edition, by making Mons. Renouard "superintend the gathering in of his
VINTAGE," at his country-house (St. Valerie) whereas there are no
Vineyards in Picardy. France and Wine seemed such synonymes, that I
almost naturally attached a vineyard to every country villa.]
[139] [It was published in 1820.]
[140] "The luxurious English Bibliographer is astonished at the publication
of the "Manuel" without the accompaniment of Plates, Fac-similes,
Vignettes, and other graphic attractions. It is because _intrinsic
merit_ is preferable to form and ornament: _that_ at once establishes
its worth and its success." CRAPELET, vol. iv. p. 88. This amiable
Translator and sharp-sighted Critic never loses an opportunity of a
_fling_ at the "luxurious English Bibliographer!"
[141] [My translator again brandishes his pen in order to draw
_good-natured_ comparisons. "It would be lucky for him, if, to the
qualities he possesses, M. Dibdin would unite those which he praises
in M. Brunet: his work and the public would be considerable gainers by
it: his books would not be so costly, and would be more profitable.
The English Author describes nothing in a _sang-froid_ manner: he is
for ever _charging_: and, as he does not want originality in his
vivacity, he should seem to wish to be the CALLOT of Bibliography."
CRAPELET. _Ibid_. I accept the title with all my heart.]
[142] When he waited upon Lord Spencer at Paris, in 1819, and was shewn by
his Lordship the _Ulric Han Juvenal_ (in the smallest character of the
printer) and the _Horace_ of 1474, by _Arnoldus de Bruxella_, his
voice, eyes, arms, and entire action ... gave manifest proofs how he
FELT upon the occasion! [It only remains to dismiss this slight and
inadequate account of so amiable and well-versed a bibliographer, with
the ensuing-fac-simile of his autograph.]
[Autograph: Brunet, Libraire, rue Gît-le-Couer, No 10.]
[143]
Chardin passe surtout parmi les amateurs
Pour le plus vétilleux de tous les connaisseurs;
Il fait naître, encourage, anime l'industrie;
LES BEAUX LIVRES font seul le CHARME DE SA VIE.
LA RELIURE, _poëme didactique_.
Par LESNE'. 1820, 8vo. p. 31.
[144] [This curiosity is now in the limited, but choice and curious,
collection of my old and very worthy friend Mr. Joseph Haslewood. The
handle of the stick is decorated by a bird's head, in ivory, which I
conjectured to be that of an _Eagle_; but my friend insisted upon it
that it was the head of an _Hawk_. I knew what this _meant_--and what
it would _end_ in: especially when he grasped and brandished the Cane,
as if he were convinced that the sculptor had anticipated the
possession of it by the Editor of Juliana Barnes. It is whispered that
my friend intends to surprise the ROXBURGHE CLUB (of which he is, in
all respects a most efficient member) with proofs of an _Engraving_ of
this charming little piece of old French carving.]
[145] Mons. Chardin is since dead at a very advanced age. His mental
faculties had deserted him a good while before his decease: and his
decease was gentle and scarcely perceptible. The portrait of him, in
the preceding edition of this work, is literally the MAN HIMSELF. M.
Crapelet has appended one very silly, and one very rude, if not
insulting, note, to my account of the deceased, which I will not
gratify him by translating, or by quoting in its original words.
[146] [A copy of the Horace UPON VELLUM (and I believe, the _only_
one) with the original drawings of Percier, will be sold in the
library of Mr. Hibbert, during the present season.]
[147] ["And unquestionably the best Letter Founder. His son, M. Amb. Firmin
Didot; who has for a long time past cut the punches for his father,
exhibits proof of a talent worthy, of his instructor." CRAPELET.]
[148] [The translation of the above passage runs so smoothly and so evenly
upon "all fours," that the curious reader may be gratified by its
transcription: "On ne doit pas être surpris que le meilleur vin de
Champagne et de Chambertin ait été servi sur la tablé de celui qui, au
milieu des toasts de ses convives, avait pour accompagnement le bruit
agréable. des frisquettes et des tympans de vingt-deux presses.".Vol.
ii. 102.]
[149] ["Would one not suppose that I had told M. Dibdin that it was
impossible for the French to execute as fine plates as the English? If
so, I should stand alone in that opinion. I only expatiated on the
beauty of the wood-cut vignettes which adorn many volumes of the 4to.
