Bonnier._ Paris, 1800, 8vo. This catalogue is here
introduced to the bibliographer's notice in order to sharpen
his bibliomaniacal appetite to obtain one of the four copies
only which were printed upon LARGE PAPER of Dutch
manufacture. See _Cat. de Caillard_ (1808), no.
2596.----BOUTOURLIN. _Catalogue des livres de la
Bibliothéque de S.E.M. Le Comte de Boutourlin._ Paris (an.
xiii.), 1805, 8vo. Every one must conceive a high respect
for the owner of this choice collection, from the amiable
sentiments which pervade the preface to the catalogue. It
has a good index; and is elegantly printed. My copy is upon
LARGE PAPER.----DE BOZE. _Catalogue des Livres du Cabinet de
M. Claude Gros de Boze._ Paris. _De l'Imp. Royale_, 1745,
small folio. This is the first printed catalogue of the
choice and magnificent library of De Boze, the friend and
correspondent of Dr. Mead, between whom presents of books
were continually passing--as they were the first collectors
of the day in their respective countries. Some have said 50,
some 35, others 25, and others ONLY 12 COPIES of this
impression were struck off, as presents for the collector's
friends. Consult _Bibl. Mead_, p. 81, no. 617. _Bibl.
Creven._, vol. v., 291. _Bauer's Bibl. Rarior._, vol. i.,
151. _Bibl. Curieuse_, p. 12. _Bibl. Askev._, no. 508.
Barbier's _Dict. des Anonymes_, vol. ii., no. 8002.----DE
BOZE, _de la même bibliothéque_, 1753, 8vo. This catalogue,
which was executed by Martin, after the death of De Boze,
does not contain all the notices of works mentioned in the
preceding one. It is, however, well deserving of a place in
the bibliographer's library. Peignot tells us that there was
yet a _third_ catalogue printed, in 8vo., containing 192
pages, and giving an account of some books taken out of De
Boze's collection: a few of which are described in the
preceding edition of 1753. See his _Bibl. Cur._, p.
12.----BOZERIAN. _Notice des livres précieux ye
[Transcriber's Note: de] M. Bozérian, par M. Bailly_, 1798,
8vo. A cabinet of "precious books," indeed! The misfortune
is, so small a number of modern foreign catalogues come over
here that the best of them will be found in few of our
libraries. Whenever the "Bibliotheca Bozeriana" shall be
imported, it will not stop seven days upon a bookseller's
shelf!----BULTEAU. _Bibliotheca Bultelliana; (Caroli
Bulteau) a Gabr. Martin_, Paris, 1711, 12mo., 2 vols. in
one. This catalogue, which is carefully compiled, contains
curious and uncommon books; many of which were purchased for
the collections of Préfond, De Boze, and others.----BUNAU.
_Catalogus Bibliothecæ Bunavianæ._ Lipsiæ, 1750. Six parts,
in three volumes, each volume having two parts--usually
bound in six vols. Highly and generally esteemed as is this
extensive collection, and methodically arranged catalogue,
of Count Bunau's books, the latter has always appeared to me
as being branched out into too numerous ramifications, so as
to render the discovery of a work, under its particular
class, somewhat difficult, without reference to the index. I
am aware that what Camus says is very true--namely, that
"nothing is more absurd than to quarrel about
catalogue-making: and that every man ought to have certain
fixed and decisive ideas upon the subject," [_Mem. de
l'Inst._ vol. i., 650,] but simplicity and perspicuity,
which are the grand objects in every undertaking, might have
been, in my humble apprehension, more successfully exhibited
than in this voluminous catalogue. It represents _over-done
analysis_! yet those who are writing upon particular
subjects will find great assistance in turning to the
different works here specified upon the same. It is rare and
high-priced. From the preface, which is well worth an
attentive perusal, it appears that this grand collection,
now deposited in the electoral library at Dresden (see _Cat.
de Caillard_, no. 2545, 1808,) was at Count Bunau's
country-house, situated in a pleasant village about half a
mile from Dresden--
Vicinam videt unde lector urbem.
Saxius, in his _Onomast. Literar._, vol i., p. xxxiii.,
edit. 1775, &c., has a smart notice of this splendid
collection.----BUNNEMAN. _J.L. Bunnemanni Catalogus
Manuscriptorum, item librorum impressorum rarissimorum pro
assignato pretio venalium._ Minda, 1732, 8vo. For the sake
of knowing, by way of curiosity, what books (accounted rare
at this period) were sold for, the collector may put this
volume into his pocket, when he finds it upon a book-stall
marked at 1_s._ 6_d._ In the _Bibl. Solger._, vol iii.,
no. 1396, there was a priced copy upon LARGE PAPER with
bibliographical memoranda.----CAILLARD. _Catalogue des
livres du Cabinet de M.A.B. Caillard_, Paris, 1805, 8vo. Of
this private catalogue, compiled by Caillard himself, and
printed upon fine Dutch paper, in super-royal 8vo., only
twenty-five copies were struck off. So says Fournier, _Dict.
Portatif de Bibliographie_: p. 120; edit. 1809, and the
"avant-propos" prefixed to the subsequent catalogue here
following:----_Livres rares et précieux de la Bibliothéque
de feu M. Ant. Bern. Caillard_, Paris, 1808, 8vo. There were
but twenty-five copies of this catalogue of truly valuable,
and, in many respects, rare, and precious, books, printed
upon LARGE PAPER, of the same size as the preceding. This
was the sale catalogue of the library of Caillard, who died
in 1807, in his sixty-ninth year, and of whose
bibliomaniacal spirit we have a most unequivocal proof in
his purchasing De Cotte's celebrated uncut copy of the first
printed Homer, at an enormous sum! [vide COTTE, post.] "Sa
riche bibliothéque est á-la-fois un monument de son amour
pour l'art typographique, et de la vaste étendue de ses
connoissances," p. xiv. Some excellent indexes close this
volume; of which Mr. Payne furnished me with the loan of his
copy upon LARGE PAPER.----CAMBIS. _Catalogue des principaux
manuscrits du cabinet de M. Jos. L.D. de Cambis_, Avignon,
1770, 4to. Although this is a catalogue of MSS., yet, the
number of copies printed being very few, I have given it a
place here. Some of these copies contain but 519, others
766, pages; which shews that the owner of the MSS. continued
publishing his account of them as they increased upon him.
Rive, in his "_Chasse aux bibliographes_," has dealt very
roughly with the worthy Cambis; but Peignot tells us that
this latter was a respectable literary character, and a
well-informed bibliographer--and that his catalogue, in
spite of Rive's diatribe, is much sought after. See the
_Bibliogr. Curieuse_, p. 14; also _Cat. de la Valliere_,
vol. iii., no. 5543.----CAMUS DE LIMARE. _Catalogues des
livres de M. le Camus de Limare_, Paris, 1779, 12mo.--_Des
livres rares et précieux de M---- (Camus de Limare)_, Paris,
1786, 8vo.--_Des livres rares et précieux, reliés en
maroquin, de la bibliothéque du même, Paris, an trois_
(1795), 8vo. Of the _first_ catalogue only a small number of
copies was printed, and those for presents. _Bibliogr.
Curieuse_, p. 15. It contains a description of De Boze's
extraordinary copy of Du Fresnoy's "Methode pour étudier
l'Histoire," 1729, 4to., four volumes, with the supplement,
1740, two vols.; which was sold for 1500 livres; and which
was, of course, upon LARGE PAPER, with a thousand inviting
additions, being much more complete than the similar copies
in _Cat. de Valliere_, no. 4467; and _Cat. de Crevenna_,
no. 5694, edit. 1789; although this latter was preferable
to the Valliere copy. Consult also the _Curiosités
Bibliographiques_, p. 77-8. The _second_ catalogue was
prepared by De Bure, and contains a very fine collection of
natural history, which was sold at the Hôtel de Bullion. The
printed prices are added. The _third_ catalogue, which was
prepared by Santus, after the decease of Camus, contains
some very choice articles [many printed UPON VELLUM] of
ancient and modern books superbly bound.----CATALOGUE _des
livres rares. Par Guillaume de Bure, fils âiné._ Paris,
1786, 8vo. We are told, in the advertisement, that this
collection was formed from a great number of sales of
magnificent libraries, and that particular circumstances
induced the owner to part with it. The books were in the
finest order, and bound by the most skilful binders. The
bibliographical notices are short, but judicious; and a good
index closes the catalogue. The sale took place at the Hôtel
de Bullion.----CATALOGUE _fait sur un plan nouveau,
systématique et raisonné, d'une Bibliothéque de Littérature,
particulièrement d'Histoire et de Poésie, &c._ Utrecht,
1776, 8vo., two vols. A judicious and luminous arrangement
of 19,000 articles, or sets of books; which, in the
departments specified in the title-page, are singularly
copious and rich.----CATALOGUS _Librorum rarissimorum, ab
Artis Typographicæ inventoribus, aliisque ejus artis
Principibus ante annum 1500 excusorum; omnium optime
conservatorum_, 8vo., _Sine loco aut anno_. Peignot, who has
abridged Vogt's excellent account of this very uncommon and
precious catalogue, of which ONLY TWENTY-FIVE COPIES were
printed, has forgotten to examine the last edition of the
_Catalog. Libror. Rarior._, pp. 262-3; in which we find that
the collection contained 248 (and not 217) volumes. At the
end, it is said: "Pretiosissima hæc Librorum Collectio,
cujusvis magni Principis Bibliotheca dignissima, constat
voll. ccxlviii." Consult the respectable references in Vogt,
_ibid._; also the _Bibliogr. Curieuse_ of Peignot, p.
15.----CERAN. _Catalogue des livres de M. Mel de Saint
Ceran._ Paris, 1780, 8vo., again in 1791, 8vo. These
catalogues were compiled by De Bure, and are carefully
executed. Some of the books noticed in them are sufficiently
curious and rare.----CLEMENTINO-VATICANA. _Bibliotheca
Orientalis Clementino Vaticana, in quâ manuscriptos codices
Orientalium Linguarum recensuit Joseph Simonius Assemanus_,
Romæ, 1719. Folio, four vols. Asseman's son compiled an
excellent catalogue of the Oriental MSS. in the
Medico-Laurentian library; but this work of the father is
more curious and elaborate. Whenever a few half-guineas can
procure it, let the country-settled philologist send his
"henchman" to fly for it!--"Speed, Malise, speed." But alas!
Santander tells us that copies of it are rare. _Cat. de
Santander_, vol. iv., no. 6287.----COLBERT. _Bibliotheca
Colbertina: seu Catalogus Librorum Bibliothecæ quæ fuit
primum J.B. Colbert, deinde J.B. Colbert (fil) postea J.
