Tout autour oiseaulx voletoient Et si tres-doulcement chantoient, Qu'il n'est cueur qui n'ent fust ioyeulx. Et en chantant en l'air montoient Et puis l'un l'autre surmontoient A l'estriuee a qui mieulx mieulx. Le temps n'estoit mie mieulx. De bleu estoient vestuz les cieux, Et le beau Soleil cler luisoit. Violettes croissoient par lieux Et tout faisoit ses deuoirs tieux Comme nature le duisoit.

Œuvres de Chartier, Paris, 1617, 4to. p. 594.

UCH is the lively description of a spring morning, in the opening of Alain Chartier's "Livre des quatre dames;" and, excepting the violets, such description conveyed a pretty accurate idea of the scenery which presented itself, from the cabinet window, to the eyes of Lysander and Philemon.

Phil. How delightful, my dear friend, are the objects which we have before our eyes, within and without doors! The freshness of the morning air, of which we have just been partaking in yonder field, was hardly more reviving to my senses than is the sight of this exquisite cabinet of bibliographical works, adorned with small busts and whole-length figures from the antique! You see these precious books are bound chiefly in Morocco, or Russia leather: and the greater part of them appear to be printed upon large paper.

Lysand. Our friend makes these books a sort of hobby-horse, and perhaps indulges his vanity in them to excess. They are undoubtedly useful in their way.

Phil. You are averse then to the study of bibliography?

Lysand. By no means. I have already told you of my passion for books, and cannot, therefore, dislike bibliography. I think, with Lambinet, that the greater part of bibliographical works are sufficiently dry and soporific:[95] but I am not insensible to the utility, and even entertainment, which may result from a proper cultivation of it—although both De Bure and Peignot appear to me to have gone greatly beyond the mark, in lauding this study as "one of the most attractive and vast pursuits in which the human mind can be engaged."[96]

Phil. But to know what books are valuable and what are worthless; their intrinsic and extrinsic merits; their rarity, beauty, and particularities of various kinds; and the estimation in which they are consequently held by knowing men—these things add a zest to the gratification we feel in even looking upon and handling certain volumes.

Lysand. It is true, my good Philemon; because knowledge upon any subject, however trivial, is more gratifying than total ignorance; and even if we could cut and string cherry-stones, like Cowper's rustic boy, it would be better than brushing them aside, without knowing that they could be converted to such a purpose. Hence I am always pleased with Le Long's reply to the caustic question of Father Malebranche, when the latter asked him, "how he could be so foolish as to take such pains about settling the date of a book, or making himself master of trivial points of philosophy!"—"Truth is so delightful," replied Le Long, "even in the most trivial matters, that we must neglect nothing to discover her." This reply, to a man who was writing, or had written, an essay upon truth was admirable. Mons. A.G. Camus, a good scholar, and an elegant bibliographer, [of whom you will see some account in "Les Siecles Litteraires de la France,"] has, I think, placed the study of bibliography in a just point of view; and to his observations, in the first volume of the "Memoires de l'Institut National," I must refer you.[97]

Something like the same animadversions may be found in a useful book printed nearly two centuries before: "Non enim cogitant quales ipsi, sed qualibus induti vestibus sint, et quanta pompa rerum fortunæque præfulgeant—sunt enim omnino ridiculi, qui in nuda librorum quantumvis selectissimorum multitudine gloriantur, et inde doctos sese atque admirandos esse persuadent." Draudius: Bibliotheca Classica, ed. 1611. Epist. ad. Lect. Spizelius has also a good passage upon the subject, in his description of Book-Gluttons ("Helluones Librorum"): "cum immensa pené librorum sit multitudo et varietas, fieri non potest, quin eorum opibus ditescere desiderans (hæres), non assiduam longamque lectionem adhibeat." Infelix Literatus, p. 296, edit. 1680, 8vo.

Phil. I may want time, and probably inclination, to read these observations: and, at any rate, I should be better pleased with your analysis of them.

Lysand. That would lead me into a wide field indeed; and, besides, our friend—who I see walking hastily up the garden—is impatient for his breakfast; 'tis better, therefore, that we satisfy just now an appetite of a different kind.

Phil. But you promise to renew the subject afterwards?

Lysand. I will make no such promise. If our facetious friend Lisardo, who is expected shortly to join us, should happen to direct our attention and the discourse to the sale of Malvolio's busts and statues, what favourable opportunity do you suppose could present itself for handling so unpromising a subject as bibliography?

Phil. Well, well, let us hope he will not come: or, if he does, let us take care to carry the point by a majority of votes. I hear the gate bell ring: 'tis Lisardo, surely!

Three minutes afterwards, Lisardo and myself, who met in the passage from opposite doors, entered the Cabinet. Mutual greetings succeeded: and, after a hearty breakfast, the conversation was more systematically renewed.

Lis. I am quite anxious to give you a description of the fine things which were sold at Malvolio's mansion yesterday! Amongst colossal Minervas, and pigmy fauns and satyrs, a magnificent set of books, in ten or twelve folio volumes (I forget the precise number) in Morocco binding, was to be disposed of.

Lysand. The Clementine and Florentine museums?

Lis. No indeed—a much less interesting work. A catalogue of the manuscripts and printed books in the library of the French king, Louis the fifteenth. It was odd enough to see such a work in such a sale!

Phil. You did not probably bid ten guineas for it, Lisardo?

Lis. Not ten shillings. What should I do with such books? You know I have a mortal aversion to them, and to every thing connected with bibliographical learning.

Phil. That arises, I presume, from your profound knowledge of the subject; and, hence, finding it, as Solomon found most pursuits, "vanity of vanities, and vexation of spirit."

Lis. Not so, truly! I have taken an aversion to it from mere whim and fancy: or rather from downright ignorance.

Phil. But I suppose you would not object to be set right upon any subject of which you are ignorant or misinformed? You don't mean to sport hereditary aversions, or hereditary attachments?

Lis. Why, perhaps, something of the kind. My father, who was the best creature upon earth, happened to come into the possession of a huge heap of catalogues of private collections, as well as of booksellers' books—and I remember, on a certain fifth of November, when my little hands could scarcely grasp the lamplighter's link that he bade me set fire to them, and shout forth—"Long live the King!"—ever since I have held them in sovereign contempt.

Phil. I love the king too well to suppose that his life could have been lengthened by any such barbarous act. You were absolutely a little Chi Ho-am-ti, or Omar![98] Perhaps you were not aware that his majesty is in possession of many valuable books, which are described with great care and accuracy in some of these very catalogues.

"Far eastward cast thine eye, from whence the sun And orient Science their bright course begun: One god-like monarch all that pride confounds, He, whose long wall the wandering Tartar bounds; Heavens! what a pile! whole ages perish there, And one bright blaze turns Learning into air. Thence to the south extend thy gladden'd eyes; There rival flames with equal glory rise, From shelves to shelves see greedy Vulcan roll, And lick up all their Physic of the Soul."

"Chi Ho-am-ti, Emperor of China, the same who built the great wall between China and Tartary, destroyed all the books and learned men of that empire."

"The caliph, Omar I. having conquered Egypt, caused his general to burn the Ptolemean library, on the gates of which was this inscription: 'ΨΥΧΗΣ ΙΑΤΡΕΙΟΝ:' 'The Physic of the Soul.'" Warburton's note. The last editor of Pope's works, (vol. v. 214.) might have referred us to the very ingenious observations of Gibbon, upon the probability of this latter event: see his "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire," vol. ix. 440, &c.

Lis. The act, upon reflection, was no doubt sufficiently foolish. But why so warm upon the subject?

Lysand. Let me defend Philemon; or at least account for his zeal. Just before you came in, he was leading me to give him some account of the rise and progress of Bibliography; and was fearful that, from your noted aversion to the subject, you would soon cut asunder the thread of our conversation.

Lis. If you can convert me to be an admirer of such a subject, or even to endure it, you will work wonders; and, unless you promise to do so, I know not whether I shall suffer you to begin.

Phil. Begin, my dear Lysander. A mind disposed to listen attentively is sometimes half converted. O, how I shall rejoice to see this bibliographical incendiary going about to buy up copies of the very works which he has destroyed! Listen, I entreat you, Lisardo.

Lis. I am all attention; for I see the clouds gathering in the south, and a gloomy, if not a showery, mid-day, promises to darken this beauteous morning. 'Twill not be possible to attend the antiques at Malvolio's sale.

Lysand. Whether the sun shine, or the showers fall, I will make an attempt—not to convert, but to state simple truths: provided you "lend me your ears."

Phil. And our hearts too. Begin: for the birds drop their notes, and the outlines of the distant landscape are already dimmed by the drizzling rain.

Lysand. You call upon me as formally as the shepherds call upon one another to sing in Virgil's eclogues. But I will do my best.

It is gratifying to the English nation—whatever may have been the strictures of foreigners[99] upon the paucity of their bibliographico-literary works in the 16th century—that the earliest printed volume upon the love and advantages of book-collecting was the Philobiblion[100] of Richard De Bury; who was bishop of Durham at the close of the 14th century, and tutor to Edward III. I will at present say nothing about the merits and demerits of this short treatise; only I may be permitted to observe, with satisfaction, that the head of the same see, at the present day, has given many proofs of his attachment to those studies, and of his reward of such merit as attracted the notice of his illustrious predecessor. It is with pain that I am compelled to avow the paucity of publications, in our own country, of a nature similar to the Philobiblion of De Bury, even for two centuries after it was composed; but while Leland was making his library-tour, under the auspices of that capricious tyrant Henry VIII., many works were planned abroad, which greatly facilitated the researches of the learned.

Reimmannus carries his strictures, upon the jealousy of foreigners at the success of the Germans in bibliography, with a high hand: "Ringantur Itali, nasum incurvent Galli, supercilium adducant Hispani, scita cavilla serant Britanni, frendeant, spument, bacchentur ii omnes, qui præstantiam Musarum Germanicarum limis oculis aspiciunt," &c.—"hoc tamen certum, firmum, ratum, et inconcussum est, Germanos primos fuisse in Rep. Literaria, qui Indices Librorum Generales, Speciales et Specialissimos conficere, &c. annisi sunt."—A little further, however, he speaks respectfully of our James, Hyde, and Bernhard. See his ably-written Bibl. Acroamatica, pp. 1, 6.

The 17th century made some atonement for the negligence of the past, in regard to Richard De Bury. At Frankfort his Philobiblion was reprinted, with "a Century of Philological Letters," collected by Goldastus, in 1610, 8vo—and this same work appeared again, at Leipsic, in 1674, 8vo. At length the famous Schmidt put forth an edition, with some new pieces, "typis et sumtibus Georgii Wolffgangii Hammii, Acad. Typog. 1703," 4to. Of this latter edition, neither Maichelius nor the last editor of Morhof take notice. It may be worth while adding that the subscription in red ink, which Fabricius (ibid.) notices as being subjoined to a vellum MS. of this work, in his own possession—and which states that it was finished at Auckland, in the year 1343, in the 58th of its author, and at the close of the 11th year of his episcopacy—may be found, in substance, in Hearne's edition of Leland's Collectanea, vol. ii. 385, edit. 1774.

Among the men who first helped to clear away the rubbish that impeded the progress of the student, was the learned and modest Conrad Gesner; at once a scholar, a philosopher, and a bibliographer: and upon whom Julius Scaliger, Theodore Beza, and De Thou, have pronounced noble eulogiums.[101] His Bibliotheca Universalis was the first thing, since the discovery of the art of printing, which enabled the curious to become acquainted with the works of preceding authors: thus kindling, by the light of such a lamp, the fire of emulation among his contemporaries and successors. I do not pretend to say that the Bibliotheca of Gesner is any thing like perfect, even as far as it goes: but, considering that the author had to work with his own materials alone, and that the degree of fame and profit attached to such a publication was purely speculative, he undoubtedly merits the thanks of posterity for having completed it even in the manner in which it has come down to us. Consider Gesner as the father of bibliography; and if, at the sale of Malvolio's busts, there be one of this great man, purchase it, good Lisardo, and place it over the portico of your library.

The Pandects of Gesner, 1548, fol. are also well worth the bibliographer's notice. Each of the 20 books, of which the volume is composed, is preceded by an interesting dedicatory epistle to some eminent printer of day. Consult Baillet's Jugemens des Savans, vol. ii. p. 11. Bibl. Creven. vol. v. p. 278; upon this latter work more particularly; and Morhof's Polyhistor. Literar. vol. i. 197, and Vogt's Catalog. Libr. Rarior., p. 164: upon the former. Although the Dictionnaire Historique, published at Caen, in 1789, notices the botanical and lexicographical works of Gesner, it has omitted to mention these Pandects: which however, are uncommon.

Lis. All this is very well. Proceed with the patriarchal age of your beloved bibliography.

