Note 448 — The Alcove. (continued 2)

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 Primariæ 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 of the Bibliomania has been thus pungently described in the poetical strains of an "aspirant!"