A Martyr to Bibliography:
A NOTICE OF THE
LIFE AND WORKS OF
JOSEPH-MARIE QUÉRARD,
Bibliographer.
PRINCIPALLY TAKEN FROM THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF
MAR. JOZON D’ERQUAR, (ANAGRAM);
WITH THE NOTICES OF GUSTAVE BRUNET, J. ASSEZAT, AND PAUL LACROIX,
(BIBLIOPHILE JACOB);
AND A LIST OF BIBLIOGRAPHICAL TERMS, AFTER PERQUIN.
WITH NOTES AND INDEX.
BY
OLPHAR HAMST, ESQ.
BIBLIOPHILE, M.O.T.I.L.S.O.T.U.K., T.S.B.A., AND A.O.A.F.W.O.S.
“Un bibliophile après tout n’est qu’un homme perfectionné.”
LONDON:
JOHN RUSSELL SMITH, 36, SOHO SQUARE.
EDMUND NETHERCLIFT, 9, NEWMAN STREET, OXFORD STREET.
PARIS: MAISON A. FRANCK, 67, RUE DE RICHELIEU.
1867.
LONDON:
PRINTED BY EDMUND NETHERCLIFT,
9, NEWMAN STREET, W.
“THE COMMON WORLD will judge, that it is much more of Reputation
to be an AUTHOR, than to be a bare COLLECTOR: And this will be a
standing Reason, why the Multitude of Writers shall aim at the more
creditable Name, and why so few seem willing to submit to that
lower Character. But however, to write for Praise and Popularity is
one Thing, and to write for Publick Use and Service is a different
Thing: The first is indeed more natural, the latter has somewhat of
Self-Denial and Mortification in it.
The AUTHOR has not only the Pleasure of hunting after the Applause
of others, but he enjoys a quicker Taste of pleasing himself, being
at Liberty to indulge his Invention, his Judgment, his Fancy,
Wit, Oratory, or any other prevailing Talent in him: While the
dull COLLECTOR is confin’d to the sort of mechanick Drudgery, to
the running, stooping, searching, poring, picking out, and putting
together, a Mass of Authorities; and often revising, collating and
transferring of them, without being able to bring them soon into any
regular Form and Fashion. As inglorious, as for the Day-Labourer
to be throwing up an Heap of Stones and Rubbish, while the noble
Architect alone has the Satisfaction and Credit of raising and
perfecting his own Model.
“And yet, in compiling any History fit to be read, the proper
Materials are to be sought out with Diligence, and before they are
compacted, they must be examin’d, compar’d, corrected, and adjusted
in due Order, and mark’d out for the respective Use and Application
of them.” WHITE KENNET. REGISTER AND CHRONICLE. 1728. FOL. PREFACE.
* * * * *
“Our nation has been too inattentive to bibliographical criticisms
and enquiries, for generally the English reader is obliged to resort
to foreign writers to satisfy his mind as to the value of authors. It
behoves us however to consider, that there is not a more useful or a
more desirable branch of education than a knowledge of books, which
being correctly attained, and judiciously exercised, will prove the
touchstone of intrinsic merit, and have the effect of saving many a
spotless page from prostitution.” BRIDGMAN, LEGAL BIBLIOGRAPHY. 1807.
8ᵛᵒ, p. v.
Only 250 copies printed. Price five shillings each.
TO ANTONIO PANIZZI, ESQ.
SIR,
I dedicate this notice of the life and works of one of the greatest of
bibliographers to you, without asking your permission, for different
reasons: you might not care to have your name placed on a pamphlet
thus; and I wish to place it side by side with that of J.-M. Quérard,
to which you would, doubtless, not object, though you might, possibly,
to the manner in which I do it. I dedicate this to you from a feeling
of respect, not only for yourself, but for your departed brother
bibliographer: respect for your great talents, which, spite of taunts,
jeerings, and the most discourageing imputations, you perseveringly
employed for the benefit and advantage of this country, even against
itself; by which you have—amongst other things—raised a bibliographical
monument that, I trust, will cause you to be remembered as long as the
great French bibliographer himself, though his works are printed and
yours are only written. From a feeling of respect for J.-M. Quérard,
whose name could not be placed in conjunction with that of any other more
appropriately than your own.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
THE AUTHOR.
MAY 1867.
PREFACE.
If we were asked what made us attempt this notice of Quérard’s life,
we should be at a loss to say; all we recollect is suddenly being
immersed in manuscripts and proofs—of its beginning we know nothing. We
recollect our indignation at the treatment Quérard received; we recollect
devoutly studying all his works in search of bibliographic information,
for method, for plans, for hints, and we recollect being rewarded by
successfully ascertaining every point we desired. To read Quérard is to
think, and thought produces ideas. Much of his arrangement he probably
adopted from the Germans, with improvements. His own innovations—if we
may so call them, for they are entirely new—are chiefly shown in that
extraordinary book the _Supercheries_, a work that no one could possibly
have written but he who had drudged, for twenty years, through the mass
of French literature, expressed by the names of 32,000 authors, which
_La France Littéraire_ comprises; and by one who had the advantage of
the numerous coadjutors who had confidence in him, and supplied him with
information.
We have said indignation. Yes, but that word only expresses part of our
feelings. Grief and sorrow for the manner in which poor unsuspicious
Quérard was treated, and for the neglect which he suffered, simply
because he was poor and of incorruptible honesty. He innocently applied
for the Cross of the Legion of Honor: he, a poor man! how could a poor
man support the dignity. He innocently applied for a librarianship,
because he was qualified and talented—and he practised no intrigue!
