(Vol. iv., p. 283.)
In forming a literary project, whether extensive or otherwise, it is
advisable to keep in view the humble science of arithmetic. Without that
precaution, it may become a source of vexation both to its projector and
its promoters; and, in some cases, the non-completion of it may be a
real injury to literature.
When I proposed a typographic memorial of William Caxton, in preference
to an architectural memorial, and intimated that it might be compressed
into an octavo volume, and produced at a very moderate price, I
flattered myself with having made a more correct estimate than is
commonly made by designers and architects--Paxton, Cubitt, and Fox,
always excepted--and I venture to announce, on more mature reflection,
the same decided opinion.
With thanks to MR. BOTFIELD for his enumeration of the translated works
of Caxton, I must remind him that the proposal was a collection of his
_original compositions_, with _specimens of his translations_. To
reprint the entire works which proceeded from his press was never my
project. I could not have entertained such an idea for one moment; nor
should I think the realisation of it desirable, even if it could be
effected by magic. I readily admit, however, that I have a liking for
_Fayts of armes and chyvalrye_--that _Thystorye of Reynard the foxe_ is
very attractive--and that the _Boke for travellers_ would be a choice
_morceau philologique_.
The publications of Caxton are about sixty in number, and I am sure that
more than six pages would seldom be required for any one work, and that
many articles might be properly treated in less than two pages each. A
short memoir of Caxton, a glossary of obsolete words and phrases, an
appendix of documents, and an index, are the only additions which I
should consider as essential to the completeness of the design. All this
might be comprised in an octavo volume of moderate extent.
The _Typographical antiquities_ of Ames, as augmented by Dibdin, being
the accredited source of information on Caxton, and having misled some
superior writers, I shall presume to deliver my opinion of the _first_
volume of that work--not having much acquaintance with the subsequent
volumes. Dibdin had formed, at the very outset, a most injudicious
resolution. Caxton was his hero; and he resolved, as he tells us in his
autobiography, to "devote the first volume entirely to the productions
of his press." In order to carry out this plan, he was led to introduce
much extraneous and useless matter. We have endless repetitions of what
_Lewis says_, and what _Ames says_, and what _Herbert says_, and even
what the dreamer _Bagford says_, instead of such information as should
have been derived from an examination of the books themselves. Moreover,
he is very deficient in the _logic of history_, in point of method, and
in point of accuracy; and the extracts, being in modern orthography, are
to philological students UTTERLY WORTHLESS.
This, and perhaps more than this, I may hereafter have occasion to
prove; and should it seem to others that I express myself harshly, due
consideration shall be given to their objections.
I must now assure MR. BOTFIELD that it gives me satisfaction to observe
him somewhat disposed to view my project with favour, and that I am not
less disposed to make such modifications of the conditions of
publication as may meet the wishes of himself and the other contributors
toward _The Caxton Testimonial_. Two modes of union suggest themselves,
which I submit to his consideration in the form of queries.
1. If the preparation and impression of the intended volume should be
undertaken by a certain literary society, honourably distinguished by
the substantial character of the works which have been edited under its
sanction, would the committee of _The Caxton Testimonial_ engage to take
a certain number of copies, in case the council of the society alluded
to should assent to such a deviation from its usual course?
2. If this arrangement should be objected to on either side, would the
committee of _The Caxton Testimonial_ undertake to produce a literary
memorial of Caxton on the plan before-described, or not much differing
from it, and under the editorship of persons to be named by themselves?
If neither plan should be approved, I shall not abate _one jot of hope_
as to the success of the project; but, by permission of the editor of
"NOTES AND QUERIES," proceed with my humble contributions to _The Caxton
Coffer_.