime, b.l. <i>imp. by Edward White</i>, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">7200.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Milton's Paradise Lost, in 10 books, 1st <i>edit.</i> 1667.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">7201.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— —— —— —— —— —— <i>2nd title page</i>, 1668.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">7202.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— —— —— —— —— —— <i>3rd title page</i>, +1669.—"N.B. The three foregoing articles prove that there +were no less than three different title-pages used, to force +the sale of the first edition of this matchless poem." S. +P[aterson.]</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">7232.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Paradyse of Daynty Devises, b.l. extremely scarce, +<i>imp. by Henry Disle</i>, 1576, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">7240.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Peele's (G.) Device of the Pageant borne before +Woolstone Dixie, Lord Mayor of London, Oct. 29, 1585, b.l. +See Dr. F.'s note; as probably the only copy. 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">7241.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Percy's (W.) Sonnets to the fairest Cælia, 1594. 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">7249.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Psalter (the whole) translated into English Metre, +which containeth an Hundreth and Fifty Psalms. The title and +first page written. <i>Imp. by John Daye</i>, 1567. "This +translation was by Archbishop Parker, and is so scarce that +Mr. Strype tells us he could never get a sight of it." See +Master's History of C.C.C.C. Mr. Wharton supposes it never +to have been published, but that the Archbishop's wife gave +away some copies. "It certainly (he adds) is at this time +extremely scarce, and would be deservedly deemed a fortunate +acquisition to those capricious students who labour to +collect a Library of Rarities." Hist. of Eng. Poetry, vol. +iii. 186. It has a portrait of the Archbishop. 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">7828.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Somner's (Henry) Orpheus and Eurydice, 1740. 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">7829.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Shakespeare's Works, <i>1st edition, in folio, wants +title, last leaf written from the</i> 4to. 1623.</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">8062.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Metrical Romances, written in the reign of Richard +IId. or rather about the end of the reign of Henry IIId. or +beginning of Edward I. (See note,) <i>purchased at Dr. Monro's +Auction by Dr. Farmer</i>, for 29<i>l.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">8080.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">These Booke is called Ars moriendi, of William Baron, +Esq., to remayne for ever to the Nonnye of Deptford; <i>on +vellum, bound in purple velvet</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">6451.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify; border-right: 1px solid black">Chaucer's noble and amorous auncyent Hystory of +Troylus and Cresyde, in fyve Bokes, <i>imprynted by Wynkyn de +Worde</i>, 1517.<br /><br /> +Here begynneth the Temple of Glass, <i>imp. by Wynkyn de +Worde</i>. +<br /><br /> +The Castell of Pleasure, <i>imp. by ditto</i>. +<br /><br /> +Here begynneth a lyttell Treatise cleped La Conusauce +D'Amours. <i>imp. by Pynson</i>. +<br /><br /> +The Spectacle of Lovers, <i>imp. by Wynkyn de Worde</i>. +<br /><br /> +History of Tytus and Gesippus, translated out of Latin into +Englyshe, by Wyllyam Walter, sometime servaunte to Syr Henry +Marney, Cnyght, Chaunceler of the Duchy of Lancastre, <i>imp. +by ditto</i>. +<br /><br /> +The Love and Complayntes betwene Mars and Venus. +<br /><br /> +The Fyrst Fynders of the <span class="smcap">vii</span> Scyences Artificiall, <i>printed +by Julian Notarye</i>. +<br /><br /> +Guystarde and Sygysmonde, translated by Wyllyam Walter, +<i>imp. by Wynkyn de Worde</i>, 1532. +<br /><br /> +The Complaynte of a Lover's Lyfe, <i>imp. by ditto</i>. +<br /><br /> +Here begynneth a lytel Treatyse, called The Disputacyon of +Complaynte [of] the Harte, thorughe perced with the lokynge +of the Eye, <i>imp. by Wynkyn de Worde</i>. +<br /><br /> +This Boke is named the Beaultie of Women, translated out of +French into Englyshe, <i>imp. by Wier</i>. +<br /><br /> +Here begynneth a lytel Treatise, called the Controverse +betwene a Lover and a Jaye, lately compyled, <i>imp. by Wynkyn +de Worde</i>. +<br /><br /> +<i>The above 12 very rare and ancient pieces of poetry are +bound</i> in one vol. <i>with curious wood-cuts, and in fine +preservation.</i> +<br /><br /> +'The Temple of Glass alone was sold for 3<i>l.</i> 15<i>s.</i> and the +present vol. may, with propriety, be deemed matchless.' All +in quarto.</td> +<td class="right">26</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="center">[N.B. <i>These articles should have preceded</i> n<span class="super">o</span>. 6608; at +<a href="#Page_423">p. 423</a>, ante.]</p> + +<p>And here, benevolent reader, let us bid farewell to <span class="smcap">Richard +Farmer</span> of transcendant bibliomaniacal celebrity! It is in +vain to look forward for the day when book-gems, similar to +those which have just been imperfectly described from the +<i>Bibl. Farmeriana</i>, will be disposed of at similar prices. +The young collector may indulge an ardent hope; but, if +there be any thing of the spirit of prophecy in my humble +predictions, that hope will never be realised. Dr. Farmer's +copies were, in general, in sorry condition; the possessor +caring little (like Dr. Francis Bernard; vide <a href="#Page_316">p. 316</a>, ante) +for large margins and splendid binding. His own name, +generally accompanied with a bibliographical remark, and +both written in a sprawling character, usually preceded the +title-page. The science (dare I venture upon so magnificent +a word?) of bibliography was, even in Farmer's latter time, +but jejune, and of limited extent: and this will account for +some of the common-place bibliographical memoranda of the +owner of these volumes. We may just add that there are some +few copies of this catalogue printed on <i>large paper</i>, on +paper of a better quality than the small; which latter is +sufficiently wretched. I possess a copy of the former kind, +with the <i>prices</i> and <i>purchasers' names</i> affixed—and +moreover, <i>uncut</i>!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_427" id="Page_427">427</a></span>A poor eulogy, this, upon Farmer!—but my oratory begins to wax faint. +For this reason I cannot speak with justice of the friend and +fellow-critic of Farmer—<span class="smcap">George Steevens</span><a name="FNanchor_409_415" id="FNanchor_409_415"></a><a href="#Footnote_409_415" class="fnanchor">[409]</a>—of Shakspearian renown! +The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_428" id="Page_428">428</a></span> Library of this extraordinary critic and collector was sold by +auction in the year 1800; and, being formed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_429" id="Page_429">429</a></span> rather after the model of +Mason's, than of Farmer's, it was rich to an excess in choice and rare +pieces. Nor is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_430" id="Page_430">430</a></span> it an uninteresting occupation to observe, in looking +among the prices, the enormous sums which were given for some volumes +that cost Steevens not a twentieth part of their produce:—but which, +comparatively with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_431" id="Page_431">431</a></span> their present worth, would bring considerably +higher prices! What arduous contention, "<i>Renardine shifts</i>," and bold +bidding; what triumph on the one part, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_432" id="Page_432">432</a></span> vexation on the other, +were exhibited at the book-sale!—while the auctioneer, like Jove +looking calmly down upon the storm which he himself had raised, kept +his even temper; and "ever and anon" dealt out a gracious<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_433" id="Page_433">433</a></span> smile +amidst all the turbulence that surrounded him! Memorable æra!—the +veteran collector grows young<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_434" id="Page_434">434</a></span> again in thinking upon the valour he +then exhibited; and the juvenile collector talks "braggartly" of other +times<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_435" id="Page_435">435</a></span>—which he calls the golden days of the bibliomania—when he +reflects upon his lusty efforts in securing an <i>Exemplar +Steevensianum</i>!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_409_415" id="Footnote_409_415"></a><a href="#FNanchor_409_415">[409]</a> If Lysander's efforts begin to relax—what +must be the debilitated mental state of the poor annotator, +who has accompanied the book-orator thus long and thus +laboriously? Can <span class="smcap">Steevens</span> receive justice at <i>my</i> +hands—when my friends, aided by hot madeira, and beauty's +animating glances, acknowledge their exhausted state of +intellect?! However, I will make an effort:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">'nothing extenuate</span><br /> +Nor set down aught in malice.'<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>The respectable compiler of the <i>Gentleman's Magazine</i>, vol. +lxx. p. 178, has given us some amusing particulars of +Steevens's literary life: of his coming from Hampstead to +London, at the chill break of day, when the overhanging +clouds were yet charged with the 'inky' purple of night—in +order, like a true book-chevalier, to embrace the first dank +impression, or proof sheet, of his own famous octavo edition +of <i>Shakspeare</i>; and of Mr. Bulmer's sumptuous impression of +the text of the same. All this is well enough, and savours +of the proper spirit of <span class="smcap">Bibliomaniacism</span>: and the edition of +our immortal bard, in fifteen well printed octavo volumes, +(1793) is a splendid and durable monument of the researches +of George Steevens. There were from 20 to 25 copies of the +octavo edition printed upon <span class="smcap">large paper</span>; and Lord Spencer +possesses, by bequest, Mr. Steevens' own copy of the same, +illustrated with a great number of rare and precious prints; +to which, however, his Lordship, with his usual zeal and +taste, has made additions more valuable even than the gift +in its original form. The 8vo. edition of 1793 is covetted +with an eagerness of which it is not very easy to account +for the cause; since the subsequent one of 1803, in 21 +octavo volumes, is more useful on many accounts: and +contains Steevens's corrections and additions in every play, +as well as 177, in particular, in that of Macbeth. But I am +well aware of the stubbornness and petulancy with which the +previous edition is contended for in point of superiority, +both round a private and public table; and, leaving the +collector to revel in the luxury of an uncut, half-bound, +morocco copy of the same, I push onward to a description of +the <i>Bibliotheca Steevensiana</i>. Yet a parting word +respecting this edition of 1803. I learn, from +unquestionable authority, that Steevens stipulated with the +publishers that they should pay Mr. Reed 300<i>l.</i> for +editorship, and 100<i>l.</i> to Mr. W. Harris, Librarian of the +Royal Institution, for correcting the press: nor has the +editor in his preface parted from the truth, in +acknowledging Mr. Harris to be 'an able and +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: vigilant">vigiland</span> assistant.' Mr. H. retained, +for some time, Steevens' corrected copy of his own edition +of 1793, but he afterwards disposed of it, by public +auction, for 28<i>l.</i> He has also at this present moment, Mr. +Josiah Boydell's copy of Mr. Felton's picture of our +immortal bard; with the following inscription, painted on +the back of the pannel, by Mr. Steevens:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="inscription"> +<tr> +<td> +<span style="margin-left: 8.5em;"><i>May, 1797.</i></span><br /> +<i>Copied by Josiah Boydell, at my<br /> +request, from the remains of the<br /> +only genuine Portrait of William<br /> +Shakspeare.</i> <span class="smcap">George Steevens.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>The engraved portrait of Shakspeare, prefixed to this +edition of 1803, is by no means a faithful resemblance of +Mr. Boydell's admirably executed copy in oil. The expenses +of the edition amounted to 5844<i>l.</i>; but no copies now +remain with the publishers. We will now give rather a +copious, and, as it must be acknowledged, rich, sprinkling +of specimens from the <i>Bibliotheca Steevensiana</i>, in the +departments of rare <span class="smcap">old poetry</span> and <span class="smcap">the drama</span>. But first let +us describe the title to the catalogue of the same. <i>A +Catalogue of the curious and valuable Library of</i> <span class="smcap">George +Steevens</span>, <i>Esq., Fellow of the Royal and Antiquary Societies +(Lately deceased). Comprehending an extraordinary fine +Collection of Books, &c.</i>, sold by auction by Mr. King, in +King Street, Covent Garden, May, 1800. 8vo. [1943 articles: +amount of sale 2740<i>l.</i> 15<i>s.</i>] +</p> + +<p class="centertp"><span class="smcap">Old Poetry.</span></p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">867.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Gascoigne's (Geo.) Workes, or a Hundreth sundrie +Flowers bounde in one small Poesie, (including) Supposes, +com. from Ariosto; Jocosta, Tr. from Euripides, &c. b.l. +<i>first edition. Lond. impr. by Bynneman</i>, 1572, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">19</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">'With MS. notes respecting this copy and edition by Mr. +Steevens.'</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">868.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Another copy, 2d edition (with considerable additions); +among other, the Princely Pleasures of Kenilworth Castle, +the Steele Glass, the Complainte of Phylomene, b.l. <i>ib. +impr. by Abell Jeffes</i>, 1587, 4to., <i>with MS. references, by +Messrs. Bowles and Steevens.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">869.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify; border-right: 1px solid black">Another copy, including all the aforementioned, and a +Delicate Diet for Daintie Mouthde Droonkardes, b.l. <i>Lond. +impr. by Rich. Jhones</i>, 1576, 8vo.<br /> +<br /> +The Glasse of Gouernement, 4to. <i>b.l. russia, with MS. +references</i>.<br /> +<br /> +The Droome of Doomesday, 3 parts, b.l. <i>ib.</i> 1576, 4to. 'The +above two volumes are supposed to comprise the compleatest +collection of Gascoigne's works extant.'</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">15</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">876.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Googe (Barnabe) Eglogs, Epytaphes, and Sonnettes newly +written, b.l., <i>small 8vo. fine copy in Russia, Lond. impr. +by Tho. Colwell for Raffe Newbery, dwelynge in Fleet Streete +a little above the Conduit, in the late shop of Tho. +Bartelet</i>. See Mr. Steevens's note to the above; in which he +says there is no scarcer book in the English language, and +that Dr. Farmer, Messrs. T. Warton and Js. Reed, had never +seen another copy.</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">949.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Lodge (Tho.) Life and death of William Longbeard, the +most famous and witty English traitor, borne in the citty of +London, accompanied with manye other most pleasant and +prettie Histories, 4to. <i>b.l. printed by Rich. Yardley and +Peter Short</i>, 1593. [cost Mr. Steevens 1<i>s.</i> 9<i>d.</i>!]</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">995.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Paradyse of Dainty Devises, MS. a fac-simile of the +first edition, in 1576, <i>finished with the greatest neatness +by Mr. Steevens, 4to. in russia</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">996.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Paradice of Dainty Devises, devised and written for +the most part by M. Edwardes, sometime of her Majestie's +Chappell; the rest by sundry learned Gentlemen, both of +Honor and worship. <i>Lond. printed by Edwd. Allde</i>, 1595, +4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">997.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify; border-right: 1px solid black">The Paradice of Daintie Devises, b.l. interleaved, <i>ib. +printed for Edw. White</i>, 1600, 4to.<br /> +<br /> +Breton (Nich.) Workes of a young Wyt, trust up with a +Fardell of Prettie Fancies, profitable to young Poetes, +prejudicial to no Man, and pleasant to every Man, to pass +away Idle Tyme withal, <i>b.l. 4to. interleaved with a MS. +list of the Author's Works by Messrs. Steevens, Ritson, and +Park: impr. at Lond. nigh unto the Three Cranes in the +Vintree, by Tho. Dawson, and Tho. Gardyner</i>. +<br /><br /> +Soothern's Odes, 4to. b.l. interleaved with copious MS. +Notes, and an Extract from the European Magazine relative to +the Author: <i>wants title, no date</i>. +<br /><br /> +Watson (Tho.) Passionate Centurie of Love, 4to. b.l. +interleaved: the 12 first sonnets, and the latter ones, from +78, in MS. <i>Lond. impr. by John Wolfe</i>. +<br /><br /> +"The above curious Collection of Old Poems are bound +together in russia, with border of gold, and may be deemed +with propriety, <i>Matchless</i>."</td> +<td class="right">21</td> +<td class="right">10</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1037.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Puttenham's Arte of English Poesie, in 3 bookes, with +a wood-cut of Queen Elizabeth; <i>choice copy, in morocco, +4to. ib. printed by Rich. Field</i>, 1589.</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1073.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Roy (Will.) Satire on Cardinal Wolsey, a Poem; <i>b.l. +sm.</i> 8vo. <i>russia, no date nor place</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1078.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify; border-right: 1px solid black">Skelton (Jo.) Poet Laureat, lyttle Workes, viz. Speake +Parot. The Death of the Noble Prynce, King Edwarde the +Fourthe. A Treatyse of the Scottes. Ware the Hawke, The +Tunnynge of Elynoure Rummyng, sm. 8vo. b.l. <i>Impr. at Lond. +in Crede Lane, Jhon Kynge, and Thomas Marshe</i>, no date. +12mo. +<br /><br /> +Hereafter foloweth a lyttle Booke, called Colyn Clout, <i>b.l. +impr. by John Wyght</i>, 12mo. +<br /><br /> +Hereafter foloweth a little Booke of Phyllip Sparrow, <i>b.l. +impr. by Robert Tob.</i> 12mo. +<br /><br /> +Hereafter foloweth a little Booke which has to name, Whi +come ye not to Courte, <i>b.l. impr. by John Wyght</i>. 12mo.</td> +<td class="right">4</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1079.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Skelton (Master, Poet Laureat) Merie Tales, b.l. 12mo. +<i>Lond. impr. by Tho. Colwell, no date.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">"See Note, in which Mr. Steevens says he never saw another +copy."</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1119.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Warren (Will.) A pleasant new Fancie of a Foundling's +Device intitled and cald the Nurcerie of Names, with wood +borders, b.l. 4to. <i>ib. impr. by Rich. Jhones</i>, 1581.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1125.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify; border-right: 1px solid black">Watson (Tho.) Passionate Centurie of Love; <i>b.l. 4to. +the title, dedication, and index, MS. by Mr. Steevens</i>. +<br /><br /> +"Manuscript Poems, transcribed from a Collection of Ancient +English Poetry, in the possession of Sam. Lysons, Esq., +formerly belonging to Anne Cornwallis, by Mr. Steevens."</td> +<td class="right">5</td> +<td class="right">10</td> +<td class="right">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1126.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— Passionate Centurie of Love, divided into two +parts, b.l. 4to. <i>russia. Lond. impr. by John Wolfe</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1127.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">England's Helicon, collected by John Bodenham, with +copious additions, and an index in MS. by Mr. Steevens, 4to. +<i>russia, ib. printed by J.R.</i> 1600.</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1128.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Weblee [Webbe] (Will.) Discourse of English Poetrie, +together with the author's judgment, touching the +Reformation of our English Verse, <i>b.l.</i> 4to. <i>russia, ib. +by John Charlewood</i>, 1586.</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="centertp"><span class="smcap">The Drama; and early Plays of Shakespeare.</span></p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1216.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Plot of the Plays of Frederick and Basilea, and of +the Deade Man's Fortune, the original papers which hung up +by the side scenes in the playhouses, for the use of the +prompter and the acter, earlier than the time of Shakspeare.</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1218.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Anonymous, a pleasant Comedie, called Common +Conditions, <i>b.l. imperf. 4to. in russia.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">"Of this Dramatick Piece, no copy, except the foregoing +mutilated one, has hitherto been discovered: with a long +note by Mr. Steevens, and references to Kirkman, Langbaine, +Baker, Reed," &c.</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1221.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Bale (John) Tragedie, or Enterlude, manifesting the +chiefe Promises of God unto Man, compyled An. Do. 1538, b.l. +4to. <i>now first impr. at Lond. by John Charlewood</i>, 1577.</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1248.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Marlow (Chr.) and Tho. Nash, Tragedie of Dido, Queene +of Carthage, played by the Children of her Majesties' +Chappell, 4to. <i>russia, Lond. printed by the Widdowe Owin</i>, +1594.</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1259.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Peele (Geo.) The Old Wives Tale, a pleasant conceited +Comedie played by the Queene's Majesties' Players; 4to. <i>in +russia; ib. impr. by John Danter</i>, 1595.</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">"N.B. A second of the above is to be found in the Royal +Library; a third copy is unknown." Steevens' note.</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="centertp"><span class="smcap">Early Plays of Shakspeare.</span></p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1263.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, no title, +4to. <i>Lond.</i> 1611. <i>With MS. notes, &c., by Mr. Steevens.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1264.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, 4to. <i>ib. +printed by R. Young</i>, 1637.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1265.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The History of Henrie the Fourth, with the Battell of +Shrewsburie, &c.; with the famous conceits of Sir John +Falstaffe, part I. 4to. <i>ib. printed by S.S.</i> 1599.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1266.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The same, <i>ib. printed for Mathew Lay</i>, 1608, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1267.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The same, <i>ib. printed by W.W.</i> 1613. <i>With MS. notes, +&c. by Mr. Steevens.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1268.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The same, <i>ib. printed by Norton</i>, 1632.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1259.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The 2d part of Henry the Fourth, continuing to his +Death, and Coronation of Henrie the Fift, with the Humours +of Sir John Falstaffe and Swaggering Pistoll, as acted by +the Lord Chamberlayne his Servants. <i>First Edit. 4to. ib. +printed by V.S.</i> 1600.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1270.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The same, <i>ib. 4to. printed by Val. Simmes</i>, 1600.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1271.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Chronicle History of Henry the Fift, with his +Battell fought at Agincourt in France, together with +Auntient Pistoll, as playd by the Lord Chamberlayne his +servants. <i>First Edit.</i> 4to. <i>inlaid on large paper, ib. +printed by Thomas Creede</i>, 1600.</td> +<td class="rbot">27</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1272.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Chronicle History of Henry the Fift, &c. 4to. +<i>Lond.</i> 1608.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1273.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The true Tragedie of Richarde, Duke of Yorke, and the +Death of good King Henrie the Sixt, as acted by the Earle of +Pembroke his Servants, 4to. <i>inlaid on large paper, ib. +printed by W.W.</i> 1600.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1274.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The whole contention betweene the two famous Houses, +Lancaster and Yorke, with the Tragicall Ends of the good +Duke Humphrey, Richard, Duke of Yorke, and King Henrie the +Sixt, <i>divided into 2 parts</i>, 4to. <i>ib. no date</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1275.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The first and second part of the troublesome Raigne of +John, King of England, with the discoverie of King Richard +Cordelion's Base sonne (vulgarly named the Bastard +Fauconbridge) also the Death of King John at Swinstead +Abbey, as acted by her Majesties Players, 4to. <i>Lond. impr. +by Val. Simmes</i>, 1611.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1276.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The first and second part of the troublesome Raigne of +John, King of England, &c., <i>ib. printed by Aug. Matthews</i>, +1622.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1277.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The True Chronicle History of the Life and Death of +King Lear, and his three Daughters, with the unfortunate +Life of Edgar, Sonne and Heire to the Earl of Glocester, and +his sullen and assumed Humour of Tom of Bedlam, by his +Majestie's servants. <i>First Edit.</i> 4to. <i>ib.</i> 1608.</td> +<td class="rbot">28</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop"><span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: 1278">1578.</span></td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Another Edition, differing +in the title-page and signature of the first leaf. 4to. +<i>ib.</i> 1608.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1279.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The most excellent Historie of the Merchant of Venice, +with the extreme crueltie of Shylocke the Jew towards the +sayd Merchant, in cutting a just pound of his flesh: and the +obtayning of Portia by his choyce of three chests, as acted +by the Lord Chamberlaine his servants, <i>First Edit. inlaid +oil large paper; 4to. at London, printed by John Roberts</i>, +1600.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1280.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The excellent History of the Merchant of Venice, with +the extreme crueltie of Shylocke the Jew; <i>First Edit. 4to. +inlaid on large paper, printed by John Roberts</i>, 1600.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1281.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A most pleasant and excellent conceited Comedie of Syr +John Falstaffe and the Merrie Wives of Windsor, as acted by +the Lord Chamberlaine's Servants. <i>First Edit. 4to. Lond. +printed by T.C.</i> 1602.</td> +<td class="rbot">28</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1282.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A most pleasant and excellent conceited Comedy of Sir +John Falstaffe and the Merry Wives of Windsor, with the +swaggering vaine of Antient Pistoll and Corporal Nym, <i>4to. +inlaid. Lond.</i> 1619.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1283.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Merry Wives of Windsor, with the Humours of Sir +John Fallstaffe, also the swaggering Vaine of Ancient +Pistoll and Corporal Nym, 4to. <i>Lond. printed by T.H.</i> 1630.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1284.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A Midsommer Night's Dreame, as acted by the Lord +Chamberlaine's Servantes, First Edit. <i>impr. at Lond. for +Thos. Fisher</i>, 4to. 1600, <i>part of one leaf wanting</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">25</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1285.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Another copy, <i>First Edit. inlaid, ib.</i> 1600.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1286.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Much adoe about Nothing, as acted by the Lord +Chamberlaine his Servants, <i>First Edit.</i> 4to. <i>ib. printed +by Val. Simmes</i>, 1600.</td> +<td class="rbot">25</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1287.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Tragedy of Othello the Moore of Venice, as acted +at the Globe and at the Black Friers, by his Majesties +Servants, 4to. <i>Lond. printed by N.O.</i> 1622, <i>with MS. notes +and various readings by Mr. Steevens</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">29</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1288.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Tragedy of Othello the Moore of Venice, as acted +at the Globe and at the Black Friers, 4to. <i>Lond. printed by +A.M.</i> 1630.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1289.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Tragedie of Othello; <i>4th Edit.</i> 4to. <i>ib.</i> 1665.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1290.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Tragedie of King Richard the Second, as acted by +the Lord Chamberlaine his Servants, 4to. Lond. <i>printed by +Val. Simmes</i>, 1598.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1291.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Tragedie of King Richard the Second, as acted by the +Lord Chamberlaine his Servants, 4to. <i>printed by W.W.</i> 1608.</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1292.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Tragedie of King Richard the Second, with new +Additions of the Parliament Scene, and the deposing of King +Richard, as acted by his Majestie's Servants at the Globe, +4to. <i>Lond.</i> 1615, <i>with MS. notes, &c. by Mr. Steevens</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1293.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Life and Death of King Richard the Second, with +new Additions of the Parliament Scene, and the deposing of +King Richard, as acted at the Globe by his Majesties +Servants, 4to. <i>Lond.</i> 1634.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1294.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Tragedie of King Richard the Third, as acted by +the Lord Chamberlain his Servants, 4to. Lond. <i>printed by +Tho. Creede</i>. 1602. <i>Defective at the end.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1295.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Tragedie of King Richard the Third, containing his +treacherous Plots against his Brother Clarence, the pitiful +murther of his innocent Nephews, his tirannical usurpation, +with the whole course of his detested Life, and most +deserved Death, as acted by his Majesties Servants, 4to. +<i>Lond. printed by Tho. Creede</i>, 1612, <i>with notes and +various readings by Mr. Steevens.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1296.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The same, 4to. <i>ib.</i> 1629.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1297.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Tragedie of King Richard the Third, as acted by the +King's Majesties Servants, 4to. <i>ib.</i> 1634.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1298.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The most excellent and lamentable Tragedie of Romeo +and Juliet, 4to. <i>A fragment. Lond.</i> 1599.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1299.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The same, compleat, inlaid on large paper, 4to. <i>ib., +impr. by Tho. Creede</i>, 1599. [<i>Second Edition.</i>]</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1300.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The same, 4to. Lond. 1609, <i>with MS. notes and +readings by Mr. Steevens</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1301.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The same, 4to. <i>ib. printed by R. Young</i>, 1637.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1302.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A pleasant conceited Historie, called the Taming of +the Shrew, as acted by the Earle of Pembroke's Servants. +<i>First Edit.</i> 4to. <i>inlaid on large paper, ib., printed by +V.S.</i> 1607.</td> +<td class="rbot">20</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1303.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A wittie and pleasant Comedie, called the Taming of a +Shrew, as acted by his Majesties Servants, at the Blacke +Friers and the Globe, 4to., <i>ib., printed by W.S.</i> 1631.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1304.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The most lamentable Tragedie of Titus Andronicus, as +plaide by the King's Majesties Servants, 4to. <i>inlaid, ib., +printed for Edward White</i>, 1611.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1305.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The History of Troylus and Cresseide, as acted by the +King's Majesties Servants at the Globe. <i>First. Edit.</i> 4to., +<i>ib., imp. by G. Alde</i>, 1609.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1306.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The lamentable Tragedie of Locrine, the eldest sonne +of King Brutus, discoursing the Warres of the Brittaines and +Hunnes, with ther discomfiture, 4to. <i>ib., printed by Thomas +Creede</i>, 1595.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1307.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The London Prodigall, as plaide by the King's +Majesties Servants, 4to. <i>ib., printed by T.C.</i> 1705.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1308.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The late and much admired Play called Pericles, Prince +of Tyre, with the true relation of the whole Historie and +Fortunes of the said Prince, as also the no lesse strange +and worthy accidents in the Birth and Life of his Daughter +Marianna, acted by his Majesties Servants at the Globe on +the Banck-side, 4to. <i>ib.</i>, 1609.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1309.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Another edition, 4to. <i>ib.</i> 1619.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1310.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The first part of the true and honourable History of +the Life of Sir John Old-castle, the good Lord Cobham, as +acted by the Earle of Nottingham his servants, 4to. <i>Lond.</i> +1600.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1311.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A Yorkshire Tragedy, not so new, as lamentable and +true, 4to. Lond. 1619.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1312.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">(Twenty Plays) published by Mr. Steevens, 6 vols. +<i>large paper, ib.</i>, 1766. <i>Only 12 copies taken off on large +paper</i></td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="centertp"><span class="smcap">Editions of Shakspeare's Works.</span></p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1313.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies, published +according to the true originall copies, by John Heminge and +Hen. Condell, <i>fol. russia. Lond. printed by Isaac Juggard +and Edwd. Blount</i>. 1623; <i>with a MS. title, and a fac-simile +drawing of the portrait by Mr. Steevens</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">22</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1314.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The same: 2d edit. folio, fine copy morocco, gilt +leaves, <i>ib.</i> 1632. <i>In this book is the hand writing of +King Charles I. by whom it was presented to Sir Tho. +Herbert, Master of the Revels.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1315.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The same: 3d edit. with the 7 additional Plays, fol., +neat and scarce, <i>ib.</i> 1664. See <i>Note by Mr. Steevens</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1316.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The same: 4th edit. 1685, folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1326.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Hammer's (Sir Tho.) edition; 9 vols. 18mo. <i>Lond.</i> +1748.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1327.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The same: with cuts, 6 vols. 4to. <i>elegantly bound in +hog-skin</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1328.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Pope and Warburton, 8 vols. 8vo. <i>Lond.</i> 1747.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1329.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— —— —— 8 vols. 12mo., with Sir Thos. Hammer's Glossary. +<i>Dub.</i> 1747.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1330.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify"> Capell, (Edw.) 10 vols. 8vo. Lond. <i>printed by Dryden +Leach</i>, 1768.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1331.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Johnson, (Sam.) 8 vols. 8vo. <i>Lond.</i> 1765.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">19</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1332.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— and Geo. Steevens, 10 vols. 8vo. <i>ib.</i> 1773.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1333.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— —— —— +—— in single Plays, 31 vols. <i>boards, ib.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1334.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Johnson and Steevens: 10 vols. 2d edit. with Malone's +Supplement, 2 vols., and the plates from Bell's edition, +<i>ib.</i> 1778.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1335.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— +—— —— 10 vols. 3d edit. <i>ib.</i> 1785.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1336.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— —— —— 4th edit. with a glossarial Index, 15 vols. 8vo. +<i>ib.</i> 1793.</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1337.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Malone, (Edm.) 11 vols. 8vo. <i>ib.</i> 1790.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1338.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— Another copy, 11 vols. 8vo. <i>ib.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1339.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Ran (Jos.) 6 vols. 8vo. Oxf. 1786.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1340.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— with Ayscough's Index, 2 vols. 8vo. russia, +marbled leaves, published by Stockdale, <i>ib.</i> 1784-90.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1341.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Eccles, 2 vols. 8vo. <i>ib.</i> 1794.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1342.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">From the Text of Mr. Malone's edit. by Nichols, 7 +vols. 12mo. Lond. 1790.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1343.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">From the Text of Mr. Steevens, last edit. 8 vols. +12mo. <i>ib.</i> 1797.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1344.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— 9 vols. 12mo. <i>ib.</i> 1798.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1345.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— 9 vols. 12mo. Birm. by R. Martin.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1346.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— 9 vols. Bell's edit. no plates. Lond. 1774.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1347.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— 20 vols. 18mo. with annotations, Bell's edit. +fine paper, with plates, beautiful impressions, <i>ib.</i> 1788.</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1348.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— 20 vols. 12mo. Bell's edition; <i>large paper</i>, +finest possible impressions of the plates, superbly bound in +green turkey, double bands, gilt leaves, <i>ib.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1349.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Dramatic Works of; Text corrected by Geo. +Steevens, Esq.; published by Boydell and Nichol, in large +4to., 15 n<span class="super">os</span>. with the large and small plates; first and +finest impressions, 1791, &c. N.B. Three more numbers +complete the work.</td> +<td class="rbot">36</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1348.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Harding, n<span class="super">o</span>. 31, l.p. containing 6 prints, with a +portrait of Lewis Theobald, as published by Richardson, and +some account of him, by Mr. Steevens.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1349.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Ditto, ditto.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1350.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Traduit de l'Anglois, 2 toms. Par. 1776.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1351.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">In German, 13 vols. 12mo. Zurich, 1775.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1352.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">King Lear, Macbeth, Hamlet, Othello, and Julius Cæsar, +by Jennings, Lond. 1770.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1353.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Macbeth, with Notes by Harry Rowe, 12mo. York, 1797.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1354.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— 8vo. 2d edit. <i>ib.</i> 1799.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1355.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Antony and Cleopatra, by Edw. Capell; 8vo. Lond. 1758.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1356.<br /> +<br /><br /> +1357.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify; border-right: 1px solid black">The Virgin Queen; a Drama, attempted as a Sequel to +Shakspeare's Tempest, by G.F. Waldron, 8vo. 1797.<br /> +<br /> +—— Annotations on As You Like it, by Johnson and +Steevens, Bell's edit. +</td> +<td class="right">0</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="right">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1358.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— Another copy</td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1359.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Shakspeare's Sonnets, never before imprinted, 4to. at +Lond. by G. Ald, 1609.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1360.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— Poems, 8vo. <i>ib.</i> 1640.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1361.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Venus">Venis</span> and Adonis, 8vo. <i>ib.</i> 1602.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1362.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Rymer (Tho.) Short View of Tragedy, with Reflection on +Shakspeare, &c. 8vo. b. 1698.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1363.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Shakspeare restored, by Lewis Theobald, 4to. <i>ib.</i> +1726.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1364.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Whalley's (Peter) on the Learning of; <i>ib.</i> 1748. +Remarks on a late edition of Shakspeare, by Zach. Grey, +<i>ib.</i> 1755, and other Tracts.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1365.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Morris (Corbyn) Essay towards fixing the true Standard +of Wit, Humour, &c. 8vo. <i>ib.</i> 1744.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1366.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Critical Observations on, by John Upton; 8vo. 2d edit. +Lond. 1748.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1367.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— Illustrated, by Charlotte Lennox; 3 vols. 12mo. +<i>ib.</i> 1754.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1368.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Notes on Shakspeare, by Zachary Grey; 2 vols. 8vo. +<i>ib.</i> 1734.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1369.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Beauties of Shakspeare, by William Dodd, 2 vols. 12mo. +<i>ib.</i> 1757.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1370.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Beauties of Shakspeare, by Wm. Dodd; 3 vols. 12mo. +<i>ib.</i> 1780.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1371.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— (Revival of) Text, by Heath, 8vo. <i>ib.</i> 1765.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1372.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Observations and Conjectures on some passages of, by +Tho. <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Tyrwhitt">Trywhit</span>; 8vo. Oxford, +1766.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1373.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Farmer (Rich) on the Learning of; 8vo. morocco. Camb. +1767. <i>Only 12 copies on this paper.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1374.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— London. 8vo. 1789, with Mr. Capell's +Shakspeariana, 8vo., <i>only 20 copies printed</i>, 1779.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1375.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Malone (Edm.) Letter on, to Dr. Farmer; 8vo. <i>ib.</i> +1792.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1376.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Letter to David Garrick (on a Glossary to) by Rich. +Warner, 8vo. <i>ib.</i> 1768.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="blockquot">There were copies of the Catalogue of Steeven's books struck +off on <span class="smcap">large paper</span>, on bastard <i>royal octavo</i>, and in +<i>quarto</i>.</p> + +<p>It remains to say a few words of the celebrated collector of +this very curious library. The wit, taste, and classical +acquirements of <span class="smcap">George Steevens</span> are every where recorded and +acknowledged. As an editor of his beloved Shakspeare, he +stands unrivalled; for he combined, with much recondite +learning and indefatigable research, a polish of style, and +vigour of expression, which are rarely found united in the +same person. His definitions are sometimes both happy and +singular; and his illustrations of ancient customs and +manners such as might have been expected from a head so +completely furnished, and a hand so thoroughly practised. I +will not say that George Steevens has evinced the learning +of Selden upon Drayton, or of Bentley upon Phalaris; nor did +his erudition, in truth, rise to the lofty and commanding +pitch of these his predecessors: nor does there seem much +sense or wit in hunting after every <i>pencil-scrap</i> which +this renowned bibliomaniac committed to paper—as some sadly +bitten book-collectors give evidence of. If I have not +greatly misunderstood the characteristics of Steevens's +writings, they are these—wit, elegance, gaiety, and satire, +combined with almost perfect erudition in English dramatic +antiquities. Let us give a specimen of his classical +elegance in dignifying a subject, which will be relished +chiefly by <span class="smcap">Grangerites</span>. Having learnt that a copy of +Skelton's Verses on Elinour Rummin, the famous Ale-wife of +England, with her portrait in the title-page, was in the +Library of the Cathedral of Lincoln (perhaps, formerly, +Captain Coxe's copy; vide <a href="#Page_266">p. 266</a>, ante), he prevailed on the +late Dean, Sir Richard Kaye, to bring the book to London; +but as it was not suffered to go from the Dean's possession, +Mr. S. was permitted to make a <i>fac-simile</i> drawing of the +title, at the Dean's house in Harley-street. This drawing he +gave to Richardson, the printseller, who engraved and +published it among the copies of scarce portraits to +illustrate Granger. The acquisition of this rarity produced +from him the following <i>Jeu d'Esprit</i>; the merit of which +can only be truly appreciated by those who had the pleasure +of knowing the eminent <span class="smcap">Portrait Collectors</span> therein +mentioned, and whose names are printed in capital letters.</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Eleonora Rediviva.</span></p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +To seek this Nymph among the glorious dead,<br /> +Tir'd with his search on earth, is <span class="smcap">Gulston</span> fled:—<br /> +Still for these charms enamoured <span class="smcap">Musgrave</span> sighs;<br /> +To clasp these beauties ardent <span class="smcap">Bindley</span> dies:<br /> +For these (while yet unstaged to public view,)<br /> +Impatient <span class="smcap">Brand</span> o'er half the kingdom flew;<br /> +These, while their bright ideas round him play,<br /> +From Classic <span class="smcap">Weston</span> force the Roman lay:<br /> +Oft too, my <span class="smcap">Storer</span>, Heaven has heard thee swear,<br /> +Not Gallia's murdered Queen was half so fair:<br /> +"A new Europa!" cries the exulting <span class="smcap">Bull</span>,<br /> +"My Granger now, I thank the gods, is full:"—<br /> +Even <span class="smcap">Cracherode's</span> self, whom passions rarely move,<br /> +At this soft shrine has deign'd to whisper love.—<br /> +Haste then, ye swains, who <span class="smcap">Rumming's</span> form adore,<br /> +Possess your Eleanour, and sigh no more.<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>It must be admitted that this is at once elegant and happy.</p> + +<hr class="med" /> + +<p>We will now say somewhat of the man himself. Mr. Steevens +lived in a retired and eligibly situated house, just on the +rise of Hampstead Heath. It was paled in; and had, +immediately before it, a verdant lawn skirted with a variety +of picturesque trees. Formerly, this house has been a +tavern, which was known by the name of the <i>Upper Flask</i>: +and which my fair readers (if a single female can have the +courage to peruse these bibliomaniacal pages) will recollect +to have been the same to which Richardson sends Clarissa in +one of her escapes from Lovelace. Here Steevens lived, +embosomed in books, shrubs, and trees: being either too coy, +or too unsociable, to mingle with his neighbours. His habits +were indeed peculiar: not much to be envied or imitated; as +they sometimes betrayed the flights of a madman, and +sometimes the asperities of a cynic. His attachments were +warm, but fickle both in choice and duration. He would +frequently part from one, with whom he had lived on terms of +close intimacy, without any assignable cause; and his +enmities, once fixed, were immovable. There was, indeed, a +kind of venom in his antipathies; nor would he suffer his +ears to be assailed, or his heat to relent, in favour of +those against whom he entertained animosities, however +capricious and unfounded. In <i>one</i> pursuit only was he +consistent: <i>one</i> object only did he woo with an inflexible +attachment; and that object was <i>Dame</i> <span class="smcap">Drama</span>. +</p><p> +I have sat behind him, within a few years of his death, and +watched his sedulous attention to the performances of +strolling players, who used to hire a public room in +Hampstead; and towards whom his gallantry was something more +substantial than mere admiration and applause: for he would +make liberal presents of gloves, shoes, and +stockings—especially to the female part of the company. His +attention, and even delight, during some of the most +wretched exhibitions of the dramatic art, was truly +surprising; but he was then drooping under the pressure of +age, and what passed before him might serve to remind him of +former days, when his discernment was quick and his judgment +matured. It is, however, but justice to this distinguished +bibliomaniac to add that, in his literary attachments he was +not influenced by merely splendid talents or exalted rank. +To my predecessor <span class="smcap">Herbert</span> (for whose memory I may be +allowed, at all times, to express a respectful regard) +Steevens seems to have shewn marked attention. I am in +possession of more than a dozen original letters from him to +this typographical antiquary, in which he not only evinces +great friendliness of disposition, but betrays an unusual +solicitude about the success of Herbert's labours; and, +indeed, contributes towards it by nearly a hundred notices +of rare and curious books which were unknown to, or +imperfectly described by, Herbert himself. At the close of a +long letter, in which, amongst much valuable information, +there is a curious list of <span class="smcap">Churchyard's</span> <i>Pieces</i>—which +Steevens urges Herbert to publish—he thus concludes: +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"<span class="smcap">Dear Sir</span>,</span></p> + +<p class="letter">"I know not where the foregoing lists of Churchyard's Pieces +can appear with more propriety than in a work like yours; +and I therefore venture to recommend them as worth +republication. If you publish, from time to time, additions +to your book, you may have frequent opportunity of doing +similar service to old English literature, by assembling +catalogues of the works of scarce, and therefore almost +forgotten, authors. By occasional effusions of this kind you +will afford much gratification to literary antiquaries, and +preserve a constant source of amusement to yourself: for in +my opinion, no man is so unhappy as he who is at a loss for +something to do. Your present task grows towards an end, and +I therefore throw out this hint for your consideration." +(<i>July</i> 27, 1789.)</p> +</div> + +<p>A little further he adds: "In your vol. ii. p. 1920, you +have but an imperfect account of <span class="smcap">Tyro's</span> '<i>Roaring Megge</i>,' +&c. I shall therefore supply it underneath, as the book now +lies before me. I have only room left to tell you I am +always your very faithfully, <span class="smcap">G. Steevens</span>." But the +bibliomanical spirit of the author of this letter, is +attested by yet stronger evidence: +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p class="right"><i>Hampstead Heath</i>, August <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: 12th">42th</span>, +1780.</p> + +<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"<span class="smcap">Sir</span>,</span></p> + +<p class="letter">"I have borrowed the following books for your use—Dr. +Farmer's copy of Ames, with MS. notes by himself, and an +interleaved Maunsell's Catalogue, with yet more considerable +additions by Baker the antiquary. The latter I have promised +to return at the end of this month, as it belongs to our +University Library. I should not choose to transmit either +of these volumes by any uncertain conveyance; and therefore +shall be glad if you will let me know how they may be safely +put into your hands. If you can fix a time when you shall be +in London, my servant shall wait on you with them; but I +must entreat that our library book may be detained as short +a time as possible. I flatter myself that it will prove of +some service to you, and am,</p> + +<p class="right"><span style="margin-right: 2em;">"Your very humble Servant,</span></p> + +<p class="right">"G. <span class="smcap">Steevens</span>."</p> +</div> + +<p class="center">The following was Herbert's reply.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="right">"<i>Cheshunt</i>, August 20th, 1780.</p> + +<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"<span class="smcap">Sir</span>,</span></p> + +<p class="letter">"As it must give you great satisfaction to know that the +books were received safe by me last night, it affords me +equal pleasure to send you the earliest assurance of it. I +thank you sincerely for the liberty you have allowed me of +keeping them till I come to London, on Monday, the 4th of +September; when I shall bring them with me, and hope to +return them safe at Mr. Longman's, between 10 and 11 +o'clock; where, if it may be convenient to you, I shall be +very happy to meet you, and personally to thank you for the +kind assistance you have afforded me. If that may not suit +you, I will gladly wait on you where you shall appoint by a +line left there for me; and shall ever esteem myself,</p> + +<p class="right"><span style="margin-right: 2em;">"Your most obliged humble Servant,</span></p> + +<p class="right">"<span class="smcap">W. Herbert</span>."</p> +</div> + +<p>The following, and the last, epistolary specimen of the +renowned G. Steevens—with which I shall treat my reader—is +of a general gossipping black-letter cast; and was written +two years before the preceding.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p class="right"><i>Hampstead Heath</i>, June 26th, 1788.</p> + +<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"<span class="smcap">Dear Sir</span>,</span></p> + +<p class="letter">"A desire to know how you do, and why so long a time has +elapsed since you were seen in London, together with a few +queries which necessity compels me to trouble you with, must +be my apology for this invasion of your retirement. Can you +furnish me with a transcript of the title-page to Watson's +Sonnets or Love Passions, 4to. bl. l.? As they are not +mentioned by Puttenham, in 1589, they must, I think, have +appeared after that year. Can you likewise afford me any +account of a Collection of Poems, bl. l., 4to. by one John +Southern? They are addressed 'to the ryght honourable the +Earle of Oxenforde;' the famous Vere, who was so much a +favourite with Queen Elizabeth. This book, which contains +only four sheets, consists of Odes, Epitaphs, Sonnets to +Diana, &c. I bought both these books, which seem to be +uncommonly rare, at the late sale of Major Pearson's +Library. They are defective in their title-pages, and +without your assistance must, in all probability, continue +imperfect. Give me leave to add my sincere hope that your +long absence from London has not been the result of +indisposition, and that you will forgive this interruption +in your studies, from</p> + +<p class="right"><span style="margin-right: 2em;">"Your very faithful and obedient Servant,</span></p> + +<p class="right">"<span class="smcap">Geo. Steevens.</span>"</p> + +<p>"P.S. I hope your third volume is in the press, as it is +very much enquired after."</p> +</div> + +<p>It is now time to bid farewell to the subject of this +tremendous note; and most sincerely do I wish I could 'draw +the curtain' upon it, and say 'good night,' with as much +cheerfulness and satisfaction <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: as">at</span> +Atterbury did upon the close of his professional labours. +But the latter moments of <span class="smcap">Steevens</span> were moments of mental +anguish. He grew not only irritable, but outrageous; and, in +full possession of his faculties, he raved in a manner which +could have been expected only from a creature bred up +without notions of morality or religion. Neither complacency +nor 'joyful hope' soothed his bed of death. His language +was, too frequently, the language of imprecation; and his +wishes and apprehensions such as no rational Christian can +think upon without agony of heart. Although I am not +disposed to admit the whole of the testimony of the good +woman who watched by his bed-side, and paid him, when dead, +the last melancholy attentions of her office—although my +prejudices (as they may be called) will not allow me to +believe that the windows shook, and that strange noises and +deep groans were heard at midnight in his room—yet no +creature of common sense (and this woman possessed the +quality in an eminent degree) could mistake oaths for +prayers, or boisterous treatment for calm and gentle usage. +If it be said—why</p> + +<p class="center">"draw his frailties from their drear abode?"</p> + +<p>the answer is obvious, and, I should hope, irrefragable. A +duty, and a sacred one too, is due <span class="smcap">to the living</span>. Past +examples operate upon future ones: and posterity ought to +know, in the instance of this accomplished scholar and +literary antiquary, that neither the sharpest wit, nor the +most delicate intellectual refinement, can, alone, afford a +man '<span class="smcap">peace at the last</span>.' The vessel of human existence must +be secured by other anchors than these, when the storm of +death approaches!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_436" id="Page_436">436</a></span><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> You have seen a few similar copies in the library; which I +obtained after a strenuous effort. There<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_437" id="Page_437">437</a></span> was certainly a very great +degree of Book-Madness exhibited at the sale of Steevens's +library—and yet I re<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_438" id="Page_438">438</a></span>member to have witnessed stronger symptoms of +the Bibliomania!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_439" id="Page_439">439</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Can it be possible? Does this madness</p> + +<p class="center">'Grow with our growth, and strengthen with our strength?'</p> + +<p>Will not such volcanic fury burn out in time?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_440" id="Page_440">440</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> You prevent Lysander from resuming, by the number and rapidity +of your interrogatories. Revert to your first question.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Truly, I forget it. But proceed with your history, Lysander; and +pardon my abruptness.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Upon condition that you promise not to interrupt me again this +evening?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> I pledge my word. Proceed.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Having dispatched our account of the sale of the +last-mentioned distinguished book-collector, I proceed with my +historical survey: tho', indeed, it is high<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_441" id="Page_441">441</a></span> time to close this +tedious bibliomaniacal history. The hour of midnight has gone by:—and +yet I will not <i>slur over</i> my account of the remaining characters of +respectability.</p> + +<p class="bp">The collections of <span class="smcap">Strange</span><a name="FNanchor_410_416" id="FNanchor_410_416"></a><a href="#Footnote_410_416" class="fnanchor">[410]</a> and Woodhouse are next, in routine, to +be noticed. The catalogue of the library of the former is a great +favourite of mine: the departments into which the books are divided, +and the compendious descriptions of the volumes, together with the +extent and variety of the collection, may afford considerable +assistance to judicious bibliomaniacs. Poor <span class="smcap">Woodhouse</span>:<a name="FNanchor_411_417" id="FNanchor_411_417"></a><a href="#Footnote_411_417" class="fnanchor">[411]</a> thy zeal +outran thy wit: thou wert indefatigable in thy search after rare and +precious <i>prints and books</i>; and thy very choice collection of both is +a convincing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_442" id="Page_442">442</a></span> proof that, where there is wealth and zeal, +opportunities in abundance will be found for the gratification of that +darling passion, or insanity, now called by the name of Bibliomania!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_410_416" id="Footnote_410_416"></a><a href="#FNanchor_410_416">[410]</a> <i>Bibliotheca Strangeiana; A Catalogue of the +general, curious, and extensive Library of that +distinguished naturalist and lover of the fine arts, the +late</i> <span class="smcap">John Strange</span>, Esq., L.L.D. F.R.S. and S.A., many years +his Britannic Majesty's resident at the Republic of Venice. +Comprehending an extraordinary fine collection of books and +tracts, in most languages and sciences, to the number of +upwards of <i>four-score thousand, &c.</i> Digested by Samuel +Paterson. Sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, March 16, +1801, 8vo., 1256 articles. This is a plain, unaffected, but +exceedingly well-digested, catalogue of a very extraordinary +collection of books in all departments of literature. I do +not know whether it be not preferable, in point of +arrangement, to any catalogue compiled by Paterson. It has, +however, a wretched aspect; from the extreme indifference of +the paper.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_411_417" id="Footnote_411_417"></a><a href="#FNanchor_411_417">[411]</a> We will first give the title to the Catalogue +of the late Mr. <span class="smcap">Woodhouse's</span> Collection of Prints. "<i>A +Catalogue of the choice and valuable Collection of Antient +and Modern Prints, &c.</i>, selected with the highest taste +from all the collections at home and abroad, &c. Sold by +auction by Mr. Christie; January, 1801." The <i>first part</i> +ends with the 5th day's sale; the second commences with the +sixth day's sale and concludes on the sixteenth, with the +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Marlborough">Malborough</span> Gems. Although +we may have to give specimens of some of the <i>rare and +precious</i> prints contained in this collection, in the course +of <a href="#PART_VI"><span class="smcap">Part VI.</span></a> of this work, yet the reader, I would fain hope, +will not be displeased with the following interesting +extract, with the annexed prices, of the prints from the +</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Marlborough Gems</span>.</p> + +<p>[<i>This assemblage, the result of twenty years' collecting, +contains a greater number than ever has been at one time +offered to the public.—The first volume is complete, and +may be accounted unique, as all the impressions are before +the numbers, the artists' names, or proofs without any +letters, as in the presentation copies: the subject of Cupid +and Psyche is with variations, and the whole may be regarded +as a great rarity. Those of the second volume are few in +number, but in point of curiosity, no ways inferior.</i>]</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">LOT</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">72.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>One.</i></td> +<td colspan="2" style="text-align: justify">Cæsar in the Temple of Venus. <i>Proof before any +letters.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">73.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 1.<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 2.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Scipio Africanus.<br /> +Lucius C. Sylla.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">74.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 3.<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 4.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify"><span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Julius">Julias</span> Cæsar; caput laureatum.<br /> +Marcus Junius Brutus.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">75.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 5.<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 6.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Marcus Junius Brutus; cum caduceo.<br /> +Lepidus; cum lituo.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">76.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 7.<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 8.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Augusti caput; cum corona radiata.<br /> +Augusti Pontificis maximi insign. &c.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">77.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 9.<br /> +<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 10.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Marcellii Octaviæ, filii Augusti nepotis caput: +opus elegantissimum.<br /> +Liviæ protome: cum capite laureato et velato pectore: simul Tiberii +pueri prope adstantis caput arboris ignotæ foliis redimitum.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">78.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 11.<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 12.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Tiberii caput juvenile.<br /> +Germanici togati protome; cum capite laureato, facie plena, &c.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">79.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 13.<br /> +<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 14.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Agrippinæ majoris uxoris +Germanici & Caligulæ matris caput laureatum; sub effigie Dianæ.<br /> +Ejusdem Agrippinæ: sub effigie Cereris.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">80.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 15.<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 16.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Galbæ caput laureatum.<br /> +Ejusdem Galbæ caput.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">19</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">81.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 17.<br /> +<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 18.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Nervæ togati protome; cum +capite laureato, plena facie; opus pulcherrimum.<br /> +Ejusdem Nervæ caput.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">82.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 19.<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 20.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Marcianæ, Trajani sororis, caput.<br /> +Sabinæ Hadriani uxoris caput.</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">83.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 21.<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 22.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Antinoi caput, cum pectore velato.<br /> +Caracalla togati protome facie plena.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">84.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 23.<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 24.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Caracallæ caput laureatum.<br /> +Juliæ Domnæ, Severi uxoris, caput.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">85.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 25.<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 26.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Laocoontes caput.<br /> +Semiramidis, vel potius Musæ, caput cum pectore.</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">86.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Three.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 27.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Minervæ Alcidiæ caput +galeatum; operis egregii, edit. var.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">87.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 28.<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 29.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Phocionis caput.<br /> +Jovis et Junonis capita jugata.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">88.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Three.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 30.<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 31.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Veneris caput.<br /> +Bacchæ caput var.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">89.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 32.<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 33.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Hercules Bibax, stans.<br /> +Bacchus, stans.</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">90.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 34.<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 35.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Faunus tigridis pelli insidens, cauda, &c.<br /> +Athleta, stans, qui dextra manus trigelem, &c.</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">91.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 36.<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 37.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Mercurius stans.<br /> +Mars, stans, armatus.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">92.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 38.<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 39.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Miles de rupe descendens, +eximii sculptoris Græci opus.<br /> +Diomedes Palladio potitus cum Ulysse altercatione contendit.</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">93.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 40.<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 41.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Dei Marini natantes.<br /> +Miles vulneratus a militibus duobus sustentatur.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">94.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 42.<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 43.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Miles militi vulnerato opitulato.<br /> +Mulier stolata cum virgine.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">95.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 44.<br /> +<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 45.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Faunus pelle caprina ex +humeris pendente vestitus; pedem super suggestum ignotæ figuræ figit +et infantem genu sustinet.<br /> +Alexandri magni effigies.</td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">96.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 46.<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 47.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Æneam Diomedes a saxo percussum conservat.<br /> +Pompeiæ cujusdam ob victoriam partam descriptio.</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">97.<br /> +98.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 48.<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 49.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify; border-right: 1px solid black">Amazon Amazonem morientem +sustinet juxta equus.<br /> +Fragmen Gemmæ Bacchi, &c.</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +<td class="right">16</td> +<td class="right">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">99.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>One.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 50.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Nuptiæ Psyches et Cupidonis, <i>Rariss.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">100.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>One.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 50.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Ditto, Ditto, <i>Rariss.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">101.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>One.</i></td> +<td style="text-align: justify" colspan="2">Frontispiece to <span class="smcap">second volume</span>; <i>Proof, before +the inscription on the arms; very rare</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">102.<br /> +103.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 1.<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 2.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify; border-right: 1px solid black">Ptolomæus.<br /> +Metrodorus.</td> +<td class="right">1</td> +<td class="right">10</td> +<td class="right">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">104.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 3.<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 5.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Socrates et Plato.<br /> +Sappho.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">105.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 8.<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 9.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Ignotum caput Scyllacis opus.<br /> +Ignotum caput.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">106.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 11.<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 18.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Medusa.<br /> +Hercules et Iole.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">107.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 19.<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 20.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">L. Junius Brutus.<br /> +Annibal.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">108.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 22.<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 25.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Mecænes.<br /> +Drusus Tiberii filius.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">109.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 31.<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 36.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Caput ignotum, Antonini forsan junioris.<br /> +Equi.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">110.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 38.<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 40.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Mercurii templum.<br /> +Coronis.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">111.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 41.<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 45.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Cupidonis.<br /> +Faunus.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">112.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Three.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 46.<br /> +n<span class="super">o</span>. 48.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Omphale incedens.<br /> +Biga, var.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">113.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td class="ltop">n<span class="super">o</span>. 50.</td> +<td style="width: 60%; text-align: justify">Silenus, tigris, &c. var.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">114.</td> +<td class="ltop"><i>Two.</i></td> +<td style="text-align: justify" colspan="2">The vignette to the second volume; <i>Proof, very +fine, and etching, perhaps, unique</i>.</td> +<td class="right">7</td> +<td class="right">10</td> +<td class="right">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>For an interesting account of the engravings of the +<span class="smcap">Devonshire Gems</span>—the rival publication of those from the +Marlborough collection—the reader may consult Mr. Beloe's +<i>Anecdotes of Literature and Scarce Books</i>; vol. <span class="smcap">i.</span> 182-6. +The entire collection of Mr. Woodhouse's prints produced +3595<i>l.</i> 17<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> +</p><p> +We will now make handsome mention of the <span class="smcap">Bibliotheca +Woodhousiana</span>. <i>A Catalogue of the entire, elegant, and +valuable Library of John Woodhouse, Esq., comprising a rich +and extensive collection of books, &c. Sold by auction by +Leigh and Sotheby, December, 1803.</i> 8vo. The collection was +rather choice and rich, than extensive: having only 861 +articles. Some of the rarest editions in old English +Literature were vigorously contended for by well-known +collectors: nor did the Library want beautiful and useful +works of a different description. The following specimens +will enable the reader to form a pretty correct estimate of +the general value of this collection. +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right">n<span class="super">o</span>.</td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">8.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Antonie (the Tragedie of) doone into English by +the Countesse of Pembroke, R.M. g.l. Lond. 1595. 12mo.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">24.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Barnabee's Journal, with Bessie Bell, <i>First Edit. B.M. +g.l.</i> 1648. 12mo.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">30.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Bastard's (Thomas) Chrestoleros, seven Bookes of +Epigrammes, <i>G.M. g.l.</i> 1598. 12mo.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">76.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Chaucer, by Tyrwhitt, with the Glossary, G.M. g.l. 5 +vol. 1775. 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">82.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Cokain's (Sir Aston) Poems and Plays, <i>with head</i>, R.M. +g.l. 2 vol. 1662. 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">97.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A Paire of Turtle Doves, or the History of Bellora and +Fidelio, bl. l. 4to. <i>see MS. note by Steevens</i>, 1606.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">160.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Burnet's History of his own Times, <i>large paper</i>, R.M. +g.l. 2 vol. 1724. 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">198.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Dodsley's Collection of Old Plays, <i>large paper</i>, 12 +vols. 1780. 8vo. <i>Only six copies printed in this manner.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">313.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Latham's General Synopsis of Birds, with Index, 9 vols. +with reverse plates, elegantly painted by Miss Stone, now +Mrs. Smith: R.M. g.m.l. 4to. 'N.B. <i>Of the above set of +books, there are only</i> 6 copies.'</td> +<td class="rbot">40</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">314.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Clarendon's History of the Rebellion, with his Life, +large paper, 4 vols. <i>boards, uncut</i>, 1707, 1750, fol.</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">350.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Heath's Chronicle, <i>frontispiece and heads</i>, R.M. g.l. +1663. 2 vols. 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">394.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Knight's Life of Colet, <i>large paper</i>; plates, elegant, +in light brown calf, g.l.m. 1724, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">395.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Knight's Life of Erasmus, <i>large paper</i>, plates, +elegant, in light brown calf, g.l.m. 1726, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">431.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Lewin's Birds of Great Britain, with the Eggs +accurately figured, elegantly painted with back ground, 7 +vols. in 3. <i>A superb copy, in g.m. g.m.l.</i> 1789, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">28</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">473.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Martyn's Universal Conchologist; English Entomologist: +and Aranei, or Natural History of Spiders, 4 vols. elegantly +coloured. <i>A superb copy</i>, in R.M. g.m.l. 1789, 92, and 93, +4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">33</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">490.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Harrison's Seven Triumphal Arches, in honor of James +I., all the [seven] parts complete; <i>curious and very rare</i>, +R.M. g.l. 1604. folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">27</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">493.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Hearne and Bryne's Antiquities and Views in Great +Britain, <i>proof impressions</i>, M. g.l. 1786, oblong folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">586.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Skelton's (Mayster) Poems: Colyn Clout, <i>Lond. by John +Whygte</i>. Whi come ye not to Courte; <i>Lond. by John Whygte</i>. +Phillyp Sparow; Speak Parot; Death of the Noble Prynce, &c. +See note. <i>Lond. by John Kynge and Thomas Marshe</i>. Merie +Tales; <i>unique</i>, see note. <i>Lond. by Thomas Colwell</i>, 5 vol. +bl. l. R.M. g.l. 12mo. </td> +<td class="rbot">23</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">624.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Monument of Matrons, containing seven severall lamps of +Virginitie, by Thomas Bentley; bl. l. R. 3 vols. 1582, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">632.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Nychodemus Gospell, wood-cuts, bl. l. g.l. R.M. <i>Lond. +Wynkyn de Worde</i>, 1511, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">640.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Pennant's History of Quadrupeds, boards, <i>uncut, large +paper, proof plates</i>, 1793, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">692.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The late Expedition in Scotlande, made by the Kinges +Hyhnys Armye, under the conduit of the Ryht Honourable the +Earl of Hertforde, the yere of our Lorde God, 1544. bl. l. +R.M. g.l. <i>Lond. by Reynolde Wolfe</i>, 1554, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">762.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Sommers's (Lord) Collection of scarce and valuable +Tracts, 19 vols. R. g.l. 1748, 50, 51, 52, folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">85</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">780.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Temple of Glas, bl. l. See notes by G. Mason. <i>Wynkyn +de Worde, no date</i>, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">795.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Tour (A) through the South of England, Wales, and part +of Ireland, in 1791, large paper, proof plates, coloured, +1793. N.B. "Of the above book only six copies were printed."</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">806.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Vicar's England's Parliamentary Chronicle, R. g.l. +complete, 4 parts, 3 vols. 1646, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">829.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Speed's Theatre of Great Britain, maps, R. g.l. m.l. <i>A +remarkable fine copy</i>, 1611.</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">836.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Myrrour and Dyscrypcyon of the Worlde, with many +Mervaylles, wood-cuts, B.M. g.l. <i>Emprynted by me Lawrence +Andrewe</i>, 1527, folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">26</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">837.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Recuile of the Histories of Troie, translated into +English by William Caxton, very fair, B.M. g.l. <i>Imprynted +at London by W. Copland</i>, 1553, fol.</td> +<td class="rbot">23</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">852.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Myrroure of Golde for the Synfull Soule, bl. l. +wood-cuts. <i>Imprynted at Lond. in the Fleete-strete, at the +sygne of the Sun, by Wynkyn de Worde</i>, 1526, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">856.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Barclay's (Alexander) Egloges, out of a Boke named in +Latin, Miserie Curialium, compyled by Eneas Sylvius, Poete +and Oratour, bl. l. <i>woodcuts, five parts, and complete</i>, +G.M. <i>Imprynted by Wynkyn de Worde</i>, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">25</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">859.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Holy Life and History of Saynt Werburge, very frutefull +for all Christian People to rede. Poems, bl. l. G.M. <i>Imp. +by Richard Pynson</i>, 1521, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">31</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="center">Amount of the sale, 3135<i>l.</i> 4<i>s.</i></p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_443" id="Page_443">443</a></span><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> I attended the sale of Woodhouse's prints and books; and +discovered at it as strong symptoms of the madness of which we are +discoursing as ever were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_444" id="Page_444">444</a></span> exhibited on a like occasion. I have the +catalogue upon fine paper, which, however, is poorly printed; but I +consider it rather a curious bibliographical morçeau.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_445" id="Page_445">445</a></span></p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Make the most of it, for it will soon become scarce. And +now—notwithstanding my former boast to do justice to the remaining +bibliomaniacal characters<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_446" id="Page_446">446</a></span> of respectability—as I find my oral powers +almost exhausted, I shall barely mention the sales, by auction, of the +collections of <span class="smcap">Wilkes</span>, <span class="smcap">Ritson</span>, and <span class="smcap">Boucher</span><a name="FNanchor_412_418" id="FNanchor_412_418"></a><a href="#Footnote_412_418" class="fnanchor">[412]</a>—<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_447" id="Page_447">447</a></span>although I ought to +mention the <i>Bibliotheca Boucheriana</i> with more respect than its two +immediate predecessors; as the collector was a man endowed with +etymological<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_448" id="Page_448">448</a></span> acumen and patience; and I sincerely wish the public +were now receiving the benefit of the continuation of his Dictionary; +of which the author published so excellent a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_449" id="Page_449">449</a></span> specimen, comprehending +only the letter A. Dr. Jamieson has, to be sure, in a great measure +done away the melancholy impression which lexicographical readers +would otherwise have experienced—by the publication of his own +unrivalled "<i>Scottish Dictionary</i>;" yet there is still room enough in +the literary world for a continuation of Boucher.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_412_418" id="Footnote_412_418"></a><a href="#FNanchor_412_418">[412]</a> It did not, perhaps, suit Lysander's notions +to make mention of book-sales to which no collectors' names +were affixed; but, as it has been my office, during the +whole of the above conversation, to sit in a corner and take +notes of what our book-orator has said, as well to correct +as to enlarge the narrative, I purpose, gentle reader, +prefacing the account of the above noticed three collections +by the following bibliomaniacal specimen: '<i>A Catalogue of a +capital and truly valuable Library, the genuine property of +a Gentleman of Fashion, highly distinguished for his fine +taste</i>,' &c.: sold by auction by Mr. Christie, May, 1800, +8vo. 326 articles: amount of the sale, 1828<i>l.</i> 18<i>s.</i>; +being nearly 6<i>l.</i> an article. Now for the beloved +specimens: +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">35.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Baptistæ Portæ de Humanâ Physiognomia, <i>with +wood-cuts. Hanoviæ</i>, 1593, et Johannis Physiophili Opuscula. +<i>Aug. Vin.</i> 1784, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">19</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">38.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Officium Beatæ Virginis. <i>This unique</i> <span class="smcap">Manuscript</span> <i>on +vellum of the 14th century, is enriched with highly finished +Miniature Paintings, and is one of the most perfect and best +preserved missals known in England.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">20</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">40.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A complete set of the Barbou Classics, 68 vols. +<i>elegantly bound in green</i> (<i>French</i>) morocco, with gilt +leaves, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">35</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">94.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Gesta et Vestigia Danorum extra Daniam, 3 v. <i>large +paper, with a portrait in satin of the Prince to whom it is +dedicated, Lips: et Hafn</i>: 1740, 4to. <i>Black morocco, gilt +leaves.</i> N.B. 'It is supposed that the Rolliad was taken +from this work.'</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">133.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Brittania, Lathmon, et villa Bromhamensis, poëmatia; +<i>Bodoni, Parma</i>, 1792, <i>red morocco</i>, folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">19</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">211.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Contes des Fées; Paris, 1781, 8vo. 4 vols. <span class="smcap">imprimée sur +velin.</span> This unique copy is ornamented with nineteen original +drawings, and was made for the late Madame Royale: +<i>elegantly bound in blue morocco and enclosed in a morocco +case</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">35</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">237.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Memoires du Comte de Grammont. <i>Edition printed for the +Comte d'Artois.</i> <i>Par.</i> 1781. 8vo. This beautiful small +work, from the text of which Harding's edition was copied, +is adorned with several high finished portraits in +miniature, painted by a celebrated artist, and is elegantly +bound in green morocco, with morocco case.</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">317.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">L'antiquité Expliquée, par Montfaucon, with fine +plates; <i>large paper copy</i>, 15 vol. red (French) <i>morocco, +with gilt leaves</i>; and Monarchie Françoise, 5, v. l. p. +<i>correspondently bound</i>, folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">63</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">318.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Anacreontis Carmina, Gr. et Lat. from a MS. in the +Vatican of the tenth century: with <i>beautiful coloured +miniatures by Piale, appropriate to each ode, in rich +morocco binding</i>. <i>Romæ</i>, 1781. folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">56</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Early in the year in which this collection was disposed of, +the very beautiful choice, and truly desirable library of +<span class="smcap">George Galway Mills</span>, Esq. was sold by auction by Mr. +Jeffery, in February, 1800. My copy of this well-executed +catalogue is upon <i>large paper</i>; but it has not the prices +subjoined. Meanwhile let the sharp-sighted bibliomaniac look +at n<span class="super">o</span>. 28, 68, 85, 106, 181, 412, 438, only. Thus it will +be seen that the year 1800 was most singularly distinguished +for <i>Book-Auction Bibliomaniacism</i>! +</p><p> +We now proceed to notice the sales of the libraries of those +bibliomaniacs above mentioned by Lysander. <i>A catalogue of +the very valuable Library of the late</i> <span class="smcap">John Wilkes</span>, Esq., +M.P., <i>&c., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, in +November</i>, 1802, 8vo.: 1478 articles. There are few +articles, except the following deserving of being extracted. +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">139.</td> +<td style="text-align: justify">Bernier Theologie Portatif, Lond. 1768—Boulanger +Recherches sur l'Origine du Despotisme Oriental, morocco, +gilt leaves. Lond. 1763, 8vo. 'N.B. The "Recherches" were +printed by Mr. Wilkes, at his own private printing press, in +Great George Street, Westminster, in 1763.'</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">383.</td> +<td style="text-align: justify">Catullus, recensuit Johannes Wilkes; <i>impress. in +Membranis</i>, red morocco, gilt leaves. Lond. ap. Nichols, +1788, 4to.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">395.</td> +<td style="text-align: justify">Copies taken from the Records of the C. of K.B. 1763. +"Note in this book—printed by P.C. Webe, one of the +solicitors to the Treasury, never published," &c.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1441.</td> +<td style="text-align: justify">Theophrasti Characteres: Græce, Johannes Wilkes, +recensuit. <i>Impress. in Membranis</i>, Lond. 1790, 4to.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1460.</td> +<td style="text-align: justify">Wilkes's History of England, +n<span class="super">o</span>. <span class="smcap">i</span>. 1768, 4to.</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Next comes the account of the Library of that redoubted +champion of ancient lore, and anti-Wartonian critic, Joseph +Ritson. His books, upon the whole, brought very moderate +sums. <i>A Catalogue of the entire and curious Library and +Manuscripts of the late</i> <span class="smcap">Joseph Ritson</span>, Esq., <i>&c., sold by +auction by Leigh and Sotheby, December</i> 5, 1803, 8vo. +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">521.