Chapter 15

=The Alcove.=

SYMPTOMS OF THE BIBLIOMANIA.----PROBABLE MEANS OF ITS CURE.

"One saith this booke is too long: another, too short: the third, of due length; and for fine phrase and style, the like [of] that booke was not made a great while. It is all lies, said another; the booke is starke naught."

_Choice of Change_; 1585. 4to., sign. N. i.

=The Alcove.=

SYMPTOMS OF THE BIBLIOMANIA.----PROBABLE MEANS OF ITS CURE.

Softly blew the breeze, and merrily sung the lark, when Lisardo quitted his bed-chamber at seven in the morning, and rang lustily at my outer gate for admission. So early a visitor put the whole house in commotion; nor was it without betraying some marks of peevishness and irritability that, on being informed of his arrival, I sent word by the servant to know what might be the cause of such an interruption. The reader will readily forgive this trait of harshness and precipitancy, on my part, when he is informed that I was then just enjoying the "honey dew" of sleep, after many wakeful and restless hours.

Lisardo's name was announced: and his voice, conveyed in the sound of song-singing, from the bottom of the garden, left the name of the visitor no longer in doubt. I made an effort, and sprung from my bed; and, on looking through the venetian blinds, I discovered our young bibliomaniacal convert with a book sticking out of his pocket, another half opened in his hand (upon which his eyes were occasionally cast), and a third kept firmly under his left arm. I thrust my head, "night-cap, tassel and all," out of window, and hailed him; not, however, before a delicious breeze, wafted over a bed of mignonette, had electrified me in a manner the most agreeable imaginable.

Lisardo heard, and hailed me in return. His eyes sparkled with joy; his step was quick and elastic; and an unusual degree of animation seemed to pervade his whole frame. "Here," says he, "here is _The British Bibliographer_[414] in my hand, a volume of Mr. Beloe's _Anecdotes of Literature and Scarce Books_ in my pocket, while another, of Mr. D'Israeli's _Curiosities of Literature_, is kept snugly under my arm, as a corps de reserve, or rallying point. If these things savour not of bibliography, I must despair of ever attaining to the exalted character of a Bibliomaniac!"

[Footnote 414: _The British Bibliographer_ is a periodical publication; being a continuation of a similar work under the less popular title of _The Censura Literaria_; concerning which see p. 52, ante. It is a pity that Mr. Savage does not continue his _British Librarian_; (of which 18 numbers are already published) as it forms a creditable supplement to Oldys's work under a similar title; vide p. 51, ante. A few of the ensuing numbers might be well devoted to an analysis of _Sir William Dugdale's_ works, with correct lists of the plates in the same.]

"You are up betimes," said I. "What dream has disturbed your rest?" "None" replied he; "but the most delightful visions have appeared to me during my sleep. Since you left Lorenzo's, I have sipt nectar with Leland, and drunk punch with Bagford. Richard Murray has given me a copy of Rastell's _Pastime of People_,[415] and Thomas Britton has bequeathed to me an entire library of the Rosicrusian[416] philosophy. Moreover, the venerable form of Sir Thomas Bodley has approached me; reminding me of my solemn promise to spend a few autumnal weeks,[417] in the ensuing year, within the precincts of his grand library. In short, half the bibliomaniacs, whom Lysander so enthusiastically commended last night, have paid their devoirs to me in my dreams, and nothing could be more handsome than their conduct towards me."

[Footnote 415: The reader may have met with some slight notices of this curious work in pp. 331; 337; 385; 392; 417; ante.]

[Footnote 416: See p. 332, ante.]

[Footnote 417: See p. 49, ante.]

This discourse awakened my friends, Lysander and Philemon; who each, from different rooms, put their heads out of window, and hailed the newly-risen sun with night caps which might have been mistaken for Persian turbans. Such an unexpected sight caused Lisardo to burst out into a fit of laughter, and to banter my guests in his usual strain of vivacity. But on our promising him that we would speedily join his peripatetic bibliographical reveries, he gave a turn towards the left, and was quickly lost in a grove of Acacia and Laurustinus. For my part, instead of keeping this promise, I instinctively sought my bed; and found the observation of Franklin,--of air-bathing being favourable to slumber,--abundantly verified--for I was hardly settled under the clothes 'ere I fell asleep: and, leaving my guests to make good their appointment with my visitor, I enjoyed a sweet slumber of more than two hours.

As early rising produces a keen appetite for bodily, as well as mental, gratification, I found my companions clamorous for their breakfast. A little before ten o'clock, we were all prepared to make a formal attack upon muffins, cake, coffee, tea, eggs, and cold tongue. The window was thrown open; and through the branches of the clustering vine, which covered the upper part of it, the sun shot a warmer ray; while the spicy fragrance from surrounding parterres, and jessamine bowers, made even such bibliomaniacs as my guests forgetful of the gaily-coated volumes which surrounded them. At length the conversation was systematically commenced on the part of Lysander.

LYSAND. To-morrow, Philemon and myself take our departure. We would willingly have staid the week; but business of a pressing nature calls _him_ to Manchester--and _myself_ to Bristol and Exeter.

LIS. Some bookseller,[418] I warrant, has published a thumping catalogue at each of these places. Ha!--here I have you, sober-minded Lysander! You are as arrant a book-madman as any of those renowned bibliomaniacs whom you celebrated yesterday evening!--Yet, if you love me, take me with you! My pistoles are not exhausted.

[Footnote 418: I ought to have noticed, under Lysander's eulogy upon _London Booksellers_ (see p. 308, ante) the very handsome manner in which Mr. Roscoe alludes to their valuable catalogues--as having been of service to him in directing his researches into foreign literature. His words are these: "The rich and extensive Catalogues published by EDWARDS, PAYNE, and other _London Booksellers_, who have of late years diligently sought for, and imported into England, whatever is curious or valuable in foreign literature, have also contributed to the success of my inquiries." _Lorenzo de Medici_: pref. p. XXVII., edit. 1800, 8vo.]

PHIL. Peace, Lisardo!--but you are, in truth, a bit of a prophet. It is even as you surmise. We have each received a forwarded letter, informing us of very choice and copious collections of books about to be sold at these respective places. While I take my departure for Mr. Ford of Manchester, Lorenzo is about to visit the book-treasures of Mr. Dyer of Exeter, and Mr. Gutch of Bristol:--but, indeed, were not this the case, our abode here must terminate on the morrow.

LIS. I suppose the names you have just mentioned describe the principal booksellers at the several places you intend visiting.

LYSAND. Even so: yet I will make no disparaging comparisons.[419] We speak only of what has come within our limited experience. There may be many brave and sagacious bibliopolists whose fame has not reached our ears, nor perhaps has any one of the present circle ever heard of the late Mr. Miller of Bungay;[420] who, as I remember my father to have said, in spite of blindness and multifarious occupations, attached himself to the book-selling trade with inconceivable ardour and success. But a word, Lisardo!

[Footnote 419: Lysander is right. Since the note upon Mr. Ford's catalogue of 1810 was written (see p. 123, ante), the same bookseller has put forth another voluminous catalogue, of nine thousand and odd articles; forming, with the preceding, 15,729 lots. This is doing wonders for a provincial town; and that a _commercial_ one!! Of Mr. Gutch's spirit and enterprise some mention has been made before at p. 404, ante. He is, as yet, hardly _mellowed_ in his business; but a few years only will display him as thoroughly _ripened_ as any of his brethren. He comes from a worthy stock; long known at our _Alma Mater Oxoniensis_:--and as a dutiful son of my University Mother, and in common with every one who is acquainted with his respectable family, I wish him all the success which he merits. Mr. George Dyer of Exeter is a distinguished _veteran_ in the book-trade: his catalogue of 1810, in two parts, containing 19,945 articles, has, I think, never been equalled by that of any provincial bookseller, for the value and singularity of the greater number of the volumes described in it. As Lysander had mentioned the foregoing book-vending gentlemen, I conceived myself justified in _appending_ this note. I could speak with pleasure and profit of the catalogues of booksellers to the _north of the Tweed_--(see p. 415, ante); but for fear of awaking all the frightful passions of wrath, jealousy, envy--I stop: declaring, from the bottom of my heart, in the language of an auld northern bard:

I hait flatterie; and into wourdis plane, And unaffectit language, I delyte:

(_Quod Maister Alexander Arbothnat; in anno_ 1572.)]

[Footnote 420: There is something so original in the bibliomanical character of the above-mentioned Mr. Miller that I trust the reader will forgive my saying a word or two concerning him. Thomas Miller of Bungay, in Suffolk, was born in 1731, and died in 1804. He was put apprentice to a grocer in Norwich: but neither the fragrance of spices and teas, nor the lusciousness of plums and figs, could seduce young Miller from his darling passion of reading, and of buying odd volumes of the _Gentleman's_ and _Universal Magazine_ with his spare money. His genius was, however, sufficiently versatile to embrace both trades; for in 1755, he set up for himself in the character of _Grocer_ and _Bookseller_. I have heard Mr. Otridge, of the Strand, discourse most eloquently upon the brilliant manner in which Mr. Miller conducted his complicated concerns; and which, latterly, were devoted entirely to the _Bibliomania_. Although Bungay was too small and obscure for a spirit like Miller's to disclose its full powers, yet he continued in it till his death; and added a love of portrait and coin, to that of book, collecting. For fifty years his stock, in these twin departments, was copious and respectable; and notwithstanding total blindness, which afflicted him during the last six years of his life, he displayed uncommon cheerfulness, activity, and even skill in knowing where the different classes of books were arranged in his shop. Mr. Miller was a warm loyalist, and an enthusiastic admirer of Mr. Pitt. In 1795, when provincial copper coins were very prevalent, our bibliomaniac caused a die of himself to be struck; intending to strike some impressions of it upon gold and silver, as well as upon copper. He began with the latter; and the die breaking when only 23 impressions were struck off, Miller, in the true spirit of numismatical _virtu_, declined having a fresh one made. View here, gentle reader, a wood-cut taken from the same: "This coin, which is very finely engraved, and bears a strong profile likeness of himself, is known to collectors by the name of 'THE MILLER HALFPENNY.' Mr. Miller was extremely careful into whose hands the impressions went; and they are now become so rare as to produce at sales from three to five guineas." _Gentleman's Magazine_; vol. lxxiv., p. 664.

LIS. Twenty, if you please.

LYSAND. What are become of Malvolio's busts and statues, of which you were so solicitous to attend the sale, not long ago?

LIS. I care not a brass farthing for them:--only I do rather wish that I had purchased the Count de Neny's _Catalogue of the Printed Books and Manscripts [Transcriber's Note: Manuscripts] in the Royal Library of France_. That golden opportunity is irrevocably lost!

PHIL. You wished for these books, to _set fire_ to them perhaps--keeping up the ancient custom so solemnly established by your father?[421]

[Footnote 421: The reader may not object to turn for one moment to p. 27, ante.]

LIS. No more of this heart-rending subject! I thought I had made ample atonement.

LYSAND. 'Tis true: and so we forgive and forget. Happy change!--and all hail this salubrious morning, which witnesses the complete and effectual conversion of Lisardo! Instead of laughing at our book-hobbies, and ridiculing all bibliographical studies--which, even by a bibliographer in the dry department of the law, have been rather eloquently defended and enforced[422]--behold this young bibliomaniacal chevalier, not daunted by the rough handling of a London Book-Auction, anxious to mount his courser, and scour the provincial fields of bibliography! Happy change! From my heart I congratulate you!

[Footnote 422: "Our nation (says Mr. Bridgeman) has been too inattentive to bibliographical criticisms and enquiries; for, generally, the English reader is obliged to resort to foreign writers to satisfy his mind as to the value of authors. It behoves us, however, to consider that there is not a more useful, or a more desirable branch of education than a knowledge of books; which, being correctly attained, and judiciously exercised, will prove the touchstone of intrinsic merit, and have the effect of saving many a spotless page from prostitution." _Legal Bibliography_; 1807, 8vo. (To the reader.)]

LIS. From the bottom of mine, I congratulate you, Lysander, upon the resuming of your wonted spirits! I had imagined that the efforts of yesterday would have completely exhausted you. How rapturously do I look forward for the SYMPTOMS OF THE BIBLIOMANIA to be told this morning in Lorenzo's ALCOVE! You have not forgotten your promise!

LYSAND. No, indeed; but if I am able to do justice to the elucidation of so important a subject, it will be in consequence of having enjoyed a placid, though somewhat transient, slumber: notwithstanding the occurrence of a very uncommon _dream_!

LIS. "I dreamt a dream last night;" which has been already told--but what was yours?

LYSAND. Nay, it is silly to entertain one another with stories of phantastic visions of the night. I have known the most placid-bosomed men grow downright angry at the very introduction of such a discourse.

PHIL. That may be; but we have, luckily, no such _placidly-moulded_ bosoms in the present society. I love this sort of gossipping during breakfast, of all things. If our host permit, do give us your dream, Lysander!

LIS. The dream!--The dream!--I entreat you.

LYSAND. I fear you will fall asleep, and dream yourself, before the recital of it be concluded. But I will get through it as well as I can.

Methought I was gently lifted from the ground into the air by a being of very superior size, but of an inexpressible sweetness of countenance. Although astonished by the singularity of my situation, I was far from giving way entirely to fear; but, with a mixture of anxiety and resignation, awaited the issue of the event. My Guide or Protector (for so this being must now be called) looked upon me with an air of tenderness, mingled with reproof; intimating, as I conceived, that the same superior Power, which had thus transported me above my natural element, would of necessity keep me in safety. This quieted my apprehensions.

We had travelled together through an immensity of space, and could discover the world below as one small darkened spot, when my Guide interrupted the awful silence that had been preserved, by the following exclamation: "Approach, O man, the place of thy destination--compose thy perturbed spirits, and let all thy senses be awakened to a proper understanding of the scene which thou art about to behold." So saying, he moved along with an indescribable velocity; and while my eyes were dazzled by an unusual effulgence of light, I found myself at rest upon a solid seat--formed of crystal, of prodigious magnitude.

My guide then fixed himself at my right hand, and after a vehement ejaculation, accompanied by gestures, which had the effect of enchantment upon me, he extended a sceptre of massive gold, decorated with emeralds and sapphires. Immediately there rose up a MIRROR of gigantic dimensions, around which was inscribed, in fifty languages, the word "TRUTH." I sat in mute astonishment. "Examine," said my Guide, with a voice the most encouraging imaginable, "examine the objects reflected upon the surface of this mirror." "There are none that are discernible to my eyes," I replied. "Thou shalt soon be gratified then," resumed this extraordinary being (with a severe smile upon his countenance), "but first let me purge thine eyes from those films of prejudice which, in the world you inhabit, are apt to intercept the light of TRUTH." He then took a handful of aromatic herbs, and, rubbing them gently upon my temples, gave me the power of contemplating, with perfect discernment, the objects before me.

Wonderful indeed was this scene: for upon the surface of the MIRROR the whole world seemed to be reflected! At first, I could not controul my feelings: but, like a child that springs forward to seize an object greatly beyond its grasp, I made an effort to leave my seat, and to _mingle_ in the extraordinary scene. Here, however, my guide interfered--and, in a manner the most peremptory and decisive, forbade all further participation of it. "_View_ it attentively," replied he, "and impress firmly on thy memory what thou shalt see--it may solace thee the remainder of thy days."

The authoritative air, with which these words were delivered, quite repressed and unnerved me. I obeyed, and intently viewed the objects before me. The first thing that surprised me was the representation of all the metropolitan cities of Europe. London, Paris, Vienna, Berlin, and Petersburg, in particular, occupied my attention; and, what was still _more_ surprising, I seemed to be perfect master of every event going on in them--but more particularly of the transactions of _Bodies Corporate_. I saw Presidents in their chairs, with Secretaries and Treasurers by their sides; and to whatever observations were made the most implicit attention was paid. Here, an eloquent Lecturer was declaiming upon the beauty of morality, and the deformity of vice: there, a scientific Professor was unlocking the hidden treasures of nature, and explaining how Providence, in all its measures, was equally wonderful and wise. The experiments which ensued, and which corroborated his ingenious and profound remarks, suspended a well-informed audience in rapturous attention; which was followed by instinctive bursts of applause.

Again I turned my eyes, and, contiguous to this scene, viewed the proceedings of two learned sister Societies, distinguished for their labours in _Philosophy_ and _Antiquity_. Methought I saw the spirits of NEWTON and of DUGDALE, looking down with complacency upon them, and congratulating each other upon the _general_ progress of civilization since they had ceased to mingle among men. "These institutions," observed my Guide, "form the basis of rational knowledge, and are the source of innumerable comforts: for the _many_ are benefitted by the researches and experiments of the _few_. It is easy to laugh at such societies, but it is not quite so easy to remedy the inconveniences which would be felt, if they were extinct. Nations become powerful in proportion to their wisdom; it has uniformly been found that where philosophers lived, and learned men wrote, there the arts have flourished, and heroism and patriotism have prevailed. True it is that discrepancies will sometimes interrupt the harmony of public bodies. But why is perfection to be expected, where every thing must necessarily be imperfect? It is the duty of man to make the _nearest approaches_ to public and private happiness. And if, as with a sponge, he wipe away such establishments, genius has little incentive to exertion, and merit has still less hope of reward. Now cast your eyes on a different scene."

