Might not the purpose be attained by the establishment of a club (on the
same principles as the Bannatyne, Maitland, and Spalding Clubs), for the
republication of the works of the first English printer? His works are
of such excessive rarity that they are inaccessible even to the most
devoted antiquary, and indeed many of them are scarcely known even by
name. They are principally thin quartos, and the actual expense of
reprinting them could not be heavy. The only trouble would be in
collating them; and if the matter was once set on foot, we have many
able typographical antiquaries who, I have no doubt, would assist in
editing them. Such a plan appears preferable, because in making the Club
open to any party who chose to pay the agreed-on subscription, it would
thus become better known throughout the kingdom, and consequently stand
a much better chance of support and, of course, success.
The great object of the memorial, in addition to a just recognition of
the important services of Caxton, appears to be to revive his memory;
and this end can only be effectually gained by a republication of his
works, and the plan of a club appears to be the only way by which they
can be extensively circulated.