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Skelton's (Maister) Workes, MS. notes, and lists of +the different editions of Skelton's Works, and likewise of +those never printed; and of these last, in whose possession +many of them are, 1736, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">600.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Jeffrey of Monmouth's British History, by Thompson; a +great number of MS. notes, on separate papers, by Mr. +Ritson. Lond. 1718, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">950.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Sevin Seages. Translatit out of Paris in Scottis +meter, be Johne Rolland in Dalkeith, with one Moralitie +after everie Doctouris Tale, and siclike after the Emprice +Tale, togidder with one loving landaude to everie Doctour +after his awin Tale, and one Exclamation and outcrying upon +the Emprerouris Wife after his fals contrusit tale. +<i>Imprentit at Edinburgh, be Johne Ros, for Henrie +Charteris</i>, 1578, 4to. "Note in this book by Mr. Ritson; No +other copy of this edition is known to exist, neither was it +known to Ames, Herbert," &c. &c.</td> +<td class="rbot">31</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">964.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A new Enterlude, never before this tyme imprinted, +entreating of the Life and Repentance of Marie <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Magdalene">Magadelene</span>, not only godlie, learned +and fruitfull, but also well furnished with pleasant myrth +and pastime, very delectable for those which shall heare or +reade the same, <i>made by the learned</i> <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Clarke"><i>Charke</i></span> +<i>Lewis Wager—printed</i> 1567, MS.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">985.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Bibliographia Scotica; Anecdotes biographical and +literary of Scotish Writers, Historians, and Poets, from the +Earliest account to the nineteenth century, in two parts, +intended for publication.</td> +<td class="rbot">45</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">986.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Shakspeare, by Johnson and Steevens, 8 vols. containing +a great number of manuscript notes, corrections, &c. &c. +together with 3 vols. of manuscript notes, by Mr. Ritson, +prepared by him for the press, intending to publish it.</td> +<td class="rbot">110</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>The year ensuing (of which Lysander has, very negligently, +taken no notice) was distinguished for the sale of a +collection of books, the like unto which had never been +seen, since the days of the dispersion of the Parisian +collection. The title of the auction catalogue was, in part, +as follows: <i>A Catalogue of a most splendid and valuable +collection of Books, superb missals, original drawings, &c. +the genuine property of a Gentleman of distinguished taste, +retiring into the country, &c.</i> Sold by auction by Mr. +Christie, April, 1804, 8vo. 339 articles: total amount, +4640<i>l.</i>—being almost 14<i>l.</i> an article. I attended both +days of this sale and the reader shall judge of my own +satisfaction, by that which <i>he</i> must receive from a perusal +of the following specimens of this <i>Bibliotheca +Splendidissima</i>. +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">221.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A most complete set of Sir William Dugdale's Works, +containing Monasticon Anglicanum, in 5 vols. 1655; +Monasticon, vol. 1, editio secunda, 2 vols.; Monasticon, in +English, with Steevens's Continuation, 3 vols.; +Warwickshire, first edition; Warwickshire, second edition, +by Thomas, 2 vols.; St. Paul's, first and second edition, 2 +vols.; Baronage, 2 vols.; History of Imbanking, first and +second editions, 2 vols.; Origines Juridiciales, third +edition; View of the Troubles; Summons of the Nobility; +Usage of Arms and office of Lord Chancellor. <i>This fine set +of Dugdale is elegantly bound in Russia leather in 23 +volumes.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">136</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="center" colspan="5">(Now worth 250<i>l.</i>)</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">222.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Biographia Britannica, 7 vols. 1747, folio. A matchless +set illustrated with portraits, fine and rare, and +<i>elegantly bound in Russia leather</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">99</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">223.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Homeri Ilias et Odyssea, 4 vols. Glasgow, 1756, fol. An +unique copy, on <i>large paper</i>, illustrated with Flaxman's +plates to the Iliad, and original drawings, by Miss Wilkes, +to the Odyssey; <i>superbly bound in blue Turkey</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">39</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">225.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Milton's Poetical Works, large paper, Tonson, 1695. +Milton's Historical Works, &c., by Birch, 2 vols. large +paper, 1738, 3 vols. <i>elegantly bound in Russia leather</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">229.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Ogilby's Historical Works, containing Britannia, China, +2 vols. Japan, Asia, Africa, and America, with fine plates +by Hollar, 7 vols. folio, <i>fine copy in Russia</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">234.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Lord Clarendon's History of the Grand Rebellion, 6 +vols. folio, <i>large paper, splendidly bound in morocco</i>, +1702.</td> +<td class="rbot">49</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">235.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Winwood's Memorials of Affairs of State, 3 vols. 1725. +<i>Large Paper, elegantly bound, and gilt leaves</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">239.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Wood's Athenæ Oxonienses, 2 vols. best edition, 1721. +<i>A fine copy on Large Paper, elegantly bound in Russia, with +gilt leaves</i>, Fol.</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>From n<span class="super">o</span>. 292 to 307, inclusive (only 14 volumes), there +was a set of "<i>Painted Missals and curious manuscripts</i>," +which were sold for 724<i>l.</i> Among them, was Mr. John +Towneley's matchless missal, decorated by the famous +Francesco Veronese—"one of the finest productions of the +kind ever imported from Italy:" see n<span class="super">o</span>. 296. For an +account of the books <span class="smcap">printed upon vellum</span> in this collection, +see <a href="#PART_VI"><span class="smcap">Part VI</span></a>. Let us close this note with the <i>Bibliotheca +Boucheriana</i>; of which such respectable mention is above +justly made by Lysander. "<i>A Catalogue of the very valuable +and extensive Library of the late</i> <span class="smcap">Rev. Jonathan Boucher</span>, +<i>A.M., F.R.S., Vicar of Epsom, Surrey. Comprehending a fine +and curious collection in Divinity, History, &c.: sold by +auction by Leigh and Sotheby; in February</i>, 1806." <i>First +part</i>, 6646 articles: <i>Second part</i>, 1933 articles: <i>Third +part</i>, published in 1809: 857 articles. I attended many days +during this sale; but such was the warm fire, directed +especially towards divinity, kept up during nearly the whole +of it, that it required a heavier weight of metal than I was +able to bring into the field of battle to ensure any success +in the contest. I cannot help adding that these catalogues +are wretchedly printed.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">Ah, well-a-day!—have I not come to the close of my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_450" id="Page_450">450</a></span> <span class="smcap">Book-History</span>? Are +there any other bibliomaniacs of distinction yet to notice? Yes!—I +well remember the book-sale events of the last four years. I well +remember the curiosity excited by the collections of the <span class="smcap">Marquis of +Lansdowne</span>, <span class="smcap">John Brand</span>, <span class="smcap">Isaac Reed</span>, <span class="smcap">Richard Porson</span>, <span class="smcap">Alexander +Dalrymple</span>, and <span class="smcap">Richard Gough</span>,<a name="FNanchor_413_419" id="FNanchor_413_419"></a><a href="#Footnote_413_419" class="fnanchor">[413]</a> and with these I must absolutely +make my bibliomaniacal peroration! Illustrious men!——</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_413_419" id="Footnote_413_419"></a><a href="#FNanchor_413_419">[413]</a> For the same reason as has been adduced at +<a href="#Page_427">p. 427</a>, ante, and from a strong wish to render this <i>List of +Book Auctions</i> as perfect as my opportunities will allow, I +shall persevere, at the foot of Lysander's narrative, in +submitting to the attention of the curious reader a still +further account of sales than those above alluded to in the +text. As this will be the last note in <a href="#PART_V"><span class="smcap">Part V.</span></a>, I hope, +however late the hour, or exhausted his patience, that the +reader will also persevere to the close of it, and then wish +the author "good night," along with his friends, whose +salutations are above so dramatically described. At the very +opening of the year in which Mr. Boucher's books were sold, +the magnificent collection of the Marquis of Lansdowne was +disposed of. I well remember the original destination of +this numerous library: I well remember the long, beautiful, +and classically ornamented room, in which, embellished and +guarded by busts, and statues of gods and heroes, the books +were ranged in quiet and unmolested order, adjoining to the +noblest mansion in London. If the consideration of external, +or out-of-door, objects be put out of the question, this +Library-room had not its superior in Great Britain. Let us +now come to particulars: "<i>Bibliotheca Lansdowniana. A +Catalogue of the entire Library of the late most noble +William</i> <span class="smcap">Marquis of Lansdowne</span>; <i>sold by auction by Leigh and +Sotheby, &c. January</i>, 1806." 8vo. The following is but a +slender specimen of the printed books in the Lansdowne +collection. +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">359.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Arthur Kynge (the story of the most noble and +Worthy) the whiche was fyrst of the worthyes christen, and +also of his noble and valyaunt knyghtes of the Round Table; +<i>newly imprynted and corrected, black letter, title-page +emblazoned, Turkey. Imp. at Lond. by Wyllyam Coplande</i>, +1557, folio. In the collection of Mr. Dent.</td> +<td class="rbot">25</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">361.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Ashmole's (Elias) Institution, Laws, and Ceremonies of +the Order of the Garter, plates by Hollar, <i>L. Paper, green +morocco, border of gold, gilt leaves</i>, 1672, folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1384.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Chronica del Rey Don Alonso el Onzeno, Roy de +Castilla, &c. <i>Liter. Goth. Mar. verd.</i> +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Valladolid"><i>Volladolid</i></span>. 1551, folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1385.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— del Rey Don Pedro. D. +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Enrique">Enrrique</span>, y D. Juan, <i>Pampl.</i> 1591, folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1386.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— des Reys de Portugal, D. Joanno I. D. Duarte, e +D. Alfonso, <i>Lisboa</i>, 1543, folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2499.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Gazette, London, from the beginning, 1665 to 1722 +inclusive, 73 vol. folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">84</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">3438.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Leyes del Reyno, del Don Philippe II. Recopilacion de +las, 2 tom. Alcala, 1581. folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">3439.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— de los Reynos de las Indias, del Don Carlos II. 2 +tom. Madrid, 1681, folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">4108.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Money; a very curious Collection of Single Sheets, +&c., and with several MS. Memorandums and Papers on that +Subject, bound in one volume.</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">5544.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Somers' (Lord) Tracts, 16 vol. Lond. 1748, 52.</td> +<td class="rbot">63</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">5786.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Stuart's (James) Antiquities of Athens, plates, 3 vol. +1787, 94, folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">5787.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Stukeley's (Wm.) Itinerary, cuts, <i>Russia</i>, 2 vol. in +vol. 1, 1776, folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">21</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">5916.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A very rare collection of Tracts, Documents, and +Pamphlets, consisting of above 280 volumes, tending to +illustrate the History of the French Revolution—together +with more than 49 volumes relative to the transactions in +the Low Countries, between the years 1787 and 1792, and +their separation from the house of Austria:—amongst the +above will be found the following works.</td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +</tr> +</table> + +<table style="width: 65%" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr><td colspan="2">Des Etats Generaux, &c. Par. 1789.</td><td>18 vol.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Process Verbaux</td><td>de la première Assemblée,</td><td>75 vol.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Ditto</td><td>de la seconde</td><td>16 vol.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Ditto</td><td>de la Convocation</td><td>32 vol.</td></tr> +</table> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td style="width: 17%"> </td> +<td style="width: 65%; text-align: justify">Revolution Françoise, 20 vol. from 1790 to 1803, wanting +vol. 1, 2, and 13.</td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td style="width: 17%"> </td> +<td style="width: 65%; text-align: justify">La Bastile Devoilée. Par. 1789.</td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td style="width: 17%"> </td> +<td style="width: 65%; text-align: justify">Sir James M'Intosh's Vindiciæ Gallicæ, and numerous pieces +relative to the Constitution and Administration of the +French Government, in its Executive, Legislative, Judicial, +and Financial Departments, by Messrs. Mirabeau, Turgot, +Barrere, Calonne, Necker, &c.</td> +<td class="rbot">168</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>I should observe that the <span class="smcap">Prints</span> or <span class="smcap">Engravings</span> of the +Marquis, together with the <i>printed prices</i> for which they, +and the foregoing library, were sold, are usually added to +the Catalogue of the Books. In the spring of 1807, the +<span class="smcap">Manuscripts</span> belonging to the same noble collector were +catalogued to be sold by public auction. These manuscripts, +in the preface of the <i>first</i> volume of the Catalogue, are +said to 'form one of the noblest and most valuable private +collections in the kingdom.' It is well known that the +collection never came to the hammer; but was purchased by +parliament for 6000<i>l.</i>, and is deposited in the British +Museum. A catalogue of it is now <i>sub prelo</i>; vide <a href="#Page_89">p. 89</a>, +ante. We are next to notice the sale by auction of the +library of the late Rev. John Brand. The first part of this +collection was disposed of in the Spring of 1807; and the +catalogue had this title: <i>Bibliotheca Brandiana. A +Catalogue of the unique, scarce, rare, curious, and numerous +collection of Works, &c., being the entire Library of the +late</i> <span class="smcap">Rev. John Brand</span>, <i>Fellow and Secretary of the +Antiquarian Society, Author of the History of Newcastle, +Popular Antiquities, &c. Sold by auction by Mr. Stewart</i>, +May, 1807. This first part contained 8611 articles, or lots, +of printed books; exclusively of 243 lots of manuscripts. +Hereafter followeth, gentle reader, some specimens, selected +almost at random, of the 'unique, scarce, rare, and curious' +books contained in the said library of this far-famed +Secretary of the Society of Antiquaries. +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">67.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify"><i>Ane Compendious Booke of Godly and Spiritual +Songs</i>, bl. lett. 8vo. Edinb. 1621.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">69.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Academy of Pleasure, with portraits of Drayton, G. +Withers, F. Quarles, and B. Jonson, Lon. 1656, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">109.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A Curtaine Lecture, <i>rare and curious</i>, frontispiece, +Lond. 1637, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">110.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A Banquet of Jests, or Change of Cheare, with portrait +of Archee, the King's jester. <i>Rare.</i> Lond. 1659, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">227.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Arnold's Chronicle of the Customs of London, a fine +copy, perfect, <i>printed by Pynson</i>, fol. 1521.</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">241.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">An Alvearie, or Quadruple Dictionarie, by Baret. +Francof. fol. 1580.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">242.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Dyalogue of Dives and Pauper, <i>that is to say, the Rich +and the Pore, fructuously tretyng upon the Ten +Commandments</i>, black-letter, printed by Pynson, fol. 1493.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">272.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Allot's England's Parnassus, 8vo. 1600.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">282.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A Booke of Fishing, with hooke and line, 1600, 8vo. A +Booke of Engines and Traps to take Polcats, Buzzards, Rats, +Mice, &c. cuts, <i>very rare</i>, [See <a href="#Page_305">p. 305</a>, ante.]</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">283.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Archy's Dream, sometimes jester to his Majestie, but +expelled the court by Canterbury's malice, <i>very rare</i>, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">337.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A new Dialogue between the Angell of God and Shepherdes +in the Felde, black-letter. <i>Pr. by Day</i>, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">381.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A Dialogue betweene two Neighbours, concernyng +Ceremonyes in the first year of Queen Mary, black-letter, +with portrait of Mary, by Delarum, from Roane, by +Michelwood, 1554, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">417.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A short Inuentory of certayne idle Inventions, +black-letter, <i>very rare</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">418.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A Juniper Lecture, with the Description of all Sorts of +Women, good and bad, <i>very rare</i>. Lond. 1639, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">454.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A Quip for an Upstart Courtier; or a Quaint Dispute +betweene Velvet Breeches and Cloth Breeches, wherein is set +Downe the Disorders in all Estates and Trades, <i>with +portraits</i>. Lond. printed by G.P., 1620, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">462.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Articles to be enquired into by various Bishops, &c., +in their Visitations; upwards of one hundred; <i>a very +curious, scarce, and unique collection</i>, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">802.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Barbiere (John) the famous Game of Chesse Play, cuts, +1673. The most ancient and learned play, The Philosopher's +Game, invented for the Honourable Recreation of the +Studious, by W.F., black-letter, 1563, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1300.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A Plaister for a Galled Horse, <i>very rare</i>, 1548, 4to. +[See Herbert's Ames, vol. i. 581: and <a href="#Page_239">p. 239</a>; ante.]</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1312.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A Counter Blaste to Tobacco. Lond. 1604, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1326.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Bentley's (Thos.) Monument of Matrons, containing +seven severall Lamps of Virginitie, or Distinct Treatises, +collated and perfect, a very fine copy, extremely rare and +curious, <i>imprinted at London, by Thomas Dawson, for William +Seres, extremely rare</i>, black-letter, 1582, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1334.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Bert (Edmund) an approved Treatise of Hawkes and +Hunting. Lond. 1619, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1540.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Burton (Wm.) Seven Dialogues, black-letter. Lond. +1606. George Whetstone's Mirrour for Magistrates of cities, +b.l., printed by Richard Jones, 1584, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1542.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Byshop's (John) beautifull Blossomes, black-letter, +imprinted by Henrie Cockyn, 1577, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1754.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Characters (viz.) The Surfeit to A.B.C. Lond. 1656. +Dr. Lupton's London and Country carbonadoed and quartered +into Seuerall Characters, 1632. Essayes and Characters, by +L.G., 1661, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2069.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify"> England's Jests refined and improved, 1660, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2326.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Catharo's Diogenes in his Singularitie, wherein is +comprehended his merrie Baighting fit for all men's +benefits: christened by him a <i>Nettle for Nice Noses</i>, by +L.T., black-letter, 1591, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">3523.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Fages (Mrs.) Poems, Fames Roule, &c., <i>rare</i>, Lond. +1637, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">7817.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Stukeley's (Wm.) Itinerarium Curiosum; 2 <i>vols. in</i> 1, +<i>Russia</i>, folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">8211.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The blazon of Jealousie, written in Italian, by +Varchi. Lond. 1615, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">8223.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Tracts: Dial of Witches, 1603; Lancaster Witches, +1613; Trial of Yorkshire Witches, 1612; The Golden Fleece, +1626; Cage of Diabolical Possession, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">8224.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The most strange and admirable Discoverie of the three +witches of Warboys, arraigned, convicted, and executed at +the last assizes at Huntington; for bewitching the five +daughters of Robert Throckmorton, Esq., and divers other +persons, with sundrie devilish and grievous torments; and +also for bewitching to death the Lady Crumwell. <i>Extra +rare</i>, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">8230.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Witches apprehended, examined, and executed for +notable villanies, by them committed both by land and water, +with a strange and most true triall how to know whether a +woman be a witch or not: <i>with the plate</i>. <i>Extra rare</i>, +4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">8269.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Pleasure of Princes, the Art of Angling, together +with the Ordering and Dieting of the Fighting Cocke, 1635, +4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">8296.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Knyght of the Toure; <i>a perfect and fine specimen +of the father of English Printers</i>, 1484, folio. The reader +(if he pleases) may consult my first volume, p. 202, of the +<i>Typographical Antiquities of Great Britain</i>, for some +account of this edition.</td> +<td class="rbot">111</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>My copy of this first part of the Catalogue of Brand's books +is upon <i>large paper, with the prices inserted in the +margin</i>. The <i>second part</i> of the <span class="smcap">Bibliotheca Brandiana</span>, +containing duplicates and Pamphlets, was sold in February, +1808, by Mr. Stewart. There were 4064 articles. Few +collections attracted greater attention before, and during, +the sale than did the library of the late Mr. Isaac Reed: a +critic and literary character of very respectable +second-rate reputation. The public Journals teemed, for a +time, with book-anecdotes concerning this collection; and +the <i>Athenæum</i>, <i>Monthly Mirror</i>, <i>Censura Literaria</i>, +<i>European Magazine</i>, struck out a more bold outline of the +Bibliotheca Reediana than did the generality of their fellow +Journals. Reed's portrait is prefixed to the European +Magazine, the Monthly Mirror, and the Catalogue of his own +Books: it is an indifferently stippled scraping, copied from +a fine mellow mezzotint, from the characteristic pencil of +Romney. This latter is a private plate, and, as such, is +rare. To return to the Library. The preface to the Catalogue +was written by the Rev. H.J. Todd. It is brief, judicious, +and impressive; giving abundant proof of the bibliomaniacal +spirit of the owner of the library—who would appear to have +adopted the cobler's well-known example of applying one room +to almost every domestic purpose: for Reed made his library +'his parlour, kitchen, and hall.' A brave and enviable +spirit this!—and, in truth, what is comparable with it? But +the reader is beginning to wax impatient for a more +particular account. Here it is: <i>Bibliotheca Reediana. A +Catalogue of the curious and extensive Library of the late +Isaac Reed, Esq., of Staple Inn, deceased. Comprehending a +most extraordinary collection of books in English +Literature, &c.: sold by auction, by Messrs. King and +Lochée: November</i>, 1807, <i>8vo.</i> The following specimens of +some of Reed's scarce volumes are copied, in part, from the +account which was inserted in the <i>Athenæum</i>, vol. iii., pp. +61, 157, under the extraordinary signatures of W. Caxton and +W. de Worde. +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">5867.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A Portfolio of single-sheet Ballads.</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">6661.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Colman (W.) Death's Duel, 8vo., <i>frontispiece</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">6685.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Barnefield's Affectionate Shepherd, <i>very rare</i>, 4to. +1594.</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">6713.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A musical Concort of Heavenly Harmonie, called +Churchyard's charitie. <i>See MS. notes in Churchyard's +Pieces, by Steevens, Reed</i>, &c., 1595, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">6714.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Churchyard's lamentable and pitiable Description of +the woeful Warres in Flanders, 1578, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">19</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">6715.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— a true Discourse of the succeeding Governors in +the Netherlands, and the Civil Warres there begun in 1565, +4to.</td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">6716.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— a light Bundle of Lively Discourses, called +Churchyard's Charge, presented as a New Year's Gift to the +Earl of Savoy, 1589, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">6717.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— Challenge, b.l., 1580, with a copious Manuscript +account of his works, by J. Reed, and a small octavo Tract, +called A Discourse of Rebellion, 1570, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">6755.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Gascoigne (George) whole workes, <i>fine copy in +Russia</i>, 4to., b.l., 1567.</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">6777.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Cynthia, with certain Sonnets, <i>rare</i>, 1595, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">7479.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Whetstone (George) Mirror of true Honor, and <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Christian">Christain</span> +Nobilitie, exposing the +Life, Death, and Divine Vertues of Francis Earl of Bedford, +b.l., 1585, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">7705.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Beaumont and Fletcher's Philaster; or Love lies a +bleeding, <i>frontispiece</i>, 4to., 1620.</td> +<td class="rbot">24</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">8536.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Shakspeariana, a Large Assemblage of Tracts by various +authors, relative to Shakspeare, neatly bound in 9 vols. +8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">23</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">8561.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Stillingfleet (Benj.) Plays, never either finished or +published. <i>The only copy ever seen by Mr. Reed.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">8676.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A volume of unpublished and unprinted Fables, by John +Ellis, scrivener and translator of Maphaeus. <i>Note by Mr. +Reed:</i> 'It was given to me by Mr. John Sewell, bookseller, +to whom Mr. Ellis bequeathed his Manuscripts. See my account +of Mr. Ellis in the European Magazine, Jan. 1792: large +4to.' The volume is enriched with fine engravings, +appropriate to each Fable.</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">8833.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Notitia Dramatica, both printed and manuscript; +containing a Chronological Account of the chief Incidents +relating to the English Theatres, from Nov. 1734, to 31st +Dec. 1785. "Collected from various sources, but chiefly the +Public Advertisers, which were lent me by Mr. Woodfall for +the purpose. This volume contains the most material facts +relating to the Theatres for the last fifty years, and will +be useful to any person who may wish to compile a History of +the Stage." Isaac Reed, Staple's Inn, Aug. 6. 1784.</td> +<td class="rbot">41</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Of this Catalogue, there are <i>only twelve copies</i> printed +upon <span class="smcap">large paper</span>; which were all distributed previous to the +sale of the books. The common paper copies are very +indifferently executed. The late Mr. George Baker had the +completest <i>l.p.</i> copy of this catalogue in existence. +Before we proceed to give an account of subsequent +book-sales, it may be as well to pause for a few +minutes—and to take a retrospective view of the busy scene +which has been, in part, described: or rather, it may be no +incurious thing to lay before the reader for a future +century (when the ashes of the author shall have long +mouldered into their native dust) a statement of the +principal book-sales which took place from November, 1806, +to November, 1807—at Messrs. Leigh and Sotheby's King and +Lochée's, and Mr. Stewart's. The minor ones carried on under +Covent-Garden Piazza, Tom's Coffee-house, &c., are not +necessary to be noticed. In calculating the number of +volumes, I have considered one article, or lot, with the +other, to comprehend three volumes. The result is as +follows.</p> + +<p class="center"><i>Book-Sales by Messrs.</i> <span class="smcap">Leigh</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Sotheby</span>.</p> + +<table style="width: 60%" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary="sales"> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">Volumes.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Rev. Edward Bowerbank's library.</td><td class="right">2200</td></tr> +<tr><td>Earl of Halifax's</td><td class="right">2000</td></tr> +<tr><td>Mr. John Voigt's</td><td class="right">6000</td></tr> +<tr><td>Sutton Sharpe's, Esq.</td><td class="right">4000</td></tr> +<tr><td>George Mason's, ditto</td><td class="right">3800</td></tr> +<tr><td>Mr. Burdon's</td><td class="right">14000</td></tr> +<tr><td>Charles Bedford's, Esq.</td><td class="right">3500</td></tr> +<tr><td>Rev. Charles Bathurst's</td><td class="right">3000</td></tr> +<tr><td>Sir John Sebright's, Bt. (duplicates).</td><td class="right">3300</td></tr> +<tr><td>Bishop Horsley's</td><td class="right">4400</td></tr> +<tr><td>Mr. E. Edward's</td><td class="right">1100</td></tr> +<tr><td>Lieut. Col. Thos. Velley's</td><td class="right">2200</td></tr> +<tr><td><i>Four miscellaneous</i></td><td class="right" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black">6000</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">55,500</td></tr> +</table> + +<p class="center"><i>Book-Sales by</i> <span class="smcap">King</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">Lochée</span>.</p> + +<table style="width: 60%" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary="sales"> +<tr><td>R. Foster's, Esq. library</td><td class="right">5000</td></tr> +<tr><td>Dr. John Millar's</td><td class="right">3500</td></tr> +<tr><td>Mr. C. Martin's</td><td class="right">1000</td></tr> +<tr><td>Mr. Daniel Waldron's</td><td class="right">1200</td></tr> +<tr><td>Rev. Thomas Towle's</td><td class="right">3000</td></tr> +<tr><td>Mr. Brice Lambert's</td><td class="right">2000</td></tr> +<tr><td>C. Dilly's</td><td class="right">3000</td></tr> +<tr><td>Isaac Reed's</td><td class="right">30000</td></tr> +<tr><td><i>Six miscellaneous</i></td><td class="right" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black">8400</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">57,100</td></tr> +</table> + +<p class="center"><i>Book-Sales by</i> Mr. <span class="smcap">Stewart</span>.</p> + +<table style="width: 60%" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary="sales"> +<tr><td>Mr. Law's library</td><td class="right">4000</td></tr> +<tr><td>Lord Thurlow's</td><td class="right">3000</td></tr> +<tr><td>Mr. William Bryant's</td><td class="right">4500</td></tr> +<tr><td>Rev. W.W. Fitzthomas's</td><td class="right">2000</td></tr> +<tr><td>Rev. John Brand's</td><td class="right">17000</td></tr> +<tr><td>George Stubbs, Esq.</td><td class="right">1800</td></tr> +<tr><td><i>Three miscellaneous</i></td><td class="right" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black">4300</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">36,600</td></tr> +</table> + +<p class="center">TOTAL</p> + +<table style="width: 60%" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary="total"> +<tr><td>Sold by</td><td>Messrs. Leigh and Sotheby</td><td class="right">55500</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td>Messrs. King and Lochée</td><td class="right">57100</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td>Mr. Stewart</td><td class="right" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black">36600</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td> </td><td class="right">149,200</td></tr> +</table> + +<p>Such has been the circulation of books, within the foregoing +period, by the hands of <i>three Auctioneers only</i>; and the +prices which a great number of <i>useful</i> articles brought is +a sufficient demonstration that books are esteemed for their +<i>intrinsic value</i>, as well as for the adventitious +circumstances which render them <i>rare</i> or <i>curious</i>. But +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: posterity">prosterity</span> are not to judge +of the prevalence of knowledge in these times by the +criterion of, what are technically called, <i>book-sales</i> +only. They should be told that, within the same twelve +months, thousands and tens of thousands of books of all +sorts have been circulated by the <i>London Booksellers</i>; and +that, without travelling to know the number disposed of at +Bristol, Liverpool, York, Manchester, or Exeter, it may be +only necessary to state that <i>one distinguished House</i> +alone, established not quite a furlong from the railings of +St. Paul's Cathedral, sold not far short of <i>two hundred +thousand volumes</i> within the foregoing period! If learning +continue thus to thrive, and books to be considered as +necessary furniture to an apartment; if wealthy merchants +are resolved upon procuring Large Paper copies, as well as +Indian spices and Russian furs; we may hail, in +anticipation, that glorious period when the book-fairs of +<i>Leipsic</i> shall be forgotten in the superior splendour of +those of <i>London</i>! But to return to our chronological order: +The ensuing year, 1808, was distinguished for no small +mischief excited in the bibliomaniacal world by the sales of +many curious and detached libraries. The second part of Mr. +Brand's collection which was sold in the spring of this +year, has been already noticed. The close of the year +witnessed the sales, by auction, of the books of <span class="smcap">Samuel +Ewer</span>, Esq. (retiring into the country), and of Mr. <span class="smcap">Machel +Stace</span>, bookseller. The former collection was very strong in +bibliography; and the latter presented a singularly valuable +'Collection of rare and select' books, relating to old +English Literature elegantly bound: containing 2607 +articles. Mr. Stace had published, the preceding year, '<i>A +Catalogue of curious and scarce Books and Tracts</i>:' which, +with the preceding, merit a snug place upon the +bibliographer's shelf. We now enter upon a more busy year of +sales of books by auction. The Bibliomania had only +increased by the preceding displays of precious and +magnificent volumes. And first came on, in magnitude and +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: importance">inportance</span>, the sales of +<span class="smcap">Alexander Dalrymple</span> and <span class="smcap">Professor Porson</span>. Of these in turn. +<i>A Catalogue of the extensive and valuable Library of Books: +Part I. Late the property of</i> <span class="smcap">Alex. Dalrymple</span>, Esq. F.R.S., +<i>deceased</i>. Hydrographer to the Board of Admiralty, and the +Hon. East India Company, &c., sold by auction by King and +Lochée, May 29, 1809, 8vo.—7190 articles: <i>A Catalogue, +&c., Part II. of the same: sold by auction by the same</i>: +Nov. 1809.—8897 articles. I should add that there is a +stippled engraving of Dalrymple, with fac-simile of his +hand-writing, which faces the title page to <i>Part First</i> of +this extraordinary and numerous collection; of books of +Geography, Voyages, and Travels. I strongly recommend copies +of these catalogues to be in every library of extent and +utility. We are now to notice: <i>A Catalogue of Part of the +Library of the late Richard Porson, A.M., Greek Professor of +the University of Cambridge</i>, &c.: sold by auction by Leigh +and Sotheby, June 16th, 1809, 8vo.—1391 articles: amount of +the books, 1254<i>l.</i> 18<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> The subjoined is rather a +rich, though brief, specimen of some of the valuable books +contained in the library of this profound Greek scholar; in +whom the acuteness of Bentley, and the erudition of +Hemsterhusius, were more than revived. +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">116.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Biblia Græca, et Novum Testamentum Græce, +lectionibus D.J.J. Griesbach, 2 vols., boards, uncut, MS. +notes at the beginning of each vol. Hal. Sax. 1796-1806, +8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">The notes amounted to the correction of 9 typographical +errors and 1 addition to a note of Griesbach's, consisting +of authorities he ought to have added.</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">182.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Athenæus, Gr. Lat., cum animadversionibus I. Casauboni, +2 vols., MS. notes, Lugduni, 1612, folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">330.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Chariton de Amor. Chaeræ et Callirrhoe, Gr. Lat. cum +animadversionibus, J.P. d'Orville—Amst. 1750, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">Porson's note in the beginning. 'Opus plenum eruditionis, +judicii et sagacitatis non item.'</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">559.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Homeri Ilias et Odyssea (the Grenville edition) boards, +uncut, with the original portrait. Oxoniæ, 4to., <i>large +paper</i>: 4 vols.</td> +<td class="rbot">87</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">601.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Eustathius in Homerum, 4 vols., morocco, gilt leaves, +Par. 1550, fol.</td> +<td class="rbot">55</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1078.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Shakspeare's (William) Plays by Johnson and Steevens, +15 vols., boards, uncut, 1793, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Anecdotes and Memoirs of <span class="smcap">Richard Porson</span> are strewn, like +spring flowers in an extensive pasture, in almost every +newspaper, magazine, and journal. Among the latter, there is +an interesting one by Dr. Adam Clarke in the <i>Classical +Journal</i>, n<span class="super">o</span>. <span class="smcap">iv.</span>, p. 720. The <i>hand-writing</i> of Porson +is a theme of general admiration, and justly so; but his +<i>Greek</i> characters have always struck me as being more stiff +and cramped than his Roman and Italic. I well remember when +he shewed me, and expatiated eloquently upon, the famous MS. +of Plato, of the 10th century. Poor Fillingham was of the +party. Little did I then expect that three years only would +deprive the world of its great classical ornament, and +myself of a well-informed and gentle-hearted friend! We will +now close our account of the book-ravages in the year 1809, +by noticing the dispersion of a few minor corps of +bibliomaniacal troops, in the shape of printed volumes. +<i>Bibliotheca Maddisoniana: A Catalogue of the extensive and +valuable library of the late</i> <span class="smcap">John Maddison</span>, <i>Esq., of the +foreign department in the Post Office, &c.</i>: sold by auction +by King and Lochée, March, 1809, 8vo. A judicious and +elegant collection. 5239 articles. <span class="smcap">ii.</span> <i>A Catalogue of a +curious, valuable, and rare collection of Books in +Typography, History, Voyages, Early English <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Poetry">Poetvy</span>, Romances, Classics</i>, &c.: the +property of a Collector well known for his literary taste, +&c. Sold by auction by Mr. Stewart, April, 1809, 8vo. Some +curious volumes were in these 1858 articles or lots. <span class="smcap">iii.</span> <i>A +Catalogue of the very valuable and elegant Library of</i> +<span class="smcap">Emperor John Alexander Woodford</span>, Esq., sold by auction by +Leigh and Sotheby, May, 1809, 8vo.—1773 articles. This was +a sumptuous collection; and the books, in general, brought +large prices, from being sharply contended for. <span class="smcap">iv.</span> <i>A +Catalogue of the interesting and curious historical and +biographical part of the</i> <span class="smcap">Library of a Gentleman</span>, +particularly interesting, during the reign of Elizabeth, the +grand rebellion, the usurpation, restoration, and +abdication, &c., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, in +May, 1809, 8vo. Only 806 articles; but a singularly curious +and elegant collection; the catalogue of which I strongly +recommend to all 'curious, prying, and inquisitive' +bibliomaniacs. The first half of the ensuing year, 1810, was +yet more distinguished for the zeal and energy—shall I say +<span class="smcap">madness</span>?—displayed at <span class="smcap">Book-Auctions</span>. The sale of Mr. +Gough's books excited an unusual ferment among English +antiquaries: but the sale of a more extensive, and truly +beautifully classical, collection in Pall Mall, excited +still stronger sensations. As the <i>prices</i> for some of the +articles sold in the Gough collection have already been +printed in the <i>Gentleman's Magazine</i>, vol. lxxx., pt. ii., +and as those for which some of the <i>latter</i> collection were +sold, appeared in the 4th number of <i>The Classical Journal</i>, +it only remains for me to subjoin the following account. <span class="smcap">i.</span> +<i>A Catalogue of the entire and valuable Library (with the +exception of the department of Topography, bequeathed to the +Bodleian Library) of that eminent antiquary</i>, <span class="smcap">Richard Gough</span>, +Esq., deceased, &c., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, +April, 1810, 8vo.—4082 articles. The <span class="smcap">Manuscripts</span> conclude +the catalogue, at n<span class="super">o</span>. 4373. Prefixed to the printed +books, there is an account of the collector, Mr. Gough, +executed by the faithful pen of Mr. Nichols. My own humble +opinion of this celebrated antiquary has already been before +the public: <i>Typog. Antiquit.</i>, vol. <span class="smcap">i.</span>, 21. <span class="smcap">ii.</span> <i>A +Catalogue of books containing all the rare, useful, and +valuable publications in every department of Literature, +from the first invention of Printing to the present time, +all of which are in the most perfect condition, &c.</i>: sold +by auction by Mr. Jeffery, May, 1810, 8vo.—4809 articles. +Another Catalogue of the same collection, elegantly printed +in royal octavo, but omitting the auctioneer's notices of +the relative value of certain editions, was published by Mr. +Constable of Edinburgh, bookseller: with the prices and +purchasers' names subjoined: and of which it is said only +250 copies are printed. The <span class="smcap">Rev. Mr. Heath</span> is reported to +have been the owner of this truly select and sumptuous +classical library: the sale of which produced 9000<i>l.</i> Never +did the bibliomaniac's eye alight upon 'sweeter copies'—as +the phrase is; and never did the bibliomaniacal barometer +rise higher than at this sale! The most marked phrensy +characterized it. A copy of the Editio Princeps of Homer (by +no means a first-rate one) brought 92<i>l.</i>: and all the +<span class="smcap">Aldine Classics</span> produced such an electricity of sensation +that buyers stuck at nothing to embrace them! Do not let it +hence be said that <i>black-letter lore</i> is the only +fashionable pursuit of the present age of book-collectors. +This sale may be hailed as the omen of better and brighter +prospects in Literature in general: and many a useful +philological work, although printed in the Latin or Italian +language—and which had been sleeping, unmolested, upon a +bookseller's shelf these dozen years—will now start up from +its slumber, and walk abroad in a new atmosphere, and be +noticed and 'made much of.' +</p><p> +Here I terminate my <i>annotation labours</i> relating to +<span class="smcap">anecdotes of Book-Collectors</span>, and <span class="smcap">accounts of Book-Auctions</span>. +Unless I am greatly deceived, these labours have not been +thrown away. They may serve, as well to awaken curiosity in +regard to yet further interesting memoranda respecting +scholars, as to shew the progressive value of books, and the +increase of the disease called the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>. Some of the +most curious volumes in English literature have in these +notes, been duly recorded; nor can I conclude such a +laborious, though humble, task, without indulging a fond +hope that this account will be consulted by all those who +make book-collecting their amusement. But it is now time to +rise up, with the company described in the text, and to put +on my hat and great-coat. So I make my bow, wishing, with +<i>L'Envoy</i> at the close of <span class="smcap">Marmion</span>,</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +To all, to each, a fair good night,<br /> +And pleasing dreams, and slumbers light.<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_451" id="Page_451">451</a></span><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> Do you mean to have it inferred that there were no collections, +of value or importance, which were sold in the mean time?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> I thank you for stopping me: for I am<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_452" id="Page_452">452</a></span> hoarse as well as +stupid: I consider the foregoing only as the greater stars or +constellations in the bibliographical hemisphere. Others were less +observed from their supposed comparative insignificancy; although, if<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_453" id="Page_453">453</a></span> +you had attended the auctions, you would have found in them many very +useful, and even rare and splendid, productions. But we are all</p> + +<p class="center">'Tickled with the whistling of a name!'</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_454" id="Page_454">454</a></span><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> Ay, and naturally enough too. If I look at my Stubbes's +<i>Anatomy of Abuses</i>, which has received <i>your abuse</i> this evening, and +fancy that the leaves have been turned over by the scientific hand of +Pearson, Farmer, or Steevens, I experience, by association of ideas, a +degree of happiness which I never could have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_455" id="Page_455">455</a></span> enjoyed had I obtained +the volume from an unknown collector's library.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Very true; and yet you have only Master Stubbes's work after +all!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_456" id="Page_456">456</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> Even so. But this <i>fictitious</i> happiness, as you would call it, +is, in effect, <i>real</i> happiness; inasmuch as it produces positive +sensations of delight.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Well, there is no arguing with such a bibliomaniac as yourself, +Lorenzo.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Belin.</span> But allow, brother, that this degree of happi<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_457" id="Page_457">457</a></span>ness, of which +you boast, is not quite so exquisite as to justify the very high terms +of purchase upon which it is often times procured.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> There is no such thing as the 'golden mediocrity' of Horace in +book pursuits. Certain men set their hearts upon certain copies, and +'<i>coûte qu'il coûte</i>'<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_458" id="Page_458">458</a></span> they must secure them. Undoubtedly, I would +give not a little for Parker's own copy of the Book of <i>Common +Prayer</i>, and Shakspeare's own copy of both parts of his <i>Henry the +Fourth</i>.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Alman.</span> Well, Lisardo, we stand no chance of stemming the torrent +against two such lusty and opiniated bibliomaniacs as my brother and +Lysander: although I should speak with deference of, and acknowledge +with grateful respect, the extraordinary exertions of the latter, this +evening, to amuse and instruct us.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_459" id="Page_459">459</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> This evening?——say, this day:—this live-long day—and +yesterday also! But have you quite done, dear Lysander?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Have you the conscience to ask for more? I have brought you +down to the year of our Lord <i>One<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_460" id="Page_460">460</a></span> thousand eight hundred and eleven</i>; +and without touching upon the collections of <span class="smcap">living Bibliomaniacs</span>, or +foretelling what may be the future ravages of the Bibliomania in the +course of only the next dozen years, I think it proper to put an end +to my <span class="smcap">Book-Collecting<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_461" id="Page_461">461</a></span> History</span>, and more especially to this long trial +of your auricular patience.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> A thousand thanks for your exertions! Although your friend, +with whom you are on a visit, knows pretty well the extent of my +bibliographical capacity, and that there have been many parts in your +narrative which were somewhat familiar to me, yet, upon the whole, +there has been a great deal more of novelty, and, in this novelty, of +solid instruction. Sincerely, therefore Lysander, I here offer you my +heart-felt thanks.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> I receive them as cordially: from an assurance that my +digressions have been overlooked; or, if noticed, forgiven. It would +be gross vanity, and grosser falsehood, to affirm that the discourse +of this day, on my part, has given anything like a full and explicit +history of all the most eminent book-collectors and patrons of +Learning which have reflected such lustre upon the literary annals of +our country:—No, Lorenzo: a complete account, or a perfect +description, of these illustrious characters would engage a +conversation, not for one day—but one week. Yet I have made the most +of the transient hour, and, by my enthusiasm, have perhaps atoned for +my deficiency of information.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> But cannot you resume this conversation on the morrow?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> My stay with our friend is short, and I know not how he means +to dispose of me to-morrow. But I have done—certainly done—with +<i>Personal History</i>!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_462" id="Page_462">462</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> That may be. Yet there are other departments of the Bibliomania +which may be successfully discussed. The weather will probably be +fine, and let us enjoy a morning <i>conversazione</i> in <span class="smcap">the Alcove</span>?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Belin.</span> Surely, Lysander may find something in the fruitful +pigeon-holes of his imagination—as the Abbè Sieyes used to do—from +which he may draw forth some system or other?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Alman.</span> You have all talked loudly and learnedly of the <span class="smcap">Book-Disease</span>; +but I wish to know whether a <i>mere collector</i> of books be a +bibliomaniac?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Certainly not. There are <span class="smcap">Symptoms</span> of this disease <i>within the +very books themselves</i> of a bibliomaniac.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Alman.</span> And pray what are these?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Alas, madam!—why are you so unreasonable? And how, after +knowing that I have harrangued for more than 'seven hours by +Westminster clock'—how can you have the conscience to call upon me to +protract the oration? The night has already melted into morning; and I +suppose grey twilight is discoverable upon the summit of the hills. I +am exhausted; and long for repose. Indeed, I must wish you all a good +night.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Belin.</span> But you promise to commence your <i>symptomatic</i> harangue on the +morrow?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> If my slumbers are sound, lady fair, and I rise tolerably +recruited in strength, I will surely make good my promise. Again, good +night!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Belin.</span> Sir, a very good night: and let our best thanks follow you to +your pillow.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Alman.</span> Remember, as you sink to repose, what a quantity of good you +have done, by having imparted such useful information.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> I shall carry your best wishes, and grateful mention of my +poor labours, with me to my orisons. Adieu!—'tis very late.</p> + +<hr class="med" /> + +<p>Here the company broke up. Lisardo slept at Lorenzo's. Philemon and +Lysander accompanied me to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_463" id="Page_463">463</a></span> my home; and as we past Lorenzo's outer +gate, and looked backward upon the highest piece of rising ground, we +fancied we saw the twilight of morning. Never was a mortal more +heartily thanked for his colloquial exertions than was Lysander. On +reaching home, as we separated for our respective chambers, we shook +hands most cordially; and my eloquent guest returned the squeeze, in a +manner which seemed to tell that he had no greater happiness at heart +than that of finding a reciprocity of sentiment among those whom he +tenderly esteemed. At this moment, we could have given to each other +the choicest volume in our libraries; and I regretted that I had not +contrived to put my black-morocco copy of the small <i>Aldine Petrarch, +printed upon</i> <span class="smcap">vellum</span>, under Lysander's pillow, as a 'Pignus +Amicitiæ.'—But we were all to assemble together in Lorenzo's <span class="smcap">Alcove</span> +on the morrow; and this thought gave me such lively pleasure that I +did not close my eyes 'till the clock had struck five. Such are the +bed-luxuries of a Bibliomaniac!</p> + +<p class="centertp"> +<img src="images/deco09.png" width="557" height="177" alt="" title="" /> +</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_464" id="Page_464">464</a></span></p> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/fac.png" width="410" height="500" alt="fac" title="fac" /> +</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="msm">[<a href="images/fac-lg.png">Enlarge</a>]</span></p> + +<p class="center">The reader is here presented with one of the "Facs," or +ornamental letters<br /> +in <i>Pierce Ploughman's Creed</i>.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_465" id="Page_465">465</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="PART_VI" id="PART_VI"></a>PART VI.<br /> +<br /> +<span class="bl">The Alcove.</span></h2> + +<h3>SYMPTOMS OF THE BIBLIOMANIA.——PROBABLE MEANS<br /> +OF ITS CURE.</h3> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/line02.png" width="113" height="14" alt="" title="" /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p>"One saith this booke is too long: another, too short: the +third, of due length; and for fine phrase and style, the +like [of] that booke was not made a great while. It is all +lies, said another; the booke is starke naught."</p> + +<p class="right"><i>Choice of Change</i>; 1585. 4to., sign. N. i.</p> +</div> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_466" id="Page_466">466</a></span></p> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/deco10.png" width="500" height="369" alt="" title="" /> +</p> + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_467" id="Page_467">467</a></span></p> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/part6.jpg" width="377" height="600" alt="The Alcove" title="The Alcove" /> +</p> + +<p class="centerbp"><span class="msm">[<a href="images/part6-lg.jpg">Enlarge</a>]</span></p> + +<h2><span class="bl">The Alcove.</span></h2> + +<h3>SYMPTOMS OF THE BIBLIOMANIA.——PROBABLE MEANS<br /> +OF ITS CURE.</h3> + + +<p class="tp"><img src="images/cap_s_2.png" width="250" height="241" alt="S" title="S" class="floatl" />OFTLY +blew the breeze, and merrily sung the lark, when Lisardo +quitted his bed-chamber at seven in the morning, and rang lustily at +my outer gate for admission. So early a visitor put the whole house in +commotion; nor was it without betraying some marks of peevishness and +irritability that, on being informed of his arrival, I sent word by +the servant to know what might be the cause of such an interruption. +The reader will readily forgive this trait of harshness and +precipitancy, on my part, when he is informed that I was then just +enjoying the "honey dew" of sleep, after many wakeful and restless +hours.</p> + +<p>Lisardo's name was announced: and his voice, conveyed in the sound of +song-singing, from the bottom of the garden, left the name of the +visitor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_468" id="Page_468">468</a></span> no longer in doubt. I made an effort, and sprung from my bed; +and, on looking through the venetian blinds, I discovered our young +bibliomaniacal convert with a book sticking out of his pocket, another +half opened in his hand (upon which his eyes were occasionally cast), +and a third kept firmly under his left arm. I thrust my head, +"night-cap, tassel and all," out of window, and hailed him; not, +however, before a delicious breeze, wafted over a bed of mignonette, +had electrified me in a manner the most agreeable imaginable.</p> + +<p class="bp">Lisardo heard, and hailed me in return. His eyes sparkled with joy; +his step was quick and elastic; and an unusual degree of animation +seemed to pervade his whole frame. "Here," says he, "here is <i>The +British Bibliographer</i><a name="FNanchor_414_420" id="FNanchor_414_420"></a><a href="#Footnote_414_420" class="fnanchor">[414]</a> in my hand, a volume of Mr. Beloe's +<i>Anecdotes of Literature and Scarce Books</i> in my pocket, while +another, of Mr. D'Israeli's <i>Curiosities of Literature</i>, is kept +snugly under my arm, as a corps de reserve, or rallying point. If +these things savour not of bibliography, I must despair of ever +attaining to the exalted character of a Bibliomaniac!"</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_414_420" id="Footnote_414_420"></a><a href="#FNanchor_414_420">[414]</a> <i>The British Bibliographer</i> is a periodical +publication; being a continuation of a similar work under +the less popular title of <i>The Censura Literaria</i>; +concerning which see <a href="#Page_52">p. 52</a>, ante. It is a pity that Mr. +Savage does not continue his <i>British Librarian</i>; (of which +18 numbers are already published) as it forms a creditable +supplement to Oldys's work under a similar title; vide <a href="#Page_51">p. +51</a>, ante. A few of the ensuing numbers might be well devoted +to an analysis of <i>Sir William Dugdale's</i> works, with +correct lists of the plates in the same.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">"You are up betimes," said I. "What dream has disturbed your rest?" +"None" replied he; "but the most delightful visions have appeared to +me during my sleep. Since you left Lorenzo's, I have sipt nectar with +Leland, and drunk punch with Bagford. Richard Murray has given me a +copy of Rastell's <i>Pastime of People</i>,<a name="FNanchor_415_421" id="FNanchor_415_421"></a><a href="#Footnote_415_421" class="fnanchor">[415]</a> and Thomas Britton has +bequeathed to me an entire library of the Rosicrusian<a name="FNanchor_416_422" id="FNanchor_416_422"></a><a href="#Footnote_416_422" class="fnanchor">[416]</a> philosophy. +Moreover, the venerable form of Sir Thomas Bodley has<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_469" id="Page_469">469</a></span> approached me; +reminding me of my solemn promise to spend a few autumnal weeks,<a name="FNanchor_417_423" id="FNanchor_417_423"></a><a href="#Footnote_417_423" class="fnanchor">[417]</a> +in the ensuing year, within the precincts of his grand library. In +short, half the bibliomaniacs, whom Lysander so enthusiastically +commended last night, have paid their devoirs to me in my dreams, and +nothing could be more handsome than their conduct towards me."</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_415_421" id="Footnote_415_421"></a><a href="#FNanchor_415_421">[415]</a> The reader may have met with some slight +notices of this curious work in pp. <a href="#Page_331">331</a>; <a href="#Page_337">337</a>; <a href="#Page_385">385</a>; <a href="#Page_392">392</a>; <a href="#Page_417">417</a>; +ante.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_416_422" id="Footnote_416_422"></a><a href="#FNanchor_416_422">[416]</a> See <a href="#Page_332">p. 332</a>, ante.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_417_423" id="Footnote_417_423"></a><a href="#FNanchor_417_423">[417]</a> See <a href="#Page_49">p. 49</a>, ante.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">This discourse awakened my friends, Lysander and Philemon; who each, +from different rooms, put their heads out of window, and hailed the +newly-risen sun with night caps which might have been mistaken for +Persian turbans. Such an unexpected sight caused Lisardo to burst out +into a fit of laughter, and to banter my guests in his usual strain of +vivacity. But on our promising him that we would speedily join his +peripatetic bibliographical reveries, he gave a turn towards the left, +and was quickly lost in a grove of Acacia and Laurustinus. For my +part, instead of keeping this promise, I instinctively sought my bed; +and found the observation of Franklin,—of air-bathing being +favourable to slumber,—abundantly verified—for I was hardly settled +under the clothes 'ere I fell asleep: and, leaving my guests to make +good their appointment with my visitor, I enjoyed a sweet slumber of +more than two hours.</p> + +<p>As early rising produces a keen appetite for bodily, as well as +mental, gratification, I found my companions clamorous for their +breakfast. A little before ten o'clock, we were all prepared to make a +formal attack upon muffins, cake, coffee, tea, eggs, and cold tongue. +The window was thrown open; and through the branches of the clustering +vine, which covered the upper part of it, the sun shot a warmer ray; +while the spicy fragrance from surrounding parterres, and jessamine +bowers, made even such bibliomaniacs as my guests forgetful of the +gaily-coated volumes which surrounded them. At length the conversation +was systematically commenced on the part of Lysander.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> To-morrow, Philemon and myself take our<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_470" id="Page_470">470</a></span> departure. We would +willingly have staid the week; but business of a pressing nature calls +<i>him</i> to Manchester—and <i>myself</i> to Bristol and Exeter.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Some bookseller,<a name="FNanchor_418_424" id="FNanchor_418_424"></a><a href="#Footnote_418_424" class="fnanchor">[418]</a> I warrant, has published a thumping +catalogue at each of these places. Ha!—here I have you, sober-minded +Lysander! You are as arrant a book-madman as any of those renowned +bibliomaniacs whom you celebrated yesterday evening!—Yet, if you love +me, take me with you! My pistoles are not exhausted.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_418_424" id="Footnote_418_424"></a><a href="#FNanchor_418_424">[418]</a> I ought to have noticed, under Lysander's +eulogy upon <i>London Booksellers</i> (see <a href="#Page_308">p. 308</a>, ante) the very +handsome manner in which Mr. Roscoe alludes to their +valuable catalogues—as having been of service to him in +directing his researches into foreign literature. His words +are these: "The rich and extensive Catalogues published by +<span class="smcap">Edwards</span>, <span class="smcap">Payne</span>, and other <i>London Booksellers</i>, who have of +late years diligently sought for, and imported into England, +whatever is curious or valuable in foreign literature, have +also contributed to the success of my inquiries." <i>Lorenzo +de Medici</i>: pref. p. <span class="smcap">xxvii.</span>, edit. 1800, 8vo.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> Peace, Lisardo!—but you are, in truth, a bit of a prophet. It +is even as you surmise. We have each received a forwarded letter, +informing us of very choice and copious collections of books about to +be sold at these respective places. While I take my departure for Mr. +Ford of Manchester, Lorenzo is about to visit the book-treasures of +Mr. Dyer of Exeter, and Mr. Gutch of Bristol:—but, indeed, were not +this the case, our abode here must terminate on the morrow.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> I suppose the names you have just mentioned describe the +principal booksellers at the several places you intend visiting.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Even so: yet I will make no disparaging comparisons.<a name="FNanchor_419_425" id="FNanchor_419_425"></a><a href="#Footnote_419_425" class="fnanchor">[419]</a> We +speak only of what has come within<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_471" id="Page_471">471</a></span> our limited experience. There may +be many brave and sagacious bibliopolists whose fame has not reached +our ears, nor perhaps has any one of the present circle ever heard of +the late Mr. Miller of Bungay;<a name="FNanchor_420_426" id="FNanchor_420_426"></a><a href="#Footnote_420_426" class="fnanchor">[420]</a> who, as I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_472" id="Page_472">472</a></span> remember my father to +have said, in spite of blindness and multifarious occupations, +attached himself to the book-selling trade with inconceivable ardour +and success. But a word, Lisardo!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_419_425" id="Footnote_419_425"></a><a href="#FNanchor_419_425">[419]</a> Lysander is right. Since the note upon Mr. +Ford's catalogue of 1810 was written (see <a href="#Page_123">p. 123</a>, ante), the +same bookseller has put forth another voluminous catalogue, +of nine thousand and odd articles; forming, with the +preceding, 15,729 lots. This is doing wonders for a +provincial town; and that a <i>commercial</i> one!! Of Mr. +Gutch's spirit and enterprise some mention has been made +before at <a href="#Page_404">p. 404</a>, ante. He is, as yet, hardly <i>mellowed</i> in +his business; but a few years only will display him as +thoroughly <i>ripened</i> as any of his brethren. He comes from a +worthy stock; long known at our <i>Alma Mater +Oxoniensis</i>:—and as a dutiful son of my University Mother, +and in common with every one who is acquainted with his +respectable family, I wish him all the success which he +merits. Mr. George Dyer of Exeter is a distinguished +<i>veteran</i> in the book-trade: his catalogue of 1810, in two +parts, containing 19,945 articles, has, I think, never been +equalled by that of any provincial bookseller, for the value +and singularity of the greater number of the volumes +described in it. As Lysander had mentioned the foregoing +book-vending gentlemen, I conceived myself justified in +<i>appending</i> this note. I could speak with pleasure and +profit of the catalogues of booksellers to the <i>north of the +Tweed</i>—(see<a href="#Page_415"> p. 415</a>, ante); but for fear of awaking all the +frightful passions of wrath, jealousy, envy—I stop: +declaring, from the bottom of my heart, in the language of +an auld northern bard:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +I hait flatterie; and into wourdis plane,<br /> +And unaffectit language, I delyte:<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">(<i>Quod Maister Alexander Arbothnat; in anno</i> 1572.)</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><a name="Footnote_420_426" id="Footnote_420_426"></a><a href="#FNanchor_420_426">[420]</a> There is something so original in the +bibliomanical character of the above-mentioned Mr. Miller +that I trust the reader will forgive my saying a word or two +concerning him. Thomas Miller of Bungay, in Suffolk, was +born in 1731, and died in 1804. He was put apprentice to a +grocer in Norwich: but neither the fragrance of spices and +teas, nor the lusciousness of plums and figs, could seduce +young Miller from his darling passion of reading, and of +buying odd volumes of the <i>Gentleman's</i> and <i>Universal +Magazine</i> with his spare money. His genius was, however, +sufficiently versatile to embrace both trades; for in 1755, +he set up for himself in the character of <i>Grocer</i> and +<i>Bookseller</i>. I have heard Mr. Otridge, of the Strand, +discourse most eloquently upon the brilliant manner in which +Mr. Miller conducted his complicated concerns; and which, +latterly, were devoted entirely to the <i>Bibliomania</i>. +Although Bungay was too small and obscure for a spirit like +Miller's to disclose its full powers, yet he continued in it +till his death; and added a love of portrait and coin, to +that of book, collecting. <img src="images/miller.png" width="195" height="195" alt="Miller" title="Miller" class="floatr" /> +For fifty years his stock, in +these twin departments, was copious and respectable; and +notwithstanding total blindness, which afflicted him during +the last six years of his life, he displayed uncommon +cheerfulness, activity, and even skill in knowing where the +different classes of books were arranged in his shop. Mr. +Miller was a warm loyalist, and an enthusiastic admirer of +Mr. Pitt. In 1795, when provincial copper coins were very +prevalent, our bibliomaniac caused a die of himself to be +struck; intending to strike some impressions of it upon gold +and silver, as well as upon copper. He began with the +latter; and the die breaking when only 23 impressions were +struck off, Miller, in the true spirit of numismatical +<i>virtû</i>, declined having a fresh one made. View here, gentle +reader, a wood-cut taken from the same: "This coin, which is +very finely engraved, and bears a strong profile likeness of +himself, is known to collectors by the name of '<span class="smcap">The Miller +Halfpenny</span>.' Mr. Miller was extremely careful into whose +hands the impressions went; and they are now become so rare +as to produce at sales from three to five guineas." +<i>Gentleman's Magazine</i>; vol. lxxiv., p. 664. +</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Twenty, if you please.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> What are become of Malvolio's busts and statues, of which you +were so solicitous to attend the sale, not long ago?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> I care not a brass farthing for them:—only I do rather wish that +I had purchased the Count de Neny's <i>Catalogue of the Printed Books +and</i> <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Manuscripts"><i>Manscripts</i></span> <i>in the Royal Library +of France</i>. That golden opportunity is irrevocably lost!</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> You wished for these books, to <i>set fire</i> to them +perhaps—keeping up the ancient custom so solemnly established by your +father?<a name="FNanchor_421_427" id="FNanchor_421_427"></a><a href="#Footnote_421_427" class="fnanchor">[421]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_421_427" id="Footnote_421_427"></a><a href="#FNanchor_421_427">[421]</a> The reader may not object to turn for one +moment to <a href="#Page_27">p. 27</a>, ante.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> No more of this heart-rending subject! I thought I had made ample +atonement.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> 'Tis true: and so we forgive and forget. Happy change!—and +all hail this salubrious morning, which witnesses the complete and +effectual conversion of Lisardo! Instead of laughing at our +book-hobbies, and ridiculing all bibliographical studies—which, even +by a bibliographer in the dry department of the law, have been rather +eloquently defended and enforced<a name="FNanchor_422_428" id="FNanchor_422_428"></a><a href="#Footnote_422_428" class="fnanchor">[422]</a>—behold this young +bibliomaniacal chevalier, not daunted by the rough handling of a +London Book-Auction, anxious to mount his courser, and scour the +provincial fields of bibliography! Happy change! From my heart I +congratulate you!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_422_428" id="Footnote_422_428"></a><a href="#FNanchor_422_428">[422]</a> "Our nation (says Mr. Bridgeman) has been too +inattentive to bibliographical criticisms and enquiries; +for, generally, the English reader is obliged to resort to +foreign writers to satisfy his mind as to the value of +authors. It behoves us, however, to consider that there is +not a more useful, or a more desirable branch of education +than a knowledge of books; which, being correctly attained, +and judiciously exercised, will prove the touchstone of +intrinsic merit, and have the effect of saving many a +spotless page from prostitution." <i>Legal Bibliography</i>; +1807, 8vo. (To the reader.)</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> From the bottom of mine, I congratulate you,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_473" id="Page_473">473</a></span> Lysander, upon the +resuming of your wonted spirits! I had imagined that the efforts of +yesterday would have completely exhausted you. How rapturously do I +look forward for the <span class="smcap">Symptoms of the Bibliomania</span> to be told this +morning in Lorenzo's <span class="smcap">Alcove</span>! You have not forgotten your promise!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> No, indeed; but if I am able to do justice to the elucidation +of so important a subject, it will be in consequence of having enjoyed +a placid, though somewhat transient, slumber: notwithstanding the +occurrence of a very uncommon <i>dream</i>!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> "I dreamt a dream last night;" which has been already told—but +what was yours?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Nay, it is silly to entertain one another with stories of +phantastic visions of the night. I have known the most placid-bosomed +men grow downright angry at the very introduction of such a discourse.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> That may be; but we have, luckily, no such <i>placidly-moulded</i> +bosoms in the present society. I love this sort of gossipping during +breakfast, of all things. If our host permit, do give us your dream, +Lysander!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> The dream!—The dream!—I entreat you.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> I fear you will fall asleep, and dream yourself, before the +recital of it be concluded. But I will get through it as well as I +can.</p> + +<p>Methought I was gently lifted from the ground into the air by a being +of very superior size, but of an inexpressible sweetness of +countenance. Although astonished by the singularity of my situation, I +was far from giving way entirely to fear; but, with a mixture of +anxiety and resignation, awaited the issue of the event. My Guide or +Protector (for so this being must now be called) looked upon me with +an air of tenderness, mingled with reproof; intimating, as I +conceived, that the same superior Power, which had thus transported me +above my natural element, would of necessity keep me in safety. This +quieted my apprehensions.</p> + +<p>We had travelled together through an immensity of space, and could +discover the world below as one small<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_474" id="Page_474">474</a></span> darkened spot, when my Guide +interrupted the awful silence that had been preserved, by the +following exclamation: "Approach, O man, the place of thy +destination—compose thy perturbed spirits, and let all thy senses be +awakened to a proper understanding of the scene which thou art about +to behold." So saying, he moved along with an indescribable velocity; +and while my eyes were dazzled by an unusual effulgence of light, I +found myself at rest upon a solid seat—formed of crystal, of +prodigious magnitude.</p> + +<p>My guide then fixed himself at my right hand, and after a vehement +ejaculation, accompanied by gestures, which had the effect of +enchantment upon me, he extended a sceptre of massive gold, decorated +with emeralds and sapphires. Immediately there rose up a <span class="smcap">Mirror</span> of +gigantic dimensions, around which was inscribed, in fifty languages, +the word "<span class="smcap">Truth</span>." I sat in mute astonishment. "Examine," said my +Guide, with a voice the most encouraging imaginable, "examine the +objects reflected upon the surface of this mirror." "There are none +that are discernible to my eyes," I replied. "Thou shalt soon be +gratified then," resumed this extraordinary being (with a severe smile +upon his countenance), "but first let me purge thine eyes from those +films of prejudice which, in the world you inhabit, are apt to +intercept the light of <span class="smcap">Truth</span>." He then took a handful of aromatic +herbs, and, rubbing them gently upon my temples, gave me the power of +contemplating, with perfect discernment, the objects before me.</p> + +<p>Wonderful indeed was this scene: for upon the surface of the <span class="smcap">Mirror</span> +the whole world seemed to be reflected! At first, I could not controul +my feelings: but, like a child that springs forward to seize an object +greatly beyond its grasp, I made an effort to leave my seat, and to +<i>mingle</i> in the extraordinary scene. Here, however, my guide +interfered—and, in a manner the most peremptory and decisive, forbade +all further participation of it. "<i>View</i> it attentively," replied he,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_475" id="Page_475">475</a></span> +"and impress firmly on thy memory what thou shalt see—it may solace +thee the remainder of thy days."</p> + +<p>The authoritative air, with which these words were delivered, quite +repressed and unnerved me. I obeyed, and intently viewed the objects +before me. The first thing that surprised me was the representation of +all the metropolitan cities of Europe. London, Paris, Vienna, Berlin, +and Petersburg, in particular, occupied my attention; and, what was +still <i>more</i> surprising, I seemed to be perfect master of every event +going on in them—but more particularly of the transactions of <i>Bodies +Corporate</i>. I saw Presidents in their chairs, with Secretaries and +Treasurers by their sides; and to whatever observations were made the +most implicit attention was paid. Here, an eloquent Lecturer was +declaiming upon the beauty of morality, and the deformity of vice: +there, a scientific Professor was unlocking the hidden treasures of +nature, and explaining how Providence, in all its measures, was +equally wonderful and wise. The experiments which ensued, and which +corroborated his ingenious and profound remarks, suspended a +well-informed audience in rapturous attention; which was followed by +instinctive bursts of applause.</p> + +<p>Again I turned my eyes, and, contiguous to this scene, viewed the +proceedings of two learned sister Societies, distinguished for their +labours in <i>Philosophy</i> and <i>Antiquity</i>. Methought I saw the spirits +of <span class="smcap">Newton</span> and of <span class="smcap">Dugdale</span>, looking down with complacency upon them, and +congratulating each other upon the <i>general</i> progress of civilization +since they had ceased to mingle among men. "These institutions," +observed my Guide, "form the basis of rational knowledge, and are the +source of innumerable comforts: for the <i>many</i> are benefitted by the +researches and experiments of the <i>few</i>. It is easy to laugh at such +societies, but it is not quite so easy to remedy the inconveniences +which would be felt, if they were extinct. Nations become powerful in +proportion to their wisdom; it has uniformly been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_476" id="Page_476">476</a></span> found that where +philosophers lived, and learned men wrote, there the arts have +flourished, and heroism and patriotism have prevailed. True it is that +discrepancies will sometimes interrupt the harmony of public bodies. +But why is perfection to be expected, where every thing must +necessarily be imperfect? It is the duty of man to make the <i>nearest +approaches</i> to public and private happiness. And if, as with a sponge, +he wipe away such establishments, genius has little incentive to +exertion, and merit has still less hope of reward. Now cast your eyes +on a different scene."</p> + +<p>I obeyed, and, within the same city, saw a great number of Asylums and +Institutions for the ignorant and helpless. I saw youth instructed, +age protected, the afflicted comforted, and the diseased cured. My +emotions at this moment were wonderfully strong—they were perceived +by my guide, who immediately begged of me to consider the manner by +which <i>epidemic maladies</i> were prevented or alleviated, and especially +how <i>the most fatal of them</i> had been arrested in its progress. I +attentively examined the objects before me, and saw thousands of +smiling children and enraptured mothers walking confidently 'midst +plague and death! I saw them, happy in the protection which had been +afforded them by the most useful and most nutritious of animals! +"Enough," exclaimed my guide, "thou seest here the glorious result of +a philosophical mind, gifted with unabatable ardour of experiment. +Thou wilt acknowledge that, compared with the triumph which <span class="smcap">such a +mind</span> enjoys, the conquests of heroes are puerile, and the splendour of +monarchy is dim!" During this strain, I fancied I could perceive the +human being, alluded to by my guide, retire apart in conversation with +another distinguished friend of humanity, by those unwearied exertions +the condition of many thousand poor people had been meliorated.</p> + +<p>"There is yet," resumed my guide, "another scene equally interesting +as the preceding. From a pure morality flows a pure religion: look +therefore on those<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_477" id="Page_477">477</a></span> engaged in the services of <span class="smcap">Christianity</span>." I +looked, and saw a vast number of my fellow-creatures prostrate in +adoration before their Creator and Redeemer. I fancied I could hear +the last strains of their hallelujahs ascending to the spot whereon I +sat. "Observe," said my Protector, "all do not worship in the same +manner, because all assent not to the same creed; but the intention of +each may be pure: at least, common charity teaches us thus to think, +till some open act betray a malignity of principle. Toleration is the +vital spark of religion: arm the latter with the whips of persecution, +and you convert her into a fiend scattering terror and dismay! In your +own country you enjoy a liberty of sentiment beyond every other on the +face of the globe. Learn to be grateful for such an inestimable +happiness."</p> + +<p>These words had hardly escaped my guide, when I was irresistibly led +to look on another part of the Mirror where a kind of imperial +magnificence, combined with the severest discipline, prevailed. "You +are contemplating," resumed my preternatural Monitor, "one of the most +interesting scenes in Europe. See the effect of revolutionary +commotions! While you view the sable spirit of the last monarch of +France gliding along, at a distance, with an air of sorrow and +indignation; while you observe a long line of legitimate princes, +exiled from their native country, and dependant upon the contributions +of other powers; mark the wonderful, the unparalleled reverse of human +events! and acknowledge that the preservation of the finest specimens +of art, the acquisition of every thing which can administer to the +wants of luxury, or decorate the splendour of a throne—the +acclamations of hired multitudes or bribed senates—can reflect little +lustre on <span class="smcap">that character</span> which still revels in the frantic wish of +enslaving the world! It is true, you see yonder, Vienna, Petersburg, +Stockholm, and Berlin, bereft of their ancient splendour, and bowing, +as it were, at the feet of a despot—but had these latter countries +kept alive one spark of that patriotism which so much endears to us +the memories of Greece<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_478" id="Page_478">478</a></span> and Rome—had they not, in a great measure, +become disunited by factions, we might, even in these days, however +degenerate, have witnessed something like that national energy which +was displayed in the bay of Salamis, and on the plains of Marathon."</p> + +<p>My Guide perceiving me to be quite dejected during these remarks, +directed my attention to another part of the Mirror, which reflected +the transactions of the <i>Western</i> and <i>Eastern</i> world.</p> + +<p>At first, a kind of <i>mist</i> spread itself upon the glass, and prevented +me from distinguishing any object. This, however, gradually dissolved, +and was succeeded by a thick, black smoke, which involved every thing +in impenetrable obscurity. Just as I was about to turn to my guide, +and demand the explanation of these appearances, the smoke rolled +away, and instantaneously, there flashed forth a thousand bickering +flames. "What," cried I, "is the meaning of these objects?" "Check, +for one moment, your impatience, and your curiosity shall be +gratified," replied my guide. I then distinctly viewed thousands of +<i>Black Men</i>, who had been groaning under the rod of oppression, +starting up in all the transport of renovated life, and shouting aloud +"<span class="smcap">We are free</span>!" One tall commanding figure, who seemed to exercise the +rights of a chieftain among them, gathered many tribes around him, and +addressed them in the following few, but comprehensive, words: +"Countrymen, it has pleased the Great God above to make man +instrumental to the freedom of his fellow-creatures. While we lament +our past, let us be grateful for our present, state: and never let us +cease, each revolving year, to build an altar of stones to the memory, +of that <span class="smcap">great</span> and <span class="smcap">good man</span>, who hath principally been the means of our +<span class="smcap">freedom from slavery</span>. No: we will regularly perform this solemn act, +as long as there shall remain one pebble upon our shores."</p> + +<p>"Thus much," resumed my Guide, "for the dawning felicities of the +<i>western</i> world: but see how the <i>eastern</i> empires are yet ignorant +and unsettled!" I was about to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_479" id="Page_479">479</a></span> turn my eyes to Persia and India, to +China and Japan, when to my astonishment, the surface of the Mirror +became perfectly blackened, except in some few circular parts, which +were tinged with the colour of blood. "The future is a fearful sight," +said my Guide; "we are forbidden its contemplation, and can only +behold the gloomy appearances before us: they are ominous ones!"</p> + +<p>My mind, on which so many and such various objects had produced a +confused effect, was quite overpowered and distracted. I leaned upon +the arm of the chair, and, covering my face with my hands, became +absorbed in a thousand ideas, when a sudden burst of thunder made me +start from my seat—and, looking forward, I perceived that the <span class="smcap">Mirror</span>, +with all its magical illusions had vanished away! My preternatural +Guide then placed himself before me, but in an altered female form. A +hundred various coloured wings sprung from her arms, and her feet +seemed to be shod with sandals of rubies; around which numerous +cherubs entwined themselves. The perfume that arose from the flapping +of her wings was inexpressibly grateful; and the soft silvery voices +of these cherubic attendants had an effect truly enchanting.</p> + +<p>No language can adequately describe my sensations on viewing this +extraordinary change of object. I gazed with rapture upon my wonderful +Guide, whose countenance now beamed with benevolence and beauty. "Ah!" +exclaimed I, "this is a vision of happiness never to be realized! Thou +art a being that I am doomed never to meet with in the world below." +"Peace:" whispered an unknown voice; "injure not thy species by such a +remark: the object before thee is called by a name that is familiar to +thee—it is '<span class="smcap">Candour</span>.' She is the handmaid of Truth, the sister of +Virtue, and the priestess of Religion."</p> + +<p>I was about to make reply, when a figure of terrific mien, and +enormous dimensions, rushed angrily towards me, and, taking me up in +my crystal chair, bore me precipitately to the earth. In my struggles +to disengage<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_480" id="Page_480">480</a></span> myself, I awoke: and on looking about me, with +difficulty could persuade myself that I was an inhabitant of this +world. My sensations were, at first, confused and unpleasant; but a +reflection on the <span class="smcap">Mirror of Truth</span>, and its divine expositor, in a +moment tranquillized my feelings. And thus have I told you my dream.</p> + +<hr class="med" /> + +<p>Lysander had hardly concluded the recital of his dream—during which +it was impossible for us to think of quaffing coffee or devouring +muffins—when the servant entered with a note from Lorenzo:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"My dear Friend,</span></p> + +<p class="letter">"The morning is propitious. Hasten to <span class="smcap">the Alcove</span>. My sisters are +twining honey-suckles and jessamine round the portico, and I have +carried thither a respectable corps of bibliographical volumes, for +Lysander to consult, in case his memory should fail. All here invoke +the zephyrs to waft their best wishes to you.</p> + +<p class="right"><span style="margin-right: 2em;">"Truly your's,</span></p> + +<p class="right">"<span class="smcap">Lorenzo</span>."</p> +</div> + +<p>The note was no sooner read than we all, as if by instinct, started +up; and, finishing our breakfast as rapidly as did the Trojans when +they expected an early visit from the Grecians, we sallied towards +Lorenzo's house, and entered his pleasure grounds. Nothing could be +more congenial than every circumstance and object which presented +itself. The day was clear, calm, and warm; while a crisp autumnal air</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Nimbly and sweetly recommend itself<br /> +Unto our gentle senses.<a name="FNanchor_423_429" id="FNanchor_423_429"></a><a href="#Footnote_423_429" class="fnanchor">[423]</a><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><br /></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_423_429" id="Footnote_423_429"></a><a href="#FNanchor_423_429">[423]</a> <i>Macbeth</i>; Act <span class="smcap">i.</span>, Sc. <span class="smcap">vi.</span> Dr. Johnson has +happily observed, upon the above beautiful passage of +Shakespeare, that "<i>Gentle sense</i> is very elegant; as it +means <i>placid</i>, <i>calm</i>, <i>composed</i>; and intimates the +peaceable delight of a fine day." Shakespeare's Works; edit. +1803; vol x., p. 73. Alain Chartier, in the motto prefixed +to the Second part of this Bibliographical Romance, has +given us a yet more animated, and equally characteristic, +picture. Thomson's serene morning,</p> + +<p class="center">Unfolding fair the last autumnal day,</p> + +<p>is also very apposite; and reminds us of one of those soft +and aërial pictures of Claude Loraine, where a heaven-like +tranquillity and peace seem to prevail. Delightful +scenes!—we love to steal a short moment from a bustling +world, to gaze upon landscapes which appear to have been +copied from the paradise of our first parents. Delusive yet +fascinating objects of contemplation! You whisper sweet +repose, and heart-soothing delight! We turn back upon the +world; and the stunning noises of Virgil's Cyclops put all +this fair Elysium to flight.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">At a distance, the reapers were carrying away their last harvest load; +and numerous groups of gleaners picking<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_481" id="Page_481">481</a></span> up the grain which they had +spared, were marching homewards in all the glee of apparent happiness. +Immediately on our left, the cattle were grazing in a rich pasture +meadow; while, before us, the white pheasant darted across the walk, +and the stock-dove was heard to wail in the grove. We passed a row of +orange trees, glittering with golden fruit; and, turning sharply to +our right, discovered, on a gentle eminence, and skirted with a +profusion of shrubs and delicately shaped trees, the wished-for +<span class="smcap">Alcove</span>.</p> + +<p class="bp">We quickly descried Almansa busied in twining her favourite +honey-suckles round the portico; while within Belinda was sitting +soberly at work, as if waiting our arrival. The ladies saluted us as +we approached; and Lorenzo, who till now had been unperceived, came +quietly from the interior, with his favourite edition of +<i>Thomson</i><a name="FNanchor_424_430" id="FNanchor_424_430"></a><a href="#Footnote_424_430" class="fnanchor">[424]</a> in his hand.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_424_430" id="Footnote_424_430"></a><a href="#FNanchor_424_430">[424]</a> This must be a favourite edition with every +man of taste. It was printed by <span class="smcap">Bensley</span>, and published by <span class="smcap">Du +Roveray</span>, in the year 1802. The designs were by Hamilton, and +the engravings principally by Fittler. The copy which +Lorenzo had in his hand was upon <i>large paper</i>; and nothing +could exceed the lustre of the type and plates. The editions +of <i>Pope</i>, <i>Gray</i>, and <i>Milton</i>, by <span class="smcap">Du Roveray</span>, as well as +those of <i>The Spectator</i>, <i>Guardian</i>, <i>Tatler</i>, by Messrs. +<span class="smcap">Sharpe</span> and <span class="smcap">Hailes</span>, are among the most elegant, as well as +accurate, publications of our old popular writers.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">The Alcove at a distance, had the appearance of a rustic temple.