Lysand. I was about resuming, with observing that our Bale speedily imitated the example of Gesner, in putting forth his Britanniæ Scriptores;[102] the materials of the greater part of which were supplied by Leland. This work is undoubtedly necessary to every Englishman, but its errors are manifold. Let me now introduce to your notice the little work of Florian Trefler, published in 1560;[103] also the first thing in its kind, and intimately connected with our present subject. The learned, it is true, were not much pleased with it; but it afforded a rough outline upon which Naudæus afterwards worked, and produced, as you will find, a more pleasing and perfect picture. A few years after this, appeared the Erotemata of Michael Neander;[104] in the long and learned preface to which, and in the catalogue of his and of Melancthon's works subjoined, some brilliant hints of a bibliographical nature were thrown out, quite sufficient to inflame the lover of book-anecdotes with a desire of seeing a work perfected according to such a plan: but Neander was unwilling, or unable, to put his design into execution. Bibliography, however, now began to make rather a rapid progress; and, in France, the ancient writers of history and poetry seemed to live again in the Bibliotheque Françoise of La Croix du Maine and Du Verdier.[105] Nor were the contemporaneous similar efforts of Cardona to be despised: a man, indeed, skilled in various erudition, and distinguished for his unabating perseverance in examining all the mss. and printed books that came in his way. The manner, slight as it was, in which Cardona[106] mentioned the Vatican library, aroused the patriotic ardor of Pansa; who published his Bibliotheca Vaticana, in the Italian language, in the year 1590; and in the subsequent year appeared the rival production of Angelus Roccha, written in Latin, under the same title.[107] The magnificent establishment of the Vatican press, under the auspices of Pope Sixtus V. and Clement VIII. and under the typographical direction of the grandson of Aldus,[108] called forth these publications—which might, however, have been executed with more splendour and credit.

Let us here not forget that the celebrated Lipsius condescended to direct his talents to the subject of libraries; and his very name, as Baillet justly remarks, "is sufficient to secure respect for his work," however slender it may be.[109] We now approach, with the mention of Lipsius, the opening of the 17th century; a period singularly fertile in bibliographical productions. I will not pretend to describe, minutely, even the leading authors in this department. The works of Puteanus can be only slightly alluded to, in order to notice the more copious and valuable ones of Possevinus and of Schottus;[110] men who were ornaments to their country, and whose literary and bibliographical publications have secured to them the gratitude of posterity. While the labours of these authors were enriching the republic of literature, and kindling all around a love of valuable and curious books, the Bibliotheca Historica of Bolduanus, and the Bibliotheca Classica of Draudius[111] highly gratified the generality of readers, and enabled the student to select, with greater care and safety, such editions of authors as were deserving of a place in their libraries.

The name of Du Chesne can never be pronounced by a sensible Frenchman without emotions of gratitude. His Bibliotheca Historiarum Galliæ first published in the year 1627, 8vo.—although more immediately useful to foreigners than to ourselves, is nevertheless worth mentioning. Morhof, if I recollect aright, supposes there was a still later edition; but he probably confused with this work the Series Auctorum, &c. de Francorum Historia;[112] of which two handsome folio editions were published by Cramoisy. French writers of bibliographical eminence now begin to crowd fast upon us.

Lis. But what becomes of the English, Spanish, and Italian bibliographers all this while?

Lysand. The reproach of Morhof is I fear too just; namely that, although we had produced some of the most learned, ingenious, and able men in Europe—lovers and patrons of literature—yet our librarians, or university scholars, were too lazy to acquaint the world with the treasures which were contained in the several libraries around them.[113] You cannot expect a field-marshal, or a statesman in office, or a nobleman, or a rich man of extensive connections, immersed in occupations both pressing and unavoidable—doggedly to set down to a Catalogue Raisonné of his books, or to an analysis of the different branches of literature—while his presence is demanded in the field, in the cabinet, or in the senate—or while all his bells, at home, from the massive outer gate to the retired boudoir, are torn to pieces with ringing and jingling at the annunciation of visitors—you cannot, I say, my good Lisardo, call upon a person, thus occupied, to produce—or expect from him, in a situation thus harassed, the production of—any solid bibliographical publication; but you have surely a right to expect that librarians, or scholars, who spend the greater part of their time in public libraries, will vouchsafe to apply their talents in a way which may be an honour to their patrons, and of service to their country.[114] Not to walk with folded arms from one extremity of a long room (of 120 feet) to another, and stop at every window to gaze on an industrious gardener, or watch the slow progress of a melancholy crow "making wing to the rooky wood," nor yet, in winter, to sit or stand inflexibly before the fire, with a duodecimo jest book or novel in their hands—but to look around and catch, from the sight of so much wisdom and so much worth, a portion of that laudable emulation with which the Gesners, the Baillets, and the Le Longs were inspired; to hold intimate acquaintance with the illustrious dead; to speak to them without the fear of contradiction; to exclaim over their beauties without the dread of ridicule, or of censure; to thank them for what they have done in transporting us to other times, and introducing us to other worlds; and constantly to feel a deep and unchangeable conviction of the necessity of doing all the good in our power, and in our way, for the benefit of those who are to survive us!

Phil. Hear him, hear him![115]

Lis. But what is become, in the while, of the English, Italian, and Spanish bibliographers—in the seventeenth century?

Lysand. I beg pardon for the digression; but the less we say of these, during this period, the better; and yet you must permit me to recommend to you the work of Pitseus, our countryman, which grows scarcer every day.[116] We left off, I think, with the mention of Du Chesne's works. Just about this time came forth the elegant little work of Naudæus;[117] which I advise you both to purchase, as it will cost you but a few shillings, and of the aspect of which you may inform yourselves by taking it down from yonder shelf. Quickly afterwards Claude Clement, "haud passibus æquis," put forth his Bibliothecæ tam privatæ quam publicæ[118] extructio, &c.; a work, condemned by the best bibliographical judges. But the splendour of almost every preceding bibliographer's reputation was eclipsed by that arising from the extensive and excellent publications of Louis Jacob;[119] a name at which, if we except those of Fabricius and Muratori, diligence itself stands amazed; and concerning whose life and labours it is to be regretted that we have not more extended details. The harsh and caustic manner in which Labbe and Morhof have treated the works of Gaddius,[120] induce me only to mention his name, and to warn you against looking for much corn in a barn choked with chaff. We now approach the close of the seventeenth century; when, stopping for a few minutes only, to pay our respects to Cinelli, Conringius, and Lomeier,[121] we must advance to do homage to the more illustrious names of Labbe, Lambecius, and Baillet; not forgetting, however, the equally respectable ones of Antonio and Lipenius.

Lis. Pray discuss their works, or merits, seriatim, as the judges call it; for I feel overwhelmed at the stringing together of such trisyllabic names. These gentlemen, as well as almost every one of their predecessors, are strangers to me; and you know my bashfulness and confusion in such sort of company.

Lysand. I hope to make you better acquainted with them after a slight introduction, and so rid you of such an uncomfortable diffidence. Let us begin with Labbe,[122] who died in the year 1667, and in the sixtieth of his own age; a man of wonderful memory and of as wonderful application—whose whole life, according to his biographers, was consumed in gathering flowers from his predecessors, and thence weaving such a chaplet for his own brows as was never to know decay. His Nova Bibliotheca, and Bibliotheca Bibliothecarum Manuscriptorum, are the principal works which endear his memory to bibliographers. More learned than Labbe was Lambecius;[123] whose Commentarii de Bibliotheca Cæsareâ-Vindobonensis, with Nesselius's supplement to the same, [1696, 2 vols. fol.] and Kollarius's new edition of both, form one of the most curious and important, as well as elaborate, productions in the annals of literature and bibliography. Less extensive, but more select, valuable, and accurate, in its choice and execution of objects, is the Bibliotheca Hispana Vetus et Nova of Nicholas Antonio;[124] the first, and the best, bibliographical work which Spain, notwithstanding her fine palaces and libraries, has ever produced. If neither Philemon nor yourself, Lisardo, possess this latter work [and I do not see it upon the shelves of this cabinet], seek for it with avidity; and do not fear the pistoles which the purchase of it may cost you. Lipenius[125] now claims a moment's notice; of whose Bibliotheca Realis Morhof is inclined to speak more favourably than other critics. 'Tis in six volumes; and it appeared from the years 1679 to 1685 inclusive. Not inferior to either of the preceding authors in taste, erudition, and the number and importance of his works, was Adrien Baillet;[126] the simple pastor of Lardiéres, and latterly the learned and indefatigable librarian of Lamoignon. His Jugemens des Savans, edited by De la Monnoye, is one of those works with which no man, fond of typographical and bibliographical pursuits, can comfortably dispense. I had nearly forgotten to warn you against the capricious works of Beughem; a man, nevertheless, of wonderful mental elasticity; but for ever planning schemes too vast and too visionary for the human powers to execute.[127]

Phil. You have at length reached the close of the 17th century; but my limited knowledge of bibliographical literature supplies me with the recollection of two names which you have passed over: I mean, Thomas Blount and Antony-a-wood. There is surely something in these authors relating to editions of the works of the learned.

Lysand. You have anticipated me in the mention of these names. I had not forgotten them. With the former,[128] I have no very intimate acquaintance; but of the latter I could talk in commendation till dinner time. Be sure, my good Lisardo, that you obtain both editions of the Athenæ Oxoniensis.[129]

We have now reached the boundaries of the 17th century, and are just entering upon the one which is past: and yet I have omitted to mention the very admirable Polyhistor. Literarius of Morhof:[130] a work by which I have been in a great measure guided in the opinions pronounced upon the bibliographers already introduced to you. This work, under a somewhat better form, and with a few necessary omissions and additions, one could wish to see translated into our own language. The name of Maittaire strikes us with admiration and respect at the very opening of the 18th century. His elaborate Annales Typographici have secured him the respect of posterity.[131] Le Long, whose pursuits were chiefly biblical and historical, was his contemporary; an able, sedulous, and learned bibliographer. His whole soul was in his library; and he never spared the most painful toil in order to accomplish the various objects of his inquiry.[132] And here, my dear friends, let me pay a proper tribute of respect to the memory of an eminently learned and laborious scholar and bibliographer: I mean John Albert Fabricius. His labours[133] shed a lustre upon the scholastic annals of the 18th century; for he opened, as it were, the gates of literature to the inquiring student; inviting him to enter the field and contemplate the diversity and beauty of the several flowers which grew therein—telling him by whom they were planted, and explaining how their growth and luxuriancy were to be regulated. There are few instructors to whom we owe so much; none to whom we are more indebted. Let his works, therefore, have a handsome binding, and a conspicuous place in your libraries: for happy is that man who has them at hand to facilitate his inquiries, or to solve his doubts. While Fabricius was thus laudably exercising his great talents in the cause of ancient literature, the illustrious name of Leibnitz[134] appeared as author of a work of essential utility to the historian and bibliographer. I allude to his Scriptores Rerum Brunwicensium, which has received a well pointed compliment from the polished pen of Gibbon. After the successful labours of Fabricius and Leibnitz, we may notice those of Struvius! whose Historical Library[135] should be in every philological collection.

Phil. You are advancing towards the middle of the 18th century, in enumerating foreign publications, without calling to mind that we have, at home, many laudable publications relating to typography and bibliography, which merit at least some notice, if not commendation.

Lysand. I thank you for the reproof. It is true, I was running precipitately to introduce a crowd of foreigners to your notice, without paying my respects, by the way, to the Historical Libraries of Bishop Nicolson, the Bibliotheca Literaria of Wasse, and the Librarian of William Oldys. Nor should I omit to mention the still more creditable performance of Bishop Tanner: while the typographical publications of Watson, Palmer, and Middleton,[136] may as well be admitted into your libraries, if you are partial to such works; although upon this latter subject, the elegant quarto volume of Ames merits particular commendation.

Lis. I am glad to hear such handsome things said of the performances of our own countrymen. I was fearful, from your frequent sly allusions, that we had nothing worth mentioning. But proceed with your Germans, Italians, and Frenchmen.

Lysand. You draw too severe a conclusion. I have made no sly allusions. My invariable love of truth impels me to state facts as they arise. That we have philosophers, poets, scholars, divines, lovers and collectors of books, equal to those of any nation upon earth is most readily admitted. But bibliography has never been, till now, a popular (shall I say fashionable?) pursuit amongst the English.

Lis. Well, if what you call bibliography has produced such eminent men, and so many useful works, as those which have been just enumerated, I shall begin to have some little respect for this department of literature; and, indeed, I already feel impatient to go through the list of your bibliographical heroes.—Who is the next champion deserving of notice?

Lysand. This confession gives me sincere pleasure. Only indulge me in my rambling manner of disquisition, and I will strive to satisfy you in every reasonable particular.