Here was desperate simplicity. Still, in the face of refusal and
disappointment, he worked on. Still he persevered. Was one project nipped
almost in the bud, another appeared, stronger, better planned, and
more extensive. Beyond plans they sometimes never got, and it remains
on record, that the man who was qualified and ready to carry out the
undertaking in every way, was unable to obtain 1000 subscribers, for a
work which was one of the grandest literary conceptions of modern times;
which was to have been in a language understood throughout the world, and
spoken by all civilized nations.
When bibliography occupies the position it assuredly will, when superior
education shall make men generally appreciate its importance, future
generations will wonder at this. A greater reproach to the present we
know not, and if there is one thing we now regret more than another, it
is that the opportunity was never afforded us, of subscribing our names
to the list printed on the prospectus of Quérard’s _Encyclopédie du
Bibliothécaire_.
It must have been little satisfaction to him when at last, still in
poverty and almost at death’s door, he was honored with a “decoration.”
We shall not dilate upon the errors we have made, or the disadvantages we
have been under in writing, translating, and compiling this short life
of Quérard. It has been a labour of love; though we had little idea of
the application it has entailed to gather the materials, and to pass them
through the press with even such completeness as we have been able to
attain. Those who have had to correct copy in a foreign language, will
appreciate this, and excuse those printer’s errors which have defied
our vigilance. We have tried to our utmost to do our best, with the
materials within reach, that is, at the British Museum, and we are glad
of an opportunity of acknowledging that without that institution, it
would have been impossible to have composed this life at all in England.
The liberality of the management, the almost eager desire on the part of
every person, to aid where in their power, deserves thanks and excites
astonishment.
Some information, not given in the text, will be found in the index, many
things having come to our knowledge before that was printed.
With regard to the abbreviations used throughout, they are so simple as
scarcely to require explanation. J.-M. Q., for Joseph-Marie Quérard; he
almost invariably signed his name J.-M. Quérard. All his works are in
double columns, on a page the size of this, unless otherwise mentioned.
L. F. L., i.e., La France Littéraire; L. L. F. C., La Litt. Franç.
Contemp.; L. S. L. D., Les Supercheries, &c.
The title-page of every work is given in full when we were able to see
the work itself, and for the correctness of these we vouch.
JOSEPH-MARIE QUÉRARD.
Joseph-Marie Quérard, was born at Rennes, (Ille-et-Vilaine,) the 25th
December 1797, of parents whose sole fortune consisted of their honesty
and three children to boot. The name “Quérard,” known only in the above
village and its environs, is nevertheless that of a once distinguished
though now extinct family, one branch of which, it would appear, Quérard
humourously remarks, was reduced to poverty. Condemned from his birth
to labor, Quérard, having arrived at a reasoning age, desired rather to
make a name for himself, than attempt to trace one through his ancestors.
From earliest infancy, he was sent to a school in his native village,
and at the age of eleven he was removed, having doubtless in the eyes of
his parents finished his education. He was thus deprived of the benefit
of a classical education; but fortunately, a little later, his travels
necessitated the acquisition of several foreign languages, which in the
profession he created for himself were infinitely more useful to him than
a knowledge of the classics would have been, which are learned with so
much difficulty and time, and so easily forgotten.
In 1807, when only eleven, he was placed in the book-trade, and
thenceforward he exhibited a liking for books, which developed itself
into a passion. Being first an agent in his native village, he
afterwards, in 1812, went to Paris, the ambition of every man in the
provinces, Paris being more enticing even than London is to the English
yokel,—for Paris is France. Lastly, he was employed in Austria, by an
important Viennese firm. It was there, in the midst of men noted for
their exact and persevering investigations, that it became manifest the
science of books was his vocation. Having labored with ardour for five
years upon a work which he judged would be useful to his country, he
quitted Vienna for Paris, in 1825, to publish it, disregarding all his
brilliant prospects of future advancement, and the advantageous offers
made him.
It is to this rare and disinterested devotion, of a man without fortune
and without friends, that France, that England, aye, that the world owes
the most important Bibliographical work which has seen the light, since
the publication of ROBERT WATT’S _Bibliotheca Britannica_.[1]
Quérard, who was an honest and hard working man, of almost primitive
simplicity, so frank and open-hearted, as now and then to savor of
the inexperienced countryman, made the great mistake of seriously
believing all the magnificent but hollow promises so profusely made by
the government and the official papers, of which the following is a
sample:—“This country (“La France”) is never ungrateful, sooner or later
she has a crown or a statue for those of her children, who sacrifice
themselves to her prosperity, or glory.” He flattered himself that one
day, his great work being completed, a librarianship would at least be
his reward. His _France Littéraire_ was a tolerable guarantee of capacity
and qualification for such a post; but as a very learned bibliographer,
who himself waited long before arriving at the post of chief Librarian,
writes: “It is a settled ministerial rule, that bibliothecaries are
not bibliographers.[2] Things went much in the same way before the
Revolution, for when they wanted a good calculator a dancer was
appointed.”[3]
It has been said that this work is truly “a monument of bibliography,
which would have been sufficient to make the renown and position of any
man who knew how to combine a little intrigue with merit.”[4]
The celebrated Van Praet, of revered memory, who knew well those who were
good bibliographers, was much disposed to admit Quérard on the staff of
the Bibliothèque Royale of Paris. But Van Praet was weak-minded, and when
his turn came to fill up a vacancy, he allowed himself to be juggled by
a colleague, whose peculiar talent was precisely that of knowing nothing
about books. To have had Quérard under him, would never have suited Van
Praet’s colleague, whose pride would have been continually mortified
by having to consult from time to time the work of his subordinate in
office. Not long after, Quérard himself was the cause of increasing
the antipathy of this gentleman. It arose from the following amusing
circumstance:—During the progress of his _France Littéraire_, Quérard,
who made use of the catalogues of the “Bibliothèque Royale,” both printed
and written, came across a recently written title in the latter which was
in the handwriting of Van Praet’s colleague. The title of the work was
“_Memoirs of a young Lady, written by herself_,” which was catalogued
under “Herself.” Quérard, appreciating the absurdity of this blunder,
burst into so loud a laugh, that he was heard by the committer.[5] The
next day the error was corrected; but offended pride never pardons,
and the result was that Quérard never got to the “Bibliothèque Royale.”