<a name="FNanchor_425_431" id="FNanchor_425_431"></a><a href="#Footnote_425_431" class="fnanchor">[425]</a> +The form, though a little capricious,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_482" id="Page_482">482</a></span> was picturesque; and it stood +so completely embosomed in rich and variegated foliage, and commanded +so fine a swell of landscape, that the visitor must be cold indeed who +could approach it with the compass of Palladio in one hand, and the +square of Inigo Jones in the other. We entered and looked around us.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_425_431" id="Footnote_425_431"></a><a href="#FNanchor_425_431">[425]</a> Lorenzo was not unmindful that it had been +observed by Lipsius (<i>Syntag. de Bibliothecis</i>) and, after +him, by Thomasinus (<i>de Donar. et Tabell-votiv.</i> c. 3. p. +37.) that the ancients generally built their libraries near +to, or adjoining their <i>Temples</i>; "ut veram seram sedem +sacratorum ingenii fætuum loca sacra esse ostenderent:" +<span class="smcap">Bibliothecas</span> (inquit) procul abesse (sc. a <span class="smcap">Templis</span>) +noluerunt veteres, ut ex præclaris ingeniorum monumentis +dependens mortalium, gloria, in Deorum tutela esset. This I +gather from Spizolius's <i>Infelix Literatus</i>: p. 462.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">Those who have relished the mild beauties of Wynants' pictures would +be pleased with the view from the Alcove of Lorenzo. The country +before was varied, undulating, and the greater part, highly +cultivated. Some broad-spreading oaks here and there threw their +protecting arms round the humble saplings; and some aspiring elms +frequently reared their lofty heads, as land-marks across the county. +The copses skirted the higher grounds, and a fine park-wood covered +the middle part of the landscape in one broad umbrageous tone of +colouring. It was not the close rusticity of Hobbima—or the +expansive, and sometimes complicated, scenery of Berghem—or the +heat-oppressive and magnificent views of Both—that we contemplated; +but, as has been before observed, the mild and gentle scenery of +Wynants; and if a cascade or dimpling brook had been near us, I could +have called to my aid the transparent pencil of Rysdael, in order to +impress upon the reader a proper notion of the scenery. But it is high +time to make mention of the conversation which ensued among the +tenants of this Alcove.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> I am heartily glad we are met under such propitious +circumstances. What a glorious day!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Alman.</span> Have you recovered, Sir, the immense fatigue you must have +sustained from the exertions of yesterday? My brother has no mercy +upon a thoroughly-versed book guest!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> I am indeed quite hearty: yet, if any thing heavy and +indigested hung about me, would not the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_483" id="Page_483">483</a></span> contemplation of such a +landscape, and such a day, restore every thing to its wonted ardour?! +You cannot conceive how such a scene affects me: even to shedding +tears of pleasure—from the reflections to which it gives rise.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Belin.</span> How strangely and how cruelly has the character of a +bibliographer been aspersed! Last night you convinced me of the ardour +of your enthusiasm, and of the eloquence of your expression, in regard +to your favourite subject of discussion!—but, this morning, I find +that you can talk in an equally impassioned manner respecting garden +and woodland scenery?</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Yes, Madam: and if I possessed such a domain as does your +brother, I think I could even improve it a little—especially the +interior of the Alcove! I don't know that I could attach to the house +a more appropriate library than he has done; even if I adopted the +octagonal form of the <i>Hafod Library</i>;<a name="FNanchor_426_432" id="FNanchor_426_432"></a><a href="#Footnote_426_432" class="fnanchor">[426]</a> which, considered with +reference to its local situation, is, I think, almost unequalled:—but +it strikes me that the interior of this Alcove might be somewhat +improved.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_426_432" id="Footnote_426_432"></a><a href="#FNanchor_426_432">[426]</a> Hafod, in Cardiganshire, South Wales, is the +residence of <span class="smcap">Thomas Johnes</span>, Esq., M.P., and Lord Lieutenant +of the county. Mr. Malkin, in his <i>Scenery, Antiquities, and +Biography, of South Wales</i>, 1804, 4to., and Dr. Smith, in +his <i>Tour to Hafod</i>, 1810, folio, have made us pretty well +acquainted with the local scenery of Hafod:—yet can any pen +or pencil do this</p> + +<p class="center">—Paradise, open'd in the wild,</p> + +<p>perfect justice! I have seen Mr. Stothard's numerous little +sketches of the pleasure-grounds and surrounding country, +which are at once faithful and picturesque. But what were +this "Paridise" of rocks, waterfalls, streams, woods, +copses, dells, grottos, and mountains, without the +hospitable spirit of the owner—which seems to preside in, +and to animate, every summer-house and alcove. The +book-loving world is well acquainted with the <i>Chronicles of +Froissart</i>, <i>Joinville</i>, <i>De Brocquiere</i>, and <i>Monstrelet</i>, +which have issued from the <span class="smcap">Hafod Press</span>; and have long +deplored the loss, from fire, which their author, Mr. +Johnes, experienced in the demolition of the greater part of +his house and library. The former has been rebuilt, and the +latter replenished: yet no Phœnix spirit can revivify the +ashes of those volumes which contained the romances notified +by the renowned Don Quixote! But I am rambling too wildly +among the Hafod rocks—I hasten, therefore to return and +take the reader with me into the interior of Mr. Johnes's +largest library, which is terminated by a Conservatory of +upwards of 150 feet. As the ancient little books for +children [hight <i>Lac Puerorum</i>!] used to express it—"Look, +here it is." +</p> + +<p class="centertp"> +<img src="images/johneslibrary.png" width="393" height="500" alt="Johnes library" title="Johnes library" /> +</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> What defects do you discover here, Lysander?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> They are rather omissions to be supplied<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_484" id="Page_484">484</a></span> than errors to be +corrected. You have warmed the interior by a Grecian-shaped stove, and +you do right; but I think a few small busts in yonder recesses would +not be out of character. Milton, Shakespeare, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_485" id="Page_485">485</a></span> Locke, would +produce a sort of inspiration which might accord with that degree of +feeling excited by the contemplation of these external objects.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> You are right. 'Ere you revisit this spot, those inspiring +gentlemen shall surround me.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Belin.</span> And pray add to them the busts of Thomson and Cowper: for these +latter, in my opinion, are our best poets in the description of rural +life. You remember what Cowper says—</p> + +<p class="center">God made the country, and Man made the town?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Alman.</span> This may be very well—but we forget the purpose for which we +are convened.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> True: so I entreat you, Master Lysander, to open—not the +debate—but the discussion.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> You wish to know what are the <span class="smcap">symptoms of the +bibliomania</span>?—what are the badges or livery marks, in a library, of +the owner of the collection being a bibliomaniac?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Alman.</span> Even so. My question, yesterday evening, was—if I remember +well—whether a <i>mere collector</i> of books was necessarily a +bibliomaniac?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Yes: and to which—if I also recollect rightly—I replied that +the symptoms of the disease, and the character of a bibliomaniac, were +discoverable in the very books themselves!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> How is this?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Alman & Belin.</span> Do pray let us hear.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> At the outset, I entreat you, Lysander, not to overcharge the +colouring of your picture. Respect the character of your auditors; +and, above all things, have mercy upon the phlogistic imagination of +Lisardo!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> I will endeavour to discharge the important office of a +bibliomaniacal Mentor, or, perhaps, Æsculapius, to the utmost of my +power: and at all events, with the best possible intentions.</p> + +<p class="bp">Before we touch upon the <i>Symptoms</i>, it may be as well to say a few +words respecting the <i>General Character</i> of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_486" id="Page_486">486</a></span> the <span class="smcap">Book Disease</span>. The +ingenious Peignot<a name="FNanchor_427_433" id="FNanchor_427_433"></a><a href="#Footnote_427_433" class="fnanchor">[427]</a> defines the bibliomania to be "a passion for +possessing books; not so much to be instructed by them, as to gratify +the eye by looking on them." This subject has amused the pens of +foreigners; although we have had nothing in our own language, written +expressly upon it, 'till the ingenious and elegantly-composed poem of +Dr. Ferriar appeared; after which, as you well know, our friend put +forth his whimsical brochure.<a name="FNanchor_428_434" id="FNanchor_428_434"></a><a href="#Footnote_428_434" class="fnanchor">[428]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_427_433" id="Footnote_427_433"></a><a href="#FNanchor_427_433">[427]</a> "<span class="smcap">La</span> +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: BIBLIOMANIE"><span class="smcap">Birliomanie</span></span> +est la fureur de posséder des livres, non pas +tant pour s'instruire, que pour les avoir et pour en +repaître sa vue. Le bibliomane ne connait ordinairement les +livres que par leur titre, leur frontispice, et leur date; +il s'attache aux bonnes editiones et les poursuit à quelque +titre que ce soit; la relieure le seduit aussi, soit par son +ancienneté, soit par sa beauté," &c. <i>Dictionnaire de +Bibliologie</i>. vol. i. p. 51. This is sufficiently severe: +see also the extracts from the <i>Memoires de l'Institut</i>: +<a href="#Page_25">p. 25</a>, ante. The more ancient foreign writers have not scrupled +to call the <span class="smcap">bibliomania</span> by every caustic and merciless +terms: thus speaks the hard-hearted Geyler: "Tertia nola +est, multos libros coacervare propter animi voluptatem +curiosam. Fastidientis stomachi est multa degustare, ait +Seneca. Isti per multos libros vagant legentes assidue: +nimirum similles fatuis illis, qui in urbe cicumeunt domos +singulas, et earum picturas dissutis malis contuentur: +sicque curiositate trahuntur, &c. Contenti in hâc animi +voluptate, quam pascunt per volumina varia devagando et +liguriendo. Itaque gaudent hic de larga librorum copia, +operosa utique sed delectabilis sarcina, et animi jucunda +distractio: imo est hæc ingens librorum copia ingens simul +et laboris copia, et quietis inopia—huc illucque circum +agendum ingenium: his atque illis pregravanda +memoria."—<i>Navicula sive Sæculum Fatuorum</i>, 1511, 4to. sign +B. iiij rev. Thus speaks Sebastian Brandt upon the subject, +through the medium of our old translation:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Styll am I besy bokes assemblynge<br /> +For to have plenty it is a pleasaunte thynge<br /> +In my conceyt, and to have them ay in honde;<br /> +But what they mene do I nat understonde.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;"><i>Shyp of Folys</i>: see <a href="#Page_206">p. 206</a>, ante.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>There is a short, but smart and interesting, article on this +head in Mr. D'Israeli's <i>Curiosities of Literature</i>: vol. i. +10. "Bruyere has touched on this mania with humour; of such +a collector (one who is fond of superb bindings only), says +he, as soon as I enter his house, I am ready to faint on the +stair-case from a strong smell of Russia and Morocco +leather. In vain he shews me fine editions, gold leaves, +Etruscan bindings, &c.—naming them one after another, as if +he were shewing a gallery of pictures!" Lucian has composed +a biting invective against an ignorant possessor of a vast +library. "One who opens his eyes with an hideous stare at an +old book; and after turning over the pages, chiefly admires +<i>the date</i> of its publication." But all this, it may be +said, is only general declamation, and means nothing!</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_428_434" id="Footnote_428_434"></a><a href="#FNanchor_428_434">[428]</a> The first work, I believe, written expressly +upon the subject above discussed was a French publication, +entitled <i>La Bibliomanie</i>. Of the earliest edition I am +uninformed; but one was published at the Hague in 1762, 8vo. +Dr. Ferriar's poem upon the subject, being an epistle to +Richard Heber, Esq.—and which is rightly called by Lysander +'ingenious and elegant'—was published in 1809, 4to.: pp. +14: but not before an equally ingenious, and greatly more +interesting, performance, by the same able pen, had appeared +in the Trans. of the Manchester Literary Society, vol. iv., +p. 45-87—entitled <i>Comments upon Sterne</i>; which may be +fairly classed among the species of bibliomaniacal +composition; inasmuch as it shews the author to be well read +in old books; and, of these, in Burton's Anatomy of +Melancholy in particular. Look for half a minute at <a href="#Page_286">p. 286</a>, +ante. In the same year of Dr. Ferriar's publication of the +Bibliomania, appeared the <i>Voyage autour de ma bibliothèque +Roman Bibliographique</i>: by Ant. Caillot; in three small +duodecimo volumes. There is little ingenuity and less +knowledge in these meagre volumes. My own superficial work, +entitled, <i>Bibliomania</i>, or <i>Book-Madness: containing some +account of the History, Symptoms and Cure of this fatal +Disease; in an epistle addressed to Richard Heber, Esq.</i>, +quickly followed Dr. Ferriar's publication. It contained 82 +pages, with a tolerably copious sprinkling of notes: but it +had many errors and omissions, which it has been my +endeavour to correct and supply in the present new edition, +or rather newly-constructed work. Vide preface. Early in the +ensuing year (namely, in 1810) appeared <i>Bibliosophia, or +Book-Wisdom: containing some account of the Pride, Pleasure, +and Privileges of that glorious Vocation, Book-Collecting. +By an Aspirant. Also, The Twelve Labours of an Editor, +separately pitted against those of Hercules</i>, 12mo. This is +a good-humoured and tersely written composition: being a +sort of Commentary upon my own performance. In the ensuing +pages will be found some amusing poetical extracts from it. +And thus take we leave of <span class="smcap">Publications upon the +Bibliomania</span>!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_487" id="Page_487">487</a></span>Whether Peignot's definition be just or not, I will not stop to +determine: but when I have described to you the various symptoms, you +will be better able to judge of its propriety.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Describe them <i>seriatim</i>, as we were observing yesterday.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> I will; but let me put them in battle array, and select them +according to their appearances. There is, first, a passion for <i>Large +Paper Copies</i>; secondly, for <i>Uncut Copies</i>; thirdly, for <i>Illustrated +Copies</i>; fourthly, for <i>Unique Copies</i>; fifthly, for <i>Copies printed +upon Vellum</i>; sixthly, for <i>First Editions</i>; seventhly, for <i>True +Editions</i>; and eighthly, for <i>Books printed in the Black-Letter</i>.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Belin.</span> I have put these symptoms down in my pocket-book; and shall +proceed to catechise you according to your own method. First, +therefore, what is meant by <span class="smcap">Large Paper Copies</span>?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_488" id="Page_488">488</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> A certain set, or limited number of the work, is printed upon +paper of a <i>larger dimension, and superior quality</i>, than the ordinary +copies. The press-work and ink are, always, proportionably better in +these copies: and the price of them is enhanced according to their +beauty and rarity.</p> + +<p><i>This Symptom</i> of the Bibliomania is, at the present day, both general +and violent. Indeed, there is a set of collectors, the shelves of +whose libraries are always made proportionably stout, and placed at a +due distance from each other, in order that they may not break down +beneath the weight of such ponderous volumes.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Belin.</span> Can these things be?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> Yes; but you should draw a distinction, and not confound the +<span class="smcap">Grolliers</span>, De Thous, and Colberts of modern times, with "a set of +collectors," as you call them, who are equally without taste and +knowledge.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> We have heard of De Thou and Colbert, but who is <span class="smcap">Grollier</span>?<a name="FNanchor_429_435" id="FNanchor_429_435"></a><a href="#Footnote_429_435" class="fnanchor">[429]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_429_435" id="Footnote_429_435"></a><a href="#FNanchor_429_435">[429]</a> The reader may be better pleased with the +ensuing soberly-written account of this great man than with +Philemon's rapturous eulogy. <span class="smcap">John Grollier</span> was born at +Lyons, in 1479; and very early displayed a propensity +towards those elegant and solid pursuits which afterwards +secured to him the admiration and esteem of his +contemporaries. His address was easy, his manners were +frank, yet polished; his demeanour was engaging, and his +liberality knew no bounds. As he advanced in years, he +advanced in reputation; enjoying a princely fortune, the +result, in some measure, of a faithful and honourable +discharge of the important diplomatic situations which he +filled. He was Grand Treasurer to Francis I., and was sent +by that monarch as ambassador to Pope Clement VII. During +his abode at Rome, he did not fail to gratify his favourite +passion of <span class="smcap">book-collecting</span>; and employed the Alduses to +print for him an edition of Terence in 8vo., 1521: of which +a copy <i>upon vellum</i>, was in the Imperial library at Vienna; +See <i>L'Imp. des Alde</i>; vol. <span class="smcap">i.</span>, 159. He also caused to be +published, by the same printers, an edition of his friend +Budæus's work, <i>De Asse et partibus ejus</i>, 1522, 4to.; +which, as well as the Terence, is dedicated to himself, and +of which the presentation copy, <i>upon vellum</i>, is now in the +Library of Count M'Carthy, at Toulouse: it having been +formerly in the Soubise collection: vide <a href="#Page_96">p. 96</a>, ante—and +n<span class="super">o</span>. 8010 of the <i>Bibl. Soubise</i>. It was during Grollier's +stay at Rome, that the anecdote, related by Egnatio, took +place. 'I dined (says the latter) along with Aldus, his son, +Manutius, and other learned men, at Grollier's table. After +dinner, and just as the dessert had been placed on the +table, our host presented each of his guests with a pair of +gloves filled with ducats.' But no man had a higher opinion +of Grollier, or had reason to express himself in more +grateful terms of him, than De Thou. This illustrious author +speaks of him as "a man of equal elegance of manners, and +spotlessness of character. His books seemed to be the +counterpart of himself, for neatness and splendour; not +being inferior to the glory attributed to the library of +Asinius Pollio, the first who made a collection of books at +Rome. It is surprising, notwithstanding the number of +presents which he made to his friends, and the accidents +which followed on the dispersion of his library, how many of +his volumes yet adorn the most distinguished libraries of +Paris, whose chief boast consists in having an <i>Exemplar +Grollerianum</i>!" The fact was Grollier returned to Paris with +an immense fortune. During his travels he had secured, from +Basil, Venice, and Rome, the most precious copies of books +which could be purchased: and which he took care to have +bound in a singular manner, indicative at once of his +generosity and taste. The title of the book was marked in +gilt letters upon one side, and the words—of which the +annexed wood-cut is a fac-simile—upon the other; surrounded +with similar ornaments to the extremities of the sides, +whether in folio or duodecimo. +</p> + +<p class="centertp"> +<img src="images/grollierbinding.png" width="507" height="500" alt="Grollier binding" title="Grollier binding" /> +</p> + +<p class="center"> +PORTIO MEA DO<br /> +MINE SIT IN<br /> +TERRA VI<br /> +VENTI<br /> +VM.<br /> +</p> + +<p class="centerbp">Beneath the title of the book: '<span class="smcap">Io: Grollerii</span> et <span class="smcap">Amicorum</span>.' +</p> + +<p>This extraordinary man, whom France may consider the first +Bibliomaniac of the sixteenth century, died at Paris in the +year 1565, and in the 86th of his age. Let us close this +account of him with an extract from Marville's <i>Melanges +d'Histoire et de Litérature</i>; "La Bibliothèque de M. +Grollier s'est conservée dans l'Hôtel de Vic jusqu'à ces +annêes dernieres qu'elle a été venduë à l'encan. Elle +meritoit bien, étant une des premieres et des plus +accomplies qu'aucun particulier se soit avisé de faire à +Paris, de trouver, comme celle de M. de Thou, un acheteur +qui en conservât le lustre. La plûpart des curieux de Paris +ont profité de ses débris. J'en ai eu à ma part quelques +volumes à qui rien ne manque: ni pour la bonté des editions +de ce tems là, ni pour la beauté du papier et la propreté de +la relieure. Il semble, à les voir, que les Muses qui ont +contribué à la composition du dedans, se soient aussi +appliquées à les approprier au dehors, tant il paroît d'art +et d'esprit dans leurs ornemens. Ils sont tous dorez avec +une delicatesse inconnuë aux doreurs d'aujourd'hui. Les +compartemens sont pients de diverses couleurs, parfaitemente +bien dessinez, et tous de differentes figures, &c.:" vol. +<span class="smcap">i.</span>, p. 187, edit. 1725. Then follows a description, of which +the reader has just had ocular demonstration. After such an +account, what bibliomaniac can enjoy perfect tranquillity of +mind unless he possess a <i>Grollier copy</i> of some work or +other? My own, from which the preceding fac-simile was +taken, is a folio edition (1531) of <i>Rhenanus, de rebus +Germanicis</i>; in the finest preservation.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_489" id="Page_489">489</a></span><span class="smcap">Phil</span>. Lysander will best observe upon him.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand</span>. Nay; his character cannot be in better hands.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_490" id="Page_490">490</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil</span>. Grollier was both the friend and the treasurer of Francis the +First; the bosom companion of De Thou, and a patron of the Aldine +family. He had learning, industry, and inflexible integrity. His +notions of <i>Virtû</i> were vast, but not wild. There was a magnificence +about every thing which he did or projected; and his liberality was +without bounds. He was the unrivalled Mecænas of book-lovers and +scholars; and a more insatiable bibliomaniacal appetite was never, +perhaps, possessed by any of <i>his</i> class of character.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis</span>. I thank you for this <i>Grollieriana</i>. Proceed, Lysander with your +large paper copies.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Alman</span>. But first tell us—why are these copies so much coveted? Do +they contain more than the ordinary ones?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand</span>. Not in the least. Sometimes, however, an extra embellishment +is thrown into the volume—but this, again, belongs to the fourth +class of symptoms, called <i>Unique Copies</i>—and I must keep strictly to +order; otherwise I shall make sad confusion.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Belin</span>. Keep to your large paper, exclusively.<a name="FNanchor_430_436" id="FNanchor_430_436"></a><a href="#Footnote_430_436" class="fnanchor">[430]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_430_436" id="Footnote_430_436"></a><a href="#FNanchor_430_436">[430]</a> Let us first hear Dr. Ferriar's smooth +numbers upon this tremendous symptom of the Bibliomania:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +But devious oft, from ev'ry classic Muse,<br /> +The keen collector meaner paths will choose:<br /> +And first the <span class="smcap">Margin's breadth</span> his soul employs,<br /> +Pure, snowy, broad, the type of nobler joys.<br /> +In vain might Homer roll the tide of song,<br /> +Or Horace smile, or Tully charm the throng;<br /> +If crost by Pallas' ire, the trenchant blade<br /> +Or too oblique, or near, the edge invade,<br /> +The Bibliomane exclaims, with haggard eye,<br /> +'<span class="smcap">No Margin</span>!'—turns in haste, and scorns to buy.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 9em;"><i>The Bibliomania</i>; v. 34-43.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Next come the rivals strains of 'An Aspirant.'</p> + +<p class="center">FIRST MAXIM.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Who slaves the monkish folio through,<br /> +With lore or science in his view,<br /> +<i>Him</i> ... visions black, or devils blue,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Shall haunt at his expiring taper;—</span><br /> +Yet, 'tis a weakness of the wise,<br /> +To chuse the volume by the size,<br /> +And riot in the pond'rous prize—<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Dear Copies—<i>printed on</i> <span class="smcap">Large Paper</span>!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 9.5em;"><i>Bibliosophia</i>; p. <span class="smcap">iv.</span></span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>After these saucy attacks, can I venture upon discoursing, +in a sober note-like strain—upon those large and +magnificent volumes concerning which Lysander, above, pours +forth such a torrent of eloquence? Yes—gentle reader—I +will even venture!—and will lay a silver penny to boot (See +Peacham's '<i>Worth of a Penny</i>'—) that neither Dr. Ferriar +nor the 'Aspirant' could withhold their ejaculations of +rapture upon seeing any one of the following volumes walk +majestically into their libraries. Mark well, therefore, a +few scarce +</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Works printed upon Large Paper</span>.</p> + +<p><i>Lord Bacon's Essays</i>; 1798, 8vo. There were only six copies +of this edition struck off upon royal folio paper: one copy +is in the Cracherode collection, in the British Museum; and +another is in the library of Earl Spencer. Mr. Leigh, the +book-auctioneer, a long time ago observed that, if ever one +of these copies were to be sold at an auction, it would +probably bring -00<i>l.</i>—! I will not insert the <i>first</i> +figure; but <i>two noughts</i> followed it.——<i>Twenty Plays of +Shakspeare from the old quarto editions</i>; 1766, 8vo., 6 +vols. Only twelve copies printed upon large paper. See +<i>Bibl. Steevens</i>: n<span class="super">o</span>. 1312; and <a href="#Page_581">p. 581</a>, +ante.——<i>Dodsley's Collection of Old Plays</i>; 1780, 8vo., 12 +vols. Only six copies struck off upon large paper. Bibl. +Woodhouse, n<span class="super">o</span>. 698.——<i>The Grenville Homer</i>; 1800, 4to., +4 vols. Fifty copies of this magnificent work are said to +have been printed upon large paper; which have +embellishments of plates. Mr. Dent possesses the copy which +was Professor Porson's, and which was bought at the sale of +the Professor's library, in boards, for 87<i>l.</i>, see <a href="#Page_459">p. 459</a>, +ante. Seven years ago I saw a sumptuous copy in morocco, +knocked down for 99<i>l.</i> 15<i>s.</i>——<i>Mathæi Paris, Monachi +Albanenses, &c.; Historia Major; a Wats</i>; Lond. 1640; folio. +This is a rare and magnificent work upon large paper; and is +usually bound in two volumes.——<i>Historiæ Anglicanæ +Scriptores X; a Twysden</i>; 1652, folio. Of equal rarity and +magnificence are copies of this inestimable +production.——<i>Rerum Anglicarum Scriptores Veteres, a +Gale</i>; 1684, 91; folio, 3 volumes. There were but few copies +of this, now generally coveted, work printed upon large +paper. The difference between the small and the large, for +amplitude of margin and lustre of ink, is +inconceivable.——<i>Historiæ Anglicanæ Scriptores Varii, a +Sparke</i>; Lond. 1723, folio. The preface to this work shews +that there are copies of it, like those of Dr. Clarke's +edition of Cæsar's Commentaries, upon paper of three +different sizes. The 'charta maxima' is worthy of a +conspicuous place upon the collector's shelf; though in any +shape the book has a creditable aspect.——<i>Recueil des +Historiens des Gaules, &c., par Boucquet</i>; 1738, 1786; +folio, 13 vols. It is hardly possible for the eye to gaze +upon a more intrinsically valuable work, or a finer set of +volumes, than are these, as now exhibited in Mr. Evans's +shop, and bound in fine old red morocco by the best binders +of France. They were once in my possession; but the 'res +angusta domi' compelled me to part with them, and to seek +for a copy not so tall by head and shoulders. Since the year +1786, two additional volumes have been published. +</p> + +<p class="center">We will now discourse somewhat of English books.</p> + +<p><i>Scott's Discoverie of Whitcraft</i>; 1584, 4to. Of this work, +which has recently become popular from Mr. Douce's frequent +mention of it (Illustrations of Shakspeare, &c., 1806, 2 +vols., 8vo.), my friend, Mr. Utterson, possesses a very +beautiful copy upon large paper. It is rarely one meets with +books printed in this country, before the year 1600, struck +off in such a manner. This copy, which is secured from +'winter and rough weather' by a stout coat of +skilfully-tool'd morocco, is probably unique.——<i>Weever's +Funeral Monuments</i>; 1631, folio. Mr. Samuel Lysons informs +me that he has a copy of this work upon large paper. I never +saw, or heard of, another similar one.——<i>Sanford's +Genealogical History</i>; 1707, folio. At the sale of Baron +Smyth's books, in 1809, Messrs. J. and A. Arch purchased a +copy of this work upon large paper for 46<i>l.</i> A monstrous +price! A similar copy is in the library of Mr. Grenville, +which was obtained from Mr. Evans of Pall-Mall. The curious +should purchase the anterior edition (of 1677) for the sake +of better impressions of the plates; which, however, in any +condition, are neither tasteful nor well engraved. What is +called '<i>a good Hollar</i>' would weigh down the whole set of +them!——<i>Strype's Ecclesiastical Memorials</i>; 1721, <i>Folio</i>, +3 vols.——<i>Annals of the Reformation</i>; 1725, <i>Folio</i>, 4 +vols. Happy the collector who can regale himself by viewing +large paper copies of these inestimable works! In any shape +or condition, they are now rare. The latter is the scarcer +of the two; and upon large paper brings, what the French +bibliographers call, 'un prix enorme.' There is one of this +kind in the beautiful library of Mr. Thomas +Grenville.——<i>Hearne's Works</i>—'till Mr. Bagster issued his +first reprints of Robert of Gloucester and Peter Langtoft, +upon paper of three different sizes—(of which the largest, +in quarto, has hardly been equalled in modern +printing)—used to bring extravagant sums at book-auctions. +At a late sale in Pall-Mall, <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: where">were</span> +the books in general were sold at extraordinary +prices, the large paper Hearnes absolutely 'hung fire'—as +the sportsman's phrase is.——<i>Hudibras, with Dr. Grey's +Annotations, and Hogarth's cuts</i>; 1744, 2 vols. There were +but twelve copies of this first and best edition of Dr. +Grey's labours upon Hudibras (which Warburton strangely +abuses—) printed upon large paper: and a noble book it is +in this form!——<i>Milner's History of Winchester</i>; 1798, +4to., 2 vols. Of this edition there were, I believe, either +twelve or twenty-four copies printed upon large paper; which +brings serious sums in the present general rage for books of +this description.——<i>Kennet's (Bp.) Parochial Antiquities; +Oxford</i>, 1695, 4to. The only known copy of this work upon +large paper is in the fine library of Sir Richard Colt +Hoare, Bart. This copy was probably in the collection of +'that well-known collector, Joseph Browne, Esq., of Shepton +Mallet, Somersetshire:' as a similar one 'in Russia, gilt +leaves,' was sold in Pt. II. of his collection, n<span class="super">o</span>. 279, +for 7<i>l.</i> 17<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> and purchased in the name of +Thornton.——<i>The Chronicles of Froissart and Monstrelet</i>: +translated by Thomas Johnes, Esq. Hafod, 1803, 1810, quarto, +9 vols.: including a volume of plates to Monstrelet. Of +these beautiful and intrinsically valuable works, there were +only 25 copies struck off upon folio; which bring tremendous +prices.——<i>History of the Town of Cheltenham, and its +Environs</i>; 1802, 8vo. There were a few copies of this +superficial work printed upon large paper in royal octavo, +and a <i>unique</i> copy upon paper of a quarto size; which +latter is in the possession of my friend Mr. Thomas Pruen, +of the same place. A part of this volume was written by +myself; according to instructions which I received to make +it 'light and pleasant.' An author, like a barrister, is +bound in most cases to follow his instructions! As I have +thus awkwardly introduced myself, I may be permitted to +observe, at the foot of this note, that all the <span class="smcap">large paper</span> +copies of my own humble lucubrations have been attended with +an unexpectedly successful sale. Of the <i>Introduction to the +Classics</i>, edit. 1804, 8vo., there were fifty copies, with +extra plates, struck off in royal octavo, and published at +2<i>l.</i> 2<i>s.</i>: these now sell for 5<i>l.</i> 5<i>s.</i>: the portrait of +<i>Bishop Fell</i> making them snapped at, with a perch-like +spirit, by all true Grangerites. Of the <i>Typographical +Antiquities</i> of our own country there were 66 printed in a +superb style, upon imperial paper, in 4to.; these were +published at 6<i>l.</i> 6<i>s.</i> a copy. The following anecdote +shews how they are 'looking up'—as the book-market phrase +is. My friend —— parted with his copy; but finding that his +slumbers were broken, and his dreams frightful, in +consequence, he sought to regain possession of it; and +cheerfully gave 10<i>l.</i> 10<i>s.</i>! for what, but a few months +before, he had possessed for little more than one half the +sum! The same friend subscribes for a <i>large paper</i> of the +<i>present work</i>, of which there are only eighteen copies +printed: and of which my hard-hearted printer and myself +seize each upon a copy. Will the same friend display equal +fickleness in regard to <span class="smcap">this</span> volume? If he does, he must +smart acutely for it: nor will 15<i>l.</i> 15<i>s.</i> redeem it! It +is justly observed, in the first edition of this work, that, +'analogous to large paper, are <span class="smcap">tall</span> copies: that is, copies +of the work published on the ordinary size paper, and barely +cut down by the binder,' p. 45. To <i>dwarfise</i> a volume is a +'grievous fault' on the part of any binder; but more +particularly is it an unpardonable one on the part of him +who has had a long intercourse with professed bibliomaniacs! +To a person who knows anything of typographical arrangement, +the distinction between <i>tall</i> and <i>large paper</i> copies is +sufficiently obvious. For this reason, I am quite decided +that the supposed large paper copy of <i>Scapula's Lexicon</i>, +possessed by Mr. ——, of Caversham, near Reading, is only a +<i>tall</i> copy of the work, as usually printed: nor is this +copy more stately than another which I have seen. The owner +of the volume will suppress all feelings which he may +entertain against my heretical opinions (as I fear he will +call them), when he considers that he may dispose of his +Scapula for a sum three times beyond what he gave for it. +Let him put it by the side of his neighbour Dr. Valpy's +numerous large paper copies of the old folio classics, and +he will in a moment be convinced of the accuracy of the +foregoing remark. <span class="smcap">Fine paper</span> copies of a work should be here +noticed; as they are sought after with avidity. The most +beautiful work of this kind which I ever saw, was <i>Rapin's +History of England, in nine folio volumes, bound in red +morocco, and illustrated with Houbraken's</i> Heads; which Sir +M.M. Sykes recently purchased of Mr. Evans, the +bookseller,—for a comparatively moderate sum. A similar +copy (exclusively of the illustrations) of Rapin's History +of England, which was once in the library of the Royal +Institution, was burnt in the fire that destroyed +Covent-Garden Theatre; it having been sent to Mr. Mackinlay, +the book-binder, who lived near the Theatre.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_491" id="Page_491">491</a></span><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> I have little to add to what has been already said of this +symptom. That a volume, so published, has a more pleasing aspect, +cannot be denied. It is the oak,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_492" id="Page_492">492</a></span> in its full growth, compared with +the same tree in its sapling state: or, if you please, it is the same +picture a little more brilliant in its colouring, and put into a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_493" id="Page_493">493</a></span> +handsomer frame. My friend <span class="smcap">Marcus</span> is a very dragon in this department +of book-collecting: nothing being too formidable for his attack. Let +the volume assume<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_494" id="Page_494">494</a></span> what shape it may, and let the price be ever so +unconscionable—he hesitates not to become a purchaser. In +consequence, exclusively of all the <i>Dugdales</i> and <i>Montfaucons</i>, upon +large paper, and in the finest bindings, he possesses the <i>Grand Folio +Classics</i>, the <i>Benedictine Editions of the Fathers</i>, the <i>County +Histories</i>, and all works, of a recent date, upon <i>History</i> and the +<i>Belles Lettres</i>. In short, nothing can be more magnificent than the +interior of his library; as nothing but giants, arrayed in the most +splendid attire, are seen to keep guard from one extremity of the room +to the other.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis</span>. Who is this Marcus? I'll rival him in due time!—But proceed.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Belin</span>. Thus much, I presume, for the first symptom of the Bibliomania. +Now pray, Sir, inform us what is meant by that strange term, <span class="smcap">Uncut +Copies</span>?</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand</span>. Of all the symptoms of the Bibliomania,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_495" id="Page_495">495</a></span> this is probably the +most extraordinary.<a name="FNanchor_431_437" id="FNanchor_431_437"></a><a href="#Footnote_431_437" class="fnanchor">[431]</a> It may be defined a passion to possess books +of which the edges have never been sheared by the binder's tools. And +here I find myself walking upon doubtful ground:—your friend [turning +towards me] Atticus's <i>uncut Hearnes</i> rise up in "rough majesty" +before me, and almost "push me from my stool." Indeed, when I look +around in your book-lined tub, I cannot but acknowledge that this +symptom of the disorder has reached your own threshold; but when it is +known that a few of your bibliographical books are left with the edges +uncut <i>merely to please your friends</i> (as one must sometimes study +their tastes as well as one's own), I trust that no very serious +conclusions will be drawn about the fatality of your own case.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_431_437" id="Footnote_431_437"></a><a href="#FNanchor_431_437">[431]</a> As before, let us borrow the strains of 'An +Aspirant:'</p> + +<p class="center">SECOND MAXIM.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Who, with fantastic pruning-hook,<br /> +Dresses the borders of his book,<br /> +Merely to ornament its look—<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Amongst philosophers a fop is:</span><br /> +What if, perchance, he thence discover<br /> +Facilities in turning over?<br /> +The Virtuoso is a Lover<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Of coyer charms in "<span class="smcap">Uncut Copies</span>."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 8em;"><i>Bibliosophia</i>; p. v.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>I have very little to add in illustration of Lysander's +well-pointed sarcasms relating to this <i>second symptom of</i> +<span class="smcap">Book-Madness</span>. I think I once heard of an uncut <i>Cranmer's +Bible</i>; but have actually seen a similar conditioned copy of +<i>Purchas's Pilgrimes and Pilgrimage</i>, which is now in the +beautiful library of the Honourable T. Grenville.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">As to uncut copies, although their inconvenience [an uncut Lexicon to +wit!] and deformity must be acknowledged, and although a rational man +can wish for nothing better than a book <i>once well bound</i>, yet we find +that the extraordinary passion for collecting them not only obtains +with full force, but is attended with very serious consequences to +those "que n'out point des pistoles" (to borrow the idea of Clement; +vol. vi. p. 36). I dare say an uncut <i>first Shakspeare</i>, as well as an +<i>uncut vellum Aldus</i><a name="FNanchor_432_438" id="FNanchor_432_438"></a><a href="#Footnote_432_438" class="fnanchor">[432]</a> would produce a little annuity!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_432_438" id="Footnote_432_438"></a><a href="#FNanchor_432_438">[432]</a> I doubt of the existence of an uncut <i>first +Shakspeare</i>; although we have recently had evidence of an +uncut <i>first Homer</i>; for thus speaks Peignot: "A superb copy +of this Editio Princeps was sold at the sale of M. de +Cotte's books, in 1804, for 3601 livres: but it must be +remarked that this copy was in the most exquisite +preservation, as if it had just come from the press. +Moreover, it is probably the only one the margins of which +have never been either 'shaven or shorn.'" <i>Curiosités +Bibliographiques</i>, p. lxv. vi.; see also <a href="#Page_79">p. 79</a>, ante. Dr. +Harwood, at page 338, of his <i>View of the Editions of the +Classics</i>, speaks of an uncut vellum Aldus, of 1504, 8vo. +"Mr. Quin shewed me a fine copy of it printed in vellum with +the <i>leaves uncut</i>, which he bought of Mr. Egerton at a very +moderate price. It is, perhaps (adds he), the only <i>uncut</i> +vellum Aldus in the world." From the joyous strain of this +extract, the Doctor may be fairly suspected of having +strongly exhibited this second symptom of the Bibliomania!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_496" id="Page_496">496</a></span><span class="smcap">Belin</span>. 'Tis very strange'—as Hamlet says at the walking of his +father's ghost! But now for your <span class="smcap">Illustrated Copies</span>!</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand</span>. You have touched a vibrating string indeed!—but I will +suppress my own feelings, and spare those of my friend. A passion for +books <i>illustrated</i>, or adorned with <i>numerous Prints</i><a name="FNanchor_433_439" id="FNanchor_433_439"></a><a href="#Footnote_433_439" class="fnanchor">[433]</a> +representing characters, or circumstances, mentioned in the work, is a +very general and violent symptom of the Bibliomania. The origin,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_497" id="Page_497">497</a></span> or +first appearance, of this symptom, has been traced by some to the +publication of the Rev. —— <span class="smcap">Granger's</span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_498" id="Page_498">498</a></span> "<i>Biographical History of +England</i>;" but whoever will be at the pains of reading the preface of +that work will see that Granger shelters himself under the authorities +of <span class="smcap">Evelyn</span>, <span class="smcap">Ashmole</span>, and others; and that he <i>alone</i> is not to be +considered as responsible for all the mischief which this passion for +collecting prints has occasioned. Granger, however, was the first who +introduced it in the form of a history; and surely "in an evil hour" +was that history published; although its amiable author must be +acquitted of "malice prepense."</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_433_439" id="Footnote_433_439"></a><a href="#FNanchor_433_439">[433]</a> This third symptom has not escaped the +discerning eye of the Manchester physician; for thus sings +Dr. Ferriar:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +He pastes, from injur'd volumes snipt away,<br /> +His <i>English Heads</i> in chronicled array,<br /> +Torn from their destin'd page (unworthy meed<br /> +Of Knightly counsel, and heroic deed),<br /> +Not <i>Faithorne's</i> stroke, nor <i>Field's</i> own types can save<br /> +The gallant Veres, and one-eyed Ogle brave.<br /> +Indignant readers seek the image fled,<br /> +And curse the busy fool who <i>wants a head</i>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Proudly he shews, with many a smile elate,</span><br /> +The scrambling subjects of the <i>private plate</i><br /> +While Time their actions and their names bereaves,<br /> +They grin for ever in the guarded leaves.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 9em;"><i>The Bibliomania</i>; v. 119-130.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>These are happy thoughts, happily expressed. In illustration +of v. 123, the author observes,—"three fine heads, for the +sake of which, the beautiful and interesting commentaries of +Sir Francis Vere have been mutilated by collectors of +English portraits." Dr. Ferriar might have added that, when +a Grangerian bibliomaniac commences his <span class="smcap">illustrating career</span>, +he does not fail to make a desperate onset upon <i>Speed</i>, +<i>Boissard</i>, and the <i>Heroologia</i>. Even the lovely prints of +<i>Houbraken</i> (in Dr. Birch's account of Illustrious Persons +of Great Britain) escape not the ravages of his passion for +illustration. The plates which adorn these books are +considered among the foundation materials of a Grangerian +building. But it is time, according to my plan, to introduce +other sarcastic strains of poetry.</p> + +<p class="center">THIRD MAXIM.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Who, swearing not a line to miss,<br /> +Doats on the leaf his fingers kiss,<br /> +Thanking the <i>words</i> for all his bliss,—<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Shall rue, at last, his passion frustrate:</span><br /> +<i>We</i> love the page that draws its flavour<br /> +From Draftsman, Etcher, and Engraver<br /> +And hint the booby (by his favour)<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>His</i> gloomy copy to "<span class="smcap">Illustrate</span>."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 8em;"><i>Bibliosophia</i>; p. v.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>At this stage of our inquiries, let me submit a new remedy +as an acquisition to the <i>Materia Medica</i>, of which many +first-rate physicians may not be aware—by proposing a +</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="bl">Recipe for Illustration.</span></p> + +<p>Take any passage from any author—to wit: the following +(which I have done, quite at random) from <span class="smcap">Speed</span>: '<i>Henry le +Spenser</i>, the warlike <i>Bishop of Norwich</i>, being drawn on by +<i>Pope Vrban</i> to preach <i>the Crusade</i>, and to be General +against <i>Clement</i> (whom sundry <i>Cardinals</i> and great +<i>Prelates</i> had also elected Pope) having a fifteenth granted +to him, for that purpose, by <i>parliament</i>,' &c. <i>Historie of +Great Britaine</i>, p. 721, edit. 1632. Now, let the reader +observe, here are <i>only four</i> lines; but which, to be +<span class="smcap">properly illustrated</span>, should be treated thus: 1st, procure +all the portraits, at all periods of his life, of <i>Henry le +Spencer</i>; 2dly, obtain every view, ancient and modern, like +or unlike, of the city of <i>Norwich</i>; and, if fortune favour +you, of <i>every Bishop of the same see</i>; 3dly, every portrait +of <i>Pope Vrban</i> must be procured; and as many prints and +drawings as can give some notion of <i>the Crusade</i>—together +with a few etchings (if there be any) of <i>Peter the Hermit</i> +and <i>Richard I.</i>, who took such active parts in the Crusade; +4thly, you must search high and low, early and late, for +every print of <i>Clement</i>; 5thly, procure, or you will be +wretched, as many fine prints of <i>Cardinals</i> and <i>Prelates</i>, +singly or in groups, as will impress you with a proper idea +of <i>the Conclave</i>; and 6thly, see whether you may not +obtain, at some of our most distinguished old-print sellers, +views of the <i>house of Parliament</i> at the period (A.D. +1383.) here described!!! The result, gentle reader, will be +this: you will have work enough cut out to occupy you for +one whole month at least, from rise to set of sun—in +parading the streets of our metropolis: nor will the expense +in <i>coach</i> hire, or <i>shoe leather</i>, be the least which you +will have to encounter! The prints themselves may cost +<i>some</i>thing! Lest any fastidious and cynical critic should +accuse me, and with apparent justice, of gross exaggeration +or ignorance in this <i>recipe</i>, I will inform him, on good +authority, that a late distinguished and highly respectable +female collector, who had commenced an <span class="smcap">illustrated bible</span>, +procured not fewer than <i>seven hundred prints</i> for the +illustration of the 20th, 21st, 22d, 23d, 24th, and 25th +verses of the 1st chapter of Genesis! The illustrated copy +of Mr. Fox's Historical work, mentioned in the first edition +of this work, p. 63, is now in the possession of Lord +Mountjoy. The similar copy of Walter Scott's edition of +Dryden's works, which has upwards of 650 portraits, is yet +in the possession of Mr. Miller, the bookseller.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">Granger's work seems to have sounded the tocsin for a general rummage +after, and plunder of, old prints. Venerable philosophers, and veteran +heroes, who had long reposed in unmolested dignity within the +magnificent folio volumes which recorded their achievements, were +instantly dragged forth from their peaceful abodes, to be inlaid by +the side of some clumsy modern engraving, within an <i>Illustrated +Granger</i>!</p> + +<p class="bp">Nor did the madness stop here. Illustration was the order of the day; +and <i>Shakspeare</i><a name="FNanchor_434_440" id="FNanchor_434_440"></a><a href="#Footnote_434_440" class="fnanchor">[434]</a> and <i>Clarendon</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_499" id="Page_499">499</a></span> became the next objects of its +attack. From these it has glanced off, in a variety of directions, to +adorn the pages of humbler wights; and the passion, or rather this +symptom of the Bibliomania, yet rages with undiminished force. If +judiciously treated, it is, of all the symptoms, the least liable to +mischief. To possess a series of well-executed portraits of +illustrious men, at different periods of their lives, from blooming +boyhood to phlegmatic old age, is sufficiently amusing; but to possess +<i>every</i> portrait, <i>bad</i>, <i>indifferent</i>, and <i>unlike</i>, betrays such a +dangerous and alarming symptom as to render the case almost incurable!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_434_440" id="Footnote_434_440"></a><a href="#FNanchor_434_440">[434]</a> Lysander would not have run on in this +declamatory strain, if it had been <i>his</i> good fortune, as it +has been <i>mine</i>, to witness the extraordinary copy of an +<span class="smcap">illustrated Shakspeare</span> in the possession of Earl Spencer; +which owes its magic to the perseverance and taste of the +Dowager Lady Lucan, mother to the present Countess Spencer. +For sixteen years did this accomplished Lady pursue the +pleasurable toil of illustration; having commenced it in her +50th, and finished it in her 66th year. Whatever of taste, +beauty, and judgment in decoration—by means of portraits, +landscapes, houses, and tombs—flowers, birds, insects, +heraldic ornaments, and devices,—could dress our immortal +bard in a yet more fascinating form, has been accomplished +by the noble hand which undertook so Herculean a task—and +with a truth, delicacy, and finish of execution, which have +been rarely equalled! These magnificent volumes (being the +folio edition printed by Bulmer) are at once beautiful and +secured by green velvet binding, with embossed clasps and +corners of solid silver, washed with gold. Each volume is +preserved in a silken cover—and the whole is kept inviolate +from the impurities of bibliomaniacal miasmata, in a +sarcophagus-shaped piece of furniture of cedar and mahogany. +What is the pleasure experienced by the most resolute +antiquary, when he has obtained a peep at the inmost +sarcophagus of the largest pyramid of Egypt, compared with +that which a tasteful bibliomaniac enjoys upon contemplating +this illustrated Shakespeare, now reposing in all the +classical magnificence and congenial retirement of its +possessor?—But why do I surpass Lysander in the warmth and +vehemence of narration! And yet, let me not forget that the +same noble owner has <i>another</i> illustrated copy of the <span class="smcap">same +bard</span>, on a smaller scale, of which mention has already been +made in my account of the donor of it, the late George +Steevens. Turn, gentle reader, for one moment, to <a href="#Page_428">page 428</a>, +ante. The illustrated <span class="smcap">Clarendon</span>, above hinted at by +Lysander, is in the possession of Mr. H.A. Sutherland; and +is, perhaps, a matchless copy of the author: every siege, +battle, town, and house-view—as well as portrait—being +introduced within the leaves. I will not even hazard a +conjecture for how many <i>thousand pounds</i> its owner might +dispose of it, if the inclination of parting with it should +ever possess him. The British Museum has recently been +enriched with a similar copy of <span class="smcap">Pennant's</span> <i>London</i>, on large +paper. Prints and drawings of all descriptions, which could +throw light upon the antiquities of our metropolis, are +inserted in this extraordinary copy, which belonged to the +late Mr. Crowles; who expended 2000<i>l.</i> upon the same, and +who bequeathed it, in the true spirit of <i>virtû</i>, to the +Museum. Let <span class="smcap">Cracherode</span> and <span class="smcap">Crowles</span> be held in respectful +remembrance!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">There is another mode of <i>illustrating copies</i> by which this symptom +of the Bibliomania may be known; it consists in bringing together, +from different works, [including newspapers and magazines, and by +means of the scissars, or otherwise by transcription] every page or +paragraph which has any connexion with the character or subject under +discussion. This is a useful<a name="FNanchor_435_441" id="FNanchor_435_441"></a><a href="#Footnote_435_441" class="fnanchor">[435]</a><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_500" id="Page_500">500</a></span> and entertaining mode of +illustrating a favourite author; and copies of works of this nature, +when executed by skilful hands, should be deposited in public +libraries; as many a biographical anecdote of eminent literary +characters is preserved in consequence. I almost ridiculed the idea of +an <i>Illustrated Chatterton</i>, 'till the sight of your friend <span class="smcap">Bernardo's</span> +copy, in eighteen volumes, made me a convert to the utility that may +be derived from a judicious treatment of this symptom of the +Bibliomania: and indeed, of a rainy day, the same bibliomaniac's +similar copy of <i>Walton's Complete Angler</i> affords abundant amusement +in the perusal.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_435_441" id="Footnote_435_441"></a><a href="#FNanchor_435_441">[435]</a> Numerous are the instances of the peculiar +use and value of copies of this kind; especially to those +who are engaged in publications of a similar nature. <span class="smcap">Oldys's</span> +<i>interleaved Langbaine</i> (of Mr. Reed's transcript of which a +copy is in the possession of Mr. Heber) is re-echoed in +almost every recent work connected with the belles-lettres +of our country. Oldys himself was unrivalled in this method +of illustration; if, exclusively of Langbaine, his copy of +<i>Fuller's Worthies</i> [once Mr. Steevens', now Mr. Malone's. +See <i>Bibl. Steevens</i>, n<span class="super">o</span>. 1799] be alone considered! This +Oldys was the oddest mortal that ever wrote. Grose, in his +<i>Olio</i>, gives an amusing account of his having "a number of +small parchment bags inscribed with the names of the persons +whose lives he intended to write; into which he put every +circumstance and anecdote he could collect, and from thence +drew up his history." See Noble's <i>College of Arms</i>, p. 420. +Thus far the first edition of this work; p. 64. It remains +to add that, whatever were the singularities and +capriciousness of Oldys, his talents were far beyond +mediocrity; as his publication of the <i>Harleian Miscellany</i>, +and <i>Raleigh's History of the World</i>, abundantly prove. To +the latter, a life of Raleigh is prefixed; and the number of +pithy, pleasant, and profitable notes subjoined shew that +Oldys's bibliographical talents were not eclipsed by those +of any contemporary. His <i>British Librarian</i> has been more +than once noticed in the preceding pages: vide p. <a href="#Page_51">51</a>, <a href="#Page_468">468</a>. +There is a portrait of him, in a full-dressed suit and +bag-wig, in one of the numbers of the European Magazine; +which has the complete air of a fine gentleman. Let me just +observe, in elucidation of what Lysander above means by this +latter mode of illustrating copies, that in the Bodleian +library there is a copy of <i>Kuster's edition of Suidas</i> +filled, from beginning to end, with MS. notes and excerpts +of various kinds, by the famous D'Orville, tending to +illustrate the ancient lexicographer.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Forgive me, if I digress a little. But is not the knowledge of +<i>rare</i>, <i>curious</i>, and <i>beautiful Prints</i>—so necessary, it would +seem, towards the perfecting of <i>illustrated copies</i>—is not this +knowledge of long and difficult attainment?</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Unquestionably, this knowledge is very requisite towards +becoming a complete pupil in the <span class="smcap">school of Granger</span>.<a name="FNanchor_436_442" id="FNanchor_436_442"></a><a href="#Footnote_436_442" class="fnanchor">[436]</a> Nor is it, as +you very properly suppose, of short or easy acquirement.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_436_442" id="Footnote_436_442"></a><a href="#FNanchor_436_442">[436]</a> <span class="smcap">Granger's</span> <i>Biographical History of England</i> +was first published, I believe, in 1769, 4to., 2 vols. It +has since undergone four impressions; the last being in +1804, 8vo., 4 vols. <i>A Continuation of the same</i>, by the +Rev. <span class="smcap">Mark Noble</span>, was published in 1807, 8vo., 3 vols.: so +that if the lover of rare and curious prints get possession +of these volumes, with <span class="smcap">Ames's</span> <i>Catalogue of English Heads</i>, +1748, 8vo.; and <span class="smcap">Walpole's</span> <i>Catalogue of Engravers</i>, 1775, +8vo.; <span class="smcap">Bromley's</span> <i>Catalogue of Engraved Portraits</i>, 1793, +4to.; together with Catalogues of English Portraits, being +the collections of Mr. <span class="smcap">Barnard</span>, Sir <span class="smcap">W. Musgrave</span>, Mr. <span class="smcap">Tyssen</span>, +Sir <span class="smcap">James-Winter Lake</span>; and many other similar catalogues put +forth by Mr. <span class="smcap">Richardson</span> and Mr. <span class="smcap">Grave</span>; he may be said to be +in a fair way to become master of the whole arcana of +<span class="smcap">Print-collecting</span>. But let him take heed to the severe +warning-voice uttered by <span class="smcap">Rowe Mores</span>, in his criticism upon +the Catalogue of English Heads, published by Ames: 'This +performance (says the splenetic and too prophetic critic) is +not to be despised: judiciously executed, a work of this +sort would be an appendage entertaining and useful to the +readers of English biography; and it ought to be done at the +common labour, expense, and charges of these +<i>Iconoclasts</i>—because their depredations are a grand +impediment to another who should attempt it: and if this +<i>goût</i> for prints and thieving continues, let private owners +and public libraries look well to their books, for there +will not remain a valuable book ungarbled by their +connoisseuring villany: for neither honesty nor oaths +restrain them. Yet these <i>fanciers</i>, if prints themselves +are to be collected, instead of being injurious to every +body, might make themselves serviceable to posterity, and +become a kind of <i>medalists</i> (who, by the bye, are almost as +great thieves as themselves, though the hurt they do is not +so extensive, as it lies chiefly among themselves, who all +hold this doctrine, that "exchange is no robbery;" but, if +they could filch without exchanging, no scruple of +conscience would prevent them): we say they might render +themselves useful to posterity, by gathering together the +historical, political, satyrical, anecdotal and temporal +pieces, with which the age abounds; adding an explanation of +the intent and meaning for the instruction and amusement of +times to come. The misfortune is, they must buy the one, but +they can steal the other; and steal they will, although +watched with the eyes of Argus: unless the valuables, like +some other <i>jocalia</i>, are shewn to them through a grate; and +even <i>then</i>, the keeper must be vigilant!' <i>Of English +Founders and Foundries</i>; p. 85. This extract is curious on +account of the tart, but just, sentiments which prevail in +it; but, to the bibliomaniac, it is doubly curious, when he +is informed that <i>only eighty copies</i> of this Typographical +Treatise (of 100 pages—including the Appendix) were +printed. The author was a testy, but sagacious, +bibliomaniac, and should have been introduced among his +brethren in <a href="#PART_V"><span class="smcap">Part V</span></a>. It is not, however, too late to subjoin +the following: <i>Bibliotheca Moresiana. A Catalogue of the +Large and Valuable Library of Printed Books, rare old +tracts, Manuscripts, Prints, and Drawings, Copper Plates, +sundry Antiquities, Philosophical Instruments, and other +Curiosities, of that eminent British Antiquary</i>, the late +Rev. and learned <span class="smcap">Edward Rowe Mores</span>, F.A.S., deceased, &c. +Sold by auction by Mr. Patterson, August 1779. This +collection exhibited, like its owner, a strange mixture of +what was curious, whimsical, and ingenious in human nature. +There were 2838 lots of printed books. <i>The rare old +black-letter books and tracts</i>, begin at p. 52.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_501" id="Page_501">501</a></span><span class="smcap">Alman.</span> How so? A very little care, with a tolerably good taste, is +only required to know when a print is <i>well engraved</i>.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Alas, Madam! the excellence of engraving is oftentimes but a +<i>secondary</i> consideration!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_502" id="Page_502">502</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Belin.</span> Do pray explain.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> I will, and as briefly and perspicuously as possible.</p> + +<p class="bp">There are, first, <i>all the varieties of the same print</i><a name="FNanchor_437_443" id="FNanchor_437_443"></a><a href="#Footnote_437_443" class="fnanchor">[437]</a> to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_503" id="Page_503">503</a></span> be +considered!—whether it have the <i>name of the character</i>, or <i>artist</i>, +omitted or subjoined: whether the head of the print be without the +body, or the body without the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_504" id="Page_504">504</a></span> head—and whether this latter be +finished, or in the outline, or ghostly white! Then you must go to +<i>the dress</i> of this supposed portrait:—whether full or plain; court<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_505" id="Page_505">505</a></span> +or country-fashioned: whether it have a hat, or no hat; feather, or no +feather; gloves, or no gloves; sword, or no sword; and many other such +momentous points.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_437_443" id="Footnote_437_443"></a><a href="#FNanchor_437_443">[437]</a> The reader, by means of the preceding note, +having been put in possession of some of the principal works +from which information, relating to <span class="smcap">Print-Collecting</span> may be +successfully gleaned, it remains for me—who have been +described as sitting in a corner to compile notes for +Lysander's text-discourse—to add something by way of +illustration to the above sweeping satire. One or the other +of the points touched upon in the text will be found here +more particularly elucidated. +</p> + +<p class="centertp"><span class="smcap">Catalogue of Barnard's Prints</span>; 1798, 8vo.</p> + +<p class="center">7th Day's Sale.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">47.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Sir Thos. Isham de Lamport, by Loggan and Valck; +<i>before the names of the artists, very fine</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">68.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">King Charles I. on horseback, with the page, by Lombard; +<i>very fine and scarce</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">69.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The same plate; <i>with Cromwell's head substituted for +the King's—variation in the drapery</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">70.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The same: a curious proof—<i>the face blank and no +inscription at bottom—drapery of the page different</i>—and +other variations.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">90.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Catharine, queen of K. Charles II.; <i>in the dress in +which she arrived: very scarce</i>. By Faithorne.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">97.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Queen Elizabeth; habited in the superb court dress in +which she went to St. Paul's to return thanks for the defeat +of the Spanish Armada—by Passe; from a painting of Isaac +Oliver.</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">[I have known from 14<i>l.</i> to 20<i>l.</i> given for a fine +impression of this curious print: but I am as well pleased +with Mr. Turner's recently published, and admirably +executed, facsimile mezzotint engraving of it; a proof of +which costs 1<i>l.</i> 1<i>s.</i> Every member of the two Houses—and +every land and sea Captain—ought to hang up this print in +his sitting-room.]</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="center">Eighth day's Sale.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">6.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Esther before Ahasuerus: engraved by Hollar; <i>first +impression; with the portraits at top; curious and extremely +rare</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">199.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Jo. Banfi Hunniades; <i>proof; very fine and rare</i>. By +the same.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">200.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The same print, <i>with variations</i>. By the same.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">202.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Stone-eater; <i>with his history below</i>. By the same. +<i>Very rare.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">248.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Sir Thomas Chaloner; by the same. <i>A proof impression. +One of the scarcest prints in existence.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">59</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">[A similar print has been since sold for 74<i>l.</i>; which is in +the collection of Mr. John Townley; whose <span class="smcap">Hollars</span> are +unrivalled!]</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">256.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Herbert, Earl of Pembroke; <i>before the alteration</i>. By +the same.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">257.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Devereux, Earl of Essex; <i>on horseback</i>. By the same.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">258.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Devereux, Earl of Essex: <i>standing on foot; whole +length</i>. By the same.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">259.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Algernon, Earl of Northumberland; <i>on horseback</i>. By +the same.</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">266.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Lady Elizabeth Shirley; <i>an unfinished proof, the +chaplet round her head being only traced; curious and +extremely rare</i>. By the same.</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">267.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify"><i>A reverse of the proof; very fine</i>. By the same.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="centertp"><span class="smcap">Catalogue of Sir William Musgrave's Prints.</span></p> + +<p class="center">Third Day's Sale.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">29.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">George, Earl of Berkeley; oval, <i>in his robes</i>, 1679; +<i>extra <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: fine">fie</span> and rare</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">45.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">George, Duke of Buckingham; oval; <i>cloak over his left +arm, hand on sword, nine lines expressive of his titles, +&c.</i> Sold by P. Stent: <i>fine and extra rare</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">109.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">George, Earl of Cumberland; <i>whole length, dressed for +a tournament</i>. By R. White.</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="center">Fifth Day's Sale.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">94.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Newcastle Family, in a room, after Diepenbeke, by +Clowet; <i>a beautiful proof, before the verses, extra rare</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">39</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">[There is a very indifferent copy of this print. The +original may be seen in the collection of the Marquis of +Stafford and Sir M.M. Sykes, Bart. Nothing can exceed the +tenderness and delicacy of Clowet's engraving of this +naturally conceived and well-managed picture.]</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="center">Tenth Day's Sale.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">82.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Richard Smith; virtuoso and literary character. By W. +Sherwin; <i>extra rare and fine</i>. [See my account of this +distinguished bibliomaniac at <a href="#Page_302">p. 302</a>, ante. Sir M.M. Sykes +is in possession of Sir William Musgrave's copy of the +portrait.]</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="center">Eleventh Day's Sale.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">30.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Sir Francis Willoughby; <i>with a view of Wollaton Hall</i>; +mezzotint by T. Man, <i>extra rare</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">43.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Sir Francis Wortley; 1652, folio: with trophies, books, +&c., by A. Hertochs: extra rare and fine.</td> +<td class="rbot">29</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="center">Eighteenth Day's Sale.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">78.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Dr. Francis Bernard; <i>a touched proof</i>; <i>very rare</i>. +[The reader may recollect this sagacious bibliomaniac, as +noticed at <a href="#Page_316">page 316</a>, ante.]</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="center">Twentieth Day's Sale.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">85.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Sir Matthew Lister; M.D. 1646; by P. Van Somer; <i>fine +proof, extra rare</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">86.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Humphrey Lloyd, of Denbigh, Antiquary, ætat. 34, 1651. +By Faber, 1717, <i>extra rare and fine</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="center">Twenty-first Day's Sale.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">9.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Sir John Marsham; ætat. 80. By R. White, <i>extra rare and +fine</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">19.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Martin Master; ætat. 53. 1607. By R. Gaywood, <i>extra</i> +rare <i>and</i> fine.</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="center">Twenty-seventh Day's Sale.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">80.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Lady Paston, wife of Sir William Paston, by W. +Faithorne; <i>extra rare and fine</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">31</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">82.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Mary, Countess of Pembroke, by Simon Passe, 1618. <i>Fine +and rare.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">83.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Penelope, Countess of Pembroke, in an oval, by W. +Hollar. <i>Rare.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">84.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Anne Clifford, Countess of Pembroke, by R. White: +<i>extra</i> rare <i>and</i> fine.</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">[The prints at this sale—the catalogue containing 323 +pages—were sold for 4987<i>l.</i> 17<i>s.</i>]</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="centertp"><span class="smcap">Miscellaneous Catalogues of Prints.</span></p> + +<p class="center">First Day's Sale.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">58.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Richard Cromwell, Lord Protector, in a square. "This +portrait was etched by Hollar, but he was afraid to put his +name to it; and the plate was destroyed as soon as Richard +resigned his pretensions to the Protectorship." Note by Mr. +Hillier. <i>Very rare.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">61.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Lord Digby, in armour; after Vander Borcht. <i>Extra</i> rare +<i>and</i> fine.</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">64.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, <i>standing, whole length: +army in the distance</i>, 1644, <i>fine and rare</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">65.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The same, on horseback: under the horse a map of +England; 1643: <i>first state of the plate; extra fine and +rare</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">73.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Hollar's own portrait, in an oval, ætat. 40, 1647: <i>with +variations in the arms</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="center">Sixth Day's Sale.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">53.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Sir William Paston, 1659: esteemed Faithorne's finest +portrait: <i>extra rare</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">56.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Carew Reynell, from the Fothergill collection: <i>extra</i> +fine <i>and</i> rare.</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">62.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Prince Rupert, in armour, <i>right hand on the breast</i>: +after Vandyck. Sold by Robert Peake. <i>Extra</i> fine <i>and</i> +rare.</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="center">Thirteenth Day's Sale.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">54.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">King and Queen of Bohemia, and five children, by Wm. +Passe, with thirty-two Englishes [qu?]; 1621: <i>extra fine +and rare</i>, The same plate; <i>with the addition of five +children; the youngest in a cradle</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">55.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The same, sitting under a tree; with four children; the +youngest playing with a rabbit: fine <i>and</i> rare.</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">92.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">James, Duke of York: <i>with the anchor, proof</i>; very fine +and rare. (16th day's sale.)</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">72.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Sir Francis Winderbank and Lord Finch; <i>with Finch's +wings flying to Winderbank</i>; extra rare. (19th day.)</td> +<td class="rbot">25</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p class="hang" style="padding-top: 1em"><i>A Catalogue of a genuine and valuable Collection of English +and Foreign Portraits, &c., sold by Auction by Mr. +Richardson, February</i> 18, 1798.</p> +</div> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">1st day's sale.</span></p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">34.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Princess Augusta Maria, daughter of Charles I. <i>in hat +and feather</i>, ætat. 15, 1646: by Henry Danckers, 1640. <i>Fine +and rare.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">57.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Anne, Queen of James I. with her daughter Anne; +<i>curiously dressed, whole length</i>. By J. Visscher: <i>extra</i> +fine <i>and</i> rare.</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">41.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Mary, Queen of Scotts: "Scotorumque nunc Regina"—<i>in an +oval: cap adorned with jewels, feather-fan in her hand</i>, &c. +By Peter Mynginus: <i>extra</i> fine <i>and</i> rare.</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">53.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Prince Frederick, Count Palatine, with Princess +Elizabeth, <i>whole length, superbly dressed</i>: By R. +Elstracke: <i>extra</i> fine <i>and</i> rare.</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">74.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Henry the Eighth, <i>with hat and feather, large fur +tippet</i>: by C. M(atsis); <i>very</i> fine, <i>and supposed unique</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">79.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Mary, Queen of Scots: <i>veil'd cross at her breast: +ætat.</i> 44, 1583: <i>extra</i> fine <i>and</i> rare.</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">80.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Queen Elizabeth; <i>superbly dressed, between two pillars: +extra</i> fine <i>and</i> rare.</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p class="hang" style="padding-top: 1em"><i>A Catalogue of a valuable and genuine Collection of Prints, +Drawings, and elegantly illustrated Books, &c., sold by +auction by Mr. Richardson; March</i>, 1800.</p> +</div> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">143.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Henry, Lord Darnley, by Passe; fine <i>and very</i> rare.</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">186.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Sir Philip Sidney, by Elstracke; <i>extremely</i> fine.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">263.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Thomas Howard, Earl of Suffolk, by ditto, <i>extra</i> fine +<i>and</i> rare.</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">264.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Edward Somerset, Earl of Worcester, by Simon Passe: +rare <i>and</i> fine.</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">265.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Henry Vere, Earl of Oxford, sold by Compton Holland; +<i>very</i> rare <i>and</i> fine.</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">273.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Henry Wriothesly, Earl of Southampton, by Simon Passe; +<i>most brilliant impression, extra rare</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">278.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Thomas Howard, Earl of Arundel, by the same; <i>rare and +very fine</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">279.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Richard Sackville, Earl of Dorset, by the same; <i>extra +fine and rare</i>—(with a copy by Thane).</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">280.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">John Digby, Earl of Bristol; rare and fine: from the +Fothergill Collection.</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">281.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Robert Sidney, Viscount Lisle, by Simon Passe; <i>rare +and very fine</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">284.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Edmund, Baron Sheffield: by Elstracke; <i>very fine</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">286.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">James, Lord Hay, by Simon Passe; <i>brilliant +impression</i>, fine <i>and</i> rare.</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">294.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">George Mountaine, Bishop of London; G.Y. sculpsit; +<i>very fine and rare</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">330.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Sir Julius Cæsar, by Elstracke; <i>extra</i> fine <i>and</i> +rare.</td> +<td class="rbot">23</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">335.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Arthurus Severus Nonesuch O'Toole, by Delaram; <i>most +brilliant impression, and very rare</i> (with the copy).</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">367.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Sir John Wynn de Gwedir, by Vaughan; <i>very rare</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">472.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Prince Frederic Henry, by Delaram: <i>very</i> fine <i>and</i> +rare.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">479.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Prince Rupert, by Faithorne; <i>very</i> fine <i>and</i> rare.</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">567.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Sir John Hotham, Governor of Hull; <i>whole length; +extremely</i> rare <i>and</i> fine.</td> +<td class="rbot">43</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">812.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Edward Mascall, by Gammon.</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">946.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Edward Wetenhall, Bishop of Corke and Ross; mezzotint, +by Becket; <i>fine</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">960.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Andrew Lortie, by Van Somer.</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">979.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Thomas Cole, large mezzotint.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">997.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Sir William Portman, mezzotint.</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1001.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Anthony, Earl of Shaftesbury, by Blooteling; +<i>exceeding</i> fine <i>impression</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1013.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Sir Patrick Lyon, of Carse, by White.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1033.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Sir Greville Verney, by Loggan.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1045.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Marmaduke Rawdon, by White; fine.</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1048.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Slingsby Bethel, <i>whole length</i>, by W. Sherwin (with +small copy).</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1054.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Samuel Malines, by Lombart; very fine.</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1057.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Thomas Killegrew, <i>as sitting with the dog</i>: by +Faithorne.</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p class="hang" style="padding-top: 1em"><i>A Catalogue of a very choice assemblage of <span class="smcap">English +Portraits</span>, and of Foreigners who have visited England: +serving to illustrate <span class="smcap">Granger's Biographical History</span>; the +property of an eminent Collector</i>, &c., Sold by auction, by +Messrs. King and Lochée, April, 1810.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">But it is time to pause. The present note may have +completely served to shew, not only that Lysander was right +in drawing such bold conclusions respecting the consequences +resulting from the publication of Granger's Biographical +History, and the capriciousness of print-fanciers respecting +impressions <i>in their various stages</i>, and with <i>all their +varieties</i>,—but, that the pursuit of <span class="smcap">print-collecting</span> is +both costly and endless. For one 'fine and rare' <i>print</i>, by +Hollar, Faithorne, Elstracke, the Passes, Delaram, or White, +how many truly precious and useful <i>volumes</i> may be +collected? "All this is vastly fine reasoning"—methinks I +hear a Grangerite exclaim—"but compare the comfort afforded +by your 'precious and useful volumes' with that arising from +the contemplation of eminent and extraordinary characters, +executed by the <i>burin</i> of some of those graphic heroes +before-mentioned—and how despicable will the dry unadorned +volume appear!! On a dull, or rainy day, look at an +illustrated Shakespeare, or Hume, and then find it in your +heart, if you can, to depreciate the <span class="smcap">Grangerian Passion</span>!!" I +answer, the Grangerite is madder than the Bibliomaniac:—and +so let the matter rest.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_506" id="Page_506">506</a></span>Next let us discuss the serious subject of the <i>background</i>!—whether +it be square or oval; dark or light; put in or put out; stippled or +stroked; and sundry other<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_507" id="Page_507">507</a></span> similar, but most important, +considerations. Again; there are engravings of <i>different sizes</i>, and +<i>at different periods</i>, of the same individual, or object: and of +these, the varieties are as infinite as of any of those attached to +the vegetable system. I will not attempt even an outline of them. But +I had nearly forgotten to warn you, in your <span class="smcap">Rembrandt</span> <i>Prints</i>, to +look sharply after <i>the Burr</i>!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Alman.</span> Mercy on us—what is this <i>Burr</i>?!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> A slight imperfection only; which, as it rarely occurs, makes +the impression more valuable. It is only a sombre tinge attached to +the copper, before the plate is sufficiently polished by being worked; +and it gives a smeared effect, like smut upon a lady's face, to the +impression! But I am becoming satirical. Which is the next symptom +that you have written down for me to discourse upon?</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> I am quite attentive to this delineation of a <i>Print +Connoisseur</i>; and will not fail to mark <i>all the</i> <span class="smcap">Rembrandt</span><a name="FNanchor_438_444" id="FNanchor_438_444"></a><a href="#Footnote_438_444" class="fnanchor">[438]</a> +<i>varieties</i>, and take heed to the <i>Burr</i>!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_438_444" id="Footnote_438_444"></a><a href="#FNanchor_438_444">[438]</a> All the book and print world have heard of +<span class="smcap">Daulby's</span> <i>Descriptive Catalogue of the works of Rembrandt</i>, +&c. Liverpool, 1796, 8vo. The author's collection of +Rembrandt's prints (according to a MS. note prefixed to my +copy of it, which is upon <i>large paper</i> in 4to.—of which +<i>only fifty</i> impressions were struck off) was sold at +Liverpool, in 1799, in one lot; and purchased by Messrs. +Colnaghi, Manson, and Vernon, for 610<i>l.</i> It was sold in +1800, in separate lots, for 650<i>l.</i>, exclusively of every +expense; after the purchasers had been offered 800<i>l.</i> for +the same. Some of these prints came into the possession of +the late Mr. Woodhouse (vide <a href="#Page_441">p. 441</a>, ante); and it is from +the Catalogue of <i>his</i> Collection of prints that I present +the reader with the following +</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Rembrandtiana</span>;</p> + +<p>beseeching him to take due heed to what Lysander has above +alluded to by <i>all the Varieties and the Burr</i>! +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right">Lot</td> +<td class="right">Daulby.</td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">5</td> +<td class="rtop">30.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Abraham entertaining the three angels; +<i>very</i> fine, <i>with the burr, on India paper</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">10</td> +<td class="rtop">43.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Angel appearing to the Shepherds; <i>very fine, +presque unique</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">14</td> +<td class="rtop">56.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The flight into Egypt, in the style of Elsheimer; <i>on +India paper, the 1st impression, extremely rare</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">22</td> +<td class="rtop">75.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Hundred Guilder Piece. This impression on India +paper, <i>with the burr</i>, is acknowledged by the greatest +connoisseurs in this kingdom to be the most brilliant +extant.</td> +<td class="rbot">42</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">23</td> +<td class="rtop">75.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Ditto, restored plate, by Capt. Baillie, <i>likewise on +India paper, and very fine</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">25</td> +<td class="rtop">77.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Good Samaritan; <i>the 1st impression with the +white tail</i>, most beautifully finished, with a light point, +and fine hand; very fine and rare.</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">27</td> +<td class="rtop">79.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Our Lord before Pilate, <i>second impression on India +paper</i>, fine <i>and</i> scarce.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">28</td> +<td class="rtop">79.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Same subject, third impression, <i>with the mask, +extremely rare</i>: from the collection of the Burgomaster Six.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">30</td> +<td class="rtop">84.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Descent from the Cross. This print is beautifully +executed, the composition is grand, and the head full of +character; <i>1st and most brilliant impression</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">39</td> +<td class="rtop">117.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Rat-killer; <i>a most beautiful impression</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">42</td> +<td class="rtop">126.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Marriage of Jason and Creusa; <i>a 1st impression, +without the crown</i>, on India paper, very brilliant.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">45</td> +<td class="rtop">152.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Hog; a remarkably fine impression, from +Houbraken's collection: <i>scarce</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">46</td> +<td class="rtop">154.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Shell. This piece is finely executed, and this +impression, <i>with the white ground, may be regarded as +presque unique</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">47</td> +<td class="rtop">178.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Ledikant, or French Bed. <i>This is the entire plate, +and is a very great rarity.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">56</td> +<td class="rtop">194.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Woman with the Arrow: <i>very scarce</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">61</td> +<td class="rtop">204.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Three Trees; <i>as fine as possible</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">63</td> +<td class="rtop">209.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A Village near a high road, arched: <i>1st impression +on India paper, before the cross hatchings</i>: scarce.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">67</td> +<td class="rtop">213.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A landscape of an irregular form; <i>1st impression, +with the burr, very scarce</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">82</td> +<td class="rtop">232.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Blement de Jonge; <i>1st impression, the upper bar of +the chair is left white, extremely rare</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">83</td> +<td class="rtop">252.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Ditto, <i>second impression</i>, very <i>scarce</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">84</td> +<td class="rtop">252.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Ditto, third impression, <i>very</i> fine.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">85</td> +<td class="rtop">253.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Abraham France, <i>with the curtain, on India paper</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">86</td> +<td class="rtop"><span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: 253.">353.</span></td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Ditto: <i>with the chair</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">87</td> +<td class="rtop">254.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Ditto; <i>with the figures on the paper which he holds +in his wands</i>. All these impressions are rare and fine.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">88</td> +<td class="rtop">254.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Old Haaring or Haring, the Burgo-master; <i>beautiful +impression on India paper, with the burr, extremely rare</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">89</td> +<td class="rtop">255.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Young Haaring, beautiful impression from Houbraken's +collection; <i>scarce</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">90</td> +<td class="rtop">256.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">John Lutma; <i>1st impression before the window</i>, &c. +<i>extremely rare</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">93</td> +<td class="rtop">257.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">John Aselyn; <i>1st impression, with the easel, +extremely rare</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">97</td> +<td class="rtop">259.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Wtenbogardus, the Dutch Minister; a most beautiful +and brilliant impression, oval, on a square plate; <i>proof, +before the pillar, arch, verses, or any inscription: presque +unique</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">19</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">99</td> +<td class="rtop">261.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Gold Weigher; <i>1st impression, with</i> <span class="smcap">the face +blank</span>, <i>extremely rare</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">100</td> +<td class="rtop">261.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Ditto; <i>a most beautiful and brilliant impression; +and esteemed the</i> finest <i>extant</i>. From the collection of +Capt. Baillie.</td> +<td class="rbot">21</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">101</td> +<td class="rtop">262.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Little Coppenol, with the picture; <i>the second +and rarest impression, generally esteemed the 1st</i>; from the +Earl of Bute's collection.