Shakspeare by Bulmer. (N.B. Mr. Bulmer never printed a Shakspeare in
4to. or with wood cuts; but Mr. Bensley _did_--in an 8vo. form.) Their
execution is astonishing. Wood engraving, carried to such a pitch of
excellence in England, is, in fact, very little advanced in France:
and on this head I agree with M. Dibdin." CRAPELET, iv. 104.]
[150] ["How can M. Dibdin forget the respect due to his readers, to give
them a recital of dinners, partaken of at the houses of private
persons, as if he were describing those of a tavern? How comes it that
he was never conscious of the want of good taste and propriety of
conduct, to put the individuals, of whom he was speaking, into a sort
of dramatic form, and even the MISTTRESSES OF THE HOUSE! CRAPELET:
Vol. iv. 106. I have given as unsparing a version as I could (against
myself) in the preceding extract; but the _sting_ of the whole matter,
as affecting M. Crapelet, may be drawn from the concluding words. And
yet, where have I spoken ungraciously and uncourteously of Madame?]
[151] [_Bozérian undoubtedly had his merits_.]--Lesné has been
singularly lively in describing the character of Bozérian's binding.
In the verse ...
Il dit, et secouant le joug de la manie....
he appears to have been emulous of rivalling the strains, of the Epic
Muse; recalling, as it were, a sort of Homeric scene to our
recollection: as thus--of Achilles rushing to fight, after having
addressed his horses:
[Greek: E ra, kai en prôtois iachôn eche mônuchas hippos]
[152] Some account of French bookbinders may be also found in the
_Bibliographical Decameron_, vol. ii. p. 496-8.
[153] Cependant Thouvenin est un de ces hommes extraordinaires qui,
semblables à ces _corps lumineux_ que l'on est convenu d'appeler
_cometes_, paraissent une fois en un siècle. Si, plus ambitieux de
gloire que de fortune, il continue à, se surveiller; si, moins ouvrier
qu'artiste, il s'occupe sans relache du perfectionnement de la
reliure, il fera époque dans son art comme ces grands hommes que nous
admirons font époque dans la littérature. p. 117.
[154] [In the year 1819, Lord Spencer sent over to the Marquis de
Chateaugiron, a copy of the _Ovid De Tristilus, translated by
Churchyard_, 1578, 4to. (his contribution to the Roxburghe Club) as a
present from ONE President of Bibliophiles to ANOTHER. It was bound by
Lewis, in his very best style, in morocco, with vellum linings, within
a broad border of gold, and all other similar seductive adjuncts.
Lewis considered it as a CHALLENGE to the whole bibliopegistic
fraternity at Paris:--a sort of book-gauntlet;--thrown down for the
most resolute champion to pick up--if he dare! Thouvenin, Simier,
Bozérian (as has been intimated to me) were convened on the
occasion:--they looked at the gauntlet: admired and feared it: but no
man durst pick it up!
Obstupuere animi:----
Ante omnes stupet ipse Dares[D]....
In other words, the Marquis de Chateaugiron avowed to me that it was
considered to be the _ne plus ultra_ of the art. What say you to
this, Messrs. Lesné and Crapelet?
[D] _Thouvenin_.
[155] This poem appeared early in the year 1820, under the following title.
"_La Reliure, poème didactique en six chants_; précédé d'une idée
analytique de cet art, suivi de notes historiques et critiques, et
d'un Mémoire soumis à la Société d'Encouragement, ainsi qu'au Jury
d'exposition de 1819, relatif à des moyens de perfectionnement,
propres à retarder le renouvellement des reliures. PAR LESNÉ. Paris,
1820. 8vo. pp. 246. The motto is thus:
Hâtez-vous lentement, et sans perdre courage,
Vingt fois sur le métier remettez votre ouvrage;
Polissez-le sans cesse et le repolissez.
_Boileau Art. Poét._ ch. 1.
This curious production is dedicated to the Author's Son: his first
workman; seventeen years of age; and "as knowing, in his business at
that early period of life as his father was at the age of
twenty-seven." The dedication is followed by a preface, and an
advertisement, or "Idée analytique de la Reliure." In the preface, the
author deprecates both precipitate and severe criticism; "He is himself
but a book-binder--and what can be expected from a muse so cultivated?"