Quérard having applied for the place on the first vacancy to this
ill-disposed keeper, he replied:—“As keepers of the books, we are
responsible for those whom we employ and admit into this establishment,
and I do not know you.” He had been working day by day for four years,
under his very eyes, and had the library books lent to him.
A fact generally ignored was the circulation which _La France Littéraire_
attained. In 1825, when the first part was being printed, (see I.) the
Congregation of the Index, a very powerful body, endeavoured to obtain
from Charles X. a law to prohibit the reprint of any philosophical
works of the XVIII. century; luckily they did not succeed, for _La
France Littéraire_ would have suffered numerous suppressions. This
did not prevent the author having to fight against the ill-will of
the post-office authorities, who hindered as much as they could his
communications with writers in the provinces and abroad.
In 1830, M. Ch. Berriat-Saint-Prix son of the honorable and learned
professor of that name, being aware of the precarious position Quérard
was reduced to, by the expenses of printing his works, induced his
relations and friends to obtain an indemnity for our bibliographer;
this enabled him to continue his great work, which threatened to be
discontinued. M. Guizot allowed 1000 francs (£40) a year, a minimum
allowance for a work costing so much typographically, but which however
enabled the author to continue and finish it.
Quérard’s first publication is entitled (on the half-title):—(I.)
_Bibliothèque du Libraire et de l’Amateur de livres Français
Bibliographie Moderne de la France_,—and the title page:—_Bibliographie
Moderne de la France contenant la nomenclature par ordre alphabétique de
noms d’auteurs, des ouvrages de sciences, de littérature et d’histoire
en toutes langues, publiés en France, aussi que des ouvrages Français
imprimés à l’étranger, depuis le commencement du XVIIIᵉ siècle jusqu’à ce
jour; accompagnée de notice Nécrologiques, et de Notes Bibliographiques
Historiques et Littéraire, tirées de nos meilleurs Bibliographes. Par
J.-M. Q._ (Motto) “_The chief glory of every people arises from its
authors._”—JOHNSON. _Tome premier. Paris. J.-M. Quérard, éditeur, Place
St. André-des-Arts, No. 26; Dondey-Dupré, frère et fils, imp.—lib., Rue
St. Louis, No. 46, au Marais, et Rue Richelieu, No. 67, 1826; 8ᵛᵒ; xx.
288; A-Bouyon. Dedicated to M. Schalbacher._
This is not noticed by Quérard himself in the list of his works. In
the reprint of it, under the title of _La France Littéraire_, he much
enlarged it, as the name _Bouyon_ does not occur till page 484. In the
preface he says:—“Finding ourselves in Germany in 1819-1824, we observed
the use the Germans made of their National bibliothecas, and how much
such books were appreciated there; it was then we conceived the idea
of doing that for France, which up to that date had remained either
partially or incompletely done. We returned, hoping that our efforts
would be seconded in our native country, and appreciated by foreigners
who are often more curious than we are, upon the subject of our riches
both literary and scientific. Six years of persevering labor at last
enabled us to present to the public a library of French books, more
complete and extended than any other, and which, if we had known how to
attain the object of our efforts, might without ostentation take the
title of ‘Bibliographie moderne de la France.’”
(II.)—_La France Littéraire_ (half-title); _La France Littéraire ou
Dictionnaire Bibliographique des savants, historiens et gens de lettres
de la France, ainsi que des Littérateurs étrangers qui ont écrit en
Français, plus particulièrement pendant les XVIIIᵉ et XIXᵉ siècles.
Ouvrage dans lequel on a inséré afin d’en former une Bibliographie
nationale complète, l’indication 1ᵒ des réimpressions des ouvrages
français de tous les âges; 2ᵒ des diverse traductions en notre langue
de tous les auteurs étrangers, anciens et modernes; 3ᵒ celle des
réimpressions faites en France des ouvrages originaux de ces mêmes
auteurs étrangers, pendant cette époque. Par J.-M. Q._ (Motto, the same.)
_Paris. Chez Firmin Didot, Père et fils, Libraires, Rue Jacob, No. 24.
1827; 8ᵛᵒ. Dedicated to M. Schalbacher. Oct. 1827; xxix., 582. 1828; 756.
1829; 562. 1830; 646. 1833; 668. 1834; iii. 647. 1835; 574. 1836; 606.
1838; 597. 1839; 575._ Begins with AA, (Van der,) ends with Zygomala. Was
published in parts, at 7 fr. 50 c. 30 L. P. copies 15 fr. each. Double
columns. 10 volumes. See IV.
_La France Littéraire. Tome onzième._ (Half-title.) The same title as
the above. (“arises” spelled “arise” in the motto.) _Tome onzième.
