gentlemen, bound in fancifully marked coats of morocco, and _washed_
and _ironed_ within (for you collectors must have recourse to a
woman's occupation) with so much care and nicety that even the eyes
of our ancient Rebecca, with "spectacle on nose" to boot, could hardly
detect the cunning' conceit of your binder!
LOREN. Spare my feelings and your own reputation, if you wish to
appreciate justly the noble craft of book-repairing, &c.--But proceed,
dear Lysander.
LYSAND. You cannot have a greater affection towards the memory of the
collector of the _Bibliotheca Westiana_ than myself. Hark--! or is it
only a soft murmur from a congregation of autumnal zephyrs!--but
methought I heard a sound, as if calling upon us to look well to the
future fate of our libraries--to look well to their being _creditably
catalogued_--"For" (and indeed it _is_ the voice of West's spirit that
speaks) "my collection was barbarously murdered; and hence I am doomed
to wander for a century, to give warning to the ----, ----, and ----,
of the day, to execute this useful task with their own hands! Yes;
even the name of PATERSON has not saved my collection from censure;
but his hands were then young and inexperienced--yet I suffer from
this innocent error!" Away, away, vexed spirit--and let thy head rest
in peace beneath the sod!
ALMAN. For heaven's sake, into what society are we introduced, sister?
All mad--book mad! but I hope harmless.
LYSAND. Allay your apprehensions; for, though we may have the
energies of the lion, we have the gentleness of the "unweaned lamb."
But, in describing so many and such discordant characters, how can I
proceed in the jog-trot way of--"next comes such a one--and then
follows another--and afterwards proceeds a third, and now a fourth!?"
ALMAN. Sir, you are right, and I solicit your forgiveness. If I have
not sufficient bookish enthusiasm to fall down and worship your
CAXTONIAN DEITY, JAMES WEST, I am at least fully disposed to concede
him every excellent and amiable quality which sheds lustre upon a
literary character.
LYSAND. All offence is expiated: for look, the spirit walks off
calmly--and seems to acknowledge, with satisfaction, such proper
sentiments in the breast of one whose father and brother have been
benefited by his book treasures.
The rapturous, and, I fear you will think, the wild and incoherent,
manner in which I have noticed the sale of the _Bibliotheca Westiana_
had nearly driven from my recollection that, in the preceding, the
same, and subsequent, year, there was sold by auction a very curious
and extraordinary collection of books and Prints belonging to honest
TOM MARTIN,[389] _of Palgrave_, in Suffolk: a collector of whom, if I
remember rightly, Herbert has, upon several occasions, spoken with a
sort of veneration. If Lavater's system of physiognomy happen to
receive your approbation, you will conclude, upon contemplating Tom's
frank countenance--of which a cut precedes the title-page of the first
catalogue--that the collector of Palgrave must have been "a fine old
fellow." Martin's book-pursuits were miscellaneous, and perhaps a
little too wildly followed up; yet some good fortune contributed to
furnish his collection with volumes of singular curiosity.
[Footnote 389: "Hereafter followeth" rather a rough outline
of the contents of honest Tom Martin's miscellaneous and
curious collection. To the IVth part I have added a few
prices, and but a few. I respect too much the quiet and
comfort of the present race of bibliomaniacs, to inflame
their minds by a longer extract of such tantalizing sums
given for some of the most extraordinary volumes in English
Literature.----I. _A Catalogue of the Library of_ Mr. THOMAS
MARTIN, _of Palgrave, in Suffolk, lately deceased. Lynn,
Printed by W. Whittingham_, 1772, 8vo. With a portrait
engraved by Lamborn, from a painting of Bardwell. 5240
articles; with 15 pages of Appendix, containing
MSS.----no. 86. Juliana Barnes on Hawking, &c.,
black-letter, wants a leaf, folio. 56. Chauncey's History of
Hertfordshire, with marginal notes, by P. Le Neve, Esq.,
1700, folio. 757. Scriptores Rerum Brunsvicensium, 3 vols.
folio, 1707. ("N.B. Only 3 sets in England at the accession
of Geo. III.")----II. _A Catalogue of the very curious and
numerous collection of Manuscripts of_ THOMAS MARTIN, Esq.,
_of Suffolk, lately deceased_. Consisting of Pedigrees,
Genealogies, Heraldic Papers, Old Deeds, Charters, Sign
Manuals, Autographs, &c., likewise some very rare old
printed books. Sold by auction by Baker and Leigh, April 28,
1773, 8vo. The MSS. (of many of which Edmonson was a
purchaser) consisted of 181 articles, ending with "The 15
O's, in old English verse--St. Bridget." Among the 19
volumes only of "Scarce Printed Books" were the
following:--no. 188. Edwards' Paradyse of daynty Devices,
1577. 196. The Holy Life of Saynt Werburge, printed by
Pynson, 1521. The Lyfe of Saynte Radegunde, by Pynson. Lyfe
of Saynt Katherine, printed by Waley, 4to.----III. _A
Catalogue of the remaining Part of the valuable Collection
of the late well known Antiquary_, Mr. MARTIN, _of Palgrave,
Suffolk_: consisting of many very valuable and ancient
Manuscripts on vellum, early printed black-letter Books, and
several other scarce Books; his Law Library, Deeds, Grants,
and Pedigrees; a valuable collection of Drawings and Prints,
by the best masters--and his Collection of Greek, Roman,
Saxon, and English Coins--with some curiosities. Sold by
auction by Baker and Leigh, 18th May, 1774. 8vo. This
collection consisted of 537 articles, exclusively of the
coins, &c., which were 75 in number. Among the printed books
were several very curious ones; such as----no. 88. The
Death and Martyrdom of Campione the Jesuite, 1581, 8vo. 124.
Heywood's "If you know not me, you know nobody," 1623, 4to.
"This has a wood-cut of the whole length of Q. Elizabeth,
and is very scarce." 183. Fabyan's Chronicle. This I take it
was the first edition. 186. Promptuarium Parvulorum. Pynson,
folio, 1499. See Hearne's Peter Langtoft, vol. ii., 624-5.
228. Dives et Pauper; yis Tretyys ben dyvydit into elevene
partys, and ev'ry part is dyvidit into chapitalis. "The
above extremely curious and valuable Manuscript on vellum is
wrote on 539 pages. Vide Leland, vol. ii., 452: Bale, 609.
Pits, 660. MS., 4to." 236. Original Proclamations of Q.
Elizabeth, folio. "A most rare collection, and of very great
value: the Earl of Oxford once offered Mr. Martin one
hundred guineas for them, which he refused." Qu. what they
sold for? 237. The Pastyme of the People; the Cronycles of
dyvers Realmys, and most specyally of the Realme of Englond,
&c., by John Rastell. An elegant copy, in the original
binding, large folio, black-letter, London, 1529. "Supposed
to be only two or three copies existing;" but see page 337,
ante. The folio Manuscripts, extending to no. 345, are
very curious; especially the first 60 numbers.----IV.
_Bibliotheca Martiniana. A Catalogue of the entire Library
of the late eminent Antiquary_ Mr. THOMAS MARTIN, _of
Suffolk_. Containing some thousand volumes in every
Language, Art, and Science, a large collection of the
scarcest early Printers, and some hundreds of Manuscripts,
&c., which will begin to be sold very cheap, on Saturday,
June 5 (1773). By Martin Booth and John Berry, Booksellers,
at their Warehouse in the Angel Yard, Market Place, Norwich,
and continue on sale only two months: 8vo. This Catalogue is
full of curious, rare, and interesting books; containing
4895 articles; all priced. Take, as a sample, the following:
NO. 4071. Wynkyn de Worde's reprint of Juliana Berners' book
of Hawking, &c., 1496, folio, 1_l._ 11_s._ 6_d._: no.
4292. Copland's ditto of ditto, fair 7_s._ 6_d._
4099. A collection of Old Romances in the Dutch Language,
with wood-cuts, very fair, 1544 to 1556, folio 10 6
4169. Horace's Art of poetry, by Drant, 1567, 4to. 3 6
4234. A certayne Tragedye, &c., entitled, Freewil, wants
title, very fair and scarce, 4to. 5 0
4254. Historie of Prince Arthur and his Knights of the Round
Table, 1634, 4to. 7 6
4336. The Life off the 70 Archbishopp off Canterbury
presentlye sittinge, &c. Imprinted in 1574, 8vo., neat 10 6
A severe satire against Parker, Abp. of Canterbury, for
which 'tis said the author was punished with the loss of his
arm.
4345. Amorous Tales, by James Sanforde, very rare, printed
by Bynneman, 1567, 12mo. (or small 8vo. perhaps) 5 0
4432. Hereafter followeth a little boke whyche hath to name
Whye come ye not to court: by Mayster Skelton; printed by
Anthony Kytson, no date. A little boke of Philip Sparrow,
compiled by Mayster Skelton; printed by Ant. Veale, no date,
very fair, both 8vo. 7 6
"This is a most extraordinarily scarce edition of Skelton's
Pieces, and has besides these, some other fragments of his
by various early printers."]
But I proceed. The commotions excited in the book world, by means of
the sales of the _Bibliotheca Westiana_ and _Martiniana_, had hardly
ceased, when a similar agitation took place from the dispersion of the
_Monastic Library_ which once belonged to SERJEANT FLETEWODE;[390] a
bibliomaniac who flourished in full vigour during the reign of
Elizabeth. The catalogue of these truly curious books is but a sorry
performance; but let the lover of rare articles put on his bathing
corks, and swim quietly across this ocean of black-letter, and he will
be abundantly repaid for the toil of such an aquatic excursion.
[Footnote 390: The year following the sale of Mr. West's
books, a very curious and valuable collection, chiefly of
English literature, was disposed of by auction, by Paterson,
who published the catalogue under the following title:
"BIBLIOTHECA MONASTICO-FLETEWODIANA." "_A Catalogue of rare
books and tracts in various languages and faculties;
including the Ancient Conventual Library of Missenden Abbey,
in Buckinghamshire_; together with some choice remains of
that of the late eminent Serjeant at Law, WILLIAM FLETEWODE,
Esq., Recorder of London, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth;
among which are several specimens of the earliest
typography, foreign and English, including Caxton, Wynkyn de
Worde, Pynson, and others: a fine collection of English
history, some scarce old law books, a great number of old
English plays, several choice MSS. upon vellum, and other
subjects of literary curiosity. Also several of the best
editions of the classics, and modern English and French
books. Sold by auction by S. Paterson, December," 1774,
8vo., 3641 lots, or articles. I am in possession of a
_priced catalogue_ of this collection, with the names of the
purchasers. The latter were principally Herbert, Garrick,
Dodd, Elmsley, T. Payne, Richardson, Chapman, Wagstaff,
Bindley, and Gough. The following is a specimen of some
curious and interesting articles contained in this
celebrated library:
NO. 172. Bale's brefe Chronycle relating to Syr Johan
Oldecastell, 1544. The Life off the 70th Archbishop off
Canterbury, presentlye sittinge, 1574, &c. Life of Hen.
Hills, Printer to O. Cromwell, with the Relation of what
passed between him and the Taylor's Wife in Black Friars,
1688, 8vo., &c. £0 7_s._ 9_d._
Purchased by Mores.
361 to 367. Upwards of thirty _scarce Theological Tracts_,
in Latin and English. 1 5 0
746 to 784. A fine collection of early English Translations,
in black letter, with some good foreign editions of the
classics. Not exceeding, in the whole 10 10 0
837, 838. Two copies of the _first edition_ of Bacon's
Essays, 1597. MIRABILE DICTU! 0 0 6
The reader will just glance at no. 970, in the catalogue,
en passant, to
1082. (1_l._ 2_s._) and 1091 (12_s._) but more particularly
to
1173. The Boke of Tulle of Olde Age, &c. _Emprynted by
Caxton_, 1481, folio 8 0 0
1174. The Boke which is sayd or called Cathon, &c. _printed
by the same_, 1483, folio. Purchased by Alchorne 5 0 0
1256. The Doctrinal of Sapyence, _printed by the same_,
1489, folio. Purchased by Alchorne 6 6 0
1257. The Booke named the Cordyal, _printed by the same_,
1479, folio 6 12 6
But there is no end to these curious volumes. I will,
however, only add that there were upwards of 150 articles of
_Old Plays_, mostly in quarto. See page 73. Of
_Antiquities_, _Chronicles_, and _Topography_, it would be
difficult to pitch upon the rarest volumes. The collection,
including very few MSS., contained probably about 7000
volumes. The catalogue, in a clean condition, is somewhat
uncommon.]
You will imagine that the BOOK-DISEASE now began to be more active and
fatal than ever; for the ensuing year (namely, in 1775) died the
famous ANTHONY ASKEW, M.D. Those who recollect the zeal and
scholarship of this illustrious bibliomaniac,[391] and the precious
volumes with which his library was stored, from the choice
collections of De Boze, Gaignat, Mead, and Folkes, cannot but sigh,
with grief of heart, on reflecting upon such a victim! How ardently,
and how kindly (as I remember to have heard one of his intimate friend
[Transcriber's Note: friends] say) would Askew unlock the stores of
his glittering book-treasures!--open the magnificent folio, or the
shining duodecimo, _printed upon vellum_, and embossed with golden
knobs, or held fast with silver clasps! How carefully would he unrol
the curious _manuscript_, decipher the half effaced characters--and
then, casting an eye of ecstacy over the shelves upon which similar
treasures were lodged, exult in the glorious prospect before him! But
death--who, as Horace tells us, equally exercises the knocker of the
palace and cottage-door, made no scruple to rap at that of our
renowned Doctor--when Askew, with all his skill in medicine and
knowledge of books, yielded to the summons of the grim tyrant--and
died lamented, as he lived beloved!