I obeyed, and, within the same city, saw a great number of Asylums and Institutions for the ignorant and helpless. I saw youth instructed, age protected, the afflicted comforted, and the diseased cured. My emotions at this moment were wonderfully strong--they were perceived by my guide, who immediately begged of me to consider the manner by which _epidemic maladies_ were prevented or alleviated, and especially how _the most fatal of them_ had been arrested in its progress. I attentively examined the objects before me, and saw thousands of smiling children and enraptured mothers walking confidently 'midst plague and death! I saw them, happy in the protection which had been afforded them by the most useful and most nutritious of animals! "Enough," exclaimed my guide, "thou seest here the glorious result of a philosophical mind, gifted with unabatable ardour of experiment. Thou wilt acknowledge that, compared with the triumph which SUCH A MIND enjoys, the conquests of heroes are puerile, and the splendour of monarchy is dim!" During this strain, I fancied I could perceive the human being, alluded to by my guide, retire apart in conversation with another distinguished friend of humanity, by those unwearied exertions the condition of many thousand poor people had been meliorated.

"There is yet," resumed my guide, "another scene equally interesting as the preceding. From a pure morality flows a pure religion: look therefore on those engaged in the services of CHRISTIANITY." I looked, and saw a vast number of my fellow-creatures prostrate in adoration before their Creator and Redeemer. I fancied I could hear the last strains of their hallelujahs ascending to the spot whereon I sat. "Observe," said my Protector, "all do not worship in the same manner, because all assent not to the same creed; but the intention of each may be pure: at least, common charity teaches us thus to think, till some open act betray a malignity of principle. Toleration is the vital spark of religion: arm the latter with the whips of persecution, and you convert her into a fiend scattering terror and dismay! In your own country you enjoy a liberty of sentiment beyond every other on the face of the globe. Learn to be grateful for such an inestimable happiness."

These words had hardly escaped my guide, when I was irresistibly led to look on another part of the Mirror where a kind of imperial magnificence, combined with the severest discipline, prevailed. "You are contemplating," resumed my preternatural Monitor, "one of the most interesting scenes in Europe. See the effect of revolutionary commotions! While you view the sable spirit of the last monarch of France gliding along, at a distance, with an air of sorrow and indignation; while you observe a long line of legitimate princes, exiled from their native country, and dependant upon the contributions of other powers; mark the wonderful, the unparalleled reverse of human events! and acknowledge that the preservation of the finest specimens of art, the acquisition of every thing which can administer to the wants of luxury, or decorate the splendour of a throne--the acclamations of hired multitudes or bribed senates--can reflect little lustre on THAT CHARACTER which still revels in the frantic wish of enslaving the world! It is true, you see yonder, Vienna, Petersburg, Stockholm, and Berlin, bereft of their ancient splendour, and bowing, as it were, at the feet of a despot--but had these latter countries kept alive one spark of that patriotism which so much endears to us the memories of Greece and Rome--had they not, in a great measure, become disunited by factions, we might, even in these days, however degenerate, have witnessed something like that national energy which was displayed in the bay of Salamis, and on the plains of Marathon."

My Guide perceiving me to be quite dejected during these remarks, directed my attention to another part of the Mirror, which reflected the transactions of the _Western_ and _Eastern_ world.

At first, a kind of _mist_ spread itself upon the glass, and prevented me from distinguishing any object. This, however, gradually dissolved, and was succeeded by a thick, black smoke, which involved every thing in impenetrable obscurity. Just as I was about to turn to my guide, and demand the explanation of these appearances, the smoke rolled away, and instantaneously, there flashed forth a thousand bickering flames. "What," cried I, "is the meaning of these objects?" "Check, for one moment, your impatience, and your curiosity shall be gratified," replied my guide. I then distinctly viewed thousands of _Black Men_, who had been groaning under the rod of oppression, starting up in all the transport of renovated life, and shouting aloud "WE ARE FREE!" One tall commanding figure, who seemed to exercise the rights of a chieftain among them, gathered many tribes around him, and addressed them in the following few, but comprehensive, words: "Countrymen, it has pleased the Great God above to make man instrumental to the freedom of his fellow-creatures. While we lament our past, let us be grateful for our present, state: and never let us cease, each revolving year, to build an altar of stones to the memory, of that GREAT and GOOD MAN, who hath principally been the means of our FREEDOM FROM SLAVERY. No: we will regularly perform this solemn act, as long as there shall remain one pebble upon our shores."

"Thus much," resumed my Guide, "for the dawning felicities of the _western_ world: but see how the _eastern_ empires are yet ignorant and unsettled!" I was about to turn my eyes to Persia and India, to China and Japan, when to my astonishment, the surface of the Mirror became perfectly blackened, except in some few circular parts, which were tinged with the colour of blood. "The future is a fearful sight," said my Guide; "we are forbidden its contemplation, and can only behold the gloomy appearances before us: they are ominous ones!"

My mind, on which so many and such various objects had produced a confused effect, was quite overpowered and distracted. I leaned upon the arm of the chair, and, covering my face with my hands, became absorbed in a thousand ideas, when a sudden burst of thunder made me start from my seat--and, looking forward, I perceived that the MIRROR, with all its magical illusions had vanished away! My preternatural Guide then placed himself before me, but in an altered female form. A hundred various coloured wings sprung from her arms, and her feet seemed to be shod with sandals of rubies; around which numerous cherubs entwined themselves. The perfume that arose from the flapping of her wings was inexpressibly grateful; and the soft silvery voices of these cherubic attendants had an effect truly enchanting.

No language can adequately describe my sensations on viewing this extraordinary change of object. I gazed with rapture upon my wonderful Guide, whose countenance now beamed with benevolence and beauty. "Ah!" exclaimed I, "this is a vision of happiness never to be realized! Thou art a being that I am doomed never to meet with in the world below." "Peace:" whispered an unknown voice; "injure not thy species by such a remark: the object before thee is called by a name that is familiar to thee--it is 'CANDOUR.' She is the handmaid of Truth, the sister of Virtue, and the priestess of Religion."

I was about to make reply, when a figure of terrific mien, and enormous dimensions, rushed angrily towards me, and, taking me up in my crystal chair, bore me precipitately to the earth. In my struggles to disengage myself, I awoke: and on looking about me, with difficulty could persuade myself that I was an inhabitant of this world. My sensations were, at first, confused and unpleasant; but a reflection on the MIRROR OF TRUTH, and its divine expositor, in a moment tranquillized my feelings. And thus have I told you my dream.

* * * * *

Lysander had hardly concluded the recital of his dream--during which it was impossible for us to think of quaffing coffee or devouring muffins--when the servant entered with a note from Lorenzo:

"My dear Friend,

"The morning is propitious. Hasten to THE ALCOVE. My sisters are twining honey-suckles and jessamine round the portico, and I have carried thither a respectable corps of bibliographical volumes, for Lysander to consult, in case his memory should fail. All here invoke the zephyrs to waft their best wishes to you.

"Truly your's,

"LORENZO."

The note was no sooner read than we all, as if by instinct, started up; and, finishing our breakfast as rapidly as did the Trojans when they expected an early visit from the Grecians, we sallied towards Lorenzo's house, and entered his pleasure grounds. Nothing could be more congenial than every circumstance and object which presented itself. The day was clear, calm, and warm; while a crisp autumnal air

Nimbly and sweetly recommend itself Unto our gentle senses.[423]

[Footnote 423: _Macbeth_; Act I., Sc. VI. Dr. Johnson has happily observed, upon the above beautiful passage of Shakespeare, that "_Gentle sense_ is very elegant; as it means _placid_, _calm_, _composed_; and intimates the peaceable delight of a fine day." Shakespeare's Works; edit. 1803; vol x., p. 73. Alain Chartier, in the motto prefixed to the Second part of this Bibliographical Romance, has given us a yet more animated, and equally characteristic, picture. Thomson's serene morning,

Unfolding fair the last autumnal day,

is also very apposite; and reminds us of one of those soft and aerial pictures of Claude Loraine, where a heaven-like tranquillity and peace seem to prevail. Delightful scenes!--we love to steal a short moment from a bustling world, to gaze upon landscapes which appear to have been copied from the paradise of our first parents. Delusive yet fascinating objects of contemplation! You whisper sweet repose, and heart-soothing delight! We turn back upon the world; and the stunning noises of Virgil's Cyclops put all this fair Elysium to flight.]

At a distance, the reapers were carrying away their last harvest load; and numerous groups of gleaners picking up the grain which they had spared, were marching homewards in all the glee of apparent happiness. Immediately on our left, the cattle were grazing in a rich pasture meadow; while, before us, the white pheasant darted across the walk, and the stock-dove was heard to wail in the grove. We passed a row of orange trees, glittering with golden fruit; and, turning sharply to our right, discovered, on a gentle eminence, and skirted with a profusion of shrubs and delicately shaped trees, the wished-for ALCOVE.

We quickly descried Almansa busied in twining her favourite honey-suckles round the portico; while within Belinda was sitting soberly at work, as if waiting our arrival. The ladies saluted us as we approached; and Lorenzo, who till now had been unperceived, came quietly from the interior, with his favourite edition of _Thomson_[424] in his hand.

[Footnote 424: This must be a favourite edition with every man of taste. It was printed by BENSLEY, and published by DU ROVERAY, in the year 1802. The designs were by Hamilton, and the engravings principally by Fittler. The copy which Lorenzo had in his hand was upon _large paper_; and nothing could exceed the lustre of the type and plates. The editions of _Pope_, _Gray_, and _Milton_, by DU ROVERAY, as well as those of _The Spectator_, _Guardian_, _Tatler_, by Messrs. SHARPE and HAILES, are among the most elegant, as well as accurate, publications of our old popular writers.]

The Alcove at a distance, had the appearance of a rustic temple.[425] The form, though a little capricious, was picturesque; and it stood so completely embosomed in rich and variegated foliage, and commanded so fine a swell of landscape, that the visitor must be cold indeed who could approach it with the compass of Palladio in one hand, and the square of Inigo Jones in the other. We entered and looked around us.

[Footnote 425: Lorenzo was not unmindful that it had been observed by Lipsius (_Syntag. de Bibliothecis_) and, after him, by Thomasinus (_de Donar. et Tabell-votiv._ c. 3. p. 37.) that the ancients generally built their libraries near to, or adjoining their _Temples_; "ut veram seram sedem sacratorum ingenii faetuum loca sacra esse ostenderent:" BIBLIOTHECAS (inquit) procul abesse (sc. a TEMPLIS) noluerunt veteres, ut ex praeclaris ingeniorum monumentis dependens mortalium, gloria, in Deorum tutela esset. This I gather from Spizolius's _Infelix Literatus_: p. 462.]

Those who have relished the mild beauties of Wynants' pictures would be pleased with the view from the Alcove of Lorenzo. The country before was varied, undulating, and the greater part, highly cultivated. Some broad-spreading oaks here and there threw their protecting arms round the humble saplings; and some aspiring elms frequently reared their lofty heads, as land-marks across the county. The copses skirted the higher grounds, and a fine park-wood covered the middle part of the landscape in one broad umbrageous tone of colouring. It was not the close rusticity of Hobbima--or the expansive, and sometimes complicated, scenery of Berghem--or the heat-oppressive and magnificent views of Both--that we contemplated; but, as has been before observed, the mild and gentle scenery of Wynants; and if a cascade or dimpling brook had been near us, I could have called to my aid the transparent pencil of Rysdael, in order to impress upon the reader a proper notion of the scenery. But it is high time to make mention of the conversation which ensued among the tenants of this Alcove.

LOREN. I am heartily glad we are met under such propitious circumstances. What a glorious day!

ALMAN. Have you recovered, Sir, the immense fatigue you must have sustained from the exertions of yesterday? My brother has no mercy upon a thoroughly-versed book guest!

LYSAND. I am indeed quite hearty: yet, if any thing heavy and indigested hung about me, would not the contemplation of such a landscape, and such a day, restore every thing to its wonted ardour?! You cannot conceive how such a scene affects me: even to shedding tears of pleasure--from the reflections to which it gives rise.

BELIN. How strangely and how cruelly has the character of a bibliographer been aspersed! Last night you convinced me of the ardour of your enthusiasm, and of the eloquence of your expression, in regard to your favourite subject of discussion!--but, this morning, I find that you can talk in an equally impassioned manner respecting garden and woodland scenery?

LYSAND. Yes, Madam: and if I possessed such a domain as does your brother, I think I could even improve it a little--especially the interior of the Alcove! I don't know that I could attach to the house a more appropriate library than he has done; even if I adopted the octagonal form of the _Hafod Library_;[426] which, considered with reference to its local situation, is, I think, almost unequalled:--but it strikes me that the interior of this Alcove might be somewhat improved.

[Footnote 426: Hafod, in Cardiganshire, South Wales, is the residence of THOMAS JOHNES, Esq., M.P., and Lord Lieutenant of the county. Mr. Malkin, in his _Scenery, Antiquities, and Biography, of South Wales_, 1804, 4to., and Dr. Smith, in his _Tour to Hafod_, 1810, folio, have made us pretty well acquainted with the local scenery of Hafod:--yet can any pen or pencil do this

--Paradise, open'd in the wild,

perfect justice! I have seen Mr. Stothard's numerous little sketches of the pleasure-grounds and surrounding country, which are at once faithful and picturesque. But what were this "Paridise" of rocks, waterfalls, streams, woods, copses, dells, grottos, and mountains, without the hospitable spirit of the owner--which seems to preside in, and to animate, every summer-house and alcove. The book-loving world is well acquainted with the _Chronicles of Froissart_, _Joinville_, _De Brocquiere_, and _Monstrelet_, which have issued from the HAFOD PRESS; and have long deplored the loss, from fire, which their author, Mr. Johnes, experienced in the demolition of the greater part of his house and library. The former has been rebuilt, and the latter replenished: yet no Phoenix spirit can revivify the ashes of those volumes which contained the romances notified by the renowned Don Quixote! But I am rambling too wildly among the Hafod rocks--I hasten, therefore to return and take the reader with me into the interior of Mr. Johnes's largest library, which is terminated by a Conservatory of upwards of 150 feet. As the ancient little books for children [hight _Lac Puerorum_!] used to express it--"Look, here it is."

LOREN. What defects do you discover here, Lysander?

LYSAND. They are rather omissions to be supplied than errors to be corrected. You have warmed the interior by a Grecian-shaped stove, and you do right; but I think a few small busts in yonder recesses would not be out of character. Milton, Shakespeare, and Locke, would produce a sort of inspiration which might accord with that degree of feeling excited by the contemplation of these external objects.

LOREN. You are right. 'Ere you revisit this spot, those inspiring gentlemen shall surround me.

BELIN. And pray add to them the busts of Thomson and Cowper: for these latter, in my opinion, are our best poets in the description of rural life. You remember what Cowper says--

God made the country, and Man made the town?

ALMAN. This may be very well--but we forget the purpose for which we are convened.

LIS. True: so I entreat you, Master Lysander, to open--not the debate--but the discussion.

LYSAND. You wish to know what are the SYMPTOMS OF THE BIBLIOMANIA?--what are the badges or livery marks, in a library, of the owner of the collection being a bibliomaniac?

ALMAN. Even so. My question, yesterday evening, was--if I remember well--whether a _mere collector_ of books was necessarily a bibliomaniac?

LYSAND. Yes: and to which--if I also recollect rightly--I replied that the symptoms of the disease, and the character of a bibliomaniac, were discoverable in the very books themselves!

LIS. How is this?

ALMAN & BELIN. Do pray let us hear.

PHIL. At the outset, I entreat you, Lysander, not to overcharge the colouring of your picture. Respect the character of your auditors; and, above all things, have mercy upon the phlogistic imagination of Lisardo!

LYSAND. I will endeavour to discharge the important office of a bibliomaniacal Mentor, or, perhaps, Aesculapius, to the utmost of my power: and at all events, with the best possible intentions.

Before we touch upon the _Symptoms_, it may be as well to say a few words respecting the _General Character_ of the BOOK DISEASE. The ingenious Peignot[427] defines the bibliomania to be "a passion for possessing books; not so much to be instructed by them, as to gratify the eye by looking on them." This subject has amused the pens of foreigners; although we have had nothing in our own language, written expressly upon it, 'till the ingenious and elegantly-composed poem of Dr. Ferriar appeared; after which, as you well know, our friend put forth his whimsical brochure.[428]

[Footnote 427: "LA BIRLIOMANIE [Transcriber's Note: BIBLIOMANIE] est la fureur de posseder des livres, non pas tant pour s'instruire, que pour les avoir et pour en repaitre sa vue. Le bibliomane ne connait ordinairement les livres que par leur titre, leur frontispice, et leur date; il s'attache aux bonnes editiones et les poursuit a quelque titre que ce soit; la relieure le seduit aussi, soit par son anciennete, soit par sa beaute," &c. _Dictionnaire de Bibliologie_. vol. i. p. 51. This is sufficiently severe: see also the extracts from the _Memoires de l'Institut_: p. 25, ante. The more ancient foreign writers have not scrupled to call the BIBLIOMANIA by every caustic and merciless terms: thus speaks the hard-hearted Geyler: "Tertia nola est, multos libros coacervare propter animi voluptatem curiosam. Fastidientis stomachi est multa degustare, ait Seneca. Isti per multos libros vagant legentes assidue: nimirum similles fatuis illis, qui in urbe cicumeunt domos singulas, et earum picturas dissutis malis contuentur: sicque curiositate trahuntur, &c. Contenti in hac animi voluptate, quam pascunt per volumina varia devagando et liguriendo. Itaque gaudent hic de larga librorum copia, operosa utique sed delectabilis sarcina, et animi jucunda distractio: imo est haec ingens librorum copia ingens simul et laboris copia, et quietis inopia--huc illucque circum agendum ingenium: his atque illis pregravanda memoria."--_Navicula sive Saeculum Fatuorum_, 1511, 4to. sign B. iiij rev. Thus speaks Sebastian Brandt upon the subject, through the medium of our old translation:

Styll am I besy bokes assemblynge For to have plenty it is a pleasaunte thynge In my conceyt, and to have them ay in honde; But what they mene do I nat understonde.

