summaryrefslogtreecommitdiff
path: root/28540.txt
diff options
context:
space:
mode:
Diffstat (limited to '28540.txt')
-rw-r--r--28540.txt37800
1 files changed, 37800 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/28540.txt b/28540.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ce03c07
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28540.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,37800 @@
+The Project Gutenberg eBook of Bibliomania; or Book-Madness, by Thomas
+Frognall Dibdin
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever. 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 www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: Bibliomania; or Book-Madness
+ A Bibliographical Romance
+
+
+Author: Thomas Frognall Dibdin
+
+
+
+Release Date: April 8, 2009 [eBook #28540]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BIBLIOMANIA; OR BOOK-MADNESS***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Suzanne Lybarger, Brian Janes, Linda Cantoni, and the
+Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team
+(https://www.pgdp.net)
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+ file which includes the original illustrations.
+ See 28540-h.htm or 28540-h.zip:
+ (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/8/5/4/28540/28540-h/28540-h.htm)
+ or
+ (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/8/5/4/28540/28540-h.zip)
+
+
+Transcriber's Note:
+
+ Thomas Frognall Dibdin's _Bibliomania_ 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 a copy of the actual 1876
+ edition.
+
+ Footnotes
+
+ The original contains numerous footnotes, denoted by numbers
+ prior to Part I, 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.
+
+ Some of the footnotes contain lengthy book catalogues with
+ descriptions and prices. For ease of reading, in this e-book
+ these catalogues have been formatted as lists rather than
+ tables.
+
+ Text that in the original was rendered in blackletter is
+ enclosed between equal signs (=bold face=).
+
+ Spelling and typographical errors are retained as they appear
+ in the original, with a [Transcriber's Note] containing the
+ correct spelling. Minor obvious punctuation and font errors
+ have been corrected without note. Inconsistent diacriticals and
+ hyphenation have been retained as they appear in the original.
+
+ There are frequent inconsistencies in the spelling of certain
+ proper names. These have been retained as they appear in the
+ original, for example:
+
+ Bibliotheque/Bibliotheque
+ Boccaccio/Bocaccio/Boccacio
+ De Foe/Defoe
+ Francais/Francois
+ Lomenie/Lomenie
+ Montfaucon/Montfaucon
+ Roxburgh/Roxburghe
+ Shakspeare/Shakespeare
+ Spenser/Spencer
+ Tewrdannckhs/Tewrdranckhs/Teurdanckhs (and other variations)
+ Valliere/Valliere
+
+
+
+
+
+BIBLIOMANIA.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+ _Libri quosdam ad Scientiam, quosdam AD INSANIAM, deduxere._
+ GEYLER: Navis Stultifera: sign. B. iiij. rev.
+
+
+BIBLIOMANIA;
+
+OR
+
+=Book-Madness;=
+
+A BIBLIOGRAPHICAL ROMANCE.
+
+ILLUSTRATED WITH CUTS.
+
+BY THOMAS FROGNALL DIBDIN, D.D.
+
+=New and improved Edition,=
+
+TO WHICH ARE ADDED
+PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS, AND A SUPPLEMENT INCLUDING A KEY
+TO THE ASSUMED CHARACTERS IN THE DRAMA.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: _Engraved by S. Freeman._]
+
+
+=London:=
+Chatto & Windus, Piccadilly.
+MDCCCLXXVI.
+
+
+[Illustration: T.F. DIBDIN, D.D.
+
+_Engraved by James Thomson from the Original Painting by T. Phillips,
+Esqr. R.A._
+
+Published by the Proprietors (for the New Edition) of the Rev. Dr.
+Dibdins Bibliomania 1840.]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+TO
+
+THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
+
+THE EARL OF POWIS,
+
+PRESIDENT OF
+
+=The Roxburgh Club,=
+
+THIS
+
+NEW EDITION
+
+OF
+
+BIBLIOMANIA
+
+IS
+
+RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY
+
+THE AUTHOR.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+ADVERTISEMENT.
+
+
+_The public may not be altogether unprepared for the re-appearance of
+the BIBLIOMANIA in a more attractive garb than heretofore;--and, in
+consequence, more in uniformity with the previous publications of the
+Author._
+
+_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_ other _works of the
+Author should be deprived of an opportunity of adding the_ present
+_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._
+
+_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_ three,_--including the
+Author--have survived. This has furnished a monitory theme for the
+APPENDIX; which, to the friends both of the dead and the living,
+cannot be perused without sympathising emotions--_
+
+ _"A sigh the absent claim, the DEAD a tear."_
+
+_The changes and alterations in "things,"--that is to say in the_
+=Bibliomania= _itself--have been equally capricious and unaccountable:
+our countrymen being, in_ these _days, to the full as fond of novelty
+and variety as in those of Henry the Eighth. Dr. Board, who wrote his_
+Introduction of Knowledge _in the year 1542, and dedicated it to the
+Princess Mary, thus observes of our countrymen:_
+
+ _I am an Englishman, and naked do I stand here,
+ Musing in my mind what raiment I shall wear;
+ For now I will wear_ this, _and now I will wear_ that,
+ _Now I will wear--I cannot tell what._
+
+_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_ Typographical
+Antiquities, _vol._ iii. _p._ 158-60.
+
+_But I apprehend the general apathy of Bibliomaniacs to be in a great
+measure attributable to the vast influx of BOOKS, of every
+description, from the Continent--owing to the long continuance of
+peace; and yet, in the appearance of what are called_ English
+Rarities, _the market seems to be almost as barren as ever. The
+wounds, inflicted in the HEBERIAN contest, have gradually healed, and
+are subsiding into forgetfulness; excepting where, from_ collateral
+_causes, there are too many_ striking _reasons to remember their
+existence._
+
+_Another motive may be humbly, yet confidently, assigned for the
+re-appearance of this Work. It was thought, by its late
+proprietor,--MR. EDWARD WALMSLEY[1]--to whose cost and liberality this
+edition owes its 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_ Dramatis Personae.
+_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._
+
+_T.F. DIBDIN._
+
+_May_ 1, 1842.
+
+ [Footnote 1: _Mr. EDWARD WALMSLEY, 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_
+ Physiognomical Portraits, _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_ Anecdotes of
+ Painting in England, _a work, which can never want a reader
+ while taste has an abiding-place in one British bosom._
+
+ _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._]
+
+
+
+
+THE BIBLIOMANIA;
+
+OR
+
+=Book-Madness;=
+
+CONTAINING SOME ACCOUNT OF THE
+
+HISTORY, SYMPTOMS, AND CURE OF THIS FATAL DISEASE.
+
+IN AN EPISTLE ADDRESSED TO
+
+RICHARD HEBER, ESQ.
+
+BY THE
+
+REV. THOMAS FROGNALL DIBDIN, F.S.A.
+
+
+ Styll am I besy bokes assemblynge,
+ For to have plenty it is a pleasaunt thynge
+ In my conceyt, and to have them ay in honde:
+ But what they mene I do nat understonde.
+
+ =Pynson's Ship of Fools.= Edit. 1509.
+
+
+LONDON
+
+REPRINTED FROM THE FIRST EDITION, PUBLISHED IN 1809.
+
+
+
+
+=Advertisement.=
+
+
+_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._
+
+_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
+confused 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._
+
+T.F.D.
+
+_Kensington, June_ 5, 1809.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+TO THE READER.
+
+
+_A 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_ would do, _but that there was not_ gall
+_enough in it." As he was himself a_ Book-Auction-loving Bibliomaniac,
+_I was resolved, in a future edition, to gratify him and similar
+Collectors by writing_ PART III. _of the present impression; the motto
+of which may probably meet their approbation._
+
+_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_ work. _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._
+
+_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_ Personal History of Literature, _in the characters of_
+Collectors of Books; _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_ Dramatis Personae.
+
+_The worthy Gentlemen, by whom the_ Drama _is conducted, may be
+called, by some, merely wooden machines or_ pegs _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_ Literature _and_ Bibliography.
+
+_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._
+
+_The_ Engraved Ornaments of Portraits, Vignettes, and Borders, _were
+introduced, as well to gratify the eyes of tasteful Bibliomaniacs, as
+to impress, upon the minds of readers in general, a more vivid
+recollection of some of those truly illustrious characters by whom
+the_ HISTORY OF BRITISH LITERATURE _has been preserved._
+
+_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_ child, _could be heard from the_ grave, _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._
+
+_And now_, BENEVOLENT READER, _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_ Vogt,[2] _who
+thus praises the subject of which we are about to treat:--"Quis non_
+AMABILEM _eam laudabit_ INSANIAM, _quae universae rei litterariae non
+obfuit, sed profuit; historiae litterariae doctrinam insigniter
+locupletavit; ingentemque exercitum voluminum, quibus alias aut in
+remotiora Bibliothecarum publicarum scrinia commigrandum erat, aut
+plane pereundum, a carceribus et interitu vindicavit, exoptatissimaeque
+luci et eruditorum usui multiplici felicitur restituit?"_
+
+T.F.D.
+
+_Kensington, March_ 25, 1811.
+
+ [Footnote 2: Catalogus Librorum Rariorum, praef. ix. edit.
+ 1793.]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+PART I. THE EVENING WALK.
+_On the right uses of Literature_ p. 3-20.
+
+II. THE CABINET.
+_Outline of Foreign and Domestic Bibliography_ p. 23-92.
+
+III. THE AUCTION-ROOM.
+_Character of Orlando. Of ancient Prices of Books,
+and of Book-Binding. Book-Auction Bibliomaniacs_ p. 103-139.
+
+IV. THE LIBRARY.
+_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_ p. 143-207.
+
+V. THE DRAWING ROOM.
+_History of the Bibliomania, or Account of Book
+Collectors, concluded_ p. 211-463.
+
+VI. THE ALCOVE.
+_Symptoms of the Disease called the Bibliomania.
+Probable Means of its Cure_ p. 467-565.
+
+SUPPLEMENT.
+
+CHRONOLOGICAL INDEX.
+
+BIBLIOGRAPHICAL INDEX.
+
+GENERAL INDEX.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: LUTHER.]
+
+[Illustration: MELANCTHON.]
+
+PUBLISHED BY THE PROPRIETOR (FOR THE NEW EDITION) OF THE REV. Dr.
+DIBDINS BIBLIOMANIA, 1840.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+=The Bibliomania.=
+
+
+MY DEAR SIR,
+
+When the poetical Epistle of Dr. Ferriar, under the popular title of
+"THE BIBLIOMANIA," 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,[3] I found a smooth, melodious, and persuasive panegyric;
+unmixed, however, with any rules for the choice of books, or the
+regulation of study.
+
+ [Footnote 3: There are, nevertheless, some satirical
+ allusions which one could have wished had been suppressed.
+ For instance:
+
+ He turns where PYBUS rears his atlas-head
+ Or MADOC'S mass conceals its veins of lead;
+
+ What has Mr. Pybus's gorgeous book in praise of the late
+ Russian Emperor Paul I. (which some have called the
+ chef-d'oeuvre of Bensley's press[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 "_Remains of Henry Kirk White_,"
+ the sweetest specimen of modern biography, has sunk into
+ every heart, and received an eulogy from every tongue. Yet
+ is his own life
+
+ "The more endearing song."
+
+ Dr. Ferriar's next satirical verses are levelled at Mr.
+ THOMAS HOPE.
+
+ "The lettered fop now takes a larger scope,
+ With classic furniture, design'd by HOPE.
+ (HOPE, whom upholsterers eye with mute despair,
+ The doughty pedant of an elbow chair.")
+
+ It has appeared to me that Mr. Hope's magnificent volume on
+ "_Household Furniture_" has been generally misunderstood,
+ and, in a few instances, criticised upon false
+ principles.--The first question is, does the _subject_ 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 archaeological 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 _private_ 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."
+
+ Upon what principle, _a priori_, 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 _that_ the most deserving of
+ commendation which produces the most numerous and pleasing
+ associations of ideas? I recollect, when in company with the
+ excellent DR. JENNER,
+
+ ----[clarum et venerabile nomen
+ Gentibus, et multum nostrae quod proderat urbi]
+
+ 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.
+
+ 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
+ "_Costume of the Ancients_," a work which has recently been
+ published under his particular superintendence.]
+
+ [Footnote A: This book is beautifully executed, undoubtedly,
+ but being little more than a thin folio pamphlet devoid of
+ _typographical_ 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.]
+
+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 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[4] 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
+
+ "The small, rare volume, black with tarnished gold."
+
+ _Dr. Ferriar's Ep._ v. 138.
+
+ [Footnote 4: 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
+ "_Comments on Sterne_," 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
+ BIBLIOMANIA. In my edition of Sir Thomas More's Utopia, a
+ suggestion is thrown out that even Burton may have been an
+ imitator of Boisatuau [Transcriber's Note: Boiastuau]: see
+ vol. II. 143.]
+
+Whoever undertakes to write down the follies which grow out of an
+excessive attachment to any particular pursuit, be that pursuit
+horses,[5] hawks, dogs, guns, snuff boxes,[6] old china, coins, or
+rusty armour, may be thought to have little consulted the best means
+of ensuring success for his labours, when he adopts the dull vehicle
+of _Prose_ for the commnication [Transcriber's Note: communication] of
+his ideas not considering that from _Poetry_ ten thousand bright
+scintillations are struck off, which please and convince while they
+attract and astonish. Thus when Pope talks of allotting for
+
+ "Pembroke[7] Statues, dirty Gods and Coins;
+ Rare monkish manuscripts for Hearne[8] alone;
+ And books to Mead[9] and butterflies to Sloane,"[10]
+
+when he says that
+
+ These Aldus[11] printed, those Du Sueil has bound[12]
+
+moreover that
+
+ For Locke or Milton[13] 'tis in vain to look;
+ These shelves admit not any modern book;
+
+he not only seems to illustrate the propriety of the 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 BIBLIOMANIA which rages at the present day.
+However, as the ancients tell us that a Poet cannot be a
+_manufactured_ creature, and as I have not the smallest pretensions
+to the "rhyming art," [although in former times[14] I did venture to
+dabble with it] I must of necessity have recourse to _Prose_; and, at
+the same time, to your candour and forbearance in perusing the pages
+which ensue.
+
+ [Footnote 5: It may be taken for granted that the first book
+ in this country which excited a passion for the _Sports of
+ the field_ was Dame Juliana Berners, or Barnes's, work, on
+ _Hunting and Hawking_, 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. No. 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 _Fishing_. The
+ following specimen, from this latter edition, ascertains the
+ general usage of the French language with our huntsmen in
+ the 15th century.
+
+ Beasts of Venery.
+
+ Where so ever ye fare by frith or by fell,
+ My dear child, take heed how Trystram do you tell.
+ How many manner beasts of Venery there were:
+ Listen to your dame and she shall you _lere_.
+ Four manner beasts of Venery there are.
+ The first of them is the _Hart_; the second is the _Hare_;
+ The _Horse_ is one of them; the _Wolf_; and not one _mo_.
+
+ Beasts of the Chace.
+
+ And where that ye come in plain or in place
+ I shall tell you which be beasts of enchace.
+ One of them is the _Buck_; another is the _Doe_;
+ The _Fox_; and the _Marteron_, and the wild _Roe_;
+ And ye shall see, my dear child, other beastes all:
+ Where so ye them find _Rascal_ ye shall them call.
+
+ Of the hunting of the Hare.
+
+ How to speke of the haare how all shall be wrought:
+ When she shall with houndes be founden and sought.
+ The fyrst worde to the houdis that the hunter shall
+ out pit
+ Is at the kenell doore whan he openeth it.
+ That all maye hym here: he shall say "_Arere!_"
+ For his houndes would come to hastily.
+ That is the firste worde my sone of Venery.
+ And when he hath couplyed his houndes echoon
+ And is forth wyth theym to the felde goon,
+ And whan he hath of caste his couples at wyll
+ Thenne he shall speke and saye his houndes tyll
+ "_Hors de couple avant, sa avant!_" twyse soo:
+ And then "_So ho, so ho!_" thryes, and no moo.
+
+ And then say "_Sacy avaunt, so how_," I thou praye, etc. The
+ following are a few more specimens--"_Ha cy touz cy est
+ yll_--_Venez ares sa how sa_--_La douce la eit a venuz_--_Ho
+ ho ore, swet a lay, douce a luy_--_So how, so how, venez
+ acoupler!!!_"
+
+ 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 BIBLIOMANIA. What apology my friend Mr. Haslewood, the
+ author of them, has to offer in extenuation of the mischief
+ committed, it is _his_ 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 _on
+ Hunting, Hawking, and Fishing_, 1497 (with wood cuts), I
+ will not pretend to divine!
+
+ In regard to Hawking, I believe the enterprising Colonel
+ Thornton in [Transcriber's Note: is] the only gentleman of
+ the present day who keeps up this custom of "good old
+ times."
+
+ 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.
+
+ "_Shabbar Nameh_, 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 6: Of _Snuff boxes_ 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 MANIAS besides that of the book; and
+ that even physicians are not exempt from these diseases.
+
+ Of _Old China_, _Coins_, and _Rusty Armour_, 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."--_History of Music_, vol. II. 539, note.]
+
+ [Footnote 7: The reader will find an animated eulogy on this
+ great nobleman in Walpole's _Anecdotes of Painters_, 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
+ PEMBROKE 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. _Annales
+ Typographici_, vol. I. 13. edit. 1719. _History of
+ Printing_, 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." _Continuation of Granger_,
+ 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 _History of his own Times_, has
+ spoken of the Earl with spirit and propriety.]
+
+ [Footnote 8: 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."
+
+ ALAS, POOR HEARNE!
+
+ thy merits, which are now fully appreciated, deserve an
+ ampler notice! In spite of Gibbon's unmerciful critique
+ [_Posthumous Works_, 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 _Collectanea_ and _Itinerary_ 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 LARGE PAPER, which the author
+ used to advertise as selling for 7_s._ or 10_s._, 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 HEARNE; and that the Peter
+ Langtoft on large paper, which at Rowe Mores's sale [Bibl.
+ Mores. No. 2191.] was purchased for L1. 2_s._ produced at
+ a late sale, [A.D. 1808] L37! 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 "_Acta Apostolorum_, Gr. Lat;" and "_Aluredi
+ Beverlacensis Annales_," 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,
+
+ Amicitiae Ergo.
+ Here lyeth the Body of
+ THOMAS HEARNE, M.A.
+ Who studied and preserved
+ Antiquities.
+ He dyed June 10, 1735.
+ Aged 57 years.
+ Deut. xxxii: 7.
+ Remember the days of old;
+ consider the years
+ of many generations;
+ ask thy Father
+ and he will shew thee;
+ thy elders
+ and they will tell thee.
+ Job. viii. 8, 9, 10.
+ Enquire I pray thee."
+
+ _Life of Hearne_, p. 34.]
+
+ [Footnote 9: Of Dr. MEAD and his Library a particular
+ account is given in the following pages.]
+
+ [Footnote 10: For this distinguished character consult
+ Nichols's _Anecdotes of Bowyer_, 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 11: 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 "_Annales de
+ L'Imprimerie des Alde_," 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 12: 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!]
+
+ [Footnote 13: 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 L5 or L6 for "_Gosson's School of Abuse, against
+ Pipers and Players_," or L3. 3_s._ for a clean copy of
+ "_Recreation for Ingenious Head Pieces_, or a _Pleasant
+ Grove for their Wits to walk in,"_ and grudge the like sum
+ for a dozen handsome octavo volumes of the finest writers of
+ his country.]
+
+ [Footnote 14: 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 _exceedingly rare_!]
+
+If ever there was a country upon the face of the globe--from the days
+of Nimrod the beast, to Bagford[15] 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 Institutions of a charitable nature, that, like so many
+belts of adamant, unite and strengthen us in the great cause of
+HUMANITY]; 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 OLD ENGLAND and ENGLISHMEN ARE
+THEY! 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 nation
+thus glorious is, at this present eventful moment, afflicted not only
+with the Dog[16], but the BOOK, disease--
+
+ Fire in each eye, and paper in each hand
+ They rave, recite,----
+
+ [Footnote 15: "JOHN BAGFORD, 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 _Origin of Printing_, p.
+ 164, 189, note.
+
+ 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 _forty-two_ 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
+ _perfect_ 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 _Ames's Typographical
+ Antiquities_, I shall give an analysis of Bagford's papers,
+ with a specimen or two of his composition.]
+
+ [Footnote 16: 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 _the
+ Faculty_!]
+
+Let us enquire, therefore, into the origin and tendency of the
+BIBLIOMANIA.
+
+In this enquiry I purpose considering the subject under three points
+of view: I. THE HISTORY OF THE DISEASE; or an account of the eminent
+men who have fallen victims to it: II. THE NATURE, OR SYMPTOMS OF THE
+DISEASE: and III. THE PROBABLE MEANS OF ITS CURE. We are to consider,
+then,
+
+1. THE HISTORY OF THE DISEASE. 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 _male_ 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 BIBLIOMANIA! 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 rather disease, admits of no
+mitigation: "it grows with our growth, and strengthens with our
+strength;" and is oft-times
+
+ ----The ruling passion strong in death.[17]
+
+ [Footnote 17: 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." _De
+ Tranquilitate_, ch. 3. Cicero has positively told us that
+ "study is the food of youth, and the amusement of old age."
+ _Orat. pro Archia_. 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." _Epist._ lib. viii. cap. 19. But
+ consult Cicero _De Senectute_. All these treatises afford
+ abundant proof of the hopelessness of cure in cases of the
+ Bibliomania.]
+
+We will now, my dear Sir, begin "making out the catalogue" of victims
+to the BIBLIOMANIA! The first eminent character who appears to have
+been infected with this disease was RICHARD DE BURY, 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.[18] I discover no other
+notorious example of the fatality of the BIBLIOMANIA 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 been a magnificent one, if we may
+judge from the splendid specimens of it which now remain.[19] It would
+appear, too, that, about this time, the BIBLIOMANIA 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 VELLUM copies, which were now beginning to be
+published by the great typographical triumvirate, Verard, Eustace, and
+Pigouchet.
+
+ [Footnote 18: It may be expected that I should notice a few
+ book-lovers, and probably BIBLIOMANIACS, 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 tete-a-tetes 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.
+
+ RICHARD DE BURY 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 BIBLIOMANIA with all his might, he composed a
+ bibliographical work under the title of _Philobiblion_;
+ 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." _Polyhist. Literar._
+ vol. i. 187, edit. 1747.
+
+ 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.
+
+ 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 AN HUGH
+ LIBRARY." See the curious Sermon of the Archbishop of
+ Armagh, Nov. 8, 1387, in Trevisa's works among the _Harleian
+ MSS._ No. 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 _madness_," [see Leland's
+ _Itinerary_, vol. ii. 29, edit. 1770] I have not been able,
+ after the most diligent investigation, to ascertain.]
+
+ [Footnote 19: 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, UPON VELLUM, 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.]
+
+During the reign of Henry VIII., I should suppose that the Earl of
+Surrey[20] and Sir Thomas Wyatt were a little attached to
+book-collecting; and that Dean Colet[21] and his friend Sir Thomas
+More and Erasmus were downright Bibliomaniacs. There can be little
+doubt but that neither the great LELAND[22] nor his Biographer
+Bale,[23] were able to escape the contagion; and that, in the ensuing
+period, Rogar [Transcriber's Note: Roger] Ascham became notorious for
+the Book-disease. He purchased probably, during his travels
+abroad[24] many a fine copy of the Greek and Latin Classics, from
+which he read to his illustrious pupils, Lady Jane Grey, and Queen
+Elizabeth: but whether he made use of an _Editio Princeps_, or a
+_Large paper copy_, I have hitherto not been lucky enough to discover.
+This learned character died in the vigour of life, and in the bloom
+of reputation: and, as I suspect, in consequence of the
+BIBLIOMANIA--for he was always collecting books, and always studying
+them. His "Schoolmaster" is a work which can only perish with our
+language.
+
+ [Footnote 20: The EARL of SURREY and SIR THOMAS WYATT 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.[B]]
+
+ [Footnote B: 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 _two_ copies were
+ totally destroyed!]
+
+ [Footnote 21: COLET, MORE, and ERASMUS [considering the
+ latter when he was in England] were _here_ 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 DEAN COLET 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 ST.
+ PAUL'S SCHOOL, he has left behind a name which entitles him
+ to rank in the foremost of those who have fallen victims to
+ the BIBLIOMANIA. 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 _novae editionis tuae hic avide
+ emuntur et passim leguntur_!" 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 _popular books_ 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
+ _only wax candle_, 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 _veray_ 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
+ _Bloterature_ that [Transcriber's Note: than] _Literature_,
+ I utterly banish and exclude out of this school." _Life of
+ Knight's Colet_, 362-4.
+
+ What was to be expected, but that boys, thus educated, would
+ hereafter fall victims to the BIBLIOMANIA?]
+
+ [Footnote 22: The history of this great men [Transcriber's
+ Note: 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 _Almae Matres_ [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 Budaeus, Erasmus, the Stephani, Faber
+ and Turnebus. Here, too, he cultivated his natural taste for
+ poetry; and from inspecting the fine BOOKS 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 LIBRARIES,
+ 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 "ENGLAND'S ANTIQUITIES, and peruse the LIBRARIES 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."
+
+ 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 A NEW YEAR'S GIFT; 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."
+
+ 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.
+
+ Est congesta mihi domi supellex
+ Ingens, aurea, nobilis, venusta
+ Qua totus studeo Britanniarum
+ Vero reddere gloriam nitori.
+ Sed fortuna meis noverca coeptis
+ Jam felicibus invidet maligna.
+ Quare, ne pereant brevi vel hora
+ Multarum mihi noctium labores
+ Omnes----
+ CRANMERE, eximium decus piorum!
+ Implorare tuam benignitatem
+ Cogor.
+
+ 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. "Proh tristes rerum humanarum
+ vices! proh 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 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 [_De Antiq.
+ Cantab. head. 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." The imperfect remains of
+ Leland's MSS. are now deposited in the Bodleian Library, and
+ in the British Museum.
+
+ Upon the whole, it must be acknowledged that Leland is a
+ melancholy, as well as illustrious, example of the influence
+ of the BIBLIOMANIA!]
+
+ [Footnote 23: In spite of BALE'S 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, No. 1221;
+ which was sold for L12 12_s._ See also the reprints in the
+ Harleian Miscellany) the lover of literary antiquities must
+ not forget that his "_Scriptores Britanniae_" 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 LIBRARIES, 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 SOLEMPNE LIBRARY, 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 _jakes_, 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 _bought the contents of two noble libraries
+ for forty shillings price_; 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
+ "_Laboryouse journey_, &c." Emprented at London by John
+ Bale. Anno M.D. xlix. 8vo.
+
+ 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 24: ASCHAM'S 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 BIBLIOMANIA I here select from similar specimens. "Oct.
+ 4. At afternoon I went about the town [of Bruxelles]. I went
+ to the frier [Transcriber's Note: friar] Carmelites house,
+ and heard their even song: after, I desired to see the
+ LIBRARY. A frier [Transcriber's Note: friar] was sent to me,
+ and led me into it. There was not one good book but _Lyra_.
+ 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 _Sturmius de
+ periodis_. I also found here _Ajax_, _Electra_, and
+ _Antigone Sophocles_, 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.
+
+ It is impossible to read these extracts without being
+ convinced that Roger Ascham was a book-hunter, and infected
+ with the BIBLIOMANIA!]
+
+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,[25] Cecil, sympathised with her! In regard
+to Elizabeth, her _Prayer-Book_[26] is quite evidence sufficient for
+me that she found the BIBLIOMANIA 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,[27] 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!"
+
+ [Footnote 25: It is a question which requires more time for
+ the solution than I am able to spare, whether CECIL'S 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 BOOK-DISEASE.
+
+ ----Famous Cicill, treasurer of the land,
+ Whose wisedom, counsell, skill of Princes state
+ The world admires----
+ The house itselfe doth shewe the owners wit,
+ And may for bewtie, state, and every thing,
+ Compared be with most within the land.
+
+ _Tale of Two Swannes_, 1590. 4_to._
+
+ I have never yet been able to ascertain whether the owner's
+ attachment towards VELLUM, or LARGE PAPER, Copies was the
+ more vehement!]
+
+ [Footnote 26: 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 _presentation_ copy printed UPON
+ VELLUM; but in what cabinet does this precious gem now
+ slumber?]
+
+ [Footnote 27: Laneham gives a splendid list of Romances and
+ Old Ballads possessed by this said CAPTAIN COX; 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 _Scottish Song_, speaks of some of
+ these, with a zest, as if he longed to untie the "whip-cord"
+ packet.]
+
+While the country was thus giving proofs of the prevalence of this
+disorder, the two Harringtons (especially the younger)[28] and the
+illustrious Spenser[29] were unfortunately seized with it in the
+metropolis.
+
+ [Footnote 28: SIR JOHN HARRINGTON, 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 _Nugae Antiquae_, 1804, 8vo., will meet with numerous
+ instances in which the son displays considerable
+ bibliographical knowledge--especially in _Italian_
+ 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 _vera edizione_
+ of the Giuntae 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. No. 3976: his true
+ edition was knocked down for 6_s._!!!]
+
+ [Footnote 29: 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.]
+
+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[30] 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 BIBLIOMANIA 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.
+
+ [Footnote 30: "The story is extant, and written in very
+ choice _French_." Consult Chauffepie's _Supplement to
+ Bayle's Dictionary_, 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. _Idem._
+ p. 631.]
+
+The reign of Queen Anne was not exempt from the influence of this
+disease; for during this period, Maittaire[31] began to lay the
+foundation of his extensive library, and to publish some
+bibliographical works which may be thought to have rather increased,
+than diminished, its force. Meanwhile, Harley[32] Earl of Oxford
+watched its progress with an anxious eye; and although he might have
+learnt experience from the fatal examples of R. Smith,[33] and T.
+Baker,[34] and the more recent ones of Thomas Rawlinson,[35]
+Bridges,[36] and Collins,[37] yet he seemed resolved to brave and to
+baffle it; but, like his predecessors, he was suddenly crushed within
+the gripe of the demon, and fell one of the most splendid of his
+victims. Even the unrivalled medical skill of Mead[38] could save
+neither his friend nor himself. The Doctor survived his Lordship about
+twelve years; dying of the complaint called the BIBLIOMANIA! He left
+behind an illustrious character; sufficient to flatter and soothe
+those who may tread in his footsteps, and fall victims to a similar
+disorder.
+
+ [Footnote 31: Of MICHAEL MAITTAIRE I have given a brief
+ sketch in my Introduction to the _Greek and Latin Classics_,
+ vol. I, 148. Mr. Beloe, in the 3rd vol. of his _Anecdotes of
+ Literature_, p. ix., has described his merits with justice.
+ The principal value of Maittaire's _Annales Typographici_
+ 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 _printed_ 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 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 "_Annus Tertius Saecularis Inv. Art.
+ Topog._" Harlem, 1741, 8vo. p. 11. "Rara certe Librum
+ augendi methodus (exclaims the author)! Satis patet auctorem
+ hoc eo fecisse consilio, ut et primae et secundae Libri sive
+ editioni pretium suum constaret, et una aeque ac altera
+ Lectoribus necessaria esset."
+
+ The catalogue of Maittaire's library [1748, 2 parts, 8vo.],
+ which affords ample proof of the BIBLIOMANIA 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 32: In a periodical publication called "_The
+ Director_," to which I contributed under the article of
+ "_Bibliographiana_" (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 HARLEY,
+ EARL OF OXFORD: 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:
+
+ VOLUMES.
+
+ 1. Divinity: _Greek, Latin, French and Italian_--about 2000
+ ---- _English_ 2500
+ 2. History and Antiquities 4000
+ 3. Books of Prints, Sculpture, and Drawings--
+ _Twenty Thousand Drawings and Prints._
+ _Ten Thousand Portraits._
+ 4. Philosophy, Chemistry, Medicine, &c. 2500
+ 5. Geography, Chronology, General History 600
+ 6. Voyages and Travels 800
+ 7. Law 800
+ 8. Sculpture and Architecture 900
+ 9. Greek and Latin Classics 2400
+ 10. Books printed UPON VELLUM 220
+ 11. English Poetry, Romances, &c. 1000
+ 12. French and Spanish do. 700
+ 13. Parliamentary Affairs 400
+ 14. Trade and Commerce 300
+ 15. Miscellaneous Subjects 4000
+ 16. Pamphlets--_Four Hundred Thousand_!
+
+ Mr. Gough says, these books "filled thirteen handsome
+ chambers, and two long galleries." Osborne the bookseller
+ purchased them for L13,000: 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 HARLEIAN COLLECTION 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 MARBLES OF TOWNLEY!]
+
+ [Footnote 33: "BIBLIOTHECA SMITHIANA: sive Catalogus
+ Librorum in quavis facultate insigniorum, quos in usum suum
+ et Bibliothecae ornamentum multo aere sibi comparavit vir
+ clarissimus doctissimusque D. RICHARDUS SMITH, &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, _his_
+ great ambition was to become master of a good book."
+
+ 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
+ _creaming_ 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
+ BIBLIOMANIA!]
+
+ [Footnote 34: Consult Masters's "_Memoirs of the Life and
+ Writings of the late Rev._ THOMAS BAKER," Camb. 1864, 8vo.
+ Let any person examine the catalogue of _Forty-two_ 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 _Book-disease_! 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 LARGE PAPER copies of Walton and Castell,
+ and of Cranmer's Bible UPON VELLUM!]
+
+ [Footnote 35: This THOMAS RAWLINSON, who is introduced in
+ the Tatler under the name _Tom Folio_, was a very
+ extraordinary character, and most desperately addicted to
+ book-hunting. Because his own house was not large enough, he
+ hired _London House_, 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.
+
+ _Part_ 1. _A Catalogue of choice and valuable Books in most
+ Faculties and Languages_: being the sixth part of the
+ collection made by THOS. RAWLINSON, 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.
+
+ 2. _Bibliotheca Rawlinsoniana_; sive Delectus Librorum in
+ omni fere Lingua et Facultate praestantium--to be sold on
+ Wednesday 26th April, [1726] by Charles Davis, Bookseller.
+ 2600 Numbers.
+
+ 3. _The Same_: January 1727-8. By Thomas Ballard,
+ Bookseller, 3520 Numbers.
+
+ 4. _The Same_: March, 1727-8. By the same. 3840 Numbers.
+
+ 5. _The Same_: October, 1728. By the same. 3200 Numbers.
+
+ 6. _The Same_: November, 1728. By the same. 3520 Numbers.
+
+ 7. _The Same_: April, 1729. By the same. 4161 Numbers.
+
+ 8. _The Same_: November, 1729. By the same. 2700 Numbers.
+
+ 9. _The Same_: [Of Rawlinson's MANUSCRIPTS] By the same.
+ March 1733-4. 800 Numbers.
+
+ 10. _Picturae Rawlinsonianae._ April, 1734. 117 Articles.
+
+ 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.
+
+ N.B. The black-letter books are catalogued in the Gothic
+ letter.]
+
+ [Footnote 36: "BIBLIOTHECAE BRIDGESIANAE CATALOGUS: or, A
+ Catalogue of the Entire Library of JOHN BRIDGES, late of
+ _Lincoln's Inn_, Esq., &c., which will begin to be sold, by
+ Auction, on Monday the seventh day of February, 1725-6, at
+ his chambers in _Lincoln's Inn_, No. 6."
+
+ 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:
+
+ The Amount of the books L3730 0 0
+ Prints and books of Prints 394 17 6
+ -----------
+ Total Amount of the Sale L4124 17 6
+
+ Two different catalogues of this valuable collection of
+ books were printed. The one was analysed, or a _catalogue
+ raisonne_; 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--[Greek: Dryos pesouses pas aner xyleuetai]: "An
+ affecting memento (says Mr. Nichols, very justly, in his
+ _Anecdotes of Bowyer_, p. 557) to the collectors of great
+ libraries, who cannot, or do not, leave them to some public
+ accessible repository."]
+
+ [Footnote 37: 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,
+
+ ANTHONY COLLINS, 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 _two parts_ (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.]
+
+ [Footnote 38: It is almost impossible to dwell on the memory
+ of this GREAT MAN 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 _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 _books_ commenced on the 18th of
+ November, 1754, and again on the 7th of April, 1755: lasting
+ together 57 days. The sale of the _prints_ and _drawings_
+ continued 14 nights. The _gems_, _bronzes_, _busts_, and
+ _antiquities_, 8 days.
+
+ His books produced L5496 15 0
+ Pictures 3417 11 0
+ Prints and drawings 1908 14 0
+ Coins and medals 1977 17 0
+ Antiquities 3246 15 0
+ --------------
+ Amount of all the sales L16,047 12 0
+
+ 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 _Spira Virgil_ of 1470, _Pfintzing's
+ Tewrkdrancs_, 1527, _Brandt's Stultifera Navis_, 1498, and
+ the _Aldine Petrarch_ of 1501, ALL UPON VELLUM. The large
+ paper _Olivet's Cicero_ was purchased by Dr. Askew for L14
+ 14_s._ and was sold again at his sale for L36 15_s._ The
+ King of France bought the editio princeps of _Pliny Senr._
+ for L11 11_s._; and Mr. Willock, a bookseller, bought the
+ magnificently illuminated _Pliny by Jenson_ of 1472, for L18
+ 18_s._: of which Maittaire has said so many fine things. The
+ _French_ books, and all the works upon the _Fine Arts_, were
+ of the first rarity, and value, and bound in a sumptuous
+ manner. Winstanley's _Prospects of Audley End_ brought L50.
+ An amusing account of some of the pictures will be found in
+ Mr. Beloe's "_Anecdotes of Literature and Scarce Books_,"
+ vol. i. 166. 71. But consult also _Nichol's Anecdotes of
+ Bowyer_, p. 225, &c. Of the catalogue of Dr. Mead's books
+ there were only six copies printed on LARGE PAPER. See Bibl.
+ Lort, no. 1149.]
+
+The years 1755-6 were singularly remarkable for the mortality excited
+by the BIBLIOMANIA; and the well known names of Folkes,[39] and
+Rawlinson,[40] might have supplied a modern Holbein a hint for the
+introduction of a new subject in the "_Dance of Death_." The close of
+George the Second's reign witnessed another instance of the fatality
+of this disease. Henley[41] "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.
+
+ [Footnote 39: "A Catalogue of the entire and valuable
+ library of MARTIN FOLKES, 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, 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.
+
+ 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 L2: 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.
+
+ In _Spanish literature_, the history of South America, By
+ Don Juan and Ant. di Ulloa, Madr. fol. in 5 vols., was sold
+ for L5: a fine large paper copy of the description of the
+ Monastery of St. Lorenzo, and the Escorial, Madr. 1657,
+ brought L1 2_s._: de Lastanosa's Spanish Medals, Huesca,
+ fol. 1645, L2 2_s._
+
+ In _English_, the first edition of Shakespeare, 1623, which
+ is now what a French bibliographer would say "presque
+ introuvable," produced the sum of L3 3_s._; and Fuller's
+ Worthies, 18_s._!
+
+ _Fine Arts, Antiquities, and Voyages._ 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 L13
+ 13_s._ only: Desgodetz Roman edifices, Paris, 1682, L4
+ 10_s._: Galleria Giustiniano, 2 vols., fol. L13 13_s._ Le
+ Brun's Voyages in Muscovy, &c., in large paper, L4 4_s._ De
+ Rossi's Raccolta de Statue, &c. Rom. 1704, L6 10_s._
+ Medailles du Regne de Louis le Grand, de l'imp. Roy. 1. p.
+ fol. 1702, L5 15_s._ 6_d._
+
+ The works on _Natural History_ 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.
+
+ Of the _Greek and Latin Classics_, the Pliny of 1469 and
+ 1472 were sold to Dr. Askew for L11 11_s._ and L7 17_s._
+ 6_d._ At the Doctor's sale they brought L43 and L23:
+ 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.
+
+ From a priced copy of the sale catalogue, in my possession,
+ I find that the amount of the sale, consisting of 5126
+ articles, was L3091 5_s._
+
+ The _Prints and Drawings_ of Mr. Folkes occupied a sale of 8
+ days; and his _pictures_, _gems_, _coins_, and _mathematical
+ instruments_, of five days.
+
+ Mr. MARTIN FOLKES 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 _Sir Isaac's friend_."
+
+ 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 _ne plus ultra_ 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 _Anecdotes
+ of Bowyer_, 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."]
+
+ [Footnote 40: "BIBLIOTHECA RAWLINSONIANA, sive Catalogus
+ Librorum Richardi Rawlinson, LL.D. Qui prostabunt Venales
+ sub hasta, Apud Samuelem Baker. In Vico dicto _York Street,
+ Covent Garden Londini, Die Lunae_, 22 Martii MDCCLVI."
+
+ 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
+ L4 1_s._ for a collection of fine prints, by Aldegrave (No.
+ 9405). The Greek and Latin classics, of which there were few
+ _Editiones Principes_, or on _large paper_, 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:
+
+ L _s._ _d._
+
+ The Newe Testament in English, 1530 0 2 9
+ The Ymage of both Churches, after the Revelation
+ of St. John, by Bale, 1550 0 1 6
+ The boke called the Pype or Tonne of Perfection,
+ by Richard Whytforde, 1532 0 1 9
+ The Visions of Pierce Plowman, 1561 0 2 0
+ The Creede of Pierce Plowman, 1553 0 1 6
+ The Bookes of Moses, in English, 1530 0 3 9
+ Bale's Actes of Englishe Votaryes, 1550 0 1 3
+ The Boke of Chivalrie, by Caxton 0 11 0
+ The Boke of St. Albans, by W. de Worde 1 1 0
+
+ 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 _Variorum
+ edition_. 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.
+
+ 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 41: 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:
+
+ "A Catalogue of the original MSS. and manuscript collections
+ of the late Reverend Mr. JOHN HENLEY, 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.
+
+ 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.
+
+ No. 170. Speech upon Speech. A Telescope for Tournay. No
+ Battle, but worse, and the True Meaning of it. An Army
+ Beaten and interred.
+
+ 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!
+
+ 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. _Jane Cameron_ looked
+ killing at _Falkirk_.
+
+ 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.
+
+ Of ORATOR HENLEY 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.]
+
+We are now, my dear Sir, descending rapidly to our own times; and, in
+a manner sufficiently rough, have traced the _History of the
+Bibliomania_ to the commencement of the present illustrious reign:
+when we discover, among its victims, a General, who had probably
+faced many a cannon, and stormed many a rampart, uninjured. The name
+of Dormer[42] 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[43] and West[44] serve to shew the
+increased ravages of a disease, which seemed to threaten the lives of
+all, into whose ears (like those of "Visto,") some demon had
+"whispered" the sound of "TASTE." These three striking instances 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[45] 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 who recollect the zeal and scholarship of this
+great book-collector, and the precious gems with which his library[46]
+was stored from the cabinets of De Boze and Gaignat, as well as of
+Mead and Folkes, cannot 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, UPON
+VELLUM, 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 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, THIS DEPLORABLE MANIA! It appeared; and even Askew,
+with all his skill in medicine and books, fell lifeless before
+it--bewailed, as he was beloved and respected!
+
+ [Footnote 42: "A Catalogue of the genuine and elegant
+ Library of the late Sir C.C. DORMER, 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
+ _large paper_, bound in morocco, gilt leaves, &c."
+
+ 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 _large paper_ are exceedingly scarce.
+ Among the most curious and valuable articles were those
+ numbered 599, 604, 2249, 2590; from no. 2680, to the end,
+ was a choice collection of Italian and Spanish books.]
+
+ [Footnote 43: In the year 1755 was published at Venice,
+ printed by J.B. Pasquali, a catalogue of the books of JOSEPH
+ SMITH, Esq., Consul at Venice.
+
+ 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. Baptistae 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.
+
+ 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 _Italian_, _Greek_, and _Latin
+ classics_; and of many copies of both printed UPON VELLUM.
+ The library, so rich in these articles, was, however,
+ defective in English Literature and Antiquities. There was
+ scarcely any thing of Shakspeare or Dugdale.
+
+ 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 "_they were given away_." On
+ these occasions, one cannot help now and then wishing, with
+ father Evander,
+
+ "O mihi praeteritos referat si Jupiter annos!"
+
+ 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 MAJESTY enriched his
+ magnificent collection with many of the Consul's _first
+ editions_, and _vellum copies_, 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
+ _black-letter_. Some of these are rather curious.
+
+ Of CONSUL SMITH I am unable to present the lover of VIRTU
+ 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
+ _value_ and _price_ of the books, but was dissuaded from it
+ by the advice of the more experienced, and by the singular
+ modesty of the Collector."
+
+ 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 44: "BIBLIOTHECA WESTIANA; 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 CAXTON, LETTOU, MACHLINIA, the
+ anonymous ST. ALBANS SCHOOLMASTE [Transcriber's Note:
+ Schoolmaster], WYNKYN DE WORDE, PYNSON, and the rest of the
+ old English typographers. Digested by Samuel Paterson,"
+ 1773, 8vo.
+
+ ANALYSIS OF THE CATALOGUE.
+
+ 1. _Volumes of Miscellaneous Tracts._
+
+ These volumes extend from No. 148 to 200, from 915 to
+ 992, from 1201 to 1330, and from No. 1401 to 1480.
+
+ 2. _Divinity._
+
+ In the whole, 560 articles; probably about 1200 volumes;
+ some of them exceedingly scarce and valuable.
+
+ 3. _Education, Languages, Criticism, Classics, Dictionaries,
+ Catalogues of Libraries, &c._
+
+ 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.
+
+ 4. _English Poetry, Romance, and Miscellanies._
+
+ 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 _under
+ these heads alone_ were now concentrated in one library, the
+ owner of them might safely demand 4000 guineas for such a
+ treasure.
+
+ 5. _Philosophy, Mathematics, Inventions, Agriculture and
+ Horticulture, Medicine, Cookery, Surgery, etc._
+
+ Two hundred and forty articles, or about 560 volumes.
+
+ 6. _Chemistry, Natural History, Astrology, Sorcery,
+ Gigantology._
+
+ Probably not more than 100 volumes.
+
+ 7. _History and Antiquities._
+
+ This comprehended a great number of curious and valuable
+ productions, relating both to foreign and domestic
+ transactions.
+
+ 8. _Heraldry and Genealogy._
+
+ A great number of curious and scarce articles may be found
+ under these heads.
+
+ 9. _Ancient Legends and Chronicles._
+
+ 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?!
+
+ 10. _Topography._
+
+ Even to a veteran, like the late Mr. GOUGH, 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 _Enfield Study_ enshrined a still more exquisite
+ topographical collection! But we are improved since the days
+ of Mr. West; and every body knows to _whom_ these
+ improvements are, in a great measure, to be attributed. When
+ I call to mind the author of '_British Topography_' and
+ '_Sepulchral Monuments_,' I am not insensible to the taste,
+ diligence, and erudition of the "par nobile fratrum," who
+ have gratified us with the '_Environs of London_,' '_Roman
+ Remains_,' and the first two volumes of '_Magna Britannia_!'
+
+ 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 LARGE
+ PAPER!]
+
+ [Footnote 45: "A catalogue of rare books and tracts in
+ various languages and faculties; including the _Ancient
+ Conventual Library_ of Missenden-Abbey, in Buckinghamshire;
+ together with some choice remains of that of the late
+ eminent Serjeant at law, WILLIAM FLETEWODE, 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 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
+ _December_ 5, 1774, and the 17 following evenings, precisely
+ at half an hour after five."
+
+ I am in possession of a _priced Catalogue_ 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!
+
+ No. 172. _Bale's brefe Chronycle relating to Syr Johan
+ Oldecastell_, 1544. The Life off the 70th Archbishopp off
+ Canterbury presentleye 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, _&c._ L0 7_s._ 9_d._
+
+ Purchased by Mores.
+
+ Nos. 361 to 367. Upwards of thirty _scarce Theological
+ Tracts_, in Latin and English 1 5 0
+
+ Nos. 746 to 784. A fine collection of early English
+ Translations, in black letter, with some good foreign
+ editions of the classics. Not exceeding, in the whole 10 10 0
+
+ Nos. 837, 838. Two copies of the _first edition_ of Bacon's
+ Essays, 1597! 0 0 6
+
+ The reader will just glance at No. 970, in the catalogue,
+ en passant, to
+
+ Nos. 1082 (L1 2s.) and 1091 (12s.); but more particularly to
+
+ No. 1173. Caxton's _Boke of Tulle of olde age_, &c. 1481.
+ Purchased by the late Mr. T. Payne 8 8 0
+
+ No. 1174. CAXTON'S _Boke which is sayd or called Cathon_,
+ &c. 1483. 5 0 0
+
+ Purchased by Alchorn.
+
+ No. 1256. CAXTON'S _Doctrinal of Sapyence_, 1489 6 6 0
+
+ Purchased by Alchorn.
+
+ No. 1257. CAXTON'S _Cordyal_, 1479 6 12 6
+
+ No. 1258. WYNKYN DE WORDE'S _Ocharde of Syon_, &c. 1519. 1 13 0
+
+ I will, however, only add that there were upwards of 150
+ articles of _Old Plays_, mostly in quarto. See page 73. Of
+ _Antiquities_, _Chronicles_, and _Topography_, 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 46: 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. ASKEW 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. ANTHONY ASKEW 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:
+
+ "BIBLIOTHECA ASKEVIANA, 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 Lunae_, 13 _Februarii_, MDCCLXXV, et in undeviginti
+ sequentes dies." A few copies were struck off on large
+ paper.
+
+ 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 _many scarce
+ editions_ of books in this Catalogue would be almost
+ endless, therefore the _first editions_ of the Classics, and
+ some _extremely rare books_ are chiefly noticed. The
+ catalogue, without any doubt, contains the best, rarest, and
+ most valuable collection of GREEK and LATIN BOOKS that were
+ ever sold in England." This account is not overcharged. The
+ collection, in regard to Greek and Roman literature, was
+ _unique_ in its day.
+
+ The late worthy and learned Mr. M. CRACHERODE, whose library
+ now forms one of the most splendid acquisitions of the
+ British Museum, and whose _bequest_ of it will immortalize
+ his memory, was also among the "Emptores literarii" at this
+ renowned sale. He had enriched his collection with many
+ _Exemplar Askevianum_; and, in his latter days, used to
+ elevate his hands and eyes, and exclaim against the prices
+ _now_ offered for EDITIONES PRINCIPES!
+
+ The fact is, Dr. Askew's sale has been considered a sort of
+ _aera_ 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 _modern prices_! 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 _vibrates_, after a bidding
+ of _Forty pounds_, where formerly it used regularly to
+ _fall_ at _Four_!
+
+ But we lose sight of Dr. Askew's _rare editions_, and _large
+ paper copies_. The following, gentle Reader, is but an
+ imperfect specimen!
+
+ No. 168. Chaucer's Works, by PYNSON, no date L7 17_s._ 6_d._
+
+ No. 172. Cicero of Old Age, by Caxton, 1481 13 13 0
+
+ No. 518. Gilles' (Nicole) Annales, &c. de France. Paris,
+ fol. 1520. 2 tom. SUR VELIN 31 10 6
+
+ No. 647. Aeginetae (Pauli) Praecepta Salubria. Paris, quarto,
+ 1510. ON VELLUM 11 0 0
+
+ No. 666. Aesopi Fabulae. EDIT. PRIN. _circ._ 1480 6 6 0
+
+ No. 684. Boccacio, la Teseide _Ferar._ 1475. PRIMA EDIZIONE
+ 85 0 0
+
+ No. 1433. Catullus Tibullus, et Propertius, Aldi. 8vo. 1502.
+ IN MEMBRANA 17 10 0
+
+ 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 VELLUM Virgil, of the same size.
+
+ No. 1576. Durandi Rationale, &c. 1459. IN MEMBRANA 61 0 0
+
+ The beginning of the 1st chapter was wanting. Lord Spencer
+ has a perfect copy of this rare book on spotless VELLUM!
+
+ No. 2656. Platonis Opera, apud Aldum. 2 vol. fol. 1513.
+ _Edit. Prin._ ON VELLUM 55 13 0
+
+ Purchased by the late Dr. W. Hunter; and is at this moment,
+ in his Museum at _Glasgow_. 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.]
+
+After this melancholy event, one would have thought that future
+_Virtuosi_ 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 the year 1776 died John Ratcliffe[47] another, and
+a very singular, instance of the fatality of the BIBLIOMANIA. If he
+had contented himself with his former occupation, and frequented the
+butter and cheese, 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 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.
+
+ [Footnote 47: BIBLIOTHECA RATCLIFFIANA; or, "A Catalogue of
+ the elegant and truly valuable Library of JOHN RATCLIFFE,
+ 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 _black-letter_, in fine
+ preservation, and in elegant bindings, printed by CAXTON,
+ LETTOU, MACHLINIA, the anonymous St. Albans Schoolmaster,
+ Wynkyn de Worde, Pynson, Berthelet, Grafton, Day, Newberie,
+ Marshe, Jugge, Whytchurch, Wyer, Rastell, Coplande, and the
+ rest of the _Old English Typographers_: 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.
+
+ If ever there was a _unique_ 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.
+
+ No. 1315. Horace's Arte of Poetrie, Pistles and Satyres, by
+ Drant. 1567, _first English edition_ L0 16_s._ 6_d._
+
+ No. 1321. The Sheparde's Calender, 1579. Whetstone's Castle
+ of Delight, 1576 1 2 0
+
+ No. 1392. 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 L40 offered for it, and rejected with
+ disdain 7 7 0
+
+ No. 1403. Barclay's Shyp of Folys, printed by Pynson, 1508,
+ _first edit._ fine copy 2 10 0
+
+ No. 1426. The Doctrinal of Sapyence, printed by CAXTON, 1489
+ 8 8 0
+
+ No. 1427. The Boke, called Cathon, DITTO, 1483. _Purchased
+ by Dr. Hunter_, and now in his Museum 5 5 0
+
+ No. 1428. The Polytyque Boke, named Tullius de Senectute, in
+ Englishe, by CAXTON, 1481. _Purchased for his Majesty_ 14 0 0
+
+ No. 1429. The Game of Chesse Playe. 1474 16 0 0
+
+ No. 1665. The Boke of Jason, printed by CAXTON 5 10 0
+
+ No. 1669. The Polychronicon of Ranulph Higden, printed by
+ CAXTON, 1482. _Purchased by Dr. Hunter_ 5 15 6
+
+ No. 1670. Legenda Aurea, or the Golden Legende 1483 9 15 0
+
+ No. 1674. Mr. Ratcliffe's MS. Catalogues of the _rare old
+ black letter_, and other curious and uncommon books, 4 vols.
+ 7 15 0
+
+ This would have been the most delicious article to _my_
+ palate. If the present owner of it were disposed to part
+ with it, I could not find it in my heart to refuse him
+ _compound interest_ 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 _magnum opus_!
+
+ The memory of such a man ought to be dear to the
+ "_black-lettered dogs_" of the present day; for he had
+ [mirabile dictu!] _upwards of_ THIRTY CAXTONS!
+
+ 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 _champagne_, 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.]
+
+Thirty years have been considered by Addison (somewhere 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
+BIBLIOMANIA, 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 deem it the most prudent method _not to expatiate_
+upon the subsequent examples of its mortality. We can only mourn over
+such names as BEAUCLERK, CROFTS, PEARSON, LORT, MASON, FARMER,
+STEEVENS, WOODHOUSE, BRAND, and REED! and fondly hope that the list
+may not be increased by those of living characters!
+
+We are, in the SECOND place, to describe the SYMPTOMS OF THE DISEASE.
+
+The ingenious Peignot, in the first volume of his 'Dictionnaire
+Bibliologie,' p. 51, defines the Bibliomania[48] to be "a passion for
+possessing books; not 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.
+
+ [Footnote 48: There is a short, but smart and interesting,
+ article on this head in Mr. D'Israeli's _Curiosities of
+ Literature_, 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 _date_ of its publication."]
+
+Symptoms of this disease are instantly known by a passion for I.
+_Large Paper Copies_: II. _Uncut Copies_: III. _Illustrated Copies_:
+IV. _Unique Copies_: V. _Copies printed upon Vellum_: VI. _First
+Editions_: VII. _True Editions_: VIII. _A general desire for the Black
+Letter_. We will describe these symptoms more particularly.
+
+I. _Large Paper Copies._ 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[49] are specified a few works which have
+been published in this manner, that the sober collector may avoid
+approaching them.
+
+ [Footnote 49: 1. _Lord Bacon's Essays_, 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."
+
+ 2. _Twenty Plays of Shakespeare_ 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.
+
+ 3. _Dodsley's Collection of Old Plays_, 1780, 8vo., 12 vols.
+ only six copies printed on large paper. See Bibl. Woodhouse,
+ No. 198.
+
+ 4. _The Grenville Homer._ Graece, 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 L99 15s.
+
+ 5. _Sandford's Genealogical History_, 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 L46. If
+ the largest paper of Clarke's Caesar be excepted, this is the
+ highest priced single volume on large paper, that I just now
+ recollect.
+
+ 6. _Hearne's Works_ on large paper.
+
+ Something relating to Hearne will be found in the note at
+ page 7 ante. Here it will be only necessary to observe that
+ the Hernean 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 _magnificent set of Large Paper Hearnes_
+ 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 _small_ paper. Was there ever a more provoking
+ blunder?!]
+
+This[50] 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 commiseration at the prevalence of
+this Symptom of the BIBLIOMANIA!
+
+ [Footnote 50: Analogous to Large Paper Copies are _tall
+ Copies_; that is, copies of the work published on the
+ ordinary size paper and not much cut down by the binder. The
+ want of _margin_ 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!]
+
+II. _Uncut Copies._ 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 UNCUT HEARNES 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 _merely to
+please my friends_ (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 _once well bound_, 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 _first Shakspeare_, as
+well as an uncut _first Homer_[51] would produce a little annuity!
+
+ [Footnote 51: "Un superbe exemplaire de cette edition
+ _princeps_ a ete vendu, chez M. de Cotte, en 1804, la somme
+ de 3601 livres; mais il faut ajouter que cet exemplaire
+ tres-precieux est de la plus belle conservation; on dirait
+ qu'il sort dessous presse. De plus, il est peut-etre
+ _l'unique dont les marges n'ont pas ete rognees ni
+ coupees_!"
+
+ Peignot's _Curiosites Bibliographiques_, lxv-vi.]
+
+III. _Illustrated Copies._ 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[52]
+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 ILLUSTRATED GRANGER! Nor did the
+madness stop here. Illustration was the order of the day; and
+Shakspeare[53] and Clarendon[54] 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,[55] yet rages with undiminished force. If
+judiciously[56] 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[57]; but to
+possess _every_ portrait, _bad, indifferent, and unlike_, betrays
+such a dangerous and alarming symptom as to render the case almost
+incurable!
+
+ [Footnote 52: 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 53: 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 54: I have heard of an illustrated Clarendon
+ (which was recently in the metropolis), that has been valued
+ at 5000 Guineas! "a good round sum!"]
+
+ [Footnote 55: 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 56: 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 57: 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.]
+
+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[58] hands, should be
+preserved in public repositories. I almost ridiculed the idea of an
+ILLUSTRATED CHATTERTON, in this way, till I saw Mr. Haslewood's copy,
+in twenty-one volumes, which rivetted me to my seat!
+
+ [Footnote 58: 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,
+ no. 1799] be alone considered! This Oldys was the oddest
+ mortal that ever scribbled for bread. Grose, in his _Olio_,
+ 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 _College of Arms_, p. 420.
+
+ 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.]
+
+IV. _Unique Copies._ A passion for a book which 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 _unique copies_, 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 "_Matchless, and Unique_;" 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, _call only to look at_ 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,[59] "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--
+
+ Ut vidi, ut perii--ut me malus abstulit error!
+
+ [Footnote 59: At page 8, 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 _original binding_!]
+
+V. _Copies printed on vellum._ 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[60] date, the
+collector is obliged to have recourse to specimens, executed three
+centuries ago, in the printing-offices of Aldus, Verard, and the
+Juntae. Although the Bibliotheque 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 _unique_ copy (he will forgive the
+epithet) of the first Livy, upon vellum, is a Library of itself!--and
+the recent discovery of a vellum copy of Wynkyn De Worde's reprint of
+_Juliana Barnes's book_,[61] complete in every respect, [to say
+nothing of his Majesty's similar copy of Caxton's _Doctrinal of
+Sapience_, 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.
+
+ [Footnote 60: 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:
+
+ NO. L _s._ _d._
+
+ 250. Virgilii Opera, 1789, 4to. 33 12 0
+ 251. Somervile's Chase, 1796, 4to. 15 4 6
+ 252. Poems by Goldsmith and Parnell, 1795, 4to. 15 15 0
+ 253. The Gardens, by Abbe Delille, 1798, 4to. 14 3 6
+ 254. Castle of Otranto, printed by Bodoni, 1791, 4to. 13 2 6
+ 260. La Guirlande Julie, 1784, 8vo. 37 17 6
+ 263. Economy of Human Life, 1795, 8vo. 15 15 0
+
+ See "_Catalogue of a most splendid and valuable Collection
+ of Books, Superb Missals, &c._," 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 VELLUM, AND
+ LARGE PAPER.]
+
+ [Footnote 61: See page 5, ante, for some account of this
+ curious work.]
+
+VI. _First Editions._ From the time of Ancillon[62] 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 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[63] editors. Of such importance is the _first edition of
+Shakspeare_[64] 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 _his_
+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!
+
+ [Footnote 62: 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 _first editions_, and never
+ waited for second ones,"--but I find it, in the English
+ Bayle, note D, "he chose _the best_ 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 _paid for them_. 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 63: An instance of this kind may be adduced from
+ the _first edition_ 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. BRAND, "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 modernised_." Shakespeare, edit. 1803,
+ vol. xviii. p. 85-6.]
+
+ [Footnote 64: 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--
+
+ ----lay on Macduff!
+ And d----d be he who first cries, 'Hold, enough!'
+
+ Such a spirit was irresistible, and bore down all
+ opposition. His Grace retired triumphant, with the book
+ under his arm.]
+
+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
+Colomies 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.
+
+VII. _True Editions._ 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 _defects_] 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 [65] will furnish the reader with a
+few anecdotes relating to it.
+
+ [Footnote 65: _Caesar. Lug. Bat._ 1635, 12mo. _Printed by
+ Elzevir._
+
+ In the Bibliotheca Revickzkiana we are informed that the
+ _true_ 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
+ _ought_ to have been numbered 149. A further account is
+ given in my Introduction to the Classics, vol. i., 228.
+
+ _Horace_: Londini, 1733, 8vo., 2 vols. Published by Pine.
+
+ The _true_ edition is distinguished by having at page 108,
+ vol ii, the _incorrect_ reading 'Post Est.'--for 'Potest.'
+
+ _Virgil._ Lug. Bat. 1636, 12mo. Printed by Elzevir.
+
+ The _true_ edition is known by having at plate 1, before the
+ Bucolics, the following Latin passage _printed in red ink_.
+ "Ego vero frequentes a te litteras accipi"--Consult De Bure,
+ No. 2684.
+
+ _Idem._ Birmingh. 1763, 4to. Printed by Baskerville.
+
+ A particular account of the _true_ edition will be found in
+ the second volume of my 'Introduction to the Classics' p.
+ 337--too long to be here inserted.
+
+ _Boccaccio._ Il Decamerone, Venet. 1527, 4to.
+
+ Consult De Bure, No. 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.]
+
+VIII. Books printed in the _Black Letter_. 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[66] (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, on
+being told by the latter, of the prices given for some of the books in
+his library, as mentioned below!?[67]
+
+ [Footnote 66: His words are as follow: "Ipsa typorum
+ ruditas, ipsa illa atra crassaque literarum facies _belle
+ tangit sensus, &c._" Was ever the black letter more
+ eloquently described? See his _Amoenitates Literariae_,
+ vol. i., p. 5.]
+
+ [Footnote 67:
+
+ 282. 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 L3 3_s._ 0_d._
+
+ 454. A Quip for an upstart Courtier; or, a quaint Dispute
+ between Velvet Breeches and Cloth Breeches, &c. 1620 2 16 0
+
+ 475. A Checke, or Reproof of Mr. Howlet's untimely
+ screeching in her Majesty's Ear. _Black letter_ 1581 0 12 0
+
+ As a _striking conclusion_, I subjoin the following.
+
+ 6479. Pappe with an Hatchett, _alias_, 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. _Rare._ Printed by Anoke and
+ Astile 1 8 0]
+
+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,[68] the _Porson_ 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 _Black Letter_ may perform, when temperately and skilfully
+exercised.
+
+ [Footnote 68: In the criticisms on Mr. Douce's
+ _Illustrations of Shakspeare and Ancient Manners_, 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 BIBLIOTHECA SHAKSPEARIANA
+ might, however, have been only a fresh stimulus to the
+ increase of the black-letter symptom of the _Bibliomania_.
+ How Bartholomaeus and Batman have risen in price since the
+ publication of Mr. Douce's work, let those who have lately
+ smarted for the increase tell!]
+
+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
+_Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border, and Sir Trestrem_, 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!
+
+Having in the two preceding divisions of this letter discoursed
+somewhat largely upon the HISTORY and SYMPTOMS of the Bibliomania, it
+now remains, according to the original plan, to say a few words upon
+the PROBABLE MEANS OF ITS CURE. 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
+
+III. PROBABLE MEANS OF THE CURE of the Bibliomania. _He_ 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 mitigatiou
+[Transcriber's Note: mitigation], of this disorder:
+
+In _the first place_, the disease of the Bibliomania is materially
+softened, or rendered mild, by directing our studies to _useful and
+profitable_ works--whether these be printed upon small or large paper,
+in the gothic, roman, or italic type; To consider purely the
+_intrinsic_ 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.
+
+In the _second place_, 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 BIBLIOMANIA, it
+is some consolation to find discerning and spirited booksellers
+re-publishing the valuable Chronicles of Froissart, Holinshed, and
+Hall,[69] and the collections known by the names of "The Harleian
+Miscellany," and "Lord Somer's Tracts." These are noble efforts, and
+richly deserve the public patronage.
+
+ [Footnote 69: 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.]
+
+In the _third place_, the editing of our best ancient authors, whether
+in prose or poetry,[70] is another means of effectually counteracting
+the progress of the Bibliomania, as it has been described under its
+several symptoms.
+
+ [Footnote 70: The recent _Variorum_ 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 _third means of cure_.]
+
+In the _fourth place_, the erecting of Public Institutions[71] is a
+very powerful antidote against the prevalence of several symptoms of
+this disease.
+
+ [Footnote 71: The Royal, London, Surrey, and Russel
+ Institutions 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 suppress the
+ establishment of what are called _Circulating
+ Libraries_--vehicles, too often, of insufferable nonsense,
+ and irremediable mischief!]
+
+In the _fifth place_, the encouragement of the study of
+Bibliography,[72] 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,
+well bred, Bibliographer[73] 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.
+
+ [Footnote 72: "UNNE BONNE BIBLIOGRAPHIE," says Marchand,
+ "soit generale soit particuliere, soit profane, soit
+ ecclesiastique, soit nationale, provinciale, ou locale, soit
+ simplement personnelle, en un mot de quelque autre genre que
+ ce puisse etre, n'est pas un ouvrage aussi facile que
+ beaucoup de gens se le pourroient imaginer; mais, elles ne
+ doivent neanmoins nulelment [Transcriber's Note: nullement]
+ prevenir contre celle-ci. Telle qu'elle est, elle ne laisse
+ pas d'etre bonne, utile, et digne d'etre recherchee par les
+ amateurs, de l'Histoire Litteraire." _Diction. Historique_,
+ vol. i. p. 109.
+
+ "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 _knowledge of books_;
+ 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."
+ _Legal Bibliography_, p. v. vi.]
+
+ [Footnote 73: Peignot, in his _Dictionnaire de Bibliologie_,
+ 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 _Bibliographie
+ Instructive_, 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 rare venalis expectet: peculium semper
+ praesens et paratum, ne, si quando occurrunt, emendi occasio
+ intercidat; prudens denique auri argentique contemptus, ut
+ pecuniis sponte careat quae in bibliothecam formandam et
+ nutriendam sunt insumendae. Si forte vir literatus eo
+ felicitatis pervenit ut talem thesaurum coaceraverit, nec
+ solus illo invidios fruatur, sed usum cum eruditis qui
+ vigilias suas utilitati publicae devoverunt, liberaliter
+ communicet; &c."--_Bibliotheca Hulsiana_, vol. i. Praefat. p.
+ 3, 4.]
+
+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 THE BIBLIOMANIA. 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 cone [Transcriber's Note: come]!
+
+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, _the present
+one_ 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.
+
+If, therefore, in the wide survey which a philosopher may take of the
+"Miseries of Human life"[74] 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![75] Recollecting that even in remoter
+situations its influence has been felt--and that neither the pure
+atmosphere of Hafod nor of Sledmere[76] has completely subdued its
+power--you will be disposed to exclaim with violence, at the intrusion
+of Bibliomaniacs--
+
+ What walls can guard me, or what shades can hide?
+ They pierce my thickets, through my grot they glide!
+ By land, by water, they renew the charge,
+ They stop the chariot, and they board the barge.[77]
+
+ [Footnote 74: In the ingenious and witty work so entitled, I
+ do not recollect whether the disappointment arising from a
+ _cropt_ or a _dirty_ copy has been classed among "_The
+ Miseries of Human Life_."]
+
+ [Footnote 75: _Hodnet Hall_, Shropshire. The country
+ residence of Mr. Heber.]
+
+ [Footnote 76: _Hafod_, South Wales, the seat of THOS.
+ JOHNES, 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, Phoenix-like,
+ from the flames!
+
+ _Sledmere_, in Yorkshire, the seat of SIR MARK MASTERMAN
+ SYKES, Bart., M.P. The library of this amiable and tasteful
+ Baronet reflects distinguished credit upon him. It is at
+ once copious and choice.]
+
+ [Footnote 77: Pope's "_Prologue to the Satires_," v. 7-10.]
+
+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
+BIBLIOMANIA, my only consolation is that to advance _something_ 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!
+
+Believe me, My dear Sir,
+
+Very sincerely Yours, &c.
+
+THOMAS FROGNALL DIBBIN [Transcriber's Note: DIBDIN].
+
+_Kensington, May_ 16, 1809.
+
+
+
+
+POSTSCRIPT.
+
+
+On re-considering what has been written, it has struck me that a
+SYNOPSIS of this disease, after the manner of BURTON, as prefixed to
+his _Anatomy of Melancholy_, may be useful to some future pathologist.
+The reader is, accordingly, presented with the following one:
+
+
+SYNOPSIS.
+
+ Page.
+ { I. HISTORY of; or an account of eminent Book
+ { Collectors who have fallen victims to it 12
+T {
+H { II. SYMPTOMS OF; { 1. Large Paper Copies 44
+E { being a passion for { 2. Uncut Copies 46
+ { { 3. Illustrated Copies 47
+B { { 4. Unique Copies 49
+I { { 5. Vellum Copies 51
+B { { 6. First Editions 52
+L { { 7. True Editions 54
+I { { 8. Black Letter Editions 56
+O {
+M { III. CURE OF { 1. Reading useful works 56
+A { { 2. Reprints of scarce and
+N { { valuable works _ib._
+I { { 3. Editing our best ancient
+A { { Writers 60
+. { { 4. Erecting of Public
+ { { Institutions _ib._
+ { { 5. Encouragement of
+ { { Bibliography _ib._
+
+
+
+
+PART I.
+
+=The Evening Walk.=
+
+ON THE RIGHT USES OF LITERATURE.
+
+
+ Rede well thyselfe that other folke can'st rede.
+
+ CHAUCER'S _Good Counsail_.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+=The Evening Walk.=
+
+ON THE RIGHT USES OF LITERATURE.
+
+
+It 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.
+
+I knew him to be the servant of my old college friend, whom I chuse
+here to denominate LYSANDER. He came to inform me, in his blunt and
+honest manner, that his master had just arrived with PHILEMON, 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.
+
+"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 LIBRARY." "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 LIBRARY--" "Here," exclaimed Philemon, "here you
+have him in the toils." "I will frankly confess," rejoined Lysander,
+"that I am an arrant BIBLIOMANIAC--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
+_reading_ books--do BIBLIOMANIACS ever _read_ 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 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.
+
+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.
+
+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 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. NICAS happened to discover some glaring
+errors in his last treatise, and the poor man grew sick at heart in
+consequence. Nothing short of _infallibility_ and _invincibility_
+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.
+
+"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!'[78] 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 MENANDER'S case! Careless
+himself about examining and quoting authorities with punctilious
+accuracy, and trusting too frequently to the _ipse-dixits_ 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! SYCORAX was this demon; and a cunning and clever demon was
+he!"
+
+ [Footnote 78: This is the substance of the story related in
+ Darwin's _Zoonomia_: vol. iv. p. 81.]
+
+"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
+allow me the priviledge of a Grecian.[79] 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.[80] Thus you see,
+my dear Philemon," concluded Lysander, "that the 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."
+
+ [Footnote 79: Without turning over the ponderous tones of
+ Stephen, Constantine, and Scaliger, consult the sensible
+ remarks upon the word '[Greek: Daimon]' in _Parkhurst's
+ Greek and English Lexicon to the New Testament_, 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 80: Mark certain expressions, gentle reader, which
+ occur in the notes to the life of _Robin Hood_, 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 _Ancient Metrical Romances_, 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 TOM WARTON and snarling
+ 'mister' JOSEPH RITSON.]
+
+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.
+
+The fatigue of travelling had sharpened the appetites of my friends;
+and at a moment when, as the inimitable Cowper expresses it,
+
+ our drawing-rooms begin to blaze
+ With lights, by clear reflection multiplied
+ From many a mirror, in which he of Gath,
+ Goliath, might have seen his giant bulk
+ Whole, without stooping, towering crest and all,
+ _Our_ pleasures too _began_;
+
+ _Task_, b. iv.
+
+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 _omnium-gatherum_ 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,'[81] and the time of the evening 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 LITERATURE could be described in as favourable a
+manner as Camden has described the air, earth, and sky, of our own
+country;[82] but I fear Milton's terrific description of the infernal
+frozen continent,
+
+ beat with perpetual forms
+ Of whirlwind and dire hail,
+
+ _Par. Lost_, b. ii. v. 587.
+
+is rather applicable to it. Having endeavoured to shew, my dear
+friends, that the passionate love of hypothesis--(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 of literature, let us see what other evil
+qualities there are which principally frustrate the legitimate view of
+learning.
+
+ [Footnote 81: _Complete Angler_, 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 _Peter Langtoft's
+ Chronicle_, vol. 1. p. cx.]
+
+ [Footnote 82: "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 ye 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 THE LADY OF THE SEA. 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." _Remains_, p. 12. edit. 1637.
+
+ 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
+ "_The Debate between the_ [French and English] _Heralds_,"
+ 8vo., printed in the bl. lett. (In the possession of Mr.
+ Heber.)
+
+ "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 _wardeines_, 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."--_Sign. L._ iiij. rev.
+
+ "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."--_Sign. L._ v. rev. If ancient GILDAS
+ speak the truth, Great Britain was no contemptible place
+ twelve hundred years ago--the period when he lived and wrote
+ his lachrymable history.
+
+ "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."--_Epistle of Gildas_, Transl. 1638, 12mo. p. 1,
+ after the prologue.
+
+ Whoever looks into that amusing and prettily-printed little
+ book, "_Barclaii Satyricon_," 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.]
+
+"In the example of GONZALO, with whom Philemon is perfectly well
+acquainted, a remarkable exemplification of the passion of _Vanity_
+occurs. I recollect, one evening, he came rushing into a party where I
+sat, screaming with the extatic joy of a maniac--'[Greek: Eureka,
+Eureka]'; 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; 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 _must_, 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 _must_ 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:
+
+ Oh, sweetest softest thing that's friendship hight!
+
+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:
+
+ Stars of this earthly heaven, you whose essence
+ Compos'd was of man's purest quintessence,
+ To you, to virtuous you, I dedicate
+ This snaggy sprig[83]----"
+
+ [Footnote 83: From "_A Satyrical Dialogue, &c., betweene
+ Alexander the Great and that truelye woman-hater Diogynes_.
+ 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.]
+
+"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
+ALFONSO 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.
+
+"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 _Critics_;
+without attending to the just maxim of Pope, that
+
+ Ten censure wrong, for one that writes amiss.
+
+"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 ancient brethren have wisely laid down, and hold in contempt
+the voice of the public,[84] 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.'[85] This solemn pronoun, or rather 'plural
+style,'[86] my dear Philemon, is oftentimes usurped by a half-starved
+little _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[87] terse style,] is, to wrangle for an
+asses shadowe, or to seke a knott in a rushe!'
+
+ [Footnote 84: "Interdum vulgus rectum videt:" says
+ Horace.--_Epist. lib._ ii. _ad. Augustum_, v. 63.]
+
+ [Footnote 85: Vide RYMERI _Foedera_--passim.]
+
+ [Footnote 86: A very recent, and very respectable, authority
+ has furnished me with this expression.]
+
+ [Footnote 87: See Mr. Todd's _Illustrations of Gower and
+ Chaucer_, p. 10.]
+
+"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,'[88] whether in an author or a critic. When I
+call to mind that our greatest sages have concluded their 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.
+
+ [Footnote 88: 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."--WARTON: Note to
+ Pope's Essay on Criticism. _Pope's Works_, vol. i. 196,
+ edit. 1806.]
+
+"I see then," rejoined Philemon, "that you are an enemy to
+_Reviews_."[89] "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 of Dr. Johnson's Tour to the
+Hebrides,[90] he need not fear the flippancy of a reviewer's wit, as
+decisive of the fate of his publication!
+
+ [Footnote 89: The earliest publications, I believe, in this
+ country, in the character of REVIEWS were there
+ [Transcriber's Note: the] _Weekly Memorials for the
+ Ingenious_, &c. Lond. 1683, 4to.--and _The Universal
+ Historical Bibliotheque_: 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 _The Young Student's Library_, 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 _Old and New Memoirs of
+ Literature_; then, the _Works of the Learned_; upon which
+ was built, eclipsing every one that had preceeded it, and
+ not excelled by any subsequent similar critical journal,
+ _The Monthly Review_.]
+
+ [Footnote 90: 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 DR. JOHNSON; whose works
+ are upon the shelf of every reading man of sense and
+ virtue.]
+
+"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.[91] 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 _logomachy_--what a _war of words_ 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!![92] 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 argument; bringing
+everything, however, to the standard of his _own times_. It was in
+vain we strove to edge in the great _Whig and Tory Reviews_ 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."
+
+ [Footnote 91: See the opening the fourth book of "_The
+ Task_;" a picture perfectly original and unrivalled in its
+ manner.]
+
+ [Footnote 92: 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 _Monthly Mirror_!]
+
+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 Agrippa[93]), 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."
+
+ [Footnote 93: 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 _Historical
+ and Biographical Dictionary_ 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 _one_ dog, and
+ never mention his name." Vol. i. 357, 361; edit. 1736, 10
+ vols. folio.
+
+ 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
+ (_Bibl. Libr. Rarior._) is here hardly worth consulting; and
+ the compilers of the celebrated _Nouveau Dict. Historique_
+ (Caen edit. 1789, vol. i. p. 7. Art. Agrippa) deserve
+ censure for the recommendation of these Lyons' editions
+ only.
+
+ Agrippa's "VANITY OF SCIENCES" was first published at
+ Antwerp in 4to. 1530; a book, upon the rarity of which
+ bibliographers delight to expatiate. His "OCCULT
+ PHILOSOPHY"--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 _Hist.
+ Crit. Phil._, has given a masterly account of Agrippa, and
+ an analysis of his works.]
+
+Philemon heartily assented to the truth of these remarks; and, more
+than once, interrupted Lysander in his panegyrical peroration by his
+cheerings:[94] for he had, in his youth (as was before observed), been
+instructed by the distinguished character upon whom the eulogy had
+been pronounced.
+
+ [Footnote 94: 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 "_loud
+ cheerings_" of some kind or other. See every newspaper on
+ every important debate.]
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+PART II.
+
+=The Cabinet.=
+
+OUTLINE OF FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC BIBLIOGRAPHY.
+
+ Condemn the daies of elders great or small,
+ And then blurre out the course of present tyme:
+ Cast one age down, and so doe orethrow all,
+ And burne the bookes of printed prose or ryme:
+ Who shall beleeve he rules, or she doth reign,
+ In tyme to come, if writers loose their paine
+ The pen records tyme past and present both:
+ Skill brings foorth bookes, and bookes is nurse to troth.
+
+ CHURCHYARD'S _Worthiness of Wales_
+ p. 18, edit. 1776.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+=The Cabinet.=
+
+OUTLINE OF FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC BIBLIOGRAPHY.
+
+ Tout autour oiseaulx voletoient
+ Et si tres-doulcement chantoient,
+ Qu'il n'est cueur qui n'ent fust ioyeulx.
+ Et en chantant en l'air montoient
+ Et puis l'un l'autre surmontoient
+ A l'estriuee a qui mieulx mieulx.
+
+ Le temps n'estoit mie mieulx.
+ De bleu estoient vestuz les cieux,
+ Et le beau Soleil cler luisoit.
+ Violettes croissoient par lieux
+ Et tout faisoit ses deuoirs tieux
+ Comme nature le duisoit.
+
+ OEUVRES DE CHARTIER, Paris, 1617, 4to. p. 594.
+
+
+Such is the lively description of a spring morning, in the opening of
+Alain Chartier's "_Livre des quatre dames_;" 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.
+
+PHIL. 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 _large paper_.
+
+LYSAND. 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.
+
+PHIL. You are averse then to the study of bibliography?
+
+LYSAND. 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:[95] 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."[96]
+
+ [Footnote 95: _Recherches, &c., sur l'Origine de
+ l'Imprimerie_: Introd. p. x. Lambinet adds very justly,
+ "L'art consiste a les rendre supportables par des objets
+ varies de litterature, de critique, d'anecdotes," &c.]
+
+ [Footnote 96: See the "Discours sur la Science
+ Bibliographique," &c., in the eighth volume of De Bure's
+ _Bibl. Instruct._ and Peignot's _Dictionnaire Raisonne de
+ Biblilolgie_, [Transcriber's Note: Bibliologie] 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!!]
+
+PHIL. 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.
+
+LYSAND. 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 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. CAMUS, a good
+scholar, and an elegant bibliographer, [of whom you will see some
+account in "_Les Siecles Litteraires de la France_,"] has, I think,
+placed the study of bibliography in a just point of view; and to his
+observations, in the first volume of the "_Memoires de l'Institut
+National_," I must refer you.[97]
+
+ [Footnote 97: 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
+ apprecier, d'apres sa date, d'apres la caractere de
+ l'impression, d'apres certaines notes, quelquefois seulement
+ d'apres une erreur typographique, les qualites qui le font
+ ranger dans la classe des livres rares ou curieux, et qui
+ fixent sa valeur pecuniaire: l'autre genre de connoissance
+ consiste a savoir quels sont les livres les plus propres a
+ instruire, ceux ou les sujets sont le plus clairement
+ presentes et le plus profondement discutes; les ouvrages a
+ l'aide desquels il est possible de saisir l'origine de la
+ science, de la suivre dans ses developpemens, d'atteindre le
+ point actuel de la perfection. Sans doute il seroit
+ avantageux que ces deux genres de connoisances fussent
+ toujours reunis: l'experience montre qu'ils le sont
+ rairement; l'experience montre encore que le premier des
+ deux genres a ete plus cultive que le second. Nous
+ possedons, sur l'indication des livres curieux et rares, sur
+ les antiquites 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 a instruire
+ foncierement des sciences. En recherchant la cause de cette
+ difference, on la trouvera peut-etre dans la passion que des
+ hommes riches et vains ont montree pour posseder des livres
+ sans etre en etat de les lire. Il a fallu creer pour eux une
+ sorte de bibliotheque composee d'objets qui, sous la forme
+ exterieure de livres, ne fussent reellement que des raretes,
+ des objets de curiosite, qu'on ne lit pas, mais que tantot
+ on regarde avec complaisance, tantot en montre avec
+ ostentation; et comme apres cela c'est presque toujours le
+ gout des personnes en etat de recompenser qui dirige le but
+ des travailleurs, on ne doit pas etre surpris qu'on se soit
+ plus occupe d'indiquer aux hommes riches dont je parle, des
+ raretes a acquerir, ou de vanter celles qu'ils avoient
+ rassemblees, que de faciliter, par des indications utiles,
+ les travaux des hommes studieux dont on n'attendoit aucune
+ recompense." _Memoires de l'Institut_, vol. i. 664. See also
+ the similar remarks of Jarde, in the "Precis sur les
+ Bibliotheques," prefixed to Fournier's _Dict. portatif de
+ Bibliographie_, edit. 1809.
+
+ 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 fortunaeque praefulgeant--sunt enim omnino
+ ridiculi, qui in nuda librorum quantumvis selectissimorum
+ multitudine gloriantur, et inde doctos sese atque admirandos
+ esse persuadent." Draudius: _Bibliotheca Classica_, ed.
+ 1611. Epist. ad. Lect. Spizelius has also a good passage
+ upon the subject, in his description of Book-Gluttons
+ ("Helluones Librorum"): "cum immensa pene librorum sit
+ multitudo et varietas, fieri non potest, quin eorum opibus
+ ditescere desiderans (haeres), non assiduam longamque
+ lectionem adhibeat." _Infelix Literatus_, p. 296, edit.
+ 1680, 8vo.]
+
+PHIL. 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.
+
+LYSAND. 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.
+
+PHIL. But you promise to renew the subject afterwards?
+
+LYSAND. I will make no such promise. If our facetious friend LISARDO,
+who is expected shortly to join us, should happen to direct our
+attention and the discourse to the sale of MALVOLIO'S busts and
+statues, what favourable opportunity do you suppose could present
+itself for handling so unpromising a subject as bibliography?
+
+PHIL. 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!
+
+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.
+
+LIS. 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.
+
+LYSAND. The Clementine and Florentine museums?
+
+LIS. 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!
+
+PHIL. You did not probably bid ten guineas for it, Lisardo?
+
+LIS. 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.
+
+PHIL. 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."
+
+LIS. Not so, truly! I have taken an aversion to it from mere whim and
+fancy: or rather from downright ignorance.
+
+PHIL. 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 _hereditary_ aversions, or hereditary attachments?
+
+LIS. 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.
+
+PHIL. 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![98] 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.
+
+ [Footnote 98: Pope, in his Dunciad, has treated the
+ conflagration of the two great ancient libraries, with his
+ usual poetical skill:
+
+ "Far eastward cast thine eye, from whence the sun
+ And orient Science their bright course begun:
+ One god-like monarch all that pride confounds,
+ He, whose long wall the wandering Tartar bounds;
+ Heavens! what a pile! whole ages perish there,
+ And one bright blaze turns Learning into air.
+ Thence to the south extend thy gladden'd eyes;
+ There rival flames with equal glory rise,
+ From shelves to shelves see greedy Vulcan roll,
+ And lick up all their PHYSIC OF THE SOUL."
+
+ "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."
+
+ "The caliph, Omar I. having conquered Egypt, caused his
+ general to burn the Ptolemean library, on the gates of which
+ was this inscription: '[Greek: PSYCHES IATREION]:'
+ 'THE PHYSIC OF THE SOUL.'" 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 "_Decline and Fall
+ of the Roman Empire_," vol. ix. 440, &c.]
+
+LIS. The act, upon reflection, was no doubt sufficiently foolish. But
+why so warm upon the subject?
+
+LYSAND. 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
+RISE AND PROGRESS OF BIBLIOGRAPHY; and was fearful that, from your
+noted aversion to the subject, you would soon cut asunder the thread
+of our conversation.
+
+LIS. 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.
+
+PHIL. 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.
+
+LIS. 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.
+
+LYSAND. 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."
+
+PHIL. 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.
+
+LYSAND. 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.
+
+It is gratifying to the English nation--whatever may have been
+the strictures of foreigners[99] 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
+_Philobiblion_[100] of RICHARD DE BURY; 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 _Philobiblion_ 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 _abroad_, which greatly facilitated the
+researches of the learned.
+
+ [Footnote 99: "Anglica gens longe fuit negligentior in
+ consignandis ingeniorum monumentis; nihil enim ab illis
+ prodiit, quod mereatur nominari, cum tamen sint extentque
+ pene innumera ingeniossimae gentis in omnibus doctrinis
+ scripta, prodeantque quotidie, tam Latina, quam vernacula
+ lingua, plura," Morhof: _Polyhist. Literar._ vol. i. 205,
+ edit. 1747.
+
+ 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 praestantiam
+ MUSARUM GERMANICARUM limis oculis aspiciunt," &c.--"hoc
+ tamen certum, firmum, ratum, et inconcussum est, GERMANOS
+ 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 _Bibl.
+ Acroamatica_, pp. 1, 6.]
+
+ [Footnote 100: "_Sive de Amore Librorum._" 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 (_Suppl. Bibl. Libr. Rarior_, 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 _Dict. Bibliog. Chois._ 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 (_Bibl. Med. et Inf. Aetat._ 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
+ _Bibl. Curcuse_, &c. vol. v. 438.
+
+ The 17th century made some atonement for the negligence of
+ the past, in regard to RICHARD DE BURY. At Frankfort his
+ _Philobiblion_ 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 (_ibid._) 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
+ _Collectanea_, vol. ii. 385, edit. 1774.]
+
+Among the men who first helped to clear away the rubbish that impeded
+the progress of the student, was the learned and modest CONRAD GESNER;
+at once a scholar, a philosopher, and a bibliographer: and upon whom
+Julius Scaliger, Theodore Beza, and De Thou, have pronounced noble
+eulogiums.[101] His _Bibliotheca Universalis_ 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
+_Bibliotheca_ 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.
+
+ [Footnote 101: His _Bibliotheca_, or _Catalogus Universalis,
+ &c._, 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 _edit. opt._ it will be
+ evident that the _editio originalis_ 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 _Bibliotheque
+ Francoise_ of Du Verdier, 1584. It may be worth stating that
+ Hallevordius's _Bibliotheca Curiosa_, 1656, 1687, 4to., is
+ little better than a supplement to the preceding work.
+
+ The _Pandects_ 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
+ _Jugemens des Savans_, vol. ii. p. 11. _Bibl. Creven._ vol.
+ v. p. 278; upon this latter work more particularly; and
+ Morhof's _Polyhistor. Literar._ vol. i. 197, and Vogt's
+ _Catalog. Libr. Rarior._, p. 164: upon the former. Although
+ the _Dictionnaire Historique_, published at Caen, in 1789,
+ notices the botanical and lexicographical works of Gesner,
+ it has omitted to mention these Pandects: which however, are
+ uncommon.]
+
+LIS. All this is very well. Proceed with the patriarchal age of your
+beloved bibliography.
+
+LYSAND. I was about resuming, with observing that our BALE speedily
+imitated the example of Gesner, in putting forth his _Britanniae
+Scriptores_;[102] the materials of the greater part of which were
+supplied by Leland. This work is undoubtedly necessary to every
+Englishman, but its errors are manifold. Let me now introduce to your
+notice the little work of FLORIAN TREFLER, published in 1560;[103]
+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 Naudaeus afterwards
+worked, and produced, as you will find, a more pleasing and perfect
+picture. A few years after this, appeared the _Erotemata_ of MICHAEL
+NEANDER;[104] 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
+_Bibliotheque Francoise_ of LA CROIX DU MAINE and DU VERDIER.[105] Nor
+were the contemporaneous similar efforts of CARDONA to be despised: a
+man, indeed, skilled in various erudition, and distinguished for his
+unabating perseverance in examining all the MSS. and printed books
+that came in his way. The manner, slight as it was, in which
+Cardona[106] mentioned the Vatican library, aroused the patriotic
+ardor of PANSA; who published his _Bibliotheca Vaticana_, in the
+Italian language, in the year 1590; and in the subsequent year
+appeared the rival production of ANGELUS ROCCHA, written in Latin,
+under the same title.[107] The magnificent establishment of the
+VATICAN PRESS, under the auspices of Pope Sixtus V. and Clement VIII.
+and under the typographical direction of the grandson of Aldus,[108]
+called forth these publications--which might, however, have been
+executed with more splendour and credit.
+
+ [Footnote 102: The first edition of this work, under the
+ title of "_Illustrium maioris Britanniae Scriptorum, hoc est,
+ Anglae, Cambriae, ac Scotiae summarium, in quasnam centurias
+ divisum, &c._," 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
+ _Scriptores Britanniae_, in existence.]
+
+ [Footnote 103: "Les Savans n'ont nullemont ete satisfaits des
+ regles prescrites par FLORIAN TREFFER (Trefler) le premier
+ dont on connoisse un ecrit sur ce sujet [de la disposition
+ des livres dans une bibliotheque]. Sa methode de classer les
+ livres fut imprimee a Augsbourg en 1560." Camus: _Memoires
+ de l'Institut_. vol. i. 646. The title is "Methodus
+ Ordinandi Bibliothecam," Augustae, 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 104: It would appear, from Morhof, that NEANDER
+ meditated the publication of a work similar to the
+ _Pandects_ of Gesner; which would, in all probability, have
+ greatly excelled it. The "_Erotemata Graecae Linguae_" was
+ published at Basil in 1565, 8vo. Consult _Polyhist. Liter._
+ vol. i. 199: _Jugemens des Savans_, vol. iii. art. 887, but
+ more particularly Niceron's _Memoires des Hommes Illustres_,
+ 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 _Catalog.
+ Libror. Rarior._, p. 614, edit. 1793.]
+
+ [Footnote 105: LA CROIX DU MAINE'S book appeared toward the
+ end of the year 1584; and that of his coadjutor, ANTHONY
+ VERDIER, 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 DE LA MONNOYE and
+ JUVIGNY, 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 LARGE PAPER, which
+ were sold for one hundred and twenty livres. Claude Verdier,
+ son of Antony, who published a supplement to Gesner's
+ Bibliotheca, and a "_Censio auctorum omnium veterum et
+ recentiorum_," 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
+ _Jugemens des Savans_, vol. ii. 87-8, upon Claude's filial
+ affection; and Morhof's _Polyhist. Literar._, 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 _Bibl. Creven._, 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_l._ 15_s._ See _Bibl. West._, No. 934.]
+
+ [Footnote 106: JOHN BAPTIST CARDONA, a learned and
+ industrious writer, and bishop of Tortosa, published a
+ quarto volume at Tarracona, in 1537, 4to.--comprehending the
+ following four pieces: 1. _De regia Sancti Lamentii
+ Bibliotheca_: 2. _De Bibliothecis_ (_Ex Fulvio Ursino_,) et
+ _De Bibliotheca Vaticana (ex Omphrii Schedis)_: 3. _De
+ Expurgandis haereticorum propriis nominibus_: 4. _De
+ Dipthycis_. 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 _Bibliotheca Hispana_ of Antonio.]
+
+ [Footnote 107: MUTIUS PANZA'S work, under the title of
+ _Ragionamenti della Libraria Vaticana_, Rome, 1590, 4to.,
+ and ANGELUS ROCCHA'S, that of _Bibliotheca Apostolica
+ Vaticana, Rome_, 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 _Jugemens des Savans_, 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 108: Consult Renouard's _L'Imprimerie des Alde_,
+ 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 LARGE PAPER, are sufficiently well
+ known and coveted. A very pleasing and satisfactory account
+ of this publication will be found in the _Horae Biblicae_ 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.]
+
+Let us here not forget that the celebrated LIPSIUS 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.[109] 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 PUTEANUS can be only slightly alluded to, in order to
+notice the more copious and valuable ones of POSSEVINUS and of
+SCHOTTUS;[110] men who were ornaments to their country, 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 _Bibliotheca Historica_ of
+BOLDUANUS, and the _Bibliotheca Classica_ of DRAUDIUS[111] 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.
+
+ [Footnote 109: LIPSIUS published his _Syntagma de
+ Bibliothecis_, 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. _Poly. Lit._,
+ vol. i., 188.]
+
+ [Footnote 110: "Scripsit et ERYCIUS PUTEANUS librum _De Usu
+ Bibliothecae et quidem speciatim Bibliothecae Ambrosianae
+ Mediol._, in 8vo., 1606, editum, aliumque, cui titulus
+ _Auspicia Bibliothecae Lovaniensis_, 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." _Jugemens des Savans_, vol. ii., 150. In the
+ _Bibl. Crev._, vol. v., 311, will be found one of his
+ letters, never before published. He died in 1646. POSSEVINUS
+ published a _Bibliotheca selecta_ and _Apparatus sacer_--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 "_Apparatus_" 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 _Polyhist.
+ Literar._, 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 _Art d'imprimer_, p. 3, makes
+ the same complaint: so Baillet informs us, vol. i., pt. i.,
+ p. 13, edit. 1725: vol. iii., pt. 1, p. 78. SCHOTTUS'S work,
+ _de Bibl. claris Hispaniae viris, France_, 1608, 4to., is
+ forgotten in the splendour of Antonio's similar production;
+ but it had great merit in its day. _Jugemens des Savans_,
+ vol. ii., pt. 1, 132, edit. 1725.]
+
+ [Footnote 111: BOLDUANUS published a _Theological_ (Jenae,
+ 1614) and _Philosophico Philological_ (Jenae, 1616), as well
+ as an _Historical_ (Lipsiae, 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. _Polyhist. Literar._ vol. i.,
+ 199. See also the very excellent historical catalogue,
+ comprehending the 1st chap. of Meusel's new edition of
+ Struvius's _Bibl. Histor._, vol. i., p. 26. DRAUDIUS'S 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.]
+
+The name of DU CHESNE can never be pronounced by a sensible Frenchman
+without emotions of gratitude. His _Bibliotheca Historiarum Galliae_
+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 _Series
+Auctorum, &c. de Francorum Historia_;[112] of which two handsome folio
+editions were published by Cramoisy. French writers of bibliographical
+eminence now begin to crowd fast upon us.
+
+ [Footnote 112: The reader will find a good account of some
+ of the scarcer works of Du Chesne in Vogt's _Catalog.
+ Libror. Rarior._, p. 248, &c., and of the life and literary
+ labours of this illustrious man in the 7th volume of
+ Niceron's _Memoires des Hommes Illustres_.]
+
+LIS. But what becomes of the English, Spanish, and Italian
+bibliographers all this while?
+
+LYSAND. 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.[113] 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 _Catalogue Raisonne_ 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.[114] Not to walk 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!
+
+ [Footnote 113: See the note at p. 29, ante. "It is a pity,"
+ says Morhof, "that the _Dutch_ had such little curiosity
+ about the literary history of their country--but the
+ _English_ were yet more negligent and incurious."--And yet,
+ Germany, France, and Italy, had already abounded with
+ treasures of this kind!!]
+
+ [Footnote 114: 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 _now-a-days_ 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 BRITISH MUSEUM
+ abundantly prove our present industry. Thus speaks Senebier:
+ 'Ill sembleroit d'abord etonnant qu'on ait tant trade a
+ composer le Catalogue des Manuscripts de la Bibliotheque de
+ Geneve; mais on peut faire plus raisonnablement ce reproche
+ aux Bibliothecaires bien payes et uniquement occupes de leur
+ vocation, qui sont les depositaires de tant de collections
+ precieuses qu'on voit en Italie, en France, en Allemagne, et
+ en Angleterre; ils le meriteront d'autant mieux, qu'ils
+ privent le public des pieces plus precieuses, et qu'ils ont
+ plusieurs aids intelligens qui peuvent les dispenser de la
+ partie le plus mechanique et la plus ennuyeuse de ce
+ travail,' &c.]
+
+PHIL. Hear him, hear him![115]
+
+ [Footnote 115: This mode of exclamation or expression, like
+ that of _cheering_ (vide p. 20, 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--_hear him, hear him!_ 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, _hear him, hear him!_ Happy
+ the man whom friend and foe alike delight to hear!]
+
+LIS. But what is become, in the while, of the English, Italian, and
+Spanish bibliographers--in the seventeenth century?
+
+LYSAND. I beg pardon for the digression; but the less we say of these,
+during this period, the better; and yet you must permit me to
+recommend to you the work of PITSEUS, our countryman, which grows
+scarcer every day.[116] We left off, I think, with the mention of Du
+Chesne's works. Just about this time came forth the elegant little
+work of NAUDAEUS;[117] 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 CLAUDE CLEMENT, "haud passibus aequis," put forth his
+_Bibliothecae tam privatae quam publicae[118] extructio_, &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 LOUIS
+JACOB;[119] 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 GADDIUS,[120] induce me only to mention his name,
+and to warn you against looking for much corn in a barn choked with
+chaff. We now approach the close of the seventeenth century; when,
+stopping for a few minutes only, to pay our respects to CINELLI,
+CONRINGIUS, and LOMEIER,[121] 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.
+
+ [Footnote 116: Pitseus's work "_De Rebus Anglicis_," Paris,
+ 1619, 4to., vol. i., was written in opposition to Bale's
+ (vid. p. 31, 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_l._ 16_s._ for a stained and
+ badly bound copy of it.]
+
+ [Footnote 117: "GABRIELE NAUDAEO nemo vixit suo tempore
+ [Greek: empeirias] Bibliothecariae peritior:" _Polyhist.
+ Liter._, vol. i., 187. "Naudaei scripta omnia et singula
+ praestantissima sunt," Vogt, p. 611. "Les ouvrages de Naude
+ firent oublier ce qui les avoient precede." Camus, _Mem. de
+ l'Institut._, vol. i., 646. After these eulogies, who will
+ refuse this author's "_Avis pour dresser une Bibliotheque_,
+ 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 Naude will be found
+ well described in Vogt's _Catalog. Libror. Rarior._, p. 610.
+ The reader of ancient politics may rejoice in the possession
+ of what is called, the "_Mascurat_"--and "_Considerations
+ politiques_"--concerning which Vogt is gloriously diffuse;
+ and Peignot (who has copied from him, without
+ acknowledgement--_Bibliogr. Curieuse_, pp. 49, 50,) may as
+ well be consulted. But the bibliographer will prefer the
+ "_Additions a l'Histoire de Louis XI._," 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 "_De Praecipuis Bibliothecis Parisiensibus_," pp.
+ 66, 67, &c. Naudaeus was librarian to the famous Cardinal
+ Mazarin, the great Maecenas 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. Naudaeus's "_Avis, &c._",
+ [ut supr.] was translated by Chaline; but his "_Avis a
+ Nosseigneurs du Parlement, &c._" 1652, 4to.--upon the sale
+ of the Cardinal's library--and his "_Remise de la
+ Bihliotheque_ [Transcriber's Note: Bibliotheque] [Du
+ Cardinal] _entre le mains de M. Tubeuf_, 1651," are much
+ scarcer productions. A few of these particulars are gathered
+ from Peignot's _Dict. de la Bibliolologie_ [Transcriber's
+ Note: Bibliologie], vol. ii., p. 1--consult also his _Dict.
+ Portatif de Bibliographie_, 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 Naude's
+ "_Considerations politiques_"--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.]
+
+ [Footnote 118: 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 _fatras_," &c.]
+
+ [Footnote 119: Le Pere LOUYS JACOB published his "_Traicte
+ des plus belles Bibliotheques publiques et particulieres,
+ qui ont este, et qui sont a presents dans le monde_," 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
+ "_La Bibliotheque universelle de tous les Autheurs de
+ France, qui ont escrits en quelque sorte de sciences et de
+ langues_"--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
+ _Bibliographia Parisina_, Paris, 1651, 4to. Consult
+ _Polyhist. Liter._, vol. i., pp. 189, 202: _Bibl. Creven._,
+ vol. v., pp. 281, 287. _Jugemens des Savans_, vol. ii., p.
+ 151.]
+
+ [Footnote 120: He published a work entitled "_De
+ scriptoribus non-ecclesiasticis_," 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 _Polyhist. Literar._, vol. i.,
+ p. 175.]
+
+ [Footnote 121: Magliabechi put CINELLI upon publishing his
+ BIBLIOTHECA VOLANTE, 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 _Cat. de Lomenie_,
+ No. 2563. Works of this sort form the ANA of
+ bibliography! CONRINGIUS compiled a charming bibliographical
+ work, in an epistolary form, under the title of _Bibliotheca
+ Augusta_; 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! LOMEIER'S, or Lomejer's "_De Bibliothecis
+ Liber singularis_," 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 LE GALLOIS
+ stole the most valuable part of his materials for his
+ "_Traite des plus belles Bibliotheques de l'Europe_," 1685,
+ 1697--12mo.: the title at full length (a sufficiently
+ imposing one!) may be seen in _Bibe. Crevenn._, vol. v., p.
+ 281; upon this latter treatise, Morhof cuttingly
+ remarks--"Magnos ille titulus strepitus facit: sed pro
+ thesauris carbones." _Polyhist. Literar._, vol. i., p. 191.
+ See also "_Jugemens des Savans_," 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 Graevius used
+ to speak very favourably of this work.]
+
+LIS. Pray discuss their works, or merits, _seriatim_, 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.
+
+LYSAND. 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 LABBE,[122] 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 _Nova Bibliotheca_, and _Bibliotheca Bibliothecarum
+Manuscriptorum_, are the principal works which endear his memory to
+bibliographers. More learned than Labbe was LAMBECIUS;[123] whose
+_Commentarii de Bibliotheca Caesarea-Vindobonensis_, 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 _Bibliotheca Hispana
+Vetus et Nova_ of Nicholas ANTONIO;[124] 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 avidity; and do not fear
+the pistoles which the purchase of it may cost you. LIPENIUS[125] now
+claims a moment's notice; of whose _Bibliotheca Realis_ 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 ADRIEN BAILLET;[126] the
+simple pastor of Lardieres, and latterly the learned and
+indefatigable librarian of Lamoignon. His _Jugemens des Savans_,
+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 BEUGHEM; a man, nevertheless, of wonderful mental elasticity;
+but for ever planning schemes too vast and too visionary for the
+human powers to execute.[127]
+
+ [Footnote 122: "Vir, qui in texendis catalogis totam pene
+ vitam consumpsit." "Homo ad Lexica et Catalogos conficiendos
+ a natura factus." Such is Morhof's account of LABBE; who, in
+ the works above-mentioned, in the text, has obtained an
+ unperishable reputation as a bibliographer. The _Bibliotheca
+ Bibliothecarum_, thick duodecimo, or crown octavo, has run
+ through several impressions; of which the Leipsic edit. of
+ 1682, is as good as any; but TEISSER, 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 _Bibliotheca
+ Nummaria_ 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 publishe [Transcriber's Note: published] separate
+ accounts of coins, weights, and measures. This is usually
+ appended to the preceding work, and is so published by
+ Teisser. The _Mantissa Suppellectilis_ was an unfinished
+ production; and the _Specimen novae Bibliothecae
+ Manuscriptorum Librorum_, Paris, 1653, 4to., is too
+ imperfectly executed for the exercise of rigid criticism;
+ although Baillet calls it 'useful and curious.' Consult the
+ _Polyhist. Literar._, vol. i., 197, 203: and _Jugemens des
+ Savans_, 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 123: LAMBECIUS 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 _Bibl. Acroamatica_, p. 51] had
+ it pleased Providence to prolong so valuable an existence.
+ It was originally sold for 24 _imperiali_; but at the
+ commencement of the 18th century for not less than 80
+ _thaleri_, 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 _Bibliotheca
+ Acroamatica_, Hanov., 1712, 8vo., which is both an
+ entertaining volume and a useful compendium of Lambecius's
+ immense work. But in the years 1766-82, KOLLARIUS 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 "_Analecta
+ Monumentorum omnis aevi Vindobonensia_," 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., no. 6291, as well as in Krohn's: in
+ which latter [nos. 3554, 3562] there are some useful
+ notices. See my account of M. Denis: 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 _Athenaeum_, p. 360, 490.]
+
+ [Footnote 124: Morhof considers the labours of ANTONIO as
+ models of composition in their way. His grand work began to
+ be published in 1672, 2 vols., folio--being the _Bibliotheca
+ Hispana Nova_: this was succeeded, in 1696, by the
+ _Bibliotheca Hispana Antiqua_--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
+ _Polyhist Literar._, vol. i., 203-4: _Dictionn. Bibliogr._,
+ vol. iv., p. 22: and _Mem. de l'Inst._, vol. i., 651. Let us
+ here not forget the learned Michael CASIRI'S _Bibliotheca
+ Arabico-Hispana Escorialensis_, 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 _Cap. de Santander_,
+ vol iv., no. 6296.]
+
+ [Footnote 125: The _Bibliotheca Realis_, &c., of LIPENIUS
+ contains an account of works published in the departments of
+ _Jurisprudence_, _Medicine_, _Philosophy_, and _Theology_:
+ of these, the _Bibliotheca Theologica_, et _Philosophica_,
+ are considered by Morhof as the best executed. The _Bibl.
+ Juridica_ 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 _Onomast. Lit._,
+ vol. v., 588. I will just notice the _Bibliotheca Vetus et
+ Recens_ of KOENIGIUS, 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 RAYNAUD, whose
+ lucubrations fill 20 folio volumes, published a quarto
+ volume at Lyons, under the title of "_Erotemata de malis ac
+ bonis Libris, deque justa aut injusta eorum conditione_;"
+ which he borowed [Transcriber's Note: borrowed] in part from
+ the "_Theotimus, seu de tollendis et expurgandis malis
+ libris_," (Paris, 1549, 8vo.) of Gabriel PUHTHERB. Of these
+ two works, if [Transcriber's Note: it] were difficult to
+ determine which is preferable. The bibliographer need not
+ deeply lament the want of either: consult the _Polyhist.
+ Literar._, vol. i., 177. In the year 1670, VOGLER published
+ a very sensible "_Universalis in notitiam cujusque generis
+ bonorum Scriptorum Introductio_"--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 "_De Libris legendis_" of BARTHOLIN,
+ Hafniae, 1676, 8vo., are deserving of a good coat and a front
+ row in the bibliographer's cabinet. "Parvae quidem molis
+ liberest, sed in quo quasi constipata sunt utilissima de
+ libris monita et notitiae ad multas disciplinas utiles." So
+ speaks Morhof.]