[Footnote 391: Lysander is now arrived, pursuing his
chronological order, at a very important period in the
annals of book-sales. The name and collection of Dr. ASKEW
are so well known in the bibliographical world that the
reader need not be detained with laboured commendations on
either: in the present place, however, it would be a cruel
disappointment not to say a word or two by way of preface or
prologue. Dr. ANTHONY ASKEW had eminently distinguished
himself by a refined taste, a sound knowledge, and an
indefatigable research, relating to every thing connected
with Grecian and Roman literature. It was to be expected,
even during his life, as he was possessed of sufficient
means to gratify himself with what was rare, curious, and
beautiful, in literature and the fine arts, that the public
would one day be benefited by such pursuits: especially as
he had expressed a wish that his treasures might be
unreservedly submitted to sale, after his decease. In this
wish the doctor was not singular. Many eminent collectors
had indulged it before him: and, to my knowledge, many
modern ones still indulge it. Accordingly, on the death of
Dr. Askew, in 1774, appeared, in the ensuing year, a
catalogue of his books for sale, by Messrs. Baker and Leigh,
under the following title: "BIBLIOTHECA ASKEVIANA, _sive
Catalogus Librorum Rarissimorum Antonii Askew, M.D., quorum
Auctio fiet apud S. Baker et G. Leigh, in Vico dicto York
Street, Covent Garden, Londini, Die Lunæ, 13 Februarii_,
MDCCLXXV, _et in undeviginti sequentes dies_." A few copies
were struck off on _large paper_, which are yet rather
common. My own copy is of this kind, with the prices, and
names of the purchasers. We are told, by the compiler of the
catalogue, that it was thought "unnecessary to say much with
respect to this library of the late Dr. Anthony Askew, as
the collector and the collection were so well known in
almost all parts of Europe." Afterwards it is observed that
"The books in general are in very fine condition, many of
them bound in morocco, and russia leather, with gilt
leaves." "To give a particular account," continues the
compiler, "of the _many scarce editions_ of books in this
catalogue would be almost endless, therefore the _first
editions_ of the classics, and some _extremely rare books_,
are chiefly noticed. The catalogue, without any doubt,
contains the best, rarest, and most valuable collection of
GREEK and LATIN BOOKS that was ever sold in England, and the
great time and trouble of forming it will, it is hoped, be a
sufficient excuse for the price put to it." (1_s._ 6_d._ the
small paper, and 4_s._ the large.) This account is not
overcharged. The collection in regard to Greek and Roman
literature was _unique_ in its day. Enriched with many a
tome from the Harleian, Dr. Mead's, Martin Folkes's, and Dr.
Rawlinson's library, as well as with numerous rare and
splendid articles from foreign collections (for few men
travelled with greater ardour, or had an acuter
discrimination than Dr. Askew), the books were sought after
by almost every one then eminent for bibliographical
research. HIS MAJESTY was a purchaser, says Mr. J. Nichols,
to the amount of about 300_l._; Dr. Hunter, to the amount of
500_l._; and De Bure (who had commissions from the King of
France and many foreign collectors, to the amount of
1500_l._) made purchases to the same amount; Dr. Maty was
solicited by the trustees of the British Museum not to be
unmindful of _that repository_; and accordingly he became a
purchaser to a considerable amount. The late worthy and
learned Mr. M. CRACHERODE, whose library now forms one of
the most splendid acquisitions of the British Museum, and
whose _bequest_ of it will immortalize his memory, was also
among the "Emptores literarii" at this renowned sale. He had
enriched his collection with many an "_Exemplar
Askevianum_;" and, in his latter days, used to elevate his
hands and eyes, and exclaim against the prices _now_ offered
for EDITIONES PRINCIPES. The fact is, Dr. Askew's sale has
been considered a sort of _era_ in bibliography. Since that
period, rare and curious books in Greek and Latin literature
have been greedily sought after, and obtained (as a recent
sale abundantly testifies) at most extravagant prices. It is
very well for a veteran in bibliographical literature, as
was Mr. Cracherode, or as are Mr. Wodhull, and Dr.
Gosset--whose collections were, in part, formed in the days
of De Bure, Gaignat, Askew, Duke de la Valliere, and
Lamoignon--it is very well for such gentlemen to declaim
against _modern prices_! But what is to be done? Classical
books grow scarcer every day, and the love of literature,
and of possessing rare and interesting works, increases in
an equal ratio. Hungry bibliographers meet, at sales, with
well-furnished purses, and are resolved upon sumptuous fare!
Thus the hammer _vibrates_, after a bidding of FORTY POUNDS,
where formerly it used regularly to _fall_ at FOUR! But we
lose sight of Dr. Askew's _rare editions_, and _large paper
copies_. The following, gentle reader, is but an imperfect
specimen!
NO. 168. Chaucer's Works, by _Pynson_, no date £7 17_s._
6_d._
172. Cicero of Old Age, by Caxton, 1481 13 13 0
518. Gilles (Nicole) Annales, &c., de France. Paris, fol.
1520, 2 tom. SUR VELIN 31 10 6
647. Æginetæ (Pauli) Præcepta Salubria; Paris, quarto, 1510.
On VELLUM 11 0 0
666. Æsopi Fabulæ. _Edit. Princeps circ._ 1483 6 6 0
684. Boccacio, il Teseide, _Ferar._, 1475. _Prima Edizione_
85 0 0
[This copy, which is called, "_probably unique_," was once,
I suspect, in Consul Smith's library. See _Bibl. Smith_, p.
lxiii. The reader will find some account of it in Warton's
History of Engl. Poetry, vol. i., 347. It was printed, as
well as the subsequent editions of 1488, and 1528, "with
some deviations from the original, and even
misrepresentations of the story." His majesty was the
purchaser of this precious and uncommon book.]
708. Cornelius Nepos, 1471. _Edit. Prin._ 11 11 0
713. Alexander de Ales, super tertium Sententiar. 1474, ON
VELLUM 15 15 0
817. Anthologia Græca. _Edit. Prin._ 1494, ON VELLUM 28 7 0
In Dr. Hunter's Museum.
856. Ammianus Marcellinus, 1474. _Edit. Prin._ 23 0 0
1332. Ciceronis Opera omnia, Oliveti, 9 vols. quarto, 1740,
_Charta Maxima_ 36 15 0
1389. Ejusdem Officia, 1465. _Edit. Prin._ 30 0 0
1433. Catullus, Tibullus, et Propertius; Aldi, 8vo., 1502.
IN MEMBRANIS 17 10 0
This copy was purchased by the late Mr. M.C. Cracherode, and
is now, with his library, in the British Museum. It is a
beautiful book; but cannot be compared with Lord Spencer's
Aldine VELLUM Virgil, of the same size.
1576. Durandi Rationale, &c., 1459. IN MEMBRANIS 61 0 0
The beginning of the 1st chapter was wanting. Lord Spencer
has a perfect copy of this rare book, printed upon spotless
VELLUM.
2656. Platonis Opera, apud Aldum; 2 vols., fol., 1513.
_Edit. Prin._ ON VELLUM. 55 13 0
Purchased by the late Dr. William Hunter; and is, at this
moment, with the Doctor's books and curiosities, at
_Glasgow_. The reader can have no idea of the beauty of
these vellum leaves. The ink is of the finest lustre, and
the whole typographical arrangement may be considered a
masterpiece of printing. If I could forget the magnificent
copy which I have seen (but not upon vellum) of the
"Etymologicum magnum," in the Luton Library, I should call
_this_ the chef-d'oeuvre of the ALDINE PRESS.
2812. Plinii Hist. Natural; apud Spiram, fol., 1469. _Edit.
Princeps._ 43 0 0
This copy has been recently sold for a sum considerably less
than it brought. It bears no kind of comparison with the
copy in Lord Spencer's, Dr. Hunter's, and the Cracherode,
collections. These latter are _giants_ to it!
2813. Id. cum notis Harduini; 1723, 3 vols., ON VELLUM 42 0 0
3345. Tewrdranckhs; Poema Germanica, Norimb. fol., 1517, ON
VELLUM. 21 0 0
This is a book of uncommon rarity. It is a poetical
composition on the life and actions of the Emperor
Maximilian I., and was frequently reprinted; but not with
the same care as were the earlier editions of 1517 and
1519--the latter, at Augsburg, by John Schouspergus.
Koellerus, who purchased a copy of this work on vellum,
for 200 crowns, has given a particularly tempting
description of it. See Schelhorn's "_Amoenitates Literaræ
[Transcriber's Note: Literariæ]_," tom. ii., 430-iii., 144.
Dr. Hunter purchased Dr. Askew's copy, which I have seen in
the Museum of the former: the wood-cuts, 118 in number,
justify every thing said in commendation of them by Papillon
and Heinecken. Probably Dr. Askew purchased the above copy
of Osborne; for I find one in the _Bibl. Harleian_, vol.
iii., no. 3240. See, too, _Bibl. Mead_, p. 239, no.
43; where a VELLUM copy, of the edition of 1527, was sold
for 9_l._ 9_s._ My friend, Mr. Douce, has also beautiful
copies of the editions of 1517 and 1519, upon paper of the
finest lustre. It has been a moot point with bibliographers
whether the extraordinary type of this book be _wood_, and
cut in solid blocks, or moveable types of _metal_. No one is
better able to set this point "at rest," as lawyers call it,
than the gentleman whose name is here last mentioned.
3337. Terentianus Maurus de Literis, Syllabis, et Metris
Horatii. _Mediol._ fol., 1497 12 12 0
"This is judged to be the only copy of this edition in
England, if not in the whole world. Dr. Askew could find no
copy in his travels over Europe, though he made earnest and
particular search in every library which he had an
opportunity of consulting." Note in the catalogue. It was
purchased by Dr. Hunter, and is now in his Museum.
Originally it belonged to Dr. Taylor, the editor of Lysias
and Demosthenes, who originally procured it from the
Harleian Library, for _four_ guineas only. We are told that,
during his life, _one hundred_ guineas would not have
obtained it!
* * * * *
Rare and magnificent as the preceding articles may be
considered, I can confidently assure the reader that they
form a very small part of the extraordinary books in Dr.
ASKEW'S library. Many a _ten_ and _twenty pounder_ has been
omitted--many a _prince_ of an edition passed by unregarded!
The articles were 3570 in number; probably comprehending
about 7000 volumes. They were sold for 4000_l._ It remains
only to add that Dr. ASKEW was a native of Kendal, in
Westmorland; that he practised as a physician there with
considerable success, and, on his establishment in London,
was visited by all who were distinguished for learning, and
curious in the fine arts. Dr. Mead supported him with a sort
of paternal zeal; nor did he find in his _protegé_ an
ungrateful son. (See the Director, vol. i., p. 309.) Few
minds were probably more congenial than were those of MEAD
and ASKEW: the former had, if I may so speak, a magnificence
of sentiment which infused into the mind of the latter just
notions of a character aiming at _solid intellectual_ fame;
without the petty arts and dirty tricks which we now see too
frequently pursued to obtain it. Dr. ASKEW, with less
pecuniary means of gratifying it, evinced an equal ardour in
the pursuit of books, MSS., and inscriptions. I have heard
from a very worthy old gentleman, who used to revel 'midst
the luxury of ASKEW'S table, that few men exhibited their
books and pictures, or, as it is called, _shewed the Lions_,
better than did the Doctor. Of his attainments in Greek and
Roman literature it becomes not me to speak, when such a
scholar as Dr. PARR has been most eloquent in their praise.
I should observe that the MSS. of Dr. ASKEW were separately
sold in 1781, and produced a very considerable sum. The
Appendix to Scapula, published in an 8vo. volume, in 1789,
was compiied [Transcriber's Note: compiled] from one of
these MSS.]
After an event so striking and so melancholy, one would think that
future _Virtuosi_ would have barricadoed their doors, and fumigated
their chambers, in order to escape the ravages of the _Book-Pest_:--but
how few are they who profit by experience, even when dearly obtained!
The subsequent HISTORY OF THE BIBLIOMANIA is a striking proof of the
truth of this remark: for the disease rather increased, and the work
of death yet went on. In the following year (1776) died JOHN
RATCLIFFE;[392] a bibliomaniac of a very peculiar character. If he
had contented himself with his former occupation, and frequented the
butter and cheese, instead of the book, market--if he could have
fancied himself in a brown peruke, and Russian apron, instead of an
embroidered waistcoat, velvet breeches, and flowing periwig, he might,
perhaps, have enjoyed greater longevity; but, infatuated by the
_Caxtons_ and _Wynkyn de Wordes_ of the West and Fletewode
collections, he fell into the snare; and the more he struggled to
disentangle himself, the more certainly did he become a victim to the
disease.
[Footnote 392: BIBLIOTHECA RATCLIFFIANA; or, "_A Catalogue
of the elegant and truly valuable Library of_ JOHN
RATCLIFFE, _Esq., late of Bermondsey, deceased_. The whole
collected with great judgment and expense, during the last
thirty years of his life: comprehending a large and most
choice collection of the rare old English _black-letter_, in
fine preservation, and in elegant bindings, printed by
Caxton, Lettou, Machlinia, the anonymous St. Alban's
Schoolmaster, Wynkyn de Worde, Pynson, Berthelet, Grafton,
Day, Newberie, Marshe, Jugge, Whytchurch, Wyer, Rastell,
Coplande, and the rest of the _Old English Typographers_:
several missals and MSS., and two pedigrees on vellum,
finely illuminated." The title-page then sets forth a
specimen of these black-letter gems; among which our eyes
are dazzled with a galaxy of Caxtons, Wynkyn de Wordes,
Pynsons, &c., &c. The sale took place on March 27, 1776;
although the _year_ is unaccountably omitted by that
renowned auctioneer, the late Mr. Christie, who disposed of
them. If ever there was a _unique_ collection, this was
one--the very essence of Old Divinity, Poetry, Romances, and
Chronicles! The articles were only 1675 in number; but their
intrinsic value amply compensated for their paucity. The
following is but an inadequate specimen:
NO. 1315. Horace's Arte of Poetrie, Pistles, and Satyres, by
Durant, 1567. _First English. Edition_ £0 16_s._ 0_d._
1321. The Shepard's Calendar, 1579. Whetstone's Castle of
Delight, 1576 1 2 0
1392. The Pastyme of People, _printed_ by Rastell. Curious
wood-cuts 4 7 0
1393. The Chronicles of Englande, _printed by Caxton_, fine
copy, 1480 5 5 0
1394. Ditto, _printed at St. Albans_, 1483. Purchased by Dr.
Hunter, and now in his Museum (which copy I have seen) 7 7 0
1403. Barclay's Shyp of Folys, printed by Pynson, 1508,
_first edit._, a fine copy 2 10 0
1426. The Doctrinal of Sapyence, _printed by Caxton_, 1489 8
8 0
1427. The Boke called Cathon, _ditto_, 1483. Purchased by
Dr. Hunter, and now in his Museum 5 5 0
1428. The Polytyque Boke, named Tullius de Senectute, in
Englyshe, _printed by Caxton_, 1481 14 0 0
1429. The Game of Chesse Playe. No date. _Printed by Caxton_
16 0 0
1665. The Boke of Jason, _printed by Caxton_ 5 10 0
1669. The Polychronicon of Ranulph Higden, translated by
Trevisa, 1482. _Printed by the same_, and purchased by Dr.