_Shyp of Folys_: see p. 206, ante.

There is a short, but smart and interesting, article on this head in Mr. D'Israeli's _Curiosities of Literature_: vol. i. 10. "Bruyere has touched on this mania with humour; of such a collector (one who is fond of superb bindings only), says he, as soon as I enter his house, I am ready to faint on the stair-case from a strong smell of Russia and Morocco leather. In vain he shews me fine editions, gold leaves, Etruscan bindings, &c.--naming them one after another, as if he were shewing a gallery of pictures!" Lucian has composed a biting invective against an ignorant possessor of a vast library. "One who opens his eyes with an hideous stare at an old book; and after turning over the pages, chiefly admires _the date_ of its publication." But all this, it may be said, is only general declamation, and means nothing!]

[Footnote 428: The first work, I believe, written expressly upon the subject above discussed was a French publication, entitled _La Bibliomanie_. Of the earliest edition I am uninformed; but one was published at the Hague in 1762, 8vo. Dr. Ferriar's poem upon the subject, being an epistle to Richard Heber, Esq.--and which is rightly called by Lysander 'ingenious and elegant'--was published in 1809, 4to.: pp. 14: but not before an equally ingenious, and greatly more interesting, performance, by the same able pen, had appeared in the Trans. of the Manchester Literary Society, vol. iv., p. 45-87--entitled _Comments upon Sterne_; which may be fairly classed among the species of bibliomaniacal composition; inasmuch as it shews the author to be well read in old books; and, of these, in Burton's Anatomy of Melancholy in particular. Look for half a minute at p. 286, ante. In the same year of Dr. Ferriar's publication of the Bibliomania, appeared the _Voyage autour de ma bibliotheque Roman Bibliographique_: by Ant. Caillot; in three small duodecimo volumes. There is little ingenuity and less knowledge in these meagre volumes. My own superficial work, entitled, _Bibliomania_, or _Book-Madness: containing some account of the History, Symptoms and Cure of this fatal Disease; in an epistle addressed to Richard Heber, Esq._, quickly followed Dr. Ferriar's publication. It contained 82 pages, with a tolerably copious sprinkling of notes: but it had many errors and omissions, which it has been my endeavour to correct and supply in the present new edition, or rather newly-constructed work. Vide preface. Early in the ensuing year (namely, in 1810) appeared _Bibliosophia, or Book-Wisdom: containing some account of the Pride, Pleasure, and Privileges of that glorious Vocation, Book-Collecting. By an Aspirant. Also, The Twelve Labours of an Editor, separately pitted against those of Hercules_, 12mo. This is a good-humoured and tersely written composition: being a sort of Commentary upon my own performance. In the ensuing pages will be found some amusing poetical extracts from it. And thus take we leave of PUBLICATIONS UPON THE BIBLIOMANIA!]

Whether Peignot's definition be just or not, I will not stop to determine: but when I have described to you the various symptoms, you will be better able to judge of its propriety.

LIS. Describe them _seriatim_, as we were observing yesterday.

LYSAND. I will; but let me put them in battle array, and select them according to their appearances. There is, first, a passion for _Large Paper Copies_; secondly, for _Uncut Copies_; thirdly, for _Illustrated Copies_; fourthly, for _Unique Copies_; fifthly, for _Copies printed upon Vellum_; sixthly, for _First Editions_; seventhly, for _True Editions_; and eighthly, for _Books printed in the Black-Letter_.

BELIN. I have put these symptoms down in my pocket-book; and shall proceed to catechise you according to your own method. First, therefore, what is meant by LARGE PAPER COPIES?

LYSAND. A certain set, or limited number of the work, is printed upon paper of a _larger dimension, and superior quality_, than the ordinary copies. The press-work and ink are, always, proportionably better in these copies: and the price of them is enhanced according to their beauty and rarity.

_This Symptom_ of the Bibliomania is, at the present day, both general and violent. Indeed, there is a set of collectors, the shelves of whose libraries are always made proportionably stout, and placed at a due distance from each other, in order that they may not break down beneath the weight of such ponderous volumes.

BELIN. Can these things be?

PHIL. Yes; but you should draw a distinction, and not confound the GROLLIERS, De Thous, and Colberts of modern times, with "a set of collectors," as you call them, who are equally without taste and knowledge.

LIS. We have heard of De Thou and Colbert, but who is GROLLIER?[429]

[Footnote 429: The reader may be better pleased with the ensuing soberly-written account of this great man than with Philemon's rapturous eulogy. JOHN GROLLIER was born at Lyons, in 1479; and very early displayed a propensity towards those elegant and solid pursuits which afterwards secured to him the admiration and esteem of his contemporaries. His address was easy, his manners were frank, yet polished; his demeanour was engaging, and his liberality knew no bounds. As he advanced in years, he advanced in reputation; enjoying a princely fortune, the result, in some measure, of a faithful and honourable discharge of the important diplomatic situations which he filled. He was Grand Treasurer to Francis I., and was sent by that monarch as ambassador to Pope Clement VII. During his abode at Rome, he did not fail to gratify his favourite passion of BOOK-COLLECTING; and employed the Alduses to print for him an edition of Terence in 8vo., 1521: of which a copy _upon vellum_, was in the Imperial library at Vienna; See _L'Imp. des Alde_; vol. I., 159. He also caused to be published, by the same printers, an edition of his friend Budaeus's work, _De Asse et partibus ejus_, 1522, 4to.; which, as well as the Terence, is dedicated to himself, and of which the presentation copy, _upon vellum_, is now in the Library of Count M'Carthy, at Toulouse: it having been formerly in the Soubise collection: vide p. 96, ante--and no. 8010 of the _Bibl. Soubise_. It was during Grollier's stay at Rome, that the anecdote, related by Egnatio, took place. 'I dined (says the latter) along with Aldus, his son, Manutius, and other learned men, at Grollier's table. After dinner, and just as the dessert had been placed on the table, our host presented each of his guests with a pair of gloves filled with ducats.' But no man had a higher opinion of Grollier, or had reason to express himself in more grateful terms of him, than De Thou. This illustrious author speaks of him as "a man of equal elegance of manners, and spotlessness of character. His books seemed to be the counterpart of himself, for neatness and splendour; not being inferior to the glory attributed to the library of Asinius Pollio, the first who made a collection of books at Rome. It is surprising, notwithstanding the number of presents which he made to his friends, and the accidents which followed on the dispersion of his library, how many of his volumes yet adorn the most distinguished libraries of Paris, whose chief boast consists in having an _Exemplar Grollerianum_!" The fact was Grollier returned to Paris with an immense fortune. During his travels he had secured, from Basil, Venice, and Rome, the most precious copies of books which could be purchased: and which he took care to have bound in a singular manner, indicative at once of his generosity and taste. The title of the book was marked in gilt letters upon one side, and the words--of which the annexed wood-cut is a fac-simile--upon the other; surrounded with similar ornaments to the extremities of the sides, whether in folio or duodecimo.

This extraordinary man, whom France may consider the first Bibliomaniac of the sixteenth century, died at Paris in the year 1565, and in the 86th of his age. Let us close this account of him with an extract from Marville's _Melanges d'Histoire et de Literature_; "La Bibliotheque de M. Grollier s'est conservee dans l'Hotel de Vic jusqu'a ces annees dernieres qu'elle a ete vendue a l'encan. Elle meritoit bien, etant une des premieres et des plus accomplies qu'aucun particulier se soit avise de faire a Paris, de trouver, comme celle de M. de Thou, un acheteur qui en conservat le lustre. La plupart des curieux de Paris ont profite de ses debris. J'en ai eu a ma part quelques volumes a qui rien ne manque: ni pour la bonte des editions de ce tems la, ni pour la beaute du papier et la proprete de la relieure. Il semble, a les voir, que les Muses qui ont contribue a la composition du dedans, se soient aussi appliquees a les approprier au dehors, tant il paroit d'art et d'esprit dans leurs ornemens. Ils sont tous dorez avec une delicatesse inconnue aux doreurs d'aujourd'hui. Les compartemens sont pients de diverses couleurs, parfaitemente bien dessinez, et tous de differentes figures, &c.:" vol. I., p. 187, edit. 1725. Then follows a description, of which the reader has just had ocular demonstration. After such an account, what bibliomaniac can enjoy perfect tranquillity of mind unless he possess a _Grollier copy_ of some work or other? My own, from which the preceding fac-simile was taken, is a folio edition (1531) of _Rhenanus, de rebus Germanicis_; in the finest preservation.]

PHIL. Lysander will best observe upon him.

LYSAND. Nay; his character cannot be in better hands.

PHIL. Grollier was both the friend and the treasurer of Francis the First; the bosom companion of De Thou, and a patron of the Aldine family. He had learning, industry, and inflexible integrity. His notions of _Virtu_ were vast, but not wild. There was a magnificence about every thing which he did or projected; and his liberality was without bounds. He was the unrivalled Mecaenas of book-lovers and scholars; and a more insatiable bibliomaniacal appetite was never, perhaps, possessed by any of _his_ class of character.

LIS. I thank you for this _Grollieriana_. Proceed, Lysander with your large paper copies.

ALMAN. But first tell us--why are these copies so much coveted? Do they contain more than the ordinary ones?

LYSAND. Not in the least. Sometimes, however, an extra embellishment is thrown into the volume--but this, again, belongs to the fourth class of symptoms, called _Unique Copies_--and I must keep strictly to order; otherwise I shall make sad confusion.

BELIN. Keep to your large paper, exclusively.[430]

[Footnote 430: Let us first hear Dr. Ferriar's smooth numbers upon this tremendous symptom of the Bibliomania:

But devious oft, from ev'ry classic Muse, The keen collector meaner paths will choose: And first the MARGIN'S BREADTH his soul employs, Pure, snowy, broad, the type of nobler joys. In vain might Homer roll the tide of song, Or Horace smile, or Tully charm the throng; If crost by Pallas' ire, the trenchant blade Or too oblique, or near, the edge invade, The Bibliomane exclaims, with haggard eye, 'NO MARGIN!'--turns in haste, and scorns to buy.

_The Bibliomania_; v. 34-43.

Next come the rivals strains of 'An Aspirant.'

FIRST MAXIM.

Who slaves the monkish folio through, With lore or science in his view, _Him_ ... visions black, or devils blue, Shall haunt at his expiring taper;-- Yet, 'tis a weakness of the wise, To chuse the volume by the size, And riot in the pond'rous prize-- Dear Copies--_printed on_ LARGE PAPER!

_Bibliosophia_; p. IV.

After these saucy attacks, can I venture upon discoursing, in a sober note-like strain--upon those large and magnificent volumes concerning which Lysander, above, pours forth such a torrent of eloquence? Yes--gentle reader--I will even venture!--and will lay a silver penny to boot (See Peacham's '_Worth of a Penny_'--) that neither Dr. Ferriar nor the 'Aspirant' could withhold their ejaculations of rapture upon seeing any one of the following volumes walk majestically into their libraries. Mark well, therefore, a few scarce

WORKS PRINTED UPON LARGE PAPER.

_Lord Bacon's Essays_; 1798, 8vo. There were only six copies of this edition struck off upon royal folio paper: one copy is in the Cracherode collection, in the British Museum; and another is in the library of Earl Spencer. Mr. Leigh, the book-auctioneer, a long time ago observed that, if ever one of these copies were to be sold at an auction, it would probably bring -00_l._--! I will not insert the _first_ figure; but _two noughts_ followed it.----_Twenty Plays of Shakspeare from the old quarto editions_; 1766, 8vo., 6 vols. Only twelve copies printed upon large paper. See _Bibl. Steevens_: no. 1312; and p. 581, ante.----_Dodsley's Collection of Old Plays_; 1780, 8vo., 12 vols. Only six copies struck off upon large paper. Bibl. Woodhouse, no. 698.----_The Grenville Homer_; 1800, 4to., 4 vols. Fifty copies of this magnificent work are said to have been printed upon large paper; which have embellishments of plates. Mr. Dent possesses the copy which was Professor Porson's, and which was bought at the sale of the Professor's library, in boards, for 87_l._, see p. 459, ante. Seven years ago I saw a sumptuous copy in morocco, knocked down for 99_l._ 15_s._----_Mathaei Paris, Monachi Albanenses, &c.; Historia Major; a Wats_; Lond. 1640; folio. This is a rare and magnificent work upon large paper; and is usually bound in two volumes.----_Historiae Anglicanae Scriptores X; a Twysden_; 1652, folio. Of equal rarity and magnificence are copies of this inestimable production.----_Rerum Anglicarum Scriptores Veteres, a Gale_; 1684, 91; folio, 3 volumes. There were but few copies of this, now generally coveted, work printed upon large paper. The difference between the small and the large, for amplitude of margin and lustre of ink, is inconceivable.----_Historiae Anglicanae Scriptores Varii, a Sparke_; Lond. 1723, folio. The preface to this work shews that there are copies of it, like those of Dr. Clarke's edition of Caesar's Commentaries, upon paper of three different sizes. The 'charta maxima' is worthy of a conspicuous place upon the collector's shelf; though in any shape the book has a creditable aspect.----_Recueil des Historiens des Gaules, &c., par Boucquet_; 1738, 1786; folio, 13 vols. It is hardly possible for the eye to gaze upon a more intrinsically valuable work, or a finer set of volumes, than are these, as now exhibited in Mr. Evans's shop, and bound in fine old red morocco by the best binders of France. They were once in my possession; but the 'res angusta domi' compelled me to part with them, and to seek for a copy not so tall by head and shoulders. Since the year 1786, two additional volumes have been published.

We will now discourse somewhat of English books.