+
+ [Footnote 126: ADRIEN BAILLET 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
+ _Juvenilia_. 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 LAMOIGNONS as a librarian of unparalleled
+ diligence and sagacity; leaving behind him a "_Catalogue des
+ Matieres_," 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 Lardieres, 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, aetatis 56. Rest his ashes in
+ peace!--and come we now to his bibliographical publications.
+ His "_Jugemens des Savans_," was first published in 1685,
+ &c., in nine duodecimo volumes. Two other similar volumes of
+ _Anti Baillet_ 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 _Jugemens des Savans_. 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 "Abrege" de la Vie de Baillet, printed in
+ the two last editions of the work just described.]
+
+ [Footnote 127: It will not be necessary to notice _all_ 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: _Dict. Hist._ vol. i., p. 100.
+ Beughem's _Incunabula Typographica_, 1688, 12mo., is both
+ jejune and grossly erroneous. The "_Bibliographia Eruditorum
+ Critico-Curiosa_," 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 "_Gallia Euridita_,"
+ Amst., 1683, 12mo., is miserably perplexing. In addition to
+ Marchand, consult the _Polyhist. Literar._ of Morhof, vol.
+ i., p. 179; and the note therein subjoined. See also "_Bibl.
+ Creven._," vol. v., p. 298: _Cat. de Santander_, vol. iv.,
+ nos. 6273-4: 6281-2.]
+
+PHIL. 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, THOMAS
+BLOUNT and ANTONY-A-WOOD. There is surely something in these authors
+relating to editions of the works of the learned.
+
+LYSAND. You have anticipated me in the mention of these names. I had
+not forgotten them. With the former,[128] 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 _both_ editions
+of the _Athenae Oxoniensis_.[129]
+
+ [Footnote 128: Sir Thomas Pope Blount's "_Censura
+ Celebriorum Authorum_," 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 "_Remarks upon Poetry_,"
+ 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 _Biographia
+ Britannica_.]
+
+ [Footnote 129: The first, and, what Hearne over and over
+ again calls the genuine edition of the _Athenae Oxoniensis_,
+ was published in two folio volumes, 1691, 1692. That a
+ _third_ volume was intended by the author himself may be
+ seen from Hearne's remarks in his _Thom. Caii. Vind. Antiq.
+ Oxon._, vol. i., p. xliii. For the character of the work
+ consult his _Rob. de Avesb._, 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 _500_ 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 _Anecdotes of
+ Literature_, vol. ii., p. 304. Consult the life of the
+ author in Mr. Gutch's valuable reprint of Wood's "_History
+ and Antiquities of the University of Oxford_," 1792, 4to., 2
+ vols.: also, Freytag's _Analect. Literar._, 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
+ _Athenae Oxoniensis_, in five or six quarto volumes.]
+
+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 _Polyhistor. Literarius_ of MORHOF:[130] a work by
+which I have been in a great measure guided in the opinions pronounced
+upon the bibliographers already 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 MAITTAIRE strikes us with admiration and respect at the very
+opening of the 18th century. His elaborate _Annales Typographici_ have
+secured him the respect of posterity.[131] LE LONG, whose pursuits
+were 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 of his inquiry.[132] 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 JOHN
+ALBERT FABRICIUS. His labours[133] shed a 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 LEIBNITZ[134] appeared as author
+of a work of essential utility to the historian and bibliographer. I
+allude to his _Scriptores Rerum Brunwicensium_, 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
+STRUVIUS! whose _Historical Library_[135] should be in every
+philological collection.
+
+ [Footnote 130: DANIEL GEORGE MORHOF, 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 amoeniorum literarum
+ partem in meliorum redigerit." _Vogt._, pref. ix., edit.
+ 1793. Its leading error is the want of method. His
+ "_Princeps Medicus_," 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 "_Epistola de scypho vitreo per sonum humanae
+ vocis rupto_," 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,--PIETATE, CANDORE, PRUDENTIA,
+ should never be lost sight of by bibliomaniacs! His library
+ was large and select. These particulars are gleaned from the
+ _Dict. Historique_, Caen, 1789, vol. vi., p. 350.]
+
+ [Footnote 131: A compendious account of MAITTAIRE will be
+ found in the third edition of my _Introduction to the
+ Knowledge of rare and valuable Editions of the Greek and
+ Latin Classics_, vol. i., p. 148. See too Mr. Beloe's
+ _Anecdotes of Literature, &c._, vol iii., p. ix. The various
+ volumes of his _Annales Typographici_ are well described in
+ the _Bibl. Crevenn._, vol. v. p. 287. To these may be added,
+ in the bibliographical department, his _Historia
+ Stephanorum, vitas ipsorum ac libros complectens_, 1709,
+ 8vo.--and the _Historia Typographorum aliquot Parisiensium
+ vitas et libros complectens_, 1717, 8vo.--Of these two
+ latter works, (which, from a contemporaneous catalogue, I
+ find were originally published at 4_s._ the common paper,)
+ Mr. T. Grenville has beautiful copies upon LARGE PAPER. The
+ books are rare in any shape. The principal merit of
+ Maittaire's _Annales Typographici_ 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 _printed_ 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 "_Annus
+ Tertius Saecularis Inv. Art. Typog._," Harlem, 1741, 8vo., p.
+ 11. "Rara certe Librum augendi methodus! (exclaims the
+ author) Satis patet auctorem hoc eo fecisse concilio, ut et
+ primae et secundae Libri sui editioni pretium suum constaret,
+ et una aeque ac altera Lectoribus necessaria esset." Copies
+ of the Typographical Antiquities by Maittaire, upon LARGE
+ PAPER, are now exceedingly scarce. The work, in this shape,
+ has a noble appearance. While Maittaire was publishing his
+ Typographical Annals, ORLANDI put forth a similar work under
+ the title of "_Origine e Progressi della Stampa o sia dell'
+ Arte Impressoria, e Notizie dell' Opere stampate dall' Anno
+ 1462, sino all' Anno 1500_." 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 WRITING PAPER--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 necessairement etre annexe a celui de Maittaire a
+ cause de plusieurs notices et recherches, qui le rendent
+ fort curieux et interessant." _Bibl. Crevenn._, vol. v.,
+ 286-7. As we are upon publications treating of Typography,
+ we may notice the "_Annalium Typographicorum selecta quaedam
+ capita_," Hamb., 1740, 4to., of LACKMAN; and HIRSCHIUS'S
+ supplement to the typographical labours of his
+ predecessors--in the "_Librorum ab Anno I. usque ad Annum L.
+ Sec. xvi. Typis exscriptorum ex Libraria quadam
+ supellectile, Norimbergae collecta et observata, Millenarius
+ I._" &c. Noriberg, 1746, 4to. About this period was
+ published a very curious, and now uncommon, octavo volume,
+ of about 250 pages, by SEIZ; called "_Annus Tertius
+ Saecularis Inventae Artis Typographicae_," 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
+ CHEVILLIER--whose _L'Origine de l'Imprimerie de Paris, &c._,
+ 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 LARGE PAPER. We may
+ just notice LA CAILLE'S _Histoire de l'Imprimerie et de la
+ Librarie_, 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 SCHOLTZIUS, will be found in the _Bibl.
+ Crevenn._ vol. v. 281. Renouard mentions the last in his
+ "_Annales de l'Imprimerie des Alde_," vol. ii. p. 63.
+ Meanwhile the _Monumenta Typographica_ of WOLFIUS, 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_s._ or 10_s._ at present! The
+ _Amoenitatus [Transcriber's Note: Amoenitates]
+ Literariae, &c._, of SCHELHORN 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 _Amoenitates Historiae Ecclesiasticae et Literariae_, 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 ZAPF'S _Annales Typographiae Augustanae_, 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 "_De
+ Prima Typographiae Hispanicae Aetate Specimen_," Rome, 1793,
+ 4to.]
+
+ [Footnote 132: From the Latin life of LE LONG, prefixed to
+ his _Bibliotheca Sacra_, we learn that he was an adept in
+ most languages, ancient and modern; and that "in that part
+ of literature connected with BIBLIOGRAPHY (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 _Bibliotheca
+ Sacra_, Paris, 1725, folio, has been republished by MASCH
+ and BOERNER, 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 _Bibliotheque Historique de la
+ France_, 1719, folio, by the same learned and industrious
+ bibliographer, has met with a fate equally fortunate.
+ FONTETTE 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 LARGE
+ PAPER, 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 133: The chief labours of Fabricius ("Vir [Greek:
+ ellenichotatos]"--as Reimannus truly calls him), connected
+ with the present object of our pursuit, have the following
+ titles: 1. "_Bibliotheca Graeca, sive Notitia Scriptorum
+ Graecorum, &c._," Hamb. 1705-8-14-18, &c., 4to., 14 vols.--of
+ which a new edition is now published by HARLES, with great
+ additions, and a fresh arrangement of the original matter:
+ twelve volumes have already been delivered to the public. 2.
+ _Bibliotheca Latina_; 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.
+ _Bibliographia Antiquaria_, 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. _Bibliotheca Ecclesiastica, in qua
+ continentur variorum authorum tractatus de scriptoribus
+ ecclesiasticis_, 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. _Bibliotheca
+ Latina Mediae et Infimae Aetatis, &c._, 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
+ _Historia Bibliothecae Fabricianae_, compiled by JOHN
+ FABRICIUS, 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
+ _Bibl. Crevenn._, vol. v., 272-3.]
+
+ [Footnote 134: He is noticed here only as the author of
+ "_Idea Bibliothecae Publicae secundum classes scientiarum
+ ordinandae, fusior et contractior_," and of the "_Scriptores
+ Rerum Brunswicarum_," Hanov., 1707, fol., 3 vols. "The
+ antiquarian, who blushes at his alliance with Thomas Hearne,
+ will feel his profession ennobled by the name of LEIBNITZ.
+ 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: _Post. Works_, vol. ii., 712. Consult also
+ _Mem. de l'Inst._, vol. v., 648.]
+
+ [Footnote 135: I will not pretend to enumerate all the
+ learned works of BURCHARD GOTTHLIEB STRUVIUS. His
+ "_Bibliotheca Librorum Rariorum_" was published in 1719,
+ 4to. The first edition of the _Bibliotheca Historica_
+ 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 BUDER and MEUSEL, in eleven octavo
+ volumes, 1782, 1802--though I believe it does not contain
+ every thing which may be found in the edition of the _Bibl.
+ Hist. Selecta_, by Jugler, 1754, three vols. 8vo.: vide pp.
+ iv. and vii. of the preface of Meusel's edition. The _Bibl.
+ Hist. Select._, by Jugler, was formerly published under the
+ title of _Introd. in notitiam rei literariae et usum
+ Bibliothecae_. 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
+ _Bibl. Saxonica_, 1736, 8vo., I never saw a copy.]
+
+PHIL. 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.
+
+LYSAND. 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 _Historical Libraries_
+of Bishop NICOLSON, the _Bibliotheca Literaria_ of WASSE, and the
+_Librarian_ of WILLIAM OLDYS. Nor should I omit to mention the still
+more creditable performance of Bishop TANNER: while the typographical
+publications of WATSON, PALMER, and MIDDLETON,[136] may as well be
+admitted into your libraries, if you are partial to such works;
+although upon this latter subject, the elegant quarto volume of AMES
+merits particular commendation.
+
+ [Footnote 136: Let us go gently over this _British_ ground,
+ which Lysander depictures in rather a flowery manner. The
+ first edition of BISHOP NICOLSON'S _English Historical
+ Library_ was published in the years 1696, 1697, and
+ 1699--comprehending the entire three parts. In 1702, came
+ forth the _Scottish_ Historical library; and in 1724, the
+ _Irish_ 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 _Epistolary Correspondence_,
+ 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 _Hist. Engl._, vol. ii., p. 5.), and Wood
+ (_Athen. Brit._, 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 _Bibliotheca Literaria_ of WASSE (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. OLDYS'S _British Librarian_
+ 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 _former_ 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 PART V. Meanwhile, the reader is informed
+ that the _British Librarian_ 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 LARGE PAPER; but, on its arrival, I found
+ it to be not quite so large as my own tolerably
+ amply-margined copy. Bishop TANNER'S _Bibliotheca
+ Britanico-Hibernica_, 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. _The History of the Art of Printing_ by
+ WATSON, 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 LARGE
+ PAPER, cost me 1_l._ 8_s._ It was formerly Paton's, of
+ Edinburgh, a knowing antiquary in Scottish printing. The
+ _History of Printing_, by PALMER, 1733, 4to., and Dr.
+ MIDDLETON'S _Dissertations upon the same_, 1735, 4to., have
+ been particularly treated by me, as well as the similar
+ works of AMES and HERBERT, in the first volume of my new
+ edition of Herbert's _British Typographical Antiquities_;
+ 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
+ _Censuria Literaria_, in ten volumes octavo; and the
+ _British Bibliographer_ (now publishing) which grew out of
+ it; Mr. BELOE'S _Anecdotes of Literature and Scarce Books_,
+ six volumes, 8vo.; and Mr. Savage's continuation of _The
+ British Librarian_; 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.]
+
+LIS. 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.
+
+LYSAND. You draw too severe a conclusion. I have made no sly
+allusions. My invariable love of truth 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.
+
+LIS. 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?
+
+LYSAND. 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.
+
+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[137] _Methode pour etudier l'Histoire_: it is rare, and
+sought after in this country. And now--softly approach, and gently
+strew the flowers upon, the tomb of worthy NICERON:[138] 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 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 CARDINAL QUIRINI[139] and GOUJET; the _Bibliotheque
+Francoise_ of the latter of whom--with which I could wish book
+collectors, in general, to have a more intimate acquaintance--has
+obtained universal reputation.[140] Next to him, you may mark the
+amiable and expressive features of DAVID CLEMENT:[141] who, in his
+_Bibliotheque Curieuse_, 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 PROSPER MARCHAND;[142]
+whose 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.
+
+ [Footnote 137: 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 LARGE PAPER;
+ and paid three guineas to boot for the new one, neatly
+ bound.]
+
+ [Footnote 138: It is quite delightful to read the account,
+ in the _Dict. Hist._, published at Caen, 1789, (vol. vi., p.
+ 475) of JEAN PIERRE NICERON; 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 "_Memoires pour servir a
+ l'Histoire des Hommes Illustres, &c., avec un Catalogue
+ raisonne de leur Ouvrages_," 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 _two
+ parts_, 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!]
+
+ [Footnote 139: QUIRINI published his "_Specimen variae
+ Literaturae quae in urbe Brixiae ejusque Ditione paulo post
+ Typographiae incunabula florebat_," _&c._, at Brescia, in
+ 1739; two vols., 8vo.: then followed "_Catalogo delle Opere
+ del Cardinale Quirini uscite alla luce quasi tuttee da'
+ Torchi di mi Gian Maria Rizzardi Stampatore in Brescia_,"
+ 8vo. In 1751, Valois addressed to him his "_Discours sur les
+ Bibliotheques Publiques_," 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 "_De Optimorum Scriptorum Editionibus_." Lindaugiae,
+ 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
+ _Bibliotheca Lusitana_ 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."]
+
+ [Footnote 140: _La Bibliotheque Francoise, ou Histoire de la
+ Litterature Francoise_, of CLAUDE PIERRE GOUJET, 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 chef-d'oeuvre 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 141: The "_Bibliotheque Curieuse, Historique et
+ Critique, ou Catalogue raisonne de Livres difficiles a
+ trouver_," of DAVID CLEMENT, 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 _Introduction to the Greek and Latin
+ Classics_, vol. i., p. 370; which agrees, for the greater
+ part, with the observations in the _Bibl. Crevenn._, vol.
+ v., 290. The work is a _sine qua non_ 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 CLEMENT who published "_Les cinq
+ Annees Litteraires, ou Lettres de M. Clement, sur les
+ ouvrages de Litterature, qui ont parus dans les Annees
+ 1748--a 1752_;" 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 WENDLER'S
+ _Dissertatio de variis raritatis librorum impressorum
+ causis_, Jen., 1711, 4to.?--Wendler's book is rare among us:
+ as is also BERGER'S _Diatribe de libris rarioribus, &c._,
+ Berol. 1729, 8vo.]
+
+ [Footnote 142: The principal biographical labours of this
+ clever man have the following titles: "_Histoire de
+ l'Imprimerie_," La Haye, 1740, 4to.--an elegant and
+ interesting volume, which is frequently consulted by
+ typographical antiquaries. Of MERCIER'S supplement to it,
+ see note in the ensuing pages under the word "Mercier." His
+ "_Dictionnaire Historique, ou Memoires Critiques et
+ Litteraires_," 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 etre
+ imprime 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 _Histoire de l'Imprimerie_, by Marchsnd [Transcriber's
+ Note: Marchand].]
+
+Perhaps I ought to have noticed the unoccupied niche under which the
+name of VOGT[143] is inscribed; the title of whose work has been
+erroneously considered more seductive than the contents of it. As we
+go on, we approach FOURNIER; a man of lively parts, and considerable
+taste. His works are small in size, but they are written and printed
+with singular elegance.[144] See what a respectable and almost
+dignified air the highly finished bust of the pensionary MEERMAN[145]
+assumes! Few men 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, DE BURE!
+
+ [Footnote 143: The earliest edition of VOGT'S _Catalogus
+ Librorum Rariorum_ 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 BEYER put forth his _Memoriae
+ Historico-Criticae Librorum Rariorum_. Dresd. and Lips.,
+ 1734, 8vo.; as well has [Transcriber's Note: as] his _Arcana
+ Sacra Bibliothecarum Dresdensium_, 1738, 8vo.--with a
+ continuation to the latter, preceded by an epistle
+ concerning the electoral library, separately published in
+ the same year. Then ENGEL (in Republica Helveto-Bernensi
+ Bibliothecarius primus) published his _Bibliotheca
+ selectissima, sive Catalogus librorum in omni genere
+ scientiarum rarissimorum_, &c., Bernae, 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 FREYTAG'S _Analecta Literaria de libris
+ rarioribus_, Lips., 1750, two vols. 8vo.;--and his
+ _Adparatus Literarius ubi libri partim antiqui partim rari
+ recensentur_, Lipsiae, 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
+ _Florilegium Historico-Criticum Librorum Rariorum, cui multa
+ simul scitu jucunda intersperguntur_, &c., of DANIEL GERDES;
+ 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
+ _Miscellaneae Groninganae_, 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 _Bibliotheca Librorum Rariorum Universalis_, by
+ JOHN JACOB BAUER, 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_l._ 5_s._]
+
+ [Footnote 144: We are indebted to PIERRE SIMON FOURNIER le
+ jeune, for some very beautiful interesting little volumes
+ connected with engraving and printing. 1. _Dissertation sur
+ l'Origine et les Progres de l'art de Graver en Bois, &c._,
+ Paris, 1758, 8vo. 2. _De l'Origine et des Productions de
+ l'Imprimerie primitive en taille de bois_, Paris, 1759, 8vo.
+ 3. _Traite sur l'Origine et les Progres de l'Imprimerie_,
+ Paris, 1764. 4. _Observations sur un Ouvrage intitule
+ Vindiciae Typographicae_, Paris, 1760. These treatises are
+ sometimes bound in one volume. They are all elegantly
+ printed, and rare. We may also mention--5. _Epreuves de deux
+ petits caracteres nouvellement graves, &c._, Paris, 1757;
+ and especially his chef-d'oeuvre. 6. _Manuel
+ Typographique_, Paris, 1764-6, 8vo., two vols.: of which
+ some copies want a few of the cuts: those upon LARGE PAPER
+ (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." _Dict. Port. de Bibliogr._, p.
+ 218, edit. 1706.]
+
+ [Footnote 145: The _Origines Typographicae_ of MEERMAN, 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 _Typographical Antiquities of Great Britain_,
+ 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 "_De l'Invention de l'Imprimerie, ou
+ analyse des deux ouvrages publies sur cette matiere par M.
+ Meerman, &c.; suivi d'une notice chronologique et raisonnee
+ des livres avec et sans date_," 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 _Vindiciae Typographicae_ of
+ SCHOEPFLIN, 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.]
+
+LIS. 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----
+
+PHIL. Hear him, hear him![146]
+
+ [Footnote 146: Vide note at p. 37, ante.]
+
+LYSAND. From my heart I pity and forgive you. But only look upon the
+bust of DE BURE; and every time that you open his _Bibliographie
+Instructive_,[147] confess, 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 Abbe
+RIVE,[148] that he could lend his name, and give the weight of his
+example, to the propagation of coarse and acrimonious censures.
+
+ [Footnote 147: The works of GUILLAUME-FRANCOIS DE BURE
+ deserve a particular notice. He first published his _Musaeum
+ Typographicum_, Paris, 1755, 12mo.; of which he printed but
+ TWELVE 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 morceau of
+ bibliography--see his _Bibliographie Curieuse_, p. 21.
+ Afterwards appeared the _Bibliographie Instructive_, 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 LARGE PAPER, of
+ a quarto size. Its merits are acknowledged by every candid
+ and experienced critic. In the third place, came forth his
+ _Catalogue des Livres, &c., de L.J. Gaignat, Paris_, 1769,
+ 8vo., two vols.: not, however, before he had published two
+ brochures--"_Appel aux Savans_," _&c._, 1763, 8vo.--and
+ "_Reponse a une Critique de la Bibliographie Instructive_,"
+ 1763, 8vo.--as replies to the tart attacks of the Abbe RIVE.
+ 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 WILLIAM; 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 _number_ of such publications, by their
+ predecessor GABRIEL MARTIN; 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 _Dict. de
+ Bibliologie_, vol. i., 221, 422: vol iii., 277.]
+
+ [Footnote 148: The mention of De Bure and the Abbe RIVE
+ induces me to inform the reader that the _Chasse aux
+ Bibliographes_, 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 Abbe's "_Notices calligraphiques et typographiques_," 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) "_des notices
+ calligraphiques de manuscrits des differens siecles, et des
+ notices typographiques de livres du quinzieme siecle_," 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 _Bibliographie Curieuse_, pp. 58-9; and more
+ particularly the _Dictionnaire de Bibliologie_, 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 _Dict. Portatif de
+ Bibliographie_. 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
+ Molleges 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--"_Mettez-lui une messe dans le
+ ventre_"--repiled [Transcriber's Note: replied] Rive. The
+ clergyman expressing his ignorance of the nature of the
+ advice given, the facetious Abbe replied, "Go and tear a
+ leaf from your _mass book_, 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 Abbe,
+ 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.]
+
+Next to the bust of De Bure, consider those of the five Italian
+bibliographers and literati, HAYM, FONTANINI, ZENO, MAZZUCHELLI, and
+TIRABOSCHI; which are placed in the five consecutive niches. Their
+works are of various merit, but are all superior to that of their
+predecessor DONI. Although those of the first three authors should
+find a place in every bibliographical collection, the productions of
+Mazzuchelli,[149] 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 than TIRABOSCHI.[150] 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 _Storia
+della Letteratura Italiana_ in the choicest vellum, or in the stoutest
+Russia; for it merits no mean covering!
+
+ [Footnote 149: We may first observe that "_La Libraria del_
+ DONI _Fiorentino_;" 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 _Bibl. Crevenn._, vol.
+ v., p. 275. Numerous are the editions of HAYM'S _Biblioteca
+ Italiana_; 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
+ FONTANINI'S _Biblioteca dell' Eloquenza Italiana_ is with
+ the annotations of ZENO, 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 _third_ book of Fontanini, which
+ is a library of the principal Italian authors. All the three
+ books (the first two being a disquisition upon the orgin
+ [Transcriber's Note: origin] and progress of the Italian
+ language) will be found in the preceeding [Transcriber's
+ Note: preceding] Venice edition of 1737, in one volume 4to.
+ In the year 1753-63, came forth the incomparable but
+ unfinished work of COUNT MAZZUCHELLI, in two folio volumes,
+ [the latter vol. being divided into four thick parts]
+ entittled [Transcriber's Note: entitled]: _Gli Scrittori
+ d'Italia, cioe Notizie Storiche e Critiche intorno alle Vite
+ e agli Scritti dei Letterati Italiani_. 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 _Bibl. Crevenn._, 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 _Biblioteca degli Autori Antichi Greci,
+ e Latini volgarizzati_, &c., of PAITONI, in five quarto
+ volumes, 1766: the _Notizie Istorico-Critiche &c., degli
+ Scrittori Viniziani_, [Transcriber's Note: corrected printer
+ error in original; 'degli' was misplaced on preceding line]
+ of AGOSTINI, Venez., 1752, 4to., 2 vols.: and the
+ _Letteratura Turchesca of_ GIAMBATISTA TODERINI, Venez.,
+ 1787, 8vo., 3 vols.--works nearly perfect of their kind, and
+ (especially the latter one) full of curious matter.]
+
+ [Footnote 150: The best edition of his _Letteratura
+ Italiana_ 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 _Athenaeum_, to the
+ perusal of which I strongly recommend the reader.]
+
+The range of busts which occupies the opposite niches represents
+characters of a more recent date. Let us begin with MERCIER;[151] a
+man of extraordinary, and almost unequalled, knowledge in every thing
+connected with bibliography and typography; of a quick apprehension,
+tenacious memory, and correct 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 SAXIUS and LAIRE;[152] 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
+AUDIFFREDI[153]--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 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 HEINECKEN;[154] whose work upon ancient
+printing, and whose _Dictionary of Engravers_ (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 SEEMILLER, BRAUN,
+WURDTWEIN, DE MURR, ROSSI, and PANZER, whose busts are arranged in
+progressive order. All these authors[155] are greatly eminent in the
+several departments which they occupy; especially Panzer--whose
+_Annales Typographici_, 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, 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!
+
+ [Footnote 151: Barthelemy, MERCIER DE ST. LEGER, 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 _all_ his publications, the titles of
+ which may be found in the _Siecles Litteraires_, vol. iv.,
+ p. 350: but, in the present place, I will only observe that
+ his "_Supplement a l'Histoire de l'Imprimerie, par P.
+ Marchand_," was first published in 1773, and afterwards in
+ 1775, 4to., a rare and curious work; but little known in
+ this country. His _Bibliotheque des Romans, traduit de
+ Grec_, was published in 1796, 12 vols. 12mo. His letter
+ concerning De Bure's work, 1763, 8vo., betrayed some severe
+ animadversions upon the _Bibliogr. Instruct._: but he got a
+ similar flagellation in return, from the Abbe Rive, in his
+ _Chasse aux Bibliographes_--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 Bibliotheques,
+ covered with his marginal annotations, as well as his copy
+ of Clement's _Bibl. Curieuse_. Le Blond, member of the
+ Institute, obtained his copy of De Bure's _Bibliographie
+ Instructive_, also enriched with MS. notes. Mr. Ocheda, Lord
+ Spencer's librarian, who knew well the Abbe 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. Ocheda, "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 _Dict. de
+ Bibliologie_, vol. i., p. 452, vol. iii., p. 212.]
+
+ [Footnote 152: The _Onomasticon Literarium_ of CHRISTOPHER
+ SAXIUS, _Traject. ad Rhenum_, 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 Abbe LAIRE was, I believe,
+ the _Specimen Historicum Typographiae Romanae, xv. seculi,
+ Romae_, 1778, large 8vo.; of which work, a copy printed UPON
+ VELLUM (perhaps unique) was sold at the sale of M.
+ d'Hangard, in 1789, for 300 livres. _Dictionn. Bibliogr._,
+ 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
+ "_Dissertation sur l'origine et Progres de l'Imprimerie en
+ Franche-Comte_," 8vo.; and, in the year 1791, came forth his
+ Catalogue Raisonne of the early printed books in the library
+ of Cardinal de Lomenie de Brienne; under the title of
+ "_Index Librorum ab Inventa Typographia, ad annum 1500_," in
+ two octavo volumes. See the article "LOMENIE," 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
+ _Dict. de Bibliologie_, vol. i., p. 330: and _Les Siecles
+ Litteraires_, (1801, 8vo.) vol. iv., p. 75.]
+
+ [Footnote 153: The works and the merits of AUDIFFREDI have
+ been before submitted by me to the public; and Mr. Beloe, in
+ the third volume of his "_Anecdotes of Literature_," &c.,
+ has justly observed upon the latter. In Lord Spencer's
+ magnificent library at Althorpe, I saw a copy of the
+ "_Editiones Italicae_," sec. xv., 1793, 4to., upon LARGE
+ PAPER. It is much to be wished that some knowing
+ bibliographer upon the Continent would complete this
+ unfinished work of Audiffredi. His _Editiones Romanae_, sec.
+ xv., 1783, 4to., is one of the most perfect works of
+ bibliography extant: yet Laire's "_Index Librorum_," &c.
+ (see preceeding note), is necessary to supply the omission
+ of some early books printed at Rome, which had escaped even
+ this keen bibliographer!]
+
+ [Footnote 154: HEINECKEN'S name stands deservedly high
+ (notwithstanding his tediousness and want of taste) among
+ bibliographical and typographical antiquaries. Of his
+ "_Nachrichten von Kunstlern und Kunst-Sachen_," 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 "_Idee Generale d'une Collection complette
+ d'Estampes_," &c., Leips., 1771, 8vo., is a most curious and
+ entertaining book; but unconscionably dear in this country.
+ His "_Dictionnaire des Artistes dont nous avons des
+ Estampes_," &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 _Manuel, &c., des Amateurs de
+ l'Art_, Zurich, 1797, 8vo.: and a recent work entitled
+ "_Notices des Graveurs_," Paris, 1804, 8vo., two vols.
+ Heinecken died at the advanced age of eighty.]
+
+ [Footnote 155: We will discuss their works _seriatim_, as
+ Lisardo has said above. SEEMILLER'S _Bibliothecae
+ Incolstadiensis Incunabula Typographica_, 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 _Notitia Historico-Critica de libris ab art typog.
+ invent._, by PLACID BRAUN, 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 "_Notitia Historico-Literaria de
+ cod. MSS. in Bibl. Monast. ord. S. Bened. ad SS. Vidal. et
+ Afram Augustae ex tantibus_," Aug. Vindel., 1791, 4to., two
+ vols. _Cat. de Santander_, vol. iv., p. 170. I know not how
+ any well versed bibliographer can do without the
+ "_Bibliotheca Moguntina libris saeculo primo Tpyographico
+ [Transcriber's Note: Typographico] Moguntiae impressis
+ instructa_;" 1787, 4to., of WURDTWEIN. It has some curious
+ plates of fac-similes, and is rarely seen in the Strand or
+ King-street book-markets.----C.T. DE MURR published a work
+ of some interest, entitled, "_Memorabilia Bibliothecarum
+ Publicarum Norimbergensium_," Norimb., 1786-91, three parts
+ or vols. 8vo.; which is also rare.----ROSSI'S valuable work
+ concerning the annals of Hebrew typography: _Annales
+ Hebraeo-Typographici, a 1475, ad 1540_, Parmae, 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 _Dict. de Bibliologie_,
+ vol. iii., p. 286.----PANZER'S _Annales Typographici_, 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 LARGE PAPER) 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 _German Language_; 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:--"THE PUBLICATION OF DIETHERS, ELECTOR OF MAYENCE,
+ AGAINST COUNT ADOLPHUS OF NASSAU; _given out under our
+ impressed seal on Tuesday, after the fourth Sunday in
+ Advent, anno Domini 1462_." Consult also Wurdtwein's _Bibl.
+ Mogunt._, 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.]
+
+What countenances are those which beam with so much quiet, but
+interesting, expression? They are the resemblances of DENIS and
+CAMUS:[156] the former of whom is better known from his _Annalium
+Typographicorum Maittaire Supplementum_; 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, HERBERT, in this bibliographical
+group of heads? Do not despise his toil[157] 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 NATIONAL TYPOGRAPHY. See yonder the sensible
+countenance of HARWOOD![158] 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.
+
+ [Footnote 156: MICHAEL DENIS, 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 _Supplement to
+ Maittaire's Typographical Annals_, 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 _Codices Manuscripti Theologici
+ Bibl. Palat. Vindob._; 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 _Introduction to the
+ Knowledge of Books_, in two quarto volumes; unfortunately
+ written in the German language--but mentioned with
+ approbation in the first volume of the _Mem. de l'Inst._, p.
+ 648. Consult also Peignot's _Dict. de Bibliologie_, vol. i.,
+ p. 122; ii., 232.----ARMAND GASTON CAMUS 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. _Observations sur la distribution et le
+ classement des livres d'une Bibliotheque_: 2. _Additions aux
+ memes_; 3. _Memoire sur un livre Allemand_ (which is the
+ famous TEWRDANNCKHS; and about which is to be hoped that Mr.
+ Douce will one day favour us with his curious remarks): 4.
+ _Addition au meme_: 5. _Memoire sur l'histoire et les
+ procedes du Polytypage et de la Stereotypie_: 6. _Rapport
+ sur la continuation de la Collection des Historiens de
+ France, et de celle des Chartres et Diplomes_: 7. _Notice
+ d'un livre imprime a Bamberg en 1462_. All these works are
+ thus strung together, because they occur in the first three
+ volumes of the _Memoires de l'Institut_. 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
+ _Magasin Hist.-Litt., bibliogr._ Chemintz, 1792: but Camus's
+ memoir is replete with curious matter, and is illustrated
+ with fac-simile cuts. In the "_Notices et Extraits des MSS.
+ de la Bibl. Nationale_," 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
+ "_Memoire sur la collection des grands et petits voyages, et
+ sur la Collection des Voyages des Melchesedech Thevenot_,"
+ 4to., with an excellent "Table des Matieres." 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 157: A short bibliographical memoir of HERBERT
+ will be found in the first volume of my edition of the
+ _Typographical Antiquities of Great Britain_. 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
+ _interleaved copy_ here alluded to (which was bound in six
+ volumes 4to., in Russia binding, and for which Mr. Gough had
+ given Herbert's widow 52_l._ 10_s._) 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 158: Dr. EDWARD HARWOOD published the fourth and
+ last edition of his "_View of the various editions of the
+ Greek and Roman Classics_," 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 _him_, who was "Criticus et lenis et acutus;" censuring
+ also my dependance upon my predecessor. In the year 1808,
+ was published my third edition of "_An introduction to the
+ knowledge of rare and valuable editions of the Greek and
+ Latin Classics_," 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.]
+
+LIS. 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.
+
+LYSAND. 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
+LA SERNA SANTANDER, CAILLEAU, and OBERLIN;[159] while several vacant
+niches remain to be filled up with the busts of more modern
+bibliographers of eminence: namely, of VAN-PRAET, FISCHER, LAMBINET,
+RENOUARD, PEIGNOT, FOURNIER, BARBIER, BOUCHER, and BRUNET.[160]
+
+ [Footnote 159: DE LA SERNA SANTANDER 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, "_Dictionnaire Bibliographique choisi du quinzieme
+ Siecle_," 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.----CAILLEAU has the credit of being author of the
+ _Dictionnaire Bibliographique_, &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 Abbe DUCLOS 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. OBERLIN,
+ librarian of the central school or college at Strasbourg, is
+ author of a bibliographical treatise particularly deserving
+ of the antiquary's attention: namely, _Essai d'annales de la
+ vie de Jean Gutenburg [Transcriber's Note: Gutenberg], &c._,
+ Stasb. [Transcriber's Note: Strasb.], an. ix., 8vo. His
+ other numerous (belles-lettres) works are minutely specified
+ by Peignot in his _Dict. de Bibliologie_, vol. iii., p. 230.
+ His edition of Horace, Argent., 1788, 4to., is both elegant
+ and correct.]
+
+ [Footnote 160: Let us go quietly through the modern French
+ school of bibliography.----Mons. JOSEPH VAN-PRAET 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 _Catalogue raisonne_ of books PRINTED UPON
+ VELLUM; for which he has already prepared not fewer than
+ 2000 articles! See the _Curiosites Bibliogr._, p. iij. Among
+ these VELLUM articles, gentle reader, I assure thee that
+ thine eyes will be blest with the description of "THE SHYP
+ OF FOOLES," printed by Pynson, 1509! The urbanity and
+ politeness of this distinguished librarian are equal to his
+ knowledge.----GOTTHELF FISCHER, 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--_Essai sur les Monumens Typographiques de Jean
+ Gutenberg, &c._, an. x. [1801], 4to.: and _Descriptions de
+ raretes typographiques et de Manuscrits remarquables, &c._,
+ 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 [_Dict. de Bibliologie_, vol. iii., p. 128] refers
+ us to the fine eulogy pronounced upon Fisher [Transcriber's
+ Note: Fischer] (not yet 40 years of age) by Camus, in his
+ "Voyage dans les departemens reunis," p. 12.----LAMBINET
+ will always be remembered and respected, as long as printing
+ and bibliography shall be studied, by his "_Recherches
+ Historiques Litteraires et Critiques, sur l'Origine de
+ L'Imprimerie; particulierement sur les premiers
+ etablissemens au_ XVme _siecle dans la Belgique_," &c.,
+ Brux., an. vii. (1798), 8vo. It is, indeed, a very
+ satisfactory performance: the result of judgment and
+ taste--rare union!----In like manner, RENOUARD has procured
+ for himself a bibliographical immortality by his _Annales de
+ l'Imprimerie des Aide_, 1803, 8vo., two vols.: a work almost
+ perfect of its kind, and by many degrees superior to
+ Bandini's dry _Annales Typog. Juntarum._, Lucae, 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 LARGE PAPER;
+ one of which I saw in the fine collection of the Rt. Hon. T.
+ Grenville.----Few modern bibliographers have displayed so
+ much diligence as GABRIEL PEIGNOT: from whom we have, 1.
+ _Dictionnaire Raisonne de Bibliologie_, 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. _Essai de
+ Curiosites Bibliographiques_, 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. _Dictionnaire, &c., des principaux livres
+ condamnes au feu, supprimes ou censures_, 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. _Bibliographie Curieuse, ou Notice Raisonnee des
+ livres imprimes a cent exemplaires au plus, suivie d'une
+ notice de quelques ouvrages tires sur papier de couleur_,
+ 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.----FRANCOIS IGNACE FOURNIER, at 18 years of
+ age, published an elegantly printed little volume, entitled
+ _Essai Portatif de Bibliographie_, 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 _Dictionnaire portatif de Bibliographie, &c._,
+ 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 _Dictionnaire_, 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.----ANTOINE-ALEXANDRE BARBIER,
+ librarian of the Council of State, has favoured us with an
+ admirably well executed work, entitled _Dictionnaire des
+ Ouvrages Anonymes et Pseudonymes, composes, traduits ou
+ publies en Francais, &c., accompagnee de notes historiques
+ et critiques_, Paris, _Imprimis Bibliogr._, 1806, 8vo., two
+ vols. See also art. "Conseil d'Etat," 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.----G. BOUCHER de la Richarderie
+ has, in an especial manner, distinguished himself by his
+ _Bibliotheque Universelle des Voyages_, 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.----BRUNET 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 "_Manuel du Libraire et de
+ l'Amateur de Livres, contenant, 1. Un Nouveau Dictionnaire
+ Bibliographigue, 2. Une Table en forme de Catalogue
+ Raisonnee_," 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.]
+
+LIS. I am quite anxious to possess the publications of these moderns:
+but you say nothing of their comparative value with the ancients.
+
+LYSAND. 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.[161]
+
+ [Footnote 161: What Denis says, in the preface to his
+ _Catalog. Cod. MSS. Bibl. Palat. Vindob._ (of which see p.
+ 65, ante) is very just; "media incedendum via; neque nudis
+ codicum titulis, ut quibusdam bibliothecis placuit, in
+ chartam conjectis provehi multum studia, neque _doctis, quae
+ superioris seculi fuit intemperantia, ambagibus et
+ excursibus_."--This is certainly descriptive of the OLD
+ SCHOOL of bibliography.]
+
+LIS. 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?
+
+LYSAND. By bibliographical publications, I mean such works as give us
+some knowledge of the literary 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.
+
+LIS. But am I to be satisfied with the possession of those works
+already recommended?
+
+PHIL. I suppose Lisardo has heard of certain valuable CATALOGUES, and
+he wishes to know how far the possession of these may be requisite in
+order to make him a bibliographer?
+
+LYSAND. 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.
+
+And first, let us pay a due tribute of praise to the published
+Catalogues of Libraries collected by the JESUITS: 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 PUBLIC COLLECTIONS, when they are well
+arranged, be received into your library. Of foreign PRIVATE
+COLLECTIONS, the catalogues[162] of DU FRESNE, CORDES, HEINSIAS,
+BALUZE, COLBERT, ROTHELIN, DE BOZE, PREFOND, POMPADOUR, GAIGNAT,
+GOUTTARD, BUNAU, SOUBISE, LA VALLIERE, CREVENNA, LAMOIGNON, 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
+_marketable value_ of certain rare and sumptuous publications.
+Catalogues are, to bibliographers, what _Reports_ are to lawyers: not
+to be read through from beginning to end--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 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 you should be fortunate enough
+to possess any which are printed upon _Large Paper, with the Names of
+the Purchasers, and the Prices_ for which each set of books was sold,
+thrice and four times happy may you account yourself to be, my good
+Lisardo!
+
+ [Footnote 162: 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 _tolerably copious_ 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 praesens requiritur."
+ _Polyhist. Literar._, 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 "_Hortus Siccus_" 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.----D'AGUESSEAU.
+ _Catalogue des Livres Imprimes et Manuscrits de la
+ Bibliotheque de feu Monsieur D'Aguesseau_, &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.----ANONYMIANA. _Catalogus Bibliothecae
+ Anonymianae, in quo libri rariores recensentur, una cum notis
+ litterariis_, Norimb., 1738, 8vo. This is a catalogue of
+ value, and may be well ranged with its brethren upon the
+ bibliographer's shelf. Another "_Bibliotheca Anonymiana_,"
+ was published ten years preceding the present one; at the
+ Hague, in three parts, one vol., 8vo.: which, in the _Bibl.
+ Solger._, vol iii., no. 1388, is said to contain many
+ rare books: see also no. 1370, _ibid._----D'ARTOIS.
+ _Catalogue des Livres du Cabinet de Monseigneur Le Compte
+ D'Artois_, 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 _Dict. Portat. de Bibliogr._, p. 120, edit. 1809.
+ See also _Cat. de Boutourlin_, no. 3876.----AUGUSTANA.
+ _Catalogus Bibliothecae inclytae Reipubl. Augustanae utriusque
+ linguae tum Graecae tum Latinae librorum et impressorum et manu
+ exaratorum._ 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 ONE HUNDRED COPIES were struck off.
+ _Polyhist. Literar._, 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. Colomies pronounces it a model in its way. _Bibl.
+ Choisie_, 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 _Roman Catholic_!
+ This was being very kind to protestants! _Jugemens des
+ Savans_, vol. ii., part i., p. 215, edit. 1725. See also
+ Vogt's _Catalog. Libror. Rarior._, p. 232.----AUGUSTANA.
+ _Notitia historica-literaria de libris ab artis typographicae
+ inventione usque ad annum, 1478, impressis, in Bibliotheca
+ Monasterii ad SS. Udalricum et Afram Augustae extantibus._
+ 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 _Cat. du Cardinal de Lomenie_,
+ no. 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 _first_ published catalogue
+ of books is that which Villerius, a bookseller at Augsburg,
+ put forth in the year 1564. See the _Bibl. Acroam._, p.
+ 5.----AURIVILLIUS. _Catalogus Bibliothecae quam collegerat
+ Carolus Aurivillius_, sectio [Transcriber's Note: section]
+ i. and ii., Upsal, 1787, 8vo. This catalogue contains a
+ plentiful sprinkling of short literary and bibliographical
+ notes; according to _Bibl. Krohn_, p. 256, no.
+ 3582.----BADENHAUPT. _Bibliotheca selectissima; sive
+ Catalogus librorum magnam partem philologicorum, quos inter
+ eminent. Auctores Graeci et Romani classica quos collegit
+ E.F. Badenhaupt_, 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.----BALUZE. _Bibliotheca Balusiana;
+ seu catalogus librorum bibliothecae D.S. Baluzii, A. Gab.
+ Martin_, 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 _Bibl.
+ Colbertina_ (vide post), and in the _Dict. Hist._ (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 _Bibl. Mencken_, 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.----BARBERINI. _Index Bibliothecae Francisci
+ Barberini Cardinalis. Romae, Typis Barberinis_, 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.----BARTHELEMY. _Catalogue des Livres de la
+ Bibliotheque de M. l'Abbe Barthelemy, par M. Bernard_, 1800,
+ 8vo. The high reputation of the owner of this collection
+ will always secure purchasers for this catalogue of useful
+ and interesting books.----BIBLIOGRAPHIE _des Pays Bas, avec
+ quelques notes. Nyon, en Suisse_, 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 _Histoire Litteraire des Pays
+ Blas_, 1725, in three folio volumes. _Bibl. Curieuse_, p.
+ 10.----BODLEIAN. _Catalog. Libr. Bibl. Publ., &c., in Acad.
+ Oxon._, 1605, 4to. _Catal. Libr. Impr._, 1674, fol.
+ _Catalogi Libror. MSS. Angl. et Hibern._, 1697, fol.
+ _Catalogus Impress. Libror. Bibl. Bodl._, 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 'MUSEUM.'] 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 p. 30, 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
+ _Printed Books_ 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 _Catalogue
+ Raisonnee of the Manuscripts and Printed Books in the
+ Bodleian Library_ is an urgent desideratum--acknowledged by
+ every sensible and affectionate son of ALMA MATER. 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 _Notitia
+ Editionum vel Primariae, &c., in Bibl. Bodl. Oxon._, 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
+
+ et amoena vireta
+ Fortunatorum nemorum, sedesque beatae.
+
+ BONNIER. _Catalogue des livres de la Bibliotheque de
+ Bonnier._ 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 LARGE PAPER of Dutch
+ manufacture. See _Cat. de Caillard_ (1808), no.
+ 2596.----BOUTOURLIN. _Catalogue des livres de la
+ Bibliotheque de S.E.M. Le Comte de Boutourlin._ 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
+ LARGE PAPER.----DE BOZE. _Catalogue des Livres du Cabinet de
+ M. Claude Gros de Boze._ Paris. _De l'Imp. Royale_, 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 ONLY 12 COPIES of this
+ impression were struck off, as presents for the collector's
+ friends. Consult _Bibl. Mead_, p. 81, no. 617. _Bibl.
+ Creven._, vol. v., 291. _Bauer's Bibl. Rarior._, vol. i.,
+ 151. _Bibl. Curieuse_, p. 12. _Bibl. Askev._, no. 508.
+ Barbier's _Dict. des Anonymes_, vol. ii., no. 8002.----DE
+ BOZE, _de la meme bibliotheque_, 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 _third_ 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 _Bibl. Cur._, p.
+ 12.----BOZERIAN. _Notice des livres precieux ye
+ [Transcriber's Note: de] M. Bozerian, par M. Bailly_, 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!----BULTEAU. _Bibliotheca Bultelliana; (Caroli
+ Bulteau) a Gabr. Martin_, 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 Prefond, De Boze, and others.----BUNAU.
+ _Catalogus Bibliothecae Bunavianae._ Lipsiae, 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," [_Mem. de
+ l'Inst._ 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 _over-done
+ analysis_! 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 _Cat.
+ de Caillard_, no. 2545, 1808,) was at Count Bunau's
+ country-house, situated in a pleasant village about half a
+ mile from Dresden--
+
+ Vicinam videt unde lector urbem.
+
+ Saxius, in his _Onomast. Literar._, vol i., p. xxxiii.,
+ edit. 1775, &c., has a smart notice of this splendid
+ collection.----BUNNEMAN. _J.L. Bunnemanni Catalogus
+ Manuscriptorum, item librorum impressorum rarissimorum pro
+ assignato pretio venalium._ 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_s._ 6_d._ In the _Bibl. Solger._, vol iii.,
+ no. 1396, there was a priced copy upon LARGE PAPER with
+ bibliographical memoranda.----CAILLARD. _Catalogue des
+ livres du Cabinet de M.A.B. Caillard_, 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, _Dict.
+ Portatif de Bibliographie_: p. 120; edit. 1809, and the
+ "avant-propos" prefixed to the subsequent catalogue here
+ following:----_Livres rares et precieux de la Bibliotheque
+ de feu M. Ant. Bern. Caillard_, 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 LARGE PAPER, 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 COTTE, post.] "Sa
+ riche bibliotheque est a-la-fois un monument de son amour
+ pour l'art typographique, et de la vaste etendue de ses
+ connoissances," p. xiv. Some excellent indexes close this
+ volume; of which Mr. Payne furnished me with the loan of his
+ copy upon LARGE PAPER.----CAMBIS. _Catalogue des principaux
+ manuscrits du cabinet de M. Jos. L.D. de Cambis_, 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 "_Chasse aux bibliographes_," 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
+ _Bibliogr. Curieuse_, p. 14; also _Cat. de la Valliere_,
+ vol. iii., no. 5543.----CAMUS DE LIMARE. _Catalogues des
+ livres de M. le Camus de Limare_, Paris, 1779, 12mo.--_Des
+ livres rares et precieux de M---- (Camus de Limare)_, Paris,
+ 1786, 8vo.--_Des livres rares et precieux, relies en
+ maroquin, de la bibliotheque du meme, Paris, an trois_
+ (1795), 8vo. Of the _first_ catalogue only a small number of
+ copies was printed, and those for presents. _Bibliogr.
+ Curieuse_, p. 15. It contains a description of De Boze's
+ extraordinary copy of Du Fresnoy's "Methode pour etudier
+ l'Histoire," 1729, 4to., four volumes, with the supplement,
+ 1740, two vols.; which was sold for 1500 livres; and which
+ was, of course, upon LARGE PAPER, with a thousand inviting
+ additions, being much more complete than the similar copies
+ in _Cat. de Valliere_, no. 4467; and _Cat. de Crevenna_,
+ no. 5694, edit. 1789; although this latter was preferable
+ to the Valliere copy. Consult also the _Curiosites
+ Bibliographiques_, p. 77-8. The _second_ catalogue was
+ prepared by De Bure, and contains a very fine collection of
+ natural history, which was sold at the Hotel de Bullion. The
+ printed prices are added. The _third_ catalogue, which was
+ prepared by Santus, after the decease of Camus, contains
+ some very choice articles [many printed UPON VELLUM] of
+ ancient and modern books superbly bound.----CATALOGUE _des
+ livres rares. Par Guillaume de Bure, fils aine._ 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 Hotel
+ de Bullion.----CATALOGUE _fait sur un plan nouveau,
+ systematique et raisonne, d'une Bibliotheque de Litterature,
+ particulierement d'Histoire et de Poesie, &c._ 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.----CATALOGUS _Librorum rarissimorum, ab
+ Artis Typographicae inventoribus, aliisque ejus artis
+ Principibus ante annum 1500 excusorum; omnium optime
+ conservatorum_, 8vo., _Sine loco aut anno_. Peignot, who has
+ abridged Vogt's excellent account of this very uncommon and
+ precious catalogue, of which ONLY TWENTY-FIVE COPIES were
+ printed, has forgotten to examine the last edition of the
+ _Catalog. Libror. Rarior._, pp. 262-3; in which we find that
+ the collection contained 248 (and not 217) volumes. At the
+ end, it is said: "Pretiosissima haec Librorum Collectio,
+ cujusvis magni Principis Bibliotheca dignissima, constat
+ voll. ccxlviii." Consult the respectable references in Vogt,
+ _ibid._; also the _Bibliogr. Curieuse_ of Peignot, p.
+ 15.----CERAN. _Catalogue des livres de M. Mel de Saint
+ Ceran._ 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.----CLEMENTINO-VATICANA. _Bibliotheca
+ Orientalis Clementino Vaticana, in qua manuscriptos codices
+ Orientalium Linguarum recensuit Joseph Simonius Assemanus_,
+ Romae, 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. _Cat. de
+ Santander_, vol. iv., no. 6287.----COLBERT. _Bibliotheca
+ Colbertina: seu Catalogus Librorum Bibliothecae quae fuit
+ primum J.B. Colbert, deinde J.B. Colbert (fil) postea J.
+ Nic. Colbert, ac demum C.L. Colbert._ 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 COLBERT CATALOGUE with a zest which none but
+ a thorough bred bibliomaniac can ever hope to
+ enjoy.----CONSEIL D'ETAT. _Catalogue des livres de la
+ Bibliotheque du Conseil d'Etat (par M. Barbier,
+ Bibliothecaire du Conseil d'Etat)._ 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
+ _Curiosites Bibliographiques_, p. lix.; and from the _Cat.
+ de Boutourlin_, no. 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.----CORDES. _Bibliothecae Cordesianae Catalogus,
+ cum indice titulorum_, Parisiis, 1643, 4to. The celebrated
+ Naude 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 Naude, 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 _Jugemens des
+ Savans_, vol. ii., p. 142; Colomie's _Biblioth. Choisie_, p.
+ 126; _Mem. de l'Inst._, vol. i., p. 647. Nor must we forget
+ Morhof--_Polyhist. Literar._, 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!"----COTTE. _Catalogue des Livres
+ rares et precieux et de MSS. composant la bibliotheque de
+ M---- (le President de Cotte)_, 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 LARGE PAPER 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. Caillaird
+ [Transcriber's Note: Caillard] for 3,601 livres! See the
+ _Curiosites Bibliographiques_, pp. lxv, lxvj. According to
+ _Cat. de Caillard_, no. 2600 (1808, 8vo.), there were
+ only ten copies of this catalogue printed upon LARGE
+ PAPER.----COUVAY. _Catalogue de la bibliotheque de M.
+ Couvay, chevalier de l'ordre de Christ, secretaire du Roi_,
+ Paris, 1728, fol. Very few copies of this catalogue were
+ printed, and those only for presents. _Bibliogr. Curieuse_,
+ p. 21.----CREVENNA. _Catalogue raisonnee de la collection
+ des Livres de M. Pierre Antoine Crevenna, Negocient a
+ Amsterdam_, 1776, 4to., six vols.--_De la meme collection_,
+ 1789, 8vo., five vols.--_De la meme collection_, 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 LARGE PAPER 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
+ post). 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 "THE
+ ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF PRINTING," 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 _Dict. de Bibliologie_, vol. iii., p. 100; and his
+ _Curiosites Bibliographiques_, p. 139.----CROZAT. _Catalogue
+ des Livres de Monsieur Le President Crozat de Tugny_, Paris,
+ 1751, 8vo. This collection was particularly rich in the
+ belles-lettres--and especially in Italian and French
+ Romance-Literature.----VAN DAMME. _Catalogue d'une
+ Bibliotheque, vendue publiquement a la Haye, le 8 Octobre,
+ par Varon et Gaillard_, 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." _Bibl.
+ Crevenn._, vol. v., p. 306.----DUBOIS. _Bibliotheca
+ Duboisiana, ou Catalogue de la Bibliotheque du Cardinal
+ Dubois. A la Haye_, 1725, 8vo., four vols. A collection
+ which evinces the fine taste and sound judgment of the
+ Cardinal Du Bois. It is not rare abroad.----ELZEVIR.
+ _Catalogus librorum qui in Bibliopolio Officinae Danielis
+ Elzevirii venales extant_, Ams. 1674, 12mo.: 1681,
+ 12mo.--_qui in Bibliopoli Elzeviriano venales extant_, 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 _Dictionnaire de
+ Bibliologie_ of Peignot, vol. i., p. 216, vol. iii., p. 116,
+ will be found a pleasing account of this family of (almost)
+ unrivalled printers.----DU FAY. _Bibliotheca Fayana seu
+ Catalogus librorum Bibl. Cor. Hier. de Cisternay du Fay,
+ digestus a Gabriel Martin_, 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 LARGE PAPER.----FAGEL.
+ _Bibliotheca Fageliana. A catalogue of the valuable and
+ extensive Library of the Greffier Fagal, of the Hague: in
+ two parts._ 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_l._) 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 BIBLIOTHECA FAGELIANA rank with the most valuable
+ publications of its kind in existence. It was compiled by
+ the well-known S. Paterson.----FAULTRIER. _Catalogus
+ Librorum Bibliothecae Domini Joachimi Faultrier, digestus a
+ Prosper Marchand_, 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, _Annal.
+ Typog._ iii., p. 482. Consult also the _Mem. de l'Inst._,
+ vol. i., p. 675, and the _Dict. de Bibliologie_, vol. ii.,
+ p. 235, upon Marchand's introductory remarks relating to the
+ arrangement of a library.----FAVIER. _Catalogue des Livres
+ de la Bibliotheque de feu Mons. L'Abbe Favier, Pretre a
+ Lille_, Lille, 1765, 8vo. A well arranged catalogue of a
+ choice collection of books, which cost the Abbe 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 Abbe were afterwards
+ sold, from a catalogue of 143 pages, printed at Lisle in the
+ same year.----DU FRESNE. _Raphaelis Tricheti du Fresne
+ Bibliothecae Catalogus._ 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." _Polyhist. Literar._, vol. i., p. 212. Colomies and
+ Labbe unite in conferring the highest praises upon Du Fresne
+ and his collection. See the _Jugemens des Savans_, 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
+ _livres_, after she had refused 33,000 for the
+ same.----GAIGNAT. _Catalogue des Livres du Cabinet de feu M.
+ Louis Jean Gaignat, dispose et mis en ordre par Guill.
+ Francois de Bure le Jeune._ 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, Prefond, 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
+ "_Bibliographie Instructive_." There are 50 copies struck
+ off upon SMALL QUARTO paper, to arrange with a like number
+ of this latter work. Consult _Bibl. Crevenn._, vol. v., p.
+ 291.----GENEVE. _Catalogue raisonne des Manuscrits conserves
+ dans la bibliotheque, &c., de Geneve; par Jean Senibier._
+ Geneve, 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 _Cat. de la Valliere_,
+ vol. iii., no. 5542. See also p. 36, ante.----GOEZ.
+ _Bibliothecae Goesinae Catalogus_, Leidae, 1687, 8vo. A fine
+ collection of books and of coins distinguished the Museum of
+ Goez.----GOLOWKIN. _Catalogue des Livres de la Bibliotheque
+ du Comte Alexis de Golowkin_, Leipsic, 1798, 4to. It is said
+ that ONLY 25 COPIES 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 precieux." Consult Peignot's _Bibliogr.
+ Curieuse_, p. 31. Dr. Clarke, in his _Travels in Russia,
+ &c._, p. 138, has noticed the extraordinary library of Count
+ Botterline, but says nothing of Golowkin's.----GOUTTARD.
+ _Catalogue des Livres rares et precieux de feu M. Gouttarde
+ par Guillaume de Bure fils aine._ 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.----GUYON. _Catalogue des livres de la
+ Bibliotheque 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._ 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 curiosite 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."----HEINSIUS. (NIC.)
+ _Nicolai Heinsii Bibliothecae Catalogus_, (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 Graevius's; in which that
+ celebrated critic has made marginal remarks concerning the
+ rarity and value of certain works described in
+ it.----HOHENDORF. _Bibliotheca Hohendorfiana; ou Catalogue
+ de la Bibliotheque de feu Mons. George Guillaume Baron de
+ Hohendorf: a la Haye_, 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 _Bibl. Mencken_, p. 10,
+ it is thus loftily described: "Catalogus per-rarus
+ rarissimis libris superbiens."----HOYM. _Catalogus Librorum
+ Bibliothecae Caroli Henrici Comitis de Hoym_, 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 LARGE PAPER,
+ which, when priced, sell high.----HULSIUS. _Bibliotheca
+ Hulsiana, sive Catalogus Librorum quos magno labore, summa
+ cura et maximis sumptibus collegit Vir Consularis Samuel
+ Hulsius._ 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 ("haec
+ 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!----JENA. _Memorabilia
+ Bibliothecae Academicae Jenensis: sive designatio Codicum
+ manuscriptorum illa Bibliotheca et Librorum impressorum
+ plerumque rariorum. Joh. Christophoro Mylio._ Jenae, 1746,
+ 8vo. A work of some little importance; and frequently
+ referred to by Vogt and Panzer. It is uncommon.----JESU SOC.
+ _Bibliotheca Scriptorum Societatis Jesu._ Antv., 1643. Romae,
+ 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 "_Systema Bibliothecae Jesuitarum Collegii
+ Ludoviciani_"--which was written by Garnier for the private
+ use of the Louvain college, and which is now extremely
+ difficult to be found. See Maichelius, _de Praecip. Bibl.
+ Parisiens_, p. 128. Their "_Systema bibliothecae collegii
+ Parisiensis societatis Jesu_," 1678, 4to. (or catalogue of
+ books in the college of Clermont), is handsomely noticed by
+ Camus in the _Mem. de l'Inst._, vol. i., 647.----JUST, ST.
+ _Catalogue des livres en tres-petit nombre qui composent la
+ Bibliotheque de M. Merard de St. Just, ancien maitre-d'hotel
+ de Monsieur, frere du Roi (avec les prix d'achat)._ Paris,
+ 1783, 18mo. Of this book, printed upon superfine paper, of
+ the manufactory of d'Annonay, only 25 copies were struck
+ off. _Bibl. Curieuse_, p. 43. Another catalogue of the same
+ collection (perhaps a more copious one) was put forth in
+ 1799, 8vo., prepared by M. Mauger, See _Diction.
+ Bibliographique_, tom. iv., p. xiv.----KROHN. _Catalogus
+ Bibliothecae Praestantissimorum &c., Librorum selectum
+ complectentis. Libros collegit et Literariis Catalogum
+ Animadversionibus instruxit, B.N. Krohn. Editio altera._
+ 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 KROHNI, te amabo, et quamdiu 'spiritus hos
+ reget artus' gratam Tui memoriam ex animo nunquam elabi
+ patiar. O! me felicem, si, qua olim me beasti, amicitia 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 bibliographica
+ [Greek: polymathestatos],' exhibits a fine collection of
+ books (3821 in number) relating to history and philology.
+ Some of Krohn's notes are sufficiently shrewd and
+ intelligent.----LAMOIGNON. _Catalogue des Livres Imprimes et
+ manuscrits de la Bibliotheque de M. le President de
+ Lamoignon (redige par L. Fr. Delatour) avec une table des
+ auteurs, et des anonymes._ 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 [Transcriber's Note: 'a' missing in
+ original] volume: "Catalogue fort rare, tire a QUINZE
+ EXEMPLAIRES seulement, sur du papier de coton fabrique, par
+ singularite, a Angouleme." 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--uner [Transcriber's Note: under] his
+ pillow "quand il vent se reposer--a cause des songes
+ agreables 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 _Jugemens des
+ Savans_, vol. [Transcriber's Note: volume number missing in
+ original] pt. ii., p. 140, ed. 1725.----LAMOIGNON. _Des
+ Livres de la Bibliotheque de feu M. de Lamoignon, Garde de
+ Sceaux de France._ 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.----LAMOIGNON. _Des Livres
+ de la meme Biblotheque, par Nyon l'aine._ 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.----LANCELOT. _Catalogue des Livres de feu M.
+ Lancelot de l'Academie Royale des Belles Lettres._ 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.----LEMARIE. _Catalogue des livres de feu M.
+ Lemarie, dispose et mis en ordre, par Guil. De Bure, fils
+ aine_, 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 _Cat. de Gouttard_, no. 1545, I find
+ a copy of it upon LARGE PAPER.----LOMENIE. _Index Librorum
+ ab inventa Typographia da annum 1500, &c., cum notis, &c._
+ Senonis, 1791, 8vo., two vols. The owner of this collection,
+ whose name does not appear in the title-page, was the
+ celebrated Cardinal DE LOMENIE DE BRIENNE: who is described,
+ in the advertisement prefixed to the catalogue of his books
+ in 1797, [vide infra] 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 a ses amis quelque objet precieux, il n'avoit de
+ repos qu'apres l'avoir obtenu; les sacrifices ne
+ l'effrayoient pas; il etoit ne genereaux; mais ce qu'on lui
+ accordoit, il le devoit sur-tout a ses manieres insinuantes.
+ Ses sollicitations etoient toujours assaisonnees d'un ton
+ d'amabilite auquel on resistoit difficilement. Lorsque le
+ tems et les graces de la cour eurent aggrandi ses moyens,
+ ses veus s'etendirent a proportion. Insensiblement il
+ embressa tous les genres, et sa bibliotheque devint un depot
+ universel. Dans ses frequens voyages, s'il s'arretoit
+ quelques instans dans une ville, on le voyoit visiter
+ lui-meme les libraries, s'introduire dans les maisons
+ religieuses, s'insinuer dans les cabinets d'amateurs,
+ chercher par-tout a acquerir; c'etoit un besoin pour lui
+ d'acheter sans cesse, d'entasser les volumes. Cette passion
+ a peut-etre ses exces; mais du moins, elle ne fut pas pour
+ le cardinal de Lomenie une manie sterile. Non seulement il
+ aimoit, il connoissoit les livres, mais il savoit s'en
+ servir; sans contredit il fut un des hommes les plus
+ eclaires du Clerge 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 p. 90, 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 _Bibl. Krohn_, p. 259, no. 3466, to say that many
+ of these books were impious and obscene. These are scarce
+ and dear volumes; and as they supply some deficiencies
+ [Transcriber's Note: missing 'in'] Audiffredi's account of
+ books published at Rome in the xvth century [vid. p. 62,
+ ante], the bibliographer should omit no opportunity of
+ possessing them.----LOMENIE. _D'une partie des livres de la
+ Bibliotheque du Cardinal de Lomenie de Brienne_, 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.----MACARTHY. _Catalogue des livres rares et precieux
+ du cabinet de M.L.C.D.M._ (_M. Le Comte de Macarthy_),
+ Paris, 1779, 8vo. _Supplement au Catalogue des livres, &c._,
+ de M.L.C.D.M., Paris, 1779, 8vo. _Chez de Bure, fils aine._
+ 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 UPON VELLUM are unequalled by those of any private
+ collection. Of the above catalogue, a copy upon strong
+ writing paper occurs in the _Cat. de Gouttard_, no.
+ 1549.----MAGLIABECHI. _Catalogus Codicum Saeculo_ xv.
+ _Impressorum qui in publica Bibliotheca Magliabechiana
+ Florentiae adservantur. Autore Ferdinando Fossio; ejusd.
+ bibl. Praef._, 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 _Bibl. Pinell_, no. 8808, &c., edit. 1789: Wolfius's
+ edition of the _Bibliotheca Aprosiana_, p. 102; and the
+ Strawberry Hill[C] edition of the _Parallel between
+ Magliabechi and Mr. Hill_, 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.
+
+ [Illustration]
+
+ MAGLIABECHI 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 _Johan. Confrat.,
+ &c., de Reb. Glaston_, 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
+ LVII.) 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 Sre. MAGLIABECHI, that
+ could direct me to it. The learned Bishop will be pleased to
+ take notice of Sre. Maliabechi's [Transcriber's Note:
+ Magliabechi's] 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.)----ST. MARK. _Graeca D. Marci
+ Bibliotheca Codicum Manuscriptorum Praeside Laurentio
+ Theopolo._ Venet. 1740, folio: _Ejusdem Latina et Italica
+ Bibliotheca Codicum Manuscriptorum Praeside eodem_, Venet.
+ 1741, folio. These useful and handsomely executed volumes
+ should be found in every extensive philological
+ collection.----MEDICI-LORENZO. _Bibliothecae
+ Mediceo-Laurentianae et Palatinae Codicum Manuscriptorum
+ Orientalium Catalogus digessit S.E. Assemanus._ 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.----MEDICI-LORENZO. _Bibliothecae Hebraico-Grecae
+ Florentinae sive Bibliothecae Mediceo-Laurentianae Catalogus ab
+ Antonio Maria Biscionio, &c., digestus atque editus_,
+ 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 praefat., p. xxxxvii--and particularly the
+ colophon.----MEDICI-LORENZO. _Catalogus Codicum
+ Manuscriptorum, Graecorum, Latinorum, et Italicoram,
+ Bibliothecae Medicae Laurentianae: Angelus Maria Bandinus
+ recensuit, illustravit edidit._ 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 MEDICI has recently
+ become so popular, from the able biographical memoirs of the
+ family by Mr. Roscoe.----MENARSIANA. _Bibliotheca
+ Menarsiana; ou Catalogue de la Bibliotheque de feu Messire
+ Jean Jaques Charron, Chevalier Marquis de Menars_, &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!"----MENCKENIUS. _Catalogus Bibliothecae Menckenianae
+ ab Ottone et Burchardo collectae. Editior altera longe
+ emendatior._ 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.----MEON. _Catalogue
+ des livres precieux singulieres et rares de la Bibliotheque
+ de M. Meon._ Paris, an. xii. (1804), 8vo. A very choice
+ collection of books; catalogued with considerable
+ care.----MERCIER. _Catalogue de la Bibliotheque de M.
+ Mercier, Abbe de Saint Leger_, par. M. De Bure, 1799, 8vo.
+ If the reader has chanced to cast his eye over the account
+ of the Abbe de St. Leger, at p. 61, ante, he will not
+ hesitate long about procuring a copy of the catalogue of the
+ library of so truly eminent a bibliographer.----MERIGOT.
+ _Catalogue des livres de M.J.G. Merigot, Libraire_, 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. Merigot
+ was an eminent bookseller, and prepared a good catalogue of
+ M. Lorry's library, which was sold in 1791, 8vo.----ST.
+ MICHAEL. _Bibliotheca Codicum Manuscriptorum Monasterij
+ Sancti Michaelis Venetiarum, una cum appendice librorum
+ impressorum saeculi_ xv. _Opus posthumum Joannis Bened.
+ Mittarelli._ 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
+ _Secreta Alberti_, were found "_The Fruyte of Redempcyon_,"
+ printed by W. De Worde, 1532, 4to.; and a hitherto
+ imperfectly described impression of _The Boke of Fyshinge_,
+ printed by W. De Worde, in 4to., without date; which usually
+ accompanies that fascinating work, ycleped Dame Juliana
+ Barnes's _Boke of Hawkyng, Huntyng, and Cote Armoor_. 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 "_Concilium Tridenti_:" the searching eye and
+ active hands of a well-educated Bibliomaniac discovered and
+ opened this volume--when lo! instead of the _Council of
+ Trent_, appeared the _First_, and almost unknown, _Edition_
+ of the _Decameron of Boccaccio_! 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;
+
+ But when the gods descending swell'd the fight,
+ Then tumult rose; fierce rage and pale affright
+ Varied each face:
+
+ [_Pope's_] _Homer's Iliad_, b. xx. v. 63.
+
+ MIRABEAU. _Catalogue de la Bibliotheque de Mirabeau l'aine,
+ par Rozet_, 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, graves en bois, ou imprimes en
+ caracteres 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 p. 79,
+ ante). Consult the _Curiosites Bibliographiques_ of Peignot,
+ p. 139.----MIROMENIL. _Catalogue des Livres de la
+ Bibliotheque de M. Hue de Miromenil, garde des sceaux de
+ France_, 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." _Bibliogr.
+ Curieuse_, p. 33.----MONTFAUCON. _Diarium Italicum; sive
+ Monumentorum Veterum, Bibliothecarum, Musaeorum Notitiae
+ Singulares a D. Bernardo de Montfaucon_, Paris, 1702, 4to.
+ _Bibliotheca Bibliothecarum Manuscriptorum nova, autore De
+ Bern. de Montfaucon_, 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 Montfaucon; 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.----MORELLI. _Jacobi Morellii Bibliothecae Regiae
+ divi Marci Venetiarum Custodis, Bibliotheca Manuscripta
+ Graeca et Latina._ 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 _Curiosites
+ Bibliographiques_, p. lix.----MUSEUM BRITISH. _Catalogus
+ Librorum Manuscript. Bibl. Cotton._, Oxon., 1696, fol. _A
+ Catalogue of the Manuscripts in the Cottonian Library_,
+ Lond. 1777, 8vo. _A Catalogue of the same_, 1802, fol. _A
+ Catalogue of the Harleian Manuscripts, &c._, Lond., 1759,
+ fol., 2 vols. _A Catalogue of the same_, Lond., 1808, fol.,
+ 3 vols. _A Catalogue of the MSS. of the Kings Library, &c._,
+ 1734, 4to. _A Catalogue of the MSS., &c., hitherto
+ undescribed_, Lond., 1782, 4to., two vols. _Catalog. Libror.
+ Impress., &c._, 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 _first Cottonian_ catalogue has a life of Sir
+ Robert Cotton, and an account of his library prefixed to it.
+ The _second_, 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 _third_,
+ 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 _Harleian MSS._ was compiled by the
+ celebrated Humphrey Wanley, and a most valuable and ably
+ executed publication it is! The _Second_ 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 _Printed Books_, 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 _Lansdowne
+ MSS._ (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.----PARIS. _Catalogue
+ de la Bibliotheque de M. Paris de Meyzieux_, Paris, 1779,
+ 8vo. _Bibliotheca elegantissima Parisina, par M. Lourent_,
+ 1790, 8vo. _The same_: 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 M. PARIS DE MEYZIEUX. The Spira Virgil of 1470, UPON
+ VELLUM, will alone confer celebrity upon the _first_
+ catalogue--but what shall we say to the _second_? 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 _perils of the sale_, in
+ encountering the noble and heavy metalled competitors who
+ flocked, from all parts of the realm, to partake of these
+ _Parisian_ 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
+ "HEURES DE NOTRE DAME," written by the famous Jarry, and
+ decorated with SEVEN small exquisite paintings of the Virgin
+ and Christ--and the _Aldine Petrarch_ and _Virgil_ of 1501,
+ all of them executed upon SNOW-WHITE VELLUM--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
+ nos. 14, 201, 328, of the _Bibl. Paris_: no. 318 of
+ the _Cat. de la Valliere_; and _Curiosites
+ Bibliographiques_, p. 67. This strain of "etourderie
+ 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.----PETAU ET MANSART. _Bibliotheca Potavina
+ et Mansartiana; ou Catalogue des Bibliotheques de Messrs.
+ Alexander Petau, et Francois Mansart; auxquells on a ajoute
+ le Cabinet des MSS. de Justus Lipsius._ Haye, 1722, 8vo. A
+ catalogue not very common, and well worth the
+ bibliographer's consultation.----PINELLI. _Bibliotheca
+ Maphaei Pinelli Veneti, &c. A Jacobo Morellio._ Venetiis,
+ 1787, 6 vols., 8vo. _Bibliotheca Pinelliana: a catalogue of
+ the magnificent and celebrated library of Maffaei Pinelli,
+ late of Venice_, &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_l._, the Italian, for
+ 2570_l._--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 LARGE PAPER. The
+ catalogue of 1787 (with an elegant portrait of Pinelli
+ prefixed) has, at first sight, the aspect of a work printed
+ in small quarto.----POMPADOUR. _Catalogue des Livres de la
+ Bibliotheque de feue Madame La Marquise de Pompadour, Dame
+ du Palais de la Reine_, 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 Jarde, in his "Precis
+ sur les Bibliotheques;" prefixed to the last edition of
+ Fournier's _Dictionnaire Portatif de Bibliographie_, p.
+ vij.----PREFOND. _Catalogue des Livres du Cabinet de M.D.P.
+ (Girardot de Prefond) Par Guillaume F. De Bure_, 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 LARGE PAPER. See _Cat. de
+ Gaignat_, vol. ii., no. 3467.----RANDON DE BOISSET.
+ _Catalogue des livres du cabinet de feu M. Randon du
+ Boisset. Par Guil. de Bure, fils aine_, 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 WRITING PAPER. Such a one
+ was in the Gouttard collection. See _Cat. de Gouttard_,
+ no. 1546.----_Reimannus._ _J.F. Reimanni Catalogus
+ Bibliothecae Theologicae Systematico-Criticus._ Hildes. 1731,
+ 8vo., two vols. _Ejusdem accessiones uberiores ad Catalogum
+ Systematico-Criticum, editae a Jo. W. Reimannus_, 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.----RENATI. _Bibliothecae Josephi Renati Imperialis,
+ &c., Cardinalis Catalogus, &c._ Romae, 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 _Cat. de
+ Santander_, no. 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.----REVICKZKY. _Bibliotheca Graeca
+ et Latina, complectens auctores fere omnes Graecia et Latii
+ veteris, &c., cum delectu editionum tam primariarum, &c.,
+ quam etiam optimarum, splendidissimarum, &c., quas usui meo
+ paravi._ PERIERGUS DELTOPHILUS (the feigned name for
+ REVICKZKY), 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 Lomenies 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. _Three Supplements_ 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 _two_
+ supplements. _Bibl. Curieuse_, 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--
+
+ Sit mihi, quod nunc est, etiam minus; ut mihi vivam
+ Quod superest aevi, si quid superesse volunt Di.
+ Sit bona librorum et provisae frugis in annum
+ Copia, ne fluitem dubiae spe pendulus horae.
+
+ _Epist. Lib._ i.: _Epist._ xviii. v., 107.
+
+ Sir M.M. Sykes, Bart., has a copy of the edition of 1784
+ [which is in every respect the better one], printed upon
+ FINE VELLUM PAPER. A similar copy of the edition of 1794 is
+ noticed in the _Cat. de Caillard_,(1808) no. 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.----RIVE. _Catalogue de la
+ Bibliotheque de l'Abbe Rive, par Archard_, Marseille, 1793,
+ 8vo. A catalogue of the books of so sharp-sighted a
+ bibliographer as was the Abbe Rive cannot fail to be
+ interesting to the collector.----DU ROI [Louis XV.]
+ _Catalogus Codicum Manuscriptorum Bibliothecae Regiae (studio
+ et labore Anicetti Mellot). Paris, e Typog. Reg._, 1739,
+ folio, four vols.----DU ROI. _Des Livres imprimes de la meme
+ Bibliotheque Royale. (Dispose par Messrs. les Abbes Sallier
+ et Boudot, &c.) Paris, De L'Imprim. Royale_, 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 THEOLOGY,
+ JURISPRUDENCE, and BELLES-LETTRES; the departments of
+ HISTORY and the ARTS AND SCIENCES 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 _Dictionnaire Portatif de Bibliographie_, 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.----DU ROI.
+ _Notices et Extraits des Manuscrits de la Bibliotheque du
+ Roi, Paris. De l'Imprim. Roy._ 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
+ _Cat. de Boutourlin_, no. 3845, and in Caillot's _Roman
+ Bibliographique_, 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.----DU ROI. _Accounts and Extracts of
+ the Manuscripts in the Library of the King of France.
+ Translated from the French_, 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.----ROEVER. _Bibliotheca
+ Roeveriana, sive Catalogus Librorum qui studiis inservierunt
+ Matthiae Roeveri._ Lug. Bat. 1806, 8vo., _two parts_. 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! Roever'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 caussa," 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.----ROTHELIN.
+ _Catalogue des livres de feu M'L. Abbe D'Orleans de
+ Rothelin. Par G. Martin_, Paris, 1746, 8vo. This catalogue
+ of the library of the amiable and learned Abbe 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 Abbe Rothelin who presented De Boze with the
+ celebrated '_Guirlande de Julie_'--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 _Curiosites Bibliographiques_, pp.
+ 62, 67; and _Bibl. Curieuse_, p. 61.----SARRAZ. _Bibliotheca
+ Sarraziana._ 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 _Bibl. Reiman_, pt. ii., p. 671,
+ &c.----SARTORI. _Catalogus Bibliographicus Librorum
+ Latinorum et Germanicorum in Bibliotheca Caesar. reg. et
+ equestris Academiae Theresianae extantium, cum accessionibus
+ originum typographicarum. Vindobonensium, et duobus
+ supplementis necnon, indice triplici, systematico,
+ bibliographico, et typographico; auctore Josepho de
+ Sartori._ Vindobonae, 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 ONE
+ HUNDRED copies are struck off. Peignot has a long and
+ interesting notice of it in his _Bibliographie Curieuse_, p.
+ 64.----SCHALBRUCK. _Bibliotheca Schalbruchiana; sive
+ Catalogus exquisitissimorum rarissimorumque librorum, quos
+ collegit Joh. Theod. Schalbruch._ 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.----SCHWARTZ. _Catalogus
+ Librorum continens codd. MSS. et libros saeculo_ xv.
+ _impressos, quos possedit et notis recensuit A.G.
+ Schwarzius_, 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 _Bibl. Solger._, vol. iii., no.
+ 1459, a first part (there said to be printed upon LARGE
+ PAPER) was published in 1753. Schwartz's treatise, "_De
+ Orig. Typog. Document. Primar._" Altorf, 1740, 4to., should
+ have been noticed at p. 41, ante.----SCRIVERIUS.
+ _Bibliothecae Scriverianae Catalogus_, Amst., 1663,
+ 4to.--"exquisitissimus est: constat enim selectissimus
+ omnium facultatum et artium autoribus." This is the strong
+ recommendatory language of Morhof: _Polyhist. Literar._,
+ vol. i., 212.----SERNA SANTANDER. _Catalogue des livres de
+ la Bibliotheque de M.C. De La Serna Santander; redige et mis
+ en ordre par lui meme; avec des notes bibliographiques et
+ litteraires_, &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 LARGE
+ PAPER.----SION COLLEGE. _Catalogus universalis librorum
+ omnium in Bibliotheca Collegii Sionii apud Londinenses_;
+ Londini, 1650, 4to. _Ejusdem Collegii librorum Catalogus,
+ &c., Cura Reading_, 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.----SMITH
+ [CONSUL]. _Bibliotheca Smithiana, seu Catalogus Librorum
+ D.J. Smithii Angli, per cognomina Authorum dispositus._
+ Venetiis, 1755, 4to. _A Catalogue of the curious, elegant,
+ and very valuable library of Joseph Smith, Esq., His
+ Britannic Majesty's Consul at Venice, lately deceased_,
+ 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 brochure 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 haec
+ 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 p. 77, ante, and which probably the
+ Consul bought: forming the greater part of his own library
+ of early printed books. See too the _Bibliogr. Miscellany_,
+ 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
+ UPON VELLUM, was purchased for _only twenty-five guineas_!
+
+ Excidat ille dies aevo--ne postera credant
+ Saecula--!
+
+ ----SOLGER. _Bibliotheca sive Supellex Librorum Impressorum,
+ &c., et Codicum Manuscriptorum, quos per plurimos annos
+ collegit, &c., Adamus Rudolphus Solger._ 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.----SOUBISE. _Catalogue des livres
+ imprimes et manuscrits, &c., de feu Monseigneur Le Prince de
+ Soubise (par feu Le Clerc)_, 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. THUANUS, 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 PRINCE
+ DE SOUBISE--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 LARGE PAPER.----TELLIER. _Bibliotheca
+ Tellereana, sive Catalogus Librorum Bibliotheca Caroli
+ Mauritii Le Tellier, Archiepiscopi Ducis Remensis. Parisiis,
+ e Typographia Regia_, 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.----THUANUS. [DE THOU] _Bibliothecae Thuanae Catalogus_,
+ 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." _Jugemens des Savans_,
+ vol. ii., p. 144, &c. Morhof is equally lavish in
+ commendation of this collection. See his _Polyhist.
+ Literar._, 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
+ "SOUBISE," ante. I should add that, according to the _Bibl.
+ Solgeriana_, vol. iii., p. 243, no. 1431, there are
+ copies of this catalogue upon LARGE PAPER.----UFFENBACH.
+ _Catalogus universalis Bibliothecae Uffenbachinae librorum tam
+ typis quam manu exaratorum._ Francof. ad Moen, 1729, 8vo.,
+ 4 vols. This catalogue is no mean acquisition to the
+ bibliographer's library. It rarely occurs in a perfect and
+ clean condition.----VALLIERE (DUC DE LA). _Catalogue des
+ Livres provenans de la Bibliotheque de M.L.D.D.L.V._, (M. le
+ Duc de la Valliere) _dispose et mis en ordre par Guill.
+ Franc. De Bure le Jeune._ Paris, 1767, 8vo., 2 vols.--_Des
+ Livres de la meme Bibliotheque._ Paris, 1772, 8vo.--_Des
+ Livres et Manuscrits de la meme Bibliotheque_, Paris, 1783,
+ 8vo., 3 vols.--_Des Livres de la meme Bibliotheque_, 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 LARGE PAPER, 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 UPON VELLUM 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 LARGE PAPER, in 4to., to harmonize with the
+ _Bibliographie Instructive_, and _Gaignat's Catalogue_. See
+ _Bibliographical Miscell._, vol. ii., 66. Twelve copies were
+ also printed in royal 8vo., upon fine stout VELLUM PAPER; of
+ which the Rt. Hon. T. Grenville has a beautiful uncut copy
+ in six volumes. See also _Cat. de Lomenie_ [1797], no.
+ 2666. The last publication of 1788 was put forth by Nyon
+ l'aine; 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 "bibliotheque de l'Arsenal." See _Dictionn.
+ Bibliographique_, vol. iv., p. 133. It was once offered for
+ purchase to a gentleman of this country--highly
+ distinguished for his love of Virtu. Mr. Grenville has also
+ a similar large paper copy of this latter edition, of the
+ date of 1784.----VIENNA. _Codices Manuscripti Theologici.
+ Bibl. Palat. Vindob. Latini aliarumque Occidentis
+ Linguarum_, vol. i. (in tribus partibus.) _Recens._, &c.,
+ _Michael Denis._ Vindob. 1793, folio. Some mention of this
+ work has been made at page 65, 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, p. 41, 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
+ praeter augustam Bibliothecae 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.----VOLPI. _Catalogo della Libreria de
+ Volpi_, &c. _Opera di Don Gaetano Volpi._ 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 _Bibl. Crevenn._, vol. v., pp. 302-3;
+ and Dr. Clarke's _Bibliogr. Miscell._, vol. ii.,
+ 72.----VOYAGE _de deux Francais dans le nord de l'Europe, en
+ 1790-92, (par M. de Fortia)_ 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."
+ _Curiosites Bibliographiques_, p. lviii.----DE WITT.
+ _Catalogus Bibliothecae Joannis De Witt_, Dordraci, 1701,
+ 12mo. The preface to this catalogue, (from which an extract
+ was given in the _first_ edition of my "_Introduction to the
+ Editions of the Greek and Latin Classics_," 1802, 8vo.,)
+ gives us a pleasing account of an ardent and elegant young
+ man in the pursuit of every thing connected with Virtu. 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 _Cat. de
+ Santander_, vol. iv., no. 6334.----ZURICH. _Catalogus
+ librorum Bibliothecae Tigurinae._ 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
+
+ APPENDIX TO THE PRECEDING NOTE.
+
+ BERN. _Cat. Codd. MSS. Bibl. Bernensis. Cum annotationibus,
+ &c. Curante Sinner._ Bernae, 1760, 8vo. A very curious and
+ elegantly printed Catalogue with three plates of
+ fac-similes.----PARKER [ABP.] _Catalog. Libror. MSS. in
+ Bibl. Coll. Corporis Christi in Cantab., quos legavit M.
+ Parkerus Archiepiscop. Cant._ Lond., 1722, fol.; _Eorundem
+ Libror. MSS. Catalogus. Edidit J. Nasmith._ 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 PART
+ V., post.----ROYAL INSTITUTION. _A Catalogue of the Library
+ of the Royal Institution of Great Britain, &c. By William
+ Harris, Keeper of the Library._ 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
+ _fifty_ which were printed) upon LARGE PAPER!----WOOD
+ (ANTHONY). _A Catalogue of Antony-a-Wood's Manuscripts in
+ the Ashmolean Museum; by W. Huddesford_, Oxon, 1761, 8vo.
+ The very name of _old Anthony_ (as it delights some
+ facetious book-collectors yet to call him!) will secure
+ respect for this volume. It is not of common occurrence.]
+
+ [Footnote C: In Part VI. of this work will be found a List
+ of Books printed here. The armorial bearings of Lord Orford
+ are placed at p. 100.]
+
+LIS. You have so thoroughly animated my feelings, and excited my
+curiosity, in regard to BIBLIOGRAPHY, that I can no longer dissemble
+the eagerness which I feel to make myself master of the several books
+which you have recommended.
+
+LYSAND. Alas, your zeal will most egregiously deceive you! _Where_
+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 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.
+
+LIS. 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--
+
+PHIL. 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--
+
+LIS. Speak--are you about to announce the sale of some bibliographical
+works?
+
+PHIL. Even so. To morrow, if I mistake not, GONZALVO'S choice gems, in
+this way, are to be disposed of.
+
+LIS. Consider them as my own. Nothing shall stay me from the
+possession of them.
+
+LYSAND. You speak precipitately. Are you accustomed to attend
+book-auctions?
+
+LIS. No; but I will line my pockets with pistoles, and who dare oppose
+me?
+
+PHIL. And do you imagine that no one, but yourself, has his pockets
+"lined with pistoles," on these occasions?
+
+LIS. 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.
+
+PHIL. This is _Book-Madness_ with a vengeance! However, we shall see
+the issue. When and how do you propose going?
+
+LIS. A chaise shall be at this door by nine in the morning. Who will
+accompany me?
+
+LYSAND. Our friend and Philemon will prevent your becoming absolutely
+raving, by joining you. I shall be curious to know the result.
+
+LIS. Never fear. _Bibliomania_ is, of all species of insanity, the
+most rational and praise-worthy. I here solemnly renounce my former
+opinions, and wish my errors to be forgotten. I here crave pardon of
+the disturbed manes of the Martins, De Bures, and Patersons, for that
+flagitious act of _Catalogue-Burning_; and fondly 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 worth
+[Transcriber's Note: worthy] "_Aspirant_" in the noble cause of
+bibliography?
+
+LYSAND. Most cordially do I forgive you; and freely admit you into the
+fraternity of Bibliomaniacs. Philemon, I trust, will be equally
+merciful.
+
+PHIL. 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 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!
+
+LIS. 'Tis well. At to-morrow's dawn my esquire shall begin to burnish
+up my armour--and caparison my courser. Till then adieu!
+
+ * * * * *
+
+Here the conversation, in a connected form, ceased; and it was
+resolved that Philemon and myself should accompany Lisardo on the
+morrow.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+[Illustration: FARI QUAE SENTIAT]
+
+
+
+
+PART III.
+
+=The Auction Room.=
+
+
+CHARACTER OF ORLANDO.
+
+OF ANCIENT PRICES OF BOOKS, AND BOOK-BINDING.
+
+BOOK-AUCTION BIBLIOMANIACS.
+
+ "As to the late method used in selling books by AUCTION 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."
+
+ CLAVEL: _Cat. of Books for 1680, Pref._
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+=The Auction Room.=
+
+CHARACTER OF ORLANDO.
+OF ANCIENT PRICES OF BOOKS, AND BOOK-BINDING.
+BOOK AUCTION BIBLIOMANIACS.
+
+
+Never, 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 GONZALVO'S 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
+
+ --ere he starts, a thousand steps are lost--
+
+our young bibliomaniac began to count up his volumes, arrange his
+shelves, bespeak his binder, 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.
+
+"Lord Coke,"--exclaimed PHILEMON, in a mirthful strain--"before he
+ventured upon '_The Jurisdiction of the Courts of the Forest_,' wished
+to 'recreate himself' with Virgil's description of 'Dido's Doe of the
+Forest;'[163] 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 which our attentions
+have been so long directed by taking you with me, in imagination, to
+the delightful abode of ORLANDO."
+
+ [Footnote 163: 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:
+
+ Uritur infaelix Dido, totaque vagatur
+ Urbe furens, &c.
+
+ And in another place, using again the word (Sylva) and
+ describing a forest saith:
+
+ Ibat in antiquam sylvam stabula alta ferarum."
+
+ _Institutes_, pt. iv., p. 289, ed. 1669.
+
+ Thus pleasantly could our sage expounder of the laws of the
+ realm illustrate the dry subject of which he treated!]
+
+LIS. I have heard of him: a very "_Helluo Librorum_!" Thus we only
+change sides--from things to men; from books to book-collectors. Is
+this digressive? Is this an episode?
+
+PHIL. 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 _appropriate_ digression. Do pray read Dr. Blair[164] upon
+the subject--and now only listen.
+
+ [Footnote 164: _Lecture_ XLII., vol. iii.]
+
+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[165]--although fond of solemn 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, Caesar's gently-flowing river
+_Arar_,[166] 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[167] innocently kept; and
+many a village-wake cordially celebrated! Some of these things yet
+bless the aged eyes of ORLANDO!
+
+ [Footnote 165:
+
+ "In the wild depth of Winter, while without
+ The ceaseless winds blow ice, be my retreat
+ Between the groaning forest and the shore,
+ Beat by the boundless multitude of waves,
+ A rural, sheltered, solitary scene!"----
+
+ _Winter._
+
+ One would like a situation somewhat more _sheltered_, when
+ "The ceaseless winds blow ice!"]
+
+ [Footnote 166: "Flumen est _Arar_, quod per fines Aeduorum et
+ Sequanorum in Rhodanum fluit, incredibili lenitate, ita ut
+ oculis, in utram partem fluat, judicari nos possit." _De
+ Bell. Gall._, lib. i., Sec. x. Philemon might as happily
+ have compared Orlando's quiet stream to "the silent river"
+
+ ----quae Liris quieta
+ Mordet aqua----
+
+ which Horace has so exquisitely described, in contrast with
+
+ ----obliquis laborat
+ Lympha fugax trepidare rivo.
+
+ _Carm._, _lib._ i., _Od._ xxxi., _lib._ ii., _Od._ ii.
+
+ Yet let us not forget Collin's lovely little bit of landscape--
+
+ "Where slowly winds the stealing wave."]
+
+ [Footnote 167: There is a curious proclamation by Q.
+ Elizabeth, relating to some Sabbath recreations or games,
+ inserted in Hearne's preface to his edition of _Camden's
+ Annals_, 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."]
+
+I have slightly noticed the comfortable interior of his library.--
+
+LIS. You spoke of a bow-windowed extremity--
+
+PHIL. 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.[168] 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.
+
+ [Footnote 168: The reader, who is partial to the
+ lucubrations of Thomas Hearne, may peruse a long gossipping
+ note of his upon the importance of _stained glass
+ windows_--in his account of Godstow nunnery. See his _Guil.
+ Neubrig._, vol. ii., 768.]
+
+LIS. All this bespeaks a pretty correct taste. But I wish to know
+something of the man.
+
+PHIL. 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.
+
+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 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?[169]" On my telling
+him that it had escaped me--"Go," said he, "and not only read, but
+remember it."--The inscription was as follows:
+
+ INGREDERE MUSIS SACER, NAM
+ ET HIC DII HABITANT.
+ ITEM
+ NULLUS AMICUS MAGIS LIBET,
+ QUAM LIBER.
+
+ [Footnote 169: _De Bibliothecis_: p. 269, edit. 1680.]
+
+"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 Cicero, and Seneca, and our own countryman De Bury,[170]
+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.[171] 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, 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, PHORMIO, sometimes
+gives me a call--and we have a rare set-to at my old favourite
+volumes--the '_Lectiones Memorabiles et Reconditae_' of WOLFIUS[172]--a
+commonplace 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.
+
+ [Footnote 170: Every school-lad who has written a copy under
+ a writing-master, or who has looked into the second book of
+ the _"Selectae e Profanis Scriptoribus," &c._, 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 _Dr. Clarke's
+ Bibliographical Dictionary_.]
+
+ [Footnote 171: "Il y a 300 pieds cubes de livres de
+ theologie,"--"qui tapissent les murs des deux premieres
+ salles de la Bibliotheque Imperiale." Caillot: _Roman
+ Bibliographique_, tom. i., 72, edit. 1809.]
+
+ [Footnote 172: 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: "JOHANNES WOLFIUS (says Melchoir [Transcriber's
+ Note: Melchior] Adam), the laborious compiler of the
+ _Lectionum Memorabilium et Reconditarum Centenarii_ 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
+ Muendelsheim, and gave him several beneficial grants. In
+ 1594, Wolfius bade adieu to business and courts, and retired
+ to Hailbrun; where he completed his "_Lectiones_," 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 _Vitae
+ Eruditorum cum Germanorum tum Exterorum_: 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 _Bibl. Solgeriana_, vol. i., no. 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 _Penus Artis Historicae_, of which the best
+ edition is that of 1579, is well described in the tenth
+ volume of Fournier's _Methode pour etudier l'histoire_, p.
+ 12, edit. 1772. My respect for so extraordinary a
+ bibliomaniac as WOLFIUS, who was groping amongst the books
+ of the public libraries belonging to the several great
+ cities which he visited, (in his diplomatic character--vide
+ praef.) 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.
+
+ [Illustration]
+
+ 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 "_Lectiones_," of
+ their elaborately-ornamented title-pages. Forbid it, good
+ sense!]
+
+"In a short time," continued the venerable Orlando, after a pause of
+fifteen seconds, "in a short time I must bid adieu to this scene; to
+my choice copies; beautiful bindings: and all the classical furniture
+which you behold around you. Yes!--as Reimannus[173] 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 Ranzau[174]
+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[175] 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."
+
+ [Footnote 173: "Vita brevis est, et series librorum longa."
+ He adds: "Aes magnum tempus, quo id dispungere conatus est,
+ parvum." _Bibl. Acroamat._, p. 51, sign. d [dagger symbol]
+ 2.]
+
+ [Footnote 174: "Henry de Ranzau--avoit dresse une excellente
+ bibliotheque au chateau de Bredemberg, dans laquelle
+ estoient conservez plusieurs manuscrits Grecs et Latins, et
+ autres raretez, &c.--Ce scavant personnage a fait un decret
+ pour sa bibliotheque, qui merite d'estre icy insere, pour
+ faire voir a la posterite l'affection qu'il auoit pour sa
+ conservation."
+
+ ... Libros partem ne aliquam abstulerit,
+ Extraxerit, clepserit, rapserit,
+ Concerpserit, coruperit,
+ Dolo malo:
+ Illico maledictus,
+ Perpetuo execrabilis,
+ Semper detestabilis
+ Esto maneto.
+
+ JACOB: _Traicte des Bibliotheques_, pp. 237, 240.
+
+ 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 175: "Petrus Lotichius Johanni Sambuco Pannonio
+ gravissimo morbo laborans Bononiae, bibliothecam suam
+ legaverit, _lib._ 3, _eleg._ 9, verba ejus lectu non
+ injucunda:
+
+ Pro quibus officiis, haeres abeuntis amici,
+ Accipe fortunae munera parva meae.
+ Non mihi sunt Baccho colles, oleisque virentes,
+ Praediave Aemiliis conspicienda jugis.
+ Tu veterum dulces scriptorum sume libellos,
+ Attritos manibus quos juvat esse meis.
+ Invenies etiam viridi quae lusimus aevo,
+ Dum studiis aetas mollibus apta fuit.
+ Illa velim rapidis sic uras carmina flammis
+ Ut vatem ipse suis ignibus jussit Amor."
+
+ LOMEIER: _de Bibliothecis_, p. 288.]
+
+"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.
+
+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 _their_ Libraries?
+
+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--
+
+"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,[176] whereby
+English printers 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 _Golden Legends_ was
+valued, in the churchwardens' books, at six shillings and eight
+pence.[177] 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 '_Antiphoners_.'[178]
+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
+minutiae) that Law-Books were sold for about ten sheets to the
+groat.[179] Now, in the present day, Law-Books--considering 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 _The
+Invention of Things_ for fourteen pence;[180] and the same printer's
+book of _Common Prayer_ for four shillings. Yet if you wanted a
+superbly bound _Prymer_, it would have cost you (even five and twenty
+years before) nearly half a guinea.[181] Nor could you have purchased
+a decent _Ballad_ much under sixpence; and _Hall's Chronicle_ would
+have drawn from your purse twelve shillings;[182] so that,
+considering the then value of specie, there is not much ground of
+complaint against the present prices of books."
+
+ [Footnote 176: By the 1st of Richard III. (1433, ch. ix.
+ sec. xii.) it appeared that, Whereas, a great number of the
+ king's subjeets [Transcriber's Note: subjects] within this
+ realm having "given themselves diligently to learn and
+ exercise THE CRAFT OF PRINTING, 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 BINDING OF BOOKS, 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, Sec.
+ 3. A judge would have enough to do to regulate the prices of
+ books, by the oaths of twelve men, in the present times!]
+
+ [Footnote 177: The reader will be pleased to refer to p. cx.
+ of the first volume of my recent edition of the
+ _Typographical Antiquities of Great Britain_.]
+
+ [Footnote 178: The following is from 'the churchwardens'
+ accompts of St. Margaret's, Westminster. "A.D. 1475. Item,
+ for 11 great books, called Antiphoners, 22_l._ 0_s._ 0_d._"
+ _Manners and Expenses of Ancient Times in England_, &c.,
+ collected by John Nichols, 1797, 4to., p. 2. _Antiphonere_
+ 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:
+
+ This litel childe his litel book lerning,
+ As he sate in the scole at his primere
+ He _Alma Redemptoris_ herde sing,
+ As children lered hir _Antiphonere_:
+
+ _Cant. Tales_, v. 13,446, &c.
+
+ "A legend, an _Antiphonarye_, a grayle, a psalter," &c.,
+ were the books appointed to be kept in every parish church
+ "of the province of Canterbury" by Robert Winchelsen.
+ _Const. Provin. and of Otho and Octhobone_, fol. 67, rect.,
+ edit. 1534.]
+
+ [Footnote 179: "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. _Bibl.
+ Monast-Fletewodiana_, no. 3156.]
+
+ [Footnote 180: 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 _pryce_ 14_d._ 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." _Camdeni Annales: Edit. Hearne_, vol. i., p. xxx.]
+
+ [Footnote 181: From Mr. Nichol's curious work, I make the
+ following further extracts:
+
+ L _s._ _d._
+ A.D.
+ 1539. Item, paid for the half part of the Bybell, }
+ accordingly after the King's injunction } 0 9 9
+ 1544. Item, also paid for six books of the Litany }
+ in English } 0 1 6
+ 1549. Paid for iv books of the service of the church 0 16 0
+ [This was probably Grafton's Prayer book of 1549, fol.]
+ 1559. Paid for a Bybyl and Parafrawse 0 16 0
+
+ [From the Ch. Wardens Accts. of St. Margaret's Westminster]
+
+ The Inventory of John Port, 1524.
+ In the shop.
+
+ Item, a premmer lymmed with gold, and with imagery }
+ written honds } 0 8 4
+ (From the do. of St. Mary Hill, London.)
+
+ To William Pekerynge, a ballet, called a Ryse and }
+ Wake } 0 0 4
+ (From the books of the Stationers' Company).
+
+ See pp. 13, 15, 126, and 133, of Mr. Nichols's work.]
+
+ [Footnote 182: 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 '_The Poor Man's Librarie_' printed by
+ John Day in 1565." From this sable-looking document the
+ reader has the following miscellaneous extracts:
+
+ A.D. 1553. L _s._ _d._
+ (Two) Meserse of bloyene in bordis }
+ One Prymare latane & englis } 0 ii 0
+ Balethis (ballads) nova of sortis 0 0 ii
+ Boke of paper 1 quire in forrell 0 0 vi
+ Morse workes in forrell 0 9 viij
+ Castell of Love in forrelle wi: a sarmo nova 0 0 x
+
+ A.D. 1554.
+ Balethis nova arbull in 8vo. 1 catechis 0 0 viiij
+ Prymare for a chyllde in 8vo. englis 0 iv
+ Halles Croneckelle nova englis 0 xii 0
+
+ From a Household Book kept in London, A.D. 1561
+ (in the possession of the same Gent.)
+
+ Item, p-d for a Lyttellton in English xij_d._
+ ---- for the booke of ij englishe lovers vj_d._
+ ---- for the booke of Songes and Sonnettes }
+ and the booke of dyse, and a frenche booke } ij_s._ viij_d._
+ (viz. the frenche booke xvj_d._ the ij other bookes at
+ viij_d._ the pece.)
+ ---- ---- for printing the xxv orders of honest men xx_d._]
+
+LIS. 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 BIBLIOMANIA has been supposed to have attained
+its highest pitch.
+
+"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
+_Book-Binding_[183] added 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 _Bible_ in the
+chapel to boot, for L10.[184] 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 _Godfrey of Boulogne_.[185] In Queen Ann's
+time, Earl Pembroke and Lord Oxford spared no expense for books; and
+Dr. Mead, who trod closely upon their heels, cared not at what price
+he purchased his _Editiones Principes_, 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 _then_ given for those _now_ offered for
+similar works!"
+
+ [Footnote 183: As a little essay, and a very curious one
+ too, might be written upon the history of BOOK-BINDING, 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 _Textus Sancti Cuthberti_, which was written
+ in the 7th century, and was formerly kept at Durham, and is
+ now preserved in the Cottonian library, (Nero, D. IV.) 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)." _Archaeologia_, 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--_Reg. Roff._, p. 205), Mr. Denne has not informed us.
+ _Archaeologia_, 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." _Hist. of Engl. Poetry_, vol. ii., p. 244.
+ Hearne, in No. III. of the appendix to _Adam de Domerham
+ de reb. gest. Glast._, has "published a grant from Rich. de
+ Paston to Bromholm abbey, of twelve pence a year rent charge
+ on his estates to _keep their books in repair_." This I
+ gather from Gough's _Brit. Topog._, vol. ii., p. 20: while
+ from the _Liber Stat. Eccl. Paulinae_, Lond. MSS., f. 6, 396
+ (furnished me by my friend Mr. H. Ellis,[D] 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 _Libri bene ligentur et haspentur_," &c.
+ In Chaucer's time, one would think that the fashionable
+ binding for the books of young scholars was
+ _various-coloured velvet_: for thus our poet describes the
+ library of the Oxford Scholar:
+
+ A twenty bokes, clothed in black and red
+ Of Aristotle----
+
+ (_Prolog. to Cant. Tales._)
+
+ 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 XVI laces
+ and XVI tasshels for the garnyshing of diuers of the Kings
+ books, ij_s._ viij_d._----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_d._----Piers Bauduyn Stacioner for bynding
+ gilding and dressing of a booke called Titus Liuius, xx_s_:
+ for binding gilding and dressing of a booke called
+ Ffrossard, xvj_s_: or binding gilding and dressing of a
+ booke called the Bible, xvj_s_: for binding gilding and
+ dressing of a booke called le Gouuernement of Kings and
+ Princes, xvj_s._" "For the dressing of ij books whereof oon
+ is called la forteresse de Foy and the other called the
+ booke of Josephus, iij_s._ iiij_d._ And for binding gilding
+ and dressing of a booke called the bible historial, xx_s._"
+ 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 _History of Leicester_, by Mr. Nichols, p.
+ 102, indicates--and as Geyler himself, in his _Ship of
+ Fools_, entitled "_Navicula, sive Speculum Fatuorum_," 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 _Typographical Antiquities_, p. 83;
+ for which I understand the present owner asks the sum of
+ 160_l._ 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." _Archaeologia_, 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 184: See the recent very beautiful edition of Sir
+ Ralph Sadler's _State Papers_, vol. ii., p. 590.]
+
+ [Footnote 185: See the _Catalogue of R. Smith's Books_,
+ 1682, 4to., p. 199 (falsely numbered 275), no. 94.]
+
+ [Footnote D: Since created a Knight.]
+
+LIS. 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?
+
+"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."
+
+PHIL. How do you feel?
+
+LIS. Why, tolerably calm. My pulse beats as leisurely as did my Lord
+Strafford's at his trial--or (to borrow Hamlet's phrase)
+
+ --as yours, it doth temperately keep time,
+ And makes as healthful music.
+
+PHIL. 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?
+
+LIS. No more! Now for my catalogue; and let me attend to my marks. But
+our friend is not forgetful of his promise?
+
+PHIL. 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.
+
+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 THE AUCTION ROOM.
+
+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 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 LEPIDUS. Like Magliabechi, content
+with frugal fare and frugal clothing[186] 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 manoeuvres 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,
+
+ "Come like shadows, so depart!"
+
+ [Footnote 186: Tenni cultu, victuque contentus, quidquid ei
+ pecuniae superaret in omnigenae eruditionis libros comparandos
+ erogabat, selectissimamque voluminum multitudinem ea mente
+ adquisivit, ut aliquando posset publicae utilitati--dicari,
+ _Praef. Bibl. Magliab. a Fossio_, p. x.]
+
+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--
+
+ O mihi praeteritos referat si Jupiter annos!
+
+Justly respectable as are his scholarship and good sense, he is not
+what you may call a _fashionable_ 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.
+
+LIS. 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,[187] 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?
+
+ [Footnote 187: See Warburton's piquant note, in Mr. Bowles's
+ edition of _Pope's Works_, vol. v., p. 116. "This remarkable
+ _periwiy_ [Transcriber's Note: periwig] (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 _snuff-box_ of Mr. L. has not a less imposing
+ air; and when a high-priced book is balancing between 15_l._
+ and 20_l._ 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!]
+
+"'Tis MUSTAPHA, a vender of books. Consuetudine invalescens, ac veluti
+callum diuturna cogitatione obducens,[188] 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 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,
+
+ 'Though weak in judgment, in opinion strong;'
+
+or, like the same author's Meilixos,
+
+ 'Who deems all wisdom treasur'd in his pate,'
+
+our book-vender, in the catalogues which he puts forth, shews himself
+to be 'a great and bold carpenter of words;'[189] 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."
+
+ [Footnote 188: The curious reader may see the entire caustic
+ passage in Spizelius's _Infelix Literatus_, p. 435.]
+
+ [Footnote 189: _Coryat's Crudities_, vol. i., sign. (b. 5.)
+ edit. 1776.]
+
+PHIL. Are you then an enemy to booksellers, or to their catalogues
+when interlaced with bibliographical notices?
+
+"By no means, Philemon. I think as highly of our own as did the author
+of the Aprosian library[190] 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, 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."
+
+ [Footnote 190: See pages 103-4, of Wolfius's edition of the
+ _Bibliotheca Aprosiana_, 1734, 8vo. It is not because Mr.
