Chapter 13

[Transcriber's Note: In this section, no prices are given in the original.]

37. Kendall's Flowers of Epigrams, B.L.--C.R. _Leaf 93 is wanting_, 12mo.

47. M(arloe)'s Ovid's Elegies and Epigrams, by J. D(avies of Hereford). (Ovid's head engraved by W.M.) C.T.--F.D. _Middlebourg_, 12mo.

57. Observations on Authors, Ancient and Modern, 2 vol. Lond. 1731-2. "This was Dr. Jortin's own copy, who has written the name of each author to every piece of criticism, and added a few marginal remarks of his own," 8vo.

150. Valentine and Orson, B.L. cuts. _Wants title, two leaves in one place, and a leaf in another_, 4to.

152. La Morte D'Arthur, B.L. _wood-cuts_, Lond. _Thomas East._ _Wants one leaf in the middle of the table._ See _MS. note prefixed_.

153. Barnes's (Dame Juliana) Boke of Haukynge, Huntynge, and Cootarmuris, C.T.--F.D. _Seynt Albon's_, folio, 1486. "This perhaps is the only perfect copy of this original edition, which is extant. Its beginning with sig. a ii is no kind of cantradiction [Transcriber's Note: contradiction] to its being perfect; the registers of many Latin books at this period mention the first leaf of A as quite blank. The copy of the public library at Cambridge is at least so worn or mutilated at the bottom of some pages that the bottom lines are not legible." [This copy is now in the matchless collection of Earl Spencer.]

157. Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, C.R. _woodcuts, Pynson_, folio, "This is Pynson's original edition, and probably the first book he printed. See a long MS. note prefixed. Bound up at the end of this copy are two leaves of a MS. on vellum, which take in the conclusion of the Miller's Prologue, and beginning of his Tale. One of these pages is illuminated, and has a coloured drawing of the Miller on his mule."

166. Mort D'Arthur, B.L. _woodcuts. Lond. W. Copland._ See MS. notes at the beginning and end, folio.

175. Roy's _Rede me and be not wrothe, For I say nothing but trothe._

"This is the famous satire against Cardinal Wolsey, printed some years before his fall. See Herbert, p. 1538, 8vo." [The reader may look for one minute at page 225, ante.]

263. Boetius, (The Boke of Comfort, by) translated into Englishe Tonge (in verse) _Emprented in the exempt Monastery of Taverstock, in Denshire, by me, Thomas Rycharde, Monke of the said Monastery_, 1525, 4to.

261. Caxton's Blanchardyn and Eglantine, or Proude Lady of Love, C.T.--F.D., _printed by Caxton_, folio. [See my edition of the _Typograhical [Transcriber's Note: Typographical] Antiquities_, vol. i. p. 346.]

274. Hawkyng, Huntyng, and Fyshyng, (from Juliana Barnes) B.L. _woodcuts. Lond. Toye, and W. Copland_, 4to. _See MS. notes prefixed._

275. Hawys's Compendions Story, or Exemple of Vertue, B.L.--C.R. _wood-cuts_, _ib._ _Wynkyn de Worde_, 1533.

276. ---- Passe-Tyme of Pleasure, B.L. _wood-cuts ib. by W. de Worde_, 1517, 4to.

306. Spenser's Shephearde's Calendar. C.T.--F.D., _wood-cuts: first edition, ib._ Singleton, 1579, 4to.

308. Taylor, the water poet (fifteen different pieces by) all of posterior date to the collection of his works. Among them is the Life of Old Par, with Par's head, and 31 plates of curious needle-work. The volume also contains some replies to Taylor. A written list of all the contents is prefixed. Lond. and Oxford, 4to.

330. Tulle of Old Age (translated by William Botoner, or of Worcester) _pr. by Caxton_, 1481. folio.

---- of Friendship, translated by Tiptoft, Earl of Worcester; to which is added another tract written by the same Earl, C.R.--F.D.--L.R. _Explicit per Caxton_, folio.]

How shall I talk of thee, and of thy wonderful collection, O RARE RICHARD FARMER?[408]--and of thy scholarship, acuteness, pleasantry, singularities, varied learning, and colloquial powers! Thy name will live long among scholars in general; and in the bosoms of virtuous and learned bibliomaniacs thy memory shall ever be enshrined! The walls of Emanuel College now cease to convey the sounds of thy festive wit--thy volumes are no longer seen, like Richard Smith's "bundles of sticht books," strewn upon the floor; and thou hast ceased, in the cause of thy beloved Shakspeare, to delve into the fruitful ore of black-letter literature. Peace to thy honest spirit; for thou wert wise without vanity, learned without pedantry, and joyous without vulgarity!

[Footnote 408: There is but a scanty memorial of this extraordinary and ever respectable bibliomaniac, in the _Gentleman's Magazine_; vol. lxvii. pt. ii. p. 805: 888: nor is it noticed, among Farmer's theologico-literary labours, that he was author of an ingenious essay upon the _Demoniacs_ mentioned in scripture; in which essay he took up the idea of Mede, that these Demoniacs were _madmen_. Dr. Farmer's essay upon the _Learning of Shakespeare_ is, in respect to the materials, arguments, and conclusions--what the late Bishop of Salisbury's [Douglas] was upon _Miracles_--original, powerful, and incontrovertible. Never was there an octavo volume, like Farmer's upon Shakespeare--which embraced so many, and such curious, points, and which displayed such research, ingenuity, and acuteness--put forth with so little pomp, parade, or pedantry. Its popularity was remarkable; for it delighted both the superficial and deeply-versed reader in black-letter lore. Dr. Parr's well applied Ciceronian phrase, in lauding the "ingenious and joy-inspiring language" of Farmer, gives us some notion of the colloquial powers of this acute bibliomaniac; whose books were generally scattered upon the floor, as Lysander above observes, like old Richard Smith's "stitched bundles." Farmer had his foragers; his jackalls: and his avant-couriers: for it was well known how dearly he loved every thing that was interesting and rare in the literature of former ages. As he walked the streets of London--careless of his dress--and whether his wig was full-bottomed or narrow-bottomed--he would talk and "mutter strange speeches" to himself; thinking all the time, I ween, of some curious discovery he had recently made in the aforesaid precious black-letter tomes. But the reader is impatient for the _Bibliotheca Farmeriana_: the title to the catalogue whereof is as follows. "_Bibl. Farm. A Catalogue of the curious, valuable, and extensive Library in print and manuscript, of the late_ REV. RICHARD FARMER, _D.D., Canon Residentiary of St. Paul's; Master of Emanuel College: Librarian to the University of Cambridge; and Fellow of the Royal & Antiquary Societies_ (deceased, &c.) Sold by Auction by Mr. King; May, 1798," 8vo. [8199 articles]. The collection is justly said, in the title page, to contain the "most rare and copious assemblage of _Old English Poetry_ that, perhaps, was ever exhibited at one view; together with a great variety of _Old Plays_, and early printed books, English and Foreign, in the black-letter." The reader has already (p. 324 ante) had some intimation of the source to which Dr. Farmer was chiefly indebted for these poetical and dramatical treasures; of some of which, "hereafter followeth" an imperfect specimen:

NO. 5950. Marbecke (John) the book of Common Prayer, noted, 1550. 4to. See Dr. Burney's long account of this very scarce book in his History of Musick, vol. ii. p. 578, &c. L2 6_s._ 0_d._

6127. Skinner's Discovery and Declaration of the Inquisition of Spayne, _imp. J. Daye_, 1569, 4to. 6128. Shippe of Fooles, by Brant, wood cuts, _imp. Wynkyn de Worde_, 1517, 4to. 1 16 0

6194. Brunswyke's Medical Dictionary, translated by Huet, _imp. by Treveris_, 1525. folio. 3 10 0

6195. Customs of the Citie of London, or Arnold's Chronicle, with the Nut-Brown Mayde, _1st edition_, 1502, folio. 0 19 0

6386. Annalia Dubrensia, or Robert Dover's Olimpic Games upon Cotswold-Hills, _with frontispiece_, 1636. 1 14 0

6387. Barley-breake, or a Warning for Wantons, by W.N. 1607, 4to. 0 5 0

6395. Britton's Bowre of Delights, by N.B. 1597. 4to. 1 13 0

6413. Byrd's (Will.) Psalmes, Sonets, and Songs of Sadnes and Pietie made into Musicke of 5 partes. 1588. Ditto Sacrae Cantiones, 2 parts; and various Madrigals and Canzonets, by Morley, Weelkes, Wilbye, Bateson, &c. 4to. 0 15 0

6608. Copie of a Letter sent from the roaring Boyes in Elizium, to the two arrant Knights of the Grape in Limbo, Alderman Abel and M. Kilvert, the two projectors for wine; with their portraits. 5 5 0

6785. Turbervile's (George) Epitaphs, Epigrams, Songs and Sonets, with a Discourse of the freendly affections of Tymetes to Pyndara his ladie, b.l. 1570, _imp. by Denham_, 8vo. 1 16 0

6804. Virgil's Aeneis, the first foure bookes, translated into English heroicall verse, by Richard Stanyhurst, with other poetical devises thereunto annexed; _impr. by Bynneman_, 1583, 8vo. 2 17 0

6826. Essayes of a Prentise in the Divine Art of Poesie (King James VI.) _Edinburgh, by Vautrollier_, 1585, 8vo. 1 13 0

6846. Fulwell's (Ulpian) Flower of Fame, or bright Renoune and fortunate Raigne of King Henry VIII. b.l. with curious wood cuts: _imp. by Will. Hoskin_, 1575, 4to. 1 11 6

6847. Flytting (the) betwixt Montgomerie and Polwarte, _Edin._, 1629, 4to. 2 5 0

7058. Horace's Art of Poetrie, Pistles, and Satyrs, English'd by Drant, b.l. _Imp. by Marshe_, 1566, 4to. 0 7 6

7066. Humours Ordinarie, where a man may be verie merrie and exceeding well used for his sixpence, 1607, 4to. 0 14 6

7187. Mastiffe Whelp, with other ruff-island-like curs fetcht from among the Antipodes, which bite and barke at the fantasticall humourist and abuses of the time. 0 19 0

7199. Merry Jest of Robin Hood, and of his Life, with a new Play for to be plaied in May-Games; very pleasant and full of pastime, b.l. _imp. by Edward White_, 4to. 3 13 6

7200. Milton's Paradise Lost, in 10 books, 1st _edit._ 1667. 0 11 0

7201. ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- _2nd title page_, 1668. 0 11 0

7202. ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- _3rd title page_, 1669.--"N.B. The three foregoing articles prove that there were no less than three different title-pages used, to force the sale of the first edition of this matchless poem." S. P[aterson.] 0 7 0

7232. Paradyse of Daynty Devises, b.l. extremely scarce, _imp. by Henry Disle_, 1576, 4to. 6 0 0

7240. Peele's (G.) Device of the Pageant borne before Woolstone Dixie, Lord Mayor of London, Oct. 29, 1585, b.l. See Dr. F.'s note; as probably the only copy. 4to. 1 11 6

7241. Percy's (W.) Sonnets to the fairest Caelia, 1594. 4to. 1 12 0

7249. Psalter (the whole) translated into English Metre, which containeth an Hundreth and Fifty Psalms. The title and first page written. _Imp. by John Daye_, 1567. "This translation was by Archbishop Parker, and is so scarce that Mr. Strype tells us he could never get a sight of it." See Master's History of C.C.C.C. Mr. Wharton supposes it never to have been published, but that the Archbishop's wife gave away some copies. "It certainly (he adds) is at this time extremely scarce, and would be deservedly deemed a fortunate acquisition to those capricious students who labour to collect a Library of Rarities." Hist. of Eng. Poetry, vol. iii. 186. It has a portrait of the Archbishop. 4to. 3 6 0

7828. Somner's (Henry) Orpheus and Eurydice, 1740. 4to. 0 1 6

7829. Shakespeare's Works, _1st edition, in folio, wants title, last leaf written from the_ 4to. 1623. 7 0 0

8062. Metrical Romances, written in the reign of Richard IId. or rather about the end of the reign of Henry IIId. or beginning of Edward I. (See note,) _purchased at Dr. Monro's Auction by Dr. Farmer_, for 29_l._ 4 14 0

8080. These Booke is called Ars moriendi, of William Baron, Esq., to remayne for ever to the Nonnye of Deptford; _on vellum, bound in purple velvet_. 2 3 0

6451. Chaucer's noble and amorous auncyent Hystory of Troylus and Cresyde, in fyve Bokes, _imprynted by Wynkyn de Worde_, 1517.

Here begynneth the Temple of Glass, _imp. by Wynkyn de Worde_.

The Castell of Pleasure, _imp. by ditto_.

Here begynneth a lyttell Treatise cleped La Conusauce D'Amours. _imp. by Pynson_.