_Scott's Discoverie of Whitcraft_; 1584, 4to. Of this work, which has recently become popular from Mr. Douce's frequent mention of it (Illustrations of Shakspeare, &c., 1806, 2 vols., 8vo.), my friend, Mr. Utterson, possesses a very beautiful copy upon large paper. It is rarely one meets with books printed in this country, before the year 1600, struck off in such a manner. This copy, which is secured from 'winter and rough weather' by a stout coat of skilfully-tool'd morocco, is probably unique.----_Weever's Funeral Monuments_; 1631, folio. Mr. Samuel Lysons informs me that he has a copy of this work upon large paper. I never saw, or heard of, another similar one.----_Sanford's Genealogical History_; 1707, folio. At the sale of Baron Smyth's books, in 1809, Messrs. J. and A. Arch purchased a copy of this work upon large paper for 46_l._ A monstrous price! A similar copy is in the library of Mr. Grenville, which was obtained from Mr. Evans of Pall-Mall. The curious should purchase the anterior edition (of 1677) for the sake of better impressions of the plates; which, however, in any condition, are neither tasteful nor well engraved. What is called '_a good Hollar_' would weigh down the whole set of them!----_Strype's Ecclesiastical Memorials_; 1721, _Folio_, 3 vols.----_Annals of the Reformation_; 1725, _Folio_, 4 vols. Happy the collector who can regale himself by viewing large paper copies of these inestimable works! In any shape or condition, they are now rare. The latter is the scarcer of the two; and upon large paper brings, what the French bibliographers call, 'un prix enorme.' There is one of this kind in the beautiful library of Mr. Thomas Grenville.----_Hearne's Works_--'till Mr. Bagster issued his first reprints of Robert of Gloucester and Peter Langtoft, upon paper of three different sizes--(of which the largest, in quarto, has hardly been equalled in modern printing)--used to bring extravagant sums at book-auctions. At a late sale in Pall-Mall, were [Transcriber's Note: where] the books in general were sold at extraordinary prices, the large paper Hearnes absolutely 'hung fire'--as the sportsman's phrase is.----_Hudibras, with Dr. Grey's Annotations, and Hogarth's cuts_; 1744, 2 vols. There were but twelve copies of this first and best edition of Dr. Grey's labours upon Hudibras (which Warburton strangely abuses--) printed upon large paper: and a noble book it is in this form!----_Milner's History of Winchester_; 1798, 4to., 2 vols. Of this edition there were, I believe, either twelve or twenty-four copies printed upon large paper; which brings serious sums in the present general rage for books of this description.----_Kennet's (Bp.) Parochial Antiquities; Oxford_, 1695, 4to. The only known copy of this work upon large paper is in the fine library of Sir Richard Colt Hoare, Bart. This copy was probably in the collection of 'that well-known collector, Joseph Browne, Esq., of Shepton Mallet, Somersetshire:' as a similar one 'in Russia, gilt leaves,' was sold in Pt. II. of his collection, no. 279, for 7_l._ 17_s._ 6_d._ and purchased in the name of Thornton.----_The Chronicles of Froissart and Monstrelet_: translated by Thomas Johnes, Esq. Hafod, 1803, 1810, quarto, 9 vols.: including a volume of plates to Monstrelet. Of these beautiful and intrinsically valuable works, there were only 25 copies struck off upon folio; which bring tremendous prices.----_History of the Town of Cheltenham, and its Environs_; 1802, 8vo. There were a few copies of this superficial work printed upon large paper in royal octavo, and a _unique_ copy upon paper of a quarto size; which latter is in the possession of my friend Mr. Thomas Pruen, of the same place. A part of this volume was written by myself; according to instructions which I received to make it 'light and pleasant.' An author, like a barrister, is bound in most cases to follow his instructions! As I have thus awkwardly introduced myself, I may be permitted to observe, at the foot of this note, that all the LARGE PAPER copies of my own humble lucubrations have been attended with an unexpectedly successful sale. Of the _Introduction to the Classics_, edit. 1804, 8vo., there were fifty copies, with extra plates, struck off in royal octavo, and published at 2_l._ 2_s._: these now sell for 5_l._ 5_s._: the portrait of _Bishop Fell_ making them snapped at, with a perch-like spirit, by all true Grangerites. Of the _Typographical Antiquities_ of our own country there were 66 printed in a superb style, upon imperial paper, in 4to.; these were published at 6_l._ 6_s._ a copy. The following anecdote shews how they are 'looking up'--as the book-market phrase is. My friend ---- parted with his copy; but finding that his slumbers were broken, and his dreams frightful, in consequence, he sought to regain possession of it; and cheerfully gave 10_l._ 10_s._! for what, but a few months before, he had possessed for little more than one half the sum! The same friend subscribes for a _large paper_ of the _present work_, of which there are only eighteen copies printed: and of which my hard-hearted printer and myself seize each upon a copy. Will the same friend display equal fickleness in regard to THIS volume? If he does, he must smart acutely for it: nor will 15_l._ 15_s._ redeem it! It is justly observed, in the first edition of this work, that, 'analogous to large paper, are TALL copies: that is, copies of the work published on the ordinary size paper, and barely cut down by the binder,' p. 45. To _dwarfise_ a volume is a 'grievous fault' on the part of any binder; but more particularly is it an unpardonable one on the part of him who has had a long intercourse with professed bibliomaniacs! To a person who knows anything of typographical arrangement, the distinction between _tall_ and _large paper_ copies is sufficiently obvious. For this reason, I am quite decided that the supposed large paper copy of _Scapula's Lexicon_, possessed by Mr. ----, of Caversham, near Reading, is only a _tall_ copy of the work, as usually printed: nor is this copy more stately than another which I have seen. The owner of the volume will suppress all feelings which he may entertain against my heretical opinions (as I fear he will call them), when he considers that he may dispose of his Scapula for a sum three times beyond what he gave for it. Let him put it by the side of his neighbour Dr. Valpy's numerous large paper copies of the old folio classics, and he will in a moment be convinced of the accuracy of the foregoing remark. FINE PAPER copies of a work should be here noticed; as they are sought after with avidity. The most beautiful work of this kind which I ever saw, was _Rapin's History of England, in nine folio volumes, bound in red morocco, and illustrated with Houbraken's_ Heads; which Sir M.M. Sykes recently purchased of Mr. Evans, the bookseller,--for a comparatively moderate sum. A similar copy (exclusively of the illustrations) of Rapin's History of England, which was once in the library of the Royal Institution, was burnt in the fire that destroyed Covent-Garden Theatre; it having been sent to Mr. Mackinlay, the book-binder, who lived near the Theatre.]

LYSAND. I have little to add to what has been already said of this symptom. That a volume, so published, has a more pleasing aspect, cannot be denied. It is the oak, in its full growth, compared with the same tree in its sapling state: or, if you please, it is the same picture a little more brilliant in its colouring, and put into a handsomer frame. My friend MARCUS is a very dragon in this department of book-collecting: nothing being too formidable for his attack. Let the volume assume what shape it may, and let the price be ever so unconscionable--he hesitates not to become a purchaser. In consequence, exclusively of all the _Dugdales_ and _Montfaucons_, upon large paper, and in the finest bindings, he possesses the _Grand Folio Classics_, the _Benedictine Editions of the Fathers_, the _County Histories_, and all works, of a recent date, upon _History_ and the _Belles Lettres_. In short, nothing can be more magnificent than the interior of his library; as nothing but giants, arrayed in the most splendid attire, are seen to keep guard from one extremity of the room to the other.

LIS. Who is this Marcus? I'll rival him in due time!--But proceed.

BELIN. Thus much, I presume, for the first symptom of the Bibliomania. Now pray, Sir, inform us what is meant by that strange term, UNCUT COPIES?

LYSAND. Of all the symptoms of the Bibliomania, this is probably the most extraordinary.[431] It may be defined a passion to possess books of which the edges have never been sheared by the binder's tools. And here I find myself walking upon doubtful ground:--your friend [turning towards me] Atticus's _uncut Hearnes_ rise up in "rough majesty" before me, and almost "push me from my stool." Indeed, when I look around in your book-lined tub, I cannot but acknowledge that this symptom of the disorder has reached your own threshold; but when it is known that a few of your bibliographical books are left with the edges uncut _merely to please your friends_ (as one must sometimes study their tastes as well as one's own), I trust that no very serious conclusions will be drawn about the fatality of your own case.

[Footnote 431: As before, let us borrow the strains of 'An Aspirant:'

SECOND MAXIM.

Who, with fantastic pruning-hook, Dresses the borders of his book, Merely to ornament its look-- Amongst philosophers a fop is: What if, perchance, he thence discover Facilities in turning over? The Virtuoso is a Lover Of coyer charms in "UNCUT COPIES."

_Bibliosophia_; p. v.

I have very little to add in illustration of Lysander's well-pointed sarcasms relating to this _second symptom of_ BOOK-MADNESS. I think I once heard of an uncut _Cranmer's Bible_; but have actually seen a similar conditioned copy of _Purchas's Pilgrimes and Pilgrimage_, which is now in the beautiful library of the Honourable T. Grenville.]

As to uncut copies, although their inconvenience [an uncut Lexicon to wit!] and deformity must be acknowledged, and although a rational man can wish for nothing better than a book _once well bound_, yet we find that the extraordinary passion for collecting them not only obtains with full force, but is attended with very serious consequences to those "que n'out point des pistoles" (to borrow the idea of Clement; vol. vi. p. 36). I dare say an uncut _first Shakspeare_, as well as an _uncut vellum Aldus_[432] would produce a little annuity!

[Footnote 432: I doubt of the existence of an uncut _first Shakspeare_; although we have recently had evidence of an uncut _first Homer_; for thus speaks Peignot: "A superb copy of this Editio Princeps was sold at the sale of M. de Cotte's books, in 1804, for 3601 livres: but it must be remarked that this copy was in the most exquisite preservation, as if it had just come from the press. Moreover, it is probably the only one the margins of which have never been either 'shaven or shorn.'" _Curiosites Bibliographiques_, p. lxv. vi.; see also p. 79, ante. Dr. Harwood, at page 338, of his _View of the Editions of the Classics_, speaks of an uncut vellum Aldus, of 1504, 8vo. "Mr. Quin shewed me a fine copy of it printed in vellum with the _leaves uncut_, which he bought of Mr. Egerton at a very moderate price. It is, perhaps (adds he), the only _uncut_ vellum Aldus in the world." From the joyous strain of this extract, the Doctor may be fairly suspected of having strongly exhibited this second symptom of the Bibliomania!]

BELIN. 'Tis very strange'--as Hamlet says at the walking of his father's ghost! But now for your ILLUSTRATED COPIES!

LYSAND. You have touched a vibrating string indeed!--but I will suppress my own feelings, and spare those of my friend. A passion for books _illustrated_, or adorned with _numerous Prints_[433] representing characters, or circumstances, mentioned in the work, is a very general and violent symptom of the Bibliomania. The origin, or first appearance, of this symptom, has been traced by some to the publication of the Rev. ---- GRANGER'S "_Biographical History of England_;" but whoever will be at the pains of reading the preface of that work will see that Granger shelters himself under the authorities of EVELYN, ASHMOLE, and others; and that he _alone_ is not to be considered as responsible for all the mischief which this passion for collecting prints has occasioned. Granger, however, was the first who introduced it in the form of a history; and surely "in an evil hour" was that history published; although its amiable author must be acquitted of "malice prepense."

[Footnote 433: This third symptom has not escaped the discerning eye of the Manchester physician; for thus sings Dr. Ferriar:

He pastes, from injur'd volumes snipt away, His _English Heads_ in chronicled array, Torn from their destin'd page (unworthy meed Of Knightly counsel, and heroic deed), Not _Faithorne's_ stroke, nor _Field's_ own types can save The gallant Veres, and one-eyed Ogle brave. Indignant readers seek the image fled, And curse the busy fool who _wants a head_. Proudly he shews, with many a smile elate, The scrambling subjects of the _private plate_ While Time their actions and their names bereaves, They grin for ever in the guarded leaves.

_The Bibliomania_; v. 119-130.

These are happy thoughts, happily expressed. In illustration of v. 123, the author observes,--"three fine heads, for the sake of which, the beautiful and interesting commentaries of Sir Francis Vere have been mutilated by collectors of English portraits." Dr. Ferriar might have added that, when a Grangerian bibliomaniac commences his ILLUSTRATING CAREER, he does not fail to make a desperate onset upon _Speed_, _Boissard_, and the _Heroologia_. Even the lovely prints of _Houbraken_ (in Dr. Birch's account of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain) escape not the ravages of his passion for illustration. The plates which adorn these books are considered among the foundation materials of a Grangerian building. But it is time, according to my plan, to introduce other sarcastic strains of poetry.

THIRD MAXIM.

Who, swearing not a line to miss, Doats on the leaf his fingers kiss, Thanking the _words_ for all his bliss,-- Shall rue, at last, his passion frustrate: _We_ love the page that draws its flavour From Draftsman, Etcher, and Engraver And hint the booby (by his favour) _His_ gloomy copy to "ILLUSTRATE."

_Bibliosophia_; p. v.

At this stage of our inquiries, let me submit a new remedy as an acquisition to the _Materia Medica_, of which many first-rate physicians may not be aware--by proposing a

=Recipe for Illustration.=

Take any passage from any author--to wit: the following (which I have done, quite at random) from SPEED: '_Henry le Spenser_, the warlike _Bishop of Norwich_, being drawn on by _Pope Vrban_ to preach _the Crusade_, and to be General against _Clement_ (whom sundry _Cardinals_ and great _Prelates_ had also elected Pope) having a fifteenth granted to him, for that purpose, by _parliament_,' &c. _Historie of Great Britaine_, p. 721, edit. 1632. Now, let the reader observe, here are _only four_ lines; but which, to be PROPERLY ILLUSTRATED, should be treated thus: 1st, procure all the portraits, at all periods of his life, of _Henry le Spencer_; 2dly, obtain every view, ancient and modern, like or unlike, of the city of _Norwich_; and, if fortune favour you, of _every Bishop of the same see_; 3dly, every portrait of _Pope Vrban_ must be procured; and as many prints and drawings as can give some notion of _the Crusade_--together with a few etchings (if there be any) of _Peter the Hermit_ and _Richard I._, who took such active parts in the Crusade; 4thly, you must search high and low, early and late, for every print of _Clement_; 5thly, procure, or you will be wretched, as many fine prints of _Cardinals_ and _Prelates_, singly or in groups, as will impress you with a proper idea of _the Conclave_; and 6thly, see whether you may not obtain, at some of our most distinguished old-print sellers, views of the _house of Parliament_ at the period (A.D. 1383.) here described!!! The result, gentle reader, will be this: you will have work enough cut out to occupy you for one whole month at least, from rise to set of sun--in parading the streets of our metropolis: nor will the expense in _coach_ hire, or _shoe leather_, be the least which you will have to encounter! The prints themselves may cost _some_thing! Lest any fastidious and cynical critic should accuse me, and with apparent justice, of gross exaggeration or ignorance in this _recipe_, I will inform him, on good authority, that a late distinguished and highly respectable female collector, who had commenced an ILLUSTRATED BIBLE, procured not fewer than _seven hundred prints_ for the illustration of the 20th, 21st, 22d, 23d, 24th, and 25th verses of the 1st chapter of Genesis! The illustrated copy of Mr. Fox's Historical work, mentioned in the first edition of this work, p. 63, is now in the possession of Lord Mountjoy. The similar copy of Walter Scott's edition of Dryden's works, which has upwards of 650 portraits, is yet in the possession of Mr. Miller, the bookseller.]

Granger's work seems to have sounded the tocsin for a general rummage after, and plunder of, old prints. Venerable philosophers, and veteran heroes, who had long reposed in unmolested dignity within the magnificent folio volumes which recorded their achievements, were instantly dragged forth from their peaceful abodes, to be inlaid by the side of some clumsy modern engraving, within an _Illustrated Granger_!

Nor did the madness stop here. Illustration was the order of the day; and _Shakspeare_[434] and _Clarendon_ became the next objects of its attack. From these it has glanced off, in a variety of directions, to adorn the pages of humbler wights; and the passion, or rather this symptom of the Bibliomania, yet rages with undiminished force. If judiciously treated, it is, of all the symptoms, the least liable to mischief. To possess a series of well-executed portraits of illustrious men, at different periods of their lives, from blooming boyhood to phlegmatic old age, is sufficiently amusing; but to possess _every_ portrait, _bad_, _indifferent_, and _unlike_, betrays such a dangerous and alarming symptom as to render the case almost incurable!

[Footnote 434: Lysander would not have run on in this declamatory strain, if it had been _his_ good fortune, as it has been _mine_, to witness the extraordinary copy of an ILLUSTRATED SHAKSPEARE in the possession of Earl Spencer; which owes its magic to the perseverance and taste of the Dowager Lady Lucan, mother to the present Countess Spencer. For sixteen years did this accomplished Lady pursue the pleasurable toil of illustration; having commenced it in her 50th, and finished it in her 66th year. Whatever of taste, beauty, and judgment in decoration--by means of portraits, landscapes, houses, and tombs--flowers, birds, insects, heraldic ornaments, and devices,--could dress our immortal bard in a yet more fascinating form, has been accomplished by the noble hand which undertook so Herculean a task--and with a truth, delicacy, and finish of execution, which have been rarely equalled! These magnificent volumes (being the folio edition printed by Bulmer) are at once beautiful and secured by green velvet binding, with embossed clasps and corners of solid silver, washed with gold. Each volume is preserved in a silken cover--and the whole is kept inviolate from the impurities of bibliomaniacal miasmata, in a sarcophagus-shaped piece of furniture of cedar and mahogany. What is the pleasure experienced by the most resolute antiquary, when he has obtained a peep at the inmost sarcophagus of the largest pyramid of Egypt, compared with that which a tasteful bibliomaniac enjoys upon contemplating this illustrated Shakespeare, now reposing in all the classical magnificence and congenial retirement of its possessor?--But why do I surpass Lysander in the warmth and vehemence of narration! And yet, let me not forget that the same noble owner has _another_ illustrated copy of the SAME BARD, on a smaller scale, of which mention has already been made in my account of the donor of it, the late George Steevens. Turn, gentle reader, for one moment, to page 428, ante. The illustrated CLARENDON, above hinted at by Lysander, is in the possession of Mr. H.A. Sutherland; and is, perhaps, a matchless copy of the author: every siege, battle, town, and house-view--as well as portrait--being introduced within the leaves. I will not even hazard a conjecture for how many _thousand pounds_ its owner might dispose of it, if the inclination of parting with it should ever possess him. The British Museum has recently been enriched with a similar copy of PENNANT'S _London_, on large paper. Prints and drawings of all descriptions, which could throw light upon the antiquities of our metropolis, are inserted in this extraordinary copy, which belonged to the late Mr. Crowles; who expended 2000_l._ upon the same, and who bequeathed it, in the true spirit of _virtu_, to the Museum. Let CRACHERODE and CROWLES be held in respectful remembrance!]

There is another mode of _illustrating copies_ by which this symptom of the Bibliomania may be known; it consists in bringing together, from different works, [including newspapers and magazines, and by means of the scissars, or otherwise by transcription] every page or paragraph which has any connexion with the character or subject under discussion. This is a useful[435] and entertaining mode of illustrating a favourite author; and copies of works of this nature, when executed by skilful hands, should be deposited in public libraries; as many a biographical anecdote of eminent literary characters is preserved in consequence. I almost ridiculed the idea of an _Illustrated Chatterton_, 'till the sight of your friend BERNARDO'S copy, in eighteen volumes, made me a convert to the utility that may be derived from a judicious treatment of this symptom of the Bibliomania: and indeed, of a rainy day, the same bibliomaniac's similar copy of _Walton's Complete Angler_ affords abundant amusement in the perusal.