+ Ford, of Manchester, has been kind enough to present me with
+ one of the _six_ copies of his last catalogue of books,
+ printed upon STRONG WRITING PAPER--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 _tick off_ a few of the volumes with
+ the hope of possessing them at the prices therein afixed.]
+
+PHIL. 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?
+
+"The same," resumed I. "But let us leave such ridiculous vanity."
+
+LIS. Who is that gentleman, standing towards the right of the
+auctioneer, and looking so intently upon his catalogue?
+
+"You point to my friend BERNARDO. 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
+
+ '----out of old fields as men saythe
+ Cometh all this new corne fro yeare to yeare;
+ And out of olde Bokes in good faythe
+ Cometh all this scyence that men leare:'
+
+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.[191]'
+
+ [Footnote 191: _Theatrum Chemicum_: 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." _Lect. Memorab.
+ Epist. Ded._ fol. xiv. rev. Of Wolfius, and of this his
+ work, the reader will find some mention at page 110, ante.]
+
+"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 _u_ be put for a
+_v_, or a _single e_ for a _double one_: 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[192]
+in his hand; when '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.'[193]
+
+ [Footnote 192: "Let me take this opportunity of recommending
+ the amiable and venerable ISAAC WALTON'S _Complete Angler_:
+ 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 _Pope's Works_, 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 193: 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
+ "_merry_," and not the "_contemplative_," art of
+ fishing--because we are informed that "Yf the angler take
+ fyshe, surely thenne is there noo man _merier_ than he is in
+ his spyryte!!" Yet Isaac Walton called this art, "The
+ _Contemplative_ Man's Recreation." But a _book-fisherman_,
+ like myself, must not presume to reconcile such great and
+ contradictory authorities.]
+
+"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?
+
+"QUISQUILIUS:--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 _unique_ in point
+of size--whether MAXIMA or MINIMA--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 _Prints_; 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 _variorum_ Latin classic, stamped in the neat mintage of
+the Elzevir press. Of a Greek _Aldus_, or an Italian _Giunta_, 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 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."
+
+LIS. 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?
+
+"ROSICRUSIUS 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
+
+ 'There Caxton sleeps, with Wynkyn at his side,
+ One clasp'd in wood, and one in strong cow-hide!'[194]
+
+--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.'[195] Bibliography is his
+darling delight--'una voluptas et meditatio assidua;'[196] 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 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 _black-letter_ 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;[197] 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."
+
+ [Footnote 194: Pope's _Dunciad_, b. i. v. 149.]
+
+ [Footnote 195: _Coryat's Crudities_, vol. i., sign. (b. 5.)
+ edit. 1776.]
+
+ [Footnote 196: Vita Jacobi Le Long., p. xx., _Biblioth.
+ Sacra_, edit. 1778.]
+
+ [Footnote 197: See the note p. 11, in the first edition of
+ the _Bibliomania_.]
+
+LIS. I am quite impatient to see ATTICUS in this glorious group; of
+whom fame makes such loud report--
+
+"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 BOSCARDO 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:
+
+ 'Blest with talents, wealth, and taste;'[198]
+
+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 '_As in
+praesenti_:' 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 '_Boa
+Constrictor_,' 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 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.
+
+ [Footnote 198: Dr. Ferriar's _Bibliomania_, v. 12.]
+
+"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 Caesar
+Antoninus; who had not universality of talent sufficient to unite the
+love of hawking and hunting with the passion for book-collecting.[199]
+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;'[200] or to join the
+jolly troop while they chant the hunting song of his poetical
+friend.[201] 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
+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.[202] I shall leave you to finish the picture, which such a
+sketch may suggest, by referring you to your favourite, Thomson."[203]
+
+ [Footnote 199: This anecdote is given on the authority of
+ Kesner's [Transcriber's Note: Gesner's] _Pandects_, fol. 29:
+ rect. '[Greek: Alloi men hippon] (says the grave Antoninus)
+ [Greek: alloi de orneon, alloi therion ebosin: emoi de
+ biblion kteseos ek paidoiriou deinos enteteke pothos].']
+
+ [Footnote 200: See Pope's _Windsor Forest_, ver. 110 to
+ 134.]
+
+ [Footnote 201:
+
+ Waken lords and ladies gay;
+ On the mountain dawns the day.
+ All the jolly chase is here,
+ With hawk and horse and hunting spear:
+ Hounds are in their couples yelling,
+ Hawks are whistling, horns are knelling;
+ Merrily, merrily, mingle they.
+ "Waken lords and ladies gay."
+
+ Waken lords and ladies gay,
+ The mist has left the mountain grey.
+ Springlets in the dawn are steaming,
+ Diamonds on the lake are gleaming;
+ And foresters have busy been,
+ To track the buck in thicket green:
+ Now we come to chaunt our lay,
+ "Waken lords and ladies gay."
+
+ HUNTING SONG, by Walter Scott: the remaining stanzas will be
+ found in the _Edinb. Annual Register_, vol. i., pt. ii.,
+ xxviii.]
+
+ [Footnote 202: "_Whearin part of the Entertainment untoo the
+ Queenz Majesty of Killingworth Castl in Warwick Sheer, &c.,
+ 1576, is signified._" edit. 1784, p. 14.]
+
+ [Footnote 203: _Autumn_, v. 519, 701, &c.]
+
+LIS. Your account of so extraordinary a bibliomaniac is quite amusing:
+but I suspect you exaggerate a little.
+
+"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.[204] And
+yet--he has his peccant part."
+
+ [Footnote 204: The reader will be pleased to turn for one
+ minute to pages 49, 85, 86, ante.]
+
+LIS. Speak, I am anxious to know.
+
+"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[205]--yet ATTICUS 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."
+
+ [Footnote 205: Singularis eius ac propensi, in iuvandam
+ eruditionem studii insigne imprimis monumentum exstat,
+ Bibliotheca instructissima, sacrarium bonae menti dicatum, in
+ quo omne, quod transmitti ad posteritatem meretur, copiose
+ reconditum est. _e [Transcriber's Note: De] Orig. et
+ Increment. Typog. Lipsiens. Lips. An. Typog._ sec. iii.,
+ sign. 3.]
+
+PHIL. But does he atone for his sad error by being liberal in the loan
+of his volumes?
+
+"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--
+
+ His volumes, open as his heart,
+ Delight, amusement, science, art,
+ To every ear and eye impart.
+
+His books, therefore, are not a stagnant reservoir of unprofitable
+water, as are those of PONTEVALLO'S; 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."
+
+LIS. 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!
+
+"That gentleman, Lisardo, is HORTENSIUS; who, you see is in close
+conversation with an intimate friend and fellow-bibliomaniac--that
+ycleped is ULPIAN. 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 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--
+
+ This gives us health, or adds to life a day!"[206]
+
+ [Footnote 206: Braithwaite's _Arcadian Princesse_: lib. 4,
+ p. 15, edit. 1635. The two immediately following verses,
+ which are worthy of Dryden, may quietly creep in here:
+
+ Or helps decayed beauty, or repairs
+ Our chop-fall'n cheeks, or winter-molted hairs.]
+
+LIS. 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?
+
+"'Tis LEONTES: 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.'[207] Peace and comfort be the attendant spirits
+of Leontes, through life, and in death: the happiness of a better
+world await him beyond the 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--
+
+ Dum memor ipse mei, dum spiritus hos regret artus."
+
+ [Footnote 207: _Edinburgh Review_, vol. xiii., p. 118.]
+
+PHIL. 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--
+
+"They are the three MERCURII, oftentimes deputed by distinguished
+bibliomaniacs: who, fearful of the sharp-shooting powers of their
+adversaries, if they _themselves_ 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.
+
+"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 SIR TRISTRAM,
+embosomed in his forest-retreat,
+
+ --down the steepy linn
+ That hems his little garden in,
+
+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 '_De Occulta Philosophia_;'
+concerning which lattter [Transcriber's Note: latter], Elias Ashmole
+is vehement in commendation.[208] 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 PROSPERO'S 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!
+
+ [Footnote 208: He who shall have the happiness to meet with
+ St. Dunstan's Worke "_De Occulta Philosophia_," may therein
+ reade such stories as will make him amaz'd, &c. Prolegom. to
+ his _Theatrum Chemicum_, sign A., 4. rev.]
+
+"Allied to this library, in the general complexion of its literary
+treasures, is that of MARCELLUS: 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 _unique_ pieces and tracts are your ardent eyes
+blessed! Just so it is with AURELIUS! 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 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 _Noctes Atticae_, 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.
+
+"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, _stainless_ or _large paper_
+copies of ancient literature. While MENALCAS sees his oblong cabinet
+decorated with such a tall, well-dressed, and perhaps matchless,
+regiment of _Variorum Classics_, 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 RINALDO: 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 _first
+Livy_ UPON VELLUM--enshrined in an impenetrable oaken case, covered
+with choice morocco!
+
+"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 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."
+
+PHIL. 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!
+
+LIS. 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?
+
+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 QUISQUILIUS, he
+came off victorious in a contest for De Bure's _Bibliographie
+Instructive_, _Gaignat's Catalogue_, and the two copious ones of the
+_Duke de la Valliere_: 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 _Bibliotheca Sacra_,
+Fresnoy's _Methode pour etudier l'Histoire_, and Baillet's _Jugemens
+des Savans_--these having been carried off, at the point of the
+bayonet, by an irresistible onset from ATTICUS. "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.[209]
+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?"
+
+ [Footnote 209: 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 _Homer's Iliad_.
+ Fortunately for Lisardo, he survives the contest, and even
+ threatens revenge.]
+
+LIS. My good Mercurius, for whom a knife and fork shall always be laid
+at my table, has just informed me that Clement's _Bibliotheque
+Curieuse_, and Panzer's _Typographical Annals_, are knocked down to
+me, after Mustapha had picked me out for single combat, and battered
+my breast-plate with a thousand furious strokes!
+
+"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."
+
+LIS. I am perfectly ready. Mercurius tells me that the whole amounts
+to----
+
+PHIL. Upwards of thirty guineas?
+
+LIS. 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.
+
+Upon saying this, we followed Lisardo and his bibliographical
+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
+
+ "Fumum et opes strepitumque Romae."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+[Illustration: CHISWICK HOUSE as in 1740.]
+
+
+
+
+PART IV.
+
+=The Library.=
+
+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.
+
+
+ ----Wisdom loves
+ This seat serene, and Virtue's self approves:--
+ Here come the griev'd, a change of thought to find;
+ The curious here, to feed a craving mind:
+ Here the devout, their peaceful temple chuse;
+ And here, the poet meets his favouring Muse.
+
+CRABBE'S POEMS. (_The Library._)
+
+
+[Illustration:
+
+=Ingredere
+ut
+Proficias.=]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+=The Library.=
+
+DR. HENRY'S HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN.
+A GAME OF CHESS.--OF MONACHISM AND CHIVALRY.
+DINNER AT LORENZO'S.
+SOME ACCOUNT OF BOOK-COLLECTORS IN ENGLAND.
+
+
+During 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 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 PHILEMON, "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."
+
+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, apparently 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.
+LORENZO, 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 _fricandeau_),
+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 _half bound_ and _uncut_; 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.
+
+LYSAND. During your absence, I have been reading a very favourite work
+of mine--DR. HENRY'S _History of Great Britain_; especially that part
+of it which I prefer so much to the history of human cunning and
+human slaughter; I mean, the account of learning and of learned men.
+
+PHIL. 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.
+
+LYSAND. 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 _live_ in your boudoir, upon your
+staircase, or within your hall! The fact then is, you, Philemon,
+prefer the boudoir, and might, perhaps, improve 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 "_Civil
+and Ecclesiastical_" is undoubtedly the most important to the
+generality of readers. But one of these component parts was the _The
+History of Learning and of Learned Men_; 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.
+
+PHIL. Yet I wish he had rambled (if you will permit me so to speak) a
+little more into book-men and book-anecdotes.
+
+LYSAND. You may indulge this wish very innocently; but, certainly, you
+ought not to censure Dr. Henry for the omission of such minutiae.
+
+LIS. Does he ever quote Clement, De Bure, or Panzer?
+
+LYSAND. 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.
+
+LIS. 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.
+
+PHIL. I second Lisardo's motion; although I fear the evening presses
+too hard upon us to admit of much present discussion.
+
+LYSAND. 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 _knowledge_, which belongs to the history of
+book-collectors, are very poor, as you well know,--they being greatly
+eclipsed by my _zeal_ 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--
+
+LIS. 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.
+
+LYSAND. I assure you it is far from my intention to make any formal
+exordium, even if I knew the exact object of your request.
+
+PHIL. Tell us all about book-collecting and BIBLIOMANIACS in this
+country--
+
+LIS. "Commencez au commencement"--as the French adage is.
+
+LYSAND. 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?
+
+LIS. Reserve these meditations for your pillow, dear Lysander: and
+now, again I entreat you--"commencez au commencement."
+
+PHIL. Pray make a beginning only: the conclusion shall be reserved, as
+a desert, for Lorenzo's dinner to-morrow.
+
+LYSAND. 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.
+
+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
+_chivalry_--which obtained towards the middle ages; while, on the
+other hand, a _monastic life_ seems to have excited a love of
+retirement, meditation, and reading.[210] 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,[211] that the wretched
+indolence of the monastic life began to be diverted from a constant
+meditation upon "antiphoners, grailes, and psalters,"[212] 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 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,"[213] evinced a 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?
+
+ [Footnote 210: 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, _Dict. de Bibliolog._, 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
+ _strong liquors_; for at a visitation by Bishop Fox, held
+ there in 1506, Joyce Rows, the abbess, is accused of
+ _immoderate drinking_, 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
+ _Life of Sir Thomas Pope_, 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 _Leland's Collectanea_,
+ p. 86-7, edit. 1774: and especially the anecdotes and
+ authorities stated by Dr. Henry in book iii., chap, iv.,
+ sec. 1.]
+
+ [Footnote 211: See the first volume of Mr. Roscoe's _Lorenzo
+ de Medici_; and the Rev. Mr. Shepherd's _Life of Poggio
+ Bracciolini_.]
+
+ [Footnote 212: 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 _Collectanea
+ Curiosa_, vol. ii., 276. At page 115, 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 _Kyrie_, with
+ the verses of _gloria in excelsis_; the _gradales_, 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; _idem opus_,
+ vol. ii., 168.]
+
+ [Footnote 213: "_Of a Clerk that is an Hunter._"
+
+ "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." _Fol._ 86, _rev._: vide _infra_.
+ (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 _Hunters ne Hawkers_, ne playe at gammes prohibytede,
+ as dycese and cartes, and such oder." Burnet's _Hist. of the
+ Reformation_; vol. iii. p. 136, "Collections.")
+
+ "_Of the removing of Clerks' Concubines._"
+
+ "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. _Fol._ 114, _rect._
+
+ "_Of Concubines, that is to say of them that keep
+ Concubines._"
+
+ "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." _Fol._ 131, _rect._
+ _Constitutions Provincialles, and of Otho aud [Transcriber's
+ Note: and] Octhobone._ Redman's edit. 1534, 12mo. On looking
+ into Du Pin's _Ecclesiastical History_, 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."]
+
+PHIL. Shew me in what respect the gallant spirit of an ancient knight
+was hostile to the cultivation of the belles-lettres?
+
+LYSAND. 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.[214] Examine your favourite new
+edition of the _Fabliaux et Contes_ 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 a spirit of morality and
+religion--"[215] 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 _Ordene de Chevalerie_, or _Le Castoiement d'un
+Pere a son fils_ (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
+_Oliver of Castile_,[216] and his half-brother _Arthur_! 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--]
+
+ [Footnote 214: The celebrated LUDOVICUS VIVES 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."--_Instruction of a Christian Woman_, sign. D. 1.
+ rev., edit. 1593. From the fifth chapter (sufficiently
+ curious) of "What books be to be read, and what not."]
+
+ [Footnote 215: Vol. ii., p. 39, edit. 1808.]
+
+ [Footnote 216: "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
+ OLIVER and ARTHUR 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 _asperer_ 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, OLIVER and ARTHUR (his loyal fellow) had
+ the _bruit_ and _loos_. 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
+ _separed_ them. Nevertheless, the adversary party abode
+ 'till the torches were light. But the ladies and
+ _damoyselles_, 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
+ _damoyselles_, 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 _journey_. 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 _pryce_ 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
+ _damoyselles_, 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." _Hystorye of Olyuer of Castylle, and of the
+ fayre Helayne, &c._, 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 _British Typographical
+ Antiquities_.]
+
+"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.[217] 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!--
+
+ [Footnote 217: See _Monstrelet's Chronicles_, 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.]
+
+LIS. Pray dwell no longer upon such barbarous heroism! We admit that
+_Monachism_ may have contributed towards the making of bibliomaniacs
+more effectually than _Chivalry_. Now proceed--
+
+These words had hardly escaped Lisardo, when the arrival of my worthy
+neighbour NARCOTTUS (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 GAME OF CHESS 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
+LYSANDER 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
+
+ "Light of foot, and light of heart"
+
+Lisardo took leave of us 'till the morrow.
+
+Meanwhile, the chess combat continued with unabated spirit. Here
+Philemon's king stood pretty firmly guarded by both his knights, one
+castle, one bishop, and a body of common soldiers[218]--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,[219] 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 _Sir Launcelot_, the
+most distinguished of the two Knights,[220] 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 THE LADY OF
+THE LAKE[221]--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 _Sir Galaad_, 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 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."[222] 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,
+
+ Victors and vanquished shouts promiscuous rise.
+ With streams of blood the slippery fields are dyed,
+ And slaughtered heroes swell the dreadful tide.
+
+ _Iliad_ [passim].
+
+ [Footnote 218: "Whilst there are strong, able, and active
+ men of the king's side, to defend his cause, there is no
+ danger of [this] misfortune." _Letter to the Craftsman on
+ the Game of Chess_, p. 13.]
+
+ [Footnote 219: "When therefore the men of one party attack
+ those of the other, though their spleen at first may only
+ seem bent against a _Bishop_, a _Knight_, 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 _the Queen_,"
+ &c. _The same_, p. 12.]
+
+ [Footnote 220: "_The Knight_ (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 _the King_ 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 _the Knight_." _The same_, p.
+ 14.]
+
+ [Footnote 221: "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 WALTER SCOTT, 1810.]
+
+ [Footnote 222: See the authority (p. 40) quoted in the note
+ at page 157, ante.]
+
+And, truly, the army of Narcottus seemed wasted with a great
+slaughter: yet on neither side, had the monarch been _checked_, so as
+to be put in personal danger! "While there is life there is hope,"
+said the surviving Bishop[223] on the side of Narcottus: who now
+taking upon him the command of the army, and perceiving Sir Launcelot
+to 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[224]
+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 another Ximenes,[225] 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 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 the plain to come to the timely aid of the
+king,[226] 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.
+
+ [Footnote 223: "I think _the Bishops_ 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 _steadiness_ 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." _The same_ (vid. 206-7) p. 20.]
+
+ [Footnote 224: This truly chivalrous speech may be seen
+ extracted in Mr. Burnet's _Specimens of English Prose
+ Writers_, vol. i., 269. One of Virgil's heroes, to the best
+ of my recollection, dies serenely upon thinking of his
+ beloved countrymen:
+
+ ----dulces moriens reminiscitur Argos!]
+
+ [Footnote 225: It is always pleasant to me to make
+ comparisons with eminent book-patrons, or, if the reader
+ pleases, bibliomaniacs. CARDINAL XIMENES was the promoter
+ and patron of the celebrated Complutensian Polyglott Bible;
+ concerning which I have already submitted some account to
+ the public in my _Introduction to the Classics_, 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 _him_ 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 "_de rebus gestis, a Francisco Ximenio
+ Cisnerio Archiepiscopo Complut_," 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 XIMENES, 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 "_Missale
+ mixtum secundun [Transcriber's Note: secundum] regulum B.
+ Isidori, dictum Mozarabes, cum praefat._" _A. Ortiz._ Toleti,
+ 1500, fol. and the "_Breviarium, mixtum," &c._ _Mozarabes._
+ 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 Mariae
+ 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 nostrae 1500, Die 29o
+ 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." _Bibl. Harl._, vol. iii.,
+ p. 117. But let the reader consult the more extended details
+ of De Bure (_Bibl. Instruct._, vol. i., no. 210, 211),
+ and De La Serna Santander (_Dict. Chois. Bibliogr. du_ xv.
+ _Siecle_, part iii., p. 178); also the very valuable notice
+ of Vogt; _Cat. Libror. Rarior._, p. 591; who mention a fine
+ copy of the missal and breviary, each struck off UPON
+ VELLUM, 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 _Dict. Typog._, vol. i., p. 477; _Cat. de
+ Gaignat_, nos. 179, 180; _Cat. de la Valliere_, nos.
+ 271, 272; _Bibl. Solger._, vol. ii. no. 1280; and _Bibl.
+ Colbert_, nos. 342, 366. Having expatiated thus much, and
+ perhaps tediously, about these renowned volumes, let me
+ introduce to the notice of the heraldic reader the _Coat of
+ Arms_ 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.
+
+ [Illustration]]
+
+ [Footnote 226: Of the _Tower_ or _Rook_ (or _Elephant_) 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 _same_, p. 15. (vide.
+ 159, ante.)]
+
+Thus ended one of the most memorable chess contests 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.
+
+It was now fast advancing towards midnight; when Narcottus withdrew to
+his house, and my guests to their chambers.
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+"My dear Lisardo;
+
+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
+afterwards 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!
+
+Truly yours,
+
+LORENZO."
+
+"Little," exclaimed Lisardo, "does he know of my conversion. I'll join
+you uninvited; and abide by the consequences."
+
+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 THE LIBRARY, 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.
+
+LIS. 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.
+
+PHIL. I rise to second the motion.
+
+LOREN. And I, to give it every support in my power.
+
+LYSAND. There is no resisting such adroitly levelled attacks. Do pray
+tell me what it is you wish me to go on with?
+
+PHIL. The history of book-collecting and of book-collectors in this
+country.
+
+LIS. The history of BIBLIOMANIA, if you please.
+
+LYSAND. You are madder than the maddest of book-collectors, Lisardo.
+But I will gossip away upon the subjects as well as I am able.
+
+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."
+
+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 "_Ho!_" when you
+wish me to cease. But where shall we begin? From what period shall we
+take up the history of BOOKISM (or, if you please, BIBLIOMANIA) 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 _Stone-henge_, none, I believe, are to be
+found wherein the traces of a _Library_, in that vast ruin, are
+pretended to be discovered. As the Druids were sparing of their
+writing,[227] 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 THEODORE,
+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.[228] Such, however,
+was the scarcity of the book article, that Benedict Biscop (a founder
+of the 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 _Helluo Librorum_! as you will presently
+learn) gave afterwards as much land as eight ploughs could
+labour.[229] We now proceed to BEDE; 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[230] 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 INA, king of the West Saxons, whose
+ideas of the comforts of a monastery, and whose partiality to
+_handsome book-binding_, we may gather from a curious passage in
+Stow's Chronicle or Annals.[231]
+
+ [Footnote 227: Julius Caesar tells us that they dared not to
+ commit their laws to writing. _De Bell. Gall._, lib. vi.,
+ Sec. xiii.-xviii.]
+
+ [Footnote 228: Dr. Henry's _Hist. of Great Britain_, 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 BIBLIOMANIA.]
+
+ [Footnote 229: 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." _Hist. of Great
+ Britain_, vol. iv., p. 21. There must be some mistake here:
+ as Alfred was not born till the middle of the ninth century.
+ _Bed. Hist. Abbat Wermuthien, edit. Smith_, pp. 297-8, is
+ quoted by Dr. Henry.]
+
+ [Footnote 230: 1612, folio. De Bure (_Bibliogr. Instruct._
+ no. 353) might have just informed us that the Paris and
+ Basil editions of Bede's works are incomplete: and, at
+ no. 4444, where he notices the Cambridge edition of
+ Bede's _Ecclesiastical History_, (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.]
+
+ [Footnote 231: 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, A KIVER FOR THE GOSPEL BOOKE
+ TWENTY POUNDS"! &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. _Chronicle_, edit.
+ 1615, p. 76.]
+
+We have mentioned ALCUIN: whom Ashmole calls one of the
+school-mistresses to France.[232] 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.[233]
+Well might Egbert be proud of his librarian: the first, I believe upon
+record, who has composed a catalogue[234] of books in Latin hexameter
+verse: and full reluctantly, I ween, did this librarian take leave of
+his _Cell_ 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[235] of it begins thus:
+
+ "O my lov'd cell, sweet dwelling of my soul,
+ Must I for ever say, dear spot, farewell?"
+
+ [Footnote 232: _Theatrum Chemicum_, proleg. sign. A. 3.
+ rect.]
+
+ [Footnote 233: _History of Great Britain_, vol. iv., pp. 32,
+ 86. "Literatorum virorum fautor et Maecenas habebatur aetate
+ sua maximus ac doctissimus," says Bale: _Scrip. Brytan.
+ Illustr._, p. 109, edit. 1559. "Prae caeteris (says Lomeier)
+ insignem in colligendis illustrium virorum scriptis operam
+ dedit Egbertus Eboracensis archiepiscopus, &c.: qui
+ nobilissimam Eboraci bibliothecam instituit, cujus meminit
+ Alcuinis," &c. _De Bibliothecis_, 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 234: This curious catalogue is printed by Dr.
+ Henry, from Gale's _Rer. Anglicar. Scriptor. Vet._, 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 _Dict. Portat. de Bibliographie_, p. 12. Some
+ scarce separately-printed treatises of the same great man
+ are noticed in the first volume of the appendix to Bauer's
+ _Bibl. Libror. Rarior._, p. 44.]
+
+ [Footnote 235: _Anglo-Saxon History_, vol. ii., p. 355,
+ edit. 1808, 4to.]
+
+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 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 _book-treasures_,
+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
+SCOTUS ERIGENA; the most facetious wag of his times, notwithstanding
+his sirname of the _Wise_. "While Great Britain (says Bale) was a prey
+to intestine wars, our philosopher was travelling quietly abroad
+amidst the academic bowers of Greece;"[236] and there I suppose he
+acquired, with his knowledge of the Greek language, a taste for
+book-collecting and punning.[237] He was in truth a marvellous man; as
+we may gather from the eulogy of him by Brucker.[238]
+
+ [Footnote 236: Freely translated from his _Script. Brytan.
+ Illustr._, p. 124.]
+
+ [Footnote 237: 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 _Camden's Remaines_,
+ 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, _Quid
+ interest inter Scotum et Sotum_? (what is there between a
+ Scot and a Sot?) He merrily, but yet malapertly answered,
+ '_Mensa_'--(the table): as though the emperor were the Sot
+ and he the Scot." p. 236. _Roger Hoveden_ 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 238: _Hist. Philosoph._, 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.]
+
+In his celebrated work upon predestination, he maintained that
+"material fire is no part of the torments of the damned;"[239] a very
+singular notion in those times of 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 ALFRED; whose bust, I see,
+adorns that department of Lorenzo's library which is devoted to
+English History.
+
+ [Footnote 239: "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 aetherial 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 aetherial nature, were
+ massed with a body of air, that they might feel the fire."
+ _Mackenzie's Scottish Writers_: 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: tenebrae palpabiles: flagella
+ cedencium: horrenda visio demonum: desperatio omnium
+ bonorum." This I gather from the _Speculum Christiani_, 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!]
+
+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,[240] and produced some
+very respectable compositions; for which I refer you to Mr. Turner's
+excellent account of their author:[241] adding only that Alfred's
+translation of Boethius is esteemed his most popular performance.
+
+ [Footnote 240: The story of the _wax tapers_ 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 241: _The History of the Anglo-Saxons_; 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.]
+
+After Alfred, we may just notice his son EDWARD, and his grandson
+ATHELSTAN; the former of whom is supposed by Rous[242] (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 decisive victory over the
+Danes of Brunamburg, which Mr. George Ellis has inserted in his
+interesting volumes of _Specimens of the Early English Poets_:[243]
+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.
+
+ [Footnote 242: Consult _Johannis Rossi Historia Regum
+ Angliae; edit. Hearne_, 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 _De
+ Antiquitate Cantabrigiensis Academiae_, p. 14--where the
+ antiquity of the University of Cambridge is gravely assigned
+ to the aera 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
+ _Thomae Caii Vindic. Antiquitat. Acad. Oxon._: a work well
+ deserving of a snug place in the antiquary's cabinet.]
+
+ [Footnote 243: Edit. 1803, vol. i., p. 14.]
+
+Let us pass by that extraordinary scholar, courtier, statesman, and
+monk--ST. DUNSTAN; 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[244] relating to Glastonbury in
+my humble library.
+
+ [Footnote 244: There is an ample Catalogue Raisonne of these
+ three scarce publications in the first volume of the
+ _British Bibliographer_. 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
+ _Anglia-Sacra_--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 _Kyrie eleyson, Kyrie
+ eleyson, Kyrie eleyson_, 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--_Ite, missa est_. 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 _Kyrie
+ eleyson_, 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 _Eccles.
+ History_, vol. ii., p. 19, col. 2. That Glastonbury had many
+ and excellent books, vide Hearne's _Antiquities of
+ Glastonbury_; pp. LXXIV-VII. At Cambridge there is a
+ catalogue of the MSS. which were in Glastonbury library,
+ A.D. 1248.]
+
+We may open the eleventh century with CANUTE; upon whose political
+talents this is not the place to expatiate: but of whose
+bibliomaniacal character the illuminated MS. of _The Four Gospels_ 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 INGULPH, let us
+only follow him, in his boyhood, in his removal from school to
+college: let us fancy we see him, with his _Quatuor Sermones_ on a
+Sunday--and his _Cunabula Artis Grammaticae_[245] 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[246]--before he ventured upon writing the history of
+the said abbey. From Ingulph we go to LANFRANC; 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,[247] 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 ANSELM; who was
+"lettered and chaste of his childhood," says Trevisa:[248] 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 _apayred_ with only the offering of Christian men, and was
+holden a clean _mayde_, and did no outrage in drink,"[249] 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.
+
+ [Footnote 245: These were the common school books of the
+ period.]
+
+ [Footnote 246: 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. DR. HENRY: book iii., chap. iv.,
+ Sec. 1 and 2. But Ingulph merits a more particular eulogium.
+ The editors of that stupendous, and in truth, matchless
+ collection of national history, entitled _Recueil des
+ Historiens des Gaules_, thus say of him: "Il avoit tout vu
+ en bon connoisseur, et ce qu'il rapporte, il l'ecrit en
+ homme lettre, 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 _Round Table History_ should be informed that
+ there are many minute and curious descriptions in INGULPH
+ which throw considerable light upon the history of _Ancient
+ Chivalry_." Ibid. See too the animated eulogy upon him, at
+ p. 153, note _a_, 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 _Rerum Anglicarum Scriptores Veteres_: Oxon, 1684.
+ (3 vols.)]
+
+ [Footnote 247: LANFRANC 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
+ _Ecclesiastical History_, vol. xi., p. 12, &c., edit. 1699.]
+
+ [Footnote 248: _Polychronicon_, Caxton's edit., sign. 46,
+ rev.]
+
+ [Footnote 249: _Polychronicon._ 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,
+ WILLIAM CAXTON, Polydore, and others." This is the language
+ of master Bale, in his _Actes of Englyshe Votaryes_, pt.
+ ii., sign. I. vij. rev. Tisdale's edit. No wonder Hearne
+ says of the author, "erat immoderata
+ intemperantia."--_Bened. Abbas._, vol. i., praef. p. xx.]
+
+And here you may expect me to notice that curious book-reader and
+Collector, GIRALD, _Archbishop of York_, who died just at the close of
+the 11th century. Let us fancy we see him, according to Trevisa,[250]
+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
+bibliomaniac, HERMAN, 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.[251] (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.)
+
+ [Footnote 250: "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," _Polychronicon: Caxton's
+ edit._, 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."
+ _Catalogue of the Bishops of England_, p. 453--edit. 1601.
+ Concerning Girard's favourite author, consult Fabricius's
+ _Bibl. Lat.: cura Ernesti_, vol. iii., p. 114, &c., edit.
+ 1773.]
+
+ [Footnote 251: 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:" _de
+ Scriptor. Britan._, vol. i., 174: and Dugdale, according to
+ Warton (_Monasticon Anglican._; vol. iii., p. 375), says
+ that "he was so fond of letters that he did not disdain to
+ bind and illuminate books."]
+
+LOREN. If you proceed thus systematically, my good Lysander, the
+morning cock will crow 'ere we arrive at the book-annals even of the
+Reformation.
+
+LYSAND. 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 HENRY THE SECOND,[252] I did not notice that
+extraordinary student and politician, BECKET!
+
+ [Footnote 252: 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 HENRY II. 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 _alledge_ 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 _orped_ 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!" _Polychronicon_, Caxton's edit., fol. cccliij.,
+ rev.]
+
+LIS. At your peril omit him! I think (although my black-letter reading
+be very limited) that Bale, in his _English Votaries_, has a curious
+description of this renowned archbishop; whose attachment to books, in
+his boyish years, must on all sides be admitted.
+
+LYSAND. 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 somewhat impaired), Tyndale[253] 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.
+
+ [Footnote 253: We will first amuse ourselves with Bale's
+ curious account of
+
+ "_The fresh and lusty beginnings of_ THOMAS BECKET."
+
+ 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. _Englyshe Votaryes_, pt. ii., sign.
+ P. vi. rect. Printed by Tisdale, 8vo. The orthography is
+ modernized, but the words are faithfully _Balean_! 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. _Practise of Popish Prelates._
+ _Tyndale's Works_, 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 praeterquam mundam
+ splendidam et inundantem epularum opulentiam. Nulla gule,
+ nulla lascivie, nulla penitus luxurie, videbantur
+ incitamenta. Revera inter tot et tantas delicias quae ei
+ apponebantur, in nullo penitus sardanapalum sed solum
+ episcopum sapiebat," &c. _Vita et processus sancti Thome
+ Cantuariensis martyris super libertate ecclesiastica_;
+ 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." _The boke that is callid Festiuall_; 1486,
+ fol. sign. m. iij. These anecdotes, which are not to be
+ found in Lyttleton or Berrington, may probably be gratifying
+ to the curious.]
+
+Although I wish to be as laconic as possible in my _Catalogue
+Raisonne_ 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,
+Peterborough, and Glastonbury,[254] deserve to be particularly noticed
+and commended. But I will push on with the personal history of
+literature, or rather of the BIBLIOMANIA.
+
+ [Footnote 254: "I shall retire back to _Godstowe_, 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 ON VELLUM,
+ and many ILLUMINATIONS appeared throughout, so as to draw
+ the nunns the more easily to follow their examples."
+ Hearne's edit. _Guil. Neubrig._, 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
+ BIBLIOMANIA in the nunnery of Godstow? As to _Peterborough_
+ 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 _fifty-seven_ volumes. But alas! the book
+ reputation of this monastery soon fell away: for master
+ Robert, who died abbot in 1222, left but _seven_ books
+ behind him; and Geoffrey de Croyland, who was abbot in 1290,
+ had only that dreary old gentleman, _Avicenna_, to keep him
+ company! At its dissolution, however, it contained 1700
+ volumes in MSS. _Gunton's Peterborough_, p. 173.
+ _Glastonbury_ 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
+ _Joh. Confrat. Glaston._, 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." _Hist. Engl. Poetry_, Diss. ii.]
+
+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, GIRALD BARRI, or Giraldus
+Cambrensis; whose Irish and Welch itinerary has been recently so
+beautifully and successfully put forth in our own language.[255]
+Giraldus, 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.[256] 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!
+
+ [Footnote 255: 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 256: "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, Sec. 2), on the authority of
+ Giraldus's own book, _De rebus a se gestis_, lib. i. c. 16.
+ Twyne, in his arid little quarto Latin volume of the
+ _Antiquities of Oxford_, 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 _Annals of
+ the University of Oxford_, vol. i., pp. 60, 166. Warton, in
+ his _History of English Poetry_, vol. i., Diss. ii., notices
+ Giraldus's work with his usual taste and interest.]
+
+LIS. I wish from my heart that Girald Barri had been somewhat more
+communicative on this head!
+
+LOREN. Of what do you suppose he would have informed us, had he
+indulged this bibliographical gossipping?
+
+LIS. Of many a grand and many a curious volume.
+
+LYSAND. Not exactly so, Lisardo. The art of book-illumination in this
+country was then sufficiently barbarous, if at all known.
+
+LIS. And yet I'll lay a vellum Aldus that Henry the second presented
+his fair Rosamond with some choice _Heures de Notre Dame_! But
+proceed. I beg pardon for this interruption.
+
+LYSAND. 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.
+
+LOREN. 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--"SUCCESS TO THE BIBLIOMANIA!"
+
+PHIL. '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!
+
+LIS. Philemon has cheated me of an eloquent speech. But let us receive
+the sentiment as he proposes it.
+
+LOREN. Now the uproar of Bacchus has subsided, the instructive
+conversation of Minerva may follow. Go on, Lysander.
+
+LYSAND. Having endeavoured to do justice to Girald Barri, I know of no
+other particularly distinguished bibliomaniac till we approach the aera
+of the incomparable ROGER, or FRIAR, BACON. 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;"[257]--yet I suspect that the end of Bacon was hastened by
+other means more disgraceful to the age and equally painful to
+himself.
+
+ [Footnote 257: "_A short treatise declaringe the detestable
+ wickednesse of magicall sciences, as necromancie,
+ coniuration of spirites, curiouse astrologie, and suche
+ lyke, made by_ FRANCIS COXE." 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 _cheese_: 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 _the like
+ sort_; 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 Naude, in his "_Apologie pour tous
+ les grands personnages, &c., faussement soupconnez de
+ Magic_," 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 ROGER BACON; who was
+ miserably matched in the age in which he lived; but who,
+ together with his great patron GROSTESTE, will shine forth
+ as beacons to futurity. Dr. Friend in his _History of
+ Physic_ has enumerated what he conceived to be Bacon's
+ leading works; while Gower in his _Confessio Amantis_
+ (Caxton's edit., fol. 70), has mentioned the brazen head--
+
+ =for to telle
+ Of such thyngs as befelle:=
+
+ which was the joint manufactory of the patron and his eleve.
+ 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
+ _Dryden's Works_. 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 "_Opus Majus_," which happened to
+ meet the eyes of Pope Clement IV., and which _now_ 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 _tetragonistical_
+ story, said by Twyne to be propagated by our philosopher, of
+ Julius Caesar's seeing the whole of the British coast and
+ encampment upon the Gallic shore, "maximorum ope speculorum"
+ (_Antiquit. Acad. Oxon. Apolog._ 1608, 4to., p. 353), may be
+ pleased with the facetious story told of him by Wood
+ (_Annals of Oxford_, vol. i., 216, Gutch's edit.) and yet
+ more by the minute catalogue of his works noticed by Bishop
+ Tanner (_Bibl. Brit. Hibern._ 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 ONE, as
+ chief of the name." _Church History_, book iii., p. 96.]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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 Jews,[258] he was
+constantly perusing, and of which so large a share had fallen to his
+own lot!
+
+ [Footnote 258: 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 _Hist. et
+ Antiquit. Univ. Oxon._, 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 _their books_ (for many of them were learned) to divers
+ of our scholars; among whom, as is verily supposed, ROGER
+ BACON 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.!]
+
+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"[259]--to fix the laureate
+crown round the brows of our venerable Bacon!
+
+ [Footnote 259: See a periodical paper, entitled _The
+ Director_! vol. ii., p. 294.]
+
+We have now reached the close of the thirteenth century and the reign
+of EDWARD THE FIRST;[260] 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 "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.
+
+ [Footnote 260: "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. _Hearne's Curious
+ Discourses written by eminent Antiquaries_; vol. ii., 326,
+ edit. 1775.]
+
+Of the bibliomaniacal propensity of Edward's grandson, the great
+EDWARD THE THIRD, 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[261]
+(gergeously [Transcriber's Note: gorgeously] 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.[262]
+
+ [Footnote 261: 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 _L'Acadamie des
+ Inscriptions_, &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 p. 118, ante.]
+
+ [Footnote 262: "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:
+
+ So ofte a daye I mote thy worke renew,
+ If to correct and eke to rubbe and scrape,
+ And all is thorow thy neglegence and rape."
+
+ Ashmole _Theatrum Chemicum_; p. 439.]
+
+The mention of Edward the Third, as a patron of learned men, must
+necessarily lead a book-antiquary to the notice of his eminent
+chancellor, RICHARD DE BURY; of whom, as you may recollect, some
+slight mention was made the day before yesterday.[263] 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.[264] It was probably De Bury's
+intention to make his royal master eclipse his contemporary CHARLES
+THE VTH, of France--the most renowned foreign bibliomaniac of his
+age![265] 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
+historical antiquary, by indulging himself in a chit-chat style of
+book-anecdote respecting this illustrious character.[266]
+
+ [Footnote 263: See p. 29, ante.]
+
+ [Footnote 264: "--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 _per quaternos_
+ facilius, quam _per pecuniam_, adipisci favorem."
+ _Philobiblion; sive de Amore Librorum_ (vide p. 29, ante),
+ p. 29: edit. 1599, 4to. But let the reader indulge me with
+ another extract or two, containing evidence [Transcriber's
+ Note: 'of' missing in original] the most unquestionable of
+ the severest symptoms of the BIBLIOMANIA that ever assailed
+ a Lord Chancellor or a Bishop!--Magliabechi must have read
+ the ensuing passage with rapture: "Quamobrem cum praedicti
+ principis recolendae memoriae 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 cistulae
+ solvebantur, et per longa secula in sepulchris soporata
+ volumina, expergiscunt attonita, quaeque in locis tenebrosis
+ latuerant, novae lucis radiis perfunduntur." "Delicatissimi
+ quondam libri, corrupti et abhominabiles iam effecti, murium
+ faetibus 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 haec nihilominus, captatis
+ temporibus, magis voluptuose consedimus, quam fecisset
+ Medicus delicatus inter aromatum apothecas, ubi amoris
+ nostri objectum reperimus et fomentum; sic sacra vasa
+ scientiae, ad nostrae dispensationis provenerunt arbitrium:
+ quaedam data, quaedam 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 aerarium instaurasse possemus: sed
+ revera LIBROS NON LIBRAS maluimus, codicesque plusquam
+ florenos, ac panfletos exiguos incrassatis praetulimus
+ palfridis," _Philobiblion_; 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!]
+
+ [Footnote 265: CHARLES THE FIFTH, 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 _Cat. de la Bibliotheque
+ Royale_, 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 _Towers of the Louvre_;
+ which tower was hence called _La Tour de la Librarie_. 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 p. 93, ante) to make
+ himself master of still further curious particulars relating
+ to this library, may examine the first and second volume of
+ _L'Academie des Inscriptions_, &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 _Mem. Lit._, 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 laetificavit cor nostrum, quoties
+ Paradisum mundi _Parisios_ visitare vacavimus ibi moraturi?
+ Ubi nobis semper dies pauci, prae amoris magnitudine,
+ videbantur. Ibi Bibliothecae jucundae super sellas aromatum
+ redolentes; ibi virens viridarium universorum voluminum,"
+ &c. _Philobiblion_; p. 31, edit. 1559.]
+
+ [Footnote 266: After having intruded, I fear, by the
+ preceding note respecting _French Bibliomania_, there is
+ only room left to say of our DE BURY--that he was the friend
+ and correspondent of Petrarch--and that Mons. Sade, in his
+ _Memoirs of Petrarch_, 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 _History of
+ the University of Oxford_, vol. ii., p. 911. Gutch's edit.
+ De Bury's _Philobiblion_, 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." _Polyhist. Literar._, 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 DE BURY. "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." _Philobiblion_, cap. 29,
+ 30.--Warton also quotes, in English, a part of what had been
+ already presented to the reader in its original Latin form.
+ _Hist. Engl. Poetry_, vol. i., Diss. II., 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 _Catalogue of the Bishops of England_,
+ p. 524-5, edit. 1601, we find that De Bury was the son of
+ one SIR RICHARD ANGARUILL, 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_l._ in almes; from
+ Durham to Stocton, 5_l._: from Durham to Aukland, 5 marks;
+ from Durham to Middleham, 5_l._" &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.]
+
+LOREN. 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.
+
+LYSAND. Forgive me, if I have transgressed the boundaries of good
+sense or good breeding: it was not my intention to make a "_Concio ad
+Aulam_"--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.
+
+LIS. Nay, Lorenzo, do not disturb the stream of Lysander's eloquence.
+I could listen 'till "Jocund day stood tip-toe on the mountain."
+
+PHIL. 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.[267]
+
+ [Footnote 267: 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."]
+
+LOREN. 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
+possibly feel _ennui_. 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.
+
+LYSAND. You do me, and the _Bibliomania_, 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:
+
+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 _History of British
+Libraries_, 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 HENRY IV., we cannot avoid the mention of that distinguished
+library hunter, and book describer, JOHN BOSTON of Bury;[268] who may
+justly be considered the Leland of 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.
+
+ [Footnote 268: It is said of BOSTON 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, "mira sedulitate et diligentia omnes omnium
+ regni monasteriorum bibliothecas invisit: librorum collegit
+ titulos, et authorum eorum nomina: quae omnia alphabetico
+ disposuit ordine, et quasi unam omnium bibliothecam fecit."
+ What Lysander observes above is very true: "non enim
+ dissimulanda (says Gale) monasteriorum subversio, quae brevi
+ spatio subsecuta est--libros omnes dispersit et BOSTONI
+ providam diligentiam, maxima ex parte, inutilem reddidit."
+ _Rer. Anglicar. Scrip. Vet._, vol. iii., praef. 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. _Bened. Abbat._ vol. i., praef. p. xvii. It is
+ a little surprising that Leland should have omitted to
+ notice him. But the reader should consult Tanner's _Bibl.
+ Britan._, p. xvii., 114.]
+
+There is a curious anecdote of this period in Rymer's Foedera,[269]
+about taking off the duty upon _six barrels of books_, 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.
+
+ [Footnote 269: 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 _in sex Barellis
+ contentos_, Priori qt Conventui Ecclesiae Sanctae Trinitatis
+ Norwici, per quendam Adam nuper Cardinalem legatos, et in
+ portum civitatis nostrae predictae (Londinensis) ab urbe
+ Romana jam adductos, praefato, Priori, absque Custuma seu
+ subsidio inde ad opus nostrum capiendis, liberetis
+ indilate," &c.]
+
+LIS. This DUKE OF BEDFORD 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 _The Bedford Missal_![270]
+
+ [Footnote 270: 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 "A VOUS ENTIER:"
+ that of the latter, "J'EN SUIS CONTENTE." 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.]
+
+LYSAND. 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!
+
+LIS. 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."
+
+LYSAND. Banter as you please; only "don't disturb the stream of my
+eloquence."
+
+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
+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 COBHAM, Bishop of Worcester, REDE,
+Bishop of Chichester, and HUMPHREY the good Duke of Gloucester.[271]
+Now began the fashion (and may it never fall to decay!) of making
+presents to public libraries:--but, during the short and splendid
+career of HENRY V., 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 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.
+
+ [Footnote 271: We will first notice COBHAM, 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 _a Library_, 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 _l._ 40 was obtained for them (unless other remedy
+ could be found) with which should be bought an yearly rent
+ of _l._ 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 _Hist. of the
+ University of Oxford_, vol. ii., pt. ii., 911. Gutch's edit.
+ WILLIAM REDE, or READ, bishop of Chichester, "sometimes
+ Fellow (of Merton College) gave a chest with _l._ 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, _a Library_ in the college; being the first
+ that the society enjoyed, and gave books thereunto." Wood's
+ _History of the Colleges and Halls_, p. 15, Gutch's edit. In
+ Mr. Nicholl's _Appendix to the History of Leicester_, p.
+ 105, note 20, I find some account of this distinguished
+ literary character, taken from Tanner's _Bibl. Britan._, p.
+ 618. He is described, in both authorities, as being a very
+ learned Fellow of Merton College, where he built and
+ furnished _a noble library_; on the wall of which was
+ painted his portrait, with this inscription: "GULIELMUS
+ REDAEUS, EPISCOPUS CICESTRENSIS, MAGISTER IN THEOLOGIA,
+ PROFUNDUS ASTRONOMUS, QUONDAM SOCIUS ISTIUS COLLEGII, QUI
+ HANC LIBRARIAM FIERI FECIT." 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. _Chronicles_ (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 BIBLIOTHECA READIANA! The memory of this once
+ celebrated bishop lives therefore only in what books have
+ recorded of him; and this brief and _verbal picture_ of Read
+ is here drawn--as was the more finished resemblance of
+ Chaucer by the pencil, which Occleve has left behind--
+
+ =That thei that have of him lost thoute and mynde
+ By this peinture may ageine him fynde.=
+
+ HUMPHREY, Duke of GLOUCESTER, "commonly called _the good_,
+ 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 _Royal and Noble Authors_; 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 _Cista Librorum et Rotulorum_." _History_ (or Annals)
+ _of the University of Oxford_; vol. ii., pt. ii., 914.
+ Gutch's edit. Consult also the recent and very amusing
+ _History of the same University_, by Mr. A. Chalmers, vol.
+ ii., p. 459. Leland has not forgotten this distinguished
+ bibliomaniac; for he thus lauds him in roman verse:
+
+ Tam clari meminit viri togata
+ Recte Gallia; tum chorus suavis
+ Cygnorum Isidis ad vadum incolentum
+ Cui magnum numerum dedit BONORUM
+ LIBRORUM, statuitque sanctiori
+ Divinus studio scholae theatrum;
+ Nostro quale quidem videtur esse
+ Magnum tempore, forsan et futuro
+
+ _Cygn. Cant._ Vide Lelandi Itinerarium
+ Cura Hearne; edit. 1770, vol. ix., p. 17.]
+
+The reign of his successor, HENRY VI., 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;[272] but the result of this petition has
+never, I believe, been known.
+
+ [Footnote 272: In the manuscript history of Eton College, in
+ the British Museum (_MSS. Donat._ 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 _late were
+ perteynyng to the Duke of Gloucester_, 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
+ _Hist. Engl. Poet._, diss. ii., sign. f. 2.]
+
+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, SIR WALTER SHERINGTON. He was a most assiduous
+bibliomaniac;[273] 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.
+
+ [Footnote 273: "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) WALTAR
+ SHERINGTON, chancellor of the duchie of Lancaster, in the
+ raigne of Henrie the 6. which hath beene well furnished with
+ faire written books IN VELLEM: but few of them now do
+ remaine there." _Antiquities of Glastonbury_; Hearne's edit.
+ 1722; p. 308.
+
+ _Regulations concerning Sherington's Library._
+
+ "Quodque dicta libraria, hostiis ipsius per praefatos
+ capellanos custodes ejusdem, et eorum successores, aut
+ alterum ipsorum, apertis singulis diebus profestis annuatim
+ a festo Nativ. beat. Mar. Virg. usque festum Annunciacionis
+ ejusdem, ob ortu solis, donec hora nona post altam missam de
+ servicio diei in dicta ecclesia 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 beatae Mariae Virginis
+ usque ad praedictum 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
+ praefatos capellanos, seu eorum alterum et successores suos
+ custodes dictae librariae debite et diligenter aperta,
+ custodiatur, nisi causa racionabilis hoc fieri impediat. Ita
+ quod nullum dampnum eidem librariae aut in libris, aut in
+ hostiis, seruris vel fenestris vitreis ejusdem, ex
+ negligencia dictorum capellanorum aut successorum suorum
+ custodum dictae librariae evenire contingat. Et si quid
+ dampnum hujusmodi in praemissis, seu aliquo praemissorum, 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 praedicta,
+ cum eorum seruris et clavibus, omnino sint clausa et secure
+ serata." _Id._: p. 193.]
+
+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 EDWARD IV., 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 aera of BIBLIOMANIA! Now the rich, and comparatively
+poor, began to build them small _Book Rooms_ or _Libraries_. 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 or round," as Cowper[274] 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, knowledge grew, judgment increased,
+BOOKS WERE DISPERSED, the scripture was read, stories were opened,
+times compared, truth discerned, falsehood detected, and with finger
+pointed (at)--and all, THROUGH THE BENEFIT OF PRINTING."[275]
+
+ [Footnote 274: The entire passage is worth extraction: as it
+ well describes many an old stool which has served for many a
+ studious philosopher:
+
+ "Joint stools were then created: on three legs
+ Upborne they stood. Three legs upholding firm
+ A massy slab, in fashion square or round.
+ On such a stool immortal Alfred sat,
+ And sway'd the sceptre of his infant realms.
+ And such in ancient halls and mansions drear
+ May still be seen; but perforated sore,
+ And drilled in holes, the solid oak is found,
+ By worms voracious eating through and through."
+
+ _Task_: b. i., v. 19, &c.
+
+ It had escaped the amiable and sagacious author of these
+ verses that such tripodical seats were frequently introduced
+ into OLD BOOK-ROOMS; as the subjoined print--which gives us
+ also a curious picture of one of the libraries alluded to by
+ Lysander--may serve to shew:
+
+ [Illustration: _Revelaciones Sancte Birgitte; ed. 1521,
+ sign. z. 3 rev._]]
+
+ [Footnote 275: _Book of Martyrs_, vol. i., p. 927; edit.
+ 1641.]
+
+LIS. 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.
+
+PHIL. Order, order, Lisardo! This is downright rudeness. I appeal to
+the chair!--
+
+LORENZ. Lisardo is unquestionably reprehensible. His eagerness makes
+him sometimes lose sight of good breeding.
+
+LYSAND. I was going to mention some _Vellum_ and _Presentation_
+copies--but I shall hurry forward.
+
+LIS. Nay, if you love me, omit nothing about "vellum and presentation
+copies." Speak at large upon these glorious subjects.
+
+LYSAND. Poor Lisardo!--we must build an iron cage to contain such a
+book-madman as he promises to become!
+
+PHIL. Proceed, dear Lysander, and no longer heed these interruptions.
+
+LYSAND. Nay, I was only about to observe that, as Caxton is known to
+have printed _upon vellum_,[276] it is most probable that one of his
+presentation copies of the romances of _Jason and Godfrey of Boulogne_
+(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 characters; for how could the firm friend and generous
+patron of TIPTOFT, EARL of WORCESTER--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[277] among us, I will read to you, from
+yonder beautiful copy of his English edition of "_Tully upon
+Friendship_," 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?
+
+ [Footnote 276: Consult the recent edition of the
+ _Typographical Antiquities_ of our own country: vol. i., p.
+ 56, 137, 268.]
+
+ [Footnote 277: 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 _Golden Legend_, one of Caxton's commonest productions,
+ produced at a book sale, a few months ago, the sum of
+ _twenty-seven_ guineas!]
+
+LIS. 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!
+
+LOREN. 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 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,[278] has made his literary character so interesting
+that, considering the dearth of early good English authors,[279] I
+know of no other name that merits greater respect and admiration.
+
+ [Footnote 278: Vol i., p. 200, &c. _History of Great
+ Britain_, by Dr. Henry, vol. x., p. 143, &c.]
+
+ [Footnote 279: "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 translateed 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 lateer 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 _Ancient Engleish Metrical
+ Romancees_, vol. i., p. lxxxi.]
+
+LYSAND. 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,[280] gives him a distinguished place in the list of
+BIBLIOMANIACS. 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?[281]
+
+ [Footnote 280: Dr. Henry's _History of Great Britain_;
+ _ibid._: from which a copious note has been given in the new
+ edition of our _Typographical Antiquities_; vol. i., p. 127,
+ &c.]
+
+ [Footnote 281: Henry Faulkener, no. 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 _Book-binding_!]
+
+LIS. I entreat you not to inflame my imagination by such tantalizing
+pictures! You know this must ever be a fiction: the most successful
+bibliomaniac never attained to such human happiness.
+
+PHIL. Leave Lisardo to his miseries, and proceed.
+
+LYSAND. 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 NEVELL,
+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[282] is one of Lisardo's fictions.
+
+ [Footnote 282: 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 _Leland's Collectanea_, 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
+ _sandwiches_--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 EARL of
+ WORCESTER 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
+ NEVELL 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 (_Chronicles_,
+ p. 426; edit. 1615), nor by Godwyn, (_Catalogue of the
+ Bishops of England_, p. 481, edit. 1601): both of whom
+ relate the fact with singular naivete. I have a strong
+ suspicion that Nevell was so far a bibliomaniac as to have
+ had a curious collection of _astrological books_; 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 '_Medulla_'
+ to him, ann. 1746; as also the presentation of Norton's
+ '_Ordinall_,'" &c. Thus writes Ashmole, in his _Theatrum
+ Chemicum_, p. 455.]
+
+Enough has probably been said of Edward. We will stop, therefore, but
+a minute, to notice the completion of the HUMPHREY LIBRARY, and the
+bibliomaniacal spirit of master RICHARD COURTNEY,[283] during the same
+reign; and give but another minute to the mention of the statute of
+RICHARD III. in protection of English printers,[284] when we reach the
+AUGUSTAN BOOK-AGE, in the reign of HENRY VII.
+
+ [Footnote 283: 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_s_. and
+ viii_d_. his apparell found him _de secta generosorum_. 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 MR. RICHARD COURTNEY
+ to come in when he pleased, during his own lieffe, so it was
+ in the day-tyme: and the cause seemeth, that he was CHEIFFE
+ CAWSER AND SETTER ON OF THE LIBRARYE." _Curious Discourses
+ by Eminent Antiquaries_; vol. ii., p. 410., edit. 1775.]
+
+ [Footnote 284: See page 114, ante. When Lysander talks,
+ above, of the reign of Henry the Seventh being the "AUGUSTAN
+ AGE for BOOKS," he must be supposed to allude to the
+ facility and beauty of publishing them by means of THE
+ PRESS: for at this period, abroad, the typographical
+ productions of Verard, Eustace, Vostre, Bonfons, Pigouchet,
+ Regnier, and many others ("quae nunc perscribere longum est")
+ were imitated, and sometimes equalled by W. de Worde,
+ Pynson, and Notary, at home. In regard to _intellectual_
+ 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
+ ordinarry [Transcriber's Note: ordinary] fee was twentypence
+ a letter." (MSS. in Benet College Library, lib. P. p. 194,)
+ _Ridley's Life of Ridley_, p. 22. "Greek began to be taught
+ in both universities: quietly at Cambridge, but ('Horresco
+ referens!') with some tumult at Oxford!" _ibid._]
+
+PHIL. Before we proceed to discuss the bibliomaniacal ravages of this
+age, we had better retire, with Lorenzo's leave, to the DRAWING-ROOM;
+to partake of a beverage less potent than that which is now before us.
+
+LORENZ. 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.
+
+LIS. 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.
+
+LYSAND. Settle it between yourselves. But I think I could hold out for
+another twenty minutes--since you will make me your only book-orator.
+
+LORENZ. 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!
+
+LYSAND. Provided you indulge me also with a sight of these delightful
+objects, you shall have what you desire:--and thus I proceed:
+
+Of the great passion of HENRY THE VIITH for fine books, even before he
+ascended the throne of England,[285] 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,[286] 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,[287] were now introduced into almost every work, both of
+ascetic divinity and also of plain practical morality. His
+predecessor, 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 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:[288]--and this, in my
+humble apprehension, is quite sufficient to account for all the
+terrible workings in Richard, which Shakespeare has so vividly
+described.
+
+ [Footnote 285: 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
+ HENRY'S arms, with his name--HENRICVS DVX RICHMVNDIAE. 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!]
+
+ [Footnote 286: The possession of such a volume as "_The
+ Revelations of the monk of Euesham_" (vide vol. ii., of the
+ new edition of _Brit. Typog. Antiquities_), is evidence
+ sufficient of Henry's attachment to extravagant books of
+ devotion.]
+
+ [Footnote 287: 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--_that_
+ 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 page 168, 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 _bruit_ 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
+ _noysaunce_, and all in one thunder crying and braying
+ horribly."--_Thordynary of Crysten Men_, 1506, 4to., k k.
+ ii., rect. Again: from a French work written "for the
+ amusement of all worthy ladies and gentlemen:"
+
+ De la flamme tousiours esprise
+ De feu denfer qui point ne brise
+ De busches nest point actise
+ Ne de soufflemens embrase
+ Le feu denfer, mais est de Dieu
+ Cree pour estre en celuy lieu
+ Des le premier commencement
+ Sans jamais pendre finement
+ Illec nya point de clarte
+ Mais de tenebres obscurte
+ De peine infinie durte
+ De miseres eternite
+ Pleur et estraignement de dens
+ Chascun membre aura la dedans
+ Tourmmens selon ce qua forfait
+ La peine respondra au fait,
+ &c. &c. &c.
+
+ _Le passe tempe de tout home, et de toute femme_;
+ sign. q. ii., rev.
+
+ 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." _Hist. Engl. Poetry_: vol.
+ ii., 195.
+
+ In hell is great mourning
+ Great trouble of crying
+ Of thunder noises roaring
+ with plenty of wild fire
+ Beating with great strokes like guns
+ with a great frost in water runs
+ And after a bitter wind comes
+ which goeth through the souls with ire
+ There is both thirst and hunger
+ fiends with hooks putteth their flesh asunder
+ They fight and curse and each on other wonder
+ with the fight of the devils dreadable
+ There is shame and confusion
+ Rumour of conscience for evil living
+ They curse themself with great crying
+ In smoak and stink they be evermore lying
+ with other pains innumerable.
+
+ _Kalendar of Shepherds. Sign G. vij. rev.
+ Pynson's edit., fol._
+
+ [Illustration]
+
+ 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 _Typographical Antiquities_. 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.
+ _Revelaciones sancte Birgitte; edit. Koeberger, 1521, fol.,
+ sign. q., 7, rev._]
+
+ [Footnote 288: See many of the cuts in that scarce and
+ highly coveted volume, entitled, "_Idee Generale d'une
+ Collection complette d'Estampes_." Leips. 1771, 8vo.]
+
+LIS. 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.
+
+LYSAND. 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 _large paper_ and _vellum_ 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[289] at Westminster (in
+which latter, I suspect, he had a curiously-carved gothic closet for
+the preservation of choice copies from Caxton's neighbouring 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 _The Ship of Fools_--in which work, ostentatious and
+ignorant book-collectors[290] are, amongst other characters, severely
+satirized.
+
+ [Footnote 289: 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 coenobium valde fuit liberalis et
+ munificus. Nullumque fere fuit in tota Anglia monachorum,
+ aut fratrum coenobium, nullum collegium, cujus preces, ad
+ animam ipsius Deo post obitum commendandam, sedulo non
+ expetierat. Legavit autem singulorum praefectis sex solidos
+ et octo denarios, singulis autem eorundem presbyteris, tres
+ solidos et quatuor denarios: ceteris non presbyteris viginti
+ denarios." _Hist. Eccles. Anglic._, p. 606, edit. 1622,
+ fol.]
+
+ [Footnote 290: The reader is here introduced to his old
+ acquaintance, who appeared in the title-page to my first
+ "_Bibliomania_:"--
+
+ [Illustration]
+
+ I am the firste fole of all the hole navy
+ To kepe the pompe, the helme, and eke the sayle:
+ For this is my mynde, this one pleasoure have I--
+ Of bokes to haue great plenty and aparayle.
+ I take no wysdome by them: nor yet avayle
+ Nor them perceyve nat: And then I them despyse.
+ Thus am I a foole, and all that serue that guyse.
+
+ _Shyp of Folys_, &c., _Pynson's edit._, 1509, fol.]
+
+We have now reached the threshhold of the reign of HENRY VIII.--and of
+the era of THE REFORMATION. 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, when he made his abode with
+us, the incomparable Erasmus. But these in their turn.
+
+PHIL. You omit Wolsey. Surely he knew something about books?
+
+LYSAND. 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--
+
+LIS. "Yes, and then"--you will infect us from top to toe with the
+BOOK-DISEASE!
+
+PHIL. 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.
+
+LYSAND. 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.
+
+LIS. 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:--
+
+ "Claudite jam rivos, pueri: sat prata biberunt!"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+[Illustration: The striking device of M. MORIN, Printer, Rouen.]
+
+
+
+
+PART V.
+
+=The Drawing Room.=
+
+
+HISTORY OF THE BIBLIOMANIA, OR ACCOUNT
+OF BOOK COLLECTORS, CONCLUDED.
+
+
+ Some in Learning's garb
+ With formal hand, and sable-cinctur'd gown,
+ And rags of mouldy volumes.
+
+ AKENSIDE; _Pleasures of Imagination_, b. iii., v. 96.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+=The Drawing Room.=
+
+HISTORY OF THE BIBLIOMANIA, OR ACCOUNT OF
+BOOK-COLLECTORS, CONTINUED.
+
+
+Volatile as the reader may comceive [Transcriber's Note: conceive] 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, 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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+Upon breaking up for THE DRAWING ROOM, 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.
+
+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.
+
+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
+_en suite_ with the library, which was fitted up in a grave style or
+character, the contrast was sufficiently pleasing.
+
+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;
+
+ --and the cups
+ That cheer, but not inebriate,
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+The harper had now ceased. The tea-things were moved away; when we
+narrowed our circle, and, two of 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.
+
+"I think we left off," said Lysander, "with seating HENRY THE EIGHTH
+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,[291] 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 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 UPON
+VELLUM:[292] but when he quarrelled with the Roman pontiff about his
+divorce from Queen Catharine, in order to marry Anne Boleyn,[293] he
+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 _upon vellum_ or _large paper_. But had we not better speak of
+the book ravages, during the reformation, in their proper place?"
+
+ [Footnote 291: "In the time (saith he) of King HENRIE THE
+ EIGHT, 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." _Admonition to
+ England and Scotland, &c._, Geneva, 1558, p. 69. Quoted by
+ Stapleton in his _Counter Blaste to Horne's Vayne Blaste_,
+ 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!"]
+
+ [Footnote 292: Mr. Edwards informs me that he has had a copy
+ of the "_Assertio Septem Sacramentorum aduersus Martin
+ Lutherum_," &c. (printed by Pynson in 4to., both with and
+ without date--1521), UPON VELLUM. 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 293: Those readers who are not in possession of
+ Hearne's rare edition of _Robert de Avesbury_, 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 _British Bibliographer_; vol. ii.,
+ p. 78. Some of the monarch's signatures, of which Hearne has
+ given fac-similes, are as follow:
+
+ [Illustration]
+
+ 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, THE QUEEN, 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 _first course_, 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. _Chronicles_; p. 566: edit.
+ 1615, fol.]
+
+LORENZ. As you please. Perhaps you will go on with the mention of some
+distinguished patrons 'till you arrive at that period?
+
+LYSAND. Yes; we may now as well notice the efforts of that
+extraordinary _bibliomaniacal triumvirate_, Colet, More, and Erasmus.
+
+PHIL. Pray treat copiously of them. They are my great favourites. But
+can you properly place Erasmus in the list?
+
+LYSAND. You forget that he made a long abode here, and was Greek
+professor at Cambridge. To begin, then, with the former. COLET, 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;[294] but his attention to the improvement 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 _a Study_, or _Library_, of some
+importance to their mansions. What would we not give for an
+authenticated representation of Dean Colet in his library,[295]
+surrounded with books? You, Lisardo, would be in ecstacies with such a
+thing!
+
+ [Footnote 294: How anxiously does COLET 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 novae editionis tuae _hic avide
+ emuntur et passim leguntur_!" 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 _popular books_ 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 _only
+ wax candle_, 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 _Copia_ et _Institutum
+ Christiani Hominii_ (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 _veray_ 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 BLOTERATURE than LITERATURE, I utterly banish and
+ exclude out of THIS SCHOOL." Knight's _Life of Colet_, 362,
+ 4. The sagacious reader will naturally enough conclude that
+ boys, thus educated, would, afterwards, of necessity, fall
+ victims to the ravages of the BIBLIOMANIA!]
+
+ [Footnote 295: 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 _Dean Colet's Study_. 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 xs.
+ 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."--_Antiquities of Glastonbury_; edit. Hearne,
+ p. 307.
+
+ [Illustration]]
+
+LIS. Pray don't make such tantalizing appeals to me! Proceed, proceed.
+
+LYSAND. 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.
+
+Of SIR THOMAS MORE,[296] 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
+view, beyond that of all his contemporaries. Dr. Wordsworth[297] has
+well spoken of "the heavenly mindedness" of More: but how are
+bibliomaniacs justly to appreciate the classical lore, and
+incessantly-active book-pursuits,[298] of this scholar and martyr! How
+he soared "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."[299]
+
+[Illustration: Behold him going to execution--his beloved daughter
+(Mrs. Roper) rushing through the guards, to take her last embrace.]
+
+ [Footnote 296: In the first volume of my edition of SIR
+ THOMAS MORE'S _Utopia_, the reader will find an elaborate
+ and faithful account of the biographical publications
+ relating to this distinguished character, together with a
+ copious _Catalogue Raisonne_ 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
+ _Edinburgh Review_, 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 297: 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 298: 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 _trussinge upp his bookes_, Mr. Riche,
+ pretending," &c.--"Whereupon Mr. Palmer, on his desposition,
+ said, that he was soe bussie about the _trussinge upp Sir
+ Tho. Moore's bookes_ 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 _of his bookes_, he gave noe ear
+ unto them."--_Gulielmi Roperi Vita D.T. Mori_; edit Herne,
+ p. 47, 51.]
+
+ [Footnote 299: Epistle Dedicatory to Ecclesiastes: quoted in
+ that elegant and interesting quarto volume of the "_Lives of
+ British Statesmen_," by the late Mr. Macdiarmid; p. 117.]
+
+How can I speak, with adequate justice, of the author of these
+words!--Yes, ERASMUS!--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.[300] How 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 _large paper_ 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.
+
+ [Footnote 300: It were much to be wished that Mr. Roscoe,
+ who has so successfully turned his attention to the history
+ of _Italian Literature_, 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 _Act. Erudit._, A.D.
+ 1704, &c. Le Clerc, _Bibl. Choisie_, vol. i., 380; Du Pin's
+ _Bibl. Eccles._, vol. xiv., and _Biblioth. Fabric_, 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, "charta
+ fenestrata." A somewhat more compressed analysis of the
+ contents of these volumes appeared in the _Sylloge
+ Opusculorum Hist.-Crit., Literariorum, J.A. Fabricii, Hamb._
+ 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 Stypye's [Transcriber's Note: Strype's] _Life of
+ Crammer_ [Transcriber's Note: Cranmer]; 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 Colinaeeus--(which alone put forth 24,000
+ copies of his _Colloquies_) 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 recieve
+ [Transcriber's Note: receive] an _obolus_ 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 _Dict. Bibliogr. et
+ Histor._, 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 LARGE PAPER
+ copies of it?), "it takes no notice of the _Index
+ Expurgatorius_ of the early edition of Froben, which has
+ shown a noble art of curtailing this, as well as other
+ authors." See _Knight's Life of Erasmus_, 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 (p. 221,
+ ante) with the _supposed_ study of Colet, nothing remains
+ but to urge him to enter in imagination, with myself, into
+ the _real_ study of Erasmus; of which we are presented with
+ the exterior in the following view--taken from Dr. Knight's
+ _Life of Erasmus_; p. 124.
+
+ [Illustration]
+
+ I shall conclude this ERASMIANA (if the reader will premit
+ [Transcriber's Note: permit] 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, "_The Maner and Forme of
+ Confesion_," printed by Byddell [Transcriber's Note:
+ Byddel], 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.
+
+ [Illustration: 1524]]
+
+LIS. Let me go and bring it here! While you talk thus, I long to feast
+my eyes upon these grand books.
+
+LYSAND. You need not. Nor must I give to Erasmus a greater share of
+attention than is due to him. We have a large and varied field--or
+rather domain--yet to 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 _Greek Testament_ printed _upon vellum_,[301] by way of
+a pedestal--I pass on to the notice of other bibliomaniacs of this
+period.
+
+ [Footnote 301: 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 UPON VELLUM. This, I
+ believe, was never before generally known.]
+
+Subdued be every harsher feeling towards WOLSEY, 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[302] which have been published, there can be no question about
+such a character as that of Wolsey having numerous copies of the
+choicest books, bound in velvet of all colours, embossed with gold or
+silver, and studded even with precious stones! I conceive that his
+own _Prayer Book_ 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 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!
+
+ [Footnote 302: In the last _Variorum edition of Shakspeare_,
+ 1803, vol. xv., p. 144, we are referred by Mr. Douce to "the
+ particulars of this inventory at large, in Stowe's
+ _Chronicle_, 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 (_ibid._) says
+ that, among the _Harl. MSS._ (no. 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 _Collectanea
+ Curiosa_, 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 "_Why come ye not to
+ Court?_" we have this caustic passage:
+
+ He is set so high
+ In his hierarchy
+ Of frantic _frenesy_
+ And foolish fantasy,
+ That in chamber of stars
+ All matters there he mars,
+ Clapping his rod on the _borde_
+ No man dare speake a word;
+ For he hath all the saying
+ Without any _renaying_:
+ He rolleth in his records
+ He saith: "How say ye my lords?
+ Is not my reason good?"
+ Good!--even good--Robin-hood?
+ Borne upon every side
+ _With pomp and with pride, &c._
+ To drink and for to eat
+ Sweet _ypocras_, and sweet meat,
+ To keep his flesh chaste
+ In Lent, for his repast
+ He eateth capons stew'd
+ Pheasant and partidge mewed.
+
+ WARTON'S _Hist. Engl. Poetry_, vol. ii., 345.
+
+ Steevens has also quoted freely from this poem of Skelton;
+ see the editions of _Shakspeare_, 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:
+
+ Gentle Paul lay down thy _sweard_
+ For Peter of Westminster hath shaven thy beard."
+
+ _Chronicle_, p. 637, edit. 1809.
+
+ In Mr. G. Ellis's _Specimens of the Early English Poets_,
+ vol. ii., pp. 7, 8, there is a curious extract from the same
+ poet's "_Image of Ypocrycye_"--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
+ "_Rede me and be not wroth_," 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 _Harleian Miscellany_. 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
+ "_Practise of Popishe Prelates_," 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." _Idem_, 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, _ut
+ emitteret spiritum per posteriora_." Exposition upon the
+ first Ep. of St. John, p. 404. Thomas Lupset, who was a
+ scholar of Dean Colet, and a sort of _eleve_ 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 LORD CARDINAL,
+ 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."
+ (_Exhortacion to yonge men_, fol. 39, rev.) Dr. Wordsworth,
+ in the first volume of his _Ecclesiastical Biography_, 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
+ _bibliomaniacal_ 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 "_Methodus
+ Medendi_," 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 WOLSEY, in
+ manuscript. The king's copy is rather the more beautiful of
+ the two: but the _unique_ appendage of the Latin epistle
+ shews that the editor considered the cardinal a more
+ distinguished bibliomaniac than the monarch.]
+
+We have now reached the REFORMATION; 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.
+
+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.[303] 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 CROMWELL
+or CRANMER,[304] he would 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.[305]
+
+ [Footnote 303: "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 _Hist. of the Reformation_. 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 "_The Supplication of
+ Beggers_." 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 _Book
+ of Martyrs_; 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 _Utopia_; vol. i., xciii.]
+
+ [Footnote 304: "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 CROMWEL had
+ the great stroke in all this. All these counsels and methods
+ were struck out of his head." Strype's _Ecclesiastical
+ Memorials_; vol. i., p. 205. When great murmurs ensued, on
+ the suppression of the monasteries, because of the cessation
+ of hospitality exercised in them, "CROMWELL 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 _Hist. of the
+ Reformation_; vol. i., p. 223. "ARCHBISHOP CRANMER 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 _Life of Archbishop Cranmer_, p. 35.]
+
+ [Footnote 305: "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."--_Life of Reginald Pole_; vol.
+ i., p. 247-9: edit. 1767, 8vo. Coke's 4th _Institute_, fol.
+ 44.]
+
+LATIMER, 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 _coup de main_; and although his resolution was, perhaps, upon
+more than one occasion, shaken by the sufferings of the innocent,
+yet, by his example, and particularly by his sermons,[306] he tried
+to exasperate every Protestant bosom against the occupiers of
+monasteries and convents.
+
+ [Footnote 306: "It was once moved by LATYMER, 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 _Priory of
+ Malvern_." Strype's _Ecclesiastical Memorials_, 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, _ibid._ 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 _solempne_ 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 _Blesis's_ heart, which is _at Malvern_, and of Saint
+ Algar's bones, how long they deluded the people!" See
+ Latimer's _Sermons_: 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 SERMONS OF LATIMER; which were spoilt in
+ an "_editio castrata_" 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 JOHN FOX 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 "_A Sermon
+ of Christ crucified, preached at Paule's Crosse, the Friday
+ before Easter, commonly called Good Fridaie_:"--"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, _per inversionem Rhetoricam_,
+ 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."--_Imprinted by Jhon Daie_, &c., 1575, 8vo., sign.
+ A. vij.-B. i.]
+
+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[307]), did not fail to inflame his feelings by the tempting
+pictures which they drew of the riches appertaining to these
+establishments.[308] 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:[309] so
+that nothing now seemed wanting but to set fire to the train of
+combustion which had been thus systematically laid.
+
+ [Footnote 307: 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: _Hist. of the Reformation_,
+ 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 _cummyd_ 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 _Book
+ of Martyrs_, has given us a print of this transaction;
+ sufficiently amusing. Dod, in his _Church History_, 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;" _Church History_, b. vi.,
+ pp. 313, 314.]
+
+ [Footnote 308: "The yearly revenue of all the abbies
+ suppressed is computed at L135,522_l._ 18_s._ 10_d._ 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 _Ecclesiastical
+ History_, 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 "A BOOK OF THE FOUR EVANGELISTS,
+ WRITTEN AL WITH GOLD; AND THE UTTER SIDE OF PLATE OF GOLD!"
+ _Life of Cranmer_, _Appendix_, pp. 24-28.]
+
+ [Footnote 309: The amiable and candid Strype has polluted
+ the pages of his valuable _Ecclesiastical Memorials_ 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 _a legion of fiends_ 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 _Hist. of Great
+ Britain_, 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 _Apologie for Herodotus_, who
+ took the same out of an English book, containing the
+ _Vileness discovered at the Visitation of Monasteries_."
+ _Church History_, b. vi., pp. 316, 317.]
+
+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,[310] one would think, might have infused some little mercy
+and moderation into Henry's decrees!
+
+ [Footnote 310: 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," _Ecclesiastical History_, 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;"--_Fourth
+ Institute_; 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." _Pype or Tonne of the Lyfe of Perfection_; 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 _pykyng_ of the body, is an enemy of chastity," fol.
+ ccxxix. rect. The DEVASTATION OF BOOKS 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) _red letters_ 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 _red letter_ or a
+ mathematical diagram appeared, they were sufficient to
+ entitle the book to be popish or diabolical." _Theatrum
+ Chemicum_; 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
+ COSTLY COVERS, they tore them off, and threw away the works,
+ or turned them to the vilest purposes." _Life of Reginald
+ Pole_; 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
+ LIBRARIES, 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
+ SOLEMPNE LIBRARY, 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 _jakes_, 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
+ _bought the contents of two noble libraries for forty
+ shillings price_; 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 _Leland's Laboryouse
+ Journey_, &c., 1549, 8vo. Reprint of 1772; sign. C.]
+
+PHIL. But what can be said in defence of the dissolute lives of the
+monks?
+
+LYSAND. 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 HIM who had "shed innocent blood,"
+to gratify his horrid lusts?
+
+LIS. 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?
+
+LYSAND. 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 ROBERT WAKEFIELD[311] 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.
+
+ [Footnote 311: "This ROBERT WAKEFIELD 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 _Polypus_,
+ as Leland is pleased to style him, noting that he was of a
+ witty and crafty behaviour." Wood's _Hist. of Colleges and
+ Halls_, p. 429, Gutch's edit.]
+
+PHIL. There is no occasion to be extremely laconic. 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.
+
+LYSAND. The commotions which ensued from the arbitrary measures of
+Henry were great;[312] 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[313] united their great talents with the 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 way to the hearts of the
+generality of the people. Our _Great English Bibles_[314] were now
+restored to their conspicuous situations; and the Bibliomania, in
+consequence, began to spread more widely and effectively.
+
+ [Footnote 312: 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. _Ch. Hist._, b. vi., p. 314. Burnet is a little
+ more moving: _Hist. of the Reformation_; 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." _Treatise of Treasons_, 1572, 8vo., fol. 148,
+ rev.]
+
+ [Footnote 313: 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:
+ _Typographical Antiquities_, 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 REFORMATION--(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
+ ELIZABETH, CECIL, and BACON, and to introduce the Romish
+ religion upon the ruins of the Protestant. The author thus
+ gravely talks
+
+ "_Of Queen Mary and her Predecessors._
+
+ "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.
+
+ "_Libellous Character of Cecil._
+
+ "In which stem and trunk (being rotten at heart, hollow
+ within, and without sound substance) hath our spiteful
+ pullet (CECIL) 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.
+
+ "_Libellous Characters of Cecil and N. Bacon._
+
+ "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 _Sheeprive's_ 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 LORD BURGHLEY, 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." _Annals of the
+ Reformation_, vol. ii., 178. Camden's _Hist. of Q.
+ Elizabeth_, p. 192,--as quoted by Herbert.]
+
+ [Footnote 314: "All curates must continually call upon their
+ parochians to provide a book of the _Holy Bible in English_,
+ of THE LARGEST FORM, 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 _Hist. of the Reformation_, 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.]
+
+LOREN. Had you not better confine yourself to personal anecdote,
+rather than enter into the boundless field of historical survey?
+
+LYSAND. 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.
+
+PHIL. 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.
+
+LYSAND. Consult Fox's _Martyrology_,[315] 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.
+
+ [Footnote 315: 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
+ (_Ecclesiastical Biography_, vol. i., p. xix.)--should
+ secure the _first_ 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, _Hist. de reb. gest. Glaston._, 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."]
+
+LOREN. Skelton and Roy are in my library;[316] but who is RAMSAY?
+
+ [Footnote 316: Vide p. 226, ante.]
+
+LYSAND. He wrote a comical poetical satire against the Romish priests,
+under the title of "_A Plaister for a galled Horse_,"[317] which
+Raynald printed in a little thin quarto volume of six or seven pages.
+
+ [Footnote 317: In Herbert's _Typographical Antiquities_,
+ 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:
+
+ Mark the gesture, who that lyst;
+ First a shorne shauelynge, clad in a clowt,
+ Bearinge the name of an honest priest,
+ And yet in no place a starker lowte.
+ A whore monger, a dronkard, ye makyn him be snowte--
+ At the alehouses he studieth, till hys witte he doth lacke.
+ Such are your minysters, to bringe thys matter about:
+ But guppe ye god-makers, beware your galled backe.
+
+ Then wraped in a knaues skynne, as ioly as my horse,
+ Before the aulter, in great contemplacion
+ Confessinge the synnes of his lubbrysh corse
+ To god and all saynctes, he counteth hys abhomination
+ Then home to the aulter, with great saintification
+ With crosses, and blesses, with his boy lytle Jacke:
+ Thus forth goeth syr Jhon with all his preparation.
+ But guppe ye god-makers, beware your galled backe.
+
+ Then gloria in excelsis for ioye dothe he synge
+ More for his fat liuinge, than for devocion:
+ And many there be that remember another thinge
+ Which syng not wyth mery hart for lacke of promocion
+ Thus some be mery, some be sory according to their porcion
+ Then forth cometh collects, bounde up in a packe,
+ For this sainct and that sainct, for sickenes, and extorcion
+ But guppe ye god-makers, beware your galled backe.
+
+ Stanzas, 17, 18, 19.
+
+ 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_l._ 17_s._
+ 6_d._ Vide _Bibl. Brand_, part i., no. 1300. This was
+ surely more than both plaister and horse were worth! A
+ poetical satire of a similar kind, entitled "_John Bon and
+ Mast Person_," 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
+ UPON VELLUM. 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.]
+
+LOREN. I will make a memorandum to try to secure this "comical" piece,
+as you call it; but has it never been reprinted in our "_Corpora
+Poetarum Anglicorum_?"
+
+LYSAND. 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?--
+
+LOREN. It was certainly there, and bound in stout Russia, when we
+quitted it for this place.
+
+LIS. Dispatch your "gall'd horse," and now--having placed a justly
+merited wreath round the brow of your 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?
+
+LYSAND. I crave your mercy, Master Lisardo! One at a time. Gently ride
+your bibliomaniacal hobby-horse!
+
+WYATT and SURREY 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 _the whistle_[318]
+of the latter, it does not follow that I should notice his _library_,
+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,[319]
+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 Spencer and Milton.
+Did'st ever hear, Lisardo, of one WILLIAM THYNNE?
+
+ [Footnote 318: 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 _Life of Sir Thomas Pope_: 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 _whistles_!"]
+
+ [Footnote 319: Till the long promised, elaborate, and
+ beautiful edition of the works of SIR THOMAS WYATT and LORD
+ SURREY, by the Rev. Dr. Nott,[E] 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; _Specimens of the Early English Poets_; vol. ii., pp.
+ 43-67: _Royal and Noble Authors_, vol. i., pp. 255-276. As
+ to early black letter editions, let him look at _Bibl.
+ Pearson_, no. 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 Aeneid, which is the
+ third only known copy in existence. Turn to the animating
+ pages of Warton, _Hist. Engl. Poetry_; vol. iii., pp. 2-21,
+ about this translation and its author.]
+
+ [Footnote E: 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 _two_ copies of the works of Wyatt
+ and Surrey escaped, having been sent to Dr. Nott by the
+ printer, as _clean sheets_.]
+
+LIS. Pray make me acquainted with him.
+
+LYSAND. 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[320]), to have
+been a thoroughbred bibliomaniac. Secure Mr. Todd's _Illustrations of
+Gower and Chaucer_, and set your heart at ease upon the subject.
+
+ [Footnote 320: "--but (my father, WILLIAM THYNNE) 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. _Illustrations of Gower and Chaucer_; pp.
+ 11, 13, 15. Let us not hesitate one moment about the
+ appellation of _Helluo Librorum_,--justly due to MASTER
+ WILLIAM THYNNE!]
+
+But it is time to introduce your favourite LELAND: 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,[321] in his _Description of England_, prefixed to
+Holinshed's Chronicles, has spoken of this illustrious antiquary. No
+delays, no difficulties, no perils, ever daunted his personal
+courage, or depressed his mental energies. Enamoured of study, to the
+last rational 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 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!
+
+ [Footnote 321: "One helpe, and none of the smallest, that I
+ obtained herein, was by such commentaries as LELAND had
+ sometime collected of the state of Britaine; books vtterlie
+ mangled, defaced with wet and weather, and finallie
+ vnperfect through want of sundrie volumes." _Epistle
+ Dedicatorie_; 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 _Almae Matres_ (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 Budaeus, Erasmus, the Stephenses, Faber
+ and Turnebus. Here, too, he cultivated his natural taste for
+ poetry; and, from inspecting the FINE BOOKS 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 LIBRARIES,
+ 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 "ENGLAND'S ANTIQUITIES, 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." _Pref. to the Itinerary._ 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 _Siege of Rhodes_ to
+ Edward IV., as "A GIFT of his labour," so Leland presented
+ his Itinerary to Henry VIII., under the title of _A New
+ Year's Gift_; 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:
+
+ Est congesta mihi domi supellex
+ Ingens, aurea, nobilis, venusta,
+ Qua totus studeo Britanniarum
+ Vero reddere gloriam nitori;
+ Sed fortuna meis noverca coeptis
+ Jam felicibus invidet maligna.
+
+ Quare, ne pereant brevi vel hora
+ Multarum mihi noctium labores
+ Omnes----
+ CRANMERE, eximium decus priorum!
+ Implorare tuam benignitatem
+ Cogor.
+
+ 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. "Proh tristes rerum humanarum
+ vices! proh 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 that
+ [Transcriber's Note: 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.
+ "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?" _Collectanea_: Hearne's edit., 1774; vol. i., p.
+ LXXVII. 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 (_De Antiq. Cantab. Acad._, 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 caetera mendosam tum exiliter sane et jejune
+ conscriptam." _Script. post. Bedam._, 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
+ _Annales of England_; 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: _Rer. Anglican. Script. Vet._; 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 BIBLIOMANIA!
+ 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.
+
+ [Illustration: IN REFECTORIO COLL. OMN. ANIM. OXON.]]
+
+BALE 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;[322] but, as he lived 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. 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
+saps [Transcriber's Note: says]), "more books than money behind him,"
+will at least cause him to be numbered among the most renowned
+bibliomaniacs.
+
+ [Footnote 322: 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 _bibliomaniac_ is fully recorded in the
+ anecdote mentioned at p. 234, ante. His "magnum opus," the
+ _Scriptores Britanniae_, has already been noticed with
+ sufficient minuteness; vide p. 31, 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."
+ _Illustrations of Gower and Chaucer_; p. 23. Picard, in his
+ wretched edition of _Gulielmus Neubrigensis_ (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
+ _Anonymiana_; p. 311. That Bale's library, especially in the
+ department of manuscripts, was both rich and curious, is
+ indisputable, from the following passage in _Strype's Life
+ of Archbishop Parker_. "The archbishop laid out for BALE'S
+ 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."
+ _Ibid._ The following very beautiful wood-cut of Bale's
+ portrait is taken from the original, of the same size, in
+ the _Acta Romanorum Pontificum_; Basil, 1527, 8vo. A similar
+ one, on a larger scale, will be found in the "_Scriptores_,"
+ &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.
+
+ [Illustration]]
+
+Before I enter upon the reign of Elizabeth, let me pay a passing, but
+sincere, tribute of respect to the memory of CRANMER; whose _Great
+Bible_[323] 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.[324] Let
+his memory be respected among virtuous bibliomaniacs!
+
+ [Footnote 323: I have perused what Strype (_Life of
+ Cranmer_, pp. 59, 63, 444), Lewis (_History of English
+ Bibles_, pp. 122-137), Johnson (_Idem opus_, pp. 33-42), and
+ Herbert (_Typog. Antiquities_, 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 CRANMER'S, or THE
+ GREAT BIBLE, [Transcriber's Note: 'is' missing in original]
+ not 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 CRANMER, 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 UPON
+ VELLUM, concerning which Thomas Baker expatiates so
+ eloquently to his bibliomaniacal friend, Hearne. _Rob. of
+ Gloucester's Chronicle_; 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." _Idem_; p. xxii. There is a similar copy in the
+ British Museum.]
+
+ [Footnote 324: "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:
+
+ Marmoreo Licinus tumulo jacet, at Cato parvo,
+ Pompeius nullo. Quis putet esse Deos?
+
+ 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." _Life of
+ Cranmer_; p. 391. It would seem, from the same authority,
+ that RIDLEY, LATIMER, and CRANMER, 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.
+
+ _Dinner Expenses of Ridley, Latimer, and Cranmer._
+
+ Bread and Ale ii_d._
+ Item, Oisters i_d._
+ Item, Butter ii_d._
+ Item, Eggs ii_d._
+ Item, Lyng viii_d._
+ Item, A piece of fresh Salmon x_d._
+ Wine iii_d._
+ Cheese and pears ii_d._
+
+ _Charges for burning Ridley and Latimer._
+
+ _s._ _d._
+ For three loads of wood fagots 12 0
+ Item, One load of furs fagots 3 4
+ For the carriage of the same 2 0
+ Item, A Post 1 4
+ Item, Two chains 3 4
+ Item, Two staples 0 6
+ Item, Four Labourers 2 8
+
+ _Charges for burning Cranmer._
+
+ _s._ _d._
+ For an 100 of wood fagots, 06 0
+ For an 100 and half of furs fagots 03 4
+ For the carriage of them 0 8
+ To two labourers 1 4
+
+ 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." _Certain most godly, fruitful, and
+ comfortable letters of Saintes and holy Martyrs, &c._, 1564;
+ 4to., fol. 8.]
+
+All hail to the sovereign who, bred up in severe habits of reading and
+meditation, loved books and scholars to the very bottom of her heart!
+I consider ELIZABETH as a royal bibliomaniac of transcendent fame!--I
+see her, in imagination, wearing her favourite little _Volume of
+Prayers_,[325] the 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, taking an interest in the
+embellishments of the _Prayer Book_,[326] which goes under her own
+name; and then indulging her strong bibliomaniacal appetites in
+fostering the institution "for the erecting of _a Library and an
+Academy for the study of Antiquities and History_."[327]
+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 "_A
+great Pricksong Book of parchment_"--discovered in the library of All
+Soul's College[328]--is absolutely beyond my wit to divine!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+ [Footnote 325: Of this curious little devotional volume the
+ reader has already had some account (p. 119, 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
+ _Gentleman's Magazine_. 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
+ GOLDEN COVER, 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 _Epistles of St. Paul, &c._,
+ printed in an old black letter in 12o. which was _Queen
+ Elizabeth's own book_, 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; CELVM PATRIA: SCOPVS VITAE XPVS. CHRISTVS VIA.
+ CHRISTO VIVE. In the middle a heart, and round about it,
+ ELEVA COR SVRSVM IBI VBI E.C. [est Christus]. On the other
+ side, about the borders, BEATVS QVI DIVITIAS SCRIPTVRAE
+ LEGENS VERBA VERTIT IN OPERA. In the middle a star, and
+ round it, VICIT OMNIA PERTINAX VIRTVS with E.C., _i.e._ as I
+ take it, ELISABETHA CAPTIVA, or [provided it refer to
+ Virtus] ELISABETHAE CAPTIVAE, she being, then, when she worked
+ this covering, a prisoner, if I mistake not, at Woodstock."
+ _Tit. Liv. For. Jul. vit. Henrici_ v., p. 228-229.
+
+ [Illustration]]
+
+ [Footnote 326: In the PRAYER-BOOK which goes by the name of
+ QUEEN ELIZABETH'S, 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 _Bibl. Pearson_; no. 635. The
+ presentation copy of it was probably printed UPON
+ VELLUM.[F]]
+
+ [Footnote 327: The famous John Dee entreated QUEEN MARY to
+ erect an institution similar [Transcriber's Note: 'to'
+ missing in original] the one above alluded to. If she
+ adopted the measure, Dee says that "her highnesse would have
+ a most NOTABLE LIBRARY, 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 NOTABLEST
+ 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 _Joh. Confrat. Monach.
+ de Reb. Glaston._ 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 _Collection of
+ Curious Discourses of Antiquaries_; vol. ii., p. 324,--when
+ this library was "to be entitled THE LIBRARY OF QUEEN
+ ELIZABETH, and the same to be well furnished with divers
+ ancient books, and rare monuments of antiquity," &c., edit.
+ 1775.]
+
+ [Footnote 328: In Mr. Gutch's _Collectanea Curiosa_, 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:
+
+ Three mass books, old and new, and 2 portmisses
+ Item, 8 grailes, 7 antiphoners of parchment and bound
+ ---- 10 Processionals old and new
+ ---- 2 Symnalls
+ ---- an old manual of paper
+ ---- an Invitatorie book
+ ---- 2 psalters--and one covered with a skin
+ ---- _A great pricksong book of parchment_
+ ---- One other pricksong book of vellum covered with a hart's
+ skyn
+ ---- 5 other of paper bound in parchment
+ ---- The Founder's mass-book in parchment bound in board
+ ---- In Mr. Mill his hand an antiphoner and a legend
+ ---- A portmisse in his hand two volumes, a manual, a
+ mass-book, and a processional.]
+
+ [Footnote F: 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 _Bibliomania_.
+
+ [Illustration: =Elizabeth Regina.=
+
+ 2 PARALIPOM 6.
+
+ =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.=]
+
+ [Illustration: A prayer for charitie, or loue towards our
+ neighbours.
+
+ =Lord, 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.=
+
+ =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.= Amen.
+
+ =Giue a sweete smell as incense, &c.=
+
+ =Eccles. 39.=
+
+ =Matthew xxvi. 26-29.=]]
+
+LOREN. You are full of book anecdote of Elizabeth: but do you forget
+her schoolmaster, ROGER ASCHAM?
+
+LYSAND. 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 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."[329] That he was an ardent bibliomaniac, his letters when
+upon the continent, are a sufficient demonstration.
+
+ [Footnote 329: ROGER ASCHAM 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 _Schoolmaster_ (1571), would be
+ placed by a _Morte d'Arthur_ 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 _Specimens
+ of English Prose Writers_; 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
+ incorparates [Transcriber's Note: incorporates] 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 BIBLIOMANIA, 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 LIBRARY. A
+ frier was sent to me, and led me into it. There was not one
+ good book but _Lyra_. 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
+ _Sturmius de Periodis_. I also found here _Ajax_, _Electra_,
+ and _Antigone_ of _Sophocles_, 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?]
+
+From the tutor of Elizabeth let us go to her prime minister,
+CECIL.[330] We have already seen how successfully 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 LOVER OF
+BOOKS? 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.
+
+ [Footnote 330: 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 p. 237,
+ 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 _Lives of British Statesmen_ (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 FINE OLD LIBRARY
+ 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 _Antiquity of the British
+ Church_; "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; _Life of
+ Parker_; pp. 415, 537. Well might Grafton thus address Cecil
+ at the close of his epistolary dedication of his
+ _Chronicles_: "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 MASTERSHIP, 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 _the Swans of Thames_,") may be permitted thus to
+ introduce Cecil's name and mansion:
+
+ Now see these Swannes the new and worthie seate
+ Of famous CICILL, treasorer of the land,
+ Whose wisedome, counsell skill of Princes state
+ The world admires, then Swannes may do the same:
+ The house itselfe doth shewe the owner's wit,
+ And may for bewtie, state, and every thing,
+ Compared be with most within the land,
+
+ Vallan's _Tale of Two Swannes_, 1590, 4to., reprinted in
+ _Leland's Itinerary_; vol. v. p. xiii, edit. 1770.]
+
+But the book-loving propensities of Elizabeth's minister were greatly
+eclipsed by those of her favourite archbishop, PARKER:
+
+ clarum et venerabile nomen
+ Gentibus, et multum nostrae quod proderat urbi.
+
+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 "_Antiquity of the British Church_"[331]
+are only twenty copies supposed to have been 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.
+
+ [Footnote 331: 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 _Typographical Antiquities_. 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 comunications
+ [Transcriber's Note: communications] 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 Stype
+ [Transcriber's Note: Strype], Parker tells Cecil, in an
+ emblazoned copy presented to him by the latter, that he had
+ not given the book to _four_ 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." _Life of Parker_,
+ 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, "_The life off the 70
+ Archbishop of Canterbury, presenttye sittinge Englished, and
+ to be added to the 69 lately sett forth in Latin_," &c.,
+ 12mo., 1574. After this title page there is another.
+ "_Histriola, a little storye of the acts and life of Mathew,
+ now Archbishoppe of Canterb._" 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,
+
+ _Archbishop Parker's early Studies and popular Preaching._
+
+ "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.
+
+ _His attention to Literature and Printing, &c._
+
+ "----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, _to be
+ well bound and trimly covered_. 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 _Mathaeus Parisiensis_, once a
+ monk of Saint Alban's, and _Mathaeus Florilegus_, 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 _Holy Bibles_, 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.
+
+ _His work De Antiquitate Ecclesiae Britannicae._
+
+ "----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 ARCHBISHOP was a
+ bibliomaniac of the very first order; and smitten with every
+ thing attached to a BOOK, 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 LYLYE, an excellent
+ writer, that could counterfeit any antique writing. Him the
+ archbishop customarily used to make old books
+ compleat,"--&c. _Strype's Life of Parker_; 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 Bartholomaeus) "in the space of no more than
+ four years, procured for our archbishop to the number of
+ 6700 books." _Id._ 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 PARKER 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,
+ _The Elders which are among you I exhort, who also am an
+ elder; and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, &c._
+ Sermon ended, and the sacrament administered, they proceed
+ to the consecration. The ARCHBISHOP had his rochet on, with
+ HEREFORD; and the suffragan of Bedford, CHICHESTER, wore a
+ silk cope; and COVERDALE 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." _Church History_, 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:
+
+ _Homage and Tribute paid to Archbishop Parker._
+
+ "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."
+
+ Matthew Parker liued sober and wise
+ Learned by studie, and continuall practise,
+ Louinge, true, off life uncontrold
+ The courte did foster him, both young and old.
+ Orderly he delt, the ryght he did defend,
+ He lyved unto God, to God he mad his ende.
+
+ 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 _Antiquity of the British Church_; 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.
+
+ [Illustration]]
+
+PHIL. You have called the reign of Henry the Seventh the
+AUGUSTAN-BOOK-AGE; but, surely, this distinction is rather due to the
+aera of Queen Elizabeth?
+
+LYSAND. Both periods merit the appellation. In Henry's time, the
+invention of printing was of early 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 aera of Queen
+Elizabeth was the GOLDEN AGE of Bibliomaniacism.
+
+Do not let me forget, in my rambling method of treating of books and
+book-men, the name and celebrity of the renowned DR. JOHN DEE. 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 _Glass_ suspended by magical wires. Let us then follow
+him into his study at midnight, and view him rummaging his books;
+contemplating the heavens; making calculations; holding converse with
+invisible spirits; writing down their responses: anon, looking into
+his correspondence with _Count a Lasco_ and the emperors Adolphus and
+Maximilian; and pronouncing himself, with the most heartfelt
+complacency, the greatest genius of his age![332] In the midst of
+these self-complacent reveries, let us imagine we see his wife and
+little ones intruding; beseeching him to burn his books and
+instruments; and reminding him that there was neither a silver spoon,
+nor a loaf of bread, in the cupboard. Alas, poor DEE!--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!
+
+ [Footnote 332: 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
+ DEE, which Hearne has subjoined to his edition of _John
+ Confrat. Monach. de rebus gestis Glaston._, 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 "_A true and faithful
+ relation of what passed for many yeers between Dr. John Dee
+ and some spirits_:" 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 _Theatrum Chemicum_, 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, [Greek:
+ eirene], in Latin, _Pax_; with the performance of the
+ _Scarabaeus_ 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
+ EMPEROR." The first emperor of this sort, (whose _name_, it
+ must be confessed, is rather unpopular in a University) he
+ takes care to inform us, "was one Mr. Thomas _Dun_, 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
+ _Antinomiis_, 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 _Auditores et Spectatores_, 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 _Aristophanes Scarabaeus_
+ mounting up to the top of Trinity Hall, _ut supra_."
+ 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 lib.
+ 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--"_Where my brother hath given him a crown, I will
+ give him a noble!_" 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 a 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 _cura animarum annexa_ 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 XII WHITE VELLUM SKINS, 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_l._--"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 _fifty pounds_ 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; '_Satis, cito, modo, satis bene_, 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, _if he should be fit for
+ it_. 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--'_By my faith_,
+ 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 BIBLIOMANIAC with
+ something more to his palate. Here followeth, therefore, as
+ drawn up by our philosopher himself, an account of
+
+ DEE'S LIBRARY:
+
+ "4000 _Volumes_--printed and unprinted--bound and
+ unbound--valued at 2000 _lib._
+
+ 1 Greek, 2 French, and 1 High Dutch, volumes of MSS., alone
+ worth 533 _lib._ 40 years in getting these books together."
+
+ Appertaining thereto,
+
+ _Sundry rare and exquisitely made Mathematical Instruments._
+
+ _A radius Astronomicus_, ten feet long.
+
+ _A Magnet Stone, or Loadstone_; of great virtue--"which was
+ sold out of the library for _v shill._ and for it afterwards
+ (yea piece-meal divided) was more than xx _lib._ given in
+ money and value."
+
+ "_A great case or frame of boxes_, 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.
+
+ "_A box of Evidences_ 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.
+
+ "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."
+
+ To these he adds his _three Laboratories_, "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 _non plus_ 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 "VENIET FELICIUS AEVUM."]
+
+Of a wholly different cast of character and of reading was the
+renowned CAPTAIN COX of Coventry. How many of Dee's magical books he
+had exchanged for the pleasanter magic of _Old Ballads_ and
+_Romances_, 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,[333] I should have preferred
+to the four thousand volumes of Dr. John Dee, is most nuquestionable
+[Transcriber's Note: unquestionable].
+
+ [Footnote 333: Let us be introduced to the sprightly figure
+ and expression of character of this renowned Coventry
+ captain, before we speak particularly of his library.
+ "CAPTAIN COX (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 _ton_ 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 _ton_ sword hangs at his table's
+ end. Great oversight hath he in matters of story: for as for
+ _King Arthur's_ Book, _Huon of Bourdeaux_, the _Four Sons of
+ Aymon_, _Bevys of Hampton_, _The Squyre of Low Degree_, _The
+ Knight of Curtsy_, and the _Lady Fagnel_, _Frederick of
+ Gene_, _Syr Eglamour_, _Syr Tryamour_, _Syr Lamurell_, _Syr
+ Isenbras_, _Syr Gawyn_, _Olyver of the Castl_, _Lucres and
+ Eurialus_, _Virgil's Life_, _the Castl of Ladies_, _the
+ Widow Edyth_, _the King and the Tanner_, _Frier Rous_,
+ _Howleglas_, _Gargantua_, _Robin Hood_, _Adam Bel_, _Clim on
+ the Clough_, and _William of Cloudsley_, _the Churl and the
+ Burd_, _the Seaven Wise Masters_, _the Wife lapt in a
+ Morel's skin_, _the Sakful of Nuez_, _the Sergeaunt that
+ became a Fryar_, _Skogan_, _Collyn Cloout_, _the Fryar and
+ the Boy_, _Elynor Rumming_, and _the Nutbrooun Maid_, 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 ROMANCES; 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 "PHILOSOPHY
+ MORAL and NATURAL." "Beside _Poetry_ and _Astronomy_, and
+ other hid sciences, as I may guess by the omberty of his
+ books: whereof part are, as I remember, _The Shepherd's
+ Kalendar_, _the Ship of Fools_, _Daniel's Dreams_, _the Book
+ of Fortune_, _Stans_, _puer ad mensam_, _the bye way to the
+ Spitl-house_, _Julian of Brainford's Testament_, _the Castle
+ of Love_, _the Booget of Demaunds_, _the Hundred Mery
+ Talez_, _the Book of Riddels_, _the Seaven Sorows of Wemen_,
+ _the Proud Wives' Pater-Noster_, _the Chapman of a
+ Penniworth of Wit_: Beside his AUNCIENT PLAYS; _Youth and
+ Charitee_, _Hikskorner_, _Nugize_, _Impacient Poverty_, and
+ herewith Doctor _Boord's Breviary of Health_. What should I
+ rehearse here, what a bunch of BALLADS AND SONGS, all
+ ancient?!--Here they come, gentle reader; lift up thine eyen
+ and marvel while thou dost peruse the same: _Broom Broom on
+ Hill_, _So wo iz me begon_, _trolly lo Over a Whinny Meg_,
+ _Hey ding a ding_, _Bony lass upon a green_, _My bony on
+ gave me a bek_, _By a bank az I lay_; and _two more_ 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 _Scottish Songs_, 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 COXEAN COLLECTION 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 _clean original copies_
+ 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
+ ALMANACS of antiquity (a point for Ephemerides) I ween he
+ can shew from _Jasper Laet of Antwerp_, unto _Nostradam of
+ Frauns_, and thence unto our _John Securiz of Salisbury_. 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." _A Letter
+ wherein part of the Entertainment untoo the Queenz Majesty
+ at Killingwoorth Castl in Warwick-Sheer, in this Soomerz
+ Progrest, 1575, is signefied_: Warwick, 1784, 8vo. O RARE
+ CAPTAIN COX!]
+
+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 SIR ROBERT COTTON and SIR THOMAS BODLEY. We will touch
+upon them separately.
+
+The numerous relics which are yet preserved of the _Cottonian
+Collection_, 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
+Mecaenas[334] of his day. His thirst for knowledge could never be
+satiated; and the cultivation of the mind upon the foundation of a
+good heart, he considered to 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 _worth_ 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, there he carried with him his _Lares_, and made another's
+abode his own.
+
+ [Footnote 334: There are few eminent characters of whom so
+ many, and such ably-executed, memoirs are extant as of SIR
+ ROBERT COTTON, KNT. In the present place we have nothing to
+ do with his academical studies, his philosophical, or
+ legislative, or diplomatic, labours: literature and _Book
+ Madness_ 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 _Catalogue of the MSS. in the
+ Cottonian Library_, 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 aedes, tanquam ad
+ communem reconditioris doctrinae 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 reverentiae qua vicissim
+ ille colebatur, detraxerat: potius, omnium, quos familiari
+ sermone, repititisque colloquiis dignari placuit, in se
+ amores et admirationem hac insigni naturae benignitate
+ excitavit." Vit. Rob. Cottoni, p. xxiv., prefixed to the
+ _Catalogus Librorum Manuscriptorum Bibl. Cott._, 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 (writtten [Transcriber's
+ Note: written] 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 COTTON 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 aevum
+ explicare sataget, nullum laudatum Scriptorem a se
+ desiderari exoptarique posse, quem COTTONIANUS ille
+ incomparabilis thesaurus promptissime non exhibebit: Ea est,
+ et semper fuit, nobilis Domus ergo literatos
+ indulgentia--Hujus fores (ut illae 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 molestia, abunde hauserunt." _Rer. Anglic.
+ Script. Vet._, vol. i., praef., 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 COTTON, 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 (_Benedict. Abbat._, vol. i.,
+ praef. 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 _laying_ of his perturbed
+ spirit--was purchased by parliament, and transported within
+ the quiet and congenial abode of the BRITISH MUSEUM: 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. 39, 267, ante. And thus take we leave of the
+ ever-memorable bibliomaniac, Sir ROBERT COTTON, KNT.]