The Spectacle of Lovers, _imp. by Wynkyn de Worde_.

History of Tytus and Gesippus, translated out of Latin into Englyshe, by Wyllyam Walter, sometime servaunte to Syr Henry Marney, Cnyght, Chaunceler of the Duchy of Lancastre, _imp. by ditto_.

The Love and Complayntes betwene Mars and Venus.

The Fyrst Fynders of the VII Scyences Artificiall, _printed by Julian Notarye_.

Guystarde and Sygysmonde, translated by Wyllyam Walter, _imp. by Wynkyn de Worde_, 1532.

The Complaynte of a Lover's Lyfe, _imp. by ditto_.

Here begynneth a lytel Treatyse, called The Disputacyon of Complaynte [of] the Harte, thorughe perced with the lokynge of the Eye, _imp. by Wynkyn de Worde_.

This Boke is named the Beaultie of Women, translated out of French into Englyshe, _imp. by Wier_.

Here begynneth a lytel Treatise, called the Controverse betwene a Lover and a Jaye, lately compyled, _imp. by Wynkyn de Worde_.

_The above 12 very rare and ancient pieces of poetry are bound_ in one vol. _with curious wood-cuts, and in fine preservation._

'The Temple of Glass alone was sold for 3_l._ 15_s._ and the present vol. may, with propriety, be deemed matchless.' All in quarto. 26 5 0

[N.B. _These articles should have preceded_ no. 6608; at p. 423, ante.]

And here, benevolent reader, let us bid farewell to RICHARD FARMER of transcendant bibliomaniacal celebrity! It is in vain to look forward for the day when book-gems, similar to those which have just been imperfectly described from the _Bibl. Farmeriana_, will be disposed of at similar prices. The young collector may indulge an ardent hope; but, if there be any thing of the spirit of prophecy in my humble predictions, that hope will never be realised. Dr. Farmer's copies were, in general, in sorry condition; the possessor caring little (like Dr. Francis Bernard; vide p. 316, ante) for large margins and splendid binding. His own name, generally accompanied with a bibliographical remark, and both written in a sprawling character, usually preceded the title-page. The science (dare I venture upon so magnificent a word?) of bibliography was, even in Farmer's latter time, but jejune, and of limited extent: and this will account for some of the common-place bibliographical memoranda of the owner of these volumes. We may just add that there are some few copies of this catalogue printed on _large paper_, on paper of a better quality than the small; which latter is sufficiently wretched. I possess a copy of the former kind, with the _prices_ and _purchasers' names_ affixed--and moreover, _uncut_!]

A poor eulogy, this, upon Farmer!--but my oratory begins to wax faint. For this reason I cannot speak with justice of the friend and fellow-critic of Farmer--GEORGE STEEVENS[409]--of Shakspearian renown! The Library of this extraordinary critic and collector was sold by auction in the year 1800; and, being formed rather after the model of Mason's, than of Farmer's, it was rich to an excess in choice and rare pieces. Nor is it an uninteresting occupation to observe, in looking among the prices, the enormous sums which were given for some volumes that cost Steevens not a twentieth part of their produce:--but which, comparatively with their present worth, would bring considerably higher prices! What arduous contention, "_Renardine shifts_," and bold bidding; what triumph on the one part, and vexation on the other, were exhibited at the book-sale!--while the auctioneer, like Jove looking calmly down upon the storm which he himself had raised, kept his even temper; and "ever and anon" dealt out a gracious smile amidst all the turbulence that surrounded him! Memorable aera!--the veteran collector grows young again in thinking upon the valour he then exhibited; and the juvenile collector talks "braggartly" of other times--which he calls the golden days of the bibliomania--when he reflects upon his lusty efforts in securing an _Exemplar Steevensianum_!

[Footnote 409: If Lysander's efforts begin to relax--what must be the debilitated mental state of the poor annotator, who has accompanied the book-orator thus long and thus laboriously? Can STEEVENS receive justice at _my_ hands--when my friends, aided by hot madeira, and beauty's animating glances, acknowledge their exhausted state of intellect?! However, I will make an effort:

'nothing extenuate Nor set down aught in malice.'

The respectable compiler of the _Gentleman's Magazine_, vol. lxx. p. 178, has given us some amusing particulars of Steevens's literary life: of his coming from Hampstead to London, at the chill break of day, when the overhanging clouds were yet charged with the 'inky' purple of night--in order, like a true book-chevalier, to embrace the first dank impression, or proof sheet, of his own famous octavo edition of _Shakspeare_; and of Mr. Bulmer's sumptuous impression of the text of the same. All this is well enough, and savours of the proper spirit of BIBLIOMANIACISM: and the edition of our immortal bard, in fifteen well printed octavo volumes, (1793) is a splendid and durable monument of the researches of George Steevens. There were from 20 to 25 copies of the octavo edition printed upon LARGE PAPER; and Lord Spencer possesses, by bequest, Mr. Steevens' own copy of the same, illustrated with a great number of rare and precious prints; to which, however, his Lordship, with his usual zeal and taste, has made additions more valuable even than the gift in its original form. The 8vo. edition of 1793 is covetted with an eagerness of which it is not very easy to account for the cause; since the subsequent one of 1803, in 21 octavo volumes, is more useful on many accounts: and contains Steevens's corrections and additions in every play, as well as 177, in particular, in that of Macbeth. But I am well aware of the stubbornness and petulancy with which the previous edition is contended for in point of superiority, both round a private and public table; and, leaving the collector to revel in the luxury of an uncut, half-bound, morocco copy of the same, I push onward to a description of the _Bibliotheca Steevensiana_. Yet a parting word respecting this edition of 1803. I learn, from unquestionable authority, that Steevens stipulated with the publishers that they should pay Mr. Reed 300_l._ for editorship, and 100_l._ to Mr. W. Harris, Librarian of the Royal Institution, for correcting the press: nor has the editor in his preface parted from the truth, in acknowledging Mr. Harris to be 'an able and vigiland [Transcriber's Note: vigilant] assistant.' Mr. H. retained, for some time, Steevens' corrected copy of his own edition of 1793, but he afterwards disposed of it, by public auction, for 28_l._ He has also at this present moment, Mr. Josiah Boydell's copy of Mr. Felton's picture of our immortal bard; with the following inscription, painted on the back of the pannel, by Mr. Steevens:

_May, 1797._ _Copied by Josiah Boydell, at my request, from the remains of the only genuine Portrait of William Shakspeare._ GEORGE STEEVENS.

The engraved portrait of Shakspeare, prefixed to this edition of 1803, is by no means a faithful resemblance of Mr. Boydell's admirably executed copy in oil. The expenses of the edition amounted to 5844_l._; but no copies now remain with the publishers. We will now give rather a copious, and, as it must be acknowledged, rich, sprinkling of specimens from the _Bibliotheca Steevensiana_, in the departments of rare OLD POETRY and THE DRAMA. But first let us describe the title to the catalogue of the same. _A Catalogue of the curious and valuable Library of_ GEORGE STEEVENS, _Esq., Fellow of the Royal and Antiquary Societies (Lately deceased). Comprehending an extraordinary fine Collection of Books, &c._, sold by auction by Mr. King, in King Street, Covent Garden, May, 1800. 8vo. [1943 articles: amount of sale 2740_l._ 15_s._]

OLD POETRY.

NO. 867. Gascoigne's (Geo.) Workes, or a Hundreth sundrie Flowers bounde in one small Poesie, (including) Supposes, com. from Ariosto; Jocosta, Tr. from Euripides, &c. b.l. _first edition. Lond. impr. by Bynneman_, 1572, 4to. L1 19_s._ 0_d._

'With MS. notes respecting this copy and edition by Mr. Steevens.'

868. Another copy, 2d edition (with considerable additions); among other, the Princely Pleasures of Kenilworth Castle, the Steele Glass, the Complainte of Phylomene, b.l. _ib. impr. by Abell Jeffes_, 1587, 4to., _with MS. references, by Messrs. Bowles and Steevens._ 4 4 0

869. Another copy, including all the aforementioned, and a Delicate Diet for Daintie Mouthde Droonkardes, b.l. _Lond. impr. by Rich. Jhones_, 1576, 8vo.

The Glasse of Gouernement, 4to. _b.l. russia, with MS. references_.

The Droome of Doomesday, 3 parts, b.l. _ib._ 1576, 4to. 'The above two volumes are supposed to comprise the compleatest collection of Gascoigne's works extant.' 5 15 6

876. Googe (Barnabe) Eglogs, Epytaphes, and Sonnettes newly written, b.l., _small 8vo. fine copy in Russia, Lond. impr. by Tho. Colwell for Raffe Newbery, dwelynge in Fleet Streete a little above the Conduit, in the late shop of Tho. Bartelet_. See Mr. Steevens's note to the above; in which he says there is no scarcer book in the English language, and that Dr. Farmer, Messrs. T. Warton and Js. Reed, had never seen another copy. 10 15 0

949. Lodge (Tho.) Life and death of William Longbeard, the most famous and witty English traitor, borne in the citty of London, accompanied with manye other most pleasant and prettie Histories, 4to. _b.l. printed by Rich. Yardley and Peter Short_, 1593. [cost Mr. Steevens 1_s._ 9_d._!] 4 7 0

995. The Paradyse of Dainty Devises, MS. a fac-simile of the first edition, in 1576, _finished with the greatest neatness by Mr. Steevens, 4to. in russia_. 5 15 0

996. The Paradice of Dainty Devises, devised and written for the most part by M. Edwardes, sometime of her Majestie's Chappell; the rest by sundry learned Gentlemen, both of Honor and worship. _Lond. printed by Edwd. Allde_, 1595, 4to. 4 6 0

997. The Paradice of Daintie Devises, b.l. interleaved, _ib. printed for Edw. White_, 1600, 4to.

Breton (Nich.) Workes of a young Wyt, trust up with a Fardell of Prettie Fancies, profitable to young Poetes, prejudicial to no Man, and pleasant to every Man, to pass away Idle Tyme withal, _b.l. 4to. interleaved with a MS. list of the Author's Works by Messrs. Steevens, Ritson, and Park: impr. at Lond. nigh unto the Three Cranes in the Vintree, by Tho. Dawson, and Tho. Gardyner_.

Soothern's Odes, 4to. b.l. interleaved with copious MS. Notes, and an Extract from the European Magazine relative to the Author: _wants title, no date_.

Watson (Tho.) Passionate Centurie of Love, 4to. b.l. interleaved: the 12 first sonnets, and the latter ones, from 78, in MS. _Lond. impr. by John Wolfe_.

"The above curious Collection of Old Poems are bound together in russia, with border of gold, and may be deemed with propriety, _Matchless_." 21 10 6

1037. Puttenham's Arte of English Poesie, in 3 bookes, with a wood-cut of Queen Elizabeth; _choice copy, in morocco, 4to. ib. printed by Rich. Field_, 1589. 7 10 0

1073. Roy (Will.) Satire on Cardinal Wolsey, a Poem; _b.l. sm._ 8vo. _russia, no date nor place_. 7 7 0

1078. Skelton (Jo.) Poet Laureat, lyttle Workes, viz. Speake Parot. The Death of the Noble Prynce, King Edwarde the Fourthe. A Treatyse of the Scottes. Ware the Hawke, The Tunnynge of Elynoure Rummyng, sm. 8vo. b.l. _Impr. at Lond. in Crede Lane, Jhon Kynge, and Thomas Marshe_, no date. 12mo.

Hereafter foloweth a lyttle Booke, called Colyn Clout, _b.l. impr. by John Wyght_, 12mo.

Hereafter foloweth a little Booke of Phyllip Sparrow, _b.l. impr. by Robert Tob._ 12mo.

Hereafter foloweth a little Booke which has to name, Whi come ye not to Courte, _b.l. impr. by John Wyght_. 12mo. 4 5 0

1079. Skelton (Master, Poet Laureat) Merie Tales, b.l. 12mo. _Lond. impr. by Tho. Colwell, no date._ 5 15 6

"See Note, in which Mr. Steevens says he never saw another copy."

1119. Warren (Will.) A pleasant new Fancie of a Foundling's Device intitled and cald the Nurcerie of Names, with wood borders, b.l. 4to. _ib. impr. by Rich. Jhones_, 1581. 2 16 0

1125. Watson (Tho.) Passionate Centurie of Love; _b.l. 4to. the title, dedication, and index, MS. by Mr. Steevens_.

"Manuscript Poems, transcribed from a Collection of Ancient English Poetry, in the possession of Sam. Lysons, Esq., formerly belonging to Anne Cornwallis, by Mr. Steevens." 5 10 0

1126. ---- Passionate Centurie of Love, divided into two parts, b.l. 4to. _russia. Lond. impr. by John Wolfe_. 5 18 0

1127. England's Helicon, collected by John Bodenham, with copious additions, and an index in MS. by Mr. Steevens, 4to. _russia, ib. printed by J.R._ 1600. 11 15 0

1128. Weblee [Webbe] (Will.) Discourse of English Poetrie, together with the author's judgment, touching the Reformation of our English Verse, _b.l._ 4to. _russia, ib. by John Charlewood_, 1586. 8 8 0

THE DRAMA; AND EARLY PLAYS OF SHAKESPEARE.