</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">102</td> +<td class="rtop">262.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Ditto; without the picture, very fine.</td> +<td class="rbot">1</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">103</td> +<td class="rtop">263.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The great Coppenol, remarkably fine.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">104</td> +<td class="rtop">265.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Advocate Tol; <i>a superb impression, extremely +rare with the copy</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">54</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">145</td> +<td class="rtop">265.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Burgo-master Six; <i>a most extraordinary +impression, the name and age of the Burgo-master are +wanting, and the two middle figures in the date are +reversed: a very great rarity</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">36</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Perhaps the finest collection of <span class="smcap">Rembrandt's prints</span>, in +great Britain, is that in the possession of Lord Viscount +Fitzwilliam, at Richmond; a nobleman of extremely retired +habits, and equally distinguished for his taste, candour, +and erudition. His Paintings and Books are of the very first +class.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_508" id="Page_508">508</a></span><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Do so; and attend the shops of Mr. Richardson, Mr. Woodburn, +and Mr. Grave, and you may<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_509" id="Page_509">509</a></span> soon have a chance of gratifying your +appetite in these strange particulars. But beware of a <span class="smcap">Hogarth</span> rage!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Is that so formidable?</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> The longest life were hardly able to make the collection of +Hogarth's prints complete! The late Mr. Ireland has been the Linnæus +to whom we are indebted for the most minute and amusing classification +of the almost innumerable varieties of the impressions of Hogarth's +plates.<a name="FNanchor_439_445" id="FNanchor_439_445"></a><a href="#Footnote_439_445" class="fnanchor">[439]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_439_445" id="Footnote_439_445"></a><a href="#FNanchor_439_445">[439]</a> The Marquis of Bute has, I believe, the most +extraordinary and complete collection of <span class="smcap">Hogarth's Prints</span> +that is known. Of the <i>Election Dinner</i> there are six or +seven varieties; gloves, and no gloves; hats, from one to +the usual number; lemon, and no lemon; punch bowl, and no +punch bowl. But of these <i>varying</i> prints, the most curious +is the one known by the name of <i>Evening</i>: with a little boy +and girl, crying, in the back-ground. At first, Hogarth did +<i>not</i> paint <i>the girl</i>, and struck off very few impressions +of the plate in this state of the picture. A friend +observing to him that the boy was crying with no apparent +cause of provocation, Hogarth put in the little girl +tantalizing him. But—happy he! who has the print of the +'Evening' <i>without</i> the little girl: fifteen golden guineas +(rare things now to meet with!) ought not to induce him to +part with it. Of the copper-plate portraits by Hogarth, the +original of '<i>Sarah Malcolm, executed</i> 1732,' is among the +very rarest; a copy of this selling for 7<i>l.</i> 17<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> +at Barnard's sale. The reader has only to procure that most +interesting of all illustrative works, <i>Hogarth Illustrated +by John Ireland</i>, 1793, (2d edit.) 3 vols., 8vo.; and, for a +comparatively trifling sum, he may be initiated into all the +mysteries of Hogarthian <i>virtû</i>. The late Right Hon. W. +Wyndham's collection of Hogarth's prints, bequeathed to him +by Mr. George Steevens, was <i>bought in</i> for little more than +300 guineas.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_510" id="Page_510">510</a></span><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> I will stick to Rembrandt and leave Hogarth at rest. But surely, +this rage for <i>Portrait Collecting</i> cannot be of long duration. It +seems too preposterous for men of sober sense and matured judgment to +yield to.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> So think <i>you</i>—who are no Collector! But had you accompanied +me to Mr. Christie's on Friday<a name="FNanchor_440_446" id="FNanchor_440_446"></a><a href="#Footnote_440_446" class="fnanchor">[440]</a><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_511" id="Page_511">511</a></span> last, you would have had +convincing evidence to the contrary. A little folio volume, filled +with one hundred and fifty-two prints, produced—</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_440_446" id="Footnote_440_446"></a><a href="#FNanchor_440_446">[440]</a> If +the reader casts his eye upon <a href="#Page_505">pages 505-6</a> +he will find that the ardour of print and portrait +collecting has not abated since the time of Sir W. Musgrave. +As a corroboration of the truth of Lysander's remark, I +subjoin a specimen (being only four articles) of the present +rage for 'curious and rare' productions of the <i>burin</i>—as +the aforesaid Grangerite (<a href="#Page_507">p. 507</a>) terms it. +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">54.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Right Honourable and truly generous Henry Veere, +Earl of Oxford, Viscount Bulbeck, &c. Lord High Chamberlain +of England. J. Payne sculp. With a large hat and feather, +small, in a border with many figures. Will. Passo, sculp. +Tho. Jenner exc. On distinct plates. <i>The most brilliant +impression of a print of the greatest rarity.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">30</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">63.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Generall (Edward) Cecyll son to the Right Honourable the +Earle of Exeter, &c. In an oval; in armour. Simmon Passæs, +sculp. Anno 1618. Sould in Pope's Head Alley, also by John +Sudbury and George Humble. <i>Most brilliant impression of a +print of the greatest rarity.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">34</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">90.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The true Portraicture of Richard Whitington, thrise Lord +Mayor of London, a vertuous and godly man, full of good +workes (and those famous) &c. R. Elstracke sculp. Are to be +sold by Compton Holland over against the Exchange: <i>First +impression with the hand on a skull. Extra fine and rare.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">152.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Mull'd Sack; a fantastic and humourous Chimney-Sweeper, +so called: with cap, feather, and lace band: cloak tuck'd +up; coat ragged; scarf on his arm; left leg in a fashionable +boot, with a spur; on his right foot a shoe with a rose; +sword by his side, and a holly bush and pole on his +shoulder; in his left hand, another pole with a horn on it; +a pipe, out of which issues smoke, is in his right hand; at +the bottom are eight verses (as given in Granger, vol. ii., +p. 61). Are to be sold by Compton Holland over against the +Exchange, with further manuscript account by a provost of +Eton. <i>Considered Unique</i> [but not so].</td> +<td class="rbot">42</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +</table> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Perhaps, Three Hundred Guineas?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Just double the sum, I believe.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> O rare <span class="smcap">James Granger</span>—thy immortality is secured! But we forget +our symptoms of the Bibliomania.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Belin.</span> As I am the examiner, I here demand of you, Sir, what may be +the meaning of the <i>fourth symptom</i> of the bibliomaniacal disease, +which you call <span class="smcap">Unique Copies</span>?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> A passion for a book of which only one copy was printed, or +which has any peculiarity about it<a name="FNanchor_441_447" id="FNanchor_441_447"></a><a href="#Footnote_441_447" class="fnanchor">[441]</a> by either, or both, of the +foregoing methods of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_512" id="Page_512">512</a></span> illustration—or which is remarkable for its +size, beauty, and condition—or has any embellishment, rare, precious +and invaluable—which the researches of the most sedulous +bibliomaniac, for three and thirty long years, would not be able to +produce—is indicative of a rage for <i>unique copies</i>; and is +unquestionably a strong pre<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_513" id="Page_513">513</a></span>vailing symptom of the Bibliomania. Let me +therefore urge every sober and cautious collector not to be fascinated +by the terms "<i>Curious and rare</i>;" which 'in slim italics' (to copy +Dr. Ferriar's happy expression<a name="FNanchor_442_448" id="FNanchor_442_448"></a><a href="#Footnote_442_448" class="fnanchor">[442]</a>) are studiously introduced into +Booksellers' catalogues to lead the unwary astray. Such a Collector +may fancy himself proof against the temptation; and will, in +consequence, call <i>only to look at</i> this unique book, or set of books; +but—led away by the passion which inflamed <span class="smcap">Berryer</span> and +<span class="smcap">Caillard</span><a name="FNanchor_443_449" id="FNanchor_443_449"></a><a href="#Footnote_443_449" class="fnanchor">[443]</a>—when he views the morocco<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_514" id="Page_514">514</a></span> binding, silk water-tabby +lining, blazing gilt edges; when he turns over the white and unspotted +leaves; gazes on the amplitude of margin; on a rare and lovely print +introduced; and is charmed with the soft and coaxing manner in which, +by the skill of Herring, Mackinlay, Rodwell, Lewis, or Faulkener, +"leaf succeeds to leaf"—he can no longer bear up against the +temptation; and, confessing himself vanquished, purchases, and +retreats—exclaiming with Virgil's shepherd——</p> + +<p class="centerbp">Ut vidi, ut perii—ut me malus abstulit error!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_441_447" id="Footnote_441_447"></a><a href="#FNanchor_441_447">[441]</a> Let us again quote a stanza from the +'Aspirant:'</p> + +<p class="center">FOURTH MAXIM.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Who in <i>all</i> copies finds delight—<br /> +The wrong not scenting from the right—<br /> +And, with a choiceless appetite,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Just comes to <i>feed</i>, ... like Soph, or Templar,</span><br /> +Out on his iron stomach!—<i>we</i><br /> +Have rarities we merely <i>see</i>,<br /> +Nor taste our Phœnix though it be ...<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Serv'd up in the "<span class="smcap">Unique Exemplar</span>,"</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 10em;"><i>Bibliosophia</i>, p. v.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>One of the most curious proofs of the seductive popularity +of unique copies may be drawn from the following excerpt +from a catalogue of a Library sold at Utrecht in 1776; which +was furnished me by Mr. H. Ellis from a copy of the +catalogue in the possession of Mr. Cayley of the +Augmentation Office. +</p> + +<p class="hang"><span class="sm">NO.</span> 6870. Les Avantures de Telemaque, 8<span class="super">o</span>. Rotterd. <i>av. +fig. en cart.</i> 'Cet exemplaire est tout <i>barbouillé</i>. Mais +il est <i>de la main de la jeune Princesse Wilhelmine Auguste +de Saxe-Weimar, qui y a appris le François en</i> 1701!!!'</p> + +<p>I will mention a unique copy of a somewhat different cast of +character. Of the magnificent and matchless edition of +Shakspeare, printed by Mr. Bulmer and published by Mr. +Nicols, between the years 1790 and 1805, there were one +hundred copies, of the first six plays only, struck off upon +imperial folio, or <i>Colombier paper</i>; in which the large +engravings, published at the Shakspeare Gallery (now the +British Institution) might be incorporated and bound up. The +late George Steevens undertook the revision of the text, +intending to complete the entire plays in a similar form; +but the trouble and expense attending this part of the +undertaking were so great that the further prosecution of it +was abandoned. Mr. Bulmer preserved the whole of the +proof-sheets of this partial Colombier impression; and to +form a '<i>unique</i> edition' (these are his own words) he bound +them up in the exact order in which the plays were printed. +On the margins of many of the sheets, besides the various +corrections, emendations, and notes to the printer, by Mr. +Steevens, there are some original sonnets, a scene for a +burlesque tragedy, and other happy effusions from the pen of +the same elegant and learned editor. Need I ask the reader, +whether he would have the <i>barbouillé</i> (unique) copy of +Telemaque of the young Princesse Wilhelmine Auguste de +Saxe-Weimar (like the Vicar of Wakefield, I like to give the +full name) or Mr. Bulmer's similar copy of Shakspeare? The +difference would soon be found in King Street or the Strand! +I must mention one more example—of a nature different from +both the preceding—of what Lysander has above, elaborately, +and perhaps, a little confusedly, described as unique +copies. It is Colonel Stanley's copy of <i>De Bry</i> (see a +superb one before noticed) which is bound in seven folio +volumes, in blue morocco, by Padaloup, and is considered +superior to every known copy. It contains all the maps and +prints, with their variations, according to the +<i>Bibliographie Instructive</i>, n<span class="super">o</span>. 4230, <i>Cat. de Paris de +Meyzieu</i>, 1790; n<span class="super">o</span>. 486, <i>Cat. de Santander</i>, n<span class="super">o</span>. +3690; and <i>Camus sur les Collections des Grands et Petits +Voyages</i>, 1802, 4to.: with both editions of the first nine +parts of the West Indies, and duplicates of parts x. and xi. +It has also a considerable number of duplicate plates, where +a superior impression could be procured at any expense. The +owner of this unique copy, of a work unrivalled for its +utility and elegance, is distinguished for a noble +collection, bound by our choicest binders, in whatever is +splendid and precious in the Belles Lettres, Voyages, and +Travels. Take two more illustrations, kind-hearted +reader!——<i>Goldsmith's Deserted Village</i>, 1802. Mr. Bulmer +printed a single copy of this beautiful poem, in quarto, +<span class="smcap">upon satin</span>—picked and prepared in a very curious manner. It +was purchased by a foreigner. His impressions <span class="smcap">upon vellum</span> +are noticed, <a href="#Footnote_445_451">post</a>.——<i>Falconer's Shipwreck</i>, 1804, 8vo. Mr. +Miller caused <i>two</i> copies only (<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: it">is</span> +is <i>almost</i> unique!) of this beautiful edition, printed by +Bensley, to be struck off <span class="smcap">upon satin</span>, in imperial 8vo. One +of these copies now remains with him for sale.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_442_448" id="Footnote_442_448"></a><a href="#FNanchor_442_448">[442]</a> The passage, above alluded to, is as follows:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +At ev'ry auction, bent on fresh supplies,<br /> +He cons his catalogue with anxious eyes:<br /> +Where'er the slim Italics mark the page,<br /> +<i>Curious and rare</i> his ardent mind engage.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 7em;"><i>The Bibliomania</i>; v. 54.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><a name="Footnote_443_449" id="Footnote_443_449"></a><a href="#FNanchor_443_449">[443]</a> A slight mention of Mons. Berryer, the +father-in-law of Lamoignon, is made at <a href="#Page_84">p. 84</a>, ante. The +reader is here presented with a more finished portrait of +this extraordinary bibliomaniac: a portrait, which will +excite his unbounded admiration, if not envy!—for such a +careful and voluptuous collector, in regard to <i>binding</i>, +was, I believe, never before known; nor has he been since +eclipsed. 'M. Berryer, successivement Secrétaire d'Etat au +Département de la Marìne, Ministre, puis Garde des Sceaux de +France, s'étoit occupé pendant près de quarante années à se +former un cabinet des plus beaux livres grecs et latins, +anciennes éditions, soit de France, soit des pays étrangers, +&c. Par un soin et une patience infatigables, à l'aide de +plusieurs coopérateurs éclairés, savans même en +Bibliographie, qui connoissoient ses études, délassement de +ses places, il avoit recueilli les plus belles éditions; de +telle sorte qu'il a toujours su se procurer un exemplaire +parfait de chaque édition par un moyen simple quoique +dispendieux. Si les Catalogues des ventes publiques lui +apprenoient qu'il existoit un exemplaire <i>plus beau, plus +grand de marge, mieux conservé</i>, de tout auteur, &c., que +celui qu'il possédoit, il le fasoit acquérir sans +s'embarrasser du prix, et il se défaisoit à perte de +l'exemplaire moins beau. La majeure partie des auteurs +anciens et modernes de son cabinet a été changée huit ou dix +fois de cette manière. Il ne <i>s'arrêtoit</i> qu'après s'être +assuré qu'il avoit <i>le plus bel exemplaire connu</i>, soit pour +la marge, soit pour la force du papier, soit pour la +magnificence de la conservation et <i>de la relieure</i>.' 'A +l'égard des ouvrages d'editions modernes, même celles faites +en pays étranger, M. Berryer vouloit les avoir en feuilles: +il en faisoit choisir, dans plusieurs exemplaires, un +parfait, et il le faisoit relier <i>en maroquin de choix</i>; le +Ministere de la Marìne qu'il avoit rempli, lui ayant donné +toutes les facilités d'en être abondamment et fidèlement +pourvu dans toutes les Echelles du Levant. On collationnoit +ensuite pour vérifier s' il n'y avoit ni transposition, ni +omission de feuilles ou de pages?!!' <i>Cat. M. Lamoignon</i>, +1791. pref. p. ij. iij. Berryer was slightly copied by +Caillard (of whom see <a href="#Page_76">p. 76</a>, ante) in the luxury of +<i>book-binding</i>. 'M. Caillard avoit le soin <i>de faire +satiner</i> presque tous livres qu'il faisoit relier, et +principalement les grands ouvrages; qu'il est difficile +d'avoir parfaitement reliés sans ce precedé.' <i>Cat. de +Caillard</i>; p. x. (avertisement.) But I know not whether +Caillard did not catch the phrensy from the elder Mirabeau. +In the catalogue of his books, p. <span class="smcap">ii.</span>, we are thus told of +him:—'l'acquisition d'un <i>beau livre</i> lui causoit des +transports de joie inexprimables: il l'examinoit, <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: l'admiroit">l'admiriot</span>: +il vouloit que chacun +partagêat avec lui le même enthousiasme.' His biographer +properly adds: 'De quelle surprise n'auroit-on pas été, si +l'on eût su que c'etoit la le même homme qui, du haut de la +tribune, faisoit trembler les despotes et les factieux!' +Ponder here, gentle reader, upon the effects of a +<i>beautiful</i> book! Let no one, however, imagine that we +<i>grave Englishmen</i> are averse or indifferent to 'le luxe de +la relieure'!! No: at this present moment, we have the best +bookbinders in Europe; nor do we want good authority for the +encouragement of this fascinating department relating to the +Bibliomania. Read here what Mr. Roscoe hath so eloquently +written in commendation of it: 'A taste for the exterior +decoration of books has lately arisen in this country, in +the gratification of which no small share of ingenuity has +been displayed; but if we are to judge of the present +predilection for learning by the degree of expense thus +incurred, we must consider it as greatly inferior to that of +the Romans during the times of the first Emperors, or of the +Italians at the 15th century. And yet it is, perhaps, +difficult to discover why a <span class="smcap">favourite book</span> should not be as +proper an object of elegant ornament as the head of a cane, +the hilt of a sword, or the latchet of a shoe.' <i>Lorenzo de +Medici</i>; vol. ii., 79, 8vo. edition. Did Geyler allude to +such bibliomaniacs in the following sentence? Sunt qui +libros inaurant et serica tegimenta apponunt preciosa et +superba. Grandis hæc fatuitas! <i>Navicula, sive Speculum +Fatuorum</i>; (Navis Stultifera) <i>sign. B. v. rev.</i></p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Belin.</span> For the benefit—not of the 'Country Gentlemen,' but—of the +'Country Ladies,' do pray translate these Latin words. We are always +interested about the pastoral life.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> It only means, Belinda, that this said shepherd was blockhead +enough to keep gazing upon his beloved fair, although every glance +shot him through the heart,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_515" id="Page_515">515</a></span> and killed him a hundred times. Still he +caressed the cause of his ruin. And so bibliomaniacs hug the very +volumes of which they oftentimes know they cannot afford the purchase +money! I have not forgotten your account of Dr. Dee:<a name="FNanchor_444_450" id="FNanchor_444_450"></a><a href="#Footnote_444_450" class="fnanchor">[444]</a> but the +ladies were then absent.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_444_450" id="Footnote_444_450"></a><a href="#FNanchor_444_450">[444]</a> See <a href="#Page_262">p. 262</a>, ante.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Belin</span>. Well, let us now go on to the explanation of the <i>fifth +symptom</i> of the Bibliomania; which you have called, Copies <span class="smcap">printed +upon vellum</span>!</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand</span>. A desire for books printed in this manner<a name="FNanchor_445_451" id="FNanchor_445_451"></a><a href="#Footnote_445_451" class="fnanchor">[445]</a><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_516" id="Page_516">516</a></span> is an equally +strong and general symptom of the Biblomania; but, as these works are +rarely to be obtained of modern date, the collector is obliged to have +recourse<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_517" id="Page_517">517</a></span> to specimens executed, three centuries ago, in the printing +offices of Aldus, Verard, or the Giunti. Although the <i>Bibliotheque +Imperiale</i>, at Paris, and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_518" id="Page_518">518</a></span> library of Count M'Carthy, at Toulouse, +are said to contain the greatest number of books, printed upon vellum, +yet, those who have been fortunate enough to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_519" id="Page_519">519</a></span> see copies of this kind +in the libraries of his Majesty, the Duke of Marlborough, Earl +Spencer, Mr. Johnes, and the late Mr. Cracherode (which latter is now +in the British Museum) need not travel on the Continent for the sake +of being convinced of their exquisite beauty and splendour. An +<i>unique</i> copy of the first Livy, upon vellum, (of which the owner has +excited the envy of foreigners) is a library of itself!—and the +existence of vellum copies of Wynkyn De Worde's reprint of <i>Juliana +Barnes's Book of Hawking, &c.</i>, complete in every respect, (to say +nothing of his Majesty's similar copy of Caxton's <i>Doctrinal of +Sapience</i>, in the finest preservation)<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_520" id="Page_520">520</a></span> are sufficient demonstrations +of the prevalance of this symptoms of the Bibliomania in the times of +our forefathers; so that it cannot be said, as some have asserted, to +have appeared entirely within the last half century.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_445_451" id="Footnote_445_451"></a><a href="#FNanchor_445_451">[445]</a> William Horman, who was head master of Eton +school at the opening of the sixteenth century, was, I +apprehend, the earliest writer in this country who +propagated those symptoms of the Bibliomania indicative of a +passion for <i>large paper</i> and <i>vellum</i> copies; for thus +writes the said Horman, in his <i>Vulgaria</i>, printed by +Pynson, in folio, 1519: a book, curious and interesting upon +every account. 'The greatest and highest of price, is <i>paper +imperial</i>. (Herbert, vol i., p. 265.) <i>Parchment leaves</i> be +wont to be ruled, that there may be a <i>comely margent</i>: +also, strait lines of equal distance be draw[en] within, +that the writing may shew fair,' <i>fol.</i> 82. From these two +sentences (without quoting Horman's praise of the presses of +Froben and Aldus; fol. 87) I think it may be fairly inferred +that a love of <i>large paper</i> and <i>vellum</i> copies was +beginning to display itself in the period just mentioned. +That this love or passion is now eagerly and generally +evinced, I shall proceed to give abundant proof; but first +let me not forget our bibliomaniacal satirist:</p> + +<p class="center">FIFTH MAXIM.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Who blindly take the book display'd<br /> +By pettifoggers in the trade.<br /> +Nor ask of what the leaf was made,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">That <i>seems like paper</i>—I can tell 'em,</span><br /> +That though 'tis possible to squint<br /> +Through any page with letters in't,<br /> +No copy, though an angel print,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Reads elegantly—but "on <span class="smcap">vellum</span>."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 8.5em;"><i>Bibliosophia</i>, p. <span class="smcap">vi.</span></span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>I proceed to give evidence of the present passion which +prevails, respecting books of the description of which we +are now speaking, by extracting a few articles from the +library of which such honourable mention was made at <a href="#Page_448">p. +448-9</a>, ante. They are all +</p> + +<p class="centertp"><span class="smcap">Works printed upon Vellum.</span></p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">241.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Epistolæ Beati Jeronimi. Impressio Moguntinæ facta +per Virum famatum in hæc arte Petrum Schoiffer de Gernsheym, +2 vols., 1470. <i>A fine specimen of a grand book, superbly +bound in blue turkey.</i> Folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">28</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">242.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Sexti Decretalium Opus præclarum Bonifacii <span class="smcap">vii.</span>, Pont. +Max. In Nobili Urbe Moguncia non Atramento è plumali ereâque +Pennâ Cannâve per Petrum Schoiffer de Gernsheym consummatum. +A.D. 1476. <i>A most beautiful work, superbly bound in blue +turkey.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">19</td> +<td class="rbot">19</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop"><span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: 243.">253.</span></td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Constitutiones Clementis Papæ Quinti, unà cum apparatu +Domini Joannis Andreæ. Venetiis impress. Ere atque Industriâ +Nicolai Jenson Gallici, 1476. <i>A most beautiful specimen of +clean vellum, with a fine illumination, bound in purple +velvet.</i> Folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">21</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">244.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Leonora, from the German of Burgher, by Mr. Spencer, +with the designs of Lady Diana Beauclerc, 1796. Folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">25</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify"><i>A beautiful unique copy, with the plates worked on satin, +superbly bound in blue turkey.</i></td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">245.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Dryden's Fables, with engravings from the pencil of +Lady Beauclerc. <i>A beautiful unique copy, splendidly bound +in morocco, with the plates worked on satin.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">34</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">246.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Missale Monasticum secundum Ritum et consuetudinem +Ordinis Gallæ Umbrosæ. Venetiis, per Ant. de Giunta +Florentinum, 1503. <i>A most beautiful copy of a very rare +book, with plates and illuminations, bound in morocco.</i> +Folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">247.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Postilla super Libros N. Testamenti Fratris Nicolai de +Lyra. Venet. per Joan. de Colonia et Nic. Jenson, 1481. <i>A +fine specimen of beautiful vellum, with illuminations, bound +in blue turkey.</i> Folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">248.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The German Bible, by Martin Luther, 2 vols. Augspurg, +1535, folio. <i>A most fair, and beautiful copy, with coloured +plates, in the finest preservation, and bound in crimson +velvet, with two cases.</i>—'The copies on vellum of this fine +edition were printed at the charges of John Frederick, +Elector of Saxony, (vide Panzer).' Folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">52</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">249.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Le Livre de Jehan Bocasse de la Louenge et Vertu des +nobles et Cleres Dames. Paris, <i>par Ant. Verard</i>, 1493. <i>A +beautiful work, with curious illuminations, finely bound in +blue turkey.</i> Folio.</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">250.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Virgilii Opera curâ Brunck. Argentorati, 1789. <i>An +unique copy, bound in morocco, with a case.</i> Quarto.</td> +<td class="rbot">33</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">251.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Somervile's Chace, a Poem, with fine plates on wood, by +Bewick. Printed by Bulmer, 1796. Quarto. <i>A beautiful unique +copy, splendidly bound in green, morocco.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">252.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Poems by Goldsmith and Parnell, with fine plates on +wood by Bewick. Printed by Bulmer, 1795. <i>A beautiful unique +copy, superbly bound in green morocco.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">253.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Gardens, a poem, by the Abbe de Lisle, with fine +plates by Bartolozzi, coloured. Printed by Bensley, 1798. <i>A +fine book, and bound in green morocco.</i> Quarto.</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">254.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Castle of Otranto, by the Earl of Oxford. Printed +at Parma, 1791. <i>A fine copy elegantly bound in blue +morocco.</i> Quarto.</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">255.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Coustumes du Pais de Normandie. Rouen, 1588. <i>A +beautiful unique copy, on fine white vellum, the +presentation copy to the Duke de Joyeuse; in old morocco.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">3</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">256.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">P. Virgilii Maronis Codex antiquissimus in Bibliotheca +Mediceo-Laurentiana. Florent. 1741. <i>A curious facsimile of +the old MS. bound in yellow morocco</i>, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">257.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Junius's Letters, 4 vols., 8vo. Printed by Bensley, +1796. <i>A beautiful unique copy, with the plates also worked +on vellum, bound in morocco.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">25</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">258.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Il Castello di Otranto, storia Gotica, Lond. 1795. +<i>Beautifully printed, with fine cuts, illuminated, bound in +morocco.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">16</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">259.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Milton's Paradise Regained, Poems, and Sonnets, and +Latin Poems, with notes, 3 vols. Printed by Bensley, 1796, +8vo. <i>A unique and beautiful copy, bound in blue turkey.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">260.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">La Guirlande de Julie offerte a Mademoiselle de +Rambouillet, par le Marq. de Montausier. Paris de l'Imprim. +de Monsieur, 1784, 8vo. 'This matchless book is embellished +with exquisite miniatures, paintings of flowers, and wreaths +of flowers, to illustrate the work, and is one of the most +exquisite performances ever produced;' <i>superbly bound in +green morocco</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +<td class="rbot"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td> </td> +<td style="text-align: justify">[30 guineas were bidden; but the book was passed on and not +sold.]</td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">261.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">La Vedova, Commedia facetissima di Nic. Buonaparte +Cittadino Florentino. Paris, 1803, 8vo. A curious work by an +ancestor of the First Consul; <i>a beautiful unique copy, +superbly bound in red morocco</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">262.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Old English Baron, a Gothic story, by Clara Reeve, +1794, 8vo. <i>Richly bound in blue turkey.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">263.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Œconomy of Human Life, with fine plates, 1795. +<i>A beautiful unique copy, with the plates finely tinted in +colours and superbly bound in morocco</i>, 8vo.</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">264.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Dr. Benjamin Franklin's Works. Paris, 1795, 8vo. <i>A +beautiful unique copy, and bound in crimson velvet.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">265.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Dance of Death. Painted by Holbein, and engraved by +Hollar, <i>a beautiful unique copy, with the plates +exquisitely painted, and very richly bound in red morocco</i>.</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">266.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">La Gerusalemme liberata di Torquato Tasso, 4 vols. +Parigi Presso Molini, 1783, 8vo. <i>A beautiful copy, bound in +green morocco.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">19</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">267.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Catullus, Tibullus, et Propertius, 3 vols. Par. ap. +Coustelier, 1743, 8vo. <i>A singularly beautiful copy, and +bound in old blue turkey.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">268.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Opere Toscane di Luigi Alamanni. Leoni. ap. Gryphia, +1552. <i>A most beautiful copy, presented to King Francis I. +of France: old morocco.</i></td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">269.</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">A New Testament in German. Augsburg, 1535, 12mo. A fine +copy, with illuminations, of a very rare edition.</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Lysander has above noticed the collection of Count M'Carthy +of Toulouse. By the kindness of Mr. Roche, banker, at Cork, +I learn that this collection 'is a truly splendid one.' The +possessor's talents are not confined to the partial walk of +bibliography: in his younger years, he was considered one of +the first gentlemen-violin players in Europe. He quitted +Ireland forty years ago, and now resides at Toulouse, in his +70th year, surrounded by a numerous and respectable family. +His leading passion, in book-collecting, (like his +countryman's, poor Mr. Quin—who gave 170 guineas for the +Spira Virgil of 1470, <i>in membranis</i>!) is marked by a +fondness for works <i>printed upon vellum</i>. From Mr. Roche, +Mr. Edwards, and other quarters, I am enabled to present the +reader with a list of a <i>few</i> of +</p> + +<p class="centertp"><span class="smcap">Count M'Carthy's Books upon Vellum</span>.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary="books"> +<tr><td class="ltop">Psalmorum Codex;</td><td class="ltop"><i>Mogunt.</i></td><td><i>Fust and Schoiffer.</i></td><td class="ltop">Folio, 1457.</td></tr> +<tr><td>—— ——;</td><td><i>ibid.</i></td><td><i>apud eosdem.</i></td><td>Folio, 1459.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Durandi Rationale;</td><td><i>ibid.</i></td><td><i>apud eosdem.</i></td><td>Folio, 1459.</td></tr> +<tr><td><i>Clementis Papæ V. Constitutiones</i>;</td><td><i>ibid.</i></td><td><i>apud eosdem.</i></td><td>Folio, 1460.</td></tr> +<tr><td>—— —— —— ——;</td><td><i>ibid.</i></td><td><i>apud eosdem.</i></td><td>Folio, 1467.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Catholicon;</td><td><i>ibid.</i></td><td><i>apud eosdem.</i></td><td>Folio, 1460.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Biblia Sacra Latina;</td><td><i>ibid.</i></td><td><i>apud eosdem.</i></td><td>Folio, 1462.</td></tr> +<tr><td class="center" colspan="4">[His Majesty and Earl Spencer possess similar copies of +these works.]</td></tr> +<tr><td>Franciscus de Retras Comment. Vitiorum;</td><td> </td><td><i>Nuremb.</i></td><td>Folio, 1470.</td></tr> +<tr><td class="ltop">Hieronimi Epistolæ;</td><td class="ltop"><i>Mogunt.</i></td><td><i>Fust and Schoiffer.</i></td><td class="ltop">Folio, 1470.</td></tr> +<tr><td class="center" colspan="4">(Another copy: very large thick paper.)</td></tr> +<tr><td>Priscianus de Art. Grammat.</td><td><i>Venet.</i></td><td><i>Vin. Spira.</i></td><td>Folio, 1470.</td></tr> +<tr><td class="center" colspan="4">(See <a href="#Page_407">p. 407</a>, ante.)</td></tr> +<tr><td>Liber Sextus Decretalium Bonif. Papæ VIII.</td><td><i>Mogunt.</i></td><td> </td><td>Folio, 1470.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Guarini Regulæ;</td><td> </td><td> </td><td>Quarto, 1470.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Quintiliani Institutiones;</td><td><i>Jenson</i>,</td><td> </td><td>Folio, 1471.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Baptista de Alberti de Amore;</td><td> </td><td> </td><td>Quarto, 1471.</td></tr> +<tr><td>—— —— —— de Amoris Remedio:</td><td> </td><td> </td><td>Quarto, 1471.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Biblia in Ling. Volg.</td><td> </td><td> </td><td>Folio, 1471, 2 vols.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Historia Natur. de Plinio tradotto da Landino;</td><td style="vertical-align: bottom"><i>Jenson,</i></td><td style="vertical-align: bottom"><i>Venet.</i></td><td style="vertical-align: bottom">1476.</td></tr> +<tr><td class="center" colspan="4">(A similar copy is in Mr. Coke's library at Holkam; +illuminated, and in magnificent condition.)</td></tr> +<tr><td class="ltop">Biblia Sacra Polyglotta; Ximenis;</td><td class="ltop"><i>Complut.</i></td><td> </td><td>Folio, 1516, &c., 6 vols.</td></tr> +<tr><td class="center" colspan="4">(See <a href="#Page_407">page 407</a>, ante; for a brief account of this +extraordinary copy.)</td></tr> +<tr><td>Plutarchi Vitæ (Lat.);</td><td><i>Venet.</i></td><td><i>N. Jenson.</i></td><td>Folio, 1478. vol. 1.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Aristotelis Opera Varia (Lat.);</td><td><i>Venet.</i></td><td> </td><td>Folio, 1483. 3 vols.</td></tr> +<tr><td class="center" colspan="4">(This was the Pinelli copy, and was purchased for 73<i>l.</i> +10<i>s.</i>)</td></tr> +<tr><td>Statii Achilles;</td><td><i>Brixiæ.</i></td><td> </td><td>Folio, 1485.</td></tr> +<tr><td class="ltop">Chroniques de France, dictes de St. Denys;</td><td class="ltop"><i>Paris.</i></td><td> </td><td>Folio, 1493. vol. 2 & 3.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Anthologia Græca;</td><td><i>Florent.</i></td><td> </td><td>Quarto, 1494.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Lancelot du Lac;</td><td><i>Paris.</i></td><td><i>Verard</i>,</td><td>Folio, 1494. vol. 2.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Boccace des nobles Malheureux;</td><td><i>ibid.</i></td><td> </td><td>Folio, 1494.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Appollonius Rhodius;</td><td><i>Florent.</i></td><td> </td><td>Quarto, 1496.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Destruction de Troy le Grant;</td><td><i>Paris.</i></td><td> </td><td>Folio, 1498.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Poliphili Hyperonotomachia;</td><td><i>Venet.</i></td><td> </td><td>Folio, 1499.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Mer des Histores;</td><td><i>Paris.</i></td><td> </td><td>Folio, (no date) 2 vols.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Monstrelet Chronique de;</td><td><i>Paris.</i></td><td> </td><td>Folio, (no date) 3 vols.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Roman de la Rose;</td><td><i>Paris.</i></td><td><i>Verard.</i></td><td>Folio, (no date)</td></tr> +<tr><td>—— de Tristan;</td><td><i>ibid.</i></td><td><i>id.</i></td><td>(no date)</td></tr> +<tr><td>—— d' Ogier le Danois;</td><td><i>ibid.</i></td><td><i>id.</i></td><td>(no date)</td></tr> +<tr><td>—— de Melis et Lenin;</td><td><i>ibid.</i></td><td><i>id.</i></td><td>(no date)</td></tr> +</table> + +<p>I have heard that Count M'Carthy's books do not exceed 4000 +in number; and of these, perhaps, no private collector in +Europe has an equal number printed upon vellum. In our own +country, however, the finest <span class="smcap">vellum library</span> in the world +might be composed from the collections of His Majesty, the +Duke of Marlborough, Earl Spencer, Sir M.M. Sykes, Bart., +Mr. Johnes, Mr. Coke, and the Quin collection. Yet let us +not forget the finest <i>vellum copy</i> in the world of the +first edition of <i>Aristotle's works</i> (wanting one volume) +which may be seen in the library of Corpus Christi College, +Oxford. Of Mr. Edward's <i>similar</i> copy <i>of the first Livy</i>, +Lysander and myself (vide <a href="#PART_III">Part <span class="smcap">iii.</span></a>) have spoken like honest +bibliomaniacs. Earl Spencer possesses the rival volume, +printed by the same printers, (Sweynheym and Pannartz) and +upon the same material, in his Pliny Senior of 1470—But let +all quiet bibliomaniacs wait with patience till the work of +Mons. Praet upon this subject, alluded to at <a href="#Page_68">p. 68</a>, ante, +shall have made its appearance! and then—let us see whether +we can prevail upon some Gnome to transport to us, through +the 'thin air,' Pynson's '<i>Ship of Fools</i>' <span class="smcap">upon vellum</span>!!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Are we as successful in printing upon vellum as were our +forefathers?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Certainly not; if we except some of the works from the press +of Bodoni—which are oftentimes truly brilliant. But the fault, in +general, is rather in the preparation of the vellum than in the +execution of the press-work.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> You have seen, Lisardo, my small volumes of '<i>Heures</i>,' or +'<i>Missals</i>,' as they are called; some of them in MS. and others in +print—and what can be more delicate than the texture of the vellum +leaves, or more perfect than the execution of penmanship and printing?</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Alman.</span> I have often set whole hours, my dear brother, in contemplating +with rapture the sparkling radiance of these little volumes; and wish +in my heart I had a few favourite authors executed in a similar +manner! I should like to employ Bodoni<a name="FNanchor_446_452" id="FNanchor_446_452"></a><a href="#Footnote_446_452" class="fnanchor">[446]</a> for life.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_446_452" id="Footnote_446_452"></a><a href="#FNanchor_446_452">[446]</a> It is not because Bodoni printed better than +our popular printers—that his books upon vellum are more +beautiful than those produced by the London presses—but +that the Italian vellum (made of the abortive calf) is, in +general, more white and delicate. There is not, perhaps, a +lovelier little <span class="smcap">vellum book</span> in existence than the <i>Castle of +Otranto</i>, printed by Bodoni in 1796, 8vo. A copy of this, +with the plates worked on white satin, was in the collection +of Mr. G.G. Mills; and sold at the sale of his books in +1800; n<span class="super">o</span>. 181; see <a href="#Page_447">p. 447</a>, ante. From the former +authority it would appear that only six copies were printed +in this manner. By the kindness of Mr. Edwards, I am in +possession of a '<i>Lettera Pastorale</i>' of Fr. Adeodato +Turchi—a small tract of 38 pages—printed upon paper, by +Bodoni, in a style of uncommon delicacy: having all the +finish and picturesque effect of copper-plate execution. But +the chef d'œuvre of Bodoni seems to be an edition of +<i>Homer</i>, in three great folio volumes, each consisting of +370 pages, with the text only. The artist employed six years +in the preparations, and the printing occupied eighteen +months. One hundred and forty copies only were struck off. +The copy presented to Bonaparte was <span class="smcap">upon vellum</span>, of a size +and brilliancy altogether unparalleled. <i>American Review</i>, +n<span class="super">o</span>. 1., p. 171. January, 1811. In our admiration of +Bodoni, let us not forget <span class="smcap">Didot</span>: who printed a single copy +of <i>Voltaire's Henriade</i> <span class="smcap">upon vellum</span>, in quarto, with a +brilliancy of execution, and perfection of vellum, which can +never be <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: surpassed">suppassed</span>. This +copy formerly belonged to a Farmer General, one of Didot's +most intimate friends, who perished in the Revolution. Didot +also printed a number of copies of French translations of +English works, upon the same material: so correct, +beautiful, and tasteful, that Mr. Bulmer assures me nothing +could exceed it. All these small richly-feathered birds were +once here, but have now taken their flight to a warmer +climate. Our modern books upon vellum are little short of +being downright wretched. I saw the <i>Life of Nelson</i>, in two +large quartos, printed in this manner; and it would have +been the first work which I should have recommended a +first-rate collector to have thrown out of his library.<a name="FNanchor_G_453" id="FNanchor_G_453"></a><a href="#Footnote_G_453" class="fnanchor">[G]</a> +Many of the leaves were afflicted with the jaundice beyond +hope of cure. The censure which is here thrown out upon +others reaches my own doors: for I attempted to execute a +single copy of my <i>Typographical Antiquities</i> upon vellum, +with every possible attention to printing and to the +material upon which it was to be executed. But I failed in +every point: and this single wretchedly-looking book, had I +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: persevered">presevered</span> in executing my +design, would have cost me about <i>seventy-five</i> guineas!</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_G_453" id="Footnote_G_453"></a><a href="#FNanchor_G_453">[G]</a> This book was printed at Bolt Court during the +apprenticeship of the printer of this edit. of Biblio., who +speaking from remembrance, ventures to suggest that the +above remark is rather too strong—although there was +confessedly a great deal of trouble in procuring good +vellum. He believes only <i>one</i> copy was done; it was the +property of Alexander Davidson, Esq. Banker, and, being in +his library in Ireland, when the mansion was burned down, it +was destroyed. He had insured it for £600—the Insurance +office disputed his claim, and a trial at Dublin took place. +The late Mr. Bensley was subpœnaed to give evidence of +its value, but, being reluctant to go, he persuaded the +parties that Warwick, one of his pressmen, who worked it +off, was a better witness; he accordingly went, his evidence +succeeding in establishing Mr. Davidson's claim. This same +Warwick worked off many of the splendid specimens of +typography mentioned in <i>Bibliomania</i>, being one of the very +best workmen in the Printing business—particularly in +wood-cuts. He afterwards became private printer to the late +Sir Egerton Bridges, Bart., at Lee Priory—and is long since +dead.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_521" id="Page_521">521</a></span><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> I could go on, 'till midnight, indulging my wishes of having +favourite books printed upon vellum leaves; and at the head of these I +would put <i>Crammer's Bible</i> for I want scholarship sufficient to +understand the <i>Complutensian Polyglott of Cardinal Ximenes</i>.<a name="FNanchor_447_454" id="FNanchor_447_454"></a><a href="#Footnote_447_454" class="fnanchor">[447]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_447_454" id="Footnote_447_454"></a><a href="#FNanchor_447_454">[447]</a> See pages <a href="#Page_160">160</a>, <a href="#Page_407">407</a>, ante.</p></div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Belin."><span class="smcap">Berlin.</span></span> So much for the <i>Vellum Symptom</i>. +Proceed we now to the <i>sixth</i>: which upon looking at my memoranda, I +find to be the <span class="smcap">First Editions</span>. What is the meaning of this odd +symptom?</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> From the time of Ancillon to Askew, there has been a very +strong desire expressed for the <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: possession">possesssion</span> +of <i>original</i> or <i>first published editions</i><a name="FNanchor_448_455" id="FNanchor_448_455"></a><a href="#Footnote_448_455" class="fnanchor">[448]</a> of works; +as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_522" id="Page_522">522</a></span> they are in general superintended and corrected by the author +himself, and, like the first impressions of prints are considered more +valuable. Whoever is possessed with a passion for collecting books of +this kind, may<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_523" id="Page_523">523</a></span> unquestionably be said to exhibit a strong symptom of +the Bibliomania: but such a case is not quite hopeless, nor is it +deserving of severe treatment or censure. All bibliographers have +dwelt on the importance of these editions<a name="FNanchor_449_456" id="FNanchor_449_456"></a><a href="#Footnote_449_456" class="fnanchor">[449]</a> for the sake of +collation with subsequent ones; and of detecting, as is frequently the +case, the carelessness displayed by future editors. Of such importance +is the <i>first edition Shakspeare</i><a name="FNanchor_450_457" id="FNanchor_450_457"></a><a href="#Footnote_450_457" class="fnanchor">[450]</a> considered, on the score of +correctness, that a fac-simile reprint of it has been recently +published. In regard to the Greek and Latin Classics, the possession +of these original editions is of the first consequence to editors who +are anxious to republish the legitimate text of an author. Wakefield, +I believe, always regretted that the first edition of Lucretius had +not been earlier inspected by him. When he began <i>his</i> edition, the +Editio Princeps was not (as I have understood) in that storehouse of +almost every thing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_524" id="Page_524">524</a></span> which is exquisite and rare in ancient and modern +classical literature—need I add the library of Earl Spencer?<a name="FNanchor_451_458" id="FNanchor_451_458"></a><a href="#Footnote_451_458" class="fnanchor">[451]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_448_455" id="Footnote_448_455"></a><a href="#FNanchor_448_455">[448]</a> All German and French bibliographers class +these <span class="smcap">first editions</span> among rare books; and nothing is more +apt to seduce a noviciate in bibliography into error than +the tempting manner in which, by aid of capital or italic +types, these <span class="smcap">Editiones Primariæ</span> or <i>Editiones Principes</i> are +set forth in the most respectable catalogues published +abroad as well as at home. But before we enter into +particulars, we must not forget that this sixth <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: symptom">sympton</span> +of the Bibliomania has been +thus pungently described in the poetical strains of an +"aspirant!"</p> + +<p class="center">SIXTH MAXIM.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Who of Editions recks the least,<br /> +But, when that hog, his mind would feast<br /> +Fattens the intellectual beast<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">With old, or new, without ambition,—</span><br /> +I'll teach the pig to soar on high,<br /> +(If pigs had pinions, by the bye)<br /> +How'er the <i>last</i> may <i>satisfy</i>,<br /> +The <i>bonne bouche</i> is the "<span class="smcap">First Edition</span>."<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 9em;"><i>Bibliosophia</i>; p. <span class="smcap">vi.</span></span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>These first editions are generally, with respect to foreign +works, printed in the fifteenth or in the early part of the +sixteenth century: and indeed we have a pretty rich +sprinkling of a similar description of first editions +executed in our own country. It is not, therefore, without +justice that we are described, by foreign bibliographers, as +being much addicted to this class of books: "With what +avidity, and at what great prices, this character of books +is obtained by the Dutch, and <i>especially by the English</i>, +the very illustrious Zach. Conrad ab Uffenbach shews, in the +preface to the second volume of his catalogue." Vogt; p. +xx., edit. 1793. There is a curious and amusing article in +Bayle (English edition, vol i., 672, &c.) about the elder +Ancillon, who frankly confessed that he "was troubled with +the Bibliomania, or disease of buying books." Mr. D'Israeli +says that he "always purchased <i>first editions</i>, and never +waited for second ones," but I find it, in the English +Bayle, note D, "he chose <i>the best</i> editions." The manner in +which Ancillon's library was pillaged by the Ecclesiastics +of Metz (where it was considered as the most valuable +curiosity in the town) is thus told by Bayle: "Ancillon was +obliged to leave Metz: a company of Ecclesiastics, of all +orders, came from every part, to lay hands on this fine and +copious library, which had been collected with the utmost +care during forty years. They took away a great number of +the books together; and gave a little money, as they went +out, to a young girl, of twelve or thirteen years of age, +who looked after them, that they might have it to say they +had <i>paid for them</i>. Thus Ancillon saw that valuable +collection dispersed, in which, as he was wont to say, his +chief pleasure and even his heart was placed!"—Edit. 1734. +A pleasant circumstance, connected with our present subject, +occurred to the Rev. Dr. Charles Burney. At a small sale of +books which took place at Messrs. King and Lochée's, some +few years ago, the Doctor sent a commission, for some old +grammatical treatises; and calling with Mr. Edwards to see +the success of the commission, the latter, in the true +spirit of bibliomaniacism, pounced upon an anciently-bound +book, in the lot, which turned out to be—nothing less than +the <i>first edition</i> of <span class="smcap">Manilius</span> by Regiomontanus: one of the +very scarcest books in the class of those of which we are +treating! By the liberality of the purchaser, this <i>primary +bijou</i> now adorns the noble library of the Bishop of Ely.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_449_456" id="Footnote_449_456"></a><a href="#FNanchor_449_456">[449]</a> An instance of this kind may be adduced from +the <i>first edition</i> of Fabian, printed in 1516; of which +Chronicle Messrs. Longman, Hurst, and Co. have just +published a new edition, superintended by Mr. H. Ellis, and +containing various readings from all the editions at the +foot of the text. "The antiquary," says the late Mr. <span class="smcap">Brand</span>, +"is desired to consult the edition of Fabian, printed by +Pynson, in 1516, because there are others, and I remember to +have seen one in the Bodleian Library at Oxford, with a +continuation to the end of Queen Mary, 1559, in which the +language is much modernized." <i>Shakspeare</i>, edit. 1803, vol. +xviii., pp. 85, 86. See also what has been before said (p. +233.) of an <i>after</i> edition of Speed.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_450_457" id="Footnote_450_457"></a><a href="#FNanchor_450_457">[450]</a> A singular story is "extant" about the +purchase of the late Duke of Roxburgh's copy of the first +edition of Shakspeare. A friend was bidding for him in the +sale-room: his Grace had retired to one end of the room, +coolly to view the issue of the contest. The biddings rose +quickly to 20 guineas; a great sum in former times: but the +Duke was not to be daunted or defeated. A slip of paper was +handed to him, upon which the propriety of continuing the +contest was suggested. His Grace took out his pencil; and, +with a coolness which would have done credit to Prince +Eugene, he wrote on the same slip of paper, by way of reply—</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +<span style="margin-left: 13em;">lay on Macduff!</span><br /> +And d——d be he who first cries "Hold, enough!"<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Such a spirit was irresistible, and bore down all +opposition. The Duke was of course declared victor, and he +marched off, triumphantly, with the volume under his arm. +Lord Spencer has a fine copy of this first edition of +Shakspeare, collated by Steevens himself.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_451_458" id="Footnote_451_458"></a><a href="#FNanchor_451_458">[451]</a> We raise the column to the hero who has +fought our battles by sea or land; and we teach our children +to look up with admiration and reverence towards an object +so well calculated to excite the best sympathies of the +human heart. All this is well; and may it never be +neglected! But there are other characters not less noble, +and of equal glory to a great nation like our own; and they +are those who, to the adventitious splendour of hereditary +rank, add all the worth and talent of a private condition, +less exposed to temptation, and suited to the cultivation of +peaceful and literary pursuits. Such a character is <span class="smcap">George +John Earl Spencer</span>! A nobleman, not less upright and weighty +in the senate than polished and amiable in private life; +who, cool and respected amidst the violence of party, has +filled two of the most important offices of state in a +manner at once popular and effective; and who, to his +general love of the fine arts, and acquaintance with +classical literature, has superadded the noble achievement +of having collected the finest private library in Europe! +The reader has already met with sufficient mention of this +collection to justify what is here said in commendation of +it.... In the deepest recess of Althorpe Park—where the +larch and laurustinus throw their dark yet pleasing +shade—and where</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +——pinus ingens, albaque populus<br /> +Umbram hospitalem consociare amant<br /> +Ramis—<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>let the Doric Temple be raised, with its white-marbled +columns, sacred to the memory of this <span class="smcap">illustrious nobleman</span>! +Let his bust, in basso-relievo, with appropriate +embellishments, adorn the most conspicuous compartment +within: and peace and virtue, and filial affection, will, I +am sure, be the guardians of so cherished a spot! +</p> + +<p class="centertp">ARMS OF EARL SPENCER.</p> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/spencerarms.png" width="310" height="247" alt="DIEU DEFEND LE DROIT" title="DIEU DEFEND LE DROIT" /> +</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">It must not, however, be forgotten that, if first editions are, in +some instances, of great importance, they are in many respects +superfluous, and only incumber the shelves of a collector; inasmuch as +the labours of subsequent editors have corrected the errors of their +predecessors, and superseded, by a great fund of additional matter, +the necessity of consulting them. Thus, not to mention other instances +(which present themselves while noticing the present one), all the +fine things which Colomiés and Reimannus have said about the rarity of +La Croix du Maine's Bibliothéque, published in 1584, are now +unnecessary to be attended to, since the publication of the ample and +excellent edition of this work by De La Monnoye and Juvigny, in six +quarto volumes, 1772.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Upon the whole, I should prefer the best to the first edition; +and you, Lorenzo, may revel in the possession of your <i>first +Shakespeare</i>—but give me the last Variorum edition <i>in twenty-one +volumes</i>.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_525" id="Page_525">525</a></span></p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> "Chacun a son gout," yet it may be as well to possess them +<i>both</i>. Indeed, I not only have these editions, but a great number of +the early plays printed in quarto;<a name="FNanchor_452_459" id="FNanchor_452_459"></a><a href="#Footnote_452_459" class="fnanchor">[452]</a> which are considered the <i>ne +plus ultra</i> of Shakspearian bibliomaniacism.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_452_459" id="Footnote_452_459"></a><a href="#FNanchor_452_459">[452]</a> A pretty copious list of these valuable early +plays will be found at pages <a href="#Page_431">431-2-3-4</a>, ante.</p></div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Belin.</span> Much good may these wretchedly printed volumes do you! Now let +me proceed with my pupil. Tell us, good Lysander, what can you +possibly mean by the <i>seventh symptom</i> of the Bibliomania, called <span class="smcap">True +Editions</span>?</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> My definition of this strange symptom will excite your +mirth.<a name="FNanchor_453_460" id="FNanchor_453_460"></a><a href="#Footnote_453_460" class="fnanchor">[453]</a> Some copies of a work are struck<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_526" id="Page_526">526</a></span> off with deviations from +the usually received ones, and although these deviations have +generally neither sense nor beauty to recommend them (and indeed are +principally <i>defects</i>!), yet copies of this description are eagerly +sought after by collectors of a certain class. What think you of such +a ridiculous passion in the book-way?</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_453_460" id="Footnote_453_460"></a><a href="#FNanchor_453_460">[453]</a> Observing the usual order of notification, we +will first borrow the poetical aid of "an aspirant:"</p> + +<p class="center">SEVENTH MAXIM.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Who dares to "write me down an ass,"<br /> +When, spying through the curious mass,<br /> +I rub my hands, and wipe my glass,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">If, chance, an <i>error</i> bless my notice—</span><br /> +Will prize when drill'd into his duty,<br /> +These lovely warts of ugly beauty;<br /> +For books, when <i>false</i> (it may be new t'ye),<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Are "<span class="smcap">True Editions</span>:"—odd,—but <i>so</i> 'tis.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Let us proceed to see whether this biting satire be founded +upon truth, or not. Accidental variations from the common +impressions of a work form what are called <span class="smcap">true editions</span>: +and as copies, with such variations (upon the same principle +as that of <i>Prints</i>; vide <a href="#Page_501">p. 501-2</a>, ante) are rare, they are +of course sought after with avidity by knowing +bibliomaniacs. Thus speaks Ameilhon upon the +subject:—"pendant l'impression d'un ouvrage il est arrivé +un accident qui, à telle page et à telle ligne, a occasioné +un renversement dans les lettres d'un mot, et que ce +désordre n'a été rétabli qu'apres le tirage de six ou sept +exemplaires; ce qui rend ces exemplaires défectueux presque +uniques, et leur donne, â les entendre, une valeur +inappréciable; car voila un des grands secrets de cet art, +qui, au reste, s'acquiert aisément avec de la memoire." +<i>Mem. de l'Institut</i>: vol. ii., p. 485. The author of these +words then goes on to abuse the purchasers and venders of +these strange books; but I will not quote his saucy tirade +in defamation of this noble department of bibliomaniacism. I +subjoin a few examples in illustration of Lysander's +definition:—<i>Cæsar. Lug. Bat.</i> 1636, 12mo. <i>Printed by +Elzevir.</i> In the Bibliotheca Revickzkiana we are informed +that the <i>true</i> Elzevir edition is known by having the plate +of a buffalo's head at the beginning of the preface and body +of the work: also by having the page numbered 153, which +<i>ought</i> to have been numbered 149. A further account is +given in my Introduction to the Classics, vol. i., p. +228.—<i>Horace</i>, Londini, 1733, 8vo., 2 vols. Published by +Pine. The <i>true</i> edition is distinguished by having at page +108, vol. ii., the <i>incorrect</i> reading "Post Est."—for +"Protest."—<i>Virgil.</i> Lug. Bat., 1636, 12mo. Printed by +Elzevir. The <i>true</i> edition is known, by having at plate 1, +before the Bucolics, the following Latin passage <i>printed in +red ink</i>. "Ego vero frequentes a te literas accepi." Consul +de Bure, n<span class="super">o</span>. 2684.—<i>Idem.</i> Birmingh. 1763, 4to. Printed +by Baskerville. A particular account of the <i>true</i> edition +will be found in the second volume of my "Introduction to +the Classics," p. 337—too long to be here +inserted.—<i>Bocaccio.</i> Il Decamerone, Venet. 1527, 4to. +Consult De Bure n<span class="super">o</span>. 3667; Bandini, vol. ii. 105, 211; +(who, however, is extremely laconic upon this edition, but +copious upon the anterior one of 1516) and Haym, vol. iii., +p. 8, edit. 1803. Bibl. Paris., n<span class="super">o</span>. 408. Clement. (vol. +iv. 352,) has abundance of reference, as usual, to +strengthen his assertion in calling the edition "<i>fort +rare</i>." The reprint, or spurious edition, has always struck +me as the prettier book of the two. These examples appeared +in the first edition of this work. I add to them what of +course I was not enabled to do before. In the second edition +of <i>The Bibliomania</i>, there are some variations in the +copies of the small paper; and one or two decided ones +between the small and large. In the small, at page 13, line +2, we read</p> + +<p class="center">"beat with perpetual <i>forms</i>."</p> + +<p>in the large, it is properly</p> + +<p class="center">"beat with perpetual <i>storms</i>."</p> + +<p>Which of these is indicative of the <i>true</i> edition? Again: +in the small paper, p. 275, line 20, we read properly</p> + +<p class="center">"Claudite jam rivos pueri, sat <i>prata</i> biberunt."</p> + +<p>in the large paper,</p> + +<p class="center">"Claudite jam rivos pueri, sat <i>parta</i> biberunt."</p> + +<p>It was in my power to have cancelled the leaf in the large +paper as well as in the small; but I thought it might +thereby have taken from the former the air of a <i>true</i> +edition; and so the blunder (a mere transposition of the +letters <i>ar</i>) will go down to a future generation in the +large paper. There is yet another slight variation between +the small and large. At p. 111, in the account of the +catalogue of Krohn's books, the concluding sentence wholly +varies: but I believe there is not an <i>error</i> in either, to +entitle one to the rank of <i>Truism</i> more than another.<a name="FNanchor_H_461" id="FNanchor_H_461"></a><a href="#Footnote_H_461" class="fnanchor">[H]</a></p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_H_461" id="Footnote_H_461"></a><a href="#FNanchor_H_461">[H]</a> During the youth of the printer of this book, a +curious mistake occurred: a splendid folio work was going on +for Dr. Bonnell Thornton; in a certain page, as printers +technically say, <i>a space stood up</i>; the Dr. (not +understanding printers' marks) wrote on a head page "take +out horizontal line at p. so and so"—the compositor +inserted these words as a <i>displayed line</i> in the head-page +whereon they were written—the reader passed it in the +revise—and it was so worked off! Being eventually +detected—the leaf was of course cancelled.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Alman.</span> It seems to me to be downright idiotism. But I suspect you +exaggerate?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> In sober truth, I tell you only what every day's experience in +the book-market will corroborate.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Belin.</span> Well!—what strange animals are you biblio<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_527" id="Page_527">527</a></span>maniacs. Have we any +other symptom to notice? Yes, I think Lysander made mention of an +<i>eighth</i>; called a passion for <span class="smcap">the Black-Letter.</span> Can any eyes be so +jaundiced as to prefer volumes printed in this crabbed, rough, and +dismal manner?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> Treason—downright treason! Lisardo shall draw up a bill of +indictment against you, and Lysander shall be your judge.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Belin.</span> My case would then be desperate; and execution must necessarily +follow.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> I shall be better able to form an opinion of the expediency of +such a measure after Lysander has given us his definition of this +eighth and last symptom. Proceed, my friend.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Of all symptoms of the Bibliomania, this <i>eighth</i> symptom is +at present the most powerful and prevailing. Whether it was imported +into this country, from Holland, by the subtlety of Schelhorn<a name="FNanchor_454_462" id="FNanchor_454_462"></a><a href="#Footnote_454_462" class="fnanchor">[454]</a> (a +knowing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_528" id="Page_528">528</a></span> writer upon rare and curious books) may be a point worthy of +consideration. But whatever be its origin, certain is that books +printed in the <span class="bl">black-letter</span>, are now coveted with an eagerness unknown +to our collectors in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_529" id="Page_529">529</a></span> the last century. If the spirits of West, +Ratcliffe, Farmer, and Brand, have as yet held any intercourse with +each other, in that place "from whose bourne no traveller returns," +which must be the surprise of the three former, on being told, by the +latter, of the prices given for some of the books at the sale of his +library!</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_454_462" id="Footnote_454_462"></a><a href="#FNanchor_454_462">[454]</a> His words are as follows: "Ipsa typorum +ruditas, ipsa illa atra crassaque literarum facies <i>belle +tangit sensus</i>," <i>&c.</i> Was ever the black-letter more +eloquently described: see his <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Amœnitates"><i>Amœntates</i></span> +<i>Literariæ</i>, vol. i., p. 5. But for the +last time, let us listen to the concluding symptomatic +stanza of an "aspirant;"</p> + +<p class="center">EIGHTH MAXIM.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Who dreams the <i>Type</i> should please us all,<br /> +That's not too thin, and not too tall,<br /> +Nor much awry, nor over small,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And, if but <span class="smcap">Roman</span>, asks no better—</span><br /> +May die in darkness:—I, for one,<br /> +Disdain to tell the barb'rous Hun<br /> +That Persians but adore the sun<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Till taught to know <i>our</i> God—<span class="bl">Black-Letter</span>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 10.7em;"><i>Bibliosophia</i>: p. vii.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>However cruel may be the notes of one poet, it seems pretty +clear that the glorious subject, or bibliomaniacal symptom, +of which we are treating, excited numbers of a softer +character in the muse of Dr. Ferriar: for thus sings +he—inspired by the possession of <i>black-letter</i> tomes:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +In red morocco drest, he loves to boast<br /> +The bloody murder, or the yelling ghost;<br /> +Or dismal ballads, sung to crowds of old,<br /> +Now cheaply bought for thrice their weight in gold.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 15.5em;">v. 62-65.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Ev'n I, debarr'd of ease and studious hours,<br /> +Confess, mid' anxious toil, its lurking pow'rs.<br /> +How pure the joy, when first my hands unfold<br /> +The small, rare volume, black with tarnished gold!<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 8.5em;"><i>The Bibliomania</i>, l. 135-8.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>But let us attend to a more scientific illustration of this +eighth symptom. '<span class="smcap">Black-Letter</span>, which is used in England, +descends from the Gothic characters; and is therefore called +<i>Gothic</i> by some, <i>old English</i> by others; but printers give +it the name of <i>Black-Letter</i>, because its face taking in a +larger compass than Roman or Italic of the same body, the +full and spreading strokes thereof appear more <i>black</i> upon +paper than common.' <i>Smith's Printer's Grammar</i>; edit. 1755, +p. 18. The same definition is given in a recent similar +work; with the addition that 'black-letter is more expensive +than Roman or Italic, its broad face requiring an +extraordinary quantity of ink, which always gives the best +coloured paper a yellow cast, unless worked upon that of a +superior quality. It has a good effect in a title-page, if +disposed with taste.' Stower's <i>Printer's Grammar</i>; 1808, p. +41. To these authorities we may add, from Rowe Mores, that +'Wynkyn de Worde's letter was of <i>The Square English</i> or +<i>Black face</i>, and has been the pattern for his successors in +the art.' <i>Of English Founders and Foundries</i>; 1778, 8vo. p. +4, 5. 'The same black-letter printer,' says Palmer or +Psalmanaazar, 'gave a greater scope to his fancy, and formed +such a variety of sorts and sizes of letter that, for +several years after him, none of his successors attempted to +imitate him therein.' <i>General History of Printing</i>; p. 343. +It is not necessary to collect, in formal array, the +authorities of foreigners upon this important subject; +although it may be as well to notice the strange manner in +which Momoro, in his <i>Traité elémentaire de L'Imprimerie</i>, +p. 185, refers us to an elucidation of the Gothic letter +('appelé du nom de certains peuples qui vinrent s'établir +dans la Gothie, plus de quatre cens ans avant J.C.') in one +of the plates of Fournier's <i>Dictionnaire Typographique</i>: +vol. ii. p. 205—which, in truth, resembles anything but the +Gothic type, as understood by modern readers.—Smith and Mr. +Stower have the hardihood to rejoice at the present general +extinction of the black-letter. They were not, probably, +aware of Hearne's eulogy upon it—'As it is a reproach to us +(says this renowned antiquary) that the Saxon language +should be so forgot as to have but few (comparatively +speaking) that are able to read it; so 'tis a greater +reproach that the <span class="smcap">Black-Letter</span>, which was the character so +much in use in our grandfathers' days, should be now (as it +were) disused and rejected; especially when we know the best +editions of our English Bible and Common-Prayer (to say +nothing of other books) are printed in it.' <i>Robert of +Gloucester's Chronicle</i>: vol. i., p. <span class="smcap">lxxxv</span>. I presume the +editor and publisher of the forth-coming fac-simile +re-impression of Juliana Barnes's Book of Hawking, Hunting, +&c., are of the same opinion with Hearne: and are resolved +upon eclipsing even the black-letter reputation of the +afore-named Wynkyn De Worde.—A pleasant black-letter +anecdote is told by Chevillier, of his having picked up, on +a bookseller's stall, the first edition of the <i>Speculum +Salutis</i> sive <i>Humanæ Salvationis</i> (one of the rarest +volumes in the class of those printed in the middle of the +fifteenth century) for the small sum of four livres! +<i>L'Origine de l'Imprimerie</i>; p. 281. This extraordinary +event soon spread abroad, and was circulated in every +bibliographical journal. Schelhorn noticed it in his +<i>Amœnitates Literariæ</i>: vol. iv. 295-6: and so did +Maichelius in his <i>Introd. ad Hist. Lit. et Præcip. Bibl. +Paris</i>, p. 122. Nor has it escaped the notice of a more +recent foreign bibliographer. Ameilhon makes mention of +Chevillier's good fortune; adding that the work was 'un de +ces livres rares au premièr degré, qu' un <span class="smcap">bon Bibliomane</span> ne +peut voir sans trépigner de joie, si j'ose m'exprimer +ainsi.' <i>Mem. de l'Institut</i>. vol. ii. 485-6. This very +copy, which was in the Sorbonne, is now in the Imperial, +library at Paris. <i>Ibid.</i> A similar, though less important, +anecdote is here laid before the reader from a communication +sent to me by Mr. Wm. Hamper of Birmingham. '"<i>Tusser's Five +Hundred Points of Good Husbandry, black-letter, sewed</i>," was +valued at <span class="smcap">sixpence</span>, in a catalogue of a small Collection of +Books on the sale at the shop of Mr. William Adams, +Loughborough, in the year 1804: and, after in vain suing the +coy collector at this humble price, remained unsold to the +present year, 1809, when (thanks to your <i>Bibliomania</i>!) it +brought <span class="smcap">a Golden Guinea</span>.'—I have myself been accused of 'an +admiration to excess' of black-letter lore; and of +recommending it in every shape, and by every means, directly +and indirectly. Yet I have surely not said or done any thing +half so decisive in recommendation of it as did our great +moralist, Dr. Johnson: who thus introduces the subject in +one of his periodical papers.—'The eldest and most +venerable of this society, was <span class="smcap">Hirsutus</span>: who, after the +first civilities of my reception, found means to introduce +the mention of his favourite studies, by a severe censure of +those who want the due regard for their native country. He +informed me that he had early withdrawn his attention from +foreign trifles, and that since he begun to addict his mind +to serious and manly studies, he had very carefully amassed +all the <i>English books</i> that were printed in the +<span class="bl">Black-Letter</span>. This search he had pursued so diligently that +he was able to show the deficiencies of the best catalogues. +He had long since completed his <i>Caxton</i>, had three sheets +of <i>Treveris</i>, unknown to antiquaries, and wanted to a +perfect [collection of] <i>Pynson</i> but two volumes: of which +one was promised him as a legacy by its present possessor, +and the other he was resolved to buy at whatever price, when +Quisquilius' library should be sold. Hirsutus had no other +reason for the valuing or slighting a book than that it was +printed in the Roman or the Gothick letter, nor any ideas +but such as his favourite volumes had supplied: when he was +serious, he expatiated on the narratives of <span class="smcap">Johan de +Trevisa</span>, and, when he was merry, regaled us with a quotation +from the <i>Shippe of Fools</i>.' <span class="smcap">Rambler</span>, n<span class="super">o</span>. 177.—Nor was +the Doctor himself quite easy and happy 'till he had sold, +in the character of a <span class="smcap">bookseller</span>, a few volumes—probably of +black-letter celebrity. Mr. Boswell relates that 'During the +last visit which the Doctor made to Litchfield, the friends, +with whom he was staying missed him one morning at the +breakfast table. On inquiring after him of the servants, +they understood that he had set off from Litchfield at a +very early hour, without mentioning to any of the family +whither he was going. The day passed without the return of +the illustrious guest, and the party began to be very uneasy +on his account, when, just before the supper hour, the door +opened, and the Doctor stalked into the room. A solemn +silence of a few minutes ensued; nobody daring to enquire +the cause of his absence, which was at length relieved by +Johnson addressing the lady of the house as follows: "Madam, +I beg your pardon for the abruptness of my departure this +morning, but I was constrained to it by my <i>conscience</i>. +Fifty years ago, Madam, on this day, I committed a breach of +filial piety, which has ever since lain heavy on my mind, +and has not until this day been expiated. My father, you +recollect, was a bookseller, and had long been in the habit +of attending <i>Walsall Market</i>; and opening a stall for the +sale of his books during that day. Confined to his bed by +indisposition, he requested of me, this time fifty years +ago, to visit the market, and attend the stall in his place. +But, Madam, my pride prevented me from doing my duty, and I +gave my father a refusal. To do away the sin of this +disobedience, I this day went in a post-chaise to Walsall, +and going into the market at the time of high business, +uncovered my head, and stood with it bare an hour before the +stall which my father had formerly used, exposed to the +sneers of the by-standers, and the inclemency of the +weather: a penance, by which I have propitiated Heaven for +this only instance, I believe, of contumacy towards my +father."'—Is it not probable that Dr. Johnson himself might +have sold for <span class="smcap">sixpence</span>, a <i>Tusser</i>, which now would have +brought a '<span class="smcap">golden guinea</span>?'</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">A perusal of these prices may probably not impress the reader with any +lofty notions of the superiority of the black-letter; but this symptom +of the Bibliomania is,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_530" id="Page_530">530</a></span> nevertheless, not to be considered as +incurable, or wholly unproductive of good. Under a proper spirit of +modification, it has done, and will continue to do, essential service +to the cause of English literature. It guided the taste, and +strengthened the judgment, of Tyrwhitt in his researches after +Chaucerian lore. It stimulated the studies of Farmer and Steevens, and +enabled them to twine many a beauteous flower round the brow of their +beloved Shakspeare.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_531" id="Page_531">531</a></span></p> + +<p class="bp">It has since operated, to the same effect, in the labour of Mr. +Douce,<a name="FNanchor_455_463" id="FNanchor_455_463"></a><a href="#Footnote_455_463" class="fnanchor">[455]</a> the <span class="smcap">Porson</span> of old English and French Literature; and in +the editions of Milton and Spenser, by my amiable and excellent friend +Mr. Todd, the public have had a specimen of what the <i>Black-Letter</i> +may perform, when temperately and skilfully exercised.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_455_463" id="Footnote_455_463"></a><a href="#FNanchor_455_463">[455]</a> In the criticisms which have passed upon Mr. +<span class="smcap">Douce's</span> "<i>Illustrations of Shakspeare and Ancient Manners</i>," +it has not, I think, been generally noticed that this work +is distinguished for the singular diffidence and urbanity of +criticism, as well as depth of learning, which it evinces; +and for the happy illustrations of the subjects discussed by +means of fac-simile wood-cuts.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">I could bring to your recollection other instances; but your own +memories will better furnish you with them. Let me not, however, omit +remarking that the beautiful pages of the '<i>Minstrelsy of the Scottish +Border</i>' and '<i>Sir Tristrem</i>' exhibit, in the notes, (now and then +thickly studded with black-letter references) a proof that the author +of '<i>The Lay</i>,' '<i>Marmion</i>,' and '<i>The Lady of the Lake</i>,' has not +disdained to enrich his stores with such intelligence as black-letter +books impart. In short, although this be a strong and general symptom +of the Bibliomania, it is certainly not attended with injurious +effects when regulated by prudence and discretion. An +undistinguishable voracious appetite to swallow <i>every thing</i>, because +printed in the black-letter, must necessarily bring on an incurable +disease, and, consequently, premature dissolution.</p> + +<p class="bp">There is yet one other, and a somewhat generally prevailing, symptom, +indicative of the prevalence of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_532" id="Page_532">532</a></span> Bibliomania; and this consists in +a fondness for books which have been printed for <span class="smcap">Private +Distribution</span><a name="FNanchor_456_464" id="FNanchor_456_464"></a><a href="#Footnote_456_464" class="fnanchor">[456]</a> only, or at a <span class="smcap">private press</span>. What is executed for a +few, will be coveted by many; because the edge of curiosity is +whetted, from a supposition that something very extraordinary, or very +curious, or very uncommon,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_533" id="Page_533">533</a></span> is propagated in this said book, so +partially distributed. As to works printed at a <i>Private Press</i>, we +have had a very recent testimony of the avidity with which certain +volumes, executed in this manner, and of which the impression has been +comparatively limited, have been sought after by book <i>Cognoscenti</i>.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_456_464" id="Footnote_456_464"></a><a href="#FNanchor_456_464">[456]</a> The reader may not object to be made +acquainted with a few distinguished productions, printed for +<span class="smcap">private distribution</span>. The reader is indebted to Mr. Bulmer, +at whose elegant press these works were printed, for the +information which follows:—<span class="smcap">Museum Worsleyanum</span>; by Sir +<i>Richard Worsley</i>; 1798, 1802, Atlas Folio, 2 vols. The +first volume of this work, of which 200 copies were printed, +was finished in May, 1798, and circulated, with the plates +only of vol. ii., amongst the chosen friends of Sir Richard +Worsley, the author; who was, at that time, the diplomatic +Resident at Venice from our Court. The second volume, with +the letter-press complete, of which only 100 copies were +printed, was finished in 1802. The entire expense attending +this rare and sumptuous publication (of which a copy is in +the library of the Royal Institution) amounted to the +enormous sum of 27,000<i>l.</i> and from the irregularity of +delivering the second volume of plates, in the first +instance, without the letter-press, many of the copies are +incomplete.——<span class="smcap">The Father's Revenge</span>; <i>by the Earl of +Carlisle, K.G.</i> &c., 1800, 4to. A limited impression of this +very beautiful volume, decorated with engravings from the +pencil of Westall, was circulated by the noble author among +his friends. I saw a copy of it, bound in green morocco, +with the original letter of the donor, in the library of +Earl Spencer at Althorp.——<span class="smcap">Mount St. Gothard</span>: <i>By the late +Duchess of Devonshire</i>, folio. Only fifty copies of this +brilliant volume were printed; to a few of which, it is +said, Lady Diana Beauclerc lent the aid of her ornamental +pencil, in some beautiful drawings of the wild and romantic +scenery in the neighbourhood of Mount St. +Gothard.——<span class="smcap">Dissertation on Etruscan Vases</span>; <i>by Mr. +Christie</i>. Imperial 4to. With elegant Engravings. Only 100 +copies of this truly classical volume were printed. From the +death of one or two of the parties, who became originally +possessed of it, as a present from the author, it has fallen +to the lot of Mr. Christie to become, professionally, the +vender of a work which he himself never meant to be sold. A +copy was very lately disposed of, in this manner, for +14<i>l.</i>——<span class="smcap">Bentleii Epistolæ</span>; <i>Edited by</i> [the Rev.] <i>Dr. +Charles Burney</i>: 1807, 4to. This is one of the most +beautiful productions of the Shakspeare press; nor are the +intrinsic merits of the volume inferior to its external +splendour. The scarcer copies of it are those in medium +quarto; of which only 50 were printed: of the imperial +quarto, there were 150 executed.—I add two more similar +examples, which were not printed at the Shakspeare +press:—<span class="smcap">Lord Baltimore's</span> <i>Gaudia Poetica</i>; Lat. Angl. et +Gall. with plates. (No date). Large quarto. Only ten copies +of this rare volume were printed, and those distributed +among the author's friends: a copy of it was sold for 6<i>l.</i> +10<i>s.</i> at the sale of Mr. Reed's books: see Bibl. Reed, +n<span class="super">o</span>. 6682. It was inserted for sale in the catalogue of +Mr. Burnham, bookseller at Northampton, A.D. 1796—with a +note of its rarity subjoined.——<span class="smcap">Views in Orkney</span> and on the +<span class="smcap">North-Eastern Coast of Scotland</span>. Taken in 1805. Etched 1807. +Folio. <i>By the Marchioness of Stafford.</i>—The letter-press +consists of twenty-seven pages: the first of which bears +this unassuming designation; "Some Account of the Orkney +Islands, extracted from Dr. Barry's History, and Wallace's +and Brand's Descriptions of Orkney." To this chapter or +division is prefixed a vignette of <i>Stroma</i>; and the chapter +ends at p. 5. Then follow four views of the Orkney +Islands.—The next chapter is entitled "The Cathedral of +Kirkwall," which at the beginning exhibits a vignette of the +<i>Cathedral of St. Magnus</i>, and at the close, at p. 9, a +vignette of a <i>Tomb in the Cathedral</i>. To these succeed two +plates, presenting Views of the <i>Inside of the Cathedral</i>, +and an <i>Arch in the Cathedral</i>.—The third chapter commences +at p. 11, with "The Earl of Orkney's Palace," to which a +vignette of a <i>Street in Kirkwall</i> is prefixed. It ends at +p. 12, and is followed by a plate exhibiting a view of the +<i>Door-way of the Earl's Palace</i>; by another of the <i>Hall of +the Earl's Palace</i>; and by a third containing two Views, +namely, the <i>Inside of the Hall</i>, and, upon a larger scale, +the <i>Chimney in the Hall</i>.—"The Bay of the Frith" is the +subject of the fourth chapter; which exhibits at the +beginning a vignette of the <i>Hills of Hoy</i>. It closes at p. +14, with a vignette of <i>The Dwarfy Stone</i>. Then follow six +plates, containing a view of the <i>Bay of Frith</i>, a <i>View +from Hoy</i>, two views of the <i>Eastern and Western Circles of +the Stones of Stennis</i>, and two views of <i>Stromness</i>.—The +next chapter is entitled "Duncansbay or Dungsby-head," which +bears in front a vignette of <i>Wick</i>, and at the end, in p. +16, a vignette of the <i>Castle of Freswick</i>. Three plates +follow: the first presenting a view of <i>Duncansbay-Head</i>: +the second, Views of the <i>Stacks of Hemprigs</i> and the <i>Hills +of Schrabiner or Schuraben</i>; the third, a View of <i>The +Ord</i>.—"The Castle of Helmsdale" is the title of the +succeeding chapter, to which is prefixed a vignette of +<i>Helmsdale Castle</i>. It ends at p. 19, with a vignette of the +<i>Bridge of Brora</i>. Then follow two plates, presenting Views +of <i>Helmsdale Castle</i>, and the <i>Coast of Sutherland</i>.—The +subject of the next chapter is "Dunrobin Castle," (the +ancient seat of her Ladyship's ancestors, and now a +residence of her Ladyship,) which presents, at the +beginning, a vignette of <i>Dunrobin Castle</i>, and after the +close of the chapter, at p. 23, four plates; the first of +which is a View of <i>Dunrobin Castle</i> and the surrounding +scenery; the second, a smaller View of the <i>Castle</i>: the +third, a View of <i>Druid Stones</i>, with another of <i>Battle +Stones in Strathflete</i>: and the fourth, <i>Dornoch, with the +Thane's Cross</i>.—The last chapter is entitled "The Chapel of +Rosslyn," to which is prefixed a vignette of <i>Rosslyn +Chapel</i>. It is followed by four plates; the first exhibiting +a View of a <i>Column in Rosslyn Chapel</i>; the second, a +<i>Door-way in the Chapel</i>; the third, the <i>Tomb of Sir +William St. Clair</i>; and the fourth, <i>Hawthornden</i>, the +residence of the elegant and plaintive Drummond; with whose +beautiful Sonnet, to this his romantic habitation, the +volume closes:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +"Dear wood! and you, sweet solitary place,<br /> +Where I estranged from the vulgar live," &c.<br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Of the volume which had been thus described, only 120 copies +were printed. The Views were all drawn and etched by her +Ladyship: and are executed with a spirit and correctness +which would have done credit to the most successful disciple +of Rembrandt. A copy of the work, which had been presented +to the late Right Hon. C.F. Greville, produced, at the sale +of his books, the sum of sixteen guineas.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_534" id="Page_534">534</a></span><span class="smcap">Lis</span>. You allude to the <span class="smcap">Strawberry Hill</span> Press?<a name="FNanchor_457_465" id="FNanchor_457_465"></a><a href="#Footnote_457_465" class="fnanchor">[457]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_457_465" id="Footnote_457_465"></a><a href="#FNanchor_457_465">[457]</a> For the gratification of such +desperately-smitten bibliomaniacs, who leave no stone +unturned for the possession of what are called <span class="smcap">Strawberry +Hill</span> <i>Pieces</i>, I subjoin the following list of books, +printed at the celebrated seat of Sir Horace Walpole +(afterwards Lord Orford) at Strawberry Hill: situated +between Richmond and Twickenham, on the banks of the Thames. +This list, and the occasional bibliographical memoranda +introduced, are taken from the collection of Strawberry Hill +books in the library of the Marquis of Bute, at Luton; all +of them being elegantly bound by Kalthoeber, in red +morocco.——<span class="smcap">i.</span> <i>Two Odes by Mr. Gray.</i> +"<span lang="el" title="Greek: phônanta synetoisi">φωναντα συνετοισι</span>," Pindar Olymp. <span class="smcap">ii.</span> Printed for R. and J. +Dodsley, 1757, 4to., 19 pages, 1000 copies. In these copies +there is sometimes (but very rarely) prefixed a short poem +of six stanzas, in alternate rhyme, "To Mr. Gray, on his +Poems." As there were <i>only six copies</i> of these verses +printed, I subjoin them:</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Repine not, Gray, that our weak dazzled eyes<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Thy daring heights and brightness shun,</span><br /> +How few can track the eagle to the skies,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or, like him, gaze upon the sun!</span><br /> +<br /> +The gentle reader loves the gentle muse,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">That little dares, and little means,</span><br /> +Who humbly sips her learning from <i>Reviews</i>,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or flutters in the <i>Magazines</i>.</span><br /> +<br /> +No longer now from learning's sacred store,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Our minds their health and vigour draw;</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">Homer</span> and <span class="smcap">Pindar</span> are revered no more,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">No more the <i>Stagyrite is law</i>.</span><br /> +<br /> +Though nurst by these, in vain thy muse appears<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To breathe her ardours in our souls;</span><br /> +In vain to sightless eyes, and deaden'd ears,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Thy lightning gleams, and thunder rolls!</span><br /> +<br /> +Yet droop not <span class="smcap">Gray</span>, nor quit thy heav'n-born art:<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Again thy wondrous powers reveal,</span><br /> +Wake slumb'ring virtue in the <i>Briton's</i> heart.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And rouse us to <i>reflect</i> and <i>feel</i>!</span><br /> +<br /> +With antient deeds our long-chill'd bosoms fire,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Those deeds which mark'd <span class="smcap">Eliza's</span> reign!</span><br /> +Make <i>Britons</i> Greeks again.—Then strike the lyre,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And Pindar shall not sing in vain.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>——<span class="smcap">ii.</span> <i>A journey into England</i>, originally written in +Latin, <i>by Paul Hentzner</i>. In the year 1598. Printed 1757. +Advertisement of 10 pages in a fine large beautiful type, +printed on paper of great delicacy. The body of the work, +which is printed in a smaller type, occupies 126 double +pages; on account of the Latin and English being on the +opposite pages, each page is marked with the same number. +Only 220 copies of this curious and elegant work were +printed.—<span class="smcap">iii.</span> <i>Fugitive Pieces in Verse and Prose. Pereunt +et Imputantur.</i> <span class="smcap">mdcclviii.</span> 8vo. Two pages of dedication "To +the Honourable Major General <span class="smcap">Henry Seymour Conway</span>:" two +pages of a table of contents, body of the work 219 pages. +Printed with the small type: and only 200 copies struck +off.—<span class="smcap">iv.</span> <i>An account of Russia as it was in the year 1710. +By Charles Lord Whitworth.</i> Printed at S.H. <span class="smcap">mdcclviii</span>, 8vo. +Advertisement 24 pages, body of this work 158—with a page +of errata, 700 copies printed. This is an interesting and +elegantly printed little volume.—<span class="smcap">v.