Hunter 5 15 6
1670. Legenda Aurea, or the Golden Legende. _Printed by the
same_, 1483 9 15 0
1674. Mr. Ratcliffe's MS. Catalogue of the _rare old
black-letter and other curious and uncommon books_, 4 vols.
7 15 0
[This would have been the most delicious article to _my_
palate. If the present owner of it were disposed to part
with it, I could not find it in my heart to refuse him
_compound interest_ for his money. As is the wooden
frame-work to the bricklayer, in the construction of his
arch, so might Mr. Ratcliffe's MS. Catalogues be to me in
the compilation of a certain _magnum opus_!]
I beg pardon of the _manes_ of "John Ratcliffe, Esq.," for
the very inadequate manner in which I have brought forward
his collection to public notice. The memory of such a man
ought to be dear to the "_black-letter-dogs_" of the present
day: for he had (mirabile dictu!) _upwards of_ THIRTY
CAXTONS! I take the present opportunity of presenting the
reader with the following engraving of the Ratcliffe
Library, Oxon.
[Illustration]
If I might hazard a comparison between Mr. James West's and
Mr. John Ratcliffe's collections, I should say that the
former was more extensive; the latter more curious. Mr.
West's, like a magnificent _champagne_, executed by the hand
of Claude or Both, and enclosing mountains, meadows, and
streams, presented to the eye of the beholder a scene at
once luxuriant and fruitful: Mr. Ratcliffe's, like one of
those confined pieces of scenery, touched by the pencil of
Rysdael or Hobbima, exhibited to the beholder's eye a spot
equally interesting, but less varied and extensive: the
judgment displayed in both might be the same. The sweeping
foliage and rich pasture of the former could not, perhaps,
afford greater gratification than the thatched cottage,
abrupt declivities, and gushing streams of the latter. To
change the metaphor--Mr. West's was a magnificent
repository; Mr. Ratcliffe's, a cabinet of curiosities. Of
some particulars of Mr. Ratcliffe's life, I had hoped to
have found gleanings in Mr. Nichols's _Anecdotes of Bowyer_;
but his name does not even appear in the index; being
probably reserved for the second forth-coming enlarged
edition. Meanwhile, it may not be uninteresting to remark
that, like Magliabechi, (vide p. 86, ante) he imbibed his
love of reading and collecting from the accidental
possession of scraps and leaves of books. The fact is, Mr.
Ratcliffe once kept a _chandler's shop_ in the Borough; and,
as is the case with all retail traders, had great quantities
of old books brought to him to be purchased at so much _per
lb._! Hence arose his passion for collecting the
_black-letter_, as well as _Stilton cheeses_: and hence, by
unwearied assiduity, and attention to business, he amassed a
sufficiency to retire, and live, for the remainder of his
days, upon the luxury of OLD ENGLISH LITERATURE!]
It is with pain that I trace the ravages of the BOOK-MANIA to a later
period. Many a heart yet aches, and many a tear is yet shed, on a
remembrance of the mortality of this frightful disease. After the
purchasers of Ratcliffe's treasures had fully perused, and deposited
in fit places within their libraries, some of the scarcest volumes in
the collection, they were called upon to witness a yet more splendid
victim to the Bibliomania: I mean, the Honourable TOPHAM
BEAUCLERK.[393] One, who had frequently gladdened JOHNSON in his
gloomy moments; and who is allowed, by that splenetic sage and great
teacher of morality, to have united the elegant manners of a gentleman
with the mental accomplishments of a scholar. Beauclerk's Catalogue is
a fair specimen of the analytico-bibliographical powers of Paterson:
yet it must be confessed that this renowned champion of
catalogue-makers shines with greater, and nearly perfect, splendour,
in the collection of the REV. THOMAS CROFTS[394]--a collection which,
taking it "for all in all," I know not whether it be exceeded by any
which this country has recorded in the shape of a private catalogue.
The owner was a modest, careful, and acutely sagacious bibliomaniac:
learned, retired, yet communicative: and if ever you lay hold of a
_large paper_ copy of a catalogue of his books, which, as well as the
small, carries the printed prices at the end, seize it in triumph,
Lisardo, for it is a noble volume, and by no means a worthless prize.
[Footnote 393: There are few libraries better worth the
attention of a scholarlike collector than was the one of the
distinguished character above noticed by Lysander. The
Catalogue of Beauclerk's books has the following title:
"_Bibliotheca Beauclerkiana; A Catalogue of the large and
valuable Library of the late Honourable_ TOPHAM BEAUCLERK,
F.R.S., _deceased_; comprehending an excellent choice of
books, to the number of upwards of 30,000 volumes, &c. Sold
by auction, by Mr. Paterson, in April, 1781," 8vo. The
catalogue has two parts: part I. containing 230; part _ii._
137, pp. The most magnificent and costly volume was the
largest paper copy of Dr. Clarke's edition of Cæsar's
Commentaries, 1712, fol., which was sold for 44_l._; and of
which the binding, according to Dr. Harwood's testimony,
cost 5_l._ 5_s._ There is nothing, in _modern_ times, very
marvellous in this price of binding. Of the _two parts_ of
the Beauclerk collection, the _second_ is the most valuable
to the collector of English Antiquities and History, and the
_first_ to the general scholar. But let not the bibliomaniac
run too swiftly over the first, for at nos. 3450, 3453, he
will find two books which rank among the rarest of those in
old English poetry. At the close of the second part, there
are a few curious manuscripts; three of which are deserving
of a description here.
PART II.
3275. Thomas of Arundel, his Legend in old English verse;
VII parts, with the Entre, or Prologue: _written A.D.
M.C.VII. upon vellum, the Capitals illuminated_, fol. Here
follows a specimen of the verse £1 18_s._ 0_d._
_ye fyrst pt of ys yt es
of mon and of his urechednes._
_ye secounde pte folowyng es
of ye worldes unstabillnes._
_ye yyrdde pt yt is of deth
& of peyn yt wt hy geth._
_the ferthe parte is of purgatorye
yere soules ben clensed of her folye._
_ye fyfte pt of ys dey of doom
& of tokens yt byfore shul coom._
_ye syxte pt of ys boke to telle
yt speketh of ye peynes of helle._
_ye seventhe part of joys in heven
yat bene more yenne tong may neuen._
3276. The Life and Acts of St. Edmond, King and Martyr, by
John Lydgate, Monk of Bury, fol.: _a choice MS. upon vellum,
illuminated throughout, and embellished with 52 Historical
Miniatures_. For a specimen of the verse, take the first
stanza: 22 1 0
_The noble stoory to putte in remembraunce
Of Seynt Edmond mayd martre and kyng
With his suppoor: my style i wyl avaunce
ffirst to compyle afftre my konnyng
his gloryous lyff his birthe and his gynnying
And by discent how he was soo good
Was in Saxonye borne of the royal blood._
3288. The Armes, Honours, Matches, and Issues of the
auncient and illustrious FAMILY OF VEER: described in the
honourable progeny of the Earles of Oxenford and other
branches thereof. Together with a genealogical deduction of
this noble family from the blood of 12 forreyne princes:
viz. 3 Emperours, 3 Kings, 3 Dukes, and 3 Earles, &c.
_Gathered out of History, Recordes, and other Monuments of
Antiquity, by Percivall Goulding, Gent. The Arms
illuminated, folio._ 9 0 0
I will just add that this catalogue is creditably printed in
a good size octavo volume, and that there are copies upon
_large paper_. The arrangement of the books is very
creditable to the bibliographical reputation of Paterson.]
[Footnote 394: When the reader is informed that Paterson
tells us, in the preface of this volume, that "In almost
every language and science, and even under the shortest
heads, some one or more rare articles occur; but in the
copious classes, such as follow, literary curiosity is
gratified, is _highly feasted_"--and that the author of this
remark used, in his latter days, to hit his knee hard with
his open hand, and exclaim--"By G----, Crofts' Catalogue is
my chef d'oeuvre, out and out"--when he reflects, I say,
for a minute upon these two bibliographical stimuli, he will
hasten (if he have it not already) to seize upon that volume
of which the following is but an imperfect specimen of the
treasures contained in it: "_Bibliotheca Croftsiana: A
Catalogue of the curious and distinguished Library of the
late Reverend and Learned_ THOMAS CROFTS, A.M., &c. Sold by
auction, by Mr. Paterson, in April, 1783," 8vo. This
collection, containing 8360 articles, although not quite so
generally useful as the preceding, is admirably well
arranged; and evinces, from the rarity of some of the
volumes in the more curious departments of literature, the
sound bibliographical knowledge and correct taste of Mr.
Crofts: who was, in truth, both a scholar and bibliomaniac
of no ordinary reputation. I hasten to treat the reader with
the following _Excerpta Croftsiana_: being a selection of
articles from this catalogue, quite according with the
present prevailing fashion of Book-Collecting:
NO. 2741. Raccolta de Poeti Provenzali MS. antiq.
_Supermembr._, 8vo., _cor. turc. avec une table des noms des
troubadours contenu dans ce MS._ £5 7_s._ 6_d._
4920. Les cent nouvelles nouvelles, _Lettres Gothiques_,
fig. fol., _velin Paris, imprimées par Nic. Desprez_. M.D.V.
2 15 0
4921. Le Chevalier de la Tour. Et le guidon des guerres;
_lettres Gothiques, fig. fol. maroq. rouge, imprimé à Paris,
pour Guil. Eustace._ M.D.XIV. 2 17 0
4922. Le premier, second, et tiers volume de Lancelot du
Lac; _nouvellement imprimé à Paris. L'an mil cinq cens et
xx, pour Michel le Noir; Lettres Gothiques, fig. fol. maroq.
rouge_ 10 15 0
4923. Le premier et le second volume du Sainct Greaal,
contenant la conqueste dudict Sainct Greaal, faicte par
Lancelot du Lac, Galaad Perceval et Boors; _Lettres
Gothiques, fig. fol. maroq. rouge, Paris, imprimé par Phel
le Noir_, M.D.XXIII 5 7 6
"Ce volume est un des plus rares de la classe des Romans de
Chevalerie. T.C."
4924. Ci Commence Guy de Warwick chevalier Dangleterre qui
en son tems fit plusieurs prouesses et conquestes en
Allemaigne, Ytalie, et Dannemarche. Et aussi sur les
infidelles ennemys de la Crestienté; _Lettres Gothiques,
fig. fol. maroq. rouge. Paris, imprimé par Ant. Couteau_,
M.D.XXV. 1 18 0
4925. Le premier et le second volume de Merlin, qui est le
premier livre de la table ronde, avec plusieurs choses moult
recreative: aussi les Prophecies de Merlin, qui est le
tierce partie et derniere: _Lettres Gothiques, 2 tom. 4to.,
maroq. rouge, Paris_, M.D.XXVIII. 1 18 0
4926. La treselegante, delicieuse, melliflue, et
tresplaisante Hystoire du tresnoble, victori, et
excellentissime roy Perceforest, Roy de la Grand Bretaigne,
fundateur du Francpalais et du temple du souverain Dieu. En
laquelle lecture pourra veoir la source et decoration de
toute Chevalerie, culture de vraye Noblesse, Prouesses, &c.
Avecques plusieurs propheties, Comptes Damans, et leur
divers fortunes. _Lettres Gothiques, 6 tom. en 3 fol.,
Paris, chez Galliot du Pre_, M.D.XXVIII. 7 0 0
4927. Le tiers, quart, cinquiesme, sixiesme, et dernier
volumes des Anciennes Croniques Dangleterre, faictz et
gestes du trespreux et redoubte en chevalerie, le noble roy
Perceforest: _imprimé à Paris pour Egide Gourmont et Phil.
le Noir_, M.D.XXXII. 2 tom. folio 0 11 6
4298. Le Parangon des Nouvelles, honestes et delectables à
tous ceulx qui desirent voir et ouyr choses nouvelles et
recreatives soubz umbre et couleur de joyeuste, 8vo. fig.
maroq. rouge. _Imprimez à Lyon, par Denys de Harsy_, 1532.
Les Parolles joyeuses et Dicts memorables des nobles et
saiges Homes anciens, redigez par le gracieulx et honeste
Poete Messire Francoys Petrarcque, _fig. ib._ 1532 2 5 0
4929. L'Histoire de Isaie le triste filz de Tristan de
leonnoys, jadis Chevalier de la table ronde, et de la Royne
Izeut de Cornouaille, ensemble les nobles prouesses de
chevallerie faictes par Marc lexille filz. au dict Isaye:
_Lettres Gothiques, avec fig., 4to., maroq. rouge. On les
vend à Paris par Jehan Bonfons_, 1535 2 12 6
"There is no direct date either at the beginning or end, nor
any privilege annexed to this rare Romance. Mr. Crofts,
though extremely accurate, for the most part, has made no
remark; neither has the industrious Mr. de Bure taken notice
of this particular edition. The date is, nevertheless,
obvious, according to my conjecture. After the words filz du
dict Isaye, in the general title, at some distance, stand
these numerals lxv. c. At first I apprehended they referred
to the work, as containing so many chapters; but upon
examining the table, I found the Romance to consist of 92
chapters: I conclude they must relate to the date of the
book, and are to be read lxv. ante M.D.C., or 1535. S.P."
4932. Meliadus de Leonmoys. Du present Volume sont contenus
les nobles faictz darmes du vaillant roy Meliadus. Ensemble
plusieurs autres nobles proesses de Chevalerie faictes tant
par le roy Artus, Palamedes, &c., &c. _Lettres Gothiques,
fig., fol., maroq. bleu, Paris, chez Galliot du Pré_ 3 10 0
4933. Lhystoire tresrecreative, traictant des faictz et
gestes du noble et vaillant Chevalier Theseus de Coulongne,
par sa proesse Empereur de Rome. Et aussi de sons fils
Gadifer, Empereur de Grece. Pareillement des trois enfans de
Gadifer, cestassavoir Regnault, Reynier, et Regnesson, &c.