If ever you should be disposed to form a bibliographical collection, do not omit securing, when it comes across you, the best edition of Du Fresnoy's[137] Methode pour étudier l'Histoire: it is rare, and sought after in this country. And now—softly approach, and gently strew the flowers upon, the tomb of worthy Niceron:[138] Low lies the head, and quiescent has become the pen, of this most excellent and learned man!—whose productions have furnished biographers with some of their choicest materials, and whose devotion to literature and history has been a general theme of admiration and praise. The mention of this illustrious name, in such a manner, has excited in my mind a particular train of ideas. Let me, therefore, in imagination, conduct you both to yonder dark avenue of trees—and, descending a small flight of steps, near the bottom of which gushes out a salient stream—let us enter a spacious grotto, where every thing is cool and silent; and where small alabaster busts, of the greater number of those bibliographers I am about to mention, decorate the niches on each side of it. How tranquil and how congenial is such a resting place!—But let us pursue our inquires. Yonder sharp and well turned countenances, at the entrance of the grotto, are fixed there as representations of Cardinal Quirini[139] and Goujet; the Bibliothéque Françoise of the latter of whom—with which I could wish book collectors, in general, to have a more intimate acquaintance—has obtained universal reputation.[140] Next to him, you may mark the amiable and expressive features of David Clement:[141] who, in his Bibliothéque Curieuse, has shown us how he could rove, like a bee, from flower to flower; sip what was sweet; and bring home his gleanings to a well-furnished hive. The principal fault of this bee (if I must keep up the simile) is that he was not sufficiently choice in the flowers which he visited; and, of course, did not always extract the purest honey. Nearly allied to Clement in sprightliness, and an equally gossipping bibliographer, was Prosper Marchand;[142] whose works present us with some things no where else to be found, and who had examined many curious and rare volumes; as well as made himself thoroughly acquainted with the state of bibliography previous to his own times.

Perhaps I ought to have noticed the unoccupied niche under which the name of Vogt[143] is inscribed; the title of whose work has been erroneously considered more seductive than the contents of it. As we go on, we approach Fournier; a man of lively parts, and considerable taste. His works are small in size, but they are written and printed with singular elegance.[144] See what a respectable and almost dignified air the highly finished bust of the pensionary Meerman[145] assumes! Few men attained to greater celebrity in his day; and few men better deserved the handsome things which were said of him. Polite, hospitable, of an inquisitive and active turn of mind—passionately addicted to rare and curious books—his library was a sort of bibliographical emporium, where the idle and the diligent alike met with a gracious reception. Peace to the manes of such a man! Turn we now round to view the features of that truly eminent and amiable bibliographer, De Bure!

Lis. You absolutely transport me! I see all these interesting busts—I feel the delicious coolness of the grotto—I hear the stream running over a bed of pebbles—The zephyrs play upon my cheeks—O dolt that I was to abuse——

Phil. Hear him, hear him![146]

Lysand. From my heart I pity and forgive you. But only look upon the bust of De Bure; and every time that you open his Bibliographie Instructive,[147] confess, with a joyful heart, the obligations you are under to the author of it. Learn, at the same time, to despise the petty cavils of the whole Zoilean race; and blush for the Abbé Rive,[148] that he could lend his name, and give the weight of his example, to the propagation of coarse and acrimonious censures.

Next to the bust of De Bure, consider those of the five Italian bibliographers and literati, Haym, Fontanini, Zeno, Mazzuchelli, and Tiraboschi; which are placed in the five consecutive niches. Their works are of various merit, but are all superior to that of their predecessor Doni. Although those of the first three authors should find a place in every bibliographical collection, the productions of Mazzuchelli,[149] and especially of the immortal Tiraboschi, cannot fail to be admitted into every judicious library, whether vast or confined. Italy boasts of few literary characters of a higher class, or of a more widely-diffused reputation than Tiraboschi.[150] His diligence, his sagacity, his candour, his constant and patriotic exertions to do justice to the reputation of his countrymen, and to rescue departed worth from ill-merited oblivion, assign to him an exalted situation: a situation with the Poggios and Politians of former times, in the everlasting temple of Fame! Bind his Storia della Letteratura Italiana in the choicest vellum, or in the stoutest Russia; for it merits no mean covering!

The range of busts which occupies the opposite niches represents characters of a more recent date. Let us begin with Mercier;[151] a man of extraordinary, and almost unequalled, knowledge in every thing connected with bibliography and typography; of a quick apprehension, tenacious memory, and correct judgment; who was more anxious to detect errors in his own publications than in those of his fellow labourers in the same pursuit; an enthusiast in typographical researches—the Ulysses of bibliographers! Next to him stand the interesting busts of Saxius and Laire;[152] the latter of whom has frequently erred, but who merited not such a castigation as subsequent bibliographers have attempted to bestow upon him: in the number of which, one is sorry to rank the very respectable name of Audiffredi[153]—whose bust, you observe, immediately follows that of Laire. Audiffredi has left behind him a most enviable reputation: that of having examined libraries with a curious eye, and described the various books which he saw with scrupulous fidelity. There are no lively or interesting sallies, no highly-wrought, or tempting descriptions—throughout his two quarto volumes: but, in lieu of this, there is sober truth, and sound judgment. I have mentioned Audiffredi a little out of order, merely because his name is closely connected with that of Laire: but I should have first directed your attention to the sagacious countenance of Heinecken;[154] whose work upon ancient printing, and whose Dictionary of Engravers (although with the latter we have nothing just now to do) will never fail to be justly appreciated by the collector. I regret, Lisardo, for your own sake—as you are about to collect a few choice books upon typography—that you will have so much to pay for the former work, owing to its extreme rarity in this country, and to the injudicious phrenzy of a certain class of buyers, who are resolved to purchase it at almost any price. Let me not forget to notice, with the encomiums which they deserve, the useful and carefully compiled works of Seemiller, Braun, Wurdtwein, De Murr, Rossi, and Panzer, whose busts are arranged in progressive order. All these authors[155] are greatly eminent in the several departments which they occupy; especially Panzer—whose Annales Typographici, in regard to arrangement and fulness of information, leaves the similar work of his precedessor, Maittaire, far behind. It is unluckily printed upon wretched paper—but who rejects the pine-apple from the roughness of its coat? Get ready the wherry; man it with a choice bibliomanical crew, good Lisardo!—and smuggle over in it, if you can, the precious works of these latter bibliographers—for you may saunter "from rise to set of sun," from Whitechapel to Hyde-Park Corner—for them—in vain!

What countenances are those which beam with so much quiet, but interesting, expression? They are the resemblances of Denis and Camus:[156] the former of whom is better known from his Annalium Typographicorum Maittaire Supplementum; and the latter very generally respected abroad, although our acquaintance with him in this country is exceedingly slight. If I mistake not, I observe the mild and modest countenance of my old acquaintance, Herbert, in this bibliographical group of heads? Do not despise his toil[157] because it is not sprinkled with gay conceits, or learned digressions: he wrote to be useful, not to be entertaining; and so far as he went, his work was such an improvement upon his predecessor's plan as to place it quite at the head of National Typography. See yonder the sensible countenance of Harwood![158] the first writer in this country who taught us to consider the respective merits and demerits of the various editions of Greek and Latin authors.

Lis. You are, no doubt, a fond and partial critic in regard to the works of Herbert and Harwood: but I am glad to recognise my fellow countrymen in such an illustrious assemblage. Go on.

Lysand. We are just at the close. But a few more busts, and those very recently executed, remain to be noticed. These are the resemblances of La Serna Santander, Cailleau, and Oberlin;[159] while several vacant niches remain to be filled up with the busts of more modern bibliographers of eminence: namely, of Van-Praet, Fischer, Lambinet, Renouard, Peignot, Fournier, Barbier, Boucher, and Brunet.[160]

Lis. I am quite anxious to possess the publications of these moderns: but you say nothing of their comparative value with the ancients.

Lysand. Generally speaking, in regard to discoveries of rare books and typographical curiosities, the moderns have the advantage. They have made more rational conclusions, from data which had escaped their predecessors: and the sparkling and animated manner in which they dress out the particular objects that they describe renders the perusal of their works more pleasant and gratifying. I am not sure that they have the learning of the old school: but their works are, in general, less ponderous and repulsive. The ancient bibliographers were probably too anxious to describe every thing, however minute and unimportant: they thought it better to say too much than too little; and, finding the great mass of readers in former times, uninstructed in these particular pursuits, they thought they could never exhaust a subject by bringing to bear upon it every point, however remotely connected! They found the plain, it is true, parched and sandy; but they were not satisfied with pouring water upon it, 'till they had converted it into a deluge.[161]

Lis. Let me ask you, at this stage of our inquiries, what you mean by bibliographical publications?—and whether the works of those authors which you have enumerated are sufficient to enable a novice, like myself, to have pretty accurate notions about the rarity and intrinsic value of certain works?

Lysand. By bibliographical publications, I mean such works as give us some knowledge of the literary productions, as well as of the life, of certain learned men; which state the various and the best editions of their lucubrations; and which stimulate us to get possession of these editions. Every biographical narrative which is enriched with the mention of curious and rare editions of certain works is, to a great extent, a bibliographical publication. Those works which treat professedly upon books are, of course, immediately within the pale of bibliography.

Lis. But am I to be satisfied with the possession of those works already recommended?

Phil. I suppose Lisardo has heard of certain valuable catalogues, and he wishes to know how far the possession of these may be requisite in order to make him a bibliographer?

Lysand. At present I will say nothing about the catalogues of the collections of our own countrymen. As we have been travelling principally abroad, we may direct our attention to those which relate to foreign collections.

And first, let us pay a due tribute of praise to the published Catalogues of Libraries collected by the Jesuits: men of shrewd talents and unabating research, and in derogation of whose merits Voltaire and D'Alembert disgraced themselves by scribbling the most contemptible lampoons. The downfall of this society led, not very indirectly, to the destruction of the ancient French monarchy. Men seemed to forget that while the most shameless depredations were committed within the libraries of the Jesuits, the cause of learning, as well as of liberty, suffered,—and the spoils which have glittered before our eyes, as the precious relics of these collections, serve to afford a melancholy proof how little those men stick at any thing who, in raising the war-whoop of liberty and equality, tear open the very bowels of order, tranquillity, peace, and decorum! But, to the subject. Let the catalogues of public collections, when they are well arranged, be received into your library. Of foreign private collections, the catalogues[162] of Du Fresne, Cordes, Heinsias, Baluze, Colbert, Rothelin, De Boze, Prefond, Pompadour, Gaignat, Gouttard, Bunau, Soubise, La Valliere, Crevenna, Lamoignon, and of several other collections, with which my memory does not just now serve me, will enable you to form a pretty correct estimate of the marketable value of certain rare and sumptuous publications. Catalogues are, to bibliographers, what Reports are to lawyers: not to be read through from beginning to end—but to be consulted on doubtful points, and in litigated cases. Nor must you, after all, place too strong a reliance upon the present prices of books, from what they have produced at former sales; as nothing is more capricious and unsettled than the value of books at a public auction. But, in regard to these catalogues, if you should be fortunate enough to possess any which are printed upon Large Paper, with the Names of the Purchasers, and the Prices for which each set of books was sold, thrice and four times happy may you account yourself to be, my good Lisardo!

et amœna vireta Fortunatorum nemorum, sedesque beatæ.