Nic. Colbert, ac demum C.L. Colbert._ Parisiis, 1728, 8vo.,
three vols. The preface to this valuable catalogue (executed
by Martin) gives us a compressed, but sufficiently
perspicuous, account of the auspices under which such an
extensive and magnificent collection was assembled and
arranged. It contains not fewer than 18,219 articles; being
perhaps 60,000 volumes. The celebrated Baluze was the
librarian during the life of the former branches of the
Colbert family; a family which, if nothing remained to
perpetuate their fame but this costly monument of literary
enterprise, will live in the grateful remembrance of
posterity--but it wants not even such a splendid memorial!
The lover of fine and curious books will always open the
volumes of the COLBERT CATALOGUE with a zest which none but
a thorough bred bibliomaniac can ever hope to
enjoy.----CONSEIL D'ETAT. _Catalogue des livres de la
Bibliothéque du Conseil d'Etat (par M. Barbier,
Bibliothecaire du Conseil d'Etat)._ Paris, an. xi. (1802),
folio. "This catalogue is most superbly executed. The
richness of the materials of which it is composed, the fine
order of its arrangement, and the skilful researches
exhibited in it relating to anonymous authors, are worthy of
the typographical luxury of the national press, from which
this curious work was put forth. It will be perfect in three
parts: the third part, containing the supplement and tables,
is now at press." (A.D. 1804.) The preface and table of the
divisions of this catalogue were published in a small 8vo.
volume, 1801. This information I glean from Peignot's
_Curiosités Bibliographiques_, p. lix.; and from the _Cat.
de Boutourlin_, no. 3892, I learn that only 190 copies of
so useful, as well as splendid, a work were printed, of
which the French government took upon itself the
distribution.----CORDES. _Bibliothecæ Cordesianæ Catalogus,
cum indice titulorum_, Parisiis, 1643, 4to. The celebrated
Naudé had the drawing up and publishing of this catalogue,
which is highly coveted by collectors, and is now of rare
occurrence. De Cordes was intimate with all the learned men
of his country and age; and his eulogy, by Naudé, prefixed
to the catalogue, gives us a delightful account of an
amiable and learned man living in the bosom, as it were, of
books and of book-society. This collection, which was
purchased by Cardinal Mazarin, formed the foundation of the
latter's magnificent library. Consult the _Jugemens des
Savans_, vol. ii., p. 142; Colomié's _Biblioth. Choisie_, p.
126; _Mem. de l'Inst._, vol. i., p. 647. Nor must we forget
Morhof--_Polyhist. Literar._, vol. i., p. 211; who, after a
general commendation of the collection, tells us it is
remarkable for containing a fine body of foreign history. De
Cordes died A.D. 1642, in the 72d year of his age--nearly 50
years having been devoted by him to the formation of his
library. "Fortunate senex!"----COTTE. _Catalogue des Livres
rares et précieux et de MSS. composant la bibliothéque de
M---- (le President de Cotte)_, Paris, 1804, 8vo. We are
told by Peignot that the books at this sale were sold for
most exorbitant sums: "the wealthy amateurs striving to make
themselves masters of the LARGE PAPER Alduses, Elzevirs, and
Stephenses, which had been Count d'Hoym's copies." An uncut
first edition of Homer, in the highest state of
preservation, was purchased by Mons. Caillaird
[Transcriber's Note: Caillard] for 3,601 livres! See the
_Curiosités Bibliographiques_, pp. lxv, lxvj. According to
_Cat. de Caillard_, no. 2600 (1808, 8vo.), there were
only ten copies of this catalogue printed upon LARGE
PAPER.----COUVAY. _Catalogue de la bibliothéque de M.
Couvay, chevalier de l'ordre de Christ, secrétaire du Roi_,
Paris, 1728, fol. Very few copies of this catalogue were
printed, and those only for presents. _Bibliogr. Curieuse_,
p. 21.----CREVENNA. _Catalogue raisonnée de la collection
des Livres de M. Pierre Antoine Crevenna, Négocient à
Amsterdam_, 1776, 4to., six vols.--_De la même collection_,
1789, 8vo., five vols.--_De la même collection_, 1793, 8vo.
Of these catalogues of one of the most extensive and
magnificent collections ever formed in Amsterdam, the first
impression of 1776 (to which I have generally referred) is
by far the most valuable in regard to bibliographical
remarks and copious description. Peignot tells us that no
bibliographer can do without it. It was commenced in the
year 1774, and published during the life time of Peter
Antony Crevenna, the father; from whom the collection passed
into the hands of the son Bolongari Crevenna, and in whose
lifetime it was sold by public auction. The second
impression of 1789 is the sale-catalogue, and contains more
books than the preceding one; but the bibliographical
observations are comparatively trifling. There are copies of
this latter impression upon LARGE PAPER in quarto. I possess
an interesting copy of the small paper, which has numerous
marginal remarks in pencil, by Mr. Edwards; who examined the
library at Amsterdam, with a view to purchase it entire. The
last catalogue of 1793, which was published after the death
of the son, contains a few choice books which he had
reserved for himself, and, among them, a curious set of
fac-simile drawings of old prints and title-pages; some of
which were obtained at the sale of the elder Mirabeau (vide
post). It seems to have been the ruling passion of B.
Crevenna's life to collect all the materials, from all
quarters, which had any connection, more or less, with "THE
ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF PRINTING," and it is for ever to be
regretted that such extensive materials as those which he
had amassed, and which were sold at the sale of 1793 should
have been dissipated beyond the hope of restoration. See
Peignot's _Dict. de Bibliologie_, vol. iii., p. 100; and his
_Curiosités Bibliographiques_, p. 139.----CROZAT. _Catalogue
des Livres de Monsieur Le President Crozat de Tugny_, Paris,
1751, 8vo. This collection was particularly rich in the
belles-lettres--and especially in Italian and French
Romance-Literature.----VAN DAMME. _Catalogue d'une
Bibliotheque, vendue publiquement à la Haye, le 8 Octobre,
par Varon et Gaillard_, 1764, three vols. 8vo. "This
precious and rare collection belonged to M. Pierre Van
Damme, book-merchant at Amsterdam, equally well known for
his knowledge of bibliography and of medals; of which latter
he had a beautiful and uncommon collection." _Bibl.
Crevenn._, vol. v., p. 306.----DUBOIS. _Bibliotheca
Duboisiana, ou Catalogue de la Bibliothéque du Cardinal
Dubois. A la Haye_, 1725, 8vo., four vols. A collection
which evinces the fine taste and sound judgment of the
Cardinal Du Bois. It is not rare abroad.----ELZEVIR.
_Catalogus librorum qui in Bibliopolio Officinæ Danielis
Elzevirii venales extant_, Ams. 1674, 12mo.: 1681,
12mo.--_qui in Bibliopoli Elzeviriano venales extant_, Lug.
Bat., 1634, 1684, 4to. These, and other catalogues of the
books printed by the distinguished family of the Elzevirs,
should find a place within the cabinet of bibliographers.
The first book ever published by the Elzevirs was of the
date of 1595; the last, of 1680 or 1681, by Daniel Elzevir,
who was the only surviving branch. His widow carried on the
business after his decease in 1680. In the _Dictionnaire de
Bibliologie_ of Peignot, vol. i., p. 216, vol. iii., p. 116,
will be found a pleasing account of this family of (almost)
unrivalled printers.----DU FAY. _Bibliotheca Fayana seu
Catalogus librorum Bibl. Cor. Hier. de Cisternay du Fay,
digestus à Gabriel Martin_, Paris, 1725, 8vo. The catalogue
of this collection, which is a judicious one, and frequently
referred to, is very carefully put forth by Martin. I think
that I have seen a copy of it upon LARGE PAPER.----FAGEL.
_Bibliotheca Fageliana. A catalogue of the valuable and
extensive Library of the Greffier Fagal, of the Hague: in
two parts._ London, 1802, 8vo. It is highly creditable to
that most respectable establishment, Trinity College,
Dublin, that the present grand collection of books was
purchased "en masse" (for 7000_l._) to be deposited within
its library; thus rendering the interior of the latter
"companion meet" for its magnificent exterior. The
title-page of the first part announces the sale of the books
by auction by Mr. Christie; but the above offer having been
made for the whole collection, the same was forthwith
transported to Ireland. Collectors should take care that the
second part of this catalogue be not wanting, which is
oftentimes the case. A good index only is requisite to make
the BIBLIOTHECA FAGELIANA rank with the most valuable
publications of its kind in existence. It was compiled by
the well-known S. Paterson.----FAULTRIER. _Catalogus
Librorum Bibliothecæ Domini Joachimi Faultrier, digestus à
Prosper Marchand_, Paris, 1709, 8vo. The bibliographical
introductory remarks, by Marchand, render this volume (which
rarely occurs) very acceptable to collectors of catalogues.
Maittaire has spoken well of the performance, _Annal.
Typog._ iii., p. 482. Consult also the _Mem. de l'Inst._,
vol. i., p. 675, and the _Dict. de Bibliologie_, vol. ii.,
p. 235, upon Marchand's introductory remarks relating to the
arrangement of a library.----FAVIER. _Catalogue des Livres
de la Bibliothéque de feu Mons. L'Abbé Favier, Prêtre à
Lille_, Lille, 1765, 8vo. A well arranged catalogue of a
choice collection of books, which cost the Abbé fifty years
of pretty constant labour in amassing. Prefixed, are some
interesting notices of MSS.: and, among them, of a valuable
one of Froissart. The prints of the Abbé were afterwards
sold, from a catalogue of 143 pages, printed at Lisle in the
same year.----DU FRESNE. _Raphaelis Tricheti du Fresne
Bibliothecæ Catalogus._ Paris, 1662, 4to. "I have observed,"
says Morhof, "a number of authors in this catalogue which I
have in vain sought after elsewhere. The typographical
errors (especially in regard to dates, adds Baillet) are
innumerable: and the theological, legal, and medical works,
comparatively few--but in the departments of history,
antiquities, and general literature, this collection is
wonderfully enriched--containing authors hardly ever heard
of." _Polyhist. Literar._, vol. i., p. 212. Colomiés and
Labbe unite in conferring the highest praises upon Du Fresne
and his collection. See the _Jugemens des Savans_, vol. ii.,
p. 143; where, however, the confused and inaccurate manner
in which the catalogue is executed is sharply censured by
Baillet. Morhof informs us that this collection was disposed
of by Du Fresne's widow, to the Royal Library, for 24,000
_livres_, after she had refused 33,000 for the
same.----GAIGNAT. _Catalogue des Livres du Cabinet de feu M.
Louis Jean Gaignat, disposé et mis en ordre par Guill.
François de Bure le Jeune._ Paris, 1769, 8vo., two vols. One
of the best executed, and most intrinsically valuable
catalogues in existence. Almost all the books of Gaignat
were in the choicest condition; being the cream of the
collections of Colbert, Préfond, and De Boze. The possession
of this rare catalogue, which is indispensable to the
collector, forms what is called a Supplement to De Bure's
"_Bibliographie Instructive_." There are 50 copies struck
off upon SMALL QUARTO paper, to arrange with a like number
of this latter work. Consult _Bibl. Crevenn._, vol. v., p.