Corrections. Additions. Auteurs pseudonymes et anonymes dévoilés. Tome
premier. Paris. L’éditeur rue Mazarine, 27, 1854-57._ Second Title-page.
_Les Écrivains Pseudonymes et autres mystificateurs de la Littérature
Française pendant les quatre derniers siècles, restitués à leurs
véritables noms. Par J.-M. Q. auteur de la F. L., des Supercheries L.
D. etc. avec des notes de M. M. Boissonade de L’Institute; F. Bovet,
biblioth. de la ville de Neuchâtel (Suisse); U. Capitaine de Liége;
de Courtière, biblioth. du ministère de la marine; Félix Delhasse, de
Bruxelles; Edm. de Manne, conserv.-adjoint de la biblioth. impériale;
Eug. de Froberville, de la Société de géographie; Fr. Grille, ancien
biblioth. d’Angers; Justin Lamoureux, l’un des rédacteurs du supplément
à la Biographie universelle de Michaud; Georg. Mancel, biblioth. de la
ville de Caen; feu Mercier, abbé de Saint-Léger (sur La France Littéraire
de 1769); Serge Poltoratzky, membre honoraire de la biblioth. impériale
publique de Saint-Pétersbourg; feu le baron de Reiffenberg et plusieurs
autres bibliophiles._ (Motto.) _Sans haine, ni camaraderie, ni vénalité.
Paris. L’Éditeur, rue de Seine, 36. 1854; viii.; 708. 1859-64; 751._
Aborbonel to Rouguet. Another volume would doubtless have finished the
work. The Preface has “Flabent sua fata libelli” at the head, and is
signed C. P.
A work that no library of any pretensions should be without. The
criticisms show long study and apparent familiarity with nearly every
work he registers. The bibliographical matter is astonishing, and for
reference invaluable. The biographical portion is excellent, and his
remarks show that he was a shrewd observer. Its universality and accuracy
must ever make it a work of high standing. If the author had lived
to finish his design, it would have been without exception the most
perfect and comprehensive work ever published. As it is, the Bibliotheca
Britannica of Watt, for completeness, must still bear the palm. For the
numerous critiques upon this work, we must refer the reader to Nos. XVII.
and XXIV.
The early copies are different to the later ones, which have three
articles cancelled, and others inserted, namely: Panckoucke, Pardessus,
and Rousselin, and are very rare indeed.
Two monographs were taken from the last volumes. See XX. and XXIII.
(III.)—_Le Bibliologue, journal du commerce et des intérêts de la
typographie et de la libraire en France, 1833; 8ᵛᵒ._ Only 19 Nos.
appeared.
(IV.)—_J. J. Rousseau._ (A monograph extracted from II.) _1836; 8ᵛᵒ; 44._
We do not know the correct titles of III. and IV.
(V.)—_Revue Bibliographique. Journal de bibliologie d’histoire littéraire
d’imprimerie et de libraire, publié par deux bibliophiles_ [_J.-M. Q. et
Serge Poltoratzky._] _1ʳᵉ Année, No. 1, 15 Mai, 1839. Paris, au bureau
de la Revue Bibliographique, Rue de Sèvres, No. 13. Londres et Leipzig,
1839; r. 8ᵛᵒ; 408._ The cover of No. 4 has “_Rédigé par J.-M. Q. auteur
de la France Littéraire, et par plusieurs bibliophiles_.” Appeared every
fortnight to the 30th June 1839, afterwards monthly, each part 2 francs,
only 10 published.
(VI.)—_Appendice aux éditions des œuvres de Voltaire._ (Half-title.)
_Bibliographie Voltairienne. (allegorical cut.) Paris. Firmin Didot and
Daguin frères. [1842] 8ᵛᵒ; xxxvi. 184. Dedicated to M. Poltoratzky._
Double columns, small type. Only 250 copies printed. Reprint from _La
France Littéraire_, with additions and an introduction by Aubert de
Vitry, on Voltaire’s influence on the XVIII. century. Quérard declares
that though this occupied him a year, little of it is his own. He is
indebted to Barbier, Peignot, &c., and to the editors of Voltaire’s
works, Kehl, and particularly Beuchot. There are 1131 articles, and 4
Indexes (pp. 162-183).
(VII.)—_La Littérature Française contemporaine. XIXᵉ siècle. Renferment:
1ᵒ Par ordre alphabétique de noms d’auteurs, l’indication chronologique
des publications originales des écrivains français régnicoles et
étrangers, et celle des éditions et traductions françaises des ouvrages
des auteurs étrangers, vivants, imprimés en France pour la première fois
depuis le commencement de ce siècle; 2ᵒ Une table des livres anonymes
et polyonymes qui, par leurs publications appartiennent à cette époque;
3ᵒ Une tables des sujets. Le tout accompagné de notes Biographiques
et Littéraires. Tome premier. Paris. Daguin Frères, éditeurs. Quai
Malaquais, 7, 1842; 8ᵛᵒ; xiv. 631._ Double columns. The second volume
has the title-page somewhat altered. L. L. F. C. 1827-1844. _Renfermant:
1ᵒ Par ordre alphabétique de noms d’auteurs l’indication des ouvrages
français et étrangers publiés en France et celle des ouvrages française
publiés à l’étranger; 2ᵒ une table des livres anonymes et polyonymes; 3ᵒ
une table générale méthodique. Le tout accompagné de Biographies et de
Notes historiques et littéraires. Par M. M. Charles Louandre et Félix
Bourquelot. Paris, &c. 1846._ And on the reverse of the title-page, “_La
Rédaction de ce volume appartient, jusqu’à la page 282 à M. Quérard_.”
