Note 432 — The Alcove.

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.'" Curiosités 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!