The Bibliomania. (continued 2)
Reading edition
If, therefore, in the wide survey which a philosopher may take of the "Miseries of Human life"[74] the prevalence of this disorder may appear to be less mischievous than that of others, and, if some of the most amiable and learned of mortals seemed to have been both unwilling, as well as unable, to avoid its contagion, you will probably feel the less alarmed if symptoms of it should appear within the sequestered abode of Hodnet![75] Recollecting that even in remoter situations its influence has been felt—and that neither the pure atmosphere of Hafod nor of Sledmere[76] has completely subdued its power—you will be disposed to exclaim with violence, at the intrusion of Bibliomaniacs—
What walls can guard me, or what shades can hide? They pierce my thickets, through my grot they glide! By land, by water, they renew the charge, They stop the chariot, and they board the barge.[77]
Sledmere, in Yorkshire, the seat of Sir Mark Masterman Sykes, Bart., M.P. The library of this amiable and tasteful Baronet reflects distinguished credit upon him. It is at once copious and choice.
Upon the whole, therefore, attending closely to the symptoms of this disorder as they have been described, and practising such means of cure as have been recommended, we may rationally hope that its virulence may abate, and the number of its victims annually diminish. But if the more discerning part of the community anticipate a different result, and the preceding observations appear to have presented but a narrow and partial view of the mischiefs of the Bibliomania, my only consolation is that to advance something upon the subject is better than to preserve a sullen and invincible silence. Let it be the task of more experienced bibliographers to correct and amplify the foregoing outline!
Believe me, My dear Sir,
Very sincerely Yours, &c.
Thomas Frognall Dibbin.
Kensington, May 16, 1809.
POSTSCRIPT.
On re-considering what has been written, it has struck me that a Synopsis of this disease, after the manner of Burton, as prefixed to his Anatomy of Melancholy, may be useful to some future pathologist. The reader is, accordingly, presented with the following one:
SYNOPSIS.
Page.
T h e B i b l i o m a n i a . I. History of; or an account of eminent Book Collectors who have fallen victims to it 12
II. Symptoms of; being a passion for 1. Large Paper Copies 44
2. Uncut Copies 46
3. Illustrated Copies 47
4. Unique Copies 49
5. Vellum Copies 51
6. First Editions 52
7. True Editions 54
8. Black Letter Editions 56
III. Cure of 1. Reading useful works 56
2. Reprints of scarce and valuable works ib.
3. Editing our best ancient Writers 60
4. Erecting of Public Institutions ib.
5. Encouragement of Bibliography ib.