291.----GENÈVE. _Catalogue raisonné des Manuscrits conservés
dans la bibliothéque, &c., de Genève; par Jean Senibier._
Genève, 1779, 8vo. A neatly executed and useful catalogue of
some manuscripts of no mean value. It has received a good
character by Mons. Van-Praet, in the _Cat. de la Valliere_,
vol. iii., no. 5542. See also p. 36, ante.----GOEZ.
_Bibliothecæ Goësinæ Catalogus_, Leidæ, 1687, 8vo. A fine
collection of books and of coins distinguished the Museum of
Goez.----GOLOWKIN. _Catalogue des Livres de la Bibliothéque
du Comte Alexis de Golowkin_, Leipsic, 1798, 4to. It is said
that ONLY 25 COPIES of this catalogue were struck off, and
that not more than two of these are known to be in France.
Neither the type nor paper has the most inviting aspect; but
it is a curious volume, and contains a description of books
"infiniment précieux." Consult Peignot's _Bibliogr.
Curieuse_, p. 31. Dr. Clarke, in his _Travels in Russia,
&c._, p. 138, has noticed the extraordinary library of Count
Botterline, but says nothing of Golowkin's.----GOUTTARD.
_Catalogue des Livres rares et precieux de feu M. Gouttarde
par Guillaume de Bure fils aîné._ Paris, 1780, 8vo. A short
bibliographical notice of the amiable and tasteful owner of
this select collection precedes the description of the
books. The bibliographical observations are sometimes
copious and valuable. This catalogue is indispensable to the
collector.----GUYON. _Catalogue des livres de la
Bibliothéque de feu M.J.B. Denis Guyon, Chev. Seigneur de
Sardiere, Ancien Capitaine au Regiment du Roi, et l'un des
Seigneurs du Canal de Briare._ Paris, 1759, 8vo. It is
justly said, in the "advertisement" prefixed to this
catalogue, that, in running over the different classes of
which the collection is composed, there will be found
articles "capable de piquer la curiosité des bibliophiles."
In ancient and modern poetry, and in romances--especially
relating to chivalry--this "ancient Captain" appears to have
been deeply versed. The advertisement is followed by 28
pages of "Eclaircissemens"--which give an interesting
account of some precious manuscripts of old poetry and
romances. A MS. note, in my copy of this catalogue, informs
me that the books were sold "en masse."----HEINSIUS. (NIC.)
_Nicolai Heinsii Bibliothecæ Catalogus_, (1682) 8vo. A
portrait of the elegant and learned owner of this collection
faces the title-page. The books contained in it are
remarkable both for their rarity and intrinsic value; and a
great number of them were enriched with the notes of
Scaliger, Salmasius, and others. Few collections display
more judgment and taste in the selection than the present
one; and few critics have been of more essential service to
the cause of ancient classical literature than Nicholas
Heinsius. He excelled particularly in his editions of the
poets. Mr. Dyer, of Exeter, the bookseller, has a copy of
this catalogue, which was formerly Grævius's; in which that
celebrated critic has made marginal remarks concerning the
rarity and value of certain works described in
it.----HOHENDORF. _Bibliotheca Hohendorfiana; ou Catalogue
de la Bibliothéque de feu Mons. George Guillaume Baron de
Hohendorf: à la Haye_, 1720, 8vo., three parts. A
magnificent collection; which a MS. note, by Dr. Farmer (in
my copy of the catalogue), informs me was "added to the
Emperor's library at Vienna." In the _Bibl. Mencken_, p. 10,
it is thus loftily described: "Catalogus per-rarus
rarissimis libris superbiens."----HOYM. _Catalogus Librorum
Bibliothecæ Caroli Henrici Comitis de Hoym_, 1738, 8vo. This
catalogue, which is exceedingly well "digested by Martin,"
is a great favourite with collectors. A copy out of Count
Hoym's collection tells well--whether at a book-sale, or in
a bookseller's catalogue. There are copies upon LARGE PAPER,
which, when priced, sell high.----HULSIUS. _Bibliotheca
Hulsiana, sive Catalogus Librorum quos magno labore, summa
cura et maximis sumptibus collegit Vir Consularis Samuel
Hulsius._ Hag. Com. 1730, four vols. 8vo. (the second and
third being in two parts, and the fourth in three). This is,
in sober truth, a wonderful collection of books; containing
nearly 34,000 articles--which, allowing three volumes to an
article, would make the owner to have been in possession of
100,000 volumes of printed books and MSS. The English
library, (vol. iv., pt. ii.) of nearly 3300 articles,
comprehended nearly all the best books of the day. There
were about 1200 articles of Spanish Literature. Nor was the
worthy Consul deficient in the love of the fine arts ("hæc
est, sitque diu, Senis optimi voluptas et oblectatio," says
the compiler of the catalogue); having 11,000 most beautiful
prints of subjects relating to the Bible, bound up in 92
atlas folio volumes. Long live the memory of Hulsius; a
consular hero of no ordinary renown!----JENA. _Memorabilia
Bibliothecæ Academicæ Jenensis: sive designatio Codicum
manuscriptorum illa Bibliothecâ et Librorum impressorum
plerumque rariorum. Joh. Christophoro Mylio._ Jenæ, 1746,
8vo. A work of some little importance; and frequently
referred to by Vogt and Panzer. It is uncommon.----JESU SOC.
_Bibliotheca Scriptorum Societatis Jesu._ Antv., 1643. Romæ,
1676, fol. Although this work is not a professed catalogue
of books, yet, as it contains an account of the writings of
those learned men who were in the society of the
Jesuits--and as Baillet, Antonio, and Morhof, have said
every thing in commendation of it--I strongly recommend one
or the other of these editions to the bibliographer's
attention. I possess the edition of 1643; and have
frequently found the most satisfactory intelligence on
referring to it. How clever some of the Jesuits were in
their ideas of the arrangement of a library may be seen from
their "_Systema Bibliothecæ Jesuitarum Collegii
Ludoviciani_"--which was written by Garnier for the private
use of the Louvain college, and which is now extremely
difficult to be found. See Maichelius, _de Præcip. Bibl.
Parisiens_, p. 128. Their "_Systema bibliothecæ collegii
Parisiensis societatis Jesu_," 1678, 4to. (or catalogue of
books in the college of Clermont), is handsomely noticed by
Camus in the _Mem. de l'Inst._, vol. i., 647.----JUST, ST.
_Catalogue des livres en très-petit nombre qui composent la
Bibliothéque de M. Merard de St. Just, ancien maitre-d'hotêl
de Monsieur, frère du Roi (avec les prix d'achat)._ Paris,
1783, 18mo. Of this book, printed upon superfine paper, of
the manufactory of d'Annonay, only 25 copies were struck
off. _Bibl. Curieuse_, p. 43. Another catalogue of the same
collection (perhaps a more copious one) was put forth in
1799, 8vo., prepared by M. Mauger, See _Diction.
Bibliographique_, tom. iv., p. xiv.----KROHN. _Catalogus
Bibliothecæ Præstantissimorum &c., Librorum selectum
complectentis. Libros collegit et Literariis Catalogum
Animadversionibus instruxit, B.N. Krohn. Editio altera._
Hamb. 1796, 8vo. The preface to this very excellent
collection of books is written in Latin by Rambach; and a
most interesting one it is. After giving a slight sketch of
the life and literary occupations of Krohn, he thus finishes
the picture of his death--"Ego certe (exclaims the grateful
biographer), mi KROHNI, te amabo, et quamdiu 'spiritus hos
reget artus' gratam Tui memoriam ex animo nunquam elabi
patiar. O! me felicem, si, qua olim me beasti, amicitiâ nunc
quoque frui possem. Sed fruar aliquando, cum Deus me ad
beatorum sedes evocaverit, ac Te mihi rediderit
conjunctissimum. Vale, interim, pia anima; et quem jam
tristem reliquisti, prope diem exspecta, in tenerrimos Tuos
amplexus properantem, ac de summa, quam nunc habes,
felicitate Tibi congratulantem," p. xix. This is the genuine
language of heart-felt grief; language, which those who have
lost an old and good friend will know well how to
appreciate. This catalogue, which was given to me by my
friend the Rev. Dr. Gosset, 'vir in re bibliographicâ
[Greek: polymathestatos],' exhibits a fine collection of
books (3821 in number) relating to history and philology.
Some of Krohn's notes are sufficiently shrewd and
intelligent.----LAMOIGNON. _Catalogue des Livres Imprimés et
manuscrits de la Bibliothéque de M. le President de
Lamoignon (redigé par L. Fr. Delatour) avec une table des
auteurs, et des anonymes._ Paris, 1770, fol. The
bibliographer has only to hear Peignot speak in his own
language, and he will not long hesitate about the price to
be given for so precious [Transcriber's Note: 'a' missing in
original] volume: "Catalogue fort rare, tiré a QUINZE
EXEMPLAIRES seulement, sur du papier de coton fabriqué, par
singularité, à Angoulême." Mr. Harris, of the Royal
Institution, possesses a copy of it, bound in
orange-coloured Morocco, which was presented to him by Mr.
Payne; and, as Alexander placed his beloved Homer--so does
he this catalogue--uner [Transcriber's Note: under] his
pillow "quand il vent se reposer--a cause des songes
agréables qu'il doit inspirer." This beautiful volume, which
was printed for Lamoignon's own convenience, in supplemental
parts, does not, however, contain Baillet's interesting
Latin prefece, which may be seen in the _Jugemens des
Savans_, vol. [Transcriber's Note: volume number missing in
original] pt. ii., p. 140, ed. 1725.----LAMOIGNON. _Des
Livres de la Bibliothéque de feu M. de Lamoignon, Garde de
Sçeaux de France._ Paris, 1791, 8vo., 3 vols. These volumes
contain the sale catalogue of Lamoignon's books as they were
purchased by Mr. T. Payne, the bookseller. Like the great
libraries of Crevenna and Pinelli, this immense collection
(with the exception of the works upon French jurisprudence)
has been dissipated by public sale. It yet delights Mr.
Payne to think and to talk of the many thousand volumes
which were bound in Morocco, or Russia, or
white-calf-leather, "with gilt on the edges"--which this
extraordinary family of book-collectors had amassed with so
much care and assiduity. The preface gives us a short, but
pleasing, account of the bibliomanical spirit of Lamoignon's
father-in-law, Monsieur Berryer; who spent between thirty
and forty years in enriching this collection with all the
choice, beautiful, and extraordinary copies of works which,
from his ministerial situation, and the exertions of his
book-friends, it was possible to obtain. M. Berryer died in
1762, and his son-in-law in 1789.----LAMOIGNON. _Des Livres
de la même Biblothéque, par Nyon l'âiné._ Paris, 1797, 8vo.
