Note 391 — The Drawing Room. (continued 3)

Lysander is now arrived, pursuing his chronological order, at a very important period in the annals of book-sales. The name and collection of Dr. Askew are so well known in the bibliographical world that the reader need not be detained with laboured commendations on either: in the present place, however, it would be a cruel disappointment not to say a word or two by way of preface or prologue. Dr. Anthony Askew had eminently distinguished himself by a refined taste, a sound knowledge, and an indefatigable research, relating to every thing connected with Grecian and Roman literature. It was to be expected, even during his life, as he was possessed of sufficient means to gratify himself with what was rare, curious, and beautiful, in literature and the fine arts, that the public would one day be benefited by such pursuits: especially as he had expressed a wish that his treasures might be unreservedly submitted to sale, after his decease. In this wish the doctor was not singular. Many eminent collectors had indulged it before him: and, to my knowledge, many modern ones still indulge it. Accordingly, on the death of Dr. Askew, in 1774, appeared, in the ensuing year, a catalogue of his books for sale, by Messrs. Baker and Leigh, under the following title: "Bibliotheca Askeviana, sive Catalogus Librorum Rarissimorum Antonii Askew, M.D., quorum Auctio fiet apud S. Baker et G. Leigh, in Vico dicto York Street, Covent Garden, Londini, Die Lunæ, 13 Februarii, mdcclxxv, et in undeviginti sequentes dies." A few copies were struck off on large paper, which are yet rather common. My own copy is of this kind, with the prices, and names of the purchasers. We are told, by the compiler of the catalogue, that it was thought "unnecessary to say much with respect to this library of the late Dr. Anthony Askew, as the collector and the collection were so well known in almost all parts of Europe." Afterwards it is observed that "The books in general are in very fine condition, many of them bound in morocco, and russia leather, with gilt leaves." "To give a particular account," continues the compiler, "of the many scarce editions of books in this catalogue would be almost endless, therefore the first editions of the classics, and some extremely rare books, are chiefly noticed. The catalogue, without any doubt, contains the best, rarest, and most valuable collection of Greek and Latin Books that was ever sold in England, and the great time and trouble of forming it will, it is hoped, be a sufficient excuse for the price put to it." (1s. 6d. the small paper, and 4s. the large.) This account is not overcharged. The collection in regard to Greek and Roman literature was unique in its day. Enriched with many a tome from the Harleian, Dr. Mead's, Martin Folkes's, and Dr. Rawlinson's library, as well as with numerous rare and splendid articles from foreign collections (for few men travelled with greater ardour, or had an acuter discrimination than Dr. Askew), the books were sought after by almost every one then eminent for bibliographical research. His Majesty was a purchaser, says Mr. J. Nichols, to the amount of about 300l.; Dr. Hunter, to the amount of 500l.; and De Bure (who had commissions from the King of France and many foreign collectors, to the amount of 1500l.) made purchases to the same amount; Dr. Maty was solicited by the trustees of the British Museum not to be unmindful of that repository; and accordingly he became a purchaser to a considerable amount. The late worthy and learned Mr. M. Cracherode, whose library now forms one of the most splendid acquisitions of the British Museum, and whose bequest of it will immortalize his memory, was also among the "Emptores literarii" at this renowned sale. He had enriched his collection with many an "Exemplar Askevianum;" and, in his latter days, used to elevate his hands and eyes, and exclaim against the prices now offered for Editiones Principes. The fact is, Dr. Askew's sale has been considered a sort of era in bibliography. Since that period, rare and curious books in Greek and Latin literature have been greedily sought after, and obtained (as a recent sale abundantly testifies) at most extravagant prices. It is very well for a veteran in bibliographical literature, as was Mr. Cracherode, or as are Mr. Wodhull, and Dr. Gosset—whose collections were, in part, formed in the days of De Bure, Gaignat, Askew, Duke de la Valliere, and Lamoignon—it is very well for such gentlemen to declaim against modern prices! But what is to be done? Classical books grow scarcer every day, and the love of literature, and of possessing rare and interesting works, increases in an equal ratio. Hungry bibliographers meet, at sales, with well-furnished purses, and are resolved upon sumptuous fare! Thus the hammer vibrates, after a bidding of forty pounds, where formerly it used regularly to fall at four! But we lose sight of Dr. Askew's rare editions, and large paper copies. The following, gentle reader, is but an imperfect specimen!