Chapter 10

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 L1 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._ L5 7_s._ 6_d._

4920. Les cent nouvelles nouvelles, _Lettres Gothiques_, fig. fol., _velin Paris, imprimees 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, imprime a Paris, pour Guil. Eustace._ M.D.XIV. 2 17 0

4922. Le premier, second, et tiers volume de Lancelot du Lac; _nouvellement imprime a 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, imprime 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 Crestiente; _Lettres Gothiques, fig. fol. maroq. rouge. Paris, imprime 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: _imprime a 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 a tous ceulx qui desirent voir et ouyr choses nouvelles et recreatives soubz umbre et couleur de joyeuste, 8vo. fig. maroq. rouge. _Imprimez a 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 a 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 Pre_ 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 Gallvae deditionem, Exul in Gallia hocce opus patriae 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. L3 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 divina, 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. Ecclesiae, 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 L45 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 Kembleiana_.

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. L3 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. L6 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. Graec. 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 vulgatae editionis (ex translatione et cum praefationibus S. Hieronymi); Venetiis, N. Jenson, 1476, 2 vol. in fol.: _avec miniatures, relie en mar. r. double de tabis, dentelles et boites_: IMPRIME SUR VELIN. "On connoit l'extreme rarete de cette belle edition quand les exemplaires sont sur velin. Nous n'en connoissons qu'un seul, bien moins beau que celui ci; celui que nous annoncons est de toute beaute, et on ne peut rien ajouter au luxe de la relieure." L59 17_s._ 0_d._

3. Biblia sacra vulgatae editionis, tribus tomis distincta (jussu Sixt. V., pontificis maximi edita); _Romae, ex typographia apostolica vaticana_, 1590; _in. fol. ch. mag. maroquin rouge_.

"Superbe exemplaire d'un livre de la plus grande rarete; 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 tres precieux_ du commencement du 16 siecle, contenant 37 feuillets ecrits en ancienne ronde batarde, et 17 pages de miniatures d'un dessein et d'un fini inappreciables. "Les desseins sont d'Albert Durer, tels qu'il les a graves dans ses ouvrages, et l'execution est si animee qu'on peut croire qu'elle est, en tout ou en partie, de la main de ce peintre celebre. On ne peut trop louer la beaute de ce livre." 50 8 0

13. Officium beatae Mariae 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 achevees que l'on puisse trouver. Au rare merite de sa parfaite execution elle reunit encore celui d'avoir ete faite pour Francoise 1er, roi de France, et d'etre decoree dans toutes ses pages de l'embleme et du chiffre de ce monarque. Ce manuscrit, d'un prix inestimable, est ecrit en lettres rondes sur un velin tres blanc"--"il est decore de tres belles capitales, de guirlandes superbes de fleurs, de culs-de-lampe, & de 12 bordures ornees d'oiseaux, d'insectes, de fleurs et de lames d'or tres brillant."--"Il est impossible de donner une idee satisfaisante de le beaute 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 Francois 1er.; un seigneur dont on voit les armes peintes sur le second feuillet, a fait executer les autres dans la siecle dernier, avec une magnificence peu commune. Les tableaux et les ornemens dont il a enrichi ce precieux manuscrit se distinguent par une composition savante et gracieuse, un dessin correct, une touche precieuse et un coloris agreable," &c. 109 4 0

14. Heures de Notre-Dame, ecrites a la main, 1647, par Jarry, Parisien, in 8o. _chagrin noir, avec deux fermoirs d'or et boite de mar. bl._ "Ces heures sont un chef-d'oeuvre d'ecriture & de peinture. Le fameux Jarry, qui n'a pas encore eu son egal en l'art d'ecrire, s'y est surpasse, & y a prouve que la regularite, la nettete & la precision des caracteres du burin et de l'impression pouvoient etre imitees avec la plume a un degre de perfection inconcevable."--"Le peintre, dont le nom nous est inconnu, & qui doit avoir ete un des plus fameux du siecle de Louis XIV., a travaille a l'envi avec Nicolas Jarry a rendre ces heures dignes d'admiration."--"Les sept peintures dont il les a enriches, sont recommendables par la purite de leur dessein, la vivacite des couleurs, la verite de l'expression, et leur precieux 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. superieurement execute; 2 vol. in 8o. _m. bl. double de tapis, avec etuis_. "On ne peut rien voir de plus agreable & de mieux diversifie que les differents sujets des miniatures; en tout, cet exemplaire est un des plus beaux que j'aie jamais vus; c'est celui de Picart. Il est a remarquer a cause du costume de quelques figures; il a ete relie avec le plus grand soin et la plus grande depense." 110 5 0