_Lettres Gothiques, avec fig. 4to., en peau russe. Paris,
pour Jehan Bonfons, s.a._ 5 0 0
4938. L'Histoire Palladienne, traitant des gestes et
genereux Faitz d'armes et d'armour de plusieurs Grandz
Princes et Seigneurs, specialement de Palladien filz du roy
Milanor d'Angleterre, et de la belle Selenine, &c.; par feu
Cl. Colet Champenois, _fig., fol., maroquin jaune. Paris, de
l'imprimerie d'Estien. Goulleau_, 1555 1 18 0
4945. Hist. du noble Tristan Prince de Leonnois, Chevalier de
la table ronde, et d'Yseulte, Princesse d'Yrlande, Royne de
Cornouaille; fait Francois par Jean Maugin, dit l'Angevin,
_fig., 4to., maroq. rouge, Rouen_. 1586 1 5 0
4953. L'Hist. du noble et vaillant Chevalier Paris et la
belle Vienne, _4to., Rouen_ 3 10 0
4961. Histoires Prodigieuses, extractes de plusieurs fameux
Autheurs, Grecs et Latins, par Pier Boaisteau, Cl. de
Tesserant, F. de Belleforest, Rod. Hoyer, &c., _fig. 6 tom.
en 3, 12mo., maroq. rouge. Par chez la Verfue Cavellat_,
1598 2 9 0
4964. Valentine and Orson, cuts, black letter, 4to. _London;
no date_. (Not sold.)
7276. Hollinshed's (Raphe) and William Harrison's Chronicles
of England, Scotland, and Ireland, continued by John Hooker,
alias Vowell, and others; _black letter, 3 vols. fol., large
paper, in Russia_, 1586 13 2 6
7399. Lynch (Jo.) Seu Gratiani Lucii Hiberni Cambrensis
Eversus, seu potius Historica fides, in Rebus Hibernicis,
Giraldo Cambrensi abrogata, fol. _Impress. An. 1662. Sine
Loco aut Nomine Impressoris_ 3 4 0
"Liber inter Historicos Hibernicos rarissimus et inventu
difficilimus, quippe cujus pars maxima exemplarium in
incendio periit Londinensi. Sub Lucii Gratiani nomine latet
verus autor Johannes Lynch (Tuamensis Archidiaconus) qui
post Gallvæ deditionem, Exul in Gallia hocce opus patriæ
vindex composuit. T.C."
This catalogue contains 8360 articles. There are printed
lists of the prices for which each set of books was sold:
but I am afraid that an arrant bibliomaniac, like myself
(for thus my friends are cruel enough to call me!) will be
content only with a _large paper_ copy of it, with the
prices neatly penned in the margin. I conclude that Lysander
recommends the volume in this shape to all tasteful
collectors.]
LIS. But there are surely other large paper----
ALMAN. What can there possibly be in a large paper copy of a
_Catalogue of Books_ which merits the appellation of "nobleness" and
"richness?"
LOREN. You are a little out of order. Such a question cuts the heart
of a bibliographer in twain. Pray let Lysander pursue his narrative.
LYSAND. I have no sort of objection to such interruptions. But I think
the day is not very far distant when females will begin to have as
high a relish for _large paper_ copies of every work as their male
rivals. Now let us go on quietly towards the close of my long-winded
bibliomaniacal history. And first let us not fail to pay due respect
to the cabinet of literary bijoux collected by that renowned
bibliomaniac, MARK CEPHAS TUTET.[395] His collection was distinguished
by some very uncommon articles of early date, both of foreign and
British typography; and, if you take a peep into Lorenzo's priced copy
of the catalogue containing also the purchasers' names, you will find
that most notorious modern bibliomaniacs ran away with the choicest
prizes. Tutet's catalogue, although drawn up in a meagre and most
disadvantageous style, is a great favourite with me; chiefly for the
valuable articles which it exhibits.
[Footnote 395: _A Catalogue of the genuine and valuable
Collection of printed Books and Manuscripts of the late_
MARK CEPHAS TUTET, Esq., to be sold by auction by Mr.
Gerard, on Wednesday, the 15th of February, 1786, 8vo. This
library evinces the select taste and accurate judgment of
its collector. There were only 513 articles, or lots; but
these in general were both curious and valuable. I will give
a specimen or two of the TUTET CABINET of books.
NO. 10. Various Catalogues of Curiosities, elegantly bound
in 14 volumes, and a few loose: _most of them priced, with
the purchasers' names_. A.D. 1721 to 1783, 8vo. £3 16_s._
0_d._
55. Two volumes of ancient and modern cards, _eleg. in
russia_ 5 5 0
[These volumes were purchased by Mr. Payne's father, and of
him by Mr. Gough. At the sale of the MSS. of the latter
(1810) they were purchased by Mr. Robert Triphook,
bookseller, of St. James's Street; with a view of making
them instrumental to a work which he is projecting, _Upon
the History and Antiquity of Playing Cards_.]
86. Broughton's Concent of Scripture: _printed upon vellum_
1 2 0
118. Snelling's Silver Coinage,--1762; ditto Gold Coinage,
1763; ditto Copper Coinage, 1768; ditto Miscellaneous Views,
1769; ditto Jettons, 1769: all in folio 7 0 0
"These form a complete set of Snelling's works in folio, and
are interspersed with a great number of very useful and
interesting notes and observations, by Mr. Tutet."
126. The Byble, &c. Printed by Grafton and Whitchurch, 1537,
folio 3 3 0
[There is a note here by Tutet which does not evince any
profound knowledge of English etymology.]
168. Rede me and be not wroth, 12mo., no place nor date 1 11 6
175. Servetus de Trinitatis erroribus, _cor. tur._, 1531,
12mo. 3 14 0
316. ---- de Trinitate divinâ, Lond., 1723, 4to. 1 12 0
329. The Arte and Crafte to know well to dye. _Printed by
Caxton_, 1490, folio 2 2 0
337. Hautin, Figures des Monnoyes de France, 1619, folio 6 0 0
364. Parker de Antiq. Brit. Ecclesiæ, 1572, folio. A long
and curious note is here appended 4 4 0
371. The Boke of Hawkinge, Huntynge, and Fysshynge, 1496,
fol. 2 9 0
372. Sancta Peregrinatio in Mont. Syon, &c. 1486, folio 7 7 0
["This is the first book of travels that was ever printed.
The maps are very remarkable; that of the Holy Land is above
4 feet long."]
463. Spaccio della Bestia trionfante. _Paris_, 1584, 8vo. 7
7 0
477. Expositio Sancti Jeronimi in Symbolum Apostolorum,
_cor. maur. Oxon._, 1468, 4to. 16 5 0
479. Polychronycon; _printed by Caxton_, 1482, 4to. 4 12 0
480. Pfintzing (Melchoir [Transcriber's Note: Melchior]) His
German Poem of the Adventures of the Emperor Maximilian,
under the name of Tewrdanckh's. Nuremb., 1517, folio 5 7 6
481. Initial Letters, Vignettes, Cul de Lampes, &c., 2
vols., _elegantly bound in russia_. [These beautiful books
are now in the possession of Mr. Douce] 4 6 0
483. Bouteroue, Recherches curieuses des Monnoyes de France:
_in morocco, gilt, Paris_, 1666, folio 5 0 0
486. Froissart's Chronicles; printed by Pynson, 1523, folio,
2 vols. _A beautiful copy elegantly bound._ 16 0 0
487. Recule of the Hystoryes of Troye; _printed by Caxton_,
(1471) Folio. _A very fine copy, and quite complete._ 21 0 0
490. Ciceronis Officia, 1466, 4to. _On paper._ 25 10 0
And thus we take leave of that judicious and tasteful
bibliomaniac, MARK CEPHAS TUTET!
Three months after the sale of the preceding library,
appeared the _Bibliotheca Universalis Selecta_ of SAMUEL
PATERSON; containing a collection to be sold by auction in
May, 1786. To this catalogue of 8001 articles, there is a
short (I wish I could add "sweet") preface, which has been
extracted in the _Gentleman's Magazine_, vol. lvi., p. 334;
and in the _Censura Literaria_, vol. ii., p. 252--but,
whatever accidental reputation the volume may have received
from the notice of it in these periodical works, I deem both
the preface and the work itself quite unworthy of Paterson's
credit. There is an alphabetical index (not always very
correct); and a few bibliographical notes are subjoined to
the specification of the titles; and these considerations
alone will give the book a place in the library of the
bibliomaniac. The collection is, in fact, neither universal
nor select: and the preface is written in the worst of all
styles, containing the most commonplace observations.]
The following year, was sold, in a similar way, the select and very
curious collection of RICHARD WRIGHT, M.D.;[396] the strength of which
lay chiefly in publications relating to the _Drama_ and _Romances_.
It is, in my humble opinion, a most judicious, as well as neatly
printed, little catalogue; and not more than a dozen copies of it, I
think, were printed upon _large paper_. Secure this volume, Lisardo,
if you wish to add to your riches in English bibliography.
[Footnote 396: Lysander has not drawn too strong an outline
in his picture of the _Bibliotheca Wrightiana_. The
collection was elegant and select. Let us say a little more
about it. "_A Catalogue of the Library of_ RICHARD WRIGHT,
M.D. &c., consisting of an elegant and extensive collection
of books in every branch of learning, &c., many of the
scarcest editions of the Old English Poets, Novels, and
Romances; also a most singular assemblage of Theatrical
Writers, including the rarest productions of the English
Drama." Sold by auction by T. and J. Egerton, April 23rd,
1787, 8vo. The volume is neatly printed, and the books in
the collection are arranged in alphabetical order under
their respective departments. We will now fill up a little
of the aforementioned strong outline of the picture of
Wright's library: which contained 2824 articles.
917, 920, 921-4-5-6-7, 931-2-3, exhibit a glorious specimen
of the ancient English Chronicles--which, collectively, did
not produce a sum above £45 0_s._ 0_d._
1223. England's Parnassus, 1600, 8vo. 0 14 0
1333. Churchyarde's Choice, 1579, 4to. 2 14 0
1334. ---- first part of his Chippes, 1575, 4to. 3 13 6
1343. Robert Greene's Works, 2 vols., _elegantly bound_,
4to. (containing 17 pieces.) 5 19 0
1374. Shyp of Folys. _Printed by Pynson_, 1508, fol. 3 13 0
1384. Skelton's Works: 1568, 8vo. 0 14 0
1398. Turberville's epitaphs, epigrams, songs and sonnets,
1567, 8vo.
My copy has no price to this article.
1493. Thomas Nashe's Works, in three vols. 4to., containing
21 pieces 12 15 0
1567 to 2091, comprehends _The English Theatre_.
These numbers exhibit almost every thing that is rare,
curious, and valuable in this popular department. I know not
how to select stars from such a galaxy of black-letter
lustre--but the reader may follow me to the ensuing numbers,
which will at least convince him that I am not insensible to
the charms of _dramatic bijoux_, nos. 1567-9: 1570-6-8:
1580: 1595-6-8-9: 1606: 1626: 1636-7-8: 1712 (Dekker's
Pieces: 15 in number--sold for 3_l._ 3_s._ EHEU!) 1742:
1762. (Heywood's 26 plays, 3_l._ 4_s._) 1776.--1814:
(Marston's 9 pieces, 3_l._ 4_s._) 1843. (Tragedie of Dido,
1594, 16_l._ 16_s._ EUGE!) 1850. (Middleton; 13 pieces:
4_l._ 5_s._) 1873-5. (George Peele's: 7_l._ 7_s._) 1902:
(Sackville's Ferrex and Porrex: 2_l._ 4_s._)--But--"quo Musa
tendis?" I conclude, therefore, with the following detailed
_seriatim_.
1960. Shakspeare's Works; 1623, folio. _First edition; bound
in Russia leather, with gilt leaves._ 10 0 0
1961. The same; 1632. _Second impression._ 2 9 0
1962. The same; 1632. _The same._ 1 6 0
1963. The same; 1663. _Third Edit. in Russia._ 1 1 0
1964. The same; 1683. _Fourth Edition._ 1 1 0
My copy of this catalogue is upon _large paper_, beautifully
priced by a friend who "hath an unrivalled pen in this way;"
and to whom I owe many obligations of a higher kind in the
literary department--but whose modesty, albeit he was born
on the banks of the Liffey, will not allow me to make the
reader acquainted with his name. Therefore, "STAT NOMINIS
UMBRA:" viz. ----!]
LOREN. Was Wright's the only collection disposed of at this period,
which was distinguished for its dramatic treasures? I think
HENDERSON'S[397] library was sold about this time?
[Footnote 397: _A Catalogue of the Library of_ JOHN
HENDERSON, Esq. (late of Covent Garden Theatre), &c. Sold by
auction by T. and J. Egerton, on February, 1786, 8vo. Do not
let the lover of curious books in general imagine that
Henderson's collection was entirely dramatical. A glance at
the contents of page 12 to page 22, inclusively, will shew
that this library contained some very first-rate rarities.
When the dramatic collector enters upon page 23, (to the end
of the volume, p. 71) I will allow him to indulge in all the
_mania_ of this department of literature, "withouten ony
grudgynge." He may also ring as many _peals_ as it pleaseth
him, upon discovering that he possesses all the copies of a
dramatic author, ycleped _George Peele_, that are notified
at nos. 923-4! Henderson's library was, without doubt, an
extraordinary one. As we are upon _Dramatic Libraries_, let
us, for fear Lysander should forget it, notice the
following, though a little out of chronological order. "_A
Catalogue, &c., of the late_ Mr. JAMES WILLIAM DODD, of the
_Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, &c. Sold by auction by Leigh and
Sotheby_, Jan. 19, 1797, 8vo., 2435 lots." There was more of
the _Drama_ in this than in Henderson's collection. Mr.