(When about one-third of the article on Napoleon Bonaparte was written.)
The volume contains 636 pages. The title-pages of the subsequent volumes
are also altered, but with this we are not concerned. The author was
deprived of all his right with regard to this book by the publisher, when
the names of 600 subscribers had been obtained. The pretext being that
the author was not supplying copy sufficiently fast, and that besides the
length of the biographies would have enlarged the work beyond the 3 vols.
promised in the prospectus.[6]
An arbitration took place in June 1844, composed of M. F. Daguin and his
cousin and creditor M. Audot, on the one side, and the estimable and
much esteemed M. Aimé André, in the absence of the person principally
interested on the other. The award was in favor of the publisher, that
he had sole right in the work, and Quérard was condemned in the costs
of the arbitration. From the time of the deprivation of his rights of
authorship, he never ceased to point out the negligence, the slips, the
gross blunders, and the ignorance shewn by the men who had dared to
continue his work. These gentlemen however considered him in the wrong,
and bitterly complain of the continual attacks Quérard made on them. On
the other hand, Quérard very justly complained that it was not the names
of the gentlemen who continued his _Littéraire Française contemporaine_
that mulcted the subscribers, nor was it the publishers; but it was his
own unfortunate name which had originally inspired the subscribers with
the confidence that caused them to subscribe, and ultimately to become
compulsory victims of a purely mercantile speculation. We have carefully
perused the correspondence in this quarrel, and we think there was not
the least moral justification for depriving Quérard of his work. It was
a fraud upon the subscribers: it was a fraud upon him, by putting his
name to a publication which he entirely repudiated, which is incorrect,
and has in fact all the characteristics of such undertakings, when
they have degenerated as we have already said into purely mercantile
speculations.[7] Every word of M. Daguin’s defence only brings him deeper
into the mire of literary dishonesty. The insolence of this publisher’s
letters to a man of science and knowledge is beyond endurance. It is
well to let our readers know that he was bankrupt in 1845, and the book
went into other hands, though he continued his miserable efforts in
endeavouring to answer Quérard’s stinging criticisms.
In the Preface to his Écrivains Pseudonymes, Quérard said that no one up
to that time had ventured to praise the continuation of _La Littérature
Française contemporaine_.[8] This the publisher indignantly denied, and
cited in proof two papers “much esteemed,” _The Athenæum Français_, and
_L’Illustration_. M. Daguin could scarcely have taken a more unfortunate
instance than that of the _Athenæum Français_,[9] a trade publication,
in which the articles on bibliography were written by the friends of
the compilers, and which shortly stopped publication.[10] In the course
of its existence it did not notice Quérard’s works, and when it did _La
Littérature Française contemporaine_, it generally pointed out an error
or omission, while it awarded its meed of vacuous praise according to the
journalistic formula.
Certainly the French press did not overwhelm him with encouragement. The
most notable instance of neglect is that of the _Journal des Savants_.
How comes it that the “Savants” have not honored their pages with even
the titles of Quérard’s works? when they notice that of M. Brunet. Have
two hundred years of existence brought that journal to its dotage? Is
it also a trade concern, or is it the property of a clique? If so, the
sooner it assumes another title the better. We recommend “Journal du
Savon,” as agreeable in sound, and suggestive in title.
Notwithstanding the disastrous result of the award against him, a ray
of sunshine illuminated the darkness, and Quérard again hoped that he
might continue his labors, when freed from his cares and troubles. A
princely stranger from the far North presented himself: passionately
fond of French literature, and a no less enthusiastic bibliographer than
was the author of _La France Littéraire_ himself—M. Serge Poltoratzky of
Moscow. This excellent, noble, and generous man from that time became
Quérard’s Mecænas, patronizing all the different publications he engaged
in up to the year 1854. He made many sacrifices, which unfortunately did
not bear the result, that in the fulness of his heart he wished, namely,
the tranquillity of the laborious bibliographer; the works he patronized
being only known or required by an exceedingly restricted number, cost so
much, and Quérard’s own position was so precarious. The 40 francs a sheet
that Messrs. F. Didot allowed him; the 1000 francs a year accorded by the
Minister of public instruction; the remittances of M. Poltoratzky; all
were absorbed in the preparation of the M.S., and besides all this he was
constantly harassed by want. The Parisian booksellers, witnesses of his
painful efforts, urged him to make an application direct to the Minister
of Public Instruction for a Librarianship, and offered him their utmost
support. A petition was accordingly drawn up and subscribed by sixty-six
of the principal and most influential publishers and booksellers in
Paris. It was seconded by another, signed by five Academicians, who were
also librarians, M. M. Naudet, Letronne, Ch. Lenormant, Charles Magnin,
and L. Feuillet.
Quérard did not even receive a reply. This was in September 1842. M.
Villemain was minister, with M. Désiré Nisard at the head of the division
of science and literature. In an unfortunate moment of precipitation,
Quérard was guilty of a _lapsus calami_, and this it appears was
sufficient to wipe out, in the eyes of this pompous minister, twenty
years zealous and laborious study. M. Villemain underlined the fatal
word, and, with a superb air of disdain, threw the petition to his
clerks, saying:—“That is my answer.”
