PART I.

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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=).

Letters with macrons are enclosed in brackets and preceded by

an equal sign, e.g. [=a].

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:

Bibliothèque/Bibliothéque

Boccaccio/Bocaccio/Boccacio

De Foe/Defoe

Français/François

Loménie/Lomenie

Montfauçon/Montfaucon

Roxburgh/Roxburghe

Shakspeare/Shakespeare

Spenser/Spencer

Tewrdannckhs/Tewrdranckhs/Teurdanckhs (and other variations)

Vallière/Valliere

BIBLIOMANIA.

[Illustration]

_Libri quosdam ad Scientiam, quosdam AD INSANIAM, deduxêre._

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 Personæ.

_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 Personæ.

_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, _quæ universæ rei litterariæ non

obfuit, sed profuit; historiæ litterariæ doctrinam insigniter

locupletavit; ingentemque exercitum voluminum, quibus alias aut in

remotiora Bibliothecarum publicarum scrinia commigrandum erat, aut

plane pereundum, a carceribus et interitu vindicavit, exoptatissimæque

luci et eruditorum usui multiplici felicitur restituit?"_

T.F.D.

_Kensington, March_ 25, 1811.

[Footnote 2: Catalogus Librorum Rariorum, præf. 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 archæological discussions on Roman tiles and

tesselated pavements, there seems to be no absurdity in

making the decorations of our sitting rooms, including

something more than the floor we walk upon, a subject at

least of temperate and classical disquisition. Suppose we

had found such a treatise in the volumes of Gronovius and

Montfaucon? (and are there not a few, apparently, as

unimportant and confined in these rich volumes of the

Treasures of Antiquity?) or suppose something similar to Mr.

Hope's work had been found among the ruins of Herculaneum?

Or, lastly, let us suppose the author had printed it only as

a _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 nostræ 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 S[=u]eil 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 ho[=u]dis 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.

"_Sh[=a]bb[=a]r N[=a]meh_, 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 £1. 2_s._ produced at

a late sale, [A.D. 1808] £37! A complete list of Hearne's

Pieces will be found at the end of his Life, printed with

Leland's, &c., at the Clarendon Press, in 1772, 8vo. Of

these the "_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,

Amicitiæ 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 £5 or £6 for "_Gosson's School of Abuse, against

Pipers and Players_," or £3. 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 tête-a-têtes they

used to have together--so little, also, of Nennius, Bede,

and Alfred [although the monasteries at this period, from

the evidence of Sir William Dugdale, in the first volume of

the Monasticon were "opulently endowed,"--inter alia, I

should hope, with magnificent MSS. on vellum, bound in

velvet, and embossed with gold and silver], or the

illustrious writers in the Norman period, and the fine books

which were in the abbey of Croyland--so little is known of

book-collectors, previously to the 14th century, that I

thought it the most prudent and safe way to begin with the

above excellent prelate.

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 _novæ editionis tuæ 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 _Almæ 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 Budæus, 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. "Prôh tristes rerum humanarum

vices! prôh viri optimi deplorandam infelicissimamque

sortem!" exclaims Dr. Smith, in his preface to Camden's

Life, 1691, 4to.

The precious and voluminous MSS. of Leland were doomed to

suffer a fate scarcely less pitiable 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 £12 12_s._ See also the reprints in the

Harleian Miscellany) the lover of literary antiquities must

not forget that his "_Scriptores Britanniæ_" 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 _Nugæ Antiquæ_, 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 Giuntæ edition of Boccaccio's Decamerone, 1527, 4to.,

as either Haym, Orlandi, or Bandini. Paterson, with all his

skill, was mistaken in this article when he catalogued

Croft's books. See Bibl. Crofts. 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 Chauffepié'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 Sæcularis 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 primæ et secundæ Libri sive

editioni pretium suum constaret, et una æque 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 £13,000: a sum little more than two

thirds of the price of the binding, as paid by Lord Oxford.

The bookseller was accused of injustice and parsimony; but

the low prices which he afterwards affixed to the articles,

and the tardiness of their sale, are sufficient refutations

of this charge. Osborne opened his shop for the inspection

of the books on Tuesday the 14th of February, 1744; for fear

"of the curiosity of the spectators, before the sale,

producing disorder in the disposition of the books." The

dispersion of the 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 Bibliothecæ ornamentum multo ære 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 ferè Linguâ et Facultate præstantium--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. _Picturæ Rawlinsonianæ._ 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: "BIBLIOTHECÆ BRIDGESIANÆ 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 £3730 0 0

Prints and books of Prints 394 17 6

-----------

Total Amount of the Sale £4124 17 6

Two different catalogues of this valuable collection of

books were printed. The one was analysed, or a _catalogue

raisonné_; 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 pesousês pas anêr 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 £5496 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 £16,047 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 £14

14_s._ and was sold again at his sale for £36 15_s._ The

King of France bought the editio princeps of _Pliny Senr._

for £11 11_s._; and Mr. Willock, a bookseller, bought the

magnificently illuminated _Pliny by Jenson_ of 1472, for £18

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.

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 £2: though the copies are

described as perfect and fair. There seems to have been a

fine set of Sir Wm. Dugdale's Works (Nos. 3074-81) in 13

vols. which, collectively, produced about 30 guineas.