Bonnier. Catalogue des livres de la Bibliothéque de Bonnier. Paris, 1800, 8vo. This catalogue is here introduced to the bibliographer's notice in order to sharpen his bibliomaniacal appetite to obtain one of the four copies only which were printed upon large paper of Dutch manufacture. See Cat. de Caillard (1808), no. 2596.——Boutourlin. Catalogue des livres de la Bibliothéque de S.E.M. Le Comte de Boutourlin. Paris (an. xiii.), 1805, 8vo. Every one must conceive a high respect for the owner of this choice collection, from the amiable sentiments which pervade the preface to the catalogue. It has a good index; and is elegantly printed. My copy is upon large paper.——De Boze. Catalogue des Livres du Cabinet de M. Claude Gros de Boze. Paris. De l'Imp. Royale, 1745, small folio. This is the first printed catalogue of the choice and magnificent library of De Boze, the friend and correspondent of Dr. Mead, between whom presents of books were continually passing—as they were the first collectors of the day in their respective countries. Some have said 50, some 35, others 25, and others only 12 copies of this impression were struck off, as presents for the collector's friends. Consult Bibl. Mead, p. 81, no. 617. Bibl. Creven., vol. v., 291. Bauer's Bibl. Rarior., vol. i., 151. Bibl. Curieuse, p. 12. Bibl. Askev., no. 508. Barbier's Dict. des Anonymes, vol. ii., no. 8002.——De Boze, de la même bibliothéque, 1753, 8vo. This catalogue, which was executed by Martin, after the death of De Boze, does not contain all the notices of works mentioned in the preceding one. It is, however, well deserving of a place in the bibliographer's library. Peignot tells us that there was yet a third catalogue printed, in 8vo., containing 192 pages, and giving an account of some books taken out of De Boze's collection: a few of which are described in the preceding edition of 1753. See his Bibl. Cur., p. 12.——Bozerian. Notice des livres précieux ye M. Bozérian, par M. Bailly, 1798, 8vo. A cabinet of "precious books," indeed! The misfortune is, so small a number of modern foreign catalogues come over here that the best of them will be found in few of our libraries. Whenever the "Bibliotheca Bozeriana" shall be imported, it will not stop seven days upon a bookseller's shelf!——Bulteau. Bibliotheca Bultelliana; (Caroli Bulteau) a Gabr. Martin, Paris, 1711, 12mo., 2 vols. in one. This catalogue, which is carefully compiled, contains curious and uncommon books; many of which were purchased for the collections of Préfond, De Boze, and others.——Bunau. Catalogus Bibliothecæ Bunavianæ. Lipsiæ, 1750. Six parts, in three volumes, each volume having two parts—usually bound in six vols. Highly and generally esteemed as is this extensive collection, and methodically arranged catalogue, of Count Bunau's books, the latter has always appeared to me as being branched out into too numerous ramifications, so as to render the discovery of a work, under its particular class, somewhat difficult, without reference to the index. I am aware that what Camus says is very true—namely, that "nothing is more absurd than to quarrel about catalogue-making: and that every man ought to have certain fixed and decisive ideas upon the subject," [Mem. de l'Inst. vol. i., 650,] but simplicity and perspicuity, which are the grand objects in every undertaking, might have been, in my humble apprehension, more successfully exhibited than in this voluminous catalogue. It represents over-done analysis! yet those who are writing upon particular subjects will find great assistance in turning to the different works here specified upon the same. It is rare and high-priced. From the preface, which is well worth an attentive perusal, it appears that this grand collection, now deposited in the electoral library at Dresden (see Cat. de Caillard, no. 2545, 1808,) was at Count Bunau's country-house, situated in a pleasant village about half a mile from Dresden—

Vicinam videt unde lector urbem.