About the year 1844, Quérard met Mr. Panizzi, (“honorable et savant,”
as the former very justly observes.) His works had gained for him the
good-will of Mr. Panizzi, who wishing to give him a proof of his respect,
proposed him as a proper person for a post in the Library of the British
Museum. However, in spite of the cordial feelings which then prevailed
between France and England, Quérard was rejected because he was a
Frenchman.[11] Whether we, or he lost most by this, it is difficult to
say. The men at the head of the only national institution an Englishman
can be proud of, having, fortunately, been the right men in the right
place, but it would have been an honorable and gracious act on our part,
and one which would have reflected lasting credit on us, that the merit
and talent of a son of France, disregarded by his own government, should
have been appreciated by England. Our bibliographer bore this refusal in
mind, who indeed would not have done so, and when in May and July the
“Sydenham Society” made a proposal to him, to undertake the important
catalogue of their medical works in the French language, flattering as it
was, he did not accept it.
(VIII.)—_Le Moniteur de la Librairie, mémorial universel des publications
françaises et étrangères anciennes et modernes, rédacteur en chef. M.
J.-M. Quérard. 1844; 8ᵛᵒ._ Was published the 10th, 15th, and 20th, of
each month. Founded on the plan of the _Bibliologue_. First edited by
Paul Colomb. Nos. 5 and 6, February 1844, contain an excellent article by
S.-Marie Guichard, on _La Littérature française contemporaine_, and the
_Manuel du Libraire_ of Brunet. The immense labor of Quérard is praised
as it merits. M. Brunet is also treated as a bibliographer of the first
class, but it is justly remarked that the vice of his system is in the
nature of all select bibliographies.[12]
(IX.)—_Le Bibliothécaire. Archives d’histoire littéraire de biographie,
de bibliologie et de bibliographie redigée, par M. M. Mécène, [Serge
Poltoratzky,] et Photius. [J.-M. Q.] No. 1, Juillet 1844. Paris, rue
Jacob, No. 33. 1844; 8ᵛᵒ; 64._ Only one number published, and an extract
of the 2nd, a notice of J.-P.-J. Arcet. 1844; 8ᵛᵒ; 39. Very little known,
as only 100 copies were printed.
The authors of this Journal wish to raise the literature of
bibliography from its present debased condition in France.[13]
(X.)—_Les auteurs déguisés de la littérature française au XIXᵉ siècle.
Essai bibliographique pour servir de Supplément aux recherches d’A. A.
Barbier, sur les ouvrages pseudonymes. Par J.-M. Q. (allegorical cut.)
Paris, au bureau du “Bibliothécaire.” 1845; 8ᵛᵒ; 84._
This was merely written as a specimen of the _Supercheries_. It is of
little value at present.[14] There is an excellent article upon it in
the “National” for 1844, by Old Nick.[15] [Forgues] almost entirely
reprinted in the introduction to the _Supercheries_; and one by the
Marquess of Foudras, in the “Quotidienne” of August 1846. See No. XVII.
“Vanity, modesty, malice, mischievousness, cowardice, fear, cupidity, are
the causes of these different disguises.”[16]
Quérard also thought of publishing a continuation of the _Bibliothèque
Historique de la France_ of Lelong, but he never did,[17] which is
perhaps not to be regretted.
(XI.)—_Plaidoyer par M. J.-M. Quérard contre M. M. Daguin frères prononcé
par Mᵉ. Nibelle devant la cour royale de Paris, chambres des vacations,
audience du mercredi 22 Octobre 1845, avec des pièces justificatives et
des notes. Paris, rue Mazarine No. 60, 6 août. 1846._[18] A pamphlet.
(XII.)—_Dictionnaire des ouvrages Polyonymes et Anonymes de la
Littérature Française, 1700-1845. Publié sous les auspices d’un
Bibliophile étranger [M. Serge Poltoratzky]. Paris. L’Éditeur, rue
Mazarine, Nos. 60-62, 1846_; 240; 3 parts only published, pp. 80 each 2
fr. L. P. copies 4 fr. From A (Auguste Barbier) to Almanach Musicale,
in all 2673 articles. The cover is the only title-page, and it is the
same as _La France Littéraire_, with the above additions. “Arises” in
the motto without the final “s.” Quérard’s very numerous coadjutors in
this work, and criticisms, will be found in (XVII). The publication was
suspended by the Revolution.
“M. Quérard is the most intrepid expositor of literary frauds and dodges
known. We cannot understand that the life of one man would be sufficient
to arrange so many titles, to see through so many mysteries, to baffle
so many precautions and artifices, and yet M. Quérard is still a young
man.”[19] This part is valuable for the articles Académie and Almanack,
if for no others.
When are we to have a Dictionary of English anonyms, and Pseudonyms?
We put the two together because those who have treated of one, have
generally of the other. We have heard that Mr. Halkett is going to supply
these desiderata, if so we trust he will be induced to hasten his labor.
Such a work correctly executed—and corrected for the press, with the
utmost precision—will be a boon, and make a lasting reputation for its
author.[20] We are confident however that it cannot possibly approach
completeness without a search through the British Museum catalogues. No
work of the kind could be, without going through this most stupendous
bibliographical monument, which for correctness and knowledge, is quite
beyond the comprehension of any but those who are well acquainted with
it. We do not pretend that it has not defects; it has some very grave
ones, both of general arrangement, and minute detail. In the former what
we most complain of is the alphabetical order of the title-pages. This
is a great deformity, which we hope will be remedied, if the catalogue
is ever printed, no matter how great the labor. It is productive of
the greatest anachronisms. Thus “Waverley” which is Sir Walter Scott’s
earliest production, comes last in the list. The facility for reference
that the old catalogue possesses over the new in this respect is very
great. The eye runs down dates almost without effort, but if the title
has to be followed it must be read. It is easier to remember the date of
a book, than its alphabetical title. An understanding of the system of
cataloguing would be greatly aided by the rules being printed on a card,
after the manner of the “plan” of the Reading Room.