He doubts whether it will be read all through; but his aim and object
have been to fix, upon a solid basis, the fundamental principles of
his art. The subject, as treated in the Dictionary of Arts and Trades
by the French Academy, is equally scanty and inaccurate. The author
wishes that all arts were described by artists, as the reader would
gain in information what he would lose in style. "I here repeat (says
he) what I have elsewhere said in bad verse. There are amateur
collectors who know more about book-binding, than even certain good
workmen; but there are also others, of a capricious taste, who are
rather likely to lead half-instructed workmen astray, than to put them
in the proper road." In the poetical epistle which concludes the
preface, he tells us that he had almost observed the Horatian precept:
his poem having cost eight years labour. The opening of it may
probably be quite sufficient to give the reader a proper notion of its
character and merits.
Je célèbre mon art; je dirai dans mes vers,
Combien il éprouva de changemens divers;
Je dirai ce que fut cet art en sa naissance;
Je dirai ses progrès, et, de sa décadence.
Je nommerai sans fard les ineptes auteurs:
Oui, je vais dérouler aux yeux des amateurs:
Des mauvais procédés la déplorable liste.
Je nommerai le bon et le mauvais artiste;
_LETTER IX._
MEN OF LETTERS. DOM BRIAL. THE ABBÉ BÉTENCOURT. MESSRS. GAIL, MILLIN, AND
LANGÈS. A ROXBURGHE BANQUET.
_Paris, June 20, 1818_.
MY DEAR FRIEND,
We have had of late the hottest weather in the memory of the oldest
Parisian: but we have also had a few flying thunder showers, which have
helped to cool the air, and to refresh both the earth and its inhabitants.
In consequence, I have made more frequent visits; and have followed up my
morning occupations among BOOKS, by the evening society of those who are so
capable, from their talents, of adding successfully to their number. Among
the most eminent, as well as most venerable of historical antiquaries, is
the celebrated Dom BRIAL, an ex-Benedictin. He lives in the _Rue
Servandoni_, on the second-floor, in the very bosom, as it were, of his
library, and of city solitude. My first visit to him, about three weeks
ago, was fortified by an introductory letter from our friend * * *. The old
gentleman (for he is about seventy four) was busily occupied at his
dinner--about one o'clock; and wearing a silk night cap, and habited en
rocquelaure, had his back turned as his servant announced me. He is very
deaf; but on receiving the letter, and recognising the hand-writing of our
friend, he made me heartily welcome, and begged that I would partake of his
humble fare. This I declined; begging, on the other hand that he would
pursue his present occupation, and allow me to examine his library. "With
the greatest pleasure (replied he); but you will find it a very
common-place one."
His books occupy each of the four rooms which form the suite of his
dwelling. Of course I include the bed room. They are admirably selected:
chiefly historical, and including a very considerable number in the
ecclesiastical department. He has all the historians relating to our own
country. In short, it is with tools like these, and from original MSS. lent
him from the Royal Library--which his official situation authorizes--- that
he carries on the herculean labour of the _Recueil des Historiens des
Gaules, &c._ commenced by BOUQUET and other editors, and of which he shewed
me a great portion of the XVIIth volume--as well as the commencement of the
XVIIIth--already printed. Providence may be graciously pleased to prolong
the life of this learned and excellent old man till the _latter_ volume be
completed; but _beyond_ that period, it is hardly reasonable or desirable
to wish it; for if he die, he will then have been gathered to his fathers
in a good old age.[156] But the labours of Dom Brial are not confined to
the "Recueil," just mentioned. They shine conspicuous in the "_Histoire
Littéraire de la France_," of which fifteen goodly quarto volumes are
already printed; and they may be also traced in the famous work entitled
_L'Art de, Verifier les Dates_, in three large folio volumes, published in
1783, &c. "Quand il est mort, il n'a point son élevè"[157]--says his old
and intimate friend the ABBÉ BÉTENCOURT; an observation, which, when I
heard it, filled me with mingled regret and surprise--for why is this
valuable, and most _patriotic_ of all departments of literature, neglected
_abroad_ as well as _at home_? It is worth all the _digamma_ disquisitions
in the world; and France, as well as Italy, was once rich in historical
Literati.