1216. The Plot of the Plays of Frederick and Basilea, and of the Deade Man's Fortune, the original papers which hung up by the side scenes in the playhouses, for the use of the prompter and the acter, earlier than the time of Shakspeare. 11 0 0

1218. Anonymous, a pleasant Comedie, called Common Conditions, _b.l. imperf. 4to. in russia._

"Of this Dramatick Piece, no copy, except the foregoing mutilated one, has hitherto been discovered: with a long note by Mr. Steevens, and references to Kirkman, Langbaine, Baker, Reed," &c. 6 10 0

1221. Bale (John) Tragedie, or Enterlude, manifesting the chiefe Promises of God unto Man, compyled An. Do. 1538, b.l. 4to. _now first impr. at Lond. by John Charlewood_, 1577. 12 15 0

1248. Marlow (Chr.) and Tho. Nash, Tragedie of Dido, Queene of Carthage, played by the Children of her Majesties' Chappell, 4to. _russia, Lond. printed by the Widdowe Owin_, 1594. 17 0 0

1259. Peele (Geo.) The Old Wives Tale, a pleasant conceited Comedie played by the Queene's Majesties' Players; 4to. _in russia; ib. impr. by John Danter_, 1595. 12 0 0

"N.B. A second of the above is to be found in the Royal Library; a third copy is unknown." Steevens' note.

EARLY PLAYS OF SHAKSPEARE.

1263. The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, no title, 4to. _Lond._ 1611. _With MS. notes, &c., by Mr. Steevens._ 2 2 0

1264. The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, 4to. _ib. printed by R. Young_, 1637. 0 7 0

1265. The History of Henrie the Fourth, with the Battell of Shrewsburie, &c.; with the famous conceits of Sir John Falstaffe, part I. 4to. _ib. printed by S.S._ 1599. 3 10 0

1266. The same, _ib. printed for Mathew Lay_, 1608, 4to. 1 7 0

1267. The same, _ib. printed by W.W._ 1613. _With MS. notes, &c. by Mr. Steevens._ 1 2 0

1268. The same, _ib. printed by Norton_, 1632. 0 10 0

1259. The 2d part of Henry the Fourth, continuing to his Death, and Coronation of Henrie the Fift, with the Humours of Sir John Falstaffe and Swaggering Pistoll, as acted by the Lord Chamberlayne his Servants. _First Edit. 4to. ib. printed by V.S._ 1600. 3 13 0

1270. The same, _ib. 4to. printed by Val. Simmes_, 1600. 2 15 0

1271. The Chronicle History of Henry the Fift, with his Battell fought at Agincourt in France, together with Auntient Pistoll, as playd by the Lord Chamberlayne his servants. _First Edit._ 4to. _inlaid on large paper, ib. printed by Thomas Creede_, 1600. 27 6 0

1272. The Chronicle History of Henry the Fift, &c. 4to. _Lond._ 1608. 1 1 0

1273. The true Tragedie of Richarde, Duke of Yorke, and the Death of good King Henrie the Sixt, as acted by the Earle of Pembroke his Servants, 4to. _inlaid on large paper, ib. printed by W.W._ 1600. 1 16 0

1274. The whole contention betweene the two famous Houses, Lancaster and Yorke, with the Tragicall Ends of the good Duke Humphrey, Richard, Duke of Yorke, and King Henrie the Sixt, _divided into 2 parts_, 4to. _ib. no date_. 1 5 0

1275. The first and second part of the troublesome Raigne of John, King of England, with the discoverie of King Richard Cordelion's Base sonne (vulgarly named the Bastard Fauconbridge) also the Death of King John at Swinstead Abbey, as acted by her Majesties Players, 4to. _Lond. impr. by Val. Simmes_, 1611. 1 18 0

1276. The first and second part of the troublesome Raigne of John, King of England, &c., _ib. printed by Aug. Matthews_, 1622. 1 1 0

1277. The True Chronicle History of the Life and Death of King Lear, and his three Daughters, with the unfortunate Life of Edgar, Sonne and Heire to the Earl of Glocester, and his sullen and assumed Humour of Tom of Bedlam, by his Majestie's servants. _First Edit._ 4to. _ib._ 1608. 28 0 0

1578. [Transcriber's Note: 1278] Another Edition, differing in the title-page and signature of the first leaf. 4to. _ib._ 1608. 2 2 0

1279. The most excellent Historie of the Merchant of Venice, with the extreme crueltie of Shylocke the Jew towards the sayd Merchant, in cutting a just pound of his flesh: and the obtayning of Portia by his choyce of three chests, as acted by the Lord Chamberlaine his servants, _First Edit. inlaid oil large paper; 4to. at London, printed by John Roberts_, 1600. 2 0 0

1280. The excellent History of the Merchant of Venice, with the extreme crueltie of Shylocke the Jew; _First Edit. 4to. inlaid on large paper, printed by John Roberts_, 1600. 2 2 0

1281. A most pleasant and excellent conceited Comedie of Syr John Falstaffe and the Merrie Wives of Windsor, as acted by the Lord Chamberlaine's Servants. _First Edit. 4to. Lond. printed by T.C._ 1602. 28 0 0

1282. A most pleasant and excellent conceited Comedy of Sir John Falstaffe and the Merry Wives of Windsor, with the swaggering vaine of Antient Pistoll and Corporal Nym, _4to. inlaid. Lond._ 1619. 1 4 0

1283. The Merry Wives of Windsor, with the Humours of Sir John Fallstaffe, also the swaggering Vaine of Ancient Pistoll and Corporal Nym, 4to. _Lond. printed by T.H._ 1630. 0 10 6

1284. A Midsommer Night's Dreame, as acted by the Lord Chamberlaine's Servantes, First Edit. _impr. at Lond. for Thos. Fisher_, 4to. 1600, _part of one leaf wanting_. 25 10 0

1285. Another copy, _First Edit. inlaid, ib._ 1600. 1 15 0

1286. Much adoe about Nothing, as acted by the Lord Chamberlaine his Servants, _First Edit._ 4to. _ib. printed by Val. Simmes_, 1600. 25 10 0

1287. The Tragedy of Othello the Moore of Venice, as acted at the Globe and at the Black Friers, by his Majesties Servants, 4to. _Lond. printed by N.O._ 1622, _with MS. notes and various readings by Mr. Steevens_. 29 8 0

1288. The Tragedy of Othello the Moore of Venice, as acted at the Globe and at the Black Friers, 4to. _Lond. printed by A.M._ 1630. 0 13 0

1289. Tragedie of Othello; _4th Edit._ 4to. _ib._ 1665. 0 4 0

1290. The Tragedie of King Richard the Second, as acted by the Lord Chamberlaine his Servants, 4to. Lond. _printed by Val. Simmes_, 1598. 4 14 6

1291. Tragedie of King Richard the Second, as acted by the Lord Chamberlaine his Servants, 4to. _printed by W.W._ 1608. 10 0 0

1292. The Tragedie of King Richard the Second, with new Additions of the Parliament Scene, and the deposing of King Richard, as acted by his Majestie's Servants at the Globe, 4to. _Lond._ 1615, _with MS. notes, &c. by Mr. Steevens_. 1 12 0

1293. The Life and Death of King Richard the Second, with new Additions of the Parliament Scene, and the deposing of King Richard, as acted at the Globe by his Majesties Servants, 4to. _Lond._ 1634. 0 5 0

1294. The Tragedie of King Richard the Third, as acted by the Lord Chamberlain his Servants, 4to. Lond. _printed by Tho. Creede_. 1602. _Defective at the end._ 0 10 0

1295. The Tragedie of King Richard the Third, containing his treacherous Plots against his Brother Clarence, the pitiful murther of his innocent Nephews, his tirannical usurpation, with the whole course of his detested Life, and most deserved Death, as acted by his Majesties Servants, 4to. _Lond. printed by Tho. Creede_, 1612, _with notes and various readings by Mr. Steevens._ 1 5 0

1296. The same, 4to. _ib._ 1629. 0 7 0

1297. Tragedie of King Richard the Third, as acted by the King's Majesties Servants, 4to. _ib._ 1634. 0 6 0

1298. The most excellent and lamentable Tragedie of Romeo and Juliet, 4to. _A fragment. Lond._ 1599. 0 5 6

1299. The same, compleat, inlaid on large paper, 4to. _ib., impr. by Tho. Creede_, 1599. [_Second Edition._] 6 0 0

1300. The same, 4to. Lond. 1609, _with MS. notes and readings by Mr. Steevens_. 2 2 0

1301. The same, 4to. _ib. printed by R. Young_, 1637. 0 9 0

1302. A pleasant conceited Historie, called the Taming of the Shrew, as acted by the Earle of Pembroke's Servants. _First Edit._ 4to. _inlaid on large paper, ib., printed by V.S._ 1607. 20 0 0

1303. A wittie and pleasant Comedie, called the Taming of a Shrew, as acted by his Majesties Servants, at the Blacke Friers and the Globe, 4to., _ib., printed by W.S._ 1631. 0 11 0

1304. The most lamentable Tragedie of Titus Andronicus, as plaide by the King's Majesties Servants, 4to. _inlaid, ib., printed for Edward White_, 1611. 2 12 6

1305. The History of Troylus and Cresseide, as acted by the King's Majesties Servants at the Globe. _First. Edit._ 4to., _ib., imp. by G. Alde_, 1609. 5 10 0

1306. The lamentable Tragedie of Locrine, the eldest sonne of King Brutus, discoursing the Warres of the Brittaines and Hunnes, with ther discomfiture, 4to. _ib., printed by Thomas Creede_, 1595. 3 5 0

1307. The London Prodigall, as plaide by the King's Majesties Servants, 4to. _ib., printed by T.C._ 1705. 1 9 0

1308. The late and much admired Play called Pericles, Prince of Tyre, with the true relation of the whole Historie and Fortunes of the said Prince, as also the no lesse strange and worthy accidents in the Birth and Life of his Daughter Marianna, acted by his Majesties Servants at the Globe on the Banck-side, 4to. _ib._, 1609. 1 2 0

1309. Another edition, 4to. _ib._ 1619. 0 15 0

1310. The first part of the true and honourable History of the Life of Sir John Old-castle, the good Lord Cobham, as acted by the Earle of Nottingham his servants, 4to. _Lond._ 1600. 0 10 0

1311. A Yorkshire Tragedy, not so new, as lamentable and true, 4to. Lond. 1619. 0 9 0

1312. (Twenty Plays) published by Mr. Steevens, 6 vols. _large paper, ib._, 1766. _Only 12 copies taken off on large paper_ 5 15 6

EDITIONS OF SHAKSPEARE'S WORKS.