</span> <i>A parallel, in the +manner of Plutarch, between a most celebrated man of +Florence, and one scarce ever heard of in England. By the +Reverend Mr. Spence</i>, 1758, 8vo. This is the beautiful and +curious little volume, of which mention has already been +made at <a href="#Page_86">p. 86</a>, ante. Seven hundred copies of it were +printed; and from a copy, originally in the possession of +the late Mr. John Mann, of Durham, I learnt that "the clear +profits arising from the sale of it being about 300<i>l.</i>, +were applied for the benefit of Mr. Hill and his family." +(Magliabechi was "the man of Florence;" and Hill "the one +scarce ever heard of in England.") A copy of this edition, +with MS. notes by Mr. Cole, was purchased by Mr. Waldron, at +the sale of George Steevens's books, for 3<i>l.</i>6<i>s.</i> It was +reprinted by Dodsley: but the curious seek only the present +edition.——<span class="smcap">vi.</span> <i>Lucani Pharsalia</i>, <span class="smcap">mdcclx</span>, 4to. This is the +most beautiful volume, in point of printing, which the +Strawberry Hill press ever produced. A tolerably copious +account of it will be found in my <i>Introduction to the +Classics</i>, vol. ii., p. 53. Kirgate the printer (recently +deceased) told me that uncommon pains were taken with its +typographical execution.——<span class="smcap">vii.</span> <i>Anecdotes of Painting in</i> +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: England"><i>Englaud</i></span>; <span class="smcap">mdcclxi.</span> four +volumes; <i>Catalogue of Engravers</i>, 4to., one volume. This is +the <i>first</i>, and, on account of having the earliest +impressions of the plates, the <i>best</i> edition of this +amusing, and once popular work. It was reprinted in quarto, +in 1765; of which edition I believe 600 copies were struck +off. Again, in 1786, crown 8vo., five volumes, without the +plates.——<span class="smcap">viii.</span> <i>The Life of Edward Lord Herbert of +Cherbury</i>, written by himself. Printed in the year <span class="smcap">mdcclxix</span>, +4to. Dedication of two pages to Lord Powis. Advertisement +six pages, not numbered. After this, there should be a +"Genealogical Table of the family of Herbert," which is very +scarce, on account of its being suppressed by Mr. Walpole, +for its inaccuracy. The life occupied 171 pages. "Mr. +Walpole," says the late Mr. Cole, "when I was with him in +the autumn of 1763, at which time the book was partly +printed, told me that either one or two hundred copies were +to be printed; half to be sent to the Earl of Powis, and the +other half he was to reserve for himself, as presents to his +friends; so that, except the book is reprinted by some +bookseller, privately, as probably it will, it will be a +curiosity. It was not published till the end of June, 1764, +when the honourable editor sent it to me.——<span class="smcap">ix.</span> <i>Poems by +Anna Chambers</i>, Countess Temple. <span class="smcap">mdcclxiv</span>, 4to. This volume, +containing 13 poems on various subjects, is printed in 34 +pages, with a large, but not very elegant type. Only 100 +copies were struck off.——<span class="smcap">x.</span> <i>The Mysterious Mother.</i> A +Tragedy, by Mr. Horace Walpole. Sit mihi fas audita loqui. +Virg. Printed at S.H., <span class="smcap">mdcclxviii.</span> 8vo. No vignette on the +back. First leaf, errata, and "persons" [of the play.] +Printed with the small type on 120 pages; after which +follows a "postscript" of 10 pages. Only 50 copies printed. +An uncut copy was recently sold for 6<i>l.</i> 15<i>s.</i>——<span class="smcap">xi.</span> +<i>Cornélie vestale. Tragédie.</i> Imprimée à S.H. <span class="smcap">mdcclxviii</span>, +8vo., 200 copies. The title-page is followed by a letter "a +Mons. Horace Walpole." A page of the names of the actors +forms the commencement of the work, which contains 91 pages, +neatly printed. Only 200 copies printed, of which 150 were +sent to Paris.——<span class="smcap">xii.</span> <i>Poems by the Reverend Mr. Hoyland</i>, +<span class="smcap">mdcclxix</span>, 8vo. The advertisement ends at p. iv.; the odes +occupy 19 pages. Although this little volume is not printed +with the usual elegance of the S.H. press, it is valuable +from its scarcity, on account of its never having been +re-printed. Only 300 copies were struck off.——<span class="smcap">xiii.</span> +<i>Original Letters from K. Edward VI. to Barnaby +Fitzpatrick</i>, 1772, 4to. I am not acquainted with any +circumstance, intrinsic or extrinsic, that renders this +small volume sought after.——<span class="smcap">xiv.</span> <i>Miscellaneous +Antiquities, or a collection of curious papers</i>: either +republished from scarce tracts, or now first printed from +original MSS. Two numbers printed by Thomas Kirgate, +<span class="smcap">mdcclxxii</span>, 4to. No. I. Advertisement of two pages, ending p. +iv. The number contains besides: <span class="smcap">Contents.</span> Chap. I. "An +account of some Tournaments and other martial Diversions." +This was reprinted from a work written by Sir William Segar, +Norroy; and is called by the author, Honour, Military and +Ceuill, printed at London in 1602. Chap. II. Of "Justs and +Tournaments," &c., from the same. Chap. III. "A Triumph in +the Reigne of King Richard the Second, 1390," from the same. +Chap. IV. "A Militarie Triumph at Brussels, Anno 1549," from +the same. Chap. V. "Of Justs and Tourneaments," &c., from +the same. Chap. VI. "Triumphes Military, for honour and loue +of Ladies: brought before the Kings of England," from the +same. Chap. VII. "Of the life and actions in Armes since the +reigne of Queene Elizabeth," from the same. Chap. VIII. "The +original occasions of the yeerely Triumph in England." All +these tracts are taken from the above work. No. II. Second +leaf, a plate of a head from the original wood-cut by Hans +Holbein. <span class="smcap">Contents.</span> This number is almost entirely occupied +by the "Life of Sir Thomas Wyat, the elder," copied by Mr. +Gray from the originals in the Harleian Collection, now in +the British Museum. This extends to p. 54, after which is an +Appendix of eight pages on a few miscellaneous subjects. +Five hundred copies were printed.——<span class="smcap">xv.</span> <i>Memoirs du Comte +de Grammont</i>, par Monsieur le Comte Antoine Hamilton. +Nouvelle edition, Augumentée denotes et eclaircissemens +necessaires. Par <span class="smcap">M. Horace Walpole</span>. <span class="smcap">mdcclxxii</span>, 4to. The +title-page is succeeded by a dedication "à Madame ——," in +six lines and a half, printed in a very large type. Then +follows an "Avis de L'Editour," and "Avertissement," +occupying three pages. An "Epitre à Monsieur le Comte de +Grammont,' continues to p. xxi: then a "Table des +Chapitres," to p. xxiii., on the back of which are the +errata. The body of the work extends to 290 pages; which are +succeeded by "Table des Personnes," or index, in three +pages. These memoirs are printed with the middle size type; +but neither the type nor paper are so beautiful as are those +of Hentzner's Travels, or the comparison between Magliabechi +and Hill. <span class="smcap">Portraits.</span> 1. Le Comte Antoine Hamilton, faces the +title page. 2. Philibert, Comte de Grammont, opposite the +"Epitre:" badly executed. 3. A portrait of Miss Warminster, +opposite p. 85, in the style of Worlidge's gems. 4. +Mademoiselle d'Hamilton, Comtesse de Grammont, faces p. 92. +This engraving, by G. Powle, is executed in a style of +beauty and spirit that has seldom been surpassed. 5. Lord +Chesterfield, second Earl, in the style of the preceding; +very beautiful. There were only 100 copies of this edition +printed, of which 30 were sent as presents to Paris.——<span class="smcap">xvi.</span> +<i>The Sleep Walker, a Comedy</i>: in two acts. Translated [by +Lady Craven] from the French, in March. Printed by T. +Kirgate, <span class="smcap">mdcclxxviii</span>, 8vo. It is printed in the small type +on 56 pages, exclusively of viii. introductory ones, of +"prologues" and "persons," &c. Only 75 copies were printed: +and of these, one was sold for 4<i>l.</i> in the year 1804, at a +public auction.——<span class="smcap">xvii.</span> <i>A Letter to the Editor of the +Miscellanies of Thomas Chatterton.</i> Printed by T. Kirgate. +<span class="smcap">mdcclxxix</span>, 8vo. This title is preceded by what is called a +bastard title: and is followed by 55 pages of the work, not +very elegantly printed. Only 200 copies.——<span class="smcap">xviii.</span> <i>The Muse +Recalled</i>, an ode occasioned by the nuptials of Lord +Viscount Althorp (the late Earl Spencer) and Miss Lavinia +Bingham, eldest daughter of Charles, Lord Lucan, March vi., +<span class="smcap">mdcclxxxi</span>. By William Jones, Esq. Printed by Thomas Kirgate, +<span class="smcap">mdcclxxxi</span>. 4to. Eight pages, exclusively of the title-page. +Printed in the middle size type; but neither the paper nor +typographical execution are in the best style of the S.H. +press. Only 250 copies printed.——<span class="smcap">xix.</span> <i>A Description of +the Villa of Mr. Horace Walpole, youngest son of Sir Robert +Walpole, Earl of Orford, at Strawberry Hill, near +Twickenham, Middlesex.</i> With an inventory of the Furniture, +Pictures, Curiosities, &c. Printed by Thomas Kirgate, +<span class="smcap">mcclxxxiv</span>, 4to. This book contains 96 pages in the whole. It +was preceded by a small quarto impression of <span class="smcap">mdcclxxiv</span>: +which is scarce; and of which there are large paper copies. +The work entitled <i>Ædes Walpolianæ</i> was printed in +<span class="smcap">mdcclxvii</span>.</p> + +<p class="center">Plates to the edition of 1784.</p> + +<p><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">1. Frontispiece, Gothic; motto on a scroll, "Fari quæ sentiat."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">2. North Front of Strawberry Hill.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">3. Entrance of Strawberry Hill.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">4. View of the Prior's Garden, at ditto.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">5. Chimney in the Great Parlour.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">6. Chimney in the China Room.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">7. Chimney in the Yellow Bedchamber.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">8. Do. —— —— Blue Bedchamber.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">9. Staircase at Strawberry Hill.</span><br /> +10. Library at ditto.<br /> +11. Chimney Piece of the Holbein Chamber.<br /> +12. The Gallery.<br /> +13. Chimney in the Round Room.<br /> +14. The Cabinet.<br /> +15. View from the Great Bedchamber.<br /> +16. Garden Gate.<br /> +17. View of the Chapel in the Garden at Strawberry Hill.<br /> +18. The Shell Bench.<br /> +19. View from the Terrace at Strawberry Hill.<br /> +20. East View of the Cottage Garden at Strawberry Hill. There were only 200 +copies of this edition printed.</p> + +<p class="center">The following may amuse the curious reader:</p> + +<p>"Mr. Walpole is very ready to oblige any curious persons +with the sight of his house and collection; but as it is +situated so near to London, and in so populous a +neighbourhood, and as he refuses a ticket to nobody that +sends for one, it is but reasonable that such persons as +send should comply with the rules he has been obliged to lay +down for shewing it:—Any person, sending a day or two +before may have a ticket for four persons for a day +certain;—No Ticket will serve but on the day for which it +is given. If more than four persons come with a ticket, the +housekeeper has positive orders to admit none of +them;—Every ticket will admit the company only between the +hours of twelve and three before dinner, and only one +company will be admitted on the same day;—The house will +never be shewn after dinner, nor at all but from the first +of May to the first of October;—As Mr. Walpole has given +offence by sometimes enlarging the number +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: of">o</span> four, and refusing that latitude to others, he +flatters himself that for the future nobody will take it ill +that he strictly confines the number; as whoever desires him +to break his rule does in effect expect him to disoblige +others, which is what nobody has a right to desire of +him;—Persons desiring a ticket may apply either to +Strawberry Hill, or to Mr. Walpole's, in Berkeley Square, +London. If any person does not make use of the ticket, Mr. +Walpole hopes he shall have notice: otherwise he is +prevented from obliging others on that day, and thence is +put to great inconvenience;—They who have tickets are +desired not to bring children."——<span class="smcap">xx.</span> <i>A copy of all the +Works of Mr. Walpole that were printed by him before his +death</i>, 1784, 4to. This brochure, which has been called +"rare" in book-auction catalogues, has been sold for upwards +of two guineas.——<span class="smcap">xxi.</span> <i>Postscript to the Royal and Noble +Authors.</i> <span class="smcap">mdccxxxvi</span>, 8vo. There should be, before the +title-page, an outline etching of "Reason, Rectitude, and +Justice, appearing to Christin de Pisan, &c., from an +illumination in the library of the King of France," which is +exceedingly well engraved. The work contains only 18 pages: +and there were but 40 copies printed. The <i>Royal and Noble +Authors</i> were first printed in 1759, 8vo. 2 vols.——<span class="smcap">xxii.</span> +<i>Essai sur l'Art des Jardins Modernes</i>, par M. Horace +Walpole. Traduit en François, +par M. Le Duc de Nivernois, en <span class="smcap">mdcclxxxiv</span>. <i>Imprimé à S.H.</i> +par T. Kirgate, <span class="smcap">mdcclxxxv</span>. With an opposite title in +English, 4to. It contains 94 double pages, and every page of +French has an opposite one of English. Not printed in the +best manner of S.H. A copy of this book was sold for 3<i>l.</i>; +at a sale in 1804.——<span class="smcap">xxiii.</span> <i>Bishop Banner's Ghost.</i> +Printed by T.K. <span class="smcap">mdlccxxxix</span>, 4to. On the first leaf is the +following "Argument." "In the gardens of the palace of +Fulham is a dark recess: at the end of this stands a chair, +which once belonged to Bishop Bonner. A certain Bishop of +London (the late Beilby Porteus) more than 200 years after +the death of the aforesaid Bonner, just as the clock of the +gothic chapel had struck six, undertook to cut, with his own +hand, a narrow walk through this thicket, which is since +called the <i>Monk's walk</i>. He had no sooner begun to clear +the way, than lo! suddenly up started from the chair, the +ghost of Bishop Bonner, who, in a tone of just and bitter +indignation, uttered the following verses." This curious +publication contains only four pages of stanzas, written in +alternate rhyme, of 8 and 6 feet metre.——<span class="smcap">xxiv.</span> <i>The Magpie +and her Brood</i>; a fable, from the tales of Bonaventure de +Periers, valet de chambre to the Queen of Navarre; addressed +to Miss Hotham. This is a very scarce poetical tract of four +pages only; subscribed H.W.——<span class="smcap">xxv.</span> <i>Fourteen different +pieces, printed at Strawberry Hill, of verses, cards, &c.</i> +This title I borrow from a book-auction catalogue. At a sale +in 1804, these detached pieces were sold for 2<i>l.</i> 2<i>s.</i>; +but it is not in my power to identify them. Whether they be +the same "<i>parcel of scraps, and loose leaves of poetry, +epigrams</i>," <i>&c.</i> which, according to a daily newspaper, +were sold at the commencement of this year "for 16 pounds," +I am also equally ignorant. See <i>Kirgate's Catalogue</i>, 1810, +n<span class="super">o</span>. 420.——<span class="smcap">xxvi.</span> <i>Hieroglyphic Tales</i>, 8vo. Only seven +copies printed; <i>idem</i>, n<span class="super">o</span>. 380. From newspaper +authority, I learn that these tales formed "a small pamphlet +of two sheets, crown 8vo.," which were sold for 16<i>l.</i>; and +I understand that the late Mr. G. Baker was the purchaser. +N.B. They are incorporated in the author's printed works; +but this is not having the <i>first</i> and <i>true edition</i>! There +is nothing like the comfort of bleeding smartly for +exhibiting these fourth and fifth symptoms of the +Bibliomania! Vide pp. <a href="#Page_521">521</a>, <a href="#Page_525">525</a>, ante.——<span class="smcap">xxvii.</span> <i>Additions +to First Editions of Walpole's Lives of the Painters, +sewed.</i>——<span class="smcap">xxviii.</span> <i>The Press at Strawberry Hill to his +Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence, a Poem.</i>——<span class="smcap">xxix.</span> <i>The +Master of Otranto in durance.</i>——<span class="smcap">xxx.</span> <i>Air, a +Poem.</i>——<span class="smcap">xxxi.</span> <i>A Poetical Epistle to Mrs. +Crewe.</i>——<span class="smcap">xxxii.</span> <i>A Poetical Epistle to Lady Horatio +Waldegrave, on the Death of the Duke of +Ancaster.</i>——<span class="smcap">xxxiii.</span> <i>The Press at Strawberry Hill to Miss +Mary and Miss Agnes Berry, a Poetical Epistle.</i> [These last +seven articles are taken from Mr. Cuthell's catalogue of +1811.] I should add that a much more copious and complete +list, though not possessing all the intelligence here +communicated, was prepared by the late Mr. George Baker for +press; and printed, since his decease, for donations to his +particular friends. Only twenty copies of this +bibliographical brochure are said to have been executed. We +will now take leave of the <span class="smcap">Prelum Walpolianum</span> by subjoining +a copy of the most elegant title-page vignette which ever +issued from it. +</p> + +<p class="centertbp"> +<img src="images/vignette.png" width="450" height="471" alt="FARI QUÆ SENTIAT" title="FARI QUÆ SENTIAT" /> +</p> + +<p>Before the reader's eyes are finally turned from a +contemplation of this elegant device—and as connected with +the subject of <span class="smcap">Private Presses</span>—let me inform him that the +Marquis of Bute is in possession of a thin folio volume, +exhibiting paintings, upon vellum, of the various devices +used by Pope Sixtus V., in the frontispieces of the several +works which issued from the <span class="smcap">Apostolical Press</span>, while he +filled the Papal Chair. To a tasteful bibliomaniac, few +volumes would afford so much delight as a contemplation of +the present one. It is quite a <i>keimelion</i> in its way!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lysand</span>. I do; but I have not so ardent an admira<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_535" id="Page_535">535</a></span>tion of these +volumes, as the generality of collectors. On the contrary, I think +that the <i>Hafod Press</i> has, by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_536" id="Page_536">536</a></span> one single production only, outweighed +the whole of the <i>Walpolian</i> lucubrations; at least on the score of +utility.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_537" id="Page_537">537</a></span></p> + +<p>I might here add, to the foregoing symptoms, a passion to possess +works which have been <i>suppressed</i>, <i>condemned</i>, or <i>burnt</i>; but all +these things rank under the head of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_538" id="Page_538">538</a></span> <i>causes of the rarity</i> of books; +and as an entire volume might be written upon <i>this</i> symptom <i>alone</i>, +I can here only allude to <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: superfluous 'to'">to</span> the subject; hoping some diligent +biblio<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_539" id="Page_539">539</a></span>grapher will one day do for <i>us</i> what foreigners have done for +other nations.</p> + +<p>Thus have I, rather slightly, discussed the <i>Symptoms of the Disease, +called</i> <span class="rl">The Bibliomania</span>. During this discussion, I see our friend has +been busy, as he was yesterday evening, in making sketches of notes; +and if you examine the finished pictures of which such outlines may be +made productive, you will probably have a better notion of the +accuracy of my classification of these symptoms.</p> + +<p>It is much to be wished, whatever may be the whims of desperate +book-collectors, that, in <i>some</i> of those volumes which are constantly +circulating in the bibliomaniacal market, we had a more clear and +satisfactory account of the rise and progress of arts and sciences. +However strong may be my attachment to the profession of the cloth, I +could readily exchange a great number of old volumes of polemical and +hortatory divinity for interesting disquisitions upon the manners, +customs, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_540" id="Page_540">540</a></span> general history of the times. Over what a dark and +troublesome ocean must we sail, before we get even a glimpse at the +progressive improvement of our ancestors in civilised life! Oh, that +some judicious and faithful reporter had lived three hundred and odd +years ago!—we might then have had a more satisfactory account of the +<i>origin of printing with metal types</i>.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Pray give us your sentiments upon this latter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_541" id="Page_541">541</a></span> subject. We have +almost the whole day before us:—the sun has hardly begun to decline +from his highest point.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> A very pretty and smooth subject to discuss, truly! The +longest day and the most effectually-renovated powers of body and +mind, are hardly sufficient to come to any satisfactory conclusion, +upon the subject. How can I, therefore, after the fatigues of the +whole of yesterday, and with barely seven hours of daylight yet to +follow, pretend to enter upon it? No: I will here only barely mention +<span class="smcap">Trithemius</span><a name="FNanchor_458_466" id="FNanchor_458_466"></a><a href="#Footnote_458_466" class="fnanchor">[458]</a>—who might have been numbered among the patriarchal +bibliographers we noticed when discoursing in our friend's <span class="smcap">Cabinet</span>—as +an author from whom considerable assistance has been received +respecting early typographical researches. Indeed, Trithemius merits a +more marked distinction in the annals of Literature than many are +supposed to grant him: at any rate, I wish his labours were better +known to our own countrymen.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><img src="images/trithemius.png" width="178" height="500" alt="Trithemius" title="Trithemius" class="floatr" /> +<a name="Footnote_458_466" id="Footnote_458_466"></a><a href="#FNanchor_458_466">[458]</a> We are indebted to the Abbé <span class="smcap">Trithemius</span>, who +was a diligent chronicler and indefatigable visitor of old +Libraries, for a good deal of curious and interesting +intelligence; and however Scioppius (<i>De Orig. Domûs +Austriac.</i>), Brower (<i>Vit. Fortunat. Pictav.</i>, p. 18.), and +Possevinus (<i>Apparant sacr.</i> p. 945), may carp at his +simplicity and want of judgment, yet, as Baillet (from whom +I have borrowed the foregoing authorities) has justly +remarked—"since the time of Trithemius there have been many +libraries, particularly in Germany, which have been pillaged +or burnt in the destruction of monasteries; so that the +books which he describes as having seen in many places, +purposely visited by him for inspection, may have been +destroyed in the conflagration of religious houses." +<i>Jugemens des Savans</i>; vol. ii., pt. i., p. 71, edit. 12mo. +It is from Trithemius, after all, that we have the only +<i>direct</i> evidence concerning the origin of printing with +metal types: and the bibliographical world is much indebted +to Chevelier (<i>L'Origine de l'Imprimerie de Paris</i>, 1691, +4to., pp. 3-6.) for having been the first to adduce the +positive evidence of this writer; who tells us, in his +valuable <i>Chronicon Hirsaugiens</i> (1690, 2 vols. folio), that +he received his testimony from the mouth of Fust's +son-in-law—"ex ore Petri Opilionis audivi,"—that +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Gutenberg">Guttenburg</span> was the author of +the invention. The historical works of Trithemius were +collected and published in 1601, in folio, two parts, and +his other works are minutely detailed in the 9th volume of +the <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Dictionnaire"><i>Dictionnarie</i></span> +<i>Historique</i>, published at Caen, in 1789. Of these, one of +the most curious is his <i>Polygraphia</i>: being first printed +at Paris, in 1518, in a beautiful folio volume; and +presenting us, in the frontispiece, with a portrait of the +abbé; which is probably the first, if not the only +legitimate, print of him extant. Whether it be copied from a +figure on his tomb—as it has a good deal of the +<i>monumental</i> character—I have no means of ascertaining. For +the gratification of all tasteful bibliomaniacs, an +admirable facsimile is here annexed. The <i>Polygraphia</i> of +Trithemius was translated into French, and published in +1601, folio. His work <i>De Scriptoribus Ecclesiasticis</i>, +Colon, 1546, 4to., with two appendices, contains much +valuable matter. The author died in his 55th year, A.D. +1516: according to the inscription upon his tomb in the +monastery of the Benedictines at Wirtzburg. His life has +been written by Busæus, a Jesuit. See La Monnoye's note in +the <i>Jugemens des Savans</i>; <i>ibid.</i> +</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> I will set his works down among my literary <i>desiderata</i>. But +proceed.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> With what? Am I to talk for ever?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Belin.</span> While you discourse so much to the purpose, you may surely not +object to a continuance of this conversation. I wish only to be +informed whether bibliomaniacs are indisputably known by the +prevalence of all, or of any, of the symptoms which you have just +described.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_542" id="Page_542">542</a></span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Alman.</span> Is there any other passion, or fancy, in the book-way, from +which we may judge of Bibliomaniacism?</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Let me consider. Yes; there is one other characteristic of the +book-madman that may as well be noticed. It is an ardent desire to +collect <span class="smcap">all the editions</span> of a work which have been published. Not only +the <span class="smcap">first</span>—whether <i>uncut, upon large paper</i>, <i>in the black-letter</i>, +<i>unique</i>, <i>tall</i>, or <i>illustrated</i>—but <span class="smcap">all</span> the editions.<a name="FNanchor_459_467" id="FNanchor_459_467"></a><a href="#Footnote_459_467" class="fnanchor">[459]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_459_467" id="Footnote_459_467"></a><a href="#FNanchor_459_467">[459]</a> I frankly confess that I was, myself, once +desperately afflicted with this <i>eleventh</i> symptom of <i>The +Bibliomania</i>; having collected not fewer than <i>seventy-five</i> +editions of the <span class="smcap">Greek Testament</span>—but time has cooled my +ardour, and mended my judgment. I have discarded seventy, +and retain only five: which are <i>R. Steevens's</i> of 1550, +<i>The Elzevir</i> of 1624, <i>Mill's</i> of 1707, <i>Westein's</i> of +1751, and <i>Griesbach's</i> of 1810—as beautifully and +accurately reprinted at Oxford.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_543" id="Page_543">543</a></span><span class="smcap">Belin.</span> Strange—but true, I warrant!</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Most true; but, in my humble opinion, most ridiculous; for +what can a sensible man desire beyond the earliest and best editions +of a work?</p> + +<p class="bp">Be it also noticed that these works are sometimes very capricious and +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: extraordinary">extroardinary</span>. Thus, <span class="smcap">Baptista</span> is +wretched unless he possess every edition of our early grammarians, +<i>Holt</i>, <i>Stanbridge</i>, and <i>Whittinton</i>: a reimpression, or a new +edition, is a matter of almost equal indifference: for his slumbers +are broken and oppressive unless <i>all</i> the <i>dear Wynkyns</i> and +<i>Pynsons</i> are found within his closet!—Up starts <span class="smcap">Florizel</span>, and blows +his bugle, at the annunciation of any work, new or old, upon the +diversions of <i>Hawking</i>, <i>Hunting</i>, or <i>Fishing</i>!<a name="FNanchor_460_468" id="FNanchor_460_468"></a><a href="#Footnote_460_468" class="fnanchor">[460]</a> Carry him +through <span class="smcap">Camillo's</span> cabinet of Dutch pictures, and you will see how +instinctively, as it were, his eyes are fixed upon a sporting piece by +Wouvermans. The hooded hawk, in his estimation, hath more charms than +Guido's Madonna:—how he envies every rider upon his white horse!—how +he burns to bestride the foremost<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_544" id="Page_544">544</a></span> steed, and to mingle in the fair +throng, who turn their blue eyes to the scarcely bluer expanse of +heaven! Here he recognises <i>Gervase Markham</i>, spurring his courser; +and there he fancies himself lifting <i>Dame Juliana</i> from her horse! +Happy deception! dear fiction! says Florizel—while he throws his eyes +in an opposite direction, and views every printed book upon the +subject, from <i>Barnes</i> to <i>Thornton</i>.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_460_468" id="Footnote_460_468"></a><a href="#FNanchor_460_468">[460]</a> Some superficial notes, accompanied by an +interesting wood-cut of a man carrying hawks for sale, in my +edition of Robinson's translation of <i>More's Utopia</i>, +kindled, in the breast of Mr. Joseph Haslewood, a prodigious +ardour to pursue the subjects above-mentioned to their +farthest possible limits. Not Eolus himself excited greater +commotion in the Mediterranean waves than did my +bibliomaniacal friend in agitating the black-letter +ocean—'a sedibus imis'—for the discovering of every volume +which had been published upon these delectable pursuits. +Accordingly there appeared in due time—'[post] magni +procedere menses'—some very ingenious and elaborate +disquisitions upon Hunting and Hawking and Fishing, in the +ninth and tenth volumes of <i>The Censura Literaria</i>; which, +with such additions as his enlarged experience has +subsequently obtained, might be thought an interesting work +if reprinted in a duodecimo volume. But Mr. Haslewood's +mind, as was to be expected, could not rest satisfied with +what he considered as mere <i>nuclei</i> productions: +accordingly, it became clothed with larger wings, and +meditated a bolder flight; and after soaring in a +<i>hawk</i>-like manner, to mark the object of its prey, it +pounced upon the book of <i>Hawking, Hunting, Fishing, &c.</i>, +which had been reprinted by W. de Worde, from the original +edition published in the abbey of St. Albans. Prefixed to +the republication of this curious volume, the reader will +discover a great deal of laborious and successful research +connected with the book and its author. And yet I question +whether, in the midst of all the wood-cuts with which it +abounds, there be found any thing more suitable to the 'high +and mounting spirit' (see Braithwait's amusing discourse +upon Hawking, in his <i>English Gentleman</i>, p. 200-1.) of the +editor's taste, than the ensuing representation of a pilgrim +Hawker?!—taken from one of the frontispieces of <i>L'Acadamia +Peregrina del Doni</i>; 1552, 4to., fol. 73. +</p> + +<p class="centertbp"> +<img src="images/hawking.png" width="358" height="420" alt="hawker" title="hawker" /> +</p> + +<p>We will conclude this <i>Hawking</i> note with the following +excerpt from one of the earliest editions of the abridgment +of our statutes:—'nul home pringe les oves dascu[n] +<i>faucon</i>, <i>goshawke</i>, <i>lan</i>, ou swan hors de le nyst sur +peyn de inprison p[our] vn an et vn iour et de faire fyn all +volunte le roy et que nul home puis le fest de paque +p[ro]chyn auenpart ascun <i>hawke</i> de le brode dengl' appell +vne <i>nyesse</i>, <i>goshawke</i>, <i>lan</i>, ou <i>laneret</i> sur sa mayn, +sur peyn de forfaiture son <i>hawke</i>, et que null enchasse +ascun hawke hors de c[ou]uerte sur peyne de forfaiture x li. +lun moyte al roy et lauter a celuy que voet sur.' Anno xi. +H. vij. ca. xvij. <i>Abbreviamentum Statutorum</i>; printed by +Pynson, 1499, 8vo., fol. lxxvij.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp">There are other tastes of an equally strange, but more sombre, +character. <span class="smcap">Dion</span> will possess every work which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_545" id="Page_545">545</a></span> has any connexion, +intimate or remote, with <i>Latimer</i> and <i>Swedenborg</i>;<a name="FNanchor_461_469" id="FNanchor_461_469"></a><a href="#Footnote_461_469" class="fnanchor">[461]</a> while +<span class="smcap">Antigonus</span> is resolved upon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_546" id="Page_546">546</a></span> securing every lucubration of <i>Withers</i> or +<i>Warburton</i>; whether grave or gay, lively or severe.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_461_469" id="Footnote_461_469"></a><a href="#FNanchor_461_469">[461]</a> As I could not consistently give <span class="smcap">Emanuel +Swedenborg</span> a niche among the bibliomaniacal heroes noticed +towards the conclusion of <a href="#PART_V">Part V.</a> of this work, I have +reserved, for the present place, a few extracts of the +titles of his works, from a catalogue of the same, published +in 1785; which I strenuously advise the curious to get +possession of—and for two reasons: first, if he be a +<i>Swedenborgian</i>, his happiness will be nearly complete, and +he will thank me for having pointed out such a source of +comfort to him: secondly, if he be <i>not</i> a disciple of the +same master, he may be amused by meditating upon the strange +whims and fancies which possess certain individuals, and +which have sufficient attractions yet to make proselytes and +converts!! Written March 10, A.D. 1811. Now for the +extracts. '<i>A Catalogue of the printed and unprinted Works</i> +of the <span class="smcap">Hon. Emanuel Swedenborg</span>, in chronological order. To +which are added some observations, recommending the perusal +of his Theological Writings. Together with a compendious +view of the Faith of a new Heaven and a new Church, in its +Universal and Particular Forms. London, printed by Robert +Hindmarsh, No. 32, Clerkenwell Close, <span class="smcap">mdcclxxxv</span>. Those +marked thus (*) are translated into English.' +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right"><span class="sm">NO.</span></td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">18.</td> +<td style="text-align: justify"><i>Regnum Animale</i>, or the Animal Kingdom in three +parts. The first treats of the Viscera of the Abdomen, or +the lower Region. The second, of the Viscera of the Breast, +or of the Organs of the superior Region. The third, of the +Skin, the Touch, and the Taste, and of organical forms in +general. Part printed at the Hague, and part in London, +1744, 1745, in 4to.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">19.</td> +<td style="text-align: justify"><i>De Cultu et Amore Dei</i>, or of the Worship and Love of +God. The first part treats of the Origin of the Earth, of +Paradise, of the Birth, Infancy, and Love of the first Man, +or Adam. London, 1744, in 4to. The second part treats of the +Marriage of the first man, of the Soul, of the intellectual +Spirit, of the State of Integrity, and of the Image of God. +London, 1745, 4to.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">20.</td> +<td style="text-align: justify"><i>Arcana Cœlestia</i>, or Heavenly Mysteries contained in +the Sacred Scriptures or Word of the Lord, manifested and +laid open, in an Explanation of the Books of Genesis and +Exodus, interspersed with relations of wonderful things seen +in the World of Spirits, and the Heaven of Angels. London, +from 1747 to 1758, in eight volumes, 4to. "In this work the +reader is taught to regard the letter of the Scriptures as +the Repository of Holy and Divine Things within; as a +Cabinet containing the infinite Treasures and bright Gems of +spiritual and celestial Wisdom; &c."(*)....</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">21.</td> +<td style="text-align: justify"><i>De Cœlo et Inferno</i>; or A Treatise concerning Heaven +and Hell, and of the wonderful Things therein heard and +seen. London, 1758, 4to. "By this work the reader may attain +to some conception of the heavenly kingdom, and may learn +therein that all social virtues, and all the tender +affections that give consistence and harmony to society, and +do honour to humanity, find place and exercise in the utmost +purity in those delectable abodes; where every thing that +can delight the eye, or rejoice the heart, entertain the +imagination, or exalt the understanding, conspire with +Innocence, Love, Joy, and Peace, to bless the spirits of +just men made perfect, and to make glad the city of our +God," &c.(*)</td> +</tr> +</table> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> I suspect that, like many dashing artists, you are painting for +<i>effect</i>?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> On the part of Lysander, I may safely affirm that the preceding +has been no caricatured description. I know more than one Baptista, +and Florizel, and Dion, and Antigonus.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> I hope I shall shortly add to the number of such an enthusiastic +class of book-collectors—I'm for <i>Natural History</i>; and, in this +department, for birds and beasts—<i>Gesner</i> and <i>Bewick</i>!<a name="FNanchor_462_470" id="FNanchor_462_470"></a><a href="#Footnote_462_470" class="fnanchor">[462]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_462_470" id="Footnote_462_470"></a><a href="#FNanchor_462_470">[462]</a> The works upon Natural History by Gesner, and +especially the large tomes published about the middle of the +sixteenth century, are, some of them, well worth procuring; +on account of the fidelity and execution of the wood-cuts of +birds and animals. Bewick's earliest editions of <i>Birds</i> and +<i>Beasts</i> should be in the cabinet of every choice +collector.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> Restrain your wild feelings—listen to the sober satire of +Lysander. Have you nothing else, in closing this symptomatic subject, +to discourse upon?</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> There is certainly another point not very remotely connected +with the two preceding; and it is this: a passion to possess large and +voluminous works, and to estimate the treasures of our libraries +rather by their extent and splendour than by their intrinsic worth: +forgetting how prettily Ronsard<a name="FNanchor_463_471" id="FNanchor_463_471"></a><a href="#Footnote_463_471" class="fnanchor">[463]</a> has illustrated<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_547" id="Page_547">547</a></span> this subject by +the utility and beauty of small rivers in comparison with those which +overflow their banks and spread destruction around. "Oh combien (says +Cailleau, in his <i>Roman Bibliographique</i>) un petit livre bien pensé, +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: bien">bein</span> plein, et <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: bien">bein</span> +écrit, est plus agréable, plus utile à lire, que ces vastes +compilations à la formation desquelles l'intérêt a présidé plus +souvent que le bon-goût!"</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_463_471" id="Footnote_463_471"></a><a href="#FNanchor_463_471">[463]</a></p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Ie te confesse bien que le fleuve de Seine<br /> +A le cours grand et long, mais tousiours il attraine<br /> +Avec soy de la fange, et ses plis recourbrez,<br /> +Sans estre iamais nets, sont tousiours embourbez:<br /> +Vn petit ruisselet a tousiours l'onde nette,<br /> +Aussi le papillon et la gentille auette<br /> +Y vont puiser de l'eau, et non en ces torrens<br /> +Qui tonnent d'vn grand bruit pas les roches courant:<br /> +Petit Sonnets bien faits, belles chansons petites,<br /> +Petits discourds gentils, sont les fleurs des Charites,<br /> +Des Sœurs et d'Apollon, qui ne daignent aymer<br /> +Ceux qui chantent une œuvre aussi grand que la mer,<br /> +Sans riue ny sans fond, de tempestes armée<br /> +Et qui iamais ne dort tranquille ny calmée.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><i>Poems de Ronsard</i>; fol. 171. Paris 1660. 12mo.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>These are pretty lines, and have a melodious flow; but +Ronsard, in his 8 and 9 feet metres, is one of the most +fascinating of the old French poets. The subject, above +alluded to by Lysander, may be yet more strongly +illustrated: for thus speaks Spizelius upon it. 'Solent viri +multijugæ lectionis, qui avidè, quos possunt versant libros, +ut in mentis ventrem trajicere eos velle, totosque devorare +videantur, elegantis proverbii salivâ <span class="smcap">Librorum Helluones</span> +nuncupari; ipso quidem Tullio prælucente, qui avidos +lectores librorum, ac propemodum insiatiables Helluones +dixit, siquidem <i>vastissima volumina</i> percurrant, et +quicquid boni succi exprimere possunt, propriis et alienis +impendant emolumentis." Again: "Maxima cum sit eorum +Literarum stoliditas, qui, quod nocte somniarunt, continuo +edunt in lucem, neque ipsa virium imbecillitate suarum, ab +arduo scribendi munere et onere, sese revocari patiuntur," +&c. <i>Infelix Literatus</i>; pp. 295, 447. Morof is worth our +notice upon this subject: "Veniamus ad Bibliothecas ipsas, +quales vel privatæ sunt, vel publicæ. Illæ, quanquam in +molem tantam non excrescant ut publicæ; sunt tamen etiam +inter privatos viri illustres et opulenti qui in libris +omnis generis coemendis nullis parcunt sumptibus. Quorum +<span lang="el" title="Greek: bibliomanian">βιβλιομανίαν</span> reprehendit Seneca <i>Ep.</i> 2. 45, <i>et de +Tranquil. animi</i> c. 9, ridet Lucianus in libello +<span lang="el" title="Greek: pros apaideuton kai polla biblia ônoumenon">πρὸς ἀπαίδευτον και πὁλλὰ βιβλἰα ᾽ωνουμενον</span>; et Auson. +<i>epigr.</i> 43. Sunt ita animati nonnulli, ut</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +<span style="margin-left: 6em;"><i>magno de flumine malint</i></span><br /> +<i>Quam de fonticulo tantundem sumere;</i><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>cum vastioris Bibliothecæ minor interdum usus sit, quam ejus +quæ selectis paucioribus libris constat." <i>Polyhist. +Literar.</i> vol. i., p. 21. He goes on in a very amusing +manner; but this note may be thought already too long.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Belin.</span> Well; we live in a marvellous book-collecting and book-reading +age—yet a word more:</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Alman.</span> I crave your pardon, Belinda; but I have a thought which must +be now imparted, or the consequence may be serious.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> I wait both your commands.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Alman.</span> My thought—or rather the subject which now occupies my +mind—is this: You have told us of the symptoms of the <i>Disease of +Book-Madness</i>, now pray inform us, as a tender-hearted physician, what +are the <i>means of its cure</i>?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Belin.</span> The very question I was about to put to our<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_548" id="Page_548">548</a></span> bibliomaniacal +physician. Pray inform us what are the means of cure in this disorder?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> You should say <span class="smcap">Probable Means of Cure</span>, as I verily believe +there are no certain and correct remedies.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Belin.</span> Well, Sir, <i>probable</i> means—if it must be so. Discourse +largely and distinctly upon these.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Briefly and perspicuously, if you please: and thus we begin.</p> + +<p>In the <i>first place</i>, the disease of the Bibliomania is materially +softened, or rendered mild, by directing our studies to <i>useful</i> and +<i>profitable</i> works; whether these be printed upon small or large +paper, in the gothic, roman, or italic type. To consider merely the +<i>intrinsic excellence</i>, and not the <i>exterior splendour</i>, or +adventitious value, of any production will keep us perhaps wholly free +from this disease. Let the midnight lamp be burnt to illuminate the +stores of antiquity—whether they be romances, or chronicles, or +legends, and whether they be printed by <span class="smcap">Aldus</span> or <span class="smcap">Caxton</span>—if a brighter +lustre can thence be thrown upon the pages of modern learning! To +trace genius to its source, or to see how she has been influenced or +modified by the lore of past times, is both a pleasing and profitable +pursuit. To see how Shakspeare, here and there, has plucked a flower +from some old ballad or popular tale, to enrich his own unperishable +garland;—to follow Spenser and Milton in their delightful labyrinths +'midst the splendour of Italian literature; are studies which stamp a +dignity upon our intellectual characters! But, in such a pursuit, let +us not overlook the wisdom of modern times, nor fancy that what is +only ancient can be excellent. We must remember that Bacon, Boyle, +Locke, Taylor, Chillingworth, Robertson, Hume, Gibbon, and Paley, are +names which always command attention from the wise, and remind us of +the improved state of reason and acquired knowledge during the two +last centuries.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Alman.</span> There seems at least sound sense, with the prospect of much +future good, in this <i>first</i> recipe. What is your second.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_549" id="Page_549">549</a></span></p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand</span>. In the <i>second place</i>, the reprinting of scarce and +intrinsically valuable works is another means of preventing the +propagation of this disorder. Amidst all our present sufferings under +the <span class="smcap">Bibliomania</span>, it is some consolation to find discerning and +spirited booksellers republishing the ancient Chroniclers; and the +collections known by the names of "<i>The Harleian Miscellany</i>" and +"<i>Lord Somers' Tracts</i>," and "<i>The Voyages of Hakluyt</i>."<a name="FNanchor_464_472" id="FNanchor_464_472"></a><a href="#Footnote_464_472" class="fnanchor">[464]</a> These +are noble efforts, and richly deserve the public patronage.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_464_472" id="Footnote_464_472"></a><a href="#FNanchor_464_472">[464]</a> In the <i>Quarterly Review</i> for August, 1810, +this my second remedy for curing the disease of the +Bibliomania is considered as inefficient. I have a great +respect for this Review, but I understand neither the +premises nor conclusions therein laid down concerning the +subject in discussion. If "those who cannot afford to +purchase original publications must be content with entire +reprints of them" (I give the very words, though not the +entire sentence), it surely tends to lessen the degree of +competition for "the original publication." A sober reader, +or an economical book-buyer, wants a certain tract on the +ground of its utility:—but take my own case—who have very +few hundreds per annum to procure food for the body as well +as the mind. I wish to consult Roy's tract of "Rede me and +be not wroth," (vide <a href="#Page_226">p. 226</a>, ante)—or the "Expedition into +Scotland" of 1544 (see Mr. Beloe's <i>Anecdotes of Literature +and Scarce Books</i>, vol. ii., p. 345), because these are +really interesting, as well as rare, volumes. There is at +present no reprint of either; and can I afford to bid ten or +twelve guineas for each of them at a public book-sale? +But—let them be faithfully <i>reprinted</i>, and even a golden +guinea (if such a coin be now in the pocket of a poor +bibliomaniac like myself) would be considered by me as +<i>dear</i> terms upon which to purchase the <i>original</i> edition! +The reviewer has illustrated his position by a model of the +Pigot diamond; and intimates that this model does not +"lessen the public desire to possess the original." Lord +Mansfield once observed that nothing more frequently tended +to perplex an argument than a simile—(the remark is +somewhere in <i>Burrows's Reports</i>); and the judge's dictum +seems here a little verified. If the glass or crystal model +could reflect <i>all the lustre</i> of the original, it would be +of equal utility; but it cannot. Now the reprint <i>does</i> +impart <i>all</i> the intelligence and intrinsic worth of the +original (for "the ugliness of the types" cannot be thought +worthy of aiding the argument one way or another) therefore +the reprint of Roy's poetical tract is not illustrated by +the model of the Pigot diamond: which latter cannot impart +the intrinsic value of the original. Let us now say a word +about the <i>Reprints</i> above commended by Lysander. When Mr. +Harding went to press with the first volume of the <i>Harleian +Miscellany</i>, his zeal struggled with his prudence about the +number of copies to be printed of so voluminous a work. +Accordingly, he ventured upon only 250 copies. As the work +advanced, (and, I would hope, as the recommendation of it, +in the last edition of the Bibliomania, promoted its sale) +he took courage, and struck off another 250 copies of the +earlier volumes: and thus this magnificent reprint (which +will be followed up by two volumes of additional matter +collected by Mr. Park, its editor) may be pronounced a +profitable, as well as generally serviceable, publication to +the cause of Literature. The original edition of <i>Lord +Somers' Tracts</i> having become exceedingly scarce, and the +arrangement of them being equally confused, three spirited +booksellers, under the editorial inspection of Mr. Walter +Scott, are putting forth a correct, well arranged, and +beautiful reprint of the same invaluable work. Five volumes +are already published. <i>The Voyages of Hakluyt</i> are +republishing by Mr. Evans, of Pall Mall. Four volumes are +already before the public; of which only 250 copies of the +small, and 75 of the large, are printed. The reprint will +contain the whole of Hakluyt, with the addition of several +scarce voyages and travels.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_550" id="Page_550">550</a></span><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> I fully coincide with these sentiments; and, as a proof of it, +regularly order my London bookseller to transmit to me every volume of +the reprint of these excellent works as it is published.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Belin.</span> Can you find it in your heart, dear brother, to part with your +black-letter Chronicles, and Hakluyt's Voyages, for these new +publications?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> I keep the best editions of the ancient Chronicles; but the new +Fabian, the Harleian Miscellany, Lord Somers' Tracts, and the Voyages, +are unquestionably to be preferred; since they are more full and +complete. But proceed with your other probable means of cure.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> In the <i>third place</i>, the editing of our best ancient authors, +whether in prose or poetry,<a name="FNanchor_465_473" id="FNanchor_465_473"></a><a href="#Footnote_465_473" class="fnanchor">[465]</a> is another means of effectually +counteracting the mischievous effects arising from the bibliomaniacal +disease; and, on this score, I do think this country stands +pre-eminently conspicuous; for we are indefatigable in our attentions +towards restoring the corrupted texts of our poets.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_465_473" id="Footnote_465_473"></a><a href="#FNanchor_465_473">[465]</a> The last new editions of our standard +belles-lettres writers are the following: which should be +found in every gentleman's library. <i>Shakspeare</i>, 1793, 15 +vols., or 1803, 21 vols. (vide <a href="#Page_427">p. 427</a>, ante); <i>Pope</i>, by +<i>Jos. Warton</i>; 1795, 8 vols. 8vo.; or by <i>Lisle Bowles</i>, +1806, 9 vols. 8vo.; <i>Spenser</i>, by <i>H.J. Todd</i>, 1805, 8 vols. +8vo.; <i>Milton</i>, by <i>the Same</i>, 7 vols., 8vo.; <i>Massinger</i>, +by <i>W. Gifford</i>, 1806, 4 vols. 8vo.; <i>Sir David Lyndsay</i>, by +<i>George Chalmers</i>, 1806, 3 vols. 8vo.; <i>Dryden</i>, by <i>Walter +Scott</i>, 1808, 18 vols. 8vo.; <i>Churchill</i>, by ——, 1805, 2 +vols. 8vo.; <i>Hudibras</i>, by <i>Dr. Grey</i>, 1744, or 1809, 2 +vols. 8vo.; <i>Ben. Jonson</i>, by <i>W. Gifford</i> (<i>sub prelo</i>); +and <i>Bishop Corbett's Poems</i>, by <i>Octavius Gilchrist</i>, 1807, +8vo.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> Yet forgive me if I avow that this same country, whose editorial +labours you are thus commending, is shamefully deficient in the +cultivation of <i>Ancient English<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_551" id="Page_551">551</a></span> History</i>! I speak my sentiments +roundly upon this subject: because you know, Lysander, how vigilantly +I have cultivated it, and how long and keenly I have expressed my +regret at the almost total apathy which prevails respecting it. There +is no country upon earth which has a more plentiful or faithful stock +of historians than our own; and if it were only to discover how +superficially some of our recent and popular historians have written +upon it, it were surely worth the labour of investigation to examine +the yet existing records of past ages.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Loren.</span> To effect this completely, you should have a <span class="smcap">National Press</span>.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> And why not? Have we here no patriotic spirit similar to that +which influenced the Francises, Richlieus, Colberts, and Louises of +France?</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Alman.</span> You are getting into bibliographical politics! Proceed, good +Lysander, with your other probable means of cure.</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> In the <i>fourth place</i>, the erection of <span class="smcap">Public +Institutions</span><a name="FNanchor_466_474" id="FNanchor_466_474"></a><a href="#Footnote_466_474" class="fnanchor">[466]</a> is of great service in diffusing a love of books for +their intrinsic utility, and is of very general advantage to scholars +and authors who cannot purchase every book which they find it +necessary to consult.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_466_474" id="Footnote_466_474"></a><a href="#FNanchor_466_474">[466]</a> The <span class="smcap">Royal, London, Surrey, and Russel +Institutions</span>, have been the means of concentrating, in +divers parts of the metropolis, large libraries of useful +books; which, it is to be hoped, will eventually bring into +disgrace and contempt what are called <i>Circulating +Libraries</i>—vehicles, too often, of insufferable nonsense, +and irremediable mischief!</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Phil.</span> You are right. These Institutions are of recent growth, but of +general utility. They are a sort of <i>intellectual +Hospitals</i>—according to your mode of treating the Bibliomania. Yet I +dare venture to affirm that the <i>News-Paper Room</i> is always better +attended than the <i>Library</i>!</p> + +<p class="bp"><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> Let us have no sarcasms. I will now give you the <i>fifth</i> and +last probable means of cure of the Bibliomania; and that is <i>the Study +of Bibliography</i>.<a name="FNanchor_467_475" id="FNanchor_467_475"></a><a href="#Footnote_467_475" class="fnanchor">[467]</a></p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_467_475" id="Footnote_467_475"></a><a href="#FNanchor_467_475">[467]</a> "<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: UNE"><span class="smcap">Unne</span></span> <span class="smcap">bonne +Bibliographie</span>," says Marchand, "soit générale soit +particuliére, soit profane soit écclésiastique, soit +nationale, provinciale, ou locale, soit simplement +personelle, en un mot de quelque autre genre que ce puisse +être, n'est pas un ouvrage aussi facile que beaucoup de gens +se le pourroient imaginer; mais, elles ne doivent néanmoins +nullement prévenir contre celle-ci. Telle qu'elle est, elle +ne laisse pas d'être bonne, utile, et digne d'être +recherchée par les amateurs de l'Histoire Litteraire." +<i>Diction. Historique</i>, vol. i. p. 109. +</p><p> +Peignot, in his <i>Dictionnaire de Bibliologie</i>, vol. i. 50, +has given a very pompous account of what ought to be the +talents and duties of a bibliographer. It would be difficult +indeed to find such qualifications, as he describes, united +in one person! De Bure, in the eighth volume of his +<i>Bibliographie Instructive</i>, has prefixed a "Discourse upon +the Science of Bibliography, and the Duties of a +Bibliographer," which is worth consulting: but I know of +nothing which better describes, in few words, such a +character, than the following: "In eo sit multijuga +materiarum librorumque notitia, ut saltem potiores eligat et +inquirat: fida et sedula apud exteras gentes procuratio, ut +eos arcessat; summa patientia ut rarè venalis expectet; +peculium semper præsens et paratum, ne, si quando occurrunt, +emendi, occasio intercidat: prudens denique auri argentique +contemptus, ut pecuniis sponte careat quæ in bibliothecam +formandam et nutriendam sunt insumendæ. Si forte vir +literatus eo felicitatis pervenit ut talem thesaurum +coacervaverit, nec solus illo invidiose fruatur, sed usam +cum eruditis qui virgilias suas utilitati publicæ +devoverunt, liberaliter communicet;" &c.—<i>Bibliotheca +Hulsiana</i>, vol. i. Præfat. p. 3, 4. Morhof abounds with +sagacious reflections upon this important subject: but are +there fifty men in Great Britain who love to read the +<i>Polyhistor Literarius</i>? The observations of Ameilhon and +Camus, in the <i>Memoires de l'Institut</i>, are also well worth +consultation; as are those of Le Long, and his editor, +prefixed to the last edition of the <i>Bibliotheca Sacra</i>.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_552" id="Page_552">552</a></span><span class="smcap">Lis.</span> Excellent!—Treat copiously upon this my darling subject.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Belin.</span> You speak with the enthusiasm of a young convert; but I should +think the study of Bibliography a sure means of increasing the +violence of the book-disease.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lysand.</span> The encouragement of <i>the Study of Bibliography</i>, in its +legitimate sense, and towards its true object, may be numbered among +the most efficacious cures for this destructive malady. To place +competent Librarians over the several departments of a large public +Library; or to submit a library, on a more confined scale, to one +diligent, enthusiastic, well-informed, and well-bred Bibliographer or +Librarian (of which in this metropolis we have so many examples), is +doing a vast deal towards directing the channels of literature to flow +in their proper courses. And thus I close the account of my recipes +for the cure of the Bibliomania. A few words more and I have done.</p> + +<p class="bp">It is, my friends, in the erection of Libraries as in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_553" id="Page_553">553</a></span> literary +compositions, the task is difficult, and will generally meet with +opposition from some fastidious quarter,<a name="FNanchor_468_476" id="FNanchor_468_476"></a><a href="#Footnote_468_476" class="fnanchor">[468]</a> which is always +betraying a fretful anxiety to bring every thing to its own ideal +standard of perfection. To counteract the unpleasant effect which such +an impression must necessarily produce, be diligent and faithful, to +your utmost ability, in whatsoever you undertake. You need not evince +the fecundity of a German<a name="FNanchor_469_477" id="FNanchor_469_477"></a><a href="#Footnote_469_477" class="fnanchor">[469]</a> author; but only exert your best +endeavours, and leave the issue to a future generation. Posterity will +weigh, in even scales, your merits and demerits, when all present +animosities and personal prejudices shall have subsided; and when the +utility of our labours, whether in promoting wisdom or virtue, shall +be unreservedly acknowledged. You may sleep in peace before this +decision take place; but <span class="smcap">your children</span> may live to witness it; and +your name, in consequence, become a passport for them into circles of +learning and worth. Let us now retreat; or, rather, walk round +Lorenzo's grounds. We have had <i>Book-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_554" id="Page_554">554</a></span>Discussion</i> enough to last us to +the end of the year.<a name="FNanchor_470_478" id="FNanchor_470_478"></a><a href="#Footnote_470_478" class="fnanchor">[470]</a> I begin to be wearied of conversing.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_468_476" id="Footnote_468_476"></a><a href="#FNanchor_468_476">[468]</a> My favourite author, Morhof, has spoken +'comme un brave homme' upon the difficulty of literary +enterprizes, and the facility and venom of detraction: I +support his assertion 'totis viribus'; and to beg to speak +in the same person with himself. 'Non ignotum mihi est, +quantæ molis opus humeris meis incumbat. Oceanum enim +ingressus sum, in quo portum invenire difficile est, +naufragii periculum à syrtibus et scopulis imminet. Quis +enim in tanta multitudine rerum et librorum omnia +exhauriret? Quis non alicubi impingeret? Quis salvum ab +invidia caput retraheret, ac malignitatis dentes in +liberiore censura evitaret? Præterea ut palato et gustu +differunt convivæ, ita judiciis dissident lectores, neque +omnium idem de rebus sensus est, hoc præsertim tempore, quo +plures sunt librorum judices, quam lectores, et è lectoribus +in lictores, ubique virgas et secures expedituros, multi +degenerant.' <i>Præf. Morhof.</i>—Even the great Lambecius (of +whom see <a href="#Page_41">p. 41</a>, ante) was compelled to deliver his +sentiments thus:—'laborem hunc meum non periculosum minus +et maglignis liventium <i>Zoilorum</i> dentibus obnoxium, quam +prolixum foro et difficilem.' Prod. Hist. Lit. <i>Proleg.</i> One +of the Roman philosophers (I think it was Seneca) said, in +his last moments, 'Whether or not the Gods will be pleased +with what I have done, I cannot take upon me to pronounce: +but, this I know—it has been my invariable object to please +them.' For 'the Gods' read 'the Public'—and then I beg +leave, in a literary point of view, to repeat the words of +Seneca.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_469_477" id="Footnote_469_477"></a><a href="#FNanchor_469_477">[469]</a> 'From the last catalogue of the fair of +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Leipsic">Lepisic</span>, it would appear that +there are now in Germany <i>ten thousand two hundred and forty +three authors</i>, full of <i>health</i> and <i>spirit</i>, and each of +whom publishes at least <i>once a year</i>!' <i>American Review</i>, +Jan. 1811, p. 172.</p> + +<p><a name="Footnote_470_478" id="Footnote_470_478"></a><a href="#FNanchor_470_478">[470]</a> Through the favour of Dr. Drury, the Editor +is enabled to present the reader with an original letter, +enclosing a list of books directed to be purchased by +<span class="smcap">Benjamin Heath</span>, Esq.; also his portrait. This document would +have been better inserted, in point of chronological order, +in <a href="#PART_V">part V.</a>, but, as the Editor did not receive it till long +after that part was printed, he trusts it will be thought +better late than never. +</p> + +<p class="centertp">THE DIRECTION.</p> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/direction.png" width="500" height="429" alt="The Direction" title="The Direction" /> +</p> + +<p class="centerbp"> +To +<br /> +M<span class="super">r</span> John Mann +<br /> +at the Hand in Hand +<br /> +Fire Office in Angel Court +<br /> +on Snow Hill +<br /> +[illegible] +<br /> +in +<br /> +London</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p class="right">Exeter, 21st March, 1738.</p> + +<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Dear Sir,</span></p> + +<p class="letter">I take the liberty presuming upon the Intimacy of our +Acquaintance to employ you in a pretty troublesome Affair. +Fletcher Gyles, Bookseller in Holbourn, with whom I had some +Dealings about two years ago, has lately sent me Down a +Catalogue of a Library which will begin to be sold by +Auction at his house next Monday Evening. As I have scarce +laid out any Money in Books for these two years past, the +great number of Valuable Books contained in this Collection, +together with the tempting prospect of getting them cheaper +in an Auction than they are to be had in a Sale, or in any +other way whatsoever, has induced me to lay out a Sum of +mony this way, at present, which will probably content my +Curiosity in this kind, for several years to come. Mr. Gyles +has offered himself to act for me, but as I think 'tis too +great a Trial of his Honesty to make him at the same time +both Buyer & Seller, & as Books are quite out of my +Brother's Way, I have been able to think of no Friend I +could throw this trouble upon but you. I propose to lay out +about £60 or £70, and have drawn up a List of the Books I am +inclined to, which you have in the First Leaf, with the +Price to each Book, which I would by no means exceed, but as +far as which, with respect to each single Book, I would +venture to go; though I am persuaded upon the whole they are +vastly overvalued. For my Valuation is founded in proportion +upon what I have been charged for Books of this kind, when I +have sent for them on purpose from London, and I have had +too many proofs that the Booksellers make it a Rule to +charge near double for an uncommon Book, when sent for on +purpose, of what they would take for it in their own Shops, +or at a Sale. So that, though the Amount of the Inclosed +List is above £120, yet, when Deductions are made for the +Savings by the Chance of the Auction, & for the full rate of +such Books as I may be over bid in, I am satisfied it will +come within the sum I propose. Now, Sir, the Favour which I +would beg of you is to get some Trusty Person (& if you +should not be able readily to think of a proper Person +yourself, Mr. Hinchcliffe or Mr. Peele may probably be able +to recommend one) to attend this Auction, in my behalf, from +the beginning to the end, & to bid for me agreeably to the +inclosed List & (as the Additional Trouble of it over and +above the Attendance would not be great) to mark in the +Catalogue, which you may have of Mr. Gyles for a shilling, +the price Every Book contained in the Catalogue is sold at, +for my future Direction in these Matters. For this Service I +would willingly allow 3 Guineas, which, the Auction +continuing 24 Days, is 3 shillings over and above half a +Crown a Day; or, if that is not sufficient, whatever more +shall be thought necessary to get my Commission well +Executed. It may be necessary to observe to you that the +Auction requires the Attendance of the whole day, beginning +at Eleven in the Morning, and ending at two and at five in +the Afternoon, and Ending at Eight. It may also be proper to +inform the Person you shall Employ that he is not to govern +his first bidding by the valuation in my list for many of +the Books will very probably be sold for less than half what +I have marked them at; he is therefore, in every Instance, +to bid Low at first, and afterwards to continue advancing +just beyond the other Bidders, till he has either bought the +Book, or the price I have fixed it at is exceeded. There are +many Books in the List which have several numbers before +them; the meaning of which is that the very same Book is in +several places of the Catalogue; and in that Case, I would +have the first of them bought, if it be in very good +condition, otherwise let the person Employed wait till the +other comes up. I would desire him also not to buy any book +at all that is both Dirty & ragged; but, though the Binding +should not be in very good Order, that would be no Objection +with me, provided the Book was clean. I would also desire +him not to bid for any Number in the Catalogue that is not +expressly mentioned in my List, upon a supposition that it +may be the same Book with some that are mentioned in it; nor +to omitt any Book that is actually upon the List, upon an +Imagination, from the Title, that it may be there more than +once; for I have drawn it up upon an Exact consideration of +the Editions of the Books, insomuch that there is no Book +twice upon the List, but where there is a very great +difference in the Editions; nor is any of the Books in my +List oftener in the Catalogue than is expressly specified in +it. By the Conditions of Sale, the Auction is constantly +adjourned from Fryday night to Monday Morning, the Saturday +being appointed for fetching away, at the Expence of the +buyer, the Books bought the week before, & for payment of +the Mony. This part of the trouble I must beg you to charge +yourself with; &, in order to enable you, as to the payment, +I shall send you up, either by the next Post, or, however, +time enough for the Saturday following, Fifty Pounds. I +would beg the Favour of you to let me hear from you, if +possible, by the Return of the Post; & also to give me an +Account by every Saturday night's post what Books are bought +for me, and at what price. As to which you need only mention +the Numbers without the Titles, since I have a Catalogue by +me. When the Auction is Ended, I shall take the Liberty of +giving you farther Directions about Packing up the Books, & +the way I would have them sent down. When I drew up my List, +I had not observed one of the Conditions of Sale, which +imports that no Person is to advance less than a shilling +after twenty shillings is bid for any book. Now you will +find a pretty many Books which I have valued at more than +twenty shillings marked at an Odd Sixpence; in all which +Cases, I would have the Bidder add Sixpence more to the +Price I have fixed, in order to make it Even Money, & +conformable to the Conditions of the Auction. And now, Dear +Sir, another Person would make a thousand Apologies for +giving you all this trouble; all which superfluous +tediousness I shall spare you, being persuaded I shall do +you a great pleasure in giving you an Opportunity of being +serviceable to me, as I am sure it would be a very sensible +one to me, if I ever had it in my power to be of any use to +you. Mine and my Wive's humble respects wait upon Mrs. Mann, +and you will be so good to present my hearty services to all +our Friends.</p> + +<p class="center">I am most sincerely, Dear Sir,</p> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/heathsig.png" width="500" height="132" alt="signature" title="signature" /> +</p> + +<p class="center">Your Faithful & Affectionate<br /> +humble Serv<span class="super">t</span>.</p> + +<p class="right">Benj Heath</p> + +<p class="centertp"> +<img src="images/heathseal.jpg" width="110" height="123" alt="seal" title="seal" /> +</p> + +<p class="centerbp">HIS SEAL.</p> +</div> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right"> </td><td> </td><td class="right">£</td><td class="right"><i>s.</i></td><td class="right"><i>d.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>Octavo</td><td class="right">5</td><td>Pet. Angeli Bargæi Poemata</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">5</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">40</td><td>Hieron. Fracastorij Poemata</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">7</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">47</td><td>or 455, or 1546, Joan. Leonis Africæ Desc.</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">68</td><td>Christ. Longolij Orationes et Epistolæ</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">78</td><td>Pierij Valeriani Hexametri</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Quarto</td><td class="right">46</td><td>Diogenes Laertius</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">12</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Octavo</td><td class="right">164</td><td>or 624, Scaligerana</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">201</td><td>or 1280, Car. Ogerij Iter Danicum</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td>Quarto</td><td class="right">66</td><td>Plautus Taubmanni</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">11</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Octavo</td><td class="right">282</td><td>Hen. Lornenij Itinerarium</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td>Quarto</td><td class="right">132</td><td>Marcus Antonius de Dominis</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">143</td><td>Hen. Stephani Dialogus</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">157</td><td>Ausonii Opera</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">9</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">178</td><td>Anacreon and Sappho</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">8</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">180</td><td>Excerpta ex Polybio</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">8</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">181</td><td>Sophocles and Eschylus</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="3" class="center">Carried Forward</td><td class="right" style="border-top: 1px solid black">£6</td><td class="right" style="border-top: 1px solid black">16</td><td class="right" style="border-top: 1px solid black">0</td></tr> +</table> + +<p><br /></p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right"> </td><td> </td><td class="right">£</td><td class="right"><i>s.</i></td><td class="right"><i>d.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="3" class="center">Brought Forward</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">16</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td>Octavo</td><td class="right">405</td><td>or 2413, or 2953, Historia Gothorum</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">435</td><td>or 1488, or 1688, Lucretius Gifanij</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">5</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">436</td><td>Is Casaubon de Satyrica Poesi</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Quarto</td><td class="right">198</td><td>or 344, Iamblicus de Vita Pythag.</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">11</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">275</td><td>Aulus Gellius Gronovij</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">18</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">280</td><td>Statij quæ Extant Barthij</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">18</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Octavo</td><td class="right">700</td><td>or 1093, Martial Scriverij</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Quarto</td><td class="right">302</td><td>Juvenal Henninij</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">18</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">314</td><td>Manilij Astronomicon</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">11</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">316</td><td>Poetriarum Octo</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Folio</td><td class="right">170</td><td>Fam. Strada da Bello Belgico</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">13</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Octavo</td><td class="right">739</td><td>Virgilius Illustratus</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">752</td><td>Paulli Manutij Epistolæ</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td>Folio</td><td class="right">206</td><td>or 235, or 590, Io. Leunclavij Annales</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Octavo</td><td class="right">989</td><td>Senecæ Tragediæ Scriverij</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 1em;">9191</span></td><td class="right">1088</td><td>Pontani Opera</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">8</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Folio</td><td class="right">264</td><td>Demosthenis et Æschinis Opera</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">17</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">301</td><td>Thucydides Wasse</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">9</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">306</td><td>Platonis Opera</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">5</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">308</td><td>Herodoti Historia</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">7</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Quarto</td><td class="right">503</td><td>Pauli Collomesij Opera</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">9</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 1em;">543</span></td><td class="right">566</td><td>Bern. Pensini Vita Baronij</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td>Octavo</td><td class="right">1239</td><td>or 2831, Poesis Philosophica</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Folio</td><td class="right">270</td><td>Philostrati Opera</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">7</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">376</td><td>Historiæ Romanæ Scriptores</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">11</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">386</td><td>Plutarchi Opera</td><td class="right">5</td><td class="right">7</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Octavo</td><td class="right">1519</td><td>Caninij Hellenismus</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">1608</td><td>or 2705, Virgilius Hiensij</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Folio</td><td class="right">426</td><td>Geo. Buchanani Opera</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">11</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">443</td><td>Plautus Lambini</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">13</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">448</td><td>Horatius Turnebi et Lambini</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">18</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Octavo</td><td class="right">1650</td><td>Dom. Baudij Amores</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td>Folio</td><td class="right">476</td><td>Æschyli Tragediæ</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">16</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Octavo</td><td class="right">1814</td><td>Lud. Kusterus de vero Usu, &c.</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Quarto</td><td class="right">871</td><td>Gab. Faerni Fabulæ Centum</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Folio</td><td class="right">477</td><td>Luciani Opera</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">7</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="3" class="center">Carried Forward</td><td class="right" style="border-top: 1px solid black">£42</td><td class="right" style="border-top: 1px solid black">7</td><td class="right" style="border-top: 1px solid black">0</td></tr> +</table> + +<p><br /></p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right"> </td><td> </td><td class="right">£</td><td class="right"><i>s.</i></td><td class="right"><i>d.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="3" class="center">Brought Forward</td><td class="right">42</td><td class="right">7</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">479</td><td>Dionis Cassij Historia</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">12</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">485</td><td>Diodorus Siculus</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">18</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">490</td><td>Appiani Historia</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">11</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">491</td><td>Palladius de Gentibus Indiæ</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">5</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">498</td><td>Isocratij Orationes</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Quarto</td><td class="right">908</td><td>Papin. Statij Opera</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">9</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">921</td><td>Claudian Cum Animad. Barthij</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">11</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Folio</td><td class="right">529</td><td>Maffæi Historia Indica</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">8</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 1em;">509</span></td><td class="right">546</td><td>Saxonis Grammatici Historia</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">17</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Octavo</td><td class="right">2101</td><td>Huntingtoni Epistolæ</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Quarto</td><td class="right">1018</td><td>And. Nangerij Opera</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">9</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">1023</td><td>Tho. Hyde Historia Relig. Vett. Pers.</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">18</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">1047</td><td>Claud. Salmasij Epistolæ</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">1088</td><td>Theocriti Moschi Bionis</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">16</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">1089</td><td>Hesiodus Græce</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">18</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Folio</td><td class="right">627</td><td>Rerum Moscoviticarum Coment.</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">11</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">638</td><td>Angeli Politiani Opera</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">18</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Octavo</td><td class="right">2354</td><td>Ausonius</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">7</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">2362</td><td>Mythographi Latini</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Quarto</td><td class="right">1139</td><td>Aristotelis Opera</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Octavo</td><td class="right">2481</td><td>Fabricij Bibliotheca Latina</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">11</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Quarto</td><td class="right">1192</td><td>Sannazarij Poemata</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">11</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Octavo</td><td class="right">2526</td><td>Meursij Elegantiæ</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">5</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">2559</td><td>Statij Opera</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">2578</td><td>Is Casauboni Comment.</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">2597</td><td>Maximi Tyrij Dissertationes</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td>Folio</td><td class="right">698</td><td>Nic. Antonij Bibliotheca Hispan.</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Octavo</td><td class="right">2712</td><td>Ovidij Opera</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">15</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Folio</td><td class="right">765</td><td>Nic. Antonij Bibliotheca Hisp. Vetus</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">7</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Octavo</td><td class="right">2891</td><td>Pet. Dan. Huetij Comentarius</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">3098</td><td>Sir John Suckling's Plays, &c.</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">3099</td><td>Dr. Downe's Poems</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td>Quarto</td><td class="right">1498</td><td>Lord's Discovery of the Banian Religion</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">5</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Folio</td><td class="right">857</td><td>or 896, Burnet's Theory of y<span class="super">e</span> Earth</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">9</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Octavo</td><td class="right">3364</td><td>Milton's Poems</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">3374</td><td>King's British Merchant</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">12</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="3" class="center">Carried Forward</td><td class="right" style="border-top: 1px solid black">£68</td><td class="right" style="border-top: 1px solid black">11</td><td class="right" style="border-top: 1px solid black">0</td></tr> +</table> + +<p><br /></p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right"> </td><td> </td><td class="right">£</td><td class="right"><i>s.</i></td><td class="right"><i>d.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="3" class="center">Brought Forward</td><td class="right">68</td><td class="right">11</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">3379</td><td>Milton's Paradise Regained</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Folio</td><td class="right">912</td><td>Wheeler's Journey into Greece</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">13</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td>Octavo</td><td class="right">3463</td><td>or 3473, Grevil's Life Of Sir P. Sidney</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">3466</td><td>Jobson Debes's Description of Feroe</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">3529</td><td>Terry's Voyage to the East Indies</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Quarto</td><td class="right">1672</td><td>Description de l'Egypte</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">13</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">1692</td><td>Apologie de M. Castar</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">1694</td><td>Replique de M. Girac</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Octavo</td><td class="right">3538</td><td>Geddes's History of the Church, &c.</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">3600</td><td>Songs by the Earl Of Surrey</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">3741</td><td>or 4112, Oeuvres de Sarasin</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">3854</td><td>or 3859, Scaligerana</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Quarto</td><td class="right">1873</td><td>Viaggi di Pietro della Valli</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">5</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">1875</td><td>Opera di Annibale Caro</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">8</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">1876</td><td>Orlando Inamorato</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">12</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">1879</td><td>or 2070, Pastor Fido</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">12</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">1884</td><td>or 1977, Morgante Maggiore</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">9</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">1920</td><td>or 1965, La Gerusalemme Liberata</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">1928</td><td>Il Verato</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">1953</td><td>Orlando Inamorato</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">9</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">1957</td><td>Historia della Guerre Civili</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">17</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">1967</td><td>Scritti nella Causa Veniziana</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">1980</td><td>Historia della Sacra Inquisitione</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">5</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">1983</td><td>Examinatione sopra la Rhetorica</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">5</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">1990</td><td>or 2037, Istoria Diplomatica</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">11</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">1995</td><td>Fasti Consolari di Salvini</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">9</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">1998</td><td>Satire del Menzini</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">7</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Folio</td><td class="right">1109</td><td>Bibliotheca Napolitana di Toppi</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">1123</td><td>Orlando Furioso</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Quarto</td><td class="right">2005</td><td>or 2039, Dialoghi del Speroni</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">7</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">2015</td><td>Poetica di Aristotele Volgarizzata</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">2024</td><td>Poetica di Aristotele di Piccolomini</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">2031</td><td>Della Difesa della Comedia di Dante</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">13</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">2033</td><td>Squittinio della Liberta Veneta</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">5</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">2049</td><td>Il Goffredo col. Comento di Beni</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">9</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">2050</td><td>Dante di Daniello</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">9</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="3" class="center">Carried Forward</td><td class="right" style="border-top: 1px solid black">£84</td><td class="right" style="border-top: 1px solid black">13</td><td class="right" style="border-top: 1px solid black">0</td></tr> +</table> + +<p><br /></p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right"> </td><td> </td><td class="right">£</td><td class="right"><i>s.</i></td><td class="right"><i>d.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="3" class="center">Brought Forward</td><td class="right">84</td><td class="right">13</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td>Folio</td><td class="right">1129</td><td>Historia del Regno di Napoli</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">14</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">1132</td><td>Historia del Consilio Tridentino</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">13</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">1137</td><td>Vocabularia della Crusca</td><td class="right">8</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Octavo</td><td class="right">4268</td><td>Voyage de Bachanmont, &c.</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4295</td><td>or 4330, or 4339, or 4511, Ragionamenti del Aretino</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">11</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4305</td><td>Prose Fiorentine</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4309</td><td>Lettre Volgari</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4321</td><td>Gravina della Ragione Poetica</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">5</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4322</td><td>Battaglie di Mugio</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4331</td><td>or 4527, La Comedia di Dante</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">11</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Quarto</td><td class="right">2053</td><td>Degli Raguagli di Parnaso</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">8</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">2067</td><td>Il Decameron di Boccaccio</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">5</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">2076</td><td>or 2168, Lezioni di Varchi</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">8</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">2098</td><td>L'Amadigi di Tasso</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">8</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Folio</td><td class="right">1154</td><td>L'Adone del Marino</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">11</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">1154</td><td>Il Libro del Cortegiano</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">13</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">1162</td><td>Istoria del Concilio di Trento</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">1164</td><td>La Historia di Italia di Guicciardini</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">17</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Octavo</td><td class="right">4354</td><td>Rime Diverse del Mutio</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4363</td><td>L'Amorosa Fiametta</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4371</td><td>Compendio del Historie di Nap.</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">5</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4379</td><td>Opere di Guilio Cammillo</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4384</td><td>L'Aminta di Tasso</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4385</td><td>L'Opere Poetiche di Guarin</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">5</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4387</td><td>Comedie di M. Agnolo Firenz.</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">5</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4415</td><td>Notize de Libri Rari</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4416</td><td>Satire e Rime di Aristo</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">5</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4417</td><td>Delle Eloquenza Italiana</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4423</td><td>Comedie Varie</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4438</td><td>Labarinto d'Amore di Boccac.</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4443</td><td>Opere di Redi</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td>Quarto</td><td class="right">2100</td><td>Lettere di Vincenzio Martelli</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">8</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">2103</td><td>or 2154, Ameto di Boccaccio</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">2104</td><td>or 2161, Le Rime di Petrarca</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">8</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">2114</td><td>Ragionamento dell' Academico</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">8</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="3" class="center">Carried Forward</td><td class="right" style="border-top: 1px solid black">£111</td><td class="right" style="border-top: 1px solid black">17</td><td class="right" style="border-top: 1px solid black">0</td></tr> +</table> + +<p><br /></p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right"> </td><td> </td><td class="right">£</td><td class="right"><i>s.</i></td><td class="right"><i>d.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td class="center" colspan="3">Brought Forward</td><td class="right">111</td><td class="right">17</td><td class="right">0</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">2124</td><td>Poesie Liriche del Testi</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">8</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Octavo</td><td class="right">4452</td><td>Il Petrarca</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">11</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4456</td><td>or 4550, Lettre di Paolo Sarpi</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4460</td><td>Opere Burleschi di Berni</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4464</td><td>or 4485, Prose di M. Agnolo Firenz.</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4471</td><td>Commento di Ser Agresto</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">3</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4475</td><td>L'Aminta di Tasso</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4483</td><td>La Secchia Rapita</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">5</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4486</td><td>or 4627, Comedie di Aretino</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">5</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4496</td><td>Trattato delle Materie Benef.</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4531</td><td>Il 2<span class="super">do</span> Libro delle Opere Burlesch.