+
+Equally celebrated for literary zeal, and yet more for bibliomaniacal
+enthusiasm, was the famous SIR THOMAS BODLEY; whose account of
+himself, in _Prince's Worthies of Devon_, and particularly in one of
+_Hearne's publications_,[335] can never be read without transport by
+an affectionate son of our Oxford _Alma Mater_. 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 _barging_, of his books for the grand library which is now
+called by his OWN NAME! Think upon his activity in writing to almost
+every distinguished character of the realm: soliciting, urging,
+arguing, entreating for their support towards his magnificent
+establishment; and, moreover, superintending the erection of the
+building, as well as examining the timbers, with the nicety of a
+master-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 BODLEIAN LIBRARY, pay obeisance to the portrait
+of the founder, and hold converse with his gentle spirit that dwells
+therein!
+
+ [Footnote 335: 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
+ FAIR OXONIAN MOTHER--that can afford a higher gratification
+ than the history of the BODLEIAN LIBRARY, which, like
+ Virgil's description of fame,
+
+ "Soon grew from pigmy to gigantic size."
+
+ 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 AT THE LIBRARY
+ DOOR IN OXON, 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 _Worthies of Devon_, 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:
+
+ "_To the Vice-Chancellor (Dr. Ravis) of Oxon; about
+ restoring the public library._
+
+ (This letter was published in a convocation holden March 2,
+ 1597)
+
+ SIR,
+
+ 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.
+
+ Your affectionate friend,
+
+ THO. BODLEY."
+
+ 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 fo [Transcriber's Note: for] books should be
+ set up." Wood's _Annals of the University_, vol. ii., pt.
+ ii., p. 920. The worthy founder then pursued his epistolary
+ intercourse with the Vice-Chancellor:
+
+ "_To Mr. Vice Chancellor._
+
+ SIR,
+
+ 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 _Latin_,
+ 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
+
+ Your assured to use in all your occasions,
+
+ THO. BODLEY."
+
+ 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 _Joh. Confrat. &c., de Reb.
+ Glaston._, vol. ii., pp. 612 to 645. We will next peruse the
+ curious list of the first benefactors to the Bodleian
+ Library.
+
+ _My Lord of Essex_: about 300 volumes: greater part in
+ folio.
+
+ _My Lord Chamberlain_: 100 volumes, all in a manner new
+ bound, with his arms, and a great part in folio.
+
+ _The Lord Montacute_: 66 costly great volumes, in folio; all
+ bought of set purpose, and fairly bound with his arms.
+
+ _The Lord Lumley_: 40 volumes in folio.
+
+ _Sir Robert Sidney_: 102 new volumes in folio, to the value
+ of one hundred pounds, being all very fair, and especially
+ well bound with his arms.
+
+ _Merton College_: 38 volumes of singular good books in
+ folio, &c.
+
+ _Mr. Philip Scudamor_: 50 volumes: greatest part in folio.
+
+ _Mr. William Gent_: 100 volumes at the least.
+
+ _Mr. Lawrence Bodley_: 37 very fair and new bought books in
+ folio. (There were seven other donations--in money, from 4
+ to 10_l._)
+
+ Another list of benefactors; read in Convocation, July 17,
+ 1601.
+
+ _Sir John Fortescue, Knt._: 47 volumes: of which there are 5
+ Greek MSS. of singular worth.
+
+ _Mr. Jo. Crooke_: Recorder of the City of London: 27 good
+ volumes; of which 25 are in folio.
+
+ _Mr. Henry Savile_: all the Greek interpreters upon
+ Aust(in).
+
+ _Mr. William Gent, of Glocester Hall_: 160 volumes; of which
+ there are 50 in folio.
+
+ _Mr. Thomas Allen, of do._, 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.
+
+ _Mr. William Camden_, by his office _Clarentius_: 7 volumes;
+ of which 4 are manuscripts.
+
+ _Mr. Thomas James, of New College_: 100 volumes: almost all
+ in folio, and sundry good manuscripts. With about 50 other
+ donations, chiefly in money.
+
+ To Dr. Raves, Vice-Chanc. (Read in Convoc. May 10, 1602.)
+
+ 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:
+
+ "_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._
+
+ (Read in Convocation, July 8, 1608.)
+
+ SIR,
+
+ 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,
+
+ Your most assured, at commandment,
+
+ THO. BODLEIE.
+
+ London, June 30, 1608."
+
+ 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 COMMON MOTHER,
+ 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,
+
+ Yours, in all loving and dutiful affection,
+
+ THOMAS BODLEY.
+
+ London, May 31, 1609."
+
+ 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.
+
+ "_To the Right Worshipfull Mr. D. Singleton, Vicechancellor
+ of the University of Oxon._
+
+ (Read in Convocation, Nov. 9, 1611.)
+
+ SIR,
+
+ 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."
+
+ (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, _Sir Jo.
+ Benet_; who seems to have had an extensive and powerful
+ connection, and who set the scheme on foot, "like a true
+ affected son to his ANCIENT MOTHER, with a cheerful
+ propension to take the charge upon him without groaning.")
+
+ 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."
+
+ 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 _Reliquiae Bodleianae_ (1703,
+ 8vo). They are written to men whose names must ever be held
+ in high veneration by all worthy bibliomanacs.
+
+ "_Sir Tho. Bodley to Sir Robert Cotton._ (_Ex. Bibl.
+ Cotton._)
+
+ SIR,
+
+ 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.
+
+ Yours, to use in any occasion,
+
+ THO. BODLEY.
+
+ From my house, June 6."
+
+ "_Sir Henry Savile to Sir R(obert) C(otton)._
+
+ SIR,
+
+ 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.
+
+ 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.
+
+ Your very assured friend,
+
+ HENRY SAVILE."
+
+ It only remains now to indulge the dutiful sons of ALMA
+ MATER 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 _Catalogi Librorum Manuscriptorum
+ Angliae, &c._, 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.
+
+ [Illustration:
+
+ THOMAS SACKVILLUS DORSET, COMES,
+ SUMMUS ANGLIAE THESAURAR. ET
+ HUJUS ACAD. CANCELLAR.
+ THOMAE BODLEIO EQUITI AURATO
+ QUI BIBLIOTHECAM HANC INSTITUIT
+ HONORIS CAUSA 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. 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." _Annals of the University
+ of Oxford_; vol. ii., pt. ii., p. 939. Gutch's edition. We
+ will take leave of SIR THOMAS BODLEY, 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 _History of the Bodleian Library_,
+ more ample and complete than any thing which has preceded
+ it, will appear prefixed to a _Catalogue of the Books_, like
+ unto that which is hinted at p. 74, ante, as "an urgent
+ desideratum."
+
+ [Illustration: DOMINVS ILLVMINATIO MEA]]
+
+LIS. 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.--
+
+PHIL. Your case is by no means singular. But you promise, when you
+revisit the library, not to behave so naughtily again?
+
+LIS. I was not then a convert to the BIBLIOMANIA! Now, I will
+certainly devote the leisure of six autumnal weeks to examine
+minutely some of the precious tomes which are contained in it.
+
+LYSAND. 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.
+
+PHIL. 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[336]--or that the ghost of Inigo Jones had appeared to
+you, to give you the extraordinary information that Sir Christopher
+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?
+
+ [Footnote 336: This is now oftentimes practised by some wag,
+ in his "_Walke in Powles_." 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 _Bibl. Reed_, no. 2225, _cum
+ pretiis_!) I cannot take upon me to determine.]
+
+LIS. 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.
+
+LYSAND. You may indulge what conjectures you please; but I know of no
+anti-bibliomaniacal satirist of this period. STUBBES did what he
+could, in his "_Anatomy of Abuses_,"[337] 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 _large and clean_ copy of his sorrily
+printed work is among the choicest treasures of a Shakspearian
+virtuoso.
+
+ [Footnote 337: "THE ANATOMIE OF ABUSES: _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_:" &c. Printed by Richard Jones, 1583, small 8vo.
+ Vide Herbert's _Typographical Antiquities_, vol. iii., p.
+ 1044, for the whole title. Sir John Hawkins, in his _History
+ of Music_, 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--"_Exemplar olim
+ Farmerianum!_" 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 _Pearson_, _Steevens_, or
+ _Brand_; but see _Bibl. Wright_, no. 1390.]
+
+But admitting even that Stubbes had drawn his arrow to the head, and
+grazed the skin of such men as Bodley and Cotton, the wound inflicted
+by this weapon must have been speedily closed and healed by the
+balsamic medicine administered by ANDREW MAUNSELL, in his _Catalogue
+of English Printed Books_.[338] 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 _Cranmer's Bible, or
+Morley's Canzonets_.[339]
+
+ [Footnote 338: 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
+ _first part_ 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 _third_ 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 _Athenaeum_, vol i.,
+ 155; also Herbert's _Typographical Antiquities_, vol ii., p.
+ 1137. A copy of this volume has found its way into the
+ Advocates' Library at Edinburgh; _Cat. Adv. Libr._, 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." _Bened. Abbat._, vol. i., p. LIV.
+ Mr. Heber possesses a curious copy of it, which was formerly
+ Herbert's, with the margins filled with his MS. addenda.]
+
+ [Footnote 339: "Of the translation appointed to bee read in
+ churches, in Kinge Henry the 8, his daies," printed in the
+ largest volume, 1539. "THO. MORLEY, Bachiler of Musique, and
+ one of her Maiestie's Royal Chappell, _his Conzonets_, or
+ little short songes to three voyces. Prin. by Tho. Est.
+ 1593. 4to." See p. 10., pt. i., p. 17, pt. ii., of
+ _Maunsell's Catalogue_; but let the reader consult p. 248,
+ ante, concerning this "largest volume" of the Holy
+ Scriptures.]
+
+Let us, however, not forget that we have reached the reign of JAMES
+I.; a monarch who, like Justinian, affected to be "greatly given to
+study of books;"[340] and who, according to Burton's testimony, wished
+he had been chained to one of the shelves of the Bodleian
+library.[341] Of all literary tastes, James had the most strange and
+sterile. Let us leave him to his _Demonology_; but notice, with the
+respect that it merits, the more rational and even elegantly
+cultivated mind of his son PRINCE HENRY;[342] 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 THOMAS CORYATE, the _Peregrine of Odcombe_. 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 _Josephus's Antiquities_,[343] "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 Oberthuer, the last laborious editor of Josephus.
+
+ [Footnote 340: "Greatly gyuen to study of bokys:" _Rastell's
+ Chronicle, or Pastyme of People_, p. 28, edit. 1811, 4to.]
+
+ [Footnote 341: The passage is somewhere in Burton's _Anatomy
+ of Mechanoly_. But I cannot just now, put my finger upon
+ it.]
+
+ [Footnote 342: The works of KING JAMES I. (of England) were
+ published in rather a splendid folio volume in the year
+ 1616. Amongst these, his _Demonology_ is the "opus maximum."
+ Of his son PRINCE HENRY, 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 _Polyolbion_: 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, No. 24, containing
+ Prince Henry's privy-purse expences, for one year," &c. The
+ whole expense of one year was 1400_l._ Among other charges,
+ the following are remarkable:
+
+ L _s._ _d._
+
+ 17th October, paid to a Frenchman, that
+ presented _a book_ 4 10 0
+
+ 20th October, paid Mr. Holyoak for writing a
+ _Catalogue of the Library_ which the Prince
+ had of Lord Lumley 8 13 4
+ &c. &c. &c.
+
+ _Apology for the Believers in the Shakspeare-Papers_, 1797,
+ 8vo., p. 233.]
+
+ [Footnote 343: Look, gentle reader, at the entire ungarbled
+ passage--amongst many similar ones which may be adduced--in
+ vol. i., p. 116, of his "_Crudities_"--or Travels: edit.
+ 1776, 8vo. Coryat's [Transcriber's Note: alternative
+ spelling] talents, as a traveller, are briefly, but
+ brilliantly, described in the _Quarterly Review_, vol. ii.,
+ p. 92.]
+
+Let me here beseech you to pay due attention to the works of HENRY
+PEACHAM, when they come across you. The first edition of that
+elegantly written volume, "_The Compleat Gentleman_," was published I
+believe in the reign of James I., in the year 1622.
+
+LOREN. I possess not only this, but every subsequent copy of it, and a
+fair number of copies of his other works. He and BRAITHWAIT were the
+"par nobile fratrum" of their day.
+
+PHIL. I have often been struck with some curious passages in Peacham,
+relating to the Education of Youth[344] in our own country; as I
+find, from them, that the complaint of _severity of discipline_ still
+continued, notwithstanding the able work of Roger Ascham, which had
+recommended a mild and conciliatory mode of treatment.
+
+ [Footnote 344: The HISTORY of the EDUCATION OF YOUTH in this
+ country might form an amusing little octavo volume. We have
+ _Treatises_ and _Essays_ 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 _state in school_,
+ such as they were then, had an HUGE LIBRARY." _Harl. MSS._,
+ no. 1900. But what the particular system was, among
+ youth, which thus so highly favoured the BIBLIOMANIA, 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." _Polychronicon; prol. Typog.
+ Antiquit._, vol. i., 148. In the same printer's prologue to
+ _Catho Magnus_ (_Id._, 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 page 218, 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 (xvith)
+ century; when Roger Ascham composed his incomparable
+ treatise, intitled the "_Schoolmaster_;" 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 NICOLAS UDAL, then head
+ master of Eaton School, "was the best schoolmaster of their
+ time, and the _greatest beater_!" 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." _Instruction of a
+ Christian Woman_; 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
+ _Compleat Gentleman_ by HENRY PEACHAM: an author, who richly
+ deserves all the handsome things above said of him in the
+ text. His chapters "_Of the Duty of Masters_," and "_Of the
+ Duty of Parents_," 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 _Aschamite_ 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, [Greek: auto
+ didaktoi] (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 [Greek: odopoietike], 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,
+
+ _deserta per avia dulcis
+ Raptat amor. Juvat ire iugis, qua nulla priorum_
+ CASTALIAM _molli divertitur orbita clivo._
+
+ (Georg. libi. iij.)
+
+ With sweet love rapt, I now by deserts pass,
+ And over hills where never track of yore:
+ Descending easily, yet remembered was,
+ That led the way to CASTALIE before.
+
+ (Peacham.)
+
+ 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, LUDUS LITERARIUS, 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 ANTWERP, BREDA, VTRECHT, &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 _History of the Education of
+ Boys_ 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!]
+
+LYSAND. But you must not believe every thing that is said in favour of
+_Continental_ lenity of discipline, shewn to youth, if the testimony
+of a modern newspaper may be credited!----
+
+LIS. What your newspaper may hold forth I will not pretend to enter
+into.
+
+LYSAND. Nay, here is the paragraph; which I cut out from "_The
+Observer_," 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 _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_. It was further calculated that he had made _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_. 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 _English_ system of
+education?
+
+PHIL. This is only defending bad by worse.
+
+LIS. Where are we digressing? What are become of our bibliomaniacal
+heroes?
+
+LYSAND. You do right to call me to order. Let us turn from the birch,
+to the book, history.
+
+Contemporaneous with Peacham, lived that very curious collector of
+ancient popular little pieces, as well as lover of "sacred secret soul
+soliloquies," the renowned _melancholy_ composer, ycleped ROBERT
+BURTON;[345] 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." 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.
+
+ [Footnote 345: I suppose Lysander to allude to a memorandum
+ of Hearne, in his _Benedictus Abbas_, p. iv., respecting
+ ROBERT BURTON 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 "_History of Tom Thumb_," and the
+ other, the "_Pleasant and Merry History of the Mylner of
+ Abingdon_." The expression "sacred secret soul soliloquies"
+ belongs to Braithwait: and is thus beautifully interwoven in
+ the following harmonious couplets:
+
+ ----No minute but affords some tears.
+ No walks but private solitary groves
+ Shut from frequent, his contemplation loves;
+ No treatise, nor discourse, so sweetly please
+ As sacred-secret soule soliloquies.
+
+ _Arcadian Princesse_, lib. 4, p. 162.
+
+ 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 _Anatomy of
+ Melancholy_, 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 BOOK-DISEASE. "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 _ad
+ vivum_--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 "_Democritus to the Reader_," p. 10; perhaps
+ the most highly finished piece of dissection in the whole
+ _anatomical work_.]
+
+About this period lived LORD LUMLEY; a nobleman of no mean reputation
+as a bibliomaniac. But what shall we say to Lord Shaftesbury's
+eccentric neighbour, HENRY HASTINGS? who, in spite of his hawks,
+hounds, kittens, and oysters,[346] could not for [Transcriber's Note:
+extraneous 'for'] forbear to indulge his book propensities though in a
+moderate degree! Let us fancy we 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 _Book of Martyrs_! A rare old boy was this Hastings. But I
+wander--and may forget another worthy, and yet more ardent,
+bibliomaniac, called JOHN CLUNGEON, 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 _erected a
+press_ within the same; but human villany has robbed us of every relic
+of his books and printing furniture.[347] From Southampton, you must
+excuse me if I take a leap to London; in order to introduce you into
+the wine cellars of one JOHN WARD; 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 _vinous_ book
+collector.[348]
+
+ [Footnote 346: Of the bibliomaniacal spirit of LORD LUMLEY
+ the reader has already had some slight mention made at pages
+ 273, 281, ante. Of HENRY HASTINGS, Gilpin has furnished us
+ with some anecdotes which deserve to be here recorded. They
+ are taken from Hutchin's _Hist. of Dorsetshire_, vol. ii.,
+ p. 63. "Mr. HASTINGS 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
+ CHURCH BIBLE: the other the BOOK OF MARTYRS. 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
+ "_My part lies therein-a_." 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 _Forest
+ Scenery_, 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 347: "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 _large and costly standing chest_, carved
+ and inlaid, and stated, by an inscription on its front, to
+ have been given, _with the books in it_, by JOHN CLUNGEON.
+ The inscription is as follows:
+
+ "John, the sonne of John Clungeon of this towne, Alderman,
+ _erected this presse_ and gave certain books, who died, anno
+ 1646.
+
+ "The books are, however, now gone, and the surplices, &c.
+ are kept in the chest." See a tasteful and elegantly printed
+ little volume, entitled "_A Walk through Southampton_;" by
+ Sir H.C. Englefield, Bart. 1801, 8vo., p. 64.]
+
+ [Footnote 348: 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 _Chartulary of
+ Dunstaple_, 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. (JOHN) WARD, in the said yeare of our Lord, 1655,
+
+ _s._ _d._
+ binding and claspes 4 00
+ vellum 4 00"
+
+ _Annals of Dunstaple Priory_, vol. i., p. xxx., note.]
+
+LIS. 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?
+
+PHIL. 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.
+
+LYSAND. Such was the influence of the _Book Mania_ 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
+FERRAR FAMILY[349] for the gorgeous decorations of their volumes, and
+for devoting so much precious time and painful attention to the art
+and mystery of Book-binding! Yes, Lisardo; it is truly curious to
+think upon the _Little Gidding Monastery_--near which, perhaps, were
+
+ ----"rugged rocks, that holy knees had worn--"
+
+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 ELIAS ASHMOLE:[350] whose
+museum at Oxford abundantly proves his curious and pertinacious
+spirit in book-collecting. His works, put forth under his own
+superintendence, with his name subjoined, shew a delicate taste, an
+active research, and, if we except his _Hermetical_ propensities, a
+fortunate termination. His "opus maximum" is the _Order of the
+Garter_; a volume of great elegance both in the composition and
+decorations. Your copy of it, I perceived, was upon _large paper_; and
+cost you--
+
+ [Footnote 349: It remains here to make good the above
+ serious charges brought against the ancient and worthy
+ family of the FERRARS; 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 _Ecclesiastical Biography_; 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 _Quarterly Review_, 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 _Thom. Caii. Vind.
+ Antiquit. Oxon._, 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 NICHOLAS FERRAR, SENIOR AND JUNIOR. "Amongst other
+ articles of instruction and amusement, Mr. FERRAR (senior)
+ entertained an ingenious _Book-binder_ who taught the
+ family, females as well as males, the whole art and skill of
+ _book-binding_, 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, _adorned with many beautiful
+ pictures_, 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, ALL WROUGHT IN GOLD, 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 _an Harmony_, the judicious
+ contrivance of the method, the curious workmanship in so
+ neatly cutting out and disposing the text, _the nice laying
+ of these costly pictures, and the exquisite art expressed in
+ the binding_, are, I really think, not to be equalled. I
+ must acknowledge myself to be, indeed, greatly indebted to
+ the family for THIS JEWEL: and whatever is in my power I
+ shall, at any time, be ready to do for any of them.'"
+ _Eccles. Biogr._, 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 _naivete_,
+ 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 _rarities_ and _jewels_ you told me
+ of?' 'Yea, sire,' replied the bishop; 'here is the YOUNG
+ GENTLEMAN 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 NICHOLAS FERRAR, first presented to the
+ king that book made for the prince; who taking it from him,
+ looking well on the outside, which was _all green velvet,
+ stately and richly gilt all over, with great broad strings,
+ edged with gold lace, and curiously bound_, 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 _rare pictures_ 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 FOURTH WORK, 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 FIFTH WORK; the title being _Novum Testamentum,
+ &c., in viginti quatuor linguis, &c._ 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
+ EMPEROR OF ALL BOOKS. 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 _writing_ 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." _Ecclesiastical Biography_, vol. v., pp.
+ 216, 220. But whatever degree of credit or fame of young
+ FERRARS 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 GREAT BOOK was, that
+ he had heard was made for Charles's use. It was soon brought
+ unto him; and the _largeness_ and _weight_ of it was such
+ that he that carried it seemed to be _well laden_. 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 _purple velvet_, 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 _a stately garnish of pictures, &c._, 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 _full
+ of pictures of sundry mens cuts_, 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 _a jewel for a
+ Prince_, and hoped CHARLES 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 GALLANTEST GREATEST
+ BOOK in the world: for I never saw _such paper_ 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 _on the outside so
+ finished_ 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.'"--_Ecclesiastical Biography_, vol. v., p. 237.]
+
+ [Footnote 350: In the year 1774, was published an octavo
+ volume, containing the lives of WILLIAM LILLY the
+ astrologer, and ELIAS ASHMOLE the antiquary: two of the
+ greatest _cronies_ of their day. The particulars of
+ Ashmole's life are drawn from his own _Diary_, 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 "_great and little
+ teeth ached, or were loose_:" when his "_neck break forth,
+ occasioned by shaving his beard with a bad razor_" (p. 312);
+ when "_his maid's bed was on fire, but he rose quickly
+ (thanking God) and quenched it_" (p. 313); and when he
+ "_scratched the right-side of his buttocks, &c., and applied
+ pultices thereunto, made of white bread crums, oil of roses,
+ and rose leaves_;" (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 "_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_." 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 _Mercuriophilus Anglicus_, 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
+ _water after Venison_. I was greatly oppressed in my
+ stomach; and next day Mr. Saunders, _the astrologian_, 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 "_Echo from
+ Heaven_," &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 "_The
+ Astrologer's Feast_;" 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
+ _closet of curiosities_, and at last had resolved to give it
+ unto him," p. 326. Having by this time (A.D. 1658) commenced
+ his famous work upon _The Order of the Garter_, 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 _Henry the VIIIth's
+ closet_ assigned for his use," p. 327. In this same year
+ came forth his "_Way to Bliss_;" 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 _meat_ and _motion_; 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 _Gad-Bee_,
+ to prick her forward; but the work is performed in this
+ order. First this meat, which is that fine and aethereal 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 _book-purchases_. 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_l._ for them," p. 333. In the same year that his _Order
+ of the Garter_ was published, his "good friend Mr. Wale sent
+ him Dr. DEE'S 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 _Excellentium Familiarum in
+ Gallia Genealogia_: p. 379. But it is time to put an end to
+ this unwieldly note: reserving the account of Ashmole's
+ _Order of the Garter_, and _Theatrum Chemicum_, 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 ALMA MATER OXONIENSIS--having first erected a
+ large building for their reception. It is justly said of
+ him, in the inscription upon his tombstone,
+
+ DURANTE MUSAEO ASHMOLEANO OXON.
+ NUNQUAM MORITURUS.
+
+ A summer month might be profitably passed in the Ashmolean
+ collection of Books! Let us not despair that a complete
+ _Catalogue Raisonne_ of them may yet be given.]
+
+LOREN. Not eight guineas--although you were about to say _fourteen_!
+
+LYSAND. Even so. But it must have been obtained in the golden age of
+book-collecting?
+
+LOREN. It was obtained, together with an uncut copy of his _Theatrum
+Chemicum_,[351] by my father, at the 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
+Coryphaeus of book-binders, the late ROGER PAYNE!
+
+ [Footnote 351: First let us say a few words of the THEATRUM
+ CHEMICUM BRITANNICUM, 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
+ _large paper_ 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
+ "THE ORDER OF THE GARTER." 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_l._ 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
+ THE GARTER." I hope he had the conscience to make HOLLAR his
+ Vice-President, or to seat him at his right hand; for this
+ artist's _Engravings_, 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. _The Order of the
+ Garter_ was originally sold for 1_l._ 10_s._ See _Clavel's
+ Catalogue_, 1675, p. 31.]
+
+LYSAND. I observed it had a "glorious aspect," as bibliographers term
+it.
+
+LIS. But what has become of Ashmole all this while?
+
+LYSAND. 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 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.
+
+But a truce to worthy old Elias. For see yonder the bibliomaniacal
+spirit of ARCHBISHOP LAUD pacing your library! With one hand resting
+upon a folio,[352] it points, 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--
+
+ Par levibus ventis, volucrique simillima somno!
+
+ [Footnote 352: ARCHBISHOP LAUD, who has [Transcriber's Note:
+ was] 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 _Memoirs of the
+ Sufferers_ 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 _Bible_,
+ with a crucifix embroidered on the cover of it by a lady.
+ Art. 6. A book of popish pictures, _two Missals_,
+ Pontificals, and Breviaries, which he made use of as a
+ scholar. Art. 7. His (own) admirable _Book of Devotion_,
+ digested according to the ancient way of canonical hours,
+ &c. Art. 19. _The book of Sports_, 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
+ _Salisbury Primers or Missals_, printed by Pynson UPON
+ VELLUM, 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 _Aldine
+ Aristophanes_, 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 _Catalogus Librorum
+ Manuscriptorum Angliae, Hiberniae_, &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." _Cyprianus Anglicus_; or the _Life
+ and Death of Laud_; 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 _Ladensium
+ Autocatacrisis_,' &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."]
+
+Peace, peace, thou once "lofty spirit"--peace to thy sepulchre--always
+consecrated by the grateful student who has been benefited by thy
+bounty!
+
+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 HUGH PETERS 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.[353]
+
+ [Footnote 353: I am indebted to the same literary friend who
+ gave me the intelligence which closes the last note, for the
+ ensuing particulars relating to HUGH PETERS; 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_l._ out
+ of such books as are sequestered, be forthwith bestowed upon
+ Mr. PETERS." _Journals of the House of Commons_, 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_l._, 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_l._, books out of the
+ private and particular study of the ARCHBISHOP OF
+ CANTERBURY." _Id._, vol. iii., p. 469. "Ao. 1644. 26 Junij.
+ Dies publicae 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_l._ were bestowed upon Mr. Peters out of the
+ archbishop's private library, and whereas the said study is
+ appraised at above 40_l._ more than the 100_l._, it is
+ ordered this day that Mr. Peters shall have the whole study
+ of books freely bestowed upon him." _Id._ 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. HUGH PETERS, 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."]
+
+LIS. This is extraordinary enough. But, if I well remember, you
+mentioned, a short time ago, the name of BRAITHWAIT as connected with
+that of Peacham. Now, as I persume [Transcriber's Note: presume]
+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.
+
+LYSAND. Nay, I am not aware of any _bookish_ anecdote concerning
+Braithwait. He was mentioned with Peacham as being a like accomplished
+character.[354] Some of his pieces are written upon the same subjects
+as were Peacham's, and with great point and elegance. 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 "_English Gentlewoman_" might be reprinted
+with advantage.
+
+ [Footnote 354: The talents of RICHARD BRAITHWAIT do not
+ appear to me to be so generally known and highly commended
+ as they merit to be. His _Nursery for Gentry_, 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 _English Gentleman_, 1633, 4to. (with a frontispiece by
+ Marshall), or _English Gentlewoman_, 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 _Specimens
+ of the early English Poets_, 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 _The Arcadian
+ Princesse_--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 _this_ 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.
+
+ ----he has the happiest wit,
+ Who has discretion to attemper it.
+ And of all others, those the least doe erre,
+ Who in opinion are least singular.
+ Let Stoicks be to opposition given,
+ Who to extreames in arguments are driven;
+ Submit thy judgment to another's will
+ If it be good; oppose it mildly, ill.
+
+ _Lib._ iv., p. 7.
+
+ 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
+
+ _Uperephanos_, who still thought
+ That th' world without him would be brought to nought:
+ For when the dogge-starre raged, he used to cry,
+ "No other Atlas has the world but I.
+ I am that only _Hee_, supports the state;
+ Cements divisions, shuts up Janus' gate;
+ Improves the publike fame, chalks out the way
+ How princes should command, subjects obey.
+ Nought passeth my discovery, for my sense
+ Extends itself to all intelligence."
+ &c. &c. &c.
+ So well this story and this embleme wrought,
+ _Uperephanos_ was so humble brought,
+ As he on earth disvalu'd nothing more,
+ Than what his vainest humour priz'd before.
+ More wise, but lesse conceited of his wit;
+ More pregnant, but lesse apt to humour it;
+ More worthy, 'cause he could agnize his want;
+ More eminent, because less arragant.
+ In briefe, so humbly-morally divine,
+ He was esteem'd the _Non-such_ of his time.
+
+ _Id._, pp. 8, 11.
+
+ Another character, with an equally bizarre name, is drawn
+ with the same vigour:
+
+ _Melixos_; such a starved one,
+ As he had nothing left but skin and bone.
+ The shady substance of a living man,
+ Or object of contempt wheree'er he came.
+ Yet had hee able parts, and could discourse,
+ Presse moving reasons, arguments enforce,
+ Expresse his readings with a comely grace,
+ And prove himselfe a _Consul_ in his place!
+
+ _Id._, p. 12.
+
+ We have a still more highly-coloured, and indeed a terrific,
+ as well as original, picture, in the following animated
+ verses:
+
+ Next him, _Uptoomos_; one more severe,
+ Ne'er purple wore in this inferiour sphere:
+ Rough and distastefull was his nature still,
+ His life unsociable, as was his will.
+ _Eris_ and _Enio_ his two pages were,
+ His traine stern _Apuneia_ us'd to beare.
+ Terrour and thunder echo'd from his tongue,
+ Though weake in judgment, in opinion strong.
+ A fiery inflammation seiz'd his eyes,
+ Which could not well be temper'd any wise:
+ For they were bloud-shot, and so prone to ill,
+ As basiliske-like, where'ere they look, they kill.
+ No laws but Draco's with his humour stood,
+ For they were writ in characters of bloud.
+ His stomacke was distemper'd in such sort
+ Nought would digest; nor could he relish sport.
+ His dreames were full of melancholy feare,
+ Bolts, halters, gibbets, halloo'd in his eare:
+ Fury fed nature with a little food,
+ Which, ill-concocted, did him lesser good,
+
+ _Id._, p. 16.
+
+ 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.]
+
+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 _Catalogue of Books_, 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.[355] The author was a man, whoever he may chance to be, of no
+mean intellectual powers. But to return.
+
+ [Footnote 355: This volume, which has been rather fully
+ described by me in the edition of More's _Utopia_, vol. ii.,
+ p. 260, 284--where some specimens of the "Introduction," so
+ strongly recommended by Lysander, will be found--is also
+ noticed in the _Athenaeum_, 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.]
+
+Where sleep now the relics of DYSON'S Library, which supplied that
+_Helluo Librorum_, Richard Smith, with "most of his rarities?"[356] 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 _first edition of Shakespeare_, of larger dimensions, and
+in cleaner condition, than the one in PHILANDER'S Collection!
+
+ [Footnote 356: "H. DYSON (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." _Peter Langtoft's
+ Chronicles_, vol. i., p. xiii. This intelligence Hearne
+ gleaned from his friend Mr. T. Baker. We are referred by the
+ former to the _Bibl. R. Smith_, p. 371, alias 401, No.
+ 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,
+ _ibid._; "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 "_An Ancient MS. of Hunting_, IN VELLUM
+ (wanting something) _quarto_." I hear him exclaim--"Where is
+ this treasure now to be found?" Perhaps, upon the cover of a
+ book of Devotion!]
+
+I have incidentally mentioned the name of RICHARD SMITH.[357] Such a
+bibliomaniac deserves ample notice, and the warmest commendation. Ah,
+my Lisardo! had you lived in the latter days of Charles II.--had you,
+by accident, fallen into the society of this indefatigable
+book-forager, while he pursued his book-rounds in _Little
+Britain_--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."
+
+ [Footnote 357: From the address To the Reader, prefixed to
+ the Catalogue of RICHARD SMITH'S 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 _This so much celebrated, so often
+ desired, so long expected, Library_, 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,
+ _his_ great ambition was to become master of a good BOOK.
+ 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 _collated_ 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. _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_ THE
+ SWAN, _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._" In this catalogue of Richard Smith's books,
+ the sharp-eyed bibliomaniac will discover twelve volumes
+ printed by CAXTON; which collectively, produced only the sum
+ of 3_l._ 7_s._ 5_d._ The price of each of these volumes has
+ been already given to the public (_Typog. Antiq._, vol i.,
+ p. cxxxii.) I suppose a thousand guineas would _now_ 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 _first pickings_--a number of volumes of
+ this description are huddled together in one lot, and all
+ these classed under the provoking running title of "_Bundles
+ of Books_," or "_Bundles of sticht Books_!" 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 _Sir William
+ Musgrave's Catalogue of English Portraits_, p. 92, no.
+ 82), and to seize, if it be in his power, a copy of the
+ catalogue itself, "with the prices and purchasers' names"
+ (vide _Bibl. Lort._, no. 1354). I proceed to attend upon
+ Lysander: not, however, without informing him that Strype
+ (_Life of Cranmer_, p. 368), as well as Hearne (_Liber Niger
+ Scaccarii_, vol. ii., p. 542), has condescended to notice
+ the famous library of this famous collector of books,
+ RICHARD SMITH!]
+
+LIS. 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--
+
+LOREN. Enough--peace! There is no end to Lisardo's _fruitful_
+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 _Sales of Books, by Auction_, were
+introduced into this country.
+
+LYSAND. You take _that_ for granted which remains [Transcriber's Note:
+missing 'to' in original] be _proved_: 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. SEAMAN 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.[358] It was, however, no sooner introduced than it caught
+the attention, and pleased the palates, of bibliomaniacs exceedingly:
+and Clavel, a bookseller, who published useful catalogues of books to
+be sold in his own warehouse, retorted in sharp 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 PORTIUS, coolly observes across the table--"I have a
+better copy on sale at one third of the price!"
+
+ [Footnote 358: 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 unadulterated
+ [Transcriber's Note: remainder of sentence missing in
+ original]
+
+ "Reader,
+
+ "It hath not been usual here in England to make _Sale of
+ Books by way of Auction or who will give most for them_: 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. _First_, 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
+ _second_ clause is the usual one about _differences_
+ arising. The _third_, about discovering the imperfections of
+ the copies before they are taken away. The _fourth_, that
+ the buyers are to pay for their purchases within one month
+ after the termination of the auction. The _fifth_, 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 _present_
+ 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.
+
+ _In Folio._ PHILOLOGISTS.
+
+ _s._ _d._
+
+ Pet. Heylyn's Cosmographie, Lond. 1652. 14 0
+ Io. Stow's Annals, or Chronicles of England,
+ &c. ibid., 1631. 15 0
+ Burton's Anatomy of Melancholy, Oxon, 1638. 6 0
+ Geo. Withers, his Emblems; illustrated with brass
+ figures, 1635. 8 6
+ Os. Gabelhower's book called the Dutch Physic,
+ Dort, 1579. 3 0
+
+ p. 12.
+
+ _In Quarto._ PHILOLOGIE.
+
+ The Royal Passage of her Majesty, from the }
+ tower to Whitehall, Lond., 1604. }
+ The Vision of the Goddesses, a mask by the }
+ Queen and her Ladies, 1604. }
+ King James his Entertainment through the city }
+ of London, ibid. }
+ A particular Entertainment of the Queen and }
+ Prince, 1608. }
+ The magnificent Entertainment of King James, }
+ Queen Anne, and Prince Henry Frederick, 1604. }
+ Her Majesties speech to both Houses of }
+ Parliament, 1604. } _s._ _d._
+ Vox Coeli, or News from Heaven, 1624. } 5 0
+ An experimental Discovery of the Spanish }
+ Practises, 1623. }
+ Tho. Scotts aphorisms of State, or secret }
+ articles for the re-edifying the Romish }
+ Church, 1624. }
+ The Tongue Combat between two English }
+ Souldiers, 1621. }
+ Votivae Angliae, or the Desires and Wishes of }
+ England, 1624. }
+ A book of Fishing, with hook and line, and }
+ other instruments, 1600. }
+
+ p. 63.
+
+ Now a-days, the last article alone would pr duce
+ [Transcriber's Note: produce]--shall I say _nine_ times the
+ sum of the whole? But once more:
+
+ _In Octavo._ PHILOLOGISTS.
+
+ Rob. Crowley's Confutation and Answer to a }
+ wicked ballade of the abuse of the }
+ sacrament of the altar, 1548. }
+ Philargyne, or Covetousness of Great Britain, }
+ 1551. }
+ A Confutation of 13 articles of Nicol Sharton's, }
+ 1551. }
+ The Voice of the last Trumpet, blown by the }
+ seventh angel, 1550. } _s._ _d._
+ Rob. Crowley's four last things. } 3 2
+ A petition against the oppressors of the poor }
+ of this realm, 1550. }
+ A supplication of the poor Commons, 1550. }
+ Piers Plowman Exhortation to the Parliament, }
+ and a New-Year's gift, 1550. }
+ The Hurt of Sedition to the Commonwealth, 1549. }
+
+ To continue the _History of Book Auctions_, a little
+ further. Two years after the preceding sale, namely, in
+ 1678, were sold the collections of Dr. MANTON, Dr. WORSLEY,
+ and others. In the address to the Reader, prefixed to
+ Manton's catalogue, it would seem that this was the
+ "_fourth_ 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_l._ 6_s._; 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
+
+ JOHN DUNMORE.
+ RICHARD CHISWEL."
+
+ At this sale, the Shakspeare of 1632 brought 16_s._; and of
+ 1663, 1_l._ 8_s._
+
+ In the November and December of the same year were sold by
+ auction the books of VOET, SANGAR, 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.]
+
+LIS. 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?
+
+LYSAND. 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. 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 _quires_, 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!
+
+LOREN. From this digression, oblige us now by returning to our
+bibliomaniacal history.
+
+LYSAND. 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 THE
+BIBLIOMANIA.
+
+We left off, I think, with noticing that renowned book-collector,
+Richard Smith. Let me next make honourable mention of a "_par nobile
+fratrum_" that ycleped are NORTH. 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 LORD KEEPER used to make his meals upon some
+one entertaining Law-volume or another: how he would breakfast upon
+_Stamford_,[359] dine upon _Coke_, and sup upon _Fitzherbert_, &c.;
+and, in truth, a most insatiable book appetite did this eminent judge
+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 _Arts_, _Sciences_, and the
+_Belles-Lettres_!
+
+ [Footnote 359: These are the words of LORD KEEPER NORTH'S
+ 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 LORDSHIP 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
+ _Stamford_, _Compton_, or the Lord _Coke's_ Pleas of the
+ Crown and Jurisdiction of Courts, _Manwood_ of the Forest
+ Law, _Fitzherbert's_ Natura Brevium; and also to look over
+ some of the Antiquarian Books, as _Britton_, _Bracton_,
+ _Fleta_, _Fortescue_, _Hengham_, _the old Tenures
+ Narrationes Novae_, the old _Natura Brevium_, 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 _Humanity_ and _Arts_,
+ beyond what may be suitable to the genius of every young
+ student in the law." _Life of Lord Keeper Guildford_, pp.
+ 18, 19. _North's Lives_, edit. 1754, 4to.]
+
+His brother, Dr. JOHN NORTH, was a still greater _Helluo Librorum_;
+"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 _Little-Britain_ as was his contemporary, Richard Smith;
+and to have entered into a conspiracy with ROBERT SCOTT[360]--the most
+renowned book vender in this country, if not in Europe--to deprive
+all bibliomaniacs of a chance of procuring rare and curious 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 _Gryphii_, in
+the italic letter, to the delicate and eye-soothing lustre of the
+_Elzevir_ type--?
+
+ [Footnote 360: "Now he began to look after books, and to lay
+ the foundation of a competent library. He dealt with Mr.
+ ROBERT SCOTT, of _Little-Britain_, 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 L10,000 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 _an old author could not be
+ unprofitable_; 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 _best editions, fairest
+ character, best bound and preserved_. 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 _better bound_, _squarer cut_, _neater covers_,
+ 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 _black italic_ 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. _His soul was
+ never so staked down as in an old bookseller's shop_; 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
+ _Greek_." There is some smartness in the foregoing
+ observations. The following, in a strain of equal interest,
+ affords a lively picture of the _bookselling trade_ 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, _Little-Britain_
+ 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.
+ _North's Lives_, 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!"]
+
+LIS. "_De gustibus_--" 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.
+
+LYSAND. Take care that I don't conclude with the memorable
+catalogue-burning deed of your father! But I spare your present
+feelings.
+
+All hail to the noble book-spirit by which the _Lives of
+Oxford-Athenians_, and the _Antiquities of Oxford University_, are
+recorded and preserved beyond the power of decay![361] All hail to
+thee, OLD ANTHONY A-WOOD! May the remembrance of thy researches,
+amidst thy paper and parchment documents, stored up in chests, pews,
+and desks, and upon which, alas! the moth was "feeding sweetly," may
+the remembrance of these thy 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 recreate thyself with "pipe
+and pot." Yes, Anthony! while the _Bodleian_ and _Ashmolean_
+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!
+
+ [Footnote 361: The name and literary labours of ANTHONY WOOD
+ 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 _History and Antiquities (or
+ Annals) of the University of Oxford_. "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 _pipe and pot_," &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:
+
+ H.S.E.
+ ANTONIUS WOOD, ANTIQUARIUS.
+ _ob. 28 Nov._ AO. 1695, aet. 64."
+
+ 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 _Collectanea
+ MSS._, 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. WOOD: 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 _Athenae
+ Oxon._, 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." _Hearne's Coll. MSS. in Bodl. Lib._, 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.
+
+ "Honoured Master,
+
+ 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 _his will_; 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
+ _Museum Ashmol._, 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
+ musaeum 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 _Athenae Oxonienses_ (vide p. 45, ante) has
+ already been communicated to the reader. We may here observe
+ that his _Antiquities of the University_ 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 ALMA MATER, by publishing the
+ legitimate text of their venerable and upright historian;
+ under the title of _The History and Antiquities of the
+ Colleges and Halls_, 1786, 4to., with a supplemental volume
+ by way of _Appendix_, 1790, 4to., containing copious indexes
+ to the two. Then followed the Annals of the University at
+ large, viz. _The History and Antiquities of the University
+ of Oxford_; 1792, 4to., in two volumes; the latter being
+ divided into _two_ 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 _Thomae Caii
+ Vindic. Antiq. Acad. Oxon._: 1730, 8vo., vol. i., pp. xl.
+ xliii. _Edit. Hearne._ 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.
+
+ [Illustration]]
+
+A very few years after the death of this distinguished character, died
+Dr. FRANCIS BERNARD;[362] a stoic in 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 _Doctor of Medicine_,) yet, if I forget not, there are
+nearly 150 pages in this said catalogue which are thickly studded with
+"_Libri Medici_," from the folio to the duodecimo size. Many very
+curious books are afterwards subjoined; and some precious _bijous_, in
+English Literature, close the rear. Let Bernard be numbered among the
+most learned and eminent bibliomaniacs.
+
+ [Footnote 362: 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 BOOK-MANIA, in the _present day_, than by
+ shewing them how the same symptoms, upwards of a _century
+ ago_, 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,
+
+ "TO THE READER.
+
+ 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 _Historia Litteraria_, 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) _in any
+ printed catalogue in the world_."--"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
+ _their_ dress than _his own_; and therefore you'll find that
+ a _gilt back_, or a _large margin_, 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 _modern
+ collectors_ (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 bibilomaniac [Transcriber's Note:
+ bibliomaniac]: "_A Catalogue of the Library of the late
+ learned_ DR. FRANCIS BERNARD, _Fellow of the College of
+ Physicians, and Physician to St. Bartholomew's Hospital,
+ &c._," 1698, 8vo. The English books are comprised in 1241
+ articles; and, among them, the keen investigator of ancient
+ catalogues will discover some prime rarities.]
+
+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 BISHOPS FELL and MORE:[363]
+prelates, distinguished for their never ceasing admiration of
+valuable and curious works. The former is better known 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 _Father of_ =black-letter=
+_Collectors_ 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.
+
+ [Footnote 363: As I have already presented the public with
+ some brief account respecting BISHOP FELL, and sharpened the
+ appetites of Grangerites to procure rather a rare portrait
+ of the same prelate (See _Introd. to the Classics_, vol. i.,
+ 89), it remains only to add, in the present place, that
+ Hearne, in his _Historia Vitae et Regni Ricardi II._, 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 _History and Antiquities of the University
+ of Oxford_, to correct it for the press, Fell told Wood that
+ "WICLIFFE 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? BISHOP MORE 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 _Old English Literature_!--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 _Life
+ of Aylmer_, 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. MORE, 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." _Hist. of the Reformation_,
+ 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 '_quid illiterati cum
+ libris_.'" On the death of More, his library was offered to
+ Lord Oxford for 8000_l._; 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 GEORGE I.!--who gave 6000_l._ for them, and presented
+ them to the public library of the University of Cambridge!--
+
+ "These are imperial works, and worthy kings!"
+
+ And here, benevolent reader, the almost unrivalled
+ _Bibliotheca Moriana_ yet quietly and securely reposes. Well
+ do I remember the congenial hours I spent (A.D. 1808) in the
+ _closet_ 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 FINE PUBLIC LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY
+ 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 _Catalogue Raisonne_ to be printed in
+ three or more quarto volumes. If, in any particular
+ department, there be valuable editions of a work which are
+ _not_ in the public, but in another, library--ex. gr. in
+ Trinity, or St. John's--specify this edition in its
+ appropriate class; and add _Trin. Coll., &c._--If this copy
+ contain notes of Bentley, or Porson, add "_cum notis
+ Bentleii_," _&c._: so that such a catalogue would present,
+ not only _every_ volume in the _Public Library_, but _every
+ valuable_ 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.]
+
+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 _Ballad Poetry_: and between whom presents of curious black-letter
+volumes were, in all probability, frequently passing. I allude to the
+famous SAMUEL PEPYS;[364] Secretary to the Admiralty.
+
+ [Footnote 364: "_The Maitland Collection of Manuscripts_ 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 SAMUEL PEPYS, 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 PEPYSIAN LIBRARY 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 _Ancient Scottish Poems from the Maitland
+ Collection, &c._, 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 _Quarterly
+ Review_, 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
+ _Diary_ 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 PEPYSIAN COLLECTION 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
+ _an act of parliament_ 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 _Evans' Collection of Old Ballads_
+ (see _in limine_, p. ix.) and look into the valuable notes
+ of _Mr. Todd's Illustrations of Gower and Chaucer_,--in
+ which latter, he will find no bad specimen of these
+ _Pepysian gems_, 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 "_Old Meg of Herefordshire for
+ a Mayd-Marian; and Hereford Town for a Morris-daunce, &c._,"
+ 1609, 4to., p. 273. EX UNO DISCE OMNES. 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.]
+
+Now it was a convincing proof to me, my dear friends, that the
+indulgence of a PASSION FOR BOOKS is perfectly compatible with any
+situation, however active and arduous. For while this illustrious
+bibliomaniac was 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 _Navy of Old England_ upon the most respectable footing; and
+is called the _Father_ 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
+_Secretary_ 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 _First Lord_ 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.
+
+While we are looking round us at this period, we may as well slightly
+notice the foundation of the _Blenheim Library_. The DUKE OF
+MARLBOROUGH[365] was resolved that no naval commander, or person
+connected with the navy, should eclipse himself in the splendour of
+book-collecting: but it was to PRINCE EUGENE that Marlborough was
+indebted for his taste in this particular; 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.
+
+ [Footnote 365: The LIBRARY AT BLENHEIM 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 MARLBOROUGH, the founder of
+ the Library, pushed forward his bibliomaniacal spirit. I am
+ indebted to Mr. Edwards for this interesting list of the
+
+ ANCIENT CLASSICS PRINTED UPON VELLUM IN THE BLENHEIM LIBRARY.
+
+ Apoll. Rhodius 1496
+ Augustinus, _de Civ. Dei_ _Spirae_ 1470
+ A. Gellius, _Romae_ 1469
+ Aug. _de Civ. Dei_ _Jenson_ 1475
+ Biblia Moguntina 1462
+ Bonifacii Decretalia 1465
+ Ciceronis _Rhetorica_ _Jens_ 1470
+ ---- _Epist. Fam._ _Spirae_ 1469
+ ---- _Officia_ _Mogunt_ 1465
+ ---- ---- 1466
+ ---- _Tuscul. Ques._ _Jenson_ 1472
+ _Clementis Const._ _Mogunt_ 1460
+ ---- _Fust. s.a._
+ Durandus 1459
+ Horatius Landini 1482
+ ---- Epist. 1480
+ Justinian _Mogunt_ 1468
+ Lactantius _A Rot_ 1471
+ Lucian _Florent_ 1496
+ Petrarca _Spira_ 1470
+ Plinius _Jenson_ 1472
+ Quintilian _Campani_ 1470
+ Sallustius _Spira_ 1470
+ V. Maximus, s.a.
+ Virgilius _Spira_ 1470
+
+ The present MARQUIS OF BLANDFORD 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
+ _Caxton_ as there is of those executed by foreign printers.
+ The Marquis's collection of _Emblems_ 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
+ _book-disease_ from PRINCE EUGENE; 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 _Memoirs of Eugene_ (1811, 8vo., p. 185), it would
+ appear that the prince "bought his fine editions of books AT
+ LONDON:"--he speaks also of his "excellent French, Latin,
+ and Italian works, well bound"--as if he enjoyed the
+ "arrangment" of _them_, as much as the contemplation of his
+ "cascades, large water-spouts, and superb basins." _Ibid._
+ 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 _Italy_, where he might have seen the
+ following exquisite _bijous_--
+
+ _In St. Mark's, at Venice._
+
+ Apuleius 1469 }
+ Aulus Gellius 1469 } PRINTED UPON VELLUM.
+ Petrarca 1479 }
+
+ _In the Chapter House at Padua._
+
+ Ciceronis _Epist. ad Atticum_ _Jenson_ 1470 }
+ Quintilian _Jenson_ 1471 }
+ Macrobius 1472 }
+ Solinus _Jenson_ 1473 } PRINTED UPON VELLUM.
+ Catullus 1472 }
+ Plautus 1472 }
+ Ovidii Opera _Bonon._ 1471 }
+
+ The public is indebted to Mr. Edwards for the timely supply
+ of the foregoing bibliographical intelligence.]
+
+Ever ardent in his love of past learning, and not less voracious in
+his bibliomaniacal appetites, was the well known NARCISSUS LUTTRELL.
+Nothing--if we may judge from the spirited sketch of his book
+character, by the able editor[366] of Dryden's works--nothing would
+seem to have escaped his Lynx-like vigilance. Let the object be what
+it would (especially if it related to _poetry_) 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. WYNNE--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.
+
+ [Footnote 366: "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 NARCISSUS LUTTRELL, 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 _The
+ Works of John Dryden_, 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.
+ EDWARD WYNNE, as Lysander above intimates, that these
+ notorious modern bibliomaniacs are indebted for the
+ preservation of most of the choicest relics of the
+ _Bibliotheca Luttrelliana_. Mr. Wynne lived at Little
+ Chelsea; and built his library in a room which had the
+ reputation of having been LOCKE'S _study_. 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 _Bibliotheca
+ Wynniana_, he is presented with the following extracts:
+
+ LOT 2 A parcel of pamphlets on poetry, 8vo. L2 0_s._ 0_d._
+
+ 3 Do. Tragedies and Comedies, 4to. and 8vo. 3 13 6
+
+ 4 Do. Historical and Miscellaneous, 4to. and 8vo. 1 1 0
+
+ 5 Poetical, Historical, and Miscellaneous, folio 1 4 0
+
+ 11 Do. giving an account of horrid Murders, Storms,
+ Prodigies, Tempests, Witchcraft, Ghosts, Earthquakes, &c.,
+ _with frontispieces_ and _cuts_, 4to. and 8vo. 1606 1 14 0
+
+ 12 Do. Historical and Political, English and Foreign, from
+ 1580 to 1707 2 0 0
+
+ 13 Do. consisting of Petitions, Remonstrances, Declarations,
+ and other political matters, from 1638 to 1660, during the
+ great Rebellion, and the whole of the Protectorate: _a very
+ large parcel, many of them with cuts_. Purchased by the
+ present Marquis of Bute 7 7 0
+
+ 14 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., _many of them with curious plates_, from
+ 1695 to 1706. Purchased by the same 6 16 6
+
+ Lots 23-4 comprised a great number of "_Old Poetry and
+ Romances_," which were purchased by Mr. Baynes for 7_l._
+ 9_s._ Lot 376 comprehended a "_Collection of Old
+ Plays--Gascoigne, White, Windet, Decker, &c._," 21 vols.:
+ which were sold for 38_l._ 17_s._ 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. FARMER, 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 _Eunomus_, or _Discourses upon
+ the Laws of England_, 4 vols., 8vo. It happened to be
+ published at the time when Sir William Blackstone's
+ _Commentaries on the Laws of England_ made their appearance;
+ and, in consequence, has seen only three editions: the
+ latter being published in 1809, 2 vols., 8vo.]
+
+Why have I delayed, to the present moment, the mention of that
+illustrious bibliomaniac, EARL PEMBROKE? 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 _Virtu_ not
+confined to objects in the shape of volumes, whether printed or in
+MS.: his knowledge of statues and coins was profound;[367] and his
+collection of these, such as to have secured for him the admiration
+of posterity.
+
+ [Footnote 367:
+
+ [Illustration]
+
+ The reader will find an animated eulogy on this great
+ nobleman in Walpole's _Anecdotes of Painters_, 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
+ PEMBROKE 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. _Annales Typographici_, vol. i., 13. edit. 1719.
+ _History of Printing_, 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."
+ _Continuation of Granger_, 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
+ _History of his own Times_, 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 EARL OF PEMBROKE 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, _on parchment_, 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 JOHN MURRAY; 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 _Antiquities of Glastonbury_, published
+ by Hearne, 1722, p. LVIII, 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.]
+
+While this nobleman was the general theme of literary praise there
+lived a _Bibliomaniacal Triumvirate_ of the names of BAGFORD, MURRAY,
+and HEARNE: 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,[368] was Thomas Hearne; who,
+if I well remember, has been thus described by Pope, in his Dunciad,
+under the character of Wormius:
+
+ But who is he, in closet close ypent,
+ Of sober face, with learned dust besprent?
+ Right well mine eyes arede the myster wight,
+ On parchment scraps y-fed, and WORMIUS hight.
+
+ [Footnote 368: The former bibliomaniacal triumvirate is
+ noticed at p. 217, ante. We will now discuss the merits of
+ the above, _seriatim_. And first of JOHN BAGFORD, "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
+ _Origin of Printing_, 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
+ _forty-two_ 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 _perfect_ 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 GENERAL HISTORY OF PRINTING. The preceding was
+ inserted in the _first edition_ 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 _Guil. Roper Vita D. Thomae Mori_,
+ 1716, 8vo., we have the following brief notice of Bagford:
+ Sec. ix. "Epistolas et Orationes excipit Anonymi Scriptoris
+ chronicon; quod idcirco Godstovianum appellare visum est,
+ quia in illud forte fortuna inciderim, quum, anno MDCCXV.
+ una cum JOANNAE BAGFORDIO, amico egregio ad rudera Prioratus
+ de Godstowe juxta Oxoniam animi recreandi gratia,
+ perambularem. De illo vero me prius certiorem fecerat ipse
+ Bagfordius, qui magno cum nostro moerore paullo post
+ Londini obiit, die nimirum quinto Maij anno MDCCXVI. quum
+ jam annum aetatis sexagessimum quintum inplerisset, ut e
+ litteris intelligo amici ingenio et humanitate ornati
+ Jacobei Sothebeii, junioris, qui, si quis alius, e
+ familiaribus erat Bagfordii. Virum enimvero ideo mihi quam
+ maxime hac occasione lugendum est, quod amicum probitate et
+ modestia praeditum 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 typographicae incunabula
+ spectantes solverit et expedierit. Expertus novi quod
+ scribo. Quotiescunque enim ipsum consului (et quidem id
+ saepissime 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, praecipue quum nostra sententia illi
+ soli magni sint censendi, qui recte agant, et sint vere boni
+ et virtute praediti?"--_Praef._ pp. xxi., ii. In Hearne's
+ perface [Transcriber's Note: preface] to _Walter
+ Hemingford's_ history, Bagford is again briefly introduced:
+ "At vero in hoc genere fragmenta colligendi omnes quidem
+ alios (quantum ego existimare possum) facile superavit
+ JOANNES BAGFORDIUS, 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
+ _Hemingi Wigornensis Chartularium_; which, though copious,
+ is really curious and entertaining, and is forthwith
+ submitted to his consideration. "It was therefore very
+ laudable in my friend, Mr. J. BAGFORD (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:
+
+ Hic. Sitvs. JOANNES. BAGFORDIVS.
+ Antiquarivs. Penitvs. Britannvs.
+ Cujvs. Nuda. Solertia. Aliorvm.
+ Vicit. Operosam. Diligentiam.
+ Obiit. Maii. v. A.D. M.DCC.XVI.
+ Aetatis [LXV.]
+ Viri. Simplicis. Et. Sine. Fvco.
+ Memoria. Ne. Periret.
+ Hunc. Lapidem. Posvit....
+
+ "'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 _Covers_, and to _Bosses_ and _Clasps_; 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
+ _Binding Books_ (in which he might have improved what I have
+ said elsewhere about the ancient Aestels) and another about
+ the _Art of making Paper_, in both which his observations
+ were very accurate. Nay, his skill _in paper_ 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 (_Chart, Wigorn._, 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, _Joannis Rossi
+ Antiquarii Warwicensis Historia Regum Angliae_. 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 Aelfred the Great) where K.
+ Ethelwulph (father of K. Alfred) was buried, though others
+ say it was at Winchester," &c. "Mr. BAGFORD 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 _Bishop of Ely_, Dr.
+ MORE (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 (_Leland Collect._ vol. vi., 168), in the margin
+ of a book (I lately purchased) called _Hieronymi Cardinalis
+ Vitas Patrum_, Lugd. MCCCCCII. 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 _printed at
+ Tavistock_, commonly called =The long Grammar=. 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 _Ballads_, and he was always mightily pleased
+ if he met with any that were old. Anthony a 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 _Sloanian MSS._, no.
+ 4036, in the British Museum. It is written to Sir Hans
+ Sloane.
+
+ _From my Lodgings_, July 24, 1704.
+
+ WORTHY SIR,
+
+ 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 discouse
+ [Transcriber's Note: discourse] 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,
+
+ Honoured Sir,
+
+ Your most humble Servant to command,
+
+ JO. BAGFORD.
+
+ _For the Worthy Sir Hans Slone_ [Transcriber's Note:
+ Sloane].
+
+ And now it only remains to close the whole of this
+ BAGFORDIANA by the following unique communication. One of
+ Bagford's friends sent him this letter with the subjoined
+ device:--"_For my Lovinge friend Mr. Jno. Bagford._--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." (_Harl. MS._, no. 5910.)
+
+ [Illustration]
+
+ I wish it were in my power to collect information, equally
+ acceptable with the foregoing, respecting the above-named
+ JOHN MURRAY; 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 praecipue mentionem meretur, quod
+ mutuo accepi, schedula una et altera jam excusa, a JOANNE
+ MURARIO Londinensi, rei antiquariae perscrutatore diligenti,
+ cui eo nomine gratias ago." "Denique subdidi descriptionem
+ fenestrarum depictarum ecclesiae parochialis de Fairford in
+ agro Glocestriensi, e schedula quam mutuo sumpsi ab amico
+ supra laudato Johanne Murrario, qui per literas etiam
+ certiorem me fecit e 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 ecclesiae aedituus, vir simplex,
+ necnon aetate et scientia venerandus." Praef: p. XXII. _Guil.
+ Roperi Vita Thomae Mori_, 1716, 8vo., edit. Hearne. There is
+ another slight mention of Murray, by Hearne, in the latter's
+ edition of _Thom. Caii. Vindic. Antiq. Acad. Oxon_, vol.
+ ii., 803-4--where he discourses largely upon the former's
+ copy of _Rastel's Pastyme of People_: 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 "_Hearne's Works, Sessions Papers, Tryals of
+ Witches_." Beneath is this inscription:
+
+ _Hoh Maister John Murray of Sacomb,
+ The Works of old Time to collect was his pride,
+ Till Oblivion dreaded his Care:
+ Regardless of Friends, intestate he dy'd,
+ So the Rooks and the Crows were his Heir._
+
+ G.N.
+
+ Of the above-mentioned THOMAS BRITTON, 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. THOS. BRITTON, the famous _Musical Small Coal Man_, 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 _small coal trade_
+ (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 _Theory of Music_; 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 PRINTED BOOKS, 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 _noble collection
+ of books_, most of them in the _Rosacrucian Faculty_ (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:
+
+ Tho' mean thy rank, yet in thy humble cell
+ Did gentle peace and arts unpurchas'd dwell;
+ Well pleas'd Apollo thither led his train,
+ And music warbled in her sweetest strain.
+ Cyllenius, so, as fables tell, and Jove,
+ Came willing guests to poor PHILEMON'S grove.
+ Let useless pomp behold, and blush to find
+ So low a station, such a liberal mind.
+
+ 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. BAGFORD
+ and he used frequently to converse together, and when they
+ met _they seldom parted very soon_. Their conversation was
+ very often about OLD MSS. 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 OLD CHRONICLES, 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." _Hemingi
+ Chartular. Eccles. Wigornien._, vol. ii., 666-9, Edit.
+ Hearne. See also, _Robert of Glocester's Chronicle_, vol.
+ i., p. LXXII. We will close our account of this perfectly
+ _unique_ bibliomaniac by subjoining the title of the
+ _Catalogue of his Books_; 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. THOMAS BRITTON, 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. _Which will be sold by auction at Paul's
+ Coffee House, &c., the 24th day of January, 1714-15, at Five
+ in the Evening._ 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 THOMAS HEARNE. 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
+ WANLEY'S antiquarian talents were equally beyond the touch
+ of satire and the criticism of the satirist. Warton has,
+ accordingly, admitted that HEARNE was represented under the
+ character of WORMIUS; 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
+ _Posthumous Works_, 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, _carbone notandus_"--"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 ENGLISH HISTORY, and upon the want of valuable editions
+ of OUR OLD HISTORIANS, are but too just, and cannot be too
+ attentively perused. See _Gentleman's Magazine_, 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
+ _Bibliotheca Britannico-Hibernica_, 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 _British Topography_, 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, p. 327, ante) _Pope's Works_, edit. Bowles; vol. v.,
+ 232. Let the reader consult also Dr. Pegge's _Anonymiana_,
+ 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 _Chronicles of Langtoft and Robert of
+ Gloucester_; _Adam de Domerham, de rebus Glastoniensibus_;
+ _Gulielmus Neubrigensis_; _Forduni Scotichronicon_; and all
+ his volumes appertaining to _Regal Biography_:--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
+ _intrinsic_ 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 _Roper's Life of Sir Thomas More_, p. xix.
+ (edit. 1716), he describes himself "as leading the life of
+ an ascetic." In the preface to the _Annals of Dunstable
+ Priory_, 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 _Antiquities of Glastonbury_,
+ p. 326, he writes, "the two following old evidences were
+ lent me _to-day_ 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." _Benedict Abbas_, 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 _Battle of Agincourt_, 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 _Collection of Old Ballads_, 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 BOOK that, in
+ the preface to _Alured of Beverley_, 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 _Antiquities of Glastonbury_)
+ 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 _modern_ 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 _Robert of
+ Gloucester's Chronicle_, where he almost predicts the
+ extinction of "right good" literature, on the disappearance
+ of the _black-letter_! And here let us draw towards the
+ close of these HEARNEANA, 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.
+
+ [Illustration: OBIIT MDCCXXXV: AETATIS SUAE LVII.
+
+ _Deut. xxxii: 7. Remember the days of old._]
+
+ 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:
+
+ Pox on't quoth _Time_ to _Thomas Hearne_,
+ Whatever I _forget_ you learn.
+
+ Let the modern collector of Chronicles turn his eye towards
+ the 15th page of this catalogue--nos. 384, 390--and see
+ what "compleat and very fair" copies of these treasures were
+ incorporated in Hearne's extensive library!]
+
+A little volume of book chit-chat might be written upon the marvellous
+discovesies [Transcriber's Note: discoveries] and voluminous
+compilations of Bagford and Hearne: and to these, we may add another
+_unique_ bibliomaniac, who will go down to posterity under the
+distinguished, and truly enviable, title of "_The Musical Small-Coal
+Man_;" I mean, master THOMAS BRITTON. 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 after black-letter volumes than almost any of his predecessors
+or successors--while we grant Thomas Hearne 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 greater part of them, yet let our admiration be [Transcriber's
+Note: superfluous 'be'] "be screwed to its sticking place," when we
+think upon the wonderous genius of the aforesaid Thomas Britton; who,
+in the midst of his coal cellars, could practise upon "fiddle 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!
+
+LOREN. In truth, a marvellous hero was this _Small-Coal Man_! Have you
+many such characters to notice?
+
+LYSAND. 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 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
+_Rastell's Pastime of (the) People_.
+
+PHIL. 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.
+
+LOREN. I hope, for the sake of consistency with former similar
+publications,[369] 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."
+
+ [Footnote 369: The ANCIENT CHONICLES 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: HOLINSHED, 1807, 4to., 6 vols.; HALL, 1809,
+ 4to.; GRAFTON, 1809, 4to., 2 vols.; FABIAN, 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 ARNOLD, HARDING, and
+ LORD BERNERS' translation of FROISSARD, and RASTELL, are
+ about to bring up the rear of these popular Chroniclers.]
+
+LYSAND. Much may be said on both sides of the question. But why are we
+about to make learned dissertations upon the old English Chronicles?
+
+LIS. Proceed, and leave the old chroniclers to settle the matter
+themselves. Who is the next bibliomaniac deserving of particular
+commendation?
+
+LYSAND. As we have sometimes classed our bibliomaniacs in tribes, let
+me now make you acquainted with another _Trio_, of like renown in the
+book-way: I mean Anstis, Lewis, and Ames. Of these in their turn.
+
+ANSTIS[370] stands deservedly the first in the list; for 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. LEWIS[371] is known to us, both as a topographer and
+bibliographical antiquary. His _Life of Caxton_ has been reprinted
+with additions and corrections; and, in particular, his edition of
+_Wicliffe's New Testament_ has been recently put forth by the Rev. Mr.
+Baber, in a handsome quarto volume, with valuable 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 AMES, and here--though a little out
+of order--I may add HERBERT--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.[372] 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
+_Typographical Antiquities_ 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!
+
+ [Footnote 370: The reader will be pleased to consult the
+ account of Earl Pembroke, p. 325, ante, where he will find a
+ few traits of the bibliomaniacal character of ANSTIS. He is
+ here informed, from the same authority, that when Anstis
+ "acquainted BAGFORD 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
+ HEARNE he thus speaks: "I am ashamed that Mr. Hearne hath
+ made so many mistakes about the translation of _Boetius,
+ printed at Tavistock_; 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 _Order of the
+ Garter_ 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 371: Concerning the Rev. JOHN LEWIS, 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: _Typographical Antiquities_, 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 THOMAS HEARNE 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 LORD OXFORD 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 _History of the Translations of the
+ Bible_, 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 _Life
+ of Wiclif_, 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 _Weekly Journal_,
+ published this day, Oct. 28 (1721), by _Mr. Mist_, there is
+ a scandalous advertisement subscribed M. Earbury, beginning
+ thus: 'Whereas a pretended _Vindication of John Wickliffe_
+ 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. EARBURY." "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, WH. PETESBOR."]
+
+ [Footnote 372: It is unnecessary for me to add any thing
+ here to the copious details respecting these eminent
+ bibliomaniacs, AMES and HERBERT, which have already been
+ presented to the public in the first volume of the new
+ edition of the _Typographical Antiquities_ of our own
+ country. See also p. 66, ante; and the note respecting the
+ late GEORGE STEEVENS, post.]
+
+By mentioning Herbert in the present place, I have a little inverted
+the order of my narrative. A crowd of distinguished bibliomaniacs, in
+fancy's eye, is thronging around me, and demanding a satisfactory
+memorial of their deeds.
+
+LOREN. Be not dismayed, Lysander. If any one, in particular, looks
+"frowningly" upon you, leave him to me, and he shall have ample
+satisfaction.
+
+LYSAND. I wish, indeed, you would rid me of a few of these
+book-madmen. For, look yonder, what a commanding attitude THOMAS
+BAKER[373] assumes!
+
+ [Footnote 373: THOMAS BAKER was a learned antiquary in most
+ things respecting _Typography_ and _Bibliography_; 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 vita, doctrina clarus, moribus singularis et
+ perjucundus, exemplum antiquitatis, cujus judicio plurimum
+ esse tribuendum mecum fatebuntur litterati:" _Vita Mori_, p.
+ XVIII. In his preface to the _Antiquities of Glastonbury_,
+ p. CXXX., Hearne calls him "that great man;" and again, in
+ his _Walter Hemingford_, vol. i., p. XVII.--"amicus
+ eruditissimus, mihi summe colendus; is nempe, qui e scriniis
+ suis MSS. tam multa meam in gratiam deprompsit." Indeed,
+ Hearne had good occasion to speak well of the treasures of
+ Baker's "_scrinia_;" as the Appendix to his _Thomas de
+ Elmham_ alone testifies. Of Baker's abilities and private
+ worth, we have the testimonies of Middleton (_Origin of
+ Printing_, 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." _Masters's Life of Baker_, 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
+ _Will_ of the former, which is not inserted in Master's Life
+ of him, nor in the _Biographia Britannica_. The original
+ documents are in his Majesty's library, and were bought at
+ the sale of Mr. Tutet's books, A.D. 1786; no. 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,
+ THOMAS BAKER, 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 EDWARD EARL OF
+ OXFORD, 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 _Life of Cardinal Wolsey_, noted with my own hand,
+ _Lord Clarendon's History_, with cuts and prints; and
+ _Winwood's Memorials_, 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 _Godwin de Praesulibus
+ Angliae_, and _Warraeus de Praesulibus Hibernia_, 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, _Archbishop
+ Wake's State of the Church_, noted and improved under his
+ own hand; _Bp. Burnet's History of the Reformation_, in
+ three volumes, noted in my hand; and _Bp. Kennett's Register
+ and Chronicle_ (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,
+ _History of the Garter_, in two vols., fol. _Wood's Athenae
+ Oxon._; and _Maunsell's Catalogue_; both noted with my own
+ hand--and _Gunton's and Patrick's History of The Church of
+ Peterburgh_, 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.
+
+ THO. BAKER.
+
+ 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."]
+
+LOREN. Never fear. He is an old acquaintance of mine; for, when
+resident at St. John's, Cambridge, I was 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.
+
+PHIL. This is drawing too severe a conclusion. But Baker merits the
+thanks of a book-loving posterity.
+
+LYSAND. He is satisfied with this mention of his labours; for see, he
+retreats--and THEOBALD[374] 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.
+
+ [Footnote 374: Notwithstanding Pope has called THEOBALD 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 _Mist's
+ Journal_, March 16, 1728, from our old printer's edition of
+ Virgil's Aeneid, 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 _Pope's Works_, vol. v., 114, 257.]
+
+LIS. Is THOMAS RAWLINSON[375] so particularly deserving of
+commendation, as a bibliomaniac?
+
+ [Footnote 375: Let us, first of all, hear Hearne discourse
+ rapturously of the bibliomaniacal reputation of T.
+ Rawlinson: "In his fuit amicus noster nuperus THOMAS
+ RAWLINSONUS; 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 memoriae 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 (clandestino tamen) laborabant, ut minus auspicato
+ venderentur. Quod videntes probi aliquot, qui rem omuem
+ noverant, clamitabant, o homines scelestos! hos jam oportet
+ in cruciatum hinc abripi! Quod haec 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 aemulatio inter viros eruditos,
+ aliosque etiam, in libris perquirendis ac comparandis, imo
+ in fragmentis quoque. Adeo ut domicilia, ubi venales id
+ genus res pretiosae prostabant, hominum coetu frequenti
+ semper complerentur, in magnum profecto commodum eorum, ad
+ quos libri aliaeque res illae pertinebant; quippe quod
+ emptores parvo aere nunquam, aut rarissime, compararent."
+ _Walter Hemingford, praefat._, p. CIV. In his preface to
+ _Alured de Beverly_, 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 _Titi Livii Foro-Juliensis Vit. Henrici V._, 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 TOM
+ FOLIO. His own house not being large enough, he hired
+ _London House_, 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 morceau. I. _A Catalogue of
+ choice and valuable Books in most Faculties and Languages;
+ being part of the Collection made by Thomas Rawlinson,
+ Esq._, 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.----II. _A Catalogue_, &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.]----III. _A Catalogue_,
+ &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.)----IV. _A Catalogue_,
+ &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.)----V. & VI. _A
+ Catalogue_, &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 _Libri Theologici_. In folio.--Test. Nov. 1588,
+ being the first article. This collection began to be sold in
+ Feb. 2. [1724?]--VII. _A Catalogue_, &c., being the 6th part
+ of the Collection made by T. Rawlinson, Esq., _Deceased_,
+ 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_s._ 6_d._ (no
+ paging--printer's mark at bottom irregularly continued from
+ 1 to 35.)--VIII. _Bibliotheca Rawlinsoniana_, 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_d._ (20 days' sale--2600
+ lots.)----IX. _Bibliothecae Rawlinsonianae, &c., Pars_ IX.
+ 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_s._ (20 days' sale, 3200 lots.)----X. _Bibliothecae
+ Rawlinsonianae, &c., Pars altera_, 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_s._ (22 days' sale, 3520
+ articles.)----XI. _Bibliothecae Rawlinsonianae, Pars altera_,
+ 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_s._ (22 days' sale, 3520
+ lots.)----XII. _Bibliothecae Rawlinsonianae, Pars altera_,
+ 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_s._ (8vo. 24 days' sale, 3840 lots.)----XIII. _Bibliothecae
+ Rawlinsonianae, Pars altera_, 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_s._ (8vo. 26 days'
+ sale, 4161 lots.)----XIV. _Bibliothecae Rawlinsonianae, Pars
+ altera_, 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_s._ (8vo. 18 days' sale, 2700 lots.)----XV.
+ _Bibliothecae Rawlinsonianae, Pars altera_, 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_s._ (8vo. 26
+ days' sale, 3456 lots.)----XVI. _Codicum Manuscriptorum
+ Bibliothecae Rawlinsonianae Catalogus--cum appendice
+ Impressorum_--to be sold 4th March, 1733-4, at St. Paul's
+ Coffee-House, every night at 6, by T. Ballard. Price 1_s._
+ (8vo., 16 days' sale, MSS. 1020 lots--appendix 800). To
+ these may be added, _Picturae Rawlinsonianae_--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 THOMAS
+ RAWLINSON? Does he imagine that the tomes in the Bodleian,
+ Vatican, and British Museum were, in each single collection,
+ more numerous than those in the _Aldersgate Street_
+ repository?--Or, at any rate, would not a view of this
+ Aldersgate Street collection give him the completest idea of
+ the _ne plus ultra_ of BOOK-PHRENSY 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 _Bibliothecal_ 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 SUCH A COLLECTION! The genius of Pearson and Crofts would
+ have done homage to the towering spirit of Rawlinson.]
+
+LYSAND. 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 the present warehouses of the East-India Company--if
+a disposition to spread far and wide the influence of the BIBLIOMANIA,
+by issuing a _carte blanche_ for every desperately smitten antiquary
+to enter, and partake of the benefits of, his library--be criteria of
+BOOK-PHRENSY--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 BOOK FAME! He was the _Tom Folio_
+of the Tatler, and may be called the _Leviathan_ of book-collectors
+during nearly the first thirty years of the eighteenth century.
+
+LIS. I suppose, then, that Bagford, Murray, and Hearne, were not
+unknown to this towering bibliomaniac?
+
+LYSAND. 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.
+
+But see yonder the rough rude features of HUMPHREY WANLEY[376] peering
+above the crowd! All hail to thy honest physiognomy--for thou wert a
+rare _Book-wight_ 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.
+
+ [Footnote 376: Lysander is well warranted in borrowing the
+ pencil of Jan Steen, in the above bold and striking portrait
+ of WANLEY: 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 _Cow Pox system_ (my ever respected and
+ sincere friend, Dr. JENNER) had not then made known the
+ blessings resulting from the vaccine operation: for poor
+ Wanley's face is absolutely _peppered_ with _variolous_
+ 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 HARLEIAN MSS. did not produce any enervating effluvia
+ or mismata [Transcriber's Note: miasmata]. Our poet, Gay, in
+ his epistle to Pope, _ep._ 18, thus hits off his
+ countenance:
+
+ O WANLEY, whence com'st thou with _shorten'd hair_,
+ And _visage_, from thy shelves, _with_ dust besprent?
+
+ 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 _Annales
+ Prioratus de Dunstable_--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 BRITISH HISTORY and
+ ANTIQUITIES 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 p. 89, ante. Of his
+ attachment to the Bibliomania there are innumerable proofs.
+ Take this, _inter alia_; "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 _among Mr.
+ Harley's MSS._ Mr. Wanley has the greatest collection of
+ _English Bibles, Psalters, &c._, that ever any one man had.
+ They cost him above 50_l._, and he has been above twenty
+ years in collecting them. He would part with them, I
+ believe, but I know not at what price." _Masters's Life of
+ Baker_, p. 27. Consult also the preface to the _Catalogue of
+ the Harleian MSS._, 1808, 3 vols., folio, p. 6.]
+
+A softer noise succeeds; and the group becomes calm and attentive, as
+if some grand personage were advancing. See, 'tis HARLEY, EARL OF
+OXFORD![377]
+
+ [Footnote 377: 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 HARLEIAN COLLECTION--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 "SION," 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 HARLEY 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. BAKER, 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."
+ _Masters's life of Baker_, 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 _The Director_, to which I contributed all the
+ intelligence under the article "BIBLIOGRAPHIANA," 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 _Harleian Library_, or the books
+ once in the possession of the celebrated HARLEY, EARL OF
+ OXFORD. 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 _Continuation of Granger_, 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 _Harleian
+ Collection of MSS._ was purchased by government for
+ 10,000_l._, and is now deposited in the British Museum (vide
+ p. 89, ante). The _Books_ were disposed of to THOMAS
+ OSBORNE, 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_l._ for the collection; a sum which must
+ excite the astonishment of the present age, when it is
+ informed that Lord Oxford gave 18,000_l._ for the _Binding_
+ only, of the least part of them. (From Oldys's _interleaved
+ Langbaine_. See Brydges's _Cens. Literar._, vol. i., p.
+ 438.) In the year 1743-4 appeared an account of this
+ collection, under the following title, _Catalogus
+ Bibliothecae Harleianae, &c._, 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."
+ _Life of Johnson_, 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_s._ to each of his
+ first two volumes, which was represented by the booksellers
+ "as an avaricious innovation;" and, in a paper published in
+ "_The Champion_," 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
+ _give away_ the catalogue." _Preface to_ 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 _rating his books at
+ too high a price_: 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."--_Preface to the 3d
+ volume._ 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, _struck off upon vellum_,
+ marked at 21_l._ 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_s._, for which three times the number of _pounds_ is now
+ given.
+
+ ANALYSIS OF THE HARLEIAN LIBRARY.
+
+ 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
+
+ 1. _Divinity._
+
+ In the _Greek_, _Latin_, _French_, and _Italian_ 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: Schaeffer'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 Judae, 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 p. 161, ante. The collection
+ of _English_ 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.
+
+ 2. _History and Antiquities._
+
+ 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 _Bibl. Harl._, vol.
+ iii., p. 159.) 150 to those of Spain; and about 250 relating
+ to Germany and the United Provinces.
+
+ 3. _Books of Prints, Sculpture, and Drawings._
+
+ 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 CALLOT
+ were preserved in 4 large volumes, containing not fewer than
+ _nine hundred and twelve prints_. "All choice impressions,
+ and making the completest set of his works that are to be
+ seen." See _Bibl. Harl._, vol. iii., no. 562, "HOLLAR'S
+ 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. _ibid._, no. 468. It is now in the
+ library of the Duke of Rutland. "One hundred and
+ thirty-three heads of illustrious men and women, after
+ VANDYKE. 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." Tne
+ [Transcriber's Note: The] engravings from RAPHAEL'S
+ paintings, upwards of 200 in number, and by the best foreign
+ masters, were contained in 4 splendid morocco volumes. The
+ works of the SADELERS, containing upwards of 959 prints, in
+ 8 large folio volumes, were also in this magnificent
+ collection: and the Albert Durers, Goltziuses, Rembrandts,
+ &c., innumerable!
+
+ 4. _Collection of Portraits._
+
+ 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!
+
+ 5. _Philosophy, Chemistry, Medicine, &c._
+
+ 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.
+
+ 6. _Geography, Chronology, and General History._
+
+ 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.
+
+ 7. _Voyages and Histories relating to the East and West
+ Indies._
+
+ 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.
+
+ 8. _Civil, Canon, and Statute Law._
+
+ At least 800 volumes: 300 in the foreign languages, and the
+ remaining in English.
+
+ 9. _Books of Sculpture, Architecture, &c._
+
+ 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.
+
+ 10. _Greek and Latin Classics; Grammars and Lexicons._
+
+ 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 _fifteenth century_; 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.
+
+ 11. _Books printed upon Vellum._
+
+ 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
+ _Venice_ is more than five feet long, and the map of the
+ _Holy Land_ more than three; there are views of many other
+ cities. It is printed in the Gothic character." See _Bibl.
+ Harl._, vol. iii., no. 3213. The octavos were chiefly
+ "Heures a 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
+ _Bibl. Harl._, vol. iv., no. 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
+ _Tours_; and none at _Paris_ before the year 1469-70--when
+ Crantz and Friburger were engaged to print there.
+
+ 12. _English Poetry, Romances, and Novels._
+
+ 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
+ _Morte d'Arthur_, 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!
+
+ 13. _Livres Francois, Ital., et Hispan._
+
+ There might have been 700 volumes in these foreign
+ languages, of which nearly 500 related to _poetry_
+ (exclusively of others in the foregoing and following
+ departments).
+
+ 14. _Parliamentary Affairs and Trials._
+
+ Upwards of 400 volumes.
+
+ 15. _Trade and Commerce._
+
+ About 300 volumes.
+
+ 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 _fifty
+ departments_ to be enumerated! These are the following: 16.
+ _Critici et Opera collecta._ 17. _Vultus et Imagines Illust.
+ Virorum._ 18. _Pompae, Ceremoniae, et Exequiae._ 19. _De re
+ Militari, de Arte Equestri, et de re Navali._ 20.
+ _Heraldica._ 21. _Epistolae, Panegyrici, et Orationes._ 22.
+ _Bibliothecarii et Miscellanei._ 23. _Tractatus Pacis et
+ Politici._ 24. _Traductions des Auteurs Gr. et Latin._ 25.
+ _Translations from Greek and Latin Authors._ 26. _Laws,
+ Customs, &c., of the City of London._ 27. _Military, Naval
+ affairs, and Horsemanship._ 28. _Heraldry._ 9.
+ [Transcriber's Note: 29.] _Husbandry, Gardening,
+ Agriculture._ 30. _Magic, Sorcery, Witchcraft._ 31.
+ _Miraculous, Monstrous, and Supernatural._ 32. _Lives of
+ Eminent Persons._ 33. _Laws and Customs of divers Places._
+ 34. _Tythes, Sacrilege, and Non-residence, &c._ 35. _Cases
+ of divers Persons._ 36. _Prisons and Prisoners._ 37. _Lives
+ of Murderers, Highwaymen, Pirates, &c._ 38. _Speeches of
+ Persons executed for divers Offences._ 39. _Justices,
+ Juries, and Charges._ 40. _Poor, and Charitable Uses._ 41.
+ _Matrimony, Divorce, &c._ 42. _Universities._ 43.
+ _Allegiance, Supremacy, Non Resistance, &c._ 44. _Bank and
+ Bankers._ 45. _Funds, Taxes, Public Credit, Money, Coin,
+ &c._ 46. _War and Standing Armies._ 47. _Admiralty and
+ Navy._ 48. _Letters on various Subjects._ 49. _Treatises of
+ Peace, Royal Prerogative, &c._ 50. _Navigation._ 51.
+ _Education, Grammar and Schools._ 52. _Ludicrous,
+ Entertaining, Satirical, and Witty._ 53. _English
+ Miscellanies._ 54. _Ecclesiastical and Civil History of
+ Scotland._ 55. _Do. of Ireland._ 56. _Grammars and
+ Dictionnaries._ 57. _Plays, and relating to the Theatre._
+ 58. _Mathematics._ 59. _Astrology, Astronomy, and
+ Chymistry._ 60. _Horsemanship._ 61. _Cookery._ 62.
+ _Convocation._ 63. _Sieges, Battles, War, &c._ 64. _Pomp and
+ Ceremony._ 65. _Books relating to Writing and Printing._ 66.
+ _Essays on various Subjects._ 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 _Pamphlets_. Of these alone, according to Mr.
+ Gough (_Brit. Topog._ 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 POPE 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."
+
+ The following is the latter part of the _Poetical Epistle_
+ here alluded to:
+
+ And sure, if aught below the seats divine
+ Can touch immortals, 'tis a soul like thine:
+ A soul supreme, in each hard instance tried,
+ Above all pain, all passion, and all pride;
+ The rage of power, the blast of public breath,
+ The lust of lucre, and the dread of death.
+
+ In vain to deserts thy retreat is made;
+ The muse attends thee to thy silent shade:
+ 'Tis her's the brave man's latest steps to trace,
+ Rejudge his acts, and dignify disgrace.
+ When int'rest calls off all her sneaking train,
+ And all th' obliged desert, and all the vain;
+ She waits, or to the scaffold, or the cell,
+ When the last lingering friend has bid farewell.
+ Ev'n now, she shades thy evening walk with bays,
+ (No hireling she, no prostitute of praise)
+ Ev'n now, observant of the parting ray,
+ Eyes the calm sun-set of thy various day;
+ Thro' fortune's cloud ONE truly great can see,
+ Nor fears to tell that MORTIMER is he!
+
+ _Pope's Works_, vol. ii., p. 320-3. Bowles's edit.
+
+ The following was the reply of the Earl of Oxford to Mr.
+ Pope.
+
+ SIR,
+
+ 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.,
+
+ OXFORD.
+
+ Of TOM OSBORNE 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 _gratis_, 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, _they would recommend it to any bookish
+ gentleman of their acquaintance, or to return it_, and the
+ favour shall be acknowledged by, their most obedient and
+ obliged,
+
+ T. OSBORNE."
+
+ I shall conclude with the following curious story told of
+ him, in Mr. Nichols's _Anecdotes of Bowyer_ 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_l._ worth
+ of books, at _threepence a piece_. 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 _five shillings_ 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 [symbol: double dagger].]
+
+LIS. Let us rise to pay him homage!
+
+PHIL. Lisardo is now fairly bewitched. He believes in the existence
+of the group!--Help, ho! Fetters and warder for--
+
+LOREN. Philemon loves to indulge his wit at his friend's expense. Is't
+not so, Lisardo?
+
+LIS. I forgive him. 'Twas a "glorious fault." But, indeed, I would
+strip to the skin, if this said nobleman 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!--
+
+LYSAND. And not more wonderful than its reputation justifies. Well
+might Pope be enamoured of such a noble friend--and well might even
+Dr. Mead bow to the superior splendour of such a book-competitor!
+While 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
+VELLUM _Editio Princeps_--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 CAXTON and ALDUS! Suddenly,
+a crowd of pipy fragrance involves the room: these aerial forms cease
+to be visible; and broken sounds, like the retiring tide beneath Dover
+cliff, die away 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, HARLEY, EARL OF OXFORD!"
+
+LOREN. A truce, Lysander! I entreat a truce!
+
+LYSAND. To what?
+
+LOREN. To this discourse. You must be exhausted.
+
+PHIL. 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
+_Nonpareil_ of orators!
+
+LYSAND. 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 _then_ have witnessed some glittering exhibitions of
+imagination in the book-way!
+
+LIS. 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.
+
+LYSAND. No more; unless you are weary of this discourse--
+
+PHIL. LIS. Weary!?
+
+LOREN. Let me here exercise my undeniable authority. A _sandwich_,
+like the evening rain after a parching day, will recruit Lysander's
+exhausted strength. What say you?
+
+LYSAND. "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, BIBLIOMANIA! 'till the morrow.
+
+LOREN. Nay, you are drawing too dismal conclusions. My sisters are not
+sworn enemies to this kind of discourse.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+The arrival of ALMANSA and BELINDA, 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?
+
+LIS. Not if you are disposed to listen to the most engaging
+book-anecdote orator in his majesty's united realms!
+
+ALMAN. Well, this may be a sufficient inducement for us to remain. But
+why so suddenly silent, gentlemen?
+
+LOREN. The conversation had ceased before you arrived. We were
+thinking of a _hung-beef sandwich_ and a glass of madeira to recruit
+Lysander's exhausted powers. He has been discoursing ever since
+dinner.
+
+BELIND. 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.
+
+LYSAND. 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.
+
+BELIND. Sir, I perceive your ingenuity, at least, has not forsaken
+you--in whatever state your memory may be!--
+
+ * * * * *
+
+Here the _sandwiches_ made their appearance: and Lorenzo seated his
+guests, with his sisters, near him, 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.
+
+PHIL. The story is short--
+
+LIS. And sweet, I ween.
+
+PHIL. That remains to be proved. But listen.
+
+You all know my worthy friend, FERDINAND: a very _Helluo Librorum_. 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.
+
+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
+_Censura Literaria_, 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.
+
+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--_an old mahogany Book-Case_, STORED WITH BOOKS. 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.
+
+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 _Morte d'Arthur_, printed by _Caxton_--_Richard Coeur de Lyon_,
+by _W. de Worde_--_The Widow Edyth_, by _Pynson_--and, towering above
+the rest, a LARGE PAPER copy of the original edition of _Prince's
+Worthies of Devon_; while, lying transversely at top, reposed _John
+Weever's Epigrams_, "The spirit of Captain Cox is here revived"--exclaimed
+Ferdinand--while, on looking above, he saw a curious set of old plays,
+with _Dido, Queen of Carthage_, 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 "_prick of
+conscience_" 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, his situation reminding him
+of "_The Churl and the Bird_," 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.
+
+"Madam," said Ferdinand, "is there no possibility of inspecting the
+_books_ in the _cupboard_--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 _peace_!" resumed
+Ferdinand--"sleep in _wretchedness_, 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.
+
+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 by sleeping in the very bed in which Ferdinand had
+been lying.
+
+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 _Morte d'Arthur_--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!
+
+Ladies and gentlemen, I have done.
+
+LIS. And creditably done, too!
+
+ALMAN. 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.
+
+BELIN. 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.
+
+LOREN. If you will only listen a little to Lysander's _sequel_, 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.
+
+ALMAN. Sir, I entreat you to finish your HISTORY OF BIBLIOMANIACS.
+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.
+
+LYSAND. 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.
+
+LOREN. 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.
+
+LYSAND. Unheeded be the moments and hours which are devoted to the
+celebration of eminent BOOK-COLLECTORS! 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--
+
+LIS. Lysander brightens as his story draws to a close: his colouring
+will be more vivid than ever.
+
+BELIND. 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.
+
+LYSAND. 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.
+
+We left off with lauding the bibliomaniacal celebrity of Harley, Earl
+of Oxford. Before the dispersion of his grand collection, died JOHN
+BRIDGES,[378] a gentleman, 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
+ANTHONY COLLINS,[379] 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 _priced copy_ of it.
+
+ [Footnote 378: _Bibliothecae Bridgesianae Catalogus_: or a
+ Catalogue of the Library of JOHN BRIDGES, 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 _catalogue raisonne_, 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--[Greek: Dryos pesouses pas aner xyleuetai];
+ "An affecting momento (says Mr. Nichols, very justly, in his
+ _Anecdotes of Bowyer_, 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 _large paper_ copy of the
+ analysed catalogue, bound in old blue morocco, and ruled
+ with red lines, for 4_s._!--"Happy day!"]
+
+ [Footnote 379: 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, ANTHONY COLLINS, 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 _two parts_ (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.]
+
+We may here but slightly allude to the bibliographical reputation of
+MAITTAIRE, as so much was said of him the day before yesterday.[380]
+
+ [Footnote 380: The reader will find some account of
+ MAITTAIRE'S bibliographical labours at p. 47, ante; and of
+ his editions of the ancient Classics, at p. 442, vol. ii.,
+ of my _Introduction to the Knowledge of rare and valuable
+ editions of the Greek and Latin Classics_. 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 _two parts_, 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) THE ENTIRE LIBRARY OF MR. MAITTAIRE; 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 OWN COPY 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.]
+
+BELIN. All this may be very learned and just. But of these gentlemen I
+find no account in the fashionable necrologies.
+
+LOREN. Only wait a little, and Lysander will break forth with the
+mention of some transcendental bibliomaniac.
+
+LYSAND. Yes, ever renowned RICHARD MEAD![381] thy _pharmacopaeal_
+reputation is lost in the blaze of thy _bibliomaniacal_ glory!
+Aesculapius may plant his herbal crown round thy brow, and Hygeia may
+scatter her cornucopia of roses at thy feet--but what are these
+things compared with the homage offered thee by the Gesners,
+Baillets, and Le Longs, of old? What avail even the roseate blushes of
+thousands, whom thy medical skill, may have snatched from a premature
+grave--compared with the life, vigour, animation and competition which
+thy example infused into the BOOK-WORLD!
+
+ [Footnote 381: It is almost impossible to dwell on the
+ memory of THIS GREAT MAN, 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 _Books_
+ commenced on the 18th of November, 1754, and again on the
+ 7th of April, 1755: lasting together 57 days. The sale of
+ the _prints_ and _drawings_ continued 14 nights. The _gems_,
+ _bronzes_, _busts_, and _antiquities_, 8 days.
+
+ His books produced L5496 15 0
+ Pictures 3417 11 0
+ Prints and drawings 1908 14 0
+ Coins and medals 1977 17 0
+ Antiquities 3246 15 0
+ ------------
+ Amount of all the sales L16,047 12 0
+ ------------
+
+ 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 _Spira Virgil_, of 1470, _Pfintzing's
+ Tewrdanchk's_, 1527, _Brandt's Stultifera Navis_, 1498, and
+ the _Aldine Petrarch_, of 1501, ALL UPON VELLUM. The large
+ paper _Olivet's Cicero_ was purchased by Dr. Askew, for
+ 14_l._ 14_s._, and was sold again at his sale for 36_l._
+ 15_s._ The King of France bought the editio princeps of
+ _Pliny Senior_ for 11_l._ 11_s._: and Mr. Wilcock, a
+ bookseller, bought the magnificently illuminated _Pliny by
+ Jenson_, of 1472, for 18_l._ 18_s._: of which Maittaire has
+ said so many fine things. The _French_ books, and all the
+ works upon the _Fine Arts_, were of the first rarity and
+ value, and bound in a sumptuous manner. Winstanley's
+ _Prospects of Audley End_ brought 50_l._ An amusing account
+ of some of the pictures will be found in Mr. Beloe's
+ _Anecdotes of Literature and scarce Books_, vol. i., 166,
+ 71. But consult also _Nichols's Anecdotes of Bowyer_, p.
+ 225, &c. Of the catalogue of Dr. Mead's books, there were
+ only six copies printed upon _large paper_. See _Bibl.
+ Lort_, no. 1149. I possess one of these copies, uncut and
+ priced. Dr. MEAD 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_l._ Pope has
+ admirably well said,
+
+ "Rare _monkish manuscripts_ for HEARNE alone,
+ And _Books_ FOR MEAD, and _butterflies_ for SLOANE."
+
+ _Epistle_ iv.
+
+ 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_l._, a great sum in his time! His
+ regular emoluments were between 5000_l._ and 6000_l._ per
+ annum. He died on the 25th of February, 1754, in the 81st
+ year of his age. On his death, Dr. ASKEW, 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_l._ A whimsical anecdote is connected
+ with the execution of this bust. Roubilliac agreed with Dr.
+ Askew for 50_l._: the doctor found it so highly finished
+ that he paid him for it 100_l._ The sculptor said this was
+ not enough, and brought in a bill for 108_l._ 2_s._ 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 _Anec. of Bowyer_, p. 580. "I
+ cannot help," says Mr. Edwards, the late ornithologist,
+ "informing succeeding generations that they may see the
+ _real features_ 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 MEADEAN FAMILY with proper
+ respect, in his _Alured de Beverly_, p. XLV.; and in _Walter
+ Hemingford_, vol. i., XXXV. In his _Gulielmus Nubrigensis_,
+ 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 MEAD
+ FAMILY, from John Nicholl, Esq., my neighbour at Kensington,
+ and the maternal grandson of the Doctor, may be thought well
+ worth subjoining. MATTHEW MEAD, 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
+ Graevius. SAMUEL MEAD, _his brother_, was a distinguished
+ Chancery barrister, and got his 4000_l._ 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 _Bishop_, 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 RICHARD. His brother
+ left him 30,000_l._, and giving full indulgence to his noble
+ literary feelings, the Doctor sent Carte, the historian, to
+ France, to rummage for MSS. of _Thuanus_, 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 _ink and paper_ 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 _later_ 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 _diagnostic_
+ physician; and, when he thought deeply, was generally
+ correct in judging of the disorder by the appearance of the
+ countenance.]
+
+The tears shed by virtuous bibliomaniacs at Harley's death were
+speedily wiped away, when the recollection of thine, and of thy
+contemporary's, FOLKES'S[382] fame, was 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 VIRTU--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 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!
+
+ [Footnote 382: "_A Catalogue of the entire and valuable
+ library of_ MARTIN FOLKES, 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_l._, 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_l._--In _Spanish
+ literature_, the history of South America, by John Duan and
+ Ant. di Ulloa, Madr., fol., in 5 vols., was sold for 5_l._:
+ a fine large paper copy of the description of the monastery
+ of St. Lorenzo, and the Escorial, Madr., 1657, brought 1_l._
+ 2_s._; de Lastanosa's Spanish medals, Huesca, fol., 1645,
+ 2_l._ 2_s._--In _English_, the first edition of Shakspeare,
+ 1623, which is now what a French bibliographer would say,
+ "presque introuvable," produced the sum of 3_l._ 3_s._; and
+ Fuller's Worthies, 18_s._!----_Fine Arts, Antiquities, and
+ Voyages._ 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_l._ 13_s._ only: Desgodetz
+ Roman edifices, Paris, 1682, 4_l._ 10_s._ Galleria
+ Giustiniano, 2 vols., fol., 13_l._ 13_s._ Le Brun's Voyages
+ in Muscovy, &c., in large paper, 4_l._ 4_s._ De Rossi's
+ Raccolta de Statue, &c., Rom., 1704, 6_l._ 10_s._ Medailles
+ du Regne de Louis le Grand: de l'Imp. Roy. 1. p. fol., 1702,
+ 5_l._ 15_s._ 6_d._----The works on _Natural History_ 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 _Greek
+ and Latin Classics_, the Pliny of 1469 and 1472 were sold to
+ Dr. Askew, for 11_l._ 11_s._ and 7_l._ 17_s._ 6_d._ At the
+ Doctor's sale they brought 43_l._ and 23_l._, 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 _large paper_, and uncut, in my possession,
+ I find that the amount of the sale, consisting of 5126
+ articles, was 3091_l._ 6_s._ The _Prints, and Drawings_ of
+ Mr. Folkes occupied a sale of 8 days: and his _pictures_,
+ _gems_, _coins_, and _mathematical instruments_, of five
+ days. Mr. MARTIN FOLKES 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 _Sir Isaac's friend_." 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 _ne plus ultra_ 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_l._,
+ 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
+ _Portraits des Hommes Illustres de Denmark_, 4to., 7 parts,
+ 1746: part 4th, a volume which abounds with a number of
+ copper-plate engravings, _worked off_ 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.
+
+ [Illustration]
+
+ Dr. Birch has drawn a very just and interesting character of
+ this eminent man, which may be found in Nichols's _Anecdotes
+ of Bowyer_, 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."]
+
+ALMAN. 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.
+
+LYSAND. 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.
+
+But there is yet an illustrious tribe to be recorded. We have, first,
+RICHARD RAWLINSON,[383] brother of the renowned _Tom Folio_, whose
+choice and tasteful collection of books, as recorded in auctioneering
+annals, is 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 ORATOR HENLEY'S
+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[384] vexed _manes_!--and similar contempt await the efforts
+of all literary quacks and philosophical knaves!
+
+ [Footnote 383: "BIBLIOTHECA RAWLINSONIANA, _sive Catalogus
+ Librorum Richardi Rawlinson_, LL.D. Qui prostabunt Venales
+ sub hasta, Apud Samuelem Baker, In Vico dicto York-street,
+ Covent Garden, Londoni, Die Lunae 29 Marti MDCCLVI." With the
+ following whimsical Greek motto in the title-page:
+
+ [Greek: Kai gar o taos dia to spanion thaumazetai].
+
+ EUBULUS.
+
+ ("The peacock is admired on account of its rarity.")
+
+ 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 _alphabetical_ 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 _united_ is
+ certainly better; like Mr. Harris's excellent catalogue,
+ noticed at p. 99, ante. The "_Methode pour dresser une
+ bibliotheque_," 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_l._ 1_s._ for a collection of fine prints, by Aldegrever.
+ (No. 9405.) The Greek and Latin Classics, of which there
+ were few _Editiones Principes_, or on _large paper_, 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:
+
+ L _s._ _d._
+ The Newe Testament in English, 1500 0 2 9
+ The Ymage of both Churches, after the Revelation
+ of St. John, by Bale, 1550 0 1 6
+ The boke called the Pype or Tonne of Perfection,
+ by Richard Whytforde, 1553 0 1 9
+ The Visions of Pierce Plowman, 1561 0 2 0
+ The Creede of Pierce Plowman, 1532 0 1 6
+ The Bookes of Moses, in English, 1530 0 3 9
+ Bale's Actes of English Votaryes, 1550 0 1 3
+ The Boke of Chivalrie, by Caxton 0 11 0
+ The Boke of St. Alban's, by W. de Worde 1 1 0
+
+ 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 _variorum
+ edition_. Theobald, 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 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 _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. Dr. Rawlinson's
+ benefactions to Oxford, besides his Anglo-Saxon endowment at
+ St. John's College, were very considerable; including,
+ amongst other curiosities, _a series of medals of the
+ Popes_, 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_l._ a year: _a plate of
+ Abp. Laud_, 31 volumes of _Parliamentary Journals and
+ Debates_, a set of _Rymer's Foedera_, his _Greek_,
+ _Roman_, and _English coins_, not given to the Bodleian
+ Library; all his plates engraved at the expense of the
+ Society of Antiquaries; his diploma, and his _heart_; which
+ latter is placed in a beautiful urn against the chapel wall,
+ with this inscription:
+
+ Urbi thesaurus, ibi cor.
+ RIC. RAWLINSON, LL.D. & ANT. S.S.
+ Olim hujus collegii superioris ordinis
+ commensalis.
+ Obiit. vi. Apr. MDCCLV.
+
+ Hearne speaks of him, in the preface of his _Tit. Liv. For.
+ Jul. vita Hen. V._, p. xvi., as "vir antiquis moribus
+ ornatus, perque eam viam euns, quae ad immortalem gloriam
+ ducit."]
+
+ [Footnote 384: 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:----"_A Catalogue of the original
+ MSS. and manuscript collections of the late_ Reverend Mr.
+ JOHN HENLEY, 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. _Jane Cameron_ looked
+ killing at _Falkirk_.----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 ORATOR HENLEY 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 _dispute all propositions_,
+ and _call all points to account_, 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 "_not necessary to
+ conform to the Christian religion_, 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 _he was not qualified to be a
+ complete spaniel_." 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, "_The restorer of ancient
+ eloquence._" 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:
+
+ High on a gorgeous seat, that far outshone
+ HENLEY'S _gilt tub_----
+
+ "He had also an altar, and placed over it this extraordinary
+ inscription, '_The primitive Eucharist._'" We are told by
+ his friend Welsted (narrative in Oratory Transact. No. 1)
+ that "he had the assurance to form a plan, which no mortal
+ _ever thought of_; he had success against all opposition;
+ challenged his adversaries to fair disputations, and _none
+ would dispute with him_: he wrote, read, and studied, twelve
+ hours a day; composed three dissertations a week on all
+ subjects; undertook to teach in _one year_ what schools and
+ universities teach in _five_: was not terrified by menaces,
+ insults, or satires; but still proceeded, matured his bold
+ scheme, and put the church and _all that in danger_!" See
+ note to Dunciad, book iii., v. 199. Pope has described this
+ extraordinary character with singular felicity of
+ expression:
+
+ But, where each science lifts its modern type,
+ Hist'ry her Pot, Divinity her Pipe,
+ While proud philosophy repines to shew,
+ Dishonest sight! his breeches rent below;
+ Imbrown'd with native bronze, lo! Henley stands,
+ Tuning his voice and balancing his hands.
+ How fluent nonsense trickles from his tongue!
+ How sweet the periods, neither said nor sung!
+ Still break the benches, Henley! with thy strain,
+ While SHERLOCK, HARE, and GIBSON, preach in vain.
+ Oh great restorer of the good old stage,
+ Preacher at once, and zany of thy age,
+ Oh worthy thou, of Egypt's wise abodes,
+ A decent priest, where monkeys were the gods!
+ But fate with butchers plac'd thy priestly stall,
+ Meek modern faith to murder, hack, and mawl;
+ And bade thee live, to crown Britannia's praise,
+ In TOLAND'S, TINDAL'S, and in WOOLSTON'S days.
+
+ _Dunciad_, b. iii., v. 190, &c.
+
+ Bromley, in his catalogue of engraved Portraits, mentions
+ _four_ 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 _cut
+ away the leg part of the leather_!]
+
+There are, I had almost said, innumerable contemporaneous
+bibliomaniacal characters to be described--or 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.
+
+LIS. 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 _Via Lactea_![385]
+
+ [Footnote 385: With great submission to the "reminescential"
+ talents of Lysander, he might have devoted one _minute_ to
+ the commendation of the very curious library of JOHN HUTTON,
+ 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 _English Literature_: the rarest books in
+ which are printed in the italic type. When the reader is
+ informed that "_Robinsons Life, Actes, and Death of Prince
+ Arthur_," and his "_ancient order, societie, and unitie,
+ laudable of the same_," 1583, 4to. (see no. 2730;
+ concerning which my worthy friend, Mr. Haslewood, has
+ discoursed so accurately and copiously: _British
+ Bibliographer_, vol. i., pp. 109; 125), when he is informed
+ that this produced only 9_s._ 6_d._--that
+ "_Hypnerotomachia_," 1592, 4to. (no. 2755), was sold for
+ only 2_s._--the _Myrrour of Knighthood_, 1585, 4to. (no.
+ 2759), only 5_s._--_Palmerin of England_, 3 pts. in 3 vols.
+ 1602, 1639, 4to. (no. 2767), 14_s._--_Painter's Palace of
+ Pleasure_, 2 vols. in 1, 1566-7, 4to. (no. 2770)--when, I
+ say, the tender-hearted bibliomaniac thinks that all these
+ rare and precious black letter gems were sold, collectively,
+ for only 2_l._ 16_s._ 6_d._!--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 _Bibl. Huttoniana_, which I
+ purchased, without title-page or a decent cover, at the sale
+ of Mr. Gough's books, for 11_s._ Lysander ought also to have
+ noticed in its chronological order, the extensive and truly
+ valuable library of ROBERT HOBLYN; 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 _Bibliotheca
+ Croftsiana_. 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 _large paper_; which is rather common.]
+
+ALMAN. Upon my word, Lisardo, there is no subject however barren, but
+what may be made fruitful by your metaphorical powers of imagination.
+
+LIS. 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.
+
+LYSAND. 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 GENERAL
+DORMER:[386] 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.
+
+ [Footnote 386: "_A Catalogue of the genuine and elegant
+ Library of the late_ Sir C.C. DORMER, 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
+ _large paper_, 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 _large paper_ are exceedingly scarce. Among
+ the most curious and valuable articles are the
+ following:----no. 599. Les Glorieuses Conquestes de Louis
+ le Grand, par Pontault, _en maroquin_. Paris, 1678. ("_N.B.
+ In this copy many very fine and rare portraits are added,
+ engraved by the most eminent masters._")----no. 604.
+ Recueil des Maisons Royales, fort bien graves par Sylvestre,
+ &c. (N.B. In the book was the following note. "_Ce recueil
+ des Maisons Royales n'est pas seulement complet, en toutes
+ manieres, mais on y a ajoute plusieurs plans, que l'on ne
+ trouvent que tres rarement._")----no. 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. nos. 2246, 2585.)----no. 2249.
