The lovers of accurate and painstaking topography, the students of
genealogical history, and, though last not least, those who like to see
the writings of Shakspeare, illustrated in a congenial spirit, will read
with pleasure the announcement, in our advertising columns, that the
fellow-townsmen of Joseph Hunter, the Historian of "Hallamshire" and
"The Deanery of Doncaster," and the Illustrator of the Life and Writings
of Shakspeare, have opened a Subscription for the purpose of placing a
full-length portrait of that gentleman in the Cutlers' Hall, Sheffield.
When we announced Mr. Archer's projected work, entitled _Vestiges of Old
London, a Series of finished Etchings from Original Drawings, with
Descriptions, Historical Associations, and other References_, we spoke
of it as one likely, we thought, to prove of especial interest. The
appearance of the first Number justifies to the fullest our
anticipation. The pictorial representations are replete {287} with
variety, and the literary illustrations full of a pleasant gossipping
anecdotical character. The first plate shows us _The Old Bulk Shop at
Temple Bar_, occupied by successive generations of fishmongers, and
doubtless well remembered by most of our readers; although no trace of
it any longer exists. _The House of John Dryden_, in Fetter Lane, so
designated on the authority of the late Mr. Upcott, forms the second
plate; and is followed by _The Altar of Diana_, discovered in Foster
Lane, Cheapside, in December, 1830. _The Drapers' Almshouses, Crutched
Friars_, is the next illustration, which again is contrasted by a plate
of _Roman Vestiges_, full of interest to those who like to investigate
the Roman occupation of our metropolis; and this first part concludes
with a view of _The Old Chapel of St. Bartholomew, Kingsland_. The work
is executed in a style to delight London antiquaries, and charm those
who delight to illustrate Pennant.
The approaching _Exhibition of Works of Ancient and Mediæval Art_ at the
rooms of the Society of Arts in the Adelphi, promises to be one of the
most interesting displays of the kind ever exhibited in this or any
other city. The possessors of objects of beauty and rarity have vied
with each other in placing at the disposal of the Committee their
choicest specimens; and the inhabitants and visitors of the metropolis
will shortly have an opportunity of judging how numerous are the relics
of "barbaric pomp and gold" which are still left to us, and how much of
beauty of design, and "skill in workmanship" were displayed by the
"hard-handed" men of the good old times, to justify the enthusiasm of
the antiquary, and gratify the man of taste.
We have received, but at a moment too late to notice as it deserves, the
Catalogue of very choice Books, and Books printed on vellum, the
property of the late Mr. Rodd, which are to be sold by Messrs. Sotheby,
at their rooms in Wellington Street, on Monday next. As a specimen,
perhaps the most remarkable of this collection, we may point out the set
of the Works of Thomas Aquinas, in 17 folio volumes, bound in 21, and
which is well described as
"A magnificent set of Books, presenting one of the finest
specimens, and at the same time the most extensive work, ever
printed upon vellum. This copy was presented by Pope Pius V. to
Philip II., king of Spain, and was deposited in the library of
the Escurial, whence it was taken during the occupation of Spain
by Bonaparte. The only other copy known is in the National
Library, Paris. It is the best edition of this author's works."
We have received the following Catalogues:
"John Petheram's Catalogue of Old and New Books on Sale for Cash
only at 94. High Holborn. Part CVIII. No. 2. for 1850."
a Catalogue containing some excellent books, which reached us last week,
and was omitted from our last list by accident.
"Catalogue of Miscellaneous English and Foreign Books in all
Classes of Literature, selected from the Stock of Nattali and
Bond, 23. Bedford Street, Covent Garden."
"Bibliotheca Salisburiensis. A Catalogue of Old and New Books on
sale by J. Hearn, corner of the Poultry Cross, Salisbury."
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