In _Spanish literature_, the history of South America, By

Don Juan and Ant. di Ulloa, Madr. fol. in 5 vols., was sold

for £5: a fine large paper copy of the description of the

Monastery of St. Lorenzo, and the Escorial, Madr. 1657,

brought £1 2_s._: de Lastanosa's Spanish Medals, Huesca,

fol. 1645, £2 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 £3 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

13_s._ only: Desgodetz Roman edifices, Paris, 1682, £4

10_s._: Galleria Giustiniano, 2 vols., fol. £13 13_s._ Le

Brun's Voyages in Muscovy, &c., in large paper, £4 4_s._ De

Rossi's Raccolta de Statue, &c. Rom. 1704, £6 10_s._

Medailles du Regne de Louis le Grand, de l'imp. Roy. 1. p.

fol. 1702, £5 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 £11 11_s._ and £7 17_s._

6_d._ At the Doctor's sale they brought £43 and £23:

although the first was lately sold (A.D. 1805) among some

duplicates of books belonging to the British Museum, at a

much lower price: the copy was, in fact, neither large nor

beautiful. Those in the Hunter and Cracherode collections

are greatly superior, and would each bring more than double

the price.

From a priced copy of the sale catalogue, in my possession,

I find that the amount of the sale, consisting of 5126

articles, was £3091 5_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 Lunæ_, 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

£4 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:

£ _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. Baptistæ Pasquali, M,DCCLV.;" in quarto; with the

arms of Consul Smith. The title page is succeeded by a Latin

preface of Pasquali, and an alphabetical list of 43 pages of

the authors mentioned in the catalogue: then follow the

books arranged alphabetically, without any regard to size,

language, or subject. These occupy 519 pages, marked with

the Roman numerals; after which are 66 pages, numbered in

the same manner, of "addenda et corrigenda." The most

valuable part of the volume is "The Prefaces and Epistles

prefixed to those works in the Library which were printed in

the 15th century:" these occupy 348 pages. A Catalogue, (in

three pages) of the Names of the illustrious Men mentioned

in these prefaces, &c., closes the book.

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 præteritos 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._ £0 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 (£1 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 Lunæ_, 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

_æra_ 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 £7 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. Æginetæ (Pauli) Præcepta Salubria. Paris, quarto,

1510. ON VELLUM 11 0 0

No. 666. Æsopi Fabulæ. 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_ £0 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 £40 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._ Græce, 1800. 4to. 4 vols. Fifty

copies with plates were struck off on large paper, in royal

quarto. A copy of this kind was purchased at a sale in 1804,

for £99 15s.

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 £46. If

the largest paper of Clarke's Cæsar be excepted, this is the

highest priced single volume on large paper, that I just now

recollect.

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 Hernëan rage for Large Paper is quite of recent growth,

but it promises to be giant-like. When the duplicates of a

part of Mr. Woodhull's library, in 1803, were sold, there

was a fine set of copies of this kind; but the prices,

comparatively with those now offered, were extremely

moderate. Mr. Otridge, the bookseller, told me an amusing

story of his going down to Liverpool, many years ago, and

accidentally purchasing from the library of the late Sir

Thomas Hanmer, a _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 édition

_princeps_ a été vendu, chez M. de Cotte, en 1804, la somme

de 3601 livres; mais il faut ajouter que cet exemplaire

très-precieux est de la plus belle conservation; on dirait

qu'il sort dessous presse. De plus, il est peut-être

_l'unique dont les marges n'ont pas été rognées ni

coupées_!"

Peignot's _Curiosités 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

Juntæ. Although the Bibliothéque Imperiale, at Paris, and the library

of Count Macarty, at Toulouse, are said to contain the greatest number

of books printed upon vellum, yet, those who have been fortunate

enough to see copies of this kind in the libraries of his Majesty, the

Duke of Marlborough, Earl Spencer, Mr. Johnes, and the late Mr.

Cracherode (now in the British Museum), need not travel on the

Continent for the sake of being convinced of their exquisite beauty

and splendour. Mr. Edward's _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. £ _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 Abbé 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

Colomiés and Remannus have said about the rarity of La Croix du

Maine's Bibliotheque, published in 1584, are now unnecessary to be

attended to, since the ample and excellent edition of this work by De

La Monnoye and Juvigny, in six quarto volumes, 1772, has appeared. Nor

will any one be tempted to hunt for Gesner's Bibliotheca of 1545-8,

whatever may be its rarity, who has attended to Morhof's and Vogt's

recommendation of the last and best edition of 1583.

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: _Cæsar. 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 Literariæ_,

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 £3 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 Bartholomæus and Batman have risen in price since the

publication of Mr. Douce's work, let those who have lately

smarted for the increase tell!]

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 Harleïan

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 générale soit particulière, soit profane, soit

écclésiastique, soit nationale, provinciale, ou locale, soit

simplement personnelle, en un mot de quelque autre genre que

ce puisse être, n'est pas un ouvrage aussi facile que

beaucoup de gens se le pourroient imaginer; mais, elles ne

doivent néanmoins nulelment [Transcriber's Note: nullement]

prévenir contre celle-ci. Telle qu'elle est, elle ne laisse

pas d'être bonne, utile, et digne d'être recherchée par les

amateurs, de l'Histoire Littéraire." _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 rarè venalis expectet: peculium semper

præsens et paratum, ne, si quando occurrunt, emendi occasio

intercidat; prudens denique auri argentique contemptus, ut

pecuniis sponte careat quæ in bibliothecam formandam et

nutriendam sunt insumendæ. Si fortè vir literatus eo

felicitatis pervenit ut talem thesaurum coaceraverit, nec

solus illo invidios fruatur, sed usum cum eruditis qui

vigilias suas utilitati publicæ devoverunt, liberaliter

communicet; &c."--_Bibliotheca Hulsiana_, vol. i. Præfat. 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: Daimôn]' 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: Eurêka,

Eurêka]'; 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.

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