+ Don Quixote, por Cervantes. Madr., 4to., 1605. In hoc libro
+ haec nota est. "_Cecy est l'edition originale; il y a une
+ autre du mesme annee, imprimee en quarto a Madrid, mais
+ imprimee apres cecy. J'ay veu l'autre, et je les ay comparez
+ avec deux autres editions du mesme annee, 1605; une imprimee
+ a Lisbonne, en 4to., l'autre en Valentia, en_
+ 8vo."----no. 2590. Thuanus by Buckley, on _large paper_,
+ 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_l._)----From no. 2680 to the end of the Catalogue
+ (401 articles) there appears a choice collection of Italian
+ and Spanish books.]
+
+We have before noticed the celebrated diplomatic character, CONSUL
+SMITH, and have spoken with due respect of his library: let us here,
+therefore, pass by him,[387] in order to take a full and complete
+view of a _Non-Pareil_ 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 JAMES WEST?[388]
+
+ [Footnote 387: The reader has had a sufficiently particular
+ account of the book-collections of CONSUL SMITH, at p. 95,
+ ante, to render any farther discussion superfluous. As these
+ libraries were collected _abroad_, the catalogues of them
+ were arranged in the place here referred to.]
+
+ [Footnote 388: I am now to notice, in less romantic manner
+ than Lysander, a collection of books, in _English
+ Literature_, which, for rarity and value, in a proportionate
+ number, have never been equalled; I mean the library of
+ JAMES WEST, Esq., _President of the Royal Society_. 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:
+ "BIBLIOTHECA WESTIANA; _A Catalogue of the curious and truly
+ valuable library of the late_ JAMES WEST, Esq., _President
+ of the Royal Society, deceased_; 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 _ancient English literature_: 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
+
+ PREFACE.
+
+ "The following catalogue exhibits a very curious and
+ uncommon collection of printed books and tracts. Of British
+ History and Antiquities, and of _Rare Old English
+ Literature_, 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 JAMES WEST, 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 _second_ 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.
+
+ 1. _Volumes of Miscellaneous Tracts._
+
+ These volumes extend from no. 148 to 200, from 915 to
+ 992, from 1201 to 1330, and from no. 1401 to 1480.--Among
+ them are some singularly choice and curious articles. The
+ following is but an imperfect specimen.
+
+ NO. 154. Atkyns on Printing, _with the frontispiece_, &c.,
+ &c., 4to.
+
+ 164. G. Whetstone's Honorable Profession of a Soldier, 1586,
+ &c., 4to.
+
+ 179. Life and death of Wolsey, 1641, &c.
+
+ 183. Nashe's Lenten Stuffe, with the Praise of the Red
+ Herring, 1599, &c. 4to. (the three articles together did not
+ exceed) L0 12_s._ 0_d._
+
+ 188. A Mornynge Remembrance, had at the Moneth Mynde of the
+ Noble Prynces Countesse of Rychmonde, &c. Wynkyn de Worde,
+ &c. 4to. 2 2 0
+
+ 194. 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. _No date_, 4to. 0 12 6
+
+ 1477. 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.) 0 17 6
+
+ 1480. 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.
+
+ 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 _quite so
+ coarse_ in the _title pages_ of our books.
+
+ 2. _Divinity._
+
+ 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 _many Caxtons_, _Wynkyn de Wordes_, _Pynsons, &c._,
+ it would be difficult to select a _few_ which should give a
+ specimen of the value of the rest. Suffice it to observe
+ that such a cluster of _Black Letter Gems_, in this
+ department of English literature, has never since been seen
+ in any sale catalogue.
+
+ 3. _Education, Languages, Criticism, Classics, Dictionaries,
+ Catalogues of Libraries, &c._
+
+ 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.
+
+ 4. _English Poetry, Romances, and Miscellanies._
+
+ 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 _under
+ these heads alone_ 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 MAJESTY is
+ the fortunate possessor of the greater number of articles
+ under all the foregoing heads.
+
+ 5. _Philosophy, Mathematics, Inventions, Agriculture, and
+ Horticulture, Medicine, Cookery, Surgery, &c._
+
+ Two hundred and forty articles, or about 560 volumes.
+
+ 6. _Chemistry, Natural History, Astrology, Sorcery,
+ Gigantology._
+
+ 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 no. 2198 in the catalogue.
+
+ 7. _History and Antiquities._
+
+ This comprehended a great number of curious and valuable
+ productions, relating both to foreign and domestic
+ transactions.
+
+ 8. _Heraldry and Genealogy._
+
+ An equal number of curious and scarce articles may be found
+ under these heads.
+
+ 9. _Antient Legends and Chronicles._
+
+ 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 "_drinking deep_," as well as
+ "_tasting_!" But I crave pardon for this digression, and
+ lose sight of Mr. West's _uniques_.
+
+ 10. _Topography._
+
+ 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 _Enfield
+ Study_ enshrined a still more exquisite topographical
+ collection! But we are improved since the days of Mr. West;
+ and every body knows to _whom_ these improvements are, in a
+ great measure, to be attributed! When I call to mind the
+ author of "_British Topography_" and "_Sepulchral
+ Monuments_," I am not insensible to the taste, diligence,
+ and erudition of the "par nobile fratrum," who have
+ gratified us with the "_Environs of London_," and the three
+ volumes of "_Magna Britannia_!" 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
+ _original sale_ 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. _Ample_ 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 _Bibliotheca Westiana_, to be here dismissed in so
+ _summary_ a manner. Take, therefore, "pleasaunt" reader, the
+ following account of the _prices_ 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 MASTER CAXTON 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.
+
+ NO. 564. Salesbury (Wyllyam) his Dictionary in Englyshe and
+ Welshe, moste necessary to all such Welshemen as wil spedly
+ learne the English tongue, &c. _Printed by Waley_, 1547,
+ 4to. L0 17_s._ 0_d._
+
+ 566. Mulcaster (Rich.) of the right writing of our English
+ Tung. _Imp. by Vautrollier_, 1582, 4to. 0 2 6
+
+ 575. 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. 0
+ 6 6
+
+ 580. Eliot's Indian Grammar, _no title_. 0 4 0
+
+ Thus much for GRAMMATICAL TRACTS.
+
+ 808. The fyve Bokes of Moses, wythe the Prologes of Wyllyam
+ Tyndale, b.b. 1534, _printed in different characters at
+ different periods_, 8vo. 4 4 0
+
+ 813. 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. _Printed by Seres_,
+ 1553, 12mo. 0 11 6
+
+ 819. The Newe Testament, with the Prologes of Wyllyam
+ Tyndale, cuts, printed at Andwarp, &c., 1534, 12mo. 0 18 0
+
+ 820. The same, with the same cuts, emprynted at Antwerpe, by
+ M. Crom, 1538, _a fine copy, in morocco binding_ (title
+ wanting). 2 4 0
+
+ 1341. The Gospels of the fower Evangelists, translated in
+ the olde Saxons Tyme, &c. Sax. and Eng. Imprinted by Daye,
+ 1571, 4to. 1 12 0
+
+ 1383. 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. _No title._ 4to. 1 3 0
+
+ 1714. The most sacred Bible, recognised with great diligence
+ by Richard Taverner, &c., _printed by Byddell for Barthelet,
+ 1539, in russia_. 3 5 0
+
+ 1716. The Byble in Englyshe of the largest and greatest
+ volume, &c. _Printed by Grafton_, 1541, Folio. 1 3 0
+
+ 1870. Speculum Vite Christi, the Booke that is cleped the
+ Myrroure of the blessed Lyf of Jhesu Cryste, _emprynted by
+ Caxton_, fol., _no date, fine copy in morocco_. 9 9 0
+
+ 1871. The prouffytable Boke for Mannes Soule, &c.,
+ _emprynted by Caxton_, fol., no date, a fine copy in
+ morocco. 5 0 0
+
+ 1873. Cordyale, or of the fowre last Thynges, &c.,
+ _emprynted by Caxton_, 1480, fol., _fine copy in morocco_.
+ 14 0 0
+
+ 1874. The Pylgremage of the Sowle, &c., 1483, folio,
+ _emprynted by Caxton_. 8 17 6
+
+ 1875. The Booke entytled and named Ryal, &c., _translated
+ and printed by Caxton_, 1484, _fine morocco copy_. 10 0 0
+
+ 1876. The Arte and Crafte to knowe well to dye; _translated
+ and prynted by Caxton_, 1490, folio. 5 2 6
+
+ So take we leave of DIVINITY!
+
+ 1047. 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.) 0 18 0
+
+ 1658. Churchyard's Works; 3 vols. in 1, _very elegant_, bl.
+ letter. 3 13 6
+
+ 1816. The Passe Tyme of Pleasure, &c., _printed by Wynkyn de
+ Worde_, 1517, 4to., fine copy. 3 3 0
+
+ 1821. Merie conceited Jests of George Peele, Gent. 1607,
+ 4to. Robin the Devil, his two penni-worth of Wit in half a
+ penni-worth of paper, &c., 1607, 4to. 0 18 6
+
+ 1846. The Hye Waye to the Spyttell Hous; printed by the
+ compyler Rob. Copland, no date. 0 6 6
+
+ 1847. Another copy of the Spyttell House; "A thousande fyve
+ hundredth fortye and foure," no printer's name, mark, or
+ date, 4to. Here begynneth a lytell propre Jest, called
+ Cryste Crosse me spede, a b c. 1 11 6
+
+ 2274. Chaucer's Work; first edition, _emprentyd by Caxton_,
+ folio, _in russia_. 47 15 6
+
+ 2280. ---- Troylus and Creseyde, _printed b [Transcriber's
+ Note: by] Caxton_, folio. 10 10 0
+
+ 2281. ---- Booke of Fame, _printed by Caxton_, folio. 4 5 0
+
+ 2297. Gower de Confessione Amantis; _printed by Caxton_,
+ 1483, folio, _in morocco_. 9 9 0
+
+ 2282. The Bokys of Haukyng and Hunting; _printed at Seynt
+ Albons_, 1486, _folio: fine copy in morocco_. 13 0 0
+
+ And here farewell POETRY!
+
+ 1678. The Booke of the moste victoryouse Prynce, Guy of
+ Warwick. _Impr. by W. Copland_, 4to. 1 1 0
+
+ 1683. The Historye of Graunde Amoure and la bell Pucel, &c.
+ _Impr. by John Wayland_, 1554, 4to. 1 2 0
+
+ 1685. The Historye of Olyver of Castylle, &c. _Impr. by
+ Wynkyn de Worde_, 1518, 4to. 1 12 0
+
+ 1656. The Booke of the Ordre of Chyvalry or Knyghthode.
+ _Translated and printed by William Caxton_; no date, a fine
+ copy in russia, 4to. 5 5 0
+
+ (Shall I put one, or one hundred marks--not of admiration
+ but of astonishment--at this price?! but go on kind reader!)
+
+ 2480. The Boke of Jason: _emprynted by Caxton_, folio. 4 4 0
+
+ 2481. The Boke of Fayttes of Armes and of Chyvalrye,
+ _emprynted by Caxton_, 1489, folio. 10 10 0
+
+ 2582. Thystorye, &c., of the Knyght Parys, and of the fayre
+ Vyenne, &c. 1485, fol., _translated and printed by Caxton_.
+ 14 0 0
+
+ [Illustration: CAXTON.]
+
+ 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 _enormous_ sums here given for such _common_ editions
+ of old ROMANCES? 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
+ _lavishing_ away royal money, truly! There is also another
+ thing, connected with these _invaluable_ (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 _own
+ professional_ or _literary_ 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--_pendente hasta_--that
+ he had been "raising all the CAXTONS!" "Many a copy," quoth
+ he, "hath _stuck_ in my shop at two guineas!" Mr. NICHOLS,
+ 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 _Antiquities of Glastonbury_; see p.
+ 285--which was executed, says Hearne, "Sumptibus ornatissimi
+ amicissimique Juvenis (multis sane nominibus de studiis
+ nostris optime meriti) JACOBI WEST," &c. So in his pref. to
+ _Adam de Domerham de reb. gest. Glaston_:--"antiquitatum ac
+ historiarum nostrarum studiosus in primis--Jacobus West." p.
+ xx. And in his _Walter Hemingford_, 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 _Anecdotes of Bowyer_. "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_l._ 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 MANUSCRIPTS was sold to
+ the _Earl of Shelburne_, and is now deposited in the British
+ Museum."]
+
+LOREN. All hail to thee--transcendant bibliomaniac of other times!--of
+times, in which my father lived, 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.
+
+BELIN. I presume you mean, dear brother, some of those _black-looking_
+gentlemen, bound in fancifully marked coats of morocco, and _washed_
+and _ironed_ within (for you collectors must have recourse to a
+woman's occupation) with so much care and nicety that even the eyes
+of our ancient Rebecca, with "spectacle on nose" to boot, could hardly
+detect the cunning' conceit of your binder!
+
+LOREN. Spare my feelings and your own reputation, if you wish to
+appreciate justly the noble craft of book-repairing, &c.--But proceed,
+dear Lysander.
+
+LYSAND. You cannot have a greater affection towards the memory of the
+collector of the _Bibliotheca Westiana_ 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 _creditably
+catalogued_--"For" (and indeed it _is_ 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 PATERSON 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!
+
+ALMAN. For heaven's sake, into what society are we introduced, sister?
+All mad--book mad! but I hope harmless.
+
+LYSAND. Allay your apprehensions; for, though we 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!?"
+
+ALMAN. Sir, you are right, and I solicit your forgiveness. If I have
+not sufficient bookish enthusiasm to fall down and worship your
+CAXTONIAN DEITY, JAMES WEST, I am at least fully disposed to concede
+him every excellent and amiable quality which sheds lustre upon a
+literary character.
+
+LYSAND. 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.
+
+The rapturous, and, I fear you will think, the wild and incoherent,
+manner in which I have noticed the sale of the _Bibliotheca Westiana_
+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
+TOM MARTIN,[389] _of Palgrave_, in Suffolk: a collector of whom, if I
+remember rightly, Herbert has, upon several occasions, spoken with a
+sort 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.
+
+ [Footnote 389: "Hereafter followeth" rather a rough outline
+ of the contents of honest Tom Martin's miscellaneous and
+ curious collection. To the IVth 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.----I. _A Catalogue of the Library of_ Mr. THOMAS
+ MARTIN, _of Palgrave, in Suffolk, lately deceased. Lynn,
+ Printed by W. Whittingham_, 1772, 8vo. With a portrait
+ engraved by Lamborn, from a painting of Bardwell. 5240
+ articles; with 15 pages of Appendix, containing
+ MSS.----no. 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.")----II. _A Catalogue of the very curious and
+ numerous collection of Manuscripts of_ THOMAS MARTIN, Esq.,
+ _of Suffolk, lately deceased_. 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:--no. 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.----III. _A
+ Catalogue of the remaining Part of the valuable Collection
+ of the late well known Antiquary_, Mr. MARTIN, _of Palgrave,
+ Suffolk_: 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----no. 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 page 337,
+ ante. The folio Manuscripts, extending to no. 345, are
+ very curious; especially the first 60 numbers.----IV.
+ _Bibliotheca Martiniana. A Catalogue of the entire Library
+ of the late eminent Antiquary_ Mr. THOMAS MARTIN, _of
+ Suffolk_. 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:
+
+ NO. 4071. Wynkyn de Worde's reprint of Juliana Berners' book
+ of Hawking, &c., 1496, folio, 1_l._ 11_s._ 6_d._: no.
+ 4292. Copland's ditto of ditto, fair 7_s._ 6_d._
+
+ 4099. A collection of Old Romances in the Dutch Language,
+ with wood-cuts, very fair, 1544 to 1556, folio 10 6
+
+ 4169. Horace's Art of poetry, by Drant, 1567, 4to. 3 6
+
+ 4234. A certayne Tragedye, &c., entitled, Freewil, wants
+ title, very fair and scarce, 4to. 5 0
+
+ 4254. Historie of Prince Arthur and his Knights of the Round
+ Table, 1634, 4to. 7 6
+
+ 4336. The Life off the 70 Archbishopp off Canterbury
+ presentlye sittinge, &c. Imprinted in 1574, 8vo., neat 10 6
+
+ A severe satire against Parker, Abp. of Canterbury, for
+ which 'tis said the author was punished with the loss of his
+ arm.
+
+ 4345. Amorous Tales, by James Sanforde, very rare, printed
+ by Bynneman, 1567, 12mo. (or small 8vo. perhaps) 5 0
+
+ 4432. 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. 7 6
+
+ "This is a most extraordinarily scarce edition of Skelton's
+ Pieces, and has besides these, some other fragments of his
+ by various early printers."]
+
+But I proceed. The commotions excited in the book world, by means of
+the sales of the _Bibliotheca Westiana_ and _Martiniana_, had hardly
+ceased, when a similar agitation took place from the dispersion of the
+_Monastic Library_ which once belonged to SERJEANT FLETEWODE;[390] 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.
+
+ [Footnote 390: 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:
+ "BIBLIOTHECA MONASTICO-FLETEWODIANA." "_A Catalogue of rare
+ books and tracts in various languages and faculties;
+ including the Ancient Conventual Library of Missenden Abbey,
+ in Buckinghamshire_; together with some choice remains of
+ that of the late eminent Serjeant at Law, WILLIAM FLETEWODE,
+ 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
+ _priced catalogue_ 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:
+
+ NO. 172. 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. L0 7_s._ 9_d._
+
+ Purchased by Mores.
+
+ 361 to 367. Upwards of thirty _scarce Theological Tracts_,
+ in Latin and English. 1 5 0
+
+ 746 to 784. A fine collection of early English Translations,
+ in black letter, with some good foreign editions of the
+ classics. Not exceeding, in the whole 10 10 0
+
+ 837, 838. Two copies of the _first edition_ of Bacon's
+ Essays, 1597. MIRABILE DICTU! 0 0 6
+
+ The reader will just glance at no. 970, in the catalogue,
+ en passant, to
+
+ 1082. (1_l._ 2_s._) and 1091 (12_s._) but more particularly
+ to
+
+ 1173. The Boke of Tulle of Olde Age, &c. _Emprynted by
+ Caxton_, 1481, folio 8 0 0
+
+ 1174. The Boke which is sayd or called Cathon, &c. _printed
+ by the same_, 1483, folio. Purchased by Alchorne 5 0 0
+
+ 1256. The Doctrinal of Sapyence, _printed by the same_,
+ 1489, folio. Purchased by Alchorne 6 6 0
+
+ 1257. The Booke named the Cordyal, _printed by the same_,
+ 1479, folio 6 12 6
+
+ But there is no end to these curious volumes. I will,
+ however, only add that there were upwards of 150 articles of
+ _Old Plays_, mostly in quarto. See page 73. Of
+ _Antiquities_, _Chronicles_, and _Topography_, 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.]
+
+You will imagine that the BOOK-DISEASE now began to be more active and
+fatal than ever; for the ensuing year (namely, in 1775) died the
+famous ANTHONY ASKEW, M.D. Those who recollect the zeal and
+scholarship of this illustrious bibliomaniac,[391] and the precious
+volumes with which his library was stored, from the choice
+collections of De Boze, Gaignat, Mead, and Folkes, cannot but sigh,
+with grief of heart, on reflecting upon such a victim! How ardently,
+and how kindly (as I remember to have heard one of his intimate friend
+[Transcriber's Note: friends] say) would Askew unlock the stores of
+his glittering book-treasures!--open the magnificent folio, or the
+shining duodecimo, _printed upon vellum_, and embossed with golden
+knobs, or held fast with silver clasps! How carefully would he unrol
+the curious _manuscript_, 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
+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!
+
+ [Footnote 391: 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. ASKEW
+ 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. ANTHONY ASKEW 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: "BIBLIOTHECA ASKEVIANA, _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 Lunae, 13 Februarii_,
+ MDCCLXXV, _et in undeviginti sequentes dies_." A few copies
+ were struck off on _large paper_, 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 _many scarce editions_ of books in this
+ catalogue would be almost endless, therefore the _first
+ editions_ of the classics, and some _extremely rare books_,
+ are chiefly noticed. The catalogue, without any doubt,
+ contains the best, rarest, and most valuable collection of
+ GREEK and LATIN BOOKS 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_s._ 6_d._ the
+ small paper, and 4_s._ the large.) This account is not
+ overcharged. The collection in regard to Greek and Roman
+ literature was _unique_ 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. HIS MAJESTY was a purchaser, says Mr. J. Nichols,
+ to the amount of about 300_l._; Dr. Hunter, to the amount of
+ 500_l._; and De Bure (who had commissions from the King of
+ France and many foreign collectors, to the amount of
+ 1500_l._) made purchases to the same amount; Dr. Maty was
+ solicited by the trustees of the British Museum not to be
+ unmindful of _that repository_; and accordingly he became a
+ purchaser to a considerable amount. The late worthy and
+ learned Mr. M. CRACHERODE, whose library now forms one of
+ the most splendid acquisitions of the British Museum, and
+ whose _bequest_ of it will immortalize his memory, was also
+ among the "Emptores literarii" at this renowned sale. He had
+ enriched his collection with many an "_Exemplar
+ Askevianum_;" and, in his latter days, used to elevate his
+ hands and eyes, and exclaim against the prices _now_ offered
+ for EDITIONES PRINCIPES. The fact is, Dr. Askew's sale has
+ been considered a sort of _era_ 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 _modern prices_! 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 _vibrates_, after a bidding of FORTY POUNDS,
+ where formerly it used regularly to _fall_ at FOUR! But we
+ lose sight of Dr. Askew's _rare editions_, and _large paper
+ copies_. The following, gentle reader, is but an imperfect
+ specimen!
+
+ NO. 168. Chaucer's Works, by _Pynson_, no date L7 17_s._
+ 6_d._
+
+ 172. Cicero of Old Age, by Caxton, 1481 13 13 0
+
+ 518. Gilles (Nicole) Annales, &c., de France. Paris, fol.
+ 1520, 2 tom. SUR VELIN 31 10 6
+
+ 647. Aeginetae (Pauli) Praecepta Salubria; Paris, quarto, 1510.
+ On VELLUM 11 0 0
+
+ 666. Aesopi Fabulae. _Edit. Princeps circ._ 1483 6 6 0
+
+ 684. Boccacio, il Teseide, _Ferar._, 1475. _Prima Edizione_
+ 85 0 0
+
+ [This copy, which is called, "_probably unique_," was once,
+ I suspect, in Consul Smith's library. See _Bibl. Smith_, 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.]
+
+ 708. Cornelius Nepos, 1471. _Edit. Prin._ 11 11 0
+
+ 713. Alexander de Ales, super tertium Sententiar. 1474, ON
+ VELLUM 15 15 0
+
+ 817. Anthologia Graeca. _Edit. Prin._ 1494, ON VELLUM 28 7 0
+
+ In Dr. Hunter's Museum.
+
+ 856. Ammianus Marcellinus, 1474. _Edit. Prin._ 23 0 0
+
+ 1332. Ciceronis Opera omnia, Oliveti, 9 vols. quarto, 1740,
+ _Charta Maxima_ 36 15 0
+
+ 1389. Ejusdem Officia, 1465. _Edit. Prin._ 30 0 0
+
+ 1433. Catullus, Tibullus, et Propertius; Aldi, 8vo., 1502.
+ IN MEMBRANIS 17 10 0
+
+ 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 VELLUM Virgil, of the same size.
+
+ 1576. Durandi Rationale, &c., 1459. IN MEMBRANIS 61 0 0
+
+ The beginning of the 1st chapter was wanting. Lord Spencer
+ has a perfect copy of this rare book, printed upon spotless
+ VELLUM.
+
+ 2656. Platonis Opera, apud Aldum; 2 vols., fol., 1513.
+ _Edit. Prin._ ON VELLUM. 55 13 0
+
+ Purchased by the late Dr. William Hunter; and is, at this
+ moment, with the Doctor's books and curiosities, at
+ _Glasgow_. 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
+ _this_ the chef-d'oeuvre of the ALDINE PRESS.
+
+ 2812. Plinii Hist. Natural; apud Spiram, fol., 1469. _Edit.
+ Princeps._ 43 0 0
+
+ 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 _giants_ to it!
+
+ 2813. Id. cum notis Harduini; 1723, 3 vols., ON VELLUM 42 0 0
+
+ 3345. Tewrdranckhs; Poema Germanica, Norimb. fol., 1517, ON
+ VELLUM. 21 0 0
+
+ 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.
+ Koellerus, who purchased a copy of this work on vellum,
+ for 200 crowns, has given a particularly tempting
+ description of it. See Schelhorn's "_Amoenitates Literarae
+ [Transcriber's Note: Literariae]_," 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 _Bibl. Harleian_, vol.
+ iii., no. 3240. See, too, _Bibl. Mead_, p. 239, no.
+ 43; where a VELLUM copy, of the edition of 1527, was sold
+ for 9_l._ 9_s._ 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 _wood_, and
+ cut in solid blocks, or moveable types of _metal_. No one is
+ better able to set this point "at rest," as lawyers call it,
+ than the gentleman whose name is here last mentioned.
+
+ 3337. Terentianus Maurus de Literis, Syllabis, et Metris
+ Horatii. _Mediol._ fol., 1497 12 12 0
+
+ "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 _four_ guineas only. We are told that,
+ during his life, _one hundred_ guineas would not have
+ obtained it!
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ 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.
+ ASKEW'S library. Many a _ten_ and _twenty pounder_ has been
+ omitted--many a _prince_ of an edition passed by unregarded!
+ The articles were 3570 in number; probably comprehending
+ about 7000 volumes. They were sold for 4000_l._ It remains
+ only to add that Dr. ASKEW 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 _protege_ an
+ ungrateful son. (See the Director, vol. i., p. 309.) Few
+ minds were probably more congenial than were those of MEAD
+ and ASKEW: 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 _solid intellectual_ fame;
+ without the petty arts and dirty tricks which we now see too
+ frequently pursued to obtain it. Dr. ASKEW, 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 ASKEW'S table, that few men exhibited their
+ books and pictures, or, as it is called, _shewed the Lions_,
+ 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. PARR has been most eloquent in their praise.
+ I should observe that the MSS. of Dr. ASKEW were separately
+ sold in 1781, and produced a very considerable sum. The
+ Appendix to Scapula, published in an 8vo. volume, in 1789,
+ was compiied [Transcriber's Note: compiled] from one of
+ these MSS.]
+
+After an event so striking and so melancholy, one would think that
+future _Virtuosi_ would have barricadoed their doors, and fumigated
+their chambers, in order to escape the ravages of the _Book-Pest_:--but
+how few are they who profit by experience, even when dearly obtained!
+The subsequent HISTORY OF THE BIBLIOMANIA 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 JOHN
+RATCLIFFE;[392] a bibliomaniac of a very peculiar character. If he
+had contented himself with his former occupation, and frequented the
+butter and cheese, 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
+_Caxtons_ and _Wynkyn de Wordes_ 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.
+
+ [Footnote 392: BIBLIOTHECA RATCLIFFIANA; or, "_A Catalogue
+ of the elegant and truly valuable Library of_ JOHN
+ RATCLIFFE, _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 _black-letter_, 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 _Old English Typographers_:
+ 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 _year_ is unaccountably omitted by that
+ renowned auctioneer, the late Mr. Christie, who disposed of
+ them. If ever there was a _unique_ 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:
+
+ NO. 1315. Horace's Arte of Poetrie, Pistles, and Satyres, by
+ Durant, 1567. _First English. Edition_ L0 16_s._ 0_d._
+
+ 1321. The Shepard's Calendar, 1579. Whetstone's Castle of
+ Delight, 1576 1 2 0
+
+ 1392. The Pastyme of People, _printed_ by Rastell. Curious
+ wood-cuts 4 7 0
+
+ 1393. The Chronicles of Englande, _printed by Caxton_, fine
+ copy, 1480 5 5 0
+
+ 1394. Ditto, _printed at St. Albans_, 1483. Purchased by Dr.
+ Hunter, and now in his Museum (which copy I have seen) 7 7 0
+
+ 1403. Barclay's Shyp of Folys, printed by Pynson, 1508,
+ _first edit._, a fine copy 2 10 0
+
+ 1426. The Doctrinal of Sapyence, _printed by Caxton_, 1489 8
+ 8 0
+
+ 1427. The Boke called Cathon, _ditto_, 1483. Purchased by
+ Dr. Hunter, and now in his Museum 5 5 0
+
+ 1428. The Polytyque Boke, named Tullius de Senectute, in
+ Englyshe, _printed by Caxton_, 1481 14 0 0
+
+ 1429. The Game of Chesse Playe. No date. _Printed by Caxton_
+ 16 0 0
+
+ 1665. The Boke of Jason, _printed by Caxton_ 5 10 0
+
+ 1669. The Polychronicon of Ranulph Higden, translated by
+ Trevisa, 1482. _Printed by the same_, and purchased by Dr.
+ Hunter 5 15 6
+
+ 1670. Legenda Aurea, or the Golden Legende. _Printed by the
+ same_, 1483 9 15 0
+
+ 1674. Mr. Ratcliffe's MS. Catalogue of the _rare old
+ black-letter and other curious and uncommon books_, 4 vols.
+ 7 15 0
+
+ [This would have been the most delicious article to _my_
+ palate. If the present owner of it were disposed to part
+ with it, I could not find it in my heart to refuse him
+ _compound interest_ 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 _magnum opus_!]
+
+ I beg pardon of the _manes_ 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 "_black-letter-dogs_" of the present
+ day: for he had (mirabile dictu!) _upwards of_ THIRTY
+ CAXTONS! I take the present opportunity of presenting the
+ reader with the following engraving of the Ratcliffe
+ Library, Oxon.
+
+ [Illustration]
+
+ 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 _champagne_, 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 _Anecdotes of Bowyer_;
+ 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 p. 86, 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 _chandler's shop_ 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 _per
+ lb._! Hence arose his passion for collecting the
+ _black-letter_, as well as _Stilton cheeses_: 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 OLD ENGLISH LITERATURE!]
+
+It is with pain that I trace the ravages of the BOOK-MANIA 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 TOPHAM
+BEAUCLERK.[393] One, who had frequently gladdened JOHNSON in his
+gloomy moments; and who is allowed, by that splenetic sage and 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 REV. THOMAS CROFTS[394]--a collection which,
+taking it "for all 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 acutely sagacious bibliomaniac:
+learned, retired, yet communicative: and if ever you lay hold of a
+_large paper_ 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.
+
+ [Footnote 393: 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:
+ "_Bibliotheca Beauclerkiana; A Catalogue of the large and
+ valuable Library of the late Honourable_ TOPHAM BEAUCLERK,
+ F.R.S., _deceased_; 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 I. containing 230; part _ii._
+ 137, pp. The most magnificent and costly volume was the
+ largest paper copy of Dr. Clarke's edition of Caesar's
+ Commentaries, 1712, fol., which was sold for 44_l._; and of
+ which the binding, according to Dr. Harwood's testimony,
+ cost 5_l._ 5_s._ There is nothing, in _modern_ times, very
+ marvellous in this price of binding. Of the _two parts_ of
+ the Beauclerk collection, the _second_ is the most valuable
+ to the collector of English Antiquities and History, and the
+ _first_ 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.
+
+ PART II.
+
+ 3275. Thomas of Arundel, his Legend in old English verse;
+ VII parts, with the Entre, or Prologue: _written A.D.
+ M.C.VII. upon vellum, the Capitals illuminated_, fol. Here
+ follows a specimen of the verse L1 18_s._ 0_d._
+
+ _ye fyrst pt of ys yt es
+ of mon and of his urechednes._
+
+ _ye secounde pte folowyng es
+ of ye worldes unstabillnes._
+
+ _ye yyrdde pt yt is of deth
+ & of peyn yt wt hy geth._
+
+ _the ferthe parte is of purgatorye
+ yere soules ben clensed of her folye._
+
+ _ye fyfte pt of ys dey of doom
+ & of tokens yt byfore shul coom._
+
+ _ye syxte pt of ys boke to telle
+ yt speketh of ye peynes of helle._
+
+ _ye seventhe part of joys in heven
+ yat bene more yenne tong may neuen._
+
+ 3276. The Life and Acts of St. Edmond, King and Martyr, by
+ John Lydgate, Monk of Bury, fol.: _a choice MS. upon vellum,
+ illuminated throughout, and embellished with 52 Historical
+ Miniatures_. For a specimen of the verse, take the first
+ stanza: 22 1 0
+
+ _The noble stoory to putte in remembraunce
+ Of Seynt Edmond mayd martre and kyng
+ With his suppoor: my style i wyl avaunce
+ ffirst to compyle afftre my konnyng
+ his gloryous lyff his birthe and his gynnying
+ And by discent how he was soo good
+ Was in Saxonye borne of the royal blood._
+
+ 3288. The Armes, Honours, Matches, and Issues of the
+ auncient and illustrious FAMILY OF VEER: 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.
+ _Gathered out of History, Recordes, and other Monuments of
+ Antiquity, by Percivall Goulding, Gent. The Arms
+ illuminated, folio._ 9 0 0
+
+ I will just add that this catalogue is creditably printed in
+ a good size octavo volume, and that there are copies upon
+ _large paper_. The arrangement of the books is very
+ creditable to the bibliographical reputation of Paterson.]
+
+ [Footnote 394: 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 _highly feasted_"--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'oeuvre, 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: "_Bibliotheca Croftsiana: A
+ Catalogue of the curious and distinguished Library of the
+ late Reverend and Learned_ THOMAS CROFTS, 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 _Excerpta Croftsiana_: being a selection of
+ articles from this catalogue, quite according with the
+ present prevailing fashion of Book-Collecting:
+
+ NO. 2741. Raccolta de Poeti Provenzali MS. antiq.
+ _Supermembr._, 8vo., _cor. turc. avec une table des noms des
+ troubadours contenu dans ce MS._ L5 7_s._ 6_d._
+
+ 4920. Les cent nouvelles nouvelles, _Lettres Gothiques_,
+ fig. fol., _velin Paris, imprimees par Nic. Desprez_. M.D.V.
+ 2 15 0
+
+ 4921. Le Chevalier de la Tour. Et le guidon des guerres;
+ _lettres Gothiques, fig. fol. maroq. rouge, imprime a Paris,
+ pour Guil. Eustace._ M.D.XIV. 2 17 0
+
+ 4922. Le premier, second, et tiers volume de Lancelot du
+ Lac; _nouvellement imprime a Paris. L'an mil cinq cens et
+ xx, pour Michel le Noir; Lettres Gothiques, fig. fol. maroq.
+ rouge_ 10 15 0
+
+ 4923. Le premier et le second volume du Sainct Greaal,
+ contenant la conqueste dudict Sainct Greaal, faicte par
+ Lancelot du Lac, Galaad Perceval et Boors; _Lettres
+ Gothiques, fig. fol. maroq. rouge, Paris, imprime par Phel
+ le Noir_, M.D.XXIII 5 7 6
+
+ "Ce volume est un des plus rares de la classe des Romans de
+ Chevalerie. T.C."
+
+ 4924. 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 Crestiente; _Lettres Gothiques,
+ fig. fol. maroq. rouge. Paris, imprime par Ant. Couteau_,
+ M.D.XXV. 1 18 0
+
+ 4925. 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: _Lettres Gothiques, 2 tom. 4to.,
+ maroq. rouge, Paris_, M.D.XXVIII. 1 18 0
+
+ 4926. 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. _Lettres Gothiques, 6 tom. en 3 fol.,
+ Paris, chez Galliot du Pre_, M.D.XXVIII. 7 0 0
+
+ 4927. 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: _imprime a Paris pour Egide Gourmont et Phil.
+ le Noir_, M.D.XXXII. 2 tom. folio 0 11 6
+
+ 4298. Le Parangon des Nouvelles, honestes et delectables a
+ tous ceulx qui desirent voir et ouyr choses nouvelles et
+ recreatives soubz umbre et couleur de joyeuste, 8vo. fig.
+ maroq. rouge. _Imprimez a Lyon, par Denys de Harsy_, 1532.
+ Les Parolles joyeuses et Dicts memorables des nobles et
+ saiges Homes anciens, redigez par le gracieulx et honeste
+ Poete Messire Francoys Petrarcque, _fig. ib._ 1532 2 5 0
+
+ 4929. 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:
+ _Lettres Gothiques, avec fig., 4to., maroq. rouge. On les
+ vend a Paris par Jehan Bonfons_, 1535 2 12 6
+
+ "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."
+
+ 4932. 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. _Lettres Gothiques,
+ fig., fol., maroq. bleu, Paris, chez Galliot du Pre_ 3 10 0
+
+ 4933. 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.
+ _Lettres Gothiques, avec fig. 4to., en peau russe. Paris,
+ pour Jehan Bonfons, s.a._ 5 0 0
+
+ 4938. 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, _fig., fol., maroquin jaune. Paris, de
+ l'imprimerie d'Estien. Goulleau_, 1555 1 18 0
+
+ 4945. 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,
+ _fig., 4to., maroq. rouge, Rouen_. 1586 1 5 0
+
+ 4953. L'Hist. du noble et vaillant Chevalier Paris et la
+ belle Vienne, _4to., Rouen_ 3 10 0
+
+ 4961. Histoires Prodigieuses, extractes de plusieurs fameux
+ Autheurs, Grecs et Latins, par Pier Boaisteau, Cl. de
+ Tesserant, F. de Belleforest, Rod. Hoyer, &c., _fig. 6 tom.
+ en 3, 12mo., maroq. rouge. Par chez la Verfue Cavellat_,
+ 1598 2 9 0
+
+ 4964. Valentine and Orson, cuts, black letter, 4to. _London;
+ no date_. (Not sold.)
+
+ 7276. Hollinshed's (Raphe) and William Harrison's Chronicles
+ of England, Scotland, and Ireland, continued by John Hooker,
+ alias Vowell, and others; _black letter, 3 vols. fol., large
+ paper, in Russia_, 1586 13 2 6
+
+ 7399. Lynch (Jo.) Seu Gratiani Lucii Hiberni Cambrensis
+ Eversus, seu potius Historica fides, in Rebus Hibernicis,
+ Giraldo Cambrensi abrogata, fol. _Impress. An. 1662. Sine
+ Loco aut Nomine Impressoris_ 3 4 0
+
+ "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 Gallvae deditionem, Exul in Gallia hocce opus patriae
+ vindex composuit. T.C."
+
+ 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 _large paper_ 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.]
+
+LIS. But there are surely other large paper----
+
+ALMAN. What can there possibly be in a large paper copy of a
+_Catalogue of Books_ which merits the appellation of "nobleness" and
+"richness?"
+
+LOREN. You are a little out of order. Such a question cuts the heart
+of a bibliographer in twain. Pray let Lysander pursue his narrative.
+
+LYSAND. 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 _large paper_ 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, MARK CEPHAS TUTET.[395] His collection was distinguished
+by 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 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.
+
+ [Footnote 395: _A Catalogue of the genuine and valuable
+ Collection of printed Books and Manuscripts of the late_
+ MARK CEPHAS TUTET, 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 TUTET CABINET of books.
+
+ NO. 10. Various Catalogues of Curiosities, elegantly bound
+ in 14 volumes, and a few loose: _most of them priced, with
+ the purchasers' names_. A.D. 1721 to 1783, 8vo. L3 16_s._
+ 0_d._
+
+ 55. Two volumes of ancient and modern cards, _eleg. in
+ russia_ 5 5 0
+
+ [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, _Upon
+ the History and Antiquity of Playing Cards_.]
+
+ 86. Broughton's Concent of Scripture: _printed upon vellum_
+ 1 2 0
+
+ 118. Snelling's Silver Coinage,--1762; ditto Gold Coinage,
+ 1763; ditto Copper Coinage, 1768; ditto Miscellaneous Views,
+ 1769; ditto Jettons, 1769: all in folio 7 0 0
+
+ "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."
+
+ 126. The Byble, &c. Printed by Grafton and Whitchurch, 1537,
+ folio 3 3 0
+
+ [There is a note here by Tutet which does not evince any
+ profound knowledge of English etymology.]
+
+ 168. Rede me and be not wroth, 12mo., no place nor date 1 11 6
+
+ 175. Servetus de Trinitatis erroribus, _cor. tur._, 1531,
+ 12mo. 3 14 0
+
+ 316. ---- de Trinitate divina, Lond., 1723, 4to. 1 12 0
+
+ 329. The Arte and Crafte to know well to dye. _Printed by
+ Caxton_, 1490, folio 2 2 0
+
+ 337. Hautin, Figures des Monnoyes de France, 1619, folio 6 0 0
+
+ 364. Parker de Antiq. Brit. Ecclesiae, 1572, folio. A long
+ and curious note is here appended 4 4 0
+
+ 371. The Boke of Hawkinge, Huntynge, and Fysshynge, 1496,
+ fol. 2 9 0
+
+ 372. Sancta Peregrinatio in Mont. Syon, &c. 1486, folio 7 7 0
+
+ ["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."]
+
+ 463. Spaccio della Bestia trionfante. _Paris_, 1584, 8vo. 7
+ 7 0
+
+ 477. Expositio Sancti Jeronimi in Symbolum Apostolorum,
+ _cor. maur. Oxon._, 1468, 4to. 16 5 0
+
+ 479. Polychronycon; _printed by Caxton_, 1482, 4to. 4 12 0
+
+ 480. Pfintzing (Melchoir [Transcriber's Note: Melchior]) His
+ German Poem of the Adventures of the Emperor Maximilian,
+ under the name of Tewrdanckh's. Nuremb., 1517, folio 5 7 6
+
+ 481. Initial Letters, Vignettes, Cul de Lampes, &c., 2
+ vols., _elegantly bound in russia_. [These beautiful books
+ are now in the possession of Mr. Douce] 4 6 0
+
+ 483. Bouteroue, Recherches curieuses des Monnoyes de France:
+ _in morocco, gilt, Paris_, 1666, folio 5 0 0
+
+ 486. Froissart's Chronicles; printed by Pynson, 1523, folio,
+ 2 vols. _A beautiful copy elegantly bound._ 16 0 0
+
+ 487. Recule of the Hystoryes of Troye; _printed by Caxton_,
+ (1471) Folio. _A very fine copy, and quite complete._ 21 0 0
+
+ 490. Ciceronis Officia, 1466, 4to. _On paper._ 25 10 0
+
+ And thus we take leave of that judicious and tasteful
+ bibliomaniac, MARK CEPHAS TUTET!
+
+ Three months after the sale of the preceding library,
+ appeared the _Bibliotheca Universalis Selecta_ of SAMUEL
+ PATERSON; 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 _Gentleman's Magazine_, vol. lvi., p. 334;
+ and in the _Censura Literaria_, 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.]
+
+The following year, was sold, in a similar way, the select and very
+curious collection of RICHARD WRIGHT, M.D.;[396] the strength of which
+lay chiefly in publications relating to the _Drama_ and _Romances_.
+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 _large paper_. Secure this volume, Lisardo,
+if you wish to add to your riches in English bibliography.
+
+ [Footnote 396: Lysander has not drawn too strong an outline
+ in his picture of the _Bibliotheca Wrightiana_. The
+ collection was elegant and select. Let us say a little more
+ about it. "_A Catalogue of the Library of_ RICHARD WRIGHT,
+ 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.
+
+ 917, 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 L45 0_s._ 0_d._
+
+ 1223. England's Parnassus, 1600, 8vo. 0 14 0
+
+ 1333. Churchyarde's Choice, 1579, 4to. 2 14 0
+
+ 1334. ---- first part of his Chippes, 1575, 4to. 3 13 6
+
+ 1343. Robert Greene's Works, 2 vols., _elegantly bound_,
+ 4to. (containing 17 pieces.) 5 19 0
+
+ 1374. Shyp of Folys. _Printed by Pynson_, 1508, fol. 3 13 0
+
+ 1384. Skelton's Works: 1568, 8vo. 0 14 0
+
+ 1398. Turberville's epitaphs, epigrams, songs and sonnets,
+ 1567, 8vo.
+
+ My copy has no price to this article.
+
+ 1493. Thomas Nashe's Works, in three vols. 4to., containing
+ 21 pieces 12 15 0
+
+ 1567 to 2091, comprehends _The English Theatre_.
+
+ 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 _dramatic bijoux_, nos. 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_l._ 3_s._ EHEU!) 1742:
+ 1762. (Heywood's 26 plays, 3_l._ 4_s._) 1776.--1814:
+ (Marston's 9 pieces, 3_l._ 4_s._) 1843. (Tragedie of Dido,
+ 1594, 16_l._ 16_s._ EUGE!) 1850. (Middleton; 13 pieces:
+ 4_l._ 5_s._) 1873-5. (George Peele's: 7_l._ 7_s._) 1902:
+ (Sackville's Ferrex and Porrex: 2_l._ 4_s._)--But--"quo Musa
+ tendis?" I conclude, therefore, with the following detailed
+ _seriatim_.
+
+ 1960. Shakspeare's Works; 1623, folio. _First edition; bound
+ in Russia leather, with gilt leaves._ 10 0 0
+
+ 1961. The same; 1632. _Second impression._ 2 9 0
+
+ 1962. The same; 1632. _The same._ 1 6 0
+
+ 1963. The same; 1663. _Third Edit. in Russia._ 1 1 0
+
+ 1964. The same; 1683. _Fourth Edition._ 1 1 0
+
+ My copy of this catalogue is upon _large paper_, 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, "STAT NOMINIS
+ UMBRA:" viz. ----!]
+
+LOREN. Was Wright's the only collection disposed of at this period,
+which was distinguished for its dramatic treasures? I think
+HENDERSON'S[397] library was sold about this time?
+
+ [Footnote 397: _A Catalogue of the Library of_ JOHN
+ HENDERSON, 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
+ _mania_ of this department of literature, "withouten ony
+ grudgynge." He may also ring as many _peals_ as it pleaseth
+ him, upon discovering that he possesses all the copies of a
+ dramatic author, ycleped _George Peele_, that are notified
+ at nos. 923-4! Henderson's library was, without doubt, an
+ extraordinary one. As we are upon _Dramatic Libraries_, let
+ us, for fear Lysander should forget it, notice the
+ following, though a little out of chronological order. "_A
+ Catalogue, &c., of the late_ Mr. JAMES WILLIAM DODD, of the
+ _Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, &c. Sold by auction by Leigh and
+ Sotheby_, Jan. 19, 1797, 8vo., 2435 lots." There was more of
+ the _Drama_ in this than in Henderson's collection. Mr.
+ Kemble purchased the dearest volume, which was "Whetstone's
+ Promos and Cassandra," 1578, 4to. (no. 2396) for 7_l._
+ 10_s._ Mr. George Nicol (for the late Duke of Roxburgh) kept
+ up a tremendous fire at this sale! Akin to Dodd's, was the
+ "_Curious and Valuable Library of_ GEORGE SMYTH, 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. (no. 1376; 16_l._
+ 15_s._), both the parts of Shakespeare's Henry the Fourth
+ (1599-1600, 4to., nos. 1436-7; 18_l._ 18_s._), his Much
+ Ado about Nothing, 1600, 4to., (no. 1438; 7_l._
+ 10_s._)--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
+ "_Catalogue of a portion of the Library of_ WILLIAM
+ FILLINGHAM, Esq., _consisting of old quarto plays, early
+ English Poetry, and a few scarce Tracts, &c., sold by Leigh
+ and Sotheby_, 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!!!]
+
+LYSAND. It was; and if you had not reminded me of it, I should have
+entirely forgotten it. Catalogues of _dramatic Libraries_, well
+arranged, are of great service to the cause of the Bibliomania.
+
+LIS. 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 _Bibliotheca
+Roxburghiana_, _Bibliotheca Maloniana_, and what say you to the
+_Bibliotheca Kembleiana_.
+
+LYSAND. You are running wild. Let me continue my bibliomaniacal
+history.
+
+We may now advance directly to the exquisite--and shall I say,
+unparalleled?--library of MAJOR PEARSON![398] a gentleman, who has
+far eclipsed the bibliomaniacal reputation of his military
+predecessor, General Dormer. This extraordinary collection was sold
+by auction the very next year ensuing the sale of Dr. Wright's books
+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 "_qui vive_"
+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!
+
+ [Footnote 398: 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 _Bibliotheca Pearsoniana_. The title to the
+ Sale Catalogue is as follows: "_Biblioth. Pearson. A
+ Catalogue of the Library of_ THOMAS PEARSON, Esq.
+ _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_," 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 _large
+ paper_; 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. WRIGHT'S Books, has
+ broken out with still greater violence at the present
+ auction of MAJOR PEARSON'S 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.
+
+ 1888. Webbe's Discourse of English Poetrie, 1586, 4to. L3
+ 5_s._ 0_d._
+
+ "Bought by Mr. Steevens versus Mr. Malone."
+
+ 1889. Puttenham's Art of English Poesie, 1589, 4to. 1 12 0
+
+ 1900. The fyrst Boke of the Introduction to Knowledge, &c.;
+ _Printed by W. Copland_, no date, 4to. 4 15 0
+
+ "By the Rev. Mr. Brand versus Lord Charlemont."
+
+ 1910. The Castell of Laboure; _Emprynted by Pynson_, 4to.,
+ _no date_. 2 2 0
+
+ 1926. Dekker's Miscellaneous Pieces, 1604, &c., 4to. 2 2 0
+
+ 1932. A curious collection of sundry rare pieces, 4to. 3 4 0
+
+ 1951. Drollery's (eleven) 1661, &c., 8vo. 5 6 6
+
+ 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 "_Garlands_;" which ere
+ now, have, in all probability, proved a successful bait for
+ some hungry book fish.
+
+ 2035. Sir John Harrington's most elegant and witty Epigrams,
+ with portrait, 1618, 8vo. 2 3 0
+
+ 2090. Flowers of Epigrammes, &c. _Impr. by Shepperd_, 1577,
+ 12mo. 1 14 0
+
+ 2130. The Paradise of Dainty Devises, &c., _printed for E.
+ White_, 1600, 4to. The workes of a Young Wit, by N.B. b.l.
+ _printed by Thomas Dawson, no date_. Watson's Mistresse,
+ &c., and Sonnets, b.l. _imperf._ Diana, by the Earl and
+ Countess of Oxenford, _printed for J. Roberts_, wanting
+ title, 4to. 9 12 6
+
+ "Bought by Mr. Steevens versus Mr. Malone."
+
+ 2131. England's Helicon, 1600, 4to. 5 10 0
+
+ "By ditto versus ditto."
+
+ 2147. The Example of Vertu; _printed by W. de Worde_, 4to.
+
+ "Bought by Mr. Mason versus Mr. Malone."
+
+ 2162. A Mirrour of Mysterie; _finely written upon, vellum,
+ with two very neat drawings with pen and ink_, 1557, 4to. 2
+ 0 0
+
+ 2186. Manley's Affliction and Deliverance of Saints, portr.
+ 1652, 8vo. 1 12 0
+
+ 2190. Tragedie of Sir Richard Grenvile, Knt. printed by J.
+ Roberts, 1595, 8vo. 0 15 6
+
+ 2289. Laquei Ridiculosi, or Springes for Woodcocks, by Henry
+ Parrot, 1613, 8vo. 0 4 6
+
+ N.B. _This little volume was sold for as many guineas at the
+ sale of Mr. Reed's books in 1807._
+
+ 2373. Lyf of St. Ursula; _Impr. by Wynkyn de Worde_, no
+ date, 4to. 1 10 0
+
+ 2374. Lyf and History of Saynt Werburge. _Printed by
+ Pynson_, 1521, 4to. 1 3 0
+
+ N.B. _This volume was sold for 18_l._ 18_s._ at the last
+ mentioned sale._
+
+ 2575. 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. 3 19 0
+
+ 2421. The Goodly Garlande, or Chaplet of Laurell, by Maister
+ Skelton; _Impr._ 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." 7 17 6
+
+ 2710. 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_l._): increased by several additions: _2 volumes bound in
+ Russia leather_. 26 4 6
+
+ "Bought by Mr. Nicol for the Duke of Roxburgh, versus
+ Messrs. Arnold and Ritson." "N.B. The preceding numerous and
+ matchless collection of _Old Ballads_ 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 DUKE
+ OF ROXBURGH 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 _third volume_ 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." _Preface to the Roxburgh Catalogue_, p. 5.
+ The ballad here alluded to may be seen in Mr. Evans's recent
+ edition of his father's _Collection of Old Ballads_; vol.
+ i., p. 7.
+
+ 3262 to 3329. These numbers comprehend a very uncommon and
+ interesting set of _Old Romances_! which, collectively, did
+ not produce 35_l._--but which now, would have been sold
+ for----!?
+
+ 3330 to 4151. An extraordinary collection of the English
+ Drama.
+
+ And thus farewell MAJOR PEARSON!]
+
+LIS. O rare THOMAS PEARSON! I will look sharply after a _large paper_,
+_priced_, copy of the _Bibliotheca Pearsoniana_!
+
+LYSAND. You must pay smartly for it, if you are determined to possess
+it.
+
+BELIN. Madness!--Madness inconceivable!--and undescribed by Darwin,
+Arnold, and Haslam! But, I pray you, proceed.
+
+LYSAND. Alas, madam, the task grows more and more complex as I draw
+towards the completion of it.
+
+In the year 1789 the book-treasures of the far-famed PINELLI[399]
+Collection were disposed of by public auction: 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 of its
+possessors. The atmosphere of our metropolis, about this period,
+became as much infected with the miasmata of the BOOK-PLAGUE 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 PARIS[400] collection. This latter was of
+shorter duration; but of an infinitely more powerful nature: for then
+you might have seen the most notorious bibliomaniacs, with blood
+inflamed and fancies intoxicated, rushing towards the examination of
+the truly matchless volumes contained within this collection. Yet
+remember that, while the whole of Pall Mall was thronged with the
+carriages of collectors, anxious to carry off in triumph some _vellum
+copy_ of foreign execution--there was sold, in a quiet corner of the
+metropolis, the copious and scholar-like collection of MICHAEL LORT,
+D.D. The owner of this latter library was a learned and amiable
+character, and a bibliographer of no mean repute.[401] His books were
+frequently enriched with apposite MS. 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.
+
+ [Footnote 399: Mention has already been made of the
+ different _Catalogues of the_ PINELLI _Collection_: see p.
+ 21, 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, _in
+ limine_--these sums form no criterion of the _present_ worth
+ of the books; be the same more or less! It is a document
+ only of bibliographical curiosity.
+
+ NO. 703. La Biblia Sacra in Lingua Vulgare tradotta; 1471.
+ folio. 2 vols. L6 15_s._ 0_d._
+
+ 2555. Bandello, Canti xi delle lodi della Signora Lucrezia
+ Gonzaga di Gazuolo, &c., 1545, 8vo. 15 15 0
+
+ 2605. Dante, La Divina Comedia; 1472, folio. _Ediz. Prin._
+ 25 14 6
+
+ 3348. Petrarca, Le Rime. Venez. 1470, 4to. _Prin. Ediz._ 27
+ 6 0
+
+ 3458. Sannazzaro, L'Arcadia. Ven. Ald. 1514, 8vo. _Esemp.
+ stampata in Cartapecora._ 16 16 0
+
+ 4909. Biblia Polyglotta; Complut. 1514, &c., folio. 6 vols.
+ _Exemplar integerrimum splendidissimum._ IMPRESSUM IN
+ MEMBRANIS. 483 0 0
+
+ All the world (perhaps I should have said the
+ _bibliographical_ 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 _did
+ petition_ 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 p. 293, 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.
+
+ 8956. Anthologia Epig. Graec. 1494. 4to. _Exemp. impr. in
+ membranis._ 45 0 0
+
+ 9308. Theocritus (absque ulla nota) 4to. _Editio Princeps._
+ 31 10 0
+
+ 9772. Plautus, 1472. folio. _Editio Princeps._ 36 0 0
+
+ 11,215. Aulus Gellius, 1469, folio. _Edit. Princeps._ 58 16 0
+
+ 11,233. Macrobius, 1472, folio. _Edit. Prin._ 33 12 0
+
+ 12,141. Priscianus de art. gram. 1470. fol. _In Membranis._
+ 51 9 0
+
+ [Sale Catalogue, 1789, 8vo.]
+
+ But--"Jam satis."
+
+ 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: _A Catalogue of
+ a very elegant and curious Cabinet of Books, lately imported
+ from France_, &c. (sold in May, 1789). My priced copy of
+ this catalogue affixes the name (in MS.) of MACARTNEY, 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, no. 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 "_Siege of Rhodes_," which
+ has a strong appearance of being the production of Caxton's
+ press. The copy is perfectly clean and almost uncut.]
+
+ [Footnote 400: If the reader will be pleased to turn to page
+ 90, ante, he will find a tolerably copious and correct list
+ of the different sales of books which were once in the
+ possession of MONS. PARIS DE MEYZIEUX. 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
+ _Bibliotheca Parisiana_. They are from the French Catalogue,
+ 1790, 8vo.
+
+ NO. 2. Biblia sacra latina vulgatae editionis (ex
+ translatione et cum praefationibus S. Hieronymi); Venetiis,
+ N. Jenson, 1476, 2 vol. in fol.: _avec miniatures, relie en
+ mar. r. double de tabis, dentelles et boites_: IMPRIME SUR
+ VELIN. "On connoit l'extreme rarete de cette belle edition
+ quand les exemplaires sont sur velin. Nous n'en connoissons
+ qu'un seul, bien moins beau que celui ci; celui que nous
+ annoncons est de toute beaute, et on ne peut rien ajouter au
+ luxe de la relieure." L59 17_s._ 0_d._
+
+ 3. Biblia sacra vulgatae editionis, tribus tomis distincta
+ (jussu Sixt. V., pontificis maximi edita); _Romae, ex
+ typographia apostolica vaticana_, 1590; _in. fol. ch. mag.
+ maroquin rouge_.
+
+ "Superbe exemplaire d'un livre de la plus grande rarete; il
+ porte sur la couverture les armes de Sixte Quint." 64 1 0
+
+ 10. Epitome passionis Jesu Christi, in 4o. SUR VELIN avec
+ miniatures. _Manuscrit tres precieux_ du commencement du 16
+ siecle, contenant 37 feuillets ecrits en ancienne ronde
+ batarde, et 17 pages de miniatures d'un dessein et d'un fini
+ inappreciables. "Les desseins sont d'Albert Durer, tels
+ qu'il les a graves dans ses ouvrages, et l'execution est si
+ animee qu'on peut croire qu'elle est, en tout ou en partie,
+ de la main de ce peintre celebre. On ne peut trop louer la
+ beaute de ce livre." 50 8 0
+
+ 13. Officium beatae Mariae virginis cum calendario; in 4o.
+ mar. r. dentelles. "_Cette paire d'heures manuscrite_ SUR
+ VELIN, est sans contredit une des plus belles et des plus
+ achevees que l'on puisse trouver. Au rare merite de sa
+ parfaite execution elle reunit encore celui d'avoir ete
+ faite pour Francoise 1er, roi de France, et d'etre decoree
+ dans toutes ses pages de l'embleme et du chiffre de ce
+ monarque. Ce manuscrit, d'un prix inestimable, est ecrit en
+ lettres rondes sur un velin tres blanc"--"il est decore de
+ tres belles capitales, de guirlandes superbes de fleurs, de
+ culs-de-lampe, & de 12 bordures ornees d'oiseaux,
+ d'insectes, de fleurs et de lames d'or tres brillant."--"Il
+ est impossible de donner une idee satisfaisante de le beaute
+ 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 Francois 1er.; un seigneur dont on voit les armes peintes
+ sur le second feuillet, a fait executer les autres dans la
+ siecle dernier, avec une magnificence peu commune. Les
+ tableaux et les ornemens dont il a enrichi ce precieux
+ manuscrit se distinguent par une composition savante et
+ gracieuse, un dessin correct, une touche precieuse et un
+ coloris agreable," &c. 109 4 0
+
+ 14. Heures de Notre-Dame, ecrites a la main, 1647, par
+ Jarry, Parisien, in 8o. _chagrin noir, avec deux fermoirs
+ d'or et boite de mar. bl._ "Ces heures sont un
+ chef-d'oeuvre d'ecriture & de peinture. Le fameux Jarry,
+ qui n'a pas encore eu son egal en l'art d'ecrire, s'y est
+ surpasse, & y a prouve que la regularite, la nettete & la
+ precision des caracteres du burin et de l'impression
+ pouvoient etre imitees avec la plume a un degre de
+ perfection inconcevable."--"Le peintre, dont le nom nous est
+ inconnu, & qui doit avoir ete un des plus fameux du siecle
+ de Louis XIV., a travaille a l'envi avec Nicolas Jarry a
+ rendre ces heures dignes d'admiration."--"Les sept peintures
+ dont il les a enriches, sont recommendables par la purite de
+ leur dessein, la vivacite des couleurs, la verite de
+ l'expression, et leur precieux fini." 73 10 0
+
+ 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."
+
+ 15. Office de la Vierge, _manuscrit_, avec 39 miniatures et
+ un grand nombre de figures bizarres, oiseaux, etc.
+ superieurement execute; 2 vol. in 8o. _m. bl. double de
+ tapis, avec etuis_. "On ne peut rien voir de plus agreable &
+ de mieux diversifie que les differents sujets des
+ miniatures; en tout, cet exemplaire est un des plus beaux
+ que j'aie jamais vus; c'est celui de Picart. Il est a
+ remarquer a cause du costume de quelques figures; il a ete
+ relie avec le plus grand soin et la plus grande depense."
+ 110 5 0
+
+ 145. L'art de connoitre et d'apprecier les miniatures des
+ anciens manuscrits; par M. l'abbe Rive, avec 30 tableaux
+ enlumines, copies d'apres les plus beaux manuscrits qui se
+ trouvoient dans la bibliotheque de M. le Duc de la Valliere,
+ et d'autres precieux cabinets. _Exemplaire peint_ SUR VELIN.
+ "M. l'abbe Rive se proposoit de donner une dissertation sur
+ les manuscrits enlumines pour accompagner ces dessins; mais
+ jusqu'ici ayant des raisons qui l'empechent d'en gratifier
+ le public, il en a donne la description en manuscrit (le
+ seul qui existe) au proprietaire de ce superbe exemplaire."
+ 56 14 0
+
+ 240. Les faicts, dictes et ballades de maitre Alain
+ Chartier: _Paris, Pierre le Caron, sans date, in fol.
+ velours vert_; IMPRIME SUR VELIN. "Exemplaire qui ne laisse
+ rien a 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 ete engage a le rendre precieux. Il est dans sa
+ relieure originale parfaitement bien conserve; il a
+ appartenu a Claude d'Urfe: l'edition passe pour etre de
+ l'annee, 1484. _Voyez Bibliographie Instructive_, no.
+ 2999." 31 10 0
+
+ 242. Contes de la Fontaine, avec miniatures, vignettes et
+ culs-de-lampes a chaque conte; 2 vol. in 4o.; m. bleu,
+ double de tapis, etuis. "_Manuscrit incomparable_ pour le
+ genie et l'execution des dessins. Il est inconcevable que la
+ vie d'un artiste ait pu suffire pour executer d'une maniere
+ si finie un si grand nombre de peintures exquises; le tout
+ est d'un coloris eclatant, d'une conservation parfaite, &
+ sur du velin egalement blanc et uni; enfin c'est un
+ assemblage de miniatures precieuses et dignes d'orner le
+ plus beau cabinet."
+
+ L'ecriture a ete faite par Monchausse, et les miniatures par
+ le fameux Marolles. 315 0 0
+
+ 328. Opere di Francesco Petrarcha; _senza luogho_ 1514,
+ _mar. r. double de tabis et etui_; IMPRIME SUR VELIN.
+ "Exemplaire sans prix, avec grand nombre de miniatures
+ charmantes. Il passoit pour constant a Florence, ou je l'ai
+ achete, qu'il avoite ete imprime a part probablement pour
+ quelqu'un des Medicis, et sur les corrections de l'edition
+ de 1514; car les fautes ne s'y trouvent pas, et il ne m'a
+ pas ete possible d'en decouvrir une seule.--La parfaite
+ conservation de ce livre precieux demontre combien ses
+ possesseurs ont ete sensible a sa valeur. P----." 116 11 0
+
+ 486. Collectiones Peregrinationum in Indiam Orientalem et in
+ Indiam Occidentalem, xxv partibus comprehensae, &c. _Francof.
+ ad Maeen. 1590, &c., 60 vol. relies en 24, folio; maroq.
+ citr. bleu et rouge._ "Exemplaire de la plus grande beaute,
+ et qui possede autant de perfection que pouvoient lui donner
+ les soins et les connoissances des plus grands amateurs."
+ 210 0 0
+
+ 543. Les grands chroniques de France (dites les chroniques
+ de St. Denys); _Paris, Antoine Verard_, 1493, 3 vols. fol.
+ _vel. rouge, et boites_; IMPRIME SUR VELIN. "Exemplaire
+ d'une magnificence etonante pour la blancheur du velin, la
+ grandeur des marges, et l'ouvrage immense de l'enluminure;
+ chaque lettre-capitale etant 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 fraicheur &
+ d'une conservation parfaites: il a appartenu a Claude
+ d'Urfe." 151 4 0
+
+ 546. Chroniques de France, d'Angleterre, d'Ecosse,
+ d'Espagnes, et de Bretaigne, etc.; par _Froissart; Paris, G.
+ Eustace, 1514. 4 vol. in fol. mar. r. double de tabis, et
+ boites_ IMPRIME SUR VELIN. "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 beaute par la blancheur du velin,
+ & par sa belle conservation. On y a joint tout le luxe de la
+ relieure." _In the Hafod Collection._ 149 2 0]
+
+ [Footnote 401: The following is the title of the Bibliotheca
+ Lortiana. "_A Catalogue of the entire and valuable Library
+ of the late_ REV. MICHAEL LORT, D.D., F.R.S. and A.S.,
+ _which will be sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, &c.,
+ April 5, 1791_," 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.
+
+ NO. 1738. Gardiner's (Bishop) Detection of the Devil's
+ Sophistry, MS. title: printed by _John Hertford, in
+ Aldersgate Street, at the cost and charges of Robert Toye_,
+ 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." L0 2_s._ 0_d._
+
+ 1847. 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.
+ XLVII." 0 5 0
+
+ 1880. Harrison's (Michael) four Sermons. "N.B. The author of
+ this book cut the types himself, and printed it at St.
+ Ives," 8vo. 0 3 0
+
+ 1930. 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. 0 16 0
+
+ 1931. Festival (The) with wooden cuts, compleat: _emprynted
+ by Wynkyn de Worde_, 1408, 4to. 0 15 0
+
+ 2156. 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. 0 15 0
+
+ 2558. Muggleton's Acts of the Witnesses of the Spirit; _with
+ heads, MS. remarks, and notes_, 1699. Ludowick Muggleton,
+ born in Bishopgate Street, 1609; put apprentice to John
+ Quick, a taylor. Married a virgin of 19, aetat. suae 22.
+ Another virgin of 19, aetat. 32. A third virgin wife of 25,
+ aetat. 53. Chosen a prophet 1665, 4to. 0 5 6
+
+ 2559. Muggleton's and Reeve's volume of Spiritual Epistles;
+ elegantly bound, with a head of Muggleton underneath a MS.
+ note, 1755, 4to. 0 10 6
+
+ 2579. 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." 1 3 0
+
+ 2776. 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." 0 1 0
+
+ 3005. 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." 0 2 0
+
+ 3342. 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_s._ &c." M.L. [The
+ reader may just run back to page 279, ante; where he will
+ find some account of this work.] 1 14 0
+
+ 4185. 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. "_This uncommon book was sold at an auction, 1722,
+ for 2l. 15s._" 0 12 6
+
+ 4437. Alberti Descriptione di tutta Italia, Venez., 1568,
+ 4to. Note in this book--"_This is a very scarce and much
+ valued account of Italy._" With another curious note
+ respecting the author. 0 9 6
+
+ 4438. Aldrete Varias Antiguedales de Espana, Africa, y otras
+ Provincias. Amberes, 1641, 4to. _Note in this book_: "One of
+ the most valuable books of this kind in the Spanish
+ language, and very rarely to be met with." 0 9 6
+
+ 5532. Humfredi, Vita Episcop. Juelli, foliis deauratis,
+ Lond. ap Dayum, 1573, 4to. _Note in this book_: "At the end
+ of this book are probably some of the first Hebrew types
+ used in England." 0 1 0
+
+ 6227. Praesidis (Epistola R.A.P.) Generalis et Regiminis
+ totius Congregationis Anglicanae Ordinis St. Benedicti.
+ Duaci, 1628. 8vo. 0 1 0
+
+ [_Note in this book_: "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."]
+
+ 6616. Wakefeldi Oratio de Laudibus et Utilitate trium
+ linguarum, Arabicae, Chaldaicae, & Hebraicae; atque idiomatibus
+ Hebraicis quae in utroque Testamento inveniuntur. _Lond. ap.
+ Winandum de Worde._--Shirwode Liber Hebraeorum concionatoris,
+ seu Ecclesiasten. Antv. 1523. 4to. _Note in this book_:
+ "These two pieces by Shirwood and Wakefield are exceedingly
+ rare." 0 4 0
+
+ For some particulars concerning the very respectable Dr.
+ LORT, the reader may consult the _Gentleman's Magazine_;
+ vol. lx. pt. ii. p. 1055, 1199.]
+
+ALMAN. 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.
+
+BELIN. 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!
+
+LIS. 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?
+
+LYSAND. 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."
+
+LOREN. 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----
+
+LYSAND. Halt! If you go on thus, there is an end to our "Table Talk."
+I now resume.
+
+LOREN. 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
+reremember [Transcriber's Note: remember], the library of DENIS
+DALY[402] was disposed of by public auction. My father attended the
+sale; and purchased at it a great number of the _Old English
+Chronicles_, and volumes relating to _English History_, which Lisardo
+so much admired in the library. You remember the copy of Birch's
+_Lives of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain_!
+
+ [Footnote 402: _A Catalogue of the Library of the late Right
+ Honourable_ DENIS DALY, _which will be sold by auction on
+ the first of May, 1792, by James Vallance._ _Dublin_, 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 _large paper_ 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 ENGLISH HISTORY were disposed of.
+
+ NO. 527. 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." L10 4_s._ 9_d._
+
+ 533. Rapin's History of England with Tyndal's Continuation,
+ 5 vols. _elegantly bound in russia_. 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. 17 2 7
+
+ 534. Carte's General History of England, 4 vols., fine
+ paper, _elegant in russia_. Lond. 1747, folio. 7 19 3
+
+ 537. Birch's Lives of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain,
+ with their heads by Houbraken and Vertue; 2 vols. in one,
+ _first impression of the plates, imperial paper_. 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. 22 15 0
+
+ 538. Campbell's Vitruvius Britannicus, with Woolfe's and
+ Gandon's Continuation, 5 vols. _large paper, fine
+ impressions of the plates, elegantly bound in morocco, gilt
+ leaves, &c._ Lond. 1717-1767, folio. 25 0 6
+
+ 540. Wood's Historia et Antiquitates Oxoniensis, _large
+ paper, russia, gilt leaves, &c._ Ox. 1674. 2 16 10
+
+ 542. Biographia Britannica, 7 vols. _large paper, elegantly
+ bound_. Lond. 1747, fol. 13 13 0
+
+ 543. ---- ---- 4 vols. new edition, _elegantly bound in
+ green Turkey_. Lond. 1778. 7 19 3
+
+ 545. Mathaei Paris, Monachi Albanensis Angli, Historia Major,
+ a Wats. Lond. 1640, folio. 3 19 7
+
+ 546. Mathaei Westmonasteriensis, Flores Historiarum. Franc.
+ 1601, folio. 2 16 10
+
+ 547. Historiae Anglicanae Scriptores Varii, a Sparke. Lond.
+ 1723, folio. 2 5 6
+
+ 548. Historiae Anglicanae Scriptores X. a Twysden; 2 tom. fol.
+ _deaurat._ Lond. 1652, folio. 4 11 0
+
+ 549. Rerum Anglicarum Scriptores post Bedam, a Saville, fol.
+ _deaurat._ Lond. 1596, folio. 2 5 6
+
+ 550. Rerum Anglicarum Scriptorum Veterum, a Gale; 3 tom.
+ fol. _deaurat._ Lond. 1684-91. 5 13 9
+
+ 551. Rerum Britannicarum, Scriptores Vetustiores. Lugd.
+ 1587, folio. 1 8 0
+
+ 573. Prynne's Records, 3 vols., with the _frontispieces
+ complete, gilt, broad border of gold_. Lond. 1666-68. "For
+ an account of this rare and valuable work, see Oldy's
+ British Librarian, page II. Not more than 70 copies of the
+ first vol. were rescued from the fire of London, 1666."
+ folio. 80 15 3
+
+ 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_l._--according to a rough
+ calculation.]
+
+LIS. I do:--and a marvellously fine one it is!
+
+LOREN. Well, this was formerly _Exemplar Dalyanum_. 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[403]--I know nothing in commendation respecting the
+BIBLIOMANIA.
+
+ [Footnote 403: This is rather a hasty speech, on the part of
+ Lorenzo. The copious and curious catalogues of those
+ booksellers, Messrs. CONSTABLE, LAING, and BLACKWOOD--are a
+ sufficient demonstration that the cause of the _Bibliomania_
+ 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 BIBLIOMANIA.]
+
+I had nearly forgotten to mention, with the encomiums which they
+merit, the select, curious, and splendid collections of the
+CHAUNCYS:[404] very able scholars, and zealous bibliomaniacs. Many a
+heavy-metalled competitor attended the sale of the _Bibliotheca
+Chauncyana_; and, I dare say, if such a collection of books were now
+_sub hasta_----
+
+ [Footnote 404: _A Catalogue of the elegant and valuable
+ Libraries of_ CHARLES CHAUNCY, M.D. F.R.S. and F.S.A.; _and
+ of his brother_, NATHANIEL CHAUNCY, _Esq., both deceased:
+ &c. Sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, April, 1790_,
+ 8vo.: 3153 articles.
+
+ NO. 99. Booke of Raynarde the Foxe, morocco, gilt leaves,
+ _London by Thomas Gaultier_, 1550, 8vo. L2 3_s._ 0_d._
+
+ 108. Merie Tales by Master Skelton, Poet Laureat; _imprinted
+ by Thomas Colwell_; no date, 12mo. 1 6 0
+
+ 109. The Pleasunt Historie of Lazarillo de Tormes, by David
+ Rouland; _impr. at London, by Abel Jeffes_, 1586, 12mo. 0 11 0
+
+ 112. The Newe Testament, corrected by Tyndal, with
+ exhortations by Erasmus; _gilt leaves_, 1536, 12mo. 5 2 6
+
+ 113. More's Utopia, by Robynson; _impr. by Abraham Veale_,
+ 12mo. (1551.) 0 8 0
+
+ "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.)
+
+ 119. The Epidicion into Scotland of the most woorthely
+ fortunate Prince Edward, Duke of Somerset, Uncle unto our
+ most noble sovereign, &c., Edward the VIth; _imprinted by
+ Grafton_; 1548, 8vo. 2 18 0
+
+ (At the sale of Mr. Gough's books in 1810, a fine copy of
+ this work was sold for 10_l._ 10_s._)
+
+ 362. Ben Jonson his Volpone, or the Foxe; _morocco, gilt
+ leaves_, 1607, 4to. 4 0 0
+
+ "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.'"
+
+ 384. Nychodemus's Gospell, _morocco, gilt leaves, emprynted
+ at London, by Wynkyn de Worde_, 1511, 4to. 2 2 0
+
+ 388. Oxford and Cambridge Verses; _in blue and red morocco,
+ gilt leaves, with gold tassels_, 13 vols., 1617, &c., fol. 2
+ 12 6
+
+ 572. Caius of English Dogges, the diversities, the names,
+ the natures, and the properties, by Fleming; _imprinted at
+ London by Richard Johnes_, 1576, 4to. 5 10 0
+
+ 592. 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. 1 10 0
+
+ 599. Speculum Xristiani, corio turcico, impress. _London, p.
+ Willelmum de Machlinia_ ad instanciam nec non expensas
+ Henrici Urankenburg, mercatoris, _sine anno vel loco,
+ circa_, 1480, 4to. 11 0 0
+
+ 599. [Transcriber's Note: sic] A Hundreth Sundrie Flowers,
+ bounde up in one small poesie, gathered in the fyne outlandish
+ gardins of Euripides, Ovid, Petrake, Aristo, and others.
+ _London_, 4to. 1 12 0
+
+ 1669. The Recuile of the Historie of Troie; _imprynted_
+ 1553, _by William Copland, folio_ 2 5 0
+
+ 1670. The Pastyme of People. The Chronicles of dyvers
+ Realmys, and most specyally of the Realme of Englond,
+ brevely compylyd and _emprynted in Chepesyde at the sygne of
+ the Mearmayde, next Polly's Gate (made up with MS.) morocco,
+ gilt leaves_, folio 9 14 0
+
+ 1684. Cunningham's Cosmographical Glasse. _Lond. printed by
+ Daye_, 1559, fol. 5 15 6
+
+ (I conclude that it had the portrait.)
+
+ 2932. Ptolomaei Cosmographie; cum tab. georgr. [Transcriber's
+ Note: geogr.] illum. _Impress. in Membranis_, 1482, fol. 14
+ 14 0
+
+ 2933. Virgilii Opera: _Impres. in Membram. Venet. ap.
+ Barthol. Cremonens_, 1472, fol. (Two leaves on vellum in MS.
+ very fairly written) 43 1 0
+
+ Purchased by the late Mr. Quin.
+
+ 2934. Plinii Hist. Naturalis; Venet. 1472, folio. _Impres.
+ in Membranis._ 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."
+ 65 2 0
+
+ Purchased by Mr. Edwards.
+
+ There was also a magnificent copy of _Pynson's first edition
+ of Chaucer's Works_, in folio, which is now in the
+ collection of Earl Spencer.]
+
+LIS. He means "under the hammer."--Ladies are not supposed to know
+these cramp Latin phrases.--
+
+LYSAND. 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!
+
+We will next notice a not less valuable collection, called the
+_Bibliotheca Monroiana_; or the library of Dr. JOHN MONRO;[405] the
+sale of which took place in the very 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 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.
+
+ [Footnote 405: "_Bibliotheca Elegantissima Monroiana: A
+ Catalogue of the elegant and valuable library of_ JOHN
+ MUNRO, M.D., _Physician to Bethelem Hospital, lately
+ deceased. Sold by auction by Leigh and Sotherby
+ [Transcriber's Note: Sotheby], &c. April 23d, 1792_, 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----No. 709,
+ Cowell's Interpreter; or, Booke containing the signification
+ of words, _first edition_, ("rare to be met with.") _Camb.
+ by Legate_, 1607, 4to.----No. 1951. Cent (Les) Nouvelles
+ Nouvelles, ou pour mieux dire, Nouveaux Comptes a plaisance,
+ par maniere de Joyeusete.----_Lettres Gothiques, fig. et
+ bois et titre MSS. feuilles dorees, en maroquin, Paris, par
+ Ant. Verard_, 1475, fol.----No. 1963, Heide Beschryving
+ der nieuevlyks uitgevonden en geoctrojeerde
+ Slang-Brand-Spuiten, en Haare wijze van Brand-Blussen,
+ Tegenwoordig binnen _Amsterdam in gebruik zynde. Wyze
+ figuurs Amst._ 1690, fol. "_Note in this book: Paris_, 1736.
+ Paid for this book for his Grace the Duke of Kingston, by
+ Mr. Hickman, 24_l._" A great sum for a book about a "newly
+ discovered fire engine!"----No. 2105, Vivre (Le livre
+ intitule l'art de bein) et de bien mourir, lettres
+ gothiques, avec fig. en maroquin dorees sur tranches.
+ _Imprime a Paris_, 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.----No. 2121,
+ Ariosto, Orlando Furioso, con figure da Porro, foglio dorat.
+ Venet. 1584, 4to. N.B. In this copy the true print is
+ replaced _with a fine head of Ariosto_, and _elegantly
+ inlaid with morocco and calf_.----No. 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."----No. 2194. Dante di Landino, con. fig. La prima
+ Edizione di Landino, impf. _Firenze per Nicholo di Lorenzo
+ della Magna_, 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 M/DC 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."----No. 2208, Molinet (Les Faictz et dictz de bone
+ Memoire Maistre Jehan) _Lettres gothiques, en maroquin Par._
+ 1537, 8vo.----No. 2366, Peri Fiesole Distrutta, poema:
+ with portrait and engraved title, Firenze, 1619, 4to. _Note
+ in this book_: "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."----No. 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 _MS. note_: "I imagine this to be an etching of
+ Cavaier Rodolphi, as I do not remember any other of the
+ name."----No. 2865, Lazii in Genealogiam Austriacam,
+ Basil. ap. Oporinum, 1564.--Lazii Vienna Austriae Basil,
+ 1546. Francolin Res Gestae Viennensis, cum fig. _Viennae
+ Austriae excudebat Raphael Hofhalter_, 1563. Folio. _Note in
+ this book_: "The last book in this volume is curious and
+ uncommon."]
+
+We shall now run rapidly towards the close of the eighteenth century.
+But first, you may secure, for a shilling or two, the SOUTHGATE
+COLLECTION;[406] and make up your minds to pay a few more shillings
+for good copies, especially upon _large paper_, of all the parts of
+the catalogues of the library of GEORGE MASON[407]. This collection
+was an exceedingly valuable one; rather select than extensive:
+exhibiting, in pretty nearly an equal degree, some of the rarest
+books in Greek, Latin, and English literature. The _keimelion_ of the
+Masonian cabinet, in the estimation of the black-letter bibliomaniacs,
+was a perfect copy of the _St. Albans' edition_ of Juliana Barnes's
+book of _Hawking, Hunting_, and _Angling_; which perfect copy is now
+reposing in a collection where there are _keimelia_ of far greater
+value to dim its wonted lustre. But let 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.
+
+ [Footnote 406: "_Museum Southgatianum; being a Catalogue of
+ the valuable Collection of Books, Coins, Medals, and Natural
+ History of the late Rev._ RICHARD SOUTHGATE, 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
+ _large paper_; but the typographical execution is
+ sufficiently defective.]
+
+ [Footnote 407: Lysander is right in noticing "_all the
+ parts_" of the Masonian Library. I will describe them
+ particularly. Pt. I. _A Catalogue of a considerable
+ portion of the Greek and Latin Library of_ GEORGE MASON,
+ 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.
+ Pt. II. _A Catalogue of most of the reserved portion of
+ the Greek and Latin Library of_ G.M., &c., chiefly classical
+ and bibliographical, with a few miscellaneous articles in
+ French: sold as before, May 16, 1798, &c. 480 articles.
+ Pt. III. _A Catalogue of a considerable portion of the
+ remaining Library of_ G.M., Esq.--chiefly historical, with
+ some curious theological, and some scientific, articles:
+ sold as before; Nov. 27 to 30; 1798, &c. 547 articles. Pt
+ IV. _A Catalogue, &c., of the remaining library of_ G.M.,
+ Esq.--chiefly Belles Lettres, English, French, and Italian,
+ &c., sold as before; April 25, 1799: 338 articles. These
+ FOUR PARTS, priced, especially the latter one--are uncommon.
+ My copies of all of them are upon _large paper_. 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.
+
+ PART I.
+
+ NO. 150. Winstanley's Audley End, inscribed to James the
+ Second, fol. _Never published for sale_ L27 10_s._ 0_d._
+
+ 158. Hypnerotomachia Poliphili, C.T. _F.D. Ald._ 1499 5 0 0
+
+ 162. Aquinae (Thomae) Quartiscriptum, C.R. _Moguntiae
+ Schoeffer_, 1492, fol. 6 0 0
+
+ 295. Cicero de Officiis, C.T. F.D. _Moguntiae ap. Fust._
+ 1465. 4to. In hoc exemplari Rubrica inter libros secundum ac
+ tertium habet singularia errata, quae in nullo alio exemplari
+ adhuc innotuerunt; viz. _primus_ ponitur pro _secundus_,
+ _secundus_ pro _tertius_, et _secundum_ pro _tertium_ 26 5 0
+
+ 307. Chalcondylas, Moschopulus, et Corinthus, Gr. _editio
+ princeps._ Vide notam ante Librum 8 18 6
+
+ 308. Constantini Lexicon Graecum. _Genevae_, 1592 4 5 0
+
+ 324. Ciceronis Orationes, C.T. viridi F.D. _per Adamum de
+ Ambergau_, 1472, fol. 5 5 0
+
+ 468. Homerus, Gr., 2 vol., _Editio princeps_, C.R. Flor.
+ 1488 11 11 0
+
+ 496. Xenophon, Gr., _editio princeps_, C.T. F.D. _Flor. ap.
+ Junt._ 1516, fol. 2 3 0
+
+
+ PART III.
+
+ 70. Maundrel's Journey from Aleppo to Jerusalem, _L.P. Oxf._
+ 1714, 8vo. First edition of the entire work 3 18 0
+
+ 101. The Psalter of David, large B.L. C.T. nigro F.D.
+ _Cantorbury, in St. Paule's Parysh, by John Mychell_, 1549,
+ 4to. 4 4 0
+
+ 102. The Gospels in Saxon and English, dedicated to Queen
+ Elizabeth, by John Foxe, C.T. nigro, F.D. _Lond. by Daye_,
+ 1571, 4to. 4 5 0
+
+ 103. The new Testament, by Thomas Matthew, 1538, 4to. 3 4 0
+
+ ["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."]
+
+ 105. Nychodemus' Gospell, C.T. F.D. _wood prints. Wynkyn de
+ Worde_, 1511, 4to. 1 5 0
+
+ 107. English Prymer, in red and black types: _with
+ emblematic frontispiece from a wood-cut_. C.T. caeruleo F.D.
+ _Byddell_, 1535, 4to. PRINTED ON VELLUM 8 18 6
+
+ 110. Speculum Christiani (in Latin prose and English verse)
+ C.T. nigro. _In civitate Londoniarum, per Wilhelmum de
+ Machlinia. Supposed to be the first book printed in London,
+ and about_ 1480, 4to. 4 4 0
+
+ 111. Contemplation of Synners, (Latin prose and English
+ verse) with double frontispiece, and other wood-cuts.
+ _Westminster, by Wynkyn de Worde_, 1499, 4to. 2 3 0
+
+ 112. (Walter Hylton's) Scala Perfectionis, London, _without
+ Temple-Barre_, by Julyan Notary, 1507, 4to. 1 11 6
+
+ 151. Dives and Pauper, C.R. _first dated impression by
+ Pynson_, 1493, folio 2 5 0
+
+ 164. Hackluyt's Collection of Voyages, B.L. 3 vols. in 2.
+ Lond. 1599. "This work contains in vol. I. (beginning at p.
+ 187) a political tract in verse (of the time of Henry VI.)
+ exhorting England to keep the sea." 4 10 0
+
+ 178. Arnold's Chronicle, or Customs of London, B.L.
+ C.T.--F.D. (1521) folio 15 15 6
+
+ 180. Chaucer's Hertfordshire; _with all the plates_, C.R.
+ _Once the book of White Kennet, Bishop of Peterborough;
+ whose marginal notes in are pp._ 64, 359, 523, folio 21 0 0
+
+ 338. Froissart's Chronycles, 2 vols. C.R. F.D. _Printed by
+ Pynson_, 1523-5, _folio_, 2 vols.
+
+ 341. Rastell's Pastyme of People, C.T.--F.D. Johannes
+ Rastell, (1529) _One page and part of a pieced leaf
+ written._
+
+ 349. 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.
+
+ 466. Hardyng's Chronicle (in verse) C.R.--F.D. _With an
+ original grant (on vellum) from Henry VI. to Hardyng,
+ Londoni._ Grafton, 1543, 4to.
+
+ [This beautiful copy, formerly West's, is now in the
+ collection of George Hibbert, Esq.]
+
+ 518. Fabian's Chronicle, C.T. caerulo 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.
+
+
+ PART IV.
+
+ [Transcriber's Note: In this section, no prices are given in
+ the original.]
+
+ 37. Kendall's Flowers of Epigrams, B.L.--C.R. _Leaf 93 is
+ wanting_, 12mo.
+
+ 47. 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.
+ _Middlebourg_, 12mo.
+
+ 57. 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.
+
+ 150. Valentine and Orson, B.L. cuts. _Wants title, two
+ leaves in one place, and a leaf in another_, 4to.
+
+ 152. La Morte D'Arthur, B.L. _wood-cuts_, Lond. _Thomas
+ East._ _Wants one leaf in the middle of the table._ See _MS.
+ note prefixed_.
+
+ 153. Barnes's (Dame Juliana) Boke of Haukynge, Huntynge, and
+ Cootarmuris, C.T.--F.D. _Seynt Albon's_, 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
+ cantradiction [Transcriber's Note: contradiction] 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.]
+
+ 157. Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, C.R. _woodcuts, Pynson_,
+ 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."
+
+ 166. Mort D'Arthur, B.L. _woodcuts. Lond. W. Copland._ See
+ MS. notes at the beginning and end, folio.
+
+ 175. Roy's _Rede me and be not wrothe,
+ For I say nothing but trothe._
+
+ "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 page 225, ante.]
+
+ 263. Boetius, (The Boke of Comfort, by) translated into
+ Englishe Tonge (in verse) _Emprented in the exempt Monastery
+ of Taverstock, in Denshire, by me, Thomas Rycharde, Monke of
+ the said Monastery_, 1525, 4to.
+
+ 261. Caxton's Blanchardyn and Eglantine, or Proude Lady of
+ Love, C.T.--F.D., _printed by Caxton_, folio. [See my
+ edition of the _Typograhical [Transcriber's Note:
+ Typographical] Antiquities_, vol. i. p. 346.]
+
+ 274. Hawkyng, Huntyng, and Fyshyng, (from Juliana Barnes)
+ B.L. _woodcuts. Lond. Toye, and W. Copland_, 4to. _See MS.
+ notes prefixed._
+
+ 275. Hawys's Compendions Story, or Exemple of Vertue,
+ B.L.--C.R. _wood-cuts_, _ib._ _Wynkyn de Worde_, 1533.
+
+ 276. ---- Passe-Tyme of Pleasure, B.L. _wood-cuts ib. by W.
+ de Worde_, 1517, 4to.
+
+ 306. Spenser's Shephearde's Calendar. C.T.--F.D.,
+ _wood-cuts: first edition, ib._ Singleton, 1579, 4to.
+
+ 308. 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.
+
+ 330. Tulle of Old Age (translated by William Botoner, or of
+ Worcester) _pr. by Caxton_, 1481. folio.
+
+ ---- 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. _Explicit per Caxton_, folio.]
+
+How shall I talk of thee, and of thy wonderful collection, O RARE
+RICHARD FARMER?[408]--and of thy scholarship, acuteness, pleasantry,
+singularities, varied 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 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. Peace to thy honest spirit; for thou wert
+wise without vanity, learned without pedantry, and joyous without
+vulgarity!
+
+ [Footnote 408: There is but a scanty memorial of this
+ extraordinary and ever respectable bibliomaniac, in the
+ _Gentleman's Magazine_; 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
+ _Demoniacs_ mentioned in scripture; in which essay he took
+ up the idea of Mede, that these Demoniacs were _madmen_. Dr.
+ Farmer's essay upon the _Learning of Shakespeare_ is, in
+ respect to the materials, arguments, and conclusions--what
+ the late Bishop of Salisbury's [Douglas] was upon
+ _Miracles_--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
+ _Bibliotheca Farmeriana_: the title to the catalogue whereof
+ is as follows. "_Bibl. Farm. A Catalogue of the curious,
+ valuable, and extensive Library in print and manuscript, of
+ the late_ REV. RICHARD FARMER, _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_ (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 _Old English Poetry_ that, perhaps, was ever
+ exhibited at one view; together with a great variety of _Old
+ Plays_, and early printed books, English and Foreign, in the
+ black-letter." The reader has already (p. 324 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:
+
+ NO. 5950. 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. L2 6_s._
+ 0_d._
+
+ 6127. Skinner's Discovery and Declaration of the Inquisition
+ of Spayne, _imp. J. Daye_, 1569, 4to. 6128. Shippe of
+ Fooles, by Brant, wood cuts, _imp. Wynkyn de Worde_, 1517,
+ 4to. 1 16 0
+
+ 6194. Brunswyke's Medical Dictionary, translated by Huet,
+ _imp. by Treveris_, 1525. folio. 3 10 0
+
+ 6195. Customs of the Citie of London, or Arnold's Chronicle,
+ with the Nut-Brown Mayde, _1st edition_, 1502, folio. 0 19 0
+
+ 6386. Annalia Dubrensia, or Robert Dover's Olimpic Games
+ upon Cotswold-Hills, _with frontispiece_, 1636. 1 14 0
+
+ 6387. Barley-breake, or a Warning for Wantons, by W.N. 1607,
+ 4to. 0 5 0
+
+ 6395. Britton's Bowre of Delights, by N.B. 1597. 4to. 1 13 0
+
+ 6413. Byrd's (Will.) Psalmes, Sonets, and Songs of Sadnes
+ and Pietie made into Musicke of 5 partes. 1588. Ditto Sacrae
+ Cantiones, 2 parts; and various Madrigals and Canzonets, by
+ Morley, Weelkes, Wilbye, Bateson, &c. 4to. 0 15 0
+
+ 6608. 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. 5 5 0
+
+ 6785. Turbervile's (George) Epitaphs, Epigrams, Songs and
+ Sonets, with a Discourse of the freendly affections of
+ Tymetes to Pyndara his ladie, b.l. 1570, _imp. by Denham_,
+ 8vo. 1 16 0
+
+ 6804. Virgil's Aeneis, the first foure bookes, translated
+ into English heroicall verse, by Richard Stanyhurst, with
+ other poetical devises thereunto annexed; _impr. by
+ Bynneman_, 1583, 8vo. 2 17 0
+
+ 6826. Essayes of a Prentise in the Divine Art of Poesie
+ (King James VI.) _Edinburgh, by Vautrollier_, 1585, 8vo. 1
+ 13 0
+
+ 6846. Fulwell's (Ulpian) Flower of Fame, or bright Renoune
+ and fortunate Raigne of King Henry VIII. b.l. with curious
+ wood cuts: _imp. by Will. Hoskin_, 1575, 4to. 1 11 6
+
+ 6847. Flytting (the) betwixt Montgomerie and Polwarte,
+ _Edin._, 1629, 4to. 2 5 0
+
+ 7058. Horace's Art of Poetrie, Pistles, and Satyrs,
+ English'd by Drant, b.l. _Imp. by Marshe_, 1566, 4to. 0 7 6
+
+ 7066. Humours Ordinarie, where a man may be verie merrie and
+ exceeding well used for his sixpence, 1607, 4to. 0 14 6
+
+ 7187. 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. 0 19 0
+
+ 7199. 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. _imp. by Edward White_, 4to. 3 13 6
+
+ 7200. Milton's Paradise Lost, in 10 books, 1st _edit._ 1667.
+ 0 11 0
+
+ 7201. ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- _2nd title page_, 1668.
+ 0 11 0
+
+ 7202. ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- _3rd title page_,
+ 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.] 0 7 0
+
+ 7232. Paradyse of Daynty Devises, b.l. extremely scarce,
+ _imp. by Henry Disle_, 1576, 4to. 6 0 0
+
+ 7240. 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. 1 11 6
+
+ 7241. Percy's (W.) Sonnets to the fairest Caelia, 1594. 4to.
+ 1 12 0
+
+ 7249. Psalter (the whole) translated into English Metre,
+ which containeth an Hundreth and Fifty Psalms. The title and
+ first page written. _Imp. by John Daye_, 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. 3 6 0
+
+ 7828. Somner's (Henry) Orpheus and Eurydice, 1740. 4to. 0 1 6
+
+ 7829. Shakespeare's Works, _1st edition, in folio, wants
+ title, last leaf written from the_ 4to. 1623. 7 0 0
+
+ 8062. 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,) _purchased at Dr. Monro's
+ Auction by Dr. Farmer_, for 29_l._ 4 14 0
+
+ 8080. These Booke is called Ars moriendi, of William Baron,
+ Esq., to remayne for ever to the Nonnye of Deptford; _on
+ vellum, bound in purple velvet_. 2 3 0
+
+ 6451. Chaucer's noble and amorous auncyent Hystory of
+ Troylus and Cresyde, in fyve Bokes, _imprynted by Wynkyn de
+ Worde_, 1517.
+
+ Here begynneth the Temple of Glass, _imp. by Wynkyn de
+ Worde_.
+
+ The Castell of Pleasure, _imp. by ditto_.
+
+ Here begynneth a lyttell Treatise cleped La Conusauce
+ D'Amours. _imp. by Pynson_.
+
+ The Spectacle of Lovers, _imp. by Wynkyn de Worde_.
+
+ 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, _imp.
+ by ditto_.
+
+ The Love and Complayntes betwene Mars and Venus.
+
+ The Fyrst Fynders of the VII Scyences Artificiall, _printed
+ by Julian Notarye_.
+
+ Guystarde and Sygysmonde, translated by Wyllyam Walter,
+ _imp. by Wynkyn de Worde_, 1532.
+
+ The Complaynte of a Lover's Lyfe, _imp. by ditto_.
+
+ Here begynneth a lytel Treatyse, called The Disputacyon of
+ Complaynte [of] the Harte, thorughe perced with the lokynge
+ of the Eye, _imp. by Wynkyn de Worde_.
+
+ This Boke is named the Beaultie of Women, translated out of
+ French into Englyshe, _imp. by Wier_.
+
+ Here begynneth a lytel Treatise, called the Controverse
+ betwene a Lover and a Jaye, lately compyled, _imp. by Wynkyn
+ de Worde_.
+
+ _The above 12 very rare and ancient pieces of poetry are
+ bound_ in one vol. _with curious wood-cuts, and in fine
+ preservation._
+
+ 'The Temple of Glass alone was sold for 3_l._ 15_s._ and the
+ present vol. may, with propriety, be deemed matchless.' All
+ in quarto. 26 5 0
+
+ [N.B. _These articles should have preceded_ no. 6608; at
+ p. 423, ante.]
+
+ And here, benevolent reader, let us bid farewell to RICHARD
+ FARMER 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
+ _Bibl. Farmeriana_, 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 p. 316, 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 _large paper_, on
+ paper of a better quality than the small; which latter is
+ sufficiently wretched. I possess a copy of the former kind,
+ with the _prices_ and _purchasers' names_ affixed--and
+ moreover, _uncut_!]
+
+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--GEORGE STEEVENS[409]--of Shakspearian renown!
+The Library of this extraordinary critic and collector was sold by
+auction in the year 1800; and, being formed rather after the model of
+Mason's, than of Farmer's, it was rich to an excess in choice and rare
+pieces. Nor is 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 their present worth, would bring considerably
+higher prices! What arduous contention, "_Renardine shifts_," and bold
+bidding; what triumph on the one part, and 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 smile
+amidst all the turbulence that surrounded him! Memorable aera!--the
+veteran collector grows young again in thinking upon the valour he
+then exhibited; and the juvenile collector talks "braggartly" of other
+times--which he calls the golden days of the bibliomania--when he
+reflects upon his lusty efforts in securing an _Exemplar
+Steevensianum_!
+
+ [Footnote 409: 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 STEEVENS receive justice at _my_
+ 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:
+
+ 'nothing extenuate
+ Nor set down aught in malice.'
+
+ The respectable compiler of the _Gentleman's Magazine_, 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 _Shakspeare_; 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 BIBLIOMANIACISM: 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 LARGE PAPER; 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 _Bibliotheca Steevensiana_. 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_l._ for
+ editorship, and 100_l._ 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 vigiland
+ [Transcriber's Note: vigilant] 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_l._ 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:
+
+ _May, 1797._
+ _Copied by Josiah Boydell, at my
+ request, from the remains of the
+ only genuine Portrait of William
+ Shakspeare._ GEORGE STEEVENS.
+
+ 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_l._; 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 _Bibliotheca Steevensiana_, in the
+ departments of rare OLD POETRY and THE DRAMA. But first let
+ us describe the title to the catalogue of the same. _A
+ Catalogue of the curious and valuable Library of_ GEORGE
+ STEEVENS, _Esq., Fellow of the Royal and Antiquary Societies
+ (Lately deceased). Comprehending an extraordinary fine
+ Collection of Books, &c._, sold by auction by Mr. King, in
+ King Street, Covent Garden, May, 1800. 8vo. [1943 articles:
+ amount of sale 2740_l._ 15_s._]
+
+ OLD POETRY.
+
+ NO. 867. 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.
+ _first edition. Lond. impr. by Bynneman_, 1572, 4to. L1
+ 19_s._ 0_d._
+
+ 'With MS. notes respecting this copy and edition by Mr.
+ Steevens.'
+
+ 868. Another copy, 2d edition (with considerable additions);
+ among other, the Princely Pleasures of Kenilworth Castle,
+ the Steele Glass, the Complainte of Phylomene, b.l. _ib.
+ impr. by Abell Jeffes_, 1587, 4to., _with MS. references, by
+ Messrs. Bowles and Steevens._ 4 4 0
+
+ 869. Another copy, including all the aforementioned, and a
+ Delicate Diet for Daintie Mouthde Droonkardes, b.l. _Lond.
+ impr. by Rich. Jhones_, 1576, 8vo.
+
+ The Glasse of Gouernement, 4to. _b.l. russia, with MS.
+ references_.
+
+ The Droome of Doomesday, 3 parts, b.l. _ib._ 1576, 4to. 'The
+ above two volumes are supposed to comprise the compleatest
+ collection of Gascoigne's works extant.' 5 15 6
+
+ 876. Googe (Barnabe) Eglogs, Epytaphes, and Sonnettes newly
+ written, b.l., _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_. 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. 10 15 0
+
+ 949. 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. _b.l. printed by Rich. Yardley and
+ Peter Short_, 1593. [cost Mr. Steevens 1_s._ 9_d._!] 4 7 0
+
+ 995. The Paradyse of Dainty Devises, MS. a fac-simile of the
+ first edition, in 1576, _finished with the greatest neatness
+ by Mr. Steevens, 4to. in russia_. 5 15 0
+
+ 996. 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. _Lond. printed by Edwd. Allde_, 1595,
+ 4to. 4 6 0
+
+ 997. The Paradice of Daintie Devises, b.l. interleaved, _ib.
+ printed for Edw. White_, 1600, 4to.
+
+ 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, _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_.
+
+ Soothern's Odes, 4to. b.l. interleaved with copious MS.
+ Notes, and an Extract from the European Magazine relative to
+ the Author: _wants title, no date_.
+
+ Watson (Tho.) Passionate Centurie of Love, 4to. b.l.
+ interleaved: the 12 first sonnets, and the latter ones, from
+ 78, in MS. _Lond. impr. by John Wolfe_.
+
+ "The above curious Collection of Old Poems are bound
+ together in russia, with border of gold, and may be deemed
+ with propriety, _Matchless_." 21 10 6
+
+ 1037. Puttenham's Arte of English Poesie, in 3 bookes, with
+ a wood-cut of Queen Elizabeth; _choice copy, in morocco,
+ 4to. ib. printed by Rich. Field_, 1589. 7 10 0
+
+ 1073. Roy (Will.) Satire on Cardinal Wolsey, a Poem; _b.l.
+ sm._ 8vo. _russia, no date nor place_. 7 7 0
+
+ 1078. 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. _Impr. at Lond.
+ in Crede Lane, Jhon Kynge, and Thomas Marshe_, no date.
+ 12mo.
+
+ Hereafter foloweth a lyttle Booke, called Colyn Clout, _b.l.
+ impr. by John Wyght_, 12mo.
+
+ Hereafter foloweth a little Booke of Phyllip Sparrow, _b.l.
+ impr. by Robert Tob._ 12mo.
+
+ Hereafter foloweth a little Booke which has to name, Whi
+ come ye not to Courte, _b.l. impr. by John Wyght_. 12mo. 4 5 0
+
+ 1079. Skelton (Master, Poet Laureat) Merie Tales, b.l. 12mo.
+ _Lond. impr. by Tho. Colwell, no date._ 5 15 6
+
+ "See Note, in which Mr. Steevens says he never saw another
+ copy."
+
+ 1119. Warren (Will.) A pleasant new Fancie of a Foundling's
+ Device intitled and cald the Nurcerie of Names, with wood
+ borders, b.l. 4to. _ib. impr. by Rich. Jhones_, 1581. 2 16 0
+
+ 1125. Watson (Tho.) Passionate Centurie of Love; _b.l. 4to.
+ the title, dedication, and index, MS. by Mr. Steevens_.
+
+ "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." 5
+ 10 0
+
+ 1126. ---- Passionate Centurie of Love, divided into two
+ parts, b.l. 4to. _russia. Lond. impr. by John Wolfe_. 5 18 0
+
+ 1127. England's Helicon, collected by John Bodenham, with
+ copious additions, and an index in MS. by Mr. Steevens, 4to.
+ _russia, ib. printed by J.R._ 1600. 11 15 0
+
+ 1128. Weblee [Webbe] (Will.) Discourse of English Poetrie,
+ together with the author's judgment, touching the
+ Reformation of our English Verse, _b.l._ 4to. _russia, ib.
+ by John Charlewood_, 1586. 8 8 0
+
+
+ THE DRAMA; AND EARLY PLAYS OF SHAKESPEARE.
+
+ 1216. 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.
+ 11 0 0
+
+ 1218. Anonymous, a pleasant Comedie, called Common
+ Conditions, _b.l. imperf. 4to. in russia._
+
+ "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. 6 10 0
+
+ 1221. Bale (John) Tragedie, or Enterlude, manifesting the
+ chiefe Promises of God unto Man, compyled An. Do. 1538, b.l.
+ 4to. _now first impr. at Lond. by John Charlewood_, 1577. 12
+ 15 0
+
+ 1248. Marlow (Chr.) and Tho. Nash, Tragedie of Dido, Queene
+ of Carthage, played by the Children of her Majesties'
+ Chappell, 4to. _russia, Lond. printed by the Widdowe Owin_,
+ 1594. 17 0 0
+
+ 1259. Peele (Geo.) The Old Wives Tale, a pleasant conceited
+ Comedie played by the Queene's Majesties' Players; 4to. _in
+ russia; ib. impr. by John Danter_, 1595. 12 0 0
+
+ "N.B. A second of the above is to be found in the Royal
+ Library; a third copy is unknown." Steevens' note.
+
+ EARLY PLAYS OF SHAKSPEARE.
+
+ 1263. The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, no title,
+ 4to. _Lond._ 1611. _With MS. notes, &c., by Mr. Steevens._ 2
+ 2 0
+
+ 1264. The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, 4to. _ib.
+ printed by R. Young_, 1637. 0 7 0
+
+ 1265. The History of Henrie the Fourth, with the Battell of
+ Shrewsburie, &c.; with the famous conceits of Sir John
+ Falstaffe, part I. 4to. _ib. printed by S.S._ 1599. 3 10 0
+
+ 1266. The same, _ib. printed for Mathew Lay_, 1608, 4to. 1 7 0
+
+ 1267. The same, _ib. printed by W.W._ 1613. _With MS. notes,
+ &c. by Mr. Steevens._ 1 2 0
+
+ 1268. The same, _ib. printed by Norton_, 1632. 0 10 0
+
+ 1259. 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. _First Edit. 4to. ib.
+ printed by V.S._ 1600. 3 13 0
+
+ 1270. The same, _ib. 4to. printed by Val. Simmes_, 1600. 2
+ 15 0
+
+ 1271. 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. _First Edit._ 4to. _inlaid on large paper, ib.
+ printed by Thomas Creede_, 1600. 27 6 0
+
+ 1272. The Chronicle History of Henry the Fift, &c. 4to.
+ _Lond._ 1608. 1 1 0
+
+ 1273. 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. _inlaid on large paper, ib.
+ printed by W.W._ 1600. 1 16 0
+
+ 1274. 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, _divided into 2 parts_, 4to. _ib. no date_. 1 5 0
+
+ 1275. 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. _Lond. impr.
+ by Val. Simmes_, 1611. 1 18 0
+
+ 1276. The first and second part of the troublesome Raigne of
+ John, King of England, &c., _ib. printed by Aug. Matthews_,
+ 1622. 1 1 0
+
+ 1277. 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. _First Edit._ 4to. _ib._ 1608. 28 0 0
+
+ 1578. [Transcriber's Note: 1278] Another Edition, differing
+ in the title-page and signature of the first leaf. 4to.
+ _ib._ 1608. 2 2 0
+
+ 1279. 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, _First Edit. inlaid
+ oil large paper; 4to. at London, printed by John Roberts_,
+ 1600. 2 0 0
+
+ 1280. The excellent History of the Merchant of Venice, with
+ the extreme crueltie of Shylocke the Jew; _First Edit. 4to.
+ inlaid on large paper, printed by John Roberts_, 1600. 2 2 0
+
+ 1281. 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. _First Edit. 4to. Lond.
+ printed by T.C._ 1602. 28 0 0
+
+ 1282. 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, _4to.
+ inlaid. Lond._ 1619. 1 4 0
+
+ 1283. The Merry Wives of Windsor, with the Humours of Sir
+ John Fallstaffe, also the swaggering Vaine of Ancient
+ Pistoll and Corporal Nym, 4to. _Lond. printed by T.H._ 1630.
+ 0 10 6
+
+ 1284. A Midsommer Night's Dreame, as acted by the Lord
+ Chamberlaine's Servantes, First Edit. _impr. at Lond. for
+ Thos. Fisher_, 4to. 1600, _part of one leaf wanting_. 25 10 0
+
+ 1285. Another copy, _First Edit. inlaid, ib._ 1600. 1 15 0
+
+ 1286. Much adoe about Nothing, as acted by the Lord
+ Chamberlaine his Servants, _First Edit._ 4to. _ib. printed
+ by Val. Simmes_, 1600. 25 10 0
+
+ 1287. The Tragedy of Othello the Moore of Venice, as acted
+ at the Globe and at the Black Friers, by his Majesties
+ Servants, 4to. _Lond. printed by N.O._ 1622, _with MS. notes
+ and various readings by Mr. Steevens_. 29 8 0
+
+ 1288. The Tragedy of Othello the Moore of Venice, as acted
+ at the Globe and at the Black Friers, 4to. _Lond. printed by
+ A.M._ 1630. 0 13 0
+
+ 1289. Tragedie of Othello; _4th Edit._ 4to. _ib._ 1665. 0 4 0
+
+ 1290. The Tragedie of King Richard the Second, as acted by
+ the Lord Chamberlaine his Servants, 4to. Lond. _printed by
+ Val. Simmes_, 1598. 4 14 6
+
+ 1291. Tragedie of King Richard the Second, as acted by the
+ Lord Chamberlaine his Servants, 4to. _printed by W.W._ 1608.