Dom Brial is very little above the mean height. He stoops somewhat from
age; but, considering his years, and incessantly sedentary labours, it is
rather marvellous that he does not exhibit more striking proofs of
infirmity. His voice is full and strong; his memory is yet retentive, and
his judgment sound. His hand-writing is extremely firm and legible. No man
ever lived, or ever will, or can live, more completely devoted to his
labours. They are his meat and drink--as much as his "bouilli et petites
poies:"--of which I saw him partaking on repeated visits. Occupied from
morning till night in the prosecution of his studies--in a quarter of Paris
extremely secluded--he appears to be almost unconscious of passing
occurrences without;[158] except it be of the sittings of the _Institute_,
which he constantly attends, on Fridays, as one of the Secretaries. I have
twice dined with him; and, each time, in company with the Abbé Bétencourt,
his brother Secretary at the Institute; and his old, long-tried, and most
intimate friend.
The Abbé BÉTENCOURT was not unknown to me during his late residence in
England, as an Emigré: but he is still-better known to our common friend
* * *, who gave me the letter of introduction to Dom Brial. That mutual
knowledge brought us quickly together, and made us as quickly intimate. The
Abbé is above the middle height; wears his own grey hair; has an expressive
countenance, talks much; and well, and at times drolly. Yet his wit or
mirth is well attempered to his years. His manner of _rallying_ his
venerable friend is very amusing; for Dom Brial, from his deafness, (like
most deaf men) drops at times into silence and abstraction. On each of my
dinner-visits, it was difficult to say which was the hotter day. But Dom
Brial's residence, at the hour of dinner, (which was four--for my own
accommodation) happened luckily to be in the _shade_. We sat down, three,
to a small circular table, (in the further or fourth room) on the tiled
floor of which was some very ancient wine, within the immediate grasp of
the right hand of the host. An elderly female servant attended in the
neighbouring room. The dinner was equally simple, relishing, and abundant;
and the virtues of the "old wine" were quickly put into circulation by the
Benedictin founder of the feast.
At six we rose from table, and walked in the Luxembourg gardens, hard by.
The air had become somewhat cooler. The sun was partially concealed by
thin, speckled clouds: a gentle wind was rising; and the fragrance of
innumerable flowers, from terraces crowded with rose-trees, was altogether
so genial and refreshing, that my venerable companions--between whom I
walked arm in arm--declared that "they hardly knew when the gardens had
smelt so sweetly." We went straight onward--towards the _Observatoire_, the
residence of the Astronomer Royal. In our way thither we could not avoid
crossing the _Rue d' Enfer_, where Marshal Ney was shot. The spot, which
had been stained with his blood, was at this moment covered by skittles,
and groups of stout lads were enjoying themselves in all directions. It
should seem that nothing but youthful sports and pastimes had ever
prevailed there: so insensibly do succeeding occupations wear away all
traces of the past. I paused for half a minute, casting a thoughtful eye
towards the spot. The Abbé Bétencourt moralised aloud, and Dom Brial seemed
inwardly to meditate. We now reached the Observatory. The Sub-Principal was
at home, and was overjoyed to receive his venerable visitors. He was a
fellow-townsman of Dom Brial, and we were shewn every thing deserving of
notice. It was nearly night-fall, when, on reaching the Rue Servandoni, I
wished my amiable companions adieu, till we met again.
I have before mentioned the name of M. GAIL. Let me devote a little more
time and attention to him. He is, as you have been also previously told,
the curator of the Greek and Latin MSS. in the Royal Library, and a Greek
Professor in the Collège Royale. There is no man, at all alive to a
generous and kind feeling, who can deny M. Gail the merit of a frank,
benevolent, and hearty disposition. His Greek and Latin studies, for the
last thirty-five years, have neither given a severe bias to his judgment,
nor repressed the ebullitions of an ardent and active imagination. His
heart is yet all warmth and kindness. His fulfilment of the duties of his
chair has been exemplary and beneficial; and it is impossible for the most
zealous and grateful of her sons, to have the prosperity of the Collège
Royale more constantly in view, than my friend I.B. Gail has that of the
University of Paris. His labours, as a scholar, have been rather useful
than critical. He has edited _Anacreon_ more than once: and to the
duodecimo edition of 1794, is prefixed a small portrait--medallion-wise--of
the editor; which, from the costume of dress and juvenility of expression,
does not much remind me of the Editor as he now is. M. Gail's great
scholastic work is his Greek, Latin, and French, editions of _Xenophon_ and
_Thucydides_, in twenty-four quarto volumes; but in the execution of this
performance he suffered himself to be rather led astray by the attractions
of the _Bibliomania_. In other words, he chose to indulge in membranaceous
propensities; and nothing would serve M. Gail's turn but he must have a
unique COPY UPON VELLUM! in a quarto form.[159] Twenty four quarto volumes
upon vellum!.. enough to chill the ardour and drain the purse of the most
resolute and opulent publisher.