1313. Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies, published according to the true originall copies, by John Heminge and Hen. Condell, _fol. russia. Lond. printed by Isaac Juggard and Edwd. Blount_. 1623; _with a MS. title, and a fac-simile drawing of the portrait by Mr. Steevens_. 22 0 0

1314. The same: 2d edit. folio, fine copy morocco, gilt leaves, _ib._ 1632. _In this book is the hand writing of King Charles I. by whom it was presented to Sir Tho. Herbert, Master of the Revels._ 18 18 0

1315. The same: 3d edit. with the 7 additional Plays, fol., neat and scarce, _ib._ 1664. See _Note by Mr. Steevens_. 8 8 0

1316. The same: 4th edit. 1685, folio. 2 12 6

1326. Hammer's (Sir Tho.) edition; 9 vols. 18mo. _Lond._ 1748. 1 13 0

1327. The same: with cuts, 6 vols. 4to. _elegantly bound in hog-skin_.

1328. Pope and Warburton, 8 vols. 8vo. _Lond._ 1747. 1 0 0

1329. ---- 8 vols. 12mo., with Sir Thos. Hammer's Glossary. _Dub._ 1747. 0 15 0

1330. Capell, (Edw.) 10 vols. 8vo. Lond. _printed by Dryden Leach_, 1768. 2 6 0

1331. Johnson, (Sam.) 8 vols. 8vo. _Lond._ 1765. 1 19 0

1332. ---- and Geo. Steevens, 10 vols. 8vo. _ib._ 1773. 2 14 0

1333. ---- in single Plays, 31 vols. _boards, ib._ 1 11 0

1334. Johnson and Steevens: 10 vols. 2d edit. with Malone's Supplement, 2 vols., and the plates from Bell's edition, _ib._ 1778. 4 16 0

1335. ---- 10 vols. 3d edit. _ib._ 1785. 3 5 0

1336. ---- 4th edit. with a glossarial Index, 15 vols. 8vo. _ib._ 1793. 6 16 6

1337. Malone, (Edm.) 11 vols. 8vo. _ib._ 1790. 4 8 0

1338. ---- Another copy, 11 vols. 8vo. _ib._ 4 18 0

1339. Ran (Jos.) 6 vols. 8vo. Oxf. 1786. 1 11 6

1340. ---- with Ayscough's Index, 2 vols. 8vo. russia, marbled leaves, published by Stockdale, _ib._ 1784-90. 0 15 6

1341. Eccles, 2 vols. 8vo. _ib._ 1794. 1 11 0

1342. From the Text of Mr. Malone's edit. by Nichols, 7 vols. 12mo. Lond. 1790. 0 18 0

1343. From the Text of Mr. Steevens, last edit. 8 vols. 12mo. _ib._ 1797. 1 0 0

1344. ---- 9 vols. 12mo. _ib._ 1798. 1 3 0

1345. ---- 9 vols. 12mo. Birm. by R. Martin. 1 1 0

1346. ---- 9 vols. Bell's edit. no plates. Lond. 1774. 0 18 0

1347. ---- 20 vols. 18mo. with annotations, Bell's edit. fine paper, with plates, beautiful impressions, _ib._ 1788. 8 13 6

1348. ---- 20 vols. 12mo. Bell's edition; _large paper_, finest possible impressions of the plates, superbly bound in green turkey, double bands, gilt leaves, _ib._ 17 17 0

1349. The Dramatic Works of; Text corrected by Geo. Steevens, Esq.; published by Boydell and Nichol, in large 4to., 15 nos. with the large and small plates; first and finest impressions, 1791, &c. N.B. Three more numbers complete the work. 36 4 6

1348. Harding, no. 31, l.p. containing 6 prints, with a portrait of Lewis Theobald, as published by Richardson, and some account of him, by Mr. Steevens. 0 4 6

1349. Ditto, ditto. 0 4 6

1350. Traduit de l'Anglois, 2 toms. Par. 1776. 0 6 0

1351. In German, 13 vols. 12mo. Zurich, 1775. 0 16 0

1352. King Lear, Macbeth, Hamlet, Othello, and Julius Caesar, by Jennings, Lond. 1770. 0 11 0

1353. Macbeth, with Notes by Harry Rowe, 12mo. York, 1797. 0 1 6

1354. ---- 8vo. 2d edit. _ib._ 1799. 0 5 0

1355. Antony and Cleopatra, by Edw. Capell; 8vo. Lond. 1758. 0 1 0

1356. The Virgin Queen; a Drama, attempted as a Sequel to Shakspeare's Tempest, by G.F. Waldron, 8vo. 1797.

1357. ---- Annotations on As You Like it, by Johnson and Steevens, Bell's edit. 0 1 0

1358. ---- Another copy

1359. Shakspeare's Sonnets, never before imprinted, 4to. at Lond. by G. Ald, 1609. 3 10 0

1360. ---- Poems, 8vo. _ib._ 1640. 0 4 6

1361. ---- Venis [Transcriber's Note: Venus] and Adonis, 8vo. _ib._ 1602. 1 11 6

1362. Rymer (Tho.) Short View of Tragedy, with Reflection on Shakspeare, &c. 8vo. b. 1698. 0 1 6

1363. Shakspeare restored, by Lewis Theobald, 4to. _ib._ 1726. 0 4 6

1364. Whalley's (Peter) on the Learning of; _ib._ 1748. Remarks on a late edition of Shakspeare, by Zach. Grey, _ib._ 1755, and other Tracts. 0 8 6

1365. Morris (Corbyn) Essay towards fixing the true Standard of Wit, Humour, &c. 8vo. _ib._ 1744. 0 8 0

1366. Critical Observations on, by John Upton; 8vo. 2d edit. Lond. 1748. 0 1 6

1367. ---- Illustrated, by Charlotte Lennox; 3 vols. 12mo. _ib._ 1754. 0 9 0

1368. Notes on Shakspeare, by Zachary Grey; 2 vols. 8vo. _ib._ 1734. 0 3 0

1369. Beauties of Shakspeare, by William Dodd, 2 vols. 12mo. _ib._ 1757. 0 3 6

1370. Beauties of Shakspeare, by Wm. Dodd; 3 vols. 12mo. _ib._ 1780. 0 6 0

1371. ---- (Revival of) Text, by Heath, 8vo. _ib._ 1765. 0 1 0

1372. Observations and Conjectures on some passages of, by Tho. Trywhit [Transcriber's Note: Tyrwhitt]; 8vo. Oxford, 1766. 0 5 0

1373. Farmer (Rich) on the Learning of; 8vo. morocco. Camb. 1767. _Only 12 copies on this paper._ 0 16 0

1374. ---- London. 8vo. 1789, with Mr. Capell's Shakspeariana, 8vo., _only 20 copies printed_, 1779. 0 1 6

1375. Malone (Edm.) Letter on, to Dr. Farmer; 8vo. _ib._ 1792. 0 4 6

1376. Letter to David Garrick (on a Glossary to) by Rich. Warner, 8vo. _ib._ 1768. 0 2 6

There were copies of the Catalogue of Steeven's books struck off on LARGE PAPER, on bastard _royal octavo_, and in _quarto_.

It remains to say a few words of the celebrated collector of this very curious library. The wit, taste, and classical acquirements of GEORGE STEEVENS are every where recorded and acknowledged. As an editor of his beloved Shakspeare, he stands unrivalled; for he combined, with much recondite learning and indefatigable research, a polish of style, and vigour of expression, which are rarely found united in the same person. His definitions are sometimes both happy and singular; and his illustrations of ancient customs and manners such as might have been expected from a head so completely furnished, and a hand so thoroughly practised. I will not say that George Steevens has evinced the learning of Selden upon Drayton, or of Bentley upon Phalaris; nor did his erudition, in truth, rise to the lofty and commanding pitch of these his predecessors: nor does there seem much sense or wit in hunting after every _pencil-scrap_ which this renowned bibliomaniac committed to paper--as some sadly bitten book-collectors give evidence of. If I have not greatly misunderstood the characteristics of Steevens's writings, they are these--wit, elegance, gaiety, and satire, combined with almost perfect erudition in English dramatic antiquities. Let us give a specimen of his classical elegance in dignifying a subject, which will be relished chiefly by GRANGERITES. Having learnt that a copy of Skelton's Verses on Elinour Rummin, the famous Ale-wife of England, with her portrait in the title-page, was in the Library of the Cathedral of Lincoln (perhaps, formerly, Captain Coxe's copy; vide p. 266, ante), he prevailed on the late Dean, Sir Richard Kaye, to bring the book to London; but as it was not suffered to go from the Dean's possession, Mr. S. was permitted to make a _fac-simile_ drawing of the title, at the Dean's house in Harley-street. This drawing he gave to Richardson, the printseller, who engraved and published it among the copies of scarce portraits to illustrate Granger. The acquisition of this rarity produced from him the following _Jeu d'Esprit_; the merit of which can only be truly appreciated by those who had the pleasure of knowing the eminent PORTRAIT COLLECTORS therein mentioned, and whose names are printed in capital letters.

ELEONORA REDIVIVA.

To seek this Nymph among the glorious dead, Tir'd with his search on earth, is GULSTON fled:-- Still for these charms enamoured MUSGRAVE sighs; To clasp these beauties ardent BINDLEY dies: For these (while yet unstaged to public view,) Impatient BRAND o'er half the kingdom flew; These, while their bright ideas round him play, From Classic WESTON force the Roman lay: Oft too, my STORER, Heaven has heard thee swear, Not Gallia's murdered Queen was half so fair: "A new Europa!" cries the exulting BULL, "My Granger now, I thank the gods, is full:"-- Even CRACHERODE'S self, whom passions rarely move, At this soft shrine has deign'd to whisper love.-- Haste then, ye swains, who RUMMING'S form adore, Possess your Eleanour, and sigh no more.

It must be admitted that this is at once elegant and happy.

* * * * *

We will now say somewhat of the man himself. Mr. Steevens lived in a retired and eligibly situated house, just on the rise of Hampstead Heath. It was paled in; and had, immediately before it, a verdant lawn skirted with a variety of picturesque trees. Formerly, this house has been a tavern, which was known by the name of the _Upper Flask_: and which my fair readers (if a single female can have the courage to peruse these bibliomaniacal pages) will recollect to have been the same to which Richardson sends Clarissa in one of her escapes from Lovelace. Here Steevens lived, embosomed in books, shrubs, and trees: being either too coy, or too unsociable, to mingle with his neighbours. His habits were indeed peculiar: not much to be envied or imitated; as they sometimes betrayed the flights of a madman, and sometimes the asperities of a cynic. His attachments were warm, but fickle both in choice and duration. He would frequently part from one, with whom he had lived on terms of close intimacy, without any assignable cause; and his enmities, once fixed, were immovable. There was, indeed, a kind of venom in his antipathies; nor would he suffer his ears to be assailed, or his heat to relent, in favour of those against whom he entertained animosities, however capricious and unfounded. In _one_ pursuit only was he consistent: _one_ object only did he woo with an inflexible attachment; and that object was _Dame_ DRAMA.

I have sat behind him, within a few years of his death, and watched his sedulous attention to the performances of strolling players, who used to hire a public room in Hampstead; and towards whom his gallantry was something more substantial than mere admiration and applause: for he would make liberal presents of gloves, shoes, and stockings--especially to the female part of the company. His attention, and even delight, during some of the most wretched exhibitions of the dramatic art, was truly surprising; but he was then drooping under the pressure of age, and what passed before him might serve to remind him of former days, when his discernment was quick and his judgment matured. It is, however, but justice to this distinguished bibliomaniac to add that, in his literary attachments he was not influenced by merely splendid talents or exalted rank. To my predecessor HERBERT (for whose memory I may be allowed, at all times, to express a respectful regard) Steevens seems to have shewn marked attention. I am in possession of more than a dozen original letters from him to this typographical antiquary, in which he not only evinces great friendliness of disposition, but betrays an unusual solicitude about the success of Herbert's labours; and, indeed, contributes towards it by nearly a hundred notices of rare and curious books which were unknown to, or imperfectly described by, Herbert himself. At the close of a long letter, in which, amongst much valuable information, there is a curious list of CHURCHYARD'S _Pieces_--which Steevens urges Herbert to publish--he thus concludes:

"DEAR SIR,

"I know not where the foregoing lists of Churchyard's Pieces can appear with more propriety than in a work like yours; and I therefore venture to recommend them as worth republication. If you publish, from time to time, additions to your book, you may have frequent opportunity of doing similar service to old English literature, by assembling catalogues of the works of scarce, and therefore almost forgotten, authors. By occasional effusions of this kind you will afford much gratification to literary antiquaries, and preserve a constant source of amusement to yourself: for in my opinion, no man is so unhappy as he who is at a loss for something to do. Your present task grows towards an end, and I therefore throw out this hint for your consideration." (_July_ 27, 1789.)

A little further he adds: "In your vol. ii. p. 1920, you have but an imperfect account of TYRO'S '_Roaring Megge_,' &c. I shall therefore supply it underneath, as the book now lies before me. I have only room left to tell you I am always your very faithfully, G. STEEVENS." But the bibliomanical spirit of the author of this letter, is attested by yet stronger evidence:

_Hampstead Heath_, August 42th [Transcriber's Note: 12th], 1780.

"SIR,

"I have borrowed the following books for your use--Dr. Farmer's copy of Ames, with MS. notes by himself, and an interleaved Maunsell's Catalogue, with yet more considerable additions by Baker the antiquary. The latter I have promised to return at the end of this month, as it belongs to our University Library. I should not choose to transmit either of these volumes by any uncertain conveyance; and therefore shall be glad if you will let me know how they may be safely put into your hands. If you can fix a time when you shall be in London, my servant shall wait on you with them; but I must entreat that our library book may be detained as short a time as possible. I flatter myself that it will prove of some service to you, and am,

"Your very humble Servant,

"G. STEEVENS."

The following was Herbert's reply.

"_Cheshunt_, August 20th, 1780.

"SIR,

"As it must give you great satisfaction to know that the books were received safe by me last night, it affords me equal pleasure to send you the earliest assurance of it. I thank you sincerely for the liberty you have allowed me of keeping them till I come to London, on Monday, the 4th of September; when I shall bring them with me, and hope to return them safe at Mr. Longman's, between 10 and 11 o'clock; where, if it may be convenient to you, I shall be very happy to meet you, and personally to thank you for the kind assistance you have afforded me. If that may not suit you, I will gladly wait on you where you shall appoint by a line left there for me; and shall ever esteem myself,

"Your most obliged humble Servant,

"W. HERBERT."