+ 10 0 0
+
+ 1292. 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. _Lond._ 1615, _with MS. notes, &c. by Mr. Steevens_. 1
+ 12 0
+
+ 1293. 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. _Lond._ 1634. 0 5 0
+
+ 1294. The Tragedie of King Richard the Third, as acted by
+ the Lord Chamberlain his Servants, 4to. Lond. _printed by
+ Tho. Creede_. 1602. _Defective at the end._ 0 10 0
+
+ 1295. 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.
+ _Lond. printed by Tho. Creede_, 1612, _with notes and
+ various readings by Mr. Steevens._ 1 5 0
+
+ 1296. The same, 4to. _ib._ 1629. 0 7 0
+
+ 1297. Tragedie of King Richard the Third, as acted by the
+ King's Majesties Servants, 4to. _ib._ 1634. 0 6 0
+
+ 1298. The most excellent and lamentable Tragedie of Romeo
+ and Juliet, 4to. _A fragment. Lond._ 1599. 0 5 6
+
+ 1299. The same, compleat, inlaid on large paper, 4to. _ib.,
+ impr. by Tho. Creede_, 1599. [_Second Edition._] 6 0 0
+
+ 1300. The same, 4to. Lond. 1609, _with MS. notes and
+ readings by Mr. Steevens_. 2 2 0
+
+ 1301. The same, 4to. _ib. printed by R. Young_, 1637. 0 9 0
+
+ 1302. A pleasant conceited Historie, called the Taming of
+ the Shrew, as acted by the Earle of Pembroke's Servants.
+ _First Edit._ 4to. _inlaid on large paper, ib., printed by
+ V.S._ 1607. 20 0 0
+
+ 1303. 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., _ib., printed by W.S._ 1631. 0
+ 11 0
+
+ 1304. The most lamentable Tragedie of Titus Andronicus, as
+ plaide by the King's Majesties Servants, 4to. _inlaid, ib.,
+ printed for Edward White_, 1611. 2 12 6
+
+ 1305. The History of Troylus and Cresseide, as acted by the
+ King's Majesties Servants at the Globe. _First. Edit._ 4to.,
+ _ib., imp. by G. Alde_, 1609. 5 10 0
+
+ 1306. The lamentable Tragedie of Locrine, the eldest sonne
+ of King Brutus, discoursing the Warres of the Brittaines and
+ Hunnes, with ther discomfiture, 4to. _ib., printed by Thomas
+ Creede_, 1595. 3 5 0
+
+ 1307. The London Prodigall, as plaide by the King's
+ Majesties Servants, 4to. _ib., printed by T.C._ 1705. 1 9 0
+
+ 1308. 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. _ib._, 1609. 1 2 0
+
+ 1309. Another edition, 4to. _ib._ 1619. 0 15 0
+
+ 1310. 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. _Lond._
+ 1600. 0 10 0
+
+ 1311. A Yorkshire Tragedy, not so new, as lamentable and
+ true, 4to. Lond. 1619. 0 9 0
+
+ 1312. (Twenty Plays) published by Mr. Steevens, 6 vols.
+ _large paper, ib._, 1766. _Only 12 copies taken off on large
+ paper_ 5 15 6
+
+ EDITIONS OF SHAKSPEARE'S WORKS.
+
+ 1313. Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies, published
+ according to the true originall copies, by John Heminge and
+ Hen. Condell, _fol. russia. Lond. printed by Isaac Juggard
+ and Edwd. Blount_. 1623; _with a MS. title, and a fac-simile
+ drawing of the portrait by Mr. Steevens_. 22 0 0
+
+ 1314. The same: 2d edit. folio, fine copy morocco, gilt
+ leaves, _ib._ 1632. _In this book is the hand writing of
+ King Charles I. by whom it was presented to Sir Tho.
+ Herbert, Master of the Revels._ 18 18 0
+
+ 1315. The same: 3d edit. with the 7 additional Plays, fol.,
+ neat and scarce, _ib._ 1664. See _Note by Mr. Steevens_. 8 8 0
+
+ 1316. The same: 4th edit. 1685, folio. 2 12 6
+
+ 1326. Hammer's (Sir Tho.) edition; 9 vols. 18mo. _Lond._
+ 1748. 1 13 0
+
+ 1327. The same: with cuts, 6 vols. 4to. _elegantly bound in
+ hog-skin_.
+
+ 1328. Pope and Warburton, 8 vols. 8vo. _Lond._ 1747. 1 0 0
+
+ 1329. ---- 8 vols. 12mo., with Sir Thos. Hammer's Glossary.
+ _Dub._ 1747. 0 15 0
+
+ 1330. Capell, (Edw.) 10 vols. 8vo. Lond. _printed by Dryden
+ Leach_, 1768. 2 6 0
+
+ 1331. Johnson, (Sam.) 8 vols. 8vo. _Lond._ 1765. 1 19 0
+
+ 1332. ---- and Geo. Steevens, 10 vols. 8vo. _ib._ 1773. 2 14 0
+
+ 1333. ---- in single Plays, 31 vols. _boards, ib._ 1 11 0
+
+ 1334. Johnson and Steevens: 10 vols. 2d edit. with Malone's
+ Supplement, 2 vols., and the plates from Bell's edition,
+ _ib._ 1778. 4 16 0
+
+ 1335. ---- 10 vols. 3d edit. _ib._ 1785. 3 5 0
+
+ 1336. ---- 4th edit. with a glossarial Index, 15 vols. 8vo.
+ _ib._ 1793. 6 16 6
+
+ 1337. Malone, (Edm.) 11 vols. 8vo. _ib._ 1790. 4 8 0
+
+ 1338. ---- Another copy, 11 vols. 8vo. _ib._ 4 18 0
+
+ 1339. Ran (Jos.) 6 vols. 8vo. Oxf. 1786. 1 11 6
+
+ 1340. ---- with Ayscough's Index, 2 vols. 8vo. russia,
+ marbled leaves, published by Stockdale, _ib._ 1784-90. 0 15 6
+
+ 1341. Eccles, 2 vols. 8vo. _ib._ 1794. 1 11 0
+
+ 1342. From the Text of Mr. Malone's edit. by Nichols, 7
+ vols. 12mo. Lond. 1790. 0 18 0
+
+ 1343. From the Text of Mr. Steevens, last edit. 8 vols.
+ 12mo. _ib._ 1797. 1 0 0
+
+ 1344. ---- 9 vols. 12mo. _ib._ 1798. 1 3 0
+
+ 1345. ---- 9 vols. 12mo. Birm. by R. Martin. 1 1 0
+
+ 1346. ---- 9 vols. Bell's edit. no plates. Lond. 1774. 0 18 0
+
+ 1347. ---- 20 vols. 18mo. with annotations, Bell's edit.
+ fine paper, with plates, beautiful impressions, _ib._ 1788.
+ 8 13 6
+
+ 1348. ---- 20 vols. 12mo. Bell's edition; _large paper_,
+ finest possible impressions of the plates, superbly bound in
+ green turkey, double bands, gilt leaves, _ib._ 17 17 0
+
+ 1349. The Dramatic Works of; Text corrected by Geo.
+ Steevens, Esq.; published by Boydell and Nichol, in large
+ 4to., 15 nos. with the large and small plates; first and
+ finest impressions, 1791, &c. N.B. Three more numbers
+ complete the work. 36 4 6
+
+ 1348. Harding, no. 31, l.p. containing 6 prints, with a
+ portrait of Lewis Theobald, as published by Richardson, and
+ some account of him, by Mr. Steevens. 0 4 6
+
+ 1349. Ditto, ditto. 0 4 6
+
+ 1350. Traduit de l'Anglois, 2 toms. Par. 1776. 0 6 0
+
+ 1351. In German, 13 vols. 12mo. Zurich, 1775. 0 16 0
+
+ 1352. King Lear, Macbeth, Hamlet, Othello, and Julius Caesar,
+ by Jennings, Lond. 1770. 0 11 0
+
+ 1353. Macbeth, with Notes by Harry Rowe, 12mo. York, 1797. 0
+ 1 6
+
+ 1354. ---- 8vo. 2d edit. _ib._ 1799. 0 5 0
+
+ 1355. Antony and Cleopatra, by Edw. Capell; 8vo. Lond. 1758.
+ 0 1 0
+
+ 1356. The Virgin Queen; a Drama, attempted as a Sequel to
+ Shakspeare's Tempest, by G.F. Waldron, 8vo. 1797.
+
+ 1357. ---- Annotations on As You Like it, by Johnson and
+ Steevens, Bell's edit. 0 1 0
+
+ 1358. ---- Another copy
+
+ 1359. Shakspeare's Sonnets, never before imprinted, 4to. at
+ Lond. by G. Ald, 1609. 3 10 0
+
+ 1360. ---- Poems, 8vo. _ib._ 1640. 0 4 6
+
+ 1361. ---- Venis [Transcriber's Note: Venus] and Adonis, 8vo.
+ _ib._ 1602. 1 11 6
+
+ 1362. Rymer (Tho.) Short View of Tragedy, with Reflection on
+ Shakspeare, &c. 8vo. b. 1698. 0 1 6
+
+ 1363. Shakspeare restored, by Lewis Theobald, 4to. _ib._
+ 1726. 0 4 6
+
+ 1364. Whalley's (Peter) on the Learning of; _ib._ 1748.
+ Remarks on a late edition of Shakspeare, by Zach. Grey,
+ _ib._ 1755, and other Tracts. 0 8 6
+
+ 1365. Morris (Corbyn) Essay towards fixing the true Standard
+ of Wit, Humour, &c. 8vo. _ib._ 1744. 0 8 0
+
+ 1366. Critical Observations on, by John Upton; 8vo. 2d edit.
+ Lond. 1748. 0 1 6
+
+ 1367. ---- Illustrated, by Charlotte Lennox; 3 vols. 12mo.
+ _ib._ 1754. 0 9 0
+
+ 1368. Notes on Shakspeare, by Zachary Grey; 2 vols. 8vo.
+ _ib._ 1734. 0 3 0
+
+ 1369. Beauties of Shakspeare, by William Dodd, 2 vols. 12mo.
+ _ib._ 1757. 0 3 6
+
+ 1370. Beauties of Shakspeare, by Wm. Dodd; 3 vols. 12mo.
+ _ib._ 1780. 0 6 0
+
+ 1371. ---- (Revival of) Text, by Heath, 8vo. _ib._ 1765. 0 1 0
+
+ 1372. Observations and Conjectures on some passages of, by
+ Tho. Trywhit [Transcriber's Note: Tyrwhitt]; 8vo. Oxford,
+ 1766. 0 5 0
+
+ 1373. Farmer (Rich) on the Learning of; 8vo. morocco. Camb.
+ 1767. _Only 12 copies on this paper._ 0 16 0
+
+ 1374. ---- London. 8vo. 1789, with Mr. Capell's
+ Shakspeariana, 8vo., _only 20 copies printed_, 1779. 0 1 6
+
+ 1375. Malone (Edm.) Letter on, to Dr. Farmer; 8vo. _ib._
+ 1792. 0 4 6
+
+ 1376. Letter to David Garrick (on a Glossary to) by Rich.
+ Warner, 8vo. _ib._ 1768. 0 2 6
+
+ There were copies of the Catalogue of Steeven's books struck
+ off on LARGE PAPER, on bastard _royal octavo_, and in
+ _quarto_.
+
+ It remains to say a few words of the celebrated collector of
+ this very curious library. The wit, taste, and classical
+ acquirements of GEORGE STEEVENS 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 _pencil-scrap_ 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 GRANGERITES. 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 p. 266, 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 _fac-simile_ 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 _Jeu d'Esprit_; the merit of which
+ can only be truly appreciated by those who had the pleasure
+ of knowing the eminent PORTRAIT COLLECTORS therein
+ mentioned, and whose names are printed in capital letters.
+
+ ELEONORA REDIVIVA.
+
+ To seek this Nymph among the glorious dead,
+ Tir'd with his search on earth, is GULSTON fled:--
+ Still for these charms enamoured MUSGRAVE sighs;
+ To clasp these beauties ardent BINDLEY dies:
+ For these (while yet unstaged to public view,)
+ Impatient BRAND o'er half the kingdom flew;
+ These, while their bright ideas round him play,
+ From Classic WESTON force the Roman lay:
+ Oft too, my STORER, Heaven has heard thee swear,
+ Not Gallia's murdered Queen was half so fair:
+ "A new Europa!" cries the exulting BULL,
+ "My Granger now, I thank the gods, is full:"--
+ Even CRACHERODE'S self, whom passions rarely move,
+ At this soft shrine has deign'd to whisper love.--
+ Haste then, ye swains, who RUMMING'S form adore,
+ Possess your Eleanour, and sigh no more.
+
+ It must be admitted that this is at once elegant and happy.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ 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 _Upper Flask_:
+ 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 _one_ pursuit only was he
+ consistent: _one_ object only did he woo with an inflexible
+ attachment; and that object was _Dame_ DRAMA.
+
+ 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 HERBERT (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 CHURCHYARD'S _Pieces_--which
+ Steevens urges Herbert to publish--he thus concludes:
+
+ "DEAR SIR,
+
+ "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."
+ (_July_ 27, 1789.)
+
+ A little further he adds: "In your vol. ii. p. 1920, you
+ have but an imperfect account of TYRO'S '_Roaring Megge_,'
+ &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, G. STEEVENS." But the
+ bibliomanical spirit of the author of this letter, is
+ attested by yet stronger evidence:
+
+ _Hampstead Heath_, August 42th [Transcriber's Note: 12th],
+ 1780.
+
+ "SIR,
+
+ "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,
+
+ "Your very humble Servant,
+
+ "G. STEEVENS."
+
+ The following was Herbert's reply.
+
+ "_Cheshunt_, August 20th, 1780.
+
+ "SIR,
+
+ "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,
+
+ "Your most obliged humble Servant,
+
+ "W. HERBERT."
+
+ 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.
+
+ _Hampstead Heath_, June 26th, 1788.
+
+ "DEAR SIR,
+
+ "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
+
+ "Your very faithful and obedient Servant,
+
+ "GEO. STEEVENS."
+
+ "P.S. I hope your third volume is in the press, as it is
+ very much enquired after."
+
+ 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 at [Transcriber's Note: as]
+ Atterbury did upon the close of his professional labours.
+ But the latter moments of STEEVENS 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
+
+ "draw his frailties from their drear abode?"
+
+ the answer is obvious, and, I should hope, irrefragable. A
+ duty, and a sacred one too, is due TO THE LIVING. 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 'PEACE AT THE LAST.' The vessel of human existence must
+ be secured by other anchors than these, when the storm of
+ death approaches!]
+
+LOREN. You have seen a few similar copies in the library; which I
+obtained after a strenuous effort. There was certainly a very great
+degree of Book-Madness exhibited at the sale of Steevens's
+library--and yet I remember to have witnessed stronger symptoms of
+the Bibliomania!
+
+LIS. Can it be possible? Does this madness
+
+ 'Grow with our growth, and strengthen with our strength?'
+
+Will not such volcanic fury burn out in time?
+
+PHIL. You prevent Lysander from resuming, by the number and rapidity
+of your interrogatories. Revert to your first question.
+
+LIS. Truly, I forget it. But proceed with your history, Lysander; and
+pardon my abruptness.
+
+LYSAND. Upon condition that you promise not to interrupt me again this
+evening?
+
+LIS. I pledge my word. Proceed.
+
+LYSAND. 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 time to close this
+tedious bibliomaniacal history. The hour of midnight has gone by:--and
+yet I will not _slur over_ my account of the remaining characters of
+respectability.
+
+The collections of STRANGE[410] 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 WOODHOUSE:[411] thy zeal
+outran thy wit: thou wert indefatigable in thy search after rare and
+precious _prints and books_; and thy very choice collection of both is
+a convincing 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!
+
+ [Footnote 410: _Bibliotheca Strangeiana; A Catalogue of the
+ general, curious, and extensive Library of that
+ distinguished naturalist and lover of the fine arts, the
+ late_ JOHN STRANGE, 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 _four-score thousand, &c._ 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 411: We will first give the title to the Catalogue
+ of the late Mr. WOODHOUSE'S Collection of Prints. "_A
+ Catalogue of the choice and valuable Collection of Antient
+ and Modern Prints, &c._, selected with the highest taste
+ from all the collections at home and abroad, &c. Sold by
+ auction by Mr. Christie; January, 1801." The _first part_
+ ends with the 5th day's sale; the second commences with the
+ sixth day's sale and concludes on the sixteenth, with the
+ Malborough [Transcriber's Note: Marlborough] Gems. Although
+ we may have to give specimens of some of the _rare and
+ precious_ prints contained in this collection, in the course
+ of PART VI. 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
+
+ MARLBOROUGH GEMS.
+
+ [_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._]
+
+
+ LOT. L _s._ _d._
+
+ 72. _One._ Caesar in the Temple of Venus.
+ _Proof before any letters._ 3 13 6
+
+ 73. _Two._ no. 1. Scipio Africanus. 2 0 0
+ no. 2. Lucius C. Sylla.
+
+ 74. _Two._ no. 3. Julias Caesar; caput laureatum. 5 15 0
+ [Transcriber's Note: Julius]
+ no. 4. Marcus Junius Brutus.
+
+ 75. _Two._ no. 5. Marcus Junius Brutus; cum
+ caduceo. 2 17 6
+ no. 6. Lepidus; cum lituo.
+
+ 76. _Two._ no. 7. Augusti caput; cum corona
+ radiata. 4 14 6
+ no. 8. Augusti Pontificis maximi
+ insign. &c.
+
+ 77. _Two._ no. 9. Marcellii Octaviae, filii
+ Augusti nepotis caput: opus
+ elegantissimum. 3 0 0
+ no. 10. Liviae protome: cum capite
+ laureato et velato pectore:
+ simul Tiberii pueri prope
+ adstantis caput arboris ignotae
+ foliis redimitum.
+
+ 78. _Two._ no. 11. Tiberii caput juvenile. 3 3 0
+ no. 12. Germanici togati protome; cum
+ capite laureato, facie plena,
+ &c.
+
+ 79. _Two._ no. 13. Agrippinae majoris uxoris
+ Germanici & Caligulae matris
+ caput laureatum; sub effigie
+ Dianae. 5 5 0
+ no. 14. Ejusdem Agrippinae: sub effigie
+ Cereris.
+
+ 80. _Two._ no. 15. Galbae caput laureatum. 1 19 0
+ no. 16. Ejusdem Galbae caput.
+
+ 81. _Two._ no. 17. Nervae togati protome; cum
+ capite laureato, plena facie;
+ opus pulcherrimum. 4 4 0
+ no. 18. Ejusdem Nervae caput.
+
+ 82. _Two._ no. 19. Marcianae, Trajani sororis,
+ caput. 10 10 0
+ no. 20. Sabinae Hadriani uxoris caput.
+
+ 83. _Two._ no. 21. Antinoi caput, cum pectore
+ velato. 5 0 0
+ no. 22. Caracalla togati protome facie
+ plena.
+
+ 84. _Two._ no. 23. Caracallae caput laureatum. 1 18 0
+ no. 24. Juliae Domnae, Severi uxoris,
+ caput.
+
+ 85. _Two._ no. 25. Laocoontes caput. 7 7 0
+ no. 26. Semiramidis, vel potius Musae,
+ caput cum pectore.
+
+ 86. _Three._ no. 27. Minervae Alcidiae caput
+ galeatum; operis egregii,
+ edit. var. 3 8 0
+
+ 87. _Two._ no. 28. Phocionis caput. 3 3 0
+ no. 29. Jovis et Junonis capita
+ jugata.
+
+ 88. _Three._ no. 30. Veneris caput. 4 14 6
+ no. 31. Bacchae caput var.
+
+ 89. _Two._ no. 32. Hercules Bibax, stans. 15 4 6
+ no. 33. Bacchus, stans.
+
+ 90. _Two._ no. 34. Faunus tigridis pelli
+ insidens, cauda, &c. 9 9 0
+ no. 35. Athleta, stans, qui dextra
+ manus trigelem, &c.
+
+ 91. _Two._ no. 36. Mercurius stans. 4 14 6
+ no. 37. Mars, stans, armatus.
+
+ 92. _Two._ no. 38. Miles de rupe descendens,
+ eximii sculptoris Graeci
+ opus. 7 0 0
+ no. 39. Diomedes Palladio potitus cum
+ Ulysse altercatione contendit.
+
+ 93. _Two._ no. 40. Dei Marini natantes. 5 10 0
+ no. 41. Miles vulneratus a militibus
+ duobus sustentatur.
+
+ 94. _Two._ no. 42. Miles militi vulnerato
+ opitulato. 3 3 0
+ no. 43. Mulier stolata cum virgine.
+
+ 95. _Two._ no. 44. Faunus pelle caprina ex
+ humeris pendente vestitus;
+ pedem super suggestum ignotae
+ figurae figit et infantem genu
+ sustinet.
+ no. 45. Alexandri magni effigies.
+
+ 96. _Two._ no. 46. Aeneam Diomedes a saxo
+ percussum conservat. 8 18 0
+ no. 47. Pompeiae cujusdam ob victoriam
+ partam descriptio.
+
+ 97. _Two._ no. 48. Amazon Amazonem morientem }
+ sustinet juxta equus. } 6 16 6
+ }
+ 98. no. 49. Fragmen Gemmae Bacchi, &c. }
+
+ 99. _One._ no. 50. Nuptiae Psyches et Cupidonis,
+ _Rariss._ 4 14 6
+
+ 100. _One._ no. 50. Ditto, Ditto, _Rariss._ 8 8 0
+
+ 101. _One._ Frontispiece to SECOND VOLUME; _Proof,
+ before the inscription on the arms;
+ very rare_. 5 5 0
+
+ 102. _Two._ no. 1. Ptolomaeus. }
+ } 1 10 0
+ 103. no. 2. Metrodorus. }
+
+ 104. _Two._ no. 3. Socrates et Plato. 3 3 0
+ no. 5. Sappho.
+
+ 105. _Two._ no. 8. Ignotum caput Scyllacis opus. 2 0 0
+ no. 9. Ignotum caput.
+
+ 106. _Two._ no. 11. Medusa. 3 3 0
+ no. 18. Hercules et Iole.
+
+ 107. _Two._ no. 19. L. Junius Brutus. 2 2 0
+ no. 20. Annibal.
+
+ 108. _Two._ no. 22. Mecaenes. 1 18 0
+ no. 25. Drusus Tiberii filius.
+
+ 109. _Two._ no. 31. Caput ignotum, Antonini forsan
+ junioris. 2 2 0
+ no. 36. Equi.
+
+ 110. _Two._ no. 38. Mercurii templum. 3 3 0
+ no. 40. Coronis.
+
+ 111. _Two._ no. 41. Cupidonis. 2 12 6
+ no. 45. Faunus.
+
+ 112. _Three._ no. 46. Omphale incedens. 3 13 5
+ no. 48. Biga, var.
+
+ 113. _Two._ no. 50. Silenus, tigris, &c. var. 3 0 0
+
+ 114. _Two._ The vignette to the second volume;
+ _Proof, very fine, and etching,
+ perhaps, unique_. 7 10 0
+
+ For an interesting account of the engravings of the
+ DEVONSHIRE GEMS--the rival publication of those from the
+ Marlborough collection--the reader may consult Mr. Beloe's
+ _Anecdotes of Literature and Scarce Books_; vol. I. 182-6.
+ The entire collection of Mr. Woodhouse's prints produced
+ 3595_l._ 17_s._ 6_d._
+
+ We will now make handsome mention of the BIBLIOTHECA
+ WOODHOUSIANA. _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._ 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.
+
+ no. 8. Antonie (the Tragedie of) doone into English by
+ the Countesse of Pembroke, R.M. g.l. Lond. 1595. 12mo. L5
+ 5_s._ 0_d._
+
+ 24. Barnabee's Journal, with Bessie Bell, _First Edit. B.M.
+ g.l._ 1648. 12mo. 2 10 0
+
+ 30. Bastard's (Thomas) Chrestoleros, seven Bookes of
+ Epigrammes, _G.M. g.l._ 1598. 12mo. 5 15 6
+
+ 76. Chaucer, by Tyrwhitt, with the Glossary, G.M. g.l. 5
+ vol. 1775. 8vo. 6 0 0
+
+ 82. Cokain's (Sir Aston) Poems and Plays, _with head_, R.M.
+ g.l. 2 vol. 1662. 8vo. 4 0 0
+
+ 97. A Paire of Turtle Doves, or the History of Bellora and
+ Fidelio, bl. l. 4to. _see MS. note by Steevens_, 1606. 5 5 0
+
+ 160. Burnet's History of his own Times, _large paper_, R.M.
+ g.l. 2 vol. 1724. 4to. 5 15 6
+
+ 198. Dodsley's Collection of Old Plays, _large paper_, 12
+ vols. 1780. 8vo. _Only six copies printed in this manner._
+ 14 14 0
+
+ 313. 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. _Of the above set of
+ books, there are only_ 6 copies.' 40 0 0
+
+ 314. Clarendon's History of the Rebellion, with his Life,
+ large paper, 4 vols. _boards, uncut_, 1707, 1750, fol. 15 15 0
+
+ 350. Heath's Chronicle, _frontispiece and heads_, R.M. g.l.
+ 1663. 2 vols. 8vo. 5 5 0
+
+ 394. Knight's Life of Colet, _large paper_; plates, elegant,
+ in light brown calf, g.l.m. 1724, 8vo. 5 10 0
+
+ 395. Knight's Life of Erasmus, _large paper_, plates,
+ elegant, in light brown calf, g.l.m. 1726, 8vo. 9 9 0
+
+ 431. Lewin's Birds of Great Britain, with the Eggs
+ accurately figured, elegantly painted with back ground, 7
+ vols. in 3. _A superb copy, in g.m. g.m.l._ 1789, 4to. 28 7 0
+
+ 473. Martyn's Universal Conchologist; English Entomologist:
+ and Aranei, or Natural History of Spiders, 4 vols. elegantly
+ coloured. _A superb copy_, in R.M. g.m.l. 1789, 92, and 93,
+ 4to. 33 12 0
+
+ 490. Harrison's Seven Triumphal Arches, in honor of James
+ I., all the [seven] parts complete; _curious and very rare_,
+ R.M. g.l. 1604. folio. 27 6 0
+
+ 493. Hearne and Bryne's Antiquities and Views in Great
+ Britain, _proof impressions_, M. g.l. 1786, oblong folio. 16
+ 0 0
+
+ 586. Skelton's (Mayster) Poems: Colyn Clout, _Lond. by John
+ Whygte_. Whi come ye not to Courte; _Lond. by John Whygte_.
+ Phillyp Sparow; Speak Parot; Death of the Noble Prynce, &c.
+ See note. _Lond. by John Kynge and Thomas Marshe_. Merie
+ Tales; _unique_, see note. _Lond. by Thomas Colwell_, 5 vol.
+ bl. l. R.M. g.l. 12mo. 23 0 0
+
+ 624. Monument of Matrons, containing seven severall lamps of
+ Virginitie, by Thomas Bentley; bl. l. R. 3 vols. 1582, 4to.
+ 16 5 6
+
+ 632. Nychodemus Gospell, wood-cuts, bl. l. g.l. R.M. _Lond.
+ Wynkyn de Worde_, 1511, 4to. 6 16 6
+
+ 640. Pennant's History of Quadrupeds, boards, _uncut, large
+ paper, proof plates_, 1793, 4to. 6 6 0
+
+ 692. 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. _Lond. by Reynolde Wolfe_, 1554, 8vo. 16 16 0
+
+ 762. Sommers's (Lord) Collection of scarce and valuable
+ Tracts, 19 vols. R. g.l. 1748, 50, 51, 52, folio. 85 1 0
+
+ 780. Temple of Glas, bl. l. See notes by G. Mason. _Wynkyn
+ de Worde, no date_, 4to. 8 8 0
+
+ 795. 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."
+ 8 8 0
+
+ 806. Vicar's England's Parliamentary Chronicle, R. g.l.
+ complete, 4 parts, 3 vols. 1646, 4to. 12 0 0
+
+ 829. Speed's Theatre of Great Britain, maps, R. g.l. m.l. _A
+ remarkable fine copy_, 1611. 11 11 0
+
+ 836. The Myrrour and Dyscrypcyon of the Worlde, with many
+ Mervaylles, wood-cuts, B.M. g.l. _Emprynted by me Lawrence
+ Andrewe_, 1527, folio. 26 0 0
+
+ 837. The Recuile of the Histories of Troie, translated into
+ English by William Caxton, very fair, B.M. g.l. _Imprynted
+ at London by W. Copland_, 1553, fol. 23 0 0
+
+ 852. The Myrroure of Golde for the Synfull Soule, bl. l.
+ wood-cuts. _Imprynted at Lond. in the Fleete-strete, at the
+ sygne of the Sun, by Wynkyn de Worde_, 1526, 4to. 12 1 6
+
+ 856. Barclay's (Alexander) Egloges, out of a Boke named in
+ Latin, Miserie Curialium, compyled by Eneas Sylvius, Poete
+ and Oratour, bl. l. _woodcuts, five parts, and complete_,
+ G.M. _Imprynted by Wynkyn de Worde_, 4to. 25 0 0
+
+ 859. Holy Life and History of Saynt Werburge, very frutefull
+ for all Christian People to rede. Poems, bl. l. G.M. _Imp.
+ by Richard Pynson_, 1521, 4to. 31 10 0
+
+ Amount of the sale, 3135_l._ 4_s._]
+
+PHIL. 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 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 morceau.
+
+LYSAND. 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 of respectability--as I find my oral powers
+almost exhausted, I shall barely mention the sales, by auction, of the
+collections of WILKES, RITSON, and BOUCHER[412]--although I ought to
+mention the _Bibliotheca Boucheriana_ with more respect than its two
+immediate predecessors; as the collector was a man endowed with
+etymological 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 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 "_Scottish Dictionary_;" yet there is still room enough in
+the literary world for a continuation of Boucher.
+
+ [Footnote 412: 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: '_A Catalogue of a
+ capital and truly valuable Library, the genuine property of
+ a Gentleman of Fashion, highly distinguished for his fine
+ taste_,' &c.: sold by auction by Mr. Christie, May, 1800,
+ 8vo. 326 articles: amount of the sale, 1828_l._ 18_s._;
+ being nearly 6_l._ an article. Now for the beloved
+ specimens:
+
+ NO. 35. Baptistae Portae de Humana Physiognomia, _with
+ wood-cuts. Hanoviae_, 1593, et Johannis Physiophili Opuscula.
+ _Aug. Vin._ 1784, 8vo. L0 19_s._ 0_d._
+
+ 38. Officium Beatae Virginis. _This unique_ MANUSCRIPT _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._ 20 9 6
+
+ 40. A complete set of the Barbou Classics, 68 vols.
+ _elegantly bound in green_ (_French_) morocco, with gilt
+ leaves, 8vo. 35 14 0
+
+ 94. Gesta et Vestigia Danorum extra Daniam, 3 v. _large
+ paper, with a portrait in satin of the Prince to whom it is
+ dedicated, Lips: et Hafn_: 1740, 4to. _Black morocco, gilt
+ leaves._ N.B. 'It is supposed that the Rolliad was taken
+ from this work.' 10 10 0
+
+ 133. Brittania, Lathmon, et villa Bromhamensis, poematia;
+ _Bodoni, Parma_, 1792, _red morocco_, folio. 9 19 6
+
+ 211. Contes des Fees; Paris, 1781, 8vo. 4 vols. IMPRIMEE SUR
+ VELIN. This unique copy is ornamented with nineteen original
+ drawings, and was made for the late Madame Royale:
+ _elegantly bound in blue morocco and enclosed in a morocco
+ case_. 35 14 0
+
+ 237. Memoires du Comte de Grammont. _Edition printed for the
+ Comte d'Artois._ _Par._ 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. 15 15 3
+
+ 317. L'antiquite Expliquee, par Montfaucon, with fine
+ plates; _large paper copy_, 15 vol. red (French) _morocco,
+ with gilt leaves_; and Monarchie Francoise, 5, v. l. p.
+ _correspondently bound_, folio. 63 0 0
+
+ 318. Anacreontis Carmina, Gr. et Lat. from a MS. in the
+ Vatican of the tenth century: with _beautiful coloured
+ miniatures by Piale, appropriate to each ode, in rich
+ morocco binding_. _Romae_, 1781. folio. 56 14 0
+
+ Early in the year in which this collection was disposed of,
+ the very beautiful choice, and truly desirable library of
+ GEORGE GALWAY MILLS, Esq. was sold by auction by Mr.
+ Jeffery, in February, 1800. My copy of this well-executed
+ catalogue is upon _large paper_; but it has not the prices
+ subjoined. Meanwhile let the sharp-sighted bibliomaniac look
+ at no. 28, 68, 85, 106, 181, 412, 438, only. Thus it will
+ be seen that the year 1800 was most singularly distinguished
+ for _Book-Auction Bibliomaniacism_!
+
+ We now proceed to notice the sales of the libraries of those
+ bibliomaniacs above mentioned by Lysander. _A catalogue of
+ the very valuable Library of the late_ JOHN WILKES, Esq.,
+ M.P., _&c., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, in
+ November_, 1802, 8vo.: 1478 articles. There are few
+ articles, except the following deserving of being extracted.
+
+ NO. 139. 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.'
+
+ 383. Catullus, recensuit Johannes Wilkes; _impress. in
+ Membranis_, red morocco, gilt leaves. Lond. ap. Nichols,
+ 1788, 4to.
+
+ 395. 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.
+
+ 1441. Theophrasti Characteres: Graece, Johannes Wilkes,
+ recensuit. _Impress. in Membranis_, Lond. 1790, 4to.
+
+ 1460. Wilkes's History of England, no. I. 1768, 4to.
+
+ 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. _A Catalogue of the entire and curious Library and
+ Manuscripts of the late_ JOSEPH RITSON, Esq., _&c., sold by
+ auction by Leigh and Sotheby, December_ 5, 1803, 8vo.
+
+ NO. 521. 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. L0 18_s._ 0_d._
+
+ 600. Jeffrey of Monmouth's British History, by Thompson; a
+ great number of MS. notes, on separate papers, by Mr.
+ Ritson. Lond. 1718, 8vo. 1 5 0
+
+ 950. 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.
+ _Imprentit at Edinburgh, be Johne Ros, for Henrie
+ Charteris_, 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. 31 10 0
+
+ 964. A new Enterlude, never before this tyme imprinted,
+ entreating of the Life and Repentance of Marie Magadelene
+ [Transcriber's Note: Magdalene], 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, _made by the learned Charke [Transcriber's
+ Note: Clarke] Lewis Wager--printed_ 1567, MS. 1 11 6
+
+ 985. 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. 45 3 0
+
+ 986. 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. 110
+ 0 0
+
+ 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: _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._ Sold by auction by Mr.
+ Christie, April, 1804, 8vo. 339 articles: total amount,
+ 4640_l._--being almost 14_l._ an article. I attended both
+ days of this sale and the reader shall judge of my own
+ satisfaction, by that which _he_ must receive from a perusal
+ of the following specimens of this _Bibliotheca
+ Splendidissima_.
+
+ NO. 221. 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. _This fine set
+ of Dugdale is elegantly bound in Russia leather in 23
+ volumes._ L136 10_s._ 0_d._
+
+ (Now worth 250_l._)
+
+ 222. Biographia Britannica, 7 vols. 1747, folio. A matchless
+ set illustrated with portraits, fine and rare, and
+ _elegantly bound in Russia leather_. 99 15 0
+
+ 223. Homeri Ilias et Odyssea, 4 vols. Glasgow, 1756, fol. An
+ unique copy, on _large paper_, illustrated with Flaxman's
+ plates to the Iliad, and original drawings, by Miss Wilkes,
+ to the Odyssey; _superbly bound in blue Turkey_. 39 18 0
+
+ 225. Milton's Poetical Works, large paper, Tonson, 1695.
+ Milton's Historical Works, &c., by Birch, 2 vols. large
+ paper, 1738, 3 vols. _elegantly bound in Russia leather_. 5
+ 10 0
+
+ 229. Ogilby's Historical Works, containing Britannia, China,
+ 2 vols. Japan, Asia, Africa, and America, with fine plates
+ by Hollar, 7 vols. folio, _fine copy in Russia_. 18 18 0
+
+ 234. Lord Clarendon's History of the Grand Rebellion, 6
+ vols. folio, _large paper, splendidly bound in morocco_,
+ 1702. 49 7 0
+
+ 235. Winwood's Memorials of Affairs of State, 3 vols. 1725.
+ _Large Paper, elegantly bound, and gilt leaves_. 5 18 0
+
+ 239. Wood's Athenae Oxonienses, 2 vols. best edition, 1721.
+ _A fine copy on Large Paper, elegantly bound in Russia, with
+ gilt leaves_, Fol. 7 17 6
+
+ From no. 292 to 307, inclusive (only 14 volumes), there
+ was a set of "_Painted Missals and curious manuscripts_,"
+ which were sold for 724_l._ 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 no. 296. For an
+ account of the books PRINTED UPON VELLUM in this collection,
+ see PART VI. Let us close this note with the _Bibliotheca
+ Boucheriana_; of which such respectable mention is above
+ justly made by Lysander. "_A Catalogue of the very valuable
+ and extensive Library of the late_ REV. JONATHAN BOUCHER,
+ _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_, 1806." _First
+ part_, 6646 articles: _Second part_, 1933 articles: _Third
+ part_, 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.]
+
+Ah, well-a-day!--have I not come to the close of my BOOK-HISTORY? 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 MARQUIS OF
+LANSDOWNE, JOHN BRAND, ISAAC REED, RICHARD PORSON, ALEXANDER
+DALRYMPLE, and RICHARD GOUGH,[413] and with these I must absolutely
+make my bibliomaniacal peroration! Illustrious men!----
+
+ [Footnote 413: For the same reason as has been adduced at p.
+ 427, ante, and from a strong wish to render this _List of
+ Book Auctions_ 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 PART V., 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: "_Bibliotheca Lansdowniana. A
+ Catalogue of the entire Library of the late most noble
+ William_ MARQUIS OF LANSDOWNE; _sold by auction by Leigh and
+ Sotheby, &c. January_, 1806." 8vo. The following is but a
+ slender specimen of the printed books in the Lansdowne
+ collection.
+
+ NO. 359. 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;
+ _newly imprynted and corrected, black letter, title-page
+ emblazoned, Turkey. Imp. at Lond. by Wyllyam Coplande_,
+ 1557, folio. In the collection of Mr. Dent. L25 0_s._ 0_d._
+
+ 361. Ashmole's (Elias) Institution, Laws, and Ceremonies of
+ the Order of the Garter, plates by Hollar, _L. Paper, green
+ morocco, border of gold, gilt leaves_, 1672, folio. 10 10 0
+
+ 1384. Chronica del Rey Don Alonso el Onzeno, Roy de
+ Castilla, &c. _Liter. Goth. Mar. verd. Volladolid
+ [Transcriber's Note: Valladolid]._ 1551, folio. 11 11 0
+
+ 1385. ---- del Rey Don Pedro. D. Enrrique [Transcriber's
+ Note: Enrique], y D. Juan, _Pampl._ 1591, folio. 5 15 6
+
+ 1386. ---- des Reys de Portugal, D. Joanno I. D. Duarte, e
+ D. Alfonso, _Lisboa_, 1543, folio. 4 2 0
+
+ 2499. Gazette, London, from the beginning, 1665 to 1722
+ inclusive, 73 vol. folio. 84 0 0
+
+ 3438. Leyes del Reyno, del Don Philippe II. Recopilacion de
+ las, 2 tom. Alcala, 1581. folio. 1 5 0
+
+ 3439. ---- de los Reynos de las Indias, del Don Carlos II. 2
+ tom. Madrid, 1681, folio. 3 10 0
+
+ 4108. Money; a very curious Collection of Single Sheets,
+ &c., and with several MS. Memorandums and Papers on that
+ Subject, bound in one volume. 10 10 0
+
+ 5544. Somers' (Lord) Tracts, 16 vol. Lond. 1748, 52. 63 0 0
+
+ 5786. Stuart's (James) Antiquities of Athens, plates, 3 vol.
+ 1787, 94, folio. 16 16 0
+
+ 5787. Stukeley's (Wm.) Itinerary, cuts, _Russia_, 2 vol. in
+ vol. 1, 1776, folio. 21 0 0
+
+ 5916. 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.
+
+ Des Etats Generaux, &c. Par. 1789. 18 vol.
+ Process Verbaux de la premiere Assemblee, 75 vol.
+ Ditto de la seconde 16 vol.
+ Ditto de la Convocation 32 vol.
+
+ Revolution Francoise, 20 vol. from 1790 to 1803, wanting
+ vol. 1, 2, and 13.
+
+ La Bastile Devoilee. Par. 1789.
+
+ Sir James M'Intosh's Vindiciae Gallicae, 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. 168 0 0
+
+ I should observe that the PRINTS or ENGRAVINGS of the
+ Marquis, together with the _printed prices_ for which they,
+ and the foregoing library, were sold, are usually added to
+ the Catalogue of the Books. In the spring of 1807, the
+ MANUSCRIPTS belonging to the same noble collector were
+ catalogued to be sold by public auction. These manuscripts,
+ in the preface of the _first_ 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_l._, and is deposited in the British
+ Museum. A catalogue of it is now _sub prelo_; vide p. 89,
+ 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: _Bibliotheca Brandiana. A
+ Catalogue of the unique, scarce, rare, curious, and numerous
+ collection of Works, &c., being the entire Library of the
+ late_ REV. JOHN BRAND, _Fellow and Secretary of the
+ Antiquarian Society, Author of the History of Newcastle,
+ Popular Antiquities, &c. Sold by auction by Mr. Stewart_,
+ 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.
+
+ NO. 67. _Ane Compendious Booke of Godly and Spiritual
+ Songs_, bl. lett. 8vo. Edinb. 1621. L4 4_s._ 0_d._
+
+ 69. Academy of Pleasure, with portraits of Drayton, G.
+ Withers, F. Quarles, and B. Jonson, Lon. 1656, 8vo. 2 17 6
+
+ 109. A Curtaine Lecture, _rare and curious_, frontispiece,
+ Lond. 1637, 8vo. 0 15 0
+
+ 110. A Banquet of Jests, or Change of Cheare, with portrait
+ of Archee, the King's jester. _Rare._ Lond. 1659, 8vo. 4 10 0
+
+ 227. Arnold's Chronicle of the Customs of London, a fine
+ copy, perfect, _printed by Pynson_, fol. 1521. 18 18 0
+
+ 241. An Alvearie, or Quadruple Dictionarie, by Baret.
+ Francof. fol. 1580. 3 5 0
+
+ 242. Dyalogue of Dives and Pauper, _that is to say, the Rich
+ and the Pore, fructuously tretyng upon the Ten
+ Commandments_, black-letter, printed by Pynson, fol. 1493. 4
+ 3 0
+
+ 272. Allot's England's Parnassus, 8vo. 1600. 2 10 0
+
+ 282. A Booke of Fishing, with hooke and line, 1600, 8vo. A
+ Booke of Engines and Traps to take Polcats, Buzzards, Rats,
+ Mice, &c. cuts, _very rare_, [See p. 305, ante.] 3 3 0
+
+ 283. Archy's Dream, sometimes jester to his Majestie, but
+ expelled the court by Canterbury's malice, _very rare_, 8vo.
+ 1 13 0
+
+ 337. A new Dialogue between the Angell of God and Shepherdes
+ in the Felde, black-letter. _Pr. by Day_, 8vo. 2 10 0
+
+ 381. 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. 2 12 6
+
+ 417. A short Inuentory of certayne idle Inventions,
+ black-letter, _very rare_. 2 15 0
+
+ 418. A Juniper Lecture, with the Description of all Sorts of
+ Women, good and bad, _very rare_. Lond. 1639, 8vo. 1 16 0
+
+ 454. 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, _with
+ portraits_. Lond. printed by G.P., 1620, 4to. 2 16 0
+
+ 462. Articles to be enquired into by various Bishops, &c.,
+ in their Visitations; upwards of one hundred; _a very
+ curious, scarce, and unique collection_, 4to. 2 2 0
+
+ 802. 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. 2 4 0
+
+ 1300. A Plaister for a Galled Horse, _very rare_, 1548, 4to.
+ [See Herbert's Ames, vol. i. 581: and p. 239; ante.] 3 17 6
+
+ 1312. A Counter Blaste to Tobacco. Lond. 1604, 4to. 0 17 0
+
+ 1326. 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, _imprinted at London, by Thomas Dawson, for William
+ Seres, extremely rare_, black-letter, 1582, 4to. 8 18 6
+
+ 1334. Bert (Edmund) an approved Treatise of Hawkes and
+ Hunting. Lond. 1619, 4to. 1 10 0
+
+ 1540. Burton (Wm.) Seven Dialogues, black-letter. Lond.
+ 1606. George Whetstone's Mirrour for Magistrates of cities,
+ b.l., printed by Richard Jones, 1584, 4to. 3 13 6
+
+ 1542. Byshop's (John) beautifull Blossomes, black-letter,
+ imprinted by Henrie Cockyn, 1577, 4to. 4 10 0
+
+ 1754. 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. 4 7 0
+
+ 2069. England's Jests refined and improved, 1660, 8vo. 2 14 0
+
+ 2326. Catharo's Diogenes in his Singularitie, wherein is
+ comprehended his merrie Baighting fit for all men's
+ benefits: christened by him a _Nettle for Nice Noses_, by
+ L.T., black-letter, 1591, 4to. 2 10 0
+
+ 3523. Fages (Mrs.) Poems, Fames Roule, &c., _rare_, Lond.
+ 1637, 4to. 5 15 6
+
+ 7817. Stukeley's (Wm.) Itinerarium Curiosum; 2 _vols. in_ 1,
+ _Russia_, folio. 14 14 0
+
+ 8211. The blazon of Jealousie, written in Italian, by
+ Varchi. Lond. 1615, 8vo. 2 6 0
+
+ 8223. Tracts: Dial of Witches, 1603; Lancaster Witches,
+ 1613; Trial of Yorkshire Witches, 1612; The Golden Fleece,
+ 1626; Cage of Diabolical Possession, 4to. 2 8 0
+
+ 8224. 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. _Extra
+ rare_, 4to. 4 0 0
+
+ 8230. 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: _with the plate_. _Extra rare_,
+ 4to. 3 5 0
+
+ 8269. The Pleasure of Princes, the Art of Angling, together
+ with the Ordering and Dieting of the Fighting Cocke, 1635,
+ 4to. 2 5 0
+
+ 8296. The Knyght of the Toure; _a perfect and fine specimen
+ of the father of English Printers_, 1484, folio. The reader
+ (if he pleases) may consult my first volume, p. 202, of the
+ _Typographical Antiquities of Great Britain_, for some
+ account of this edition. 111 6 0
+
+ My copy of this first part of the Catalogue of Brand's books
+ is upon _large paper, with the prices inserted in the
+ margin_. The _second part_ of the BIBLIOTHECA BRANDIANA,
+ 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 _Athenaeum_, _Monthly Mirror_, _Censura Literaria_,
+ _European Magazine_, 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: _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
+ Lochee: November_, 1807, _8vo._ The following specimens of
+ some of Reed's scarce volumes are copied, in part, from the
+ account which was inserted in the _Athenaeum_, vol. iii., pp.
+ 61, 157, under the extraordinary signatures of W. Caxton and
+ W. de Worde.
+
+ NO. 5867. A Portfolio of single-sheet Ballads. L15 15_s._
+ 0_d._
+
+ 6661. Colman (W.) Death's Duel, 8vo., _frontispiece_. 7 15 0
+
+ 6685. Barnefield's Affectionate Shepherd, _very rare_, 4to.
+ 1594. 15 10 0
+
+ 6713. A musical Concort of Heavenly Harmonie, called
+ Churchyard's charitie. _See MS. notes in Churchyard's
+ Pieces, by Steevens, Reed_, &c., 1595, 4to. 8 15 0
+
+ 6714. Churchyard's lamentable and pitiable Description of
+ the woeful Warres in Flanders, 1578, 4to. 4 19 0
+
+ 6715. ---- a true Discourse of the succeeding Governors in
+ the Netherlands, and the Civil Warres there begun in 1565,
+ 4to.
+
+ 6716. ---- a light Bundle of Lively Discourses, called
+ Churchyard's Charge, presented as a New Year's Gift to the
+ Earl of Savoy, 1589, 4to. 11 5 0
+
+ 6717. ---- 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. 17 10 0
+
+ 6755. Gascoigne (George) whole workes, _fine copy in
+ Russia_, 4to., b.l., 1567. 15 5 0
+
+ 6777. Cynthia, with certain Sonnets, _rare_, 1595, 8vo. 12 5 0
+
+ 7479. Whetstone (George) Mirror of true Honor, and Christain
+ [Transcriber's Note: Christian] Nobilitie, exposing the
+ Life, Death, and Divine Vertues of Francis Earl of Bedford,
+ b.l., 1585, 4to. 7 0 0
+
+ 7705. Beaumont and Fletcher's Philaster; or Love lies a
+ bleeding, _frontispiece_, 4to., 1620. 24 0 0
+
+ 8536. Shakspeariana, a Large Assemblage of Tracts by various
+ authors, relative to Shakspeare, neatly bound in 9 vols.
+ 8vo. 23 0 0
+
+ 8561. Stillingfleet (Benj.) Plays, never either finished or
+ published. _The only copy ever seen by Mr. Reed._ 3 13 6
+
+ 8676. A volume of unpublished and unprinted Fables, by John
+ Ellis, scrivener and translator of Maphaeus. _Note by Mr.
+ Reed:_ '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. 6 0 0
+
+ 8833. 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. 41 0 0
+
+ Of this Catalogue, there are _only twelve copies_ printed
+ upon LARGE PAPER; 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 _l.p._ 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
+ Lochee'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.
+
+ _Book-Sales by Messrs._ LEIGH _and_ SOTHEBY.
+
+ Volumes.
+
+ Rev. Edward Bowerbank's library. 2200
+ Earl of Halifax's 2000
+ Mr. John Voigt's 6000
+ Sutton Sharpe's, Esq. 4000
+ George Mason's, ditto 3800
+ Mr. Burdon's 14000
+ Charles Bedford's, Esq. 3500
+ Rev. Charles Bathurst's 3000
+ Sir John Sebright's, Bt. (duplicates). 3300
+ Bishop Horsley's 4400
+ Mr. E. Edward's 1100
+ Lieut. Col. Thos. Velley's 2200
+ _Four miscellaneous_ 6000
+ ------
+ 55,500
+
+ _Book-Sales by_ KING _and_ LOCHEE.
+
+ Volumes.
+ R. Foster's, Esq. library 5000
+ Dr. John Millar's 3500
+ Mr. C. Martin's 1000
+ Mr. Daniel Waldron's 1200
+ Rev. Thomas Towle's 3000
+ Mr. Brice Lambert's 2000
+ C. Dilly's 3000
+ Isaac Reed's 30000
+ _Six miscellaneous_ 8400
+ ------
+ 57,100
+
+ _Book-Sales by_ Mr. STEWART.
+
+ Mr. Law's library 4000
+ Lord Thurlow's 3000
+ Mr. William Bryant's 4500
+ Rev. W.W. Fitzthomas's 2000
+ Rev. John Brand's 17000
+ George Stubbs, Esq. 1800
+ _Three miscellaneous_ 4300
+ ------
+ 36,600
+
+ TOTAL
+
+ Sold by Messrs. Leigh and Sotheby 55500
+ Messrs. King and Lochee 57100
+ Mr. Stewart 36600
+ -------
+ 149,200
+
+ Such has been the circulation of books, within the foregoing
+ period, by the hands of _three Auctioneers only_; and the
+ prices which a great number of _useful_ articles brought is
+ a sufficient demonstration that books are esteemed for their
+ _intrinsic value_, as well as for the adventitious
+ circumstances which render them _rare_ or _curious_. But
+ prosterity [Transcriber's Note: posterity] are not to judge
+ of the prevalence of knowledge in these times by the
+ criterion of, what are technically called, _book-sales_
+ 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 _London Booksellers_; 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 _one distinguished House_
+ alone, established not quite a furlong from the railings of
+ St. Paul's Cathedral, sold not far short of _two hundred
+ thousand volumes_ 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
+ _Leipsic_ shall be forgotten in the superior splendour of
+ those of _London_! 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 SAMUEL
+ EWER, Esq. (retiring into the country), and of Mr. MACHEL
+ STACE, 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, '_A
+ Catalogue of curious and scarce Books and Tracts_:' 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
+ inportance [Transcriber's Note: importance], the sales of
+ ALEXANDER DALRYMPLE and PROFESSOR PORSON. Of these in turn.
+ _A Catalogue of the extensive and valuable Library of Books:
+ Part I. Late the property of_ ALEX. DALRYMPLE, Esq. F.R.S.,
+ _deceased_. Hydrographer to the Board of Admiralty, and the
+ Hon. East India Company, &c., sold by auction by King and
+ Lochee, May 29, 1809, 8vo.--7190 articles: _A Catalogue,
+ &c., Part II. of the same: sold by auction by the same_:
+ 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 _Part First_ 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: _A Catalogue of Part of the
+ Library of the late Richard Porson, A.M., Greek Professor of
+ the University of Cambridge_, &c.: sold by auction by Leigh
+ and Sotheby, June 16th, 1809, 8vo.--1391 articles: amount of
+ the books, 1254_l._ 18_s._ 6_d._ 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.
+
+ NO. 116. Biblia Graeca, et Novum Testamentum Graece,
+ lectionibus D.J.J. Griesbach, 2 vols., boards, uncut, MS.
+ notes at the beginning of each vol. Hal. Sax. 1796-1806,
+ 8vo. L8 15_s._ 0_d._
+
+ 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.
+
+ 182. Athenaeus, Gr. Lat., cum animadversionibus I. Casauboni,
+ 2 vols., MS. notes, Lugduni, 1612, folio. 7 10 0
+
+ 330. Chariton de Amor. Chaerae et Callirrhoe, Gr. Lat. cum
+ animadversionibus, J.P. d'Orville--Amst. 1750, 4to. 2 5 0
+
+ Porson's note in the beginning. 'Opus plenum eruditionis,
+ judicii et sagacitatis non item.'
+
+ 559. Homeri Ilias et Odyssea (the Grenville edition) boards,
+ uncut, with the original portrait. Oxoniae, 4to., _large
+ paper_: 4 vols. 87 3 0
+
+ 601. Eustathius in Homerum, 4 vols., morocco, gilt leaves,
+ Par. 1550, fol. 55 0 0
+
+ 1078. Shakspeare's (William) Plays by Johnson and Steevens,
+ 15 vols., boards, uncut, 1793, 8vo. 12 15 0
+
+ Anecdotes and Memoirs of RICHARD PORSON 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 _Classical
+ Journal_, no. IV., p. 720. The _hand-writing_ of Porson
+ is a theme of general admiration, and justly so; but his
+ _Greek_ 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.
+ _Bibliotheca Maddisoniana: A Catalogue of the extensive and
+ valuable library of the late_ JOHN MADDISON, _Esq., of the
+ foreign department in the Post Office, &c._: sold by auction
+ by King and Lochee, March, 1809, 8vo. A judicious and
+ elegant collection. 5239 articles. II. _A Catalogue of a
+ curious, valuable, and rare collection of Books in
+ Typography, History, Voyages, Early English Poetvy
+ [Transcriber's Note: Poetry], Romances, Classics_, &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. III. _A
+ Catalogue of the very valuable and elegant Library of_
+ EMPEROR JOHN ALEXANDER WOODFORD, 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. IV. _A
+ Catalogue of the interesting and curious historical and
+ biographical part of the_ LIBRARY OF A GENTLEMAN,
+ 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
+ MADNESS?--displayed at BOOK-AUCTIONS. 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 _prices_ for some of the
+ articles sold in the Gough collection have already been
+ printed in the _Gentleman's Magazine_, vol. lxxx., pt. ii.,
+ and as those for which some of the _latter_ collection were
+ sold, appeared in the 4th number of _The Classical Journal_,
+ it only remains for me to subjoin the following account. 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_, RICHARD GOUGH,
+ Esq., deceased, &c., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby,
+ April, 1810, 8vo.--4082 articles. The MANUSCRIPTS conclude
+ the catalogue, at no. 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: _Typog. Antiquit._, vol. I., 21. II. _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._: 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 REV. MR. HEATH is reported to
+ have been the owner of this truly select and sumptuous
+ classical library: the sale of which produced 9000_l._ 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_l._: and all the
+ ALDINE CLASSICS produced such an electricity of sensation
+ that buyers stuck at nothing to embrace them! Do not let it
+ hence be said that _black-letter lore_ 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.'
+
+ Here I terminate my _annotation labours_ relating to
+ ANECDOTES OF BOOK-COLLECTORS, and ACCOUNTS OF BOOK-AUCTIONS.
+ 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 BIBLIOMANIA. 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
+ _L'Envoy_ at the close of MARMION,
+
+ To all, to each, a fair good night,
+ And pleasing dreams, and slumbers light.]
+
+LOREN. Do you mean to have it inferred that there were no collections,
+of value or importance, which were sold in the mean time?
+
+LYSAND. I thank you for stopping me: for I am 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
+you had attended the auctions, you would have found in them many very
+useful, and even rare and splendid, productions. But we are all
+
+ 'Tickled with the whistling of a name!'
+
+LOREN. Ay, and naturally enough too. If I look at my Stubbes's
+_Anatomy of Abuses_, which has received _your abuse_ 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 enjoyed had I obtained
+the volume from an unknown collector's library.
+
+LIS. Very true; and yet you have only Master Stubbes's work after
+all!
+
+LOREN. Even so. But this _fictitious_ happiness, as you would call it,
+is, in effect, _real_ happiness; inasmuch as it produces positive
+sensations of delight.
+
+LIS. Well, there is no arguing with such a bibliomaniac as yourself,
+Lorenzo.
+
+BELIN. But allow, brother, that this degree of happiness, 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.
+
+LYSAND. There is no such thing as the 'golden mediocrity' of Horace in
+book pursuits. Certain men set their hearts upon certain copies, and
+'_coute qu'il coute_' they must secure them. Undoubtedly, I would
+give not a little for Parker's own copy of the Book of _Common
+Prayer_, and Shakspeare's own copy of both parts of his _Henry the
+Fourth_.
+
+ALMAN. 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.
+
+LIS. This evening?----say, this day:--this live-long day--and
+yesterday also! But have you quite done, dear Lysander?
+
+LYSAND. Have you the conscience to ask for more? I have brought you
+down to the year of our Lord _One thousand eight hundred and eleven_;
+and without touching upon the collections of LIVING BIBLIOMANIACS, 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 BOOK-COLLECTING HISTORY, and more especially to this long trial
+of your auricular patience.
+
+LOREN. 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.
+
+LYSAND. 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.
+
+LIS. But cannot you resume this conversation on the morrow?
+
+LYSAND. 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
+_Personal History_!
+
+LOREN. 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 _conversazione_ in THE ALCOVE?
+
+BELIN. Surely, Lysander may find something in the fruitful
+pigeon-holes of his imagination--as the Abbe Sieyes used to do--from
+which he may draw forth some system or other?
+
+ALMAN. You have all talked loudly and learnedly of the BOOK-DISEASE;
+but I wish to know whether a _mere collector_ of books be a
+bibliomaniac?
+
+LYSAND. Certainly not. There are SYMPTOMS of this disease _within the
+very books themselves_ of a bibliomaniac.
+
+ALMAN. And pray what are these?
+
+LYSAND. 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.
+
+BELIN. But you promise to commence your _symptomatic_ harangue on the
+morrow?
+
+LYSAND. If my slumbers are sound, lady fair, and I rise tolerably
+recruited in strength, I will surely make good my promise. Again, good
+night!
+
+BELIN. Sir, a very good night: and let our best thanks follow you to
+your pillow.
+
+ALMAN. Remember, as you sink to repose, what a quantity of good you
+have done, by having imparted such useful information.
+
+LYSAND. I shall carry your best wishes, and grateful mention of my
+poor labours, with me to my orisons. Adieu!--'tis very late.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+Here the company broke up. Lisardo slept at Lorenzo's. Philemon and
+Lysander accompanied me to 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 _Aldine Petrarch,
+printed upon_ VELLUM, under Lysander's pillow, as a 'Pignus
+Amicitiae.'--But we were all to assemble together in Lorenzo's ALCOVE
+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!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+[Illustration: The reader is here presented with one of the "Facs," or
+ornamental letters in _Pierce Ploughman's Creed_.]
+
+
+
+
+PART VI.
+
+=The Alcove.=
+
+SYMPTOMS OF THE BIBLIOMANIA.----PROBABLE MEANS OF ITS CURE.
+
+
+ "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."
+
+ _Choice of Change_; 1585. 4to., sign. N. i.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+=The Alcove.=
+
+SYMPTOMS OF THE BIBLIOMANIA.----PROBABLE MEANS OF ITS CURE.
+
+
+Softly 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.
+
+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 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.
+
+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 _The
+British Bibliographer_[414] in my hand, a volume of Mr. Beloe's
+_Anecdotes of Literature and Scarce Books_ in my pocket, while
+another, of Mr. D'Israeli's _Curiosities of Literature_, 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!"
+
+ [Footnote 414: _The British Bibliographer_ is a periodical
+ publication; being a continuation of a similar work under
+ the less popular title of _The Censura Literaria_;
+ concerning which see p. 52, ante. It is a pity that Mr.
+ Savage does not continue his _British Librarian_; (of which
+ 18 numbers are already published) as it forms a creditable
+ supplement to Oldys's work under a similar title; vide p.
+ 51, ante. A few of the ensuing numbers might be well devoted
+ to an analysis of _Sir William Dugdale's_ works, with
+ correct lists of the plates in the same.]
+
+"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 _Pastime of People_,[415] and Thomas Britton has
+bequeathed to me an entire library of the Rosicrusian[416] philosophy.
+Moreover, the venerable form of Sir Thomas Bodley has approached me;
+reminding me of my solemn promise to spend a few autumnal weeks,[417]
+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."
+
+ [Footnote 415: The reader may have met with some slight
+ notices of this curious work in pp. 331; 337; 385; 392; 417;
+ ante.]
+
+ [Footnote 416: See p. 332, ante.]
+
+ [Footnote 417: See p. 49, ante.]
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+LYSAND. To-morrow, Philemon and myself take our departure. We would
+willingly have staid the week; but business of a pressing nature calls
+_him_ to Manchester--and _myself_ to Bristol and Exeter.
+
+LIS. Some bookseller,[418] 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.
+
+ [Footnote 418: I ought to have noticed, under Lysander's
+ eulogy upon _London Booksellers_ (see p. 308, 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
+ EDWARDS, PAYNE, and other _London Booksellers_, 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." _Lorenzo
+ de Medici_: pref. p. XXVII., edit. 1800, 8vo.]
+
+PHIL. 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.
+
+LIS. I suppose the names you have just mentioned describe the
+principal booksellers at the several places you intend visiting.
+
+LYSAND. Even so: yet I will make no disparaging comparisons.[419] We
+speak only of what has come within 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;[420] who, as I 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!
+
+ [Footnote 419: Lysander is right. Since the note upon Mr.
+ Ford's catalogue of 1810 was written (see p. 123, 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 _commercial_ one!! Of Mr.
+ Gutch's spirit and enterprise some mention has been made
+ before at p. 404, ante. He is, as yet, hardly _mellowed_ in
+ his business; but a few years only will display him as
+ thoroughly _ripened_ as any of his brethren. He comes from a
+ worthy stock; long known at our _Alma Mater
+ Oxoniensis_:--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
+ _veteran_ 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
+ _appending_ this note. I could speak with pleasure and
+ profit of the catalogues of booksellers to the _north of the
+ Tweed_--(see p. 415, 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:
+
+ I hait flatterie; and into wourdis plane,
+ And unaffectit language, I delyte:
+
+ (_Quod Maister Alexander Arbothnat; in anno_ 1572.)]
+
+ [Footnote 420: 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 _Gentleman's_ and _Universal
+ Magazine_ 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 _Grocer_ and
+ _Bookseller_. 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 _Bibliomania_.
+ 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. 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
+ _virtu_, 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 'THE MILLER
+ HALFPENNY.' 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."
+ _Gentleman's Magazine_; vol. lxxiv., p. 664.
+
+ [Illustration]]
+
+LIS. Twenty, if you please.
+
+LYSAND. What are become of Malvolio's busts and statues, of which you
+were so solicitous to attend the sale, not long ago?
+
+LIS. I care not a brass farthing for them:--only I do rather wish that
+I had purchased the Count de Neny's _Catalogue of the Printed Books
+and Manscripts [Transcriber's Note: Manuscripts] in the Royal Library
+of France_. That golden opportunity is irrevocably lost!
+
+PHIL. You wished for these books, to _set fire_ to them
+perhaps--keeping up the ancient custom so solemnly established by your
+father?[421]
+
+ [Footnote 421: The reader may not object to turn for one
+ moment to p. 27, ante.]
+
+LIS. No more of this heart-rending subject! I thought I had made ample
+atonement.
+
+LYSAND. '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[422]--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!
+
+ [Footnote 422: "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." _Legal Bibliography_;
+ 1807, 8vo. (To the reader.)]
+
+LIS. From the bottom of mine, I congratulate you, 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 SYMPTOMS OF THE BIBLIOMANIA to be told this
+morning in Lorenzo's ALCOVE! You have not forgotten your promise!
+
+LYSAND. 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 _dream_!
+
+LIS. "I dreamt a dream last night;" which has been already told--but
+what was yours?
+
+LYSAND. 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.
+
+PHIL. That may be; but we have, luckily, no such _placidly-moulded_
+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!
+
+LIS. The dream!--The dream!--I entreat you.
+
+LYSAND. 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.
+
+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.
+
+We had travelled together through an immensity of space, and could
+discover the world below as one small 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.
+
+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 MIRROR of
+gigantic dimensions, around which was inscribed, in fifty languages,
+the word "TRUTH." 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 TRUTH." 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.
+
+Wonderful indeed was this scene: for upon the surface of the MIRROR
+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
+_mingle_ in the extraordinary scene. Here, however, my guide
+interfered--and, in a manner the most peremptory and decisive, forbade
+all further participation of it. "_View_ it attentively," replied he,
+"and impress firmly on thy memory what thou shalt see--it may solace
+thee the remainder of thy days."
+
+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 _more_ surprising, I seemed to be perfect master of every event
+going on in them--but more particularly of the transactions of _Bodies
+Corporate_. 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.
+
+Again I turned my eyes, and, contiguous to this scene, viewed the
+proceedings of two learned sister Societies, distinguished for their
+labours in _Philosophy_ and _Antiquity_. Methought I saw the spirits
+of NEWTON and of DUGDALE, looking down with complacency upon them, and
+congratulating each other upon the _general_ 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 _many_ are benefitted by the
+researches and experiments of the _few_. 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 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 _nearest
+approaches_ 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."
+
+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 _epidemic maladies_ were prevented or alleviated, and especially
+how _the most fatal of them_ 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 SUCH A
+MIND 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.
+
+"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 engaged in the services of CHRISTIANITY." 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."
+
+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 THAT CHARACTER 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 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."
+
+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 _Western_ and _Eastern_ world.
+
+At first, a kind of _mist_ 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
+_Black Men_, who had been groaning under the rod of oppression,
+starting up in all the transport of renovated life, and shouting aloud
+"WE ARE FREE!" 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 GREAT and GOOD MAN, who hath principally been the means of our
+FREEDOM FROM SLAVERY. No: we will regularly perform this solemn act,
+as long as there shall remain one pebble upon our shores."
+
+"Thus much," resumed my Guide, "for the dawning felicities of the
+_western_ world: but see how the _eastern_ empires are yet ignorant
+and unsettled!" I was about to 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!"
+
+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 MIRROR,
+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.
+
+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 'CANDOUR.' She is the handmaid of Truth, the sister of
+Virtue, and the priestess of Religion."
+
+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 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 MIRROR OF TRUTH, and its divine expositor, in a
+moment tranquillized my feelings. And thus have I told you my dream.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+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:
+
+"My dear Friend,
+
+"The morning is propitious. Hasten to THE ALCOVE. 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.
+
+"Truly your's,
+
+"LORENZO."
+
+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
+
+ Nimbly and sweetly recommend itself
+ Unto our gentle senses.[423]
+
+ [Footnote 423: _Macbeth_; Act I., Sc. VI. Dr. Johnson has
+ happily observed, upon the above beautiful passage of
+ Shakespeare, that "_Gentle sense_ is very elegant; as it
+ means _placid_, _calm_, _composed_; 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,
+
+ Unfolding fair the last autumnal day,
+
+ is also very apposite; and reminds us of one of those soft
+ and aerial 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.]
+
+At a distance, the reapers were carrying away their last harvest load;
+and numerous groups of gleaners picking 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
+ALCOVE.
+
+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
+_Thomson_[424] in his hand.
+
+ [Footnote 424: This must be a favourite edition with every
+ man of taste. It was printed by BENSLEY, and published by DU
+ ROVERAY, 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 _large paper_; and nothing
+ could exceed the lustre of the type and plates. The editions
+ of _Pope_, _Gray_, and _Milton_, by DU ROVERAY, as well as
+ those of _The Spectator_, _Guardian_, _Tatler_, by Messrs.
+ SHARPE and HAILES, are among the most elegant, as well as
+ accurate, publications of our old popular writers.]
+
+The Alcove at a distance, had the appearance of a rustic temple.[425]
+The form, though a little capricious, 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.
+
+ [Footnote 425: Lorenzo was not unmindful that it had been
+ observed by Lipsius (_Syntag. de Bibliothecis_) and, after
+ him, by Thomasinus (_de Donar. et Tabell-votiv._ c. 3. p.
+ 37.) that the ancients generally built their libraries near
+ to, or adjoining their _Temples_; "ut veram seram sedem
+ sacratorum ingenii faetuum loca sacra esse ostenderent:"
+ BIBLIOTHECAS (inquit) procul abesse (sc. a TEMPLIS)
+ noluerunt veteres, ut ex praeclaris ingeniorum monumentis
+ dependens mortalium, gloria, in Deorum tutela esset. This I
+ gather from Spizolius's _Infelix Literatus_: p. 462.]
+
+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.
+
+LOREN. I am heartily glad we are met under such propitious
+circumstances. What a glorious day!
+
+ALMAN. 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!
+
+LYSAND. I am indeed quite hearty: yet, if any thing heavy and
+indigested hung about me, would not the 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.
+
+BELIN. 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?
+
+LYSAND. 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 _Hafod Library_;[426] 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.
+
+ [Footnote 426: Hafod, in Cardiganshire, South Wales, is the
+ residence of THOMAS JOHNES, Esq., M.P., and Lord Lieutenant
+ of the county. Mr. Malkin, in his _Scenery, Antiquities, and
+ Biography, of South Wales_, 1804, 4to., and Dr. Smith, in
+ his _Tour to Hafod_, 1810, folio, have made us pretty well
+ acquainted with the local scenery of Hafod:--yet can any pen
+ or pencil do this
+
+ --Paradise, open'd in the wild,
+
+ 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 _Chronicles of
+ Froissart_, _Joinville_, _De Brocquiere_, and _Monstrelet_,
+ which have issued from the HAFOD PRESS; 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 Phoenix 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 _Lac Puerorum_!] used to express it--"Look,
+ here it is."
+
+ [Illustration]]
+
+LOREN. What defects do you discover here, Lysander?
+
+LYSAND. They are rather omissions to be supplied 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 Locke, would
+produce a sort of inspiration which might accord with that degree of
+feeling excited by the contemplation of these external objects.
+
+LOREN. You are right. 'Ere you revisit this spot, those inspiring
+gentlemen shall surround me.
+
+BELIN. 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--
+
+ God made the country, and Man made the town?
+
+ALMAN. This may be very well--but we forget the purpose for which we
+are convened.
+
+LIS. True: so I entreat you, Master Lysander, to open--not the
+debate--but the discussion.
+
+LYSAND. You wish to know what are the SYMPTOMS OF THE
+BIBLIOMANIA?--what are the badges or livery marks, in a library, of
+the owner of the collection being a bibliomaniac?
+
+ALMAN. Even so. My question, yesterday evening, was--if I remember
+well--whether a _mere collector_ of books was necessarily a
+bibliomaniac?
+
+LYSAND. 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!
+
+LIS. How is this?
+
+ALMAN & BELIN. Do pray let us hear.
+
+PHIL. 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!
+
+LYSAND. I will endeavour to discharge the important office of a
+bibliomaniacal Mentor, or, perhaps, Aesculapius, to the utmost of my
+power: and at all events, with the best possible intentions.
+
+Before we touch upon the _Symptoms_, it may be as well to say a few
+words respecting the _General Character_ of the BOOK DISEASE. The
+ingenious Peignot[427] 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.[428]
+
+ [Footnote 427: "LA BIRLIOMANIE [Transcriber's Note:
+ BIBLIOMANIE] est la fureur de posseder des livres, non pas
+ tant pour s'instruire, que pour les avoir et pour en
+ repaitre 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 a quelque
+ titre que ce soit; la relieure le seduit aussi, soit par son
+ anciennete, soit par sa beaute," &c. _Dictionnaire de
+ Bibliologie_. vol. i. p. 51. This is sufficiently severe:
+ see also the extracts from the _Memoires de l'Institut_: p.
+ 25, ante. The more ancient foreign writers have not scrupled
+ to call the BIBLIOMANIA 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 hac 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 haec ingens librorum copia ingens simul
+ et laboris copia, et quietis inopia--huc illucque circum
+ agendum ingenium: his atque illis pregravanda
+ memoria."--_Navicula sive Saeculum Fatuorum_, 1511, 4to. sign
+ B. iiij rev. Thus speaks Sebastian Brandt upon the subject,
+ through the medium of our old translation:
+
+ Styll am I besy bokes assemblynge
+ For to have plenty it is a pleasaunte thynge
+ In my conceyt, and to have them ay in honde;
+ But what they mene do I nat understonde.
+
+ _Shyp of Folys_: see p. 206, ante.
+
+ There is a short, but smart and interesting, article on this
+ head in Mr. D'Israeli's _Curiosities of Literature_: 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
+ _the date_ of its publication." But all this, it may be
+ said, is only general declamation, and means nothing!]
+
+ [Footnote 428: The first work, I believe, written expressly
+ upon the subject above discussed was a French publication,
+ entitled _La Bibliomanie_. 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 _Comments upon Sterne_; 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 p. 286,
+ ante. In the same year of Dr. Ferriar's publication of the
+ Bibliomania, appeared the _Voyage autour de ma bibliotheque
+ Roman Bibliographique_: by Ant. Caillot; in three small
+ duodecimo volumes. There is little ingenuity and less
+ knowledge in these meagre volumes. My own superficial work,
+ entitled, _Bibliomania_, or _Book-Madness: containing some
+ account of the History, Symptoms and Cure of this fatal
+ Disease; in an epistle addressed to Richard Heber, Esq._,
+ 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 _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_, 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 PUBLICATIONS UPON THE
+ BIBLIOMANIA!]
+
+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.
+
+LIS. Describe them _seriatim_, as we were observing yesterday.
+
+LYSAND. I will; but let me put them in battle array, and select them
+according to their appearances. There is, first, a passion for _Large
+Paper Copies_; secondly, for _Uncut Copies_; thirdly, for _Illustrated
+Copies_; fourthly, for _Unique Copies_; fifthly, for _Copies printed
+upon Vellum_; sixthly, for _First Editions_; seventhly, for _True
+Editions_; and eighthly, for _Books printed in the Black-Letter_.
+
+BELIN. 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 LARGE PAPER COPIES?
+
+LYSAND. A certain set, or limited number of the work, is printed upon
+paper of a _larger dimension, and superior quality_, 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.
+
+_This Symptom_ 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.
+
+BELIN. Can these things be?
+
+PHIL. Yes; but you should draw a distinction, and not confound the
+GROLLIERS, De Thous, and Colberts of modern times, with "a set of
+collectors," as you call them, who are equally without taste and
+knowledge.
+
+LIS. We have heard of De Thou and Colbert, but who is GROLLIER?[429]
+
+ [Footnote 429: The reader may be better pleased with the
+ ensuing soberly-written account of this great man than with
+ Philemon's rapturous eulogy. JOHN GROLLIER 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 BOOK-COLLECTING; and employed the Alduses to
+ print for him an edition of Terence in 8vo., 1521: of which
+ a copy _upon vellum_, was in the Imperial library at Vienna;
+ See _L'Imp. des Alde_; vol. I., 159. He also caused to be
+ published, by the same printers, an edition of his friend
+ Budaeus's work, _De Asse et partibus ejus_, 1522, 4to.;
+ which, as well as the Terence, is dedicated to himself, and
+ of which the presentation copy, _upon vellum_, is now in the
+ Library of Count M'Carthy, at Toulouse: it having been
+ formerly in the Soubise collection: vide p. 96, ante--and
+ no. 8010 of the _Bibl. Soubise_. 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 _Exemplar
+ Grollerianum_!" 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.
+
+ [Illustration:
+
+ PORTIO MEA DO
+ MINE SIT IN
+ TERRA VI
+ VENTI
+ VM.
+
+ Beneath the title of the book: 'IO: GROLLERII et AMICORUM.']
+
+ 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 _Melanges
+ d'Histoire et de Literature_; "La Bibliotheque de M.
+ Grollier s'est conservee dans l'Hotel de Vic jusqu'a ces
+ annees dernieres qu'elle a ete vendue a l'encan. Elle
+ meritoit bien, etant une des premieres et des plus
+ accomplies qu'aucun particulier se soit avise de faire a
+ Paris, de trouver, comme celle de M. de Thou, un acheteur
+ qui en conservat le lustre. La plupart des curieux de Paris
+ ont profite de ses debris. J'en ai eu a ma part quelques
+ volumes a qui rien ne manque: ni pour la bonte des editions
+ de ce tems la, ni pour la beaute du papier et la proprete de
+ la relieure. Il semble, a les voir, que les Muses qui ont
+ contribue a la composition du dedans, se soient aussi
+ appliquees a les approprier au dehors, tant il paroit d'art
+ et d'esprit dans leurs ornemens. Ils sont tous dorez avec
+ une delicatesse inconnue aux doreurs d'aujourd'hui. Les
+ compartemens sont pients de diverses couleurs, parfaitemente
+ bien dessinez, et tous de differentes figures, &c.:" vol.
+ I., 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 _Grollier copy_ of some work or
+ other? My own, from which the preceding fac-simile was
+ taken, is a folio edition (1531) of _Rhenanus, de rebus
+ Germanicis_; in the finest preservation.]
+
+PHIL. Lysander will best observe upon him.
+
+LYSAND. Nay; his character cannot be in better hands.
+
+PHIL. 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 _Virtu_ 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 Mecaenas of book-lovers and
+scholars; and a more insatiable bibliomaniacal appetite was never,
+perhaps, possessed by any of _his_ class of character.
+
+LIS. I thank you for this _Grollieriana_. Proceed, Lysander with your
+large paper copies.
+
+ALMAN. But first tell us--why are these copies so much coveted? Do
+they contain more than the ordinary ones?
+
+LYSAND. 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 _Unique Copies_--and I must keep strictly to
+order; otherwise I shall make sad confusion.
+
+BELIN. Keep to your large paper, exclusively.[430]
+
+ [Footnote 430: Let us first hear Dr. Ferriar's smooth
+ numbers upon this tremendous symptom of the Bibliomania:
+
+ But devious oft, from ev'ry classic Muse,
+ The keen collector meaner paths will choose:
+ And first the MARGIN'S BREADTH his soul employs,
+ Pure, snowy, broad, the type of nobler joys.
+ In vain might Homer roll the tide of song,
+ Or Horace smile, or Tully charm the throng;
+ If crost by Pallas' ire, the trenchant blade
+ Or too oblique, or near, the edge invade,
+ The Bibliomane exclaims, with haggard eye,
+ 'NO MARGIN!'--turns in haste, and scorns to buy.
+
+ _The Bibliomania_; v. 34-43.
+
+ Next come the rivals strains of 'An Aspirant.'
+
+ FIRST MAXIM.
+
+ Who slaves the monkish folio through,
+ With lore or science in his view,
+ _Him_ ... visions black, or devils blue,
+ Shall haunt at his expiring taper;--
+ Yet, 'tis a weakness of the wise,
+ To chuse the volume by the size,
+ And riot in the pond'rous prize--
+ Dear Copies--_printed on_ LARGE PAPER!
+
+ _Bibliosophia_; p. IV.
+
+ 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 '_Worth of a Penny_'--) 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
+
+ WORKS PRINTED UPON LARGE PAPER.
+
+ _Lord Bacon's Essays_; 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_l._--! I will not insert the _first_
+ figure; but _two noughts_ followed it.----_Twenty Plays of
+ Shakspeare from the old quarto editions_; 1766, 8vo., 6
+ vols. Only twelve copies printed upon large paper. See
+ _Bibl. Steevens_: no. 1312; and p. 581,
+ ante.----_Dodsley's Collection of Old Plays_; 1780, 8vo., 12
+ vols. Only six copies struck off upon large paper. Bibl.
+ Woodhouse, no. 698.----_The Grenville Homer_; 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_l._, see p. 459,
+ ante. Seven years ago I saw a sumptuous copy in morocco,
+ knocked down for 99_l._ 15_s._----_Mathaei Paris, Monachi
+ Albanenses, &c.; Historia Major; a Wats_; Lond. 1640; folio.
+ This is a rare and magnificent work upon large paper; and is
+ usually bound in two volumes.----_Historiae Anglicanae
+ Scriptores X; a Twysden_; 1652, folio. Of equal rarity and
+ magnificence are copies of this inestimable
+ production.----_Rerum Anglicarum Scriptores Veteres, a
+ Gale_; 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.----_Historiae Anglicanae Scriptores Varii, a
+ Sparke_; Lond. 1723, folio. The preface to this work shews
+ that there are copies of it, like those of Dr. Clarke's
+ edition of Caesar'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.----_Recueil des
+ Historiens des Gaules, &c., par Boucquet_; 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.
+
+ We will now discourse somewhat of English books.
+
+ _Scott's Discoverie of Whitcraft_; 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.----_Weever's
+ Funeral Monuments_; 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.----_Sanford's
+ Genealogical History_; 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_l._ 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 '_a good Hollar_' would weigh down the whole set of
+ them!----_Strype's Ecclesiastical Memorials_; 1721, _Folio_,
+ 3 vols.----_Annals of the Reformation_; 1725, _Folio_, 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.----_Hearne's Works_--'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, were [Transcriber's Note:
+ where] the books in general were sold at extraordinary
+ prices, the large paper Hearnes absolutely 'hung fire'--as
+ the sportsman's phrase is.----_Hudibras, with Dr. Grey's
+ Annotations, and Hogarth's cuts_; 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!----_Milner's History of Winchester_; 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.----_Kennet's (Bp.) Parochial Antiquities;
+ Oxford_, 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, no. 279,
+ for 7_l._ 17_s._ 6_d._ and purchased in the name of
+ Thornton.----_The Chronicles of Froissart and Monstrelet_:
+ 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.----_History of the Town of Cheltenham, and its
+ Environs_; 1802, 8vo. There were a few copies of this
+ superficial work printed upon large paper in royal octavo,
+ and a _unique_ 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 LARGE PAPER
+ copies of my own humble lucubrations have been attended with
+ an unexpectedly successful sale. Of the _Introduction to the
+ Classics_, edit. 1804, 8vo., there were fifty copies, with
+ extra plates, struck off in royal octavo, and published at
+ 2_l._ 2_s._: these now sell for 5_l._ 5_s._: the portrait of
+ _Bishop Fell_ making them snapped at, with a perch-like
+ spirit, by all true Grangerites. Of the _Typographical
+ Antiquities_ of our own country there were 66 printed in a
+ superb style, upon imperial paper, in 4to.; these were
+ published at 6_l._ 6_s._ 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_l._ 10_s._! for what, but a few months
+ before, he had possessed for little more than one half the
+ sum! The same friend subscribes for a _large paper_ of the
+ _present work_, 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 THIS volume? If he does, he must
+ smart acutely for it: nor will 15_l._ 15_s._ redeem it! It
+ is justly observed, in the first edition of this work, that,
+ 'analogous to large paper, are TALL copies: that is, copies
+ of the work published on the ordinary size paper, and barely
+ cut down by the binder,' p. 45. To _dwarfise_ 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 _tall_ and _large paper_ copies is
+ sufficiently obvious. For this reason, I am quite decided
+ that the supposed large paper copy of _Scapula's Lexicon_,
+ possessed by Mr. ----, of Caversham, near Reading, is only a
+ _tall_ 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. FINE PAPER 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 _Rapin's
+ History of England, in nine folio volumes, bound in red
+ morocco, and illustrated with Houbraken's_ 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.]
+
+LYSAND. 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, 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
+handsomer frame. My friend MARCUS is a very dragon in this department
+of book-collecting: nothing being too formidable for his attack. Let
+the volume assume 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 _Dugdales_ and _Montfaucons_, upon
+large paper, and in the finest bindings, he possesses the _Grand Folio
+Classics_, the _Benedictine Editions of the Fathers_, the _County
+Histories_, and all works, of a recent date, upon _History_ and the
+_Belles Lettres_. 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.
+
+LIS. Who is this Marcus? I'll rival him in due time!--But proceed.
+
+BELIN. Thus much, I presume, for the first symptom of the Bibliomania.
+Now pray, Sir, inform us what is meant by that strange term, UNCUT
+COPIES?
+
+LYSAND. Of all the symptoms of the Bibliomania, this is probably the
+most extraordinary.[431] 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 _uncut Hearnes_ 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 _merely to please your friends_ (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.
+
+ [Footnote 431: As before, let us borrow the strains of 'An
+ Aspirant:'
+
+ SECOND MAXIM.
+
+ Who, with fantastic pruning-hook,
+ Dresses the borders of his book,
+ Merely to ornament its look--
+ Amongst philosophers a fop is:
+ What if, perchance, he thence discover
+ Facilities in turning over?
+ The Virtuoso is a Lover
+ Of coyer charms in "UNCUT COPIES."
+
+ _Bibliosophia_; p. v.
+
+ I have very little to add in illustration of Lysander's
+ well-pointed sarcasms relating to this _second symptom of_
+ BOOK-MADNESS. I think I once heard of an uncut _Cranmer's
+ Bible_; but have actually seen a similar conditioned copy of
+ _Purchas's Pilgrimes and Pilgrimage_, which is now in the
+ beautiful library of the Honourable T. Grenville.]
+
+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 _once well bound_, 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 _first Shakspeare_, as well as an
+_uncut vellum Aldus_[432] would produce a little annuity!
+
+ [Footnote 432: I doubt of the existence of an uncut _first
+ Shakspeare_; although we have recently had evidence of an
+ uncut _first Homer_; 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.'" _Curiosites
+ Bibliographiques_, p. lxv. vi.; see also p. 79, ante. Dr.
+ Harwood, at page 338, of his _View of the Editions of the
+ Classics_, speaks of an uncut vellum Aldus, of 1504, 8vo.
+ "Mr. Quin shewed me a fine copy of it printed in vellum with
+ the _leaves uncut_, which he bought of Mr. Egerton at a very
+ moderate price. It is, perhaps (adds he), the only _uncut_
+ 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!]
+
+BELIN. 'Tis very strange'--as Hamlet says at the walking of his
+father's ghost! But now for your ILLUSTRATED COPIES!
+
+LYSAND. You have touched a vibrating string indeed!--but I will
+suppress my own feelings, and spare those of my friend. A passion for
+books _illustrated_, or adorned with _numerous Prints_[433]
+representing characters, or circumstances, mentioned in the work, is a
+very general and violent symptom of the Bibliomania. The origin, or
+first appearance, of this symptom, has been traced by some to the
+publication of the Rev. ---- GRANGER'S "_Biographical History of
+England_;" but whoever will be at the pains of reading the preface of
+that work will see that Granger shelters 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 history; and surely "in an evil hour"
+was that history published; although its amiable author must be
+acquitted of "malice prepense."
+
+ [Footnote 433: This third symptom has not escaped the
+ discerning eye of the Manchester physician; for thus sings
+ Dr. Ferriar:
+
+ He pastes, from injur'd volumes snipt away,
+ His _English Heads_ in chronicled array,
+ Torn from their destin'd page (unworthy meed
+ Of Knightly counsel, and heroic deed),
+ Not _Faithorne's_ stroke, nor _Field's_ own types can save
+ The gallant Veres, and one-eyed Ogle brave.
+ Indignant readers seek the image fled,
+ And curse the busy fool who _wants a head_.
+ Proudly he shews, with many a smile elate,
+ The scrambling subjects of the _private plate_
+ While Time their actions and their names bereaves,
+ They grin for ever in the guarded leaves.
+
+ _The Bibliomania_; v. 119-130.
+
+ 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 ILLUSTRATING CAREER,
+ he does not fail to make a desperate onset upon _Speed_,
+ _Boissard_, and the _Heroologia_. Even the lovely prints of
+ _Houbraken_ (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.
+
+ THIRD MAXIM.
+
+ Who, swearing not a line to miss,
+ Doats on the leaf his fingers kiss,
+ Thanking the _words_ for all his bliss,--
+ Shall rue, at last, his passion frustrate:
+ _We_ love the page that draws its flavour
+ From Draftsman, Etcher, and Engraver
+ And hint the booby (by his favour)
+ _His_ gloomy copy to "ILLUSTRATE."
+
+ _Bibliosophia_; p. v.
+
+ At this stage of our inquiries, let me submit a new remedy
+ as an acquisition to the _Materia Medica_, of which many
+ first-rate physicians may not be aware--by proposing a
+
+ =Recipe for Illustration.=
+
+ Take any passage from any author--to wit: the following
+ (which I have done, quite at random) from SPEED: '_Henry le
+ Spenser_, the warlike _Bishop of Norwich_, being drawn on by
+ _Pope Vrban_ to preach _the Crusade_, and to be General
+ against _Clement_ (whom sundry _Cardinals_ and great
+ _Prelates_ had also elected Pope) having a fifteenth granted
+ to him, for that purpose, by _parliament_,' &c. _Historie of
+ Great Britaine_, p. 721, edit. 1632. Now, let the reader
+ observe, here are _only four_ lines; but which, to be
+ PROPERLY ILLUSTRATED, should be treated thus: 1st, procure
+ all the portraits, at all periods of his life, of _Henry le
+ Spencer_; 2dly, obtain every view, ancient and modern, like
+ or unlike, of the city of _Norwich_; and, if fortune favour
+ you, of _every Bishop of the same see_; 3dly, every portrait
+ of _Pope Vrban_ must be procured; and as many prints and
+ drawings as can give some notion of _the Crusade_--together
+ with a few etchings (if there be any) of _Peter the Hermit_
+ and _Richard I._, who took such active parts in the Crusade;
+ 4thly, you must search high and low, early and late, for
+ every print of _Clement_; 5thly, procure, or you will be
+ wretched, as many fine prints of _Cardinals_ and _Prelates_,
+ singly or in groups, as will impress you with a proper idea
+ of _the Conclave_; and 6thly, see whether you may not
+ obtain, at some of our most distinguished old-print sellers,
+ views of the _house of Parliament_ 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 _coach_ hire, or _shoe leather_, be the least which you
+ will have to encounter! The prints themselves may cost
+ _some_thing! Lest any fastidious and cynical critic should
+ accuse me, and with apparent justice, of gross exaggeration
+ or ignorance in this _recipe_, I will inform him, on good
+ authority, that a late distinguished and highly respectable
+ female collector, who had commenced an ILLUSTRATED BIBLE,
+ procured not fewer than _seven hundred prints_ 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.]
+
+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 _Illustrated
+Granger_!
+
+Nor did the madness stop here. Illustration was the order of the day;
+and _Shakspeare_[434] and _Clarendon_ 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
+_every_ portrait, _bad_, _indifferent_, and _unlike_, betrays such a
+dangerous and alarming symptom as to render the case almost incurable!
+
+ [Footnote 434: Lysander would not have run on in this
+ declamatory strain, if it had been _his_ good fortune, as it
+ has been _mine_, to witness the extraordinary copy of an
+ ILLUSTRATED SHAKSPEARE 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 _another_ illustrated copy of the SAME
+ BARD, 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 page 428,
+ ante. The illustrated CLARENDON, 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 _thousand pounds_ 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 PENNANT'S _London_, 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_l._ upon the same, and
+ who bequeathed it, in the true spirit of _virtu_, to the
+ Museum. Let CRACHERODE and CROWLES be held in respectful
+ remembrance!]
+
+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, [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[435] 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 _Illustrated Chatterton_, 'till the sight of your friend BERNARDO'S
+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 _Walton's Complete Angler_ affords abundant amusement
+in the perusal.
+
+ [Footnote 435: 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. OLDYS'S
+ _interleaved Langbaine_ (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
+ _Fuller's Worthies_ [once Mr. Steevens', now Mr. Malone's.
+ See _Bibl. Steevens_, no. 1799] be alone considered! This
+ Oldys was the oddest mortal that ever wrote. Grose, in his
+ _Olio_, 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 _College of Arms_, 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 _Harleian Miscellany_,
+ and _Raleigh's History of the World_, 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 _British Librarian_ has been more
+ than once noticed in the preceding pages: vide p. 51: 468.
+ 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 _Kuster's edition of Suidas_
+ filled, from beginning to end, with MS. notes and excerpts
+ of various kinds, by the famous D'Orville, tending to
+ illustrate the ancient lexicographer.]
+
+LIS. Forgive me, if I digress a little. But is not the knowledge of
+_rare_, _curious_, and _beautiful Prints_--so necessary, it would
+seem, towards the perfecting of _illustrated copies_--is not this
+knowledge of long and difficult attainment?
+
+LYSAND. Unquestionably, this knowledge is very requisite towards
+becoming a complete pupil in the SCHOOL OF GRANGER.[436] Nor is it, as
+you very properly suppose, of short or easy acquirement.
+
+ [Footnote 436: GRANGER'S _Biographical History of England_
+ was first published, I believe, in 1769, 4to., 2 vols. It
+ has since undergone four impressions; the last being in
+ 1804, 8vo., 4 vols. _A Continuation of the same_, by the
+ Rev. MARK NOBLE, was published in 1807, 8vo., 3 vols.: so
+ that if the lover of rare and curious prints get possession
+ of these volumes, with AMES'S _Catalogue of English Heads_,
+ 1748, 8vo.; and WALPOLE'S _Catalogue of Engravers_, 1775,
+ 8vo.; BROMLEY'S _Catalogue of Engraved Portraits_, 1793,
+ 4to.; together with Catalogues of English Portraits, being
+ the collections of Mr. BARNARD, Sir W. MUSGRAVE, Mr. TYSSEN,
+ Sir JAMES-WINTER LAKE; and many other similar catalogues put
+ forth by Mr. RICHARDSON and Mr. GRAVE; he may be said to be
+ in a fair way to become master of the whole arcana of
+ PRINT-COLLECTING. But let him take heed to the severe
+ warning-voice uttered by ROWE MORES, 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
+ _Iconoclasts_--because their depredations are a grand
+ impediment to another who should attempt it: and if this
+ _gout_ 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 _fanciers_, 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 _medalists_ (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 _jocalia_, are shewn to them through a grate; and
+ even _then_, the keeper must be vigilant!' _Of English
+ Founders and Foundries_; 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 _only eighty copies_ 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 PART V. It is not, however, too late to subjoin
+ the following: _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_, the late
+ Rev. and learned EDWARD ROWE MORES, 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. _The rare old
+ black-letter books and tracts_, begin at p. 52.]
+
+ALMAN. How so? A very little care, with a tolerably good taste, is
+only required to know when a print is _well engraved_.
+
+LYSAND. Alas, Madam! the excellence of engraving is oftentimes but a
+_secondary_ consideration!
+
+BELIN. Do pray explain.
+
+LYSAND. I will, and as briefly and perspicuously as possible.
+
+There are, first, _all the varieties of the same print_[437] to be
+considered!--whether it have the _name of the character_, or _artist_,
+omitted or subjoined: whether the head of the print be without the
+body, or the body without the head--and whether this latter be
+finished, or in the outline, or ghostly white! Then you must go to
+_the dress_ of this supposed portrait:--whether full or plain; court
+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.
+
+ [Footnote 437: The reader, by means of the preceding note,
+ having been put in possession of some of the principal works
+ from which information, relating to PRINT-COLLECTING 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.
+
+
+ CATALOGUE OF BARNARD'S PRINTS; 1798, 8vo.
+
+ 7th Day's Sale.
+
+ NO. 47. Sir Thos. Isham de Lamport, by Loggan and Valck;
+ _before the names of the artists, very fine_. L5 5_s._ 0_d._
+
+ 68. King Charles I. on horseback, with the page, by Lombard;
+ _very fine and scarce_. 1 14 0
+
+ 69. The same plate; _with Cromwell's head substituted for
+ the King's--variation in the drapery_. 3 6 0
+
+ 70. The same: a curious proof--_the face blank and no
+ inscription at bottom--drapery of the page different_--and
+ other variations. 1 2 0
+
+ 90. Catharine, queen of K. Charles II.; _in the dress in
+ which she arrived: very scarce_. By Faithorne. 4 16 0
+
+ 97. 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. 6 12 6
+
+ [I have known from 14_l._ to 20_l._ 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_l._ 1_s._ Every member of the two Houses--and
+ every land and sea Captain--ought to hang up this print in
+ his sitting-room.]
+
+ Eighth day's Sale.
+
+ 6. Esther before Ahasuerus: engraved by Hollar; _first
+ impression; with the portraits at top; curious and extremely
+ rare_. 16 0 0
+
+ 199. Jo. Banfi Hunniades; _proof; very fine and rare_. By
+ the same. 2 7 0
+
+ 200. The same print, _with variations_. By the same. 3 15 0
+
+ 202. The Stone-eater; _with his history below_. By the same.
+ _Very rare._ 4 4 0
+
+ 248. Sir Thomas Chaloner; by the same. _A proof impression.
+ One of the scarcest prints in existence._ 59 17 0
+
+ [A similar print has been since sold for 74_l._; which is in
+ the collection of Mr. John Townley; whose HOLLARS are
+ unrivalled!]
+
+ 256. Herbert, Earl of Pembroke; _before the alteration_. By
+ the same. 2 10 0
+
+ 257. Devereux, Earl of Essex; _on horseback_. By the same. 4
+ 5 0
+
+ 258. Devereux, Earl of Essex: _standing on foot; whole
+ length_. By the same. 4 4 0
+
+ 259. Algernon, Earl of Northumberland; _on horseback_. By
+ the same. 14 0 0
+
+ 266. Lady Elizabeth Shirley; _an unfinished proof, the
+ chaplet round her head being only traced; curious and
+ extremely rare_. By the same. 10 10 0
+
+ 267. _A reverse of the proof; very fine_. By the same. 5 5 0
+
+
+ CATALOGUE OF SIR WILLIAM MUSGRAVE'S PRINTS.
+
+ Third Day's Sale.
+
+ 29. George, Earl of Berkeley; oval, _in his robes_, 1679;
+ _extra fie [Transcriber's Note: fine] and rare_. 10 5 0
+
+ 45. George, Duke of Buckingham; oval; _cloak over his left
+ arm, hand on sword, nine lines expressive of his titles,
+ &c._ Sold by P. Stent: _fine and extra rare_. 4 12 0
+
+ 109. George, Earl of Cumberland; _whole length, dressed for
+ a tournament_. By R. White. 11 0 0
+
+ Fifth Day's Sale.
+
+ 94. The Newcastle Family, in a room, after Diepenbeke, by
+ Clowet; _a beautiful proof, before the verses, extra rare_.
+ 39 18 0
+
+ [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.]
+
+ Tenth Day's Sale.
+
+ 82. Richard Smith; virtuoso and literary character. By W.
+ Sherwin; _extra rare and fine_. [See my account of this
+ distinguished bibliomaniac at p. 302, ante. Sir M.M. Sykes
+ is in possession of Sir William Musgrave's copy of the
+ portrait.] 7 17 0
+
+ Eleventh Day's Sale.
+
+ 30. Sir Francis Willoughby; _with a view of Wollaton Hall_;
+ mezzotint by T. Man, _extra rare_. 13 2 6
+
+ 43. Sir Francis Wortley; 1652, folio: with trophies, books,
+ &c., by A. Hertochs: extra rare and fine. 29 10 0
+
+ Eighteenth Day's Sale.
+
+ 78. Dr. Francis Bernard; _a touched proof_; _very rare_.
+ [The reader may recollect this sagacious bibliomaniac, as
+ noticed at page 316, ante.] 4 14 6
+
+ Twentieth Day's Sale.
+
+ 85. Sir Matthew Lister; M.D. 1646; by P. Van Somer; _fine
+ proof, extra rare_. 14 14 0
+
+ 86. Humphrey Lloyd, of Denbigh, Antiquary, aetat. 34, 1651.
+ By Faber, 1717, _extra rare and fine_. 4 7 0
+
+ Twenty-first Day's Sale.
+
+ 9. Sir John Marsham; aetat. 80. By R. White, _extra rare and
+ fine_. 6 6 0
+
+ 19. Martin Master; aetat. 53. 1607. By R. Gaywood, _extra_
+ rare _and_ fine. 8 8 0
+
+ Twenty-seventh Day's Sale.
+
+ 80. Lady Paston, wife of Sir William Paston, by W.
+ Faithorne; _extra rare and fine_. 31 0 0
+
+ 82. Mary, Countess of Pembroke, by Simon Passe, 1618. _Fine
+ and rare._ 10 0 0
+
+ 83. Penelope, Countess of Pembroke, in an oval, by W.
+ Hollar. _Rare._ 3 6 0
+
+ 84. Anne Clifford, Countess of Pembroke, by R. White:
+ _extra_ rare _and_ fine. 7 17 6
+
+ [The prints at this sale--the catalogue containing 323
+ pages--were sold for 4987_l._ 17_s._]
+
+
+ MISCELLANEOUS CATALOGUES OF PRINTS.
+
+ First Day's Sale.
+
+ 58. 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. _Very rare._ 1 10 0
+
+ 61. Lord Digby, in armour; after Vander Borcht. _Extra_ rare
+ _and_ fine. 9 9 0
+
+ 64. Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, _standing, whole length:
+ army in the distance_, 1644, _fine and rare_. 5 5 0
+
+ 65. The same, on horseback: under the horse a map of
+ England; 1643: _first state of the plate; extra fine and
+ rare_. 9 0 0
+
+ 73. Hollar's own portrait, in an oval, aetat. 40, 1647: _with
+ variations in the arms_. 3 3 0
+
+ Sixth Day's Sale.
+
+ 53. Sir William Paston, 1659: esteemed Faithorne's finest
+ portrait: _extra rare_. 10 15 0
+
+ 56. Carew Reynell, from the Fothergill collection: _extra_
+ fine _and_ rare. 16 5 6
+
+ 62. Prince Rupert, in armour, _right hand on the breast_:
+ after Vandyck. Sold by Robert Peake. _Extra_ fine _and_
+ rare. 9 0 0
+
+ Thirteenth Day's Sale.
+
+ 54. King and Queen of Bohemia, and five children, by Wm.
+ Passe, with thirty-two Englishes [qu?]; 1621: _extra fine
+ and rare_, The same plate; _with the addition of five
+ children; the youngest in a cradle_. 4 11 0
+
+ 55. The same, sitting under a tree; with four children; the
+ youngest playing with a rabbit: fine _and_ rare. 6 6 0
+
+ 92. James, Duke of York: _with the anchor, proof_; very fine
+ and rare. (16th day's sale.) 5 2 6
+
+ 72. Sir Francis Winderbank and Lord Finch; _with Finch's
+ wings flying to Winderbank_; extra rare. (19th day.) 25 0 0
+
+
+ _A Catalogue of a genuine and valuable Collection of English
+ and Foreign Portraits, &c., sold by Auction by Mr.
+ Richardson, February_ 18, 1798.
+
+ 1ST DAY'S SALE.
+
+ 34. Princess Augusta Maria, daughter of Charles I. _in hat
+ and feather_, aetat. 15, 1646: by Henry Danckers, 1640. _Fine
+ and rare._ 3 3 0
+
+ 57. Anne, Queen of James I. with her daughter Anne;
+ _curiously dressed, whole length_. By J. Visscher: _extra_
+ fine _and_ rare. 6 0 0
+
+ 41. Mary, Queen of Scotts: "Scotorumque nunc Regina"--_in an
+ oval: cap adorned with jewels, feather-fan in her hand_, &c.
+ By Peter Mynginus: _extra_ fine _and_ rare. 6 12 0
+
+ 53. Prince Frederick, Count Palatine, with Princess
+ Elizabeth, _whole length, superbly dressed_: By R.
+ Elstracke: _extra_ fine _and_ rare. 14 0 0
+
+ 74. Henry the Eighth, _with hat and feather, large fur
+ tippet_: by C. M(atsis); _very_ fine, _and supposed unique_.
+ 10 10 0
+
+ 79. Mary, Queen of Scots: _veil'd cross at her breast:
+ aetat._ 44, 1583: _extra_ fine _and_ rare. 9 2 6
+
+ 80. Queen Elizabeth; _superbly dressed, between two pillars:
+ extra_ fine _and_ rare. 15 15 0
+
+ _A Catalogue of a valuable and genuine Collection of Prints,
+ Drawings, and elegantly illustrated Books, &c., sold by
+ auction by Mr. Richardson; March_, 1800.
+
+ 143. Henry, Lord Darnley, by Passe; fine _and very_ rare. 16
+ 0 0
+
+ 186. Sir Philip Sidney, by Elstracke; _extremely_ fine. 3 1 0
+
+ 263. Thomas Howard, Earl of Suffolk, by ditto, _extra_ fine
+ _and_ rare. 13 0 0
+
+ 264. Edward Somerset, Earl of Worcester, by Simon Passe:
+ rare _and_ fine. 7 15 0
+
+ 265. Henry Vere, Earl of Oxford, sold by Compton Holland;
+ _very_ rare _and_ fine. 9 0 0
+
+ 273. Henry Wriothesly, Earl of Southampton, by Simon Passe;
+ _most brilliant impression, extra rare_. 13 5 0
+
+ 278. Thomas Howard, Earl of Arundel, by the same; _rare and
+ very fine_. 5 0 0
+
+ 279. Richard Sackville, Earl of Dorset, by the same; _extra
+ fine and rare_--(with a copy by Thane). 3 0 0
+
+ 280. John Digby, Earl of Bristol; rare and fine: from the
+ Fothergill Collection. 13 0 0
+
+ 281. Robert Sidney, Viscount Lisle, by Simon Passe; _rare
+ and very fine_. 5 2 6
+
+ 284. Edmund, Baron Sheffield: by Elstracke; _very fine_. 14
+ 10 0
+
+ 286. James, Lord Hay, by Simon Passe; _brilliant
+ impression_, fine _and_ rare. 9 0 0
+
+ 294. George Mountaine, Bishop of London; G.Y. sculpsit;
+ _very fine and rare_. 5 10 0
+
+ 330. Sir Julius Caesar, by Elstracke; _extra_ fine _and_
+ rare. 23 12 6
+
+ 335. Arthurus Severus Nonesuch O'Toole, by Delaram; _most
+ brilliant impression, and very rare_ (with the copy). 11 11 0
+
+ 367. Sir John Wynn de Gwedir, by Vaughan; _very rare_. 6 6 0
+
+ 472. Prince Frederic Henry, by Delaram: _very_ fine _and_
+ rare. 5 7 6
+
+ 479. Prince Rupert, by Faithorne; _very_ fine _and_ rare. 7
+ 5 0
+
+ 567. Sir John Hotham, Governor of Hull; _whole length;
+ extremely_ rare _and_ fine. 43 1 0
+
+ 812. Edward Mascall, by Gammon. 7 3 0
+
+ 946. Edward Wetenhall, Bishop of Corke and Ross; mezzotint,
+ by Becket; _fine_. 5 0 0
+
+ 960. Andrew Lortie, by Van Somer. 13 5 0
+
+ 979. Thomas Cole, large mezzotint. 4 10 0
+
+ 997. Sir William Portman, mezzotint. 7 10 0
+
+ 1001. Anthony, Earl of Shaftesbury, by Blooteling;
+ _exceeding_ fine _impression_. 6 0 0
+
+ 1013. Sir Patrick Lyon, of Carse, by White. 5 5 0
+
+ 1033. Sir Greville Verney, by Loggan. 5 10 0
+
+ 1045. Marmaduke Rawdon, by White; fine. 14 0 0
+
+ 1048. Slingsby Bethel, _whole length_, by W. Sherwin (with
+ small copy). 17 5 0
+
+ 1054. Samuel Malines, by Lombart; very fine. 12 0 0
+
+ 1057. Thomas Killegrew, _as sitting with the dog_: by
+ Faithorne. 16 0 0
+
+ _A Catalogue of a very choice assemblage of ENGLISH
+ PORTRAITS, and of Foreigners who have visited England:
+ serving to illustrate GRANGER'S BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY; the
+ property of an eminent Collector_, &c., Sold by auction, by
+ Messrs. King and Lochee, April, 1810.