</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Quarto</td><td class="right">2149</td><td>Annotationi e Discorsi</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">16</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">2159</td><td>Gyrone il Cortese</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">9</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">2164</td><td>Il Decamerone di Boccaccio</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">14</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">2169</td><td>Historia della Cose passate</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">5</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">2171</td><td>Apologia degli Academia</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">9</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">2176</td><td>Della Guerra di Fiandra</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">2178</td><td>Rime e Prose di Maffei</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">13</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">2182</td><td>Discorsi Poetichi</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">5</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td>Octavo</td><td class="right">4561</td><td>La Libreria del Doni</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">4</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4591</td><td>La Cassaria</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">2</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4592</td><td>Teatro Italiano</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4614</td><td>La Divina Comedia di Dante</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">1</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4615</td><td>La Rime di Angelo di Cestanzo</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">7</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right">4625</td><td>Tutte le Opere di Bernia</td><td class="right">0</td><td class="right">6</td><td class="right">6</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td class="right"> </td><td> </td><td class="right" style="border-top: 1px solid black; border-bottom: 1px solid black">£124</td><td class="right" style="border-top: 1px solid black; border-bottom: 1px solid black">3</td><td class="right" style="border-top: 1px solid black; border-bottom: 1px solid black">6</td></tr> +</table> +</div> + +<p class="centertbp"> +<img src="images/line05.png" width="158" height="12" alt="" title="" /> +</p> + +<p>Lysander concluded; when Lorenzo rose from his seat, and begged of us +to walk round his grounds. It was now<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_555" id="Page_555">555</a></span> high noon; and, after a +pleasant stroll, we retreated again to <span class="smcap">the alcove</span>, where we found a +cold collation<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_556" id="Page_556">556</a></span> prepared for our reception. The same day we all dined +at Lisardo's; and a discussion upon the pleasures and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_557" id="Page_557">557</a></span> comparative +excellences of <i>Music</i> and <i>Painting</i> succeeded to the conversation +which the foregoing pages have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_558" id="Page_558">558</a></span> detailed. A small concert in the +evening recreated the exhausted state of Lysander's +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: mind">mimd</span>.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_559" id="Page_559">559</a></span></p> + +<p class="bp">The next day, my friends left me for their respective places of +destination. Lorenzo and his sisters were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_560" id="Page_560">560</a></span> gathered round my outer +gate; and Lisardo leapt into the chaise with Lysander and Philemon; +resolved to equal,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_561" id="Page_561">561</a></span> if not eclipse, his bibliographical tutor in the +ardour of book researches. "Adieu," said Lysander, putting his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_562" id="Page_562">562</a></span> hand +out of the chaise—"remember, in defence of my bibliomaniacal +gossipping, that <span class="smcap">Similis</span> never knew happiness <i>till he became +acquainted with</i> <span class="smcap">books</span>."<a name="FNanchor_471_479" id="FNanchor_471_479"></a><a href="#Footnote_471_479" class="fnanchor">[471]</a> The postillion smacked his whip; and the +chaise, following the direction of the road to the left, quickly +disappeared. The servant of Lysander followed gently after, with his +Master's and Philemon's horses: taking a near direction towards +Lysander's home.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_471_479" id="Footnote_471_479"></a><a href="#FNanchor_471_479">[471]</a> 'It is reported that a certain man, of the +name of <span class="smcap">Similis</span>, who fought under the Emperor Hadrian, +became so wearied and disgusted with the number of +troublesome events which he met with in that mode of life, +that he retired and devoted himself wholly to leisure and +<i>reading</i>, and to meditations upon divine and human affairs, +after the manner of Pythagoras. In this retirement, Similis +was wont frequently to exclaim that '<i>now</i> he began to +<i>live</i>:' at his death, he desired the following inscription +to be placed upon his tomb.</p> + +<p class="center"> +<span lang="el" title="SIMILIS">ΣΙΜΙΛΙΣ</span><br /> +<span lang="el" title="EN TAUTHA KEITAI">ΕΝ ΤΑΥΘΑ ΚΕΙΤΑΙ</span><br /> +<span lang="el" title="BIOUE MEN ETÊ EBDOMÊKONTA">ΒΙΟΥΕ ΜΕΝ ΕΤΗ ΕΒΔΟΜΗΚΟΝΤΑ</span><br /> +<span lang="el" title="ZÊSAS DE ETÊ EPTA">ΖΗΣΑΣ ΔΕ ΕΤΗ ΕΠΤΑ</span> +</p> + +<p class="center"> +<i>Here lies Similis;<br /> +In the seventieth year of his age<br /> +But only the seventh of his Life.</i> +</p> + +<p>This story is related by Dion Cassius; and from him told by +Spizelius in his <i>Infelix Literarius</i>; p. 167.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_563" id="Page_563">563</a></span>Lorenzo and his sisters returned with me to the Cabinet. A gloom was +visible upon all our countenances; and the Ladies confessed that the +company and conversation of my departed guests, especially of +Lysander, were such as to leave a void which could not easily be +supplied. For my part, from some little warmth each sister betrayed in +balancing the solid instruction of Lysander and the humorous vivacity +of Lisardo, against each other, I thought the former had made a +powerful impression upon the mind of Belinda, and the latter upon that +of Almansa: for when the probability of a speedy revisit from both of +them was mentioned the sisters betrayed unusual marks of sensibility; +and upon Lorenzo's frankly confessing, though in a playful mood, that +such brothers-in-law would make him "as happy as the day was +long"—they both turned their faces towards the garden, and appeared +as awkward as it was possible for well-bred ladies to appear.</p> + +<p>It was in vain that I turned to my library and opened a large paper, +illustrated, copy of Daulby's <i>Catalogue of Rembrandt's Prints</i>, or +Mr. Miller's new edition of the <i>Memoirs of Count Grammont</i>, or even +the <i>Roman de la Rose</i>, printed by Galliot du Pré, <span class="smcap">upon vellum</span>.... +Nothing produced a kind look or a gracious word from them. Silence, +sorrow, and indifference, succeeded to loquacity, joy, and enthusiasm. +I clearly perceived that some <i>other</i> symptom, wholly different from +any thing connected with the Bibliomania, had taken possession of +their gentle minds.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_564" id="Page_564">564</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">But what has a <span class="smcap">Bibliographical Romance</span> to do with <i>Love</i><br /> +and <i>Marriage</i>? Reader Adieu!—When thou hast nothing<br /> +better deserving of perusal before thee, take up these<br /> +pages; and class the author of them, if thou wilt,<br /> +with the <span class="smcap">Bostons</span>, or <span class="smcap">Smiths</span>, or <span class="smcap">Norths</span>, of<br /> +"other times;" with those who have never<br /> +wished to disturb the peaceful haunts<br /> +of intellectual retirement; and whose<br /> +estate, moreover, like Joseph<br /> +Scaliger's, lies chiefly<br /> +under his<br /> +hat. +</p> + +<p class="centertp"> +<img src="images/silhouette.png" width="235" height="405" alt="hat" title="hat" /> +</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_565" id="Page_565">565</a></span></p> + +<p class="hang"><a href="#Page_57">p. 57</a>. To the list of useful bibliographical works, published about +the period here designated, I might have added the <i>Lexicon +Literarium</i> of <span class="smcap">Theophilus Georgius</span>; <i>cum Suppl. ad an.</i> 1750. <i>Leips.</i> +1742-50, folio; two thick and closely printed volumes, with an +excellent chronological arrangement. It is not common in this country.</p> + +<p class="hang"><span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: p. 59"><a href="#Page_59">p. 69</a></span>. The Abbé Rive was also the author of—1. <i>Notice d'un Roman +d'Artus Comte de Bretagne</i>: Paris, 1779, 4to. <i>pp.</i> 20. 2. <i>Etrennes +aux Joueurs d<span class="super">e</span> cartes, ou Eclaircissemens historiques et critiques +sur l'invention des cartes à jouer; Paris</i>, 1780, 12mo. <i>pp.</i> 43. +These works are slightly commended in the "Advertissement" to the +Vallière Catalogue, 1783, pp. xxv-vj. They are reviewed by a rival +author.</p> + +<p class="hang"><a href="#Page_216">p. 216</a>. Since writing the first note, concerning the "<i>Assertio Septem +Sacramentorum</i>," &c., I have seen a magnificent copy of the same, +printed <span class="smcap">upon vellum</span>, in the library of Earl Spencer; which redeems the +coldness of my opinion in regard to books printed by Pynson upon +vellum. The painted ornaments, in Lord Spencer's copy, were, in all +probability, executed abroad. The art, in our own country, was then +too rude for such elegance of decoration.</p> + +<p class="hang"><a href="#Page_404">p. 404</a>. I was right in my prediction about these <i>Garlands</i> being +swallowed up by some "hungry book-fish!" I saw them, a few days after, +in the well-furnished library of <span class="smcap">Atticus</span>: who exhibited them to me in +triumph—grasping the whole of them between his finger and thumb! They +are marvellous well-looking little volumes—clean, bright, and +"rejoicing to the eye!"—many of them, moreover, are first editions! +The severest winter cannot tarnish the foliage of such "Garlands!"</p> + +<p class="hang"><span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: page number is incorrect; not clear what page is meant"><a href="#Page_328">p. 328</a></span>. Among the <span class="smcap">Illustrated Grangers</span> I forgot to notice the ample +and magnificent copies belonging to the Marquis of Bute and Mr. John +Towneley.</p> + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_566" id="Page_566">566</a></span></p> + +<p class="center"> +<img src="images/heath.png" width="356" height="500" alt="Heath" title="Heath" /> +</p> + +<p class="center">DR. BENJAMIN HEATH.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_567" id="Page_567">567</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="SUPPLEMENT" id="SUPPLEMENT"></a><span class="gesperrt">SUPPLEMENT.</span></h2> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_569" id="Page_569">569</a></span></p> + +<p class="centerbp"> +<img src="images/deco04.png" width="500" height="85" alt="" title="" /> +</p> + +<h2><span class="gesperrt">THE SUPPLEMENT.</span><br /> +<br /> +<a href="#PART_I">PART I.</a></h2> + +<h3>THE EVENING WALK.</h3> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<p><img src="images/cap_t_2.png" width="152" height="160" alt="T" title="T" class="floatl" />HE +scenery and the dialogue of this Part are more especially +<i>Waltonian</i>. The characters are few; but <span class="smcap">Lysander</span> must of necessity be +the Author—as he is the principal actor in the scene, and throughout +the entire work the principal intelligence is derived from his lips. +The scene itself is not absolutely ideal. At the little village of +——, upon the upper grounds, near Marlow, and necessarily commanding +a sweep of the Thames in one of its most richly wooded windings, there +lived a Mr. Jacobs, the friend of the adjoining Rector, whose table +was as bounteous as his heart was hospitable; and whose frequent +custom it was, in summer months, to elicit sweet discourse from his +guests, as they sauntered, after an early supper, to inhale the +fragrance of "dewy eve," and to witness the ascendancy of the moon in +a cool and cloudless sky. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_570" id="Page_570">570</a></span> have partaken more than once of these +"Tusculan" discussions; and have heard sounds, and witnessed +happiness, such as is not likely to be my lot again. <span class="smcap">Philemon</span> is at +rest in his grave, as well as <span class="smcap">Menander</span> and <span class="smcap">Sicorax</span>. The two latter, it +is well known, were Tom Warton and Joseph Ritson. "The husband of poor +Lavinia" was a most amiable gentleman, but timid to a morbid excess. +Without strong powers of intellect, he was tenacious of every thing +which he advanced, and yet the farthest possible from dogmatic +rudeness. There are cankers that eat into the <i>heart</i> as well as the +cheek; and because Mr. Shacklewell (the <span class="smcap">Nicas</span> of my text) happened to +discover a few unimportant errors in that husband's last performance, +the latter not only thought much and often about it, but seemed to +take it seriously to heart, and scarcely survived it a twelvemonth.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Gonzalo</span>, mentioned at <a href="#Page_12">page 12</a>, was a Mr. Jessop; an exceedingly +lively, inoffensive, but not over wise gentleman; a coxcomb to excess +in every thing; but not without vivacious parts, which occasionally +pleased, from the <i>manner</i> in which they were exhibited. Of handsome +person and fluent speech, he was generally acceptable to the fair sex; +but he made no strong <i>individual</i> impression, as he was known to use +the same current phrases and current compliments to all. Just possible +it was that his personal attractions and ready utterance were +beginning to strike a <i>root</i> or two in some one female bosom; but it +was impossible for these roots to penetrate deeply, and take an +<i>exclusive</i> hold. I believe Mr. Jessop quitted the neighbourhood of +Marlow shortly after the publication of the Bibliomania, to return<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_571" id="Page_571">571</a></span> +thither no more. <span class="smcap">Alfonso</span> was a Mr. Morell; a name well known in +Oxfordshire. He was always in the <i>same</i> false position, from the +beginning to the end; but I am not sure whether this be not better +than a perpetually shifting false position. Disguise it as you may, an +obstinate man is preferable to a <i>trimmer</i>; be he a common man, or an +uncommon man; a layman or a clergyman; "in crape," or "in lawn."</p> + +<p>The compliment paid by Lysander (at pages <a href="#Page_18">18</a>, <a href="#Page_19">19</a>) to Dr. <span class="smcap">Vincent</span>, late +Dean of Westminster, and head master of Westminster School, were +acknowledged by that venerable and most worthy, as well as erudite, +character, in a letter to me, which I deemed it but an act of justice +to its author to publish in the <i>Bibliographical Decameron</i>, vol. iii. +p. 353. Poor Mr. <span class="smcap">Barker</span> (Edmund Henry), who is handsomely mentioned in +the Dean's letter, has very lately taken his departure from us, for +<i>that</i> quiet which he could not find upon earth. "Take him for all in +all" he was a very extraordinary man. Irritable to excess; but ardent +and ambitious in his literary career. His industry, when, as in former +days, it was at its height, would have killed half the scholars of the +time. How he attained his fiftieth year, may be deemed miraculous; +considering upon what a tempestuous sea his vessel of life seemed to +be embarked. Latterly, he took to politics; when—"farewell the +tranquil mind!"</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_572" id="Page_572">572</a></span></p> + +<h2><a href="#PART_II">PART II.</a></h2> + +<h3>THE CABINET.</h3> + + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">This</span> portion of the "Bibliomania," embracing about fourscore pages, +contains a <i>Précis</i>, or review of the more popular works, then extant, +upon <span class="smcap">Bibliography</span>. It forms an immense mass of materials; which, if +expanded in the ordinary form of publication, would alone make a +volume. I have well nigh forgotten the names of some of the more +ancient heroes of bibliographical renown, but still seem to cling with +a natural fondness to those of Gesner, Morhof, Maittaire, and +Fabricius: while Labbe, Lambecius, and Montfauçon, Le Long, and +Baillet, even yet retain all their ancient respect and popularity. As +no <i>fresh characters</i> are introduced in this second part of the +Bibliomania, it may be permitted me to say a word or two upon the +substance of the materials which it contains.</p> + +<p>The immense note upon the "<i>Catalogue of Libraries</i>," alphabetically +arranged, from <a href="#Page_72">page 72</a> to <a href="#Page_99">page 99</a>, is now, necessarily, imperfect; +from the number of libraries which have been subsequently sold or +described. Among the <i>latter</i>, I hope I may naturally, and +justifiably, make<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_573" id="Page_573">573</a></span> mention of the <span class="smcap">Bibliotheca Spenceriana</span>; or, A +descriptive Catalogue of the early printed Books of the late George +John Earl Spencer, K.G.; comprising, in the whole, seven volumes; with +the addition of the Cassano Library, or books purchased of the Duke of +Cassano, by the noble Earl, when at Naples, in the year 1819. In the +"<i>Reminiscences of my Literary Life</i>," I have given a sort of graphic +description of this extensive work, and of the circumstances attending +its publication. <i>That</i> work now rests upon its own particular, and, I +will fearlessly add, solid, basis. For accuracy, learning, splendour, +and almost interminable embellishment, it may seem at once to command +the attention, and to challenge the commendation, of the most +fastidious: but it is a flower which blooms more kindly in a foreign, +than in its native, soil. It has obtained for me the notice and the +applause of learned <i>foreigners</i>; and when I travelled abroad I +received but too substantial proofs that what was slighted <i>here</i> was +appreciated in <i>foreign</i> parts. Our more popular Reviews, which seem +to thrive and fatten best upon lean fare, passed this magnificent work +over in a sort of sly or sullen silence; and there is no record of its +existence in those of our Journals which affect to strike the key-note +only of what is valuable in science, literature, and the fine arts. +Painful as it must ever be to my feelings to contrast the avidity of +former purchasers to become possessed of it with the caprice and +non-chalance which have marked the conduct of those possessors +themselves, I will yet hope that, in the bosom of the <span class="smcap">Successor</span> to +this matchless Library—as well as to the name and fortunes of its +late owner—there will<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_574" id="Page_574">574</a></span> ever remain but <i>one feeling</i>, such as no +misconception and no casualty will serve to efface. It is pleasing, +yea, soothing, 'midst the buffetting surges of later life, to be able +to keep the anchor of one's vessel <i>well bit</i> in the interstices of +granite.</p> + +<p>Much later than the publication last alluded to, were the sale +catalogues of the Libraries of Sir <span class="smcap">Mark Masterman Sykes</span>, Bart., +deceased; the Rev. <span class="smcap">Henry Drury</span>; <span class="smcap">George Hibbert</span>, Esq., deceased; and +Sir <span class="smcap">Francis Freeling</span>, Bart., deceased. They were all sold by Mr. +Evans, of Pall Mall; as well indeed as was the Library of the late +Duke of Marlborough, when Marquis of Blandford. What books! And what +prices! It should seem that "there were giants," both in purse and +magnitude of metal, "in those days!" But a mighty "man in valour" has +recently sprung up amongst us; who, spurning the acquisition of +solitary <i>lots</i>, darts down upon a whole <i>Library</i>, and bears it off +"at one fell swoop." Long life to the spirit which possesses him! It +is almost a national redemption.</p> + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_575" id="Page_575">575</a></span></p> + +<h2><a href="#PART_III">PART III.</a></h2> + +<h3>THE AUCTION-ROOM.</h3> + + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">We</span> are here introduced into one of the most bustling and +spirit-stirring portions of the whole Work. It is full of +characters—alas! now, with only <i>two</i> exceptions, mouldering in their +coffins! Philemon (who was one of my earliest and steadiest friends) +introduces us to a character, which, under the name of <span class="smcap">Orlando</span>, made +some impression upon the public, as it was thought to represent +<span class="smcap">Michael Wodhull</span>, Esq., of Thenford Hall, near Banbury; an admirable +Greek scholar (the translator of Euripides), and perhaps the most +learned bibliographer of his age. The conjecture of Orlando being the +representative of Mr. Wodhull was not a vain conjecture; although +there were, necessarily (I will not say <i>why</i>), parts that slightly +varied from the original. Mr. Wodhull re-appears, in his natural +person, in the <i>Bibliographical Decameron</i>, vol. iii. p. 363-6. Since +the publication of that work, a curious history attaches to his +memory. Within a twelvemonth of the expiration of the statute of +limitation, an action at law, in the shape of an ejectment, was set on +foot by a neighbouring<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_576" id="Page_576">576</a></span> family, to dispossess the present rightful +occupant, <span class="smcap">S.A. Severne</span>, Esq., of the beautiful domain of Thenford; to +ransack the Library; to scatter abroad pictures and curiosities of +every description; on the alleged ground of insanity, or incompetency +to make a will, on the part of Mr. Wodhull. As I had been very minute +in the account of Mr. Wodhull's person, in the work just alluded to, I +became a <i>witness</i> in the cause; and, as it was brought into Chancery, +my deposition was accordingly taken. I could have neither reluctance +nor disinclination to meet the call of my excellent friend, Mr. +Severne; as I was abundantly confident that the charge of +"incompetency to make a will" could not rest upon the slightest +foundation. It was insinuated, indeed, that the sister-in-law, Miss +Ingram, had forged Mr. Wodhull's name to the will.</p> + +<p>Such a conspiracy, to defraud an honourable man and legitimate +descendant of his property, is hardly upon record; for, waiting the +accidents that might occur by death, or otherwise, in the lapse of +twenty years, the cause was brought into the Vice Chancellor's Court +with the most sanguine hope of success. I was present during one of +the days of argument, and heard my own letter read, of which I had +(contrary to my usual habits) taken a copy. The plaintiffs had written +to me (suppressing the fact of the intended action), requesting to +have my opinion as to Mr. Wodhull's capability. I returned such an +answer as truth dictated. The Counsel for the plaintiffs (<i>ut mos +est</i>) showered down upon the defendant every epithet connected with +base fraud and low cunning, of which the contents of the brief seemed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_577" id="Page_577">577</a></span> +to warrant the avowal. In due course, Sir Knight Bruce, now one of the +supernumerary Vice Chancellors, rose to reply. His speech was one +undisturbed stream of unclouded narrative and irresistible reasoning. +The Vice Chancellor (Shadwell) gave judgment; and my amiable and +excellent friend, Mr. Severne, was not only to return in triumph to +the mansion and to the groves which had been built and planted by his +venerable ancestor, Mr. Wodhull, but he was strongly advised, by the +incorruptible judge on the bench, to bring an action against the +plaintiffs for one of the foulest conspiracies that had ever been +developed in a court of justice. The defendant might have transported +the whole kit of them. But the <i>giving</i> advice, and the <i>following</i> it +when given, are two essentially different things. A <span class="smcap">thousand guineas</span> +had been already expended on the part of Mr. Severne! When does my +Lord Brougham <i>really</i> mean to reform the law? A recent publication +("Cranmer, a Novel") has said, "that he applies <i>sedatives</i>, when he +should have recourse to <i>operations</i>."</p> + +<p class="bp">But the reader must now hurry with me into "The Auction Room." Of the +whole group there represented, full of life and of action, <span class="smcap">two only</span> +remain to talk of the conquests achieved!<a name="FNanchor_472_480" id="FNanchor_472_480"></a><a href="#Footnote_472_480" class="fnanchor">[472]</a> And Mr. Hamper, +too—whose note, at <a href="#Page_117">p. 117</a>, is beyond all price—has been lately +"gathered to his fathers." "Ibimus, ibimus!" But for our book-heroes +in the Auction Room.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_472_480" id="Footnote_472_480"></a><a href="#FNanchor_472_480">[472]</a> Before mention made of the Auction Room, +there is a long and particular account of the "<i>Lectionum +Memorabilium et Reconditarum Centenarii XVI.</i>" by John Wolf, +in 1600, folio; with a fac simile, by myself, of the +portrait of the Author. It had a great effect, at the time, +in causing copies of this work to be sedulously sought for +and sold at extravagant prices. I have known a fine copy of +this ugly book bring £8 8<i>s.</i></p> +</div> + +<p class="tp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_578" id="Page_578">578</a></span>The first in years, as well as in celebrity, is <span class="smcap">Lepidus</span>; the +representative of the late Rev. Dr. <span class="smcap">Gosset</span>. In the <i>Bibliographical +Decameron</i>, vol. iii. p. 5, ample mention is made of him; and here it +is, to me, an equally grateful and delightful task to record the +worth, as well as the existence, of his two sons, Isaac and Thomas, +each a minister of the Church of England. The former is covered with +<i>olive branches</i> as well as with reputation; while the latter, +declining the "branches" in question, rests upon the stem of his own +inflexible worth, and solid scholastic attainments. Mrs. Gardiner, the +wife of a Major Gardiner, is the only daughter of Dr. Gosset; a wife, +but not a mother. The second in the ranks is <span class="smcap">Mustapha</span>. Every body +quickly found out the original in Mr. Gardiner, a bookseller in Pall +Mall; who quickly set about repelling the attack here made upon him, +by a long note appended to the article "Bibliomania," in one of his +catalogues. Gardiner never lacked courage; but, poor man! his brains +were under no controul. We <i>met</i> after this reply, and, to the best of +my recollection, we exchanged ... <i>smiles</i>. The catalogue in question, +not otherwise worth a stiver, has been sold as high as 15s., in +consequence of the Dibdinian flagellation. Poor Gardiner! his end was +most deplorable.</p> + +<p>We approach <span class="smcap">Bernardo</span>, who was intended to represent the late Mr. +<span class="smcap">Joseph Haslewood</span>; and of whose book-fame a very particular, and I +would hope impartial, account will be found in the "<i>Literary +Reminiscences of my Literary Life</i>." There is no one portion of that +work which affords me more lively satisfaction on a re-perusal. The +cause of the <i>individual</i> was merged<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_579" id="Page_579">579</a></span> in the cause of <i>truth</i>. The +strangest compound of the strangest materials that ever haunted a +human brain, poor Bernardo was, in spite of himself, a man of <i>note</i> +towards his latter days. Every body wondered what was in him; but +something, certainly worth the perusal; oozed out of him in his +various motley performances; and especially in his edition of Drunken +Barnaby's Tour, which exhibited the rare spectacle of an accurate +Latin (as well as English) text, by an individual who did not know the +dative singular from the dative plural of <i>hic, hæc, hoc</i>! Haslewood, +however, "hit the right nail upon the head" when he found out the +<i>real</i> author Barnaby, in Richard Brathwait; from the unvarying +designation of "<i>On the Errata</i>," at the end of Brathwait's pieces, +which is observable in that of his "<i>Drunken Barnaby's Tour</i>." It was +an <span class="err" lang="el" title="Greek: eurêcha; Transcriber's Note: should be ευρηκα, 'eurêka'">ευρηχα</span> in its way; +and the late Mr. Heber used to shout aloud, "stick to <i>that</i>, +Haslewood, and your fame is fixed!" He was always proud of it; but +lost sight of it sadly, as well as of almost every thing else, when he +composed "<i>The Roxburghe Revels</i>." Yet what could justify the cruelty +of dragging this piece of private absurdity before the public +tribunal, on the death of its author? Even in the grave our best +friends may be our worst foes.</p> + +<p>At <a href="#Page_196">page 196</a> we are introduced to <span class="smcap">Quisquilius</span>, the then intended +representative of Mr. George Baker, of St. Paul's Churchyard; whose +prints and graphic curiosities were sold after his death for several +thousand pounds. Mr. Baker did not survive the publication of the +Bibliomania; but it is said he got scent of his delineated character, +which ruffled every feather of his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_580" id="Page_580">580</a></span> plumage. He was thin-skinned to +excess; and, as far as that went, a <i>Heautontomorumenos</i>! Will this +word "re-animate his clay?"</p> + +<p>The "short gentleman," called <span class="smcap">Rosicrusius</span>, at <a href="#Page_127">page 127</a>, must +necessarily be the author of the work. He has not grown <i>taller</i> since +its publication, and his coffers continue to retain the same stinted +condition as his person. Yet what has he not <i>produced</i> since that +representation of his person? How has it pleased a gracious Providence +to endow him with mental and bodily health and stamina, to prosecute +labours, and to surmount difficulties, which might have broken the +hearts, as well as the backs, of many a wight "from five to ten inches +taller than himself!" I desire to be grateful for this prolongation of +labour as well as of life; and it will be my heart-felt consolation, +even to my dying hour, that such "labour" will be acceptable to the +latest posterity.</p> + +<p>Yet a word or two by way of epilogue. The "Reminiscences" contain a +catalogue raisonné of such works as were published up to the year +1836. Since then the author has not been idle. The "<i>Tour into the +North of England and Scotland</i>," in two super-royal octavos, studded +with graphic gems of a variety of description—and dedicated to the +most illustrious female in Europe, for the magnificence of a library, +the fruit chiefly of her own enterprise and liberality—has at least +proved and maintained the spirit by which he has been long actuated. +To re-animate a slumbering taste, to bring back the gay and gallant +feelings of past times, to make men feel as gentlemen in the +substitution of <i>guineas</i> for <i>shillings</i>, still to uphold the beauty +of the press, and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_581" id="Page_581">581</a></span> splendour of marginal magnitude, were, alone, +objects worthy an experiment to accomplish. But this work had other +and stronger claims to public notice and patronage; and it did not +fail to receive them. Six hundred copies were irrevocably fixed in the +course of the first eighteen months from the day of publication, and +the price of the large paper has attained the sum of £12. 12<i>s.</i> +Strange circumstances have, however, here and there, thrown dark +shadows across the progress of the sale.</p> + +<p>If it were pleasing to the Author, in the course of his Journey, to +receive attentions, and to acknowledge hospitalities, from the gay and +the great, it were yet more pleasing to hope and to believe that such +attentions and hospitalities had been acknowledged with feelings and +expressions becoming the character of a gentleman. They have been so; +as the pages of the work abundantly testify. But English courtesy is +too frequently <i>located</i>. It is a coin with a feeble impress, and +seems subject to woful attrition in its circulation. The countenance, +which beams with complacency on receiving a guest to enliven a dull +residence, in a desolate neighbourhood, is oftentimes overcharged with +sadness, or collapses into rigidity, if the same guest should come +under recognizance in a populous city. When I write "Instructions for +an Author on his travels," I will advise a measured civility and a +constrained homage:—to criticise fearlessly, and to praise sparingly. +There are hearts too obtuse for the operations of gratitude. The +Scotch have behaved worthy of the inhabitants of the "land of cakes." +In spirit I am ever present with them, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_582" id="Page_582">582</a></span> rambling 'midst their +mountains and passes. If an Author may criticise his own works, I +should say that the preface to the Scotch Tour is the best piece of +composition of which I have been ever guilty.</p> + +<p class="bp">How little are people aware of the pleasure they sometimes +unconsciously afford! When Mr. James Bohn, the publisher of the Scotch +Tour, placed me, one day, accidentally, opposite a long list of +splendidly bound books, and asked me "if I were acquainted with their +author?" I could not help inwardly exclaiming ... "<span class="smcap">Non omnis +Moriar</span>!"<a name="FNanchor_473_481" id="FNanchor_473_481"></a><a href="#Footnote_473_481" class="fnanchor">[473]</a> I am too poor to present them to my "Sovereign Mistress, +the Queen Victoria;" but I <i>did</i> present her Majesty, in person, with +a magnificently bound copy of the <i>Scotch Tour</i>; of which the +acceptance was never acknowledged from the royal quarter; simply +because, according to an etiquette which seems to me to be utterly +incomprehensible, books presented <i>in person</i> are not acknowledged by +the Donee. I will not presume to quarrel with what I do not exactly +understand; but I will be free to confess that, had I been <i>aware</i> of +this mystery, I should have told her Majesty, on presenting the +volume, that "I had the greater pleasure in making the offering, as +her illustrious Father had been among the earliest and warmest patrons +of my book-career; and that the work in question contained no +faithless account of one of the most interesting portions of her +dominions." This copy for the Queen had a special vellum page, on +which the Dedication, or Inscription, was printed in letters of gold.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_473_481" id="Footnote_473_481"></a><a href="#FNanchor_473_481">[473]</a> This magnificent set of books, not <i>all</i> upon +large paper, was valued at £84. It has been since sold to +Lord Bradford.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tbp"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_583" id="Page_583">583</a></span>At length we approach the once far-famed <span class="smcap">Atticus</span>: the once illustrious +<span class="smcap">Richard Heber</span>, Esq., the self-ejected member of the University of +Oxford. Even yet I scarcely know how to handle this subject, or to +expatiate upon a theme so extraordinary, and so provocative of the +most contradictory feelings. But it were better to be brief; as, in +fact, a very long account of Mr. Heber's later life will be found in +my <i>Reminiscences</i>, and there is little to add to what those pages +contain. It may be here only necessary to make mention of the sale of +his wonderful library; wonderful in all respects—not less from the +variety and importance of its contents, than from the unparalleled +number of <i>duplicate volumes</i>—even of works of the first degree of +rarity. Of the latter, it may suffice to observe that, of the editio +princeps of <i>Plato</i>, there were not fewer than <i>ten</i> copies; and of +that of <i>Aristotle</i>, five or six copies: each the production of the +Aldine Press. Several of these Platonic copies were, to my knowledge, +beautiful ones; and what more than <i>one</i> such "beautiful copy" need +mortal man desire to possess? I believe the copy of the Plato bought +at the sale of Dr. Heath's library in 1810 was, upon the whole, the +most desirable.<a name="FNanchor_474_482" id="FNanchor_474_482"></a><a href="#Footnote_474_482" class="fnanchor">[474]</a> Both works are from the press of the elder Aldus.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_474_482" id="Footnote_474_482"></a><a href="#FNanchor_474_482">[474]</a> The Rt. Hon. Thomas Grenville possesses a +copy of this first edition (from the library of the Rev. +Theodore Williams) in an <i>uncut</i> state. It may defy all +competition. There is, however, in the Spencer library, at +Althorp, described by me in the second volume of the +Bibliotheca <i>Spenceriana</i>, a very beautiful copy, delicately +ruled with red lines, which may be pronounced as almost in +its primitive state. The leaves "discourse most eloquently" +as you turn them over: and what sound, to the ears of a +thorough bred bibliomaniac, can be more "musical?"</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">It may be observed, as mere preliminary matter, that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_584" id="Page_584">584</a></span> it was once in +contemplation to publish the literary life of Mr. Heber; and an +impression comes across my mind that I had tendered my services for +the labour in question. The plan was however abandoned—and perhaps +wisely. There was also to have been a portrait prefixed, from the +pencil of Mr. Masquerier, the <i>only</i> portrait of him—in later +life—but the strangest whims and vagaries attended the surrendering, +or rather the <i>not</i> surrendering, of the portrait in question. I am in +possession of a correspondence upon this subject which is perfectly +<i>sui generis</i>. The library of Mr. Heber was consigned to the care and +discretion of Messrs. Payne and Foss—booksellers of long established +eminence and respectability. It was merely intended to be an +alphabetical, sale catalogue, with no other bibliographical details +than the scarcity or curiosity of the article warranted. It was also +of importance to press the sale, or sales, with all convenient +dispatch: but the mass of books was so enormous that two years +(1834-6) were consumed in the dispersion of them, at home; to say +nothing of what was sold in Flanders, at Paris, and at Neuremberg. I +have of late been abundantly persuaded that the acquisition of +books—anywhere, and of whatever kind—became an ungovernable passion +with Mr. Heber; and that he was a <span class="smcap">Bibliomaniac</span> in its strict as well +as enlarged sense. Of his library at Neuremberg he had never seen a +volume; but he thought well of it, as it was the identical collection +referred to by Panzer, among his other authorities, in his +Typographical Annals. Of the amount of its produce, when sold, I am +ignorant.</p> + +<p>I have said that the Catalogue, which consisted of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_585" id="Page_585">585</a></span> XII parts +(exclusively of a portion of foreign books, which were sold by the +late Mr. Wheatley) was intended merely to be a sale catalogue, without +bibliographical remarks; but I must except Parts II, IV, and XI: the +first of these containing the <i>Drama</i>, the second the <i>English +Poetry</i>, and the third the <i>Manuscripts</i>—which, comparatively, +luxuriate in copious and apposite description. "Si sic omnia!" but it +were impracticable. I believe that the Manuscript Department, +comprised in about 1720 articles, produced upwards of £5000. It may +not be amiss to subjoin the following programme.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="manuscripts"> +<tr><td class="right">Part. I.</td><td>7486</td><td>articles;</td><td>Sold by Sotheby</td></tr> +<tr><td class="right">II.</td><td>6590</td><td class="center">——</td><td>Ditto</td></tr> +<tr><td class="right">III.</td><td>5056</td><td class="center">——</td><td>Ditto</td></tr> +<tr><td class="right">IV.</td><td>3067</td><td class="center">——</td><td>Sold by Evans</td></tr> +<tr><td class="right">V.</td><td>5693</td><td class="center">——</td><td>Sold by Wheatley</td></tr> +<tr><td class="right">VI.</td><td>4666</td><td class="center">——</td><td>Sold by Evans</td></tr> +<tr><td class="right">VII.</td><td>6797</td><td class="center">——</td><td>Ditto</td></tr> +<tr><td class="right">VIII.</td><td>3170</td><td class="center">——</td><td>Ditto</td></tr> +<tr><td class="right">IX.</td><td>3218</td><td class="center">——</td><td>Sold by Sotheby</td></tr> +<tr><td class="right">X.</td><td>3490</td><td class="center">——</td><td>Ditto</td></tr> +<tr><td class="right">XI.</td><td>1717</td><td class="center">——</td><td>Sold by Evans</td></tr> +<tr><td class="right">XII.</td><td>1690</td><td class="center">——</td><td>Sold by Wheatley</td></tr> +</table> + +<p class="bp">From which it should seem, first that the total number of <i>articles</i> +was nearly <i>fifty three thousand</i>—a number that almost staggers +belief; and places the collections of Tom Rawlinson and the Earl of +Oxford at a very considerable distance behind; although the latter, +for <i>condition</i> (with <span class="smcap">one</span> exception), has never been equalled, and +perhaps will probably never be surpassed. Secondly,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_586" id="Page_586">586</a></span> if it be a +<i>legitimate</i> mode of computation—taking two books for each article, +one with another, throughout the entire catalogue—it will follow that +the entire library of Mr. Heber, in England, contained not fewer than +<i>one hundred and five thousand volumes</i>. The <i>net</i> amount of the <span class="smcap">Sale</span> +of this unparalleled mass of books is said to have been £55,000: a +large sum, when the deductions from commissionship and the +government-tax be taken into consideration.<a name="FNanchor_475_483" id="FNanchor_475_483"></a><a href="#Footnote_475_483" class="fnanchor">[475]</a> Dr. Harwood thought +that the sale of Askew Library was a remarkable one, from its bringing +a guinea per article—one with another—of the 4015 articles of which +the library was composed. The <i>history</i> of the Heber Sale might +furnish materials for a little jocund volume, which can have nothing +to do here; although there is more than <i>one</i> party, mixed up with the +tale, who will find anything but cause of <i>mirth</i> in the recital. That +such a <span class="smcap">Monument</span>, as this library, should have been suffered to crumble +to pieces, without a syllable said of its owner, is, of all the +marvellous occurrences in this marvellous world, one of the most +marvellous: and to be deprecated to the latest hour. Yet, who was +surrounded by a larger troop of friends than the Individual who raised +the Monument?</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_475_483" id="Footnote_475_483"></a><a href="#FNanchor_475_483">[475]</a> These deductions, united, are about 17 per +cent.: nearly £10,000 to be deducted from the gross +proceeds.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">One anecdote may be worth recording. The present venerable and deeply +learned President of Magdalen College, Oxford, told me that, on +casting up the number of odd—or appendant volumes, (as 2 or 12 more) +to the several articles in the catalogue—he found it to amount to +<i>four thousand</i>. Now, primâ facie, it seems hardly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_587" id="Page_587">587</a></span> credible that +there should have been <i>such</i> a number, in <i>such</i> a library, not +deserving of mention as distinct articles: but it must be taken into +consideration that Mr. Heber bought <i>many</i> lots for the sake of <i>one</i> +particular book: and, considering the enormous extent of his library, +it is not a very violent supposition, or inference, that these 4000 +volumes were scarcely deserving of a more particular notice.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Pontevallo</span> was the late <span class="smcap">John Dent</span>, Esq., whose library was sold in +1827; and of which library that of the late Robert Heathcote formed +the basis. It contained much that was curious, scarce, and delectable; +but the sale of it exhibited the first grand melancholy symptoms of +the decay of the Bibliomania. The Sweynheym and Pannartz Livy of 1469, +<span class="smcap">upon vellum</span>, was allowed to be knocked down for £262! Mr. Evans, who +had twice before sold that identical volume—first, in the sale of Mr. +Edwards's library (see <i>Bibliographical Decameron</i>, vol. iii. p.—) +and secondly in that of the late Sir M.M. Sykes, Bart, (who had +purchased the book for £782)—did all that human powers could do, to +obtain a higher bidding—but Messrs. Payne and Foss, with little more +than the <i>breathing</i> of competition, became the purchasers at the very +moderate sum first mentioned. From them it seemed to glide naturally, +as well as necessarily, into the matchless collection of the Rt. Hon. +Thomas Grenville. I yet seem to hear the echo of the clapping of Sir +M.M. Sykes's hands, when I was the herald of the intelligence of his +having become the purchaser! These echoes have all died away <i>now</i>: +unless indeed they are likely to be revived by a <span class="smcap">Holford</span> or a +<span class="smcap">Bottfield</span>.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_588" id="Page_588">588</a></span></p> + +<p>Hortensius was the late Sir <span class="smcap">William Bolland</span>, Knt.: and, a few years +before his death, one of the Barons of his Majesty's Exchequer. He +died in his 68th year. He was an admirable man in all respects. I +leave those who composed the domestic circle of which he was the +delightful focus, to expatiate upon that worth and excellence of which +they were the constant witnesses and participators—</p> + +<p class="center">"He best shall <i>paint</i> them who shall <i>feel</i> them most."</p> + +<p>To me, the humbler task is assigned of recording what is only more +particularly connected with <span class="smcap">books</span> and <span class="smcap">virtu</span>. And yet I may, not very +inappositely, make a previous remark. On obtaining a seat upon the +bench, the first circuit assigned to him was that of "the Oxford." It +proved to be heavy in the criminal Calendar: and Mr. Baron Bolland had +to pass sentence of death upon three criminals. A maiden circuit is +rarely so marked; and I have reason to believe that the humane and +warm-hearted feelings of the Judge were never before, or afterwards, +subjected to so severe a trial. It was a bitter and severe struggle +with all the kindlier feelings of his heart. But our theme is <span class="smcap">books</span>. +His library was sold by public auction, under Mr. Evans's hammer, in +the autumn of 1840. One anecdote, connected with his books, is worth +recording. In my Decameron, vol. iii. p. 267, mention will be found of +a bundle of poetical tracts, belonging to the Chapter-library at +Lincoln, round which, on my second visit to that library, I had, in +imitation of Captain Cox (see page — ante), entwined some whip-cord +around them—<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_589" id="Page_589">589</a></span>setting them apart for the consideration of the Dean and +Chapter, whether a <i>second</i> time, I might not become a purchaser of +some of their book-treasures? I had valued them at fourscore guineas. +The books in question will be found mentioned in a note at page 267 of +the third volume of the Bibliographical Decameron.</p> + +<p>I had observed as follows in the work just referred to, "What would +Hortensius say to the gathering of such flowers, to add to the +previously collected <i>Lincoln Nosegay</i>?" The reader will judge of my +mingled pleasure and surprise (dashed however with a few grains of +disappointment on not becoming the proprietor of them <i>myself</i>) when +the Baron, one day, after dining with him, led me to his book-case, +and pointing to these precious tomes, asked me if I had ever seen them +<i>before</i>? For a little moment I felt the "Obstupui" of Æneas. "How is +this?" exclaimed I. "The secret is in the vault of the +Capulets"—replied my Friend—and it never escaped him. "Those <span class="smcap">are</span> the +identical books mentioned in your Decameron." Not many years +afterwards I learnt from the late Benjamin Wheatley that <i>he</i> had +procured them on a late visit to Lincoln; and that <i>my</i> price, +affixed, was taken as their just value. Of these +<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Lincolnian">Linclonian</span> treasures, one volume alone—the Rape +of Lucrece—brought <span class="smcap">one hundred guineas</span> at the sale of the Judge's +library, beginning on the 18th of November, 1840. See No. 2187; where +it should seem that only four other perfect copies are known.</p> + +<p>The library of the late Mr. Baron Bolland, consisting of 2940 +articles, brought a trifle <i>more</i> than a guinea per article. It was +choice, curious, and instructively mis<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_590" id="Page_590">590</a></span>cellaneous. Its owner was a man +of taste as well as a scholar; and the crabbed niceties of his +profession had neither chilled his heart nor clouded his judgment. He +revelled in his small cabinet of English Coins; which he placed, and +almost worshipped, among his fire-side lares. They were, the greater +part of them, of precious die—in primitive lustre; and he handled +them, and expatiated on them, with the enthusiasm of a Snelling, and +the science of a Foulkes. His walls were covered with modern pictures, +attractive from historical or tasteful associations. There was nothing +but what seemed to</p> + +<p class="center">"point a moral, or adorn a tale."</p> + +<p>His passion for books was of the largest scale and dimensions, and +marked by every species of almost enviable enthusiasm. His anecdotes, +engrafted on them, were racy and sparkling; and I am not quite sure +whether it was not in contemplation by him to build a small +"<i>oratoire</i>" to the memories of Caxton and Wynkyn De Worde. He +considered the folios of the latter, in the fifteenth century, to be +miracles of typographical execution; and, being a poet himself, would +have been in veritable ecstacies had he lived to see the <span class="smcap">unique +Chaucer</span> of 1498, which it was my good luck to obtain for the library +of the Rt. Hon. Thomas Grenville. I will add but a few specimens of +his library—</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right">No.</td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">26</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Armony of Byrdes, printed by Wyght. +12mo., a poem, in six line stanzas. +Mr. Heber's copy. A little volume of +indescribable rarity</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0 <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_591" id="Page_591">591</a></span></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">221</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Arnold's Chronicle, 4to., printed at Antwerp, +by Doesborch (1502)?</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">406</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Boccus and Sydracke, printed by Godfray, +at the wits and charge of Robert +Saltousde, Monke of Canterbury, 4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1092</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Cicero de Officiis, Ulric Zel</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1156</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Chaucer's Troylus and Cresseyde, printed +by Pynson. (1526.) Folio. This volume +had been successively in the +libraries of Hubert, the Duke of Roxburghe, +and Mr. Herbert. It was in +parts imperfect</td> +<td class="rbot">25</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1255</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Marston's Scourge of Villanie. (1598.) +12mo. First edition: of terrific rarity</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1624</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Glanville, de Proprietatibus Rerum. +Printed by W. de Worde. Folio</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1848</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Holland's Heroologia Anglica. (1620.) +Folio. So tall a copy that it had the +appearance of large paper</td> +<td class="rbot">8</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">6</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2138</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Shakspeare's Venus and Adonis. (1596.) +12mo. Third edition</td> +<td class="rbot">91</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2187</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Shakspeare's Lucrece. First edition. 1594. Quarto</td> +<td class="rbot">105</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="centerbp">(This was the Lincoln-Chapter copy.)</p> + +<p>The entire produce of the sale was £3019.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Ulpian</span>, the associate of Hortensius, was, and <i>is</i> (I rejoice to add) +a Barrister-at-Law, and one of the six Clerks in Chancery. In the +<i>Decameron</i>, vol. iii. p. —, he appears under the more euphonous as +well as genial name of <span class="smcap">Palmerin</span>: but the "hermitage" there de<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_592" id="Page_592">592</a></span>scribed +has been long deserted by its master and mistress—who have +transferred their treasures and curiosities to the sea-girt village, +or rather town, of Ryde and its vicinity: where stained-glass windows +and velvet bound tomes are seen to yet greater advantage. <span class="smcap">Leontes</span>, +mentioned at page 133, was the late <span class="smcap">James Bindley</span>, Esq.—of whom a few +interesting particulars will be found in the third volume of my +<i>Bibliographical Decameron</i>. He died before the publication of this +latter work. Sir <span class="smcap">Tristrem</span> was the late Sir <span class="smcap">Walter Scott</span>—then in the +effulgence of poetical renown! <span class="smcap">Prospero</span> was the late <span class="smcap">Francis Douce</span>, +Esq. My Reminiscences make copious mention of these celebrated +characters.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Aurelius</span> was intended as the representative of the late <span class="smcap">George +Chalmers</span>, Esq.—the most learned and the most celebrated of all the +Antiquarians and Historians of Scotland. His <span class="smcap">Caledonia</span> is a triumphant +proof of his giant-powers. Never before did an author encounter such +vast and various difficulties: never was such thick darkness so +satisfactorily dispersed. It is a marvellous work, in four large +quarto volumes; but so indifferently printed, and upon such wretched +paper, that within the next century, perhaps, not six copies of it +will be found entire. The less laborious works of Mr. Chalmers were +statistical and philological. Of the latter, his tracts relating to +<i>Shakspeare</i>, and his Life of <i>Mary Queen of Scots</i> may be considered +the principal.</p> + +<p>On the death of Mr. George Chalmers in 1823, his nephew became +possessed of his library; and on the death of the nephew, in 1841, it +was placed by the executors in the hands of Mr. Evans, who brought +the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_593" id="Page_593">593</a></span> first part to sale on the 27th of September, 1841. It consisted +of 2292 articles, and produced the sum of £2190. The Second Part was +brought to the same hammer, on February 27, 1842, and produced the sum +of £1918 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> It is on the <i>latter</i> part that I am disposed to +dwell more particularly, because it was so eminently rich in +Shakspearian lore; and because, at this present moment, the name of +our immortal dramatist seems to be invested with a fresh halo of +incomparable lustre. The first edition of his smaller works has +acquired most extraordinary worth in the book-market. The second part +of Mr. Chalmers's collection shews that the <i>Sonnets</i> of 1595 produced +a hundred guineas; while the <i>Rape of Lucrece</i> (which, perhaps, no +human being has ever had the perseverance to read through) produced +£105 in a preceding sale: see page 591. The <i>Venus and Adonis</i> has +kept close pace with its companions.</p> + +<p>We may now revel among the rarities of the <span class="smcap">first part</span> of this +extraordinary collection—</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="right">No.</td> +<td> </td> +<td class="right">£</td> +<td class="right"><i>s.</i></td> +<td class="right"><i>d.</i></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">123</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Bale's Comedy concernynge thre Lawes +of Nature, Moses and Christ, corrupted +by the Sodomytes, Pharisees and Papystes +most wicked, wants the title, first +edition, curious portrait of the Author, +excessively rare. Inprented per Nicholaum +Bamburgensem, 1538</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">488</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Wilkins' Concilia Magnæ Britanniæ et +Hiberniæ, 4 vols. 1737. Folio</td> +<td class="rbot">25</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>[Such a price is one among the few <i>harmless</i> fruits of the Puseian +Controversy!]<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_594" id="Page_594">594</a></span></p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">958</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Churchyard's Worthiness of Wales, first +edition, very rare, 1587. Quarto</td> +<td class="rbot">24</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>[In my earlier days of Book-collecting, I obtained a copy of this most +rare volume, in an <i>uncut state</i>, from a Mr. Keene, of Hammersmith, +who asked me "if I thought <i>half-a-guinea</i> an extravagant price for +it?" I unhesitatingly replied in the negative. Not long after, the +late Mr. Sancho, who succeeded Mr. Payne, at the Mews Gate, went on +his knees to me, to purchase it for <i>two guineas</i>! His attitude was +too humble and the tone of his voice too supplicatory to be resisted. +He disposed of it to his patron-friend, the Hon. S. Elliott, for five +pounds five shillings. Mr. Elliott had a very choice library; and was +himself a most amiable and incomparable man. It is some twenty-five +years since I first saw him at the late Earl Spencer's, at Althorp.]</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">960</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Churchyard. The Firste of Churchyardes +Chippes, containinge Twelue seuerall +Labours, green morocco, gilt +leaves, 1578</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>The Second Part of Churchyard's Chips was never published.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">961</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Churchyard's Generall Rehearsall of +Warres, called Churchyardes Choise, +imprinted by White, 1579</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">7</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>The latter part of this Work is in Verse, and some have supposed that +Churchyard intended it to form the Second Part of his Chips.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1146</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Gascoyne's Delicate Diet for Daintie +Mouthde Droonkardes, excessively rare; +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_595" id="Page_595">595</a></span> +only one other copy known, namely, that +which was in the Libraries of G. Steevens +and R. Heber.—See Heber's Catalogue, +part iv. no. 771. Imprinted by Johnes, +1576</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1182</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">—— Wolsey's Grammar. Rudimenta +Grammatices et Docendi Methodus +Scholæ Gypsuichianæ per Thomam Cardinalem +Ebor, institutam, &c., rare, +Antv. 1536</td> +<td class="rbot">4</td> +<td class="rbot">19</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>The Preface, containing directions for the Conduct of the School, is +written by Cardinal Wolsey. The Grammar is by Dean Colet and Lilly.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1295</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">The Complete History of Cornwall, Part +II., being the Parochial History, (by +William Hals,) extremely rare</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>This is one of the rarest books in the class of British Topography. +The first part was never printed, it has therefore no general title. A +copy is in the library of the Right Hon. Thomas Grenville.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1314</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Patrick Hannay's Nightingale, Sheretine, +Happy Husband, Songs, Sonnets, +&c., with the frontispiece, including the +extremely rare Portrait of Patrick Hannay, +an excessively rare volume when +perfect, 1622</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>We believe only one other perfect copy is known, that which was +successively in the Libraries of Bindley, Perry, Sykes, and Rice. No +poetical volume in the libraries of these celebrated collectors +excited a more lively interest, or a keener competition. This was +ob<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_596" id="Page_596">596</a></span>tained by Mr. Chalmers at Pinkerton's sale in 1812. The Portrait of +Hannay is a great desideratum to the Granger Collectors.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1436</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Hutton's (Henry Dunelmensis) Follic's +Anatomie, or Satyrs and Satyricall +Epigrams, 1629. 12mo.</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">11</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1461</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">De Foe. Review of the Affairs of France +and of all Europe, as influenced by that +Nation, with Historical Observations on +Public Affairs, and an entertaining part +in every sheet (by Defoe), 8 vols., excessively +rare. The most perfect copy +known, 1705</td> +<td class="rbot">41</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>This is the great desideratum of all the collectors of De Foe's works. +It is the most perfect copy known; that which approaches it the +nearest is the copy in the British Museum; but that only extends to 6 +vols.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1508</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Cronycle of Englonde wyth the Frute of +Tymes, compyled by one somtyme +Mayster of Saynt Albons. Newly enprynted +by Wynkyn de Worde, 1497. +The Descrypcyon of Englonde (in +Prose), also the Descrypcyon of the +Londe of Wales, in verse, emprynted by +me Wynkyn de Worde, 1498, 2 vols. in 1. +The first editions by Wynkyn de Worde, +extremely rare</td> +<td class="rbot">48</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1738</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Fulwell's (Ulpian) Flower of Fame, containing +the bright renowne and most +fortunate raigne of King Henry VIII., +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_597" id="Page_597">597</a></span> +wherein is mentioned of matters, by the +rest of our Cronographers ouerpassed, in +verse and prose, extremely rare, imprinted +by Hoskins, 1575</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">2</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>See an account of this very curious work in the Censura Literaria, +vol. 5, p. 164 to 168, written by Gilchrist. It was described from the +late Mr. Neunberg's Copy, which was sold for £30. 9<i>s.</i></p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1739</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Fulwell (Ulpian). The First Parte of the +Eighth Liberall Science: entituled Ars +Adulandi, the Arte of Flatterie, first edition, +excessively rare, title mended, a +piece wanting in the centre. 4to. Imprinted +by Jones, 1579</td> +<td class="rbot">17</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1877</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">(Marlowe) the true Tragedie of +Richarde Duke of Yorke, and the Death +of Good King Henrie the Sixt, with the +whole contention betweene the two +Houses Lancaster and Yorke, as it was +sundrie times acted by the Right Honourable +the Earle of Pembroke, his +servants, first edition, excessively rare, +and believed to be unique, very fine +copy, printed at London by P.S. 1595. +4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">131</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>[I refer with pleasure to Mr. Evans' long, learned, and satisfactory +note upon this most precious volume; which I had the satisfaction of +seeing in the Bodleian Library, for which it was purchased by Mr. +Rodd, the bookseller.]<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_598" id="Page_598">598</a></span></p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1965</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Greene in Conceipt. New raised from his +grave to write the Tragique History of +Faire Valeria of London, by J. D(ickenson), +very rare. 4to. 1598</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1983</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Hake, of Gold's Kingdom, described in +sundry poems, 1604, 12mo.</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1984</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Hakluyt. Divers Voyages touching the +Discoverie of America, and the Islands +adjacent unto the same, made first of all +by our Englishmen, and afterwards by +the Frenchmen and Britons, with both +the maps, excessively rare, only one +other copy known to contain the two +maps. Imprinted by Woodcocke, 1582. +4to.</td> +<td class="rbot">25</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">2209</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Hogarde (Myles)</td> +<td class="rbot">19</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +"A Mirrour of Loue,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Which such light doth giue,</span><br /> +That all men may learne,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">How to loue and liue."</span> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="right">Imprinted by Caly, 1555.</p> + + +<p class="centertp">PART II.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">163</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Fraunce's (Abraham) Lamentations of +Amintas for the death of Phillis, a Poem; +excessively rare</td> +<td class="rbot">20</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">164</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Fyssher's (Jhon, Student of Oxford) +Poems written in Dialogue, wants the +title and part of a leaf, extremely rare. +Imprinted by John Tisdale, 1558</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">9</td> +<td class="rbot">0<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_599" id="Page_599">599</a></span></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">171</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Gascoigne's Whole Woorkes, with the +Comedy of Supposes and the Steele +Glasse, best edition, very fine copy, in +Russia. Imprinted by Jesse, 1587</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>At the end of the Volume there is a Tract by Gascoigne, entitled +"Certain Notes of Instruction concerning the Making of verses, or +Rimes, in English." The Tract is not mentioned in the list of contents +on the title, and the four leaves very rarely occur.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">450</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Marshall's (George) Compendious Treatise, +in Metre, declaring the Firste Originall +of Sacrifice, and of the buylding of +Aultars and Churches, a Poem, extremely +rare. Cawood, 1534</td> +<td class="rbot">20</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">479</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Harvey's (Gabriel) Foure Letters and +certaine Sonnets, especially touching +Robert Greene and other Parties by him +abused. Printed by Wolfe, 1592</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Gabriel Harvey was the intimate friend of Spenser. The immediate +occasion of Harvey's writing these letters was to resent Greene's +attack on his Father; but the permanent value of the Volume is the +very interesting notices Harvey gives of his literary contemporaries. +The work concludes with a Sonnet of Spenser, addressed to Harvey.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">470</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Meeting of Gallants at an Ordinarie, or +the Walkes of Powles, very scarce, 1604. +12mo.</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>This scarce and curious little volume is not mentioned by Lowndes. The +work commences with a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_600" id="Page_600">600</a></span> Poetical Dialogue between Warre, Famine, and +Pestilence. The Tales of my Landlord then follow, "Where the Fatte +Host telles Tales at the upper ende of the Table." Mine host, however, +does not have all the conversation to himself. The guests take a very +fair share. One of the interlocutors, Gingle-Spur, alludes to one of +Shakspeare's Plays. "This was a prettie Comedy of Errors, my round +Host."</p> + +<p>[I shall place all the <span class="smcap">Shakspearian Articles</span> consecutively; that the +Reader may observe in what a rapid ratio their pecuniary value has +increased. Of the sonnets, the Right Hon. Thomas Grenville possesses +one copy, and Thomas Jolley, Esq., another. The History of the +acquisition of the <i>latter</i> copy is one of singular interest; almost +sufficient to add <i>another</i> day to a Bibliographical Decameron. This +copy is in pristine condition, and looks as if snatched from the +press. Mr. Jolley also possesses a very fine and perfect copy of the +first edition of Shakspeare's Works, in folio; but a similar copy, in +the library of the Right Honourable Thomas Grenville, will, perhaps, +always continue <span class="smcap">unrivalled</span>.]</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">558</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Shakspeare's Venus and Adonis; unique. +Edinburgh, by John Writtoun, and are +to bee sold in his shop, a little beneath +the Salt Trone, 1627</td> +<td class="rbot">37</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>We are always extremely cautious in using the designation unique; but +we think we may safely do so upon the present occasion. We have made +very extensive inquiries on the subject, and have recently written to +David Laing, Esq., Keeper of the Library of the Writers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_601" id="Page_601">601</a></span> to the +Signet, from whom we have received a confirmation of our belief. +Beloe, in describing this copy, says "it must be considered as an +indubitable proof that at a very early period the Scotch knew, and +admired, the genius of Shakspeare." He might have continued, its +proceeding from the press of Writtoun, was an additional proof, as he +only published small Popular Tracts. Beloe has erroneously given the +date 1607, and Lowndes has copied his error. The first books printed +by Writtoun were about 1624. His will is printed in the Bannatyne +Miscellany. The second edition of this precious Poem, printed in 1596, +produced the sum of £91, at the sale of Baron Bolland's library: see +<a href="#Page_591">page 591</a>, ante.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop"><span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: 934">974</span></td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Shakespeare's Comedies, Tragedies, and +Histories, first edition. The title a reprint, +but the Portrait Original. With +the Verses of Ben Jonson, original, but +inlaid, blue morocco, 1623</td> +<td class="rbot">41</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">935</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Shake-Speares Sonnets, neuer before imprinted, +extremely rare, most beautiful +copy, in Russia. London, by G. Eld for +T.T. and are to be solde by William +Apsley, 1609</td> +<td class="rbot">105</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">936</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Shakspeare's Most Excellent Historie of +the Merchant of Venice, with the Extreame +Crueltie of Shylock the Jew, +first edition, extremely rare, printed by +J. R(oberts) for Thomas Heyes, 1600</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_602" id="Page_602">602</a></span></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">937</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Another Copy, second edition, very scarce, +printed by J. Roberts, 1600</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">938</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Another Copy, 1637</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">939</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Shakspeare's Midsommer Nights Dreame, +second edition, printed by James Roberts, 1600</td> +<td class="rbot">105</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">940</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Shakspeare's Most Lamentable Tragedie +of Titus Andronicus, second edition, very +scarce, 1611</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Only one perfect copy of the first edition is known.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">941</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Shakspeare, his True Chronicle History +of the Life and Death of King Lear and +his Three Daughters, second edition, +printed for N. Butter, 1608</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">14</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">942</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Shakspeare's Famous Historie of Troylus +and Cresseid, with the Conceited Wooing +of Pandoras Prince of Licia, first edition, +extremely rare, imprinted by G. Eld, 1609</td> +<td class="rbot">12</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">948</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Shakspeare's Richard the Second, with +new additions of the Parliament Scene, +and the deposing of King Richard</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>[There were many other early editions of the Plays of Shakspeare, but +the preceding were the most prominent.]</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">688</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Ovid. The Flores of Ouide de Arte +Amandi, with their Englysshe afore them +and two Alphabete Tablys, extremely +rare, very fine copy Wynandus de Worde, +1513</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>[This edition was wholly unknown to me.]<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_603" id="Page_603">603</a></span></p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">659</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Newton's (T.) Atropeion Delion, or the +Death of Delia, (Queen Elizabeth) with +the Teares of her Funerall, very scarce, +1603</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">565</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Hilarie (Hughe) The Resurrection of the +Masse, with the Wonderful Vertues of the +Same, a Poem, excessively rare, imprinted +at Strasburgh in Elsas, 1554</td> +<td class="rbot">18</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>This is a very bitter satire on the Ceremonies, Doctrines, and +Ministers of the Roman Catholic Church.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">567</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Skelton. Here after foloweth certaine +Bokes complyed by Mayster Skeltō, Poet +Laureat, Speake Parot, Ware the Hawke, +Tunnynge of Eleanoure Rummyne, &c., +Imprinted by Kynge and Marche. Here +after foloweth a little boke called Colyn +Clout, by Master Skelton Poete Laureate, +imprynted by Veale. Here after foloweth +a little boke, Why come ye not to +Courte, by Mayster Skelton, Poet Laureate. +This is Skelton's celebrated Satire +against Cardinal Wolsey, imprinted by +Veale. A little Boke of Philip Sparow, +by Mayster Skelton, Poete Laureate, imprinted +by Walley—a very curious collection +of Poems by Skelton, each very +rare, in <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Russia">Bussia</span></td> +<td class="rbot">23</td> +<td class="rbot">10</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>In D'Israeli's recent Work, the Amenities of Literature, there is an +excellent article upon Skelton, which contains many acute and original +observations. Speak<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_604" id="Page_604">604</a></span>ing of the Skeltonical Verse, D'Israeli says, "In +the quick-returning rhymes, the playfulness of the diction, and the +pungency of New Words, usually ludicrous, often expressive, and +sometimes felicitous, there is a stirring spirit, which will be best +felt in an audible reading. The velocity of his verse has a carol of +its own. The chimes ring in the ear, and the thoughts are flung about +like wild Coruscations." See vol. 2, p. 69 to 82. Octavo.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">845</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Pierce Plowman. Newes from the +North, otherwise called the Conference +between Simon Certain and Pierce Plowman, +faithfully collected by T.F. Student, +extremely rare. E. Allde, 1585</td> +<td class="rbot">13</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">916</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">S. (R.) The Phœnix Nest, built up with +the most rare and refined workes of +noblemen, woorthy knightes, gallant +gentlemen, masters of arts and braue +schollers, full of varietie, excellent +invention and singular delight, never +before this time published, set foorth by +R.S. of the Inner Temple, Gentleman, +excessively rare. Imprinted by John +Jackson, 1593</td> +<td class="rbot">40</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>Mr. Heber had written in his Copy, "Mr. Malone has a copy bought at +Dr. Farmer's Sale, (now in the Bodleian Library,) but I know of no +other." We may add, those two copies, and the present, are the only +perfect copies known.</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="catalogue"> +<tr> +<td class="rtop">1086</td> +<td style="width: 70%; text-align: justify">Sidney's (Sir Phillip) Apologie for +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_605" id="Page_605">605</a></span> +Poetrie, first edition, excessively rare. +Printed for Henry Olney, 1595</td> +<td class="rbot">15</td> +<td class="rbot">5</td> +<td class="rbot">0</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>"Foure Sonnets written by Henrie Constable to Sir Philip Sidneys +Soule" are prefixed. These have not been reprinted in the subsequent +editions. Only three other copies of the first edition of this elegant +and valuable Treatise are known. One of which is in the British +Museum, and one in the Bridgewater Library.</p> + +<p>The Third Part of Mr. Chalmers's library—abundantly rich in Scotch +literature, and containing much valuable illustration of the <span class="smcap">History +of Printing in Scotland</span>, will probably quickly succeed the publication +of this Work. Mr. Chalmers had frequently expressed to me his +intention as well as inclination to give a complete History of the +<span class="smcap">Scotish Press</span>; and if the materials collected by him find their way +into his native country, it is to be hoped that some enterprising +spirit, like that which animates the present Librarian of the Signet +Library, will find sufficient encouragement to bring them before the +public. I bargain for a <i>Quarto</i>.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Menalcas</span> (whose fame expands more largely in the <i>Bibliographical +Decameron</i> and <i>Reminiscences</i>) was my old and "very singular good +friend" the Rev. <span class="smcap">Henry Joseph Thomas Drury</span>, Rector of Fingest, and +Second Master of Harrow School; second, because he declined to become +the <i>first</i>. His library, so rich and rare in classical +lore—manuscript as well as printed—was sold by Mr. Evans in 1827. +The catalogue contained not fewer than 4729 articles. The bindings, +chiefly in Lewisian calf and morocco, were "de toute beauté;" and the +"oblong cabinet" sparkled as the setting sun<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_606" id="Page_606">606</a></span> shot its slanting rays +down the backs of the tomes. Of this catalogue there were 35 copies +only printed upon writing paper, for presents.</p> + +<p>This library was strikingly illustrative of the character of its <span class="smcap">late</span> +owner; for it is little more than a twelvemonth since he has been +called away from that numerous and endearing circle, in the midst of +which I saw him sitting, about a twelvemonth before his departure—the +happiest of the happy—on the day of the nuptials of his youngest +daughter but one, with Captain Beavan. His books were in fine +condition throughout—gaily attired in appropriate bindings of calf or +morocco, as the character and condition might be. His love of old +classical <i>Manuscripts</i> was properly and greatly beyond that of +printed books: but each class was so marked and identified by his +calligraphical MS. notes, that you were in a moment convinced his +books were not purchased for the mere sake of gorgeous furniture. So +entirely were his classical feelings mixed up with his Library, that +he prefixed, over the entrance door of his oblong cabinet, in printed +letters of gold, the following lines—of which the version is supplied +from the "<i>Arundines Cami</i>," edited by his eldest son, the Rev. Henry +Drury.</p> + +<p class="center">IN MUSEI MEI ADITU.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +Pontificum videas penetralibus eruta lapsis<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Antiquas Monachum vellera passa manus,</span><br /> +Et veteres puncto sine divisore Papyros,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Quæque fremit monstris litera picta suis:</span><br /> +Ætatis decimæ spectes Industria Quintæ:<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Quam pulcra Archetypos imprimat arte Duces</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">Aldinas</span> ædes ineuns et limina <span class="smcap">Juntæ</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Quosque suos Stephanus vellet habere Lares.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 16em;">H.I.T.D.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_607" id="Page_607">607</a></span></p> + +<p class="center">OVER THE THRESHOLD OF MY LIBRARY.</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +From mouldering Abbey's dark Scriptorium brought,<br /> +See vellum tomes by Monkish labour wrought;<br /> +Nor yet the comma born, Papyri see,<br /> +And uncial letters wizard grammary;<br /> +View my <i>fifteeners</i> in their rugged line;<br /> +What ink! what linen! only known long syne—<br /> +Entering where <span class="smcap">Aldus</span> might have fixed his throne,<br /> +Or Harry Stephens covetted his own.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 18em;">H.D.</span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="bp">They were part and parcel of the <i>Owner</i> himself. His mind was +traceable in many a fly leaf. His latinity was perspicuity and +accuracy itself. He was, in all respects, a ripe and a good scholar; +and the late Provost of Eton (The Rev. Dr. Goodall) told me, on an +occasion which has been, perhaps, too <i>emphasised</i> in certain +bibliographical pages,<a name="FNanchor_476_484" id="FNanchor_476_484"></a><a href="#Footnote_476_484" class="fnanchor">[476]</a> that "England could not then produce a +better Greek metrical scholar than his friend Henry Drury." What was +remarkable, he never assumed an <i>ex Cathedrâ</i> position in society. In +bringing forward or pressing quotations, whatever fell from him, came +easily and naturally, but rarely. Accustomed for many years to be the +favourite of the <i>Harrovians</i>, he never affected the airs of the +pedagogue. How he <i>could</i> criticise, sufficiently appears in an +article on the <i>Musæ Edinburgenses</i> in an early number of the +Quarterly Review.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_476_484" id="Footnote_476_484"></a><a href="#FNanchor_476_484">[476]</a> <i>Bibliographical Decameron.</i> Dr. Goodall +always appeared to me to <i>affect</i> irascibility upon the +subject alluded to. The contents might have been published +at Charing Cross.</p> +</div> + +<p class="tp">Yet this may be considered secondary matter; and I hasten to record +the qualities of his heart and disposition. They were truly +Christian-like; inasmuch as a fond and large spirit of benevolence was +always beating<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_608" id="Page_608">608</a></span> in his bosom, and mantling over a countenance of +singular friendliness of expression. He had the <i>power</i> of saying +sharp and caustic things, but he used his "giant-strength" with the +gentleness of a child. His letters, of which many hundreds have fallen +to my lot, are a perfect reflex of his joyous and elastic mind. There +was not a pupil under his care who looked forward to a <i>holiday</i> with +more unqualified delight than <i>he</i>; and when we strayed together +beneath, or upon the heights of, the Dover Cliffs (where I <i>last</i> saw +him, in the summer of 1840) he would expatiate, with equal warmth and +felicity, upon the Abbey of St. Rhadagund, and the Keep of Dover +Castle. Our visit to Barfreston Church, in the neighbourhood, can +never be effaced from my mind. His mental enthusiasm and bodily +activity could not have been exceeded by that of the Captain of Harrow +School. He took up my meditated "History of the Dover" as if it were +his own work; and his success, in cause of subscription, in most +instances, was complete.</p> + +<p>And now, after an intimacy (minutely recorded in my <i>Reminiscences</i>) +of thirty-three years, it has pleased God to deprive me of his genial +and heart-stirring society. His last moments were of those of a +Christian—"rooted and built up" in <span class="smcap">that</span> belief, which alone sustains +us in the struggle of parting from those whom we cherish as the most +idolised objects upon earth! It was towards sun-set that I first +paused upon his tomb, in the church-yard, near the summit of Harrow +Hill. For a few moments I was breathless—but <i>not</i> from the steepness +of the ascent. The inscription, I would submit, is too much in the +"minor key." It was the production of his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_609" id="Page_609">609</a></span> eldest son, who preferred +to err from under-rating, rather than over-rating, the good qualities +of his parent. For myself—</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="poem"> +<tr> +<td> +"As those we love decay, we die in part;<br /> +String after string is severed from the heart!"<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 6em;">&c. &c. &c.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;"><span class="smcap">Thomson.</span></span><br /> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>On the death of Mr. Drury, his small library, the remains of his +former one, was sold by auction; and those classical books, +interleaved, and enriched with his manuscript notes, brought large +prices. One manuscript, of especial celebrity—<i>Childe Harold</i>—given +him by the Author, his pupil, Lord Byron—became the property of its +publisher, Mr. Murray; who purchased it upon terms at once marking his +high sense of the talents of the author, and his respect for the +family where it had been placed. It may be doubtful whether the +autograph of any poem, since Paradise Lost, would have obtained a +larger sum—had it been submitted to public sale.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Rinaldo.</span>—Rinaldo was the late Mr. <span class="smcap">Edwards</span>; of the sale of whose +library an extended account will be found in my Decameron. It remains, +briefly, but emphatically, to remark, that of all the book heroes, +whose valorous achievements are here recorded, <span class="smcap">two</span> only have survived +the lapse of thirty years. Let <i>half</i> of another similar course of +time roll on, and where will the <span class="smcap">Survivors</span> be? If not at rest in their +graves, they will in all probability be "sans teeth, sans eyes, sans +everything:"—at least, very far beyond "the lean and slippered +pantaloon." Leaving my surviving friends to fight their own battles, I +think I may here venture to say, in quiet simplicity and singleness of +heart, that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_610" id="Page_610">610</a></span> books, book-sales, and book-men, will then—if I am +spared—pass before me as the faint reflex of "the light of <span class="smcap">other +days</span>!" ... when literary enterprise and literary fame found a +proportionate reward; and when the sickly sentimentality of the +novelist had not usurped the post of the instructive philologist. But +enough of <span class="smcap">Rosicrusis</span>.</p> + +<p class="centertp"> +<img src="images/constantia.png" width="246" height="259" alt="CONSTANTIA LABORE ET" title="CONSTANTIA LABORE ET" /> +</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_611" id="Page_611">611</a></span></p> + +<h2><a href="#PART_IV">PART IV.</a></h2> + +<h3>THE LIBRARY.</h3> + + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">This</span> Part embraces the <i>History of Literature</i>, in the formation of +Libraries, from the Conquest to the commencement of the reign of Henry +VIII., and undoubtedly contains much that is curious and instructive. +Two new characters only are introduced: <span class="smcap">Lorenzo</span> and <span class="smcap">Narcottus</span>. The +former was intended to represent the late Sir Masterman Mark Sykes, +Bart.: the latter, a William Templeman, Esq., of Hare Hatch, +Berkshire. Sir Mark Sykes was not less known than respected for the +suavity of his manners, the kindness of his disposition, and the +liberality of his conduct on all matters connected with <i>books</i> and +<i>prints</i>. A long and particular account of his library, and of many of +his book-purchases, will be seen in the third volume of the +<i>Bibliographical Decameron</i>; and at pages 321, 373 of my <i>Literary +Reminiscences</i>. His library and his prints brought, each, pretty much +the same sum: together, £60,000—an astounding result! Sir Mark is the +last great bibliomaniacal Sun that has shed its golden, as well as +parting, rays, upon a terribly chap-fallen British public! Mr. +Templeman, repre<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_612" id="Page_612">612</a></span>sented as Narcottus, was a great Chess-player: and +although Caxton's "Game at Chess" is a mere dull morality, having +nothing to do with the game strictly so called, yet he would have +everything in his library where the word "Chess" was introduced. In +the words of the old catch, he would "add the night unto the day" in +the prosecution of his darling recreation, and boasted of having once +given a signal defeat to the Rev. Mr. Bowdler, after having been +defeated himself by Lord Henry Seymour, the renowned chess-champions +of the Isle of Wight. He said he once sat upon Phillidor's knee, who +patted his cheek, and told him "there was nothing like Chess and +English roast beef."</p> + +<p class="bp">The notice of poor George Faulkner at <a href="#Page_199">page 199</a>—one of the more +celebrated book-binders of the day, is amplified at page 524 of the +second volume of the Decameron; where the painful circumstances +attending his death are slightly mentioned. He yet lives, and lives +strongly, in my remembrance. Since then, indeed within a very few +years, the famous <span class="smcap">Charles Lewis</span>—of whose bibliopegistic renown the +Decameronic pages have expatiated fully—has ceased to be. He was +carried off suddenly by an apoplectic seizure. His eldest son—a sort +of "spes altera Romæ," in his way—very quickly followed the fate of +his father. The name of <span class="smcap">Lewis</span> will be always held high in the +estimation of bibliopegistic Virtuosi. But the art of Book-binding is +not deteriorating: and I am not sure whether <span class="smcap">John Clarke</span>, of Frith +Street, Soho, be not as "mighty a man" in his way as any of his +predecessors. There is a solidity, strength, and squareness of +workmanship about his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_613" id="Page_613">613</a></span> books, which seem to convince you that they may +be tossed from the summit of Snowdon to that of Cader Idris without +detriment or serious injury. His gilding is first rate; both for +choice of ornament and splendour of gold. Nor is his coadjutor, +<span class="smcap">William Bedford</span>, of less potent renown. He was the great adjunct of +the late Charles Lewis—and imbibes the same taste and the same spirit +of perseverance. Accident brought me one morning in contact with a set +of the New Dugdale's Monasticon, bound in blue morocco, and most +gorgeously bound and gilded, lying upon the table of Mr. James Bohn—a +mountain of bibliopegistic grandeur! A sort of irrepressible awe kept +you back even from turning over the coats or covers! And what a +<span class="smcap">Work</span>—deserving of pearls and precious stones in its outward +garniture! "Who was the happy man to accomplish such a piece of +binding?"<a name="FNanchor_477_485" id="FNanchor_477_485"></a><a href="#Footnote_477_485" class="fnanchor">[477]</a> observed I. "Who <span class="smcap">but</span> John Clarke?"—replied the +Bibliopole.</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<p><a name="Footnote_477_485" id="Footnote_477_485"></a><a href="#FNanchor_477_485">[477]</a> Good binding—even Roger-Payne-binding—is +gadding abroad every where. At Oxford, they have "a spirit" +of this description who loses a night's rest if he haplessly +shave off the sixteenth part of an inch of a rough edge of +an uncut Hearne. My friend, Dr. Bliss, has placed volumes +before me, from the same mintage, which have staggered +belief as an indigenous production of Academic soil. At +Reading, also, some splendid leaves are taken from the same +<i>Book</i>. Mr. Snare, the publisher, keeps one of the most +talented bookbinders in the kingdom—from the school of +Clarke; and feeds him upon something more substantial than +rose leaves and jessamine blossoms. He is a great man for a +halequin's jacket: and would have gone crazy at the sight of +some of the specimens at Strawberry Hill. No man can put a +varied-coloured morocco coat upon the back of a book with +greater care, taste, and success, than our Reading +Bibliopegist.</p> +</div> + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_614" id="Page_614">614</a></span></p> + +<h2><a href="#PART_V">PART V.</a></h2> + +<h3>THE DRAWING-ROOM.</h3> + + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">This</span> Part is a copious continuation of the History of Book Collectors +and Collections up to the year 1810. There is nothing to add in the +way of <span class="smcap">character</span>; and the subject itself is amply continued in the +tenth day of the <i>Bibliographical Decameron</i>. In both works will be +found, it is presumed, a fund of information and amusement, so that +the Reader will scarcely demand an extension of the subject. Indeed, a +little volume would hardly suffice to render it the justice which it +merits; but I am bound to make special mention of the untameable +perseverance, and highly refined taste, of B.G. Windus, Esq., one of +my earliest and steadiest supporters; and yet, doth he not rather take +up a sitting in the <span class="smcap">Alcove</span>—amongst <i>Illustrators of fine Works</i>?</p> + + +<hr /> +<p class="center"><a name="CAVE" id="CAVE"></a> +<img src="images/cave.png" width="377" height="500" alt="The Cave of Despair" title="The Cave of Despair" /> +</p> + +<p class="center">THE CAVE OF DESPAIR.</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="sm"><i>Drawn by J. Thurston.—Engraved by Robert Branston.</i></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_615" id="Page_615">615</a></span></p> + +<h2><a href="#PART_VI">PART VI.</a></h2> + +<h3>THE ALCOVE.</h3> + + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">A word</span> only:—and that respecting <i>Illustrated Copies</i>. Leaving Mr. +Windus in full possession of his Raphael Morghens, William Woollets, +William Sharpes, &c.—and allowing him the undisturbed relish of +gazing upon, and pressing to his heart's core, his <i>grey</i> <span class="smcap">Turners</span>—let +me only introduce to the reader's critical attention and admiration +the <a href="#CAVE">opposite subject</a>, executed by the late Mr. Branston, and +exhibiting <i>The Cave of Despair</i> from Spenser's Fairy Queen. The +figures were drawn on the blocks by the late J. Thurston, Esq.</p> + + +<hr class="med" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_616" id="Page_616">616</a></span></p> + +<h2><span class="bl">Illustrated Copies.</span></h2> + + +<p class="tp"><span class="smcap">Under</span> the <i>Illustration</i>-Symptom of Bibliomania, a fund of amusing +anecdote, as well as of instructive detail, presents itself. We may +travel in a carriage and four—from morn 'till night—and sweep county +after county, in pursuit of all that is exquisite, and rare, and +precious, and unattainable in other quarters: but I doubt if our +horses' heads can be turned in a direction better calculated to answer +all the ends in view than in front of</p> + +<p class="centertp">RAVENSBURY LODGE, LOWER MITCHAM,</p> + +<p class="centerbp"> +<img src="images/ravensbury.png" width="500" height="415" alt="Ravensbury Lodge" title="Ravensbury Lodge" /> +</p> + +<p>the residence of the late proprietor of this work. There we once +beheld such a copy of the best of all existing <i>Encyclopædias</i>—that +of the late Dr. <span class="smcap">Rees</span>—as is no where else to be found. It was upon +<i>large</i> and <i>fine</i> paper—bound in fourscore volumes—with separately +executed title pages, in a style of pure art—and <i>illustrated</i> with +not fewer than <span class="smcap">ten thousand extra plates</span>. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_617" id="Page_617">617</a></span> reader may, and will, +naturally enough, judge of the wide, if not boundless, field for +illustration—comprehending in fact (as the title of the work +denounces) the circle of all knowledge, arts and sciences; but he can +have no idea of the <i>manner</i> in which this fertile and illimitable +field is filled up, till he gazes upon the copy in question. Here then +was not only a <i>reading</i>, but a <i>graphic</i>, <span class="smcap">Library in itself</span>. Whatever +other works <i>profusely</i> dilate upon was here <i>concentrated</i>—and +deeply impressed upon the mind by the charm, as well as the +intelligence, of graphical ornament. You seemed to want nothing, as, +upon the turning over of every leaf, the prodigality of art ennobled, +while it adorned, the solidity of the text. You have kept your horses +already waiting three hours—and they are neighing and snorting for +food: and you must turn them into the stable for suitable +provender—for the owner of this production would tell you that you +had scarcely traversed through one-third of the contents of the +volumes. He orders an additional fowl to be placed on the spit, and an +extra flagon of Combe and Delafield's brightest ale to be +forth-coming: while his orchard supplies the requisite addenda of +mulberries, pears, and apples, to flank the veritable Lafitte. You +drink and are merry. Then comes the Argand Lamp; and down with the +Encyclopedistic volumes. The plates look brighter and more beautiful. +There is no end of them—nor limits to your admiration. Be it summer +or winter, there is food for sustenance, and for the gratification of +the most exquisite palate. To contemplate <span class="smcap">such</span> a performance, the +thorough-bred book-votary would travel by torch-light through +forty-eight hours of successive darkness!...: But the horses are again +neighing—for their homes. You must rouse the slumbering post-boy: for +"The bell of the church-clock strikes <span class="smcap">one</span>."</p> + +<p class="centertbp"> +<img src="images/line05.png" width="158" height="12" alt="" title="" /> +</p> + +<p>P.S.—The late Mr. <span class="smcap">Walmsley</span>—who employed me to print this present +edition—narrowly watched all our movements, and was much gratified by +the appearance of the work, so far as it had gone before his +death—frequently urged me to append a short account of the progress +of our art during the last thirty years—i.e. since the publication of +the former edition of <i>Bibliomania</i>.</p> + +<p>The subject is too diffuse for a mere note: and during the life-time +of so many able printers as now exercise their calling in the +metropolis, it would be invidious to particularize eminence in our +profession (whereas among our immediate predecessors it is, perhaps +just<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_618" id="Page_618">618</a></span> to say that there were only <i>two</i> printers of great celebrity, +the late <i>Mr. Bulmer</i> and my late father). I shall therefore merely +mention some events which have had such influence on our art as that +the case is now very different to what it was thirty years ago, when +the good execution of printing at once testified to the skill and +industry of the printer—as he could command neither good <i>presses</i>, +<i>types</i>, nor <i>ink</i>, &c.—paper being then almost the only matter to be +had in perfection.</p> + +<p>We have <i>now</i> excellent and powerful iron presses—Stanhopes, +Columbians, Imperials, &c. <i>Then</i> the celebrated specimens of +typography were produced by <i>miserable</i> wooden presses. We have <i>now</i> +ink of splendid lustre, at a fourth of the cost of fabrication +<i>then</i>—for both Mr. Bulmer and my father were perpetually trying +expensive experiments—and not always succeeding: our ink is now to be +depended on for <i>standing</i>, it works freely, and can be had at +reasonable prices at the extensive factory of Messrs. <span class="smcap">Shackell</span> and +<span class="smcap">Lyons</span>, Clerkenwell, who made the ink used for this work.</p> + +<p>There are several eminent engineers who make the best of presses. Our +<i>letter</i> may safely be pronounced, if not perfect, as near perfection +as it will ever reach—and while the celebrated type-foundries of +Messrs. <span class="smcap">Caslon</span>, Chiswell Street, and Messrs. <span class="smcap">Figgins</span>, West Street, are +within the reach of the metropolitan printers, there can be no excuse +for failing to execute good printing on the score of inferior type.</p> + +<p>The substitution of the <i>inking roller</i>, instead of the cumbrous and +inconvenient old balls, has much eased the labours of the pressman and +facilitated the regularity of colour. The inking roller at the hand +press was adopted, and offered to the printers generally, by my +friend, Mr. <span class="smcap">Applegath</span>, shortly after <i>steam-printing</i> was introduced +by my father—about which so much has been said in periodical +publications, &c., that it is needless here to enlarge on the +subject—more especially as it is principally applicable to work of +inferior character, newspapers, reviews, magazines, &c.; and, further, +it is not a very tempting subject to the son of him who was led to +devote the energies of the latter years of his active life, and the +well-earned fortune which his great typographical celebrity had +secured, to the adoption of a mode of printing which, how much soever +it may benefit newspaper proprietors and others—certainly has done +any thing but benefit his family; and has thus added another instance +to the many on record of the ill success attending the patronage of +inventors.</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">B. Bensley.</span></p> + +<p><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Woking, Surrey, June</i> 18, 1842.</span></p> + +<hr class="med" /> + +<p class="center"><span class="gesperrt"><b>FINIS.</b></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_i" id="Page_I_i">I. i</a></span></p> + +<h1><a name="INDEXES" id="INDEXES"></a><span class="gesperrt">INDEXES.</span></h1> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<h3>CHRONOLOGICAL, BIBLIOGRAPHICAL,<br /> +<br /> +<span class="sm">AND</span><br /> +<br /> +GENERAL.</h3> + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_iii" id="Page_I_iii">I. iii</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHRONOLOGICAL_INDEX" id="CHRONOLOGICAL_INDEX"></a>CHRONOLOGICAL INDEX.</h2> + +<p class="centertbp"> +<img src="images/line05.png" width="158" height="12" alt="" title="" /> +</p> + +<h3><span class="bl">Lovers and Collectors of Books in Great Britain.</span></h3> + +<p class="centertp">SEVENTH CENTURY.</p> + +<p> +<span class="smcap">Theodore</span>, Archbishop of Canterbury, <a href='#Page_165'>165</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Benedict, Bishop</span>, Abbot of Weremouth, <a href='#Page_165'>165</a>, <a href='#Page_166'>166</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Venerable Bede</span>, <a href='#Page_166'>166</a><br /> +</p> + +<p class="centertp">EIGHTH CENTURY.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Ina</span>, King of the West Saxons, <a href='#Page_166'>166</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Alouin</span>, Abbot of Tours, <a href='#Page_167'>167</a><br /> +</p> + +<p class="centertp">NINTH CENTURY.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Scotus Erigena</span>, <a href='#Page_168'>168</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">King Alfred</span>, <a href='#Page_169'>169</a>, <a href='#Page_170'>170</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">King Athelstan</span>, <a href='#Page_170'>170</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">St. Dunstan</span>, Archbishop of Canterbury, <a href='#Page_171'>171</a><br /> +</p> + +<p class="centertp">ELEVENTH CENTURY.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">King Canute</span>, <a href='#Page_172'>172</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Ingulph</span>, Abbot of Croyland, <a href='#Page_172'>172</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Lanfranc</span>, Archbishop of Canterbury, <a href='#Page_173'>173</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Anselm</span>, Archbishop of Canterbury, <a href='#Page_173'>173</a>, <a href='#Page_174'>174</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Giraldus</span>, Archbishop of York, <a href='#Page_174'>174</a><br /> +</p> + +<p class="centertp">TWELFTH CENTURY.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Herman</span>, Bishop of Salisbury, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Thomas à Becket</span>, Archbishop of Canterbury, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a>-<a href='#Page_177'>177</a><br /> +</p> + +<p class="centertp">THIRTEENTH CENTURY.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Giraldus Cambrensis</span>, Bishop of St. David's, <a href='#Page_178'>178</a>, <a href='#Page_179'>179</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Roger Bacon</span>, <a href='#Page_180'>180</a>-<a href='#Page_183'>183</a><br /> +</p> + +<p class="centertp">FOURTEENTH CENTURY.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">King Edward the First</span>, <a href='#Page_183'>183</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">King Edward the Third</span>, <a href='#Page_184'>184</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Richard de Bury</span>, Bishop of Durham, <a href='#Page_185'>185</a>-<a href='#Page_187'>187</a><br /> +</p> + +<p class="centertp">FIFTEENTH CENTURY.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">John Boston</span>, <a href='#Page_189'>189</a>, <a href='#Page_190'>190</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">John Plantagenet</span>, First Duke of Bedford, <a href='#Page_190'>190</a>, <a href='#Page_191'>191</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Thomas Cobham</span>, Bishop of Worcester, <a href='#Page_192'>192</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Robert Rede</span>, Bishop of Chichester, <a href='#Page_192'>192</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Humphrey Plantagenet</span>, First Duke of Gloucester, <a href='#Page_193'>193</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Sir Walter Sherington</span>, <a href='#Page_194'>194</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">John Tiptoft</span>, Earl of Worcester, <a href='#Page_198'>198</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">George Neville</span>, Archbishop of York, <a href='#Page_200'>200</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">King Henry the Seventh</span>, <a href='#Page_202'>202</a>, <a href='#Page_205'>205</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a><br /> +</p> + +<p class="centertp">SIXTEENTH CENTURY.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">The Earl of Surrey—Sir Thomas Wyatt</span>, <a href='#Page_14'>14</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">King Henry the Eighth</span>, <a href='#Page_215'>215</a>-<a href='#Page_217'>217</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">John Colet</span>, Dean of St. Paul's, <a href='#Page_14'>14</a>, <a href='#Page_218'>218</a>-<a href='#Page_220'>220</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Sir Thomas More</span>, <a href='#Page_220'>220</a>-<a href='#Page_222'>222</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Erasmus</span>, <a href='#Page_222'>222</a>-<a href='#Page_224'>224</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Cardinal Wolsey</span>, <a href='#Page_225'>225</a>-<a href='#Page_228'>228</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Robert Wakefield</span>, <a href='#Page_235'>235</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">John Leland</span>, <a href='#Page_242'>242</a>-<a href='#Page_246'>246</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">John Bale</span>, Bishop of Ossory, <a href='#Page_246'>246</a>, <a href='#Page_247'>247</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Thomas Cranmer</span>, Archbishop of Canterbury, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a>, <a href='#Page_249'>249</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Queen Elizabeth</span>, <a href='#Page_249'>249</a>-<a href='#Page_254'>254</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Roger Ascham</span>, <a href='#Page_254'>254</a>, <a href='#Page_255'>255</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">William Cecil</span>, First Earl of Burleigh, <a href='#Page_256'>256</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Matthew Parker</span>, Archbishop of Canterbury, <a href='#Page_257'>257</a>-<a href='#Page_261'>261</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Dr. John Dee</span>, <a href='#Page_261'>261</a>, <a href='#Page_265'>265</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Captain Cox</span>, <a href='#Page_266'>266</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Sir Robert Cotton</span>, <a href='#Page_267'>267</a>-<a href='#Page_269'>269</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Sir Thomas Bodley</span>, <a href='#Page_270'>270</a>-<a href='#Page_278'>278</a><br /> +</p> + +<p class="centertp">SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">King James the First</span>, <a href='#Page_281'>281</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Thomas Coryate</span>, <a href='#Page_281'>281</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Henry Peacham</span>, <a href='#Page_282'>282</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Robert Burton</span>, <a href='#Page_286'>286</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">John, Lord Lumley</span>, <a href='#Page_287'>287</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Henry Hastings</span>, <a href='#Page_287'>287</a>-<a href='#Page_288'>288</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">John Clungeon</span>, <a href='#Page_288'>288</a><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_iv" id="Page_I_iv">I. iv</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">John Ward</span>, <a href='#Page_289'>289</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">The Ferrar Family</span>, <a href='#Page_289'>289</a>-<a href='#Page_292'>292</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Elias Ashmole</span>, Windsor Herald, <a href='#Page_292'>292</a>-<a href='#Page_296'>296</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">William Laud</span>, Archbishop of Canterbury, <a href='#Page_297'>297</a>, <a href='#Page_298'>298</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Henry Dyson</span>, <a href='#Page_302'>302</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Richard Smith</span>, <a href='#Page_302'>302</a>, <a href='#Page_303'>303</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Dr. Seaman</span>, <a href='#Page_304'>304</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Francis North</span>, Lord-Keeper, <a href='#Page_309'>309</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Hon. and Rev. John North</span>, D.D., <a href='#Page_310'>310</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Anthony à Wood</span>, <a href='#Page_312'>312</a>-<a href='#Page_315'>315</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Francis Bernard</span>, M.D., <a href='#Page_316'>316</a>, <a href='#Page_317'>317</a><br /> +</p> + +<p class="centertp">EIGHTEENTH CENTURY.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">John Fell</span>, Bishop of Oxford, <a href='#Page_317'>317</a>, <a href='#Page_318'>318</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">John More</span>, Bishop of Ely, <a href='#Page_318'>318</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Samuel Pepys</span>, <a href='#Page_320'>320</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">John Churchill</span>, First Duke of Marlborough, <a href='#Page_321'>321</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Prince Eugene</span>, <a href='#Page_322'>322</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Narcissus Luttrell</span>, <a href='#Page_323'>323</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Edward Wynne</span>, <a href='#Page_323'>323</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Henry Herbert, ninth Earl of Pembroke</span>, <a href='#Page_324'>324</a>, <a href='#Page_325'>325</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">John Bagford</span>, <a href='#Page_326'>326</a>-<a href='#Page_331'>331</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">John Murray</span>, <a href='#Page_331'>331</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Thomas Britton</span>, <a href='#Page_331'>331</a>-<a href='#Page_333'>333</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Thomas Hearne</span>, <a href='#Page_333'>333</a>-<a href='#Page_336'>336</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">John Anstis</span>, Garter King of Arms, <a href='#Page_337'>337</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Rev. John Lewis</span>, <a href='#Page_338'>338</a>-<a href='#Page_340'>340</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Joseph Ames—William Herbert</span>, <a href='#Page_340'>340</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Thomas Baker</span>, <a href='#Page_341'>341</a>-<a href='#Page_343'>343</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Lewis Theobald</span>, <a href='#Page_343'>343</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Thomas Rawlinson</span>, <a href='#Page_343'>343</a>-<a href='#Page_346'>346</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Humphrey Wanley</span>, <a href='#Page_346'>346</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Robert Harley</span>, First Earl of Oxford, <a href='#Page_347'>347</a>-<a href='#Page_354'>354</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Thomas Osborne</span>, <a href='#Page_354'>354</a>, <a href='#Page_355'>355</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">John Bridges</span>, <a href='#Page_362'>362</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Anthony Collins</span>, <a href='#Page_363'>363</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Michael Maittaire</span>, <a href='#Page_363'>363</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Richard Mead</span>, M.P., <a href='#Page_364'>364</a>-<a href='#Page_367'>367</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Martin Folkes</span>, <a href='#Page_367'>367</a>-<a href='#Page_369'>369</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Richard Rawlinson</span>, <a href='#Page_369'>369</a>-<a href='#Page_371'>371</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">John</span> (Orator) <span class="smcap">Henley</span>, <a href='#Page_371'>371</a>-<a href='#Page_373'>373</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">General James Dormer</span>, <a href='#Page_375'>375</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">James West</span>, <a href='#Page_376'>376</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Thomas Martin</span>, <a href='#Page_384'>384</a>-<a href='#Page_386'>386</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Serjeant William Fleetwood</span>, <a href='#Page_386'>386</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Anthony Askew</span>, M.D., <a href='#Page_387'>387</a>-<a href='#Page_391'>391</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">John Ratcliffe</span>, <a href='#Page_392'>392</a>, <a href='#Page_393'>393</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Hon. Topham Beauclerk</span>, <a href='#Page_394'>394</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Rev. Thomas Crofts</span>, <a href='#Page_396'>396</a>-<a href='#Page_398'>398</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Mark Cephas Tutet</span>, <a href='#Page_399'>399</a>, <a href='#Page_400'>400</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Richard Wright</span>, M.D., <a href='#Page_401'>401</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">John Henderson</span>, <a href='#Page_402'>402</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">William Fillingham</span>, <a href='#Page_403'>403</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Major Thomas Pearson</span>, <a href='#Page_403'>403</a>-<a href='#Page_406'>406</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Rev. Michael Lort</span>, D.D., <a href='#Page_411'>411</a>-<a href='#Page_413'>413</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Right Hon. Denis Daly</span>, <a href='#Page_414'>414</a>, <a href='#Page_415'>415</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Charles Chauncy</span>, M.D. }<br /> +<span class="smcap">Nathaniel Chauncy</span>, <span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">} <a href='#Page_416'>416</a>, <a href='#Page_417'>417</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">John Munro</span>, M.D., <a href='#Page_417'>417</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Rev. Richard Southgate</span>, <a href='#Page_419'>419</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">George Mason</span>, <a href='#Page_419'>419</a>-<a href='#Page_423'>423</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Rev. Richard Farmer</span>, D.D., <a href='#Page_423'>423</a>-<a href='#Page_427'>427</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">George Steevens</span>, <a href='#Page_427'>427</a>-<a href='#Page_440'>440</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">John Strange</span>, <a href='#Page_441'>441</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">John Woodhouse</span>, <a href='#Page_441'>441</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">George Galway Mills</span>, <a href='#Page_447'>447</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">John Wilkes</span>, <a href='#Page_447'>447</a>, <a href='#Page_448'>448</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Joseph Ritson</span>, <a href='#Page_448'>448</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Rev. Jonathan Boucher</span>, <a href='#Page_450'>450</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">William Petty</span>, First Marquess of Lansdowne, <a href='#Page_450'>450</a>, <a href='#Page_451'>451</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Rev. John Brand</span>, <a href='#Page_452'>452</a>-<a href='#Page_454'>454</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Isaac Reed</span>, <a href='#Page_454'>454</a>-<a href='#Page_456'>456</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Alexander Dalrymple</span>, <a href='#Page_458'>458</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Richard Porson</span>, <a href='#Page_458'>458</a>, <a href='#Page_459'>459</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">John Maddison</span>, <a href='#Page_459'>459</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Emperor John Alexander Woodford</span>, <a href='#Page_459'>459</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Richard Gough</span>, <a href='#Page_460'>460</a><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Rev. Benjamin Heath</span>, <a href='#Page_460'>460</a>, <a href='#Page_554'>554</a>-<a href='#Page_561'>561</a><br /> +</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_v" id="Page_I_v">I. v</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX" id="BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"></a>BIBLIOGRAPHICAL INDEX.</h2> + +<p class="centertbp"> +<img src="images/line05.png" width="158" height="12" alt="" title="" /> +</p> + +<p class="center">LIST OF WORKS CONSULTED OR REFERRED TO:—CRITICISMS ON THEIR INTRINSIC +VALUE BEING OCCASIONALLY INTRODUCED IN THE FOREGOING PAGES.</p> + + +<p class="tp"> +<span class="smcap">Agostini</span> (Lionardo). <i>Notizie Istorico-Critiche, &c., Scritt. Viniz.</i>, <a href='#Page_60'>60</a><br /> +<br /> +Agrippa (Cornelius). <i>Vanity of Human Sciences</i>, <a href='#Page_19'>19</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Occult Philosophy</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<br /> +Ames (Joseph). <i>Typographical Antiquities</i>, <a href='#Page_52'>52</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>The same</i>; by Herbert, <a href='#Page_66'>66</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Anonymiana</i>, <a href='#Page_246'>246</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Anthologia Græca.</i> Dr. Askew's copy upon vellum, <a href='#Page_389'>389</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Pinelli do. (afterwards Count M'Carthy's), <a href='#Page_407'>407</a></span><br /> +<br /> +[<i>De</i>] <i>Antiquitate Cantab. Acad.</i>, <a href='#Page_170'>170</a><br /> +<br /> +Antonio (Nicolas). <i>Biblioth. Hispana Vet. et Nov.</i>, <a href='#Page_42'>42</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Archæologia</i>, <a href='#Page_118'>118</a><br /> +<br /> +Arnold (Richard). <i>His Chronicle</i>, <a href='#Page_421'>421</a>, <a href='#Page_424'>424</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Arthur.</i> <i>Robinson's Life, Actes, and Death of</i>, &c., <a href='#Page_374'>374</a>, <a href='#Page_403'>403</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">East's edition of, <a href='#Page_422'>422</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Copland's do., <a href='#Page_422'>422</a>, <a href='#Page_450'>450</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Ascham (Roger). <i>Works by Bennet</i>, <a href='#Page_255'>255</a><br /> +<br /> +Ashmole (Elias). <i>Theatricum Chemicum</i>, <a href='#Page_125'>125</a>, <a href='#Page_135'>135</a>, <a href='#Page_167'>167</a>, <a href='#Page_184'>184</a>, <a href='#Page_200'>200</a>, <a href='#Page_234'>234</a>, <a href='#Page_262'>262</a>, <a href='#Page_295'>295</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Diary</i>, <a href='#Page_293'>293</a>, <a href='#Page_294'>294</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Way to Bliss</i>, <a href='#Page_294'>294</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Order of the Garter</i>, <a href='#Page_296'>296</a>, <a href='#Page_451'>451</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Assertio Septem Sacramentorum, &c.</i>, <a href='#Page_216'>216</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Athenæum</i>, <a href='#Page_280'>280</a>, <a href='#Page_301'>301</a><br /> +<br /> +Audiffredi (Jean Baptiste). <i>Editiones Romanæ</i>, <a href='#Page_62'>62</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Editiones Italicæ</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +Baillet (Adrien). <i>Jugemens des Savans</i>, <a href='#Page_39'>39</a>, <a href='#Page_41'>41</a>, <a href='#Page_43'>43</a>, <a href='#Page_44'>44</a>, <a href='#Page_542'>542</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Catalogue des Matières</i>, <a href='#Page_44'>44</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Anti Baillet</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<br /> +Bale (John). <i>Scriptores Illustres Britanniæ</i>, <a href='#Page_31'>31</a>, <a href='#Page_167'>167</a>, <a href='#Page_189'>189</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Actes of Englyshe Votaryes</i>, <a href='#Page_174'>174</a>, <a href='#Page_176'>176</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Preface to Leland's Laboryouse Journey</i>, <a href='#Page_234'>234</a>, <a href='#Page_235'>235</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Ballads.</i> <i>Ancient Songs and Ballads.</i> See <a href="#Evans">Evans</a>, <i>in the <a href="#GENERAL_INDEX">General Index</a></i>.<br /> +<br /> +Barbier (Antoine Alexandre). <i>Dictionnaire des Ouvrages Anonymés et Pseudonymes Françoises</i>, <a href='#Page_69'>69</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Cat. des Livres de la Bibliothèque du Conseil d'Etat</i>, <a href='#Page_78'>78</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Barclaii (Johannis). <i>Satyricon</i>, <a href='#Page_12'>12</a><br /> +<br /> +Barclay (Alexander). <i>Egloges</i>, &c., <a href='#Page_446'>446</a><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_vi" id="Page_I_vi">I. vi</a></span><br /> +Barnes (Juliana). <i>On Hawking, Hunting, &c.</i>, <a href='#Page_124'>124</a>, <a href='#Page_325'>325</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">West's copy of the St. Albans' edition of, <a href='#Page_382'>382</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Mason's copy of do., <a href='#Page_422'>422</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">—— —— of Copland's edition, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Martin's, of Wynkyn de Worde's, <a href='#Page_385'>385</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Tutet's, of do., <a href='#Page_400'>400</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Bartholin (Thomas). <i>De Libris Legendis</i>, <a href='#Page_43'>43</a><br /> +<br /> +Bauer (John Jacob). <i>Bibliotheca Librorum Rariorum Universalis</i>, <a href='#Page_57'>57</a>, <a href='#Page_167'>167</a><br /> +<br /> +Beloe (Rev. Wm.) <i>Anecdotes of Literature and Scarce Books</i>, <a href='#Page_52'>52</a>, <a href='#Page_444'>444</a>, <a href='#Page_468'>468</a>, <a href='#Page_549'>549</a><br /> +<br /> +Beughem (Cornelius De). <i>Incunabula Typographica</i>, <a href='#Page_45'>45</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Bibliogr. Erudit. Crit.-Curiosa</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Gallia Erudita</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<br /> +Beyer (Augustus). <i>Memoriæ Hist.-Criticæ Libror. Rarior.</i>, <a href='#Page_56'>56</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Arcana Sacra Bibliothecar. Dresdens</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Biblia Polyglot Complut.</i>, <a href='#Page_407'>407</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Bibliographia Scotica.</i> Ritson's MS. of, <a href='#Page_448'>448</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Bibliographie Curieuse.</i> See <a href="#Peignot">Peignot</a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Bibliographie des Pays Bas</i>, <a href='#Page_74'>74</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Bibliomania</i>, <a href='#Page_487'>487</a>, <a href='#Page_491'>491</a>, <a href='#Page_496'>496</a>, <a href='#Page_513'>513</a>, <a href='#Page_528'>528</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Bibliosophia</i>, <a href='#Page_487'>487</a>, <a href='#Page_491'>491</a>, <a href='#Page_495'>495</a>, <a href='#Page_497'>497</a>, <a href='#Page_511'>511</a>, <a href='#Page_515'>515</a>, <a href='#Page_522'>522</a>, <a href='#Page_525'>525</a>, <a href='#Page_528'>528</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Bibliotheca Lusitana</i>, by Machado, <a href='#Page_54'>54</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Biographia Britannica.</i> An extraordinary copy of, <a href='#Page_449'>449</a><br /> +<br /> +Blount (Sir Thomas Pope). <i>Censura Celebriorum Authorum</i>, <a href='#Page_45'>45</a><br /> +<br /> +Boccaccio (Giovanni), <i>Il Teseide</i>, <a href='#Page_389'>389</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Decamerone</i>, <a href='#Page_526'>526</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Bolduanus (Paul). <i>Bibliotheca Historica</i>, <a href='#Page_35'>35</a><br /> +<br /> +Boucher (De la Richarderie). <i>Bibliothèque Universelle des Voyages</i>, <a href='#Page_69'>69</a><br /> +<br /> +Braithwait (Richard). <i>Arcadian Princesse</i>, <a href='#Page_133'>133</a>, <a href='#Page_286'>286</a>, <a href='#Page_299'>299-301</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Nursery for Gentry</i>, <a href='#Page_299'>299</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>English Gentleman and Gentlewoman</i>, <a href='#Page_299'>299</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Braun (Placid). <i>Notitia Hist.-Crit. de libris ab art. typog. inv.</i>, <a href='#Page_64'>64</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Notitia Hist.-Liter. de Cod. MSS. in Bibl. Monast. Ord. St. Bened.</i>, &c., <a href='#Page_64'>64</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Bridgman (Richard Whalley). <i>Legal Bibliography</i>, <a href='#Page_472'>472</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>British Bibliographer</i>, <a href='#Page_52'>52</a>, <a href='#Page_171'>171</a>, <a href='#Page_216'>216</a>, <a href='#Page_468'>468</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>British Librarian</i>, by Savage, <a href='#Page_52'>52</a>, <a href='#Page_468'>468</a><br /> +<br /> +Broughton (Hugh). <i>Concent of Scripture</i>—upon vellum, <a href='#Page_399'>399</a><br /> +<br /> +Brunet (J.C.). <i>Manuel du Libraire et de l'Amateur de Livres</i>, <a href='#Page_69'>69</a>, <a href='#Page_70'>70</a><br /> +<br /> +Bry (Theodore De). <i>Perigrationes</i>, &c., <a href='#Page_410'>410</a><br /> +<br /> +Brydges (Sir Samuel Egerton, K.J.) <i>Censura Literaria</i>, <a href='#Page_348'>348</a>, <a href='#Page_358'>358</a><br /> +<br /> +Bure (Guillaume François De). <i>Bibliographie Instructive</i>, <a href='#Page_24'>24</a>, <a href='#Page_58'>58</a>, <a href='#Page_137'>137</a>, <a href='#Page_145'>145</a>, <a href='#Page_161'>161</a>, <a href='#Page_166'>166</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Musæum Typographicum</i>, <a href='#Page_58'>58</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Cat. des Livres de Gaignat</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Appel aux Savans</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Reponse à une Critique de la Bibl. Instr.</i>, <a href='#Page_58'>58</a>, <a href='#Page_59'>59</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Bure (G.F. De Fils). <i>Cat. des livres du Duc de la Valliere</i>, <a href='#Page_97'>97</a><br /> +<br /> +Burnet (George). <i>Specimens of English Prose Writers</i>, <a href='#Page_159'>159</a>, <a href='#Page_255'>255</a><br /> +<br /> +Burnet (Gilbert). <i>Hist. of the Reformation</i>, <a href='#Page_151'>151</a>, <a href='#Page_228'>228</a>, <a href='#Page_229'>229</a>, <a href='#Page_232'>232</a>, <a href='#Page_236'>236</a>, <a href='#Page_238'>238</a>, <a href='#Page_318'>318</a><br /> +<br /> +Burton (Robert). <i>Anatomy of Melancholy</i>, <a href='#Page_286'>286</a><br /> +<br /> +Bury (Richard De). <i>Philobiblion, sine de Amore Librorum</i>, <a href='#Page_29'>29</a>, <a href='#Page_185'>185</a>, <a href='#Page_186'>186</a><br /> +<br /> +Byddell (John). <i>Maner and Forme of Confession</i>, <a href='#Page_224'>224</a><br /> +<br /> +Bysshop (John). <i>Beautifull Blossomes</i>, <a href='#Page_453'>453</a><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_vii" id="Page_I_vii">I. vii</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Caballero (R.D.). <i>De prima Typog. Hist. Ætat. Specimen</i>, <a href='#Page_48'>48</a><br /> +<br /> +Cæsar. <i>De Bell. Gall.</i>, <a href='#Page_106'>106</a>, <a href='#Page_165'>165</a><br /> +<br /> +Caille (Jean De La). <i>Hist. de l'Imprimerie et de la Librarie</i>, <a href='#Page_48'>48</a><br /> +<br /> +<a name="Cailleau" id="Cailleau"></a>Cailleau. <i>Dictionnaire Bibliographique</i>, <a href='#Page_42'>42</a>, <a href='#Page_62'>62</a>, <a href='#Page_67'>67</a>, <a href='#Page_68'>68</a>, <a href='#Page_97'>97</a><br /> +<br /> +Caillot (Antoine). <i>Roman Bibliographique</i>, <a href='#Page_145'>145</a>, <a href='#Page_487'>487</a><br /> +<br /> +Camden (William). <i>Remaines</i>, <a href='#Page_10'>10</a>, <a href='#Page_168'>168</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Annales</i>, <a href='#Page_106'>106</a>, <a href='#Page_116'>116</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Camus (Amurand Gaston). <i>Observations sur la distribution, &c., des livres d'une Bibliothèque</i>, <a href='#Page_65'>65</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Additions aux mêmes</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Memoires sur une livre Allemand (Teurdanckhs)</i>, <a href='#Page_65'>65</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Addition aux mêmes</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Memoire, &c., sur le Polytypage et Stereotype</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Rapport sur la Continuation, &c., des Hist. de France</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Notice d'un Livre imprimé à Bamberg</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Memoire sur la Collection des grands et petits Voyages</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Voyage dans les départmens réunis</i>, <a href='#Page_68'>68</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Cardona (J.B.) <i>De reg. Sanct. Lament. bibliotheca</i>, <a href='#Page_33'>33</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>De Bibliothecis, &c.</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>De expurgandis Hæreticorum propr. nom.</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>De Dypthicis</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<br /> +Casaubon (Meric). <i>A Relation concerning Dee and some spirits</i>, <a href='#Page_262'>262</a><br /> +<br /> +Casiri (Michael). <i>Biblioth. Arab. Hisp. Escurial.</i>, <a href='#Page_42'>42</a><br /> +<br /> +<a name="Catalogues" id="Catalogues"></a><i>Catalogues: Foreign.</i><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Augsbourg, <a href='#Page_72'>72</a>, <a href='#Page_73'>73</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Aurivillius, <a href='#Page_73'>73</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Badenhaupt, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Baluze, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Barberini, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Barthelemy, <a href='#Page_74'>74</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Bern, <a href='#Page_98'>98</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Bibliog. des Pays Bas.</i>, <a href='#Page_74'>74</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Bonnier, <a href='#Page_75'>75</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Boutourlin, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Boze, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Bozérian, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Bulteau, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Bunau, <a href='#Page_75'>75</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Bunneman, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Caillard, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Cambis, <a href='#Page_77'>77</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Camus De Limare, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Catalogue des Livres Rares</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><i>par De Bure</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><i>fait sur un plan nouveau</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Catalogus Librorum Rarissimorum</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Ceran, <a href='#Page_78'>78</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Clement-Vatican, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Colbert, <a href='#Page_78'>78</a>, <a href='#Page_162'>162</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Conseil d'Etat, <a href='#Page_78'>78</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Cordes, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Cotte, <a href='#Page_79'>79</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Couvay, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Crevenna, <a href='#Page_48'>48</a>, <a href='#Page_55'>55</a>, <a href='#Page_79'>79</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Crozat, <a href='#Page_80'>80</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Damme [Van], <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Dubois, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Elzevir, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Fagel, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Faultrier, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Favier, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Fay [Du], <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Fresne [Du], <a href='#Page_81'>81</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Gaignat, <a href='#Page_81'>81</a>, <a href='#Page_162'>162</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Genève, <a href='#Page_81'>81</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Goez, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Golowkin, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Gouttard, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Guyon, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Heinsius (Nic.), <a href='#Page_82'>82</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Hohendorf, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Hoym, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Hulsius, <a href='#Page_82'>82</a>, <a href='#Page_552'>552</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Jena, <a href='#Page_82'>82</a></span><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_viii" id="Page_I_viii">I. viii</a></span><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Jesu-Soc., <a href='#Page_83'>83</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Just (St.), <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Krohn, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Lamoignon, <a href='#Page_83'>83</a>, <a href='#Page_84'>84</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Lancelot, <a href='#Page_84'>84</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Lemarié, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Lomenie De Brienne, <a href='#Page_84'>84</a>, <a href='#Page_85'>85</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Macarthy (Ct.), <a href='#Page_85'>85</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Magliabechi, <a href='#Page_85'>85</a>, <a href='#Page_86'>86</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Mark (St.), <a href='#Page_87'>87</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Medici-Lorenzo, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Manarsiana, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Menckenius, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Meon, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Mercier, <a href='#Page_88'>88</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Merigot, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Michael (St.), <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Mirabeau, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Miromenil, <a href='#Page_89'>89</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Montfaucon, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Morelli, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Paris, <a href='#Page_90'>90</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Petau and Mansart, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Pinelli, <a href='#Page_91'>91</a>, <a href='#Page_406'>406</a>, <a href='#Page_407'>407</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Pompadour, <a href='#Page_91'>91</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Préfond, <a href='#Page_91'>91</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Randon de Boisset, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Reimannius, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Renati, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Revickzky, <a href='#Page_92'>92</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Rive, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Roi (Louis XV.), <a href='#Page_92'>92</a>, <a href='#Page_93'>93</a>, <a href='#Page_186'>186</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Röver, <a href='#Page_93'>93</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Rothelin, <a href='#Page_9'>9</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Sarraz, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Sartori, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Schalbruck, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Schwartz, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Scriverius, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Serna Santander, <a href='#Page_94'>94</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Solger, <a href='#Page_95'>95</a>, <a href='#Page_162'>162</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Soubise, <a href='#Page_96'>96</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Tellier, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Thuanus (De Thou), <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Uffenbach, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Valliere (Duc de la), <a href='#Page_97'>97</a>, <a href='#Page_162'>162</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Vienna, <a href='#Page_97'>97</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Volpi, <a href='#Page_98'>98</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Voyage de deux François, &c. <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Zurich, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Catalogues: English.</i><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Ames (of Engl. Heads), <a href='#Page_500'>500</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Askew, <a href='#Page_388'>388</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Beauclerk, <a href='#Page_394'>394</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Bernard (Dr. F.), <a href='#Page_316'>316</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Boucher, <a href='#Page_450'>450</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Bodleian, <a href='#Page_74'>74</a>, <a href='#Page_75'>75</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Brand, <a href='#Page_452'>452</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Bridges, <a href='#Page_362'>362</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Britton, <a href='#Page_333'>333</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Chauncy, <a href='#Page_416'>416</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Collins (Anthony), <a href='#Page_363'>363</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">(Concannon), <a href='#Page_446'>446</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Corpus Christi (Cambr.), <a href='#Page_98'>98</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Cotton, <a href='#Page_86'>86</a>, <a href='#Page_267'>267</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Crofts, <a href='#Page_396'>396</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Dalrymple, <a href='#Page_458'>458</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Daly, <a href='#Page_414'>414</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Dodd, <a href='#Page_403'>403</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Dormer, <a href='#Page_375'>375</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Farmer, <a href='#Page_423'>423</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Fillingham, <a href='#Page_403'>403</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Fletewode, <a href='#Page_386'>386</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Folkes, <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Gough, <a href='#Page_460'>460</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Harley (Earl of Oxford), <a href='#Page_160'>160</a>, <a href='#Page_347'>347</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Hearne, <a href='#Page_336'>336</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">(Heath), <a href='#Page_460'>460</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Henderson, <a href='#Page_402'>402</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Henley, <a href='#Page_372'>372</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Hoblyn, <a href='#Page_374'>374</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Hutton, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Institution (Royal), <a href='#Page_99'>99</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Lansdowne, <a href='#Page_450'>450</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Lort, <a href='#Page_411'>411</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Maddison, <a href='#Page_459'>459</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Manton, <a href='#Page_306'>306</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Maittaire, <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Martin, <a href='#Page_384'>384</a>, <a href='#Page_385'>385</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Mason, <a href='#Page_419'>419</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Mills, <a href='#Page_447'>447</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Mores (Rowe), <a href='#Page_501'>501</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Munro, <a href='#Page_417'>417</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Museum (British), <a href='#Page_89'>89</a>, <a href='#Page_90'>90</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Osborne, <a href='#Page_355'>355</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Paterson, <a href='#Page_400'>400</a></span><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_ix" id="Page_I_ix">I. ix</a></span><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Pearson, <a href='#Page_404'>404</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Pepys, <a href='#Page_320'>320</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Porson, <a href='#Page_458'>458</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Ratcliffe, <a href='#Page_392'>392</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Rawlinson (Richard), <a href='#Page_369'>369</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Rawlinson (Thomas), <a href='#Page_344'>344</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Reed, <a href='#Page_455'>455</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Ritson, <a href='#Page_448'>448</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Seaman (Dr.), <a href='#Page_304'>304</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Sion College, <a href='#Page_95'>95</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Smith (Consul), <a href='#Page_95'>95</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Smith (Richard), <a href='#Page_302'>302</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Smyth, <a href='#Page_403'>403</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Southgate, <a href='#Page_419'>419</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Stace, <a href='#Page_458'>458</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Steevens, <a href='#Page_428'>428</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Swedenborg, <a href='#Page_545'>545</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">(Thurlo), <a href='#Page_448'>448</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Tutet (M.C.), <a href='#Page_399'>399</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">West, <a href='#Page_376'>376</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Wilkes, <a href='#Page_447'>447</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Wood (Anthony), <a href='#Page_99'>99</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Woodford, <a href='#Page_459'>459</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Woodhouse, <i>Prints</i>, <a href='#Page_441'>441</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">—— <i>Books</i>, <a href='#Page_444'>444</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Worsley (Dr.), <a href='#Page_306'>306</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Wright, <a href='#Page_401'>401</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Wynne, <a href='#Page_324'>324</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Catalogue of Books</i>, 1658, 4to., <a href='#Page_301'>301</a><br /> +<br /> +Caxton (William). Books printed by him in West's collection, <a href='#Page_380'>380</a>, <a href='#Page_381'>381</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">in the Fletewode do., <a href='#Page_387'>387</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">in Dr. Askew's do., <a href='#Page_389'>389</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">in John Ratcliffe's do., <a href='#Page_392'>392</a>, <a href='#Page_393'>393</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">in Tutet's do., <a href='#Page_400'>400</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">in Macartney's do., <a href='#Page_407'>407</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">in Mason's do., <a href='#Page_422'>422</a>, <a href='#Page_423'>423</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">in Brand's do., <a href='#Page_454'>454</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Chalmers (Mr. Alexander). <i>History of the University</i> of Oxford, <a href='#Page_193'>193</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Collection of the English Poets</i>, <a href='#Page_240'>240</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Chalmers (Mr. George). <i>Apology for the Believers in Shakespeare, &c.</i>, <a href='#Page_281'>281</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Edition of Sir David Lynday's Poem</i>, <a href='#Page_550'>550</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Chartier (Alain). <i>Livres des quartre Dames</i>, <a href='#Page_23'>23</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Les faicts, dictes, et ballades</i>, <a href='#Page_410'>410</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Chaucer (Geoffrey). <i>Canterbury Tales</i>, <a href='#Page_115'>115</a>, <a href='#Page_118'>118</a>, <a href='#Page_422'>422</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Troylus and Creyseyde</i>, <a href='#Page_426'>426</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Chesne (Andrew Du). <i>Biblioth. Hist. Galliæ</i>, <a href='#Page_35'>35</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Chess.</i> Works relating thereto, <a href='#Page_155'>155</a>, <a href='#Page_156'>156</a><br /> +<br /> +Chevillier (Andrew). <i>L'Origine de l'Imprimerie à Paris</i>, <a href='#Page_48'>48</a>, <a href='#Page_529'>529</a>, <a href='#Page_541'>541</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Series Auctor. de Franc. Hist.</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Choice of Change</i>, <a href='#Page_465'>465</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Churchyard's Pieces</i>, <a href='#Page_401'>401</a>, <a href='#Page_455'>455</a><br /> +<br /> +Cinelli (John). <i>Bibliotheca Volante</i>, <a href='#Page_40'>40</a><br /> +<br /> +Clarke (Rev. Dr. Adam), <a href='#Page_459'>459</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Bibliographical Dictionary</i>, <a href='#Page_109'>109</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Clarke (Dr. Edward Daniel). <i>Travels in Russia</i>, <a href='#Page_81'>81</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Classical Journal</i>, <a href='#Page_459'>459</a>, <a href='#Page_460'>460</a><br /> +<br /> +Clement (Claude). <i>Extract. Bibl. tam privatæ quam publicæ</i>, <a href='#Page_39'>39</a><br /> +<br /> +—— (David). <i>Bibliothèque Curieuse</i>, <a href='#Page_55'>55</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Les cinq Années Literaires</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<br /> +Coke (Sir Edward). <i>Institutes</i>, <a href='#Page_104'>104</a>, <a href='#Page_234'>234</a><br /> +<br /> +Collier (Rev. Jeremy). <i>Ecclesiastical History</i>, <a href='#Page_172'>172</a>, <a href='#Page_232'>232-234</a><br /> +<br /> +Conringius (Herman). <i>Bibliotheca Augusta</i>, <a href='#Page_40'>40</a><br /> +<br /> +Coryat (Thomas). <i>Crudities</i>, <a href='#Page_123'>123</a>, <a href='#Page_127'>127</a>, <a href='#Page_281'>281</a><br /> +<br /> +Coxe (Francis). <i>Detestible wickedness of magical sciences</i>, <a href='#Page_180'>180</a><br /> +<br /> +Cowper (William). <i>The Task</i>, <a href='#Page_9'>9</a>, <a href='#Page_196'>196</a><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_x" id="Page_I_x">I. x</a></span><br /> +Croix du Maine (François Grude De la) et Du Verdier. <i>Bibliothèque Françoise</i>, <a href='#Page_32'>32</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Cynthia; with certain Sonnets</i>, <a href='#Page_455'>455</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +Dante (Alighieri). <i>La Divina Comedia</i> (1472), <a href='#Page_407'>407</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">di Landini (1481), <a href='#Page_418'>418</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Darwin (John), M.D. <i>Zoonomia</i>, <a href='#Page_7'>7</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Debates between the</i> [French and English] <i>Heralds</i>, <a href='#Page_11'>11</a><br /> +<br /> +Dekker (Thomas). <i>Works</i>, <a href='#Page_402'>402</a>, <a href='#Page_404'>404</a><br /> +<br /> +Denis (Michael). <i>Supplementum Maittairii Annal.</i>, <a href='#Page_65'>65</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Codices Manuscripti Theol. Bibl. Palat. Vindob.</i>, <a href='#Page_65'>65</a>, <a href='#Page_70'>70</a>, <a href='#Page_97'>97</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Dictionnaire Bibliographique.</i> See <a href="#Cailleau">Cailleau</a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Historique.</i> Caen, <a href='#Page_46'>46</a>, <a href='#Page_53'>53</a>, <a href='#Page_542'>542</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>de Bibliologie.</i> See <a href="#Peignot">Peignot</a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Director</i>, The, <a href='#Page_183'>183</a><br /> +<br /> +D'Israeli (Isaac). <i>Curiosities of Literature</i>, <a href='#Page_468'>468</a>, <a href='#Page_486'>486</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Dives et Pauper.</i> Pynson's edition of (1493), <a href='#Page_421'>421</a>, <a href='#Page_452'>452</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Martin's vellum MS. of, <a href='#Page_385'>385</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Dodd (Charles). <i>Church History</i>, <a href='#Page_232'>232</a><br /> +<br /> +Dolman (Robert). See <a href="#Treatise_of_Treasons"><i>Treatise of Treasons</i></a>, post.<br /> +<br /> +Doni (Anthony Francis). <i>La Libraria</i>, <a href='#Page_60'>60</a><br /> +<br /> +Draudius (George). <i>Bibliotheca Classica</i>, <a href='#Page_25'>25</a>, <a href='#Page_35'>35</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Drolleries</i>, <a href='#Page_404'>404</a><br /> +<br /> +Dugdale (Sir William). His <i>Works</i>, complete, <a href='#Page_449'>449</a><br /> +<br /> +Du Pin (Louis Ellies). <i>Ecclesiastical History</i>, <a href='#Page_152'>152</a>, <a href='#Page_173'>173</a>, <a href='#Page_222'>222</a><br /> +<br /> +Dunstan (St.) <i>De Occulta Philosophia</i>, <a href='#Page_135'>135</a><br /> +<br /> +Durandi (Gulielmus). <i>Rationale</i>, upon vellum, <a href='#Page_390'>390</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +Ellis (Mr. George). <i>Specimens of the Early English Poets</i>, <a href='#Page_171'>171</a>, <a href='#Page_226'>226</a>, <a href='#Page_241'>241</a>, <a href='#Page_299'>299</a><br /> +<br /> +Engel (Samuel). <i>Bibliotheca Selectissima, &c.</i>, <a href='#Page_56'>56</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>England's Helicon</i>, <a href='#Page_404'>404</a>, <a href='#Page_430'>430</a><br /> +<br /> +Englefield (Sir H.C.) <i>Walk through Southampton</i>, <a href='#Page_288'>288</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Example of Sertu</i>, <a href='#Page_403'>403</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +Fabricius (John Albert). <i>Bibliotheca Græca</i>, <a href='#Page_49'>49</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Bibliotheca Latina</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Bibliographia Antiquaria</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Bibliotheca Ecclesiastica</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Bibl. Lat. Mediæ et Inf. Ætatis</i>, <a href='#Page_49'>49</a>, <a href='#Page_174'>174</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Sylloge Opusc. Hist. Cat. Lit. J.A. Fabricii</i>, <a href='#Page_222'>222</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Hist. Bibliothecæ Fabricianæ</i>, <a href='#Page_49'>49</a>, <a href='#Page_222'>222</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Ferriar (John), M.D. <i>Comments upon Sterne</i>, <a href='#Page_487'>487</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>The Bibliomania</i>, <a href='#Page_487'>487</a>, <a href='#Page_491'>491</a>, <a href='#Page_496'>496</a>, <a href='#Page_513'>513</a>, <a href='#Page_528'>528</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Festiuall, The Boke that is called</i>, <a href='#Page_177'>177</a><br /> +<br /> +Fischer (Gotthelf). <i>Essai sur les Monum. de Typog. de Gutenberg</i>, <a href='#Page_68'>68</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Descriptions de Raretés Typographique, &c.</i>, <a href='#Page_68'>68</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Fishing.</i> Books upon, <a href='#Page_305'>305</a>, <a href='#Page_452'>452</a>, <a href='#Page_454'>454</a><br /> +<br /> +Fontaine (John De la), <i>Contes de la</i>—Manuscript de Mons. Paris, <a href='#Page_410'>410</a><br /> +<br /> +Fontanini (Giusto). <i>Biblioteca del Eloquenza Italiana</i>, <a href='#Page_60'>60</a><br /> +<br /> +Fossius (Ferdin). <i>Cat. Biblioth. Magliabechi</i>, <a href='#Page_85'>85</a>, <a href='#Page_86'>86</a>, <a href='#Page_121'>121</a><br /> +<br /> +Fournier (François J.) <i>Dict. Portatif de Bibliographie</i>, <a href='#Page_38'>38</a>, <a href='#Page_57'>57</a>, <a href='#Page_69'>69</a>, <a href='#Page_167'>167</a><br /> +<br /> +Fournier (Pierre Simon). <i>Dissertation sur l'origine, &c., de graver en bois</i>, <a href='#Page_57'>57</a><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_xi" id="Page_I_xi">I. xi</a></span><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>De l'Origine et Productions de l'Imp., &c., en bois</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Traité sur l'Origine, &c., de l'Imprimerie</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Observations, &c., sur les Vindicæ Typographicæ</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Epreuves de caractères nouvellement gravés</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Manuel Typographique</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<br /> +Fox (John). <i>Book of Martyrs</i>, <a href='#Page_197'>197</a>, <a href='#Page_228'>228</a>, <a href='#Page_239'>239</a><br /> +<br /> +Fresnoy (N.C. Du). <i>Methode pour etudier l'Histoire</i>, <a href='#Page_53'>53</a><br /> +<br /> +Freytag (F.G.). <i>Analecta Literaria</i>, <a href='#Page_56'>56</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Adparatus Literarius</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<br /> +Froissart (Sir John). <i>Chronicles</i>, <a href='#Page_421'>421</a>, <a href='#Page_493'>493</a><br /> +<br /> +Fuller (Rev. Thomas), D.D. <i>Church History</i>, <a href='#Page_182'>182</a>, <a href='#Page_232'>232</a>, <a href='#Page_236'>236</a>, <a href='#Page_260'>260</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +Gaddius (James). <i>De Scriptoribus non Ecclesiastices</i>, <a href='#Page_39'>39</a><br /> +<br /> +Gale (Thomas), D.D. <i>Rerum Anglicar. Script. Vet.</i>, <a href='#Page_173'>173</a>, <a href='#Page_245'>245</a>, <a href='#Page_269'>269</a><br /> +<br /> +Gallois (John). <i>Traité des plus belles Bibliothèques</i>, <a href='#Page_40'>40</a><br /> +<br /> +Gascoigne (George). <i>Works</i>, in Steevens's Collection, <a href='#Page_428'>428</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">in Reed's Collection, <a href='#Page_455'>455</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Gentleman's Magazine</i>, <a href='#Page_249'>249</a>, <a href='#Page_334'>334</a>, <a href='#Page_413'>413</a>, <a href='#Page_423'>423</a>, <a href='#Page_427'>427</a>, <a href='#Page_460'>460</a>, <a href='#Page_471'>471</a><br /> +<br /> +Georgius. <i>Lexicon Literarium</i>, <a href='#Page_566'>566</a><br /> +<br /> +Gerdes (Daniel). <i>Florilegium Hist.-Crit. Libror. Rarior., &c.</i>, <a href='#Page_56'>56</a><br /> +<br /> +Gesner (Conrad). <i>Bibliotheca, seu Catalogus Universalis</i>, <a href='#Page_30'>30</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Pandectæ</i>, <a href='#Page_31'>31</a>, <a href='#Page_130'>130</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Geyler (John). <i>Navicula sive Speculum Fatuorum</i>, <a href='#Page_486'>486</a>, <a href='#Page_514'>514</a><br /> +<br /> +Gibbon (Edward). <i>Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire</i>, <a href='#Page_28'>28</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Posthumous Works</i>, <a href='#Page_334'>334</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Gildas's <i>Epistle</i>, <a href='#Page_11'>11</a><br /> +<br /> +Girald Barri. <i>Sir Richard Colt Hoare's edition of</i>, <a href='#Page_178'>178</a><br /> +<br /> +Goddard (William). <i>Satyrical Dialogue, betweene Alexander, &c., and Diogenes</i>, <a href='#Page_13'>13</a><br /> +<br /> +Godwyn (Francis). <i>Catalogue of the Bishops of England</i>, <a href='#Page_174'>174</a>, <a href='#Page_187'>187</a>, <a href='#Page_200'>200</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Annales of England</i>, <a href='#Page_245'>245</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Gomez, or Gomecius (Alvarez). <i>De rebus gestis Cardinalis Ximines</i>, <a href='#Page_160'>160</a><br /> +<br /> +Googe (Barnabe). His works in Steevens's Collection, <a href='#Page_428'>428</a><br /> +<br /> +Gough (Richard). <i>British Topography</i>, <a href='#Page_118'>118</a>, <a href='#Page_334'>334</a><br /> +<br /> +Goujet (Claude Peter). <i>Bibliothèque François</i>, &c., <a href='#Page_52'>52</a><br /> +<br /> +Gower (John). <i>Confessio Amantis</i>, <a href='#Page_181'>181</a><br /> +<br /> +Grafton (Richard). <i>Chronicles</i>, <a href='#Page_256'>256</a><br /> +<br /> +Gunton (Simon). <i>Hist. of Peterborough Abbey</i>, <a href='#Page_178'>178</a><br /> +<br /> +Gutch (Rev. John). <i>Collectanea Curiosa</i>, <a href='#Page_150'>150</a>, <a href='#Page_225'>225</a>, <a href='#Page_254'>254</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +Hallevordius. <i>Bibliotheca Curiosa</i>, <a href='#Page_30'>30</a><br /> +<br /> +Hardyng (John). <i>Chronicle</i>, <a href='#Page_421'>421</a><br /> +<br /> +Harpsfield (Nicholas). <i>Hist. Eccles. Anglicana</i>, <a href='#Page_205'>205</a><br /> +<br /> +Harrison. <i>Seven Triumphal Arches</i>, <a href='#Page_445'>445</a><br /> +<br /> +Harwood (Rev. Edward), D.D. <i>View of the various editions of the Greek and Roman Classics</i>, <a href='#Page_67'>67</a><br /> +<br /> +Haym (Nicolas Francis). <i>Biblioteca Italiana</i>, <a href='#Page_60'>60</a><br /> +<br /> +Hearne (Thomas). <i>Johan. Ros. Hist. Angl. Regum</i>, <a href='#Page_170'>170</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Thom. Caii Vindic. Antiq. Acad. Oxon.</i>, <a href='#Page_170'>170</a>, <a href='#Page_244'>244</a>, <a href='#Page_289'>289</a>, <a href='#Page_331'>331</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Antiquities of Glastonbury</i>, <a href='#Page_172'>172</a>, <a href='#Page_194'>194</a>, <a href='#Page_195'>195</a>, <a href='#Page_326'>326</a>, <a href='#Page_335'>335</a>, <a href='#Page_341'>341</a>, <a href='#Page_382'>382</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>John. Confrat. Mon. de Rebus Glastoniens.</i>, <a href='#Page_178'>178</a>, <a href='#Page_251'>251</a>, <a href='#Page_262'>262</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Adam de Domerham de rebus Gest. Glaston.</i>, <a href='#Page_118'>118</a>, <a href='#Page_239'>239</a>, <a href='#Page_382'>382</a></span><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_xii" id="Page_I_xii">I. xii</a></span><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Guil. Neubrig. Hist.</i>, <a href='#Page_178'>178</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Curious Discourses by Eminent Antiquaries</i>, <a href='#Page_183'>183</a>, <a href='#Page_201'>201</a>, <a href='#Page_251'>251</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Benedictus Abbas</i>, <a href='#Page_189'>189</a>, <a href='#Page_269'>269</a>, <a href='#Page_280'>280</a>, <a href='#Page_335'>335</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Robert de Avesbury</i>, <a href='#Page_216'>216</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Guliel. Roperi vita D.T. Mori</i>, <a href='#Page_221'>221</a>, <a href='#Page_327'>327</a>, <a href='#Page_331'>331</a>, <a href='#Page_335'>335</a>, <a href='#Page_341'>341</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Robert of Glocester</i>, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a>, <a href='#Page_333'>333</a>, <a href='#Page_335'>335</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Peter Langtoft's Chronicle</i>, <a href='#Page_10'>10</a>, <a href='#Page_302'>302</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Tit. Liv. Foro-Juliensis</i>, <a href='#Page_250'>250</a>, <a href='#Page_344'>344</a>, <a href='#Page_371'>371</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Annals of Dunstaple Priory</i>, <a href='#Page_289'>289</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Liber Niger Scaccarii</i>, <a href='#Page_304'>304</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Hist. Vit. et Regni Ricardi II.</i>, <a href='#Page_317'>317</a>, <a href='#Page_318'>318</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Walt. Hemingford Hist.</i>, <a href='#Page_328'>328</a>, <a href='#Page_341'>341</a>, <a href='#Page_343'>343</a>, <a href='#Page_344'>344</a>, <a href='#Page_366'>366</a>, <a href='#Page_383'>383</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Heming. Wigorens. Chartular.</i>, <a href='#Page_328'>328</a>, <a href='#Page_329'>329</a>, <a href='#Page_333'>333</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Thomas de Elmham</i>, <a href='#Page_335'>335</a>, <a href='#Page_341'>341</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Alured de Beverley</i>, <a href='#Page_335'>335</a>, <a href='#Page_344'>344</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Heinecken (Baron). <i>Nachrichten von Kunstlern</i>, &c., <a href='#Page_63'>63</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Idée Generale d'une Collection d'Estampes</i>, <a href='#Page_63'>63</a>, <a href='#Page_205'>205</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Dictionnaire des Artistes</i>, <a href='#Page_63'>63</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Henry (Rev. Robert), D.D. <i>History of Great Britain</i>, <a href='#Page_146'>146</a>, <a href='#Page_165'>165</a>, <a href='#Page_166'>166</a>, <a href='#Page_167'>167</a>, <a href='#Page_173'>173</a>, <a href='#Page_179'>179</a>, <a href='#Page_199'>199</a><br /> +<br /> +Herbert (William). <i>Typographical Antiquities</i>, <a href='#Page_67'>67</a>, <a href='#Page_239'>239</a>, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a>, <a href='#Page_438'>438</a>, <a href='#Page_439'>439</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Heures de Notre Dame</i>, <a href='#Page_90'>90</a><br /> +<br /> +Heylin (Rev. Peter), D.D. <i>Life and Death of Archbishop Laud</i>, <a href='#Page_297'>297</a><br /> +<br /> +Hirschius (C.C.). <i>Librorum ab Anno I. usque ad Annum L. Sec. xvi.</i>, <a href='#Page_48'>48</a><br /> +<br /> +Horatius. <i>Carmen</i>, lib. i., &c., <a href='#Page_106'>106</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +Jacob (Louis). <i>Traicté des plus belles Bibliothèques</i>, <a href='#Page_39'>39</a>, <a href='#Page_113'>113</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Bibliothèque Universelle</i>, <a href='#Page_39'>39</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Bibliotheca Parisina</i>, <a href='#Page_39'>39</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Jansen. <i>De l'Invention de l'Imprimerie</i>, <a href='#Page_58'>58</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>John Bon and Mast. Person</i>, <a href='#Page_240'>240</a><br /> +<br /> +Johnson. <i>Upon English Bibles</i>, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<i>Kalender of Shepherds</i>, <a href='#Page_204'>204</a><br /> +<br /> +Kennet (White, D.D., Bishop of Peterborough). <i>Parochial Antiquities</i>, <a href='#Page_493'>493</a><br /> +<br /> +Knight (Rev. Samuel), D.D. <i>Life of Colet</i>, <a href='#Page_218'>218</a>, <a href='#Page_445'>445</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Life of Erasmus</i>, <a href='#Page_223'>223</a>, <a href='#Page_445'>445</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Koenigius (George Matthias). <i>Biblioth. Vet. et Nov.</i>, <a href='#Page_43'>43</a><br /> +<br /> +Kollarius (Adam Francis). His edition of Lambecius's <i>Commentarii</i>, &c., <a href='#Page_41'>41</a>, <a href='#Page_42'>42</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +Labbe (Philip). <i>Bibliotheca Bibliothecarum</i>, <a href='#Page_40'>40</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Bibliotheca Nummaria</i>, <a href='#Page_41'>41</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Mantissa Suppellectilis</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Specimen Nov. Bibl. Manuscript</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Collectio maxima Conciliorum</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<br /> +Lackman (Adam Herne). <i>Annal. Typog. selecta quædam capita</i>, <a href='#Page_48'>48</a><br /> +<br /> +Laire (Franciscus Xavier). <i>Specimen Hist. Typog. Rom.</i>, <a href='#Page_62'>62</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Dissertation sur l'Imprimerie en Franche Comté</i>, <a href='#Page_62'>62</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Index Libror. ab invent, typog. ad ann. 1500</i>, <a href='#Page_62'>62</a>, <a href='#Page_84'>84</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Lambecius (Pierre). <i>Commentarii de Bibl. Cæsar Vindobon.</i>, <a href='#Page_41'>41</a><br /> +<br /> +Lambinet (P.). <i>Recherches, &c., sur l'Origine de l'Imprimerie</i>, &c., <a href='#Page_24'>24</a>, <a href='#Page_68'>68</a><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_xiii" id="Page_I_xiii">I. xiii</a></span><br /> +Laneham (Robert). <i>Letter of the Entertainment given to Q. Elizabeth at Killingworth Castle</i>, <a href='#Page_266'>266</a>, <a href='#Page_267'>267</a><br /> +<br /> +Latimer (Hugh), Archbishop of Canterbury. <i>Sermons</i>, <a href='#Page_230'>230</a>, <a href='#Page_231'>231</a><br /> +<br /> +Leibnitz (Godfrey William De). <i>Idea Bibliothecæ Publiæ</i>, &c., <a href='#Page_50'>50</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Scriptores Rerum Brunsvicensium</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<br /> +Leland (John). <i>Collectanea</i>, <a href='#Page_150'>150</a>, <a href='#Page_200'>200</a>, <a href='#Page_244'>244</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>De Scriptoribus Britannicis</i>, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Itinerarium</i>, <a href='#Page_193'>193</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Le Long (Jacques). <i>Bibliotheca Sacra</i>, <a href='#Page_49'>49</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Bibliothèque Historique de la France</i>, <a href='#Page_49'>49</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Lewin. <i>Birds of Great Britain</i>, <a href='#Page_445'>445</a><br /> +<br /> +Lewis (Rev. John). <i>Upon English Bibles</i>, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Life off the 70 Archbishop of Canterbury</i>, &c., <a href='#Page_258'>258</a><br /> +<br /> +Lipenius (Martin). <i>Biblioth. Theol. Med. Philos. Jurid.</i>, <a href='#Page_43'>43</a><br /> +<br /> +Lipsius (Justus). <i>Syntagma de Bibliothecis</i>, <a href='#Page_34'>34</a><br /> +<br /> +Lloyd (David). <i>Memoirs of the Sufferers</i>, <a href='#Page_297'>297</a><br /> +<br /> +Lomeier (John). <i>De Bibliothecis liber singularis</i>, <a href='#Page_40'>40</a>, <a href='#Page_113'>113</a>, <a href='#Page_167'>167</a><br /> +<br /> +Lupset (Thomas). <i>Exhortacion to yonge men</i>, <a href='#Page_227'>227</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +Macdiarmid (John). <i>Lives of British Statesmen</i>, <a href='#Page_222'>222</a>, <a href='#Page_256'>256</a><br /> +<br /> +Mackenzie (George), M.D. <i>Scottish Writers</i>, <a href='#Page_196'>196</a><br /> +<br /> +Maichelius (Daniel). <i>De Præcip. Bibl. Paris</i>, <a href='#Page_38'>38</a>, <a href='#Page_529'>529</a><br /> +<br /> +Maittaire (Michael). <i>Annales Typographici</i>, <a href='#Page_47'>47</a>, <a href='#Page_325'>325</a>, <a href='#Page_362'>362</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Historia Stephanorum</i>, &c., <a href='#Page_47'>47</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Historia Typographor. aliquot. Parisiens</i>, <a href='#Page_47'>47</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Marchand (Prosper). <i>Dict. Historique, ou Mémoires Critiques</i>, &c., <a href='#Page_45'>45</a>, <a href='#Page_55'>55</a>, <a href='#Page_223'>223</a>, <a href='#Page_551'>551</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Histoire de l'Imprimerie</i>, <a href='#Page_55'>55</a>, <a href='#Page_56'>56</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Marie Magdalene.</i> Life and Repentance of, <a href='#Page_448'>448</a><br /> +<br /> +Marville. <i>Melanges d'Histoire et de Literature</i>, <a href='#Page_490'>490</a><br /> +<br /> +Masters (Robert). <i>Life of Thomas Baker</i>, <a href='#Page_341'>341</a>, <a href='#Page_347'>347</a><br /> +<br /> +Maunsell (Andrew). <i>Catalogue of English Books</i>, <a href='#Page_280'>280</a><br /> +<br /> +Mazzuchelli (Giovanni Maria). <i>Gli Scrittori d'Italia</i>, &c., <a href='#Page_60'>60</a><br /> +<br /> +Meerman (Gerard). <i>Origines Typographicæ</i>, <a href='#Page_57'>57</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Memoires de l'Institut National</i>, <a href='#Page_25'>25</a>, <a href='#Page_32'>32</a>, <a href='#Page_42'>42</a>, <a href='#Page_50'>50</a>, <a href='#Page_526'>526</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Memoirs (Old and New) of Literature</i>, <a href='#Page_16'>16</a><br /> +<br /> +Mercier de St. Leger. <i>Supplement á l'Histoire de l'Imprimerie par Marchand</i>, <a href='#Page_61'>61</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>His bibliographical character</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Catalogue of his books</i>, <a href='#Page_88'>88</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Middleton (Rev. Conyer), D.D. <i>Dissertation upon the Origin of the Art of Printing</i>, <a href='#Page_52'>52</a><br /> +<br /> +Momoro (Antoine François). <i>Traité Elementaire de l'Imprimerie</i>, <a href='#Page_529'>529</a><br /> +<br /> +Monstrelet (Enguerand De). <i>Chronicles of, translated by Mr. Johnes</i>, <a href='#Page_154'>154</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Monthly Mirror</i>, <a href='#Page_17'>17</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Monthly Review</i>, <a href='#Page_16'>16</a><br /> +<br /> +More (Sir Thomas). <i>Utopia</i>, <a href='#Page_220'>220</a>, <a href='#Page_228'>228</a>, <a href='#Page_301'>301</a><br /> +<br /> +Mores (Edward Rowe). <i>Of English Founders and Founderies</i>, <a href='#Page_501'>501</a>, <a href='#Page_528'>528</a><br /> +<br /> +Morhof (Daniel George). <i>Polyhistor. Literarius</i>, <a href='#Page_29'>29</a>, <a href='#Page_31'>31</a>, <a href='#Page_32'>32</a>, <a href='#Page_33'>33</a>, <a href='#Page_34'>34</a>, <a href='#Page_35'>35</a>, <a href='#Page_36'>36</a>, <a href='#Page_38'>38</a>, <a href='#Page_39'>39</a>, <a href='#Page_40'>40</a>, <a href='#Page_41'>41</a>, <a href='#Page_42'>42</a>, <a href='#Page_43'>43</a>, <a href='#Page_45'>45</a>, <a href='#Page_46'>46</a>, <a href='#Page_81'>81</a>, <a href='#Page_187'>187</a>, <a href='#Page_547'>547</a>, <a href='#Page_553'>553</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Princeps Medicus</i>, <a href='#Page_46'>46</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Epistola de Scypho vitreo per somn. human. voc. rupto</i>, <a href='#Page_46'>46</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Murr (C.T. De). <i>Memorabilia Biblioth. Public. Norimb.</i>, <a href='#Page_64'>64</a><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_xiv" id="Page_I_xiv">I. xiv</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Nash (Thomas). Wright's collection of his <i>Works</i>, <a href='#Page_401'>401</a><br /> +<br /> +Naudé or Naudæus (Gabriel). <i>Avis pour dresser une Bibliothèque</i>, <a href='#Page_38'>38</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Mascurat</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Considerations politiques</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Additions à l'Histoire de Louis XI.</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Avis à Nos seigneurs de Parlement</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Remise de la Bibliothèque, &c.</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Catalog. Biblioth. Cordes.</i>, <a href='#Page_78'>78</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Apologie, &c., faussement soupçonnez de magie</i>, <a href='#Page_18'>18</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Neander (Michael). <i>Erotemata Græcæ Linguæ</i>, <a href='#Page_32'>32</a><br /> +<br /> +Niceron (Jean Pierre). <i>Mémoires pour servir à l'Histoire des Hommes Illustres</i>, <a href='#Page_53'>53</a><br /> +<br /> +Nichols (John). <i>Manners and Expenses of ancient times in England</i>, <a href='#Page_115'>115-117</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>History of Leicestershire</i>, <a href='#Page_119'>119</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Anecdotes of Bowyer</i>, <a href='#Page_355'>355</a>, <a href='#Page_366'>366</a>, <a href='#Page_369'>369</a>, <a href='#Page_383'>383</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Nicolson (William, D.D., Bishop). <i>English, Scottish, and Irish Hist. Libraries</i>, <a href='#Page_51'>51</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Epistolary Correspondence</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<br /> +Noble (Rev. Mark). <i>Continuation of Granger</i>, <a href='#Page_325'>325</a><br /> +<br /> +North (Roger). <i>Life of Lord Keeper Guildford</i>, <a href='#Page_309'>309</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Life of the Hon. and Rev. Dr. John North</i>, <a href='#Page_310'>310-312</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Examen</i>, <a href='#Page_309'>309</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +Oberlin (Jeremiah James). <i>Essai d'Annales de la vie de Jean Gutenberg</i>, <a href='#Page_68'>68</a><br /> +<br /> +Ogilby (William). <i>His Works</i>, <a href='#Page_449'>449</a><br /> +<br /> +Oldys (William). <i>British Librarian</i>, <a href='#Page_51'>51</a>, <a href='#Page_52'>52</a>, <a href='#Page_468'>468</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Life of Raleigh</i>, <a href='#Page_500'>500</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Harleian Miscellany</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Interleaved Langbaine</i>, <a href='#Page_499'>499</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Oliver of Castille. Romance of</i>, <a href='#Page_153'>153</a>, <a href='#Page_154'>154</a>, <a href='#Page_381'>381</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Ordynary of Christian Men</i>, <a href='#Page_203'>203</a><br /> +<br /> +Orlandi (Pellegrino Antonio). <i>Origine e Progressi della stampa, &c.</i>, <a href='#Page_47'>47</a><br /> +<br /> +Osmont. <i>Dictionnaire Typographique</i>, <a href='#Page_162'>162</a><br /> +<br /> +Otho and Octhobone. <i>Constitutions Provinciales</i>, <a href='#Page_151'>151</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +Painter (William). <i>Palace of Pleasure</i>, Hutton's copy of, <a href='#Page_374'>374</a><br /> +<br /> +Paitoni (Giacomo Maria). <i>Biblioteca degli Autori Antichi, &c.</i>, <a href='#Page_60'>60</a><br /> +<br /> +Palmer (Samuel). <i>History of Printing</i>, <a href='#Page_52'>52</a>, <a href='#Page_528'>528</a><br /> +<br /> +Pansa (Mutius). <i>Biblioteca Vaticana</i>, <a href='#Page_33'>33</a><br /> +<br /> +Panzer (George Wolfgang Francis). <i>Annales Typographici</i>, <a href='#Page_64'>64</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Annalen der altern Deutschen Literatur, &c.</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Paradise of Dainty Devises</i>, <a href='#Page_404'>404</a>, <a href='#Page_425'>425</a>, <a href='#Page_429'>429</a><br /> +<br /> +Park (Mr. Thomas). <i>Royal and Noble Authors</i>, <a href='#Page_193'>193</a>, <a href='#Page_199'>199</a>, <a href='#Page_241'>241</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Edition of the Harleian Miscellany</i>, <a href='#Page_549'>549</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Passe temps de tout hommes, &c.</i>, <a href='#Page_203'>203</a><br /> +<br /> +Peacham (Henry). <i>Compleat Gentleman</i>, <a href='#Page_283'>283-285</a><br /> +<br /> +<a name="Peignot" id="Peignot"></a>Peignot (Gabriel). <i>Dictionnaire de Bibliologie</i>, <a href='#Page_24'>24</a>, <a href='#Page_38'>38</a>, <a href='#Page_59'>59</a>, <a href='#Page_64'>64</a>, <a href='#Page_65'>65</a>, <a href='#Page_68'>68</a>, <a href='#Page_69'>69</a>, <a href='#Page_486'>486</a>, <a href='#Page_552'>552</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Essai de Curiosités Bibliographiques</i>, <a href='#Page_68'>68</a>, <a href='#Page_69'>69</a>, <a href='#Page_496'>496</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Dictionnaire, &c., des Livres condamnés, &c., ou censurés</i>, <a href='#Page_69'>69</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Bibliographie Curieuse</i>, <a href='#Page_59'>59</a>, <a href='#Page_69'>69</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Petrarca (<span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: Francesco">Francisco</span>). <i>Le Rime</i> (1475), <a href='#Page_407'>407</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Opere de</i> (1514), <a href='#Page_410'>410</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Pitseus (Johannes). <i>De Rebus Anglicis</i>, <a href='#Page_38'>38</a>, <a href='#Page_189'>189</a><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_xv" id="Page_I_xv">I. xv</a></span><br /> +<i>Plaister for a galled horse</i>, <a href='#Page_239'>239</a>, <a href='#Page_240'>240</a><br /> +<br /> +Plato. <i>Opera Omnia</i>—upon vellum, <a href='#Page_390'>390</a><br /> +<br /> +Plinii. <i>Hist. Naturalis</i> (1470), upon vellum, <a href='#Page_519'>519</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">(1472), upon vellum, <a href='#Page_417'>417</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Pole. Life of Reginald</i>, <a href='#Page_229'>229</a>, <a href='#Page_234'>234</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Polychronicon.</i> <i>Caxton's edit.</i>, <a href='#Page_174'>174</a>, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Pope (Sir Thomas). Life of</i>, <a href='#Page_150'>150</a>, <a href='#Page_241'>241</a><br /> +<br /> +Possevinus (Antonius). <i>Bibliotheca Selecta, &c.</i>, <a href='#Page_34'>34</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Apparatus Sacer</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<br /> +Praet (Joseph Van). <i>Cat. des MSS. du Duc de la Valliere</i>, <a href='#Page_60'>60</a>, <a href='#Page_68'>68</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Cat. des Livres imprimés sur Velin</i>, <a href='#Page_60'>60</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Prince (John). <i>Worthies of Devon</i>, <a href='#Page_270'>270</a><br /> +<br /> +Priscianus. <i>De Art. Gram.</i> (1470), <a href='#Page_407'>407</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Promptuarium Parvulorum</i>, 1499. Martin's Copy of, <a href='#Page_385'>385</a><br /> +<br /> +Prynne (William). <i>Records</i>, <a href='#Page_415'>415</a><br /> +<br /> +Puhtherb (Gabriel). <i>De tollendis et expurgandis malis libris</i>, <a href='#Page_43'>43</a><br /> +<br /> +Puteanus (Ericus). <i>De Usu Bibliothecæ</i>, &c., <a href='#Page_34'>34</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Auspicia Bibliothecæ Lovaniensis</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<br /> +Puttenham (George). <i>Art of English Poesie</i>, <a href='#Page_404'>404</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Pype or Tonne of Perfection</i>, <a href='#Page_234'>234</a>, <a href='#Page_370'>370</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +Quirini (Angelo Maria, Cardinal). <i>Specimen variæ Literaturæ Brixiens</i>, <a href='#Page_54'>54</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Catalogo delle Opere, &c.</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>De Optimorum Scriptorum Editionibus</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +Rastell (John). <i>Chronicle, or Pastyme of People</i>, <a href='#Page_281'>281</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Martin's copy of, <a href='#Page_385'>385</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Ratcliffe's copy of, <a href='#Page_392'>392</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Chauncy's copy of, <a href='#Page_417'>417</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Mason's copy of, <a href='#Page_421'>421</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Raynaud (Theophilus). <i>Erotemata de malis ac bonis libris, &c.</i>, <a href='#Page_43'>43</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Recueil des Historiens des Gaules</i>, <a href='#Page_173'>173</a>, <a href='#Page_492'><span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: 492">659</span></a><br /> +<br /> +Reimannus. <i>Bibliotheca Acroamatica</i>, <a href='#Page_29'>29</a>, <a href='#Page_41'>41</a><br /> +<br /> +Renouard (Antoine Auguste). <i>L'Imprimerie des Alde</i>, <a href='#Page_34'>34</a>, <a href='#Page_68'>68</a>, <a href='#Page_488'>488</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Revelacions of a Monk of Euisham</i>, <a href='#Page_202'>202</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Revelationes <span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: sancte">scancte</span> Birgitte</i>, <a href='#Page_204'>204</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Reviews.</i> <i>American</i>, <a href='#Page_520'>520</a>, <a href='#Page_553'>553</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Edinburgh</i>, <a href='#Page_133'>133</a>, <a href='#Page_220'>220</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Monthly</i>, <a href='#Page_16'>16</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Quarterly</i>, <a href='#Page_282'>282</a>, <a href='#Page_289'>289</a>, <a href='#Page_320'>320</a>, <a href='#Page_549'>549</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Ridley (Nicholas, Bishop of London). <i>Life of Ridley</i>, <a href='#Page_201'>201</a><br /> +<br /> +Ritson (Joseph). <i>Ancient English Metrical Romances</i>, <a href='#Page_199'>199</a><br /> +<br /> +Rive (Abbé Jean Joseph). <i>Chasse aux Bibliographes</i>, <a href='#Page_59'>59</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Notices Calligraphiques, &c.</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Anecdotes of</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Catalogue of his library</i>, <a href='#Page_92'>92</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>L'Art de connoitre les Miniatures des MSS. anciens</i>, <a href='#Page_409'>409</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Notice d'un Roman d'Artus</i>, <a href='#Page_566'>566</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Etrennes aux Joueurs des Cartes</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Robin Hood. A merry jest of</i>, <a href='#Page_425'>425</a><br /> +<br /> +Roccha (Angelus). <i>Bibliotheca Vaticana</i>, <a href='#Page_33'>33</a><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_xvi" id="Page_I_xvi">I. xvi</a></span><br /> +<i>Romances</i> in Croft's Library, <a href='#Page_396'>396-398</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">in Farmer's ditto, <a href='#Page_425'>425</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Ronsard (Peter De). <i>Poemes de</i>, <a href='#Page_546'>546</a><br /> +<br /> +Rossi (John Bernard De). <i>Annales Hebræo-Typographici</i>, <a href='#Page_64'>64</a><br /> +<br /> +Roy (William). <i>Rede me and be not wroth</i>, <a href='#Page_226'>226</a>, <a href='#Page_400'>400</a>, <a href='#Page_422'>422</a>, <a href='#Page_429'>429</a>, <a href='#Page_549'>549</a><br /> +<br /> +Rymeri (Thomas). <i>Fœdera</i>, <a href='#Page_15'>15</a>, <a href='#Page_190'>190</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +Sandford (Francis). <i>Genealogical History</i>, <a href='#Page_492'>492</a><br /> +<br /> +Savile (Sir Henry). <i>Scriptores post Bedam</i>, <a href='#Page_244'>244</a><br /> +<br /> +Saxius (Christopher). <i>Onomasticon Literarium</i>, <a href='#Page_43'>43</a>, <a href='#Page_62'>62</a><br /> +<br /> +Schelhorn (J.G.) <i>Amœnitates Literariæ</i>, &c., <a href='#Page_48'>48</a>, <a href='#Page_528'>528</a>, <a href='#Page_529'>529</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Amœnitates Hist. Ecclesiast. et Lit.</i>, <a href='#Page_48'>48</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Schoepflin (John Daniel). <i>Vindicæ Typographicæ</i>, <a href='#Page_58'>58</a><br /> +<br /> +Scholtzius. <i>Icones Bibliopolorum et Typographorum</i>, <a href='#Page_48'>48</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Thesaurus Symbolorum et ac Emblematum</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<br /> +Schottus (Andreas). <i>De Bibl. et claris. Hisp. Viris</i>, <a href='#Page_35'>35</a><br /> +<br /> +Scott (Reginald). <i>Discovery of Witchcraft</i>, <a href='#Page_492'>492</a><br /> +<br /> +Scott (Walter). <i>Hunting Song</i>, <a href='#Page_130'>130</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Marmion</i>, <a href='#Page_461'>461</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Lady of the Lake</i>, <a href='#Page_157'>157</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Edition of Dryden's Works</i>, <a href='#Page_181'>181</a>, <a href='#Page_323'>323</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Edition of the Somers Tracts</i>, <a href='#Page_549'>549</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Seemiller (Sebastian). <i>Bibl. Ingolstad. Incunab. Typog.</i>, <a href='#Page_63'>63</a><br /> +<br /> +Seiz (John Christopher). <i>Annus Tertius Sæcular. Inv. Hist. Typog.</i>, <a href='#Page_47'>47</a>, <a href='#Page_48'>48</a><br /> +<br /> +Senebier (Jean). <i>Catalogue des MSS. de Genève</i>, <a href='#Page_36'>36</a>, <a href='#Page_81'>81</a><br /> +<br /> +Serna Santander. <i>Catalogue des Livres de</i>, <a href='#Page_42'>42</a>, <a href='#Page_45'>45</a>, <a href='#Page_94'>94</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Diction. Bibliogr. Choisi du XV. Siecle</i>, <a href='#Page_67'>67</a>, <a href='#Page_161'>161</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Sevin Seages, The</i>, <a href='#Page_448'>448</a><br /> +<br /> +Shakspeare. Edit. 1803, <a href='#Page_225'>225</a>, <a href='#Page_523'>523</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Early editions of in Wright's collection, <a href='#Page_402'>402</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">in Smyth's ditto, <a href='#Page_403'>403</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">in Farmer's ditto, <a href='#Page_425'>425</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">in Steevens's ditto, <a href='#Page_430'>430-436</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Steevens's own edition of, <a href='#Page_427'>427</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The edition of 1803, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Portrait of, <a href='#Page_428'>428</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Ritson's manuscript notes relating to, <a href='#Page_448'>448</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Reed's collection of tracts relating to, <a href='#Page_455'>455</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Ship of Fools</i>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_424'>424</a>, <a href='#Page_486'>486</a><br /> +<br /> +Skelton (John). <i>Works of</i>, Martin's set of, <a href='#Page_386'>386</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Wright's ditto, <a href='#Page_401'>401</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Pearson's ditto, <a href='#Page_405'>405</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Steevens's ditto, <a href='#Page_429'>429</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Woodhouse's ditto, <a href='#Page_445'>445</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Smith (John). <i>Printer's Grammar</i>, <a href='#Page_529'>529</a><br /> +<br /> +Snelling (Thomas). <i>Works upon the Coinage</i>, <a href='#Page_399'>399</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Speculum Christiani</i>, <a href='#Page_169'>169</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Chauncy's copy of, <a href='#Page_416'>416</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Mason's copy of, <a href='#Page_420'>420</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Speed (John). <i>Hist. of Great Britain</i>, <a href='#Page_233'>233</a><br /> +<br /> +Spizelius (Theophilus). <i>Infelix Literatus</i>, <a href='#Page_26'>26</a>, <a href='#Page_122'>122</a>, <a href='#Page_547'>547</a><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_xvii" id="Page_I_xvii">I. xvii</a></span><br /> +Stapleton (Thomas). <i>Translation of Bede's Ecclesiastical History</i>, <a href='#Page_168'>168</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Counterblast to Horne's Vayne Blaste</i>, <a href='#Page_215'>215</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Stowe (John). <i>Chronicle, or Annals</i>, <a href='#Page_166'>166</a>, <a href='#Page_167'>167</a>, <a href='#Page_200'>200</a>, <a href='#Page_217'>217</a>, <a href='#Page_305'>305</a><br /> +<br /> +Struvius (Gottlieb). <i>Bibliotheca Librorum Rariorum</i>, <a href='#Page_50'>50</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Bibliotheca Historica</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><i>cura Meusel</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Bibliotheca Hist. Selecta</i>, <a href='#Page_51'>51</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Bibliotheca Saxonica</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<br /> +Strype (Rev. John). <i>Life of Cranmer</i>, <a href='#Page_222'>222</a>, <a href='#Page_229'>229</a>, <a href='#Page_232'>232</a>, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a>, <a href='#Page_249'>249</a>, <a href='#Page_304'>304</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Ecclesiastical Memorials</i>, <a href='#Page_229'>229</a>, <a href='#Page_230'>230</a>, <a href='#Page_232'>232</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Annals of the Reformation</i>, <a href='#Page_238'>238</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Life of Parker</i>, <a href='#Page_246'>246</a>, <a href='#Page_256'>256</a>, <a href='#Page_259'>259</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Stubbes (Philip). <i>Anatomy of Abuses</i>, <a href='#Page_279'>279</a>, <a href='#Page_454'><span class="err" title="Transcriber's Note: 454">654</span></a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Supplicacion of Beggars</i>, <a href='#Page_228'>228</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +Tanner (Thomas, Bishop of St. Asaph). <i>Edition of Wood's Athenæ Oxonienses</i>, <a href='#Page_46'>46</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Bibliotheca Britan. Hibernica</i>, <a href='#Page_52'>52</a>, <a href='#Page_181'>181</a>, <a href='#Page_190'>190</a>, <a href='#Page_192'>192</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Teisser (Anthony). <i>Bibliotheca Bibliothecarum</i>, <a href='#Page_41'>41</a><br /> +<br /> +Terentianus (Maurus). Dr. Askew's copy of, <a href='#Page_391'>391</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Tewrdanckhs.