[Footnote 435: Numerous are the instances of the peculiar use and value of copies of this kind; especially to those who are engaged in publications of a similar nature. OLDYS'S _interleaved Langbaine_ (of Mr. Reed's transcript of which a copy is in the possession of Mr. Heber) is re-echoed in almost every recent work connected with the belles-lettres of our country. Oldys himself was unrivalled in this method of illustration; if, exclusively of Langbaine, his copy of _Fuller's Worthies_ [once Mr. Steevens', now Mr. Malone's. See _Bibl. Steevens_, no. 1799] be alone considered! This Oldys was the oddest mortal that ever wrote. Grose, in his _Olio_, gives an amusing account of his having "a number of small parchment bags inscribed with the names of the persons whose lives he intended to write; into which he put every circumstance and anecdote he could collect, and from thence drew up his history." See Noble's _College of Arms_, p. 420. Thus far the first edition of this work; p. 64. It remains to add that, whatever were the singularities and capriciousness of Oldys, his talents were far beyond mediocrity; as his publication of the _Harleian Miscellany_, and _Raleigh's History of the World_, abundantly prove. To the latter, a life of Raleigh is prefixed; and the number of pithy, pleasant, and profitable notes subjoined shew that Oldys's bibliographical talents were not eclipsed by those of any contemporary. His _British Librarian_ has been more than once noticed in the preceding pages: vide p. 51: 468. There is a portrait of him, in a full-dressed suit and bag-wig, in one of the numbers of the European Magazine; which has the complete air of a fine gentleman. Let me just observe, in elucidation of what Lysander above means by this latter mode of illustrating copies, that in the Bodleian library there is a copy of _Kuster's edition of Suidas_ filled, from beginning to end, with MS. notes and excerpts of various kinds, by the famous D'Orville, tending to illustrate the ancient lexicographer.]

LIS. Forgive me, if I digress a little. But is not the knowledge of _rare_, _curious_, and _beautiful Prints_--so necessary, it would seem, towards the perfecting of _illustrated copies_--is not this knowledge of long and difficult attainment?

LYSAND. Unquestionably, this knowledge is very requisite towards becoming a complete pupil in the SCHOOL OF GRANGER.[436] Nor is it, as you very properly suppose, of short or easy acquirement.

[Footnote 436: GRANGER'S _Biographical History of England_ was first published, I believe, in 1769, 4to., 2 vols. It has since undergone four impressions; the last being in 1804, 8vo., 4 vols. _A Continuation of the same_, by the Rev. MARK NOBLE, was published in 1807, 8vo., 3 vols.: so that if the lover of rare and curious prints get possession of these volumes, with AMES'S _Catalogue of English Heads_, 1748, 8vo.; and WALPOLE'S _Catalogue of Engravers_, 1775, 8vo.; BROMLEY'S _Catalogue of Engraved Portraits_, 1793, 4to.; together with Catalogues of English Portraits, being the collections of Mr. BARNARD, Sir W. MUSGRAVE, Mr. TYSSEN, Sir JAMES-WINTER LAKE; and many other similar catalogues put forth by Mr. RICHARDSON and Mr. GRAVE; he may be said to be in a fair way to become master of the whole arcana of PRINT-COLLECTING. But let him take heed to the severe warning-voice uttered by ROWE MORES, in his criticism upon the Catalogue of English Heads, published by Ames: 'This performance (says the splenetic and too prophetic critic) is not to be despised: judiciously executed, a work of this sort would be an appendage entertaining and useful to the readers of English biography; and it ought to be done at the common labour, expense, and charges of these _Iconoclasts_--because their depredations are a grand impediment to another who should attempt it: and if this _gout_ for prints and thieving continues, let private owners and public libraries look well to their books, for there will not remain a valuable book ungarbled by their connoisseuring villany: for neither honesty nor oaths restrain them. Yet these _fanciers_, if prints themselves are to be collected, instead of being injurious to every body, might make themselves serviceable to posterity, and become a kind of _medalists_ (who, by the bye, are almost as great thieves as themselves, though the hurt they do is not so extensive, as it lies chiefly among themselves, who all hold this doctrine, that "exchange is no robbery;" but, if they could filch without exchanging, no scruple of conscience would prevent them): we say they might render themselves useful to posterity, by gathering together the historical, political, satyrical, anecdotal and temporal pieces, with which the age abounds; adding an explanation of the intent and meaning for the instruction and amusement of times to come. The misfortune is, they must buy the one, but they can steal the other; and steal they will, although watched with the eyes of Argus: unless the valuables, like some other _jocalia_, are shewn to them through a grate; and even _then_, the keeper must be vigilant!' _Of English Founders and Foundries_; p. 85. This extract is curious on account of the tart, but just, sentiments which prevail in it; but, to the bibliomaniac, it is doubly curious, when he is informed that _only eighty copies_ of this Typographical Treatise (of 100 pages--including the Appendix) were printed. The author was a testy, but sagacious, bibliomaniac, and should have been introduced among his brethren in PART V. It is not, however, too late to subjoin the following: _Bibliotheca Moresiana. A Catalogue of the Large and Valuable Library of Printed Books, rare old tracts, Manuscripts, Prints, and Drawings, Copper Plates, sundry Antiquities, Philosophical Instruments, and other Curiosities, of that eminent British Antiquary_, the late Rev. and learned EDWARD ROWE MORES, F.A.S., deceased, &c. Sold by auction by Mr. Patterson, August 1779. This collection exhibited, like its owner, a strange mixture of what was curious, whimsical, and ingenious in human nature. There were 2838 lots of printed books. _The rare old black-letter books and tracts_, begin at p. 52.]

ALMAN. How so? A very little care, with a tolerably good taste, is only required to know when a print is _well engraved_.

LYSAND. Alas, Madam! the excellence of engraving is oftentimes but a _secondary_ consideration!

BELIN. Do pray explain.

LYSAND. I will, and as briefly and perspicuously as possible.

There are, first, _all the varieties of the same print_[437] to be considered!--whether it have the _name of the character_, or _artist_, omitted or subjoined: whether the head of the print be without the body, or the body without the head--and whether this latter be finished, or in the outline, or ghostly white! Then you must go to _the dress_ of this supposed portrait:--whether full or plain; court or country-fashioned: whether it have a hat, or no hat; feather, or no feather; gloves, or no gloves; sword, or no sword; and many other such momentous points.

[Footnote 437: The reader, by means of the preceding note, having been put in possession of some of the principal works from which information, relating to PRINT-COLLECTING may be successfully gleaned, it remains for me--who have been described as sitting in a corner to compile notes for Lysander's text-discourse--to add something by way of illustration to the above sweeping satire. One or the other of the points touched upon in the text will be found here more particularly elucidated.

CATALOGUE OF BARNARD'S PRINTS; 1798, 8vo.

7th Day's Sale.

NO. 47. Sir Thos. Isham de Lamport, by Loggan and Valck; _before the names of the artists, very fine_. L5 5_s._ 0_d._

68. King Charles I. on horseback, with the page, by Lombard; _very fine and scarce_. 1 14 0

69. The same plate; _with Cromwell's head substituted for the King's--variation in the drapery_. 3 6 0

70. The same: a curious proof--_the face blank and no inscription at bottom--drapery of the page different_--and other variations. 1 2 0

90. Catharine, queen of K. Charles II.; _in the dress in which she arrived: very scarce_. By Faithorne. 4 16 0

97. Queen Elizabeth; habited in the superb court dress in which she went to St. Paul's to return thanks for the defeat of the Spanish Armada--by Passe; from a painting of Isaac Oliver. 6 12 6

[I have known from 14_l._ to 20_l._ given for a fine impression of this curious print: but I am as well pleased with Mr. Turner's recently published, and admirably executed, facsimile mezzotint engraving of it; a proof of which costs 1_l._ 1_s._ Every member of the two Houses--and every land and sea Captain--ought to hang up this print in his sitting-room.]

Eighth day's Sale.

6. Esther before Ahasuerus: engraved by Hollar; _first impression; with the portraits at top; curious and extremely rare_. 16 0 0

199. Jo. Banfi Hunniades; _proof; very fine and rare_. By the same. 2 7 0

200. The same print, _with variations_. By the same. 3 15 0

202. The Stone-eater; _with his history below_. By the same. _Very rare._ 4 4 0

248. Sir Thomas Chaloner; by the same. _A proof impression. One of the scarcest prints in existence._ 59 17 0

[A similar print has been since sold for 74_l._; which is in the collection of Mr. John Townley; whose HOLLARS are unrivalled!]

256. Herbert, Earl of Pembroke; _before the alteration_. By the same. 2 10 0

257. Devereux, Earl of Essex; _on horseback_. By the same. 4 5 0

258. Devereux, Earl of Essex: _standing on foot; whole length_. By the same. 4 4 0

259. Algernon, Earl of Northumberland; _on horseback_. By the same. 14 0 0

266. Lady Elizabeth Shirley; _an unfinished proof, the chaplet round her head being only traced; curious and extremely rare_. By the same. 10 10 0

267. _A reverse of the proof; very fine_. By the same. 5 5 0

CATALOGUE OF SIR WILLIAM MUSGRAVE'S PRINTS.

Third Day's Sale.

29. George, Earl of Berkeley; oval, _in his robes_, 1679; _extra fie [Transcriber's Note: fine] and rare_. 10 5 0

45. George, Duke of Buckingham; oval; _cloak over his left arm, hand on sword, nine lines expressive of his titles, &c._ Sold by P. Stent: _fine and extra rare_. 4 12 0

109. George, Earl of Cumberland; _whole length, dressed for a tournament_. By R. White. 11 0 0

Fifth Day's Sale.

94. The Newcastle Family, in a room, after Diepenbeke, by Clowet; _a beautiful proof, before the verses, extra rare_. 39 18 0

[There is a very indifferent copy of this print. The original may be seen in the collection of the Marquis of Stafford and Sir M.M. Sykes, Bart. Nothing can exceed the tenderness and delicacy of Clowet's engraving of this naturally conceived and well-managed picture.]

Tenth Day's Sale.

82. Richard Smith; virtuoso and literary character. By W. Sherwin; _extra rare and fine_. [See my account of this distinguished bibliomaniac at p. 302, ante. Sir M.M. Sykes is in possession of Sir William Musgrave's copy of the portrait.] 7 17 0

Eleventh Day's Sale.

30. Sir Francis Willoughby; _with a view of Wollaton Hall_; mezzotint by T. Man, _extra rare_. 13 2 6

43. Sir Francis Wortley; 1652, folio: with trophies, books, &c., by A. Hertochs: extra rare and fine. 29 10 0

Eighteenth Day's Sale.

78. Dr. Francis Bernard; _a touched proof_; _very rare_. [The reader may recollect this sagacious bibliomaniac, as noticed at page 316, ante.] 4 14 6

Twentieth Day's Sale.

85. Sir Matthew Lister; M.D. 1646; by P. Van Somer; _fine proof, extra rare_. 14 14 0

86. Humphrey Lloyd, of Denbigh, Antiquary, aetat. 34, 1651. By Faber, 1717, _extra rare and fine_. 4 7 0

Twenty-first Day's Sale.

9. Sir John Marsham; aetat. 80. By R. White, _extra rare and fine_. 6 6 0

19. Martin Master; aetat. 53. 1607. By R. Gaywood, _extra_ rare _and_ fine. 8 8 0

Twenty-seventh Day's Sale.

80. Lady Paston, wife of Sir William Paston, by W. Faithorne; _extra rare and fine_. 31 0 0

82. Mary, Countess of Pembroke, by Simon Passe, 1618. _Fine and rare._ 10 0 0

83. Penelope, Countess of Pembroke, in an oval, by W. Hollar. _Rare._ 3 6 0

84. Anne Clifford, Countess of Pembroke, by R. White: _extra_ rare _and_ fine. 7 17 6

[The prints at this sale--the catalogue containing 323 pages--were sold for 4987_l._ 17_s._]

MISCELLANEOUS CATALOGUES OF PRINTS.

First Day's Sale.

58. Richard Cromwell, Lord Protector, in a square. "This portrait was etched by Hollar, but he was afraid to put his name to it; and the plate was destroyed as soon as Richard resigned his pretensions to the Protectorship." Note by Mr. Hillier. _Very rare._ 1 10 0

61. Lord Digby, in armour; after Vander Borcht. _Extra_ rare _and_ fine. 9 9 0

64. Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, _standing, whole length: army in the distance_, 1644, _fine and rare_. 5 5 0

65. The same, on horseback: under the horse a map of England; 1643: _first state of the plate; extra fine and rare_. 9 0 0

73. Hollar's own portrait, in an oval, aetat. 40, 1647: _with variations in the arms_. 3 3 0

Sixth Day's Sale.

53. Sir William Paston, 1659: esteemed Faithorne's finest portrait: _extra rare_. 10 15 0

56. Carew Reynell, from the Fothergill collection: _extra_ fine _and_ rare. 16 5 6

62. Prince Rupert, in armour, _right hand on the breast_: after Vandyck. Sold by Robert Peake. _Extra_ fine _and_ rare. 9 0 0

Thirteenth Day's Sale.

54. King and Queen of Bohemia, and five children, by Wm. Passe, with thirty-two Englishes [qu?]; 1621: _extra fine and rare_, The same plate; _with the addition of five children; the youngest in a cradle_. 4 11 0

55. The same, sitting under a tree; with four children; the youngest playing with a rabbit: fine _and_ rare. 6 6 0

92. James, Duke of York: _with the anchor, proof_; very fine and rare. (16th day's sale.) 5 2 6

72. Sir Francis Winderbank and Lord Finch; _with Finch's wings flying to Winderbank_; extra rare. (19th day.) 25 0 0

_A Catalogue of a genuine and valuable Collection of English and Foreign Portraits, &c., sold by Auction by Mr. Richardson, February_ 18, 1798.

1ST DAY'S SALE.

34. Princess Augusta Maria, daughter of Charles I. _in hat and feather_, aetat. 15, 1646: by Henry Danckers, 1640. _Fine and rare._ 3 3 0

57. Anne, Queen of James I. with her daughter Anne; _curiously dressed, whole length_. By J. Visscher: _extra_ fine _and_ rare. 6 0 0

41. Mary, Queen of Scotts: "Scotorumque nunc Regina"--_in an oval: cap adorned with jewels, feather-fan in her hand_, &c. By Peter Mynginus: _extra_ fine _and_ rare. 6 12 0

53. Prince Frederick, Count Palatine, with Princess Elizabeth, _whole length, superbly dressed_: By R. Elstracke: _extra_ fine _and_ rare. 14 0 0

74. Henry the Eighth, _with hat and feather, large fur tippet_: by C. M(atsis); _very_ fine, _and supposed unique_. 10 10 0

79. Mary, Queen of Scots: _veil'd cross at her breast: aetat._ 44, 1583: _extra_ fine _and_ rare. 9 2 6

80. Queen Elizabeth; _superbly dressed, between two pillars: extra_ fine _and_ rare. 15 15 0

_A Catalogue of a valuable and genuine Collection of Prints, Drawings, and elegantly illustrated Books, &c., sold by auction by Mr. Richardson; March_, 1800.

143. Henry, Lord Darnley, by Passe; fine _and very_ rare. 16 0 0

186. Sir Philip Sidney, by Elstracke; _extremely_ fine. 3 1 0

263. Thomas Howard, Earl of Suffolk, by ditto, _extra_ fine _and_ rare. 13 0 0

264. Edward Somerset, Earl of Worcester, by Simon Passe: rare _and_ fine. 7 15 0

265. Henry Vere, Earl of Oxford, sold by Compton Holland; _very_ rare _and_ fine. 9 0 0

273. Henry Wriothesly, Earl of Southampton, by Simon Passe; _most brilliant impression, extra rare_. 13 5 0

278. Thomas Howard, Earl of Arundel, by the same; _rare and very fine_. 5 0 0

279. Richard Sackville, Earl of Dorset, by the same; _extra fine and rare_--(with a copy by Thane). 3 0 0

280. John Digby, Earl of Bristol; rare and fine: from the Fothergill Collection. 13 0 0

281. Robert Sidney, Viscount Lisle, by Simon Passe; _rare and very fine_. 5 2 6

284. Edmund, Baron Sheffield: by Elstracke; _very fine_. 14 10 0

286. James, Lord Hay, by Simon Passe; _brilliant impression_, fine _and_ rare. 9 0 0

294. George Mountaine, Bishop of London; G.Y. sculpsit; _very fine and rare_. 5 10 0

330. Sir Julius Caesar, by Elstracke; _extra_ fine _and_ rare. 23 12 6

335. Arthurus Severus Nonesuch O'Toole, by Delaram; _most brilliant impression, and very rare_ (with the copy). 11 11 0

367. Sir John Wynn de Gwedir, by Vaughan; _very rare_. 6 6 0

472. Prince Frederic Henry, by Delaram: _very_ fine _and_ rare. 5 7 6

479. Prince Rupert, by Faithorne; _very_ fine _and_ rare. 7 5 0

567. Sir John Hotham, Governor of Hull; _whole length; extremely_ rare _and_ fine. 43 1 0

812. Edward Mascall, by Gammon. 7 3 0

946. Edward Wetenhall, Bishop of Corke and Ross; mezzotint, by Becket; _fine_. 5 0 0

960. Andrew Lortie, by Van Somer. 13 5 0

979. Thomas Cole, large mezzotint. 4 10 0

997. Sir William Portman, mezzotint. 7 10 0

1001. Anthony, Earl of Shaftesbury, by Blooteling; _exceeding_ fine _impression_. 6 0 0

1013. Sir Patrick Lyon, of Carse, by White. 5 5 0

1033. Sir Greville Verney, by Loggan. 5 10 0

1045. Marmaduke Rawdon, by White; fine. 14 0 0

1048. Slingsby Bethel, _whole length_, by W. Sherwin (with small copy). 17 5 0

1054. Samuel Malines, by Lombart; very fine. 12 0 0

1057. Thomas Killegrew, _as sitting with the dog_: by Faithorne. 16 0 0

_A Catalogue of a very choice assemblage of ENGLISH PORTRAITS, and of Foreigners who have visited England: serving to illustrate GRANGER'S BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY; the property of an eminent Collector_, &c., Sold by auction, by Messrs. King and Lochee, April, 1810.