Saxius, in his Onomast. Literar., vol i., p. xxxiii., edit. 1775, &c., has a smart notice of this splendid collection.——Bunneman. J.L. Bunnemanni Catalogus Manuscriptorum, item librorum impressorum rarissimorum pro assignato pretio venalium. Minda, 1732, 8vo. For the sake of knowing, by way of curiosity, what books (accounted rare at this period) were sold for, the collector may put this volume into his pocket, when he finds it upon a book-stall marked at 1s. 6d. In the Bibl. Solger., vol iii., no. 1396, there was a priced copy upon large paper with bibliographical memoranda.——Caillard. Catalogue des livres du Cabinet de M.A.B. Caillard, Paris, 1805, 8vo. Of this private catalogue, compiled by Caillard himself, and printed upon fine Dutch paper, in super-royal 8vo., only twenty-five copies were struck off. So says Fournier, Dict. Portatif de Bibliographie: p. 120; edit. 1809, and the "avant-propos" prefixed to the subsequent catalogue here following:——Livres rares et précieux de la Bibliothéque de feu M. Ant. Bern. Caillard, Paris, 1808, 8vo. There were but twenty-five copies of this catalogue of truly valuable, and, in many respects, rare, and precious, books, printed upon large paper, of the same size as the preceding. This was the sale catalogue of the library of Caillard, who died in 1807, in his sixty-ninth year, and of whose bibliomaniacal spirit we have a most unequivocal proof in his purchasing De Cotte's celebrated uncut copy of the first printed Homer, at an enormous sum! [vide Cotte, post.] "Sa riche bibliothéque est á-la-fois un monument de son amour pour l'art typographique, et de la vaste étendue de ses connoissances," p. xiv. Some excellent indexes close this volume; of which Mr. Payne furnished me with the loan of his copy upon large paper.——Cambis. Catalogue des principaux manuscrits du cabinet de M. Jos. L.D. de Cambis, Avignon, 1770, 4to. Although this is a catalogue of MSS., yet, the number of copies printed being very few, I have given it a place here. Some of these copies contain but 519, others 766, pages; which shews that the owner of the MSS. continued publishing his account of them as they increased upon him. Rive, in his "Chasse aux bibliographes," has dealt very roughly with the worthy Cambis; but Peignot tells us that this latter was a respectable literary character, and a well-informed bibliographer—and that his catalogue, in spite of Rive's diatribe, is much sought after. See the Bibliogr. Curieuse, p. 14; also Cat. de la Valliere, vol. iii., no. 5543.——Camus de Limare. Catalogues des livres de M. le Camus de Limare, Paris, 1779, 12mo.—Des livres rares et précieux de M—— (Camus de Limare), Paris, 1786, 8vo.—Des livres rares et précieux, reliés en maroquin, de la bibliothéque du même, Paris, an trois (1795), 8vo. Of the first catalogue only a small number of copies was printed, and those for presents. Bibliogr. Curieuse, p. 15. It contains a description of De Boze's extraordinary copy of Du Fresnoy's "Methode pour étudier l'Histoire," 1729, 4to., four volumes, with the supplement, 1740, two vols.; which was sold for 1500 livres; and which was, of course, upon large paper, with a thousand inviting additions, being much more complete than the similar copies in Cat. de Valliere, no. 4467; and Cat. de Crevenna, no. 5694, edit. 1789; although this latter was preferable to the Valliere copy. Consult also the Curiosités Bibliographiques, p. 77-8. The second catalogue was prepared by De Bure, and contains a very fine collection of natural history, which was sold at the Hôtel de Bullion. The printed prices are added. The third catalogue, which was prepared by Santus, after the decease of Camus, contains some very choice articles [many printed upon vellum] of ancient and modern books superbly bound.——Catalogue des livres rares. Par Guillaume de Bure, fils âiné. Paris, 1786, 8vo. We are told, in the advertisement, that this collection was formed from a great number of sales of magnificent libraries, and that particular circumstances induced the owner to part with it. The books were in the finest order, and bound by the most skilful binders. The bibliographical notices are short, but judicious; and a good index closes the catalogue. The sale took place at the Hôtel de Bullion.——Catalogue fait sur un plan nouveau, systématique et raisonné, d'une Bibliothéque de Littérature, particulièrement d'Histoire et de Poésie, &c. Utrecht, 1776, 8vo., two vols. A judicious and luminous arrangement of 19,000 articles, or sets of books; which, in the departments specified in the title-page, are singularly copious and rich.——Catalogus Librorum rarissimorum, ab Artis Typographicæ inventoribus, aliisque ejus artis Principibus ante annum 1500 excusorum; omnium optime conservatorum, 8vo., Sine loco aut anno. Peignot, who has abridged Vogt's excellent account of this very uncommon and precious catalogue, of which only twenty-five copies were printed, has forgotten to examine the last edition of the Catalog. Libror. Rarior., pp. 262-3; in which we find that the collection contained 248 (and not 217) volumes. At the end, it is said: "Pretiosissima hæc Librorum Collectio, cujusvis magni Principis Bibliotheca dignissima, constat voll. ccxlviii." Consult the respectable references in Vogt, ibid.; also the Bibliogr. Curieuse of Peignot, p. 15.——Ceran. Catalogue des livres de M. Mel de Saint Ceran. Paris, 1780, 8vo., again in 1791, 8vo. These catalogues were compiled by De Bure, and are carefully executed. Some of the books noticed in them are sufficiently curious and rare.——Clementino-Vaticana. Bibliotheca Orientalis Clementino Vaticana, in quâ manuscriptos codices Orientalium Linguarum recensuit Joseph Simonius Assemanus, Romæ, 1719. Folio, four vols. Asseman's son compiled an excellent catalogue of the Oriental MSS. in the Medico-Laurentian library; but this work of the father is more curious and elaborate. Whenever a few half-guineas can procure it, let the country-settled philologist send his "henchman" to fly for it!—"Speed, Malise, speed." But alas! Santander tells us that copies of it are rare. Cat. de Santander, vol. iv., no. 6287.——Colbert. Bibliotheca Colbertina: seu Catalogus Librorum Bibliothecæ quæ fuit primum J.B. Colbert, deinde J.B. Colbert (fil) postea J. Nic. Colbert, ac demum C.L. Colbert. Parisiis, 1728, 8vo., three vols. The preface to this valuable catalogue (executed by Martin) gives us a compressed, but sufficiently perspicuous, account of the auspices under which such an extensive and magnificent collection was assembled and arranged. It contains not fewer than 18,219 articles; being perhaps 60,000 volumes. The celebrated Baluze was the librarian during the life of the former branches of the Colbert family; a family which, if nothing remained to perpetuate their fame but this costly monument of literary enterprise, will live in the grateful remembrance of posterity—but it wants not even such a splendid memorial! The lover of fine and curious books will always open the volumes of the Colbert Catalogue with a zest which none but a thorough bred bibliomaniac can ever hope to enjoy.——Conseil d'Etat. Catalogue des livres de la Bibliothéque du Conseil d'Etat (par M. Barbier, Bibliothecaire du Conseil d'Etat). Paris, an. xi. (1802), folio. "This catalogue is most superbly executed. The richness of the materials of which it is composed, the fine order of its arrangement, and the skilful researches exhibited in it relating to anonymous authors, are worthy of the typographical luxury of the national press, from which this curious work was put forth. It will be perfect in three parts: the third part, containing the supplement and tables, is now at press." (A.D. 1804.) The preface and table of the divisions of this catalogue were published in a small 8vo. volume, 1801. This information I glean from Peignot's Curiosités Bibliographiques, p. lix.; and from the Cat. de Boutourlin, no. 3892, I learn that only 190 copies of so useful, as well as splendid, a work were printed, of which the French government took upon itself the distribution.——Cordes. Bibliothecæ Cordesianæ Catalogus, cum indice titulorum, Parisiis, 1643, 4to. The celebrated Naudé had the drawing up and publishing of this catalogue, which is highly coveted by collectors, and is now of rare occurrence. De Cordes was intimate with all the learned men of his country and age; and his eulogy, by Naudé, prefixed to the catalogue, gives us a delightful account of an amiable and learned man living in the bosom, as it were, of books and of book-society. This collection, which was purchased by Cardinal Mazarin, formed the foundation of the latter's magnificent library. Consult the Jugemens des Savans, vol. ii., p. 142; Colomié's Biblioth. Choisie, p. 126; Mem. de l'Inst., vol. i., p. 647. Nor must we forget Morhof—Polyhist. Literar., vol. i., p. 211; who, after a general commendation of the collection, tells us it is remarkable for containing a fine body of foreign history. De Cordes died A.D. 1642, in the 72d year of his age—nearly 50 years having been devoted by him to the formation of his library. "Fortunate senex!"——Cotte. Catalogue des Livres rares et précieux et de MSS. composant la bibliothéque de M—— (le President de Cotte), Paris, 1804, 8vo. We are told by Peignot that the books at this sale were sold for most exorbitant sums: "the wealthy amateurs striving to make themselves masters of the large paper Alduses, Elzevirs, and Stephenses, which had been Count d'Hoym's copies." An uncut first edition of Homer, in the highest state of preservation, was purchased by Mons. Caillaird for 3,601 livres! See the Curiosités Bibliographiques, pp. lxv, lxvj. According to Cat. de Caillard, no. 2600 (1808, 8vo.), there were only ten copies of this catalogue printed upon large paper.——Couvay. Catalogue de la bibliothéque de M. Couvay, chevalier de l'ordre de Christ, secrétaire du Roi, Paris, 1728, fol. Very few copies of this catalogue were printed, and those only for presents. Bibliogr. Curieuse, p. 21.——Crevenna. Catalogue raisonnée de la collection des Livres de M. Pierre Antoine Crevenna, Négocient à Amsterdam, 1776, 4to., six vols.—De la même collection, 1789, 8vo., five vols.—De la même collection, 1793, 8vo. Of these catalogues of one of the most extensive and magnificent collections ever formed in Amsterdam, the first impression of 1776 (to which I have generally referred) is by far the most valuable in regard to bibliographical remarks and copious description. Peignot tells us that no bibliographer can do without it. It was commenced in the year 1774, and published during the life time of Peter Antony Crevenna, the father; from whom the collection passed into the hands of the son Bolongari Crevenna, and in whose lifetime it was sold by public auction. The second impression of 1789 is the sale-catalogue, and contains more books than the preceding one; but the bibliographical observations are comparatively trifling. There are copies of this latter impression upon large paper in quarto. I possess an interesting copy of the small paper, which has numerous marginal remarks in pencil, by Mr. Edwards; who examined the library at Amsterdam, with a view to purchase it entire. The last catalogue of 1793, which was published after the death of the son, contains a few choice books which he had reserved for himself, and, among them, a curious set of fac-simile drawings of old prints and title-pages; some of which were obtained at the sale of the elder Mirabeau (vide post). It seems to have been the ruling passion of B. Crevenna's life to collect all the materials, from all quarters, which had any connection, more or less, with "the origin and progress of printing," and it is for ever to be regretted that such extensive materials as those which he had amassed, and which were sold at the sale of 1793 should have been dissipated beyond the hope of restoration. See Peignot's Dict. de Bibliologie, vol. iii., p. 100; and his Curiosités Bibliographiques, p. 139.——Crozat. Catalogue des Livres de Monsieur Le President Crozat de Tugny, Paris, 1751, 8vo. This collection was particularly rich in the belles-lettres—and especially in Italian and French Romance-Literature.——Van Damme. Catalogue d'une Bibliotheque, vendue publiquement à la Haye, le 8 Octobre, par Varon et Gaillard, 1764, three vols. 8vo. "This precious and rare collection belonged to M. Pierre Van Damme, book-merchant at Amsterdam, equally well known for his knowledge of bibliography and of medals; of which latter he had a beautiful and uncommon collection." Bibl. Crevenn., vol. v., p. 306.——Dubois. Bibliotheca Duboisiana, ou Catalogue de la Bibliothéque du Cardinal Dubois. A la Haye, 1725, 8vo., four vols. A collection which evinces the fine taste and sound judgment of the Cardinal Du Bois. It is not rare abroad.——Elzevir. Catalogus librorum qui in Bibliopolio Officinæ Danielis Elzevirii venales extant, Ams. 1674, 12mo.: 1681, 12mo.—qui in Bibliopoli Elzeviriano venales extant, Lug. Bat., 1634, 1684, 4to. These, and other catalogues of the books printed by the distinguished family of the Elzevirs, should find a place within the cabinet of bibliographers. The first book ever published by the Elzevirs was of the date of 1595; the last, of 1680 or 1681, by Daniel Elzevir, who was the only surviving branch. His widow carried on the business after his decease in 1680. In the Dictionnaire de Bibliologie of Peignot, vol. i., p. 216, vol. iii., p. 116, will be found a pleasing account of this family of (almost) unrivalled printers.——Du Fay. Bibliotheca Fayana seu Catalogus librorum Bibl. Cor. Hier. de Cisternay du Fay, digestus à Gabriel Martin, Paris, 1725, 8vo. The catalogue of this collection, which is a judicious one, and frequently referred to, is very carefully put forth by Martin. I think that I have seen a copy of it upon large paper.——Fagel. Bibliotheca Fageliana. A catalogue of the valuable and extensive Library of the Greffier Fagal, of the Hague: in two parts. London, 1802, 8vo. It is highly creditable to that most respectable establishment, Trinity College, Dublin, that the present grand collection of books was purchased "en masse" (for 7000l.) to be deposited within its library; thus rendering the interior of the latter "companion meet" for its magnificent exterior. The title-page of the first part announces the sale of the books by auction by Mr. Christie; but the above offer having been made for the whole collection, the same was forthwith transported to Ireland. Collectors should take care that the second part of this catalogue be not wanting, which is oftentimes the case. A good index only is requisite to make the Bibliotheca Fageliana rank with the most valuable publications of its kind in existence. It was compiled by the well-known S. Paterson.——Faultrier. Catalogus Librorum Bibliothecæ Domini Joachimi Faultrier, digestus à Prosper Marchand, Paris, 1709, 8vo. The bibliographical introductory remarks, by Marchand, render this volume (which rarely occurs) very acceptable to collectors of catalogues. Maittaire has spoken well of the performance, Annal. Typog. iii., p. 482. Consult also the Mem. de l'Inst., vol. i., p. 675, and the Dict. de Bibliologie, vol. ii., p. 235, upon Marchand's introductory remarks relating to the arrangement of a library.——Favier. Catalogue des Livres de la Bibliothéque de feu Mons. L'Abbé Favier, Prêtre à Lille, Lille, 1765, 8vo. A well arranged catalogue of a choice collection of books, which cost the Abbé fifty years of pretty constant labour in amassing. Prefixed, are some interesting notices of MSS.: and, among them, of a valuable one of Froissart. The prints of the Abbé were afterwards sold, from a catalogue of 143 pages, printed at Lisle in the same year.——Du Fresne. Raphaelis Tricheti du Fresne Bibliothecæ Catalogus. Paris, 1662, 4to. "I have observed," says Morhof, "a number of authors in this catalogue which I have in vain sought after elsewhere. The typographical errors (especially in regard to dates, adds Baillet) are innumerable: and the theological, legal, and medical works, comparatively few—but in the departments of history, antiquities, and general literature, this collection is wonderfully enriched—containing authors hardly ever heard of." Polyhist. Literar., vol. i., p. 212. Colomiés and Labbe unite in conferring the highest praises upon Du Fresne and his collection. See the Jugemens des Savans, vol. ii., p. 143; where, however, the confused and inaccurate manner in which the catalogue is executed is sharply censured by Baillet. Morhof informs us that this collection was disposed of by Du Fresne's widow, to the Royal Library, for 24,000 livres, after she had refused 33,000 for the same.——Gaignat. Catalogue des Livres du Cabinet de feu M. Louis Jean Gaignat, disposé et mis en ordre par Guill. François de Bure le Jeune. Paris, 1769, 8vo., two vols. One of the best executed, and most intrinsically valuable catalogues in existence. Almost all the books of Gaignat were in the choicest condition; being the cream of the collections of Colbert, Préfond, and De Boze. The possession of this rare catalogue, which is indispensable to the collector, forms what is called a Supplement to De Bure's "Bibliographie Instructive." There are 50 copies struck off upon small quarto paper, to arrange with a like number of this latter work. Consult Bibl. Crevenn., vol. v., p. 291.——Genève. Catalogue raisonné des Manuscrits conservés dans la bibliothéque, &c., de Genève; par Jean Senibier. Genève, 1779, 8vo. A neatly executed and useful catalogue of some manuscripts of no mean value. It has received a good character by Mons. Van-Praet, in the Cat. de la Valliere, vol. iii., no. 5542. See also p. 36, ante.——Goez. Bibliothecæ Goësinæ Catalogus, Leidæ, 1687, 8vo. A fine collection of books and of coins distinguished the Museum of Goez.——Golowkin. Catalogue des Livres de la Bibliothéque du Comte Alexis de Golowkin, Leipsic, 1798, 4to. It is said that only 25 copies of this catalogue were struck off, and that not more than two of these are known to be in France. Neither the type nor paper has the most inviting aspect; but it is a curious volume, and contains a description of books "infiniment précieux." Consult Peignot's Bibliogr. Curieuse, p. 31. Dr. Clarke, in his Travels in Russia, &c., p. 138, has noticed the extraordinary library of Count Botterline, but says nothing of Golowkin's.——Gouttard. Catalogue des Livres rares et precieux de feu M. Gouttarde par Guillaume de Bure fils aîné. Paris, 1780, 8vo. A short bibliographical notice of the amiable and tasteful owner of this select collection precedes the description of the books. The bibliographical observations are sometimes copious and valuable. This catalogue is indispensable to the collector.——Guyon. Catalogue des livres de la Bibliothéque de feu M.J.B. Denis Guyon, Chev. Seigneur de Sardiere, Ancien Capitaine au Regiment du Roi, et l'un des Seigneurs du Canal de Briare. Paris, 1759, 8vo. It is justly said, in the "advertisement" prefixed to this catalogue, that, in running over the different classes of which the collection is composed, there will be found articles "capable de piquer la curiosité des bibliophiles." In ancient and modern poetry, and in romances—especially relating to chivalry—this "ancient Captain" appears to have been deeply versed. The advertisement is followed by 28 pages of "Eclaircissemens"—which give an interesting account of some precious manuscripts of old poetry and romances. A MS. note, in my copy of this catalogue, informs me that the books were sold "en masse."——Heinsius. (Nic.) Nicolai Heinsii Bibliothecæ Catalogus, (1682) 8vo. A portrait of the elegant and learned owner of this collection faces the title-page. The books contained in it are remarkable both for their rarity and intrinsic value; and a great number of them were enriched with the notes of Scaliger, Salmasius, and others. Few collections display more judgment and taste in the selection than the present one; and few critics have been of more essential service to the cause of ancient classical literature than Nicholas Heinsius. He excelled particularly in his editions of the poets. Mr. Dyer, of Exeter, the bookseller, has a copy of this catalogue, which was formerly Grævius's; in which that celebrated critic has made marginal remarks concerning the rarity and value of certain works described in it.——Hohendorf. Bibliotheca Hohendorfiana; ou Catalogue de la Bibliothéque de feu Mons. George Guillaume Baron de Hohendorf: à la Haye, 1720, 8vo., three parts. A magnificent collection; which a MS. note, by Dr. Farmer (in my copy of the catalogue), informs me was "added to the Emperor's library at Vienna." In the Bibl. Mencken, p. 10, it is thus loftily described: "Catalogus per-rarus rarissimis libris superbiens."——Hoym. Catalogus Librorum Bibliothecæ Caroli Henrici Comitis de Hoym, 1738, 8vo. This catalogue, which is exceedingly well "digested by Martin," is a great favourite with collectors. A copy out of Count Hoym's collection tells well—whether at a book-sale, or in a bookseller's catalogue. There are copies upon large paper, which, when priced, sell high.——Hulsius. Bibliotheca Hulsiana, sive Catalogus Librorum quos magno labore, summa cura et maximis sumptibus collegit Vir Consularis Samuel Hulsius. Hag. Com. 1730, four vols. 8vo. (the second and third being in two parts, and the fourth in three). This is, in sober truth, a wonderful collection of books; containing nearly 34,000 articles—which, allowing three volumes to an article, would make the owner to have been in possession of 100,000 volumes of printed books and MSS. The English library, (vol. iv., pt. ii.) of nearly 3300 articles, comprehended nearly all the best books of the day. There were about 1200 articles of Spanish Literature. Nor was the worthy Consul deficient in the love of the fine arts ("hæc est, sitque diu, Senis optimi voluptas et oblectatio," says the compiler of the catalogue); having 11,000 most beautiful prints of subjects relating to the Bible, bound up in 92 atlas folio volumes. Long live the memory of Hulsius; a consular hero of no ordinary renown!——Jena. Memorabilia Bibliothecæ Academicæ Jenensis: sive designatio Codicum manuscriptorum illa Bibliothecâ et Librorum impressorum plerumque rariorum. Joh. Christophoro Mylio. Jenæ, 1746, 8vo. A work of some little importance; and frequently referred to by Vogt and Panzer. It is uncommon.——Jesu Soc. Bibliotheca Scriptorum Societatis Jesu. Antv., 1643. Romæ, 1676, fol. Although this work is not a professed catalogue of books, yet, as it contains an account of the writings of those learned men who were in the society of the Jesuits—and as Baillet, Antonio, and Morhof, have said every thing in commendation of it—I strongly recommend one or the other of these editions to the bibliographer's attention. I possess the edition of 1643; and have frequently found the most satisfactory intelligence on referring to it. How clever some of the Jesuits were in their ideas of the arrangement of a library may be seen from their "Systema Bibliothecæ Jesuitarum Collegii Ludoviciani"—which was written by Garnier for the private use of the Louvain college, and which is now extremely difficult to be found. See Maichelius, de Præcip. Bibl. Parisiens, p. 128. Their "Systema bibliothecæ collegii Parisiensis societatis Jesu," 1678, 4to. (or catalogue of books in the college of Clermont), is handsomely noticed by Camus in the Mem. de l'Inst., vol. i., 647.——Just, St. Catalogue des livres en très-petit nombre qui composent la Bibliothéque de M. Merard de St. Just, ancien maitre-d'hotêl de Monsieur, frère du Roi (avec les prix d'achat). Paris, 1783, 18mo. Of this book, printed upon superfine paper, of the manufactory of d'Annonay, only 25 copies were struck off. Bibl. Curieuse, p. 43. Another catalogue of the same collection (perhaps a more copious one) was put forth in 1799, 8vo., prepared by M. Mauger, See Diction. Bibliographique, tom. iv., p. xiv.——Krohn. Catalogus Bibliothecæ Præstantissimorum &c., Librorum selectum complectentis. Libros collegit et Literariis Catalogum Animadversionibus instruxit, B.N. Krohn. Editio altera. Hamb. 1796, 8vo. The preface to this very excellent collection of books is written in Latin by Rambach; and a most interesting one it is. After giving a slight sketch of the life and literary occupations of Krohn, he thus finishes the picture of his death—"Ego certe (exclaims the grateful biographer), mi Krohni, te amabo, et quamdiu 'spiritus hos reget artus' gratam Tui memoriam ex animo nunquam elabi patiar. O! me felicem, si, qua olim me beasti, amicitiâ nunc quoque frui possem. Sed fruar aliquando, cum Deus me ad beatorum sedes evocaverit, ac Te mihi rediderit conjunctissimum. Vale, interim, pia anima; et quem jam tristem reliquisti, prope diem exspecta, in tenerrimos Tuos amplexus properantem, ac de summa, quam nunc habes, felicitate Tibi congratulantem," p. xix. This is the genuine language of heart-felt grief; language, which those who have lost an old and good friend will know well how to appreciate. This catalogue, which was given to me by my friend the Rev. Dr. Gosset, 'vir in re bibliographicâ πολυμαθεστατος,' exhibits a fine collection of books (3821 in number) relating to history and philology. Some of Krohn's notes are sufficiently shrewd and intelligent.——Lamoignon. Catalogue des Livres Imprimés et manuscrits de la Bibliothéque de M. le President de Lamoignon (redigé par L. Fr. Delatour) avec une table des auteurs, et des anonymes. Paris, 1770, fol. The bibliographer has only to hear Peignot speak in his own language, and he will not long hesitate about the price to be given for so precious volume: "Catalogue fort rare, tiré a quinze exemplaires seulement, sur du papier de coton fabriqué, par singularité, à Angoulême." Mr. Harris, of the Royal Institution, possesses a copy of it, bound in orange-coloured Morocco, which was presented to him by Mr. Payne; and, as Alexander placed his beloved Homer—so does he this catalogue—uner his pillow "quand il vent se reposer—a cause des songes agréables qu'il doit inspirer." This beautiful volume, which was printed for Lamoignon's own convenience, in supplemental parts, does not, however, contain Baillet's interesting Latin prefece, which may be seen in the Jugemens des Savans, vol. pt. ii., p. 140, ed. 1725.——Lamoignon. Des Livres de la Bibliothéque de feu M. de Lamoignon, Garde de Sçeaux de France. Paris, 1791, 8vo., 3 vols. These volumes contain the sale catalogue of Lamoignon's books as they were purchased by Mr. T. Payne, the bookseller. Like the great libraries of Crevenna and Pinelli, this immense collection (with the exception of the works upon French jurisprudence) has been dissipated by public sale. It yet delights Mr. Payne to think and to talk of the many thousand volumes which were bound in Morocco, or Russia, or white-calf-leather, "with gilt on the edges"—which this extraordinary family of book-collectors had amassed with so much care and assiduity. The preface gives us a short, but pleasing, account of the bibliomanical spirit of Lamoignon's father-in-law, Monsieur Berryer; who spent between thirty and forty years in enriching this collection with all the choice, beautiful, and extraordinary copies of works which, from his ministerial situation, and the exertions of his book-friends, it was possible to obtain. M. Berryer died in 1762, and his son-in-law in 1789.——Lamoignon. Des Livres de la même Biblothéque, par Nyon l'âiné. Paris, 1797, 8vo. This volume presents us with the relics of a collection which, in its day, might have vied with the most splendid in Europe. But every thing earthly must be dissipated.——Lancelot. Catalogue des Livres de feu M. Lancelot de l'Academie Royale des Belles Lettres. Paris, 1741, 8vo. Those who are fond of making their libraries rich in French History cannot dispense with this truly valuable catalogue. Lancelot, like the elder Lamoignon, appears to have been "buried in the benedictions of his countrymen"—according to the energetic language of Bourdaloue.——Lemarié. Catalogue des livres de feu M. Lemarié, disposé et mis en ordre, par Guil. De Bure, fils aîné, Paris, 1776, 8vo. A well digested catalogue of a rich collection of Greek and Latin Literature, which evinces a man of taste and judgment. Nothing can be more handsomely said of a collection than what De Bure has prefixed to the present one. In the Cat. de Gouttard, no. 1545, I find a copy of it upon large paper.——Loménie. Index Librorum ab inventa Typographia da annum 1500, &c., cum notis, &c. Senonis, 1791, 8vo., two vols. The owner of this collection, whose name does not appear in the title-page, was the celebrated Cardinal de Loménie de Brienne: who is described, in the advertisement prefixed to the catalogue of his books in 1797, [vide infra] as having, from almost early youth, pushed his love of book-collecting to an excess hardly equalled by any of his predecessors. When he was but a young ecclesiastic, and had only the expectation of a fortune, his ruling passion for books, and his attachment to fellow bibliomaniacs, was ardent and general. But let his panegyrist speak in his own language—"Si le hazard procuroit à ses amis quelque objét précieux, il n'avoit de repos qu'aprés l'avoir obtenu; les sacrifices ne l'effrayoient pas; il étoit né généreaux; mais ce qu'on lui accordoit, il le devoit sur-tout à ses manières insinuantes. Ses sollicitations étoient toujours assaisonnées d'un ton d'amabilité auquel on résistoit difficilement. Lorsque le tems et les grâces de la cour eurent aggrandi ses moyens, ses veus s'etendirent à proportion. Insensiblement il embressa tous les genres, et sa bibliothéque devint un dépôt universel. Dans ses fréquens voyages, s'il s'arrêtoit quelques instans dans une ville, on le voyoit visiter lui-même les libraries, s'introduire dans les maisons religieuses, s'insinuer dans les cabinets d'amateurs, chercher par-tout à acquérir; c'etoit un besoin pour lui d'acheter sans cesse, d'entasser les volumes. Cette passion a peut-être ses excés; mais du moins, elle ne fut pas pour le cardinal de Loménie une manie stérile. Non seulement il aimoit, il connoissoit les livres, mais il savoit s'en servir; sans contredit il fut un des hommes les plus éclairés du Clergé de France."——To return from this pleasing rhapsody to the catalogue, the title of which is above given. It is composed by Laire, in the Latin language, with sufficient bibliographical skill: but the index is the most puzzling one imaginable. The uncommonly curious and magnificent collection, not being disposed of "en masse"—according to advertisement—was broken up; and the more ancient books were sold by auction at Paris, in 1792, from a French catalogue prepared by De Bure. Some of the books were purchased by Mr. Edwards, and sold at London in the Paris collection [vide p. 90, post]; as were also those relating to Natural History; which latter were sold by auction without his Eminence's name: but it is a gross error in the Bibl. Krohn, p. 259, no. 3466, to say that many of these books were impious and obscene. These are scarce and dear volumes; and as they supply some deficiencies Audiffredi's account of books published at Rome in the xvth century [vid. p. 62, ante], the bibliographer should omit no opportunity of possessing them.——Loménie. D'une partie des livres de la Bibliothéque du Cardinal de Loménie de Brienne, Paris, an. v. [1797], 8vo. This collection, the fragments or ruins of the Lomenie library, contains 2754 articles, or numbers, with a rich sprinkling of Italian literature; leaving behind, however, a surplus of not fewer than twelve hundred pieces relating to the Italian Drama—many of them rare—which were to be sold at a future auction. From the biographical memoir prefixed to this catalogue, I have given the preceding extract concerning the character of the owner of the collection—who died in the same year as the sale.——Macarthy. Catalogue des livres rares et précieux du cabinet de M.L.C.D.M. (M. Le Comte de Macarthy), Paris, 1779, 8vo. Supplement au Catalogue des livres, &c., de M.L.C.D.M., Paris, 1779, 8vo. Chez de Bure, fils aîné. These books were sold in January, 1780; and great things are said, in the advertisement, of their rarity and beauty. The Count Macarthy has, at this moment, one of the most magnificent collections upon the continent. His books printed upon vellum are unequalled by those of any private collection. Of the above catalogue, a copy upon strong writing paper occurs in the Cat. de Gouttard, no. 1549.——Magliabechi. Catalogus Codicum Sæculo xv. Impressorum qui in publica Bibliotheca Magliabechiana Florentiæ adservantur. Autore Ferdinando Fossio; ejusd. bibl. Præf., Florent., 1793, folio, three vols. A magnificent and truly valuable publication (with excellent indexes) of the collection of the famous Magliabechi; concerning whom the bibliographical world is full of curious anecdotes. The reader may consult two volumes of letters from eminent men to Magliabechi, published in 1745, &c., vide Bibl. Pinell, no. 8808, &c., edit. 1789: Wolfius's edition of the Bibliotheca Aprosiana, p. 102; and the Strawberry Hill[C] edition of the Parallel between Magliabechi and Mr. Hill, 1758, 8vo.—an elegant and interesting little volume. Before we come to speak of his birth and bibliographical powers, it may be as well to contemplate his expressive physiognomy.