</i> A book so called, <a href='#Page_65'>65</a>, <a href='#Page_390'>390</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Dr. Askew's copy of—upon vellum, <a href='#Page_390'>390</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Tutet's copy of, <a href='#Page_400'>400</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Thomson (James). <i>Winter</i>, <a href='#Page_105'>105</a>;<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Autumn</i>, <a href='#Page_481'>481</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Tiraboschi (Girolamo). <i>Letteratura Italiana</i>, <a href='#Page_61'>61</a><br /> +<br /> +Toderini (Giambatista). <i>Letteratura Turchesca</i>, <a href='#Page_60'>60</a><br /> +<br /> +Todd (Rev. Henry John). <i>Illustrations of Gower and Chaucer</i>, <a href='#Page_15'>15</a>, <a href='#Page_242'>242</a>, <a href='#Page_246'>246</a>, <a href='#Page_320'>320</a><br /> +<br /> +<a name="Treatise_of_Treasons" id="Treatise_of_Treasons"></a><i>Treatise of Treasons</i>, <a href='#Page_236'>236</a><br /> +<br /> +Trefler (Florian). <i>Disposition des Livres dans une Bibliothéque</i>, <a href='#Page_32'>32</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Troie, Recueil of the Histories of</i>, <a href='#Page_446'>446</a><br /> +<br /> +Turner (Mr. Sharon). <i>History of the Anglo Saxons</i>, <a href='#Page_170'>170</a><br /> +<br /> +Tusser (Thomas). <i>Five Hundred Points of good Husbandry</i>, <a href='#Page_529'>529</a><br /> +<br /> +Twyne (Bryan). <i>Antiquit. Acad. Oxon.</i>, <a href='#Page_179'>179</a>, <a href='#Page_181'>181</a><br /> +<br /> +Tyndale (William). <i>The Practice of Popishe Prelates</i>, <a href='#Page_176'>176</a>, <a href='#Page_226'>226</a><br /> +<br /> +Tyrrel (Sir James). <i>Hist. of England.</i> Daly's copy of, <a href='#Page_414'>414</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<i>Universal Historical Bibliothéque</i>, <a href='#Page_16'>16</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +Vallans. <i>Tale of Two Swannes</i>, <a href='#Page_256'>256</a><br /> +<br /> +Valois. <i>Discours sur les Bibliothéques Publiques</i>, <a href='#Page_54'>54</a><br /> +<br /> +Van Praet (Joseph), <a href='#Page_68'>68</a><br /> +<br /> +Virgilii <i>Opera</i> (1470), upon vellum; do. (1472); do., <a href='#Page_417'>417</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Vita et Processus, &c., Thomæ à Becket</i>, <a href='#Page_177'>177</a><br /> +<br /> +Vives (Ludovicus). <i>Instruction of a Christian Woman</i>, <a href='#Page_152'>152</a>, <a href='#Page_283'>283</a><br /> +<br /> +Vogler. <i>Universalis in notit. cuj. generis bonor. Scriptor. introd.</i>, <a href='#Page_43'>43</a><br /> +<br /> +Vogt (John). <i>Catalogus Librorum Rariorum</i>, <a href='#Page_31'>31</a>, <a href='#Page_32'>32</a>, <a href='#Page_33'>33</a>, <a href='#Page_35'>35</a>, <a href='#Page_56'>56</a>, <a href='#Page_161'>161</a>, <a href='#Page_522'>522</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<i>Walks in Powles</i>, <a href='#Page_278'>278</a><br /> +<br /> +Walton (Izaak). <i>Complete Angler</i>, <a href='#Page_9'>9</a>, <a href='#Page_125'>125</a>, <a href='#Page_126'>126</a>, <a href='#Page_500'>500</a><br /> +<br /> +Warton (Joseph). <i>Hist. Engl. Poetry</i>, <a href='#Page_118'>118</a>, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a>, <a href='#Page_178'>178</a>, <a href='#Page_179'>179</a>, <a href='#Page_186'>186</a>, <a href='#Page_187'>187</a>, <a href='#Page_194'>194</a>, <a href='#Page_204'>204</a>, <a href='#Page_226'>226</a>, <a href='#Page_241'>241</a>, <a href='#Page_425'>425</a><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_xviii" id="Page_I_xviii">I. xviii</a></span><br /> +Wasse. <i>Bibliotheca Literaria</i>, <a href='#Page_51'>51</a><br /> +<br /> +Watson. <i>History of the Art of Printing</i>, <a href='#Page_52'>52</a><br /> +<br /> +Webbe (William). <i>Discourse of English Poetrie</i>, <a href='#Page_404'>404</a>, <a href='#Page_430'>430</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Weekly Memorials for the Ingenious</i>, <a href='#Page_16'>16</a><br /> +<br /> +Wendler (John Christian). <i>Dissertatio de var. raritat. libror. impress. causis</i>, <a href='#Page_55'>55</a><br /> +<br /> +Werburge (St.). <i>Life of.</i> Martin's copy of, <a href='#Page_385'>385</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Pearson's do., <a href='#Page_405'>405</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Woodhouse's do., <a href='#Page_446'>446</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Wharton (Henry). <i>Anglia Sacra</i>, <a href='#Page_171'>171</a><br /> +<br /> +Withers (George). <i>Emblems</i>, <a href='#Page_305'>305</a><br /> +<br /> +Wolfius (John Christian). <i>Monumenta Typographica</i>, <a href='#Page_48'>48</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Bibl. Aprosiana</i>, <a href='#Page_123'>123</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Wolfius (John). <i>Lectiones Memorabiles, &c.</i>, <a href='#Page_110'>110</a>, <a href='#Page_125'>125</a><br /> +<br /> +Wordsworth (Rev. Christopher, D.D.). <i>Ecclesiastical Biography</i>, <a href='#Page_221'>221</a>, <a href='#Page_227'>227</a>, <a href='#Page_239'>239</a>, <a href='#Page_290'>290</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Works of the Learned</i>, <a href='#Page_16'>16</a><br /> +<br /> +Wood (Anthony). <i>Athenæ Oxonienses</i>, <a href='#Page_46'>46</a>, <a href='#Page_51'>51</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Hist. and Antiq. of the Colleges and Halls of Oxford</i>, <a href='#Page_192'>192</a>, <a href='#Page_235'>235</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Annals of the University of Oxford</i>, <a href='#Page_46'>46</a>, <a href='#Page_179'>179</a>, <a href='#Page_181'>181</a>, <a href='#Page_187'>187</a>, <a href='#Page_192'>192</a>, <a href='#Page_193'>193</a>, <a href='#Page_278'>278</a>, <a href='#Page_315'>315</a></span><br /> +<br /> +Wurdtwein (Stephen Alexander). <i>Bibliotheca Moguntina</i>, <a href='#Page_64'>64</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +Ximenes (Cardinal Francis). <i>Bibl. Polyglot. Complut.</i>, <a href='#Page_160'>160</a>, <a href='#Page_407'>407</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Missale Mozarabicum</i>, <a href='#Page_160'>160</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Breviarum Mozarabicum</i>, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +Zapf (George William). <i>Annales Typog. Augustan.</i>, <a href='#Page_48'>48</a><br /> +</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_xix" id="Page_I_xix">I. xix</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="GENERAL_INDEX" id="GENERAL_INDEX"></a>GENERAL INDEX.</h2> + +<p class="centertbp"> +<img src="images/line05.png" width="158" height="12" alt="" title="" /> +</p> + +<p class="tp"> +<i>Agrippa</i> (<i>Cornelius</i>). Account of some of his works, <a href='#Page_19'>19</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>D'Aguesseau</i> (<i>Chancellor</i>). Account of his Library, <a href='#Page_72'>72</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Alcove, the.</i> Description of Lorenzo's, <a href='#Page_481'>481</a>, <a href='#Page_482'>482</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Alcuin</i>, <a href='#Page_167'>167</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Alfred</i>, <a href='#Page_169'>169</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Alphonso.</i> An obstinate literary character, <a href='#Page_14'>14</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Ames</i> (<i>Joseph</i>), <a href='#Page_340'>340</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Ancillon.</i> Pillage of his library, <a href='#Page_522'>522</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Anne Boleyn.</i> Her coronation dinner described by Stow, <a href='#Page_216'>216</a>, <a href='#Page_217'>217</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Anselm</i>, <a href='#Page_174'>174</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Anstis</i> (<i>John</i>). Original letter of, <a href='#Page_239'>239</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Literary character of, <a href='#Page_337'>337</a>, <a href='#Page_338'>338</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Antiphoners</i>, <a href='#Page_115'>115</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Antonio</i> (<i>Nicolas</i>). <i>See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX">Bibliographical Index</a>.</i><br /> +<br /> +<i>Arch</i> (<i>Messrs. John and Arthur</i>). Their purchase of Sandford's Genealogical History, <span class="smcap">l.p.</span>, <a href='#Page_492'>492</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Aristotle's Works</i>—printed upon vellum, <a href='#Page_519'>519</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>D'Artois</i> (<i>Count</i>). Catalogue of his library, <a href='#Page_72'>72</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Purchase of the Vallière Collection, <a href='#Page_97'>97</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Ascham</i>, (<i>Roger</i>). His 'Schoolmaster' commended, <a href='#Page_283'>283</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Ashmole</i> (<i>Elias</i>). Some account of, <a href='#Page_293'>293-296</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Askew</i> (<i>Dr. Anthony</i>). Some account of, with specimens of his library, <a href='#Page_388'>388-391</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Atticus.</i> A book-auction bibliomaniac, <a href='#Page_128'>128-132</a>, <a href='#Page_137'>137</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Auctions of Books.</i> Their origin in this country, <a href='#Page_304'>304-308</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Warmth of bidders at, <a href='#Page_307'>307</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Audiffredi</i> (<i>Jean Baptiste</i>). <i>See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX">Bibliographical Index</a>.</i><br /> +<br /> +<i>Autumnal Morning</i>, <a href='#Page_480'>480</a>, <a href='#Page_481'>481</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<i>Baber</i> (<i>Rev. Henry Hervey</i>). Preparation of the Catalogue of the Museum printed books, <a href='#Page_90'>90</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His edition of Wickliffe's translation of the New Testament, <a href='#Page_339'>339</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Bacon</i> (<i>Roger, or Friar</i>), <a href='#Page_180'>180-183</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Bacon</i> (<i>Sir Nathaniel</i>). Libellous character of, <a href='#Page_237'>237</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Bagford</i> (<i>John</i>). Some account of, <a href='#Page_326'>326-331</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Wood-cut of his rebus, or device, <a href='#Page_331'>331</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Baillet</i> (<i>Adrien</i>). Some account of, <a href='#Page_43'>43-45</a>—<i>See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX">Bibliographical Index</a>.</i><br /> +<br /> +<i>Baker</i> (<i>Thomas</i>). Some account of, <a href='#Page_341'>341-343</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Extract from his will, <a href='#Page_342'>342</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Baker</i> (<i>late Mr. George</i>). Copy of Reed's catalogue of books, <a href='#Page_457'>457</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Catalogue of Strawberry-Hill Pieces, <a href='#Page_539'>539</a></span><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_xx" id="Page_I_xx">I. xx</a></span><br /> +<i>Bale</i> (<i>John, Bishop of Ossory</i>). Some account of, <a href='#Page_246'>246-248</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His portrait, <a href='#Page_247'>247</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Baltimore</i> (<i>Lord</i>). His 'Gaudia Poetica,' <a href="#Page_532">532</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Barnes</i> (<i>Juliana</i>). Her Work on Hunting, &c., <a href='#Page_124'>124</a>, <a href='#Page_325'>325</a>, <a href='#Page_381'>381</a>, <a href='#Page_384'>384</a>, <a href='#Page_519'>519</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Barthélémy</i> (<i>Abbé</i>). Catalogue of his library, <a href='#Page_74'>74</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Bartholin.</i> <i>See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX">Bibliographical Index</a>.</i><br /> +<br /> +<i>Beauclerk</i> (<i>Hon. Topham</i>). Account of his library, <a href='#Page_394'>394</a>, <a href='#Page_395'>395</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Becket</i> (<i>Thomas à</i>), <a href='#Page_176'>176</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Account of his murder, <a href='#Page_177'>177</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Bede</i>, <a href='#Page_166'>166</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Bedford</i> (<i>John, Duke of</i>). His beautiful Missal, <a href='#Page_190'>190</a>, <a href='#Page_191'>191</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Beloe</i> (<i>Rev. Mr.</i>). <i>See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX">Bibliographical Index</a>.</i><br /> +<br /> +<i>Benedict</i> (<i>Biscop</i>), <a href='#Page_165'>165</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Benet</i> (<i>Sir John</i>). Assists Sir T. Bodley in erecting the Bodl. Library, <a href='#Page_275'>275</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Bernard</i> (<i>Dr. Francis</i>). Some account of his library, <a href='#Page_316'>316</a>, <a href='#Page_317'>317</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Engraving of his portrait, <a href='#Page_503'>503</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Bernardo.</i> A book-auction bibliomaniac, <a href='#Page_124'>124</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His copy of an Illustrated Chatterton, <a href='#Page_500'>500</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">of Walton's Complete Angler, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Berryer</i> (<i>Mons.</i>). His care and skill in having his books bound, <a href='#Page_513'>513</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Beughem.</i> <i>See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX">Bibliographical Index</a>.</i><br /> +<br /> +<i>Bibles.</i> Ancient English, <a href='#Page_238'>238</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Bibliographers.</i> Character of aspersed, <a href='#Page_483'>483</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Bibliography.</i> Cabinet of, <a href='#Page_21'>21</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Opinions of foreign critics thereupon, <a href='#Page_24'>24</a>, <a href='#Page_25'>25</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Outline of its rise and progress, <a href='#Page_29'>29-99</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Utility and importance of the study so called, <a href='#Page_552'>552</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Bibliomania.</i> History of the Bibliomania, or of English Book-Collectors, <a href='#Page_165'>165-461</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">See <a href="#CHRONOLOGICAL_INDEX"><i>Chronological Index</i></a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Definition of, and works upon, <a href='#Page_485'>485-487</a></span><br /> +</p> + +<table style="width: 100%" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="bibliomania"> +<tr> +<td style="border-right: 1px solid black"> +Symptoms of the<br /> +Disease so called;<br /> +being a passion for +</td> +<td> +<span style="margin-left: .5em;">1. Large Paper Copies, <a href='#Page_487'>487</a>, <a href='#Page_488'>488</a>, <a href='#Page_491'>491-494</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Tall and Fine paper do., <a href='#Page_494'>494</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: .5em;">2. Uncut Copies, <a href='#Page_494'>494-496</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: .5em;">3. Illustrated Copies, <a href='#Page_496'>496-511</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: .5em;">4. Unique Copies, <a href='#Page_511'>511-514</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: .5em;">5. Copies printed upon Vellum, <a href='#Page_515'>515-521</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: .5em;">6. First Editions, <a href='#Page_521'>521-525</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: .5em;">7. True Editions, <a href='#Page_525'>525-527</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: .5em;">8. Books printed in the black letter, <a href='#Page_527'>527-531</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: .5em;">9.</span> <span style="margin-left: 6em;">for private distribution, <a href='#Page_532'>532-534</a></span><br /> +10. <span style="margin-left: 6em;">at a Private Press, <a href='#Page_533'>533-539</a></span><br /> +11. <span style="margin-left: 3em;">suppressed, condemned, &c., <a href='#Page_537'>537</a></span><br /> +12. All the editions of a work, <a href='#Page_542'>542-546</a><br /> +13. Large and Voluminous Works, <a href='#Page_546'>546</a> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td colspan="2"> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td style="border-right: 1px solid black"> +Probable Means of<br /> +the Cure of +</td> +<td> +<span style="margin-left: .5em;">1. Studying of Useful & Profitable Works, <a href='#Page_548'>548</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: .5em;">2. Reprints of scarce and valuable Works, <a href='#Page_549'>549</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: .5em;">3. Editing of the best Authors, <a href='#Page_550'>550</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: .5em;">4. Erection of Literary Institutions, <a href='#Page_551'>551</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: .5em;">5. Study of Bibliography, <a href='#Page_551'>551</a>, <a href='#Page_552'>552</a></span> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p> +<i>Bibliomaniacs.</i> Character of, <a href='#Page_4'>4</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Book-auction bibliomaniacs, <a href='#Page_307'>307</a></span><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_xxi" id="Page_I_xxi">I. xxi</a></span><br /> +<i>Black Letter.</i> Passion for books printed in the, <a href='#Page_527'>527-531</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Blandford</i> (<i>Marquis of</i>). His zeal in collecting books printed by Caxton, <a href='#Page_322'>322</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Blenheim.</i> Account of the library there, <a href='#Page_321'>321</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Blount</i> (<i>Thomas</i>). See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Bodleian Library.</i> Catalogue of, <a href='#Page_74'>74</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">History of its erection, <a href='#Page_270'>270-278</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">List of some of the contributors to, <a href='#Page_272'>272</a>, <a href='#Page_273'>273</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Bodley</i> (<i>Sir Thomas</i>). Some account of, <a href='#Page_270'>270-278</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Wood-cut portrait of, <a href='#Page_277'>277</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Bodoni.</i> Beauty of his books printed upon vellum, <a href='#Page_520'>520</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Books.</i> Ancient prices of, <a href='#Page_114'>114-119</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Illuminated, <a href='#Page_150'>150</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">of terror. Their effects upon young minds, <a href='#Page_202'>202-204</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Skill of the Ferrar family in binding, <a href='#Page_289'>289-292</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Account of ancient binding of, <a href='#Page_117'>117-119</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Skill in modern book-binding, <a href='#Page_513'>513</a>, <a href='#Page_514'>514</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Importation of in barrels, <a href='#Page_190'>190</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Sales of by public auction, <a href='#Page_304'>304-308</a>, <a href='#Page_457'>457</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Printed upon vellum, <a href='#Page_321'>321</a>, <a href='#Page_322'>322</a>, <a href='#Page_352'>352</a>, <a href='#Page_515'>515-519</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">upon satin, <a href='#Page_512'>512</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">in the black letter, <a href='#Page_527'>527-531</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">for private distribution, <a href='#Page_532'>532-534</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">at private presses, <a href='#Page_533'>533-539</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Book-rooms, or Libraries.</i> Simplicity of ancient, <a href='#Page_195'>195</a>, <a href='#Page_196'>196</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Booksellers.</i> Of respectability in London, <a href='#Page_308'>308</a>, <a href='#Page_470'>470</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">in Scotland, <a href='#Page_415'>415</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">in Provincial Towns, <a href='#Page_470'>470</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Book-Story.</i> A romantic one, <a href='#Page_358'>358-361</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Boston</i> (<i>John</i>), <a href='#Page_189'>189</a>, <a href='#Page_190'>190</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Boucher</i> (<i>Rev. Jonathan</i>). His Supplement to Johnson's Dictionary, <a href='#Page_448'>448</a>, <a href='#Page_449'>449</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Account of his library, <a href='#Page_450'>450</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Braithwait</i> (<i>Richard</i>). His poetry commended, <a href='#Page_299'>299-301</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Brand</i> (<i>Rev. John</i>). Account of his library, <a href='#Page_452'>452-454</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Bridges</i> (<i>John</i>). Sale of his library, <a href='#Page_362'>362</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Britain, Little.</i> Famous for the bookselling trade, <a href='#Page_300'>300</a>, <a href='#Page_310'>310</a>, <a href='#Page_311'>311</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Britton</i> (<i>Thomas</i>). Some account of, <a href='#Page_331'>331-333</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Sale of his library, <a href='#Page_333'>333</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Bulmer</i> (<i>Mr. William</i>). His sumptuous edition of Shakspeare, <a href='#Page_427'>427</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The same, a unique copy of, <a href='#Page_512'>512</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His edition of the Deserted Village upon satin, <a href='#Page_512'>512</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Bure</i> (<i>Guillaume François De, and Guill. le Jeune De</i>). See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Burney</i> (<i>Rev. Charles, LL.D.</i>). His fortunate purchase of a Manilius, <a href='#Page_522'>522</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His edition of Bentley's Epistles, <a href='#Page_532'>532</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Burton</i> (<i>Robert</i>), <a href='#Page_286'>286</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Bury</i> (<i>Richard De</i>). Editions of his Philobiblion, <a href='#Page_29'>29</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Extract from, <a href='#Page_109'>109</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Account of, <a href='#Page_185'>185-187</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Bute</i> (<i>Marquis of</i>). His copy of Hogarth's Prints, <a href='#Page_509'>509</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His collection of the devices of Pope Sixtus V., <a href='#Page_540'>540</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His valuable Granger, <a href='#Page_565'>565</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Butler</i> (<i>Mr. Charles</i>). His literary character, <a href='#Page_34'>34</a><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_xxii" id="Page_I_xxii">I. xxii</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Caillard</i> (<i>M.</i>). His uncut first Homer, <a href='#Page_79'>79</a>, <a href='#Page_496'>496</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His nicety in having his books bound, <a href='#Page_513'>513</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Caille</i> (<i>Jean de La</i>). See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Cambridge.</i> Catalogue of the books contained in the University wanted, <a href='#Page_319'>319</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Canute</i>, <a href='#Page_172'>172</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Carlisle</i> (<i>Earl of</i>). His "Father's Revenge," <a href="#Page_532">532</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Casiri.</i> See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Catalogues.</i> Importance of making good ones, <a href='#Page_383'>383</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Foreign and English. See "<a href="#Catalogues">Catalogue</a>," <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Caxton</i> (<i>William</i>). Reviled by Bale, <a href='#Page_174'>174</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>His various printed books</i>, <a href='#Page_197'>197</a>, <i>&c.</i> See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>His portrait</i>, <a href='#Page_382'>382</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Cecil.</i> Libellous character of, <a href='#Page_237'>237</a>, <a href='#Page_238'>238</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Charles the Fifth of France.</i> Founder of the Royal Library, <a href='#Page_185'>185</a>, <a href='#Page_186'>186</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Description of do., <a href='#Page_186'>186</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Chauncey</i> (<i>Dr. Charles and Nathaniel</i>). Account of their libraries, <a href='#Page_416'>416</a>, <a href='#Page_417'>417</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Cheering.</i> Explanation of this word, <a href='#Page_20'>20</a>, <a href='#Page_37'>37</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Chess.</i> Game of, described, <a href='#Page_155'>155-163</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Chevillier</i> (<i>Andrew</i>). See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Chi Ho-am-ti.</i> An incendiary of libraries, <a href='#Page_27'>27</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Chivalry and Romances.</i> Books relating thereto, <a href='#Page_152'>152-154</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Christie</i> (<i>John</i>). His "Dissertation on Etruscan Vases," <a href="#Page_532">532</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Chronicles, Ancient.</i> Reprints of, <a href='#Page_337'>337</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Cinelli</i> (<i>John</i>). See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Clavel</i> (<i>Robert</i>). His book-catalogues, <a href='#Page_306'>306</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Clerk, or Clergyman.</i> Regulations concerning, <a href='#Page_151'>151</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Clungeon</i> (<i>John</i>), <a href='#Page_288'>288</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Cobham</i> (<i>Thomas, Bishop of Worcester</i>), <a href='#Page_192'>192</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Colbert</i> (<i>J.B.</i>). Catalogue of his library, <a href='#Page_78'>78</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Colet</i> (<i>John, Dean</i>). Some account of, <a href='#Page_218'>218-220</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Print of his supposed study, <a href='#Page_219'>219</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Collins</i> (<i>Anthony</i>). Sale of his library, <a href='#Page_363'>363</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Conringius</i> (<i>Herman</i>). See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Conybeare</i> (<i>Rev. Mr.</i>). His Copy of Lord Surrey's Translation of part of the Æneid, <a href='#Page_241'>241</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Coryate</i> (<i>Thomas</i>), <a href='#Page_281'>281</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Cotton</i> (<i>Sir Robert</i>). Some account of, <a href='#Page_267'>267-269</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Covent Garden Theatre.</i> Quarrels relating thereto, <a href='#Page_17'>17</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Cox</i> (<i>Captain</i>). Some account of, <a href='#Page_266'>266</a>, <a href='#Page_267'>267</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His library, <a href='#Page_267'>267</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Cranmer</i> (<i>Thomas, Archbishop of Canterbury</i>). Some account of, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a>, <a href='#Page_249'>249</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His Bible upon vellum, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Expense of his execution, <a href='#Page_249'>249</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Crevenna Library.</i> Catalogues of, <a href='#Page_79'>79</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Critics and Criticism.</i> True spirit and character of, <a href='#Page_15'>15</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Superficialness and severity of, <a href='#Page_553'>553</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Crofts</i> (<i>Rev. Thomas</i>). Account of his library, <a href='#Page_396'>396-398</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Cromwell</i> (<i>Thomas</i>). His conduct in respect to the Reformation, <a href='#Page_229'>229</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Crowles.</i> His copy of an illustrated Pennant, <a href='#Page_499'>499</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<i>Dalrymple</i> (<i>Alexander</i>). Sale of his library, <a href='#Page_458'>458</a><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_xxiii" id="Page_I_xxiii">I. xxiii</a></span><br /> +<i>Daly</i> (<i>Denis, Rt. Hon.</i>). Account of his library, <a href='#Page_414'>414</a>, <a href='#Page_415'>415</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Dee</i> (<i>Dr. John</i>). Some account of, <a href='#Page_261'>261-265</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His library, <a href='#Page_264'>264</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Denis</i> (<i>Michael</i>). See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Devonshire</i> (<i>late Duchess of</i>). Her "Mount St. Gothard," <a href="#Page_532">532</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Didot.</i> Skill of his printing upon vellum, <a href='#Page_521'>521</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Dodd</i> (<i>James William</i>). Account of his library, <a href='#Page_403'>403</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Dormer</i> (<i>General</i>). Catalogue of his library, <a href='#Page_375'>375</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Douce</i> (<i>Francis</i>). His partiality for a foreign bibliographical work, <a href='#Page_55'>55</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Preparation of the Lansdowne collection of MSS., <a href='#Page_90'>90</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Account of Wolsey's property, <a href='#Page_225'>225</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Skill in Old English and French literature, <a href='#Page_531'>531</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Criticisms on his "Illustrations of Shakspeare," &c., <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Dramatic Libraries</i>, <a href='#Page_402'>402</a>, <a href='#Page_403'>403</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Dramatica Notitia</i>, <a href='#Page_456'>456</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Dream.</i> Lysander's, <a href='#Page_473'>473-480</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Dunstan</i> (<i>St.</i>). His work "De occulta philosophia," <a href="#Page_134">134</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Some account of, <a href='#Page_171'>171</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Dyson</i> (<i>Henry</i>), <a href='#Page_302'>302</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<i>Education of Youth</i>, <a href='#Page_282'>282-285</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Edward the First</i>, <a href='#Page_183'>183</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Edward the Third</i>, <a href='#Page_119'>119</a>, <a href='#Page_184'>184</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Edwards</i> (<i>Mr.</i>). His copy of the Catalogue of the Crevenna Library, <a href='#Page_79'>79</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">zeal in the importation of foreign books of rarity and value, <a href='#Page_90'>90</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">copy of the first edition of Livy—upon vellum, <a href='#Page_519'>519</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Catalogues commended, <a href='#Page_123'>123</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">In possession of the Bedford Missal, <a href='#Page_191'>191</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His painting of Erasmus and Froben by Fuseli, <a href='#Page_223'>223</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">communication respecting Count M'Carthy's books, <a href='#Page_518'>518</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Elizabeth</i> (<i>Queen</i>). Her book of devotions, <a href='#Page_119'>119</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Plate of the golden cover of, <a href='#Page_250'>250</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Account of her love of books, <a href='#Page_249'>249</a>, <a href='#Page_254'>254</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Engravings from her Prayer-book, <a href="#Footnote_F_334">252, 253</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Ellis</i> (<i>Sir Henry</i>). Preparation of Catalogue of the Museum printed books, <a href='#Page_90'>90</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His bibliographical communications, <a href='#Page_118'>118</a>, <a href='#Page_227'>227</a>, <a href='#Page_297'>297</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Edition of Fabian's Chronicles, <a href='#Page_523'>523</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>English.</i> Want of curiosity respecting their own literary history, <a href='#Page_36'>36</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Importance of a national press to, <a href='#Page_551'>551</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Episode.</i> What is meant thereby, <a href='#Page_105'>105</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Erasmus.</i> Some account of, <a href='#Page_222'>222-224</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Painting of him and Froben, <a href='#Page_223'>223</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Print of his study, <a href='#Page_224'>224</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Rude wood-cut portrait of him, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">A copy of his first edition of the Gr. Test.—upon vellum, <a href='#Page_225'>225</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Editions of his words, <a href='#Page_222'>222</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Eugene</i> (<i>Prince</i>). His magnificent library, <a href='#Page_322'>322</a><br /> +<br /> +<a name="Evans" id="Evans"></a><i>Evans</i> (<i>Mr. R.H.</i>). His edition of Old English Ballads, <a href='#Page_267'>267</a>, <a href='#Page_320'>320</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">A respectable vender of classical books, <a href='#Page_308'>308</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His copy of his Recueil des Historiens des Gaules, <a href='#Page_492'>492</a></span><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_xxiv" id="Page_I_xxiv">I. xxiv</a></span><span style="margin-left: 1em;">His reprint of Hakluyt's Voyages, <a href='#Page_550'>550</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<i>Fabricius</i> (<i>John Albert</i>). See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Fabricius</i> (<i>John</i>). See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Falconer</i> (<i>William</i>). Poem of the Shipwreck printed upon satin, <a href='#Page_512'>512</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Farmer</i> (<i>Rev. Richard, D.D.</i>). Account of his library, <a href='#Page_423'>423-426</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Faulkener</i> (<i>Henry</i>). A skilful and honest book-binder, <a href='#Page_199'>199</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Ferdinand.</i> A romantic book-story concerning, <a href='#Page_358'>358-361</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Ferrar Family.</i> Their attachment to books, and skill in book-binding, <a href='#Page_289'>289-292</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Fillingham</i> (<i>late Mr. William</i>). His library and character of, <a href='#Page_403'>403</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>First Editions.</i> Passion for collecting, <a href='#Page_521'>521-525</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Fishing.</i> Whether a merry or contemplative art, <a href='#Page_126'>126</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Fitzwilliam</i> (<i>Lord Viscount</i>). His collection of Rembrandt's Prints, <a href='#Page_509'>509</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Fletewode</i> (<i>Serjeant William</i>). Account of his monastic library, <a href='#Page_386'>386</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Florizel.</i> His attachment to hawking, &c., <a href='#Page_543'>543</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Folkes</i> (<i>Martin</i>). Some account of, <a href='#Page_367'>367-369</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Sale and analysis of his library, <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Wood-cut of his portrait, <a href='#Page_369'>369</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Fopling</i> (<i>Sir</i>). His periwig, <a href='#Page_122'>122</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Ford</i> (<i>Mr.</i>), <i>bookseller.</i> His catalogues commended, <a href='#Page_123'>123</a>, <a href='#Page_470'>470</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Froissart</i> (<i>Sir John</i>). A presentation copy of his Chronicles, <a href='#Page_184'>184</a>. See <a href="#Johnes"><i>Johnes</i></a> (<i>Colonel Thomas</i>).<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<i>Gaddius.</i> His bibliographical work, <a href='#Page_39'>39</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Gaignat</i> (<i>Louis Jean</i>). Catalogue of library, <a href='#Page_81'>81</a>, <a href='#Page_162'>162</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Gesner</i> (<i>Conrad</i>). See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His works on Natural History, <a href='#Page_546'>546</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Gifford</i> (<i>Mr. William</i>). His edition of Massinger, <a href='#Page_550'>550</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">forthcoming edition of Ben Jonson, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Gilbie</i> (<i>Anthony</i>). His character of Henry the Eighth, <a href='#Page_215'>215</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Gilchrist</i> (<i>Octavius</i>). His edition of Bp. Corbett's Poems, <a href='#Page_550'>550</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Girald Barri</i>, <a href='#Page_174'>174</a>, <a href='#Page_178'>178</a>, <a href='#Page_179'>179</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Glastonbury Monastery Library</i>, <a href='#Page_178'>178</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Godstow Nunnery Library</i>, <i>ib.</i><br /> +<br /> +<i>Golden Legend</i>, by Caxton, <a href='#Page_198'>198</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Goldsmyd</i> (<i>Mr. John Lewis</i>). His vellum copy of "Le Passe Temps," &c., <a href='#Page_203'>203</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Gonzalo.</i> A vain literary character, <a href='#Page_12'>12</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Gossett</i> (<i>Rev. Dr. Isaac</i>), <a href='#Page_363'>363</a>, <a href='#Page_407'>407</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Gough</i> (<i>Richard</i>). Sale of his library, <a href='#Page_460'>460</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Goujet</i> (<i>Claude Peter</i>). See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Grailes.</i> Definition of, <a href='#Page_150'>150</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Granger</i> (<i>Rev. James</i>). His Biographical History of England, <a href='#Page_500'>500</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Grangerite spirit</i>, <a href='#Page_112'>112</a>, <a href='#Page_497'>497</a>, <a href='#Page_507'>507</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Grenville</i> (<i>Right Hon. Thomas</i>). His large-paper copy of Hist. Steph. & Vit. Typ. Paris, <a href='#Page_47'>47</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His large-paper copy of Renouard, <a href='#Page_69'>69</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">A similar copy of the Vallière Catalogue, <a href='#Page_97'>97</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">A similar copy of Sandford's Genealogical History, <a href='#Page_492'>492</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">A similar copy of Strype's Annals, <a href='#Page_492'>492</a></span><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_xxv" id="Page_I_xxv">I. xxv</a></span><br /> +<i>Grenville Homer.</i> Published by the Grenville Family, <a href='#Page_491'>491</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Grollier</i> (<i>John</i>). Some account of, <a href='#Page_488'>488-490</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Pattern of the binding of his books, <a href='#Page_489'>489</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Gutch</i>, (<i>Mr.</i>), bookseller, <a href='#Page_404'>404</a>, <a href='#Page_470'>470</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<i>Hamper</i> (<i>Mr. William</i>). His bibliographical communications, <a href='#Page_117'>117</a>, <a href='#Page_529'>529</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Harley</i> (<i>Robert, Earl of Oxford</i>). Some account of, <a href='#Page_347'>347-354</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Analysis of his library, <a href='#Page_349'>349-353</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Pope's eulogy upon, <a href='#Page_353'>353</a>, <a href='#Page_354'>354</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Harris</i> (<i>Mr. William</i>). His catalogue of the Royal Institution Library commended, <a href='#Page_99'>99</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His correction of the press for Reed's edition of Shakspeare, <a href='#Page_427'>427</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">In possession of Mr. Boydell's copy of the original head of Shakspeare, <a href='#Page_428'>428</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His copy of the Lamoignon catalogue, <a href='#Page_84'>84</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Haslewood</i> (<i>Mr. Joseph</i>). In possession of a curious volume, <a href='#Page_88'>88</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His attachment to books upon Hawking, &c., <a href='#Page_302'>302</a>, <a href='#Page_543'>543</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His communication in the British Bibliographer, <a href='#Page_374'>374</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Hastings</i> (<i>Henry</i>). Some account of, <a href='#Page_287'>287</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Hawker-Pilgrim.</i> Wood-cut of, <a href='#Page_544'>544</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Hear! Hear!</i> Explanation of this phrase, <a href='#Page_37'>37</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Hearne</i> (<i>Thomas</i>). Some account of, <a href='#Page_333'>333-336</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Wood-cut of his portrait, <a href='#Page_337'>337</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Sale of his library, <a href='#Page_336'>336</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">List of most of his works. See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.</span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Heath</i> (<i>Dr. Benjamin</i>). His fine library, <a href='#Page_460'>460</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Original bibliographical letter of, <a href='#Page_554'>554-562</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Fac-simile of his writing, <a href='#Page_554'>554</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Heber</i> (<i>Mr. Richard</i>). His copy of "The Debate between the Heraldes," <a href="#Page_11">11</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">of Oliver of Castille, <a href='#Page_154'>154</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">of Froissart by Eustace, <a href='#Page_202'>202</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">manuscript of Skelton's "Image of Ypocrisy," <a href="#Page_226">226</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">copy of Maunsell's Catalogue, <a href='#Page_280'>280</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">of the first Aldine Aristophanes, <a href='#Page_297'>297</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">of the catalogue of Britton's books, <a href='#Page_333'>333</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">of the catalogues of T. Rawlinson's books, <a href='#Page_344'>344</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Heinecken.</i> See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Heinsius</i> (<i>Nicholas</i>). Catalogue of his library, <a href='#Page_82'>82</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Hell.</i> Descriptions of the torments of, <a href='#Page_203'>203</a>, <a href='#Page_204'>204</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Henderson</i> (<i>John</i>). Account of his library, <a href='#Page_402'>402</a>, <a href='#Page_403'>403</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Henley</i> (<i>John, or Orator</i>). Account of his library, <a href='#Page_371'>371</a>, <a href='#Page_372'>372</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Anecdotes of, <a href='#Page_372'>372</a>, <a href='#Page_373'>373</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Henry</i> (<i>Rev. Robert, D.D.</i>). Character of his History of Great Britain, <a href='#Page_145'>145-147</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Henry the Second.</i> Trevisa's character of, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Henry the Fifth.</i> Warlike character of, <a href='#Page_193'>193</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Henry the Sixth</i>, <a href='#Page_194'>194</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Henry the Seventh</i>, <a href='#Page_202'>202-206</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Henry the Eighth</i>, <a href='#Page_215'>215-217</a><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_xxvi" id="Page_I_xxvi">I. xxvi</a></span><br /> +<i>Herbert</i> (<i>William</i>). Author of the Typographical Antiquities, <a href='#Page_66'>66</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Particulars relating to, <a href='#Page_66'>66</a>, <a href='#Page_340'>340</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His correspondence with Steevens, <a href='#Page_438'>438</a>, <a href='#Page_439'>439</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Herman</i> (<i>Bishop of Salisbury</i>), <a href='#Page_175'>175</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>History, Ancient English.</i> Neglect of the study of, <a href='#Page_550'>550</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Hoare</i> (<i>Sir Richard Colt</i>). His edition of Giraldus Cambrensis, <a href='#Page_178'>178</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His large paper copy of Kennet's Paroch. Antiq., <a href='#Page_493'>493</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Hoblyn</i> (<i>Robert</i>). Catalogue of his books commended, <a href='#Page_374'>374</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Hortensius.</i> A book-auction bibliomaniac, <a href='#Page_132'>132</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Humphrey</i> (<i>Duke of Gloucester</i>), <a href='#Page_193'>193</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Hutton</i> (<i>John</i>). His curious collection of books, <a href='#Page_374'>374</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<i>Illustrated copies</i>, <a href='#Page_496'>496-511</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Illustration.</i> Recipe for, <a href='#Page_497'>497</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Ina</i> (<i>King of the West Saxons</i>), <a href='#Page_166'>166</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Inscription over a library door</i>, <a href='#Page_108'>108</a>, <a href='#Page_112'>112</a>, <a href='#Page_113'>113</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Institutions.</i> Public, Literary, and Scientific, <a href='#Page_551'>551</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<i>Jacob</i> (<i>Louis</i>). See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Jamieson</i> (<i>Dr. John</i>). His Scottish Dictionary commended, <a href='#Page_499'>499</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Jesuits.</i> Their bibliographical labours commended, <a href='#Page_83'>83</a><br /> +<br /> +<a name="Johnes" id="Johnes"></a><i>Johnes</i> (<i>Col. Thomas</i>). His edition of Monstrelet, <a href='#Page_154'>154</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">copy of "Heures de Notre Dame," <a href="#Page_409">409</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">pleasure-grounds, <a href='#Page_483'>483</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">View of his library, <a href='#Page_484'>484</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Johnson</i> (<i>Dr. Samuel</i>). Anecdote of his selling books, <a href='#Page_530'>530</a>, <a href='#Page_531'>531</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Quotation from the Rambler about the black-letter, <a href='#Page_530'>530</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<i>Kay</i> (<i>John</i>). His siege of Rhodes, <a href='#Page_243'>243</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Kennet</i> (<i>White, Bishop of Peterborough</i>). Original letters of, <a href='#Page_339'>339</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Opinion of Wicliffe, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Kenrick</i> (<i>William, LL.D.</i>). His review of Dr. Johnson's Tour to the Hebrides, <a href='#Page_17'>17</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Kollarius.</i> See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<i>Labbe</i> (<i>Philip</i>). See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Laire</i> (<i>Abbé Francis Xavier</i>). See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Lambecius</i> (<i>Pierre</i>). See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Lanfranc, Archbishop of Canterbury</i>, <a href='#Page_173'>173</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Lansdowne</i> (<i>William Fitzmaurice Petty, First Marquis of</i>). Account of his library, <a href='#Page_90'>90</a>, <a href='#Page_450'>450</a>, <a href='#Page_451'>451</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Large paper copies.</i> Account of valuable works of this character, <a href='#Page_491'>491-493</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The author's publications of this kind, <a href='#Page_493'>493</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Latimer</i> (<i>Hugh, Bishop of Worcester</i>). His conduct with respect to the Reformation, <a href='#Page_230'>230</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His sermons quoted, <a href='#Page_283'>283</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His death, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a>, <a href='#Page_249'>249</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Laud</i> (<i>William, Archbishop of Canterbury</i>). Account of his execution, <a href='#Page_297'>297</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Patronage of the Ferrar Family, <a href='#Page_290'>290</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Leibnitz</i> (<i>Godfrey William De</i>). See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Leland</i> (<i>John</i>). Some account of, <a href='#Page_242'>242-246</a><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_xxvii" id="Page_I_xxvii">I. xxvii</a></span><br /> +<i>Leontes.</i> A book-auction bibliomaniac, <a href='#Page_133'>133</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Lepidus.</i> A book-auction bibliomaniac, <a href='#Page_121'>121</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Lewis</i> (<i>Rev. John</i>). His literary character, <a href='#Page_338'>338-340</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">severe opinion of Hearne, <a href='#Page_338'>338</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Liberality</i> of religious sentiment, <a href='#Page_109'>109</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Libraries.</i> Devastation of, at the Reformation, <a href='#Page_233'>233-235</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Dramatic, <a href='#Page_402'>402</a>, <a href='#Page_403'>403</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Lisardo.</i> His general character, <a href='#Page_211'>211-213</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His bibliomaniacal enthusiasm, <a href='#Page_348'>348-352</a>, <a href='#Page_468'>468</a>, <a href='#Page_470'>470</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Literary characters.</i> Quixotic, <a href='#Page_6'>6</a>, <a href='#Page_7'>7</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Careless, <a href='#Page_7'>7</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Acrimonious, <a href='#Page_8'>8</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Vain, <a href='#Page_12'>12</a>, <a href='#Page_13'>13</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Obstinate, <a href='#Page_14'>14</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Critical, <a href='#Page_14'>14</a>, <a href='#Page_15'>15</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Useful, <a href='#Page_553'>553</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Lomeier</i> (<i>John</i>). See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Lomenie</i> (<i>Cardinal de Brienne</i>). Account of, and catalogue of his library, <a href='#Page_84'>84</a>, <a href='#Page_85'>85</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Co.</i> Their extensive trade as booksellers, <a href='#Page_308'>308</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Lorenzo.</i> A neighbour of the author, <a href='#Page_4'>4</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His house and grounds, <a href='#Page_4'>4</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">library, <a href='#Page_164'>164</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">drawing-room, <a href='#Page_213'>213</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">alcove, <a href='#Page_480'>480-482</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Lort</i> (<i>Dr. Michael</i>). Account of his library, <a href='#Page_411'>411-413</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Lotichius</i> (<i>Peter</i>). His Latin verses concerning his library, <a href='#Page_113'>113</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Lumley</i> (<i>John, Lord</i>), <a href='#Page_281'>281</a>, <a href='#Page_287'>287</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Luttrel</i> (<i>Narcissus</i>). His extraordinary collection of books, <a href='#Page_323'>323</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Lysons</i> (<i>Mr. Samuel</i>). His large paper copy of Weever's Funeral Monuments, <a href='#Page_492'>492</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<i>Macartney</i> (<i>Mr.</i>). Account of his library, <a href='#Page_407'>407</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Maddison</i> (<i>John</i>). Sale of his library, <a href='#Page_459'>459</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Magliabechi</i> (<i>Antonio</i>). Some account of, <a href='#Page_85'>85-87</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Maittaire</i> (<i>Michael</i>). Some account of, <a href='#Page_47'>47</a>. See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Sale of his library, <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Malvolio.</i> Sale of his busts and statues, <a href='#Page_26'>26</a>, <a href='#Page_472'>472</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Manton</i> (<i>Dr.</i>) Sale of his books, <a href='#Page_306'>306</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Marcellus.</i> A book-auction bibliomaniac, <a href='#Page_135'>135</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Marchand</i> (<i>Prosper</i>). See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Marlborough Gems.</i> In Woodhouse's collection, <a href='#Page_441'>441-444</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Martin</i> (<i>Thomas, of Palgrave</i>). Account of his library, <a href='#Page_384'>384-386</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Mary</i> (<i>Queen of Philip II.</i>). Commended by a Roman Catholic writer, <a href='#Page_236'>236</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Mary</i> (<i>Queen of Scots</i>). Her portrait, <a href='#Page_254'>254</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Mason</i> (<i>George</i>). Account of his library, <a href='#Page_419'>419-423</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Maunsell</i> (<i>Andrew</i>). His catalogue of English books, <a href='#Page_280'>280</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Mazzuchelli</i> (<i>Giovanni Maria</i>). See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>M'Carthy</i> (<i>Count</i>). Catalogue of a former library of, <a href='#Page_85'>85</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His present fine collection of books, <a href='#Page_518'>518</a>, <a href='#Page_519'>519</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Mead</i> (<i>Richard, M.D.</i>). Some account of, <a href='#Page_364'>364-366</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Sale of his library, pictures, and coins, &c., <a href='#Page_365'>365</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Account of his family, <a href='#Page_366'>366</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Medici</i> (<i>Lorenzo De</i>). Catalogue of the Oriental MSS. in the library of, <a href='#Page_87'>87</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Meerman</i> (<i>Gerard</i>). See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Menalcas.</i> A book-auction bibliomaniac, <a href='#Page_136'>136</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Menander.</i> A literary character, <a href='#Page_7'>7</a><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_xxviii" id="Page_I_xxviii">I. xxviii</a></span><br /> +<i>Mercier</i> (<i>De St. Leger</i>). See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Mercurii.</i> Attending book-sales, <a href='#Page_134'>134</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Middleton</i> (<i>Rev. Conyers, D.D.</i>). See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Miller</i> (<i>Thomas</i>). Account of, <a href='#Page_471'>471</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Miller</i> (<i>William</i>). His illustrated copy of Scott's Dryden, <a href='#Page_497'>497</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">edition of the Shipwreck, <a href='#Page_512'>512</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">of the Memoirs of Grammont, <a href='#Page_564'>564</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Mills</i> (<i>George Galway</i>). His fine library, <a href='#Page_447'>447</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Mirabeau</i> (<i>Victor Riquetti, Marquis De</i>). Catalogue of his library, <a href='#Page_88'>88</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His passion for beautiful books, <a href='#Page_514'>514</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Missals.</i> Beauty of their execution, <a href='#Page_150'>150</a>, <a href='#Page_520'>520</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Toletan and Mazarabic, <a href='#Page_160'>160</a>, <a href='#Page_161'>161</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Monasteries.</i> Books contained in, <a href='#Page_177'>177</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Visitors of, <a href='#Page_231'>231</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Ancient hospitality of, <a href='#Page_234'>234</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Alleged abandoned lives of the keepers, <a href='#Page_232'>232</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Depositories and promoters of literature, <a href='#Page_234'>234</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Devastation of, <a href='#Page_231'>231-235</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Monastic Life.</i> Comparison between the monastic and chivalrous age, as most favourable to the Bibliomania, <a href='#Page_149'>149</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Monro</i> (<i>Dr. John</i>). Account of his library, <a href='#Page_417'>417</a>, <a href='#Page_418'>418</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Montfaucon</i> (<i>Bernard De</i>). His bibliographical labours, <a href='#Page_89'>89</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Moonlight night.</i> Influence of, <a href='#Page_5'>5</a>, <a href='#Page_368'>368</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>More</i> (<i>John, Bishop of Ely</i>). Some account of, <a href='#Page_318'>318</a>, <a href='#Page_319'>319</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>More</i> (<i>Sir Thomas</i>), <a href='#Page_220'>220-222</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Morhof</i> (<i>Daniel George</i>). Some account of, <a href='#Page_46'>46</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Murray</i> (<i>John</i>). Some account of, <a href='#Page_331'>331</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Museum, The British.</i> The librarians of commended, <a href='#Page_36'>36</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Catalogue of its Printed Books and Manuscripts, <a href='#Page_89'>89</a>, <a href='#Page_90'>90</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Mustapha.</i> A book-auction bibliomaniac and book vender, <a href='#Page_122'>122</a>, <a href='#Page_138'>138</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<i>Naude, or Naudæus</i> (<i>Gabriel</i>). His works commended, <a href='#Page_38'>38</a>. See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Nelson, Life of.</i> Printed upon vellum, <a href='#Page_521'>521</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Neville</i> (<i>George, Archbishop of York</i>). Feast at his inthronization, <a href='#Page_200'>200</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Fond of astrology, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Niceron.</i> See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Nicholls</i> (<i>Mr. John</i>). His communications respecting Dr. Mead's family, <a href='#Page_366'>366</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Nicol</i> (<i>Mr. George</i>). His anecdotes concerning some volumes printed by Caxton, <a href='#Page_382'>382</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>North</i> (<i>Francis, Lord-Keeper</i>), <a href='#Page_309'>309</a><br /> +<br /> +—— (<i>Dr. John</i>), <a href='#Page_310'>310</a>, <a href='#Page_311'>311</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Their passion for books, <a href='#Page_312'>312</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<i>Oldys</i> (<i>William</i>). His literary labours appreciated, <a href='#Page_500'>500</a>. See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Omar.</i> Supposed destroyer of the Alexandrian library, <a href='#Page_28'>28</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Orlando.</i> Character of, <a href='#Page_105'>105-113</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Osborne</i> (<i>Thomas</i>). The bookseller, <a href='#Page_345'>345</a>, <a href='#Page_348'>348</a>, <a href='#Page_355'>355</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<i>Painted Glass.</i> Hearne's commendation of, <a href='#Page_107'>107</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Panzer</i> (<i>George Wolfgang Francis</i>). See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Papillon</i> (<i>Mr. David</i>). Book-anecdote concerning him and Osborne, <a href='#Page_355'>355</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Paris de Meyzieux.</i> Account, and catalogues, of his fine library, <a href='#Page_90'>90</a>, <a href='#Page_408'>408-411</a><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_xxix" id="Page_I_xxix">I. xxix</a></span><br /> +<i>Parker</i> (<i>Matthew, Archbishop</i>). Some Account of, <a href='#Page_257'>257-261</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Catalogue of his MSS., <a href='#Page_98'>98</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Antiquity of the British Church, <a href='#Page_257'>257-259</a>, <a href='#Page_400'>400</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Libellous life of, <a href='#Page_258'>258</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His consecration, <a href='#Page_260'>260</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Woodcut portrait of, <a href='#Page_261'>261</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Paterson</i> (<i>Samuel</i>). His Bibliotheca Universalis, <a href='#Page_400'>400</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Payne</i> (<i>Mr.</i>). His purchase of the Lamoignon library, <a href='#Page_84'>84</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Peacham</i> (<i>Henry</i>), <a href='#Page_282'>282</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His "Compleat Gentleman" quoted, <a href='#Page_283'>283</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Pearson</i> (<i>Thomas, or Major</i>). Account of his library, <a href='#Page_403'>403-406</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Pembroke</i> (<i>Earl of</i>). His passion for books, <a href='#Page_119'>119</a>, <a href='#Page_324'>324</a>, <a href='#Page_325'>325</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Pepys</i> (<i>Samuel</i>). Account of his professional and book ardour, <a href='#Page_319'>319</a>, <a href='#Page_320'>320</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Peterborough Abbey Library</i>, <a href='#Page_178'>178</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">(<i>White, Kennet, Bishop of</i>). His opinion of Wickliffe, <a href='#Page_339'>339</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">(<i>Earl of</i>). His passion for books, <a href='#Page_119'>119</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Peters</i> (<i>Hugh</i>). In possession of a part of Laud's library, <a href='#Page_298'>298</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Pinelli.</i> Catalogues of the Pinelli library, <a href='#Page_91'>91</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">An account of the library so called, <a href='#Page_406'>406</a>, <a href='#Page_407'>407</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Pitts, or Pitseus</i> (<i>Johannes</i>). His work commended, <a href='#Page_38'>38</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Porson</i> (<i>Richard</i>). Sale of his library, <a href='#Page_458'>458</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His erudition, and skilful penmanship, <a href='#Page_459'>459</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Portraits.</i> <i>Sales of Engravings of rare and curious</i>, <a href='#Page_502'>502-506</a>, <a href='#Page_510'>510</a>, <a href='#Page_511'>511</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Algernon, Earl of Northumberland, by Hollar, <a href='#Page_503'>503</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Anne, Queen of James I., by Visscher, <a href='#Page_505'>505</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Banfi-Hunniades (John), by Hollar, <a href='#Page_502'>502</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The same, with variations, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Berkeley (George, Earl of), by Hollar, <a href='#Page_503'>503</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Bernard (Dr. Francis), <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Bethell (Slingsby), by W. Sherwin, <a href='#Page_506'>506</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Bohemia, King and Queen of, and family, <a href='#Page_505'>505</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Buckingham (George, Duke of), sold by Stent, <a href='#Page_503'>503</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Cæsar (Sir Julius) by Elstracke, <a href='#Page_506'>506</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Catharine, Queen of Charles II., by Faithorne, <a href='#Page_502'>502</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Cecyll (Edward), General, by Passe, <a href='#Page_510'>510</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Chaloner (Sir Thomas), by Hollar, <a href='#Page_502'>502</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Charles I., by Lombard, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The same, with Cromwell's head, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Princess Augusta Maria, daughter of, by Danckers, <a href='#Page_505'>505</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Cole (Thomas), <a href='#Page_506'>506</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Cromwell (Richard, Lord Protector), by Hollar, <a href='#Page_504'>504</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Cumberland (George, Earl of), by R. White, <a href='#Page_503'>503</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Darnley (Henry, Lord), by Passe, <a href='#Page_505'>505</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Devereux, Earl of Essex, on horseback, by Hollar, <a href='#Page_502'>502</a>, <a href='#Page_504'>504</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The same, standing on foot, by do., <a href='#Page_503'>503</a>, <a href='#Page_504'>504</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Digby (Lord), in armour, after Vander Borcht, <a href='#Page_604'>604</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Elizabeth (Queen), in superb court dress, by Passe, <a href='#Page_502'>502</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">superbly dressed, between pillars, <a href='#Page_505'>505</a></span><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_xxx" id="Page_I_xxx">I. xxx</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Frederic (Prince), &c., with Princess Elizabeth, by Elstracke, <a href='#Page_505'>505</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Hay (Lord James), by Passe, <a href='#Page_506'>506</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Henry the Eighth, by C. M[atsis], <a href='#Page_505'>505</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Henry (Prince Frederic), by Delaram, <a href='#Page_506'>506</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Hollar, his own portrait, <a href='#Page_504'>504</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Hotham (Sir John), Governor of Hull, <a href='#Page_506'>506</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Howard (Thomas, Earl of Suffolk), by Elstracke, <a href='#Page_505'>505</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">(Thomas, Earl of Arundel), <a href='#Page_506'>506</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Isham (Sir Thomas), by Loggan, <a href='#Page_602'>602</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Killegrew (Thomas), by Faithorne, <a href='#Page_506'>506</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Lister (Sir Matthew, M.D.), by P.V. Somer, <a href='#Page_504'>504</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Lloyd (Humphrey, of Denbigh), by Faber, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Lortie (Andrew), by Van Somer, <a href='#Page_506'>506</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Lyon (Sir Patrick, of Carse), by White, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Malines (Samuel), by Lombart, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Marsham (Sir John), by R. White, <a href='#Page_504'>504</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Mary, Queen of Scots, by Mynginus, <a href='#Page_505'>505</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The same, veiled, &c., <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Mascall (Edward), by Gammon, <a href='#Page_506'>506</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Master Martin, by R. Gaywood, <a href='#Page_504'>504</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Mountaine (George), Bishop of London, G.Y. sculpsit, <a href='#Page_506'>506</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Newcastle Family, by Clowet, <a href='#Page_503'>503</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">O'Toole (Arthurus Severus Nonesuch), by Delaram, <a href='#Page_506'>506</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Paston (Lady), wife of Sir W. Paston, by Faithorne, <a href='#Page_504'>504</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">(Sir William), by Faithorne, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Pembroke (Herbert, Earl of), by Hollar, <a href='#Page_502'>502</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">(Mary, Countess of), by Passe, <a href='#Page_504'>504</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">(Penelope, Countess of), by Hollar, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">(Ann Clifford, Countess of), by R. White, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Portman (Sir William), <a href='#Page_506'>506</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Rawdon (Marmaduke), by White, <a href='#Page_506'>506</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Reynell (Carew), <a href='#Page_504'>504</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Rupert (Prince), by Faithorne, <a href='#Page_506'>506</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">sold by R. Peake, <a href='#Page_504'>504</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Sack (Mull'd), sold by Compton Holland, <a href='#Page_511'>511</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Sackville (Richard, Earl of Dorset), by Passe, <a href='#Page_506'>506</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Shaftesbury (Anthony, Earl of), by Blooteling, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Sheffield (Baron Edmond), by Elstracke, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Shirley (Lady Elizabeth), by Hollar, <a href='#Page_503'>503</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The same, by do., <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_xxxi" id="Page_I_xxxi">I. xxxi</a></span><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Sidney (Sir Philip), by Elstracke, <a href='#Page_505'>505</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Sidney (Robert, Viscount Lisle), by Passe, <a href='#Page_506'>506</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Smith (Richard), by W. Sherwin, <a href='#Page_503'>503</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Somerset (Edward, Earl of Worcester), by Passe, <a href='#Page_505'>505</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Stone-Eater (The), by Hollar, <a href='#Page_502'>502</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Vere (Henry, Earl of Oxford), sold by Compton Holland, <a href='#Page_505'>505</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The same, by Payne, Passe, &c., <a href='#Page_510'>510</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Verney (Sir Greville), by Loggan, <a href='#Page_506'>506</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Wetenhall (Edward, Bishop of Corke and Ross), by Becket, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Whitington (Richard, Lord Mayor of London), by Elstracke, <a href='#Page_510'>510</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Willoughby (Sir Francis), by T. Man, <a href='#Page_503'>503</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Windebank (Sir F.) and Lord Finch, <a href='#Page_505'>505</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Wortley (Sir Francis), by Hertocks, <a href='#Page_503'>503</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Wriothesley (Henry, Earl of Southampton), by Passe, <a href='#Page_506'>506</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Wynn (Sir John, De Gwedir), by Vaughan, <a href='#Page_506'>506</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">York (James, Duke of), <a href='#Page_505'>505</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Press, National.</i> Want of, <a href='#Page_551'>551</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Printers, English.</i> Protected by the statute of Richard III., <a href='#Page_114'>114</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Printing.</i> Benefit of, <a href='#Page_197'>197</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Print-sales.</i> Barnard, <a href='#Page_502'>502</a>, <a href='#Page_503'>503</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Sir W. Musgrave, <a href='#Page_503'>503</a>, <a href='#Page_504'>504</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Miscellaneous, <a href='#Page_604'>604-506</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Prints.</i> Account of rare and curious ones, <a href='#Page_502'>502-511</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Prospero.</i> A book-auction bibliomaniac, <a href='#Page_135'>135</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Psalters.</i> The Author's Essay upon the ancient Psalters printed at Mentz, <a href='#Page_42'>42</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Pynson</i> (<i>Richard</i>), His books upon vellum, <a href='#Page_216'>216</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<i>Quin</i> (<i>Mr.</i>). His passion for books printed upon vellum, <a href='#Page_518'>518</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Quisquilius.</i> A book-auction bibliomaniac, <a href='#Page_126'>126</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<i>Ranzau</i> (<i>Henry De</i>). Inscription over his library door, <a href='#Page_113'>113</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Ratcliffe</i> (<i>John</i>). Account of his library, <a href='#Page_392'>392</a>, <a href='#Page_393'>393</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Comparison between the collections of West and Ratcliffe, <a href='#Page_393'>393</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Rawlinson</i> (<i>Thomas</i>). His passion for book-collecting, <a href='#Page_343'>343-346</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Catalogues of his several book-sales, <a href='#Page_344'>344</a>, <a href='#Page_345'>345</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Rawlinson</i> (<i>Richard</i>). Sale, and specimens, of his library, <a href='#Page_369'>369</a>, <a href='#Page_370'>370</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Rede, or Read</i> (<i>William, Bishop of Chichester</i>), <a href='#Page_192'>192</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Reed</i> (<i>Isaac</i>). Some account of him and his library, <a href='#Page_455'>455</a>, <a href='#Page_456'>456</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Reformation.</i> History of the, as connected with the Bibliomania, <a href='#Page_228'>228-238</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Rembrandt.</i> Account of the scarcest engravings by him, <a href='#Page_507'>507-509</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Reprints</i> of voluminous and useful works applauded, <a href='#Page_549'>549</a>, <a href='#Page_550'>550</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Revickzky</i> (<i>Count</i>). Catalogue, and disposal, of his library, <a href='#Page_92'>92</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Reviews.</i> Their advantages and disadvantages, rise and progress, <a href='#Page_16'>16</a>, <a href='#Page_17'>17</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Richard De Bury</i>, <a href='#Page_185'>185-188</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Rinaldo.</i> A book-auction bibliomaniac, <a href='#Page_136'>136</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Ritson</i> (<i>Joseph</i>). His character, under that of Sycorax, <a href='#Page_7'>7-9</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Sale of his books, <a href='#Page_448'>448</a></span><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_xxxii" id="Page_I_xxxii">I. xxxii</a></span><br /> +<i>Rive</i> (<i>Abbé Jean Joseph</i>). See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Roche</i> (<i>Mr.</i>). His communication respecting Count M'Carthy, <a href='#Page_518'>518</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Roscoe</i> (<i>Mr. William</i>). Proposed to write a life of Erasmus, <a href='#Page_222'>222</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His commendation of handsome book-binding, <a href='#Page_514'>514</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Rosicrusius.</i> A book-auction bibliomaniac, <a href='#Page_127'>127</a>, <a href='#Page_128'>128</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Roveray</i> (<i>Du</i>). His publications commended, <a href='#Page_481'>481</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Rowe Mores</i> (<i>Edward</i>). Sale of his library, <a href='#Page_501'>501</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Roxburgh</i> (<i>John, Duke of</i>). Anecdote of, <a href='#Page_523'>523</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Royal Institution.</i> Catalogue of the library of, <a href='#Page_99'>99</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<i>Sales, Book.</i> Account of their establishment, <a href='#Page_304'>304-308</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Number of, in the years 1806-7, <a href='#Page_456'>456</a>, <a href='#Page_457'>457</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Satin.</i> Books printed upon, <a href='#Page_512'>512</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Saxius</i> (<i>Christopher</i>). See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Scaliger</i> (<i>Joseph</i>). The author's estate compared with that of, <a href='#Page_564'>564</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Scott</i> (<i>Robert</i>). A celebrated bookseller, <a href='#Page_310'>310</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Scott</i> (<i>Sir Walter</i>). Beauty of his poetry, <a href='#Page_410'>410</a>. See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Scotus Erigena</i> (<i>Johannes</i>). Account of his writings, <a href='#Page_168'>168</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Scribes, or Scriveners.</i> Ignorance of the ancient, <a href='#Page_184'>184</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Seaman</i> (<i>Dr.</i>) Catalogue of his books, <a href='#Page_304'>304-306</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Sharp and Hailes.</i> Their publications commended, <a href='#Page_431'>431</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Sherington</i> (<i>Sir Walter</i>). Regulations concerning his library, <a href='#Page_194'>194</a>, <a href='#Page_195'>195</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Similis.</i> Inscription upon his tomb, <a href='#Page_562'>562</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Smith</i> (<i>Consul</i>). Catalogue of his library, <a href='#Page_95'>95</a>, <a href='#Page_376'>376</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Smith</i> (<i>Richard</i>). Account and sale of his library, <a href='#Page_302'>302-304</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Engraving of his portrait, <a href='#Page_503'>503</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Smyth</i> (<i>George</i>). Account of his library, <a href='#Page_403'>403</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Snuff-box</i> of Mr. L., <a href='#Page_122'>122</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Soubise</i> (<i>Prince De</i>). Catalogue of his library, <a href='#Page_96'>96</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Southgate</i> (<i>Richard</i>). Account of his collections, <a href='#Page_419'>419</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Spencer</i> (<i>George John, Earl</i>). His purchase of Count Revickzky's library, <a href='#Page_92'>92</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His copies of the Mozarabic Missal & Breviary, <a href='#Page_162'>162</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Copy of the Siege of Rhodes, printed by Caxton, <a href='#Page_407'>407</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Copy of Pynson's edition of Chaucer's works, <a href='#Page_417'>417</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Copies of illustrated Shakspeares, <a href='#Page_498'>498</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Copy of Pliny, printed by Sweynhem and Pannartz, upon vellum, <a href='#Page_519'>519</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Eulogy upon his character, <a href='#Page_524'>524</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Armorial ensigns of, <a href='#Page_525'>525</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Copy of the "Assertio Septem," upon vellum, <a href='#Page_565'>565</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Stafford</i> (<i>Marchioness of</i>). Description of a private publication by, <a href='#Page_533'>533</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Her skill in etching, <a href='#Page_534'>534</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Stanley</i> (<i>Colonel</i>). His fine copy of De Bry, <a href='#Page_512'>512</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Steevens</i> (<i>George</i>). Some account of, <a href='#Page_427'>427-440</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Analysis of his library, <a href='#Page_428'>428-436</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His verses on Eleanour Rummin, <a href='#Page_437'>437</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His letters to Herbert, <a href='#Page_438'>438-440</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Strange</i> (<i>John</i>). His library commended, <a href='#Page_441'>441</a><br /> +<br /> +<a name="Strawberry-Hill_Press" id="Strawberry-Hill_Press"></a><i>Strawberry-Hill Press.</i> Account of books printed there, <a href='#Page_534'>534</a>, <a href='#Page_540'>540</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Vignette device of the house, <a href='#Page_540'>540</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Struvius.</i> See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_xxxiii" id="Page_I_xxxiii">I. xxxiii</a></span><br /> +<i>Stubbes.</i> See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Surrey</i> (<i>Henry Howard, Earl of</i>). His whistle, <a href='#Page_241'>241</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">An intended edition of his works by the Rev. Dr. Nott, <i>ib.</i></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Sutherland</i> (<i>Col. Alexander Hendras</i>). His extraordinary copy of an illustrated Clarendon, <a href='#Page_499'>499</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Sycorax.</i> A literary character, <a href='#Page_7'>7-9</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Sykes</i> (<i>Sir Mark Masterman</i>). His copy of the Revickzky Catalogue, <a href='#Page_92'>92</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">of Rapin's History of England, <a href='#Page_494'>494</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<i>Tanner</i> (<i>Thomas, Bishop of St. Asaph</i>). Account of his editorship of Wood's Athen. Oxon., <a href='#Page_46'>46</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His Bibl. Brit. Hibernica, <a href='#Page_52'>52</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Testament, Greek.</i> Number of editions of, <a href='#Page_542'>542</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Tewrdanckhs.</i> A book so called, <a href='#Page_65'>65</a>, <a href='#Page_390'>390</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Theobald</i> (<i>Lewis</i>). His love of old books, <a href='#Page_343'>343</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Theodore</i> (<i>Archbishop of Canterbury</i>), <a href='#Page_165'>165</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Theological volumes.</i> Great number of, in the Imperial Library at Paris, <a href='#Page_109'>109</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Thuanas</i> [<i>De Thou, Jaques Auguste</i>]. Account, and catalogue, of his library, <a href='#Page_96'>96</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Thynne</i> (<i>William</i>). A distinguished bibliomaniac, <a href='#Page_242'>242</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Tiptoft</i> (<i>John, Earl of Worcester</i>), <a href='#Page_198'>198</a>, <a href='#Page_199'>199</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Tiraboschi</i> (<i>Girolamo</i>). See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<br /> +<i>Titles of Books.</i> Strangely lettered upon the binding, <a href='#Page_88'>88</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Todd</i> (<i>Rev. Henry John</i>). See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His editions of Milton and Spenser commended, <a href='#Page_550'>550</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Triphook</i> (<i>Mr. Robert</i>)—bookseller, <a href='#Page_308'>308</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His projected work on, 'The History of Playing Cards,' <a href="#Page_399">399</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Tristrem</i> (<i>Sir</i>). A book-auction bibliomaniac, <a href='#Page_134'>134</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Trithemius</i> (<i>John</i>). Some account of, <a href='#Page_541'>541</a>, <a href='#Page_542'>542</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Wood-cut portrait of, <a href='#Page_542'>542</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>True Editions.</i> Account of, <a href='#Page_525'>525-527</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Tutet</i> (<i>Mark Cephas</i>). Account of his library, <a href='#Page_399'>399</a>, <a href='#Page_400'>400</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<i>Ulpian.</i> A book-auction bibliomaniac, <a href='#Page_132'>132</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Uncut Copies.</i> Passion for the possession of, <a href='#Page_494'>494-496</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Unique Copies.</i> Illustration of, <a href='#Page_511'>511-514</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Utterson</i> (<i>Mr. Edward Vernon</i>). His copy of Stubbes's Anatomy of Abuses, <a href='#Page_279'>279</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">of Scott's Discoverie of Witchcraft, <a href='#Page_492'>492</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<i>Vallière</i> (<i>Duc De La</i>). Anecdote of him and the Abbé Rive, <a href='#Page_59'>59</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Catalogues of his library, <a href='#Page_97'>97</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Vellum, books printed upon</i>, <a href='#Page_68'>68</a>, <a href='#Page_97'>97</a>, <a href='#Page_321'>321</a>, <a href='#Page_322'>322</a>—but see particularly <a href="#Page_515">515-521</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Visitors of ancient Monasteries</i>, <a href='#Page_231'>231</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<i>Wakefield</i> (<i>Robert</i>), <a href='#Page_235'>235</a>, <a href='#Page_413'>413</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Walpole</i> (<i>Francis</i>). Heraldic quarterings of, <a href='#Page_100'>100</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Walpole</i> (<i>Horace</i>). See '<a href="#Strawberry-Hill_Press">Strawberry Hill Press</a>.'<br /> +<br /> +<i>Wanley</i> (<i>Humphrey</i>). Some account of, <a href='#Page_346'>346</a>, <a href='#Page_347'>347</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Warton</i> (<i>Thomas</i>). Celebrated under the character of Menander, <a href='#Page_7'>7</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>West</i> (<i>James</i>). Account of, and analysis of his library, <a href='#Page_376'>376-383</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Prices of some of his books sold by auction, <a href='#Page_377'>377</a>, <a href='#Page_380'>380</a>, <a href='#Page_381'>381</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Comparison of his library with J. Ratcliffe's, <a href='#Page_393'>393</a></span><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_I_xxxiv" id="Page_I_xxxiv">I. xxxiv</a></span><br /> +<i>Wicliffe</i> (<i>John</i>). Bishop Fell's character of, <a href='#Page_318'>318</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Mr. Baber's edition of his New Testament, <a href='#Page_339'>339</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Life of, by Lewis, <a href='#Page_340'>340</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Wilbraham</i> (<i>Mr. Roger</i>). His copy of the 'Manner and Forme of Confession,' <a href="#Page_224">224</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Wilkes</i> (<i>John</i>). Account of his Library, <a href='#Page_447'>447</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Wilson</i> (<i>Thomas, Bishop of Sodor and Man</i>). His edition of the Bible, <a href='#Page_109'>109</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Witches.</i> Tracts relating to, at Brand's sale, <a href='#Page_454'>454</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Wolfius</i> (<i>John</i>). See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Wood-cut portrait of, <a href='#Page_112'>112</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Wolsey</i> (<i>Thomas, Cardinal</i>), <a href='#Page_225'>225-228</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His character by Skelton, Roy, and Tyndale, <a href='#Page_225'>225</a>, <a href='#Page_226'>226</a>, <a href='#Page_227'>227</a></span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Fine books presented to him, <a href='#Page_227'>227</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Wood</i> (<i>Anthony</i>). Some account of, <a href='#Page_312'>312-316</a>. <i>See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX">Bibliographical Index</a>.</i><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Woodcut portrait of, <a href='#Page_315'>315</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Woodford</i> (<i>Emperor John Alexander</i>). Sale of his library, <a href='#Page_459'>459</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Woodhouse</i> (<i>Mr. John</i>). His collection of prints, <a href='#Page_441'>441-444</a><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">His collection of books, <a href='#Page_444'>444-446</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<i>Worsley</i> (<i>Dr.</i>). Sale of his books by auction, <a href='#Page_306'>306</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Worsley</i> (<i>Sir Richard</i>). His 'Museum Worsleyanum,' <a href="#Page_532">532</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Wright</i> (<i>Richard, M.D.</i>). Account of his library, <a href='#Page_401'>401</a>, <a href='#Page_402'>402</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Wynne</i> (<i>Edward</i>). Account of his library, <a href='#Page_323'>323</a>, <a href='#Page_324'>324</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<i>Ximenes</i> (<i>Cardinal Francis</i>). See <a href="#BIBLIOGRAPHICAL_INDEX"><i>Bibliographical Index</i></a>.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Life of him by Lord Holland, or Mr. Southey, a literary desideratum, <a href='#Page_160'>160</a></span><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<i>Youth.</i> Character and History of the Education of the ancient English Youth, <a href='#Page_282'>282-285</a><br /> +</p> + +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BIBLIOMANIA; OR BOOK-MADNESS***</p> +<p>******* This file should be named 28540-h.txt or 28540-h.zip *******</p> +<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/8/5/4/28540">http://www.gutenberg.org/2/8/5/4/28540</a></p> +<p>Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed.</p> + +<p>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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