But it is time to pause. The present note may have completely served to shew, not only that Lysander was right in drawing such bold conclusions respecting the consequences resulting from the publication of Granger's Biographical History, and the capriciousness of print-fanciers respecting impressions _in their various stages_, and with _all their varieties_,--but, that the pursuit of PRINT-COLLECTING is both costly and endless. For one 'fine and rare' _print_, by Hollar, Faithorne, Elstracke, the Passes, Delaram, or White, how many truly precious and useful _volumes_ may be collected? "All this is vastly fine reasoning"--methinks I hear a Grangerite exclaim--"but compare the comfort afforded by your 'precious and useful volumes' with that arising from the contemplation of eminent and extraordinary characters, executed by the _burin_ of some of those graphic heroes before-mentioned--and how despicable will the dry unadorned volume appear!! On a dull, or rainy day, look at an illustrated Shakespeare, or Hume, and then find it in your heart, if you can, to depreciate the GRANGERIAN PASSION!!" I answer, the Grangerite is madder than the Bibliomaniac:--and so let the matter rest.]

Next let us discuss the serious subject of the _background_!--whether it be square or oval; dark or light; put in or put out; stippled or stroked; and sundry other similar, but most important, considerations. Again; there are engravings of _different sizes_, and _at different periods_, of the same individual, or object: and of these, the varieties are as infinite as of any of those attached to the vegetable system. I will not attempt even an outline of them. But I had nearly forgotten to warn you, in your REMBRANDT _Prints_, to look sharply after _the Burr_!

ALMAN. Mercy on us--what is this _Burr_?!

LYSAND. A slight imperfection only; which, as it rarely occurs, makes the impression more valuable. It is only a sombre tinge attached to the copper, before the plate is sufficiently polished by being worked; and it gives a smeared effect, like smut upon a lady's face, to the impression! But I am becoming satirical. Which is the next symptom that you have written down for me to discourse upon?

LIS. I am quite attentive to this delineation of a _Print Connoisseur_; and will not fail to mark _all the_ REMBRANDT[438] _varieties_, and take heed to the _Burr_!

[Footnote 438: All the book and print world have heard of DAULBY'S _Descriptive Catalogue of the works of Rembrandt_, &c. Liverpool, 1796, 8vo. The author's collection of Rembrandt's prints (according to a MS. note prefixed to my copy of it, which is upon _large paper_ in 4to.--of which _only fifty_ impressions were struck off) was sold at Liverpool, in 1799, in one lot; and purchased by Messrs. Colnaghi, Manson, and Vernon, for 610_l._ It was sold in 1800, in separate lots, for 650_l._, exclusively of every expense; after the purchasers had been offered 800_l._ for the same. Some of these prints came into the possession of the late Mr. Woodhouse (vide p. 441, ante); and it is from the Catalogue of _his_ Collection of prints that I present the reader with the following

REMBRANDTIANA;

beseeching him to take due heed to what Lysander has above alluded to by _all the Varieties and the Burr_!

Lot 5 Daulby 30. Abraham entertaining the three angels; _very_ fine, _with the burr, on India paper_. L2 18_s._ 0_d._

10 43. The Angel appearing to the Shepherds; _very fine, presque unique_. 6 0 0

14 56. The flight into Egypt, in the style of Elsheimer; _on India paper, the 1st impression, extremely rare_. 4 16 0

22 75. The Hundred Guilder Piece. This impression on India paper, _with the burr_, is acknowledged by the greatest connoisseurs in this kingdom to be the most brilliant extant. 42 0 0

23 75. Ditto, restored plate, by Capt. Baillie, _likewise on India paper, and very fine_. 2 12 6

25 77. The Good Samaritan; _the 1st impression with the white tail_, most beautifully finished, with a light point, and fine hand; very fine and rare. 6 6 0

27 79. Our Lord before Pilate, _second impression on India paper_, fine _and_ scarce. 5 15 6

28 79. Same subject, third impression, _with the mask, extremely rare_: from the collection of the Burgomaster Six. 4 4 0

30 84. The Descent from the Cross. This print is beautifully executed, the composition is grand, and the head full of character; _1st and most brilliant impression_. 15 15 0

39 117. The Rat-killer; _a most beautiful impression_. 3 3 0

42 126. The Marriage of Jason and Creusa; _a 1st impression, without the crown_, on India paper, very brilliant. 4 10 0

45 152. The Hog; a remarkably fine impression, from Houbraken's collection: _scarce_. 1 14 0

46 154. The Shell. This piece is finely executed, and this impression, _with the white ground, may be regarded as presque unique_. 9 10 0

47 178. Ledikant, or French Bed. _This is the entire plate, and is a very great rarity._ 4 14 6

56 194. The Woman with the Arrow: _very scarce_. 2 15 0

61 204. The Three Trees; _as fine as possible_. 6 10 0

63 209. A Village near a high road, arched: _1st impression on India paper, before the cross hatchings_: scarce. 4 14 6

67 213. A landscape of an irregular form; _1st impression, with the burr, very scarce_. 5 0 0

82 232. Blement de Jonge; _1st impression, the upper bar of the chair is left white, extremely rare_. 2 7 0

83 252. Ditto, _second impression_, very _scarce_. 1 7 0

84 252. Ditto, third impression, _very_ fine. 2 10 0

85 253. Abraham France, _with the curtain, on India paper_. 5 5 0

86 353. [Transcriber's Note: 253.] Ditto: _with the chair_. 3 18 0

87 254. Ditto; _with the figures on the paper which he holds in his wands_. All these impressions are rare and fine. 5 10 0

88 254. Old Haaring or Haring, the Burgo-master; _beautiful impression on India paper, with the burr, extremely rare_. 7 7 0

89 255. Young Haaring, beautiful impression from Houbraken's collection; _scarce_. 6 6 0

90 256. John Lutma; _1st impression before the window_, &c. _extremely rare_. 4 10 3

93 257. John Aselyn; _1st impression, with the easel, extremely rare_. 9 2 0

97 259. Wtenbogardus, the Dutch Minister; a most beautiful and brilliant impression, oval, on a square plate; _proof, before the pillar, arch, verses, or any inscription: presque unique_. 9 19 6

99 261. The Gold Weigher; _1st impression, with_ THE FACE BLANK, _extremely rare_. 10 10 0

100 261. Ditto; _a most beautiful and brilliant impression; and esteemed the_ finest _extant_. From the collection of Capt. Baillie. 21 0 0

101 262. The Little Coppenol, with the picture; _the second and rarest impression, generally esteemed the 1st_; from the Earl of Bute's collection. 7 7 0

102 262. Ditto; without the picture, very fine. 1 13 0

103 263. The great Coppenol, remarkably fine. 4 14 6

104 265. The Advocate Tol; _a superb impression, extremely rare with the copy_. 54 12 0

145 265. The Burgo-master Six; _a most extraordinary impression, the name and age of the Burgo-master are wanting, and the two middle figures in the date are reversed: a very great rarity_. 36 15 0

Perhaps the finest collection of REMBRANDT'S PRINTS, in great Britain, is that in the possession of Lord Viscount Fitzwilliam, at Richmond; a nobleman of extremely retired habits, and equally distinguished for his taste, candour, and erudition. His Paintings and Books are of the very first class.]

LYSAND. Do so; and attend the shops of Mr. Richardson, Mr. Woodburn, and Mr. Grave, and you may soon have a chance of gratifying your appetite in these strange particulars. But beware of a HOGARTH rage!

LIS. Is that so formidable?

LYSAND. The longest life were hardly able to make the collection of Hogarth's prints complete! The late Mr. Ireland has been the Linnaeus to whom we are indebted for the most minute and amusing classification of the almost innumerable varieties of the impressions of Hogarth's plates.[439]

[Footnote 439: The Marquis of Bute has, I believe, the most extraordinary and complete collection of HOGARTH'S PRINTS that is known. Of the _Election Dinner_ there are six or seven varieties; gloves, and no gloves; hats, from one to the usual number; lemon, and no lemon; punch bowl, and no punch bowl. But of these _varying_ prints, the most curious is the one known by the name of _Evening_: with a little boy and girl, crying, in the back-ground. At first, Hogarth did _not_ paint _the girl_, and struck off very few impressions of the plate in this state of the picture. A friend observing to him that the boy was crying with no apparent cause of provocation, Hogarth put in the little girl tantalizing him. But--happy he! who has the print of the 'Evening' _without_ the little girl: fifteen golden guineas (rare things now to meet with!) ought not to induce him to part with it. Of the copper-plate portraits by Hogarth, the original of '_Sarah Malcolm, executed_ 1732,' is among the very rarest; a copy of this selling for 7_l._ 17_s._ 6_d._ at Barnard's sale. The reader has only to procure that most interesting of all illustrative works, _Hogarth Illustrated by John Ireland_, 1793, (2d edit.) 3 vols., 8vo.; and, for a comparatively trifling sum, he may be initiated into all the mysteries of Hogarthian _virtu_. The late Right Hon. W. Wyndham's collection of Hogarth's prints, bequeathed to him by Mr. George Steevens, was _bought in_ for little more than 300 guineas.]

LIS. I will stick to Rembrandt and leave Hogarth at rest. But surely, this rage for _Portrait Collecting_ cannot be of long duration. It seems too preposterous for men of sober sense and matured judgment to yield to.

LYSAND. So think _you_--who are no Collector! But had you accompanied me to Mr. Christie's on Friday[440] last, you would have had convincing evidence to the contrary. A little folio volume, filled with one hundred and fifty-two prints, produced--

[Footnote 440: If the reader casts his eye upon pages 505-6 he will find that the ardour of print and portrait collecting has not abated since the time of Sir W. Musgrave. As a corroboration of the truth of Lysander's remark, I subjoin a specimen (being only four articles) of the present rage for 'curious and rare' productions of the _burin_--as the aforesaid Grangerite (p. 507) terms it.

NO. 54. The Right Honourable and truly generous Henry Veere, Earl of Oxford, Viscount Bulbeck, &c. Lord High Chamberlain of England. J. Payne sculp. With a large hat and feather, small, in a border with many figures. Will. Passo, sculp. Tho. Jenner exc. On distinct plates. _The most brilliant impression of a print of the greatest rarity._ L30 9_s._ 0_d._

63. Generall (Edward) Cecyll son to the Right Honourable the Earle of Exeter, &c. In an oval; in armour. Simmon Passaes, sculp. Anno 1618. Sould in Pope's Head Alley, also by John Sudbury and George Humble. _Most brilliant impression of a print of the greatest rarity._ 34 2 6

90. The true Portraicture of Richard Whitington, thrise Lord Mayor of London, a vertuous and godly man, full of good workes (and those famous) &c. R. Elstracke sculp. Are to be sold by Compton Holland over against the Exchange: _First impression with the hand on a skull. Extra fine and rare._ 10 10 0

152. Mull'd Sack; a fantastic and humourous Chimney-Sweeper, so called: with cap, feather, and lace band: cloak tuck'd up; coat ragged; scarf on his arm; left leg in a fashionable boot, with a spur; on his right foot a shoe with a rose; sword by his side, and a holly bush and pole on his shoulder; in his left hand, another pole with a horn on it; a pipe, out of which issues smoke, is in his right hand; at the bottom are eight verses (as given in Granger, vol. ii., p. 61). Are to be sold by Compton Holland over against the Exchange, with further manuscript account by a provost of Eton. _Considered Unique_ [but not so]. 42 10 6]

LIS. Perhaps, Three Hundred Guineas?

LYSAND. Just double the sum, I believe.

LIS. O rare JAMES GRANGER--thy immortality is secured! But we forget our symptoms of the Bibliomania.

BELIN. As I am the examiner, I here demand of you, Sir, what may be the meaning of the _fourth symptom_ of the bibliomaniacal disease, which you call UNIQUE COPIES?

LYSAND. A passion for a book of which only one copy was printed, or which has any peculiarity about it[441] by either, or both, of the foregoing methods of illustration--or which is remarkable for its size, beauty, and condition--or has any embellishment, rare, precious and invaluable--which the researches of the most sedulous bibliomaniac, for three and thirty long years, would not be able to produce--is indicative of a rage for _unique copies_; and is unquestionably a strong prevailing symptom of the Bibliomania. Let me therefore urge every sober and cautious collector not to be fascinated by the terms "_Curious and rare_;" which 'in slim italics' (to copy Dr. Ferriar's happy expression[442]) are studiously introduced into Booksellers' catalogues to lead the unwary astray. Such a Collector may fancy himself proof against the temptation; and will, in consequence, call _only to look at_ this unique book, or set of books; but--led away by the passion which inflamed BERRYER and CAILLARD[443]--when he views the morocco binding, silk water-tabby lining, blazing gilt edges; when he turns over the white and unspotted leaves; gazes on the amplitude of margin; on a rare and lovely print introduced; and is charmed with the soft and coaxing manner in which, by the skill of Herring, Mackinlay, Rodwell, Lewis, or Faulkener, "leaf succeeds to leaf"--he can no longer bear up against the temptation; and, confessing himself vanquished, purchases, and retreats--exclaiming with Virgil's shepherd----

Ut vidi, ut perii--ut me malus abstulit error!

[Footnote 441: Let us again quote a stanza from the 'Aspirant:'

FOURTH MAXIM.

Who in _all_ copies finds delight-- The wrong not scenting from the right-- And, with a choiceless appetite, Just comes to _feed_, ... like Soph, or Templar, Out on his iron stomach!--_we_ Have rarities we merely _see_, Nor taste our Phoenix though it be ... Serv'd up in the "UNIQUE EXEMPLAR,"

_Bibliosophia_, p. v.

One of the most curious proofs of the seductive popularity of unique copies may be drawn from the following excerpt from a catalogue of a Library sold at Utrecht in 1776; which was furnished me by Mr. H. Ellis from a copy of the catalogue in the possession of Mr. Cayley of the Augmentation Office.

NO. 6870. Les Avantures de Telemaque, 8o. Rotterd. _av. fig. en cart._ 'Cet exemplaire est tout _barbouille_. Mais il est _de la main de la jeune Princesse Wilhelmine Auguste de Saxe-Weimar, qui y a appris le Francois en_ 1701!!!'

I will mention a unique copy of a somewhat different cast of character. Of the magnificent and matchless edition of Shakspeare, printed by Mr. Bulmer and published by Mr. Nicols, between the years 1790 and 1805, there were one hundred copies, of the first six plays only, struck off upon imperial folio, or _Colombier paper_; in which the large engravings, published at the Shakspeare Gallery (now the British Institution) might be incorporated and bound up. The late George Steevens undertook the revision of the text, intending to complete the entire plays in a similar form; but the trouble and expense attending this part of the undertaking were so great that the further prosecution of it was abandoned. Mr. Bulmer preserved the whole of the proof-sheets of this partial Colombier impression; and to form a '_unique_ edition' (these are his own words) he bound them up in the exact order in which the plays were printed. On the margins of many of the sheets, besides the various corrections, emendations, and notes to the printer, by Mr. Steevens, there are some original sonnets, a scene for a burlesque tragedy, and other happy effusions from the pen of the same elegant and learned editor. Need I ask the reader, whether he would have the _barbouille_ (unique) copy of Telemaque of the young Princesse Wilhelmine Auguste de Saxe-Weimar (like the Vicar of Wakefield, I like to give the full name) or Mr. Bulmer's similar copy of Shakspeare? The difference would soon be found in King Street or the Strand! I must mention one more example--of a nature different from both the preceding--of what Lysander has above, elaborately, and perhaps, a little confusedly, described as unique copies. It is Colonel Stanley's copy of _De Bry_ (see a superb one before noticed) which is bound in seven folio volumes, in blue morocco, by Padaloup, and is considered superior to every known copy. It contains all the maps and prints, with their variations, according to the _Bibliographie Instructive_, no. 4230, _Cat. de Paris de Meyzieu_, 1790; no. 486, _Cat. de Santander_, no. 3690; and _Camus sur les Collections des Grands et Petits Voyages_, 1802, 4to.: with both editions of the first nine parts of the West Indies, and duplicates of parts x. and xi. It has also a considerable number of duplicate plates, where a superior impression could be procured at any expense. The owner of this unique copy, of a work unrivalled for its utility and elegance, is distinguished for a noble collection, bound by our choicest binders, in whatever is splendid and precious in the Belles Lettres, Voyages, and Travels. Take two more illustrations, kind-hearted reader!----_Goldsmith's Deserted Village_, 1802. Mr. Bulmer printed a single copy of this beautiful poem, in quarto, UPON SATIN--picked and prepared in a very curious manner. It was purchased by a foreigner. His impressions UPON VELLUM are noticed, post.----_Falconer's Shipwreck_, 1804, 8vo. Mr. Miller caused _two_ copies only (is [Transcriber's Note: it] is _almost_ unique!) of this beautiful edition, printed by Bensley, to be struck off UPON SATIN, in imperial 8vo. One of these copies now remains with him for sale.]

[Footnote 442: The passage, above alluded to, is as follows:

At ev'ry auction, bent on fresh supplies, He cons his catalogue with anxious eyes: Where'er the slim Italics mark the page, _Curious and rare_ his ardent mind engage.

_The Bibliomania_; v. 54.]