Magliabechi was born at Florence October 29, 1633. His parents, of low and mean rank, were well satisfied when they got him into the service of a man who sold herbs and fruit. He had never learned to read; and yet he was perpetually poring over the leaves of old books that were used in his master's shop. A bookseller, who lived in the neighbourhood, and who had often observed this, and knew the boy could not read, asked him one day "what he meant by staring so much on printed paper?" Magliabechi said that "he did not know how it was, but that he loved it of all things." The consequence was that he was received, with tears of joy in his eyes, into the bookseller's shop; and hence rose, by a quick succession, into posts of literary honour, till he became librarian to the Grand Duke of Tuscany. In this situation Magliabechi had nothing further, or more congenial to his feelings, to sigh for: in the Florentine library he revelled without cessation in the luxury of book-learning. The strength of his memory was remarkable; one day, the Grand Duke sent for him to ask whether he could procure a book that was particularly scarce. "No, sir," answered Magliabechi, "it is impossible; for there is but one in the world, and that is in the Grand Signior's Library at Constantinople, and is the seventh book on the second shelf on the right hand as you go in." In spite of his cobwebs, dirt, and cradle lined with books, Magliabechi reached his 81st year. Hearne has contrived to interweave the following (rather trifling) anecdote of him, in his Johan. Confrat., &c., de Reb. Glaston, vol. ii., 486—which I give merely because it is the fashion to covet every thing which appertaineth to Tom Hearne. "I have mentioned the bank where the MSS. (concerning the Epistles of St. Ignatius; Bank lvii.) stands, and the title of the book, because Vossius tells us not in his preface which of the several MSS. in this library he made use of; and to finde it out gave me so much trouble that, if the Grand Duke's library-keeper had not known the book, and searched it for me, I think I should never have met with it, there being not one canon of St. Laurence, not their library-keeper himself, nor, I believe, any other in Florence, except this Sre. Magliabechi, that could direct me to it. The learned Bishop will be pleased to take notice of Sre. Maliabechi's civility; who, besides procuring me the Grand Duke's leave to collate the epistles, attended himself in the library, all the time I was there (the licence being granted by the Grand Duke upon this condition): and since, as a mark of his respect to the reverend bishop, hath been pleased to present him with a book (about the Florentine history) which I have committed to Mr. Ferne, my Lord Lexinton's Gentleman, to be conveyed to his lordship." (Mr. Ledgerd's account of his collations of the Florentine MS. with the edition of Vossius.)——St. Mark. Græca D. Marci Bibliotheca Codicum Manuscriptorum Præside Laurentio Theopolo. Venet. 1740, folio: Ejusdem Latina et Italica Bibliotheca Codicum Manuscriptorum Præside eodem, Venet. 1741, folio. These useful and handsomely executed volumes should be found in every extensive philological collection.——Medici-Lorenzo. Bibliothecæ Mediceo-Laurentianæ et Palatinæ Codicum Manuscriptorum Orientalium Catalogus digessit S.E. Assemanus. Florent. 1742, folio. A very valuable and splendid publication; evincing the laudable ambition of the Medici in their encouragement of oriental literature. The editor is commended in the preface of the subsequent catalogue, p. xxxxv.——Medici-Lorenzo. Bibliothecæ Hebraico-Grecæ Florentinæ sive Bibliothecæ Mediceo-Laurentianæ Catalogus ab Antonio Maria Biscionio, &c., digestus atque editus, Florent., 1752, folio, two vols. in one. A grand book; full of curious fac-similes of all sorts of things. It was begun to be printed in 1752, but Biscioni's death, in May, 1756, prevented the completion of the publication 'till May 1757. See præfat., p. xxxxvii—and particularly the colophon.——Medici-Lorenzo. Catalogus Codicum Manuscriptorum, Græcorum, Latinorum, et Italicoram, Bibliothecæ Medicæ Laurentianæ: Angelus Maria Bandinus recensuit, illustravit edidit. Florent., 1764; 3 vols., 1774; 5 vols., folio. An equally splendid work with the preceding—and much more copious and erudite in regard to intrinsically valuable matter. The indexes are excellent. No extensive philological library should be without these volumes—especially since the name of Medici has recently become so popular, from the able biographical memoirs of the family by Mr. Roscoe.——Menarsiana. Bibliotheca Menarsiana; ou Catalogue de la Bibliothéque de feu Messire Jean Jaques Charron, Chevalier Marquis de Menars, &c. A La Haye, 1720, 8vo. A very fine collection of books in all branches of literature. After the "Ordo Venditionis," there is an additional leaf pasted in, signifying that a magnificent copy of Fust's bible of 1462, upon paper, would be sold immediately after the theological MSS. in folio. It brought the sum of 1200 florins. The sale commenced at nine and at two; giving the buyers time to digest their purchases, as well as their dinners, at twelve! "Tempora mutantur!"——Menckenius. Catalogus Bibliothecæ Menckenianæ ab Ottone et Burchardo collectæ. Editior altera longe emendatior. Lips., 1727, 8vo. There are some curious and uncommon books in this collection; which evince the taste and judgment of Menckenius, who was a scholar of no mean reputation. Perhaps the word "rare" is too lavishly bestowed upon some of the books described in it.——Meon. Catalogue des livres précieux singuliéres et rares de la Bibliothèque de M. Meon. Paris, an. xii. (1804), 8vo. A very choice collection of books; catalogued with considerable care.——Mercier. Catalogue de la Bibliothéque de M. Mercier, Abbé de Saint Leger, par. M. De Bure, 1799, 8vo. If the reader has chanced to cast his eye over the account of the Abbé de St. Leger, at p. 61, ante, he will not hesitate long about procuring a copy of the catalogue of the library of so truly eminent a bibliographer.——Mérigot. Catalogue des livres de M.J.G. Mérigot, Libraire, par M. De Bure, 1800, 8vo. It is very seldom that this catalogue appears in our own country: which is the more provoking as the references to it, in foreign bibliographical works, render its possession necessary to the collector. Mérigot was an eminent bookseller, and prepared a good catalogue of M. Lorry's library, which was sold in 1791, 8vo.——St. Michael. Bibliotheca Codicum Manuscriptorum Monasterij Sancti Michaelis Venetiarum, una cum appendice librorum impressorum sæculi xv. Opus posthumum Joannis Bened. Mittarelli. Venet., 1779, folio. It were much to be wished that, after the example of this and other monasteries, all religious houses, which have large libraries attached to them, would publish accounts of their MSS. and printed books. There is no knowing what treasures are hid in them, and of which the literary world must remain ignorant, unless they are thus introduced to general notice. How many curious and amusing anecdotes may be told of precious works being discovered under barbarous titles! Among others, take, gentle reader, the two following ones—relating to books of a very different character. Within a volume, entitled Secreta Alberti, were found "The Fruyte of Redempcyon," printed by W. De Worde, 1532, 4to.; and a hitherto imperfectly described impression of The Boke of Fyshinge, printed by W. De Worde, in 4to., without date; which usually accompanies that fascinating work, ycleped Dame Juliana Barnes's Boke of Hawkyng, Huntyng, and Cote Armoor. My friend Mr. J. Haslewood first made me acquainted with this rare treasure—telling me he had "a famous tawny little volume" to shew me: his pulse, at the same time, I ween, beating one hundred and five to the minute! The second anecdote more exactly accords with the nature of my preliminary observations. In one of the libraries abroad, belonging to the Jesuits, there was a volume entitled, on the back of it "Concilium Tridenti:" the searching eye and active hands of a well-educated Bibliomaniac discovered and opened this volume—when lo! instead of the Council of Trent, appeared the First, and almost unknown, Edition of the Decameron of Boccaccio! This precious volume is now reposing upon the deserted shelves of the late Duke of Roxburgh's library; and, at the forth-coming sale of the same, it will be most vigorously contended for by all the higher and more knowing powers of the bibliographical world;

But when the gods descending swell'd the fight, Then tumult rose; fierce rage and pale affright Varied each face: [Pope's] Homer's Iliad, b. xx. v. 63.

Mirabeau. Catalogue de la Bibliotheque de Mirabeau l'aîné, par Rozet, 1792, 8vo. A fine collection of books; some of them very curious and uncommon. At the head of the choice things contained in it must be noticed the "Recueil de Calques, ou dessins des titres et figure d'un grand nombre des plus anciens ouvrages, gravés en bois, ou imprimés en caractères mobiles, depuis l'origine de l'imprimerie," &c. These designs were 226 in number; of which a description is given at the head of the catalogue. They were purchased for 1105 livres, and again sold, with the same description prefixed, at the last Crevenna sale of 1793 (see p. 79, ante). Consult the Curiosités Bibliographiques of Peignot, p. 139.——Miromenil. Catalogue des Livres de la Bibliothéque de M. Hüe de Miromenil, garde des sceaux de France, Paris, 1781, 4to. "It appears, from the catalogue of M. de Coste, that this is a rare book, of which only few copies were printed, and those never sold." Bibliogr. Curieuse, p. 33.——Montfauçon. Diarium Italicum; sive Monumentorum Veterum, Bibliothecarum, Musæorum Notitiæ Singulares a D. Bernardo de Montfauçon, Paris, 1702, 4to. Bibliotheca Bibliothecarum Manuscriptorum nova, autore De Bern. de Montfauçon, Paris, 1739, folio, two vols. These are the bibliographical works (which I thought would be acceptable if placed in this list of Catalogues) of the illustrious Montfauçon; whose publications place him on the summit of antiquarian fame. So much solid sense, careful enquiry, curious research, and not despicable taste, mark his voluminous productions! The bibliographer may rest assured that he will not often be led into confusion or error in the perusal of the above curious and valuable volumes, which have always been considered precious by the philologist.——Morelli. Jacobi Morellii Bibliothecæ Regiæ divi Marci Venetiarum Custodis, Bibliotheca Manuscripta Græca et Latina. Tom. prim. Bassani, 8vo. Morelli was the amiable and profoundly learned librarian of St. Mark's at Venice; and this catalogue of his Greek and Latin MSS. is given upon the authority of Peignot's Curiosités Bibliographiques, p. lix.——Museum British. Catalogus Librorum Manuscript. Bibl. Cotton., Oxon., 1696, fol. A Catalogue of the Manuscripts in the Cottonian Library, Lond. 1777, 8vo. A Catalogue of the same, 1802, fol. A Catalogue of the Harleian Manuscripts, &c., Lond., 1759, fol., 2 vols. A Catalogue of the same, Lond., 1808, fol., 3 vols. A Catalogue of the MSS. of the Kings Library, &c., 1734, 4to. A Catalogue of the MSS., &c., hitherto undescribed, Lond., 1782, 4to., two vols. Catalog. Libror. Impress., &c., Lond., 1787, folio, 2 vols. These are the published catalogues of the literary treasures, in manuscript and in print, which are contained in the British Museum. The first Cottonian catalogue has a life of Sir Robert Cotton, and an account of his library prefixed to it. The second, by Samuel Hooper, was intended "to remedy the many defects" in the preceding catalogue, and "the injudicious manner" in which it was compiled; but it is of itself sufficiently confused and imperfect. The third, which is the most copious and valuable, with an index (and which has an abridged account of Sir Robert Cotton, and of his Library), was drawn up by Mr. Planta, the principal librarian of the British Museum. A great part of the first catalogue of the Harleian MSS. was compiled by the celebrated Humphrey Wanley, and a most valuable and ably executed publication it is! The Second is executed by the Rev. R. Nares: it contains the preface of the first, with an additional one by himself, and a copious index; rendering this the most complete catalogue of MSS. which has ever yet appeared in our own country; although one regrets that its typographical execution should not have kept pace with its intrinsic utility. The two latter catalogues of MSS. above described give an account of those which were presented by royal munificence, and collected chiefly by Sir Hans Sloane and Dr. Birch. The catalogue of 1734 (which is now rare) was compiled by David Casley: that of 1782, by Samuel Ascough. Of the catalogue of Printed Books, it would be unfair to dwell upon its imperfections, since a new, and greatly enlarged and improved, impression of it is about going to press, under the editorial care and inspection of Messrs. H. Ellis and Baber, the gentlemen to whom the printed books are at present intrusted. Mr. Douce, who has succeeded Mr. Nares as head librarian of the MSS., is busily employed in examining the multifarious collection of the Lansdowne MSS. (recently purchased by the Trustees of the Museum), and we may hope that the day is not very far distant when the public are to be congratulated on his minute and masterly analysis of these treasures.——Paris. Catalogue de la Bibliothéque de M. Paris de Meyzieux, Paris, 1779, 8vo. Bibliotheca elegantissima Parisina, par M. Lourent, 1790, 8vo. The same: Lond., 1791, 8vo. Since the days of Gaignat and the Duke de la Valliere, the longing eyes of bibliographers were never blessed with a sight of more splendid and choice books than were those in the possession of M. Paris de Meyzieux. The Spira Virgil of 1470, upon vellum, will alone confer celebrity upon the first catalogue—but what shall we say to the second? It consists of only 635 articles, and yet, as is well observed in the preface, it was never equalled for the like number. Happy is that noviciate in bibliography who can forget the tedium of a rainy day in sitting by the side of a log-wood fire, and in regaling his luxurious fancy, by perusing the account of "fine, magnificent, matchless, large paper," and "vellum" copies which are thickly studded from one end of this volume to the other. Happier far the veteran, who can remember how he braved the perils of the sale, in encountering the noble and heavy metalled competitors who flocked, from all parts of the realm, to partake of these Parisian spoils! Such a one casts an eye upon his well-loaded shelves, and while he sees here and there a yellow morocco Aldus, or a Russian leather Froben, he remembers how bravely he fought for each, and with what success his exertions were crowned! For my own part, gentle reader, I frankly assure thee that—after having seen the "Heures de Notre Dame," written by the famous Jarry, and decorated with seven small exquisite paintings of the Virgin and Christ—and the Aldine Petrarch and Virgil of 1501, all of them executed upon snow-white vellum—after having seen only these books out of the Paris collection, I hope to descend to my obscure grave in perfect peace and satisfaction! The reader may smile; but let him turn to nos. 14, 201, 328, of the Bibl. Paris: no. 318 of the Cat. de la Valliere; and Curiositès Bibliographiques, p. 67. This strain of "ètourderie bibliographique," ought not to make me forget to observe that we are indebted to the enterprising spirit and correct taste of Mr. Edwards for these, as well as for many other, beautiful books imported from the Continent. Nor is it yet forgotten that some thorough-bred bibliomaniacs, in their way to the sale, used to call for a glass of ice, to allay the contagious inflammation which might rage in the auction-room. And now take we leave of Monsieur Paris de Meyzieux. Peace to the ashes of so renowned a book-chevalier.——Petau et Mansart. Bibliotheca Potavina et Mansartiana; ou Catalogue des Bibliothéques de Messrs. Alexander Petau, et François Mansart; auxquells on a ajouté le Cabinet des MSS. de Justus Lipsius. Haye, 1722, 8vo. A catalogue not very common, and well worth the bibliographer's consultation.——Pinelli. Bibliotheca Maphæi Pinelli Veneti, &c. A Jacobo Morellio. Venetiis, 1787, 6 vols., 8vo. Bibliotheca Pinelliana: a catalogue of the magnificent and celebrated library of Maffæi Pinelli, late of Venice, &c., London, 1789, 8vo. There can be no question about the priority, in point both of typographical beauty and intrinsic excellence, of these catalogues; the latter being only a common sale one, with the abridgment of the learned preface of Morelli, and of his bibliographical notices. This immense collection (of the ancient owners of which we have a short sketch in Morhof, vol. i., pp. 28, 202) was purchased by Messrs. Edwards and Robson: the Greek and Latin books were sold for 6786l., the Italian, for 2570l.—which barely repaid the expenses of purchase, including duties, carriage, and sale. Although, as Dr. Harwood has observed, "there being no dust in Venice, this most magnificent library has in general lain reposited for some centuries, in excellent preservation,"—yet the copies were not, upon the whole, in the choicest condition. There are copies of the catalogue of 1789 upon large paper. The catalogue of 1787 (with an elegant portrait of Pinelli prefixed) has, at first sight, the aspect of a work printed in small quarto.——Pompadour. Catalogue des Livres de la Bibliothéque de feue Madame La Marquise de Pompadour, Dame du Palais de la Reine, Paris, 1765, 8vo. The name of Madame de Pompadour will be always respected by bibliographers, on account of the taste and judgment which are displayed in this elegant collection. The old popular romances form the leading feature; but there is an ample sprinkling of the belles-lettres and poetry. An animated eulogium is pronounced upon Mad. de Pompadour by Jardé, in his "Précis sur les Bibliothéques;" prefixed to the last edition of Fournier's Dictionnaire Portatif de Bibliographie, p. vij.——Préfond. Catalogue des Livres du Cabinet de M.D.P. (Girardot de Préfond) Par Guillaume F. De Bure, Paris, 1757, 8vo. An excellent collection; not wanting in rare and magnificent productions. The owner of it was distinguished for many solid, as well as splendid, qualifications. Only six copies of it were printed upon large paper. See Cat. de Gaignat, vol. ii., no. 3467.——Randon de Boisset. Catalogue des livres du cabinet de feu M. Randon du Boisset. Par Guil. de Bure, fils aîné, Paris, 1777, 12mo. Although the generality of catalogue collectors will be satisfied with the usual copy of this well-digested volume, yet I apprehend the curious will not put up with any thing short of a copy of it upon strong writing paper. Such a one was in the Gouttard collection. See Cat. de Gouttard, no. 1546.——Reimannus. J.F. Reimanni Catalogus Bibliothecæ Theologicæ Systematico-Criticus. Hildes. 1731, 8vo., two vols. Ejusdem accessiones uberiores ad Catalogum Systematico-Criticum, editæ a Jo. W. Reimannus, Brunsv., 1747, 8vo. I have before given the character of this work in the introductory part of my "Knowledge of the Greek and Latin Classics." Every thing commendatory of it may be here repeated.——Renati. Bibliothecæ Josephi Renati Imperialis, &c., Cardinalis Catalogus, &c. Romæ, 1711, fol. This excellent catalogue, which cost the compiler of it, Fontanini, nine years of hard labour, is a most useful and valuable one; serving as a model for catalogues of large libraries. See the more minute criticism upon it in Cat. de Santander, no. 6315. My copy, which wants the title-page, but luckily contains the Latin preface, was formerly Ruddiman's. The volume has 738 pages: this is noticed because all the appendixes and addenda are comprehended in the same.——Revickzky. Bibliotheca Græca et Latina, complectens auctores fere omnes Græcia et Latii veteris, &c., cum delectu editionum tam primariarum, &c., quam etiam optimarum, splendidissimarum, &c., quas usui meo paravi. Periergus Deltophilus (the feigned name for Revickzky), Berolini, 1784: 1794, 8vo. It was the delight of Count Revickzky, the original owner of this collection, to devote his time and attention to the acquisition of scarce, beautiful, and valuable books; and he obtained such fame in this department of literature as to cause him to be ranked with the Vallieres, Pinellis, and Loménies of the day. He compiled, and privately disposed of, the catalogue of his collection, which bears the above title; and to some few of which are prefixed a letter to M. L' A.D. [enini] (Member of the French Academy) and a preface. Three Supplements to this catalogue were also, from time to time, circulated by him; so that the purchaser must look sharply after these acquisitions to his copy—as some one or the other of them are generally missing. Peignot supposes there are only two supplements. Bibl. Curieuse, p. 58. When Count Revickzky came over to England, he made an offer to Earl Spencer to dispose of the whole collection to his lordship, for a certain "round sum" to be paid immediately into his hands, and to receive, in addition, a yearly sum by way of annuity. So speaks fame. Shortly after this contract was closed, the Count died; and Earl Spencer, in consequence, for a comparatively small sum (the result of an immediate and generous compliance with the Count's wishes!), came into the possession of a library which, united with his previous magnificent collection, and the successful ardour with which he has since continued the pursuit, places him quite at the head of all the collectors in Europe—for early, rare, precious, and beautiful, books. Long may he possess such treasures!—and fleeing from the turbulence of politics, and secluded as he is, both in the metropolis and at Althorp, from the stunning noise of a city, may he always exclaim, with Horace, as the Count did before him—

Notes in this chapter

Note 1 · Recherches, &c., sur l'Origine de l'Imprimerie: Introd. p. x. Lambinet adds very justly, "L'art consiste à les rendre supportables par des o Note 2 · See the "Discours sur la Science Bibliographique," &c., in the eighth volume of De Bure's Bibl. Instruct. and Peignot's Dictionnaire Raisonn Note 3 · Lysander had probably the following passage more particularly in recollection; which, it must be confessed, bears sufficiently hard upon fan Note 4 · Pope, in his Dunciad, has treated the conflagration of the two great ancient libraries, with his usual poetical skill:Note 5 · "Anglica gens longe fuit negligentior in consignandis ingeniorum monumentis; nihil enim ab illis prodiit, quod mereatur nominari, cum tamen Note 6 · "Sive de Amore Librorum." The first edition, hitherto so acknowledged, of this entertaining work, was printed at Spires, by John and Conrad Note 7 · His Bibliotheca, or Catalogus Universalis, &c., was first printed in a handsome folio volume at Zurich, 1545. Lycosthyne put forth a wretche Note 8 · The first edition of this work, under the title of "Illustrium maioris Britanniæ Scriptorum, hoc est, Anglæ, Cambriæ, ac Scotiæ summarium, i Note 9 · "Les Savans n'ont nullemont été satisfaits des règles prescrites par Florian Treffer (Trefler) le premièr dont on connoisse un écrit sur ce Note 10 · It would appear, from Morhof, that Neander meditated the publication of a work similar to the Pandects of Gesner; which would, in all probab Note 11 · La Croix Du Maine's book appeared toward the end of the year 1584; and that of his coadjutor, Anthony Verdier, in the beginning of the subse Note 12 · John Baptist Cardona, a learned and industrious writer, and bishop of Tortosa, published a quarto volume at Tarracona, in 1537, 4to.—compreh Note 13 · Mutius Panza's work, under the title of Ragionamenti della Libraria Vaticana, Rome, 1590, 4to., and Angelus Roccha's, that of Bibliotheca Ap Note 14 · Consult Renouard's L'Imprimerie des Alde, vol. ii., 122, &c. One of the grandest works which ever issued from the Vatican press, under the s Note 15 · Lipsius published his Syntagma de Bibliothecis, at Antwerp, in 1603, 4to., "in quo de ritibus variis et antiquitatibus circa rem bibliotheca Note 16 · "Scripsit et Erycius Puteanus librum De Usu Bibliothecæ et quidem speciatim Bibliothecæ Ambrosianæ Mediol., in 8vo., 1606, editum, aliumque,Note 17 · Bolduanus published a Theological (Jenæ, 1614) and Philosophico Philological (Jenæ, 1616), as well as an Historical (Lipsiæ, 1620), library;Note 18 · The reader will find a good account of some of the scarcer works of Du Chesne in Vogt's Catalog. Libror. Rarior., p. 248, &c., and of the li Note 19 · See the note at p. 29, ante. "It is a pity," says Morhof, "that the Dutch had such little curiosity about the literary history of their coun Note 20 · Senebier, who put forth a very useful and elegantly printed catalogue of the MSS. in the public library of Geneva, 1779, 8vo., has the follo Note 21 · This mode of exclamation or expression, like that of cheering (vide p. 20, ante) is also peculiar to our own country; and it is uttered by b Note 22 · Pitseus's work "De Rebus Anglicis," Paris, 1619, 4to., vol. i., was written in opposition to Bale's (vid. p. 31, ante). The author was a lea Note 23 · "Gabriele Naudæo nemo vixit suo tempore ἐμπειρίας Bibliothecariæ peritior:" Polyhist. Liter., vol. i., 187. "Naudæi scripta omnia et singula Note 24 · This work, in four books, was published at Lyons, 1635, 4to. If it be not quite "Much ado about nothing"—it exhibits, at least, a great wast Note 25 · Le Pere Louys Jacob published his "Traicté des plus belles Bibliothéques publiques et particulières, qui ont esté, et qui sont à présents da Note 26 · He published a work entitled "De scriptoribus non-ecclesiasticis," 1648, vol. i., 1649, vol. ii., folio: in which his opinions upon authors Note 27 · Magliabechi put Cinelli upon publishing his Bibliotheca Volante, 1677, 8vo., a pretty work, with a happy title!—being an indiscriminate acco Note 28 · "Vir, qui in texendis catalogis totam pene vitam consumpsit." "Homo ad Lexica et Catalogos conficiendos a naturâ factus." Such is Morhof's a Note 29 · Lambecius died at, one may almost say, the premature age of 52: and the above work (in eight folio volumes), which was left unfinished in co Note 30 · Morhof considers the labours of Antonio as models of composition in their way. His grand work began to be published in 1672, 2 vols., folio—Note 31 · The Bibliotheca Realis, &c., of Lipenius contains an account of works published in the departments of Jurisprudence, Medicine, Philosophy, a Note 32 · Adrien Baillet was the eldest of seven children born in a second marriage. His parents were in moderate circumstances: but Adrien very short Note 33 · It will not be necessary to notice all the multifarious productions, in MS. and in print, of this indefatigable bibliographer; who had cut o Note 34 · [156] Michael Denis, the translator of Ossian, and a bibliographer of justly established eminence, was principal librarian of the Imperial l Note 35 · Sir Thomas Pope Blount's "Censura Celebriorum Authorum," Londini, 1690, folio, is unquestionably a learned work—the production of a rural an Note 36 · The first, and, what Hearne over and over again calls the genuine edition of the Athenæ Oxoniensis, was published in two folio volumes, 1691 Note 37 · Daniel George Morhof, professor of poetry, eloquence, and history, was librarian of the University of Khiel. He published various works, but Note 38 · A compendious account of Maittaire will be found in the third edition of my Introduction to the Knowledge of rare and valuable Editions of t Note 39 · From the Latin life of Le Long, prefixed to his Bibliotheca Sacra, we learn that he was an adept in most languages, ancient and modern; and Note 40 · The chief labours of Fabricius ("Vir ελληνίχώτατος"—as Reimannus truly calls him), connected with the present object of our pursuit, have th Note 41 · He is noticed here only as the author of "Idea Bibliothecæ Publicæ secundum classes scientiarum ordinandæ, fusior et contractior," and of th Note 42 · I will not pretend to enumerate all the learned works of Burchard Gotthlieb Struvius. His "Bibliotheca Librorum Rariorum" was published in 1 Note 43 · Let us go gently over this British ground, which Lysander depictures in rather a flowery manner. The first edition of Bishop Nicolson's Engl Note 44 · The last edition of this work is the one which was printed in fifteen volumes, crown 8vo., at Paris, 1772: with a copious index—and proporti Note 45 · It is quite delightful to read the account, in the Dict. Hist., published at Caen, 1789, (vol. vi., p. 475) of Jean Pierre Niceron; whose wh Note 46 · Quirini published his "Specimen variæ Literaturæ quæ in urbe Brixiæ ejusque Ditione paulo post Typographiæ incunabula florebat," &c., at Bre Note 47 · La Bibliothéque Françoise, ou Histoire de la Littérature Françoise, of Claude Pierre Goujet, in eighteen volumes, crown 8vo., 1741, like the Note 48 · The "Bibliothèque Curieuse, Historique et Critique, ou Catalogue raisonné de Livres difficiles à trouver," of David Clement, published at Go Note 49 · The principal biographical labours of this clever man have the following titles: "Histoire de l'Imprimerie," La Haye, 1740, 4to.—an elegant Note 50 · The earliest edition of Vogt's Catalogus Librorum Rariorum was published in 1732; afterwards in 1737; again in 1748; again in 1752, much enl Note 51 · We are indebted to Pierre Simon Fournier le jeune, for some very beautiful interesting little volumes connected with engraving and printing.Note 52 · The Origines Typographicæ of Meerman, which was published at the Hague in two handsome quarto volumes, 1765, (after the plan or prospectus h Note 53 · Vide note at p. 37, ante.Note 54 · The works of Guillaume-François de Bure deserve a particular notice. He first published his Musæum Typographicum, Paris, 1755, 12mo.; of whi Note 55 · The mention of De Bure and the Abbé Rive induces me to inform the reader that the Chasse aux Bibliographes, Paris, 1789, 8vo., of the latter Note 56 · We may first observe that "La Libraria del Doni Fiorentino;" Vinegia, 1558, 8vo., is yet coveted by collectors as the most complete and este Note 57 · The best edition of his Letteratura Italiana is that of Modena, 1787-94, 4to., in fifteen volumes, as it contains his last corrections and a Note 58 · Barthelemy, Mercier de St. Leger, died in the year 1800, and in the sixty-sixth of his age, full of reputation, and deeply regretted by thos Note 59 · The Onomasticon Literarium of Christopher Saxius, Traject. ad Rhenum, 1775-90, seven vols. 8vo., with a supplement, or eighth volume, publis Note 60 · The works and the merits of Audiffredi have been before submitted by me to the public; and Mr. Beloe, in the third volume of his "Anecdotes Note 61 · Heinecken's name stands deservedly high (notwithstanding his tediousness and want of taste) among bibliographical and typographical antiquar Note 62 · We will discuss their works seriatim, as Lisardo has said above. Seemiller's Bibliothecæ Incolstadiensis Incunabula Typographica, contains f Note 63 · A short bibliographical memoir of Herbert will be found in the first volume of my edition of the Typographical Antiquities of Great Britain.Note 64 · Dr. Edward Harwood published the fourth and last edition of his "View of the various editions of the Greek and Roman Classics," in the year Note 65 · De la Serna Santander will always hold a distinguished place amongst bibliographers, not only from the care and attention with which he put Note 66 · Let us go quietly through the modern French school of bibliography.——Mons. Joseph Van-Praet is principal librarian of the Imperial collectio Note 67 · What Denis says, in the preface to his Catalog. Cod. MSS. Bibl. Palat. Vindob. (of which see p. 65, ante) is very just; "media incedendum vi Note 68 · As it would have required more breath than usually falls to the lot of an individual, for Lysander to have given even a rough sketch of the Note 69 · In Part VI. of this work will be found a List of Books printed here. The armorial bearings of Lord Orford are placed at p. 100.