This volume presents us with the relics of a collection
which, in its day, might have vied with the most splendid in
Europe. But every thing earthly must be
dissipated.----LANCELOT. _Catalogue des Livres de feu M.
Lancelot de l'Academie Royale des Belles Lettres._ Paris,
1741, 8vo. Those who are fond of making their libraries rich
in French History cannot dispense with this truly valuable
catalogue. Lancelot, like the elder Lamoignon, appears to
have been "buried in the benedictions of his
countrymen"--according to the energetic language of
Bourdaloue.----LEMARIÉ. _Catalogue des livres de feu M.
Lemarié, disposé et mis en ordre, par Guil. De Bure, fils
aîné_, Paris, 1776, 8vo. A well digested catalogue of a rich
collection of Greek and Latin Literature, which evinces a
man of taste and judgment. Nothing can be more handsomely
said of a collection than what De Bure has prefixed to the
present one. In the _Cat. de Gouttard_, no. 1545, I find
a copy of it upon LARGE PAPER.----LOMÉNIE. _Index Librorum
ab inventa Typographia da annum 1500, &c., cum notis, &c._
Senonis, 1791, 8vo., two vols. The owner of this collection,
whose name does not appear in the title-page, was the
celebrated Cardinal DE LOMÉNIE DE BRIENNE: who is described,
in the advertisement prefixed to the catalogue of his books
in 1797, [vide infra] as having, from almost early youth,
pushed his love of book-collecting to an excess hardly
equalled by any of his predecessors. When he was but a young
ecclesiastic, and had only the expectation of a fortune, his
ruling passion for books, and his attachment to fellow
bibliomaniacs, was ardent and general. But let his
panegyrist speak in his own language--"Si le hazard
procuroit à ses amis quelque objét précieux, il n'avoit de
repos qu'aprés l'avoir obtenu; les sacrifices ne
l'effrayoient pas; il étoit né généreaux; mais ce qu'on lui
accordoit, il le devoit sur-tout à ses manières insinuantes.
Ses sollicitations étoient toujours assaisonnées d'un ton
d'amabilité auquel on résistoit difficilement. Lorsque le
tems et les grâces de la cour eurent aggrandi ses moyens,
ses veus s'etendirent à proportion. Insensiblement il
embressa tous les genres, et sa bibliothéque devint un dépôt
universel. Dans ses fréquens voyages, s'il s'arrêtoit
quelques instans dans une ville, on le voyoit visiter
lui-même les libraries, s'introduire dans les maisons
religieuses, s'insinuer dans les cabinets d'amateurs,
chercher par-tout à acquérir; c'etoit un besoin pour lui
d'acheter sans cesse, d'entasser les volumes. Cette passion
a peut-être ses excés; mais du moins, elle ne fut pas pour
le cardinal de Loménie une manie stérile. Non seulement il
aimoit, il connoissoit les livres, mais il savoit s'en
servir; sans contredit il fut un des hommes les plus
éclairés du Clergé de France."----To return from this
pleasing rhapsody to the catalogue, the title of which is
above given. It is composed by Laire, in the Latin language,
with sufficient bibliographical skill: but the index is the
most puzzling one imaginable. The uncommonly curious and
magnificent collection, not being disposed of "en
masse"--according to advertisement--was broken up; and the
more ancient books were sold by auction at Paris, in 1792,
from a French catalogue prepared by De Bure. Some of the
books were purchased by Mr. Edwards, and sold at London in
the Paris collection [vide p. 90, post]; as were also those
relating to Natural History; which latter were sold by
auction without his Eminence's name: but it is a gross error
in the _Bibl. Krohn_, p. 259, no. 3466, to say that many
of these books were impious and obscene. These are scarce
and dear volumes; and as they supply some deficiencies
[Transcriber's Note: missing 'in'] Audiffredi's account of
books published at Rome in the xvth century [vid. p. 62,
ante], the bibliographer should omit no opportunity of
possessing them.----LOMÉNIE. _D'une partie des livres de la
Bibliothéque du Cardinal de Loménie de Brienne_, Paris, an.
v. [1797], 8vo. This collection, the fragments or ruins of
the Lomenie library, contains 2754 articles, or numbers,
with a rich sprinkling of Italian literature; leaving
behind, however, a surplus of not fewer than twelve hundred
pieces relating to the Italian Drama--many of them
rare--which were to be sold at a future auction. From the
biographical memoir prefixed to this catalogue, I have given
the preceding extract concerning the character of the owner
of the collection--who died in the same year as the
sale.----MACARTHY. _Catalogue des livres rares et précieux
du cabinet de M.L.C.D.M._ (_M. Le Comte de Macarthy_),
Paris, 1779, 8vo. _Supplement au Catalogue des livres, &c._,
de M.L.C.D.M., Paris, 1779, 8vo. _Chez de Bure, fils aîné._
These books were sold in January, 1780; and great things are
said, in the advertisement, of their rarity and beauty. The
Count Macarthy has, at this moment, one of the most
magnificent collections upon the continent. His books
printed UPON VELLUM are unequalled by those of any private
collection. Of the above catalogue, a copy upon strong
writing paper occurs in the _Cat. de Gouttard_, no.
1549.----MAGLIABECHI. _Catalogus Codicum Sæculo_ xv.
_Impressorum qui in publica Bibliotheca Magliabechiana
Florentiæ adservantur. Autore Ferdinando Fossio; ejusd.
bibl. Præf._, Florent., 1793, folio, three vols. A
magnificent and truly valuable publication (with excellent
indexes) of the collection of the famous Magliabechi;
concerning whom the bibliographical world is full of curious
anecdotes. The reader may consult two volumes of letters
from eminent men to Magliabechi, published in 1745, &c.,
vide _Bibl. Pinell_, no. 8808, &c., edit. 1789: Wolfius's
edition of the _Bibliotheca Aprosiana_, p. 102; and the
Strawberry Hill[C] edition of the _Parallel between
Magliabechi and Mr. Hill_, 1758, 8vo.--an elegant and
interesting little volume. Before we come to speak of his
birth and bibliographical powers, it may be as well to
contemplate his expressive physiognomy.
[Illustration]
MAGLIABECHI was born at Florence October 29, 1633. His
parents, of low and mean rank, were well satisfied when they
got him into the service of a man who sold herbs and fruit.
He had never learned to read; and yet he was perpetually
poring over the leaves of old books that were used in his
master's shop. A bookseller, who lived in the neighbourhood,
and who had often observed this, and knew the boy could not
read, asked him one day "what he meant by staring so much on
printed paper?" Magliabechi said that "he did not know how
it was, but that he loved it of all things." The consequence
was that he was received, with tears of joy in his eyes,
into the bookseller's shop; and hence rose, by a quick
succession, into posts of literary honour, till he became
librarian to the Grand Duke of Tuscany. In this situation
Magliabechi had nothing further, or more congenial to his
feelings, to sigh for: in the Florentine library he revelled
without cessation in the luxury of book-learning. The
strength of his memory was remarkable; one day, the Grand
Duke sent for him to ask whether he could procure a book
that was particularly scarce. "No, sir," answered
Magliabechi, "it is impossible; for there is but one in the
world, and that is in the Grand Signior's Library at
Constantinople, and is the seventh book on the second shelf
on the right hand as you go in." In spite of his cobwebs,
dirt, and cradle lined with books, Magliabechi reached his
81st year. Hearne has contrived to interweave the following
(rather trifling) anecdote of him, in his _Johan. Confrat.,
&c., de Reb. Glaston_, vol. ii., 486--which I give merely
because it is the fashion to covet every thing which
appertaineth to Tom Hearne. "I have mentioned the bank where
the MSS. (concerning the Epistles of St. Ignatius; Bank
LVII.) stands, and the title of the book, because Vossius
tells us not in his preface which of the several MSS. in
this library he made use of; and to finde it out gave me so
much trouble that, if the Grand Duke's library-keeper had
not known the book, and searched it for me, I think I should
never have met with it, there being not one canon of St.
Laurence, not their library-keeper himself, nor, I believe,
any other in Florence, except this Sre. MAGLIABECHI, that
could direct me to it. The learned Bishop will be pleased to
take notice of Sre. Maliabechi's [Transcriber's Note:
Magliabechi's] civility; who, besides procuring me the Grand
Duke's leave to collate the epistles, attended himself in
the library, all the time I was there (the licence being
granted by the Grand Duke upon this condition): and since,
as a mark of his respect to the reverend bishop, hath been
pleased to present him with a book (about the Florentine
history) which I have committed to Mr. Ferne, my Lord
Lexinton's Gentleman, to be conveyed to his lordship." (Mr.
Ledgerd's account of his collations of the Florentine MS.
with the edition of Vossius.)----ST. MARK. _Græca D. Marci
Bibliotheca Codicum Manuscriptorum Præside Laurentio
Theopolo._ Venet. 1740, folio: _Ejusdem Latina et Italica
Bibliotheca Codicum Manuscriptorum Præside eodem_, Venet.
1741, folio. These useful and handsomely executed volumes
should be found in every extensive philological
collection.----MEDICI-LORENZO. _Bibliothecæ
Mediceo-Laurentianæ et Palatinæ Codicum Manuscriptorum
Orientalium Catalogus digessit S.E. Assemanus._ Florent.
1742, folio. A very valuable and splendid publication;
evincing the laudable ambition of the Medici in their
encouragement of oriental literature. The editor is
commended in the preface of the subsequent catalogue, p.
xxxxv.----MEDICI-LORENZO. _Bibliothecæ Hebraico-Grecæ
Florentinæ sive Bibliothecæ Mediceo-Laurentianæ Catalogus ab
Antonio Maria Biscionio, &c., digestus atque editus_,
Florent., 1752, folio, two vols. in one. A grand book; full
of curious fac-similes of all sorts of things. It was begun
to be printed in 1752, but Biscioni's death, in May, 1756,
prevented the completion of the publication 'till May 1757.