[Footnote 443: A slight mention of Mons. Berryer, the father-in-law of Lamoignon, is made at p. 84, ante. The reader is here presented with a more finished portrait of this extraordinary bibliomaniac: a portrait, which will excite his unbounded admiration, if not envy!--for such a careful and voluptuous collector, in regard to _binding_, was, I believe, never before known; nor has he been since eclipsed. 'M. Berryer, successivement Secretaire d'Etat au Departement de la Marine, Ministre, puis Garde des Sceaux de France, s'etoit occupe pendant pres de quarante annees a se former un cabinet des plus beaux livres grecs et latins, anciennes editions, soit de France, soit des pays etrangers, &c. Par un soin et une patience infatigables, a l'aide de plusieurs cooperateurs eclaires, savans meme en Bibliographie, qui connoissoient ses etudes, delassement de ses places, il avoit recueilli les plus belles editions; de telle sorte qu'il a toujours su se procurer un exemplaire parfait de chaque edition par un moyen simple quoique dispendieux. Si les Catalogues des ventes publiques lui apprenoient qu'il existoit un exemplaire _plus beau, plus grand de marge, mieux conserve_, de tout auteur, &c., que celui qu'il possedoit, il le fasoit acquerir sans s'embarrasser du prix, et il se defaisoit a perte de l'exemplaire moins beau. La majeure partie des auteurs anciens et modernes de son cabinet a ete changee huit ou dix fois de cette maniere. Il ne _s'arretoit_ qu'apres s'etre assure qu'il avoit _le plus bel exemplaire connu_, soit pour la marge, soit pour la force du papier, soit pour la magnificence de la conservation et _de la relieure_.' 'A l'egard des ouvrages d'editions modernes, meme celles faites en pays etranger, M. Berryer vouloit les avoir en feuilles: il en faisoit choisir, dans plusieurs exemplaires, un parfait, et il le faisoit relier _en maroquin de choix_; le Ministere de la Marine qu'il avoit rempli, lui ayant donne toutes les facilites d'en etre abondamment et fidelement pourvu dans toutes les Echelles du Levant. On collationnoit ensuite pour verifier s' il n'y avoit ni transposition, ni omission de feuilles ou de pages?!!' _Cat. M. Lamoignon_, 1791. pref. p. ij. iij. Berryer was slightly copied by Caillard (of whom see p. 76, ante) in the luxury of _book-binding_. 'M. Caillard avoit le soin _de faire satiner_ presque tous livres qu'il faisoit relier, et principalement les grands ouvrages; qu'il est difficile d'avoir parfaitement relies sans ce precede.' _Cat. de Caillard_; p. x. (avertisement.) But I know not whether Caillard did not catch the phrensy from the elder Mirabeau. In the catalogue of his books, p. II., we are thus told of him:--'l'acquisition d'un _beau livre_ lui causoit des transports de joie inexprimables: il l'examinoit, l'admiriot [Transcriber's Note: l'admiroit]: il vouloit que chacun partageat avec lui le meme enthousiasme.' His biographer properly adds: 'De quelle surprise n'auroit-on pas ete, si l'on eut su que c'etoit la le meme homme qui, du haut de la tribune, faisoit trembler les despotes et les factieux!' Ponder here, gentle reader, upon the effects of a _beautiful_ book! Let no one, however, imagine that we _grave Englishmen_ are averse or indifferent to 'le luxe de la relieure'!! No: at this present moment, we have the best bookbinders in Europe; nor do we want good authority for the encouragement of this fascinating department relating to the Bibliomania. Read here what Mr. Roscoe hath so eloquently written in commendation of it: 'A taste for the exterior decoration of books has lately arisen in this country, in the gratification of which no small share of ingenuity has been displayed; but if we are to judge of the present predilection for learning by the degree of expense thus incurred, we must consider it as greatly inferior to that of the Romans during the times of the first Emperors, or of the Italians at the 15th century. And yet it is, perhaps, difficult to discover why a FAVOURITE BOOK should not be as proper an object of elegant ornament as the head of a cane, the hilt of a sword, or the latchet of a shoe.' _Lorenzo de Medici_; vol. ii., 79, 8vo. edition. Did Geyler allude to such bibliomaniacs in the following sentence? Sunt qui libros inaurant et serica tegimenta apponunt preciosa et superba. Grandis haec fatuitas! _Navicula, sive Speculum Fatuorum_; (Navis Stultifera) _sign. B. v. rev._]

BELIN. For the benefit--not of the 'Country Gentlemen,' but--of the 'Country Ladies,' do pray translate these Latin words. We are always interested about the pastoral life.

LIS. It only means, Belinda, that this said shepherd was blockhead enough to keep gazing upon his beloved fair, although every glance shot him through the heart, and killed him a hundred times. Still he caressed the cause of his ruin. And so bibliomaniacs hug the very volumes of which they oftentimes know they cannot afford the purchase money! I have not forgotten your account of Dr. Dee:[444] but the ladies were then absent.

[Footnote 444: See p. 262, ante.]

BELIN. Well, let us now go on to the explanation of the _fifth symptom_ of the Bibliomania; which you have called, Copies PRINTED UPON VELLUM!

LYSAND. A desire for books printed in this manner[445] is an equally strong and general symptom of the Biblomania; but, as these works are rarely to be obtained of modern date, the collector is obliged to have recourse to specimens executed, three centuries ago, in the printing offices of Aldus, Verard, or the Giunti. Although the _Bibliotheque Imperiale_, at Paris, and the library of Count M'Carthy, at Toulouse, are said to contain the greatest number of books, printed upon vellum, yet, those who have been fortunate enough to see copies of this kind in the libraries of his Majesty, the Duke of Marlborough, Earl Spencer, Mr. Johnes, and the late Mr. Cracherode (which latter is now in the British Museum) need not travel on the Continent for the sake of being convinced of their exquisite beauty and splendour. An _unique_ copy of the first Livy, upon vellum, (of which the owner has excited the envy of foreigners) is a library of itself!--and the existence of vellum copies of Wynkyn De Worde's reprint of _Juliana Barnes's Book of Hawking, &c._, complete in every respect, (to say nothing of his Majesty's similar copy of Caxton's _Doctrinal of Sapience_, in the finest preservation) are sufficient demonstrations of the prevalance of this symptoms of the Bibliomania in the times of our forefathers; so that it cannot be said, as some have asserted, to have appeared entirely within the last half century.

[Footnote 445: William Horman, who was head master of Eton school at the opening of the sixteenth century, was, I apprehend, the earliest writer in this country who propagated those symptoms of the Bibliomania indicative of a passion for _large paper_ and _vellum_ copies; for thus writes the said Horman, in his _Vulgaria_, printed by Pynson, in folio, 1519: a book, curious and interesting upon every account. 'The greatest and highest of price, is _paper imperial_. (Herbert, vol i., p. 265.) _Parchment leaves_ be wont to be ruled, that there may be a _comely margent_: also, strait lines of equal distance be draw[en] within, that the writing may shew fair,' _fol._ 82. From these two sentences (without quoting Horman's praise of the presses of Froben and Aldus; fol. 87) I think it may be fairly inferred that a love of _large paper_ and _vellum_ copies was beginning to display itself in the period just mentioned. That this love or passion is now eagerly and generally evinced, I shall proceed to give abundant proof; but first let me not forget our bibliomaniacal satirist:

FIFTH MAXIM.

Who blindly take the book display'd By pettifoggers in the trade. Nor ask of what the leaf was made, That _seems like paper_--I can tell 'em, That though 'tis possible to squint Through any page with letters in't, No copy, though an angel print, Reads elegantly--but "on VELLUM."

_Bibliosophia_, p. VI.

I proceed to give evidence of the present passion which prevails, respecting books of the description of which we are now speaking, by extracting a few articles from the library of which such honourable mention was made at p. 448-9, ante. They are all

WORKS PRINTED UPON VELLUM.

NO. 241. Epistolae Beati Jeronimi. Impressio Moguntinae facta per Virum famatum in haec arte Petrum Schoiffer de Gernsheym, 2 vols., 1470. _A fine specimen of a grand book, superbly bound in blue turkey._ Folio. L28 _s._7 0_d._

242. Sexti Decretalium Opus praeclarum Bonifacii VII., Pont. Max. In Nobili Urbe Moguncia non Atramento e plumali ereaque Penna Cannave per Petrum Schoiffer de Gernsheym consummatum. A.D. 1476. _A most beautiful work, superbly bound in blue turkey._ 19 19 0

253. [Transcriber's Note: 243.] Constitutiones Clementis Papae Quinti, una cum apparatu Domini Joannis Andreae. Venetiis impress. Ere atque Industria Nicolai Jenson Gallici, 1476. _A most beautiful specimen of clean vellum, with a fine illumination, bound in purple velvet._ Folio. 21 10 0

244. Leonora, from the German of Burgher, by Mr. Spencer, with the designs of Lady Diana Beauclerc, 1796. Folio. 25 4 0

_A beautiful unique copy, with the plates worked on satin, superbly bound in blue turkey._

245. Dryden's Fables, with engravings from the pencil of Lady Beauclerc. _A beautiful unique copy, splendidly bound in morocco, with the plates worked on satin._ 34 13 0

246. Missale Monasticum secundum Ritum et consuetudinem Ordinis Gallae Umbrosae. Venetiis, per Ant. de Giunta Florentinum, 1503. _A most beautiful copy of a very rare book, with plates and illuminations, bound in morocco._ Folio. 13 3 6

247. Postilla super Libros N. Testamenti Fratris Nicolai de Lyra. Venet. per Joan. de Colonia et Nic. Jenson, 1481. _A fine specimen of beautiful vellum, with illuminations, bound in blue turkey._ Folio. 17 17 0

248. The German Bible, by Martin Luther, 2 vols. Augspurg, 1535, folio. _A most fair, and beautiful copy, with coloured plates, in the finest preservation, and bound in crimson velvet, with two cases._--'The copies on vellum of this fine edition were printed at the charges of John Frederick, Elector of Saxony, (vide Panzer).' Folio. 52 10 0

249. Le Livre de Jehan Bocasse de la Louenge et Vertu des nobles et Cleres Dames. Paris, _par Ant. Verard_, 1493. _A beautiful work, with curious illuminations, finely bound in blue turkey._ Folio. 14 14 0

250. Virgilii Opera cura Brunck. Argentorati, 1789. _An unique copy, bound in morocco, with a case._ Quarto. 33 12 0

251. Somervile's Chace, a Poem, with fine plates on wood, by Bewick. Printed by Bulmer, 1796. Quarto. _A beautiful unique copy, splendidly bound in green, morocco._ 15 4 6

252. Poems by Goldsmith and Parnell, with fine plates on wood by Bewick. Printed by Bulmer, 1795. _A beautiful unique copy, superbly bound in green morocco._ 15 15 0

253. The Gardens, a poem, by the Abbe de Lisle, with fine plates by Bartolozzi, coloured. Printed by Bensley, 1798. _A fine book, and bound in green morocco._ Quarto. 14 3 6

254. The Castle of Otranto, by the Earl of Oxford. Printed at Parma, 1791. _A fine copy elegantly bound in blue morocco._ Quarto. 13 2 6

255. Coustumes du Pais de Normandie. Rouen, 1588. _A beautiful unique copy, on fine white vellum, the presentation copy to the Duke de Joyeuse; in old morocco._ 14 3 6

256. P. Virgilii Maronis Codex antiquissimus in Bibliotheca Mediceo-Laurentiana. Florent. 1741. _A curious facsimile of the old MS. bound in yellow morocco_, 4to. 17 17 0

257. Junius's Letters, 4 vols., 8vo. Printed by Bensley, 1796. _A beautiful unique copy, with the plates also worked on vellum, bound in morocco._ 25 4 0

258. Il Castello di Otranto, storia Gotica, Lond. 1795. _Beautifully printed, with fine cuts, illuminated, bound in morocco._ 4 16 0

259. Milton's Paradise Regained, Poems, and Sonnets, and Latin Poems, with notes, 3 vols. Printed by Bensley, 1796, 8vo. _A unique and beautiful copy, bound in blue turkey._ 17 6 6

260. La Guirlande de Julie offerte a Mademoiselle de Rambouillet, par le Marq. de Montausier. Paris de l'Imprim. de Monsieur, 1784, 8vo. 'This matchless book is embellished with exquisite miniatures, paintings of flowers, and wreaths of flowers, to illustrate the work, and is one of the most exquisite performances ever produced;' _superbly bound in green morocco_.

[30 guineas were bidden; but the book was passed on and not sold.]

261. La Vedova, Commedia facetissima di Nic. Buonaparte Cittadino Florentino. Paris, 1803, 8vo. A curious work by an ancestor of the First Consul; _a beautiful unique copy, superbly bound in red morocco_. 4 4 0

262. The Old English Baron, a Gothic story, by Clara Reeve, 1794, 8vo. _Richly bound in blue turkey._ 2 0 0

263. The Oeconomy of Human Life, with fine plates, 1795. _A beautiful unique copy, with the plates finely tinted in colours and superbly bound in morocco_, 8vo. 15 15 0

264. Dr. Benjamin Franklin's Works. Paris, 1795, 8vo. _A beautiful unique copy, and bound in crimson velvet._ 5 0 0

265. The Dance of Death. Painted by Holbein, and engraved by Hollar, _a beautiful unique copy, with the plates exquisitely painted, and very richly bound in red morocco_. 17 17 0

266. La Gerusalemme liberata di Torquato Tasso, 4 vols. Parigi Presso Molini, 1783, 8vo. _A beautiful copy, bound in green morocco._ 9 19 6

267. Catullus, Tibullus, et Propertius, 3 vols. Par. ap. Coustelier, 1743, 8vo. _A singularly beautiful copy, and bound in old blue turkey._ 14 14 0

268. Opere Toscane di Luigi Alamanni. Leoni. ap. Gryphia, 1552. _A most beautiful copy, presented to King Francis I. of France: old morocco._ 6 6 0

269. A New Testament in German. Augsburg, 1535, 12mo. A fine copy, with illuminations, of a very rare edition. 2 7 0

Lysander has above noticed the collection of Count M'Carthy of Toulouse. By the kindness of Mr. Roche, banker, at Cork, I learn that this collection 'is a truly splendid one.' The possessor's talents are not confined to the partial walk of bibliography: in his younger years, he was considered one of the first gentlemen-violin players in Europe. He quitted Ireland forty years ago, and now resides at Toulouse, in his 70th year, surrounded by a numerous and respectable family. His leading passion, in book-collecting, (like his countryman's, poor Mr. Quin--who gave 170 guineas for the Spira Virgil of 1470, _in membranis_!) is marked by a fondness for works _printed upon vellum_. From Mr. Roche, Mr. Edwards, and other quarters, I am enabled to present the reader with a list of a _few_ of

COUNT M'CARTHY'S BOOKS UPON VELLUM.

Psalmorum Codex; _Mogunt._ _Fust and Schoiffer._ Folio, 1457. ---- ----; _ibid._ _apud eosdem._ Folio, 1459. Durandi Rationale; _ibid._ _apud eosdem._ Folio, 1459. _Clementis Papae V. Constitutiones_; _ibid._ _apud eosdem._ Folio, 1460. ---- ---- ---- ----; _ibid._ _apud eosdem._ Folio, 1467. Catholicon; _ibid._ _apud eosdem._ Folio, 1460. Biblia Sacra Latina; _ibid._ _apud eosdem._ Folio, 1462.

[His Majesty and Earl Spencer possess similar copies of these works.]

Franciscus de Retras Comment. Vitiorum; _Nuremb._ Folio, 1470. Hieronimi Epistolae; _Mogunt._ _Fust and Schoiffer._ Folio, 1470.

(Another copy: very large thick paper.)

Priscianus de Art. Grammat. _Venet._ _Vin. Spira._ Folio, 1470.

(See p. 407, ante.)

Liber Sextus Decretalium Bonif. Papae VIII. _Mogunt._ Folio, 1470. Guarini Regulae; Quarto, 1470. Quintiliani Institutiones; _Jenson_, Folio, 1471. Baptista de Alberti de Amore; Quarto, 1471. de Amoris Remedio: Quarto, 1471. Biblia in Ling. Volg. Folio, 1471, 2 vols. Historia Natur. de Plinio tradotto da Landino; _Jenson, Venet._ 1476.

(A similar copy is in Mr. Coke's library at Holkam; illuminated, and in magnificent condition.)

Biblia Sacra Polyglotta; Ximenis; _Complut._ Folio, 1516, &c., 6 vols.

(See page 407, ante; for a brief account of this extraordinary copy.)

Plutarchi Vitae (Lat.); _Venet._ _N. Jenson._ Folio, 1478. vol. 1. Aristotelis Opera Varia (Lat.); _Venet._ Folio, 1483. 3 vols.