Kemble purchased the dearest volume, which was "Whetstone's
Promos and Cassandra," 1578, 4to. (no. 2396) for 7_l._
10_s._ Mr. George Nicol (for the late Duke of Roxburgh) kept
up a tremendous fire at this sale! Akin to Dodd's, was the
"_Curious and Valuable Library of_ GEORGE SMYTH, Esq.--sold
by Leigh and Sotheby, June 2, 1797, 8vo." There were many
uncommon books in this collection, exclusively of those
appertaining to the Drama; and when I mention, in this
latter department--Hughes's Misfortunes of Prince Arthur,
&c., printed by Robinson, 1587, 4to. (no. 1376; 16_l._
15_s._), both the parts of Shakespeare's Henry the Fourth
(1599-1600, 4to., nos. 1436-7; 18_l._ 18_s._), his Much
Ado about Nothing, 1600, 4to., (no. 1438; 7_l._
10_s._)--I say enough to sharpen the collector's appetite to
obtain, if he have it not, possession of this curious but
barbarously printed catalogue. To these, let me add the
"_Catalogue of a portion of the Library of_ WILLIAM
FILLINGHAM, Esq., _consisting of old quarto plays, early
English Poetry, and a few scarce Tracts, &c., sold by Leigh
and Sotheby_, April 1805, 8vo." The arrangement of this
small catalogue is excellent. Many of the books in it are of
the rarest occurrence; and, to my knowledge, were in the
finest preservation. The collector is no more! He died in
India; cut off in the prime of life, and in the midst of his
intellectual and book-collecting ardour! He was a man of
exceedingly gentlemanlike manners, and amiable disposition;
and his taste was, upon the whole, well cultivated and
correct. Many a pleasant, and many a profitable, hour have I
spent in his "delightsome" library!!!]
LYSAND. It was; and if you had not reminded me of it, I should have
entirely forgotten it. Catalogues of _dramatic Libraries_, well
arranged, are of great service to the cause of the Bibliomania.
LIS. I wish we could procure some act of parliament to induce the
dramatic collectors--by a fair remuneration--to give a well analysed
account of their libraries. We should then have the _Bibliotheca
Roxburghiana_, _Bibliotheca Maloniana_, and what say you to the
_Bibliotheca Kemblëiana_.
LYSAND. You are running wild. Let me continue my bibliomaniacal
history.
We may now advance directly to the exquisite--and shall I say,
unparalleled?--library of MAJOR PEARSON![398] a gentleman, who has
far eclipsed the bibliomaniacal reputation of his military
predecessor, General Dormer. This extraordinary collection was sold
by auction the very next year ensuing the sale of Dr. Wright's books
and so thickly and richly is it sprinkled with the black-letter, and
other curious lore--so varied, interesting, and valuable, are the
departments into which it is divided--that it is no wonder his present
Majesty, the late Duke of Roxburgh, and George Steevens, were earnest
in securing some of the choicest gems contained in the same. Such a
collection, sold at the present day--when there is such a "_qui vive_"
for the sort of literature which it displays--what would it produce?
At least four times more, than its sum total, two and twenty years
ago!
[Footnote 398: If the reader attend only to the above
flourishing eulogy, by Lysander, upon the extraordinary
collection of Major, or Thomas, Pearson, I fear he will not
rise from the perusal of these pages impressed with very
accurate notions of the same. To qualify such ardent
panegyric, and at the same time to please the hearts of all
honest bibliomaniacs, I here subjoin something like a sober
analysis of the _Bibliotheca Pearsoniana_. The title to the
Sale Catalogue is as follows: "_Biblioth. Pearson. A
Catalogue of the Library of_ THOMAS PEARSON, Esq.
_Containing a very extensive Collection of the best and
rarest books in every branch of English Literature, &c. Sold
by Auction by T. and J. Egerton, in April, 1788_," 8vo. Like
all the sale catalogues put forth by the Egertons, the
present is both judiciously arranged and neatly printed. It
is said that there are only twelve copies upon _large
paper_; but I doubt the smallness of this number. My own is
of this kind, superbly bound, and priced with a neatness
peculiar to the calligraphical powers of the 'forementioned
friend. It may not be amiss to prefix an extract from a
newspaper of the day; in which this sale was thus noticed:
"The Black-lettero-mania, which raged so furiously in the
course of last Spring at the Sale of Dr. WRIGHT'S Books, has
broken out with still greater violence at the present
auction of MAJOR PEARSON'S Library. This assertion may be
countenanced by the following examples." Then follow a few
specimens of the prices given. The reader is now presented
with copious specimens, selected according to their
numerical order: the addenda, between inverted commas, being
copied from the said newspaper.
1888. Webbe's Discourse of English Poetrie, 1586, 4to. £3
5_s._ 0_d._
"Bought by Mr. Steevens versus Mr. Malone."
1889. Puttenham's Art of English Poesie, 1589, 4to. 1 12 0
1900. The fyrst Boke of the Introduction to Knowledge, &c.;
_Printed by W. Copland_, no date, 4to. 4 15 0
"By the Rev. Mr. Brand versus Lord Charlemont."
1910. The Castell of Laboure; _Emprynted by Pynson_, 4to.,
_no date_. 2 2 0
1926. Dekker's Miscellaneous Pieces, 1604, &c., 4to. 2 2 0
1932. A curious collection of sundry rare pieces, 4to. 3 4 0
1951. Drollery's (eleven) 1661, &c., 8vo. 5 6 6
These droll pieces are now much coveted by knowing
bibliomaniacs. Mr. Heber and Mr. Hill have each a copious
collection of them; and Mr. Gutch of Bristol, a bookseller
of great spirit in his trade, and of equal love of general
literature, recently gratified the curious by exhibiting, in
his catalogue of 1810, a number of "_Garlands_;" which ere
now, have, in all probability, proved a successful bait for
some hungry book fish.
2035. Sir John Harrington's most elegant and witty Epigrams,
with portrait, 1618, 8vo. 2 3 0
2090. Flowers of Epigrammes, &c. _Impr. by Shepperd_, 1577,
12mo. 1 14 0
2130. The Paradise of Dainty Devises, &c., _printed for E.
White_, 1600, 4to. The workes of a Young Wit, by N.B. b.l.
_printed by Thomas Dawson, no date_. Watson's Mistresse,
&c., and Sonnets, b.l. _imperf._ Diana, by the Earl and
Countess of Oxenford, _printed for J. Roberts_, wanting
title, 4to. 9 12 6
"Bought by Mr. Steevens versus Mr. Malone."
2131. England's Helicon, 1600, 4to. 5 10 0
"By ditto versus ditto."
2147. The Example of Vertu; _printed by W. de Worde_, 4to.
"Bought by Mr. Mason versus Mr. Malone."
2162. A Mirrour of Mysterie; _finely written upon, vellum,
with two very neat drawings with pen and ink_, 1557, 4to. 2
0 0
2186. Manley's Affliction and Deliverance of Saints, portr.
1652, 8vo. 1 12 0
2190. Tragedie of Sir Richard Grenvile, Knt. printed by J.
Roberts, 1595, 8vo. 0 15 6
2289. Laquei Ridiculosi, or Springes for Woodcocks, by Henry
Parrot, 1613, 8vo. 0 4 6
N.B. _This little volume was sold for as many guineas at the
sale of Mr. Reed's books in 1807._
2373. Lyf of St. Ursula; _Impr. by Wynkyn de Worde_, no
date, 4to. 1 10 0
2374. Lyf and History of Saynt Werburge. _Printed by
Pynson_, 1521, 4to. 1 3 0
N.B. _This volume was sold for 18_l._ 18_s._ at the last
mentioned sale._
2575. This lot comprehends a cluster of precious little
black-letter pieces, which were purchased at the sale of
West's books, by Major Pearson. Eight in the whole: executed
before the year 1540. 3 19 0
2421. The Goodly Garlande, or Chaplet of Laurell, by Maister
Skelton; _Impr._ by Fawkes, 1523, 4to. See here a long note
upon the rarity and intrinsic worth of this curious little
volume. "Purchased by Brand versus the King." 7 17 6
2710. Ancient Songs and Ballads; written on various
subjects, and printed between the years 1560 and 1700;
chiefly collected by Robert Earl of Oxford, and purchased at
the sale of the library of James West, Esq., in 1773 (for
20_l._): increased by several additions: _2 volumes bound in
Russia leather_. 26 4 6
"Bought by Mr. Nicol for the Duke of Roxburgh, versus
Messrs. Arnold and Ritson." "N.B. The preceding numerous and
matchless collection of _Old Ballads_ are all printed in the
black-letter, and decorated with many hundred wooden prints.
They are pasted upon paper, with borders (printed on
purpose) round each ballad: also, a printed title and index
to each volume. To these are added the paragraphs which
appeared in the public papers respecting the above curious
collection, at the time they were purchased at Mr. West's."
Thus far Messrs. Egerton. I have to add that the late DUKE
OF ROXBURGH became the purchaser of these "matchless"
volumes. Whilst in Major Pearson's possession, "with the
assistance of Mr. Reed, the collection received very great
additions, and was bound in two very large volumes; in this
state (says Mr. Nicol,) it was bought by the Duke of
Roxburghe. After the industrious exertions of two such
skilful collectors as Major Pearson and Mr. Reed, the Duke
did not flatter himself with ever being able to add much to
the collection; but, as usual, he undervalued his own
industry. Finding that his success far exceeded his
expectations, he determined to add a _third volume_ to the
collection. Among these new acquisitions are some very rare
ballads; one quoted by Hamlet, of which no other copy is
known to exist." _Preface to the Roxburgh Catalogue_, p. 5.
The ballad here alluded to may be seen in Mr. Evans's recent
edition of his father's _Collection of Old Ballads_; vol.
i., p. 7.
3262 to 3329. These numbers comprehend a very uncommon and
interesting set of _Old Romances_! which, collectively, did
not produce 35_l._--but which now, would have been sold
for----!?
3330 to 4151. An extraordinary collection of the English
Drama.
And thus farewell MAJOR PEARSON!]
LIS. O rare THOMAS PEARSON! I will look sharply after a _large paper_,
_priced_, copy of the _Bibliotheca Pearsoniana_!
LYSAND. You must pay smartly for it, if you are determined to possess
it.
BELIN. Madness!--Madness inconceivable!--and undescribed by Darwin,
Arnold, and Haslam! But, I pray you, proceed.
LYSAND. Alas, madam, the task grows more and more complex as I draw
towards the completion of it.
In the year 1789 the book-treasures of the far-famed PINELLI[399]
Collection were disposed of by public auction: nor can one think,
without some little grief of heart, upon the dispersion of a library,
which (much more than commercial speculations and profits) had, for
upwards of a century, reflected so much credit upon the family of its
possessors. The atmosphere of our metropolis, about this period,
became as much infected with the miasmata of the BOOK-PLAGUE as it
did, about 130 years before, with the miasmata of a plague of a
different description: for the worthy inhabitants of Westminster had
hardly recovered from the shock of the bibliomaniacal attack from the
Pinelli sale, 'ere they were doomed to suffer the tortures of a
similar one in that of the PARIS[400] collection. This latter was of
shorter duration; but of an infinitely more powerful nature: for then
you might have seen the most notorious bibliomaniacs, with blood
inflamed and fancies intoxicated, rushing towards the examination of
the truly matchless volumes contained within this collection. Yet
remember that, while the whole of Pall Mall was thronged with the
carriages of collectors, anxious to carry off in triumph some _vellum
copy_ of foreign execution--there was sold, in a quiet corner of the
metropolis, the copious and scholar-like collection of MICHAEL LORT,
D.D. The owner of this latter library was a learned and amiable
character, and a bibliographer of no mean repute.[401] His books were
frequently enriched with apposite MS. remarks; and the variety and
extent of his collection, suited to all tastes, and sufficiently
abundant for every appetite, forms, I think, a useful model after
which future bibliomaniacs may build their libraries.
[Footnote 399: Mention has already been made of the
different _Catalogues of the_ PINELLI _Collection_: see p.
21, ante. Here, as Lysander has thought proper again to
notice the name of the collector, I am tempted to add a few
specimens of the extraordinary books contained in his
extraordinary library: adding thereto the prices for which
they were sold. But--again and again I observe, _in
limine_--these sums form no criterion of the _present_ worth
of the books; be the same more or less! It is a document
only of bibliographical curiosity.
NO. 703. La Biblia Sacra in Lingua Vulgare tradotta; 1471.
folio. 2 vols. £6 15_s._ 0_d._
2555. Bandello, Canti xi delle lodi della Signora Lucrezia
Gonzaga di Gazuolo, &c., 1545, 8vo. 15 15 0
2605. Dante, La Divina Comedia; 1472, folio. _Ediz. Prin._
25 14 6
3348. Petrarca, Le Rime. Venez. 1470, 4to. _Prin. Ediz._ 27
6 0
3458. Sannazzaro, L'Arcadia. Ven. Ald. 1514, 8vo. _Esemp.
stampata in Cartapecora._ 16 16 0
4909. Biblia Polyglotta; Complut. 1514, &c., folio. 6 vols.
_Exemplar integerrimum splendidissimum._ IMPRESSUM IN
MEMBRANIS. 483 0 0
All the world (perhaps I should have said the
_bibliographical_ world) has heard of this pre-eminently
wonderful set of books; now in Count Macarty's library at
Thoulouse. My friend, Dr. Gosset--who will not (I trust)
petition for excommunicating me from the orthodox church to
which I have the honour of belonging, if I number him in the
upper class of bibliomaniacs--was unable to attend the sale
of the Pinelli collection, from severe illness: but he _did
petition_ for a sight of one of these volumes of old
Ximenes's polyglott--which, much more effectually than the
spiders round Ashmole's neck (vide p. 293, ante), upon an
embrace thereof, effected his cure. Shakspeare, surely,
could never have meant to throw such "physic" as this "to
the dogs?!" But, to return.
8956. Anthologia Epig. Græc. 1494. 4to. _Exemp. impr. in
membranis._ 45 0 0
9308. Theocritus (absque ulla nota) 4to. _Editio Princeps._
31 10 0
9772. Plautus, 1472. folio. _Editio Princeps._ 36 0 0
11,215. Aulus Gellius, 1469, folio. _Edit. Princeps._ 58 16 0
11,233. Macrobius, 1472, folio. _Edit. Prin._ 33 12 0
12,141. Priscianus de art. gram. 1470. fol. _In Membranis._
51 9 0
[Sale Catalogue, 1789, 8vo.]
But--"Jam satis."