Notwithstanding its many shortcomings taken as a whole it is an
extraordinary, and unprecedented work,[21] but for which we should have
to cede the palm of fine catalogues to the Americans, who are following
in the wake of the Germans, by whom it is justly considered that a man
of talent is the most proper Librarian. At present the post of Librarian
is so ridiculously remunerated in most of our Libraries, that no man of
standing could think of accepting it, and indeed so little do English
people as a rule consider this necessary that they would not think of
employing a man of talent. The situations of organist and librarian, are
most _honorable_ posts for professional men; and paid much on the same
principles.
In 1847 M. J.-C. Brunet was decorated with the cross of the Legion
of Honor for his _Manuel du Libraire_. The subject of this biography
considered that his work was of more importance to the history of French
Literature than the _Manuel_, and at least merited the same reward.
Englishmen are aware what store is set by our sprightly neighbours upon
this cross, and though we laugh at the effect, we cannot but reverence
the feelings which prompt the desire for its acquisition. He accordingly
wrote to M. Salvandy with the recommendations of two influential persons
to support his request. M. Salvandy was more polite than M. Villemain had
been in the year 1842. More polite!—He answered, but what an answer:—
Monsieur,
J’ai reçu la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire
pour m’exposer vos titres à la décoration de la Légion
d’honneur. J’ai fait prendre note de votre demande, que
j’examinerai lors du prochain travail des promotions avec tout
l’intérêt qui s’attache aux honorables recommendations dont
elle est appuyée.
24 Juin, 1847.
They could not spare this order of distinction for a work of twenty
years, which is used as a guide to French Literature throughout
the civilized world, but they would recollect the two honorable
recommendations by which the request was supported.
The third great work Quérard published is entitled:—
(XIII.)—_Les Supercheries Littéraires Dévoilées. Galerie des Auteurs
apocryphes, supposés, déguisés, plagiaires et des éditeurs infidèles de
la Littérature Française pendant les quatre derniers siècles; ensemble
les industriels littéraires et des lettrés qui se sont anoblis à notre
époque. Par M. J.-M. Q. Paris, L’Éditeur, Rue Mazarine, 60 et 62, 1847;
cxlviii. 600; corrections 600-604. Vol. II. 639; corrections 639-650.
Vol. III. Paris, L’Éditeur, Rue de Seine, 62. 1850; 614. Notice des
travaux Bibliographiques de M. J.-M. Q. de Rennes (Ille-et-Vilaine) (né
le 25 Décembre 1797) avec les jugements portés par les critiques._ 1850;
32; bound up at the end of this volume, also published separately. (See
XVII.) _Vol. IV. Paris, L’Éditeur, Rue de Seine 36. 1852; 668. Vol. V._
1853-4; 410. The asterisms begin in this volume, and occupy 72 pages.
Then the index of Authors’ names. There are 9430 articles in the work.
The covers of the parts of all Quérard’s works should be bound up with
them. Published in parts at 2 francs 25 cent. pp. 80 each. The dedication
is “A. M. Wohlthætter, M. S. P. S. M.” ami éclairé des lettres et savant
bibliographe; _i.e._ A M[on] Wohlthætter (German for “bienfaiteur”)
M. S[erge] P[oltoratzky] S[eigneur] M[oscovite], to whom not only the
publication of the work, but many of the articles were due.
Here is a title which promises some interesting revelations,
and alone seems to contain the scandalous chronicle of French
Literature, already a pamphlet on the same subject has been
eagerly bought up. No. IX.[22]
M. Quérard is a hunter, whose malice equals his courage, and
who is served by talented and learned correspondents, well
versed in all the little scandals of Literature. The result of
this concatenation, is a book which makes a “bruit d’enfer,” in
which all the celebrities of the pen are unmasked. Where all
the dodges of pride or cupidity are exposed.[23]
M. Quérard’s thirst for literary truth is inexhaustible, and
if he could not speak to the public he would go like a certain
mythological personage and reveal to the earth in default
of auditors, that Midas had asses ears, or rather borrowed
ears.[24]
As a rule bibliography is a production of the mind too cold and dry to
produce even a slight emotion, but this work was a rare exception: it was
read, and praised, and abused. So many writers found their works handled
rather roughly perhaps but truthfully as a rule. Their pride offended by
the exposure of numerous literary frauds, some of little moment, others
of magnitude. Their self esteem was touched, and where is an author more
susceptible? The malevolence of some of his critics added to the success
of the work, which though bibliographical was found interesting and racy,
and a second edition was called for immediately, an unprecedented event
in the annals of bibliography.
This work singular as it is, is far from being so well known
as it should be, because the whole edition is in the libraries
of amateurs of bibliographical propensities. It is now very
rare and another edition is everywhere called for. Often are
amusement and instruction looked for side by side, and on this
score few books are so captivating as this fearless compendium
of literary frauds discovered. And if this or that name is
the object of an accumulation of pages, it is all the more
deplorable, because they are true. We must refer the reader
to the names of supposed authors. (Having given the titles of
several works the critic proceeds to say:)—
This as is apparent is an assemblage of considerable works.