(This was the Pinelli copy, and was purchased for 73_l._ 10_s._)

Statii Achilles; _Brixiae._ Folio, 1485. Chroniques de France, dictes de St. Denys; _Paris._ Folio, 1493. vol. 2 & 3. Anthologia Graeca; _Florent._ Quarto, 1494. Lancelot du Lac; _Paris._ _Verard_, Folio, 1494. vol. 2. Boccace des nobles Malheureux; _ibid._ Folio, 1494. Appollonius Rhodius; _Florent._ Quarto, 1496. Destruction de Troy le Grant; _Paris._ Folio, 1498. Poliphili Hyperonotomachia; _Venet._ Folio, 1499. Mer des Histores; _Paris._ Folio, (no date) 2 vols. Monstrelet Chronique de; _Paris._ Folio, (no date) 3 vols. Roman de la Rose; _Paris._ _Verard._ Folio, (no date) ---- de Tristan; _ibid._ _id._ (no date) ---- d' Ogier le Danois; _ibid._ _id._ (no date) ---- de Melis et Lenin; _ibid._ _id._ (no date)

I have heard that Count M'Carthy's books do not exceed 4000 in number; and of these, perhaps, no private collector in Europe has an equal number printed upon vellum. In our own country, however, the finest VELLUM LIBRARY in the world might be composed from the collections of His Majesty, the Duke of Marlborough, Earl Spencer, Sir M.M. Sykes, Bart., Mr. Johnes, Mr. Coke, and the Quin collection. Yet let us not forget the finest _vellum copy_ in the world of the first edition of _Aristotle's works_ (wanting one volume) which may be seen in the library of Corpus Christi College, Oxford. Of Mr. Edward's _similar_ copy _of the first Livy_, Lysander and myself (vide Part III.) have spoken like honest bibliomaniacs. Earl Spencer possesses the rival volume, printed by the same printers, (Sweynheym and Pannartz) and upon the same material, in his Pliny Senior of 1470--But let all quiet bibliomaniacs wait with patience till the work of Mons. Praet upon this subject, alluded to at p. 68, ante, shall have made its appearance! and then--let us see whether we can prevail upon some Gnome to transport to us, through the 'thin air,' Pynson's '_Ship of Fools_' UPON VELLUM!!]

LIS. Are we as successful in printing upon vellum as were our forefathers?

LYSAND. Certainly not; if we except some of the works from the press of Bodoni--which are oftentimes truly brilliant. But the fault, in general, is rather in the preparation of the vellum than in the execution of the press-work.

LOREN. You have seen, Lisardo, my small volumes of '_Heures_,' or '_Missals_,' as they are called; some of them in MS. and others in print--and what can be more delicate than the texture of the vellum leaves, or more perfect than the execution of penmanship and printing?

ALMAN. I have often set whole hours, my dear brother, in contemplating with rapture the sparkling radiance of these little volumes; and wish in my heart I had a few favourite authors executed in a similar manner! I should like to employ Bodoni[446] for life.

[Footnote 446: It is not because Bodoni printed better than our popular printers--that his books upon vellum are more beautiful than those produced by the London presses--but that the Italian vellum (made of the abortive calf) is, in general, more white and delicate. There is not, perhaps, a lovelier little VELLUM BOOK in existence than the _Castle of Otranto_, printed by Bodoni in 1796, 8vo. A copy of this, with the plates worked on white satin, was in the collection of Mr. G.G. Mills; and sold at the sale of his books in 1800; no. 181; see p. 447, ante. From the former authority it would appear that only six copies were printed in this manner. By the kindness of Mr. Edwards, I am in possession of a '_Lettera Pastorale_' of Fr. Adeodato Turchi--a small tract of 38 pages--printed upon paper, by Bodoni, in a style of uncommon delicacy: having all the finish and picturesque effect of copper-plate execution. But the chef d'oeuvre of Bodoni seems to be an edition of _Homer_, in three great folio volumes, each consisting of 370 pages, with the text only. The artist employed six years in the preparations, and the printing occupied eighteen months. One hundred and forty copies only were struck off. The copy presented to Bonaparte was UPON VELLUM, of a size and brilliancy altogether unparalleled. _American Review_, no. 1., p. 171. January, 1811. In our admiration of Bodoni, let us not forget DIDOT: who printed a single copy of _Voltaire's Henriade_ UPON VELLUM, in quarto, with a brilliancy of execution, and perfection of vellum, which can never be suppassed [Transcriber's Note: surpassed]. This copy formerly belonged to a Farmer General, one of Didot's most intimate friends, who perished in the Revolution. Didot also printed a number of copies of French translations of English works, upon the same material: so correct, beautiful, and tasteful, that Mr. Bulmer assures me nothing could exceed it. All these small richly-feathered birds were once here, but have now taken their flight to a warmer climate. Our modern books upon vellum are little short of being downright wretched. I saw the _Life of Nelson_, in two large quartos, printed in this manner; and it would have been the first work which I should have recommended a first-rate collector to have thrown out of his library.[G] Many of the leaves were afflicted with the jaundice beyond hope of cure. The censure which is here thrown out upon others reaches my own doors: for I attempted to execute a single copy of my _Typographical Antiquities_ upon vellum, with every possible attention to printing and to the material upon which it was to be executed. But I failed in every point: and this single wretchedly-looking book, had I presevered [Transcriber's Note: persevered] in executing my design, would have cost me about _seventy-five_ guineas!]

[Footnote G: This book was printed at Bolt Court during the apprenticeship of the printer of this edit. of Biblio., who speaking from remembrance, ventures to suggest that the above remark is rather too strong--although there was confessedly a great deal of trouble in procuring good vellum. He believes only _one_ copy was done; it was the property of Alexander Davidson, Esq. Banker, and, being in his library in Ireland, when the mansion was burned down, it was destroyed. He had insured it for L600--the Insurance office disputed his claim, and a trial at Dublin took place. The late Mr. Bensley was subpoenaed to give evidence of its value, but, being reluctant to go, he persuaded the parties that Warwick, one of his pressmen, who worked it off, was a better witness; he accordingly went, his evidence succeeding in establishing Mr. Davidson's claim. This same Warwick worked off many of the splendid specimens of typography mentioned in _Bibliomania_, being one of the very best workmen in the Printing business--particularly in wood-cuts. He afterwards became private printer to the late Sir Egerton Bridges, Bart., at Lee Priory--and is long since dead.]

LIS. I could go on, 'till midnight, indulging my wishes of having favourite books printed upon vellum leaves; and at the head of these I would put _Crammer's Bible_ for I want scholarship sufficient to understand the _Complutensian Polyglott of Cardinal Ximenes_.[447]

[Footnote 447: See pages 160, 407, ante.]

BERLIN. [Transcriber's Note: Belin.] So much for the _Vellum Symptom_. Proceed we now to the _sixth_: which upon looking at my memoranda, I find to be the FIRST EDITIONS. What is the meaning of this odd symptom?

LYSAND. From the time of Ancillon to Askew, there has been a very strong desire expressed for the possesssion [Transcriber's Note: possession] of _original_ or _first published editions_[448] of works; as they are in general superintended and corrected by the author himself, and, like the first impressions of prints are considered more valuable. Whoever is possessed with a passion for collecting books of this kind, may unquestionably be said to exhibit a strong symptom of the Bibliomania: but such a case is not quite hopeless, nor is it deserving of severe treatment or censure. All bibliographers have dwelt on the importance of these editions[449] for the sake of collation with subsequent ones; and of detecting, as is frequently the case, the carelessness displayed by future editors. Of such importance is the _first edition Shakspeare_[450] considered, on the score of correctness, that a fac-simile reprint of it has been recently published. In regard to the Greek and Latin Classics, the possession of these original editions is of the first consequence to editors who are anxious to republish the legitimate text of an author. Wakefield, I believe, always regretted that the first edition of Lucretius had not been earlier inspected by him. When he began _his_ edition, the Editio Princeps was not (as I have understood) in that storehouse of almost every thing which is exquisite and rare in ancient and modern classical literature--need I add the library of Earl Spencer?[451]

[Footnote 448: All German and French bibliographers class these FIRST EDITIONS among rare books; and nothing is more apt to seduce a noviciate in bibliography into error than the tempting manner in which, by aid of capital or italic types, these EDITIONES PRIMARIAE or _Editiones Principes_ are set forth in the most respectable catalogues published abroad as well as at home. But before we enter into particulars, we must not forget that this sixth sympton [Transcriber's Note: symptom] of the Bibliomania has been thus pungently described in the poetical strains of an "aspirant!"

SIXTH MAXIM.

Who of Editions recks the least, But, when that hog, his mind would feast Fattens the intellectual beast With old, or new, without ambition,-- I'll teach the pig to soar on high, (If pigs had pinions, by the bye) How'er the _last_ may _satisfy_, The _bonne bouche_ is the "FIRST EDITION."

_Bibliosophia_; p. VI.

These first editions are generally, with respect to foreign works, printed in the fifteenth or in the early part of the sixteenth century: and indeed we have a pretty rich sprinkling of a similar description of first editions executed in our own country. It is not, therefore, without justice that we are described, by foreign bibliographers, as being much addicted to this class of books: "With what avidity, and at what great prices, this character of books is obtained by the Dutch, and _especially by the English_, the very illustrious Zach. Conrad ab Uffenbach shews, in the preface to the second volume of his catalogue." Vogt; p. xx., edit. 1793. There is a curious and amusing article in Bayle (English edition, vol i., 672, &c.) about the elder Ancillon, who frankly confessed that he "was troubled with the Bibliomania, or disease of buying books." Mr. D'Israeli says that he "always purchased _first editions_, and never waited for second ones," but I find it, in the English Bayle, note D, "he chose _the best_ editions." The manner in which Ancillon's library was pillaged by the Ecclesiastics of Metz (where it was considered as the most valuable curiosity in the town) is thus told by Bayle: "Ancillon was obliged to leave Metz: a company of Ecclesiastics, of all orders, came from every part, to lay hands on this fine and copious library, which had been collected with the utmost care during forty years. They took away a great number of the books together; and gave a little money, as they went out, to a young girl, of twelve or thirteen years of age, who looked after them, that they might have it to say they had _paid for them_. Thus Ancillon saw that valuable collection dispersed, in which, as he was wont to say, his chief pleasure and even his heart was placed!"--Edit. 1734. A pleasant circumstance, connected with our present subject, occurred to the Rev. Dr. Charles Burney. At a small sale of books which took place at Messrs. King and Lochee's, some few years ago, the Doctor sent a commission, for some old grammatical treatises; and calling with Mr. Edwards to see the success of the commission, the latter, in the true spirit of bibliomaniacism, pounced upon an anciently-bound book, in the lot, which turned out to be--nothing less than the _first edition_ of MANILIUS by Regiomontanus: one of the very scarcest books in the class of those of which we are treating! By the liberality of the purchaser, this _primary bijou_ now adorns the noble library of the Bishop of Ely.]

[Footnote 449: An instance of this kind may be adduced from the _first edition_ of Fabian, printed in 1516; of which Chronicle Messrs. Longman, Hurst, and Co. have just published a new edition, superintended by Mr. H. Ellis, and containing various readings from all the editions at the foot of the text. "The antiquary," says the late Mr. BRAND, "is desired to consult the edition of Fabian, printed by Pynson, in 1516, because there are others, and I remember to have seen one in the Bodleian Library at Oxford, with a continuation to the end of Queen Mary, 1559, in which the language is much modernized." _Shakspeare_, edit. 1803, vol. xviii., pp. 85, 86. See also what has been before said (p. 233.) of an _after_ edition of Speed.]

[Footnote 450: A singular story is "extant" about the purchase of the late Duke of Roxburgh's copy of the first edition of Shakspeare. A friend was bidding for him in the sale-room: his Grace had retired to one end of the room, coolly to view the issue of the contest. The biddings rose quickly to 20 guineas; a great sum in former times: but the Duke was not to be daunted or defeated. A slip of paper was handed to him, upon which the propriety of continuing the contest was suggested. His Grace took out his pencil; and, with a coolness which would have done credit to Prince Eugene, he wrote on the same slip of paper, by way of reply--

lay on Macduff! And d----d be he who first cries "Hold, enough!"

Such a spirit was irresistible, and bore down all opposition. The Duke was of course declared victor, and he marched off, triumphantly, with the volume under his arm. Lord Spencer has a fine copy of this first edition of Shakspeare, collated by Steevens himself.]

[Footnote 451: We raise the column to the hero who has fought our battles by sea or land; and we teach our children to look up with admiration and reverence towards an object so well calculated to excite the best sympathies of the human heart. All this is well; and may it never be neglected! But there are other characters not less noble, and of equal glory to a great nation like our own; and they are those who, to the adventitious splendour of hereditary rank, add all the worth and talent of a private condition, less exposed to temptation, and suited to the cultivation of peaceful and literary pursuits. Such a character is GEORGE JOHN EARL SPENCER! A nobleman, not less upright and weighty in the senate than polished and amiable in private life; who, cool and respected amidst the violence of party, has filled two of the most important offices of state in a manner at once popular and effective; and who, to his general love of the fine arts, and acquaintance with classical literature, has superadded the noble achievement of having collected the finest private library in Europe! The reader has already met with sufficient mention of this collection to justify what is here said in commendation of it.... In the deepest recess of Althorpe Park--where the larch and laurustinus throw their dark yet pleasing shade--and where

----pinus ingens, albaque populus Umbram hospitalem consociare amant Ramis--

let the Doric Temple be raised, with its white-marbled columns, sacred to the memory of this ILLUSTRIOUS NOBLEMAN! Let his bust, in basso-relievo, with appropriate embellishments, adorn the most conspicuous compartment within: and peace and virtue, and filial affection, will, I am sure, be the guardians of so cherished a spot!

It must not, however, be forgotten that, if first editions are, in some instances, of great importance, they are in many respects superfluous, and only incumber the shelves of a collector; inasmuch as the labours of subsequent editors have corrected the errors of their predecessors, and superseded, by a great fund of additional matter, the necessity of consulting them. Thus, not to mention other instances (which present themselves while noticing the present one), all the fine things which Colomies and Reimannus have said about the rarity of La Croix du Maine's Bibliotheque, published in 1584, are now unnecessary to be attended to, since the publication of the ample and excellent edition of this work by De La Monnoye and Juvigny, in six quarto volumes, 1772.

LIS. Upon the whole, I should prefer the best to the first edition; and you, Lorenzo, may revel in the possession of your _first Shakespeare_--but give me the last Variorum edition _in twenty-one volumes_.

LOREN. "Chacun a son gout," yet it may be as well to possess them _both_. Indeed, I not only have these editions, but a great number of the early plays printed in quarto;[452] which are considered the _ne plus ultra_ of Shakspearian bibliomaniacism.

[Footnote 452: A pretty copious list of these valuable early plays will be found at pages 431-2-3-4, ante.]

BELIN. Much good may these wretchedly printed volumes do you! Now let me proceed with my pupil. Tell us, good Lysander, what can you possibly mean by the _seventh symptom_ of the Bibliomania, called TRUE EDITIONS?

LYSAND. My definition of this strange symptom will excite your mirth.[453] Some copies of a work are struck off with deviations from the usually received ones, and although these deviations have generally neither sense nor beauty to recommend them (and indeed are principally _defects_!), yet copies of this description are eagerly sought after by collectors of a certain class. What think you of such a ridiculous passion in the book-way?

[Footnote 453: Observing the usual order of notification, we will first borrow the poetical aid of "an aspirant:"

SEVENTH MAXIM.

Who dares to "write me down an ass," When, spying through the curious mass, I rub my hands, and wipe my glass, If, chance, an _error_ bless my notice-- Will prize when drill'd into his duty, These lovely warts of ugly beauty; For books, when _false_ (it may be new t'ye), Are "TRUE EDITIONS:"--odd,--but _so_ 'tis.

Let us proceed to see whether this biting satire be founded upon truth, or not. Accidental variations from the common impressions of a work form what are called TRUE EDITIONS: and as copies, with such variations (upon the same principle as that of _Prints_; vide p. 501-2, ante) are rare, they are of course sought after with avidity by knowing bibliomaniacs. Thus speaks Ameilhon upon the subject:--"pendant l'impression d'un ouvrage il est arrive un accident qui, a telle page et a telle ligne, a occasione un renversement dans les lettres d'un mot, et que ce desordre n'a ete retabli qu'apres le tirage de six ou sept exemplaires; ce qui rend ces exemplaires defectueux presque uniques, et leur donne, a les entendre, une valeur inappreciable; car voila un des grands secrets de cet art, qui, au reste, s'acquiert aisement avec de la memoire." _Mem. de l'Institut_: vol. ii., p. 485. The author of these words then goes on to abuse the purchasers and venders of these strange books; but I will not quote his saucy tirade in defamation of this noble department of bibliomaniacism. I subjoin a few examples in illustration of Lysander's definition:--_Caesar. Lug. Bat._ 1636, 12mo. _Printed by Elzevir._ In the Bibliotheca Revickzkiana we are informed that the _true_ Elzevir edition is known by having the plate of a buffalo's head at the beginning of the preface and body of the work: also by having the page numbered 153, which _ought_ to have been numbered 149. A further account is given in my Introduction to the Classics, vol. i., p. 228.--_Horace_, Londini, 1733, 8vo., 2 vols. Published by Pine. The _true_ edition is distinguished by having at page 108, vol. ii., the _incorrect_ reading "Post Est."--for "Protest."--_Virgil._ Lug. Bat., 1636, 12mo. Printed by Elzevir. The _true_ edition is known, by having at plate 1, before the Bucolics, the following Latin passage _printed in red ink_. "Ego vero frequentes a te literas accepi." Consul de Bure, no. 2684.--_Idem._ Birmingh. 1763, 4to. Printed by Baskerville. A particular account of the _true_ edition will be found in the second volume of my "Introduction to the Classics," p. 337--too long to be here inserted.--_Bocaccio._ Il Decamerone, Venet. 1527, 4to. Consult De Bure no. 3667; Bandini, vol. ii. 105, 211; (who, however, is extremely laconic upon this edition, but copious upon the anterior one of 1516) and Haym, vol. iii., p. 8, edit. 1803. Bibl. Paris., no. 408. Clement. (vol.