It probably escaped Lysander that, while the sale of the
Pinelli collection attracted crowds of bibliomaniacs to
Conduit Street, Hanover Square, a very fine library was
disposed of, in a quiet and comfortable manner, at the rooms
of Messrs. Leigh and Sotheby, in York Street, Covent Garden;
under the following title to the catalogue: _A Catalogue of
a very elegant and curious Cabinet of Books, lately imported
from France_, &c. (sold in May, 1789). My priced copy of
this catalogue affixes the name (in MS.) of MACARTNEY, as
the owner of this precious "Cabinet." There were only 1672
articles; containing a judicious sprinkling of what was
elegant, rare, and curious, in almost every department of
literature. The eleventh and twelfth days' sale were devoted
to MSS.; many of them of extraordinary beauty and
singularity. It was from this collection, no. 248, that
Lord Spencer obtained, for a comparatively small sum, one of
the most curious books (if not an unique volume) in the
class of early English printed ones, which are in his own
matchless collection. It is the "_Siege of Rhodes_," which
has a strong appearance of being the production of Caxton's
press. The copy is perfectly clean and almost uncut.]
[Footnote 400: If the reader will be pleased to turn to page
90, ante, he will find a tolerably copious and correct list
of the different sales of books which were once in the
possession of MONS. PARIS DE MEYZIEUX. In the same place he
will also find mention made of a singular circumstance
attending the sale of the above collection noticed by
Lysander. As a corollary, therefore, to what has been before
observed, take the following specimens of the books--with
the prices for which they are sold--which distinguished the
_Bibliotheca Parisiana_. They are from the French Catalogue,
1790, 8vo.
NO. 2. Biblia sacra latina vulgatæ editionis (ex
translatione et cum præfationibus S. Hieronymi); Venetiis,
N. Jenson, 1476, 2 vol. in fol.: _avec miniatures, relié en
mar. r. doublé de tabis, dentelles et boîtes_: IMPRIME SUR
VELIN. "On connoît l'extrême rareté de cette belle edition
quand les exemplaires sont sur vélin. Nous n'en connoissons
qu'un seul, bien moins beau que celui ci; celui que nous
annonçons est de toute beauté, et on ne peut rien ajouter au
luxe de la relieure." £59 17_s._ 0_d._
3. Biblia sacra vulgatæ editionis, tribus tomis distincta
(jussu Sixt. V., pontificis maximi edita); _Romæ, ex
typographia apostolica vaticana_, 1590; _in. fol. ch. mag.
maroquin rouge_.
"Superbe exemplaire d'un livre de la plus grande rareté; il
porte sur la couverture les armes de Sixte Quint." 64 1 0
10. Epitome passionis Jesu Christi, in 4o. SUR VELIN avec
miniatures. _Manuscrit très précieux_ du commencement du 16
siecle, contenant 37 feuillets écrits en ancienne ronde
bâtarde, et 17 pages de miniatures d'un dessein et d'un fini
inappréciables. "Les desseins sont d'Albert Durer, tels
qu'il les a gravés dans ses ouvrages, et l'exécution est si
animée qu'on peut croire qu'elle est, en tout ou en partie,
de la main de ce peintre célebre. On ne peut trop louer la
beauté de ce livre." 50 8 0
13. Officium beatæ Mariæ virginis cum calendario; in 4o.
mar. r. dentelles. "_Cette paire d'heures manuscrite_ SUR
VELIN, est sans contredit une des plus belles et des plus
achevées que l'on puisse trouver. Au rare mérite de sa
parfaite exécution elle réunit encore celui d'avoir été
faite pour Françoise 1er, roi de France, et d'être décoree
dans toutes ses pages de l'embléme et du chiffre de ce
monarque. Ce manuscrit, d'un prix inestimable, est ecrit en
lettres rondes sur un vélin très blanc"--"il est decoré de
très belles capitales, de guirlandes superbes de fleurs, de
culs-de-lampe, & de 12 bordures ornées d'oiseaux,
d'insectes, de fleurs et de lames d'or très brillant."--"Il
est impossible de donner une idée satisfaisante de le beauté
et de la richesse de 12 peintures admirables qui
enrichissent autant de pages de 8 pouces et demi de hauteur,
sur environ 6 pouces de largeur; elles sont au dessus de
toute expression; mais il n'y en a qu'une qui soit du temps
de François 1er.; un seigneur dont on voit les armes peintes
sur le second feuillet, a fait exécuter les autres dans la
siecle dernier, avec une magnificence peu commune. Les
tableaux et les ornemens dont il a enrichi ce précieux
manuscrit se distinguent par une composition savante et
gracieuse, un dessin correct, une touche précieuse et un
coloris agréable," &c. 109 4 0
14. Heures de Notre-Dame, écrites à la main, 1647, par
Jarry, Parisien, in 8o. _chagrin noir, avec deux fermoirs
d'or et boîte de mar. bl._ "Ces heures sont un
chef-d'oeuvre d'écriture & de peinture. Le fameux Jarry,
qui n'a pas encore eu son égal en l'art d'écrire, s'y est
surpassé, & y a prouvé que la regularité, la netteté & la
precision des caracteres du burin et de l'impression
pouvoient être imitées avec la plume à un degré de
perfection inconcevable."--"Le peintre, dont le nom nous est
inconnu, & qui doit avoir été un des plus fameux du siecle
de Louis XIV., a travaillé à l'envi avec Nicolas Jarry à
rendre ces heures dignes d'admiration."--"Les sept peintures
dont il les a enriches, sont recommendables par la purité de
leur dessein, la vivacité des couleurs, la verité de
l'expression, et leur précieux fini." 73 10 0
This matchless little volume was purchased by Mr. Johnes of
Hafod, and presented by him to his daughter, who has
successfully copied the miniatures; and, in the true spirit
of a female bibliomaniac, makes this book her travelling
companion "wherever she goes."
15. Office de la Vierge, _manuscrit_, avec 39 miniatures et
un grand nombre de figures bizarres, oiseaux, etc.
supérieurement executé; 2 vol. in 8o. _m. bl. doublé de
tapis, avec étuis_. "On ne peut rien voir de plus agréable &
de mieux diversifié que les différents sujets des
miniatures; en tout, cet exemplaire est un des plus beaux
que j'aie jamais vus; c'est celui de Picart. Il est à
remarquer à cause du costume de quelques figures; il a été
relié avec le plus grand soin et la plus grande dépense."
110 5 0
145. L'art de connoître et d'apprécier les miniatures des
anciens manuscrits; par M. l'abbé Rive, avec 30 tableaux
enlumines, copiés d'après les plus beaux manuscrits qui se
trouvoient dans la bibliothéque de M. le Duc de la Valliere,
et d'autres précieux cabinets. _Exemplaire peint_ SUR VELIN.
"M. l'abbé Rive se proposoit de donner une dissertation sur
les manuscrits enluminés pour accompagner ces dessins; mais
jusqu'ici ayant des raisons qui l'empêchent d'en gratifier
le public, il en a donné la description en manuscrit (le
seul qui existe) au propriétaire de ce superbe exemplaire."
56 14 0
240. Les faicts, dictes et ballades de maitre Alain
Chartier: _Paris, Pierre le Caron, sans date, in fol.
velours vert_; IMPRIME SUR VELIN. "Exemplaire qui ne laisse
rien à desirer, pour la grandeur des marges, la peinture des
miniatures et de toutes les lettres capitales. La finesse
des lignes rouges, qui divisent chaque ligne, demontre
combien on a été engagé à le rendre précieux. Il est dans sa
relieure originale parfaitement bien conservé; il a
appartenu à Claude d'Urfé: l'edition passe pour étre de
l'année, 1484. _Voyez Bibliographie Instructive_, no.
2999." 31 10 0
242. Contes de la Fontaine, avec miniatures, vignettes et
culs-de-lampes à chaque conte; 2 vol. in 4o.; m. bleu,
doublé de tapis, étuis. "_Manuscrit incomparable_ pour le
génie et l'exécution des dessins. Il est inconcevable que la
vie d'un artiste ait pu suffire pour exécuter d'une manière
si finie un si grand nombre de peintures exquises; le tout
est d'un coloris éclatant, d'une conservation parfaite, &
sur du vélin egalement blanc et uni; enfin c'est un
assemblage de miniatures précieuses et dignes d'orner le
plus beau cabinet."
L'ecriture a été faite par Monchaussé, et les miniatures par
le fameux Marolles. 315 0 0
328. Opere di Francesco Petrarcha; _senza luogho_ 1514,
_mar. r. doublé de tabis et étui_; IMPRIME SUR VELIN.
"Exemplaire sans prix, avec grand nombre de miniatures
charmantes. Il passoit pour constant à Florence, où je l'ai
acheté, qu'il avoite été imprimé à part probablement pour
quelqu'un des Mêdicis, et sur les corrections de l'edition
de 1514; car les fautes ne s'y trouvent pas, et il ne m'a
pas éte possible d'en découvrir une seule.--La parfaite
conservation de ce livre précieux démontre combien ses
possesseurs ont été sensible a sa valeur. P----." 116 11 0
486. Collectiones Peregrinationum in Indiam Orientalem et in
Indiam Occidentalem, xxv partibus comprehensæ, &c. _Francof.
ad Mæen. 1590, &c., 60 vol. reliés en 24, folio; maroq.
citr. bleu et rouge._ "Exemplaire de la plus grande beauté,
et qui possede autant de perfection que pouvoient lui donner
les soins et les connoissances des plus grands amateurs."
210 0 0
543. Les grands chroniques de France (dites les chroniques
de St. Denys); _Paris, Antoine Verard_, 1493, 3 vols. fol.
_vel. rouge, et boîtes_; IMPRIME SUR VELIN. "Exemplaire
d'une magnificence étonante pour la blancheur du vélin, la
grandeur des marges, et l'ouvrage immense de l'enluminure;
chaque lettre-capitale étant peinte en or, et contenant 953
miniatures, dont 13 sont de la grandeur des pages, et 940
environ de 4 pouces de hauteur sur 3 de largeur. Il est
encore dans sa relieure originale, et d'une fraîcheur &
d'une conservation parfaites: il a appartenu à Claude
d'Urfé." 151 4 0
546. Chroniques de France, d'Angleterre, d'Ecosse,
d'Espagnes, et de Bretaigne, etc.; par _Froissart; Paris, G.
Eustace, 1514. 4 vol. in fol. mar. r. doublé de tabis, et
boîtes_ IMPRIME SUR VELIN. "On peut regarder ce livre comme
un des plus rares qui existe. L'exemplaire est unique et
inconnu aux meilleurs bibliographes; Sauvage ne l'a jamaie
vu; il est de la premiere beauté par la blancheur du vélin,
& par sa belle conservation. On y a joint tout le luxe de la
rélieure." _In the Hafod Collection._ 149 2 0]
[Footnote 401: The following is the title of the Bibliotheca
Lortiana. "_A Catalogue of the entire and valuable Library
of the late_ REV. MICHAEL LORT, D.D., F.R.S. and A.S.,
_which will be sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, &c.,
April 5, 1791_," 8vo. The sale lasted twenty-five days; and
the number of lots or articles was 6665. The ensuing
specimens of a few of the book-treasures in this collection
prove that Lysander's encomium upon the collector is not
without foundation.
NO. 1738. Gardiner's (Bishop) Detection of the Devil's
Sophistry, MS. title: printed by _John Hertford, in
Aldersgate Street, at the cost and charges of Robert Toye_,
1546, 12mo. Note in this book: "Though this book is
imperfect, yet the remarkable part of it, viz. sheet E,
printed in the Greek letter, and sheet F in Latin, with the
Roman letter, are not wanting." £0 2_s._ 0_d._
1847. Hale's (T.) Account of New Inventions, in a letter to
the Earl of Marlborough, 8vo. Note in this book: "Many
curious particulars in this book, more especially a
prophetic passage relative to the Duke of Marlborough, p.
XLVII." 0 5 0
1880. Harrison's (Michael) four Sermons. "N.B. The author of
this book cut the types himself, and printed it at St.
Ives," 8vo. 0 3 0
1930. Festival (The) impressus Rothomage, 1499, 4to. In this
book (which is in English) at the end of each Festival is a
narration of the life of the Saint, or of the particular
festival. 0 16 0
1931. Festival (The) with wooden cuts, compleat: _emprynted
by Wynkyn de Worde_, 1408, 4to. 0 15 0
2156. Johnson's (Dr. Sam.) Journey to the Western Islands of
Scotland. "In this book is contained the cancelled part of
page 48, relative to Litchfield Cathedral; likewise the
cancelled part of page 296, respecting the cave at Egg, and
the transaction there; also parts of reviews and newspapers,
concerning Dr. Johnson; two plates, MS. copy of a letter of
Dr. Johnson's: and Henderson's letter to Johnson on his
journey to Scotland." 1776, 8vo. 0 15 0
2558. Muggleton's Acts of the Witnesses of the Spirit; _with
heads, MS. remarks, and notes_, 1699. Ludowick Muggleton,
born in Bishopgate Street, 1609; put apprentice to John
Quick, a taylor. Married a virgin of 19, ætat. suæ 22.
Another virgin of 19, ætat. 32. A third virgin wife of 25,
ætat. 53. Chosen a prophet 1665, 4to. 0 5 6
2559. Muggleton's and Reeve's volume of Spiritual Epistles;
elegantly bound, with a head of Muggleton underneath a MS.
note, 1755, 4to. 0 10 6
2579. Lower's Voyage of Charles II. made into Holland, head
and plates. Hague. 1660. Folio. N.B. "A very uncommon book,
containing many curious particulars." 1 3 0
2776. Owen's (Dr. John) Divine Originall, &c. of the
Scriptures, Oxford, 1659, 8vo. Note in this book: "One of
the scarcest and best of Dr. Owen's works." 0 1 0
3005. Psalms (The whole Booke of) with Hymns, by
Ravenscroft, with music, 8vo. "Note; in this book are some
tunes by John Milton, the great poet's father. See page 242,
62." 0 2 0
3342. Stubbes's Anatomie of Abuses, printed at London by
Richard Jones, 16 August, 1583, 8vo. Note in this book: "I
bought this rare book at the auction of Mr. Joseph Hart's
books, in May 1772, where it cost me 8_s._ &c." M.L. [The
reader may just run back to page 279, ante; where he will
find some account of this work.] 1 14 0
4185. Champ Fleury, auquel est contenu l'Art et Science de
la deue et vraye Proportion de Lettres Antiques et Romaines
selon le Corps et visage Humain, avec figures. Par. 1529.