The following, and the last, epistolary specimen of the renowned G. Steevens--with which I shall treat my reader--is of a general gossipping black-letter cast; and was written two years before the preceding.

_Hampstead Heath_, June 26th, 1788.

"DEAR SIR,

"A desire to know how you do, and why so long a time has elapsed since you were seen in London, together with a few queries which necessity compels me to trouble you with, must be my apology for this invasion of your retirement. Can you furnish me with a transcript of the title-page to Watson's Sonnets or Love Passions, 4to. bl. l.? As they are not mentioned by Puttenham, in 1589, they must, I think, have appeared after that year. Can you likewise afford me any account of a Collection of Poems, bl. l., 4to. by one John Southern? They are addressed 'to the ryght honourable the Earle of Oxenforde;' the famous Vere, who was so much a favourite with Queen Elizabeth. This book, which contains only four sheets, consists of Odes, Epitaphs, Sonnets to Diana, &c. I bought both these books, which seem to be uncommonly rare, at the late sale of Major Pearson's Library. They are defective in their title-pages, and without your assistance must, in all probability, continue imperfect. Give me leave to add my sincere hope that your long absence from London has not been the result of indisposition, and that you will forgive this interruption in your studies, from

"Your very faithful and obedient Servant,

"GEO. STEEVENS."

"P.S. I hope your third volume is in the press, as it is very much enquired after."

It is now time to bid farewell to the subject of this tremendous note; and most sincerely do I wish I could 'draw the curtain' upon it, and say 'good night,' with as much cheerfulness and satisfaction at [Transcriber's Note: as] Atterbury did upon the close of his professional labours. But the latter moments of STEEVENS were moments of mental anguish. He grew not only irritable, but outrageous; and, in full possession of his faculties, he raved in a manner which could have been expected only from a creature bred up without notions of morality or religion. Neither complacency nor 'joyful hope' soothed his bed of death. His language was, too frequently, the language of imprecation; and his wishes and apprehensions such as no rational Christian can think upon without agony of heart. Although I am not disposed to admit the whole of the testimony of the good woman who watched by his bed-side, and paid him, when dead, the last melancholy attentions of her office--although my prejudices (as they may be called) will not allow me to believe that the windows shook, and that strange noises and deep groans were heard at midnight in his room--yet no creature of common sense (and this woman possessed the quality in an eminent degree) could mistake oaths for prayers, or boisterous treatment for calm and gentle usage. If it be said--why

"draw his frailties from their drear abode?"

the answer is obvious, and, I should hope, irrefragable. A duty, and a sacred one too, is due TO THE LIVING. Past examples operate upon future ones: and posterity ought to know, in the instance of this accomplished scholar and literary antiquary, that neither the sharpest wit, nor the most delicate intellectual refinement, can, alone, afford a man 'PEACE AT THE LAST.' The vessel of human existence must be secured by other anchors than these, when the storm of death approaches!]

LOREN. You have seen a few similar copies in the library; which I obtained after a strenuous effort. There was certainly a very great degree of Book-Madness exhibited at the sale of Steevens's library--and yet I remember to have witnessed stronger symptoms of the Bibliomania!

LIS. Can it be possible? Does this madness

'Grow with our growth, and strengthen with our strength?'

Will not such volcanic fury burn out in time?

PHIL. You prevent Lysander from resuming, by the number and rapidity of your interrogatories. Revert to your first question.

LIS. Truly, I forget it. But proceed with your history, Lysander; and pardon my abruptness.

LYSAND. Upon condition that you promise not to interrupt me again this evening?

LIS. I pledge my word. Proceed.

LYSAND. Having dispatched our account of the sale of the last-mentioned distinguished book-collector, I proceed with my historical survey: tho', indeed, it is high time to close this tedious bibliomaniacal history. The hour of midnight has gone by:--and yet I will not _slur over_ my account of the remaining characters of respectability.

The collections of STRANGE[410] and Woodhouse are next, in routine, to be noticed. The catalogue of the library of the former is a great favourite of mine: the departments into which the books are divided, and the compendious descriptions of the volumes, together with the extent and variety of the collection, may afford considerable assistance to judicious bibliomaniacs. Poor WOODHOUSE:[411] thy zeal outran thy wit: thou wert indefatigable in thy search after rare and precious _prints and books_; and thy very choice collection of both is a convincing proof that, where there is wealth and zeal, opportunities in abundance will be found for the gratification of that darling passion, or insanity, now called by the name of Bibliomania!

[Footnote 410: _Bibliotheca Strangeiana; A Catalogue of the general, curious, and extensive Library of that distinguished naturalist and lover of the fine arts, the late_ JOHN STRANGE, Esq., L.L.D. F.R.S. and S.A., many years his Britannic Majesty's resident at the Republic of Venice. Comprehending an extraordinary fine collection of books and tracts, in most languages and sciences, to the number of upwards of _four-score thousand, &c._ Digested by Samuel Paterson. Sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, March 16, 1801, 8vo., 1256 articles. This is a plain, unaffected, but exceedingly well-digested, catalogue of a very extraordinary collection of books in all departments of literature. I do not know whether it be not preferable, in point of arrangement, to any catalogue compiled by Paterson. It has, however, a wretched aspect; from the extreme indifference of the paper.]

[Footnote 411: We will first give the title to the Catalogue of the late Mr. WOODHOUSE'S Collection of Prints. "_A Catalogue of the choice and valuable Collection of Antient and Modern Prints, &c._, selected with the highest taste from all the collections at home and abroad, &c. Sold by auction by Mr. Christie; January, 1801." The _first part_ ends with the 5th day's sale; the second commences with the sixth day's sale and concludes on the sixteenth, with the Malborough [Transcriber's Note: Marlborough] Gems. Although we may have to give specimens of some of the _rare and precious_ prints contained in this collection, in the course of PART VI. of this work, yet the reader, I would fain hope, will not be displeased with the following interesting extract, with the annexed prices, of the prints from the

MARLBOROUGH GEMS.

[_This assemblage, the result of twenty years' collecting, contains a greater number than ever has been at one time offered to the public.--The first volume is complete, and may be accounted unique, as all the impressions are before the numbers, the artists' names, or proofs without any letters, as in the presentation copies: the subject of Cupid and Psyche is with variations, and the whole may be regarded as a great rarity. Those of the second volume are few in number, but in point of curiosity, no ways inferior._]

LOT. L _s._ _d._

72. _One._ Caesar in the Temple of Venus. _Proof before any letters._ 3 13 6

73. _Two._ no. 1. Scipio Africanus. 2 0 0 no. 2. Lucius C. Sylla.

74. _Two._ no. 3. Julias Caesar; caput laureatum. 5 15 0 [Transcriber's Note: Julius] no. 4. Marcus Junius Brutus.

75. _Two._ no. 5. Marcus Junius Brutus; cum caduceo. 2 17 6 no. 6. Lepidus; cum lituo.

76. _Two._ no. 7. Augusti caput; cum corona radiata. 4 14 6 no. 8. Augusti Pontificis maximi insign. &c.

77. _Two._ no. 9. Marcellii Octaviae, filii Augusti nepotis caput: opus elegantissimum. 3 0 0 no. 10. Liviae protome: cum capite laureato et velato pectore: simul Tiberii pueri prope adstantis caput arboris ignotae foliis redimitum.

78. _Two._ no. 11. Tiberii caput juvenile. 3 3 0 no. 12. Germanici togati protome; cum capite laureato, facie plena, &c.

79. _Two._ no. 13. Agrippinae majoris uxoris Germanici & Caligulae matris caput laureatum; sub effigie Dianae. 5 5 0 no. 14. Ejusdem Agrippinae: sub effigie Cereris.

80. _Two._ no. 15. Galbae caput laureatum. 1 19 0 no. 16. Ejusdem Galbae caput.

81. _Two._ no. 17. Nervae togati protome; cum capite laureato, plena facie; opus pulcherrimum. 4 4 0 no. 18. Ejusdem Nervae caput.

82. _Two._ no. 19. Marcianae, Trajani sororis, caput. 10 10 0 no. 20. Sabinae Hadriani uxoris caput.

83. _Two._ no. 21. Antinoi caput, cum pectore velato. 5 0 0 no. 22. Caracalla togati protome facie plena.

84. _Two._ no. 23. Caracallae caput laureatum. 1 18 0 no. 24. Juliae Domnae, Severi uxoris, caput.

85. _Two._ no. 25. Laocoontes caput. 7 7 0 no. 26. Semiramidis, vel potius Musae, caput cum pectore.

86. _Three._ no. 27. Minervae Alcidiae caput galeatum; operis egregii, edit. var. 3 8 0

87. _Two._ no. 28. Phocionis caput. 3 3 0 no. 29. Jovis et Junonis capita jugata.

88. _Three._ no. 30. Veneris caput. 4 14 6 no. 31. Bacchae caput var.

89. _Two._ no. 32. Hercules Bibax, stans. 15 4 6 no. 33. Bacchus, stans.

90. _Two._ no. 34. Faunus tigridis pelli insidens, cauda, &c. 9 9 0 no. 35. Athleta, stans, qui dextra manus trigelem, &c.

91. _Two._ no. 36. Mercurius stans. 4 14 6 no. 37. Mars, stans, armatus.

92. _Two._ no. 38. Miles de rupe descendens, eximii sculptoris Graeci opus. 7 0 0 no. 39. Diomedes Palladio potitus cum Ulysse altercatione contendit.

93. _Two._ no. 40. Dei Marini natantes. 5 10 0 no. 41. Miles vulneratus a militibus duobus sustentatur.

94. _Two._ no. 42. Miles militi vulnerato opitulato. 3 3 0 no. 43. Mulier stolata cum virgine.

95. _Two._ no. 44. Faunus pelle caprina ex humeris pendente vestitus; pedem super suggestum ignotae figurae figit et infantem genu sustinet. no. 45. Alexandri magni effigies.

96. _Two._ no. 46. Aeneam Diomedes a saxo percussum conservat. 8 18 0 no. 47. Pompeiae cujusdam ob victoriam partam descriptio.

97. _Two._ no. 48. Amazon Amazonem morientem } sustinet juxta equus. } 6 16 6 } 98. no. 49. Fragmen Gemmae Bacchi, &c. }

99. _One._ no. 50. Nuptiae Psyches et Cupidonis, _Rariss._ 4 14 6

100. _One._ no. 50. Ditto, Ditto, _Rariss._ 8 8 0

101. _One._ Frontispiece to SECOND VOLUME; _Proof, before the inscription on the arms; very rare_. 5 5 0

102. _Two._ no. 1. Ptolomaeus. } } 1 10 0 103. no. 2. Metrodorus. }

104. _Two._ no. 3. Socrates et Plato. 3 3 0 no. 5. Sappho.

105. _Two._ no. 8. Ignotum caput Scyllacis opus. 2 0 0 no. 9. Ignotum caput.

106. _Two._ no. 11. Medusa. 3 3 0 no. 18. Hercules et Iole.

107. _Two._ no. 19. L. Junius Brutus. 2 2 0 no. 20. Annibal.

108. _Two._ no. 22. Mecaenes. 1 18 0 no. 25. Drusus Tiberii filius.

109. _Two._ no. 31. Caput ignotum, Antonini forsan junioris. 2 2 0 no. 36. Equi.

110. _Two._ no. 38. Mercurii templum. 3 3 0 no. 40. Coronis.

111. _Two._ no. 41. Cupidonis. 2 12 6 no. 45. Faunus.

112. _Three._ no. 46. Omphale incedens. 3 13 5 no. 48. Biga, var.