+
+ 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 _in their various stages_, and with _all their
+ varieties_,--but, that the pursuit of PRINT-COLLECTING is
+ both costly and endless. For one 'fine and rare' _print_, by
+ Hollar, Faithorne, Elstracke, the Passes, Delaram, or White,
+ how many truly precious and useful _volumes_ 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 _burin_ 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 GRANGERIAN PASSION!!" I
+ answer, the Grangerite is madder than the Bibliomaniac:--and
+ so let the matter rest.]
+
+Next let us discuss the serious subject of the _background_!--whether
+it be square or oval; dark or light; put in or put out; stippled or
+stroked; and sundry other similar, but most important, considerations.
+Again; there are engravings of _different sizes_, and _at different
+periods_, 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 REMBRANDT _Prints_, to look sharply
+after _the Burr_!
+
+ALMAN. Mercy on us--what is this _Burr_?!
+
+LYSAND. 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?
+
+LIS. I am quite attentive to this delineation of a _Print
+Connoisseur_; and will not fail to mark _all the_ REMBRANDT[438]
+_varieties_, and take heed to the _Burr_!
+
+ [Footnote 438: All the book and print world have heard of
+ DAULBY'S _Descriptive Catalogue of the works of Rembrandt_,
+ &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 _large paper_ in 4to.--of which
+ _only fifty_ impressions were struck off) was sold at
+ Liverpool, in 1799, in one lot; and purchased by Messrs.
+ Colnaghi, Manson, and Vernon, for 610_l._ It was sold in
+ 1800, in separate lots, for 650_l._, exclusively of every
+ expense; after the purchasers had been offered 800_l._ for
+ the same. Some of these prints came into the possession of
+ the late Mr. Woodhouse (vide p. 441, ante); and it is from
+ the Catalogue of _his_ Collection of prints that I present
+ the reader with the following
+
+ REMBRANDTIANA;
+
+ beseeching him to take due heed to what Lysander has above
+ alluded to by _all the Varieties and the Burr_!
+
+ Lot 5 Daulby 30. Abraham entertaining the three angels;
+ _very_ fine, _with the burr, on India paper_. L2 18_s._
+ 0_d._
+
+ 10 43. The Angel appearing to the Shepherds; _very fine,
+ presque unique_. 6 0 0
+
+ 14 56. The flight into Egypt, in the style of Elsheimer; _on
+ India paper, the 1st impression, extremely rare_. 4 16 0
+
+ 22 75. The Hundred Guilder Piece. This impression on India
+ paper, _with the burr_, is acknowledged by the greatest
+ connoisseurs in this kingdom to be the most brilliant
+ extant. 42 0 0
+
+ 23 75. Ditto, restored plate, by Capt. Baillie, _likewise on
+ India paper, and very fine_. 2 12 6
+
+ 25 77. The Good Samaritan; _the 1st impression with the
+ white tail_, most beautifully finished, with a light point,
+ and fine hand; very fine and rare. 6 6 0
+
+ 27 79. Our Lord before Pilate, _second impression on India
+ paper_, fine _and_ scarce. 5 15 6
+
+ 28 79. Same subject, third impression, _with the mask,
+ extremely rare_: from the collection of the Burgomaster Six.
+ 4 4 0
+
+ 30 84. The Descent from the Cross. This print is beautifully
+ executed, the composition is grand, and the head full of
+ character; _1st and most brilliant impression_. 15 15 0
+
+ 39 117. The Rat-killer; _a most beautiful impression_. 3 3 0
+
+ 42 126. The Marriage of Jason and Creusa; _a 1st impression,
+ without the crown_, on India paper, very brilliant. 4 10 0
+
+ 45 152. The Hog; a remarkably fine impression, from
+ Houbraken's collection: _scarce_. 1 14 0
+
+ 46 154. The Shell. This piece is finely executed, and this
+ impression, _with the white ground, may be regarded as
+ presque unique_. 9 10 0
+
+ 47 178. Ledikant, or French Bed. _This is the entire plate,
+ and is a very great rarity._ 4 14 6
+
+ 56 194. The Woman with the Arrow: _very scarce_. 2 15 0
+
+ 61 204. The Three Trees; _as fine as possible_. 6 10 0
+
+ 63 209. A Village near a high road, arched: _1st impression
+ on India paper, before the cross hatchings_: scarce. 4 14 6
+
+ 67 213. A landscape of an irregular form; _1st impression,
+ with the burr, very scarce_. 5 0 0
+
+ 82 232. Blement de Jonge; _1st impression, the upper bar of
+ the chair is left white, extremely rare_. 2 7 0
+
+ 83 252. Ditto, _second impression_, very _scarce_. 1 7 0
+
+ 84 252. Ditto, third impression, _very_ fine. 2 10 0
+
+ 85 253. Abraham France, _with the curtain, on India paper_.
+ 5 5 0
+
+ 86 353. [Transcriber's Note: 253.] Ditto: _with the chair_.
+ 3 18 0
+
+ 87 254. Ditto; _with the figures on the paper which he holds
+ in his wands_. All these impressions are rare and fine. 5 10 0
+
+ 88 254. Old Haaring or Haring, the Burgo-master; _beautiful
+ impression on India paper, with the burr, extremely rare_. 7
+ 7 0
+
+ 89 255. Young Haaring, beautiful impression from Houbraken's
+ collection; _scarce_. 6 6 0
+
+ 90 256. John Lutma; _1st impression before the window_, &c.
+ _extremely rare_. 4 10 3
+
+ 93 257. John Aselyn; _1st impression, with the easel,
+ extremely rare_. 9 2 0
+
+ 97 259. Wtenbogardus, the Dutch Minister; a most beautiful
+ and brilliant impression, oval, on a square plate; _proof,
+ before the pillar, arch, verses, or any inscription: presque
+ unique_. 9 19 6
+
+ 99 261. The Gold Weigher; _1st impression, with_ THE FACE
+ BLANK, _extremely rare_. 10 10 0
+
+ 100 261. Ditto; _a most beautiful and brilliant impression;
+ and esteemed the_ finest _extant_. From the collection of
+ Capt. Baillie. 21 0 0
+
+ 101 262. The Little Coppenol, with the picture; _the second
+ and rarest impression, generally esteemed the 1st_; from the
+ Earl of Bute's collection. 7 7 0
+
+ 102 262. Ditto; without the picture, very fine. 1 13 0
+
+ 103 263. The great Coppenol, remarkably fine. 4 14 6
+
+ 104 265. The Advocate Tol; _a superb impression, extremely
+ rare with the copy_. 54 12 0
+
+ 145 265. The Burgo-master Six; _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_. 36 15 0
+
+ Perhaps the finest collection of REMBRANDT'S PRINTS, 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.]
+
+LYSAND. Do so; and attend the shops of Mr. Richardson, Mr. Woodburn,
+and Mr. Grave, and you may soon have a chance of gratifying your
+appetite in these strange particulars. But beware of a HOGARTH rage!
+
+LIS. Is that so formidable?
+
+LYSAND. The longest life were hardly able to make the collection of
+Hogarth's prints complete! The late Mr. Ireland has been the Linnaeus
+to whom we are indebted for the most minute and amusing classification
+of the almost innumerable varieties of the impressions of Hogarth's
+plates.[439]
+
+ [Footnote 439: The Marquis of Bute has, I believe, the most
+ extraordinary and complete collection of HOGARTH'S PRINTS
+ that is known. Of the _Election Dinner_ 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 _varying_ prints, the most curious
+ is the one known by the name of _Evening_: with a little boy
+ and girl, crying, in the back-ground. At first, Hogarth did
+ _not_ paint _the girl_, 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' _without_ 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 '_Sarah Malcolm, executed_ 1732,' is among the
+ very rarest; a copy of this selling for 7_l._ 17_s._ 6_d._
+ at Barnard's sale. The reader has only to procure that most
+ interesting of all illustrative works, _Hogarth Illustrated
+ by John Ireland_, 1793, (2d edit.) 3 vols., 8vo.; and, for a
+ comparatively trifling sum, he may be initiated into all the
+ mysteries of Hogarthian _virtu_. The late Right Hon. W.
+ Wyndham's collection of Hogarth's prints, bequeathed to him
+ by Mr. George Steevens, was _bought in_ for little more than
+ 300 guineas.]
+
+LIS. I will stick to Rembrandt and leave Hogarth at rest. But surely,
+this rage for _Portrait Collecting_ cannot be of long duration. It
+seems too preposterous for men of sober sense and matured judgment to
+yield to.
+
+LYSAND. So think _you_--who are no Collector! But had you accompanied
+me to Mr. Christie's on Friday[440] last, you would have had
+convincing evidence to the contrary. A little folio volume, filled
+with one hundred and fifty-two prints, produced--
+
+ [Footnote 440: If the reader casts his eye upon pages 505-6
+ 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 _burin_--as
+ the aforesaid Grangerite (p. 507) terms it.
+
+ NO. 54. 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. _The most brilliant
+ impression of a print of the greatest rarity._ L30 9_s._
+ 0_d._
+
+ 63. Generall (Edward) Cecyll son to the Right Honourable the
+ Earle of Exeter, &c. In an oval; in armour. Simmon Passaes,
+ sculp. Anno 1618. Sould in Pope's Head Alley, also by John
+ Sudbury and George Humble. _Most brilliant impression of a
+ print of the greatest rarity._ 34 2 6
+
+ 90. 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: _First
+ impression with the hand on a skull. Extra fine and rare._
+ 10 10 0
+
+ 152. 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. _Considered Unique_ [but not so]. 42 10 6]
+
+LIS. Perhaps, Three Hundred Guineas?
+
+LYSAND. Just double the sum, I believe.
+
+LIS. O rare JAMES GRANGER--thy immortality is secured! But we forget
+our symptoms of the Bibliomania.
+
+BELIN. As I am the examiner, I here demand of you, Sir, what may be
+the meaning of the _fourth symptom_ of the bibliomaniacal disease,
+which you call UNIQUE COPIES?
+
+LYSAND. A passion for a book of which only one copy was printed, or
+which has any peculiarity about it[441] by either, or both, of the
+foregoing methods of 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 _unique copies_; 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 "_Curious and rare_;" which 'in slim italics' (to copy
+Dr. Ferriar's happy expression[442]) 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 _only to look at_ this unique book, or set of books;
+but--led away by the passion which inflamed BERRYER and
+CAILLARD[443]--when he views the morocco 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----
+
+ Ut vidi, ut perii--ut me malus abstulit error!
+
+ [Footnote 441: Let us again quote a stanza from the
+ 'Aspirant:'
+
+ FOURTH MAXIM.
+
+ Who in _all_ copies finds delight--
+ The wrong not scenting from the right--
+ And, with a choiceless appetite,
+ Just comes to _feed_, ... like Soph, or Templar,
+ Out on his iron stomach!--_we_
+ Have rarities we merely _see_,
+ Nor taste our Phoenix though it be ...
+ Serv'd up in the "UNIQUE EXEMPLAR,"
+
+ _Bibliosophia_, p. v.
+
+ 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.
+
+ NO. 6870. Les Avantures de Telemaque, 8o. Rotterd. _av.
+ fig. en cart._ 'Cet exemplaire est tout _barbouille_. Mais
+ il est _de la main de la jeune Princesse Wilhelmine Auguste
+ de Saxe-Weimar, qui y a appris le Francois en_ 1701!!!'
+
+ 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 _Colombier paper_; 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 '_unique_ 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 _barbouille_ (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 _De Bry_ (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
+ _Bibliographie Instructive_, no. 4230, _Cat. de Paris de
+ Meyzieu_, 1790; no. 486, _Cat. de Santander_, no.
+ 3690; and _Camus sur les Collections des Grands et Petits
+ Voyages_, 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!----_Goldsmith's Deserted Village_, 1802. Mr. Bulmer
+ printed a single copy of this beautiful poem, in quarto,
+ UPON SATIN--picked and prepared in a very curious manner. It
+ was purchased by a foreigner. His impressions UPON VELLUM
+ are noticed, post.----_Falconer's Shipwreck_, 1804, 8vo. Mr.
+ Miller caused _two_ copies only (is [Transcriber's Note: it]
+ is _almost_ unique!) of this beautiful edition, printed by
+ Bensley, to be struck off UPON SATIN, in imperial 8vo. One
+ of these copies now remains with him for sale.]
+
+ [Footnote 442: The passage, above alluded to, is as follows:
+
+ At ev'ry auction, bent on fresh supplies,
+ He cons his catalogue with anxious eyes:
+ Where'er the slim Italics mark the page,
+ _Curious and rare_ his ardent mind engage.
+
+ _The Bibliomania_; v. 54.]
+
+ [Footnote 443: A slight mention of Mons. Berryer, the
+ father-in-law of Lamoignon, is made at p. 84, 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 _binding_,
+ was, I believe, never before known; nor has he been since
+ eclipsed. 'M. Berryer, successivement Secretaire d'Etat au
+ Departement de la Marine, Ministre, puis Garde des Sceaux de
+ France, s'etoit occupe pendant pres de quarante annees a se
+ former un cabinet des plus beaux livres grecs et latins,
+ anciennes editions, soit de France, soit des pays etrangers,
+ &c. Par un soin et une patience infatigables, a l'aide de
+ plusieurs cooperateurs eclaires, savans meme en
+ Bibliographie, qui connoissoient ses etudes, delassement de
+ ses places, il avoit recueilli les plus belles editions; de
+ telle sorte qu'il a toujours su se procurer un exemplaire
+ parfait de chaque edition par un moyen simple quoique
+ dispendieux. Si les Catalogues des ventes publiques lui
+ apprenoient qu'il existoit un exemplaire _plus beau, plus
+ grand de marge, mieux conserve_, de tout auteur, &c., que
+ celui qu'il possedoit, il le fasoit acquerir sans
+ s'embarrasser du prix, et il se defaisoit a perte de
+ l'exemplaire moins beau. La majeure partie des auteurs
+ anciens et modernes de son cabinet a ete changee huit ou dix
+ fois de cette maniere. Il ne _s'arretoit_ qu'apres s'etre
+ assure qu'il avoit _le plus bel exemplaire connu_, soit pour
+ la marge, soit pour la force du papier, soit pour la
+ magnificence de la conservation et _de la relieure_.' 'A
+ l'egard des ouvrages d'editions modernes, meme celles faites
+ en pays etranger, M. Berryer vouloit les avoir en feuilles:
+ il en faisoit choisir, dans plusieurs exemplaires, un
+ parfait, et il le faisoit relier _en maroquin de choix_; le
+ Ministere de la Marine qu'il avoit rempli, lui ayant donne
+ toutes les facilites d'en etre abondamment et fidelement
+ pourvu dans toutes les Echelles du Levant. On collationnoit
+ ensuite pour verifier s' il n'y avoit ni transposition, ni
+ omission de feuilles ou de pages?!!' _Cat. M. Lamoignon_,
+ 1791. pref. p. ij. iij. Berryer was slightly copied by
+ Caillard (of whom see p. 76, ante) in the luxury of
+ _book-binding_. 'M. Caillard avoit le soin _de faire
+ satiner_ presque tous livres qu'il faisoit relier, et
+ principalement les grands ouvrages; qu'il est difficile
+ d'avoir parfaitement relies sans ce precede.' _Cat. de
+ Caillard_; 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. II., we are thus told of
+ him:--'l'acquisition d'un _beau livre_ lui causoit des
+ transports de joie inexprimables: il l'examinoit, l'admiriot
+ [Transcriber's Note: l'admiroit]: il vouloit que chacun
+ partageat avec lui le meme enthousiasme.' His biographer
+ properly adds: 'De quelle surprise n'auroit-on pas ete, si
+ l'on eut su que c'etoit la le meme homme qui, du haut de la
+ tribune, faisoit trembler les despotes et les factieux!'
+ Ponder here, gentle reader, upon the effects of a
+ _beautiful_ book! Let no one, however, imagine that we
+ _grave Englishmen_ 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 FAVOURITE BOOK 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.' _Lorenzo de
+ Medici_; 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 haec fatuitas! _Navicula, sive Speculum
+ Fatuorum_; (Navis Stultifera) _sign. B. v. rev._]
+
+BELIN. 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.
+
+LIS. 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, 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:[444] but the
+ladies were then absent.
+
+ [Footnote 444: See p. 262, ante.]
+
+BELIN. Well, let us now go on to the explanation of the _fifth
+symptom_ of the Bibliomania; which you have called, Copies PRINTED
+UPON VELLUM!
+
+LYSAND. A desire for books printed in this manner[445] 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 to specimens executed, three centuries ago, in the printing
+offices of Aldus, Verard, or the Giunti. Although the _Bibliotheque
+Imperiale_, at Paris, and the 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 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
+_unique_ 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 _Juliana
+Barnes's Book of Hawking, &c._, complete in every respect, (to say
+nothing of his Majesty's similar copy of Caxton's _Doctrinal of
+Sapience_, in the finest preservation) 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.
+
+ [Footnote 445: 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 _large paper_ and _vellum_ copies; for thus
+ writes the said Horman, in his _Vulgaria_, printed by
+ Pynson, in folio, 1519: a book, curious and interesting upon
+ every account. 'The greatest and highest of price, is _paper
+ imperial_. (Herbert, vol i., p. 265.) _Parchment leaves_ be
+ wont to be ruled, that there may be a _comely margent_:
+ also, strait lines of equal distance be draw[en] within,
+ that the writing may shew fair,' _fol._ 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 _large paper_ and _vellum_ 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:
+
+ FIFTH MAXIM.
+
+ Who blindly take the book display'd
+ By pettifoggers in the trade.
+ Nor ask of what the leaf was made,
+ That _seems like paper_--I can tell 'em,
+ That though 'tis possible to squint
+ Through any page with letters in't,
+ No copy, though an angel print,
+ Reads elegantly--but "on VELLUM."
+
+ _Bibliosophia_, p. VI.
+
+ 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 p.
+ 448-9, ante. They are all
+
+ WORKS PRINTED UPON VELLUM.
+
+ NO. 241. Epistolae Beati Jeronimi. Impressio Moguntinae facta
+ per Virum famatum in haec arte Petrum Schoiffer de Gernsheym,
+ 2 vols., 1470. _A fine specimen of a grand book, superbly
+ bound in blue turkey._ Folio. L28 _s._7 0_d._
+
+ 242. Sexti Decretalium Opus praeclarum Bonifacii VII., Pont.
+ Max. In Nobili Urbe Moguncia non Atramento e plumali ereaque
+ Penna Cannave per Petrum Schoiffer de Gernsheym consummatum.
+ A.D. 1476. _A most beautiful work, superbly bound in blue
+ turkey._ 19 19 0
+
+ 253. [Transcriber's Note: 243.] Constitutiones Clementis Papae
+ Quinti, una cum apparatu Domini Joannis Andreae. Venetiis impress.
+ Ere atque Industria Nicolai Jenson Gallici, 1476. _A most
+ beautiful specimen of clean vellum, with a fine illumination,
+ bound in purple velvet._ Folio. 21 10 0
+
+ 244. Leonora, from the German of Burgher, by Mr. Spencer,
+ with the designs of Lady Diana Beauclerc, 1796. Folio. 25 4 0
+
+ _A beautiful unique copy, with the plates worked on satin,
+ superbly bound in blue turkey._
+
+ 245. Dryden's Fables, with engravings from the pencil of
+ Lady Beauclerc. _A beautiful unique copy, splendidly bound
+ in morocco, with the plates worked on satin._ 34 13 0
+
+ 246. Missale Monasticum secundum Ritum et consuetudinem
+ Ordinis Gallae Umbrosae. Venetiis, per Ant. de Giunta
+ Florentinum, 1503. _A most beautiful copy of a very rare
+ book, with plates and illuminations, bound in morocco._
+ Folio. 13 3 6
+
+ 247. Postilla super Libros N. Testamenti Fratris Nicolai de
+ Lyra. Venet. per Joan. de Colonia et Nic. Jenson, 1481. _A
+ fine specimen of beautiful vellum, with illuminations, bound
+ in blue turkey._ Folio. 17 17 0
+
+ 248. The German Bible, by Martin Luther, 2 vols. Augspurg,
+ 1535, folio. _A most fair, and beautiful copy, with coloured
+ plates, in the finest preservation, and bound in crimson
+ velvet, with two cases._--'The copies on vellum of this fine
+ edition were printed at the charges of John Frederick,
+ Elector of Saxony, (vide Panzer).' Folio. 52 10 0
+
+ 249. Le Livre de Jehan Bocasse de la Louenge et Vertu des
+ nobles et Cleres Dames. Paris, _par Ant. Verard_, 1493. _A
+ beautiful work, with curious illuminations, finely bound in
+ blue turkey._ Folio. 14 14 0
+
+ 250. Virgilii Opera cura Brunck. Argentorati, 1789. _An
+ unique copy, bound in morocco, with a case._ Quarto. 33 12 0
+
+ 251. Somervile's Chace, a Poem, with fine plates on wood, by
+ Bewick. Printed by Bulmer, 1796. Quarto. _A beautiful unique
+ copy, splendidly bound in green, morocco._ 15 4 6
+
+ 252. Poems by Goldsmith and Parnell, with fine plates on
+ wood by Bewick. Printed by Bulmer, 1795. _A beautiful unique
+ copy, superbly bound in green morocco._ 15 15 0
+
+ 253. The Gardens, a poem, by the Abbe de Lisle, with fine
+ plates by Bartolozzi, coloured. Printed by Bensley, 1798. _A
+ fine book, and bound in green morocco._ Quarto. 14 3 6
+
+ 254. The Castle of Otranto, by the Earl of Oxford. Printed
+ at Parma, 1791. _A fine copy elegantly bound in blue
+ morocco._ Quarto. 13 2 6
+
+ 255. Coustumes du Pais de Normandie. Rouen, 1588. _A
+ beautiful unique copy, on fine white vellum, the
+ presentation copy to the Duke de Joyeuse; in old morocco._
+ 14 3 6
+
+ 256. P. Virgilii Maronis Codex antiquissimus in Bibliotheca
+ Mediceo-Laurentiana. Florent. 1741. _A curious facsimile of
+ the old MS. bound in yellow morocco_, 4to. 17 17 0
+
+ 257. Junius's Letters, 4 vols., 8vo. Printed by Bensley,
+ 1796. _A beautiful unique copy, with the plates also worked
+ on vellum, bound in morocco._ 25 4 0
+
+ 258. Il Castello di Otranto, storia Gotica, Lond. 1795.
+ _Beautifully printed, with fine cuts, illuminated, bound in
+ morocco._ 4 16 0
+
+ 259. Milton's Paradise Regained, Poems, and Sonnets, and
+ Latin Poems, with notes, 3 vols. Printed by Bensley, 1796,
+ 8vo. _A unique and beautiful copy, bound in blue turkey._ 17
+ 6 6
+
+ 260. 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;' _superbly bound in
+ green morocco_.
+
+ [30 guineas were bidden; but the book was passed on and not
+ sold.]
+
+ 261. La Vedova, Commedia facetissima di Nic. Buonaparte
+ Cittadino Florentino. Paris, 1803, 8vo. A curious work by an
+ ancestor of the First Consul; _a beautiful unique copy,
+ superbly bound in red morocco_. 4 4 0
+
+ 262. The Old English Baron, a Gothic story, by Clara Reeve,
+ 1794, 8vo. _Richly bound in blue turkey._ 2 0 0
+
+ 263. The Oeconomy of Human Life, with fine plates, 1795.
+ _A beautiful unique copy, with the plates finely tinted in
+ colours and superbly bound in morocco_, 8vo. 15 15 0
+
+ 264. Dr. Benjamin Franklin's Works. Paris, 1795, 8vo. _A
+ beautiful unique copy, and bound in crimson velvet._ 5 0 0
+
+ 265. The Dance of Death. Painted by Holbein, and engraved by
+ Hollar, _a beautiful unique copy, with the plates
+ exquisitely painted, and very richly bound in red morocco_.
+ 17 17 0
+
+ 266. La Gerusalemme liberata di Torquato Tasso, 4 vols.
+ Parigi Presso Molini, 1783, 8vo. _A beautiful copy, bound in
+ green morocco._ 9 19 6
+
+ 267. Catullus, Tibullus, et Propertius, 3 vols. Par. ap.
+ Coustelier, 1743, 8vo. _A singularly beautiful copy, and
+ bound in old blue turkey._ 14 14 0
+
+ 268. Opere Toscane di Luigi Alamanni. Leoni. ap. Gryphia,
+ 1552. _A most beautiful copy, presented to King Francis I.
+ of France: old morocco._ 6 6 0
+
+ 269. A New Testament in German. Augsburg, 1535, 12mo. A fine
+ copy, with illuminations, of a very rare edition. 2 7 0
+
+ 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, _in membranis_!) is marked by a
+ fondness for works _printed upon vellum_. From Mr. Roche,
+ Mr. Edwards, and other quarters, I am enabled to present the
+ reader with a list of a _few_ of
+
+ COUNT M'CARTHY'S BOOKS UPON VELLUM.
+
+ Psalmorum Codex; _Mogunt._ _Fust and Schoiffer._ Folio, 1457.
+ ---- ----; _ibid._ _apud eosdem._ Folio, 1459.
+ Durandi Rationale; _ibid._ _apud eosdem._ Folio, 1459.
+ _Clementis Papae V.
+ Constitutiones_; _ibid._ _apud eosdem._ Folio, 1460.
+ ---- ---- ---- ----; _ibid._ _apud eosdem._ Folio, 1467.
+ Catholicon; _ibid._ _apud eosdem._ Folio, 1460.
+ Biblia Sacra Latina; _ibid._ _apud eosdem._ Folio, 1462.
+
+ [His Majesty and Earl Spencer possess similar copies of
+ these works.]
+
+ Franciscus de Retras
+ Comment. Vitiorum; _Nuremb._ Folio, 1470.
+ Hieronimi Epistolae; _Mogunt._ _Fust and Schoiffer._ Folio, 1470.
+
+ (Another copy: very large thick paper.)
+
+ Priscianus de Art.
+ Grammat. _Venet._ _Vin. Spira._ Folio, 1470.
+
+ (See p. 407, ante.)
+
+ Liber Sextus
+ Decretalium
+ Bonif. Papae
+ VIII. _Mogunt._ Folio, 1470.
+ Guarini Regulae; Quarto, 1470.
+ Quintiliani
+ Institutiones; _Jenson_, Folio, 1471.
+ Baptista de Alberti
+ de Amore; Quarto, 1471.
+ de Amoris Remedio: Quarto, 1471.
+ Biblia in Ling. Volg. Folio, 1471,
+ 2 vols.
+ Historia Natur. de
+ Plinio tradotto
+ da Landino; _Jenson, Venet._ 1476.
+
+ (A similar copy is in Mr. Coke's library at Holkam;
+ illuminated, and in magnificent condition.)
+
+ Biblia Sacra
+ Polyglotta;
+ Ximenis; _Complut._ Folio, 1516,
+ &c., 6 vols.
+
+ (See page 407, ante; for a brief account of this
+ extraordinary copy.)
+
+ Plutarchi Vitae
+ (Lat.); _Venet._ _N. Jenson._ Folio, 1478.
+ vol. 1.
+ Aristotelis Opera
+ Varia (Lat.); _Venet._ Folio, 1483.
+ 3 vols.
+
+ (This was the Pinelli copy, and was purchased for 73_l._
+ 10_s._)
+
+ Statii Achilles; _Brixiae._ Folio, 1485.
+ Chroniques de
+ France, dictes de
+ St. Denys; _Paris._ Folio, 1493.
+ vol. 2 & 3.
+ Anthologia Graeca; _Florent._ Quarto, 1494.
+ Lancelot du Lac; _Paris._ _Verard_, Folio, 1494.
+ vol. 2.
+ Boccace des nobles
+ Malheureux; _ibid._ Folio, 1494.
+ Appollonius Rhodius; _Florent._ Quarto, 1496.
+ Destruction de Troy
+ le Grant; _Paris._ Folio, 1498.
+ Poliphili
+ Hyperonotomachia; _Venet._ Folio, 1499.
+ Mer des Histores; _Paris._ Folio, (no
+ date) 2 vols.
+ Monstrelet Chronique
+ de; _Paris._ Folio, (no
+ date) 3 vols.
+ Roman de la Rose; _Paris._ _Verard._ Folio, (no
+ date)
+ ---- de Tristan; _ibid._ _id._ (no date)
+ ---- d' Ogier le
+ Danois; _ibid._ _id._ (no date)
+ ---- de Melis et
+ Lenin; _ibid._ _id._ (no date)
+
+ 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 VELLUM LIBRARY 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 _vellum copy_ in the world of the
+ first edition of _Aristotle's works_ (wanting one volume)
+ which may be seen in the library of Corpus Christi College,
+ Oxford. Of Mr. Edward's _similar_ copy _of the first Livy_,
+ Lysander and myself (vide Part III.) 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 p. 68, 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 '_Ship of Fools_' UPON VELLUM!!]
+
+LIS. Are we as successful in printing upon vellum as were our
+forefathers?
+
+LYSAND. 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.
+
+LOREN. You have seen, Lisardo, my small volumes of '_Heures_,' or
+'_Missals_,' 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?
+
+ALMAN. 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[446] for life.
+
+ [Footnote 446: 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 VELLUM BOOK in existence than the _Castle of
+ Otranto_, 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; no. 181; see p. 447, 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 '_Lettera Pastorale_' 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'oeuvre of Bodoni seems to be an edition of
+ _Homer_, 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 UPON VELLUM, of a size
+ and brilliancy altogether unparalleled. _American Review_,
+ no. 1., p. 171. January, 1811. In our admiration of
+ Bodoni, let us not forget DIDOT: who printed a single copy
+ of _Voltaire's Henriade_ UPON VELLUM, in quarto, with a
+ brilliancy of execution, and perfection of vellum, which can
+ never be suppassed [Transcriber's Note: surpassed]. 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 _Life of Nelson_, 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.[G]
+ 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 _Typographical Antiquities_ 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
+ presevered [Transcriber's Note: persevered] in executing my
+ design, would have cost me about _seventy-five_ guineas!]
+
+ [Footnote G: 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 _one_ 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 L600--the Insurance
+ office disputed his claim, and a trial at Dublin took place.
+ The late Mr. Bensley was subpoenaed 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 _Bibliomania_, 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.]
+
+LIS. 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 _Crammer's Bible_ for I want scholarship sufficient to
+understand the _Complutensian Polyglott of Cardinal Ximenes_.[447]
+
+ [Footnote 447: See pages 160, 407, ante.]
+
+BERLIN. [Transcriber's Note: Belin.] So much for the _Vellum Symptom_.
+Proceed we now to the _sixth_: which upon looking at my memoranda, I
+find to be the FIRST EDITIONS. What is the meaning of this odd
+symptom?
+
+LYSAND. From the time of Ancillon to Askew, there has been a very
+strong desire expressed for the possesssion [Transcriber's Note:
+possession] of _original_ or _first published editions_[448] 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 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[449] 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 _first edition Shakspeare_[450] 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 _his_ edition, the
+Editio Princeps was not (as I have understood) in that storehouse of
+almost every thing which is exquisite and rare in ancient and modern
+classical literature--need I add the library of Earl Spencer?[451]
+
+ [Footnote 448: All German and French bibliographers class
+ these FIRST EDITIONS 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 EDITIONES PRIMARIAE or _Editiones Principes_ 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 sympton
+ [Transcriber's Note: symptom] of the Bibliomania has been
+ thus pungently described in the poetical strains of an
+ "aspirant!"
+
+ SIXTH MAXIM.
+
+ Who of Editions recks the least,
+ But, when that hog, his mind would feast
+ Fattens the intellectual beast
+ With old, or new, without ambition,--
+ I'll teach the pig to soar on high,
+ (If pigs had pinions, by the bye)
+ How'er the _last_ may _satisfy_,
+ The _bonne bouche_ is the "FIRST EDITION."
+
+ _Bibliosophia_; p. VI.
+
+ 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 _especially by the English_,
+ 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 _first editions_, and never
+ waited for second ones," but I find it, in the English
+ Bayle, note D, "he chose _the best_ 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 _paid for them_. 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 Lochee'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 _first edition_ of MANILIUS 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 _primary
+ bijou_ now adorns the noble library of the Bishop of Ely.]
+
+ [Footnote 449: An instance of this kind may be adduced from
+ the _first edition_ 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. BRAND,
+ "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." _Shakspeare_, edit. 1803, vol.
+ xviii., pp. 85, 86. See also what has been before said (p.
+ 233.) of an _after_ edition of Speed.]
+
+ [Footnote 450: 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--
+
+ lay on Macduff!
+ And d----d be he who first cries "Hold, enough!"
+
+ 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 451: 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 GEORGE
+ JOHN EARL SPENCER! 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
+
+ ----pinus ingens, albaque populus
+ Umbram hospitalem consociare amant
+ Ramis--
+
+ let the Doric Temple be raised, with its white-marbled
+ columns, sacred to the memory of this ILLUSTRIOUS NOBLEMAN!
+ 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!
+
+ [Illustration: ARMS OF EARL SPENCER.
+
+ DIEU DEFEND LE DROIT]]
+
+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 Colomies and Reimannus have said about the rarity of
+La Croix du Maine's Bibliotheque, 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.
+
+LIS. Upon the whole, I should prefer the best to the first edition;
+and you, Lorenzo, may revel in the possession of your _first
+Shakespeare_--but give me the last Variorum edition _in twenty-one
+volumes_.
+
+LOREN. "Chacun a son gout," yet it may be as well to possess them
+_both_. Indeed, I not only have these editions, but a great number of
+the early plays printed in quarto;[452] which are considered the _ne
+plus ultra_ of Shakspearian bibliomaniacism.
+
+ [Footnote 452: A pretty copious list of these valuable early
+ plays will be found at pages 431-2-3-4, ante.]
+
+BELIN. 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 _seventh symptom_ of the Bibliomania, called TRUE
+EDITIONS?
+
+LYSAND. My definition of this strange symptom will excite your
+mirth.[453] Some copies of a work are struck 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 _defects_!), 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?
+
+ [Footnote 453: Observing the usual order of notification, we
+ will first borrow the poetical aid of "an aspirant:"
+
+ SEVENTH MAXIM.
+
+ Who dares to "write me down an ass,"
+ When, spying through the curious mass,
+ I rub my hands, and wipe my glass,
+ If, chance, an _error_ bless my notice--
+ Will prize when drill'd into his duty,
+ These lovely warts of ugly beauty;
+ For books, when _false_ (it may be new t'ye),
+ Are "TRUE EDITIONS:"--odd,--but _so_ 'tis.
+
+ 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 TRUE EDITIONS:
+ and as copies, with such variations (upon the same principle
+ as that of _Prints_; vide p. 501-2, 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 arrive
+ un accident qui, a telle page et a telle ligne, a occasione
+ un renversement dans les lettres d'un mot, et que ce
+ desordre n'a ete retabli qu'apres le tirage de six ou sept
+ exemplaires; ce qui rend ces exemplaires defectueux presque
+ uniques, et leur donne, a les entendre, une valeur
+ inappreciable; car voila un des grands secrets de cet art,
+ qui, au reste, s'acquiert aisement avec de la memoire."
+ _Mem. de l'Institut_: 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:--_Caesar. Lug. Bat._ 1636, 12mo. _Printed by
+ Elzevir._ In the Bibliotheca Revickzkiana we are informed
+ that the _true_ 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
+ _ought_ to have been numbered 149. A further account is
+ given in my Introduction to the Classics, vol. i., p.
+ 228.--_Horace_, Londini, 1733, 8vo., 2 vols. Published by
+ Pine. The _true_ edition is distinguished by having at page
+ 108, vol. ii., the _incorrect_ reading "Post Est."--for
+ "Protest."--_Virgil._ Lug. Bat., 1636, 12mo. Printed by
+ Elzevir. The _true_ edition is known, by having at plate 1,
+ before the Bucolics, the following Latin passage _printed in
+ red ink_. "Ego vero frequentes a te literas accepi." Consul
+ de Bure, no. 2684.--_Idem._ Birmingh. 1763, 4to. Printed
+ by Baskerville. A particular account of the _true_ edition
+ will be found in the second volume of my "Introduction to
+ the Classics," p. 337--too long to be here
+ inserted.--_Bocaccio._ Il Decamerone, Venet. 1527, 4to.
+ Consult De Bure no. 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., no. 408. Clement. (vol.
+ iv. 352,) has abundance of reference, 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. 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 _The Bibliomania_, 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
+
+ "beat with perpetual _forms_."
+
+ in the large, it is properly
+
+ "beat with perpetual _storms_."
+
+ Which of these is indicative of the _true_ edition? Again:
+ in the small paper, p. 275, line 20, we read properly
+
+ "Claudite jam rivos pueri, sat _prata_ biberunt."
+
+ in the large paper,
+
+ "Claudite jam rivos pueri, sat _parta_ biberunt."
+
+ 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 _true_
+ edition; and so the blunder (a mere transposition of the
+ letters _ar_) 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 _error_ in either, to
+ entitle one to the rank of _Truism_ more than another.[H]]
+
+ [Footnote H: 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, _a space stood up_; 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 _displayed line_ 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.]
+
+ALMAN. It seems to me to be downright idiotism. But I suspect you
+exaggerate?
+
+LYSAND. In sober truth, I tell you only what every day's experience in
+the book-market will corroborate.
+
+BELIN. Well!--what strange animals are you bibliomaniacs. Have we any
+other symptom to notice? Yes, I think Lysander made mention of an
+_eighth_; called a passion for THE BLACK-LETTER. Can any eyes be so
+jaundiced as to prefer volumes printed in this crabbed, rough, and
+dismal manner?
+
+LOREN. Treason--downright treason! Lisardo shall draw up a bill of
+indictment against you, and Lysander shall be your judge.
+
+BELIN. My case would then be desperate; and execution must necessarily
+follow.
+
+LIS. 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.
+
+LYSAND. Of all symptoms of the Bibliomania, this _eighth_ symptom is
+at present the most powerful and prevailing. Whether it was imported
+into this country, from Holland, by the subtlety of Schelhorn[454] (a
+knowing 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 =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,"
+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!
+
+ [Footnote 454: His words are as follows: "Ipsa typorum
+ ruditas, ipsa illa atra crassaque literarum facies _belle
+ tangit sensus_," _&c._ Was ever the black-letter more
+ eloquently described: see his _Amoentates [Transcriber's
+ Note: Amoenitates] Literariae_, vol. i., p. 5. But for the
+ last time, let us listen to the concluding symptomatic
+ stanza of an "aspirant;"
+
+ EIGHTH MAXIM.
+
+ Who dreams the _Type_ should please us all,
+ That's not too thin, and not too tall,
+ Nor much awry, nor over small,
+ And, if but ROMAN, asks no better--
+ May die in darkness:--I, for one,
+ Disdain to tell the barb'rous Hun
+ That Persians but adore the sun
+ Till taught to know _our_ God--=Black-Letter=.
+
+ _Bibliosophia_: p. vii.
+
+ 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 _black-letter_ tomes:
+
+ In red morocco drest, he loves to boast
+ the bloody murder, or the yelling ghost;
+ or dismal ballads, sung to crowds of old,
+ now cheaply bought for thrice their weight in gold.
+
+ v. 62-65.
+
+ Ev'n I, debarr'd of ease and studious hours,
+ Confess, mid' anxious toil, its lurking pow'rs.
+ How pure the joy, when first my hands unfold
+ The small, rare volume, black with tarnished gold!
+
+ _The Bibliomania_, l. 135-8.
+
+ But let us attend to a more scientific illustration of this
+ eighth symptom. 'BLACK-LETTER, which is used in England,
+ descends from the Gothic characters; and is therefore called
+ _Gothic_ by some, _old English_ by others; but printers give
+ it the name of _Black-Letter_, because its face taking in a
+ larger compass than Roman or Italic of the same body, the
+ full and spreading strokes thereof appear more _black_ upon
+ paper than common.' _Smith's Printer's Grammar_; 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 _Printer's Grammar_; 1808, p.
+ 41. To these authorities we may add, from Rowe Mores, that
+ 'Wynkyn de Worde's letter was of _The Square English_ or
+ _Black face_, and has been the pattern for his successors in
+ the art.' _Of English Founders and Foundries_; 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.' _General History of Printing_; 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 _Traite elementaire de L'Imprimerie_,
+ p. 185, refers us to an elucidation of the Gothic letter
+ ('appele du nom de certains peuples qui vinrent s'etablir
+ dans la Gothie, plus de quatre cens ans avant J.C.') in one
+ of the plates of Fournier's _Dictionnaire Typographique_:
+ 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 BLACK-LETTER, 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.' _Robert of
+ Gloucester's Chronicle_: vol. i., p. LXXXV. 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 _Speculum
+ Salutis_ sive _Humanae Salvationis_ (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!
+ _L'Origine de l'Imprimerie_; p. 281. This extraordinary
+ event soon spread abroad, and was circulated in every
+ bibliographical journal. Schelhorn noticed it in his
+ _Amoenitates Literariae_: vol. iv. 295-6: and so did
+ Maichelius in his _Introd. ad Hist. Lit. et Praecip. Bibl.
+ Paris_, 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 premier degre, qu' un BON BIBLIOMANE ne
+ peut voir sans trepigner de joie, si j'ose m'exprimer
+ ainsi.' _Mem. de l'Institut_. vol. ii. 485-6. This very
+ copy, which was in the Sorbonne, is now in the Imperial,
+ library at Paris. _Ibid._ A similar, though less important,
+ anecdote is here laid before the reader from a communication
+ sent to me by Mr. Wm. Hamper of Birmingham. '"_Tusser's Five
+ Hundred Points of Good Husbandry, black-letter, sewed_," was
+ valued at SIXPENCE, 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 _Bibliomania_!) it
+ brought A GOLDEN GUINEA.'--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 HIRSUTUS: 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 _English books_ that were printed in the
+ =Black-Letter=. 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 _Caxton_, had three sheets
+ of _Treveris_, unknown to antiquaries, and wanted to a
+ perfect [collection of] _Pynson_ 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 JOHAN DE
+ TREVISA, and, when he was merry, regaled us with a quotation
+ from the _Shippe of Fools_.' RAMBLER, no. 177.--Nor was
+ the Doctor himself quite easy and happy 'till he had sold,
+ in the character of a BOOKSELLER, 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 _conscience_.
+ 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 _Walsall Market_; 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 SIXPENCE, a _Tusser_, which now would have
+ brought a 'GOLDEN GUINEA?']
+
+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, 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.
+
+It has since operated, to the same effect, in the labour of Mr.
+Douce,[455] the PORSON 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 _Black-Letter_
+may perform, when temperately and skilfully exercised.
+
+ [Footnote 455: In the criticisms which have passed upon Mr.
+ DOUCE'S "_Illustrations of Shakspeare and Ancient Manners_,"
+ 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.]
+
+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 '_Minstrelsy of the Scottish
+Border_' and '_Sir Tristrem_' exhibit, in the notes, (now and then
+thickly studded with black-letter references) a proof that the author
+of '_The Lay_,' '_Marmion_,' and '_The Lady of the Lake_,' 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 _every thing_, because printed in the
+black-letter, must necessarily bring on an incurable disease, and,
+consequently, premature dissolution.
+
+There is yet one other, and a somewhat generally prevailing, symptom,
+indicative of the prevalence of the Bibliomania; and this consists in
+a fondness for books which have been printed for PRIVATE
+DISTRIBUTION[456] only, or at a PRIVATE PRESS. 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, is propagated in this said book, so
+partially distributed. As to works printed at a _Private Press_, 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 _Cognoscenti_.
+
+ [Footnote 456: The reader may not object to be made
+ acquainted with a few distinguished productions, printed for
+ PRIVATE DISTRIBUTION. The reader is indebted to Mr. Bulmer,
+ at whose elegant press these works were printed, for the
+ information which follows:--MUSEUM WORSLEYANUM; by Sir
+ _Richard Worsley_; 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_l._ 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.----THE FATHER'S REVENGE; _by the Earl of
+ Carlisle, K.G._ &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.----MOUNT ST. GOTHARD: _By the late
+ Duchess of Devonshire_, 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.----DISSERTATION ON ETRUSCAN VASES; _by Mr.
+ Christie_. 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_l._----BENTLEII EPISTOLAE; _Edited by_ [the Rev.] _Dr.
+ Charles Burney_: 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:--LORD BALTIMORE'S _Gaudia Poetica_; 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_l._
+ 10_s._ at the sale of Mr. Reed's books: see Bibl. Reed,
+ no. 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.----VIEWS IN ORKNEY and on the
+ NORTH-EASTERN COAST OF SCOTLAND. Taken in 1805. Etched 1807.
+ Folio. _By the Marchioness of Stafford._--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 _Stroma_; 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
+ _Cathedral of St. Magnus_, and at the close, at p. 9, a
+ vignette of a _Tomb in the Cathedral_. To these succeed two
+ plates, presenting Views of the _Inside of the Cathedral_,
+ and an _Arch in the Cathedral_.--The third chapter commences
+ at p. 11, with "The Earl of Orkney's Palace," to which a
+ vignette of a _Street in Kirkwall_ is prefixed. It ends at
+ p. 12, and is followed by a plate exhibiting a view of the
+ _Door-way of the Earl's Palace_; by another of the _Hall of
+ the Earl's Palace_; and by a third containing two Views,
+ namely, the _Inside of the Hall_, and, upon a larger scale,
+ the _Chimney in the Hall_.--"The Bay of the Frith" is the
+ subject of the fourth chapter; which exhibits at the
+ beginning a vignette of the _Hills of Hoy_. It closes at p.
+ 14, with a vignette of _The Dwarfy Stone_. Then follow six
+ plates, containing a view of the _Bay of Frith_, a _View
+ from Hoy_, two views of the _Eastern and Western Circles of
+ the Stones of Stennis_, and two views of _Stromness_.--The
+ next chapter is entitled "Duncansbay or Dungsby-head," which
+ bears in front a vignette of _Wick_, and at the end, in p.
+ 16, a vignette of the _Castle of Freswick_. Three plates
+ follow: the first presenting a view of _Duncansbay-Head_:
+ the second, Views of the _Stacks of Hemprigs_ and the _Hills
+ of Schrabiner or Schuraben_; the third, a View of _The
+ Ord_.--"The Castle of Helmsdale" is the title of the
+ succeeding chapter, to which is prefixed a vignette of
+ _Helmsdale Castle_. It ends at p. 19, with a vignette of the
+ _Bridge of Brora_. Then follow two plates, presenting Views
+ of _Helmsdale Castle_, and the _Coast of Sutherland_.--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 _Dunrobin Castle_, and after the
+ close of the chapter, at p. 23, four plates; the first of
+ which is a View of _Dunrobin Castle_ and the surrounding
+ scenery; the second, a smaller View of the _Castle_: the
+ third, a View of _Druid Stones_, with another of _Battle
+ Stones in Strathflete_: and the fourth, _Dornoch, with the
+ Thane's Cross_.--The last chapter is entitled "The Chapel of
+ Rosslyn," to which is prefixed a vignette of _Rosslyn
+ Chapel_. It is followed by four plates; the first exhibiting
+ a View of a _Column in Rosslyn Chapel_; the second, a
+ _Door-way in the Chapel_; the third, the _Tomb of Sir
+ William St. Clair_; and the fourth, _Hawthornden_, the
+ residence of the elegant and plaintive Drummond; with whose
+ beautiful Sonnet, to this his romantic habitation, the
+ volume closes:
+
+ "Dear wood! and you, sweet solitary place,
+ Where I estranged from the vulgar live," &c.
+
+ 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.]
+
+LIS. You allude to the STRAWBERRY HILL Press?[457]
+
+ [Footnote 457: For the gratification of such
+ desperately-smitten bibliomaniacs, who leave no stone
+ unturned for the possession of what are called STRAWBERRY
+ HILL _Pieces_, 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.----I. _Two Odes by Mr. Gray._ "[Greek: phonanta
+ synetoisi]," Pindar Olymp. II. 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 _only six copies_ of these verses
+ printed, I subjoin them:
+
+ Repine not, Gray, that our weak dazzled eyes
+ Thy daring heights and brightness shun,
+ How few can track the eagle to the skies,
+ Or, like him, gaze upon the sun!
+
+ The gentle reader loves the gentle muse,
+ That little dares, and little means,
+ Who humbly sips her learning from _Reviews_,
+ Or flutters in the _Magazines_.
+
+ No longer now from learning's sacred store,
+ Our minds their health and vigour draw;
+ HOMER and PINDAR are revered no more,
+ No more the _Stagyrite is law_.
+
+ Though nurst by these, in vain thy muse appears
+ To breathe her ardours in our souls;
+ In vain to sightless eyes, and deaden'd ears,
+ Thy lightning gleams, and thunder rolls!
+
+ Yet droop not GRAY, nor quit thy heav'n-born art:
+ Again thy wondrous powers reveal,
+ Wake slumb'ring virtue in the _Briton's_ heart.
+ And rouse us to _reflect_ and _feel_!
+
+ With antient deeds our long-chill'd bosoms fire,
+ Those deeds which mark'd ELIZA'S reign!
+ Make _Britons_ Greeks again.--Then strike the lyre,
+ And Pindar shall not sing in vain.
+
+ ----II. _A journey into England_, originally written in
+ Latin, _by Paul Hentzner_. 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.--III. _Fugitive Pieces in Verse and Prose. Pereunt
+ et Imputantur._ MDCCLVIII. 8vo. Two pages of dedication "To
+ the Honourable Major General HENRY SEYMOUR CONWAY:" two
+ pages of a table of contents, body of the work 219 pages.
+ Printed with the small type: and only 200 copies struck
+ off.--IV. _An account of Russia as it was in the year 1710.
+ By Charles Lord Whitworth._ Printed at S.H. MDCCLVIII, 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.--V. _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_, 1758, 8vo. This is the beautiful and
+ curious little volume, of which mention has already been
+ made at p. 86, 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_l._,
+ 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_l._6_s._ It was
+ reprinted by Dodsley: but the curious seek only the present
+ edition.----VI. _Lucani Pharsalia_, MDCCLX, 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 _Introduction to the
+ Classics_, vol. ii., p. 53. Kirgate the printer (recently
+ deceased) told me that uncommon pains were taken with its
+ typographical execution.----VII. _Anecdotes of Painting in
+ Englaud_ [Transcriber's Note: England]; MDCCLXI. four
+ volumes; _Catalogue of Engravers_, 4to., one volume. This is
+ the _first_, and, on account of having the earliest
+ impressions of the plates, the _best_ 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.----VIII. _The Life of Edward Lord Herbert of
+ Cherbury_, written by himself. Printed in the year MDCCLXIX,
+ 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.----IX. _Poems by
+ Anna Chambers_, Countess Temple. MDCCLXIV, 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.----X. _The Mysterious Mother._ A
+ Tragedy, by Mr. Horace Walpole. Sit mihi fas audita loqui.
+ Virg. Printed at S.H., MDCCLXVIII. 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_l._ 15_s._----XI.
+ _Cornelie vestale. Tragedie._ Imprimee a S.H. MDCCLXVIII,
+ 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.----XII. _Poems by the Reverend Mr. Hoyland_,
+ MDCCLXIX, 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.----XIII.
+ _Original Letters from K. Edward VI. to Barnaby
+ Fitzpatrick_, 1772, 4to. I am not acquainted with any
+ circumstance, intrinsic or extrinsic, that renders this
+ small volume sought after.----XIV. _Miscellaneous
+ Antiquities, or a collection of curious papers_: either
+ republished from scarce tracts, or now first printed from
+ original MSS. Two numbers printed by Thomas Kirgate,
+ MDCCLXXII, 4to. No. I. Advertisement of two pages, ending p.
+ iv. The number contains besides: CONTENTS. 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. CONTENTS. 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.----XV. _Memoirs du Comte
+ de Grammont_, par Monsieur le Comte Antoine Hamilton.
+ Nouvelle edition, Augumentee denotes et eclaircissemens
+ necessaires. Par M. HORACE WALPOLE. MDCCLXXII, 4to. The
+ title-page is succeeded by a dedication "a 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 a 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. PORTRAITS. 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.----XVI.
+ _The Sleep Walker, a Comedy_: in two acts. Translated [by
+ Lady Craven] from the French, in March. Printed by T.
+ Kirgate, MDCCLXXVIII, 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_l._ in the year 1804, at a
+ public auction.----XVII. _A Letter to the Editor of the
+ Miscellanies of Thomas Chatterton._ Printed by T. Kirgate.
+ MDCCLXXIX, 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.----XVIII. _The Muse
+ Recalled_, 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.,
+ MDCCLXXXI. By William Jones, Esq. Printed by Thomas Kirgate,
+ MDCCLXXXI. 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.----XIX. _A Description of
+ the Villa of Mr. Horace Walpole, youngest son of Sir Robert
+ Walpole, Earl of Orford, at Strawberry Hill, near
+ Twickenham, Middlesex._ With an inventory of the Furniture,
+ Pictures, Curiosities, &c. Printed by Thomas Kirgate,
+ MCCLXXXIV, 4to. This book contains 96 pages in the whole. It
+ was preceded by a small quarto impression of MDCCLXXIV:
+ which is scarce; and of which there are large paper copies.
+ The work entitled _Aedes Walpolianae_ was printed in
+ MDCCLXVII.
+
+ Plates to the edition of 1784.
+
+ 1. Frontispiece, Gothic; motto on a scroll, "Fari quae
+ sentiat."
+ 2. North Front of Strawberry Hill.
+ 3. Entrance of Strawberry Hill.
+ 4. View of the Prior's Garden, at ditto.
+ 5. Chimney in the Great Parlour.
+ 6. Chimney in the China Room.
+ 7. Chimney in the Yellow Bedchamber.
+ 8. Do. ---- ---- Blue Bedchamber.
+ 9. Staircase at Strawberry Hill.
+ 10. Library at ditto.
+ 11. Chimney Piece of the Holbein Chamber.
+ 12. The Gallery.
+ 13. Chimney in the Round Room.
+ 14. The Cabinet.
+ 15. View from the Great Bedchamber.
+ 16. Garden Gate.
+ 17. View of the Chapel in the Garden at Strawberry Hill.
+ 18. The Shell Bench.
+ 19. View from the Terrace at Strawberry Hill.
+ 20. East View of the Cottage Garden at Strawberry Hill. There
+ were only 200 copies of this edition printed.
+
+ The following may amuse the curious reader:
+
+ "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 o [Transcriber's
+ Note: of] 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."----XX. _A copy of all the Works of Mr.
+ Walpole that were printed by him before his death_, 1784,
+ 4to. This brochure, which has been called "rare" in
+ book-auction catalogues, has been sold for upwards of two
+ guineas.----XXI. _Postscript to the Royal and Noble Authors._
+ MDCCXXXVI, 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 _Royal and Noble Authors_ were first
+ printed in 1759, 8vo. 2 vols.----XXII. _Essai sur l'Art des
+ Jardins Modernes_, par M. Horace Walpole. Traduit en
+ Francois, par M. Le Duc de Nivernois, en MDCCLXXXIV. _Imprime
+ a S.H._ par T. Kirgate, MDCCLXXXV. 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_l._;
+ at a sale in 1804.----XXIII. _Bishop Banner's Ghost._ Printed
+ by T.K. MDLCCXXXIX, 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 _Monk's
+ walk_. 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.----XXIV. _The Magpie and her
+ Brood_; 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.----XXV. _Fourteen different pieces,
+ printed at Strawberry Hill, of verses, cards, &c._ This title
+ I borrow from a book-auction catalogue. At a sale in 1804,
+ these detached pieces were sold for 2_l._ 2_s._; but it is
+ not in my power to identify them. Whether they be the same
+ "_parcel of scraps, and loose leaves of poetry, epigrams_,"
+ _&c._ which, according to a daily newspaper, were sold at the
+ commencement of this year "for 16 pounds," I am also equally
+ ignorant. See _Kirgate's Catalogue_, 1810, no. 420.----XXVI.
+ _Hieroglyphic Tales_, 8vo. Only seven copies printed; _idem_,
+ no. 380. From newspaper authority, I learn that these tales
+ formed "a small pamphlet of two sheets, crown 8vo.," which
+ were sold for 16_l._; 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 _first_
+ and _true edition_! There is nothing like the comfort of
+ bleeding smartly for exhibiting these fourth and fifth
+ symptoms of the Bibliomania! Vide pp. 521, 525,
+ ante.----XXVII. _Additions to First Editions of Walpole's
+ Lives of the Painters, sewed._----XXVIII. _The Press at
+ Strawberry Hill to his Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence, a
+ Poem._----XXIX. _The Master of Otranto in durance._----XXX.
+ _Air, a Poem._----XXXI. _A Poetical Epistle to Mrs.
+ Crewe._----XXXII. _A Poetical Epistle to Lady Horatio
+ Waldegrave, on the Death of the Duke of Ancaster._----XXXIII.
+ _The Press at Strawberry Hill to Miss Mary and Miss Agnes
+ Berry, a Poetical Epistle._ [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 PRELUM
+ WALPOLIANUM by subjoining a copy of the most elegant
+ title-page vignette which ever issued from it.
+
+ [Illustration: FARI QUAE SENTIAT]
+
+ Before the reader's eyes are finally turned from a
+ contemplation of this elegant device--and as connected with
+ the subject of PRIVATE PRESSES--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 APOSTOLICAL PRESS, 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 _keimelion_ in its way!]
+
+LYSAND. I do; but I have not so ardent an admiration of these
+volumes, as the generality of collectors. On the contrary, I think
+that the _Hafod Press_ has, by one single production only, outweighed
+the whole of the _Walpolian_ lucubrations; at least on the score of
+utility.
+
+I might here add, to the foregoing symptoms, a passion to possess
+works which have been _suppressed_, _condemned_, or _burnt_; but all
+these things rank under the head of _causes of the rarity_ of books;
+and as an entire volume might be written upon _this_ symptom _alone_,
+I can here only allude to to [Transcriber's Note: second 'to'
+erroneous] the subject; hoping some diligent bibliographer will one
+day do for _us_ what foreigners have done for other nations.
+
+Thus have I, rather slightly, discussed the _Symptoms of the Disease,
+called_ =The Bibliomania=. 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.
+
+It is much to be wished, whatever may be the whims of desperate
+book-collectors, that, in _some_ 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 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
+_origin of printing with metal types_.
+
+LIS. Pray give us your sentiments upon this latter subject. We have
+almost the whole day before us:--the sun has hardly begun to decline
+from his highest point.
+
+LYSAND. 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
+TRITHEMIUS[458]--who might have been numbered among the patriarchal
+bibliographers we noticed when discoursing in our friend's CABINET--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.
+
+ [Footnote 458: We are indebted to the Abbe TRITHEMIUS, who
+ was a diligent chronicler and indefatigable visitor of old
+ Libraries, for a good deal of curious and interesting
+ intelligence; and however Scioppius (_De Orig. Domus
+ Austriac._), Brower (_Vit. Fortunat. Pictav._, p. 18.), and
+ Possevinus (_Apparant sacr._ 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."
+ _Jugemens des Savans_; vol. ii., pt. i., p. 71, edit. 12mo.
+ It is from Trithemius, after all, that we have the only
+ _direct_ evidence concerning the origin of printing with
+ metal types: and the bibliographical world is much indebted
+ to Chevelier (_L'Origine de l'Imprimerie de Paris_, 1691,
+ 4to., pp. 3-6.) for having been the first to adduce the
+ positive evidence of this writer; who tells us, in his
+ valuable _Chronicon Hirsaugiens_ (1690, 2 vols. folio), that
+ he received his testimony from the mouth of Fust's
+ son-in-law--"ex ore Petri Opilionis audivi,"--that
+ Guttenburg [Transcriber's Note: Gutenberg] 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 _Dictionnarie [Transcriber's Note: Dictionnaire]
+ Historique_, published at Caen, in 1789. Of these, one of
+ the most curious is his _Polygraphia_: being first printed
+ at Paris, in 1518, in a beautiful folio volume; and
+ presenting us, in the frontispiece, with a portrait of the
+ abbe; 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
+ _monumental_ character--I have no means of ascertaining. For
+ the gratification of all tasteful bibliomaniacs, an
+ admirable facsimile is here annexed. The _Polygraphia_ of
+ Trithemius was translated into French, and published in
+ 1601, folio. His work _De Scriptoribus Ecclesiasticis_,
+ 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 Busaeus, a Jesuit. See La Monnoye's note in
+ the _Jugemens des Savans_; _ibid._
+
+ [Illustration]]
+
+LIS. I will set his works down among my literary _desiderata_. But
+proceed.
+
+LYSAND. With what? Am I to talk for ever?
+
+BELIN. 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.
+
+ALMAN. Is there any other passion, or fancy, in the book-way, from
+which we may judge of Bibliomaniacism?
+
+LYSAND. 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 ALL THE EDITIONS of a work which have been published. Not only
+the FIRST--whether _uncut, upon large paper_, _in the black-letter_,
+_unique_, _tall_, or _illustrated_--but ALL the editions.[459]
+
+ [Footnote 459: I frankly confess that I was, myself, once
+ desperately afflicted with this _eleventh_ symptom of _The
+ Bibliomania_; having collected not fewer than _seventy-five_
+ editions of the GREEK TESTAMENT--but time has cooled my
+ ardour, and mended my judgment. I have discarded seventy,
+ and retain only five: which are _R. Steevens's_ of 1550,
+ _The Elzevir_ of 1624, _Mill's_ of 1707, _Westein's_ of
+ 1751, and _Griesbach's_ of 1810--as beautifully and
+ accurately reprinted at Oxford.]
+
+BELIN. Strange--but true, I warrant!
+
+LYSAND. 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?
+
+Be it also noticed that these works are sometimes very capricious and
+extroardinary [Transcriber's Note: extraordinary]. Thus, BAPTISTA is
+wretched unless he possess every edition of our early grammarians,
+_Holt_, _Stanbridge_, and _Whittinton_: a reimpression, or a new
+edition, is a matter of almost equal indifference: for his slumbers
+are broken and oppressive unless _all_ the _dear Wynkyns_ and
+_Pynsons_ are found within his closet!--Up starts FLORIZEL, and blows
+his bugle, at the annunciation of any work, new or old, upon the
+diversions of _Hawking_, _Hunting_, or _Fishing_![460] Carry him
+through CAMILLO'S 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 steed, and to mingle in the fair
+throng, who turn their blue eyes to the scarcely bluer expanse of
+heaven! Here he recognises _Gervase Markham_, spurring his courser;
+and there he fancies himself lifting _Dame Juliana_ 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 _Barnes_ to _Thornton_.
+
+ [Footnote 460: Some superficial notes, accompanied by an
+ interesting wood-cut of a man carrying hawks for sale, in my
+ edition of Robinson's translation of _More's Utopia_,
+ 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 _The Censura Literaria_; 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 _nuclei_ productions:
+ accordingly, it became clothed with larger wings, and
+ meditated a bolder flight; and after soaring in a
+ _hawk_-like manner, to mark the object of its prey, it
+ pounced upon the book of _Hawking, Hunting, Fishing, &c._,
+ 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 _English Gentleman_, p. 200-1.) of the
+ editor's taste, than the ensuing representation of a pilgrim
+ Hawker?!--taken from one of the frontispieces of _L'Acadamia
+ Peregrina del Doni_; 1552, 4to., fol. 73.
+
+ [Illustration]
+
+ We will conclude this _Hawking_ note with the following
+ excerpt from one of the earliest editions of the abridgment
+ of our statutes:--'nul home pringe les oves dascu[n]
+ _faucon_, _goshawke_, _lan_, 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 _hawke_ de le brode dengl' appell
+ vne _nyesse_, _goshawke_, _lan_, ou _laneret_ sur sa mayn,
+ sur peyn de forfaiture son _hawke_, 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. _Abbreviamentum Statutorum_; printed by
+ Pynson, 1499, 8vo., fol. lxxvij.]
+
+There are other tastes of an equally strange, but more sombre,
+character. DION will possess every work which has any connexion,
+intimate or remote, with _Latimer_ and _Swedenborg_;[461] while
+ANTIGONUS is resolved upon securing every lucubration of _Withers_ or
+_Warburton_; whether grave or gay, lively or severe.
+
+ [Footnote 461: As I could not consistently give EMANUEL
+ SWEDENBORG a niche among the bibliomaniacal heroes noticed
+ towards the conclusion of Part V. 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
+ _Swedenborgian_, 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 _not_ 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. '_A Catalogue of the printed and unprinted Works_
+ of the HON. EMANUEL SWEDENBORG, 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, MDCCLXXXV. Those
+ marked thus (*) are translated into English.'
+
+ NO. 18. _Regnum Animale_, 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.
+
+ 19. _De Cultu et Amore Dei_, 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.
+
+ 20. _Arcana Coelestia_, 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."(*)....
+
+ 21. _De Coelo et Inferno_; 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.(*)]
+
+LOREN. I suspect that, like many dashing artists, you are painting for
+_effect_?
+
+PHIL. 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.
+
+LIS. I hope I shall shortly add to the number of such an enthusiastic
+class of book-collectors--I'm for _Natural History_; and, in this
+department, for birds and beasts--_Gesner_ and _Bewick_![462]
+
+ [Footnote 462: 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 _Birds_ and
+ _Beasts_ should be in the cabinet of every choice
+ collector.]
+
+PHIL. Restrain your wild feelings--listen to the sober satire of
+Lysander. Have you nothing else, in closing this symptomatic subject,
+to discourse upon?
+
+LYSAND. 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[463] has illustrated 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 _Roman Bibliographique_) un petit livre bien pense,
+bein [Transcriber's Note: bien] plein, et bein [Transcriber's Note:
+bien] ecrit, est plus agreable, plus utile a lire, que ces vastes
+compilations a la formation desquelles l'interet a preside plus
+souvent que le bon-gout!"
+
+ [Footnote 463:
+
+ Ie te confesse bien que le fleuve de Seine
+ A le cours grand et long, mais tousiours il attraine
+ Avec soy de la fange, et ses plis recourbrez,
+ Sans estre iamais nets, sont tousiours embourbez:
+ Vn petit ruisselet a tousiours l'onde nette,
+ Aussi le papillon et la gentille auette
+ Y vont puiser de l'eau, et non en ces torrens
+ Qui tonnent d'vn grand bruit pas les roches courant:
+ Petit Sonnets bien faits, belles chansons petites,
+ Petits discourds gentils, sont les fleurs des Charites,
+ Des Soeurs et d'Apollon, qui ne daignent aymer
+ Ceux qui chantent une oeuvre aussi grand que la mer,
+ Sans riue ny sans fond, de tempestes armee
+ Et qui iamais ne dort tranquille ny calmee.
+
+ _Poems de Ronsard_; fol. 171. Paris 1660. 12mo.
+
+ 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
+ multijugae lectionis, qui avide, quos possunt versant libros,
+ ut in mentis ventrem trajicere eos velle, totosque devorare
+ videantur, elegantis proverbii saliva LIBRORUM HELLUONES
+ nuncupari; ipso quidem Tullio praelucente, qui avidos
+ lectores librorum, ac propemodum insiatiables Helluones
+ dixit, siquidem _vastissima volumina_ 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. _Infelix Literatus_; pp. 295, 447. Morof is worth our
+ notice upon this subject: "Veniamus ad Bibliothecas ipsas,
+ quales vel privatae sunt, vel publicae. Illae, quanquam in
+ molem tantam non excrescant ut publicae; sunt tamen etiam
+ inter privatos viri illustres et opulenti qui in libris
+ omnis generis coemendis nullis parcunt sumptibus. Quorum
+ [Greek: bibliomanian] reprehendit Seneca _Ep._ 2. 45, _et de
+ Tranquil. animi_ c. 9, ridet Lucianus in libello [Greek:
+ pros apaideuton kai polla biblia onoumenon]; et Auson.
+ _epigr._ 43. Sunt ita animati nonnulli, ut
+
+ _magno de flumine malint
+ Quam de fonticulo tantundem sumere;_
+
+ cum vastioris Bibliothecae minor interdum usus sit, quam ejus
+ quae selectis paucioribus libris constat." _Polyhist.
+ Literar._ vol. i., p. 21. He goes on in a very amusing
+ manner; but this note may be thought already too long.]
+
+BELIN. Well; we live in a marvellous book-collecting and book-reading
+age--yet a word more:
+
+ALMAN. I crave your pardon, Belinda; but I have a thought which must
+be now imparted, or the consequence may be serious.
+
+LYSAND. I wait both your commands.
+
+ALMAN. My thought--or rather the subject which now occupies my
+mind--is this: You have told us of the symptoms of the _Disease of
+Book-Madness_, now pray inform us, as a tender-hearted physician, what
+are the _means of its cure_?
+
+BELIN. The very question I was about to put to our bibliomaniacal
+physician. Pray inform us what are the means of cure in this disorder?
+
+LYSAND. You should say PROBABLE MEANS OF CURE, as I verily believe
+there are no certain and correct remedies.
+
+BELIN. Well, Sir, _probable_ means--if it must be so. Discourse
+largely and distinctly upon these.
+
+LYSAND. Briefly and perspicuously, if you please: and thus we begin.
+
+In the _first place_, the disease of the Bibliomania is materially
+softened, or rendered mild, by directing our studies to _useful_ and
+_profitable_ works; whether these be printed upon small or large
+paper, in the gothic, roman, or italic type. To consider merely the
+_intrinsic 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 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, 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.
+
+ALMAN. There seems at least sound sense, with the prospect of much
+future good, in this _first_ recipe. What is your second.
+
+LYSAND. In the _second place_, 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 BIBLIOMANIA, it is some consolation to find discerning and
+spirited booksellers republishing the ancient Chroniclers; and the
+collections known by the names of "_The Harleian Miscellany_" and
+"_Lord Somers' Tracts_," and "_The Voyages of Hakluyt_."[464] These
+are noble efforts, and richly deserve the public patronage.
+
+ [Footnote 464: In the _Quarterly Review_ 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 p. 226, ante)--or the "Expedition into
+ Scotland" of 1544 (see Mr. Beloe's _Anecdotes of Literature
+ and Scarce Books_, 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 _reprinted_, 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
+ _dear_ terms upon which to purchase the _original_ 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 _Burrows's Reports_); and the judge's dictum
+ seems here a little verified. If the glass or crystal model
+ could reflect _all the lustre_ of the original, it would be
+ of equal utility; but it cannot. Now the reprint _does_
+ impart _all_ 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 _Reprints_ above commended by Lysander. When Mr.
+ Harding went to press with the first volume of the _Harleian
+ Miscellany_, 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 _Lord
+ Somers' Tracts_ 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. _The Voyages of Hakluyt_ 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.]
+
+LOREN. 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.
+
+BELIN. Can you find it in your heart, dear brother, to part with your
+black-letter Chronicles, and Hakluyt's Voyages, for these new
+publications?
+
+LOREN. 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.
+
+LYSAND. In the _third place_, the editing of our best ancient authors,
+whether in prose or poetry,[465] 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.
+
+ [Footnote 465: The last new editions of our standard
+ belles-lettres writers are the following: which should be
+ found in every gentleman's library. _Shakspeare_, 1793, 15
+ vols., or 1803, 21 vols. (vide p. 427, ante); _Pope_, by
+ _Jos. Warton_; 1795, 8 vols. 8vo.; or by _Lisle Bowles_,
+ 1806, 9 vols. 8vo.; _Spenser_, by _H.J. Todd_, 1805, 8 vols.
+ 8vo.; _Milton_, by _the Same_, 7 vols., 8vo.; _Massinger_,
+ by _W. Gifford_, 1806, 4 vols. 8vo.; _Sir David Lyndsay_, by
+ _George Chalmers_, 1806, 3 vols. 8vo.; _Dryden_, by _Walter
+ Scott_, 1808, 18 vols. 8vo.; _Churchill_, by ----, 1805, 2
+ vols. 8vo.; _Hudibras_, by _Dr. Grey_, 1744, or 1809, 2
+ vols. 8vo.; _Ben. Jonson_, by _W. Gifford_ (_sub prelo_);
+ and _Bishop Corbett's Poems_, by _Octavius Gilchrist_, 1807,
+ 8vo.]
+
+PHIL. Yet forgive me if I avow that this same country, whose editorial
+labours you are thus commending, is shamefully deficient in the
+cultivation of _Ancient English History_! 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.
+
+LOREN. To effect this completely, you should have a NATIONAL PRESS.
+
+LIS. And why not? Have we here no patriotic spirit similar to that
+which influenced the Francises, Richlieus, Colberts, and Louises of
+France?
+
+ALMAN. You are getting into bibliographical politics! Proceed, good
+Lysander, with your other probable means of cure.
+
+LYSAND. In the _fourth place_, the erection of PUBLIC
+INSTITUTIONS[466] 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.
+
+ [Footnote 466: The ROYAL, LONDON, SURREY, AND RUSSEL
+ INSTITUTIONS, 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 _Circulating
+ Libraries_--vehicles, too often, of insufferable nonsense,
+ and irremediable mischief!]
+
+PHIL. You are right. These Institutions are of recent growth, but of
+general utility. They are a sort of _intellectual Hospitals_--according
+to your mode of treating the Bibliomania. Yet I dare venture to affirm
+that the _News-Paper Room_ is always better attended than the
+_Library_!
+
+LYSAND. Let us have no sarcasms. I will now give you the _fifth_ and
+last probable means of cure of the Bibliomania; and that is _the Study
+of Bibliography_.[467]
+
+ [Footnote 467: "UNNE [Transcriber's Note: UNE] BONNE
+ BIBLIOGRAPHIE," says Marchand, "soit generale soit
+ particuliere, soit profane soit ecclesiastique, soit
+ nationale, provinciale, ou locale, soit simplement
+ personelle, en un mot de quelque autre genre que ce puisse
+ etre, n'est pas un ouvrage aussi facile que beaucoup de gens
+ se le pourroient imaginer; mais, elles ne doivent neanmoins
+ nullement prevenir contre celle-ci. Telle qu'elle est, elle
+ ne laisse pas d'etre bonne, utile, et digne d'etre
+ recherchee par les amateurs de l'Histoire Litteraire."
+ _Diction. Historique_, vol. i. p. 109.
+
+ Peignot, in his _Dictionnaire de Bibliologie_, 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
+ _Bibliographie Instructive_, 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 rare venalis expectet;
+ peculium semper praesens et paratum, ne, si quando occurrunt,
+ emendi, occasio intercidat: prudens denique auri argentique
+ contemptus, ut pecuniis sponte careat quae in bibliothecam
+ formandam et nutriendam sunt insumendae. Si forte vir
+ literatus eo felicitatis pervenit ut talem thesaurum
+ coacervaverit, nec solus illo invidiose fruatur, sed usam
+ cum eruditis qui virgilias suas utilitati publicae
+ devoverunt, liberaliter communicet;" &c.--_Bibliotheca
+ Hulsiana_, vol. i. Praefat. 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
+ _Polyhistor Literarius_? The observations of Ameilhon and
+ Camus, in the _Memoires de l'Institut_, are also well worth
+ consultation; as are those of Le Long, and his editor,
+ prefixed to the last edition of the _Bibliotheca Sacra_.]
+
+LIS. Excellent!--Treat copiously upon this my darling subject.
+
+BELIN. 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.
+
+LYSAND. The encouragement of _the Study of Bibliography_, 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.
+
+It is, my friends, in the erection of Libraries as in literary
+compositions, the task is difficult, and will generally meet with
+opposition from some fastidious quarter,[468] 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[469] 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 YOUR CHILDREN 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 _Book-Discussion_ enough to last us to
+the end of the year.[470] I begin to be wearied of conversing.
+
+ [Footnote 468: 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,
+ quantae molis opus humeris meis incumbat. Oceanum enim
+ ingressus sum, in quo portum invenire difficile est,
+ naufragii periculum a 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? Praeterea ut palato et gustu
+ differunt convivae, ita judiciis dissident lectores, neque
+ omnium idem de rebus sensus est, hoc praesertim tempore, quo
+ plures sunt librorum judices, quam lectores, et e lectoribus
+ in lictores, ubique virgas et secures expedituros, multi
+ degenerant.' _Praef. Morhof._--Even the great Lambecius (of
+ whom see p. 41, ante) was compelled to deliver his
+ sentiments thus:--'laborem hunc meum non periculosum minus
+ et maglignis liventium _Zoilorum_ dentibus obnoxium, quam
+ prolixum foro et difficilem.' Prod. Hist. Lit. _Proleg._ 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.]
+
+ [Footnote 469: 'From the last catalogue of the fair of
+ Lepisic [Transcriber's Note: Leipsic], it would appear that
+ there are now in Germany _ten thousand two hundred and forty
+ three authors_, full of _health_ and _spirit_, and each of
+ whom publishes at least _once a year_!' _American Review_,
+ Jan. 1811, p. 172.]
+
+ [Footnote 470: 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
+ BENJAMIN HEATH, Esq.; also his portrait. This document would
+ have been better inserted, in point of chronological order,
+ in part V., 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.
+
+ THE DIRECTION.
+
+ [Illustration: [handwritten]
+
+ To
+ Mr John Mann
+ at the Hand in Hand
+ Fire Office in Angel Court
+ on Snow Hill
+ [illegible]
+ in
+ London]
+
+ Exeter, 21st March, 1738.
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+ 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 L60 or L70, 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 L120, 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.
+
+ I am most sincerely,
+
+ Dear Sir,
+
+ [Illustration: [handwritten] Your Faithful & Affectionate
+ humble Servt.
+
+ Benj Heath]
+
+ [Illustration: HIS SEAL.]
+
+ L _s._ _d._
+
+ Octavo 5 Pet. Angeli Bargaei Poemata 0 5 6
+ 40 Hieron. Fracastorij Poemata 0 7 6
+ 47 or 455, or 1546, Joan. Leonis
+ Africae Desc. 0 3 6
+ 68 Christ. Longolij Orationes et
+ Epistolae 0 6 6
+ 78 Pierij Valeriani Hexametri 0 4 6
+ Quarto 46 Diogenes Laertius 1 12 6
+ Octavo 164 or 624, Scaligerana 0 2 6
+ 201 or 1280, Car. Ogerij Iter
+ Danicum 0 3 0
+ Quarto 66 Plautus Taubmanni 0 11 6
+ Octavo 282 Hen. Lornenij Itinerarium 0 3 0
+ Quarto 132 Marcus Antonius de Dominis 0 2 6
+ 143 Hen. Stephani Dialogus 0 4 6
+ 157 Ausonii Opera 0 9 6
+ 178 Anacreon and Sappho 0 8 6
+ 180 Excerpta ex Polybio 0 8 6
+ 181 Sophocles and Eschylus 1 2 6
+ ------------
+ Carried Forward L6 16 0
+
+
+ L _s._ _d._
+
+ Brought Forward 6 16 0
+
+ Octavo 405 or 2413, or 2953, Historia Gothorum 0 6 6
+ 435 or 1488, or 1688, Lucretius Gifanij 0 5 6
+ 436 Is Casaubon de Satyrica Poesi 0 3 6
+ Quarto 198 or 344, Iamblicus de Vita Pythag. 0 11 6
+ 275 Aulus Gellius Gronovij 0 18 6
+ 280 Statij quae Extant Barthij 0 18 6
+ Octavo 700 or 1093, Martial Scriverij 0 6 6
+ Quarto 302 Juvenal Henninij 0 18 6
+ 314 Manilij Astronomicon 0 11 6
+ 316 Poetriarum Octo 0 6 6
+ Folio 170 Fam. Strada da Bello Belgico 1 13 6
+ Octavo 739 Virgilius Illustratus 0 3 6
+ 752 Paulli Manutij Epistolae 0 3 0
+ Folio 206 or 235, or 590, Io. Leunclavij
+ Annales 1 2 6
+ Octavo 989 Senecae Tragediae Scriverij 0 4 6
+ 9191 1088 Pontani Opera 0 8 6
+ Folio 264 Demosthenis et Aeschinis Opera 2 17 6
+ 301 Thucydides Wasse 2 9 6
+ 306 Platonis Opera 4 5 6
+ 308 Herodoti Historia 1 7 6
+ Quarto 503 Pauli Collomesij Opera 0 9 0
+ 543 566 Bern. Pensini Vita Baronij 0 3 0
+ Octavo 1239 or 2831, Poesis Philosophica 0 3 6
+ Folio 270 Philostrati Opera 1 7 6
+ 376 Historiae Romanae Scriptores 1 11 6
+ 386 Plutarchi Opera 5 7 6
+ Octavo 1519 Caninij Hellenismus 0 2 6
+ 1608 or 2705, Virgilius Hiensij 0 3 6
+ Folio 426 Geo. Buchanani Opera 1 11 6
+ 443 Plautus Lambini 0 13 6
+ 448 Horatius Turnebi et Lambini 0 18 6
+ Octavo 1650 Dom. Baudij Amores 0 3 0
+ Folio 476 Aeschyli Tragediae 0 16 6
+ Octavo 1814 Lud. Kusterus de vero Usu, &c. 0 3 6
+ Quarto 871 Gab. Faerni Fabulae Centum 0 6 6
+ Folio 477 Luciani Opera 1 7 6
+ -------------
+ Carried Forward L42 7 0
+
+
+ L _s._ _d._
+
+ Brought Forward 42 7 0
+
+ 479 Dionis Cassij Historia 1 12 6
+ 485 Diodorus Siculus 2 18 6
+ 490 Appiani Historia 0 11 6
+ 491 Palladius de Gentibus Indiae 0 5 6
+ 498 Isocratij Orationes 1 3 6
+ Quarto 908 Papin. Statij Opera 0 9 6
+ 921 Claudian Cum Animad. Barthij 0 11 6
+ Folio 529 Maffaei Historia Indica 0 8 6
+ 509 546 Saxonis Grammatici Historia 0 17 6
+ Octavo 2101 Huntingtoni Epistolae 0 3 6
+ Quarto 1018 And. Nangerij Opera 0 9 6
+ 1023 Tho. Hyde Historia Relig. Vett.
+ Pers. 0 18 6
+ 1047 Claud. Salmasij Epistolae 0 3 6
+ 1088 Theocriti Moschi Bionis 0 16 6
+ 1089 Hesiodus Graece 0 18 6
+ Folio 627 Rerum Moscoviticarum Coment. 0 11 6
+ 638 Angeli Politiani Opera 0 18 6
+ Octavo 2354 Ausonius 0 7 6
+ 2362 Mythographi Latini 0 6 6
+ Quarto 1139 Aristotelis Opera 3 4 6
+ Octavo 2481 Fabricij Bibliotheca Latina 0 11 6
+ Quarto 1192 Sannazarij Poemata 0 11 6
+ Octavo 2526 Meursij Elegantiae 0 5 6
+ 2559 Statij Opera 0 4 6
+ 2578 Is Casauboni Comment. 0 3 0
+ 2597 Maximi Tyrij Dissertationes 0 4 0
+ Folio 698 Nic. Antonij Bibliotheca Hispan. 2 4 6
+ Octavo 2712 Ovidij Opera 0 15 6
+ Folio 765 Nic. Antonij Bibliotheca Hisp. Vetus 1 7 6
+ Octavo 2891 Pet. Dan. Huetij Comentarius 0 2 6
+ 3098 Sir John Suckling's Plays, &c. 0 3 6
+ 3099 Dr. Downe's Poems 0 4 0
+ Quarto 1498 Lord's Discovery of the Banian
+ Religion 0 5 6
+ Folio 857 or 896, Burnet's Theory of ye Earth 0 9 6
+ Octavo 3364 Milton's Poems 0 2 0
+ 3374 King's British Merchant 0 12 6
+ -------------
+ Carried Forward L68 11 0
+
+
+ L _s._ _d._
+
+ Brought Forward 68 11 0
+
+ 3379 Milton's Paradise Regained 0 2 6
+ Folio 912 Wheeler's Journey into Greece 0 13 0
+ Octavo 3463 or 3473, Grevil's Life Of Sir
+ P. Sidney 0 3 0
+ 3466 Jobson Debes's Description of Feroe 0 2 0
+ 3529 Terry's Voyage to the East Indies 0 3 6
+ Quarto 1672 Description de l'Egypte 0 13 6
+ 1692 Apologie de M. Castar 0 4 0
+ 1694 Replique de M. Girac 0 3 6
+ Octavo 3538 Geddes's History of the Church, &c. 0 3 0
+ 3600 Songs by the Earl Of Surrey 0 3 6
+ 3741 or 4112, Oeuvres de Sarasin 0 4 0
+ 3854 or 3859, Scaligerana 0 2 6
+ Quarto 1873 Viaggi di Pietro della Valli 1 5 0
+ 1875 Opera di Annibale Caro 0 8 0
+ 1876 Orlando Inamorato 0 12 6
+ 1879 or 2070, Pastor Fido 0 12 6
+ 1884 or 1977, Morgante Maggiore 0 9 0
+ 1920 or 1965, La Gerusalemme Liberata 1 2 6
+ 1928 Il Verato 0 3 6
+ 1953 Orlando Inamorato 0 9 6
+ 1957 Historia della Guerre Civili 0 17 6
+ 1967 Scritti nella Causa Veniziana 0 4 6
+ 1980 Historia della Sacra Inquisitione 0 5 6
+ 1983 Examinatione sopra la Rhetorica 0 5 6
+ 1990 or 2037, Istoria Diplomatica 0 11 6
+ 1995 Fasti Consolari di Salvini 0 9 6
+ 1998 Satire del Menzini 0 7 6
+ Folio 1109 Bibliotheca Napolitana di Toppi 1 1 6
+ 1123 Orlando Furioso 1 2 6
+ Quarto 2005 or 2039, Dialoghi del Speroni 0 7 6
+ 2015 Poetica di Aristotele Volgarizzata 0 6 6
+ 2024 Poetica di Aristotele di Piccolomini 0 4 6
+ 2031 Della Difesa della Comedia di Dante 0 13 0
+ 2033 Squittinio della Liberta Veneta 0 5 6
+ 2049 Il Goffredo col. Comento di Beni 0 9 6
+ 2050 Dante di Daniello 0 9 6
+ -------------
+ Carried Forward L84 13 0
+
+
+ L _s._ _d._
+
+ Brought Forward 84 13 0
+
+ Folio 1129 Historia del Regno di Napoli 0 14 6
+ 1132 Historia del Consilio Tridentino 2 13 6
+ 1137 Vocabularia della Crusca 8 4 6
+ Octavo 4268 Voyage de Bachanmont, &c. 0 2 6
+ 4295 or 4330, or 4339, or 4511,
+ Ragionamenti del Aretino 0 11 6
+ 4305 Prose Fiorentine 0 3 6
+ 4309 Lettre Volgari 0 3 6
+ 4321 Gravina della Ragione Poetica 0 5 6
+ 4322 Battaglie di Mugio 0 3 6
+ 4331 or 4527, La Comedia di Dante 0 11 6
+ Quarto 2053 Degli Raguagli di Parnaso 0 8 6
+ 2067 Il Decameron di Boccaccio 2 5 6
+ 2076 or 2168, Lezioni di Varchi 0 8 6
+ 2098 L'Amadigi di Tasso 0 8 6
+ Folio 1154 L'Adone del Marino 0 11 6
+ 1154 Il Libro del Cortegiano 0 13 6
+ 1162 Istoria del Concilio di Trento 2 4 6
+ 1164 La Historia di Italia di
+ Guicciardini 0 17 6
+ Octavo 4354 Rime Diverse del Mutio 0 4 6
+ 4363 L'Amorosa Fiametta 0 4 6
+ 4371 Compendio del Historie di Nap. 0 5 6
+ 4379 Opere di Guilio Cammillo 0 4 6
+ 4384 L'Aminta di Tasso 0 6 6
+ 4385 L'Opere Poetiche di Guarin 0 5 6
+ 4387 Comedie di M. Agnolo Firenz. 0 5 6
+ 4415 Notize de Libri Rari 0 4 6
+ 4416 Satire e Rime di Aristo 0 5 6
+ 4417 Delle Eloquenza Italiana 0 6 6
+ 4423 Comedie Varie 0 3 6
+ 4438 Labarinto d'Amore di Boccac. 0 4 6
+ 4443 Opere di Redi 1 1 0
+ Quarto 2100 Lettere di Vincenzio Martelli 0 8 6
+ 2103 or 2154, Ameto di Boccaccio 0 4 6
+ 2104 or 2161, Le Rime di Petrarca 0 8 6
+ 2114 Ragionamento dell' Academico 0 8 6
+ --------------
+ Carried Forward L111 17 0
+
+
+ L _s._ _d._
+
+ Brought Forward 111 17 0
+
+ 2124 Poesie Liriche del Testi 0 8 6
+ Octavo 4452 Il Petrarca 0 11 6
+ 4456 or 4550, Lettre di Paolo Sarpi 0 3 6
+ 4460 Opere Burleschi di Berni 0 6 6
+ 4464 or 4485, Prose di M. Agnolo
+ Firenz. 0 3 6
+ 4471 Commento di Ser Agresto 0 3 6
+ 4475 L'Aminta di Tasso 0 6 6
+ 4483 La Secchia Rapita 0 5 6
+ 4486 or 4627, Comedie di Aretino 0 5 6
+ 4496 Trattato delle Materie Benef. 0 4 6
+ 4531 Il 2do Libro delle Opere
+ Burlesch. 0 6 6
+ Quarto 2149 Annotationi e Discorsi 0 16 6
+ 2159 Gyrone il Cortese 0 9 6
+ 2164 Il Decamerone di Boccaccio 0 14 6
+ 2169 Historia della Cose passate 0 5 6
+ 2171 Apologia degli Academia 0 9 6
+ 2176 Della Guerra di Fiandra 2 2 6
+ 2178 Rime e Prose di Maffei 0 13 6
+ 2182 Discorsi Poetichi 0 5 6
+ Octavo 4561 La Libreria del Doni 0 4 6
+ 4591 La Cassaria 0 2 6
+ 4592 Teatro Italiano 1 1 6
+ 4614 La Divina Comedia di Dante 1 1 6
+ 4615 La Rime di Angelo di Cestanzo 0 7 6
+ 4625 Tutte le Opere di Bernia 0 6 6
+ --------------
+ L124 3 6
+ --------------]
+
+ * * * * *
+
+Lysander concluded; when Lorenzo rose from his seat, and begged of us
+to walk round his grounds. It was now high noon; and, after a
+pleasant stroll, we retreated again to THE ALCOVE, where we found a
+cold collation prepared for our reception. The same day we all dined
+at Lisardo's; and a discussion upon the pleasures and comparative
+excellences of _Music_ and _Painting_ succeeded to the conversation
+which the foregoing pages have detailed. A small concert in the
+evening recreated the exhausted state of Lysander's mimd
+[Transcriber's Note: mind].
+
+The next day, my friends left me for their respective places of
+destination. Lorenzo and his sisters were gathered round my outer
+gate; and Lisardo leapt into the chaise with Lysander and Philemon;
+resolved to equal, if not eclipse, his bibliographical tutor in the
+ardour of book researches. "Adieu," said Lysander, putting his hand
+out of the chaise--"remember, in defence of my bibliomaniacal
+gossipping, that SIMILIS never knew happiness _till he became
+acquainted with_ BOOKS."[471] 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.
+
+ [Footnote 471: 'It is reported that a certain man, of the
+ name of SIMILIS, 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
+ _reading_, and to meditations upon divine and human affairs,
+ after the manner of Pythagoras. In this retirement, Similis
+ was wont frequently to exclaim that '_now_ he began to
+ _live_:' at his death, he desired the following inscription
+ to be placed upon his tomb.
+
+ [Greek: SIMILIS
+ EN TAUTHA KEITAI
+ BIOUE MEN ETE EBDOMEKONTA
+ ZESAS DE ETE EPTA]
+
+ _Here lies Similis;
+ In the seventieth year of his age
+ But only the seventh of his Life._
+
+ This story is related by Dion Cassius; and from him told by
+ Spizelius in his _Infelix Literarius_; p. 167.]
+
+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.
+
+It was in vain that I turned to my library and opened a large paper,
+illustrated, copy of Daulby's _Catalogue of Rembrandt's Prints_, or
+Mr. Miller's new edition of the _Memoirs of Count Grammont_, or even
+the _Roman de la Rose_, printed by Galliot du Pre, UPON VELLUM....
+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 _other_ symptom, wholly different from
+any thing connected with the Bibliomania, had taken possession of
+their gentle minds.
+
+But what has a BIBLIOGRAPHICAL ROMANCE to do with _Love_ and
+_Marriage_? Reader Adieu!--When thou hast nothing better deserving of
+perusal before thee, take up these pages; and class the author of
+them, if thou wilt, with the BOSTONS, or SMITHS, or NORTHS, of "other
+times;" with those who have never wished to disturb the peaceful
+haunts of intellectual retirement; and whose estate, moreover, like
+Joseph Scaliger's, lies chiefly under his hat.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+ * * * * *
+
+p. 57. To the list of useful bibliographical works, published about
+the period here designated, I might have added the _Lexicon
+Literarium_ of THEOPHILUS GEORGIUS; _cum Suppl. ad an._ 1750. _Leips._
+1742-50, folio; two thick and closely printed volumes, with an
+excellent chronological arrangement. It is not common in this country.
+
+p. 69. The Abbe Rive was also the author of--1. _Notice d'un Roman
+d'Artus Comte de Bretagne_: Paris, 1779, 4to. _pp._ 20. 2. _Etrennes
+aux Joueurs de cartes, ou Eclaircissemens historiques et critiques
+sur l'invention des cartes a jouer; Paris_, 1780, 12mo. _pp._ 43.
+These works are slightly commended in the "Advertissement" to the
+Valliere Catalogue, 1783, pp. xxv-vj. They are reviewed by a rival
+author.
+
+p. 216. Since writing the first note, concerning the "_Assertio Septem
+Sacramentorum_," &c., I have seen a magnificent copy of the same,
+printed UPON VELLUM, 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. 404. I was right in my prediction about these _Garlands_ being
+swallowed up by some "hungry book-fish!" I saw them, a few days after,
+in the well-furnished library of ATTICUS: 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. 328. Among the ILLUSTRATED GRANGERS I forgot to notice the ample
+and magnificent copies belonging to the Marquis of Bute and Mr. John
+Towneley.
+
+
+[Illustration: DR. BENJAMIN HEATH.]
+
+
+
+
+SUPPLEMENT.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE SUPPLEMENT.
+
+PART I.
+
+THE EVENING WALK.
+
+
+The scenery and the dialogue of this Part are more especially
+_Waltonian_. The characters are few; but LYSANDER 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 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. PHILEMON is at
+rest in his grave, as well as MENANDER and SICORAX. 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 _heart_ as well as the
+cheek; and because Mr. Shacklewell (the NICAS 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.
+
+GONZALO, mentioned at page 12, 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 _manner_ in which they were exhibited. Of handsome
+person and fluent speech, he was generally acceptable to the fair sex;
+but he made no strong _individual_ 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 _root_ or two in some one female bosom; but it
+was impossible for these roots to penetrate deeply, and take an
+_exclusive_ hold. I believe Mr. Jessop quitted the neighbourhood of
+Marlow shortly after the publication of the Bibliomania, to return
+thither no more. ALFONSO was a Mr. Morell; a name well known in
+Oxfordshire. He was always in the _same_ 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 _trimmer_; be he a common man, or an
+uncommon man; a layman or a clergyman; "in crape," or "in lawn."
+
+The compliment paid by Lysander (at pages 18, 19) to Dr. VINCENT, 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 _Bibliographical Decameron_, vol. iii.
+p. 353. Poor Mr. BARKER (Edmund Henry), who is handsomely mentioned in
+the Dean's letter, has very lately taken his departure from us, for
+_that_ 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!"
+
+
+
+
+PART II.
+
+THE CABINET.
+
+
+This portion of the "Bibliomania," embracing about fourscore pages,
+contains a _Precis_, or review of the more popular works, then extant,
+upon BIBLIOGRAPHY. 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 Montfaucon, Le Long, and
+Baillet, even yet retain all their ancient respect and popularity. As
+no _fresh characters_ 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.
+
+The immense note upon the "_Catalogue of Libraries_," alphabetically
+arranged, from page 72 to page 99, is now, necessarily, imperfect;
+from the number of libraries which have been subsequently sold or
+described. Among the _latter_, I hope I may naturally, and
+justifiably, make mention of the BIBLIOTHECA SPENCERIANA; 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
+"_Reminiscences of my Literary Life_," I have given a sort of graphic
+description of this extensive work, and of the circumstances attending
+its publication. _That_ 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 _foreigners_; and when I travelled abroad I
+received but too substantial proofs that what was slighted _here_ was
+appreciated in _foreign_ 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 SUCCESSOR to
+this matchless Library--as well as to the name and fortunes of its
+late owner--there will ever remain but _one feeling_, 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 _well bit_ in the interstices of
+granite.
+
+Much later than the publication last alluded to, were the sale
+catalogues of the Libraries of Sir MARK MASTERMAN SYKES, Bart.,
+deceased; the Rev. HENRY DRURY; GEORGE HIBBERT, Esq., deceased; and
+Sir FRANCIS FREELING, 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 _lots_, darts down upon a whole _Library_, and bears it off
+"at one fell swoop." Long life to the spirit which possesses him! It
+is almost a national redemption.
+
+
+
+
+PART III.
+
+THE AUCTION-ROOM.
+
+
+We 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 _two_ 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 ORLANDO, made
+some impression upon the public, as it was thought to represent
+MICHAEL WODHULL, 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 _why_), parts that slightly
+varied from the original. Mr. Wodhull re-appears, in his natural
+person, in the _Bibliographical Decameron_, 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 family, to dispossess the present rightful
+occupant, S.A. SEVERNE, 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 _witness_ 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.
+
+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 (_ut mos
+est_) showered down upon the defendant every epithet connected with
+base fraud and low cunning, of which the contents of the brief seemed
+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 _giving_ advice, and the _following_ it
+when given, are two essentially different things. A THOUSAND GUINEAS
+had been already expended on the part of Mr. Severne! When does my
+Lord Brougham _really_ mean to reform the law? A recent publication
+("Cranmer, a Novel") has said, "that he applies _sedatives_, when he
+should have recourse to _operations_."
+
+But the reader must now hurry with me into "The Auction Room." Of the
+whole group there represented, full of life and of action, TWO ONLY
+remain to talk of the conquests achieved![472] And Mr. Hamper,
+too--whose note, at p. 117, is beyond all price--has been lately
+"gathered to his fathers." "Ibimus, ibimus!" But for our book-heroes
+in the Auction Room.
+
+ [Footnote 472: Before mention made of the Auction Room,
+ there is a long and particular account of the "_Lectionum
+ Memorabilium et Reconditarum Centenarii XVI._" 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 L8 8_s._]
+
+The first in years, as well as in celebrity, is LEPIDUS; the
+representative of the late Rev. Dr. GOSSET. In the _Bibliographical
+Decameron_, 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
+_olive branches_ 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 MUSTAPHA. 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 _met_ after this reply, and, to the best of
+my recollection, we exchanged ... _smiles_. 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.
+
+We approach BERNARDO, who was intended to represent the late Mr.
+JOSEPH HASLEWOOD; and of whose book-fame a very particular, and I
+would hope impartial, account will be found in the "_Literary
+Reminiscences of my Literary Life_." There is no one portion of that
+work which affords me more lively satisfaction on a re-perusal. The
+cause of the _individual_ was merged in the cause of _truth_. The
+strangest compound of the strangest materials that ever haunted a
+human brain, poor Bernardo was, in spite of himself, a man of _note_
+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 _hic, haec, hoc_! Haslewood,
+however, "hit the right nail upon the head" when he found out the
+_real_ author Barnaby, in Richard Brathwait; from the unvarying
+designation of "_On the Errata_," at the end of Brathwait's pieces,
+which is observable in that of his "_Drunken Barnaby's Tour_." It was
+an [Greek: eurecha] [Transcriber's Note: [Greek: eureka]] in its way;
+and the late Mr. Heber used to shout aloud, "stick to _that_,
+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 "_The Roxburghe Revels_." 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.
+
+At page 196 we are introduced to QUISQUILIUS, 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 plumage. He was thin-skinned to
+excess; and, as far as that went, a _Heautontomorumenos_! Will this
+word "re-animate his clay?"
+
+The "short gentleman," called ROSICRUSIUS, at page 127, must
+necessarily be the author of the work. He has not grown _taller_ since
+its publication, and his coffers continue to retain the same stinted
+condition as his person. Yet what has he not _produced_ 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.
+
+Yet a word or two by way of epilogue. The "Reminiscences" contain a
+catalogue raisonne of such works as were published up to the year
+1836. Since then the author has not been idle. The "_Tour into the
+North of England and Scotland_," 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 _guineas_ for _shillings_, still to uphold the beauty
+of the press, and the 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 L12. 12_s._
+Strange circumstances have, however, here and there, thrown dark
+shadows across the progress of the sale.
+
+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 _located_. 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 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.
+
+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 ... "NON OMNIS
+MORIAR!"[473] I am too poor to present them to my "Sovereign Mistress,
+the Queen Victoria;" but I _did_ present her Majesty, in person, with
+a magnificently bound copy of the _Scotch Tour_; 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 _in person_ 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 _aware_ 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.
+
+ [Footnote 473: This magnificent set of books, not _all_ upon
+ large paper, was valued at L84. It has been since sold to
+ Lord Bradford.]
+
+At length we approach the once far-famed ATTICUS: the once illustrious
+RICHARD HEBER, 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 _Reminiscences_, 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 _duplicate volumes_--even of works of the first degree of
+rarity. Of the latter, it may suffice to observe that, of the editio
+princeps of _Plato_, there were not fewer than _ten_ copies; and of
+that of _Aristotle_, 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 _one_ 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.[474] Both works are from the press of the elder Aldus.
+
+ [Footnote 474: The Rt. Hon. Thomas Grenville possesses a
+ copy of this first edition (from the library of the Rev.
+ Theodore Williams) in an _uncut_ 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 _Spenceriana_, 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?"]
+
+It may be observed, as mere preliminary matter, that 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 _only_ portrait of him--in later
+life--but the strangest whims and vagaries attended the surrendering,
+or rather the _not_ surrendering, of the portrait in question. I am in
+possession of a correspondence upon this subject which is perfectly
+_sui generis_. 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 BIBLIOMANIAC 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.
+
+I have said that the Catalogue, which consisted of 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 _Drama_, the second the _English
+Poetry_, and the third the _Manuscripts_--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 L5000. It may
+not be amiss to subjoin the following programme.
+
+Part. I. 7486 articles; Sold by Sotheby
+ II. 6590 ---- Ditto
+ III. 5056 ---- Ditto
+ IV. 3067 ---- Sold by Evans
+ V. 5693 ---- Sold by Wheatley
+ VI. 4666 ---- Sold by Evans
+ VII. 6797 ---- Ditto
+ VIII. 3170 ---- Ditto
+ IX. 3218 ---- Sold by Sotheby
+ X. 3490 ---- Ditto
+ XI. 1717 ---- Sold by Evans
+ XII. 1690 ---- Sold by Wheatley
+
+From which it should seem, first that the total number of _articles_
+was nearly _fifty three thousand_--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 _condition_ (with ONE exception), has never been equalled, and
+perhaps will probably never be surpassed. Secondly, if it be a
+_legitimate_ 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
+_one hundred and five thousand volumes_. The _net_ amount of the SALE
+of this unparalleled mass of books is said to have been L55,000: a
+large sum, when the deductions from commissionship and the
+government-tax be taken into consideration.[475] 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 _history_ of the Heber Sale might
+furnish materials for a little jocund volume, which can have nothing
+to do here; although there is more than _one_ party, mixed up with the
+tale, who will find anything but cause of _mirth_ in the recital. That
+such a MONUMENT, 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?
+
+ [Footnote 475: These deductions, united, are about 17 per
+ cent.: nearly L10,000 to be deducted from the gross
+ proceeds.]
+
+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
+_four thousand_. Now, prima facie, it seems hardly credible that
+there should have been _such_ a number, in _such_ a library, not
+deserving of mention as distinct articles: but it must be taken into
+consideration that Mr. Heber bought _many_ lots for the sake of _one_
+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.
+
+PONTEVALLO was the late JOHN DENT, 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,
+UPON VELLUM, was allowed to be knocked down for L262! Mr. Evans, who
+had twice before sold that identical volume--first, in the sale of Mr.
+Edwards's library (see _Bibliographical Decameron_, vol. iii. p.--)
+and secondly in that of the late Sir M.M. Sykes, Bart, (who had
+purchased the book for L782)--did all that human powers could do, to
+obtain a higher bidding--but Messrs. Payne and Foss, with little more
+than the _breathing_ 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 _now_:
+unless indeed they are likely to be revived by a HOLFORD or a
+BOTTFIELD.
+
+Hortensius was the late Sir WILLIAM BOLLAND, 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--
+
+ "He best shall _paint_ them who shall _feel_ them most."
+
+To me, the humbler task is assigned of recording what is only more
+particularly connected with BOOKS and VIRTU. 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 BOOKS.
+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--setting them apart for the consideration of the Dean and
+Chapter, whether a _second_ 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.
+
+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 _Lincoln Nosegay_?" 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 _myself_) 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
+_before_? For a little moment I felt the "Obstupui" of Aeneas. "How is
+this?" exclaimed I. "The secret is in the vault of the Capulets"--replied
+my Friend--and it never escaped him. "Those ARE the identical books
+mentioned in your Decameron." Not many years afterwards I learnt from
+the late Benjamin Wheatley that _he_ had procured them on a late visit
+to Lincoln; and that _my_ price, affixed, was taken as their just
+value. Of these Linclonian [Transcriber's Note: Lincolnian] treasures,
+one volume alone--the Rape of Lucrece--brought ONE HUNDRED GUINEAS 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.
+
+The library of the late Mr. Baron Bolland, consisting of 2940
+articles, brought a trifle _more_ than a guinea per article. It was
+choice, curious, and instructively miscellaneous. 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
+
+ "point a moral, or adorn a tale."
+
+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
+"_oratoire_" 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 UNIQUE
+CHAUCER 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--
+
+No. L _s._ _d._
+
+ 26 Armony of Byrdes, printed by Wyght.
+ 12mo., a poem, in six line stanzas.
+ Mr. Heber's copy. A little volume of
+ indescribable rarity 12 15 0
+
+ 221 Arnold's Chronicle, 4to., printed at Antwerp,
+ by Doesborch (1502)? 9 2 6
+
+ 406 Boccus and Sydracke, printed by Godfray,
+ at the wits and charge of Robert
+ Saltousde, Monke of Canterbury, 4to. 5 8 6
+
+1092 Cicero de Officiis, Ulric Zel 11 11 0
+
+1156 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 25 0 0
+
+1255 Marston's Scourge of Villanie. (1598.)
+ 12mo. First edition: of terrific rarity 18 5 0
+
+1624 Glanville, de Proprietatibus Rerum.
+ Printed by W. de Worde. Folio 17 0 0
+
+1848 Holland's Heroologia Anglica. (1620.)
+ Folio. So tall a copy that it had the
+ appearance of large paper 8 2 6
+
+2138 Shakspeare's Venus and Adonis. (1596.)
+ 12mo. Third edition 91 0 0
+
+2187 Shakspeare's Lucrece. First edition.
+ 1594. Quarto 105 0 0
+
+ (This was the Lincoln-Chapter copy.)
+
+The entire produce of the sale was L3019.
+
+ULPIAN, the associate of Hortensius, was, and _is_ (I rejoice to add)
+a Barrister-at-Law, and one of the six Clerks in Chancery. In the
+_Decameron_, vol. iii. p. --, he appears under the more euphonous as
+well as genial name of PALMERIN: but the "hermitage" there described
+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. LEONTES,
+mentioned at page 133, was the late JAMES BINDLEY, Esq.--of whom a few
+interesting particulars will be found in the third volume of my
+_Bibliographical Decameron_. He died before the publication of this
+latter work. Sir TRISTREM was the late Sir WALTER SCOTT--then in the
+effulgence of poetical renown! PROSPERO was the late FRANCIS DOUCE,
+Esq. My Reminiscences make copious mention of these celebrated
+characters.
+
+AURELIUS was intended as the representative of the late GEORGE
+CHALMERS, Esq.--the most learned and the most celebrated of all the
+Antiquarians and Historians of Scotland. His CALEDONIA 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
+_Shakspeare_, and his Life of _Mary Queen of Scots_ may be considered
+the principal.
+
+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 first part to sale on the 27th of September, 1841. It consisted
+of 2292 articles, and produced the sum of L2190. The Second Part was
+brought to the same hammer, on February 27, 1842, and produced the sum
+of L1918 2_s._ 6_d._ It is on the _latter_ 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 _Sonnets_ of 1595 produced
+a hundred guineas; while the _Rape of Lucrece_ (which, perhaps, no
+human being has ever had the perseverance to read through) produced
+L105 in a preceding sale: see page 591. The _Venus and Adonis_ has
+kept close pace with its companions.
+
+We may now revel among the rarities of the FIRST PART of this
+extraordinary collection--
+
+No. L _s._ _d._
+
+ 123 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 10 0 0
+
+ 488 Wilkins' Concilia Magnae Britanniae et
+ Hiberniae, 4 vols. 1737. Folio 25 0 0
+
+[Such a price is one among the few _harmless_ fruits of the Puseian
+Controversy!]
+
+958 Churchyard's Worthiness of Wales, first
+ edition, very rare, 1587. Quarto 24 0 0
+
+[In my earlier days of Book-collecting, I obtained a copy of this most
+rare volume, in an _uncut state_, from a Mr. Keene, of Hammersmith,
+who asked me "if I thought _half-a-guinea_ 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 _two guineas_! 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.]
+
+960 Churchyard. The Firste of Churchyardes
+ Chippes, containinge Twelue seuerall
+ Labours, green morocco, gilt
+ leaves, 1578 0 0 0
+
+The Second Part of Churchyard's Chips was never published.