Folio. "_This uncommon book was sold at an auction, 1722,
for 2l. 15s._" 0 12 6
4437. Alberti Descriptione di tutta Italia, Venez., 1568,
4to. Note in this book--"_This is a very scarce and much
valued account of Italy._" With another curious note
respecting the author. 0 9 6
4438. Aldrete Varias Antiguedales de Espana, Africa, y otras
Provincias. Amberes, 1641, 4to. _Note in this book_: "One of
the most valuable books of this kind in the Spanish
language, and very rarely to be met with." 0 9 6
5532. Humfredi, Vita Episcop. Juelli, foliis deauratis,
Lond. ap Dayum, 1573, 4to. _Note in this book_: "At the end
of this book are probably some of the first Hebrew types
used in England." 0 1 0
6227. Præsidis (Epistola R.A.P.) Generalis et Regiminis
totius Congregationis Anglicanæ Ordinis St. Benedicti.
Duaci, 1628. 8vo. 0 1 0
[_Note in this book_: "This is a very scarce book; it was
intended only for the use of the order, and care taken that
it should not get into improper hands. See the conclusion of
the General's mandate, and of the book itself."]
6616. Wakefeldi Oratio de Laudibus et Utilitate trium
linguarum, Arabicæ, Chaldaicæ, & Hebraicæ; atque idiomatibus
Hebraicis quæ in utroque Testamento inveniuntur. _Lond. ap.
Winandum de Worde._--Shirwode Liber Hebræorum concionatoris,
seu Ecclesiasten. Antv. 1523. 4to. _Note in this book_:
"These two pieces by Shirwood and Wakefield are exceedingly
rare." 0 4 0
For some particulars concerning the very respectable Dr.
LORT, the reader may consult the _Gentleman's Magazine_;
vol. lx. pt. ii. p. 1055, 1199.]
ALMAN. I am glad to hear you notice such kind of collections; for
utility and common sense have always appeared to me a great
desideratum among the libraries of your professed bibliomaniacs.
BELIN. Yes:--You pride yourselves upon your large paper, and clean,
and matchless copies--but you do not dwell quite so satisfactorily
upon your useful and profitable volumes--which, surely stand not in
need of expensive embellishments. Lort's collection would be the
library for my money--if I were disposed to become a female
bibliomaniac!
LIS. You are even a more jejune student than myself in bibliography,
or you would not talk in this strain, Belinda. Abuse fine copies of
books! I hope you forgive her, Lysander?
LYSAND. Most cordially. But have I not discoursed sufficiently? The
ladies are, I fear, beginning to be wearied; and the night is "almost
at odds with morning which is which."
LOREN. Nay, nay, we must not yet terminate our conversation. Pursue,
and completely accomplish, the noble task which you have begun. But a
few more years to run down--a few more renowned bibliomaniacs to "kill
off"--and then we retire to our pillows delighted and instructed by
your----
LYSAND. Halt! If you go on thus, there is an end to our "Table Talk."
I now resume.
LOREN. Yet a word to save your lungs, and slightly vary the discourse.
Let me take you with me to Ireland, about this time; where, if you
reremember [Transcriber's Note: remember], the library of DENIS
DALY[402] was disposed of by public auction. My father attended the
sale; and purchased at it a great number of the _Old English
Chronicles_, and volumes relating to _English History_, which Lisardo
so much admired in the library. You remember the copy of Birch's
_Lives of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain_!
[Footnote 402: _A Catalogue of the Library of the late Right
Honourable_ DENIS DALY, _which will be sold by auction on
the first of May, 1792, by James Vallance._ _Dublin_, 8vo. A
fac-simile copper-plate of a part of the first psalm, taken
from a Bible erroneously supposed to have been printed by
Ulric Zell in 1458, faces the title-page; and a short and
pertinent preface succeeds it. The collection was choice and
elegant: the books are well described, and the catalogue is
printed with neatness. The copies on _large paper_ are very
scarce. I subjoin, as a curiosity, and for the sake of
comparing with modern prices, the sums for which a few
popular articles in ENGLISH HISTORY were disposed of.
NO. 527. Tyrrell's General History of England, 5 vols. Lond.
1697, fol. "To this copy Mr. Tyrell has made considerable
additions in MS. written in a fair hand, which must be
worthy of the attention of the learned." £10 4_s._ 9_d._
533. Rapin's History of England with Tyndal's Continuation,
5 vols. _elegantly bound in russia_. Lond. 1743-1747, folio.
"One of the most capital sets of Rapin extant; besides the
elegant portraits of the kings and queens, monuments,
medals, &c. engraved for this work, it is further enriched
with the beautiful prints executed by Vertue and Houbraken,
for Birch's Illustrious Heads." folio. 17 2 7
534. Carte's General History of England, 4 vols., fine
paper, _elegant in russia_. Lond. 1747, folio. 7 19 3
537. Birch's Lives of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain,
with their heads by Houbraken and Vertue; 2 vols. in one,
_first impression of the plates, imperial paper_. Lond.
1743-1751, folio. It is impossible to give a perfect idea of
this book: every plate is fine, and appears to be selected
from the earliest impressions: it is now very scarce. 22 15 0
538. Campbell's Vitruvius Britannicus, with Woolfe's and
Gandon's Continuation, 5 vols. _large paper, fine
impressions of the plates, elegantly bound in morocco, gilt
leaves, &c._ Lond. 1717-1767, folio. 25 0 6
540. Wood's Historia et Antiquitates Oxoniensis, _large
paper, russia, gilt leaves, &c._ Ox. 1674. 2 16 10
542. Biographia Britannica, 7 vols. _large paper, elegantly
bound_. Lond. 1747, fol. 13 13 0
543. ---- ---- 4 vols. new edition, _elegantly bound in
green Turkey_. Lond. 1778. 7 19 3
545. Mathæi Paris, Monachi Albanensis Angli, Historia Major,
a Wats. Lond. 1640, folio. 3 19 7
546. Mathæi Westmonasteriensis, Flores Historiarum. Franc.
1601, folio. 2 16 10
547. Historiæ Anglicanæ Scriptores Varii, a Sparke. Lond.
1723, folio. 2 5 6
548. Historiæ Anglicanæ Scriptores X. a Twysden; 2 tom. fol.
_deaurat._ Lond. 1652, folio. 4 11 0
549. Rerum Anglicarum Scriptores post Bedam, a Saville, fol.
_deaurat._ Lond. 1596, folio. 2 5 6
550. Rerum Anglicarum Scriptorum Veterum, a Gale; 3 tom.
fol. _deaurat._ Lond. 1684-91. 5 13 9
551. Rerum Britannicarum, Scriptores Vetustiores. Lugd.
1587, folio. 1 8 0
573. Prynne's Records, 3 vols., with the _frontispieces
complete, gilt, broad border of gold_. Lond. 1666-68. "For
an account of this rare and valuable work, see Oldy's
British Librarian, page II. Not more than 70 copies of the
first vol. were rescued from the fire of London, 1666."
folio. 80 15 3
I learn from the nephew of the late Mr. Archer, of Dublin,
bookseller, that the late Lord Clare offered 4000 guineas
for the collection--which contained only 1441 lots or
articles. The offer was rejected. Although the amount of the
sale did not exceed 3700_l._--according to a rough
calculation.]
LIS. I do:--and a marvellously fine one it is!
LOREN. Well, this was formerly _Exemplar Dalyanum_. But now proceed. I
wished only to convince you that the miasmata (as you call them) of
the bibliomaniacal disease had reached our Sister Kingdom. Of
Scotland[403]--I know nothing in commendation respecting the
BIBLIOMANIA.
[Footnote 403: This is rather a hasty speech, on the part of
Lorenzo. The copious and curious catalogues of those
booksellers, Messrs. CONSTABLE, LAING, and BLACKWOOD--are a
sufficient demonstration that the cause of the _Bibliomania_
flourishes in the city of Edinburgh. Whether they have such
desperate bibliomaniacs in Scotland, as we possess in
London, and especially of the book-auction species--is a
point which I cannot take upon me to decide. Certain it is
that the notes of their great poet are not deficient in
numerous tempting extracts from rare black-letter tomes; and
if his example be not more generally followed than it is,
the fault must lie with some scribe or other who counteracts
its influence by propagating opinions, and recommending
studies, of a different, and less tasteful, cast of
character. I am fearful that there are too many
politico-economical, metaphysical, and philosophical
miasmata, floating in the atmosphere of Scotland's
metropolis, to render the climate there just now favourable
to the legitimate cause of the BIBLIOMANIA.]
I had nearly forgotten to mention, with the encomiums which they
merit, the select, curious, and splendid collections of the
CHAUNCYS:[404] very able scholars, and zealous bibliomaniacs. Many a
heavy-metalled competitor attended the sale of the _Bibliotheca
Chauncyana_; and, I dare say, if such a collection of books were now
_sub hastâ_----
[Footnote 404: _A Catalogue of the elegant and valuable
Libraries of_ CHARLES CHAUNCY, M.D. F.R.S. and F.S.A.; _and
of his brother_, NATHANIEL CHAUNCY, _Esq., both deceased:
&c. Sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, April, 1790_,
8vo.: 3153 articles.
NO. 99. Booke of Raynarde the Foxe, morocco, gilt leaves,
_London by Thomas Gaultier_, 1550, 8vo. £2 3_s._ 0_d._
108. Merie Tales by Master Skelton, Poet Laureat; _imprinted
by Thomas Colwell_; no date, 12mo. 1 6 0
109. The Pleasunt Historie of Lazarillo de Tormes, by David
Rouland; _impr. at London, by Abel Jeffes_, 1586, 12mo. 0 11 0
112. The Newe Testament, corrected by Tyndal, with
exhortations by Erasmus; _gilt leaves_, 1536, 12mo. 5 2 6
113. More's Utopia, by Robynson; _impr. by Abraham Veale_,
12mo. (1551.) 0 8 0
"N.B. In this are the passages which have been left out in
the later editions." (But the reader may be pleased to
examine my edition of this translation of the Utopia; 1808,
2 vols., 8vo., see vol. i., p. clix.)
119. The Epidicion into Scotland of the most woorthely
fortunate Prince Edward, Duke of Somerset, Uncle unto our
most noble sovereign, &c., Edward the VIth; _imprinted by
Grafton_; 1548, 8vo. 2 18 0
(At the sale of Mr. Gough's books in 1810, a fine copy of
this work was sold for 10_l._ 10_s._)
362. Ben Jonson his Volpone, or the Foxe; _morocco, gilt
leaves_, 1607, 4to. 4 0 0
"In this book is this note written by Ben Jonson himself.
'To his loving father, and worthy friend Mr. John Florio:
the ayde of his Muses. Ben Jonson seales this testimony of
friendship and love.'"
384. Nychodemus's Gospell, _morocco, gilt leaves, emprynted
at London, by Wynkyn de Worde_, 1511, 4to. 2 2 0
388. Oxford and Cambridge Verses; _in blue and red morocco,
gilt leaves, with gold tassels_, 13 vols., 1617, &c., fol. 2
12 6
572. Caius of English Dogges, the diversities, the names,
the natures, and the properties, by Fleming; _imprinted at
London by Richard Johnes_, 1576, 4to. 5 10 0
592. The Life and Death of the merry Devill of Edmonton,
with the pleasant Prancks of Smug the smith, Sir John, and
mine Host of the George, about the stealing of Venison,
frontispiece, 4to. 1 10 0
599. Speculum Xristiani, corio turcico, impress. _London, p.
Willelmum de Machlinia_ ad instanciam nec non expensas
Henrici Urankenburg, mercatoris, _sine anno vel loco,
circa_, 1480, 4to. 11 0 0
599. [Transcriber's Note: sic] A Hundreth Sundrie Flowers,
bounde up in one small poesie, gathered in the fyne outlandish
gardins of Euripides, Ovid, Petrake, Aristo, and others.
_London_, 4to. 1 12 0
1669. The Recuile of the Historie of Troie; _imprynted_
1553, _by William Copland, folio_ 2 5 0
1670. The Pastyme of People. The Chronicles of dyvers
Realmys, and most specyally of the Realme of Englond,
brevely compylyd and _emprynted in Chepesyde at the sygne of
the Mearmayde, next Polly's Gate (made up with MS.) morocco,
gilt leaves_, folio 9 14 0
1684. Cunningham's Cosmographical Glasse. _Lond. printed by
Daye_, 1559, fol. 5 15 6
(I conclude that it had the portrait.)
2932. Ptolomæi Cosmographie; cum tab. georgr. [Transcriber's
Note: geogr.] illum. _Impress. in Membranis_, 1482, fol. 14
14 0
2933. Virgilii Opera: _Impres. in Membram. Venet. ap.
Barthol. Cremonens_, 1472, fol. (Two leaves on vellum in MS.
very fairly written) 43 1 0
Purchased by the late Mr. Quin.
2934. Plinii Hist. Naturalis; Venet. 1472, folio. _Impres.
in Membranis._ The first leaf illuminated on very fine
vellum paper. Note in this book: "This book, formerly Lord
Oxford's, was bought by him of Andrew Hay for 160 guineas."
65 2 0
Purchased by Mr. Edwards.
There was also a magnificent copy of _Pynson's first edition
of Chaucer's Works_, in folio, which is now in the
collection of Earl Spencer.]
LIS. He means "under the hammer."--Ladies are not supposed to know
these cramp Latin phrases.--
LYSAND. Well, "under the hammer:"--if, I say, such a collection were
now to be disposed of by public auction, how eager and emulous would
our notorious book-collectors be to run away with a few splendid
spoils!
We will next notice a not less valuable collection, called the
_Bibliotheca Monroiana_; or the library of Dr. JOHN MONRO;[405] the
sale of which took place in the very year, and a little before, the
preceding library was disposed of. Don't imagine that Monro's books
were chiefly medical; on the contrary, besides exhibiting some of the
rarest articles in Old English literature, they will convince
posterity of the collector's accurate taste in Italian Belles Lettres:
and here and there you will find, throughout the catalogue, some
interesting bibliographical memoranda by the Doctor himself.
[Footnote 405: "_Bibliotheca Elegantissima Monroiana: A
Catalogue of the elegant and valuable library of_ JOHN
MUNRO, M.D., _Physician to Bethelem Hospital, lately
deceased. Sold by auction by Leigh and Sotherby
[Transcriber's Note: Sotheby], &c. April 23d, 1792_, 8vo."