When I dined with the Editor, the other day, I was shewn these superb
volumes with all due form and solemnity: and I must say that they do very
great credit to the press of the Elder Didot. Yet I fear that it will be a
long time before the worthy M. Gail is remunerated for his enterprising and
speculative spirit. In all the duties attached to his situation in the
Royal Library, this worthy character is equally correct and commendable. He
is never so fully occupied with old Greek and Latin MSS., but that he will
immediately attend to your wants; and, as much as depends upon himself,
will satisfy them most completely. Anacreon has left behind some little
deposit of good humour and urbanity, which has continued to nourish the
heart of his Translator; for M. Gail is yet jocose, and mirth-loving; fond
of a lively repartee, whether in conversation or in writing. He may count
some sixty-two years.
But it is high time to introduce you to another of these "Confrères" at the
Bibliothèque du Roi; of whom indeed, hitherto, I have made but a slight
mention. You will readily guess that this must be the well-known AUBIN
LOUIS MILLIN--the Head of the department of Antiquities; or the principal
_Archaeologist_ of the establishment. My friend Mr. Dawson Turner having
furnished me with introductory credentials, I called upon M. Millin within
twenty-four hours of my arrival at Paris. In consequence, from that time to
this, I have had frequent intercourse with him. Indeed I am willing to hope
that our acquaintance has well nigh mellowed into friendship. He is a
short, spare, man; with a countenance lighted up by intelligence rather
than moulded by beauty. But he is evidently just now (and indeed, as I
learn, has been for some time past) labouring under severe indisposition.
He is the thorough Frenchman both in figure and manners: light, cheerful,
active, diligent, and exceedingly good natured and communicative. His
apartments are admirably furnished: and his LIBRARY does him infinite
honour--considering the limited means by which it has been got together.
His abode is the constant resort of foreigners, from all countries, and of
all denominations; and the library is the common property of his friends,
and even of strangers--when they are well recommended to him.
Millin has been a great traveller; but, if the reports which have reached
me prove true, his second voyage to Italy, recently accomplished, have sown
the seeds of incurable disease in his constitution. Indeed: when I look at
him, at times, I fancy that I discover _that_ in his countenance ... which
I wish were not so palpable ... to my observation. His collection of
drawings, of fac-similes of all descriptions--of prints and of atlasses--is
immense. They are freely laid open to the inspection of any curious
observer: and I have already told you how heartily M. Millin begged that
Mr. Lewis would consider his house as his _home_--for the prosecution of
his drawings from the illuminated MSS. in the Royal Library, when the
regular time of attendance in that place was closed. The other day, we had
a superb déjeuné à la fourchette at M. Millin's--about three o'clock. It
was attended by two Marchionesses, of the _bas bleu_ order; and by the
whole corps of the confrères bibliographiques of the Royal Library. Several
other literary _distingués_ were of the party: and we sat down, a very
agreeable mélange, both to gossip and to eat and drink. M. Langlès was all
animation and all intelligence; and M. Van Praet seemed for a time to have
forgotten VELLUM ARISTOTLES and VIRGILS in alternate libations of champagne
and noyeau. Meanwhile, the worthy Gail, by his playful sallies and
repartees, afforded a striking contrast to the balanced attitude and grave
remarks of the respectable Caperonnier, the senior Librarian. Poor Millin
himself had no appetite, but picked a little here and there. We sat down
about fourteen; rose at six--to coffee and conversazione; and retired
shortly after: some to the theatre, and others to their country houses.
This is pretty nearly a correct picture of the bettermost society of Paris
at this time of the year.