113. _Two._ no. 50. Silenus, tigris, &c. var. 3 0 0

114. _Two._ The vignette to the second volume; _Proof, very fine, and etching, perhaps, unique_. 7 10 0

For an interesting account of the engravings of the DEVONSHIRE GEMS--the rival publication of those from the Marlborough collection--the reader may consult Mr. Beloe's _Anecdotes of Literature and Scarce Books_; vol. I. 182-6. The entire collection of Mr. Woodhouse's prints produced 3595_l._ 17_s._ 6_d._

We will now make handsome mention of the BIBLIOTHECA WOODHOUSIANA. _A Catalogue of the entire, elegant, and valuable Library of John Woodhouse, Esq., comprising a rich and extensive collection of books, &c. Sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, December, 1803._ 8vo. The collection was rather choice and rich, than extensive: having only 861 articles. Some of the rarest editions in old English Literature were vigorously contended for by well-known collectors: nor did the Library want beautiful and useful works of a different description. The following specimens will enable the reader to form a pretty correct estimate of the general value of this collection.

no. 8. Antonie (the Tragedie of) doone into English by the Countesse of Pembroke, R.M. g.l. Lond. 1595. 12mo. L5 5_s._ 0_d._

24. Barnabee's Journal, with Bessie Bell, _First Edit. B.M. g.l._ 1648. 12mo. 2 10 0

30. Bastard's (Thomas) Chrestoleros, seven Bookes of Epigrammes, _G.M. g.l._ 1598. 12mo. 5 15 6

76. Chaucer, by Tyrwhitt, with the Glossary, G.M. g.l. 5 vol. 1775. 8vo. 6 0 0

82. Cokain's (Sir Aston) Poems and Plays, _with head_, R.M. g.l. 2 vol. 1662. 8vo. 4 0 0

97. A Paire of Turtle Doves, or the History of Bellora and Fidelio, bl. l. 4to. _see MS. note by Steevens_, 1606. 5 5 0

160. Burnet's History of his own Times, _large paper_, R.M. g.l. 2 vol. 1724. 4to. 5 15 6

198. Dodsley's Collection of Old Plays, _large paper_, 12 vols. 1780. 8vo. _Only six copies printed in this manner._ 14 14 0

313. Latham's General Synopsis of Birds, with Index, 9 vols. with reverse plates, elegantly painted by Miss Stone, now Mrs. Smith: R.M. g.m.l. 4to. 'N.B. _Of the above set of books, there are only_ 6 copies.' 40 0 0

314. Clarendon's History of the Rebellion, with his Life, large paper, 4 vols. _boards, uncut_, 1707, 1750, fol. 15 15 0

350. Heath's Chronicle, _frontispiece and heads_, R.M. g.l. 1663. 2 vols. 8vo. 5 5 0

394. Knight's Life of Colet, _large paper_; plates, elegant, in light brown calf, g.l.m. 1724, 8vo. 5 10 0

395. Knight's Life of Erasmus, _large paper_, plates, elegant, in light brown calf, g.l.m. 1726, 8vo. 9 9 0

431. Lewin's Birds of Great Britain, with the Eggs accurately figured, elegantly painted with back ground, 7 vols. in 3. _A superb copy, in g.m. g.m.l._ 1789, 4to. 28 7 0

473. Martyn's Universal Conchologist; English Entomologist: and Aranei, or Natural History of Spiders, 4 vols. elegantly coloured. _A superb copy_, in R.M. g.m.l. 1789, 92, and 93, 4to. 33 12 0

490. Harrison's Seven Triumphal Arches, in honor of James I., all the [seven] parts complete; _curious and very rare_, R.M. g.l. 1604. folio. 27 6 0

493. Hearne and Bryne's Antiquities and Views in Great Britain, _proof impressions_, M. g.l. 1786, oblong folio. 16 0 0

586. Skelton's (Mayster) Poems: Colyn Clout, _Lond. by John Whygte_. Whi come ye not to Courte; _Lond. by John Whygte_. Phillyp Sparow; Speak Parot; Death of the Noble Prynce, &c. See note. _Lond. by John Kynge and Thomas Marshe_. Merie Tales; _unique_, see note. _Lond. by Thomas Colwell_, 5 vol. bl. l. R.M. g.l. 12mo. 23 0 0

624. Monument of Matrons, containing seven severall lamps of Virginitie, by Thomas Bentley; bl. l. R. 3 vols. 1582, 4to. 16 5 6

632. Nychodemus Gospell, wood-cuts, bl. l. g.l. R.M. _Lond. Wynkyn de Worde_, 1511, 4to. 6 16 6

640. Pennant's History of Quadrupeds, boards, _uncut, large paper, proof plates_, 1793, 4to. 6 6 0

692. The late Expedition in Scotlande, made by the Kinges Hyhnys Armye, under the conduit of the Ryht Honourable the Earl of Hertforde, the yere of our Lorde God, 1544. bl. l. R.M. g.l. _Lond. by Reynolde Wolfe_, 1554, 8vo. 16 16 0

762. Sommers's (Lord) Collection of scarce and valuable Tracts, 19 vols. R. g.l. 1748, 50, 51, 52, folio. 85 1 0

780. Temple of Glas, bl. l. See notes by G. Mason. _Wynkyn de Worde, no date_, 4to. 8 8 0

795. Tour (A) through the South of England, Wales, and part of Ireland, in 1791, large paper, proof plates, coloured, 1793. N.B. "Of the above book only six copies were printed." 8 8 0

806. Vicar's England's Parliamentary Chronicle, R. g.l. complete, 4 parts, 3 vols. 1646, 4to. 12 0 0

829. Speed's Theatre of Great Britain, maps, R. g.l. m.l. _A remarkable fine copy_, 1611. 11 11 0

836. The Myrrour and Dyscrypcyon of the Worlde, with many Mervaylles, wood-cuts, B.M. g.l. _Emprynted by me Lawrence Andrewe_, 1527, folio. 26 0 0

837. The Recuile of the Histories of Troie, translated into English by William Caxton, very fair, B.M. g.l. _Imprynted at London by W. Copland_, 1553, fol. 23 0 0

852. The Myrroure of Golde for the Synfull Soule, bl. l. wood-cuts. _Imprynted at Lond. in the Fleete-strete, at the sygne of the Sun, by Wynkyn de Worde_, 1526, 4to. 12 1 6

856. Barclay's (Alexander) Egloges, out of a Boke named in Latin, Miserie Curialium, compyled by Eneas Sylvius, Poete and Oratour, bl. l. _woodcuts, five parts, and complete_, G.M. _Imprynted by Wynkyn de Worde_, 4to. 25 0 0

859. Holy Life and History of Saynt Werburge, very frutefull for all Christian People to rede. Poems, bl. l. G.M. _Imp. by Richard Pynson_, 1521, 4to. 31 10 0

Amount of the sale, 3135_l._ 4_s._]

PHIL. I attended the sale of Woodhouse's prints and books; and discovered at it as strong symptoms of the madness of which we are discoursing as ever were exhibited on a like occasion. I have the catalogue upon fine paper, which, however, is poorly printed; but I consider it rather a curious bibliographical morceau.

LYSAND. Make the most of it, for it will soon become scarce. And now--notwithstanding my former boast to do justice to the remaining bibliomaniacal characters of respectability--as I find my oral powers almost exhausted, I shall barely mention the sales, by auction, of the collections of WILKES, RITSON, and BOUCHER[412]--although I ought to mention the _Bibliotheca Boucheriana_ with more respect than its two immediate predecessors; as the collector was a man endowed with etymological acumen and patience; and I sincerely wish the public were now receiving the benefit of the continuation of his Dictionary; of which the author published so excellent a specimen, comprehending only the letter A. Dr. Jamieson has, to be sure, in a great measure done away the melancholy impression which lexicographical readers would otherwise have experienced--by the publication of his own unrivalled "_Scottish Dictionary_;" yet there is still room enough in the literary world for a continuation of Boucher.

[Footnote 412: It did not, perhaps, suit Lysander's notions to make mention of book-sales to which no collectors' names were affixed; but, as it has been my office, during the whole of the above conversation, to sit in a corner and take notes of what our book-orator has said, as well to correct as to enlarge the narrative, I purpose, gentle reader, prefacing the account of the above noticed three collections by the following bibliomaniacal specimen: '_A Catalogue of a capital and truly valuable Library, the genuine property of a Gentleman of Fashion, highly distinguished for his fine taste_,' &c.: sold by auction by Mr. Christie, May, 1800, 8vo. 326 articles: amount of the sale, 1828_l._ 18_s._; being nearly 6_l._ an article. Now for the beloved specimens:

NO. 35. Baptistae Portae de Humana Physiognomia, _with wood-cuts. Hanoviae_, 1593, et Johannis Physiophili Opuscula. _Aug. Vin._ 1784, 8vo. L0 19_s._ 0_d._

38. Officium Beatae Virginis. _This unique_ MANUSCRIPT _on vellum of the 14th century, is enriched with highly finished Miniature Paintings, and is one of the most perfect and best preserved missals known in England._ 20 9 6

40. A complete set of the Barbou Classics, 68 vols. _elegantly bound in green_ (_French_) morocco, with gilt leaves, 8vo. 35 14 0

94. Gesta et Vestigia Danorum extra Daniam, 3 v. _large paper, with a portrait in satin of the Prince to whom it is dedicated, Lips: et Hafn_: 1740, 4to. _Black morocco, gilt leaves._ N.B. 'It is supposed that the Rolliad was taken from this work.' 10 10 0

133. Brittania, Lathmon, et villa Bromhamensis, poematia; _Bodoni, Parma_, 1792, _red morocco_, folio. 9 19 6

211. Contes des Fees; Paris, 1781, 8vo. 4 vols. IMPRIMEE SUR VELIN. This unique copy is ornamented with nineteen original drawings, and was made for the late Madame Royale: _elegantly bound in blue morocco and enclosed in a morocco case_. 35 14 0

237. Memoires du Comte de Grammont. _Edition printed for the Comte d'Artois._ _Par._ 1781. 8vo. This beautiful small work, from the text of which Harding's edition was copied, is adorned with several high finished portraits in miniature, painted by a celebrated artist, and is elegantly bound in green morocco, with morocco case. 15 15 3

317. L'antiquite Expliquee, par Montfaucon, with fine plates; _large paper copy_, 15 vol. red (French) _morocco, with gilt leaves_; and Monarchie Francoise, 5, v. l. p. _correspondently bound_, folio. 63 0 0

318. Anacreontis Carmina, Gr. et Lat. from a MS. in the Vatican of the tenth century: with _beautiful coloured miniatures by Piale, appropriate to each ode, in rich morocco binding_. _Romae_, 1781. folio. 56 14 0

Early in the year in which this collection was disposed of, the very beautiful choice, and truly desirable library of GEORGE GALWAY MILLS, Esq. was sold by auction by Mr. Jeffery, in February, 1800. My copy of this well-executed catalogue is upon _large paper_; but it has not the prices subjoined. Meanwhile let the sharp-sighted bibliomaniac look at no. 28, 68, 85, 106, 181, 412, 438, only. Thus it will be seen that the year 1800 was most singularly distinguished for _Book-Auction Bibliomaniacism_!

We now proceed to notice the sales of the libraries of those bibliomaniacs above mentioned by Lysander. _A catalogue of the very valuable Library of the late_ JOHN WILKES, Esq., M.P., _&c., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, in November_, 1802, 8vo.: 1478 articles. There are few articles, except the following deserving of being extracted.

NO. 139. Bernier Theologie Portatif, Lond. 1768--Boulanger Recherches sur l'Origine du Despotisme Oriental, morocco, gilt leaves. Lond. 1763, 8vo. 'N.B. The "Recherches" were printed by Mr. Wilkes, at his own private printing press, in Great George Street, Westminster, in 1763.'

383. Catullus, recensuit Johannes Wilkes; _impress. in Membranis_, red morocco, gilt leaves. Lond. ap. Nichols, 1788, 4to.

395. Copies taken from the Records of the C. of K.B. 1763. "Note in this book--printed by P.C. Webe, one of the solicitors to the Treasury, never published," &c.

1441. Theophrasti Characteres: Graece, Johannes Wilkes, recensuit. _Impress. in Membranis_, Lond. 1790, 4to.

1460. Wilkes's History of England, no. I. 1768, 4to.

Next comes the account of the Library of that redoubted champion of ancient lore, and anti-Wartonian critic, Joseph Ritson. His books, upon the whole, brought very moderate sums. _A Catalogue of the entire and curious Library and Manuscripts of the late_ JOSEPH RITSON, Esq., _&c., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, December_ 5, 1803, 8vo.