145. L'art de connoitre et d'apprecier les miniatures des anciens manuscrits; par M. l'abbe Rive, avec 30 tableaux enlumines, copies d'apres les plus beaux manuscrits qui se trouvoient dans la bibliotheque de M. le Duc de la Valliere, et d'autres precieux cabinets. _Exemplaire peint_ SUR VELIN. "M. l'abbe Rive se proposoit de donner une dissertation sur les manuscrits enlumines pour accompagner ces dessins; mais jusqu'ici ayant des raisons qui l'empechent d'en gratifier le public, il en a donne la description en manuscrit (le seul qui existe) au proprietaire 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 a 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 ete engage a le rendre precieux. Il est dans sa relieure originale parfaitement bien conserve; il a appartenu a Claude d'Urfe: l'edition passe pour etre de l'annee, 1484. _Voyez Bibliographie Instructive_, no. 2999." 31 10 0

242. Contes de la Fontaine, avec miniatures, vignettes et culs-de-lampes a chaque conte; 2 vol. in 4o.; m. bleu, double de tapis, etuis. "_Manuscrit incomparable_ pour le genie et l'execution des dessins. Il est inconcevable que la vie d'un artiste ait pu suffire pour executer d'une maniere si finie un si grand nombre de peintures exquises; le tout est d'un coloris eclatant, d'une conservation parfaite, & sur du velin egalement blanc et uni; enfin c'est un assemblage de miniatures precieuses et dignes d'orner le plus beau cabinet."

L'ecriture a ete faite par Monchausse, et les miniatures par le fameux Marolles. 315 0 0

328. Opere di Francesco Petrarcha; _senza luogho_ 1514, _mar. r. double de tabis et etui_; IMPRIME SUR VELIN. "Exemplaire sans prix, avec grand nombre de miniatures charmantes. Il passoit pour constant a Florence, ou je l'ai achete, qu'il avoite ete imprime a part probablement pour quelqu'un des Medicis, et sur les corrections de l'edition de 1514; car les fautes ne s'y trouvent pas, et il ne m'a pas ete possible d'en decouvrir une seule.--La parfaite conservation de ce livre precieux demontre combien ses possesseurs ont ete sensible a sa valeur. P----." 116 11 0

486. Collectiones Peregrinationum in Indiam Orientalem et in Indiam Occidentalem, xxv partibus comprehensae, &c. _Francof. ad Maeen. 1590, &c., 60 vol. relies en 24, folio; maroq. citr. bleu et rouge._ "Exemplaire de la plus grande beaute, 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 boites_; IMPRIME SUR VELIN. "Exemplaire d'une magnificence etonante pour la blancheur du velin, la grandeur des marges, et l'ouvrage immense de l'enluminure; chaque lettre-capitale etant 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 fraicheur & d'une conservation parfaites: il a appartenu a Claude d'Urfe." 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. double de tabis, et boites_ 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 beaute par la blancheur du velin, & par sa belle conservation. On y a joint tout le luxe de la relieure." _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." L0 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, aetat. suae 22. Another virgin of 19, aetat. 32. A third virgin wife of 25, aetat. 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. Praesidis (Epistola R.A.P.) Generalis et Regiminis totius Congregationis Anglicanae 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, Arabicae, Chaldaicae, & Hebraicae; atque idiomatibus Hebraicis quae in utroque Testamento inveniuntur. _Lond. ap. Winandum de Worde._--Shirwode Liber Hebraeorum 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." L10 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. Mathaei Paris, Monachi Albanensis Angli, Historia Major, a Wats. Lond. 1640, folio. 3 19 7

546. Mathaei Westmonasteriensis, Flores Historiarum. Franc. 1601, folio. 2 16 10

547. Historiae Anglicanae Scriptores Varii, a Sparke. Lond. 1723, folio. 2 5 6

548. Historiae Anglicanae 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 hasta_----

[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. L2 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. Ptolomaei 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 a plaisance, par maniere de Joyeusete.----_Lettres Gothiques, fig. et bois et titre MSS. feuilles dorees, 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 intitule l'art de bein) et de bien mourir, lettres gothiques, avec fig. en maroquin dorees sur tranches. _Imprime a 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 Austriae Basil, 1546. Francolin Res Gestae Viennensis, cum fig. _Viennae Austriae excudebat Raphael 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.