+
+961 Churchyard's Generall Rehearsall of
+ Warres, called Churchyardes Choise,
+ imprinted by White, 1579 7 7 0
+
+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.
+
+1146 Gascoyne's Delicate Diet for Daintie
+ Mouthde Droonkardes, excessively rare;
+ 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 11 11 0
+
+1182 ---- Wolsey's Grammar. Rudimenta
+ Grammatices et Docendi Methodus
+ Scholae Gypsuichianae per Thomam Cardinalem
+ Ebor, institutam, &c., rare,
+ Antv. 1536 4 19 0
+
+The Preface, containing directions for the Conduct of the School, is
+written by Cardinal Wolsey. The Grammar is by Dean Colet and Lilly.
+
+1295 The Complete History of Cornwall, Part
+ II., being the Parochial History, (by
+ William Hals,) extremely rare 15 0 0
+
+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.
+
+1314 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 13 5 0
+
+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
+obtained by Mr. Chalmers at Pinkerton's sale in 1812. The Portrait of
+Hannay is a great desideratum to the Granger Collectors.
+
+1436 Hutton's (Henry Dunelmensis) Follic's
+ Anatomie, or Satyrs and Satyricall
+ Epigrams, 1629. 12mo. 11 11 0
+
+1461 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 41 0 0
+
+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.
+
+1508 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 48 0 0
+
+1738 Fulwell's (Ulpian) Flower of Fame, containing
+ the bright renowne and most
+ fortunate raigne of King Henry VIII.,
+ wherein is mentioned of matters, by the
+ rest of our Cronographers ouerpassed, in
+ verse and prose, extremely rare, imprinted
+ by Hoskins, 1575 9 2 0
+
+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 L30. 9_s._
+
+1739 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 17 0 0
+
+1877 (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. 131 0 0
+
+[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.]
+
+1965 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 15 15 0
+
+1983 Hake, of Gold's Kingdom, described in
+ sundry poems, 1604, 12mo. 13 0 0
+
+1984 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. 25 0 0
+
+2209 Hogarde (Myles) 19 5 0
+
+ "A Mirrour of Loue,
+ Which such light doth giue,
+ That all men may learne,
+ How to loue and liue."
+
+ Imprinted by Caly, 1555.
+
+
+PART II.
+
+163 Fraunce's (Abraham) Lamentations of
+ Amintas for the death of Phillis, a Poem;
+ excessively rare 20 10 0
+
+164 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 9 9 0
+
+171 Gascoigne's Whole Woorkes, with the
+ Comedy of Supposes and the Steele
+ Glasse, best edition, very fine copy, in
+ Russia. Imprinted by Jesse, 1587 10 15 0
+
+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.
+
+450 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 20 10 0
+
+479 Harvey's (Gabriel) Foure Letters and
+ certaine Sonnets, especially touching
+ Robert Greene and other Parties by him
+ abused. Printed by Wolfe, 1592 10 10 0
+
+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.
+
+470 Meeting of Gallants at an Ordinarie, or
+ the Walkes of Powles, very scarce, 1604.
+ 12mo. 15 15 0
+
+This scarce and curious little volume is not mentioned by Lowndes. The
+work commences with a 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."
+
+[I shall place all the SHAKSPEARIAN ARTICLES 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 _latter_ copy is one of singular interest; almost
+sufficient to add _another_ 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 UNRIVALLED.]
+
+558 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 37 10 0
+
+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 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 L91, at the sale of Baron Bolland's library: see
+page 591, ante.
+
+974 [Transcriber's Note: 934]
+ 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 41 0 0
+
+935 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 105 0 0
+
+936 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 10 0 0
+
+937 Another Copy, second edition, very scarce,
+ printed by J. Roberts, 1600 0 0 0
+
+938 Another Copy, 1637 0 0 0
+
+939 Shakspeare's Midsommer Nights Dreame,
+ second edition, printed by James Roberts,
+ 1600 105 0 0
+
+940 Shakspeare's Most Lamentable Tragedie
+ of Titus Andronicus, second edition, very
+ scarce, 1611 15 0 0
+
+Only one perfect copy of the first edition is known.
+
+941 Shakspeare, his True Chronicle History
+ of the Life and Death of King Lear and
+ his Three Daughters, second edition,
+ printed for N. Butter, 1608 14 14 0
+
+942 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 12 15 0
+
+948 Shakspeare's Richard the Second, with
+ new additions of the Parliament Scene,
+ and the deposing of King Richard 5 0 0
+
+[There were many other early editions of the Plays of Shakspeare, but
+the preceding were the most prominent.]
+
+688 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 10 15 0
+
+[This edition was wholly unknown to me.]
+
+659 Newton's (T.) Atropeion Delion, or the
+ Death of Delia, (Queen Elizabeth) with
+ the Teares of her Funerall, very scarce,
+ 1603 10 15 0
+
+565 Hilarie (Hughe) The Resurrection of the
+ Masse, with the Wonderful Vertues of the
+ Same, a Poem, excessively rare, imprinted
+ at Strasburgh in Elsas, 1554 18 0 0
+
+This is a very bitter satire on the Ceremonies, Doctrines, and
+Ministers of the Roman Catholic Church.
+
+567 Skelton. Here after foloweth certaine
+ Bokes complyed by Mayster Skelto, 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 Bussia [Transcriber's Note: Russia] 23 10 0
+
+In D'Israeli's recent Work, the Amenities of Literature, there is an
+excellent article upon Skelton, which contains many acute and original
+observations. Speaking 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.
+
+845 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 13 0 0
+
+916 S. (R.) The Phoenix 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 40 0 0
+
+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.
+
+1086 Sidney's (Sir Phillip) Apologie for
+ Poetrie, first edition, excessively rare.
+ Printed for Henry Olney, 1595 15 5 0
+
+"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.
+
+The Third Part of Mr. Chalmers's library--abundantly rich in Scotch
+literature, and containing much valuable illustration of the HISTORY
+OF PRINTING IN SCOTLAND, 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
+SCOTISH PRESS; 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 _Quarto_.
+
+MENALCAS (whose fame expands more largely in the _Bibliographical
+Decameron_ and _Reminiscences_) was my old and "very singular good
+friend" the Rev. HENRY JOSEPH THOMAS DRURY, Rector of Fingest, and
+Second Master of Harrow School; second, because he declined to become
+the _first_. 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 beaute;" and the
+"oblong cabinet" sparkled as the setting sun shot its slanting rays
+down the backs of the tomes. Of this catalogue there were 35 copies
+only printed upon writing paper, for presents.
+
+This library was strikingly illustrative of the character of its LATE
+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 _Manuscripts_ 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 "_Arundines Cami_," edited by his eldest son, the Rev. Henry
+Drury.
+
+ IN MUSEI MEI ADITU.
+
+ Pontificum videas penetralibus eruta lapsis
+ Antiquas Monachum vellera passa manus,
+ Et veteres puncto sine divisore Papyros,
+ Quaeque fremit monstris litera picta suis:
+ Aetatis decimae spectes Industria Quintae:
+ Quam pulcra Archetypos imprimat arte Duces
+ ALDINAS aedes ineuns et limina JUNTAE
+ Quosque suos Stephanus vellet habere Lares.
+
+ H.I.T.D.
+
+ OVER THE THRESHOLD OF MY LIBRARY.
+
+ From mouldering Abbey's dark Scriptorium brought,
+ See vellum tomes by Monkish labour wrought;
+ Nor yet the comma born, Papyri see,
+ And uncial letters wizard grammary;
+ View my _fifteeners_ in their rugged line;
+ What ink! what linen! only known long syne--
+ Entering where ALDUS might have fixed his throne,
+ Or Harry Stephens covetted his own.
+
+ H.D.
+
+They were part and parcel of the _Owner_ 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 _emphasised_ in certain
+bibliographical pages,[476] that "England could not then produce a
+better Greek metrical scholar than his friend Henry Drury." What was
+remarkable, he never assumed an _ex Cathedra_ 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 _Harrovians_, he never affected the airs of the
+pedagogue. How he _could_ criticise, sufficiently appears in an
+article on the _Musae Edinburgenses_ in an early number of the
+Quarterly Review.
+
+ [Footnote 476: _Bibliographical Decameron._ Dr. Goodall
+ always appeared to me to _affect_ irascibility upon the
+ subject alluded to. The contents might have been published
+ at Charing Cross.]
+
+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 in his bosom, and mantling over a countenance of
+singular friendliness of expression. He had the _power_ 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 _holiday_ with
+more unqualified delight than _he_; and when we strayed together
+beneath, or upon the heights of, the Dover Cliffs (where I _last_ 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.
+
+And now, after an intimacy (minutely recorded in my _Reminiscences_)
+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 THAT 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 _not_ from the steepness
+of the ascent. The inscription, I would submit, is too much in the
+"minor key." It was the production of his eldest son, who preferred
+to err from under-rating, rather than over-rating, the good qualities
+of his parent. For myself--
+
+ "As those we love decay, we die in part;
+ String after string is severed from the heart!"
+ &c. &c. &c.
+
+ THOMSON.
+
+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--_Childe Harold_--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.
+
+RINALDO.--Rinaldo was the late Mr. EDWARDS; 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, TWO only have survived
+the lapse of thirty years. Let _half_ of another similar course of
+time roll on, and where will the SURVIVORS 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 books, book-sales, and book-men, will then--if I am
+spared--pass before me as the faint reflex of "the light of OTHER
+DAYS!" ... 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 ROSICRUSIS.
+
+[Illustration: CONSTANTIA LABORE ET]
+
+
+
+
+PART IV.
+
+THE LIBRARY.
+
+
+This Part embraces the _History of Literature_, 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: LORENZO and NARCOTTUS. 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 _books_ and
+_prints_. A long and particular account of his library, and of many of
+his book-purchases, will be seen in the third volume of the
+_Bibliographical Decameron_; and at pages 321, 373 of my _Literary
+Reminiscences_. His library and his prints brought, each, pretty much
+the same sum: together, L60,000--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, represented 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."
+
+The notice of poor George Faulkner at page 199--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 CHARLES LEWIS--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 Romae," in his way--very quickly followed the fate of
+his father. The name of LEWIS 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 JOHN CLARKE, 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 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,
+WILLIAM BEDFORD, 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
+WORK--deserving of pearls and precious stones in its outward
+garniture! "Who was the happy man to accomplish such a piece of
+binding?"[477] observed I. "Who BUT John Clarke?"--replied the
+Bibliopole.
+
+ [Footnote 477: 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
+ _Book_. 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.]
+
+
+
+
+PART V.
+
+THE DRAWING-ROOM.
+
+
+This 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 CHARACTER; and the subject itself is amply continued in the
+tenth day of the _Bibliographical Decameron_. 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 ALCOVE--amongst _Illustrators of fine Works_?
+
+
+[Illustration: THE CAVE OF DESPAIR.
+
+_Drawn by J. Thurston.--Engraved by Robert Branston._]
+
+
+
+
+PART VI.
+
+THE ALCOVE.
+
+
+A word only:--and that respecting _Illustrated Copies_. 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 _grey_ TURNERS--let
+me only introduce to the reader's critical attention and admiration
+the opposite subject, executed by the late Mr. Branston, and
+exhibiting _The Cave of Despair_ from Spenser's Fairy Queen. The
+figures were drawn on the blocks by the late J. Thurston, Esq.
+
+
+
+
+=Illustrated Copies.=
+
+
+Under the _Illustration_-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
+
+[Illustration: RAVENSBURY LODGE, LOWER MITCHAM,]
+
+the residence of the late proprietor of this work. There we once
+beheld such a copy of the best of all existing _Encyclopaedias_--that
+of the late Dr. REES--as is no where else to be found. It was upon
+_large_ and _fine_ paper--bound in fourscore volumes--with separately
+executed title pages, in a style of pure art--and _illustrated_ with
+not fewer than TEN THOUSAND EXTRA PLATES. The 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 _manner_ in which this fertile and illimitable
+field is filled up, till he gazes upon the copy in question. Here then
+was not only a _reading_, but a _graphic_, LIBRARY IN ITSELF. Whatever
+other works _profusely_ dilate upon was here _concentrated_--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 SUCH 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 ONE."
+
+ * * * * *
+
+P.S.--The late Mr. WALMSLEY--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 _Bibliomania_.
+
+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 to say that there were only _two_ printers of great celebrity,
+the late _Mr. Bulmer_ 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 _presses_,
+_types_, nor _ink_, &c.--paper being then almost the only matter to be
+had in perfection.
+
+We have _now_ excellent and powerful iron presses--Stanhopes,
+Columbians, Imperials, &c. _Then_ the celebrated specimens of
+typography were produced by _miserable_ wooden presses. We have _now_
+ink of splendid lustre, at a fourth of the cost of fabrication
+_then_--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 _standing_, it works freely, and can be had at
+reasonable prices at the extensive factory of Messrs. SHACKELL and
+LYONS, Clerkenwell, who made the ink used for this work.
+
+There are several eminent engineers who make the best of presses. Our
+_letter_ may safely be pronounced, if not perfect, as near perfection
+as it will ever reach--and while the celebrated type-foundries of
+Messrs. CASLON, Chiswell Street, and Messrs. FIGGINS, 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.
+
+The substitution of the _inking roller_, 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. APPLEGATH, shortly after _steam-printing_ 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.
+
+B. BENSLEY.
+
+_Woking, Surrey, June_ 18, 1842.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+FINIS.
+
+
+
+
+INDEXES.
+
+CHRONOLOGICAL, BIBLIOGRAPHICAL,
+
+AND
+
+GENERAL.
+
+
+
+
+CHRONOLOGICAL INDEX.
+
+Lovers and Collectors of Books in Great Britain.
+
+
+SEVENTH CENTURY.
+
+THEODORE, Archbishop of Canterbury, 165
+
+BENEDICT, BISHOP, Abbot of Weremouth, 165, 166
+
+VENERABLE BEDE, 166
+
+
+EIGHTH CENTURY.
+
+INA, King of the West Saxons, 166
+
+ALOUIN, Abbot of Tours, 167
+
+
+NINTH CENTURY.
+
+SCOTUS ERIGENA, 168
+
+KING ALFRED, 169, 170
+
+KING ATHELSTAN, 170
+
+ST. DUNSTAN, Archbishop of Canterbury, 171
+
+
+ELEVENTH CENTURY.
+
+KING CANUTE, 172
+
+INGULPH, Abbot of Croyland, 172
+
+LANFRANC, Archbishop of Canterbury, 173
+
+ANSELM, Archbishop of Canterbury, 173, 174
+
+GIRALDUS, Archbishop of York, 174
+
+
+TWELFTH CENTURY.
+
+HERMAN, Bishop of Salisbury, 175
+
+THOMAS A BECKET, Archbishop of Canterbury, 175-177
+
+
+THIRTEENTH CENTURY.
+
+GIRALDUS CAMBRENSIS, Bishop of St. David's, 178, 179
+
+ROGER BACON, 180-183
+
+
+FOURTEENTH CENTURY.
+
+KING EDWARD THE FIRST, 183
+
+KING EDWARD THE THIRD, 184
+
+RICHARD DE BURY, Bishop of Durham, 185-187
+
+
+FIFTEENTH CENTURY.
+
+JOHN BOSTON, 189, 190
+
+JOHN PLANTAGENET, First Duke of Bedford, 190, 191
+
+THOMAS COBHAM, Bishop of Worcester, 192
+
+ROBERT REDE, Bishop of Chichester, 192
+
+HUMPHREY PLANTAGENET, First Duke of Gloucester, 193
+
+SIR WALTER SHERINGTON, 194
+
+JOHN TIPTOFT, Earl of Worcester, 198
+
+GEORGE NEVILLE, Archbishop of York, 200
+
+KING HENRY THE SEVENTH, 202, 205, 206
+
+
+SIXTEENTH CENTURY.
+
+THE EARL OF SURREY--SIR THOMAS WYATT, 14
+
+KING HENRY THE EIGHTH, 215-217
+
+JOHN COLET, Dean of St. Paul's, 14, 218-220
+
+SIR THOMAS MORE, 220-222
+
+ERASMUS, 222-224
+
+CARDINAL WOLSEY, 225-228
+
+ROBERT WAKEFIELD, 235
+
+JOHN LELAND, 242-246
+
+JOHN BALE, Bishop of Ossory, 246, 247
+
+THOMAS CRANMER, Archbishop of Canterbury, 248, 249
+
+QUEEN ELIZABETH, 249-254
+
+ROGER ASCHAM, 254, 255
+
+WILLIAM CECIL, First Earl of Burleigh, 256
+
+MATTHEW PARKER, Archbishop of Canterbury, 257-261
+
+DR. JOHN DEE, 261, 265
+
+CAPTAIN COX, 266
+
+SIR ROBERT COTTON, 267-269
+
+SIR THOMAS BODLEY, 270-278
+
+
+SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.
+
+KING JAMES THE FIRST, 281
+
+THOMAS CORYATE, 281
+
+HENRY PEACHAM, 282
+
+ROBERT BURTON, 286
+
+JOHN, LORD LUMLEY, 287
+
+HENRY HASTINGS, 287-288
+
+JOHN CLUNGEON, 288
+
+JOHN WARD, 289
+
+THE FERRAR FAMILY, 289-292
+
+ELIAS ASHMOLE, Windsor Herald, 292-296
+
+WILLIAM LAUD, Archbishop of Canterbury, 297, 298
+
+HENRY DYSON, 302
+
+RICHARD SMITH, 302, 303
+
+DR. SEAMAN, 304
+
+FRANCIS NORTH, Lord-Keeper, 309
+
+HON. AND REV. JOHN NORTH, D.D., 310
+
+ANTHONY A WOOD, 312-315
+
+FRANCIS BERNARD, M.D., 316, 317
+
+
+EIGHTEENTH CENTURY.
+
+JOHN FELL, Bishop of Oxford, 317, 318
+
+JOHN MORE, Bishop of Ely, 318
+
+SAMUEL PEPYS, 320
+
+JOHN CHURCHILL, First Duke of Marlborough, 321
+
+PRINCE EUGENE, 322
+
+NARCISSUS LUTTRELL, 323
+
+EDWARD WYNNE, 323
+
+HENRY HERBERT, NINTH EARL OF PEMBROKE, 324, 325
+
+JOHN BAGFORD, 326-331
+
+JOHN MURRAY, 331
+
+THOMAS BRITTON, 331-333
+
+THOMAS HEARNE, 333-336
+
+JOHN ANSTIS, Garter King of Arms, 337
+
+REV. JOHN LEWIS, 338-340
+
+JOSEPH AMES--WILLIAM HERBERT, 340
+
+THOMAS BAKER, 341-343
+
+LEWIS THEOBALD, 343
+
+THOMAS RAWLINSON, 343-346
+
+HUMPHREY WANLEY, 346
+
+ROBERT HARLEY, First Earl of Oxford, 347-354
+
+THOMAS OSBORNE, 354, 355
+
+JOHN BRIDGES, 362
+
+ANTHONY COLLINS, 363
+
+MICHAEL MAITTAIRE, 363
+
+RICHARD MEAD, M.P., 364-367
+
+MARTIN FOLKES, 367-369
+
+RICHARD RAWLINSON, 369-371
+
+JOHN (Orator) HENLEY, 371-373
+
+GENERAL JAMES DORMER, 375
+
+JAMES WEST, 376
+
+THOMAS MARTIN, 384-386
+
+SERJEANT WILLIAM FLEETWOOD, 386
+
+ANTHONY ASKEW, M.D., 387-391
+
+JOHN RATCLIFFE, 392, 393
+
+HON. TOPHAM BEAUCLERK, 394
+
+REV. THOMAS CROFTS, 396-398
+
+MARK CEPHAS TUTET, 399, 400
+
+RICHARD WRIGHT, M.D., 401
+
+JOHN HENDERSON, 402
+
+WILLIAM FILLINGHAM, 403
+
+MAJOR THOMAS PEARSON, 403-406
+
+REV. MICHAEL LORT, D.D., 411-413
+
+RIGHT HON. DENIS DALY, 414, 415
+
+CHARLES CHAUNCY, M.D. }
+NATHANIEL CHAUNCY, } 416, 417
+
+JOHN MUNRO, M.D., 417
+
+REV. RICHARD SOUTHGATE, 419
+
+GEORGE MASON, 419-423
+
+REV. RICHARD FARMER, D.D., 423-427
+
+GEORGE STEEVENS, 427-440
+
+JOHN STRANGE, 441
+
+JOHN WOODHOUSE, 441
+
+GEORGE GALWAY MILLS, 447
+
+JOHN WILKES, 447, 448
+
+JOSEPH RITSON, 448
+
+REV. JONATHAN BOUCHER, 450
+
+WILLIAM PETTY, First Marquess of Lansdowne, 450, 451
+
+REV. JOHN BRAND, 452-454
+
+ISAAC REED, 454-456
+
+ALEXANDER DALRYMPLE, 458
+
+RICHARD PORSON, 458, 459
+
+JOHN MADDISON, 459
+
+EMPEROR JOHN ALEXANDER WOODFORD, 459
+
+RICHARD GOUGH, 460
+
+REV. BENJAMIN HEATH, 460, 554-561
+
+
+
+
+BIBLIOGRAPHICAL INDEX.
+
+LIST OF WORKS CONSULTED OR REFERRED TO:--CRITICISMS ON THEIR INTRINSIC
+VALUE BEING OCCASIONALLY INTRODUCED IN THE FOREGOING PAGES.
+
+
+AGOSTINI (Lionardo). _Notizie Istorico-Critiche, &c., Scritt. Viniz._,
+ 60
+
+Agrippa (Cornelius). _Vanity of Human Sciences_, 19
+ _Occult Philosophy_, _ib._
+
+Ames (Joseph). _Typographical Antiquities_, 52
+ _The same_; by Herbert, 66
+
+_Anonymiana_, 246
+
+_Anthologia Graeca._ Dr. Askew's copy upon vellum, 389
+ Pinelli do. (afterwards Count M'Carthy's), 407
+
+[_De_] _Antiquitate Cantab. Acad._, 170
+
+Antonio (Nicolas). _Biblioth. Hispana Vet. et Nov._, 42
+
+_Archaeologia_, 118
+
+Arnold (Richard). _His Chronicle_, 421, 424
+
+_Arthur._ _Robinson's Life, Actes, and Death of_, &c., 374, 403
+ East's edition of, 422
+ Copland's do., 422, 450
+
+Ascham (Roger). _Works by Bennet_, 255
+
+Ashmole (Elias). _Theatricum Chemicum_, 125, 135, 167, 184, 200, 234,
+ 262, 295
+ _Diary_, 293, 294
+ _Way to Bliss_, 294
+ _Order of the Garter_, 296, 451
+
+_Assertio Septem Sacramentorum, &c._, 216
+
+_Athenaeum_, 280, 301
+
+Audiffredi (Jean Baptiste). _Editiones Romanae_, 62
+ _Editiones Italicae_, _ib._
+
+
+Baillet (Adrien). _Jugemens des Savans_, 39, 41, 43, 44, 542
+ _Catalogue des Matieres_, 44
+ _Anti Baillet_, _ib._
+
+Bale (John). _Scriptores Illustres Britanniae_, 31, 167, 189
+ _Actes of Englyshe Votaryes_, 174, 176
+ _Preface to Leland's Laboryouse Journey_, 234, 235
+
+_Ballads._ _Ancient Songs and Ballads._ See Evans, _in the General
+ Index_.
+
+Barbier (Antoine Alexandre). _Dictionnaire des Ouvrages Anonymes et
+ Pseudonymes Francoises_, 69
+ _Cat. des Livres de la Bibliotheque du Conseil d'Etat_, 78
+
+Barclaii (Johannis). _Satyricon_, 12
+
+Barclay (Alexander). _Egloges_, &c., 446
+
+Barnes (Juliana). _On Hawking, Hunting, &c._, 124, 325
+ West's copy of the St. Albans' edition of, 382
+ Mason's copy of do., 422
+ ---- ---- of Copland's edition, _ib._
+ Martin's, of Wynkyn de Worde's, 385
+ Tutet's, of do., 400
+
+Bartholin (Thomas). _De Libris Legendis_, 43
+
+Bauer (John Jacob). _Bibliotheca Librorum Rariorum Universalis_, 57,
+ 167
+
+Beloe (Rev. Wm.) _Anecdotes of Literature and Scarce Books_, 52, 444,
+ 468, 549
+
+Beughem (Cornelius De). _Incunabula Typographica_, 45
+ _Bibliogr. Erudit. Crit.-Curiosa_, _ib._
+ _Gallia Erudita_, _ib._
+
+Beyer (Augustus). _Memoriae Hist.-Criticae Libror. Rarior._, 56
+ _Arcana Sacra Bibliothecar. Dresdens_, _ib._
+
+_Biblia Polyglot Complut._, 407
+
+_Bibliographia Scotica._ Ritson's MS. of, 448
+
+_Bibliographie Curieuse._ See Peignot.
+
+_Bibliographie des Pays Bas_, 74
+
+_Bibliomania_, 487, 491, 496, 513, 528
+
+_Bibliosophia_, 487, 491, 495, 497, 511, 515, 522, 525, 528
+
+_Bibliotheca Lusitana_, by Machado, 54
+
+_Biographia Britannica._ An extraordinary copy of, 449
+
+Blount (Sir Thomas Pope). _Censura Celebriorum Authorum_, 45
+
+Boccaccio (Giovanni), _Il Teseide_, 389
+ _Decamerone_, 526
+
+Bolduanus (Paul). _Bibliotheca Historica_, 35
+
+Boucher (De la Richarderie). _Bibliotheque Universelle des Voyages_,
+ 69
+
+Braithwait (Richard). _Arcadian Princesse_, 133, 286, 299-301
+ _Nursery for Gentry_, 299
+ _English Gentleman and Gentlewoman_, 299
+
+Braun (Placid). _Notitia Hist.-Crit. de libris ab art. typog. inv._, 64
+ _Notitia Hist.-Liter. de Cod. MSS. in Bibl. Monast. Ord. St. Bened._,
+ &c., 64
+
+Bridgman (Richard Whalley). _Legal Bibliography_, 472
+
+_British Bibliographer_, 52, 171, 216, 468
+
+_British Librarian_, by Savage, 52, 468
+
+Broughton (Hugh). _Concent of Scripture_--upon vellum, 399
+
+Brunet (J.C.). _Manuel du Libraire et de l'Amateur de Livres_, 69, 70
+
+Bry (Theodore De). _Perigrationes_, &c., 410
+
+Brydges (Sir Samuel Egerton, K.J.) _Censura Literaria_, 348, 358
+
+Bure (Guillaume Francois De). _Bibliographie Instructive_, 24, 58, 137,
+ 145, 161, 166
+ _Musaeum Typographicum_, 58
+ _Cat. des Livres de Gaignat_, _ib._
+ _Appel aux Savans_, _ib._
+ _Reponse a une Critique de la Bibl. Instr._, 58, 59
+
+Bure (G.F. De Fils). _Cat. des livres du Duc de la Valliere_, 97
+
+Burnet (George). _Specimens of English Prose Writers_, 159, 255
+
+Burnet (Gilbert). _Hist. of the Reformation_, 151, 228, 229, 232, 236,
+ 238, 318
+
+Burton (Robert). _Anatomy of Melancholy_, 286
+
+Bury (Richard De). _Philobiblion, sine de Amore Librorum_, 29, 185, 186
+
+Byddell (John). _Maner and Forme of Confession_, 224
+
+Bysshop (John). _Beautifull Blossomes_, 453
+
+
+Caballero (R.D.). _De prima Typog. Hist. Aetat. Specimen_, 48
+
+Caesar. _De Bell. Gall._, 106, 165
+
+Caille (Jean De La). _Hist. de l'Imprimerie et de la Librarie_, 48
+
+Cailleau. _Dictionnaire Bibliographique_, 42, 62, 67, 68, 97
+
+Caillot (Antoine). _Roman Bibliographique_, 145, 487
+
+Camden (William). _Remaines_, 10, 168
+ _Annales_, 106, 116
+
+Camus (Amurand Gaston). _Observations sur la distribution, &c., des
+ livres d'une Bibliotheque_, 65
+ _Additions aux memes_, _ib._
+ _Memoires sur une livre Allemand (Teurdanckhs)_, 65
+ _Addition aux memes_, _ib._
+ _Memoire, &c., sur le Polytypage et Stereotype_, _ib._
+ _Rapport sur la Continuation, &c., des Hist. de France_, _ib._
+ _Notice d'un Livre imprime a Bamberg_, _ib._
+ _Memoire sur la Collection des grands et petits Voyages_, _ib._
+ _Voyage dans les departmens reunis_, 68
+
+Cardona (J.B.) _De reg. Sanct. Lament. bibliotheca_, 33
+ _De Bibliothecis, &c._, _ib._
+ _De expurgandis Haereticorum propr. nom._, _ib._
+ _De Dypthicis_, _ib._
+
+Casaubon (Meric). _A Relation concerning Dee and some spirits_, 262
+
+Casiri (Michael). _Biblioth. Arab. Hisp. Escurial._, 42
+
+_Catalogues: Foreign._
+ Augsbourg, 72, 73
+ Aurivillius, 73
+ Badenhaupt, _ib._
+ Baluze, _ib._
+ Barberini, _ib._
+ Barthelemy, 74
+ Bern, 98
+ _Bibliog. des Pays Bas._, 74
+ Bonnier, 75
+ Boutourlin, _ib._
+ Boze, _ib._
+ Bozerian, _ib._
+ Bulteau, _ib._
+ Bunau, 75
+ Bunneman, _ib._
+ Caillard, _ib._
+ Cambis, 77
+ Camus De Limare, _ib._
+ _Catalogue des Livres Rares_
+ _par De Bure_, _ib._
+ _fait sur un plan nouveau_, _ib._
+ _Catalogus Librorum Rarissimorum_, _ib._
+ Ceran, 78
+ Clement-Vatican, _ib._
+ Colbert, 78, 162
+ Conseil d'Etat, 78
+ Cordes, _ib._
+ Cotte, 79
+ Couvay, _ib._
+ Crevenna, 48, 55, 79
+ Crozat, 80
+ Damme [Van], _ib._
+ Dubois, _ib._
+ Elzevir, _ib._
+ Fagel, _ib._
+ Faultrier, _ib._
+ Favier, _ib._
+ Fay [Du], _ib._
+ Fresne [Du], 81
+ Gaignat, 81, 162
+ Geneve, 81
+ Goez, _ib._
+ Golowkin, _ib._
+ Gouttard, _ib._
+ Guyon, _ib._
+ Heinsius (Nic.), 82
+ Hohendorf, _ib._
+ Hoym, _ib._
+ Hulsius, 82, 552
+ Jena, 82
+ Jesu-Soc., 83
+ Just (St.), _ib._
+ Krohn, _ib._
+ Lamoignon, 83, 84
+ Lancelot, 84
+ Lemarie, _ib._
+ Lomenie De Brienne, 84, 85
+ Macarthy (Ct.), 85
+ Magliabechi, 85, 86
+ Mark (St.), 87
+ Medici-Lorenzo, _ib._
+ Manarsiana, _ib._
+ Menckenius, _ib._
+ Meon, _ib._
+ Mercier, 88
+ Merigot, _ib._
+ Michael (St.), _ib._
+ Mirabeau, _ib._
+ Miromenil, 89
+ Montfaucon, _ib._
+ Morelli, _ib._
+ Paris, 90
+ Petau and Mansart, _ib._
+ Pinelli, 91, 406, 407
+ Pompadour, 91
+ Prefond, 91
+ Randon de Boisset, _ib._
+ Reimannius, _ib._
+ Renati, _ib._
+ Revickzky, 92
+ Rive, _ib._
+ Roi (Louis XV.), 92, 93, 186
+ Roever, 93
+ Rothelin, 9
+ Sarraz, _ib._
+ Sartori, _ib._
+ Schalbruck, _ib._
+ Schwartz, _ib._
+ Scriverius, _ib._
+ Serna Santander, 94
+ Solger, 95, 162
+ Soubise, 96
+ Tellier, _ib._
+ Thuanus (De Thou), _ib._
+ Uffenbach, _ib._
+ Valliere (Duc de la), 97, 162
+ Vienna, 97
+ Volpi, 98
+ Voyage de deux Francois, &c. _ib._
+ Zurich, _ib._
+
+_Catalogues: English._
+ Ames (of Engl. Heads), 500
+ Askew, 388
+ Beauclerk, 394
+ Bernard (Dr. F.), 316
+ Boucher, 450
+ Bodleian, 74, 75
+ Brand, 452
+ Bridges, 362
+ Britton, 333
+ Chauncy, 416
+ Collins (Anthony), 363
+ (Concannon), 446
+ Corpus Christi (Cambr.), 98
+ Cotton, 86, 267
+ Crofts, 396
+ Dalrymple, 458
+ Daly, 414
+ Dodd, 403
+ Dormer, 375
+ Farmer, 423
+ Fillingham, 403
+ Fletewode, 386
+ Folkes, 367
+ Gough, 460
+ Harley (Earl of Oxford), 160, 347
+ Hearne, 336
+ (Heath), 460
+ Henderson, 402
+ Henley, 372
+ Hoblyn, 374
+ Hutton, _ib._
+ Institution (Royal), 99
+ Lansdowne, 450
+ Lort, 411
+ Maddison, 459
+ Manton, 306
+ Maittaire, 364
+ Martin, 384, 385
+ Mason, 419
+ Mills, 447
+ Mores (Rowe), 501
+ Munro, 417
+ Museum (British), 89, 90
+ Osborne, 355
+ Paterson, 400
+ Pearson, 404
+ Pepys, 320
+ Porson, 458
+ Ratcliffe, 392
+ Rawlinson (Richard), 369
+ Rawlinson (Thomas), 344
+ Reed, 455
+ Ritson, 448
+ Seaman (Dr.), 304
+ Sion College, 95
+ Smith (Consul), 95
+ Smith (Richard), 302
+ Smyth, 403
+ Southgate, 419
+ Stace, 458
+ Steevens, 428
+ Swedenborg, 545
+ (Thurlo), 448
+ Tutet (M.C.), 399
+ West, 376
+ Wilkes, 447
+ Wood (Anthony), 99
+ Woodford, 459
+ Woodhouse, _Prints_, 441
+ ---- _Books_, 444
+ Worsley (Dr.), 306
+ Wright, 401
+ Wynne, 324
+
+_Catalogue of Books_, 1658, 4to., 301
+
+Caxton (William). Books printed by him in West's collection, 380, 381
+ in the Fletewode do., 387
+ in Dr. Askew's do., 389
+ in John Ratcliffe's do., 392, 393
+ in Tutet's do., 400
+ in Macartney's do., 407
+ in Mason's do., 422, 423
+ in Brand's do., 454
+
+Chalmers (Mr. Alexander). _History of the University_ of Oxford, 193
+ _Collection of the English Poets_, 240
+
+Chalmers (Mr. George). _Apology for the Believers in Shakespeare, &c._,
+ 281
+ _Edition of Sir David Lynday's Poem_, 550
+
+Chartier (Alain). _Livres des quartre Dames_, 23
+ _Les faicts, dictes, et ballades_, 410
+
+Chaucer (Geoffrey). _Canterbury Tales_, 115, 118, 422
+ _Troylus and Creyseyde_, 426
+
+Chesne (Andrew Du). _Biblioth. Hist. Galliae_, 35
+
+_Chess._ Works relating thereto, 155, 156
+
+Chevillier (Andrew). _L'Origine de l'Imprimerie a Paris_, 48, 529, 541
+ _Series Auctor. de Franc. Hist._, _ib._
+
+_Choice of Change_, 465
+
+_Churchyard's Pieces_, 401, 455
+
+Cinelli (John). _Bibliotheca Volante_, 40
+
+Clarke (Rev. Dr. Adam), 459
+ _Bibliographical Dictionary_, 109
+
+Clarke (Dr. Edward Daniel). _Travels in Russia_, 81
+
+_Classical Journal_, 459, 460
+
+Clement (Claude). _Extract. Bibl. tam privatae quam publicae_, 39
+
+---- (David). _Bibliotheque Curieuse_, 55
+ _Les cinq Annees Literaires_, _ib._
+
+Coke (Sir Edward). _Institutes_, 104, 234
+
+Collier (Rev. Jeremy). _Ecclesiastical History_, 172, 232-234
+
+Conringius (Herman). _Bibliotheca Augusta_, 40
+
+Coryat (Thomas). _Crudities_, 123, 127, 281
+
+Coxe (Francis). _Detestible wickedness of magical sciences_, 180
+
+Cowper (William). _The Task_, 9, 196
+
+Croix du Maine (Francois Grude De la) et Du Verdier. _Bibliotheque
+ Francoise_, 32
+
+_Cynthia; with certain Sonnets_, 455
+
+
+Dante (Alighieri). _La Divina Comedia_ (1472), 407
+ di Landini (1481), 418
+
+Darwin (John), M.D. _Zoonomia_, 7
+
+_Debates between the_ [French and English] _Heralds_, 11
+
+Dekker (Thomas). _Works_, 402, 404
+
+Denis (Michael). _Supplementum Maittairii Annal._, 65
+ _Codices Manuscripti Theol. Bibl. Palat. Vindob._, 65, 70, 97
+
+_Dictionnaire Bibliographique._ See Cailleau.
+ _Historique._ Caen, 46, 53, 542
+ _de Bibliologie._ See Peignot.
+
+_Director_, The, 183
+
+D'Israeli (Isaac). _Curiosities of Literature_, 468, 486
+
+_Dives et Pauper._ Pynson's edition of (1493), 421, 452
+ Martin's vellum MS. of, 385
+
+Dodd (Charles). _Church History_, 232
+
+Dolman (Robert). See _Treatise of Treasons_, post.
+
+Doni (Anthony Francis). _La Libraria_, 60
+
+Draudius (George). _Bibliotheca Classica_, 25, 35
+
+_Drolleries_, 404
+
+Dugdale (Sir William). His _Works_, complete, 449
+
+Du Pin (Louis Ellies). _Ecclesiastical History_, 152, 173, 222
+
+Dunstan (St.) _De Occulta Philosophia_, 135
+
+Durandi (Gulielmus). _Rationale_, upon vellum, 390
+
+
+Ellis (Mr. George). _Specimens of the Early English Poets_, 171, 226,
+ 241, 299
+
+Engel (Samuel). _Bibliotheca Selectissima, &c._, 56
+
+_England's Helicon_, 404, 430
+
+Englefield (Sir H.C.) _Walk through Southampton_, 288
+
+_Example of Sertu_, 403
+
+
+Fabricius (John Albert). _Bibliotheca Graeca_, 49
+ _Bibliotheca Latina_, _ib._
+ _Bibliographia Antiquaria_, _ib._
+ _Bibliotheca Ecclesiastica_, _ib._
+ _Bibl. Lat. Mediae et Inf. Aetatis_, 49, 174
+ _Sylloge Opusc. Hist. Cat. Lit. J.A. Fabricii_, 222
+ _Hist. Bibliothecae Fabricianae_, 49, 222
+
+Ferriar (John), M.D. _Comments upon Sterne_, 487
+ _The Bibliomania_, 487, 491, 496, 513, 528
+
+_Festiuall, The Boke that is called_, 177
+
+Fischer (Gotthelf). _Essai sur les Monum. de Typog. de Gutenberg_, 68
+ _Descriptions de Raretes Typographique, &c._, 68
+
+_Fishing._ Books upon, 305, 452, 454
+
+Fontaine (John De la), _Contes de la_--Manuscript de Mons. Paris, 410
+
+Fontanini (Giusto). _Biblioteca del Eloquenza Italiana_, 60
+
+Fossius (Ferdin). _Cat. Biblioth. Magliabechi_, 85, 86, 121
+
+Fournier (Francois J.) _Dict. Portatif de Bibliographie_, 38, 57, 69,
+ 167
+
+Fournier (Pierre Simon). _Dissertation sur l'origine, &c., de graver
+ en bois_, 57
+ _De l'Origine et Productions de l'Imp., &c., en bois_, _ib._
+ _Traite sur l'Origine, &c., de l'Imprimerie_, _ib._
+ _Observations, &c., sur les Vindicae Typographicae_, _ib._
+ _Epreuves de caracteres nouvellement graves_, _ib._
+ _Manuel Typographique_, _ib._
+
+Fox (John). _Book of Martyrs_, 197, 228, 239
+
+Fresnoy (N.C. Du). _Methode pour etudier l'Histoire_, 53
+
+Freytag (F.G.). _Analecta Literaria_, 56
+ _Adparatus Literarius_, _ib._
+
+Froissart (Sir John). _Chronicles_, 421, 493
+
+Fuller (Rev. Thomas), D.D. _Church History_, 182, 232, 236, 260
+
+
+Gaddius (James). _De Scriptoribus non Ecclesiastices_, 39
+
+Gale (Thomas), D.D. _Rerum Anglicar. Script. Vet._, 173, 245, 269
+
+Gallois (John). _Traite des plus belles Bibliotheques_, 40
+
+Gascoigne (George). _Works_, in Steevens's Collection, 428
+ in Reed's Collection, 455
+
+_Gentleman's Magazine_, 249, 334, 413, 423, 427, 460, 471
+
+Georgius. _Lexicon Literarium_, 566
+
+Gerdes (Daniel). _Florilegium Hist.-Crit. Libror. Rarior., &c._, 56
+
+Gesner (Conrad). _Bibliotheca, seu Catalogus Universalis_, 30
+ _Pandectae_, 31, 130
+
+Geyler (John). _Navicula sive Speculum Fatuorum_, 486, 514
+
+Gibbon (Edward). _Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire_, 28
+ _Posthumous Works_, 334
+
+Gildas's _Epistle_, 11
+
+Girald Barri. _Sir Richard Colt Hoare's edition of_, 178
+
+Goddard (William). _Satyrical Dialogue, betweene Alexander, &c., and
+ Diogenes_, 13
+
+Godwyn (Francis). _Catalogue of the Bishops of England_, 174, 187, 200
+ _Annales of England_, 245
+
+Gomez, or Gomecius (Alvarez). _De rebus gestis Cardinalis Ximines_, 160
+
+Googe (Barnabe). His works in Steevens's Collection, 428
+
+Gough (Richard). _British Topography_, 118, 334
+
+Goujet (Claude Peter). _Bibliotheque Francois_, &c., 52
+
+Gower (John). _Confessio Amantis_, 181
+
+Grafton (Richard). _Chronicles_, 256
+
+Gunton (Simon). _Hist. of Peterborough Abbey_, 178
+
+Gutch (Rev. John). _Collectanea Curiosa_, 150, 225, 254
+
+
+Hallevordius. _Bibliotheca Curiosa_, 30
+
+Hardyng (John). _Chronicle_, 421
+
+Harpsfield (Nicholas). _Hist. Eccles. Anglicana_, 205
+
+Harrison. _Seven Triumphal Arches_, 445
+
+Harwood (Rev. Edward), D.D. _View of the various editions of the Greek
+ and Roman Classics_, 67
+
+Haym (Nicolas Francis). _Biblioteca Italiana_, 60
+
+Hearne (Thomas). _Johan. Ros. Hist. Angl. Regum_, 170
+ _Thom. Caii Vindic. Antiq. Acad. Oxon._, 170, 244, 289, 331
+ _Antiquities of Glastonbury_, 172, 194, 195, 326, 335, 341, 382
+ _John. Confrat. Mon. de Rebus Glastoniens._, 178, 251, 262
+ _Adam de Domerham de rebus Gest. Glaston._, 118, 239, 382
+ _Guil. Neubrig. Hist._, 178
+ _Curious Discourses by Eminent Antiquaries_, 183, 201, 251
+ _Benedictus Abbas_, 189, 269, 280, 335
+ _Robert de Avesbury_, 216
+ _Guliel. Roperi vita D.T. Mori_, 221, 327, 331, 335, 341
+ _Robert of Glocester_, 248, 333, 335
+ _Peter Langtoft's Chronicle_, 10, 302
+ _Tit. Liv. Foro-Juliensis_, 250, 344, 371
+ _Annals of Dunstaple Priory_, 289
+ _Liber Niger Scaccarii_, 304
+ _Hist. Vit. et Regni Ricardi II._, 317, 318
+ _Walt. Hemingford Hist._, 328, 341, 343, 344, 366, 383
+ _Heming. Wigorens. Chartular._, 328, 329, 333
+ _Thomas de Elmham_, 335, 341
+ _Alured de Beverley_, 335, 344
+
+Heinecken (Baron). _Nachrichten von Kunstlern_, &c., 63
+ _Idee Generale d'une Collection d'Estampes_, 63, 205
+ _Dictionnaire des Artistes_, 63
+
+Henry (Rev. Robert), D.D. _History of Great Britain_, 146, 165, 166,
+ 167, 173, 179, 199
+
+Herbert (William). _Typographical Antiquities_, 67, 239, 248, 438, 439
+
+_Heures de Notre Dame_, 90
+
+Heylin (Rev. Peter), D.D. _Life and Death of Archbishop Laud_, 297
+
+Hirschius (C.C.). _Librorum ab Anno I. usque ad Annum L. Sec. xvi._,
+ 48
+
+Horatius. _Carmen_, lib. i., &c., 106
+
+
+Jacob (Louis). _Traicte des plus belles Bibliotheques_, 39, 113
+ _Bibliotheque Universelle_, 39
+ _Bibliotheca Parisina_, 39
+
+Jansen. _De l'Invention de l'Imprimerie_, 58
+
+_John Bon and Mast. Person_, 240
+
+Johnson. _Upon English Bibles_, 248
+
+
+_Kalender of Shepherds_, 204
+
+Kennet (White, D.D., Bishop of Peterborough). _Parochial Antiquities_,
+ 493
+
+Knight (Rev. Samuel), D.D. _Life of Colet_, 218, 445
+ _Life of Erasmus_, 223, 445
+
+Koenigius (George Matthias). _Biblioth. Vet. et Nov._, 43
+
+Kollarius (Adam Francis). His edition of Lambecius's _Commentarii_,
+ &c., 41, 42
+
+
+Labbe (Philip). _Bibliotheca Bibliothecarum_, 40
+ _Bibliotheca Nummaria_, 41
+ _Mantissa Suppellectilis_, _ib._
+ _Specimen Nov. Bibl. Manuscript_, _ib._
+ _Collectio maxima Conciliorum_, _ib._
+
+Lackman (Adam Herne). _Annal. Typog. selecta quaedam capita_, 48
+
+Laire (Franciscus Xavier). _Specimen Hist. Typog. Rom._, 62
+ _Dissertation sur l'Imprimerie en Franche Comte_, 62
+ _Index Libror. ab invent, typog. ad ann. 1500_, 62, 84
+
+Lambecius (Pierre). _Commentarii de Bibl. Caesar Vindobon._, 41
+
+Lambinet (P.). _Recherches, &c., sur l'Origine de l'Imprimerie_, &c.,
+ 24, 68
+
+Laneham (Robert). _Letter of the Entertainment given to Q. Elizabeth
+ at Killingworth Castle_, 266, 267
+
+Latimer (Hugh), Archbishop of Canterbury. _Sermons_, 230, 231
+
+Leibnitz (Godfrey William De). _Idea Bibliothecae Publiae_, &c., 50
+ _Scriptores Rerum Brunsvicensium_, _ib._
+
+Leland (John). _Collectanea_, 150, 200, 244
+ _De Scriptoribus Britannicis_, 175
+ _Itinerarium_, 193
+
+Le Long (Jacques). _Bibliotheca Sacra_, 49
+ _Bibliotheque Historique de la France_, 49
+
+Lewin. _Birds of Great Britain_, 445
+
+Lewis (Rev. John). _Upon English Bibles_, 248
+
+_Life off the 70 Archbishop of Canterbury_, &c., 258
+
+Lipenius (Martin). _Biblioth. Theol. Med. Philos. Jurid._, 43
+
+Lipsius (Justus). _Syntagma de Bibliothecis_, 34
+
+Lloyd (David). _Memoirs of the Sufferers_, 297
+
+Lomeier (John). _De Bibliothecis liber singularis_, 40, 113, 167
+
+Lupset (Thomas). _Exhortacion to yonge men_, 227
+
+
+Macdiarmid (John). _Lives of British Statesmen_, 222, 256
+
+Mackenzie (George), M.D. _Scottish Writers_, 196
+
+Maichelius (Daniel). _De Praecip. Bibl. Paris_, 38, 529
+
+Maittaire (Michael). _Annales Typographici_, 47, 325, 362
+ _Historia Stephanorum_, &c., 47
+ _Historia Typographor. aliquot. Parisiens_, 47
+
+Marchand (Prosper). _Dict. Historique, ou Memoires Critiques_, &c.,
+ 45, 55, 223, 551
+ _Histoire de l'Imprimerie_, 55, 56
+
+_Marie Magdalene._ Life and Repentance of, 448
+
+Marville. _Melanges d'Histoire et de Literature_, 490
+
+Masters (Robert). _Life of Thomas Baker_, 341, 347
+
+Maunsell (Andrew). _Catalogue of English Books_, 280
+
+Mazzuchelli (Giovanni Maria). _Gli Scrittori d'Italia_, &c., 60
+
+Meerman (Gerard). _Origines Typographicae_, 57
+
+_Memoires de l'Institut National_, 25, 32, 42, 50, 526
+
+_Memoirs (Old and New) of Literature_, 16
+
+Mercier de St. Leger. _Supplement a l'Histoire de l'Imprimerie par
+ Marchand_, 61
+ _His bibliographical character_, _ib._
+ _Catalogue of his books_, 88
+
+Middleton (Rev. Conyer), D.D. _Dissertation upon the Origin of the Art
+ of Printing_, 52
+
+Momoro (Antoine Francois). _Traite Elementaire de l'Imprimerie_, 529
+
+Monstrelet (Enguerand De). _Chronicles of, translated by Mr. Johnes_,
+ 154
+
+_Monthly Mirror_, 17
+
+_Monthly Review_, 16
+
+More (Sir Thomas). _Utopia_, 220, 228, 301
+
+Mores (Edward Rowe). _Of English Founders and Founderies_, 501, 528
+
+Morhof (Daniel George). _Polyhistor. Literarius_, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34,
+ 35, 36, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 45, 46, 81, 187, 547, 553
+ _Princeps Medicus_, 46
+ _Epistola de Scypho vitreo per somn. human. voc. rupto_, 46
+
+Murr (C.T. De). _Memorabilia Biblioth. Public. Norimb._, 64
+
+
+Nash (Thomas). Wright's collection of his _Works_, 401
+
+Naude or Naudaeus (Gabriel). _Avis pour dresser une Bibliotheque_, 38
+ _Mascurat_, _ib._
+ _Considerations politiques_, _ib._
+ _Additions a l'Histoire de Louis XI._, _ib._
+ _Avis a Nos seigneurs de Parlement_, _ib._
+ _Remise de la Bibliotheque, &c._, _ib._
+ _Catalog. Biblioth. Cordes._, 78
+ _Apologie, &c., faussement soupconnez de magie_, 18
+
+Neander (Michael). _Erotemata Graecae Linguae_, 32
+
+Niceron (Jean Pierre). _Memoires pour servir a l'Histoire des Hommes
+ Illustres_, 53
+
+Nichols (John). _Manners and Expenses of ancient times in England_,
+ 115-117
+ _History of Leicestershire_, 119
+ _Anecdotes of Bowyer_, 355, 366, 369, 383
+
+Nicolson (William, D.D., Bishop). _English, Scottish, and Irish Hist.
+ Libraries_, 51
+ _Epistolary Correspondence_, _ib._
+
+Noble (Rev. Mark). _Continuation of Granger_, 325
+
+North (Roger). _Life of Lord Keeper Guildford_, 309
+ _Life of the Hon. and Rev. Dr. John North_, 310-312
+ _Examen_, 309
+
+
+Oberlin (Jeremiah James). _Essai d'Annales de la vie de Jean
+ Gutenberg_, 68
+
+Ogilby (William). _His Works_, 449
+
+Oldys (William). _British Librarian_, 51, 52, 468
+ _Life of Raleigh_, 500
+ _Harleian Miscellany_, _ib._
+ _Interleaved Langbaine_, 499
+
+_Oliver of Castille. Romance of_, 153, 154, 381
+
+_Ordynary of Christian Men_, 203
+
+Orlandi (Pellegrino Antonio). _Origine e Progressi della stampa, &c._,
+ 47
+
+Osmont. _Dictionnaire Typographique_, 162
+
+Otho and Octhobone. _Constitutions Provinciales_, 151
+
+
+Painter (William). _Palace of Pleasure_, Hutton's copy of, 374
+
+Paitoni (Giacomo Maria). _Biblioteca degli Autori Antichi, &c._, 60
+
+Palmer (Samuel). _History of Printing_, 52, 528
+
+Pansa (Mutius). _Biblioteca Vaticana_, 33
+
+Panzer (George Wolfgang Francis). _Annales Typographici_, 64
+ _Annalen der altern Deutschen Literatur, &c._, _ib._
+
+_Paradise of Dainty Devises_, 404, 425, 429
+
+Park (Mr. Thomas). _Royal and Noble Authors_, 193, 199, 241
+ _Edition of the Harleian Miscellany_, 549
+
+_Passe temps de tout hommes, &c._, 203
+
+Peacham (Henry). _Compleat Gentleman_, 283-285
+
+Peignot (Gabriel). _Dictionnaire de Bibliologie_, 24, 38, 59, 64, 65,
+ 68, 69, 486, 552
+ _Essai de Curiosites Bibliographiques_, 68, 69, 496
+ _Dictionnaire, &c., des Livres condamnes, &c., ou censures_, 69
+ _Bibliographie Curieuse_, 59, 69
+
+Petrarca (Francisco) [Transcriber's Note: Francesco]. _Le Rime_ (1475),
+ 407
+ _Opere de_ (1514), 410
+
+Pitseus (Johannes). _De Rebus Anglicis_, 38, 189
+
+_Plaister for a galled horse_, 239, 240
+
+Plato. _Opera Omnia_--upon vellum, 390
+
+Plinii. _Hist. Naturalis_ (1470), upon vellum, 519
+ (1472), upon vellum, 417
+
+_Pole. Life of Reginald_, 229, 234
+
+_Polychronicon._ _Caxton's edit._, 174, 175
+
+_Pope (Sir Thomas). Life of_, 150, 241
+
+Possevinus (Antonius). _Bibliotheca Selecta, &c._, 34
+ _Apparatus Sacer_, _ib._
+
+Praet (Joseph Van). _Cat. des MSS. du Duc de la Valliere_, 60, 68
+ _Cat. des Livres imprimes sur Velin_, 60
+
+Prince (John). _Worthies of Devon_, 270
+
+Priscianus. _De Art. Gram._ (1470), 407
+
+_Promptuarium Parvulorum_, 1499. Martin's Copy of, 385
+
+Prynne (William). _Records_, 415
+
+Puhtherb (Gabriel). _De tollendis et expurgandis malis libris_, 43
+
+Puteanus (Ericus). _De Usu Bibliothecae_, &c., 34
+ _Auspicia Bibliothecae Lovaniensis_, _ib._
+
+Puttenham (George). _Art of English Poesie_, 404
+
+_Pype or Tonne of Perfection_, 234, 370
+
+
+Quirini (Angelo Maria, Cardinal). _Specimen variae Literaturae Brixiens_,
+ 54
+ _Catalogo delle Opere, &c._, _ib._
+ _De Optimorum Scriptorum Editionibus_, _ib._
+
+
+Rastell (John). _Chronicle, or Pastyme of People_, 281
+ Martin's copy of, 385
+ Ratcliffe's copy of, 392
+ Chauncy's copy of, 417
+ Mason's copy of, 421
+
+Raynaud (Theophilus). _Erotemata de malis ac bonis libris, &c._, 43
+
+_Recueil des Historiens des Gaules_, 173, 659 [Transcriber's Note: 492]
+
+Reimannus. _Bibliotheca Acroamatica_, 29, 41
+
+Renouard (Antoine Auguste). _L'Imprimerie des Alde_, 34, 68, 488
+
+_Revelacions of a Monk of Euisham_, 202
+
+_Revelationes scancte [Transcriber's Note: sancte] Birgitte_, 204
+
+_Reviews._ _American_, 520, 553
+ _Edinburgh_, 133, 220
+ _Monthly_, 16
+ _Quarterly_, 282, 289, 320, 549
+
+Ridley (Nicholas, Bishop of London). _Life of Ridley_, 201
+
+Ritson (Joseph). _Ancient English Metrical Romances_, 199
+
+Rive (Abbe Jean Joseph). _Chasse aux Bibliographes_, 59
+ _Notices Calligraphiques, &c._, _ib._
+ _Anecdotes of_, _ib._
+ _Catalogue of his library_, 92
+ _L'Art de connoitre les Miniatures des MSS. anciens_, 409
+ _Notice d'un Roman d'Artus_, 566
+ _Etrennes aux Joueurs des Cartes_, _ib._
+
+_Robin Hood. A merry jest of_, 425
+
+Roccha (Angelus). _Bibliotheca Vaticana_, 33
+
+_Romances_ in Croft's Library, 396-398
+ in Farmer's ditto, 425
+
+Ronsard (Peter De). _Poemes de_, 546
+
+Rossi (John Bernard De). _Annales Hebraeo-Typographici_, 64
+
+Roy (William). _Rede me and be not wroth_, 226, 400, 422, 429, 549
+
+Rymeri (Thomas). _Foedera_, 15, 190
+
+
+Sandford (Francis). _Genealogical History_, 492
+
+Savile (Sir Henry). _Scriptores post Bedam_, 244
+
+Saxius (Christopher). _Onomasticon Literarium_, 43, 62
+
+Schelhorn (J.G.) _Amoenitates Literariae_, &c., 48, 528, 529
+ _Amoenitates Hist. Ecclesiast. et Lit._, 48
+
+Schoepflin (John Daniel). _Vindicae Typographicae_, 58
+
+Scholtzius. _Icones Bibliopolorum et Typographorum_, 48
+ _Thesaurus Symbolorum et ac Emblematum_, _ib._
+
+Schottus (Andreas). _De Bibl. et claris. Hisp. Viris_, 35
+
+Scott (Reginald). _Discovery of Witchcraft_, 492
+
+Scott (Walter). _Hunting Song_, 130
+ _Marmion_, 461
+ _Lady of the Lake_, 157
+ _Edition of Dryden's Works_, 181, 323
+ _Edition of the Somers Tracts_, 549
+
+Seemiller (Sebastian). _Bibl. Ingolstad. Incunab. Typog._, 63
+
+Seiz (John Christopher). _Annus Tertius Saecular. Inv. Hist. Typog._,
+ 47, 48
+
+Senebier (Jean). _Catalogue des MSS. de Geneve_, 36, 81
+
+Serna Santander. _Catalogue des Livres de_, 42, 45, 94
+ _Diction. Bibliogr. Choisi du XV. Siecle_, 67, 161
+
+_Sevin Seages, The_, 448
+
+Shakspeare. Edit. 1803, 225, 523
+ Early editions of in Wright's collection, 402
+ in Smyth's ditto, 403
+ in Farmer's ditto, 425
+ in Steevens's ditto, 430-436
+ Steevens's own edition of, 427
+ The edition of 1803, _ib._
+ Portrait of, 428
+ Ritson's manuscript notes relating to, 448
+ Reed's collection of tracts relating to, 455
+
+_Ship of Fools_, 206, 424, 486
+
+Skelton (John). _Works of_, Martin's set of, 386
+ Wright's ditto, 401
+ Pearson's ditto, 405
+ Steevens's ditto, 429
+ Woodhouse's ditto, 445
+
+Smith (John). _Printer's Grammar_, 529
+
+Snelling (Thomas). _Works upon the Coinage_, 399
+
+_Speculum Christiani_, 169
+ Chauncy's copy of, 416
+ Mason's copy of, 420
+
+Speed (John). _Hist. of Great Britain_, 233
+
+Spizelius (Theophilus). _Infelix Literatus_, 26, 122, 547
+
+Stapleton (Thomas). _Translation of Bede's Ecclesiastical History_,
+ 168
+ _Counterblast to Horne's Vayne Blaste_, 215
+
+Stowe (John). _Chronicle, or Annals_, 166, 167, 200, 217, 305
+
+Struvius (Gottlieb). _Bibliotheca Librorum Rariorum_, 50
+ _Bibliotheca Historica_, _ib._
+ _cura Meusel_, _ib._
+ _Bibliotheca Hist. Selecta_, 51
+ _Bibliotheca Saxonica_, _ib._
+
+Strype (Rev. John). _Life of Cranmer_, 222, 229, 232, 248, 249, 304
+ _Ecclesiastical Memorials_, 229, 230, 232
+ _Annals of the Reformation_, 238
+ _Life of Parker_, 246, 256, 259
+
+Stubbes (Philip). _Anatomy of Abuses_, 279, 654 [Transcriber's
+Note: 454]
+
+_Supplicacion of Beggars_, 228
+
+
+Tanner (Thomas, Bishop of St. Asaph). _Edition of Wood's Athenae
+ Oxonienses_, 46
+ _Bibliotheca Britan. Hibernica_, 52, 181, 190, 192
+
+Teisser (Anthony). _Bibliotheca Bibliothecarum_, 41
+
+Terentianus (Maurus). Dr. Askew's copy of, 391
+
+_Tewrdanckhs._ A book so called, 65, 390
+ Dr. Askew's copy of--upon vellum, 390
+ Tutet's copy of, 400
+
+Thomson (James). _Winter_, 105;
+ _Autumn_, 481
+
+Tiraboschi (Girolamo). _Letteratura Italiana_, 61
+
+Toderini (Giambatista). _Letteratura Turchesca_, 60
+
+Todd (Rev. Henry John). _Illustrations of Gower and Chaucer_, 15, 242,
+ 246, 320
+
+_Treatise of Treasons_, 236
+
+Trefler (Florian). _Disposition des Livres dans une Bibliotheque_, 32
+
+_Troie, Recueil of the Histories of_, 446
+
+Turner (Mr. Sharon). _History of the Anglo Saxons_, 170
+
+Tusser (Thomas). _Five Hundred Points of good Husbandry_, 529
+
+Twyne (Bryan). _Antiquit. Acad. Oxon._, 179, 181
+
+Tyndale (William). _The Practice of Popishe Prelates_, 176, 226
+
+Tyrrel (Sir James). _Hist. of England._ Daly's copy of, 414
+
+
+_Universal Historical Bibliotheque_, 16
+
+
+Vallans. _Tale of Two Swannes_, 256
+
+Valois. _Discours sur les Bibliotheques Publiques_, 54
+
+Van Praet (Joseph), 68
+
+Virgilii _Opera_ (1470), upon vellum; do. (1472); do., 417
+
+_Vita et Processus, &c., Thomae a Becket_, 177
+
+Vives (Ludovicus). _Instruction of a Christian Woman_, 152, 283
+
+Vogler. _Universalis in notit. cuj. generis bonor. Scriptor. introd._,
+ 43
+
+Vogt (John). _Catalogus Librorum Rariorum_, 31, 32, 33, 35, 56, 161,
+ 522
+
+
+_Walks in Powles_, 278
+
+Walton (Izaak). _Complete Angler_, 9, 125, 126, 500
+
+Warton (Joseph). _Hist. Engl. Poetry_, 118, 175, 178, 179, 186, 187,
+ 194, 204, 226, 241, 425
+
+Wasse. _Bibliotheca Literaria_, 51
+
+Watson. _History of the Art of Printing_, 52
+
+Webbe (William). _Discourse of English Poetrie_, 404, 430
+
+_Weekly Memorials for the Ingenious_, 16
+
+Wendler (John Christian). _Dissertatio de var. raritat. libror.
+ impress. causis_, 55
+
+Werburge (St.). _Life of._ Martin's copy of, 385
+ Pearson's do., 405
+ Woodhouse's do., 446
+
+Wharton (Henry). _Anglia Sacra_, 171
+
+Withers (George). _Emblems_, 305
+
+Wolfius (John Christian). _Monumenta Typographica_, 48
+ _Bibl. Aprosiana_, 123
+
+Wolfius (John). _Lectiones Memorabiles, &c._, 110, 125
+
+Wordsworth (Rev. Christopher, D.D.). _Ecclesiastical Biography_, 221,
+ 227, 239, 290
+
+_Works of the Learned_, 16
+
+Wood (Anthony). _Athenae Oxonienses_, 46, 51
+ _Hist. and Antiq. of the Colleges and Halls of Oxford_, 192, 235
+ _Annals of the University of Oxford_, 46, 179, 181, 187, 192, 193,
+ 278, 315
+
+Wurdtwein (Stephen Alexander). _Bibliotheca Moguntina_, 64
+
+
+Ximenes (Cardinal Francis). _Bibl. Polyglot. Complut._, 160, 407
+ _Missale Mozarabicum_, 160
+ _Breviarum Mozarabicum_, _ib._
+
+
+Zapf (George William). _Annales Typog. Augustan._, 48
+
+
+
+
+GENERAL INDEX.
+
+
+_Agrippa_ (_Cornelius_). Account of some of his works, 19
+
+_D'Aguesseau_ (_Chancellor_). Account of his Library, 72
+
+_Alcove, the._ Description of Lorenzo's, 481, 482
+
+_Alcuin_, 167
+
+_Alfred_, 169
+
+_Alphonso._ An obstinate literary character, 14
+
+_Ames_ (_Joseph_), 340
+
+_Ancillon._ Pillage of his library, 522
+
+_Anne Boleyn._ Her coronation dinner described by Stow, 216, 217
+
+_Anselm_, 174
+
+_Anstis_ (_John_). Original letter of, 239
+ Literary character of, 337, 338
+
+_Antiphoners_, 115
+
+_Antonio_ (_Nicolas_). _See Bibliographical Index._
+
+_Arch_ (_Messrs. John and Arthur_). Their purchase of Sandford's
+ Genealogical History, L.P., 492
+
+_Aristotle's Works_--printed upon vellum, 519
+
+_D'Artois_ (_Count_). Catalogue of his library, 72
+ Purchase of the Valliere Collection, 97
+
+_Ascham_, (_Roger_). His 'Schoolmaster' commended, 283
+
+_Ashmole_ (_Elias_). Some account of, 293-296
+
+_Askew_ (_Dr. Anthony_). Some account of, with specimens of his
+ library, 388-391
+
+_Atticus._ A book-auction bibliomaniac, 128-132, 137
+
+_Auctions of Books._ Their origin in this country, 304-308
+ Warmth of bidders at, 307
+
+_Audiffredi_ (_Jean Baptiste_). _See Bibliographical Index._
+
+_Autumnal Morning_, 480, 481
+
+
+_Baber_ (_Rev. Henry Hervey_). Preparation of the Catalogue of the
+ Museum printed books, 90
+ His edition of Wickliffe's translation of the New Testament, 339
+
+_Bacon_ (_Roger, or Friar_), 180-183
+
+_Bacon_ (_Sir Nathaniel_). Libellous character of, 237
+
+_Bagford_ (_John_). Some account of, 326-331
+ Wood-cut of his rebus, or device, 331
+
+_Baillet_ (_Adrien_). Some account of, 43-45--_See Bibliographical
+ Index._
+
+_Baker_ (_Thomas_). Some account of, 341-343
+ Extract from his will, 342
+
+_Baker_ (_late Mr. George_). Copy of Reed's catalogue of books, 457
+ Catalogue of Strawberry-Hill Pieces, 539
+
+_Bale_ (_John, Bishop of Ossory_). Some account of, 246-248
+ His portrait, 247
+
+_Baltimore_ (_Lord_). His 'Gaudia Poetica,' 532
+
+_Barnes_ (_Juliana_). Her Work on Hunting, &c., 124, 325, 381, 384,
+ 519
+
+_Barthelemy_ (_Abbe_). Catalogue of his library, 74
+
+_Bartholin._ _See Bibliographical Index._
+
+_Beauclerk_ (_Hon. Topham_). Account of his library, 394, 395
+
+_Becket_ (_Thomas a_), 176
+ Account of his murder, 177
+
+_Bede_, 166
+
+_Bedford_ (_John, Duke of_). His beautiful Missal, 190, 191
+
+_Beloe_ (_Rev. Mr._). _See Bibliographical Index._
+
+_Benedict_ (_Biscop_), 165
+
+_Benet_ (_Sir John_). Assists Sir T. Bodley in erecting the Bodl.
+ Library, 275
+
+_Bernard_ (_Dr. Francis_). Some account of his library, 316, 317
+ Engraving of his portrait, 503
+
+_Bernardo._ A book-auction bibliomaniac, 124
+ His copy of an Illustrated Chatterton, 500
+ of Walton's Complete Angler, _ib._
+
+_Berryer_ (_Mons._). His care and skill in having his books bound, 513
+
+_Beughem._ _See Bibliographical Index._
+
+_Bibles._ Ancient English, 238
+
+_Bibliographers._ Character of aspersed, 483
+
+_Bibliography._ Cabinet of, 21
+ Opinions of foreign critics thereupon, 24, 25
+ Outline of its rise and progress, 29-99
+ Utility and importance of the study so called, 552
+
+_Bibliomania._ History of the Bibliomania, or of English
+ Book-Collectors, 165-461
+ See _Chronological Index_.
+ Definition of, and works upon, 485-487
+ { 1. Large Paper Copies, 487, 488, 491-494
+ { Tall and Fine paper do., 494
+ { 2. Uncut Copies, 494-496
+ { 3. Illustrated Copies, 496-511
+ { 4. Unique Copies, 511-514
+ Symptoms of the { 5. Copies printed upon Vellum, 515-521
+ Disease so called; { 6. First Editions, 521-525
+ being a passion { 7. True Editions, 525-527
+ for { 8. Books printed in the black letter, 527-531
+ { 9. for private distribution, 532-534
+ { 10. at a Private Press, 533-539
+ { 11. suppressed, condemned, &c., 537
+ { 12. All the editions of a work, 542-546
+ { 13. Large and Voluminous Works, 546
+
+ { 1. Studying of Useful & Profitable Works, 548
+ Probable Means of { 2. Reprints of scarce and valuable Works, 549
+ the Cure of { 3. Editing of the best Authors, 550
+ { 4. Erection of Literary Institutions, 551
+ { 5. Study of Bibliography, 551, 552
+
+_Bibliomaniacs._ Character of, 4
+ Book-auction bibliomaniacs, 307
+
+_Black Letter._ Passion for books printed in the, 527-531
+
+_Blandford_ (_Marquis of_). His zeal in collecting books printed by
+ Caxton, 322
+
+_Blenheim._ Account of the library there, 321
+
+_Blount_ (_Thomas_). See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Bodleian Library._ Catalogue of, 74
+ History of its erection, 270-278
+ List of some of the contributors to, 272, 273
+
+_Bodley_ (_Sir Thomas_). Some account of, 270-278
+ Wood-cut portrait of, 277
+
+_Bodoni._ Beauty of his books printed upon vellum, 520
+
+_Books._ Ancient prices of, 114-119
+ Illuminated, 150
+ of terror. Their effects upon young minds, 202-204
+ Skill of the Ferrar family in binding, 289-292
+ Account of ancient binding of, 117-119
+ Skill in modern book-binding, 513, 514
+ Importation of in barrels, 190
+ Sales of by public auction, 304-308, 457
+ Printed upon vellum, 321, 322, 352, 515-519
+ upon satin, 512
+ in the black letter, 527-531
+ for private distribution, 532-534
+ at private presses, 533-539
+
+_Book-rooms, or Libraries._ Simplicity of ancient, 195, 196
+
+_Booksellers._ Of respectability in London, 308, 470
+ in Scotland, 415
+ in Provincial Towns, 470
+
+_Book-Story._ A romantic one, 358-361
+
+_Boston_ (_John_), 189, 190
+
+_Boucher_ (_Rev. Jonathan_). His Supplement to Johnson's Dictionary,
+ 448, 449
+ Account of his library, 450
+
+_Braithwait_ (_Richard_). His poetry commended, 299-301
+
+_Brand_ (_Rev. John_). Account of his library, 452-454
+
+_Bridges_ (_John_). Sale of his library, 362
+
+_Britain, Little._ Famous for the bookselling trade, 300, 310, 311
+
+_Britton_ (_Thomas_). Some account of, 331-333
+ Sale of his library, 333
+
+_Bulmer_ (_Mr. William_). His sumptuous edition of Shakspeare, 427
+ The same, a unique copy of, 512
+ His edition of the Deserted Village upon satin, 512
+
+_Bure_ (_Guillaume Francois De, and Guill. le Jeune De_). See
+ _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Burney_ (_Rev. Charles, LL.D._). His fortunate purchase of a Manilius,
+ 522
+ His edition of Bentley's Epistles, 532
+
+_Burton_ (_Robert_), 286
+
+_Bury_ (_Richard De_). Editions of his Philobiblion, 29
+ Extract from, 109
+ Account of, 185-187
+
+_Bute_ (_Marquis of_). His copy of Hogarth's Prints, 509
+ His collection of the devices of Pope Sixtus V., 540
+ His valuable Granger, 565
+
+_Butler_ (_Mr. Charles_). His literary character, 34
+
+
+_Caillard_ (_M._). His uncut first Homer, 79, 496
+ His nicety in having his books bound, 513
+
+_Caille_ (_Jean de La_). See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Cambridge._ Catalogue of the books contained in the University wanted,
+ 319
+
+_Canute_, 172
+
+_Carlisle_ (_Earl of_). His "Father's Revenge," 532
+
+_Casiri._ See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Catalogues._ Importance of making good ones, 383
+ Foreign and English. See "Catalogue," _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Caxton_ (_William_). Reviled by Bale, 174
+ _His various printed books_, 197, _&c._ See _Bibliographical Index_.
+ _His portrait_, 382
+
+_Cecil._ Libellous character of, 237, 238
+
+_Charles the Fifth of France._ Founder of the Royal Library, 185, 186
+ Description of do., 186
+
+_Chauncey_ (_Dr. Charles and Nathaniel_). Account of their libraries,
+ 416, 417
+
+_Cheering._ Explanation of this word, 20, 37
+
+_Chess._ Game of, described, 155-163
+
+_Chevillier_ (_Andrew_). See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Chi Ho-am-ti._ An incendiary of libraries, 27
+
+_Chivalry and Romances._ Books relating thereto, 152-154
+
+_Christie_ (_John_). His "Dissertation on Etruscan Vases," 532
+
+_Chronicles, Ancient._ Reprints of, 337
+
+_Cinelli_ (_John_). See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Clavel_ (_Robert_). His book-catalogues, 306
+
+_Clerk, or Clergyman._ Regulations concerning, 151
+
+_Clungeon_ (_John_), 288
+
+_Cobham_ (_Thomas, Bishop of Worcester_), 192
+
+_Colbert_ (_J.B._). Catalogue of his library, 78
+
+_Colet_ (_John, Dean_). Some account of, 218-220
+ Print of his supposed study, 219
+
+_Collins_ (_Anthony_). Sale of his library, 363
+
+_Conringius_ (_Herman_). See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Conybeare_ (_Rev. Mr._). His Copy of Lord Surrey's Translation of
+ part of the Aeneid, 241
+
+_Coryate_ (_Thomas_), 281
+
+_Cotton_ (_Sir Robert_). Some account of, 267-269
+
+_Covent Garden Theatre._ Quarrels relating thereto, 17
+
+_Cox_ (_Captain_). Some account of, 266, 267
+ His library, 267
+
+_Cranmer_ (_Thomas, Archbishop of Canterbury_). Some account of, 248,
+ 249
+ His Bible upon vellum, 248
+ Expense of his execution, 249
+
+_Crevenna Library._ Catalogues of, 79
+
+_Critics and Criticism._ True spirit and character of, 15
+ Superficialness and severity of, 553
+
+_Crofts_ (_Rev. Thomas_). Account of his library, 396-398
+
+_Cromwell_ (_Thomas_). His conduct in respect to the Reformation, 229
+
+_Crowles._ His copy of an illustrated Pennant, 499
+
+
+_Dalrymple_ (_Alexander_). Sale of his library, 458
+
+_Daly_ (_Denis, Rt. Hon._). Account of his library, 414, 415
+
+_Dee_ (_Dr. John_). Some account of, 261-265
+ His library, 264
+
+_Denis_ (_Michael_). See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Devonshire_ (_late Duchess of_). Her "Mount St. Gothard," 532
+
+_Didot._ Skill of his printing upon vellum, 521
+
+_Dodd_ (_James William_). Account of his library, 403
+
+_Dormer_ (_General_). Catalogue of his library, 375
+
+_Douce_ (_Francis_). His partiality for a foreign bibliographical work,
+ 55
+ Preparation of the Lansdowne collection of MSS., 90
+ Account of Wolsey's property, 225
+ Skill in Old English and French literature, 531
+ Criticisms on his "Illustrations of Shakspeare," &c., _ib._
+
+_Dramatic Libraries_, 402, 403
+
+_Dramatica Notitia_, 456
+
+_Dream._ Lysander's, 473-480
+
+_Dunstan_ (_St._). His work "De occulta philosophia," 134
+ Some account of, 171
+
+_Dyson_ (_Henry_), 302
+
+
+_Education of Youth_, 282-285
+
+_Edward the First_, 183
+
+_Edward the Third_, 119, 184
+
+_Edwards_ (_Mr._). His copy of the Catalogue of the Crevenna Library,
+ 79
+ zeal in the importation of foreign books of rarity and value, 90
+ copy of the first edition of Livy--upon vellum, 519
+ Catalogues commended, 123
+ In possession of the Bedford Missal, 191
+ His painting of Erasmus and Froben by Fuseli, 223
+ communication respecting Count M'Carthy's books, 518
+
+_Elizabeth_ (_Queen_). Her book of devotions, 119
+ Plate of the golden cover of, 250
+ Account of her love of books, 249, 254
+ Engravings from her Prayer-book, 252, 253
+
+_Ellis_ (_Sir Henry_). Preparation of Catalogue of the Museum printed
+ books, 90
+ His bibliographical communications, 118, 227, 297
+ Edition of Fabian's Chronicles, 523
+
+_English._ Want of curiosity respecting their own literary history, 36
+ Importance of a national press to, 551
+
+_Episode._ What is meant thereby, 105
+
+_Erasmus._ Some account of, 222-224
+ Painting of him and Froben, 223
+ Print of his study, 224
+ Rude wood-cut portrait of him, _ib._
+ A copy of his first edition of the Gr. Test.--upon vellum, 225
+ Editions of his words, 222
+
+_Eugene_ (_Prince_). His magnificent library, 322
+
+_Evans_ (_Mr. R.H._). His edition of Old English Ballads, 267, 320
+ A respectable vender of classical books, 308
+ His copy of his Recueil des Historiens des Gaules, 492
+ His reprint of Hakluyt's Voyages, 550
+
+
+_Fabricius_ (_John Albert_). See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Fabricius_ (_John_). See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Falconer_ (_William_). Poem of the Shipwreck printed upon satin, 512
+
+_Farmer_ (_Rev. Richard, D.D._). Account of his library, 423-426
+
+_Faulkener_ (_Henry_). A skilful and honest book-binder, 199
+
+_Ferdinand._ A romantic book-story concerning, 358-361
+
+_Ferrar Family._ Their attachment to books, and skill in book-binding,
+ 289-292
+
+_Fillingham_ (_late Mr. William_). His library and character of, 403
+
+_First Editions._ Passion for collecting, 521-525
+
+_Fishing._ Whether a merry or contemplative art, 126
+
+_Fitzwilliam_ (_Lord Viscount_). His collection of Rembrandt's Prints,
+ 509
+
+_Fletewode_ (_Serjeant William_). Account of his monastic library, 386
+
+_Florizel._ His attachment to hawking, &c., 543
+
+_Folkes_ (_Martin_). Some account of, 367-369
+ Sale and analysis of his library, 367
+ Wood-cut of his portrait, 369
+
+_Fopling_ (_Sir_). His periwig, 122
+
+_Ford_ (_Mr._), _bookseller._ His catalogues commended, 123, 470
+
+_Froissart_ (_Sir John_). A presentation copy of his Chronicles, 184.
+ See _Johnes_ (_Colonel Thomas_).
+
+
+_Gaddius._ His bibliographical work, 39
+
+_Gaignat_ (_Louis Jean_). Catalogue of library, 81, 162
+
+_Gesner_ (_Conrad_). See _Bibliographical Index_.
+ His works on Natural History, 546
+
+_Gifford_ (_Mr. William_). His edition of Massinger, 550
+ forthcoming edition of Ben Jonson, _ib._
+
+_Gilbie_ (_Anthony_). His character of Henry the Eighth, 215
+
+_Gilchrist_ (_Octavius_). His edition of Bp. Corbett's Poems, 550
+
+_Girald Barri_, 174, 178, 179
+
+_Glastonbury Monastery Library_, 178
+
+_Godstow Nunnery Library_, _ib._
+
+_Golden Legend_, by Caxton, 198
+
+_Goldsmyd_ (_Mr. John Lewis_). His vellum copy of "Le Passe Temps,"
+ &c., 203
+
+_Gonzalo._ A vain literary character, 12
+
+_Gossett_ (_Rev. Dr. Isaac_), 363, 407
+
+_Gough_ (_Richard_). Sale of his library, 460
+
+_Goujet_ (_Claude Peter_). See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Grailes._ Definition of, 150
+
+_Granger_ (_Rev. James_). His Biographical History of England, 500
+
+_Grangerite spirit_, 112, 497, 507
+
+_Grenville_ (_Right Hon. Thomas_). His large-paper copy of Hist.
+ Steph. & Vit. Typ. Paris, 47
+ His large-paper copy of Renouard, 69
+ A similar copy of the Valliere Catalogue, 97
+ A similar copy of Sandford's Genealogical History, 492
+ A similar copy of Strype's Annals, 492
+
+_Grenville Homer._ Published by the Grenville Family, 491
+
+_Grollier_ (_John_). Some account of, 488-490
+ Pattern of the binding of his books, 489
+
+_Gutch_, (_Mr._), bookseller, 404, 470
+
+
+_Hamper_ (_Mr. William_). His bibliographical communications, 117, 529
+
+_Harley_ (_Robert, Earl of Oxford_). Some account of, 347-354
+ Analysis of his library, 349-353
+ Pope's eulogy upon, 353, 354
+
+_Harris_ (_Mr. William_). His catalogue of the Royal Institution
+ Library commended, 99
+ His correction of the press for Reed's edition of Shakspeare, 427
+ In possession of Mr. Boydell's copy of the original head of
+ Shakspeare, 428
+ His copy of the Lamoignon catalogue, 84
+
+_Haslewood_ (_Mr. Joseph_). In possession of a curious volume, 88
+ His attachment to books upon Hawking, &c., 302, 543
+ His communication in the British Bibliographer, 374
+
+_Hastings_ (_Henry_). Some account of, 287
+
+_Hawker-Pilgrim._ Wood-cut of, 544
+
+_Hear! Hear!_ Explanation of this phrase, 37
+
+_Hearne_ (_Thomas_). Some account of, 333-336
+ Wood-cut of his portrait, 337
+ Sale of his library, 336
+ List of most of his works. See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Heath_ (_Dr. Benjamin_). His fine library, 460
+ Original bibliographical letter of, 554-562
+ Fac-simile of his writing, 554
+
+_Heber_ (_Mr. Richard_). His copy of "The Debate between the Heraldes,"
+ 11
+ of Oliver of Castille, 154
+ of Froissart by Eustace, 202
+ manuscript of Skelton's "Image of Ypocrisy," 226
+ copy of Maunsell's Catalogue, 280
+ of the first Aldine Aristophanes, 297
+ of the catalogue of Britton's books, 333
+ of the catalogues of T. Rawlinson's books, 344
+
+_Heinecken._ See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Heinsius_ (_Nicholas_). Catalogue of his library, 82
+
+_Hell._ Descriptions of the torments of, 203, 204
+
+_Henderson_ (_John_). Account of his library, 402, 403
+
+_Henley_ (_John, or Orator_). Account of his library, 371, 372
+ Anecdotes of, 372, 373
+
+_Henry_ (_Rev. Robert, D.D._). Character of his History of Great
+ Britain, 145-147
+
+_Henry the Second._ Trevisa's character of, 175
+
+_Henry the Fifth._ Warlike character of, 193
+
+_Henry the Sixth_, 194
+
+_Henry the Seventh_, 202-206
+
+_Henry the Eighth_, 215-217
+
+_Herbert_ (_William_). Author of the Typographical Antiquities, 66
+ Particulars relating to, 66, 340
+ His correspondence with Steevens, 438, 439
+
+_Herman_ (_Bishop of Salisbury_), 175
+
+_History, Ancient English._ Neglect of the study of, 550
+
+_Hoare_ (_Sir Richard Colt_). His edition of Giraldus Cambrensis, 178
+ His large paper copy of Kennet's Paroch. Antiq., 493
+
+_Hoblyn_ (_Robert_). Catalogue of his books commended, 374
+
+_Hortensius._ A book-auction bibliomaniac, 132
+
+_Humphrey_ (_Duke of Gloucester_), 193
+
+_Hutton_ (_John_). His curious collection of books, 374
+
+
+_Illustrated copies_, 496-511
+
+_Illustration._ Recipe for, 497
+
+_Ina_ (_King of the West Saxons_), 166
+
+_Inscription over a library door_, 108, 112, 113
+
+_Institutions._ Public, Literary, and Scientific, 551
+
+
+_Jacob_ (_Louis_). See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Jamieson_ (_Dr. John_). His Scottish Dictionary commended, 499
+
+_Jesuits._ Their bibliographical labours commended, 83
+
+_Johnes_ (_Col. Thomas_). His edition of Monstrelet, 154
+ copy of "Heures de Notre Dame," 409
+ pleasure-grounds, 483
+ View of his library, 484
+
+_Johnson_ (_Dr. Samuel_). Anecdote of his selling books, 530, 531
+ Quotation from the Rambler about the black-letter, 530
+
+
+_Kay_ (_John_). His siege of Rhodes, 243
+
+_Kennet_ (_White, Bishop of Peterborough_). Original letters of, 339
+ Opinion of Wicliffe, _ib._
+
+_Kenrick_ (_William, LL.D._). His review of Dr. Johnson's Tour to the
+ Hebrides, 17
+
+_Kollarius._ See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+
+_Labbe_ (_Philip_). See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Laire_ (_Abbe Francis Xavier_). See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Lambecius_ (_Pierre_). See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Lanfranc, Archbishop of Canterbury_, 173
+
+_Lansdowne_ (_William Fitzmaurice Petty, First Marquis of_). Account of
+ his library, 90, 450, 451
+
+_Large paper copies._ Account of valuable works of this character,
+ 491-493
+ The author's publications of this kind, 493
+
+_Latimer_ (_Hugh, Bishop of Worcester_). His conduct with respect to
+ the Reformation, 230
+ His sermons quoted, 283
+ His death, 248, 249
+
+_Laud_ (_William, Archbishop of Canterbury_). Account of his execution,
+ 297
+ Patronage of the Ferrar Family, 290
+
+_Leibnitz_ (_Godfrey William De_). See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Leland_ (_John_). Some account of, 242-246
+
+_Leontes._ A book-auction bibliomaniac, 133
+
+_Lepidus._ A book-auction bibliomaniac, 121
+
+_Lewis_ (_Rev. John_). His literary character, 338-340
+ severe opinion of Hearne, 338
+
+_Liberality_ of religious sentiment, 109
+
+_Libraries._ Devastation of, at the Reformation, 233-235
+ Dramatic, 402, 403
+
+_Lisardo._ His general character, 211-213
+ His bibliomaniacal enthusiasm, 348-352, 468, 470
+
+_Literary characters._ Quixotic, 6, 7
+ Careless, 7
+ Acrimonious, 8
+ Vain, 12, 13
+ Obstinate, 14
+ Critical, 14, 15
+ Useful, 553
+
+_Lomeier_ (_John_). See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Lomenie_ (_Cardinal de Brienne_). Account of, and catalogue of his
+ library, 84, 85
+
+_Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Co._ Their extensive trade as
+ booksellers, 308
+
+_Lorenzo._ A neighbour of the author, 4
+ His house and grounds, 4
+ library, 164
+ drawing-room, 213
+ alcove, 480-482
+
+_Lort_ (_Dr. Michael_). Account of his library, 411-413
+
+_Lotichius_ (_Peter_). His Latin verses concerning his library, 113
+
+_Lumley_ (_John, Lord_), 281, 287
+
+_Luttrel_ (_Narcissus_). His extraordinary collection of books, 323
+
+_Lysons_ (_Mr. Samuel_). His large paper copy of Weever's Funeral
+ Monuments, 492
+
+
+_Macartney_ (_Mr._). Account of his library, 407
+
+_Maddison_ (_John_). Sale of his library, 459
+
+_Magliabechi_ (_Antonio_). Some account of, 85-87
+
+_Maittaire_ (_Michael_). Some account of, 47. See _Bibliographical
+ Index_.
+ Sale of his library, 364
+
+_Malvolio._ Sale of his busts and statues, 26, 472
+
+_Manton_ (_Dr._) Sale of his books, 306
+
+_Marcellus._ A book-auction bibliomaniac, 135
+
+_Marchand_ (_Prosper_). See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Marlborough Gems._ In Woodhouse's collection, 441-444
+
+_Martin_ (_Thomas, of Palgrave_). Account of his library, 384-386
+
+_Mary_ (_Queen of Philip II._). Commended by a Roman Catholic writer,
+ 236
+
+_Mary_ (_Queen of Scots_). Her portrait, 254
+
+_Mason_ (_George_). Account of his library, 419-423
+
+_Maunsell_ (_Andrew_). His catalogue of English books, 280
+
+_Mazzuchelli_ (_Giovanni Maria_). See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_M'Carthy_ (_Count_). Catalogue of a former library of, 85
+ His present fine collection of books, 518, 519
+
+_Mead_ (_Richard, M.D._). Some account of, 364-366
+ Sale of his library, pictures, and coins, &c., 365
+ Account of his family, 366
+
+_Medici_ (_Lorenzo De_). Catalogue of the Oriental MSS. in the library
+ of, 87
+
+_Meerman_ (_Gerard_). See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Menalcas._ A book-auction bibliomaniac, 136
+
+_Menander._ A literary character, 7
+
+_Mercier_ (_De St. Leger_). See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Mercurii._ Attending book-sales, 134
+
+_Middleton_ (_Rev. Conyers, D.D._). See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Miller_ (_Thomas_). Account of, 471
+
+_Miller_ (_William_). His illustrated copy of Scott's Dryden, 497
+ edition of the Shipwreck, 512
+ of the Memoirs of Grammont, 564
+
+_Mills_ (_George Galway_). His fine library, 447
+
+_Mirabeau_ (_Victor Riquetti, Marquis De_). Catalogue of his library,
+ 88
+ His passion for beautiful books, 514
+
+_Missals._ Beauty of their execution, 150, 520
+ The Toletan and Mazarabic, 160, 161
+
+_Monasteries._ Books contained in, 177
+ Visitors of, 231
+ Ancient hospitality of, 234
+ Alleged abandoned lives of the keepers, 232
+ Depositories and promoters of literature, 234
+ Devastation of, 231-235
+
+_Monastic Life._ Comparison between the monastic and chivalrous age,
+ as most favourable to the Bibliomania, 149
+
+_Monro_ (_Dr. John_). Account of his library, 417, 418
+
+_Montfaucon_ (_Bernard De_). His bibliographical labours, 89
+
+_Moonlight night._ Influence of, 5, 368
+
+_More_ (_John, Bishop of Ely_). Some account of, 318, 319
+
+_More_ (_Sir Thomas_), 220-222
+
+_Morhof_ (_Daniel George_). Some account of, 46
+
+_Murray_ (_John_). Some account of, 331
+
+_Museum, The British._ The librarians of commended, 36
+ Catalogue of its Printed Books and Manuscripts, 89, 90
+
+_Mustapha._ A book-auction bibliomaniac and book vender, 122, 138
+
+
+_Naude, or Naudaeus_ (_Gabriel_). His works commended, 38. See
+ _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Nelson, Life of._ Printed upon vellum, 521
+
+_Neville_ (_George, Archbishop of York_). Feast at his inthronization,
+ 200
+ Fond of astrology, _ib._
+
+_Niceron._ See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Nicholls_ (_Mr. John_). His communications respecting Dr. Mead's
+ family, 366
+
+_Nicol_ (_Mr. George_). His anecdotes concerning some volumes printed
+ by Caxton, 382
+
+_North_ (_Francis, Lord-Keeper_), 309
+
+---- (_Dr. John_), 310, 311
+ Their passion for books, 312
+
+
+_Oldys_ (_William_). His literary labours appreciated, 500. See
+ _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Omar._ Supposed destroyer of the Alexandrian library, 28
+
+_Orlando._ Character of, 105-113
+
+_Osborne_ (_Thomas_). The bookseller, 345, 348, 355
+
+
+_Painted Glass._ Hearne's commendation of, 107
+
+_Panzer_ (_George Wolfgang Francis_). See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Papillon_ (_Mr. David_). Book-anecdote concerning him and Osborne, 355
+
+_Paris de Meyzieux._ Account, and catalogues, of his fine library, 90,
+ 408-411
+
+_Parker_ (_Matthew, Archbishop_). Some Account of, 257-261
+ Catalogue of his MSS., 98
+ Antiquity of the British Church, 257-259, 400
+ Libellous life of, 258
+ His consecration, 260
+ Woodcut portrait of, 261
+
+_Paterson_ (_Samuel_). His Bibliotheca Universalis, 400
+
+_Payne_ (_Mr._). His purchase of the Lamoignon library, 84
+
+_Peacham_ (_Henry_), 282
+ His "Compleat Gentleman" quoted, 283
+
+_Pearson_ (_Thomas, or Major_). Account of his library, 403-406
+
+_Pembroke_ (_Earl of_). His passion for books, 119, 324, 325
+
+_Pepys_ (_Samuel_). Account of his professional and book ardour, 319,
+ 320
+
+_Peterborough Abbey Library_, 178
+ (_White, Kennet, Bishop of_). His opinion of Wickliffe, 339
+ (_Earl of_). His passion for books, 119
+
+_Peters_ (_Hugh_). In possession of a part of Laud's library, 298
+
+_Pinelli._ Catalogues of the Pinelli library, 91
+ An account of the library so called, 406, 407
+
+_Pitts, or Pitseus_ (_Johannes_). His work commended, 38
+
+_Porson_ (_Richard_). Sale of his library, 458
+ His erudition, and skilful penmanship, 459
+
+_Portraits._ _Sales of Engravings of rare and curious_, 502-506, 510,
+ 511
+ Algernon, Earl of Northumberland, by Hollar, 503
+ Anne, Queen of James I., by Visscher, 505
+
+ Banfi-Hunniades (John), by Hollar, 502
+ The same, with variations, _ib._
+ Berkeley (George, Earl of), by Hollar, 503
+ Bernard (Dr. Francis), _ib._
+ Bethell (Slingsby), by W. Sherwin, 506
+ Bohemia, King and Queen of, and family, 505
+ Buckingham (George, Duke of), sold by Stent, 503
+
+ Caesar (Sir Julius) by Elstracke, 506
+ Catharine, Queen of Charles II., by Faithorne, 502
+ Cecyll (Edward), General, by Passe, 510
+ Chaloner (Sir Thomas), by Hollar, 502
+ Charles I., by Lombard, _ib._
+ The same, with Cromwell's head, _ib._
+ Princess Augusta Maria, daughter of, by Danckers, 505
+ Cole (Thomas), 506
+ Cromwell (Richard, Lord Protector), by Hollar, 504
+ Cumberland (George, Earl of), by R. White, 503
+
+ Darnley (Henry, Lord), by Passe, 505
+ Devereux, Earl of Essex, on horseback, by Hollar, 502, 504
+ The same, standing on foot, by do., 503, 504
+ Digby (Lord), in armour, after Vander Borcht, 604
+
+ Elizabeth (Queen), in superb court dress, by Passe, 502
+ superbly dressed, between pillars, 505
+
+ Frederic (Prince), &c., with Princess Elizabeth, by Elstracke, 505
+
+ Hay (Lord James), by Passe, 506
+ Henry the Eighth, by C. M[atsis], 505
+ Henry (Prince Frederic), by Delaram, 506
+ Hollar, his own portrait, 504
+ Hotham (Sir John), Governor of Hull, 506
+ Howard (Thomas, Earl of Suffolk), by Elstracke, 505
+ (Thomas, Earl of Arundel), 506
+
+ Isham (Sir Thomas), by Loggan, 602
+
+ Killegrew (Thomas), by Faithorne, 506
+
+ Lister (Sir Matthew, M.D.), by P.V. Somer, 504
+ Lloyd (Humphrey, of Denbigh), by Faber, _ib._
+ Lortie (Andrew), by Van Somer, 506
+ Lyon (Sir Patrick, of Carse), by White, _ib._
+
+ Malines (Samuel), by Lombart, _ib._
+ Marsham (Sir John), by R. White, 504
+ Mary, Queen of Scots, by Mynginus, 505
+ The same, veiled, &c., _ib._
+ Mascall (Edward), by Gammon, 506
+ Master Martin, by R. Gaywood, 504
+ Mountaine (George), Bishop of London, G.Y. sculpsit, 506
+
+ Newcastle Family, by Clowet, 503
+
+ O'Toole (Arthurus Severus Nonesuch), by Delaram, 506
+
+ Paston (Lady), wife of Sir W. Paston, by Faithorne, 504
+ (Sir William), by Faithorne, _ib._
+ Pembroke (Herbert, Earl of), by Hollar, 502
+ (Mary, Countess of), by Passe, 504
+ (Penelope, Countess of), by Hollar, _ib._
+ (Ann Clifford, Countess of), by R. White, _ib._
+ Portman (Sir William), 506
+
+ Rawdon (Marmaduke), by White, 506
+ Reynell (Carew), 504
+ Rupert (Prince), by Faithorne, 506
+ sold by R. Peake, 504
+
+ Sack (Mull'd), sold by Compton Holland, 511
+ Sackville (Richard, Earl of Dorset), by Passe, 506
+ Shaftesbury (Anthony, Earl of), by Blooteling, _ib._
+ Sheffield (Baron Edmond), by Elstracke, _ib._
+ Shirley (Lady Elizabeth), by Hollar, 503
+ The same, by do., _ib._
+ Sidney (Sir Philip), by Elstracke, 505
+ Sidney (Robert, Viscount Lisle), by Passe, 506
+ Smith (Richard), by W. Sherwin, 503
+ Somerset (Edward, Earl of Worcester), by Passe, 505
+ Stone-Eater (The), by Hollar, 502
+
+ Vere (Henry, Earl of Oxford), sold by Compton Holland, 505
+ The same, by Payne, Passe, &c., 510
+ Verney (Sir Greville), by Loggan, 506
+
+ Wetenhall (Edward, Bishop of Corke and Ross), by Becket, _ib._
+ Whitington (Richard, Lord Mayor of London), by Elstracke, 510
+ Willoughby (Sir Francis), by T. Man, 503
+ Windebank (Sir F.) and Lord Finch, 505
+ Wortley (Sir Francis), by Hertocks, 503
+ Wriothesley (Henry, Earl of Southampton), by Passe, 506
+ Wynn (Sir John, De Gwedir), by Vaughan, 506
+
+ York (James, Duke of), 505
+
+_Press, National._ Want of, 551
+
+_Printers, English._ Protected by the statute of Richard III., 114
+
+_Printing._ Benefit of, 197
+
+_Print-sales._ Barnard, 502, 503
+ Sir W. Musgrave, 503, 504
+ Miscellaneous, 604-506
+
+_Prints._ Account of rare and curious ones, 502-511
+
+_Prospero._ A book-auction bibliomaniac, 135
+
+_Psalters._ The Author's Essay upon the ancient Psalters printed at
+ Mentz, 42
+
+_Pynson_ (_Richard_), His books upon vellum, 216
+
+
+_Quin_ (_Mr._). His passion for books printed upon vellum, 518
+
+_Quisquilius._ A book-auction bibliomaniac, 126
+
+
+_Ranzau_ (_Henry De_). Inscription over his library door, 113
+
+_Ratcliffe_ (_John_). Account of his library, 392, 393
+ Comparison between the collections of West and Ratcliffe, 393
+
+_Rawlinson_ (_Thomas_). His passion for book-collecting, 343-346
+ Catalogues of his several book-sales, 344, 345
+
+_Rawlinson_ (_Richard_). Sale, and specimens, of his library, 369, 370
+
+_Rede, or Read_ (_William, Bishop of Chichester_), 192
+
+_Reed_ (_Isaac_). Some account of him and his library, 455, 456
+
+_Reformation._ History of the, as connected with the Bibliomania,
+ 228-238
+
+_Rembrandt._ Account of the scarcest engravings by him, 507-509
+
+_Reprints_ of voluminous and useful works applauded, 549, 550
+
+_Revickzky_ (_Count_). Catalogue, and disposal, of his library, 92
+
+_Reviews._ Their advantages and disadvantages, rise and progress, 16,
+ 17
+
+_Richard De Bury_, 185-188
+
+_Rinaldo._ A book-auction bibliomaniac, 136
+
+_Ritson_ (_Joseph_). His character, under that of Sycorax, 7-9
+ Sale of his books, 448
+
+_Rive_ (_Abbe Jean Joseph_). See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Roche_ (_Mr._). His communication respecting Count M'Carthy, 518
+
+_Roscoe_ (_Mr. William_). Proposed to write a life of Erasmus, 222
+ His commendation of handsome book-binding, 514
+
+_Rosicrusius._ A book-auction bibliomaniac, 127, 128
+
+_Roveray_ (_Du_). His publications commended, 481
+
+_Rowe Mores_ (_Edward_). Sale of his library, 501
+
+_Roxburgh_ (_John, Duke of_). Anecdote of, 523
+
+_Royal Institution._ Catalogue of the library of, 99
+
+
+_Sales, Book._ Account of their establishment, 304-308
+ Number of, in the years 1806-7, 456, 457
+
+_Satin._ Books printed upon, 512
+
+_Saxius_ (_Christopher_). See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Scaliger_ (_Joseph_). The author's estate compared with that of, 564
+
+_Scott_ (_Robert_). A celebrated bookseller, 310
+
+_Scott_ (_Sir Walter_). Beauty of his poetry, 410. See _Bibliographical
+ Index_.
+
+_Scotus Erigena_ (_Johannes_). Account of his writings, 168
+
+_Scribes, or Scriveners._ Ignorance of the ancient, 184
+
+_Seaman_ (_Dr._) Catalogue of his books, 304-306
+
+_Sharp and Hailes._ Their publications commended, 431
+
+_Sherington_ (_Sir Walter_). Regulations concerning his library, 194,
+ 195
+
+_Similis._ Inscription upon his tomb, 562
+
+_Smith_ (_Consul_). Catalogue of his library, 95, 376
+
+_Smith_ (_Richard_). Account and sale of his library, 302-304
+ Engraving of his portrait, 503
+
+_Smyth_ (_George_). Account of his library, 403
+
+_Snuff-box_ of Mr. L., 122
+
+_Soubise_ (_Prince De_). Catalogue of his library, 96
+
+_Southgate_ (_Richard_). Account of his collections, 419
+
+_Spencer_ (_George John, Earl_). His purchase of Count Revickzky's
+ library, 92
+ His copies of the Mozarabic Missal & Breviary, 162
+ Copy of the Siege of Rhodes, printed by Caxton, 407
+ Copy of Pynson's edition of Chaucer's works, 417
+ Copies of illustrated Shakspeares, 498
+ Copy of Pliny, printed by Sweynhem and Pannartz, upon vellum, 519
+ Eulogy upon his character, 524
+ Armorial ensigns of, 525
+ Copy of the "Assertio Septem," upon vellum, 565
+
+_Stafford_ (_Marchioness of_). Description of a private publication by,
+ 533
+ Her skill in etching, 534
+
+_Stanley_ (_Colonel_). His fine copy of De Bry, 512
+
+_Steevens_ (_George_). Some account of, 427-440
+ Analysis of his library, 428-436
+ His verses on Eleanour Rummin, 437
+ His letters to Herbert, 438-440
+
+_Strange_ (_John_). His library commended, 441
+
+_Strawberry-Hill Press._ Account of books printed there, 534, 540
+ Vignette device of the house, 540
+
+_Struvius._ See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Stubbes._ See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Surrey_ (_Henry Howard, Earl of_). His whistle, 241
+ An intended edition of his works by the Rev. Dr. Nott, _ib._
+
+_Sutherland_ (_Col. Alexander Hendras_). His extraordinary copy of an
+ illustrated Clarendon, 499
+
+_Sycorax._ A literary character, 7-9
+
+_Sykes_ (_Sir Mark Masterman_). His copy of the Revickzky Catalogue, 92
+ of Rapin's History of England, 494
+
+
+_Tanner_ (_Thomas, Bishop of St. Asaph_). Account of his editorship of
+ Wood's Athen. Oxon., 46
+ His Bibl. Brit. Hibernica, 52
+
+_Testament, Greek._ Number of editions of, 542
+
+_Tewrdanckhs._ A book so called, 65, 390
+
+_Theobald_ (_Lewis_). His love of old books, 343
+
+_Theodore_ (_Archbishop of Canterbury_), 165
+
+_Theological volumes._ Great number of, in the Imperial Library at
+ Paris, 109
+
+_Thuanas_ [_De Thou, Jaques Auguste_]. Account, and catalogue, of his
+ library, 96
+
+_Thynne_ (_William_). A distinguished bibliomaniac, 242
+
+_Tiptoft_ (_John, Earl of Worcester_), 198, 199
+
+_Tiraboschi_ (_Girolamo_). See _Bibliographical Index_.
+
+_Titles of Books._ Strangely lettered upon the binding, 88
+
+_Todd_ (_Rev. Henry John_). See _Bibliographical Index_.
+ His editions of Milton and Spenser commended, 550
+
+_Triphook_ (_Mr. Robert_)--bookseller, 308
+ His projected work on, 'The History of Playing Cards,' 399
+
+_Tristrem_ (_Sir_). A book-auction bibliomaniac, 134
+
+_Trithemius_ (_John_). Some account of, 541, 542
+ Wood-cut portrait of, 542
+
+_True Editions._ Account of, 525-527
+
+_Tutet_ (_Mark Cephas_). Account of his library, 399, 400
+
+
+_Ulpian._ A book-auction bibliomaniac, 132
+
+_Uncut Copies._ Passion for the possession of, 494-496
+
+_Unique Copies._ Illustration of, 511-514
+
+_Utterson_ (_Mr. Edward Vernon_). His copy of Stubbes's Anatomy of
+ Abuses, 279
+ of Scott's Discoverie of Witchcraft, 492
+
+
+_Valliere_ (_Duc De La_). Anecdote of him and the Abbe Rive, 59
+ Catalogues of his library, 97
+
+_Vellum, books printed upon_, 68, 97, 321, 322--but see particularly
+ 515-521
+
+_Visitors of ancient Monasteries_, 231
+
+
+_Wakefield_ (_Robert_), 235, 413
+
+_Walpole_ (_Francis_). Heraldic quarterings of, 100
+
+_Walpole_ (_Horace_). See 'Strawberry Hill Press.'
+
+_Wanley_ (_Humphrey_). Some account of, 346, 347
+
+_Warton_ (_Thomas_). Celebrated under the character of Menander, 7
+
+_West_ (_James_). Account of, and analysis of his library, 376-383
+ Prices of some of his books sold by auction, 377, 380, 381
+ Comparison of his library with J. Ratcliffe's, 393
+
+_Wicliffe_ (_John_). Bishop Fell's character of, 318
+ Mr. Baber's edition of his New Testament, 339
+ Life of, by Lewis, 340
+
+_Wilbraham_ (_Mr. Roger_). His copy of the 'Manner and Forme of
+ Confession,' 224
+
+_Wilkes_ (_John_). Account of his Library, 447
+
+_Wilson_ (_Thomas, Bishop of Sodor and Man_). His edition of the Bible,
+ 109
+
+_Witches._ Tracts relating to, at Brand's sale, 454
+
+_Wolfius_ (_John_). See _Bibliographical Index_.
+ Wood-cut portrait of, 112
+
+_Wolsey_ (_Thomas, Cardinal_), 225-228
+ His character by Skelton, Roy, and Tyndale, 225, 226, 227
+ Fine books presented to him, 227
+
+_Wood_ (_Anthony_). Some account of, 312-316. _See Bibliographical
+ Index._
+ Woodcut portrait of, 315
+
+_Woodford_ (_Emperor John Alexander_). Sale of his library, 459
+
+_Woodhouse_ (_Mr. John_). His collection of prints, 441-444
+ His collection of books, 444-446
+
+_Worsley_ (_Dr._). Sale of his books by auction, 306
+
+_Worsley_ (_Sir Richard_). His 'Museum Worsleyanum,' 532
+
+_Wright_ (_Richard, M.D._). Account of his library, 401, 402
+
+_Wynne_ (_Edward_). Account of his library, 323, 324
+
+
+_Ximenes_ (_Cardinal Francis_). See _Bibliographical Index_.
+ Life of him by Lord Holland, or Mr. Southey, a literary desideratum,
+ 160
+
+
+_Youth._ Character and History of the Education of the ancient English
+ Youth, 282-285
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BIBLIOMANIA; OR BOOK-MADNESS***
+
+
+******* This file should be named 28540.txt or 28540.zip *******
+
+
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/8/5/4/28540
+
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+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. Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://www.gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See
+paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works. See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever. 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 www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+ the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+ you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is
+ owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+ has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+ Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments
+ must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+ prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+ returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+ sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+ address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+ the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+ you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+ does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+ License. You must require such a user to return or
+ destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+ and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+ Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+ money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+ electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+ of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+ distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf.
+
+
+Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://www.gutenberg.org/about/contact
+
+For additional contact information:
+ Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+ Chief Executive and Director
+ gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit:
+https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate
+
+
+Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+ https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
generated by cgit v1.2.3 (git 2.25.1) at 2026-01-02 01:56:20 +0000