NO. 521. Skelton's (Maister) Workes, MS. notes, and lists of the different editions of Skelton's Works, and likewise of those never printed; and of these last, in whose possession many of them are, 1736, 8vo. L0 18_s._ 0_d._

600. Jeffrey of Monmouth's British History, by Thompson; a great number of MS. notes, on separate papers, by Mr. Ritson. Lond. 1718, 8vo. 1 5 0

950. The Sevin Seages. Translatit out of Paris in Scottis meter, be Johne Rolland in Dalkeith, with one Moralitie after everie Doctouris Tale, and siclike after the Emprice Tale, togidder with one loving landaude to everie Doctour after his awin Tale, and one Exclamation and outcrying upon the Emprerouris Wife after his fals contrusit tale. _Imprentit at Edinburgh, be Johne Ros, for Henrie Charteris_, 1578, 4to. "Note in this book by Mr. Ritson; No other copy of this edition is known to exist, neither was it known to Ames, Herbert," &c. &c. 31 10 0

964. A new Enterlude, never before this tyme imprinted, entreating of the Life and Repentance of Marie Magadelene [Transcriber's Note: Magdalene], not only godlie, learned and fruitfull, but also well furnished with pleasant myrth and pastime, very delectable for those which shall heare or reade the same, _made by the learned Charke [Transcriber's Note: Clarke] Lewis Wager--printed_ 1567, MS. 1 11 6

985. Bibliographia Scotica; Anecdotes biographical and literary of Scotish Writers, Historians, and Poets, from the Earliest account to the nineteenth century, in two parts, intended for publication. 45 3 0

986. Shakspeare, by Johnson and Steevens, 8 vols. containing a great number of manuscript notes, corrections, &c. &c. together with 3 vols. of manuscript notes, by Mr. Ritson, prepared by him for the press, intending to publish it. 110 0 0

The year ensuing (of which Lysander has, very negligently, taken no notice) was distinguished for the sale of a collection of books, the like unto which had never been seen, since the days of the dispersion of the Parisian collection. The title of the auction catalogue was, in part, as follows: _A Catalogue of a most splendid and valuable collection of Books, superb missals, original drawings, &c. the genuine property of a Gentleman of distinguished taste, retiring into the country, &c._ Sold by auction by Mr. Christie, April, 1804, 8vo. 339 articles: total amount, 4640_l._--being almost 14_l._ an article. I attended both days of this sale and the reader shall judge of my own satisfaction, by that which _he_ must receive from a perusal of the following specimens of this _Bibliotheca Splendidissima_.

NO. 221. A most complete set of Sir William Dugdale's Works, containing Monasticon Anglicanum, in 5 vols. 1655; Monasticon, vol. 1, editio secunda, 2 vols.; Monasticon, in English, with Steevens's Continuation, 3 vols.; Warwickshire, first edition; Warwickshire, second edition, by Thomas, 2 vols.; St. Paul's, first and second edition, 2 vols.; Baronage, 2 vols.; History of Imbanking, first and second editions, 2 vols.; Origines Juridiciales, third edition; View of the Troubles; Summons of the Nobility; Usage of Arms and office of Lord Chancellor. _This fine set of Dugdale is elegantly bound in Russia leather in 23 volumes._ L136 10_s._ 0_d._

(Now worth 250_l._)

222. Biographia Britannica, 7 vols. 1747, folio. A matchless set illustrated with portraits, fine and rare, and _elegantly bound in Russia leather_. 99 15 0

223. Homeri Ilias et Odyssea, 4 vols. Glasgow, 1756, fol. An unique copy, on _large paper_, illustrated with Flaxman's plates to the Iliad, and original drawings, by Miss Wilkes, to the Odyssey; _superbly bound in blue Turkey_. 39 18 0

225. Milton's Poetical Works, large paper, Tonson, 1695. Milton's Historical Works, &c., by Birch, 2 vols. large paper, 1738, 3 vols. _elegantly bound in Russia leather_. 5 10 0

229. Ogilby's Historical Works, containing Britannia, China, 2 vols. Japan, Asia, Africa, and America, with fine plates by Hollar, 7 vols. folio, _fine copy in Russia_. 18 18 0

234. Lord Clarendon's History of the Grand Rebellion, 6 vols. folio, _large paper, splendidly bound in morocco_, 1702. 49 7 0

235. Winwood's Memorials of Affairs of State, 3 vols. 1725. _Large Paper, elegantly bound, and gilt leaves_. 5 18 0

239. Wood's Athenae Oxonienses, 2 vols. best edition, 1721. _A fine copy on Large Paper, elegantly bound in Russia, with gilt leaves_, Fol. 7 17 6

From no. 292 to 307, inclusive (only 14 volumes), there was a set of "_Painted Missals and curious manuscripts_," which were sold for 724_l._ Among them, was Mr. John Towneley's matchless missal, decorated by the famous Francesco Veronese--"one of the finest productions of the kind ever imported from Italy:" see no. 296. For an account of the books PRINTED UPON VELLUM in this collection, see PART VI. Let us close this note with the _Bibliotheca Boucheriana_; of which such respectable mention is above justly made by Lysander. "_A Catalogue of the very valuable and extensive Library of the late_ REV. JONATHAN BOUCHER, _A.M., F.R.S., Vicar of Epsom, Surrey. Comprehending a fine and curious collection in Divinity, History, &c.: sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby; in February_, 1806." _First part_, 6646 articles: _Second part_, 1933 articles: _Third part_, published in 1809: 857 articles. I attended many days during this sale; but such was the warm fire, directed especially towards divinity, kept up during nearly the whole of it, that it required a heavier weight of metal than I was able to bring into the field of battle to ensure any success in the contest. I cannot help adding that these catalogues are wretchedly printed.]

Ah, well-a-day!--have I not come to the close of my BOOK-HISTORY? Are there any other bibliomaniacs of distinction yet to notice? Yes!--I well remember the book-sale events of the last four years. I well remember the curiosity excited by the collections of the MARQUIS OF LANSDOWNE, JOHN BRAND, ISAAC REED, RICHARD PORSON, ALEXANDER DALRYMPLE, and RICHARD GOUGH,[413] and with these I must absolutely make my bibliomaniacal peroration! Illustrious men!----

[Footnote 413: For the same reason as has been adduced at p. 427, ante, and from a strong wish to render this _List of Book Auctions_ as perfect as my opportunities will allow, I shall persevere, at the foot of Lysander's narrative, in submitting to the attention of the curious reader a still further account of sales than those above alluded to in the text. As this will be the last note in PART V., I hope, however late the hour, or exhausted his patience, that the reader will also persevere to the close of it, and then wish the author "good night," along with his friends, whose salutations are above so dramatically described. At the very opening of the year in which Mr. Boucher's books were sold, the magnificent collection of the Marquis of Lansdowne was disposed of. I well remember the original destination of this numerous library: I well remember the long, beautiful, and classically ornamented room, in which, embellished and guarded by busts, and statues of gods and heroes, the books were ranged in quiet and unmolested order, adjoining to the noblest mansion in London. If the consideration of external, or out-of-door, objects be put out of the question, this Library-room had not its superior in Great Britain. Let us now come to particulars: "_Bibliotheca Lansdowniana. A Catalogue of the entire Library of the late most noble William_ MARQUIS OF LANSDOWNE; _sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, &c. January_, 1806." 8vo. The following is but a slender specimen of the printed books in the Lansdowne collection.

NO. 359. Arthur Kynge (the story of the most noble and Worthy) the whiche was fyrst of the worthyes christen, and also of his noble and valyaunt knyghtes of the Round Table; _newly imprynted and corrected, black letter, title-page emblazoned, Turkey. Imp. at Lond. by Wyllyam Coplande_, 1557, folio. In the collection of Mr. Dent. L25 0_s._ 0_d._

361. Ashmole's (Elias) Institution, Laws, and Ceremonies of the Order of the Garter, plates by Hollar, _L. Paper, green morocco, border of gold, gilt leaves_, 1672, folio. 10 10 0

1384. Chronica del Rey Don Alonso el Onzeno, Roy de Castilla, &c. _Liter. Goth. Mar. verd. Volladolid [Transcriber's Note: Valladolid]._ 1551, folio. 11 11 0

1385. ---- del Rey Don Pedro. D. Enrrique [Transcriber's Note: Enrique], y D. Juan, _Pampl._ 1591, folio. 5 15 6

1386. ---- des Reys de Portugal, D. Joanno I. D. Duarte, e D. Alfonso, _Lisboa_, 1543, folio. 4 2 0

2499. Gazette, London, from the beginning, 1665 to 1722 inclusive, 73 vol. folio. 84 0 0

3438. Leyes del Reyno, del Don Philippe II. Recopilacion de las, 2 tom. Alcala, 1581. folio. 1 5 0

3439. ---- de los Reynos de las Indias, del Don Carlos II. 2 tom. Madrid, 1681, folio. 3 10 0

4108. Money; a very curious Collection of Single Sheets, &c., and with several MS. Memorandums and Papers on that Subject, bound in one volume. 10 10 0

5544. Somers' (Lord) Tracts, 16 vol. Lond. 1748, 52. 63 0 0

5786. Stuart's (James) Antiquities of Athens, plates, 3 vol. 1787, 94, folio. 16 16 0

5787. Stukeley's (Wm.) Itinerary, cuts, _Russia_, 2 vol. in vol. 1, 1776, folio. 21 0 0

5916. A very rare collection of Tracts, Documents, and Pamphlets, consisting of above 280 volumes, tending to illustrate the History of the French Revolution--together with more than 49 volumes relative to the transactions in the Low Countries, between the years 1787 and 1792, and their separation from the house of Austria:--amongst the above will be found the following works.

Des Etats Generaux, &c. Par. 1789. 18 vol. Process Verbaux de la premiere Assemblee, 75 vol. Ditto de la seconde 16 vol. Ditto de la Convocation 32 vol.

Revolution Francoise, 20 vol. from 1790 to 1803, wanting vol. 1, 2, and 13.

La Bastile Devoilee. Par. 1789.

Sir James M'Intosh's Vindiciae Gallicae, and numerous pieces relative to the Constitution and Administration of the French Government, in its Executive, Legislative, Judicial, and Financial Departments, by Messrs. Mirabeau, Turgot, Barrere, Calonne, Necker, &c. 168 0 0

I should observe that the PRINTS or ENGRAVINGS of the Marquis, together with the _printed prices_ for which they, and the foregoing library, were sold, are usually added to the Catalogue of the Books. In the spring of 1807, the MANUSCRIPTS belonging to the same noble collector were catalogued to be sold by public auction. These manuscripts, in the preface of the _first_ volume of the Catalogue, are said to 'form one of the noblest and most valuable private collections in the kingdom.' It is well known that the collection never came to the hammer; but was purchased by parliament for 6000_l._, and is deposited in the British Museum. A catalogue of it is now _sub prelo_; vide p. 89, ante. We are next to notice the sale by auction of the library of the late Rev. John Brand. The first part of this collection was disposed of in the Spring of 1807; and the catalogue had this title: _Bibliotheca Brandiana. A Catalogue of the unique, scarce, rare, curious, and numerous collection of Works, &c., being the entire Library of the late_ REV. JOHN BRAND, _Fellow and Secretary of the Antiquarian Society, Author of the History of Newcastle, Popular Antiquities, &c. Sold by auction by Mr. Stewart_, May, 1807. This first part contained 8611 articles, or lots, of printed books; exclusively of 243 lots of manuscripts. Hereafter followeth, gentle reader, some specimens, selected almost at random, of the 'unique, scarce, rare, and curious' books contained in the said library of this far-famed Secretary of the Society of Antiquaries.

NO. 67. _Ane Compendious Booke of Godly and Spiritual Songs_, bl. lett. 8vo. Edinb. 1621. L4 4_s._ 0_d._

69. Academy of Pleasure, with portraits of Drayton, G. Withers, F. Quarles, and B. Jonson, Lon. 1656, 8vo. 2 17 6

109. A Curtaine Lecture, _rare and curious_, frontispiece, Lond. 1637, 8vo. 0 15 0

110. A Banquet of Jests, or Change of Cheare, with portrait of Archee, the King's jester. _Rare._ Lond. 1659, 8vo. 4 10 0

227. Arnold's Chronicle of the Customs of London, a fine copy, perfect, _printed by Pynson_, fol. 1521. 18 18 0

241. An Alvearie, or Quadruple Dictionarie, by Baret. Francof. fol. 1580. 3 5 0

242. Dyalogue of Dives and Pauper, _that is to say, the Rich and the Pore, fructuously tretyng upon the Ten Commandments_, black-letter, printed by Pynson, fol. 1493. 4 3 0

272. Allot's England's Parnassus, 8vo. 1600. 2 10 0

282. A Booke of Fishing, with hooke and line, 1600, 8vo. A Booke of Engines and Traps to take Polcats, Buzzards, Rats, Mice, &c. cuts, _very rare_, [See p. 305, ante.] 3 3 0

283. Archy's Dream, sometimes jester to his Majestie, but expelled the court by Canterbury's malice, _very rare_, 8vo. 1 13 0

337. A new Dialogue between the Angell of God and Shepherdes in the Felde, black-letter. _Pr. by Day_, 8vo. 2 10 0

381. A Dialogue betweene two Neighbours, concernyng Ceremonyes in the first year of Queen Mary, black-letter, with portrait of Mary, by Delarum, from Roane, by Michelwood, 1554, 8vo. 2 12 6

417. A short Inuentory of certayne idle Inventions, black-letter, _very rare_. 2 15 0

418. A Juniper Lecture, with the Description of all Sorts of Women, good and bad, _very rare_. Lond. 1639, 8vo. 1 16 0

454. A Quip for an Upstart Courtier; or a Quaint Dispute betweene Velvet Breeches and Cloth Breeches, wherein is set Downe the Disorders in all Estates and Trades, _with portraits_. Lond. printed by G.P., 1620, 4to. 2 16 0