See præfat., p. xxxxvii--and particularly the
colophon.----MEDICI-LORENZO. _Catalogus Codicum
Manuscriptorum, Græcorum, Latinorum, et Italicoram,
Bibliothecæ Medicæ Laurentianæ: Angelus Maria Bandinus
recensuit, illustravit edidit._ Florent., 1764; 3 vols.,
1774; 5 vols., folio. An equally splendid work with the
preceding--and much more copious and erudite in regard to
intrinsically valuable matter. The indexes are excellent. No
extensive philological library should be without these
volumes--especially since the name of MEDICI has recently
become so popular, from the able biographical memoirs of the
family by Mr. Roscoe.----MENARSIANA. _Bibliotheca
Menarsiana; ou Catalogue de la Bibliothéque de feu Messire
Jean Jaques Charron, Chevalier Marquis de Menars_, &c. A La
Haye, 1720, 8vo. A very fine collection of books in all
branches of literature. After the "Ordo Venditionis," there
is an additional leaf pasted in, signifying that a
magnificent copy of Fust's bible of 1462, upon paper, would
be sold immediately after the theological MSS. in folio. It
brought the sum of 1200 florins. The sale commenced at nine
and at two; giving the buyers time to digest their
purchases, as well as their dinners, at twelve! "Tempora
mutantur!"----MENCKENIUS. _Catalogus Bibliothecæ Menckenianæ
ab Ottone et Burchardo collectæ. Editior altera longe
emendatior._ Lips., 1727, 8vo. There are some curious and
uncommon books in this collection; which evince the taste
and judgment of Menckenius, who was a scholar of no mean
reputation. Perhaps the word "rare" is too lavishly bestowed
upon some of the books described in it.----MEON. _Catalogue
des livres précieux singuliéres et rares de la Bibliothèque
de M. Meon._ Paris, an. xii. (1804), 8vo. A very choice
collection of books; catalogued with considerable
care.----MERCIER. _Catalogue de la Bibliothéque de M.
Mercier, Abbé de Saint Leger_, par. M. De Bure, 1799, 8vo.
If the reader has chanced to cast his eye over the account
of the Abbé de St. Leger, at p. 61, ante, he will not
hesitate long about procuring a copy of the catalogue of the
library of so truly eminent a bibliographer.----MÉRIGOT.
_Catalogue des livres de M.J.G. Mérigot, Libraire_, par M.
De Bure, 1800, 8vo. It is very seldom that this catalogue
appears in our own country: which is the more provoking as
the references to it, in foreign bibliographical works,
render its possession necessary to the collector. Mérigot
was an eminent bookseller, and prepared a good catalogue of
M. Lorry's library, which was sold in 1791, 8vo.----ST.
MICHAEL. _Bibliotheca Codicum Manuscriptorum Monasterij
Sancti Michaelis Venetiarum, una cum appendice librorum
impressorum sæculi_ xv. _Opus posthumum Joannis Bened.
Mittarelli._ Venet., 1779, folio. It were much to be wished
that, after the example of this and other monasteries, all
religious houses, which have large libraries attached to
them, would publish accounts of their MSS. and printed
books. There is no knowing what treasures are hid in them,
and of which the literary world must remain ignorant, unless
they are thus introduced to general notice. How many curious
and amusing anecdotes may be told of precious works being
discovered under barbarous titles! Among others, take,
gentle reader, the two following ones--relating to books of
a very different character. Within a volume, entitled
_Secreta Alberti_, were found "_The Fruyte of Redempcyon_,"
printed by W. De Worde, 1532, 4to.; and a hitherto
imperfectly described impression of _The Boke of Fyshinge_,
printed by W. De Worde, in 4to., without date; which usually
accompanies that fascinating work, ycleped Dame Juliana
Barnes's _Boke of Hawkyng, Huntyng, and Cote Armoor_. My
friend Mr. J. Haslewood first made me acquainted with this
rare treasure--telling me he had "a famous tawny little
volume" to shew me: his pulse, at the same time, I ween,
beating one hundred and five to the minute! The second
anecdote more exactly accords with the nature of my
preliminary observations. In one of the libraries abroad,
belonging to the Jesuits, there was a volume entitled, on
the back of it "_Concilium Tridenti_:" the searching eye and
active hands of a well-educated Bibliomaniac discovered and
opened this volume--when lo! instead of the _Council of
Trent_, appeared the _First_, and almost unknown, _Edition_
of the _Decameron of Boccaccio_! This precious volume is now
reposing upon the deserted shelves of the late Duke of
Roxburgh's library; and, at the forth-coming sale of the
same, it will be most vigorously contended for by all the
higher and more knowing powers of the bibliographical world;
But when the gods descending swell'd the fight,
Then tumult rose; fierce rage and pale affright
Varied each face:
[_Pope's_] _Homer's Iliad_, b. xx. v. 63.
MIRABEAU. _Catalogue de la Bibliotheque de Mirabeau l'aîné,
par Rozet_, 1792, 8vo. A fine collection of books; some of
them very curious and uncommon. At the head of the choice
things contained in it must be noticed the "Recueil de
Calques, ou dessins des titres et figure d'un grand nombre
des plus anciens ouvrages, gravés en bois, ou imprimés en
caractères mobiles, depuis l'origine de l'imprimerie," &c.
These designs were 226 in number; of which a description is
given at the head of the catalogue. They were purchased for
1105 livres, and again sold, with the same description
prefixed, at the last Crevenna sale of 1793 (see p. 79,
ante). Consult the _Curiosités Bibliographiques_ of Peignot,
p. 139.----MIROMENIL. _Catalogue des Livres de la
Bibliothéque de M. Hüe de Miromenil, garde des sceaux de
France_, Paris, 1781, 4to. "It appears, from the catalogue
of M. de Coste, that this is a rare book, of which only few
copies were printed, and those never sold." _Bibliogr.
Curieuse_, p. 33.----MONTFAUÇON. _Diarium Italicum; sive
Monumentorum Veterum, Bibliothecarum, Musæorum Notitiæ
Singulares a D. Bernardo de Montfauçon_, Paris, 1702, 4to.
_Bibliotheca Bibliothecarum Manuscriptorum nova, autore De
Bern. de Montfauçon_, Paris, 1739, folio, two vols. These
are the bibliographical works (which I thought would be
acceptable if placed in this list of Catalogues) of the
illustrious Montfauçon; whose publications place him on the
summit of antiquarian fame. So much solid sense, careful
enquiry, curious research, and not despicable taste, mark
his voluminous productions! The bibliographer may rest
assured that he will not often be led into confusion or
error in the perusal of the above curious and valuable
volumes, which have always been considered precious by the
philologist.----MORELLI. _Jacobi Morellii Bibliothecæ Regiæ
divi Marci Venetiarum Custodis, Bibliotheca Manuscripta
Græca et Latina._ Tom. prim. Bassani, 8vo. Morelli was the
amiable and profoundly learned librarian of St. Mark's at
Venice; and this catalogue of his Greek and Latin MSS. is
given upon the authority of Peignot's _Curiosités
Bibliographiques_, p. lix.----MUSEUM BRITISH. _Catalogus
Librorum Manuscript. Bibl. Cotton._, Oxon., 1696, fol. _A
Catalogue of the Manuscripts in the Cottonian Library_,
Lond. 1777, 8vo. _A Catalogue of the same_, 1802, fol. _A
Catalogue of the Harleian Manuscripts, &c._, Lond., 1759,
fol., 2 vols. _A Catalogue of the same_, Lond., 1808, fol.,
3 vols. _A Catalogue of the MSS. of the Kings Library, &c._,
1734, 4to. _A Catalogue of the MSS., &c., hitherto
undescribed_, Lond., 1782, 4to., two vols. _Catalog. Libror.
Impress., &c._, Lond., 1787, folio, 2 vols. These are the
published catalogues of the literary treasures, in
manuscript and in print, which are contained in the British
Museum. The _first Cottonian_ catalogue has a life of Sir
Robert Cotton, and an account of his library prefixed to it.
The _second_, by Samuel Hooper, was intended "to remedy the
many defects" in the preceding catalogue, and "the
injudicious manner" in which it was compiled; but it is of
itself sufficiently confused and imperfect. The _third_,
which is the most copious and valuable, with an index (and
which has an abridged account of Sir Robert Cotton, and of
his Library), was drawn up by Mr. Planta, the principal
librarian of the British Museum. A great part of the first
catalogue of the _Harleian MSS._ was compiled by the
celebrated Humphrey Wanley, and a most valuable and ably
executed publication it is! The _Second_ is executed by the
Rev. R. Nares: it contains the preface of the first, with an
additional one by himself, and a copious index; rendering
this the most complete catalogue of MSS. which has ever yet
appeared in our own country; although one regrets that its
typographical execution should not have kept pace with its
intrinsic utility. The two latter catalogues of MSS. above
described give an account of those which were presented by
royal munificence, and collected chiefly by Sir Hans Sloane
and Dr. Birch. The catalogue of 1734 (which is now rare) was
compiled by David Casley: that of 1782, by Samuel Ascough.
Of the catalogue of _Printed Books_, it would be unfair to
dwell upon its imperfections, since a new, and greatly
enlarged and improved, impression of it is about going to
press, under the editorial care and inspection of Messrs. H.
Ellis and Baber, the gentlemen to whom the printed books are
at present intrusted. Mr. Douce, who has succeeded Mr. Nares
as head librarian of the MSS., is busily employed in
examining the multifarious collection of the _Lansdowne
MSS._ (recently purchased by the Trustees of the Museum),
and we may hope that the day is not very far distant when
the public are to be congratulated on his minute and
masterly analysis of these treasures.----PARIS. _Catalogue
de la Bibliothéque de M. Paris de Meyzieux_, Paris, 1779,
8vo. _Bibliotheca elegantissima Parisina, par M. Lourent_,
1790, 8vo. _The same_: Lond., 1791, 8vo. Since the days of
Gaignat and the Duke de la Valliere, the longing eyes of
bibliographers were never blessed with a sight of more
splendid and choice books than were those in the possession
of M. PARIS DE MEYZIEUX. The Spira Virgil of 1470, UPON
VELLUM, will alone confer celebrity upon the _first_
catalogue--but what shall we say to the _second_? It
consists of only 635 articles, and yet, as is well observed
in the preface, it was never equalled for the like number.
Happy is that noviciate in bibliography who can forget the
tedium of a rainy day in sitting by the side of a log-wood
fire, and in regaling his luxurious fancy, by perusing the
account of "fine, magnificent, matchless, large paper," and
"vellum" copies which are thickly studded from one end of
this volume to the other. Happier far the veteran, who can
remember how he braved the _perils of the sale_, in
encountering the noble and heavy metalled competitors who
flocked, from all parts of the realm, to partake of these
_Parisian_ spoils! Such a one casts an eye upon his
well-loaded shelves, and while he sees here and there a
yellow morocco Aldus, or a Russian leather Froben, he
remembers how bravely he fought for each, and with what
success his exertions were crowned! For my own part, gentle
reader, I frankly assure thee that--after having seen the
"HEURES DE NOTRE DAME," written by the famous Jarry, and
decorated with SEVEN small exquisite paintings of the Virgin
and Christ--and the _Aldine Petrarch_ and _Virgil_ of 1501,
all of them executed upon SNOW-WHITE VELLUM--after having
seen only these books out of the Paris collection, I hope to
descend to my obscure grave in perfect peace and
satisfaction! The reader may smile; but let him turn to
nos. 14, 201, 328, of the _Bibl. Paris_: no. 318 of
the _Cat. de la Valliere_; and _Curiositès
Bibliographiques_, p. 67. This strain of "ètourderie
bibliographique," ought not to make me forget to observe
that we are indebted to the enterprising spirit and correct
taste of Mr. Edwards for these, as well as for many other,
beautiful books imported from the Continent. Nor is it yet
forgotten that some thorough-bred bibliomaniacs, in their
way to the sale, used to call for a glass of ice, to allay
the contagious inflammation which might rage in the
auction-room. And now take we leave of Monsieur Paris de
Meyzieux. Peace to the ashes of so renowned a
book-chevalier.----PETAU ET MANSART. _Bibliotheca Potavina
et Mansartiana; ou Catalogue des Bibliothéques de Messrs.
Alexander Petau, et François Mansart; auxquells on a ajouté
le Cabinet des MSS. de Justus Lipsius._ Haye, 1722, 8vo. A
catalogue not very common, and well worth the
bibliographer's consultation.----PINELLI. _Bibliotheca
Maphæi Pinelli Veneti, &c. A Jacobo Morellio._ Venetiis,
1787, 6 vols., 8vo. _Bibliotheca Pinelliana: a catalogue of
the magnificent and celebrated library of Maffæi Pinelli,
late of Venice_, &c., London, 1789, 8vo. There can be no
question about the priority, in point both of typographical
beauty and intrinsic excellence, of these catalogues; the
latter being only a common sale one, with the abridgment of
the learned preface of Morelli, and of his bibliographical
notices. This immense collection (of the ancient owners of
which we have a short sketch in Morhof, vol. i., pp. 28,
202) was purchased by Messrs. Edwards and Robson: the Greek
and Latin books were sold for 6786_l._, the Italian, for
2570_l._--which barely repaid the expenses of purchase,
including duties, carriage, and sale. Although, as Dr.
Harwood has observed, "there being no dust in Venice, this
most magnificent library has in general lain reposited for
some centuries, in excellent preservation,"--yet the copies
were not, upon the whole, in the choicest condition. There
are copies of the catalogue of 1789 upon LARGE PAPER. The
catalogue of 1787 (with an elegant portrait of Pinelli
prefixed) has, at first sight, the aspect of a work printed
in small quarto.----POMPADOUR. _Catalogue des Livres de la
Bibliothéque de feue Madame La Marquise de Pompadour, Dame
du Palais de la Reine_, Paris, 1765, 8vo. The name of Madame
de Pompadour will be always respected by bibliographers, on
account of the taste and judgment which are displayed in
this elegant collection. The old popular romances form the
leading feature; but there is an ample sprinkling of the
belles-lettres and poetry. An animated eulogium is
pronounced upon Mad. de Pompadour by Jardé, in his "Précis
sur les Bibliothéques;" prefixed to the last edition of
Fournier's _Dictionnaire Portatif de Bibliographie_, p.
vij.----PRÉFOND. _Catalogue des Livres du Cabinet de M.D.P.
(Girardot de Préfond) Par Guillaume F. De Bure_, Paris,
1757, 8vo. An excellent collection; not wanting in rare and
magnificent productions. The owner of it was distinguished
for many solid, as well as splendid, qualifications. Only
six copies of it were printed upon LARGE PAPER. See _Cat. de
Gaignat_, vol. ii., no. 3467.----RANDON DE BOISSET.
_Catalogue des livres du cabinet de feu M. Randon du
Boisset. Par Guil. de Bure, fils aîné_, Paris, 1777, 12mo.
Although the generality of catalogue collectors will be
satisfied with the usual copy of this well-digested volume,
yet I apprehend the curious will not put up with any thing
short of a copy of it upon strong WRITING PAPER. Such a one
was in the Gouttard collection. See _Cat. de Gouttard_,
no. 1546.----_Reimannus._ _J.F. Reimanni Catalogus
Bibliothecæ Theologicæ Systematico-Criticus._ Hildes. 1731,
8vo., two vols. _Ejusdem accessiones uberiores ad Catalogum
Systematico-Criticum, editæ a Jo. W. Reimannus_, Brunsv.,
1747, 8vo. I have before given the character of this work in
the introductory part of my "Knowledge of the Greek and
Latin Classics." Every thing commendatory of it may be here
repeated.----RENATI. _Bibliothecæ Josephi Renati Imperialis,
&c., Cardinalis Catalogus, &c._ Romæ, 1711, fol. This
excellent catalogue, which cost the compiler of it,
Fontanini, nine years of hard labour, is a most useful and
valuable one; serving as a model for catalogues of large
libraries. See the more minute criticism upon it in _Cat. de
Santander_, no. 6315. My copy, which wants the
title-page, but luckily contains the Latin preface, was
formerly Ruddiman's. The volume has 738 pages: this is
noticed because all the appendixes and addenda are
comprehended in the same.----REVICKZKY. _Bibliotheca Græca
et Latina, complectens auctores fere omnes Græcia et Latii
veteris, &c., cum delectu editionum tam primariarum, &c.,
quam etiam optimarum, splendidissimarum, &c., quas usui meo
paravi._ PERIERGUS DELTOPHILUS (the feigned name for
REVICKZKY), Berolini, 1784: 1794, 8vo. It was the delight of
Count Revickzky, the original owner of this collection, to
devote his time and attention to the acquisition of scarce,
beautiful, and valuable books; and he obtained such fame in
this department of literature as to cause him to be ranked
with the Vallieres, Pinellis, and Loménies of the day. He
compiled, and privately disposed of, the catalogue of his
collection, which bears the above title; and to some few of
which are prefixed a letter to M. L' A.D. [enini] (Member of
the French Academy) and a preface. _Three Supplements_ to
this catalogue were also, from time to time, circulated by
him; so that the purchaser must look sharply after these
acquisitions to his copy--as some one or the other of them
are generally missing. Peignot supposes there are only _two_
supplements. _Bibl. Curieuse_, p. 58. When Count Revickzky
came over to England, he made an offer to Earl Spencer to
dispose of the whole collection to his lordship, for a
certain "round sum" to be paid immediately into his hands,
and to receive, in addition, a yearly sum by way of annuity.
So speaks fame. Shortly after this contract was closed, the
Count died; and Earl Spencer, in consequence, for a
comparatively small sum (the result of an immediate and
generous compliance with the Count's wishes!), came into the
possession of a library which, united with his previous
magnificent collection, and the successful ardour with which
he has since continued the pursuit, places him quite at the
head of all the collectors in Europe--for early, rare,
precious, and beautiful, books. Long may he possess such
treasures!--and fleeing from the turbulence of politics, and
secluded as he is, both in the metropolis and at Althorp,
from the stunning noise of a city, may he always exclaim,
with Horace, as the Count did before him--
Sit mihi, quod nunc est, etiam minus; ut mihi vivam
Quod superest ævi, si quid superesse volunt Dí.
Sit bona librorum et provisæ frugis in annum
Copia, ne fluitem dubiæ spe pendulus horæ.
_Epist. Lib._ i.: _Epist._ xviii. v., 107.
Sir M.M. Sykes, Bart., has a copy of the edition of 1784
[which is in every respect the better one], printed upon
FINE VELLUM PAPER. A similar copy of the edition of 1794 is
noticed in the _Cat. de Caillard_,(1808) no. 2572. At the
sale of M. Meon's books, in 1804, a copy of the first
edition, charged with MS. notes of the celebrated Mercier
St. Leger, was sold for 30 livres.----RIVE. _Catalogue de la
Bibliothéque de l'Abbé Rive, par Archard_, Marseille, 1793,
8vo. A catalogue of the books of so sharp-sighted a
bibliographer as was the Abbé Rive cannot fail to be
interesting to the collector.----DU ROI [Louis XV.]
_Catalogus Codicum Manuscriptorum Bibliothecæ Regiæ (studio
et labore Anicetti Mellot). Paris, e Typog. Reg._, 1739,
folio, four vols.----DU ROI. _Des Livres imprimés de la même
Bibliothéque Royale. (Disposè par Messrs. les Abbés Sallier
et Boudot, &c.) Paris, De L'Imprim. Royale_, 1739-53, folio,
six vols. The most beautiful and carefully executed
catalogue in the world: reflecting a truly solid lustre upon
the literary reputation of France! The first four volumes,
written in Latin, comprehend an account of MSS.: the six
last, written in French, of printed works in THEOLOGY,
JURISPRUDENCE, and BELLES-LETTRES; the departments of
HISTORY and the ARTS AND SCIENCES still remaining to be
executed. De Bure told us, half a century ago, that the
"Gens de Lettres" were working hard at the completion of it;
but the then complaints of bibliographers at its imperfect
state are even yet continued in Fournier's last edition of
his _Dictionnaire Portatif de Bibliographie_, p. 468. So
easy it is to talk; so difficult to execute! I believe,
however, that M. Van-Praet, one of the principal librarians,
is now putting all engines to work to do away the further
disgrace of such unaccountably protracted negligence. My
copy of this magnificent set of books is bound in red
Morocco, gilt leaves, and was a presentation one from the
King "au Comte de Neny, comme une marque de son estime,
1770." I should add that the first volume of "Theology"
contains a history of the rise and progress of the royal
library, which was reprinted in 8vo., 1782.----DU ROI.
_Notices et Extraits des Manuscrits de la Bibliothéque du
Roi, Paris. De l'Imprim. Roy._ 1787, 4to., seven vols. It
will be obvious to the candid reader that this work could
not be better introduced than in the present place; and a
most interesting and valuable one it is! My copy of it,
which is only in six volumes [but a seventh is mentioned in
_Cat. de Boutourlin_, no. 3845, and in Caillot's _Roman
Bibliographique_, p. 195], was purchased by me of Mr. Evans
of Pall-Mall, who had shewn it to several lovers of
bibliography, but none of whom had courage or curiosity
enough to become master of the volumes. How I have profited
by them, the Supplement to my first volume of the
"Typographical Antiquities of Great Britain," may in part
shew. The public shall be made acquainted with still more
curious excerpts. In my humble judgment the present work is
a model of extraction of the marrow of old MSS. It may be
worth adding, the plates in the sixth volume are singular,
curious and beautiful.----DU ROI. _Accounts and Extracts of
the Manuscripts in the Library of the King of France.
Translated from the French_, London, 1789, 8vo., two vols.
"The French Monarch [Louis XVI.], in the publication now
before us, has set an example to all Europe, well worthy to
be followed"--says the opening of the translator's preface.
The present volumes contain a translation of only twenty-two
articles from the preceding work; and very strongly may they
be recommended to the curious philologist, as well as to the
thorough-bred bibliomaniac.----RÖVER. _Bibliotheca
Röveriana, sive Catalogus Librorum qui studiis inservierunt
Matthiæ Röveri._ Lug. Bat. 1806, 8vo., _two parts_. From the
elegant and pleasing Latin preface to this most carefully
compiled catalogue, we learn that the owner of the books
lived to his 82d year--and [what must be a peculiar
gratification to Bibliomaniacs] that he beat Pomponius
Atticus in the length of time during which he never had
occasion to take physic; namely, 50 years! Röver's life
seemed to glide away in rational tranquillity, and in total
seclusion from the world; except that he professed and
always shewed the greatest kindness to his numerous, and
many of them helpless, relatives--"vix in publicum prodiit,
nisi cultus Divini externi aut propinquorum caussâ," p. xv.
His piety was unshaken. Like the venerable Jacob Bryant, his
death was hastened in consequence of a contusion in his leg
from a fall in endeavouring to reach a book.----ROTHELIN.
_Catalogue des livres de feu M'L. Abbé D'Orleans de
Rothelin. Par G. Martin_, Paris, 1746, 8vo. This catalogue
of the library of the amiable and learned Abbé Rothelin,
"known (says Camus) for his fine taste for beautiful books,"
is judiciously drawn up by Martin, who was the De Bure of
his day. A portrait of its owner faces the title-page. It
was the Abbé Rothelin who presented De Boze with the
celebrated '_Guirlande de Julie_'--a work which afterwards
came into the Valliere collection, and was sold for 14,510
livres,--"the highest price (says Peignot) ever given for a
modern book." Consult his _Curiosités Bibliographiques_, pp.
62, 67; and _Bibl. Curieuse_, p. 61.----SARRAZ. _Bibliotheca
Sarraziana._ Hag. Com., 1715, 8vo. This catalogue, which is
frequently referred to by bibliographers, should not escape
the collector when he can obtain it for a few shillings. A
tolerably good preface or diatribe is prefixed, upon the
causes of the rarity of Books, but the volume itself is not
deserving of all the fine things in commendation of it which
are said in the _Bibl. Reiman_, pt. ii., p. 671,
&c.----SARTORI. _Catalogus Bibliographicus Librorum
Latinorum et Germanicorum in Bibliotheca Cæsar. reg. et
equestris Academiæ Theresianæ extantium, cum accessionibus
originum typographicarum. Vindobonensium, et duobus
supplementis necnon, indice triplici, systematico,
bibliographico, et typographico; auctore Josepho de
Sartori._ Vindobonæ, 1801-3, 4to. Vol. i., ii., iii. Of this
very curious and greatly-to-be-desired catalogue, which is
to be completed in eight volumes, it is said that only ONE
HUNDRED copies are struck off. Peignot has a long and
interesting notice of it in his _Bibliographie Curieuse_, p.
64.----SCHALBRUCK. _Bibliotheca Schalbruchiana; sive
Catalogus exquisitissimorum rarissimorumque librorum, quos
collegit Joh. Theod. Schalbruch._ Amst. 1723, 8vo. A very
fine collection of rare and curious books. From a priced
copy of the catalogue, accidentally seen, I find that some
of them produced rather large sums.----SCHWARTZ. _Catalogus
Librorum continens codd. MSS. et libros sæculo_ xv.
_impressos, quos possedit et notis recensuit A.G.
Schwarzius_, Altorf. 1769, 8vo. The name of Schwartz is so
respectable in the annals of bibliography that one cannot
help giving the present catalogue a place in one's
collection. According to _Bibl. Solger._, vol. iii., no.
1459, a first part (there said to be printed upon LARGE
PAPER) was published in 1753. Schwartz's treatise, "_De
Orig. Typog. Document. Primar._" Altorf, 1740, 4to., should
have been noticed at p. 41, ante.----SCRIVERIUS.
_Bibliothecæ Scriverianæ Catalogus_, Amst., 1663,
4to.--"exquisitissimus est: constat enim selectissimus
omnium facultatum et artium autoribus." This is the strong
recommendatory language of Morhof: _Polyhist. Literar._,
vol. i., 212.----SERNA SANTANDER. _Catalogue des livres de
la Bibliothéque de M.C. De La Serna Santander; redigé et mis
en ordre par lui même; avec des notes bibliographiques et
littèraires_, &c. Bruxelles, 1803, 8vo., five volumes. An
extensive collection of interesting works; with a
sufficiently copious index at the end of the fourth volume.
The fifth volume contains a curious disquisition upon the
antiquity of signatures, catchwords, and numerals; and is
enriched with a number of plates of watermarks of the paper
in ancient books. This catalogue, which is rarely seen in
our own country, is well worth a place in any library. It is
a pity the typographical execution of it is so very
indifferent. For the credit of a bibliographical taste, I
hope there were a few copies struck off upon LARGE
PAPER.----SION COLLEGE. _Catalogus universalis librorum
omnium in Bibliotheca Collegii Sionii apud Londinenses_;
Londini, 1650, 4to. _Ejusdem Collegii librorum Catalogus,
&c., Cura Reading_, Lond., 1724, fol. As the first of these
catalogues (of a collection which contains some very curious
and generally unknown volumes) was published before the
great fire of London happened, there will be found some
books in it which were afterwards consumed, and therefore
not described in the subsequent impression of 1724. This
latter, which Tom Osborne, the bookseller, would have called
a "pompous volume," is absolutely requisite to the
bibliographer: but both impressions should be procured, if
possible. The folio edition is common and cheap.----SMITH
[CONSUL]. _Bibliotheca Smithiana, seu Catalogus Librorum
D.J. Smithii Angli, per cognomina Authorum dispositus._
Venetiis, 1755, 4to. _A Catalogue of the curious, elegant,
and very valuable library of Joseph Smith, Esq., His
Britannic Majesty's Consul at Venice, lately deceased_,
1773, 8vo. These are the catalogues of the collections of
books occasionally formed at Venice, by Mr. Joseph Smith,
during his consulship there. The quarto impression contains
a description of the books which were purchased "en masse"
by his present majesty. It is singularly well executed by
Paschali, comprehending, by way of an appendix, the prefaces
to those volumes in the collection which were printed in the
fifteenth century. I possess a brochûre of 71 pages,
containing a catalogue of books printed in the fifteenth
century, which has Consul Smith's arms at the beginning,
and, at the end, this subscription, "Pretiosissima hæc
librorum collectio, cujusvis magni principis Bibliotheca
dignissima, constat voluminibus ccxlviii." The title-page
has no date. I suspect it to be the same catalogue of books
which is noticed at p. 77, ante, and which probably the
Consul bought: forming the greater part of his own library
of early printed books. See too the _Bibliogr. Miscellany_,
vol. ii., 72. The collection of 1773 was sold by auction,
for Mr. Robson, by Messrs. Baker and Leigh--and a fine one
it was. Among these books, the Spira Virgil of 1470, printed
UPON VELLUM, was purchased for _only twenty-five guineas_!
Excidat ille dies ævo--ne postera credant
Sæcula--!
----SOLGER. _Bibliotheca sive Supellex Librorum Impressorum,
&c., et Codicum Manuscriptorum, quos per plurimos annos
collegit, &c., Adamus Rudolphus Solger._ Norimb., 1760,
8vo., three parts or vols. I should almost call this
publication "facile princeps Catalogorum"--in its way. The
bibliographical notices are frequent and full; and saving
that the words "rarus, rarior, et rarissimus," are sometimes
too profusely bestowed, nothing seems to be wanting to
render this a very first rate acquisition to the collector's
library. I am indebted to the bibliomanical spirit of honest
Mr. Manson, of Gerard-street, the bookseller, for this
really useful publication.----SOUBISE. _Catalogue des livres
imprimés et manuscrits, &c., de feu Monseigneur Le Prince de
Soubise (par feu Le Clerc)_, Paris, 1788, 8vo. A short
history of this collection will be the best inducement to
purchase the present catalogue, whenever it comes in the way
of the collector. The foundation of this splendid library
was that of the famous De Thou's [vide Art. THUANUS, post],
which was purchased by the Cardinal de Rohan, who added it
to his own grand collection--"the fruit of a fine taste and
a fine fortune." It continued to be augmented and enriched
'till, and after, it came into the possession of the PRINCE
DE SOUBISE--the last nobleman of his name--who dying in
January, 1789, the entire collection was dispersed by public
auction: after it had been offered for the purchase of one
or two eminent London booksellers, who have repented, and
will repent to their dying day, their declining the offer.
This catalogue is most unostentatiously executed upon very
indifferent paper; and, while an excellent index enables us
to discover any work of which we may be in want, the
beautiful copies from this collection which are in the
Cracherode library in the British Museum, give
unquestionable proof of the splendour of the books. For the
credit of French bibliography, I hope there are some few
copies upon LARGE PAPER.----TELLIER. _Bibliotheca
Tellereana, sive Catalogus Librorum Bibliotheca Caroli
Mauritii Le Tellier, Archiepiscopi Ducis Remensis. Parisiis,
e Typographia Regia_, 1693, fol. A finely engraved portrait
of Tellier faces the title-page. This is a handsome volume,
containing a numerous and well-chosen collection of
books.----THUANUS. [DE THOU] _Bibliothecæ Thuanæ Catalogus_,
Parisiis, 1679, 8vo. "Three particular reasons," says
Baillet, "should induce us to get possession of this
catalogue; first, the immortal glory acquired by De Thou in
writing his history, and in forming the most perfect and
select library of his age: and secondly, the abundance and
excellence of the books herein specified; and, thirdly, the
great credit of the bibliographers Du Puys and Quesnel, by
whom the catalogue was compiled." _Jugemens des Savans_,
vol. ii., p. 144, &c. Morhof is equally lavish in
commendation of this collection. See his _Polyhist.
Literar._, vol. i., 36, 211. The Books of De Thou, whose
fame will live as long as a book shall be read, were
generally in beautiful condition, with his arms stamped upon
the exterior of the binding, which was usually of Morocco;
and, from some bibliographical work (I think it is
Santander's catalogue), I learn that this binding cost the
worthy president not less than 20,000 crowns. De Thou's copy
of the editio princeps of Homer is now in the British
Museum; having been presented to this national institution
by the Rev. Dr. Cyril Jackson, who has lately resigned the
deanery of Christ Church College, Oxford,--"and who is now
wisely gone to enjoy the evening of life in repose,
sweetened by the remembrance of having spent the day in
useful and strenuous exertion." For an account of the
posterior fate of De Thou's library, consult the article
"SOUBISE," ante. I should add that, according to the _Bibl.
Solgeriana_, vol. iii., p. 243, no. 1431, there are
copies of this catalogue upon LARGE PAPER.----UFFENBACH.
_Catalogus universalis Bibliothecæ Uffenbachinæ librorum tam
typis quam manu exaratorum._ Francof. ad Moen, 1729, 8vo.,
4 vols. This catalogue is no mean acquisition to the
bibliographer's library. It rarely occurs in a perfect and
clean condition.----VALLIERE (DUC DE LA). _Catalogue des
Livres provenans de la Bibliothéque de M.L.D.D.L.V._, (M. le
Duc de la Valliere) _disposé et mis en ordre par Guill.