They have not made the fortune of their indefatiguable author;
they have only given him renown, with a certain number who
appreciate the difficulty and the range of such a work and who
are astonished that one man, who has been able to execute them,
does not occupy a high position in our National Library. That
which M. Quérard has experienced is the inevitable misfortune
which attaches to all who attempt to disseminate truth. And
in fact his numerous works demand from their merits, a kind
of implacability, it was necessary to say all. He has made
numerous and powerful enemies. It was for the public to
compensate him, as it was to enlighten and instruct the public
that this pitiless, and too precise bibliographer encountered
the hatred which is the cause of his poverty. I nevertheless
doubt, even if he could begin his career anew, with a
fore-knowledge of all the dangers of truthfulness before him,
whether a man of his stamp of integrity would be able to allow
himself to make the least concession to pride, were it even to
those men who vote at the “Palais Mazarin”! M. Quérard is of a
family of incorrigibles and truth is his idol.[25]
“The title alone of this book promises a great scandal: the most
interesting revelations. What a bait for malignity! What attraction
for legitimate curiosity! There are some articles in it which of
themselves would make the reputation of any book, such as the long
notice of Cagliostro where M. de Courchamp is so severely treated, and
that on Catherine, the great Catherine, she whom Voltaire, Diderot and
d’Alembert, whom the prince de Ligne called “Catherine the great,” and
whom M. P. R. A.-S the coadjutor of M. Quérard successively strips of all
the literary titles by which she was gratified; and even of the familiar
letters leaving her nothing in French, but an incorrect and barbarous
style devoid of talent, wit, or understanding.”[26]
The original title of this work was _Les Auteurs &c._[27] _Les
Supercheries Littéraires Dévoilées_ was added on the cover to the third
part and afterwards to the title-page.
“As will be seen M. Quérard has changed the title (during publication)
and made it even a little more satirical than it was before.”[28] But
the principal articles from which a book might be composed is devoted
to M. Alexandre Dumas. One of M. Quérard’s coadjutors[29] has nurtured
this article with affection or rather with ingenious and indefatigable
hatred. We cannot but deplore that a talented writer should so often
allow himself to overlook the dictates of delicacy, and be led away by
the ardour of his unexampled industry. We ought to say that the article
in which M. Dumas is placed, as if upon his trial, breathes a tone that
should render the most legitimate criticism suspicious. The articles of
accusation begin at page 404, and end at 480. “This only embraces the
dramatic pieces of the accused, or rather the condemned one. The novels
come next, and heaven knows what that promises.[30] In this part, the
critic who has taken charge of M. Alexandre Dumas finishes with a furious
and unparalleled slaughter; he gives the last blows with a sledge hammer.
No doubt M. Dumas will not die of the effects; he will only come out
bruised and scratched; but the knowing reader will have had his laugh,
and that is a great point in this “vale of tears.” In running over
the other articles, we do not recover from our surprise when we find
M. Quérard well posted up in so many intrigues, initiated in so many
mysteries and artifices. He is as terrible as remorse, and formidable as
conscience. The preliminary discourse upon literary frauds ancient and
modern is equally full of singular and curious incidents.”[31]
It has lately been said, but we do not believe it, that the
author of that terrible pamphlet against Alexandre Dumas in
the SUPERCHERIES is chiefly the work of Signor Florentino,
who is supposed to be one of the coadjutors of the celebrated
dramatist-novelist, and who says he is author of the first part
of Monte Christo. One thing which no one can explain astonishes
us; that of all the writers who pretend to have so nobly sold
their genius to Alexandre Dumas, there is not one who has been
able to write a line for his own profit which anyone will
buy.[32]
In the notice on the death of Louis Philippe, King of the
French, some observations will be found on Quérard’s in the
SUPERCHERIES.[33]
The name of Quérard, already of European reputation by his
numerous writings, will one day be graven in letters of gold
over the portals of every library in the French dominions, as
that of the most faithful guide of the librarian devoted to the
study of French Literature.[34]
An article in _La Silhouette_ for 30 January 1848, signed “Le Rat,”
(_Pseud._ Auguste Vitu) imputed numerous errors to Quérard, and at
the word “Rat,” in _Les Supercheries_, he reprints the article, and
convicts the “Rat” of numerous errors and shows that he was right. We
however cannot but consider that a work like this is not the place
for a discussion, which certainly should not have occupied its pages,
and doubtless in the second edition all such blemishes as these would
have been removed. The Baron de Reiffenberg, though a great friend
and coadjutor of Quérard, having contributed many articles to the
_Supercheries_, is exposed like all the rest. Quérard says that he much
regrets the task imposed upon him, but he should lose the good opinion
of the shade of the Baron, if he were not conscientiously to carry out
the article. No doubt if the Baron had been alive this article would have
been just the same, though at the risk of losing one of his best friends.
The article on Alexandre Dumas, occupying 170 octavo pages, contains
the most extraordinary disclosures of literary frauds and peccadillos
ever exposed in any nation or in any age. By this article it seems that
M. Alexandre Dumas has committed every imaginable literary fraud, and
a great many unimaginable ones. This is only a sample, the book from
beginning to end is the same, only every one it exposes or discloses is
not of such world-wide renown.
In a note at p. 483, we learn that Thackeray concerned himself about M.
Dumas and the length of French novels, which he satirically wishes would
never end. Almost as a fulfilment of his wish M. Dumas published _Les
Mémoires d’un Médecin_, which the circulating libraries announced would
be in 80 volumes.[35]
Here we find that those extraordinary and popular works _Les Trois
Mousquetaires_, _Vingt ans après_, _&c._, are not written by Alexandre
Dumas, and much other interesting information relative to the works
themselves. But disappointment borders on disgust when we learn that we
have been cheated into thanking M. Dumas for _Monte Christo_.
An Index to the Article is given, and one of authors “whom M. Dumas has
snatched from bad society to introduce into good;” in all 73.