As usual I subjoin a few specimens of the collector's
literary treasures in confirmation of the accuracy of
Lysander's eulogy upon the collection----No. 709,
Cowell's Interpreter; or, Booke containing the signification
of words, _first edition_, ("rare to be met with.") _Camb.
by Legate_, 1607, 4to.----No. 1951. Cent (Les) Nouvelles
Nouvelles, ou pour mieux dire, Nouveaux Comptes à plaisance,
par maniere de Joyeuseté.----_Lettres Gothiques, fig. et
bois et titre MSS. feuilles dorées, en maroquin, Paris, par
Ant. Verard_, 1475, fol.----No. 1963, Heide Beschryving
der nieuevlyks uitgevonden en geoctrojeerde
Slang-Brand-Spuiten, en Haare wijze van Brand-Blussen,
Tegenwoordig binnen _Amsterdam in gebruik zynde. Wyze
figuurs Amst._ 1690, fol. "_Note in this book: Paris_, 1736.
Paid for this book for his Grace the Duke of Kingston, by
Mr. Hickman, 24_l._" A great sum for a book about a "newly
discovered fire engine!"----No. 2105, Vivre (Le livre
intitulé l'art de bein) et de bien mourir, lettres
gothiques, avec fig. en maroquin dorées sur tranches.
_Imprimé à Paris_, 1543, 4to. Note by Dr. Munro: "It is a
very scarce book, more so than generally thought." With a
long account of the book on separate papers.----No. 2121,
Ariosto, Orlando Furioso, con figure da Porro, foglio dorat.
Venet. 1584, 4to. N.B. In this copy the true print is
replaced _with a fine head of Ariosto_, and _elegantly
inlaid with morocco and calf_.----No. 2147, Boccacio
(Nimpale Fiesolano: composto par il Clarissimo Poeta Misser
Joanni) Fiorentino, &c. rigato. Senza data, 4to. See in this
book a long account of this poem from Dom. Maria Manni, in
the Istoria del Decamerone, p. 55. "From what Manni says in
the above account, I suppose this to be the first edition he
makes mention of, as there is no place or date to be found.
J.M."----No. 2194. Dante di Landino, con. fig. La prima
Edizione di Landino, impf. _Firenze per Nicholo di Lorenzo
della Magna_, 1481, folio. "In this book are several remarks
by Dr. Munro, on separate papers. An old scarce print,
separate. On the title-page the following initials
C M/DC R; upon which the Doctor remarks it might probably
be the signature of Charles the First, whose property it
might have been. The Doctor likewise observes this copy,
though imperfect, is still very valuable, on account of its
having eight plates, the generality having only the two
first."----No. 2208, Molinet (Les Faictz et dictz de bone
Memoire Maistre Jehan) _Lettres gothiques, en maroquin Par._
1537, 8vo.----No. 2366, Peri Fiesole Distrutta, poema:
with portrait and engraved title, Firenze, 1619, 4to. _Note
in this book_: "This is the only copy I ever saw of this
work, which I imagine is at present become extremely scarce.
The title and portrait are engraved by Callott. The portrait
is common enough, but the title, known by the name of the
Bella Giardiniera, very seldom seen. J.M."----No. 2379.
Ridolfi, Le Maraviglie dell'Arte, overo le vite di Pittori
Veneti e dello stato, con. fig. 2 tom. 4to. N.B. On the
blank leaf of this book is an etching by Carolus Rodolphus,
with this _MS. note_: "I imagine this to be an etching of
Cavaier Rodolphi, as I do not remember any other of the
name."----No. 2865, Lazii in Genealogiam Austriacam,
Basil. ap. Oporinum, 1564.--Lazii Vienna Austriæ Basil,
1546. Francolin Res Gestæ Viennensis, cum fig. _Viennæ
Austriæ excudebat Raphæl Hofhalter_, 1563. Folio. _Note in
this book_: "The last book in this volume is curious and
uncommon."]
We shall now run rapidly towards the close of the eighteenth century.
But first, you may secure, for a shilling or two, the SOUTHGATE
COLLECTION;[406] and make up your minds to pay a few more shillings
for good copies, especially upon _large paper_, of all the parts of
the catalogues of the library of GEORGE MASON[407]. This collection
was an exceedingly valuable one; rather select than extensive:
exhibiting, in pretty nearly an equal degree, some of the rarest
books in Greek, Latin, and English literature. The _keimelion_ of the
Masonian cabinet, in the estimation of the black-letter bibliomaniacs,
was a perfect copy of the _St. Albans' edition_ of Juliana Barnes's
book of _Hawking, Hunting_, and _Angling_; which perfect copy is now
reposing in a collection where there are _keimelia_ of far greater
value to dim its wonted lustre. But let Mason have our admiration and
esteem. His library was elegant, judicious, and, in many respects,
very precious: and the collector of such volumes was a man of worth
and learning.
[Footnote 406: "_Museum Southgatianum; being a Catalogue of
the valuable Collection of Books, Coins, Medals, and Natural
History of the late Rev._ RICHARD SOUTHGATE, A.B., F.A.S.,
&c. To which are prefixed Memoirs of his Life. London:
printed for Leigh and Sotheby," &c. 1795, 8vo. The books were
comprised in 2593 lots. The coins and medals extend, in the
catalogue, to 68 pages. The shells and natural curiosities
(sold in May, 1795) to 11 pages. This catalogue possesses,
what every similar one should possess, a compendious and
perspicuous account of the collector. My copy of it is upon
_large paper_; but the typographical execution is
sufficiently defective.]
[Footnote 407: Lysander is right in noticing "_all the
parts_" of the Masonian Library. I will describe them
particularly. Pt. I. _A Catalogue of a considerable
portion of the Greek and Latin Library of_ GEORGE MASON,
Esq., with some articles in the Italian, French, English,
and other languages, &c. Sold by auction by Leigh and
Sotheby, on Wednesday, January 24, 1798, 8vo. 497 articles.
Pt. II. _A Catalogue of most of the reserved portion of
the Greek and Latin Library of_ G.M., &c., chiefly classical
and bibliographical, with a few miscellaneous articles in
French: sold as before, May 16, 1798, &c. 480 articles.
Pt. III. _A Catalogue of a considerable portion of the
remaining Library of_ G.M., Esq.--chiefly historical, with
some curious theological, and some scientific, articles:
sold as before; Nov. 27 to 30; 1798, &c. 547 articles. Pt
IV. _A Catalogue, &c., of the remaining library of_ G.M.,
Esq.--chiefly Belles Lettres, English, French, and Italian,
&c., sold as before; April 25, 1799: 338 articles. These
FOUR PARTS, priced, especially the latter one--are uncommon.
My copies of all of them are upon _large paper_. It must
have been a little heart-breaking for the collector to have
seen his beautiful library, the harvest of many a year's
hard reaping, melting away piece-meal, like a
snow-ball--before the warmth of some potent cause or other,
which now perhaps cannot be rightly ascertained. See here,
gentle reader, some of the fruits of this golden Masonian
harvest!--gathered almost promiscuously from the several
parts. They are thus presented to thy notice, in order,
amongst other things, to stimulate thee to be equally choice
and careful in the gathering of similar fruits.
PART I.
NO. 150. Winstanley's Audley End, inscribed to James the
Second, fol. _Never published for sale_ £27 10_s._ 0_d._
158. Hypnerotomachia Poliphili, C.T. _F.D. Ald._ 1499 5 0 0
162. Aquinæ (Thomæ) Quartiscriptum, C.R. _Moguntiæ
Schoeffer_, 1492, fol. 6 0 0
295. Cicero de Officiis, C.T. F.D. _Moguntiæ ap. Fust._
1465. 4to. In hoc exemplari Rubrica inter libros secundum ac
tertium habet singularia errata, quæ in nullo alio exemplari
adhuc innotuerunt; viz. _primus_ ponitur pro _secundus_,
_secundus_ pro _tertius_, et _secundum_ pro _tertium_ 26 5 0
307. Chalcondylas, Moschopulus, et Corinthus, Gr. _editio
princeps._ Vide notam ante Librum 8 18 6
308. Constantini Lexicon Græcum. _Genevæ_, 1592 4 5 0
324. Ciceronis Orationes, C.T. viridi F.D. _per Adamum de
Ambergau_, 1472, fol. 5 5 0
468. Homerus, Gr., 2 vol., _Editio princeps_, C.R. Flor.
1488 11 11 0
496. Xenophon, Gr., _editio princeps_, C.T. F.D. _Flor. ap.
Junt._ 1516, fol. 2 3 0
PART III.
70. Maundrel's Journey from Aleppo to Jerusalem, _L.P. Oxf._
1714, 8vo. First edition of the entire work 3 18 0
101. The Psalter of David, large B.L. C.T. nigro F.D.
_Cantorbury, in St. Paule's Parysh, by John Mychell_, 1549,
4to. 4 4 0
102. The Gospels in Saxon and English, dedicated to Queen
Elizabeth, by John Foxe, C.T. nigro, F.D. _Lond. by Daye_,
1571, 4to. 4 5 0
103. The new Testament, by Thomas Matthew, 1538, 4to. 3 4 0
["There are cuts to the Revelations, different from any Mr.
Herbert had seen; nor had he seen the book itself, till he
was writing his 'Corrections and additions,' where, at p.
1833, he describes it."]
105. Nychodemus' Gospell, C.T. F.D. _wood prints. Wynkyn de
Worde_, 1511, 4to. 1 5 0
107. English Prymer, in red and black types: _with
emblematic frontispiece from a wood-cut_. C.T. cæruleo F.D.
_Byddell_, 1535, 4to. PRINTED ON VELLUM 8 18 6
110. Speculum Christiani (in Latin prose and English verse)
C.T. nigro. _In civitate Londoniarum, per Wilhelmum de
Machlinia. Supposed to be the first book printed in London,
and about_ 1480, 4to. 4 4 0
111. Contemplation of Synners, (Latin prose and English
verse) with double frontispiece, and other wood-cuts.
_Westminster, by Wynkyn de Worde_, 1499, 4to. 2 3 0
112. (Walter Hylton's) Scala Perfectionis, London, _without
Temple-Barre_, by Julyan Notary, 1507, 4to. 1 11 6
151. Dives and Pauper, C.R. _first dated impression by
Pynson_, 1493, folio 2 5 0
164. Hackluyt's Collection of Voyages, B.L. 3 vols. in 2.
Lond. 1599. "This work contains in vol. I. (beginning at p.
187) a political tract in verse (of the time of Henry VI.)
exhorting England to keep the sea." 4 10 0
178. Arnold's Chronicle, or Customs of London, B.L.
C.T.--F.D. (1521) folio 15 15 6
180. Chaucer's Hertfordshire; _with all the plates_, C.R.
_Once the book of White Kennet, Bishop of Peterborough;
whose marginal notes in are pp._ 64, 359, 523, folio 21 0 0
338. Froissart's Chronycles, 2 vols. C.R. F.D. _Printed by
Pynson_, 1523-5, _folio_, 2 vols.
341. Rastell's Pastyme of People, C.T.--F.D. Johannes
Rastell, (1529) _One page and part of a pieced leaf
written._
349. Monasticon Anglicanum, 3 vols. ligat. in 4, C.R. all
the plates, Lond. 1651, 61, 73. "This copy contains that
very scarce leaf, which sometimes follows the title-page of
the first volume: an account of which leaf (by Tanner and
Hearne) may be seen from p. 45 to p. 50 of the sixth volume
of Leland's Collectanea, and their account rectified by
Bridges, at the conclusion of Hearne's preface to Titus
Livius Foro-Juliensis." Folio.
466. Hardyng's Chronicle (in verse) C.R.--F.D. _With an
original grant (on vellum) from Henry VI. to Hardyng,
Londoni._ Grafton, 1543, 4to.
[This beautiful copy, formerly West's, is now in the
collection of George Hibbert, Esq.]
518. Fabian's Chronicle, C.T. cærulo F.D. 2 vols. in 1. B.L.
Lond. W. Rastell, 1533. "This edition (as well as Pynson's)
has the hymns to the Virgin, though Mr. T. Warton thought
otherwise." folio.
PART IV.
[Transcriber's Note: In this section, no prices are given in
the original.]
37. Kendall's Flowers of Epigrams, B.L.--C.R. _Leaf 93 is
wanting_, 12mo.
47. M(arloe)'s Ovid's Elegies and Epigrams, by J. D(avies of
Hereford). (Ovid's head engraved by W.M.) C.T.--F.D.
_Middlebourg_, 12mo.
57. Observations on Authors, Ancient and Modern, 2 vol.
Lond. 1731-2. "This was Dr. Jortin's own copy, who has
written the name of each author to every piece of criticism,
and added a few marginal remarks of his own," 8vo.
150. Valentine and Orson, B.L. cuts. _Wants title, two
leaves in one place, and a leaf in another_, 4to.
152. La Morte D'Arthur, B.L. _wood-cuts_, Lond. _Thomas
East._ _Wants one leaf in the middle of the table._ See _MS.
note prefixed_.
153. Barnes's (Dame Juliana) Boke of Haukynge, Huntynge, and
Cootarmuris, C.T.--F.D. _Seynt Albon's_, folio, 1486. "This
perhaps is the only perfect copy of this original edition,
which is extant. Its beginning with sig. a ii is no kind of
cantradiction [Transcriber's Note: contradiction] to its
being perfect; the registers of many Latin books at this
period mention the first leaf of A as quite blank. The copy
of the public library at Cambridge is at least so worn or
mutilated at the bottom of some pages that the bottom lines
are not legible." [This copy is now in the matchless
collection of Earl Spencer.]
157. Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, C.R. _woodcuts, Pynson_,
folio, "This is Pynson's original edition, and probably the
first book he printed. See a long MS. note prefixed. Bound
up at the end of this copy are two leaves of a MS. on
vellum, which take in the conclusion of the Miller's
Prologue, and beginning of his Tale. One of these pages is
illuminated, and has a coloured drawing of the Miller on his
mule."
166. Mort D'Arthur, B.L. _woodcuts. Lond. W. Copland._ See
MS. notes at the beginning and end, folio.
175. Roy's _Rede me and be not wrothe,
For I say nothing but trothe._
"This is the famous satire against Cardinal Wolsey, printed
some years before his fall. See Herbert, p. 1538, 8vo." [The
reader may look for one minute at page 225, ante.]
263. Boetius, (The Boke of Comfort, by) translated into
Englishe Tonge (in verse) _Emprented in the exempt Monastery
of Taverstock, in Denshire, by me, Thomas Rycharde, Monke of
the said Monastery_, 1525, 4to.