462. Articles to be enquired into by various Bishops, &c., in their Visitations; upwards of one hundred; _a very curious, scarce, and unique collection_, 4to. 2 2 0

802. Barbiere (John) the famous Game of Chesse Play, cuts, 1673. The most ancient and learned play, The Philosopher's Game, invented for the Honourable Recreation of the Studious, by W.F., black-letter, 1563, 4to. 2 4 0

1300. A Plaister for a Galled Horse, _very rare_, 1548, 4to. [See Herbert's Ames, vol. i. 581: and p. 239; ante.] 3 17 6

1312. A Counter Blaste to Tobacco. Lond. 1604, 4to. 0 17 0

1326. Bentley's (Thos.) Monument of Matrons, containing seven severall Lamps of Virginitie, or Distinct Treatises, collated and perfect, a very fine copy, extremely rare and curious, _imprinted at London, by Thomas Dawson, for William Seres, extremely rare_, black-letter, 1582, 4to. 8 18 6

1334. Bert (Edmund) an approved Treatise of Hawkes and Hunting. Lond. 1619, 4to. 1 10 0

1540. Burton (Wm.) Seven Dialogues, black-letter. Lond. 1606. George Whetstone's Mirrour for Magistrates of cities, b.l., printed by Richard Jones, 1584, 4to. 3 13 6

1542. Byshop's (John) beautifull Blossomes, black-letter, imprinted by Henrie Cockyn, 1577, 4to. 4 10 0

1754. Characters (viz.) The Surfeit to A.B.C. Lond. 1656. Dr. Lupton's London and Country carbonadoed and quartered into Seuerall Characters, 1632. Essayes and Characters, by L.G., 1661, 8vo. 4 7 0

2069. England's Jests refined and improved, 1660, 8vo. 2 14 0

2326. Catharo's Diogenes in his Singularitie, wherein is comprehended his merrie Baighting fit for all men's benefits: christened by him a _Nettle for Nice Noses_, by L.T., black-letter, 1591, 4to. 2 10 0

3523. Fages (Mrs.) Poems, Fames Roule, &c., _rare_, Lond. 1637, 4to. 5 15 6

7817. Stukeley's (Wm.) Itinerarium Curiosum; 2 _vols. in_ 1, _Russia_, folio. 14 14 0

8211. The blazon of Jealousie, written in Italian, by Varchi. Lond. 1615, 8vo. 2 6 0

8223. Tracts: Dial of Witches, 1603; Lancaster Witches, 1613; Trial of Yorkshire Witches, 1612; The Golden Fleece, 1626; Cage of Diabolical Possession, 4to. 2 8 0

8224. The most strange and admirable Discoverie of the three witches of Warboys, arraigned, convicted, and executed at the last assizes at Huntington; for bewitching the five daughters of Robert Throckmorton, Esq., and divers other persons, with sundrie devilish and grievous torments; and also for bewitching to death the Lady Crumwell. _Extra rare_, 4to. 4 0 0

8230. Witches apprehended, examined, and executed for notable villanies, by them committed both by land and water, with a strange and most true triall how to know whether a woman be a witch or not: _with the plate_. _Extra rare_, 4to. 3 5 0

8269. The Pleasure of Princes, the Art of Angling, together with the Ordering and Dieting of the Fighting Cocke, 1635, 4to. 2 5 0

8296. The Knyght of the Toure; _a perfect and fine specimen of the father of English Printers_, 1484, folio. The reader (if he pleases) may consult my first volume, p. 202, of the _Typographical Antiquities of Great Britain_, for some account of this edition. 111 6 0

My copy of this first part of the Catalogue of Brand's books is upon _large paper, with the prices inserted in the margin_. The _second part_ of the BIBLIOTHECA BRANDIANA, containing duplicates and Pamphlets, was sold in February, 1808, by Mr. Stewart. There were 4064 articles. Few collections attracted greater attention before, and during, the sale than did the library of the late Mr. Isaac Reed: a critic and literary character of very respectable second-rate reputation. The public Journals teemed, for a time, with book-anecdotes concerning this collection; and the _Athenaeum_, _Monthly Mirror_, _Censura Literaria_, _European Magazine_, struck out a more bold outline of the Bibliotheca Reediana than did the generality of their fellow Journals. Reed's portrait is prefixed to the European Magazine, the Monthly Mirror, and the Catalogue of his own Books: it is an indifferently stippled scraping, copied from a fine mellow mezzotint, from the characteristic pencil of Romney. This latter is a private plate, and, as such, is rare. To return to the Library. The preface to the Catalogue was written by the Rev. H.J. Todd. It is brief, judicious, and impressive; giving abundant proof of the bibliomaniacal spirit of the owner of the library--who would appear to have adopted the cobler's well-known example of applying one room to almost every domestic purpose: for Reed made his library 'his parlour, kitchen, and hall.' A brave and enviable spirit this!--and, in truth, what is comparable with it? But the reader is beginning to wax impatient for a more particular account. Here it is: _Bibliotheca Reediana. A Catalogue of the curious and extensive Library of the late Isaac Reed, Esq., of Staple Inn, deceased. Comprehending a most extraordinary collection of books in English Literature, &c.: sold by auction, by Messrs. King and Lochee: November_, 1807, _8vo._ The following specimens of some of Reed's scarce volumes are copied, in part, from the account which was inserted in the _Athenaeum_, vol. iii., pp. 61, 157, under the extraordinary signatures of W. Caxton and W. de Worde.

NO. 5867. A Portfolio of single-sheet Ballads. L15 15_s._ 0_d._

6661. Colman (W.) Death's Duel, 8vo., _frontispiece_. 7 15 0

6685. Barnefield's Affectionate Shepherd, _very rare_, 4to. 1594. 15 10 0

6713. A musical Concort of Heavenly Harmonie, called Churchyard's charitie. _See MS. notes in Churchyard's Pieces, by Steevens, Reed_, &c., 1595, 4to. 8 15 0

6714. Churchyard's lamentable and pitiable Description of the woeful Warres in Flanders, 1578, 4to. 4 19 0

6715. ---- a true Discourse of the succeeding Governors in the Netherlands, and the Civil Warres there begun in 1565, 4to.

6716. ---- a light Bundle of Lively Discourses, called Churchyard's Charge, presented as a New Year's Gift to the Earl of Savoy, 1589, 4to. 11 5 0

6717. ---- Challenge, b.l., 1580, with a copious Manuscript account of his works, by J. Reed, and a small octavo Tract, called A Discourse of Rebellion, 1570, 4to. 17 10 0

6755. Gascoigne (George) whole workes, _fine copy in Russia_, 4to., b.l., 1567. 15 5 0

6777. Cynthia, with certain Sonnets, _rare_, 1595, 8vo. 12 5 0

7479. Whetstone (George) Mirror of true Honor, and Christain [Transcriber's Note: Christian] Nobilitie, exposing the Life, Death, and Divine Vertues of Francis Earl of Bedford, b.l., 1585, 4to. 7 0 0

7705. Beaumont and Fletcher's Philaster; or Love lies a bleeding, _frontispiece_, 4to., 1620. 24 0 0

8536. Shakspeariana, a Large Assemblage of Tracts by various authors, relative to Shakspeare, neatly bound in 9 vols. 8vo. 23 0 0

8561. Stillingfleet (Benj.) Plays, never either finished or published. _The only copy ever seen by Mr. Reed._ 3 13 6

8676. A volume of unpublished and unprinted Fables, by John Ellis, scrivener and translator of Maphaeus. _Note by Mr. Reed:_ 'It was given to me by Mr. John Sewell, bookseller, to whom Mr. Ellis bequeathed his Manuscripts. See my account of Mr. Ellis in the European Magazine, Jan. 1792: large 4to.' The volume is enriched with fine engravings, appropriate to each Fable. 6 0 0

8833. Notitia Dramatica, both printed and manuscript; containing a Chronological Account of the chief Incidents relating to the English Theatres, from Nov. 1734, to 31st Dec. 1785. "Collected from various sources, but chiefly the Public Advertisers, which were lent me by Mr. Woodfall for the purpose. This volume contains the most material facts relating to the Theatres for the last fifty years, and will be useful to any person who may wish to compile a History of the Stage." Isaac Reed, Staple's Inn, Aug. 6. 1784. 41 0 0

Of this Catalogue, there are _only twelve copies_ printed upon LARGE PAPER; which were all distributed previous to the sale of the books. The common paper copies are very indifferently executed. The late Mr. George Baker had the completest _l.p._ copy of this catalogue in existence. Before we proceed to give an account of subsequent book-sales, it may be as well to pause for a few minutes--and to take a retrospective view of the busy scene which has been, in part, described: or rather, it may be no incurious thing to lay before the reader for a future century (when the ashes of the author shall have long mouldered into their native dust) a statement of the principal book-sales which took place from November, 1806, to November, 1807--at Messrs. Leigh and Sotheby's King and Lochee's, and Mr. Stewart's. The minor ones carried on under Covent-Garden Piazza, Tom's Coffee-house, &c., are not necessary to be noticed. In calculating the number of volumes, I have considered one article, or lot, with the other, to comprehend three volumes. The result is as follows.

_Book-Sales by Messrs._ LEIGH _and_ SOTHEBY.

Volumes.

Rev. Edward Bowerbank's library. 2200 Earl of Halifax's 2000 Mr. John Voigt's 6000 Sutton Sharpe's, Esq. 4000 George Mason's, ditto 3800 Mr. Burdon's 14000 Charles Bedford's, Esq. 3500 Rev. Charles Bathurst's 3000 Sir John Sebright's, Bt. (duplicates). 3300 Bishop Horsley's 4400 Mr. E. Edward's 1100 Lieut. Col. Thos. Velley's 2200 _Four miscellaneous_ 6000 ------ 55,500

_Book-Sales by_ KING _and_ LOCHEE.

Volumes. R. Foster's, Esq. library 5000 Dr. John Millar's 3500 Mr. C. Martin's 1000 Mr. Daniel Waldron's 1200 Rev. Thomas Towle's 3000 Mr. Brice Lambert's 2000 C. Dilly's 3000 Isaac Reed's 30000 _Six miscellaneous_ 8400 ------ 57,100

_Book-Sales by_ Mr. STEWART.

Mr. Law's library 4000 Lord Thurlow's 3000 Mr. William Bryant's 4500 Rev. W.W. Fitzthomas's 2000 Rev. John Brand's 17000 George Stubbs, Esq. 1800 _Three miscellaneous_ 4300 ------ 36,600

TOTAL

Sold by Messrs. Leigh and Sotheby 55500 Messrs. King and Lochee 57100 Mr. Stewart 36600 ------- 149,200

Such has been the circulation of books, within the foregoing period, by the hands of _three Auctioneers only_; and the prices which a great number of _useful_ articles brought is a sufficient demonstration that books are esteemed for their _intrinsic value_, as well as for the adventitious circumstances which render them _rare_ or _curious_. But prosterity [Transcriber's Note: posterity] are not to judge of the prevalence of knowledge in these times by the criterion of, what are technically called, _book-sales_ only. They should be told that, within the same twelve months, thousands and tens of thousands of books of all sorts have been circulated by the _London Booksellers_; and that, without travelling to know the number disposed of at Bristol, Liverpool, York, Manchester, or Exeter, it may be only necessary to state that _one distinguished House_ alone, established not quite a furlong from the railings of St. Paul's Cathedral, sold not far short of _two hundred thousand volumes_ within the foregoing period! If learning continue thus to thrive, and books to be considered as necessary furniture to an apartment; if wealthy merchants are resolved upon procuring Large Paper copies, as well as Indian spices and Russian furs; we may hail, in anticipation, that glorious period when the book-fairs of _Leipsic_ shall be forgotten in the superior splendour of those of _London_! But to return to our chronological order: The ensuing year, 1808, was distinguished for no small mischief excited in the bibliomaniacal world by the sales of many curious and detached libraries. The second part of Mr. Brand's collection which was sold in the spring of this year, has been already noticed. The close of the year witnessed the sales, by auction, of the books of SAMUEL EWER, Esq. (retiring into the country), and of Mr. MACHEL STACE, bookseller. The former collection was very strong in bibliography; and the latter presented a singularly valuable 'Collection of rare and select' books, relating to old English Literature elegantly bound: containing 2607 articles. Mr. Stace had published, the preceding year, '_A Catalogue of curious and scarce Books and Tracts_:' which, with the preceding, merit a snug place upon the bibliographer's shelf. We now enter upon a more busy year of sales of books by auction. The Bibliomania had only increased by the preceding displays of precious and magnificent volumes. And first came on, in magnitude and inportance [Transcriber's Note: importance], the sales of ALEXANDER DALRYMPLE and PROFESSOR PORSON. Of these in turn. _A Catalogue of the extensive and valuable Library of Books: