Part 5 — The Drawing Room. (continued 4)
Reading edition
I beg pardon of the manes of "John Ratcliffe, Esq.," for the very inadequate manner in which I have brought forward his collection to public notice. The memory of such a man ought to be dear to the "black-letter-dogs" of the present day: for he had (mirabile dictu!) upwards of Thirty Caxtons! I take the present opportunity of presenting the reader with the following engraving of the Ratcliffe Library, Oxon.
If I might hazard a comparison between Mr. James West's and Mr. John Ratcliffe's collections, I should say that the former was more extensive; the latter more curious. Mr. West's, like a magnificent champagne, executed by the hand of Claude or Both, and enclosing mountains, meadows, and streams, presented to the eye of the beholder a scene at once luxuriant and fruitful: Mr. Ratcliffe's, like one of those confined pieces of scenery, touched by the pencil of Rysdael or Hobbima, exhibited to the beholder's eye a spot equally interesting, but less varied and extensive: the judgment displayed in both might be the same. The sweeping foliage and rich pasture of the former could not, perhaps, afford greater gratification than the thatched cottage, abrupt declivities, and gushing streams of the latter. To change the metaphor—Mr. West's was a magnificent repository; Mr. Ratcliffe's, a cabinet of curiosities. Of some particulars of Mr. Ratcliffe's life, I had hoped to have found gleanings in Mr. Nichols's Anecdotes of Bowyer; but his name does not even appear in the index; being probably reserved for the second forth-coming enlarged edition. Meanwhile, it may not be uninteresting to remark that, like Magliabechi, (vide p. 86, ante) he imbibed his love of reading and collecting from the accidental possession of scraps and leaves of books. The fact is, Mr. Ratcliffe once kept a chandler's shop in the Borough; and, as is the case with all retail traders, had great quantities of old books brought to him to be purchased at so much per lb.! Hence arose his passion for collecting the black-letter, as well as Stilton cheeses: and hence, by unwearied assiduity, and attention to business, he amassed a sufficiency to retire, and live, for the remainder of his days, upon the luxury of Old English Literature!
It is with pain that I trace the ravages of the Book-Mania to a later period. Many a heart yet aches, and many a tear is yet shed, on a remembrance of the mortality of this frightful disease. After the purchasers of Ratcliffe's treasures had fully perused, and deposited in fit places within their libraries, some of the scarcest volumes in the collection, they were called upon to witness a yet more splendid victim to the Bibliomania: I mean, the Honourable Topham Beauclerk.[393] One, who had frequently gladdened Johnson in his gloomy moments; and who is allowed, by that splenetic sage and great teacher of morality, to have united the elegant manners of a gentleman with the mental accomplishments of a scholar. Beauclerk's Catalogue is a fair specimen of the analytico-bibliographical powers of Paterson: yet it must be confessed that this renowned champion of catalogue-makers shines with greater, and nearly perfect, splendour, in the collection of the Rev. Thomas Crofts[394]—a collection which, taking it "for all in all," I know not whether it be exceeded by any which this country has recorded in the shape of a private catalogue. The owner was a modest, careful, and acutely sagacious bibliomaniac: learned, retired, yet communicative: and if ever you lay hold of a large paper copy of a catalogue of his books, which, as well as the small, carries the printed prices at the end, seize it in triumph, Lisardo, for it is a noble volume, and by no means a worthless prize.
PART II.
£ s. d.
3275. Thomas of Arundel, his Legend in old English verse; vii parts, with the Entre, or Prologue: written A.D. M.C.VII. upon vellum, the Capitals illuminated, fol. Here follows a specimen of the verse 1 18 0
ye fyrst pt of ys yt es of mon and of his urechednes. ye secounde pte folowyng es of ye worldes unstabillnes. ye yyrdde pt yt is of deth & of peyn yt wt hy geth. the ferthe parte is of purgatorye yere soules ben clensed of her folye. ye fyfte pt of ys dey of doom & of tokens yt byfore shul coom. ye syxte pt of ys boke to telle yt speketh of ye peynes of helle. ye seventhe part of joys in heven yat bene more yenne tong may neuen.
3276. The Life and Acts of St. Edmond, King and Martyr, by John Lydgate, Monk of Bury, fol.: a choice MS. upon vellum, illuminated throughout, and embellished with 52 Historical Miniatures. For a specimen of the verse, take the first stanza: 22 1 0
The noble stoory to putte in remembraunce Of Seynt Edmond mayd martre and kyng With his suppoor: my style i wyl avaunce ffirst to compyle afftre my konnyng his gloryous lyff his birthe and his gynnying And by discent how he was soo good Was in Saxonye borne of the royal blood.
3288. The Armes, Honours, Matches, and Issues of the auncient and illustrious Family of Veer: described in the honourable progeny of the Earles of Oxenford and other branches thereof. Together with a genealogical deduction of this noble family from the blood of 12 forreyne princes: viz. 3 Emperours, 3 Kings, 3 Dukes, and 3 Earles, &c. Gathered out of History, Recordes, and other Monuments of Antiquity, by Percivall Goulding, Gent. The Arms illuminated, folio. 9 0 0
I will just add that this catalogue is creditably printed in a good size octavo volume, and that there are copies upon large paper. The arrangement of the books is very creditable to the bibliographical reputation of Paterson.
NO. £ s. d.
2741. Raccolta de Poeti Provenzali MS. antiq. Supermembr., 8vo., cor. turc. avec une table des noms des troubadours contenu dans ce MS. 5 7 6
4920. Les cent nouvelles nouvelles, Lettres Gothiques, fig. fol., velin Paris, imprimées par Nic. Desprez. m.d.v. 2 15 0
4921. Le Chevalier de la Tour. Et le guidon des guerres; lettres Gothiques, fig. fol. maroq. rouge, imprimé à Paris, pour Guil. Eustace. m.d.xiv. 2 17 0
4922. Le premier, second, et tiers volume de Lancelot du Lac; nouvellement imprimé à Paris. L'an mil cinq cens et xx, pour Michel le Noir; Lettres Gothiques, fig. fol. maroq. rouge 10 15 0
4923. Le premier et le second volume du Sainct Greaal, contenant la conqueste dudict Sainct Greaal, faicte par Lancelot du Lac, Galaad Perceval et Boors; Lettres Gothiques, fig. fol. maroq. rouge, Paris, imprimé par Phel le Noir, m.d.xxiii 5 7 6
"Ce volume est un des plus rares de la classe des Romans de Chevalerie. T.C."
4924. Ci Commence Guy de Warwick chevalier Dangleterre qui en son tems fit plusieurs prouesses et conquestes en Allemaigne, Ytalie, et Dannemarche. Et aussi sur les infidelles ennemys de la Crestienté; Lettres Gothiques, fig. fol. maroq. rouge. Paris, imprimé par Ant. Couteau, m.d.xxv. 1 18 0
4925. Le premier et le second volume de Merlin, qui est le premier livre de la table ronde, avec plusieurs choses moult recreative: aussi les Prophecies de Merlin, qui est le tierce partie et derniere: Lettres Gothiques, 2 tom. 4to., maroq. rouge, Paris, m.d.xxviii. 1 18 0
4926. La treselegante, delicieuse, melliflue, et tresplaisante Hystoire du tresnoble, victori, et excellentissime roy Perceforest, Roy de la Grand Bretaigne, fundateur du Francpalais et du temple du souverain Dieu. En laquelle lecture pourra veoir la source et decoration de toute Chevalerie, culture de vraye Noblesse, Prouesses, &c. Avecques plusieurs propheties, Comptes Damans, et leur divers fortunes. Lettres Gothiques, 6 tom. en 3 fol., Paris, chez Galliot du Pre, m.d.xxviii. 7 0 0
4927. Le tiers, quart, cinquiesme, sixiesme, et dernier volumes des Anciennes Croniques Dangleterre, faictz et gestes du trespreux et redoubte en chevalerie, le noble roy Perceforest: imprimé à Paris pour Egide Gourmont et Phil. le Noir, m.d.xxxii. 2 tom. folio 0 11 6
4298. Le Parangon des Nouvelles, honestes et delectables à tous ceulx qui desirent voir et ouyr choses nouvelles et recreatives soubz umbre et couleur de joyeuste, 8vo. fig. maroq. rouge. Imprimez à Lyon, par Denys de Harsy, 1532 Les Parolles joyeuses et Dicts memorables des nobles et saiges Homes anciens, redigez par le gracieulx et honeste Poete Messire Francoys Petrarcque, fig. ib. 1532 2 5 0
4929. L'Histoire de Isaie le triste filz de Tristan de leonnoys, jadis Chevalier de la table ronde, et de la Royne Izeut de Cornouaille, ensemble les nobles prouesses de chevallerie faictes par Marc lexille filz. au dict Isaye: Lettres Gothiques, avec fig., 4to., maroq. rouge. On les vend à Paris par Jehan Bonfons, 1535 2 12 6
"There is no direct date either at the beginning or end, nor any privilege annexed to this rare Romance. Mr. Crofts, though extremely accurate, for the most part, has made no remark; neither has the industrious Mr. de Bure taken notice of this particular edition. The date is, nevertheless, obvious, according to my conjecture. After the words filz du dict Isaye, in the general title, at some distance, stand these numerals lxv. c. At first I apprehended they referred to the work, as containing so many chapters; but upon examining the table, I found the Romance to consist of 92 chapters: I conclude they must relate to the date of the book, and are to be read lxv. ante M.D.C., or 1535. S.P."
4932. Meliadus de Leonmoys. Du present Volume sont contenus les nobles faictz darmes du vaillant roy Meliadus. Ensemble plusieurs autres nobles proesses de Chevalerie faictes tant par le roy Artus, Palamedes, &c., &c. Lettres Gothiques, fig., fol., maroq. bleu, Paris, chez Galliot du Pré 3 10 0
4933. Lhystoire tresrecreative, traictant des faictz et gestes du noble et vaillant Chevalier Theseus de Coulongne, par sa proesse Empereur de Rome. Et aussi de sons fils Gadifer, Empereur de Grece. Pareillement des trois enfans de Gadifer, cestassavoir Regnault, Reynier, et Regnesson, &c. Lettres Gothiques, avec fig. 4to., en peau russe. Paris, pour Jehan Bonfons, s.a. 5 0 0
4938. L'Histoire Palladienne, traitant des gestes et genereux Faitz d'armes et d'armour de plusieurs Grandz Princes et Seigneurs, specialement de Palladien filz du roy Milanor d'Angleterre, et de la belle Selenine, &c.; par feu Cl. Colet Champenois, fig., fol., maroquin jaune. Paris, de l'imprimerie d'Estien. Goulleau, 1555 1 18 0
4945. Hist. du noble Tristan Prince de Leonnois, Chevalier de la table ronde, et d'Yseulte, Princesse d'Yrlande, Royne de Cornouaille; fait Francois par Jean Maugin, dit l'Angevin, fig., 4to., maroq. rouge, Rouen. 1586 1 5 0
4953. L'Hist. du noble et vaillant Chevalier Paris et la belle Vienne, 4to., Rouen 3 10 0
4961. Histoires Prodigieuses, extractes de plusieurs fameux Autheurs, Grecs et Latins, par Pier Boaisteau, Cl. de Tesserant, F. de Belleforest, Rod. Hoyer, &c., fig. 6 tom. en 3, 12mo., maroq. rouge. Par chez la Verfue Cavellat, 1598 2 9 0
4964. Valentine and Orson, cuts, black letter, 4to. London; no date. (Not sold.)
7276. Hollinshed's (Raphe) and William Harrison's Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland, continued by John Hooker, alias Vowell, and others; black letter, 3 vols. fol., large paper, in Russia, 1586 13 2 6
7399. Lynch (Jo.) Seu Gratiani Lucii Hiberni Cambrensis Eversus, seu potius Historica fides, in Rebus Hibernicis, Giraldo Cambrensi abrogata, fol. Impress. An. 1662. Sine Loco aut Nomine Impressoris 3 4 0
"Liber inter Historicos Hibernicos rarissimus et inventu difficilimus, quippe cujus pars maxima exemplarium in incendio periit Londinensi. Sub Lucii Gratiani nomine latet verus autor Johannes Lynch (Tuamensis Archidiaconus) qui post Gallvæ deditionem, Exul in Gallia hocce opus patriæ vindex composuit. T.C."
This catalogue contains 8360 articles. There are printed lists of the prices for which each set of books was sold: but I am afraid that an arrant bibliomaniac, like myself (for thus my friends are cruel enough to call me!) will be content only with a large paper copy of it, with the prices neatly penned in the margin. I conclude that Lysander recommends the volume in this shape to all tasteful collectors.
Lis. But there are surely other large paper——
Alman. What can there possibly be in a large paper copy of a Catalogue of Books which merits the appellation of "nobleness" and "richness?"
Loren. You are a little out of order. Such a question cuts the heart of a bibliographer in twain. Pray let Lysander pursue his narrative.
Lysand. I have no sort of objection to such interruptions. But I think the day is not very far distant when females will begin to have as high a relish for large paper copies of every work as their male rivals. Now let us go on quietly towards the close of my long-winded bibliomaniacal history. And first let us not fail to pay due respect to the cabinet of literary bijoux collected by that renowned bibliomaniac, Mark Cephas Tutet.[395] His collection was distinguished by some very uncommon articles of early date, both of foreign and British typography; and, if you take a peep into Lorenzo's priced copy of the catalogue containing also the purchasers' names, you will find that most notorious modern bibliomaniacs ran away with the choicest prizes. Tutet's catalogue, although drawn up in a meagre and most disadvantageous style, is a great favourite with me; chiefly for the valuable articles which it exhibits.
NO. £ s. d.
10. Various Catalogues of Curiosities, elegantly bound in 14 volumes, and a few loose: most of them priced, with the purchasers' names. A.D. 1721 to 1783, 8vo. 3 16 0
55. Two volumes of ancient and modern cards, eleg. in russia 5 5 0
[These volumes were purchased by Mr. Payne's father, and of him by Mr. Gough. At the sale of the MSS. of the latter (1810) they were purchased by Mr. Robert Triphook, bookseller, of St. James's Street; with a view of making them instrumental to a work which he is projecting, Upon the History and Antiquity of Playing Cards.]
86. Broughton's Concent of Scripture: printed upon vellum 1 2 0
118. Snelling's Silver Coinage,—1762; ditto Gold Coinage, 1763; ditto Copper Coinage, 1768; ditto Miscellaneous Views, 1769; ditto Jettons, 1769: all in folio 7 0 0
"These form a complete set of Snelling's works in folio, and are interspersed with a great number of very useful and interesting notes and observations, by Mr. Tutet."
126. The Byble, &c. Printed by Grafton and Whitchurch, 1537, folio 3 3 0
[There is a note here by Tutet which does not evince any profound knowledge of English etymology.]
168. Rede me and be not wroth, 12mo., no place nor date 1 11 6
175. Servetus de Trinitatis erroribus, cor. tur., 1531, 12mo. 3 14 0
316. —— de Trinitate divinâ, Lond., 1723, 4to. 1 12 0
329. The Arte and Crafte to know well to dye. Printed by Caxton, 1490, folio 2 2 0
337. Hautin, Figures des Monnoyes de France, 1619, folio 6 0 0
364. Parker de Antiq. Brit. Ecclesiæ, 1572, folio. A long and curious note is here appended 4 4 0
371. The Boke of Hawkinge, Huntynge, and Fysshynge, 1496, fol. 2 9 0
372. Sancta Peregrinatio in Mont. Syon, &c. 1486, folio 7 7 0
["This is the first book of travels that was ever printed. The maps are very remarkable; that of the Holy Land is above 4 feet long."]
463. Spaccio della Bestia trionfante. Paris, 1584, 8vo. 7 7 0
477. Expositio Sancti Jeronimi in Symbolum Apostolorum, cor. maur. Oxon., 1468, 4to. 16 5 0
479. Polychronycon; printed by Caxton, 1482, 4to. 4 12 0
480. Pfintzing (Melchoir) His German Poem of the Adventures of the Emperor Maximilian, under the name of Tewrdanckh's. Nuremb., 1517, folio 5 7 6
481. Initial Letters, Vignettes, Cul de Lampes, &c., 2 vols., elegantly bound in russia. [These beautiful books are now in the possession of Mr. Douce] 4 6 0
483. Bouteroue, Recherches curieuses des Monnoyes de France: in morocco, gilt, Paris, 1666, folio 5 0 0
486. Froissart's Chronicles; printed by Pynson, 1523, folio, 2 vols. A beautiful copy elegantly bound. 16 0 0
487. Recule of the Hystoryes of Troye; printed by Caxton, (1471) Folio. A very fine copy, and quite complete. 21 0 0
490. Ciceronis Officia, 1466, 4to. On paper. 25 10 0
And thus we take leave of that judicious and tasteful bibliomaniac, Mark Cephas Tutet!
Three months after the sale of the preceding library, appeared the Bibliotheca Universalis Selecta of Samuel Paterson; containing a collection to be sold by auction in May, 1786. To this catalogue of 8001 articles, there is a short (I wish I could add "sweet") preface, which has been extracted in the Gentleman's Magazine, vol. lvi., p. 334; and in the Censura Literaria, vol. ii., p. 252—but, whatever accidental reputation the volume may have received from the notice of it in these periodical works, I deem both the preface and the work itself quite unworthy of Paterson's credit. There is an alphabetical index (not always very correct); and a few bibliographical notes are subjoined to the specification of the titles; and these considerations alone will give the book a place in the library of the bibliomaniac. The collection is, in fact, neither universal nor select: and the preface is written in the worst of all styles, containing the most commonplace observations.
The following year, was sold, in a similar way, the select and very curious collection of Richard Wright, M.D.;[396] the strength of which lay chiefly in publications relating to the Drama and Romances. It is, in my humble opinion, a most judicious, as well as neatly printed, little catalogue; and not more than a dozen copies of it, I think, were printed upon large paper. Secure this volume, Lisardo, if you wish to add to your riches in English bibliography.
£ s. d.
917, 920, 921-4-5-6-7, 931-2-3, exhibit a glorious specimen of the ancient English Chronicles—which, collectively, did not produce a sum above 45 0 0
1223. England's Parnassus, 1600, 8vo. 0 14 0
1333. Churchyarde's Choice, 1579, 4to. 2 14 0
1334. —— first part of his Chippes, 1575, 4to. 3 13 6
1343. Robert Greene's Works, 2 vols., elegantly bound, 4to. (containing 17 pieces.) 5 19 0
1374. Shyp of Folys. Printed by Pynson, 1508, fol. 3 13 0
1384. Skelton's Works: 1568, 8vo. 0 14 0
1398. Turberville's epitaphs, epigrams, songs and sonnets, 1567, 8vo.
My copy has no price to this article.
1493. Thomas Nashe's Works, in three vols. 4to., containing 21 pieces 12 15 0
1567 to 2091, comprehends The English Theatre.
These numbers exhibit almost every thing that is rare, curious, and valuable in this popular department. I know not how to select stars from such a galaxy of black-letter lustre—but the reader may follow me to the ensuing numbers, which will at least convince him that I am not insensible to the charms of dramatic bijoux, nos. 1567-9: 1570-6-8: 1580: 1595-6-8-9: 1606: 1626: 1636-7-8: 1712 (Dekker's Pieces: 15 in number—sold for 3l. 3s. Eheu!) 1742: 1762. (Heywood's 26 plays, 3l. 4s.) 1776.—1814: (Marston's 9 pieces, 3l. 4s.) 1843. (Tragedie of Dido, 1594, 16l. 16s. Euge!) 1850. (Middleton; 13 pieces: 4l. 5s.) 1873-5. (George Peele's: 7l. 7s.) 1902: (Sackville's Ferrex and Porrex: 2l. 4s.)—But—"quo Musa tendis?" I conclude, therefore, with the following detailed seriatim.
1960. Shakspeare's Works; 1623, folio. First edition; bound in Russia leather, with gilt leaves. 10 0 0
1961. The same; 1632. Second impression. 2 9 0
1962. The same; 1632. The same. 1 6 0
1963. The same; 1663. Third Edit. in Russia. 1 1 0
1964. The same; 1683. Fourth Edition. 1 1 0
My copy of this catalogue is upon large paper, beautifully priced by a friend who "hath an unrivalled pen in this way;" and to whom I owe many obligations of a higher kind in the literary department—but whose modesty, albeit he was born on the banks of the Liffey, will not allow me to make the reader acquainted with his name. Therefore, "Stat nominis umbra:" viz. ——!
Loren. Was Wright's the only collection disposed of at this period, which was distinguished for its dramatic treasures? I think Henderson's[397] library was sold about this time?
Lysand. It was; and if you had not reminded me of it, I should have entirely forgotten it. Catalogues of dramatic Libraries, well arranged, are of great service to the cause of the Bibliomania.
Lis. I wish we could procure some act of parliament to induce the dramatic collectors—by a fair remuneration—to give a well analysed account of their libraries. We should then have the Bibliotheca Roxburghiana, Bibliotheca Maloniana, and what say you to the Bibliotheca Kemblëiana.
Lysand. You are running wild. Let me continue my bibliomaniacal history.
We may now advance directly to the exquisite—and shall I say, unparalleled?—library of Major Pearson![398] a gentleman, who has far eclipsed the bibliomaniacal reputation of his military predecessor, General Dormer. This extraordinary collection was sold by auction the very next year ensuing the sale of Dr. Wright's books and so thickly and richly is it sprinkled with the black-letter, and other curious lore—so varied, interesting, and valuable, are the departments into which it is divided—that it is no wonder his present Majesty, the late Duke of Roxburgh, and George Steevens, were earnest in securing some of the choicest gems contained in the same. Such a collection, sold at the present day—when there is such a "qui vive" for the sort of literature which it displays—what would it produce? At least four times more, than its sum total, two and twenty years ago!
NO. £ s. d.
1888. Webbe's Discourse of English Poetrie, 1586, 4to. 3 5 0
"Bought by Mr. Steevens versus Mr. Malone."
1889. Puttenham's Art of English Poesie, 1589, 4to. 1 12 0
1900. The fyrst Boke of the Introduction to Knowledge, &c.; Printed by W. Copland, no date, 4to. 4 15 0
"By the Rev. Mr. Brand versus Lord Charlemont."
1910. The Castell of Laboure; Emprynted by Pynson, 4to., no date. 2 2 0
1926. Dekker's Miscellaneous Pieces, 1604, &c., 4to. 2 2 0
1932. A curious collection of sundry rare pieces, 4to. 3 4 0
1951. Drollery's (eleven) 1661, &c., 8vo. 5 6 6
These droll pieces are now much coveted by knowing bibliomaniacs. Mr. Heber and Mr. Hill have each a copious collection of them; and Mr. Gutch of Bristol, a bookseller of great spirit in his trade, and of equal love of general literature, recently gratified the curious by exhibiting, in his catalogue of 1810, a number of "Garlands;" which ere now, have, in all probability, proved a successful bait for some hungry book fish.
2035. Sir John Harrington's most elegant and witty Epigrams, with portrait, 1618, 8vo. 2 3 0
2090. Flowers of Epigrammes, &c. Impr. by Shepperd, 1577, 12mo. 1 14 0
2130. The Paradise of Dainty Devises, &c., printed for E. White, 1600, 4to. The workes of a Young Wit, by N.B. b.l. printed by Thomas Dawson, no date. Watson's Mistresse, &c., and Sonnets, b.l. imperf. Diana, by the Earl and Countess of Oxenford, printed for J. Roberts, wanting title, 4to. 9 12 6
"Bought by Mr. Steevens versus Mr. Malone."
2131. England's Helicon, 1600, 4to. 5 10 0
"By ditto versus ditto."
2147. The Example of Vertu; printed by W. de Worde, 4to.
"Bought by Mr. Mason versus Mr. Malone."
2162. A Mirrour of Mysterie; finely written upon, vellum, with two very neat drawings with pen and ink, 1557, 4to. 2 0 0
2186. Manley's Affliction and Deliverance of Saints, portr. 1652, 8vo. 1 12 0
2190. Tragedie of Sir Richard Grenvile, Knt. printed by J. Roberts, 1595, 8vo. 0 15 6
2289. Laquei Ridiculosi, or Springes for Woodcocks, by Henry Parrot, 1613, 8vo. 0 4 6
N.B. This little volume was sold for as many guineas at the sale of Mr. Reed's books in 1807.
2373. Lyf of St. Ursula; Impr. by Wynkyn de Worde, no date, 4to. 1 10 0
2374. Lyf and History of Saynt Werburge. Printed by Pynson, 1521, 4to. 1 3 0
N.B. This volume was sold for 18l. 18s. at the last mentioned sale.
2575. This lot comprehends a cluster of precious little black-letter pieces, which were purchased at the sale of West's books, by Major Pearson. Eight in the whole: executed before the year 1540. 3 19 0
2421. The Goodly Garlande, or Chaplet of Laurell, by Maister Skelton; Impr. by Fawkes, 1523, 4to. See here a long note upon the rarity and intrinsic worth of this curious little volume. "Purchased by Brand versus the King." 7 17 6
2710. Ancient Songs and Ballads; written on various subjects, and printed between the years 1560 and 1700; chiefly collected by Robert Earl of Oxford, and purchased at the sale of the library of James West, Esq., in 1773 (for 20l.): increased by several additions: 2 volumes bound in Russia leather. 26 4 6
"Bought by Mr. Nicol for the Duke of Roxburgh, versus Messrs. Arnold and Ritson." "N.B. The preceding numerous and matchless collection of Old Ballads are all printed in the black-letter, and decorated with many hundred wooden prints. They are pasted upon paper, with borders (printed on purpose) round each ballad: also, a printed title and index to each volume. To these are added the paragraphs which appeared in the public papers respecting the above curious collection, at the time they were purchased at Mr. West's." Thus far Messrs. Egerton. I have to add that the late Duke of Roxburgh became the purchaser of these "matchless" volumes. Whilst in Major Pearson's possession, "with the assistance of Mr. Reed, the collection received very great additions, and was bound in two very large volumes; in this state (says Mr. Nicol,) it was bought by the Duke of Roxburghe. After the industrious exertions of two such skilful collectors as Major Pearson and Mr. Reed, the Duke did not flatter himself with ever being able to add much to the collection; but, as usual, he undervalued his own industry. Finding that his success far exceeded his expectations, he determined to add a third volume to the collection. Among these new acquisitions are some very rare ballads; one quoted by Hamlet, of which no other copy is known to exist." Preface to the Roxburgh Catalogue, p. 5. The ballad here alluded to may be seen in Mr. Evans's recent edition of his father's Collection of Old Ballads; vol. i., p. 7.
3262 to 3329. These numbers comprehend a very uncommon and interesting set of Old Romances! which, collectively, did not produce 35l.—but which now, would have been sold for——!?
3330 to 4151. An extraordinary collection of the English Drama.
And thus farewell Major Pearson!
Lis. O rare Thomas Pearson! I will look sharply after a large paper, priced, copy of the Bibliotheca Pearsoniana!
Lysand. You must pay smartly for it, if you are determined to possess it.
Belin. Madness!—Madness inconceivable!—and undescribed by Darwin, Arnold, and Haslam! But, I pray you, proceed.
Lysand. Alas, madam, the task grows more and more complex as I draw towards the completion of it.
In the year 1789 the book-treasures of the far-famed Pinelli[399] Collection were disposed of by public auction: nor can one think, without some little grief of heart, upon the dispersion of a library, which (much more than commercial speculations and profits) had, for upwards of a century, reflected so much credit upon the family of its possessors. The atmosphere of our metropolis, about this period, became as much infected with the miasmata of the Book-Plague as it did, about 130 years before, with the miasmata of a plague of a different description: for the worthy inhabitants of Westminster had hardly recovered from the shock of the bibliomaniacal attack from the Pinelli sale, 'ere they were doomed to suffer the tortures of a similar one in that of the Paris[400] collection. This latter was of shorter duration; but of an infinitely more powerful nature: for then you might have seen the most notorious bibliomaniacs, with blood inflamed and fancies intoxicated, rushing towards the examination of the truly matchless volumes contained within this collection. Yet remember that, while the whole of Pall Mall was thronged with the carriages of collectors, anxious to carry off in triumph some vellum copy of foreign execution—there was sold, in a quiet corner of the metropolis, the copious and scholar-like collection of Michael Lort, D.D. The owner of this latter library was a learned and amiable character, and a bibliographer of no mean repute.[401] His books were frequently enriched with apposite ms. remarks; and the variety and extent of his collection, suited to all tastes, and sufficiently abundant for every appetite, forms, I think, a useful model after which future bibliomaniacs may build their libraries.
NO. £ s. d.
703. La Biblia Sacra in Lingua Vulgare tradotta; 1471. folio. 2 vols. 6 15 0
2555. Bandello, Canti xi delle lodi della Signora Lucrezia Gonzaga di Gazuolo, &c., 1545, 8vo. 15 15 0
2605. Dante, La Divina Comedia; 1472, folio. Ediz. Prin. 25 14 6
3348. Petrarca, Le Rime. Venez. 1470, 4to. Prin. Ediz. 27 6 0
3458. Sannazzaro, L'Arcadia. Ven. Ald. 1514, 8vo. Esemp. stampata in Cartapecora. 16 16 0
4909. Biblia Polyglotta; Complut. 1514, &c., folio. 6 vols. Exemplar integerrimum splendidissimum. impressum in membranis. 483 0 0
All the world (perhaps I should have said the bibliographical world) has heard of this pre-eminently wonderful set of books; now in Count Macarty's library at Thoulouse. My friend, Dr. Gosset—who will not (I trust) petition for excommunicating me from the orthodox church to which I have the honour of belonging, if I number him in the upper class of bibliomaniacs—was unable to attend the sale of the Pinelli collection, from severe illness: but he did petition for a sight of one of these volumes of old Ximenes's polyglott—which, much more effectually than the spiders round Ashmole's neck (vide p. 293, ante), upon an embrace thereof, effected his cure. Shakspeare, surely, could never have meant to throw such "physic" as this "to the dogs?!" But, to return.
8956. Anthologia Epig. Græc. 1494. 4to. Exemp. impr. in membranis. 45 0 0
9308. Theocritus (absque ulla nota) 4to. Editio Princeps. 31 10 0
9772. Plautus, 1472. folio. Editio Princeps. 36 0 0
11,215. Aulus Gellius, 1469, folio. Edit. Princeps. 58 16 0
11,233. Macrobius, 1472, folio. Edit. Prin. 33 12 0
12,141. Priscianus de art. gram. 1470. fol. In Membranis. 51 9 0
[Sale Catalogue, 1789, 8vo.]
But—"Jam satis."
It probably escaped Lysander that, while the sale of the Pinelli collection attracted crowds of bibliomaniacs to Conduit Street, Hanover Square, a very fine library was disposed of, in a quiet and comfortable manner, at the rooms of Messrs. Leigh and Sotheby, in York Street, Covent Garden; under the following title to the catalogue: A Catalogue of a very elegant and curious Cabinet of Books, lately imported from France, &c. (sold in May, 1789). My priced copy of this catalogue affixes the name (in MS.) of Macartney, as the owner of this precious "Cabinet." There were only 1672 articles; containing a judicious sprinkling of what was elegant, rare, and curious, in almost every department of literature. The eleventh and twelfth days' sale were devoted to MSS.; many of them of extraordinary beauty and singularity. It was from this collection, no. 248, that Lord Spencer obtained, for a comparatively small sum, one of the most curious books (if not an unique volume) in the class of early English printed ones, which are in his own matchless collection. It is the "Siege of Rhodes," which has a strong appearance of being the production of Caxton's press. The copy is perfectly clean and almost uncut.
NO. £ s. d.
2. Biblia sacra latina vulgatæ editionis (ex translatione et cum præfationibus S. Hieronymi); Venetiis, N. Jenson, 1476, 2 vol. in fol.: avec miniatures, relié en mar. r. doublé de tabis, dentelles et boîtes: imprime sur velin. "On connoît l'extrême rareté de cette belle edition quand les exemplaires sont sur vélin. Nous n'en connoissons qu'un seul, bien moins beau que celui ci; celui que nous annonçons est de toute beauté, et on ne peut rien ajouter au luxe de la relieure." 59 17 0
3. Biblia sacra vulgatæ editionis, tribus tomis distincta (jussu Sixt. V., pontificis maximi edita); Romæ, ex typographia apostolica vaticana, 1590; in. fol. ch. mag. maroquin rouge. "Superbe exemplaire d'un livre de la plus grande rareté; il porte sur la couverture les armes de Sixte Quint." 64 1 0
10. Epitome passionis Jesu Christi, in 4o. sur velin avec miniatures. Manuscrit très précieux du commencement du 16 siecle, contenant 37 feuillets écrits en ancienne ronde bâtarde, et 17 pages de miniatures d'un dessein et d'un fini inappréciables. "Les desseins sont d'Albert Durer, tels qu'il les a gravés dans ses ouvrages, et l'exécution est si animée qu'on peut croire qu'elle est, en tout ou en partie, de la main de ce peintre célebre. On ne peut trop louer la beauté de ce livre." 50 8 0
13. Officium beatæ Mariæ virginis cum calendario; in 4o. mar. r. dentelles. "Cette paire d'heures manuscrite sur velin, est sans contredit une des plus belles et des plus achevées que l'on puisse trouver. Au rare mérite de sa parfaite exécution elle réunit encore celui d'avoir été faite pour Françoise 1er, roi de France, et d'être décoree dans toutes ses pages de l'embléme et du chiffre de ce monarque. Ce manuscrit, d'un prix inestimable, est ecrit en lettres rondes sur un vélin très blanc"—"il est decoré de très belles capitales, de guirlandes superbes de fleurs, de culs-de-lampe, & de 12 bordures ornées d'oiseaux, d'insectes, de fleurs et de lames d'or très brillant."—"Il est impossible de donner une idée satisfaisante de le beauté et de la richesse de 12 peintures admirables qui enrichissent autant de pages de 8 pouces et demi de hauteur, sur environ 6 pouces de largeur; elles sont au dessus de toute expression; mais il n'y en a qu'une qui soit du temps de François 1er.; un seigneur dont on voit les armes peintes sur le second feuillet, a fait exécuter les autres dans la siecle dernier, avec une magnificence peu commune. Les tableaux et les ornemens dont il a enrichi ce précieux manuscrit se distinguent par une composition savante et gracieuse, un dessin correct, une touche précieuse et un coloris agréable," &c. 109 4 0
14. Heures de Notre-Dame, écrites à la main, 1647, par Jarry, Parisien, in 8o. chagrin noir, avec deux fermoirs d'or et boîte de mar. bl. "Ces heures sont un chef-d'œuvre d'écriture & de peinture. Le fameux Jarry, qui n'a pas encore eu son égal en l'art d'écrire, s'y est surpassé, & y a prouvé que la regularité, la netteté & la precision des caracteres du burin et de l'impression pouvoient être imitées avec la plume à un degré de perfection inconcevable."—"Le peintre, dont le nom nous est inconnu, & qui doit avoir été un des plus fameux du siecle de Louis XIV., a travaillé à l'envi avec Nicolas Jarry à rendre ces heures dignes d'admiration."—"Les sept peintures dont il les a enriches, sont recommendables par la purité de leur dessein, la vivacité des couleurs, la verité de l'expression, et leur précieux fini." 73 10 0
This matchless little volume was purchased by Mr. Johnes of Hafod, and presented by him to his daughter, who has successfully copied the miniatures; and, in the true spirit of a female bibliomaniac, makes this book her travelling companion "wherever she goes."
15. Office de la Vierge, manuscrit, avec 39 miniatures et un grand nombre de figures bizarres, oiseaux, etc. supérieurement executé; 2 vol. in 8o. m. bl. doublé de tapis, avec étuis. "On ne peut rien voir de plus agréable & de mieux diversifié que les différents sujets des miniatures; en tout, cet exemplaire est un des plus beaux que j'aie jamais vus; c'est celui de Picart. Il est à remarquer à cause du costume de quelques figures; il a été relié avec le plus grand soin et la plus grande dépense." 110 5 0
145. L'art de connoître et d'apprécier les miniatures des anciens manuscrits; par M. l'abbé Rive, avec 30 tableaux enlumines, copiés d'après les plus beaux manuscrits qui se trouvoient dans la bibliothéque de M. le Duc de la Valliere, et d'autres précieux cabinets. Exemplaire peint sur velin. "M. l'abbé Rive se proposoit de donner une dissertation sur les manuscrits enluminés pour accompagner ces dessins; mais jusqu'ici ayant des raisons qui l'empêchent d'en gratifier le public, il en a donné la description en manuscrit (le seul qui existe) au propriétaire de ce superbe exemplaire." 56 14 0
240. Les faicts, dictes et ballades de maitre Alain Chartier: Paris, Pierre le Caron, sans date, in fol. velours vert; imprime sur velin. "Exemplaire qui ne laisse rien à desirer, pour la grandeur des marges, la peinture des miniatures et de toutes les lettres capitales. La finesse des lignes rouges, qui divisent chaque ligne, demontre combien on a été engagé à le rendre précieux. Il est dans sa relieure originale parfaitement bien conservé; il a appartenu à Claude d'Urfé: l'edition passe pour étre de l'année, 1484. Voyez Bibliographie Instructive, no. 2999." 31 10 0
242. Contes de la Fontaine, avec miniatures, vignettes et culs-de-lampes à chaque conte; 2 vol. in 4o.; m. bleu, doublé de tapis, étuis. "Manuscrit incomparable pour le génie et l'exécution des dessins. Il est inconcevable que la vie d'un artiste ait pu suffire pour exécuter d'une manière si finie un si grand nombre de peintures exquises; le tout est d'un coloris éclatant, d'une conservation parfaite, & sur du vélin egalement blanc et uni; enfin c'est un assemblage de miniatures précieuses et dignes d'orner le plus beau cabinet." L'ecriture a été faite par Monchaussé, et les miniatures par le fameux Marolles. 315 0 0
328. Opere di Francesco Petrarcha; senza luogho 1514, mar. r. doublé de tabis et étui; imprime sur velin. "Exemplaire sans prix, avec grand nombre de miniatures charmantes. Il passoit pour constant à Florence, où je l'ai acheté, qu'il avoite été imprimé à part probablement pour quelqu'un des Mêdicis, et sur les corrections de l'edition de 1514; car les fautes ne s'y trouvent pas, et il ne m'a pas éte possible d'en découvrir une seule.—La parfaite conservation de ce livre précieux démontre combien ses possesseurs ont été sensible a sa valeur. P——." 116 11 0
486. Collectiones Peregrinationum in Indiam Orientalem et in Indiam Occidentalem, xxv partibus comprehensæ, &c. Francof. ad Mæen. 1590, &c., 60 vol. reliés en 24, folio; maroq. citr. bleu et rouge. "Exemplaire de la plus grande beauté, et qui possede autant de perfection que pouvoient lui donner les soins et les connoissances des plus grands amateurs." 210 0 0
543. Les grands chroniques de France (dites les chroniques de St. Denys); Paris, Antoine Verard, 1493, 3 vols. fol. vel. rouge, et boîtes; imprime sur velin. "Exemplaire d'une magnificence étonante pour la blancheur du vélin, la grandeur des marges, et l'ouvrage immense de l'enluminure; chaque lettre-capitale étant peinte en or, et contenant 953 miniatures, dont 13 sont de la grandeur des pages, et 940 environ de 4 pouces de hauteur sur 3 de largeur. Il est encore dans sa relieure originale, et d'une fraîcheur & d'une conservation parfaites: il a appartenu à Claude d'Urfé." 151 4 0
546. Chroniques de France, d'Angleterre, d'Ecosse, d'Espagnes, et de Bretaigne, etc.; par Froissart; Paris, G. Eustace, 1514. 4 vol. in fol. mar. r. doublé de tabis, et boîtes imprime sur velin. "On peut regarder ce livre comme un des plus rares qui existe. L'exemplaire est unique et inconnu aux meilleurs bibliographes; Sauvage ne l'a jamaie vu; il est de la premiere beauté par la blancheur du vélin, & par sa belle conservation. On y a joint tout le luxe de la rélieure." In the Hafod Collection. 149 2 0
NO. £ s. d.
1738. Gardiner's (Bishop) Detection of the Devil's Sophistry, MS. title: printed by John Hertford, in Aldersgate Street, at the cost and charges of Robert Toye, 1546, 12mo. Note in this book: "Though this book is imperfect, yet the remarkable part of it, viz. sheet E, printed in the Greek letter, and sheet F in Latin, with the Roman letter, are not wanting." 0 2 0
1847. Hale's (T.) Account of New Inventions, in a letter to the Earl of Marlborough, 8vo. Note in this book: "Many curious particulars in this book, more especially a prophetic passage relative to the Duke of Marlborough, p. xlvii." 0 5 0
1880. Harrison's (Michael) four Sermons. "N.B. The author of this book cut the types himself, and printed it at St. Ives," 8vo. 0 3 0
1930. Festival (The) impressus Rothomage, 1499, 4to. In this book (which is in English) at the end of each Festival is a narration of the life of the Saint, or of the particular festival. 0 16 0
1931. Festival (The) with wooden cuts, compleat: emprynted by Wynkyn de Worde, 1408, 4to. 0 15 0
2156. Johnson's (Dr. Sam.) Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland. "In this book is contained the cancelled part of page 48, relative to Litchfield Cathedral; likewise the cancelled part of page 296, respecting the cave at Egg, and the transaction there; also parts of reviews and newspapers, concerning Dr. Johnson; two plates, MS. copy of a letter of Dr. Johnson's: and Henderson's letter to Johnson on his journey to Scotland." 1776, 8vo. 0 15 0
2558. Muggleton's Acts of the Witnesses of the Spirit; with heads, MS. remarks, and notes, 1699. Ludowick Muggleton, born in Bishopgate Street, 1609; put apprentice to John Quick, a taylor. Married a virgin of 19, ætat. suæ 22. Another virgin of 19, ætat. 32. A third virgin wife of 25, ætat. 53. Chosen a prophet 1665, 4to. 0 5 6
2559. Muggleton's and Reeve's volume of Spiritual Epistles; elegantly bound, with a head of Muggleton underneath a MS. note, 1755, 4to. 0 10 6
2579. Lower's Voyage of Charles II. made into Holland, head and plates. Hague. 1660. Folio. N.B. "A very uncommon book, containing many curious particulars." 1 3 0
2776. Owen's (Dr. John) Divine Originall, &c. of the Scriptures, Oxford, 1659, 8vo. Note in this book: "One of the scarcest and best of Dr. Owen's works." 0 1 0
3005. Psalms (The whole Booke of) with Hymns, by Ravenscroft, with music, 8vo. "Note; in this book are some tunes by John Milton, the great poet's father. See page 242, 62." 0 2 0
3342. Stubbes's Anatomie of Abuses, printed at London by Richard Jones, 16 August, 1583, 8vo. Note in this book: "I bought this rare book at the auction of Mr. Joseph Hart's books, in May 1772, where it cost me 8s. &c." M.L. [The reader may just run back to page 279, ante; where he will find some account of this work.] 1 14 0
4185. Champ Fleury, auquel est contenu l'Art et Science de la deue et vraye Proportion de Lettres Antiques et Romaines selon le Corps et visage Humain, avec figures. Par. 1529. Folio. "This uncommon book was sold at an auction, 1722, for 2l. 15s." 0 12 6
4437. Alberti Descriptione di tutta Italia, Venez., 1568, 4to. Note in this book—"This is a very scarce and much valued account of Italy." With another curious note respecting the author. 0 9 6
4438. Aldrete Varias Antiguedales de Espana, Africa, y otras Provincias. Amberes, 1641, 4to. Note in this book: "One of the most valuable books of this kind in the Spanish language, and very rarely to be met with." 0 9 6
5532. Humfredi, Vita Episcop. Juelli, foliis deauratis, Lond. ap Dayum, 1573, 4to. Note in this book: "At the end of this book are probably some of the first Hebrew types used in England." 0 1 0
6227. Præsidis (Epistola R.A.P.) Generalis et Regiminis totius Congregationis Anglicanæ Ordinis St. Benedicti. Duaci, 1628. 8vo. 0 1 0
[Note in this book: "This is a very scarce book; it was intended only for the use of the order, and care taken that it should not get into improper hands. See the conclusion of the General's mandate, and of the book itself."]
6616. Wakefeldi Oratio de Laudibus et Utilitate trium linguarum, Arabicæ, Chaldaicæ, & Hebraicæ; atque idiomatibus Hebraicis quæ in utroque Testamento inveniuntur. Lond. ap. Winandum de Worde.—Shirwode Liber Hebræorum concionatoris, seu Ecclesiasten. Antv. 1523. 4to. Note in this book: "These two pieces by Shirwood and Wakefield are exceedingly rare." 0 4 0
For some particulars concerning the very respectable Dr. Lort, the reader may consult the Gentleman's Magazine; vol. lx. pt. ii. p. 1055, 1199.
Alman. I am glad to hear you notice such kind of collections; for utility and common sense have always appeared to me a great desideratum among the libraries of your professed bibliomaniacs.
Belin. Yes:—You pride yourselves upon your large paper, and clean, and matchless copies—but you do not dwell quite so satisfactorily upon your useful and profitable volumes—which, surely stand not in need of expensive embellishments. Lort's collection would be the library for my money—if I were disposed to become a female bibliomaniac!
Lis. You are even a more jejune student than myself in bibliography, or you would not talk in this strain, Belinda. Abuse fine copies of books! I hope you forgive her, Lysander?
Lysand. Most cordially. But have I not discoursed sufficiently? The ladies are, I fear, beginning to be wearied; and the night is "almost at odds with morning which is which."
Loren. Nay, nay, we must not yet terminate our conversation. Pursue, and completely accomplish, the noble task which you have begun. But a few more years to run down—a few more renowned bibliomaniacs to "kill off"—and then we retire to our pillows delighted and instructed by your——
Lysand. Halt! If you go on thus, there is an end to our "Table Talk." I now resume.
Loren. Yet a word to save your lungs, and slightly vary the discourse. Let me take you with me to Ireland, about this time; where, if you reremember, the library of Denis Daly[402] was disposed of by public auction. My father attended the sale; and purchased at it a great number of the Old English Chronicles, and volumes relating to English History, which Lisardo so much admired in the library. You remember the copy of Birch's Lives of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain!
NO. £ s. d.
527. Tyrrell's General History of England, 5 vols. Lond. 1697, fol. "To this copy Mr. Tyrell has made considerable additions in MS. written in a fair hand, which must be worthy of the attention of the learned." 10 4 9
533. Rapin's History of England with Tyndal's Continuation, 5 vols. elegantly bound in russia. Lond. 1743-1747, folio. "One of the most capital sets of Rapin extant; besides the elegant portraits of the kings and queens, monuments, medals, &c. engraved for this work, it is further enriched with the beautiful prints executed by Vertue and Houbraken, for Birch's Illustrious Heads." folio. 17 2 7
534. Carte's General History of England, 4 vols., fine paper, elegant in russia. Lond. 1747, folio. 7 19 3
537. Birch's Lives of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain, with their heads by Houbraken and Vertue; 2 vols. in one, first impression of the plates, imperial paper. Lond. 1743-1751, folio. It is impossible to give a perfect idea of this book: every plate is fine, and appears to be selected from the earliest impressions: it is now very scarce. 22 15 0
538. Campbell's Vitruvius Britannicus, with Woolfe's and Gandon's Continuation, 5 vols. large paper, fine impressions of the plates, elegantly bound in morocco, gilt leaves, &c. Lond. 1717-1767, folio. 25 0 6
540. Wood's Historia et Antiquitates Oxoniensis, large paper, russia, gilt leaves, &c. Ox. 1674. 2 16 10
542. Biographia Britannica, 7 vols. large paper, elegantly bound. Lond. 1747, fol. 13 13 0
543. —— —— 4 vols. new edition, elegantly bound in green Turkey. Lond. 1778. 7 19 3
545. Mathæi Paris, Monachi Albanensis Angli, Historia Major, a Wats. Lond. 1640, folio. 3 19 7
546. Mathæi Westmonasteriensis, Flores Historiarum. Franc. 1601, folio. 2 16 10
547. Historiæ Anglicanæ Scriptores Varii, a Sparke. Lond. 1723, folio. 2 5 6
548. Historiæ Anglicanæ Scriptores X. a Twysden; 2 tom. fol. deaurat. Lond. 1652, folio. 4 11 0
549. Rerum Anglicarum Scriptores post Bedam, a Saville, fol. deaurat. Lond. 1596, folio. 2 5 6
550. Rerum Anglicarum Scriptorum Veterum, a Gale; 3 tom. fol. deaurat. Lond. 1684-91. 5 13 9
551. Rerum Britannicarum, Scriptores Vetustiores. Lugd. 1587, folio. 1 8 0
573. Prynne's Records, 3 vols., with the frontispieces complete, gilt, broad border of gold. Lond. 1666-68. "For an account of this rare and valuable work, see Oldy's British Librarian, page ii. Not more than 70 copies of the first vol. were rescued from the fire of London, 1666." folio. 80 15 3
I learn from the nephew of the late Mr. Archer, of Dublin, bookseller, that the late Lord Clare offered 4000 guineas for the collection—which contained only 1441 lots or articles. The offer was rejected. Although the amount of the sale did not exceed 3700l.—according to a rough calculation.
Lis. I do:—and a marvellously fine one it is!
Loren. Well, this was formerly Exemplar Dalyanum. But now proceed. I wished only to convince you that the miasmata (as you call them) of the bibliomaniacal disease had reached our Sister Kingdom. Of Scotland[403]—I know nothing in commendation respecting the Bibliomania.
I had nearly forgotten to mention, with the encomiums which they merit, the select, curious, and splendid collections of the Chauncys:[404] very able scholars, and zealous bibliomaniacs. Many a heavy-metalled competitor attended the sale of the Bibliotheca Chauncyana; and, I dare say, if such a collection of books were now sub hastâ——
NO. £ s. d.
99. Booke of Raynarde the Foxe, morocco, gilt leaves, London by Thomas Gaultier, 1550, 8vo. 2 3 0
108. Merie Tales by Master Skelton, Poet Laureat; imprinted by Thomas Colwell; no date, 12mo. 1 6 0
109. The Pleasunt Historie of Lazarillo de Tormes, by David Rouland; impr. at London, by Abel Jeffes, 1586, 12mo. 0 11 0
112. The Newe Testament, corrected by Tyndal, with exhortations by Erasmus; gilt leaves, 1536, 12mo. 5 2 6
113. More's Utopia, by Robynson; impr. by Abraham Veale, 12mo. (1551.) 0 8 0
"N.B. In this are the passages which have been left out in the later editions." (But the reader may be pleased to examine my edition of this translation of the Utopia; 1808, 2 vols., 8vo., see vol. i., p. clix.)
119. The Epidicion into Scotland of the most woorthely fortunate Prince Edward, Duke of Somerset, Uncle unto our most noble sovereign, &c., Edward the VIth; imprinted by Grafton; 1548, 8vo. 2 18 0
(At the sale of Mr. Gough's books in 1810, a fine copy of this work was sold for 10l. 10s.)
362. Ben Jonson his Volpone, or the Foxe; morocco, gilt leaves, 1607, 4to. 4 0 0
"In this book is this note written by Ben Jonson himself. 'To his loving father, and worthy friend Mr. John Florio: the ayde of his Muses. Ben Jonson seales this testimony of friendship and love.'"
384. Nychodemus's Gospell, morocco, gilt leaves, emprynted at London, by Wynkyn de Worde, 1511, 4to. 2 2 0
388. Oxford and Cambridge Verses; in blue and red morocco, gilt leaves, with gold tassels, 13 vols., 1617, &c., fol. 2 12 6
572. Caius of English Dogges, the diversities, the names, the natures, and the properties, by Fleming; imprinted at London by Richard Johnes, 1576, 4to. 5 10 0
592. The Life and Death of the merry Devill of Edmonton, with the pleasant Prancks of Smug the smith, Sir John, and mine Host of the George, about the stealing of Venison, frontispiece, 4to. 1 10 0
599. Speculum Xristiani, corio turcico, impress. London, p. Willelmum de Machlinia ad instanciam nec non expensas Henrici Urankenburg, mercatoris, sine anno vel loco, circa, 1480, 4to. 11 0 0
599. A Hundreth Sundrie Flowers, bounde up in one small poesie, gathered in the fyne outlandish gardins of Euripides, Ovid, Petrake, Aristo, and others. London, 4to. 1 12 0
1669. The Recuile of the Historie of Troie; imprynted 1553, by William Copland, folio 2 5 0
1670. The Pastyme of People. The Chronicles of dyvers Realmys, and most specyally of the Realme of Englond, brevely compylyd and emprynted in Chepesyde at the sygne of the Mearmayde, next Polly's Gate (made up with MS.) morocco, gilt leaves, folio 9 14 0
1684. Cunningham's Cosmographical Glasse. Lond. printed by Daye, 1559, fol. 5 15 6
(I conclude that it had the portrait.)
2932. Ptolomæi Cosmographie; cum tab. georgr. illum. Impress. in Membranis, 1482, fol. 14 14 0
2933. Virgilii Opera: Impres. in Membram. Venet. ap. Barthol. Cremonens, 1472, fol. (Two leaves on vellum in MS. very fairly written) 43 1 0
Purchased by the late Mr. Quin.
2934. Plinii Hist. Naturalis; Venet. 1472, folio. Impres. in Membranis. The first leaf illuminated on very fine vellum paper. Note in this book: "This book, formerly Lord Oxford's, was bought by him of Andrew Hay for 160 guineas." 65 2 0
Purchased by Mr. Edwards.
There was also a magnificent copy of Pynson's first edition of Chaucer's Works, in folio, which is now in the collection of Earl Spencer.
Lis. He means "under the hammer."—Ladies are not supposed to know these cramp Latin phrases.—
Lysand. Well, "under the hammer:"—if, I say, such a collection were now to be disposed of by public auction, how eager and emulous would our notorious book-collectors be to run away with a few splendid spoils!
We will next notice a not less valuable collection, called the Bibliotheca Monroiana; or the library of Dr. John Monro;[405] the sale of which took place in the very year, and a little before, the preceding library was disposed of. Don't imagine that Monro's books were chiefly medical; on the contrary, besides exhibiting some of the rarest articles in Old English literature, they will convince posterity of the collector's accurate taste in Italian Belles Lettres: and here and there you will find, throughout the catalogue, some interesting bibliographical memoranda by the Doctor himself.
We shall now run rapidly towards the close of the eighteenth century. But first, you may secure, for a shilling or two, the Southgate Collection;[406] and make up your minds to pay a few more shillings for good copies, especially upon large paper, of all the parts of the catalogues of the library of George Mason[407]. This collection was an exceedingly valuable one; rather select than extensive: exhibiting, in pretty nearly an equal degree, some of the rarest books in Greek, Latin, and English literature. The keimelion of the Masonian cabinet, in the estimation of the black-letter bibliomaniacs, was a perfect copy of the St. Albans' edition of Juliana Barnes's book of Hawking, Hunting, and Angling; which perfect copy is now reposing in a collection where there are keimelia of far greater value to dim its wonted lustre. But let Mason have our admiration and esteem. His library was elegant, judicious, and, in many respects, very precious: and the collector of such volumes was a man of worth and learning.
PART I.
NO. £ s. d.
150. Winstanley's Audley End, inscribed to James the Second, fol. Never published for sale 27 10 0
158. Hypnerotomachia Poliphili, C.T. F.D. Ald. 1499 5 0 0
162. Aquinæ (Thomæ) Quartiscriptum, C.R. Moguntiæ Schoeffer, 1492, fol. 6 0 0
295. Cicero de Officiis, C.T. F.D. Moguntiæ ap. Fust. 1465. 4to. In hoc exemplari Rubrica inter libros secundum ac tertium habet singularia errata, quæ in nullo alio exemplari adhuc innotuerunt; viz. primus ponitur pro secundus, secundus pro tertius, et secundum pro tertium 26 5 0
307. Chalcondylas, Moschopulus, et Corinthus, Gr. editio princeps. Vide notam ante Librum 8 18 6
308. Constantini Lexicon Græcum. Genevæ, 1592 4 5 0
324. Ciceronis Orationes, C.T. viridi F.D. per Adamum de Ambergau, 1472, fol. 5 5 0
468. Homerus, Gr., 2 vol., Editio princeps, C.R. Flor. 1488 11 11 0
496. Xenophon, Gr., editio princeps, C.T. F.D. Flor. ap. Junt. 1516, fol. 2 3 0
PART III.
NO. £ s. d.
70. Maundrel's Journey from Aleppo to Jerusalem, L.P. Oxf. 1714, 8vo. First edition of the entire work 3 18 0
101. The Psalter of David, large B.L. C.T. nigro F.D. Cantorbury, in St. Paule's Parysh, by John Mychell, 1549, 4to. 4 4 0
102. The Gospels in Saxon and English, dedicated to Queen Elizabeth, by John Foxe, C.T. nigro, F.D. Lond. by Daye, 1571, 4to. 4 5 0
103. The new Testament, by Thomas Matthew, 1538, 4to. 3 4 0
["There are cuts to the Revelations, different from any Mr. Herbert had seen; nor had he seen the book itself, till he was writing his 'Corrections and additions,' where, at p. 1833, he describes it."]
105. Nychodemus' Gospell, C.T. F.D. wood prints. Wynkyn de Worde, 1511, 4to. 1 5 0
107. English Prymer, in red and black types: with emblematic frontispiece from a wood-cut. C.T. cæruleo F.D. Byddell, 1535, 4to. Printed on vellum 8 18 6
110. Speculum Christiani (in Latin prose and English verse) C.T. nigro. In civitate Londoniarum, per Wilhelmum de Machlinia. Supposed to be the first book printed in London, and about 1480, 4to. 4 4 0
111. Contemplation of Synners, (Latin prose and English verse) with double frontispiece, and other wood-cuts. Westminster, by Wynkyn de Worde, 1499, 4to. 2 3 0
112. (Walter Hylton's) Scala Perfectionis, London, without Temple-Barre, by Julyan Notary, 1507, 4to. 1 11 6
151. Dives and Pauper, C.R. first dated impression by Pynson, 1493, folio 2 5 0
164. Hackluyt's Collection of Voyages, B.L. 3 vols. in 2. Lond. 1599. "This work contains in vol. i. (beginning at p. 187) a political tract in verse (of the time of Henry VI.) exhorting England to keep the sea." 4 10 0
178. Arnold's Chronicle, or Customs of London, B.L. C.T.—F.D. (1521) folio 15 15 6
180. Chaucer's Hertfordshire; with all the plates, C.R. Once the book of White Kennet, Bishop of Peterborough; whose marginal notes in are pp. 64, 359, 523, folio 21 0 0
338. Froissart's Chronycles, 2 vols. C.R. F.D. Printed by Pynson, 1523-5, folio, 2 vols.
341. Rastell's Pastyme of People, C.T.—F.D. Johannes Rastell, (1529) One page and part of a pieced leaf written.
349. Monasticon Anglicanum, 3 vols. ligat. in 4, C.R. all the plates, Lond. 1651, 61, 73. "This copy contains that very scarce leaf, which sometimes follows the title-page of the first volume: an account of which leaf (by Tanner and Hearne) may be seen from p. 45 to p. 50 of the sixth volume of Leland's Collectanea, and their account rectified by Bridges, at the conclusion of Hearne's preface to Titus Livius Foro-Juliensis." Folio.
466. Hardyng's Chronicle (in verse) C.R.—F.D. With an original grant (on vellum) from Henry VI. to Hardyng, Londoni. Grafton, 1543, 4to.
[This beautiful copy, formerly West's, is now in the collection of George Hibbert, Esq.]
518. Fabian's Chronicle, C.T. cærulo F.D. 2 vols. in 1. B.L. Lond. W. Rastell, 1533. "This edition (as well as Pynson's) has the hymns to the Virgin, though Mr. T. Warton thought otherwise." folio.
PART IV.
Transcriber's Note: In this section, no prices are given in the original.
NO.
37. Kendall's Flowers of Epigrams, B.L.—C.R. Leaf 93 is wanting, 12mo.
47. M(arloe)'s Ovid's Elegies and Epigrams, by J. D(avies of Hereford). (Ovid's head engraved by W.M.) C.T.—F.D. Middlebourg, 12mo.
57. Observations on Authors, Ancient and Modern, 2 vol. Lond. 1731-2. "This was Dr. Jortin's own copy, who has written the name of each author to every piece of criticism, and added a few marginal remarks of his own," 8vo.
150. Valentine and Orson, B.L. cuts. Wants title, two leaves in one place, and a leaf in another, 4to.
152. La Morte D'Arthur, B.L. wood-cuts, Lond. Thomas East. Wants one leaf in the middle of the table. See MS. note prefixed.
153. Barnes's (Dame Juliana) Boke of Haukynge, Huntynge, and Cootarmuris, C.T.—F.D. Seynt Albon's, folio, 1486. "This perhaps is the only perfect copy of this original edition, which is extant. Its beginning with sig. a ii is no kind of cantradiction to its being perfect; the registers of many Latin books at this period mention the first leaf of A as quite blank. The copy of the public library at Cambridge is at least so worn or mutilated at the bottom of some pages that the bottom lines are not legible." [This copy is now in the matchless collection of Earl Spencer.]
157. Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, C.R. woodcuts, Pynson, folio, "This is Pynson's original edition, and probably the first book he printed. See a long MS. note prefixed. Bound up at the end of this copy are two leaves of a MS. on vellum, which take in the conclusion of the Miller's Prologue, and beginning of his Tale. One of these pages is illuminated, and has a coloured drawing of the Miller on his mule."
166. Mort D'Arthur, B.L. woodcuts. Lond. W. Copland. See MS. notes at the beginning and end, folio.
175. Roy's Rede me and be not wrothe, For I say nothing but trothe.
"This is the famous satire against Cardinal Wolsey, printed some years before his fall. See Herbert, p. 1538, 8vo." [The reader may look for one minute at page 225, ante.]
263. Boetius, (The Boke of Comfort, by) translated into Englishe Tonge (in verse) Emprented in the exempt Monastery of Taverstock, in Denshire, by me, Thomas Rycharde, Monke of the said Monastery, 1525, 4to.
261. Caxton's Blanchardyn and Eglantine, or Proude Lady of Love, C.T.—F.D., printed by Caxton, folio. [See my edition of the Typograhical Antiquities, vol. i. p. 346.]
274. Hawkyng, Huntyng, and Fyshyng, (from Juliana Barnes) B.L. woodcuts. Lond. Toye, and W. Copland, 4to. See MS. notes prefixed.
275. Hawys's Compendions Story, or Exemple of Vertue, B.L.—C.R. wood-cuts, ib. Wynkyn de Worde, 1533.
276. —— Passe-Tyme of Pleasure, B.L. wood-cuts ib. by W. de Worde, 1517, 4to.
306. Spenser's Shephearde's Calendar. C.T.—F.D., wood-cuts: first edition, ib. Singleton, 1579, 4to.
308. Taylor, the water poet (fifteen different pieces by) all of posterior date to the collection of his works. Among them is the Life of Old Par, with Par's head, and 31 plates of curious needle-work. The volume also contains some replies to Taylor. A written list of all the contents is prefixed. Lond. and Oxford, 4to.
330. Tulle of Old Age (translated by William Botoner, or of Worcester) pr. by Caxton, 1481. folio. —— of Friendship, translated by Tiptoft, Earl of Worcester; to which is added another tract written by the same Earl, C.R.—F.D.—L.R. Explicit per Caxton, folio.
How shall I talk of thee, and of thy wonderful collection, O rare Richard Farmer?[408]—and of thy scholarship, acuteness, pleasantry, singularities, varied learning, and colloquial powers! Thy name will live long among scholars in general; and in the bosoms of virtuous and learned bibliomaniacs thy memory shall ever be enshrined! The walls of Emanuel College now cease to convey the sounds of thy festive wit—thy volumes are no longer seen, like Richard Smith's "bundles of sticht books," strewn upon the floor; and thou hast ceased, in the cause of thy beloved Shakspeare, to delve into the fruitful ore of black-letter literature. Peace to thy honest spirit; for thou wert wise without vanity, learned without pedantry, and joyous without vulgarity!
NO. £ s. d.
5950. Marbecke (John) the book of Common Prayer, noted, 1550. 4to. See Dr. Burney's long account of this very scarce book in his History of Musick, vol. ii. p. 578, &c. 2 6 0
6127. 6128. Skinner's Discovery and Declaration of the Inquisition of Spayne, imp. J. Daye, 1569, 4to. Shippe of Fooles, by Brant, wood cuts, imp. Wynkyn de Worde, 1517, 4to. 1 16 0
6194. Brunswyke's Medical Dictionary, translated by Huet, imp. by Treveris, 1525. folio. 3 10 0
6195. Customs of the Citie of London, or Arnold's Chronicle, with the Nut-Brown Mayde, 1st edition, 1502, folio. 0 19 0
6386. Annalia Dubrensia, or Robert Dover's Olimpic Games upon Cotswold-Hills, with frontispiece, 1636. 1 14 0
6387. Barley-breake, or a Warning for Wantons, by W.N. 1607, 4to. 0 5 0
6395. Britton's Bowre of Delights, by N.B. 1597. 4to. 1 13 0
6413. Byrd's (Will.) Psalmes, Sonets, and Songs of Sadnes and Pietie made into Musicke of 5 partes. 1588. Ditto Sacræ Cantiones, 2 parts; and various Madrigals and Canzonets, by Morley, Weelkes, Wilbye, Bateson, &c. 4to. 0 15 0
6608. Copie of a Letter sent from the roaring Boyes in Elizium, to the two arrant Knights of the Grape in Limbo, Alderman Abel and M. Kilvert, the two projectors for wine; with their portraits. 5 5 0
6785. Turbervile's (George) Epitaphs, Epigrams, Songs and Sonets, with a Discourse of the freendly affections of Tymetes to Pyndara his ladie, b.l. 1570, imp. by Denham, 8vo. 1 16 0
6804. Virgil's Æneis, the first foure bookes, translated into English heroicall verse, by Richard Stanyhurst, with other poetical devises thereunto annexed; impr. by Bynneman, 1583, 8vo. 2 17 0
6826. Essayes of a Prentise in the Divine Art of Poesie (King James VI.) Edinburgh, by Vautrollier, 1585, 8vo. 1 13 0
6846. Fulwell's (Ulpian) Flower of Fame, or bright Renoune and fortunate Raigne of King Henry VIII. b.l. with curious wood cuts: imp. by Will. Hoskin, 1575, 4to. 1 11 6
6847. Flytting (the) betwixt Montgomerie and Polwarte, Edin., 1629, 4to. 2 5 0
7058. Horace's Art of Poetrie, Pistles, and Satyrs, English'd by Drant, b.l. Imp. by Marshe, 1566, 4to. 0 7 6
7066. Humours Ordinarie, where a man may be verie merrie and exceeding well used for his sixpence, 1607, 4to. 0 14 6
7187. Mastiffe Whelp, with other ruff-island-like curs fetcht from among the Antipodes, which bite and barke at the fantasticall humourist and abuses of the time. 0 19 0
7199. Merry Jest of Robin Hood, and of his Life, with a new Play for to be plaied in May-Games; very pleasant and full of pastime, b.l. imp. by Edward White, 4to. 3 13 6
7200. Milton's Paradise Lost, in 10 books, 1st edit. 1667. 0 11 0
7201. —— —— —— —— —— —— 2nd title page, 1668. 0 11 0
7202. —— —— —— —— —— —— 3rd title page, 1669.—"N.B. The three foregoing articles prove that there were no less than three different title-pages used, to force the sale of the first edition of this matchless poem." S. P[aterson.] 0 7 0
7232. Paradyse of Daynty Devises, b.l. extremely scarce, imp. by Henry Disle, 1576, 4to. 6 0 0
7240. Peele's (G.) Device of the Pageant borne before Woolstone Dixie, Lord Mayor of London, Oct. 29, 1585, b.l. See Dr. F.'s note; as probably the only copy. 4to. 1 11 6
7241. Percy's (W.) Sonnets to the fairest Cælia, 1594. 4to. 1 12 0
7249. Psalter (the whole) translated into English Metre, which containeth an Hundreth and Fifty Psalms. The title and first page written. Imp. by John Daye, 1567. "This translation was by Archbishop Parker, and is so scarce that Mr. Strype tells us he could never get a sight of it." See Master's History of C.C.C.C. Mr. Wharton supposes it never to have been published, but that the Archbishop's wife gave away some copies. "It certainly (he adds) is at this time extremely scarce, and would be deservedly deemed a fortunate acquisition to those capricious students who labour to collect a Library of Rarities." Hist. of Eng. Poetry, vol. iii. 186. It has a portrait of the Archbishop. 4to. 3 6 0
7828. Somner's (Henry) Orpheus and Eurydice, 1740. 4to. 0 1 6
7829. Shakespeare's Works, 1st edition, in folio, wants title, last leaf written from the 4to. 1623. 7 0 0
8062. Metrical Romances, written in the reign of Richard IId. or rather about the end of the reign of Henry IIId. or beginning of Edward I. (See note,) purchased at Dr. Monro's Auction by Dr. Farmer, for 29l. 4 14 0
8080. These Booke is called Ars moriendi, of William Baron, Esq., to remayne for ever to the Nonnye of Deptford; on vellum, bound in purple velvet. 2 3 0
6451. Chaucer's noble and amorous auncyent Hystory of Troylus and Cresyde, in fyve Bokes, imprynted by Wynkyn de Worde, 1517. Here begynneth the Temple of Glass, imp. by Wynkyn de Worde. The Castell of Pleasure, imp. by ditto. Here begynneth a lyttell Treatise cleped La Conusauce D'Amours. imp. by Pynson. The Spectacle of Lovers, imp. by Wynkyn de Worde. History of Tytus and Gesippus, translated out of Latin into Englyshe, by Wyllyam Walter, sometime servaunte to Syr Henry Marney, Cnyght, Chaunceler of the Duchy of Lancastre, imp. by ditto. The Love and Complayntes betwene Mars and Venus. The Fyrst Fynders of the vii Scyences Artificiall, printed by Julian Notarye. Guystarde and Sygysmonde, translated by Wyllyam Walter, imp. by Wynkyn de Worde, 1532. The Complaynte of a Lover's Lyfe, imp. by ditto. Here begynneth a lytel Treatyse, called The Disputacyon of Complaynte [of] the Harte, thorughe perced with the lokynge of the Eye, imp. by Wynkyn de Worde. This Boke is named the Beaultie of Women, translated out of French into Englyshe, imp. by Wier. Here begynneth a lytel Treatise, called the Controverse betwene a Lover and a Jaye, lately compyled, imp. by Wynkyn de Worde. The above 12 very rare and ancient pieces of poetry are bound in one vol. with curious wood-cuts, and in fine preservation. 'The Temple of Glass alone was sold for 3l. 15s. and the present vol. may, with propriety, be deemed matchless.' All in quarto. 26 5 0
[N.B. These articles should have preceded no. 6608; at p. 423, ante.]
And here, benevolent reader, let us bid farewell to Richard Farmer of transcendant bibliomaniacal celebrity! It is in vain to look forward for the day when book-gems, similar to those which have just been imperfectly described from the Bibl. Farmeriana, will be disposed of at similar prices. The young collector may indulge an ardent hope; but, if there be any thing of the spirit of prophecy in my humble predictions, that hope will never be realised. Dr. Farmer's copies were, in general, in sorry condition; the possessor caring little (like Dr. Francis Bernard; vide p. 316, ante) for large margins and splendid binding. His own name, generally accompanied with a bibliographical remark, and both written in a sprawling character, usually preceded the title-page. The science (dare I venture upon so magnificent a word?) of bibliography was, even in Farmer's latter time, but jejune, and of limited extent: and this will account for some of the common-place bibliographical memoranda of the owner of these volumes. We may just add that there are some few copies of this catalogue printed on large paper, on paper of a better quality than the small; which latter is sufficiently wretched. I possess a copy of the former kind, with the prices and purchasers' names affixed—and moreover, uncut!
A poor eulogy, this, upon Farmer!—but my oratory begins to wax faint. For this reason I cannot speak with justice of the friend and fellow-critic of Farmer—George Steevens[409]—of Shakspearian renown! The Library of this extraordinary critic and collector was sold by auction in the year 1800; and, being formed rather after the model of Mason's, than of Farmer's, it was rich to an excess in choice and rare pieces. Nor is it an uninteresting occupation to observe, in looking among the prices, the enormous sums which were given for some volumes that cost Steevens not a twentieth part of their produce:—but which, comparatively with their present worth, would bring considerably higher prices! What arduous contention, "Renardine shifts," and bold bidding; what triumph on the one part, and vexation on the other, were exhibited at the book-sale!—while the auctioneer, like Jove looking calmly down upon the storm which he himself had raised, kept his even temper; and "ever and anon" dealt out a gracious smile amidst all the turbulence that surrounded him! Memorable æra!—the veteran collector grows young again in thinking upon the valour he then exhibited; and the juvenile collector talks "braggartly" of other times—which he calls the golden days of the bibliomania—when he reflects upon his lusty efforts in securing an Exemplar Steevensianum!
'nothing extenuate Nor set down aught in malice.'
The respectable compiler of the Gentleman's Magazine, vol. lxx. p. 178, has given us some amusing particulars of Steevens's literary life: of his coming from Hampstead to London, at the chill break of day, when the overhanging clouds were yet charged with the 'inky' purple of night—in order, like a true book-chevalier, to embrace the first dank impression, or proof sheet, of his own famous octavo edition of Shakspeare; and of Mr. Bulmer's sumptuous impression of the text of the same. All this is well enough, and savours of the proper spirit of Bibliomaniacism: and the edition of our immortal bard, in fifteen well printed octavo volumes, (1793) is a splendid and durable monument of the researches of George Steevens. There were from 20 to 25 copies of the octavo edition printed upon large paper; and Lord Spencer possesses, by bequest, Mr. Steevens' own copy of the same, illustrated with a great number of rare and precious prints; to which, however, his Lordship, with his usual zeal and taste, has made additions more valuable even than the gift in its original form. The 8vo. edition of 1793 is covetted with an eagerness of which it is not very easy to account for the cause; since the subsequent one of 1803, in 21 octavo volumes, is more useful on many accounts: and contains Steevens's corrections and additions in every play, as well as 177, in particular, in that of Macbeth. But I am well aware of the stubbornness and petulancy with which the previous edition is contended for in point of superiority, both round a private and public table; and, leaving the collector to revel in the luxury of an uncut, half-bound, morocco copy of the same, I push onward to a description of the Bibliotheca Steevensiana. Yet a parting word respecting this edition of 1803. I learn, from unquestionable authority, that Steevens stipulated with the publishers that they should pay Mr. Reed 300l. for editorship, and 100l. to Mr. W. Harris, Librarian of the Royal Institution, for correcting the press: nor has the editor in his preface parted from the truth, in acknowledging Mr. Harris to be 'an able and vigiland assistant.' Mr. H. retained, for some time, Steevens' corrected copy of his own edition of 1793, but he afterwards disposed of it, by public auction, for 28l. He has also at this present moment, Mr. Josiah Boydell's copy of Mr. Felton's picture of our immortal bard; with the following inscription, painted on the back of the pannel, by Mr. Steevens:
May, 1797. Copied by Josiah Boydell, at my request, from the remains of the only genuine Portrait of William Shakspeare. George Steevens.
The engraved portrait of Shakspeare, prefixed to this edition of 1803, is by no means a faithful resemblance of Mr. Boydell's admirably executed copy in oil. The expenses of the edition amounted to 5844l.; but no copies now remain with the publishers. We will now give rather a copious, and, as it must be acknowledged, rich, sprinkling of specimens from the Bibliotheca Steevensiana, in the departments of rare old poetry and the drama. But first let us describe the title to the catalogue of the same. A Catalogue of the curious and valuable Library of George Steevens, Esq., Fellow of the Royal and Antiquary Societies (Lately deceased). Comprehending an extraordinary fine Collection of Books, &c., sold by auction by Mr. King, in King Street, Covent Garden, May, 1800. 8vo. [1943 articles: amount of sale 2740l. 15s.]
Old Poetry.
NO. £ s. d.
867. Gascoigne's (Geo.) Workes, or a Hundreth sundrie Flowers bounde in one small Poesie, (including) Supposes, com. from Ariosto; Jocosta, Tr. from Euripides, &c. b.l. first edition. Lond. impr. by Bynneman, 1572, 4to. 1 19 0
'With MS. notes respecting this copy and edition by Mr. Steevens.'
868. Another copy, 2d edition (with considerable additions); among other, the Princely Pleasures of Kenilworth Castle, the Steele Glass, the Complainte of Phylomene, b.l. ib. impr. by Abell Jeffes, 1587, 4to., with MS. references, by Messrs. Bowles and Steevens. 4 4 0
869. Another copy, including all the aforementioned, and a Delicate Diet for Daintie Mouthde Droonkardes, b.l. Lond. impr. by Rich. Jhones, 1576, 8vo. The Glasse of Gouernement, 4to. b.l. russia, with MS. references. The Droome of Doomesday, 3 parts, b.l. ib. 1576, 4to. 'The above two volumes are supposed to comprise the compleatest collection of Gascoigne's works extant.' 5 15 6
876. Googe (Barnabe) Eglogs, Epytaphes, and Sonnettes newly written, b.l., small 8vo. fine copy in Russia, Lond. impr. by Tho. Colwell for Raffe Newbery, dwelynge in Fleet Streete a little above the Conduit, in the late shop of Tho. Bartelet. See Mr. Steevens's note to the above; in which he says there is no scarcer book in the English language, and that Dr. Farmer, Messrs. T. Warton and Js. Reed, had never seen another copy. 10 15 0
949. Lodge (Tho.) Life and death of William Longbeard, the most famous and witty English traitor, borne in the citty of London, accompanied with manye other most pleasant and prettie Histories, 4to. b.l. printed by Rich. Yardley and Peter Short, 1593. [cost Mr. Steevens 1s. 9d.!] 4 7 0
995. The Paradyse of Dainty Devises, MS. a fac-simile of the first edition, in 1576, finished with the greatest neatness by Mr. Steevens, 4to. in russia. 5 15 0
996. The Paradice of Dainty Devises, devised and written for the most part by M. Edwardes, sometime of her Majestie's Chappell; the rest by sundry learned Gentlemen, both of Honor and worship. Lond. printed by Edwd. Allde, 1595, 4to. 4 6 0
997. The Paradice of Daintie Devises, b.l. interleaved, ib. printed for Edw. White, 1600, 4to. Breton (Nich.) Workes of a young Wyt, trust up with a Fardell of Prettie Fancies, profitable to young Poetes, prejudicial to no Man, and pleasant to every Man, to pass away Idle Tyme withal, b.l. 4to. interleaved with a MS. list of the Author's Works by Messrs. Steevens, Ritson, and Park: impr. at Lond. nigh unto the Three Cranes in the Vintree, by Tho. Dawson, and Tho. Gardyner. Soothern's Odes, 4to. b.l. interleaved with copious MS. Notes, and an Extract from the European Magazine relative to the Author: wants title, no date. Watson (Tho.) Passionate Centurie of Love, 4to. b.l. interleaved: the 12 first sonnets, and the latter ones, from 78, in MS. Lond. impr. by John Wolfe. "The above curious Collection of Old Poems are bound together in russia, with border of gold, and may be deemed with propriety, Matchless." 21 10 6
1037. Puttenham's Arte of English Poesie, in 3 bookes, with a wood-cut of Queen Elizabeth; choice copy, in morocco, 4to. ib. printed by Rich. Field, 1589. 7 10 0
1073. Roy (Will.) Satire on Cardinal Wolsey, a Poem; b.l. sm. 8vo. russia, no date nor place. 7 7 0
1078. Skelton (Jo.) Poet Laureat, lyttle Workes, viz. Speake Parot. The Death of the Noble Prynce, King Edwarde the Fourthe. A Treatyse of the Scottes. Ware the Hawke, The Tunnynge of Elynoure Rummyng, sm. 8vo. b.l. Impr. at Lond. in Crede Lane, Jhon Kynge, and Thomas Marshe, no date. 12mo. Hereafter foloweth a lyttle Booke, called Colyn Clout, b.l. impr. by John Wyght, 12mo. Hereafter foloweth a little Booke of Phyllip Sparrow, b.l. impr. by Robert Tob. 12mo. Hereafter foloweth a little Booke which has to name, Whi come ye not to Courte, b.l. impr. by John Wyght. 12mo. 4 5 0
1079. Skelton (Master, Poet Laureat) Merie Tales, b.l. 12mo. Lond. impr. by Tho. Colwell, no date. 5 15 6
"See Note, in which Mr. Steevens says he never saw another copy."
1119. Warren (Will.) A pleasant new Fancie of a Foundling's Device intitled and cald the Nurcerie of Names, with wood borders, b.l. 4to. ib. impr. by Rich. Jhones, 1581. 2 16 0
1125. Watson (Tho.) Passionate Centurie of Love; b.l. 4to. the title, dedication, and index, MS. by Mr. Steevens. "Manuscript Poems, transcribed from a Collection of Ancient English Poetry, in the possession of Sam. Lysons, Esq., formerly belonging to Anne Cornwallis, by Mr. Steevens." 5 10 0
1126. —— Passionate Centurie of Love, divided into two parts, b.l. 4to. russia. Lond. impr. by John Wolfe. 5 18 0
1127. England's Helicon, collected by John Bodenham, with copious additions, and an index in MS. by Mr. Steevens, 4to. russia, ib. printed by J.R. 1600. 11 15 0
1128. Weblee [Webbe] (Will.) Discourse of English Poetrie, together with the author's judgment, touching the Reformation of our English Verse, b.l. 4to. russia, ib. by John Charlewood, 1586. 8 8 0
The Drama; and early Plays of Shakespeare.
1216. The Plot of the Plays of Frederick and Basilea, and of the Deade Man's Fortune, the original papers which hung up by the side scenes in the playhouses, for the use of the prompter and the acter, earlier than the time of Shakspeare. 11 0 0
1218. Anonymous, a pleasant Comedie, called Common Conditions, b.l. imperf. 4to. in russia. 6 10 0
"Of this Dramatick Piece, no copy, except the foregoing mutilated one, has hitherto been discovered: with a long note by Mr. Steevens, and references to Kirkman, Langbaine, Baker, Reed," &c.
1221. Bale (John) Tragedie, or Enterlude, manifesting the chiefe Promises of God unto Man, compyled An. Do. 1538, b.l. 4to. now first impr. at Lond. by John Charlewood, 1577. 12 15 0
1248. Marlow (Chr.) and Tho. Nash, Tragedie of Dido, Queene of Carthage, played by the Children of her Majesties' Chappell, 4to. russia, Lond. printed by the Widdowe Owin, 1594. 17 0 0
1259. Peele (Geo.) The Old Wives Tale, a pleasant conceited Comedie played by the Queene's Majesties' Players; 4to. in russia; ib. impr. by John Danter, 1595. 12 0 0
"N.B. A second of the above is to be found in the Royal Library; a third copy is unknown." Steevens' note.
Early Plays of Shakspeare.
1263. The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, no title, 4to. Lond. 1611. With MS. notes, &c., by Mr. Steevens. 2 2 0
1264. The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, 4to. ib. printed by R. Young, 1637. 0 7 0
1265. The History of Henrie the Fourth, with the Battell of Shrewsburie, &c.; with the famous conceits of Sir John Falstaffe, part I. 4to. ib. printed by S.S. 1599. 3 10 0
1266. The same, ib. printed for Mathew Lay, 1608, 4to. 1 7 0
1267. The same, ib. printed by W.W. 1613. With MS. notes, &c. by Mr. Steevens. 1 2 0
1268. The same, ib. printed by Norton, 1632. 0 10 0
1259. The 2d part of Henry the Fourth, continuing to his Death, and Coronation of Henrie the Fift, with the Humours of Sir John Falstaffe and Swaggering Pistoll, as acted by the Lord Chamberlayne his Servants. First Edit. 4to. ib. printed by V.S. 1600. 3 13 0
1270. The same, ib. 4to. printed by Val. Simmes, 1600. 2 15 0
1271. The Chronicle History of Henry the Fift, with his Battell fought at Agincourt in France, together with Auntient Pistoll, as playd by the Lord Chamberlayne his servants. First Edit. 4to. inlaid on large paper, ib. printed by Thomas Creede, 1600. 27 6 0
1272. The Chronicle History of Henry the Fift, &c. 4to. Lond. 1608. 1 1 0
1273. The true Tragedie of Richarde, Duke of Yorke, and the Death of good King Henrie the Sixt, as acted by the Earle of Pembroke his Servants, 4to. inlaid on large paper, ib. printed by W.W. 1600. 1 16 0
1274. The whole contention betweene the two famous Houses, Lancaster and Yorke, with the Tragicall Ends of the good Duke Humphrey, Richard, Duke of Yorke, and King Henrie the Sixt, divided into 2 parts, 4to. ib. no date. 1 5 0
1275. The first and second part of the troublesome Raigne of John, King of England, with the discoverie of King Richard Cordelion's Base sonne (vulgarly named the Bastard Fauconbridge) also the Death of King John at Swinstead Abbey, as acted by her Majesties Players, 4to. Lond. impr. by Val. Simmes, 1611. 1 18 0
1276. The first and second part of the troublesome Raigne of John, King of England, &c., ib. printed by Aug. Matthews, 1622. 1 1 0
1277. The True Chronicle History of the Life and Death of King Lear, and his three Daughters, with the unfortunate Life of Edgar, Sonne and Heire to the Earl of Glocester, and his sullen and assumed Humour of Tom of Bedlam, by his Majestie's servants. First Edit. 4to. ib. 1608. 28 0 0
1578. Another Edition, differing in the title-page and signature of the first leaf. 4to. ib. 1608. 2 2 0
1279. The most excellent Historie of the Merchant of Venice, with the extreme crueltie of Shylocke the Jew towards the sayd Merchant, in cutting a just pound of his flesh: and the obtayning of Portia by his choyce of three chests, as acted by the Lord Chamberlaine his servants, First Edit. inlaid oil large paper; 4to. at London, printed by John Roberts, 1600. 2 0 0
1280. The excellent History of the Merchant of Venice, with the extreme crueltie of Shylocke the Jew; First Edit. 4to. inlaid on large paper, printed by John Roberts, 1600. 2 2 0
1281. A most pleasant and excellent conceited Comedie of Syr John Falstaffe and the Merrie Wives of Windsor, as acted by the Lord Chamberlaine's Servants. First Edit. 4to. Lond. printed by T.C. 1602. 28 0 0
1282. A most pleasant and excellent conceited Comedy of Sir John Falstaffe and the Merry Wives of Windsor, with the swaggering vaine of Antient Pistoll and Corporal Nym, 4to. inlaid. Lond. 1619. 1 4 0
1283. The Merry Wives of Windsor, with the Humours of Sir John Fallstaffe, also the swaggering Vaine of Ancient Pistoll and Corporal Nym, 4to. Lond. printed by T.H. 1630. 0 10 6
1284. A Midsommer Night's Dreame, as acted by the Lord Chamberlaine's Servantes, First Edit. impr. at Lond. for Thos. Fisher, 4to. 1600, part of one leaf wanting. 25 10 0
1285. Another copy, First Edit. inlaid, ib. 1600. 1 15 0
1286. Much adoe about Nothing, as acted by the Lord Chamberlaine his Servants, First Edit. 4to. ib. printed by Val. Simmes, 1600. 25 10 0
1287. The Tragedy of Othello the Moore of Venice, as acted at the Globe and at the Black Friers, by his Majesties Servants, 4to. Lond. printed by N.O. 1622, with MS. notes and various readings by Mr. Steevens. 29 8 0
1288. The Tragedy of Othello the Moore of Venice, as acted at the Globe and at the Black Friers, 4to. Lond. printed by A.M. 1630. 0 13 0
1289. Tragedie of Othello; 4th Edit. 4to. ib. 1665. 0 4 0
1290. The Tragedie of King Richard the Second, as acted by the Lord Chamberlaine his Servants, 4to. Lond. printed by Val. Simmes, 1598. 4 14 6
1291. Tragedie of King Richard the Second, as acted by the Lord Chamberlaine his Servants, 4to. printed by W.W. 1608. 10 0 0
1292. The Tragedie of King Richard the Second, with new Additions of the Parliament Scene, and the deposing of King Richard, as acted by his Majestie's Servants at the Globe, 4to. Lond. 1615, with MS. notes, &c. by Mr. Steevens. 1 12 0
1293. The Life and Death of King Richard the Second, with new Additions of the Parliament Scene, and the deposing of King Richard, as acted at the Globe by his Majesties Servants, 4to. Lond. 1634. 0 5 0
1294. The Tragedie of King Richard the Third, as acted by the Lord Chamberlain his Servants, 4to. Lond. printed by Tho. Creede. 1602. Defective at the end. 0 10 0
1295. The Tragedie of King Richard the Third, containing his treacherous Plots against his Brother Clarence, the pitiful murther of his innocent Nephews, his tirannical usurpation, with the whole course of his detested Life, and most deserved Death, as acted by his Majesties Servants, 4to. Lond. printed by Tho. Creede, 1612, with notes and various readings by Mr. Steevens. 1 5 0
1296. The same, 4to. ib. 1629. 0 7 0
1297. Tragedie of King Richard the Third, as acted by the King's Majesties Servants, 4to. ib. 1634. 0 6 0
1298. The most excellent and lamentable Tragedie of Romeo and Juliet, 4to. A fragment. Lond. 1599. 0 5 6
1299. The same, compleat, inlaid on large paper, 4to. ib., impr. by Tho. Creede, 1599. [Second Edition.] 6 0 0
1300. The same, 4to. Lond. 1609, with MS. notes and readings by Mr. Steevens. 2 2 0
1301. The same, 4to. ib. printed by R. Young, 1637. 0 9 0
1302. A pleasant conceited Historie, called the Taming of the Shrew, as acted by the Earle of Pembroke's Servants. First Edit. 4to. inlaid on large paper, ib., printed by V.S. 1607. 20 0 0
1303. A wittie and pleasant Comedie, called the Taming of a Shrew, as acted by his Majesties Servants, at the Blacke Friers and the Globe, 4to., ib., printed by W.S. 1631. 0 11 0
1304. The most lamentable Tragedie of Titus Andronicus, as plaide by the King's Majesties Servants, 4to. inlaid, ib., printed for Edward White, 1611. 2 12 6
1305. The History of Troylus and Cresseide, as acted by the King's Majesties Servants at the Globe. First. Edit. 4to., ib., imp. by G. Alde, 1609. 5 10 0
1306. The lamentable Tragedie of Locrine, the eldest sonne of King Brutus, discoursing the Warres of the Brittaines and Hunnes, with ther discomfiture, 4to. ib., printed by Thomas Creede, 1595. 3 5 0
1307. The London Prodigall, as plaide by the King's Majesties Servants, 4to. ib., printed by T.C. 1705. 1 9 0
1308. The late and much admired Play called Pericles, Prince of Tyre, with the true relation of the whole Historie and Fortunes of the said Prince, as also the no lesse strange and worthy accidents in the Birth and Life of his Daughter Marianna, acted by his Majesties Servants at the Globe on the Banck-side, 4to. ib., 1609. 1 2 0
1309. Another edition, 4to. ib. 1619. 0 15 0
1310. The first part of the true and honourable History of the Life of Sir John Old-castle, the good Lord Cobham, as acted by the Earle of Nottingham his servants, 4to. Lond. 1600. 0 10 0
1311. A Yorkshire Tragedy, not so new, as lamentable and true, 4to. Lond. 1619. 0 9 0
1312. (Twenty Plays) published by Mr. Steevens, 6 vols. large paper, ib., 1766. Only 12 copies taken off on large paper 5 15 6
Editions of Shakspeare's Works.
1313. Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies, published according to the true originall copies, by John Heminge and Hen. Condell, fol. russia. Lond. printed by Isaac Juggard and Edwd. Blount. 1623; with a MS. title, and a fac-simile drawing of the portrait by Mr. Steevens. 22 0 0
1314. The same: 2d edit. folio, fine copy morocco, gilt leaves, ib. 1632. In this book is the hand writing of King Charles I. by whom it was presented to Sir Tho. Herbert, Master of the Revels. 18 18 0
1315. The same: 3d edit. with the 7 additional Plays, fol., neat and scarce, ib. 1664. See Note by Mr. Steevens. 8 8 0
1316. The same: 4th edit. 1685, folio. 2 12 6
1326. Hammer's (Sir Tho.) edition; 9 vols. 18mo. Lond. 1748. 1 13 0
1327. The same: with cuts, 6 vols. 4to. elegantly bound in hog-skin.
1328. Pope and Warburton, 8 vols. 8vo. Lond. 1747. 1 0 0
1329. —— —— —— 8 vols. 12mo., with Sir Thos. Hammer's Glossary. Dub. 1747. 0 15 0
1330. Capell, (Edw.) 10 vols. 8vo. Lond. printed by Dryden Leach, 1768. 2 6 0
1331. Johnson, (Sam.) 8 vols. 8vo. Lond. 1765. 1 19 0
1332. —— and Geo. Steevens, 10 vols. 8vo. ib. 1773. 2 14 0
1333. —— —— —— —— in single Plays, 31 vols. boards, ib. 1 11 0
1334. Johnson and Steevens: 10 vols. 2d edit. with Malone's Supplement, 2 vols., and the plates from Bell's edition, ib. 1778. 4 16 0
1335. —— —— —— 10 vols. 3d edit. ib. 1785. 3 5 0
1336. —— —— —— 4th edit. with a glossarial Index, 15 vols. 8vo. ib. 1793. 6 16 6
1337. Malone, (Edm.) 11 vols. 8vo. ib. 1790. 4 8 0
1338. —— Another copy, 11 vols. 8vo. ib. 4 18 0
1339. Ran (Jos.) 6 vols. 8vo. Oxf. 1786. 1 11 6
1340. —— with Ayscough's Index, 2 vols. 8vo. russia, marbled leaves, published by Stockdale, ib. 1784-90. 0 15 6
1341. Eccles, 2 vols. 8vo. ib. 1794. 1 11 0
1342. From the Text of Mr. Malone's edit. by Nichols, 7 vols. 12mo. Lond. 1790. 0 18 0
1343. From the Text of Mr. Steevens, last edit. 8 vols. 12mo. ib. 1797. 1 0 0
1344. —— 9 vols. 12mo. ib. 1798. 1 3 0
1345. —— 9 vols. 12mo. Birm. by R. Martin. 1 1 0
1346. —— 9 vols. Bell's edit. no plates. Lond. 1774. 0 18 0
1347. —— 20 vols. 18mo. with annotations, Bell's edit. fine paper, with plates, beautiful impressions, ib. 1788. 8 13 6
1348. —— 20 vols. 12mo. Bell's edition; large paper, finest possible impressions of the plates, superbly bound in green turkey, double bands, gilt leaves, ib. 17 17 0
1349. The Dramatic Works of; Text corrected by Geo. Steevens, Esq.; published by Boydell and Nichol, in large 4to., 15 nos. with the large and small plates; first and finest impressions, 1791, &c. N.B. Three more numbers complete the work. 36 4 6
1348. Harding, no. 31, l.p. containing 6 prints, with a portrait of Lewis Theobald, as published by Richardson, and some account of him, by Mr. Steevens. 0 4 6
1349. Ditto, ditto. 0 4 6
1350. Traduit de l'Anglois, 2 toms. Par. 1776. 0 6 0
1351. In German, 13 vols. 12mo. Zurich, 1775. 0 16 0
1352. King Lear, Macbeth, Hamlet, Othello, and Julius Cæsar, by Jennings, Lond. 1770. 0 11 0
1353. Macbeth, with Notes by Harry Rowe, 12mo. York, 1797. 0 1 6
1354. —— 8vo. 2d edit. ib. 1799. 0 5 0
1355. Antony and Cleopatra, by Edw. Capell; 8vo. Lond. 1758. 0 1 0
1356. 1357. The Virgin Queen; a Drama, attempted as a Sequel to Shakspeare's Tempest, by G.F. Waldron, 8vo. 1797. —— Annotations on As You Like it, by Johnson and Steevens, Bell's edit. 0 1 0
1358. —— Another copy
1359. Shakspeare's Sonnets, never before imprinted, 4to. at Lond. by G. Ald, 1609. 3 10 0
1360. —— Poems, 8vo. ib. 1640. 0 4 6
1361. —— Venis and Adonis, 8vo. ib. 1602. 1 11 6
1362. Rymer (Tho.) Short View of Tragedy, with Reflection on Shakspeare, &c. 8vo. b. 1698. 0 1 6
1363. Shakspeare restored, by Lewis Theobald, 4to. ib. 1726. 0 4 6
1364. Whalley's (Peter) on the Learning of; ib. 1748. Remarks on a late edition of Shakspeare, by Zach. Grey, ib. 1755, and other Tracts. 0 8 6
1365. Morris (Corbyn) Essay towards fixing the true Standard of Wit, Humour, &c. 8vo. ib. 1744. 0 8 0
1366. Critical Observations on, by John Upton; 8vo. 2d edit. Lond. 1748. 0 1 6
1367. —— Illustrated, by Charlotte Lennox; 3 vols. 12mo. ib. 1754. 0 9 0