Franc. De Bure le Jeune._ Paris, 1767, 8vo., 2 vols.--_Des
Livres de la même Bibliothéque._ Paris, 1772, 8vo.--_Des
Livres et Manuscrits de la même Bibliothéque_, Paris, 1783,
8vo., 3 vols.--_Des Livres de la même Bibliothéque_, Paris,
1783, 6 vols. 8vo. These twelve volumes of catalogues of
this nobleman's library impress us with a grand notion of
its extent and value--perhaps never exceeded by that of any
private collection! It would seem that the Duke de la
Valliere had two sales of part of his books (of which the
two first catalogues are notifications) during his
life-time: the two latter catalogues of sales having been
put forth after his decease. Of these latter (for the former
contain nothing remarkable in them, except that there are
copies of the first on LARGE PAPER, in 4to.), the impression
of 1783, which was compiled by Van Praet and De Bure, is the
most distinguished for its notices of MSS. and early printed
books: and in these departments it is truly precious, being
enriched with some of the choicest books in the Gaignat
Collection. Those printed UPON VELLUM alone would form a
little library! Of the impression of 1783, which has a
portrait of the owner prefixed, there were fifty copies
printed upon LARGE PAPER, in 4to., to harmonize with the
_Bibliographie Instructive_, and _Gaignat's Catalogue_. See
_Bibliographical Miscell._, vol. ii., 66. Twelve copies were
also printed in royal 8vo., upon fine stout VELLUM PAPER; of
which the Rt. Hon. T. Grenville has a beautiful uncut copy
in six volumes. See also _Cat. de Loménie_ [1797], no.
2666. The last publication of 1788 was put forth by Nyon
l'aîné; and although the bibliographical observations are
but few in comparison with those in the preceding catalogue,
and no index is subjoined, yet it is most carefully
executed; and presents us with such a copious collection of
French topography, and old French and Italian poetry and
romances, as never has been, and perhaps never will be,
equalled. It contains 26,537 articles. The Count D'Artois
purchased this collection "en masse;" and it is now
deposited in the "bibliothéque de l'Arsenal." See _Dictionn.
Bibliographique_, vol. iv., p. 133. It was once offered for
purchase to a gentleman of this country--highly
distinguished for his love of Virtû. Mr. Grenville has also
a similar large paper copy of this latter edition, of the
date of 1784.----VIENNA. _Codices Manuscripti Theologici.
Bibl. Palat. Vindob. Latini aliarumque Occidentis
Linguarum_, vol. i. (in tribus partibus.) _Recens._, &c.,
_Michael Denis._ Vindob. 1793, folio. Some mention of this
work has been made at page 65, ante. It may be here
necessary to remark that, from the preface, it would appear
to contain a ninth additional book to Lambecius's well-known
Commentaries (vide, p. 41, ante) which Kollarius had left
unpublished at his death. The preface is well worth perusal,
as it evinces the great pains which Denis has taken; and the
noble, if not matchless, munificence of his patron--"qui
præter augustam Bibliothecæ fabricam in ipsos libros
centenis plura Rhenensium expendit millia."--This catalogue
is confined to a description of Latin, with some few notices
of Oriental Manuscripts; as the preceding work of Lambecius
and Kollarius contained an account of the Greek MSS. These
three parts, forming one volume, are closed by an excellent
index. The second volume was published in 1801. Upon the
whole, it is a noble and highly useful publication; and
places its author in the foremost rank of
bibliographers.----VOLPI. _Catalogo della Libreria de
Volpi_, &c. _Opera di Don Gaetano Volpi._ Padova, 1756, 8vo.
The Crevenna library was enriched with a great number of
valuable books which came from the library of the celebrated
Vulpii; of which the present is a well-arranged and uncommon
catalogue. Annexed to it there is an account of the press of
the Comini, which belonged to the owners of this collection.
The reader may consult _Bibl. Crevenn._, vol. v., pp. 302-3;
and Dr. Clarke's _Bibliogr. Miscell._, vol. ii.,
72.----VOYAGE _de deux Français dans le nord de l'Europe, en
1790-92, (par M. de Fortia)_ Paris, 1796, 8vo., 5 vols. That
the collector of catalogues may not scold me for this
apparent deviation from the subject discussed in this note,
I must inform him, upon the authority of Peignot, that these
interesting volumes contain "some account of the most
beautiful and curious books contained in the Libraries of
the North, and in those of Italy, Spain, Holland, &c."
_Curiosités Bibliographiques_, p. lviii.----DE WITT.
_Catalogus Bibliothecæ Joannis De Witt_, Dordraci, 1701,
12mo. The preface to this catalogue, (from which an extract
was given in the _first_ edition of my "_Introduction to the
Editions of the Greek and Latin Classics_," 1802, 8vo.,)
gives us a pleasing account of an ardent and elegant young
man in the pursuit of every thing connected with Virtû. De
Witt seems to have been, in books and statues, &c., what his
great ancestor was in politics--"paucis comparandus." A
catalogue of the library of a collector of the same name was
published at Brussels, in 1752, by De Vos. See _Cat. de
Santander_, vol. iv., no. 6334.----ZURICH. _Catalogus
librorum Bibliothecæ Tigurinæ._ Tiguri, 1744, 8vo., 4 vols.
Although the last, this is not the most despicable,
catalogue of collections here enumerated. A reading man, who
happens to winter in Switzerland, may know, upon throwing
his eyes over this catalogue, that he can have access to
good books at Zurich--the native place of many an
illustrious author! The following, which had escaped me, may
probably be thought worthy of forming an
APPENDIX TO THE PRECEDING NOTE.
BERN. _Cat. Codd. MSS. Bibl. Bernensis. Cum annotationibus,
&c. Curante Sinner._ Bernæ, 1760, 8vo. A very curious and
elegantly printed Catalogue with three plates of
fac-similes.----PARKER [ABP.] _Catalog. Libror. MSS. in
Bibl. Coll. Corporis Christi in Cantab., quos legavit M.
Parkerus Archiepiscop. Cant._ Lond., 1722, fol.; _Eorundem
Libror. MSS. Catalogus. Edidit J. Nasmith._ Cantab., 1777,
4to. Of these catalogues of the curious and valuable MSS.
which were bequeathed to Corpus College (or Bennet College,
as it is sometimes called) by the immortal Archbishop
Parker, the first is the more elegantly printed, but the
latter is the more copious and correct impression. My copy
of it has a fac-simile etching prefixed, by Tyson, of the
rare print of the Archbishop, which will be noticed in PART
V., post.----ROYAL INSTITUTION. _A Catalogue of the Library
of the Royal Institution of Great Britain, &c. By William
Harris, Keeper of the Library._ Lond., 1809, 8vo. If a lucid
order, minute and correct description of the volumes of an
admirably chosen library, accompanied with a copious and
faithful alphabetical index, be recommendations with the
bibliographer, the present volume will not be found wanting
upon his shelf. It is the most useful book of its kind ever
published in this country. Let the bibliomaniac hasten to
seize one of the five remaining copies only (out of the
_fifty_ which were printed) upon LARGE PAPER!----WOOD
(ANTHONY). _A Catalogue of Antony-a-Wood's Manuscripts in
the Ashmolean Museum; by W. Huddesford_, Oxon, 1761, 8vo.
The very name of _old Anthony_ (as it delights some
facetious book-collectors yet to call him!) will secure
respect for this volume. It is not of common occurrence.]
[Footnote C: In Part VI. of this work will be found a List
of Books printed here. The armorial bearings of Lord Orford
are placed at p. 100.]
LIS. You have so thoroughly animated my feelings, and excited my
curiosity, in regard to BIBLIOGRAPHY, that I can no longer dissemble
the eagerness which I feel to make myself master of the several books
which you have recommended.
LYSAND. Alas, your zeal will most egregiously deceive you! _Where_
will you look for such books? At what bookseller's shop, or at what
auction, are they to be procured? In this country, my friend, few are
the private collections, however choice, which contain two third
parts of the excellent works before mentioned. Patience, vigilance,
and personal activity, are your best friends in such a dilemma.
LIS. But I will no longer attend the sale of Malvolio's busts and
statues, and gaudy books. I will fly to the Strand, or King-street:
peradventure--
PHIL. Gently, my good Lisardo. A breast thus suddenly changed from the
cold of Nova Zembla to the warmth of the torrid zone requires to be
ruled with discretion. And yet, luckily for you--
LIS. Speak--are you about to announce the sale of some bibliographical
works?
PHIL. Even so. To morrow, if I mistake not, GONZALVO'S choice gems, in
this way, are to be disposed of.
LIS. Consider them as my own. Nothing shall stay me from the
possession of them.
LYSAND. You speak precipitately. Are you accustomed to attend
book-auctions?
LIS. No; but I will line my pockets with pistoles, and who dare oppose
me?
PHIL. And do you imagine that no one, but yourself, has his pockets
"lined with pistoles," on these occasions?
LIS. It may be so--that other linings are much warmer than my
own:--but, at any rate, I will make a glorious struggle, and die with
my sword in my hand.
PHIL. This is _Book-Madness_ with a vengeance! However, we shall see
the issue. When and how do you propose going?
LIS. A chaise shall be at this door by nine in the morning. Who will
accompany me?
LYSAND. Our friend and Philemon will prevent your becoming absolutely
raving, by joining you. I shall be curious to know the result.
LIS. Never fear. _Bibliomania_ is, of all species of insanity, the
most rational and praise-worthy. I here solemnly renounce my former
opinions, and wish my errors to be forgotten. I here crave pardon of
the disturbed manes of the Martins, De Bures, and Patersons, for that
flagitious act of _Catalogue-Burning_; and fondly hope that the
unsuspecting age of boyhood will atone for so rash a deed. Do you
frankly forgive--and will you henceforth consider me as a worth
[Transcriber's Note: worthy] "_Aspirant_" in the noble cause of
bibliography?
LYSAND. Most cordially do I forgive you; and freely admit you into the
fraternity of Bibliomaniacs. Philemon, I trust, will be equally
merciful.
PHIL. Assuredly, Lisardo, you have my entire forgiveness: and I exult
a little in the hope that you will prove yourself to be a sincere
convert to the cause, by losing no opportunity of enriching your
bibliographical stores. Already I see you mounted, as a book
chevalier, and hurrying from the country to London--from London again
to the country--seeking adventures in which your prowess may be
displayed--and yielding to no competitor who brandishes a lance of
equal weight with your own!
LIS. 'Tis well. At to-morrow's dawn my esquire shall begin to burnish
up my armour--and caparison my courser. Till then adieu!
* * * * *
Here the conversation, in a connected form, ceased; and it was
resolved that Philemon and myself should accompany Lisardo on the
morrow.
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