Part 5 — The Drawing Room. (continued 5)

1368. Notes on Shakspeare, by Zachary Grey; 2 vols. 8vo. ib. 1734. 0 3 0

1369. Beauties of Shakspeare, by William Dodd, 2 vols. 12mo. ib. 1757. 0 3 6

1370. Beauties of Shakspeare, by Wm. Dodd; 3 vols. 12mo. ib. 1780. 0 6 0

1371. —— (Revival of) Text, by Heath, 8vo. ib. 1765. 0 1 0

1372. Observations and Conjectures on some passages of, by Tho. Trywhit; 8vo. Oxford, 1766. 0 5 0

1373. Farmer (Rich) on the Learning of; 8vo. morocco. Camb. 1767. Only 12 copies on this paper. 0 16 0

1374. —— London. 8vo. 1789, with Mr. Capell's Shakspeariana, 8vo., only 20 copies printed, 1779. 0 1 6

1375. Malone (Edm.) Letter on, to Dr. Farmer; 8vo. ib. 1792. 0 4 6

1376. Letter to David Garrick (on a Glossary to) by Rich. Warner, 8vo. ib. 1768. 0 2 6

There were copies of the Catalogue of Steeven's books struck off on large paper, on bastard royal octavo, and in quarto.

It remains to say a few words of the celebrated collector of this very curious library. The wit, taste, and classical acquirements of George Steevens are every where recorded and acknowledged. As an editor of his beloved Shakspeare, he stands unrivalled; for he combined, with much recondite learning and indefatigable research, a polish of style, and vigour of expression, which are rarely found united in the same person. His definitions are sometimes both happy and singular; and his illustrations of ancient customs and manners such as might have been expected from a head so completely furnished, and a hand so thoroughly practised. I will not say that George Steevens has evinced the learning of Selden upon Drayton, or of Bentley upon Phalaris; nor did his erudition, in truth, rise to the lofty and commanding pitch of these his predecessors: nor does there seem much sense or wit in hunting after every pencil-scrap which this renowned bibliomaniac committed to paper—as some sadly bitten book-collectors give evidence of. If I have not greatly misunderstood the characteristics of Steevens's writings, they are these—wit, elegance, gaiety, and satire, combined with almost perfect erudition in English dramatic antiquities. Let us give a specimen of his classical elegance in dignifying a subject, which will be relished chiefly by Grangerites. Having learnt that a copy of Skelton's Verses on Elinour Rummin, the famous Ale-wife of England, with her portrait in the title-page, was in the Library of the Cathedral of Lincoln (perhaps, formerly, Captain Coxe's copy; vide p. 266, ante), he prevailed on the late Dean, Sir Richard Kaye, to bring the book to London; but as it was not suffered to go from the Dean's possession, Mr. S. was permitted to make a fac-simile drawing of the title, at the Dean's house in Harley-street. This drawing he gave to Richardson, the printseller, who engraved and published it among the copies of scarce portraits to illustrate Granger. The acquisition of this rarity produced from him the following Jeu d'Esprit; the merit of which can only be truly appreciated by those who had the pleasure of knowing the eminent Portrait Collectors therein mentioned, and whose names are printed in capital letters.

Eleonora Rediviva.

To seek this Nymph among the glorious dead, Tir'd with his search on earth, is Gulston fled:— Still for these charms enamoured Musgrave sighs; To clasp these beauties ardent Bindley dies: For these (while yet unstaged to public view,) Impatient Brand o'er half the kingdom flew; These, while their bright ideas round him play, From Classic Weston force the Roman lay: Oft too, my Storer, Heaven has heard thee swear, Not Gallia's murdered Queen was half so fair: "A new Europa!" cries the exulting Bull, "My Granger now, I thank the gods, is full:"— Even Cracherode's self, whom passions rarely move, At this soft shrine has deign'd to whisper love.— Haste then, ye swains, who Rumming's form adore, Possess your Eleanour, and sigh no more.

It must be admitted that this is at once elegant and happy.

We will now say somewhat of the man himself. Mr. Steevens lived in a retired and eligibly situated house, just on the rise of Hampstead Heath. It was paled in; and had, immediately before it, a verdant lawn skirted with a variety of picturesque trees. Formerly, this house has been a tavern, which was known by the name of the Upper Flask: and which my fair readers (if a single female can have the courage to peruse these bibliomaniacal pages) will recollect to have been the same to which Richardson sends Clarissa in one of her escapes from Lovelace. Here Steevens lived, embosomed in books, shrubs, and trees: being either too coy, or too unsociable, to mingle with his neighbours. His habits were indeed peculiar: not much to be envied or imitated; as they sometimes betrayed the flights of a madman, and sometimes the asperities of a cynic. His attachments were warm, but fickle both in choice and duration. He would frequently part from one, with whom he had lived on terms of close intimacy, without any assignable cause; and his enmities, once fixed, were immovable. There was, indeed, a kind of venom in his antipathies; nor would he suffer his ears to be assailed, or his heat to relent, in favour of those against whom he entertained animosities, however capricious and unfounded. In one pursuit only was he consistent: one object only did he woo with an inflexible attachment; and that object was Dame Drama.

I have sat behind him, within a few years of his death, and watched his sedulous attention to the performances of strolling players, who used to hire a public room in Hampstead; and towards whom his gallantry was something more substantial than mere admiration and applause: for he would make liberal presents of gloves, shoes, and stockings—especially to the female part of the company. His attention, and even delight, during some of the most wretched exhibitions of the dramatic art, was truly surprising; but he was then drooping under the pressure of age, and what passed before him might serve to remind him of former days, when his discernment was quick and his judgment matured. It is, however, but justice to this distinguished bibliomaniac to add that, in his literary attachments he was not influenced by merely splendid talents or exalted rank. To my predecessor Herbert (for whose memory I may be allowed, at all times, to express a respectful regard) Steevens seems to have shewn marked attention. I am in possession of more than a dozen original letters from him to this typographical antiquary, in which he not only evinces great friendliness of disposition, but betrays an unusual solicitude about the success of Herbert's labours; and, indeed, contributes towards it by nearly a hundred notices of rare and curious books which were unknown to, or imperfectly described by, Herbert himself. At the close of a long letter, in which, amongst much valuable information, there is a curious list of Churchyard's Pieces—which Steevens urges Herbert to publish—he thus concludes:

"Dear Sir,

"I know not where the foregoing lists of Churchyard's Pieces can appear with more propriety than in a work like yours; and I therefore venture to recommend them as worth republication. If you publish, from time to time, additions to your book, you may have frequent opportunity of doing similar service to old English literature, by assembling catalogues of the works of scarce, and therefore almost forgotten, authors. By occasional effusions of this kind you will afford much gratification to literary antiquaries, and preserve a constant source of amusement to yourself: for in my opinion, no man is so unhappy as he who is at a loss for something to do. Your present task grows towards an end, and I therefore throw out this hint for your consideration." (July 27, 1789.)

A little further he adds: "In your vol. ii. p. 1920, you have but an imperfect account of Tyro's 'Roaring Megge,' &c. I shall therefore supply it underneath, as the book now lies before me. I have only room left to tell you I am always your very faithfully, G. Steevens." But the bibliomanical spirit of the author of this letter, is attested by yet stronger evidence:

Hampstead Heath, August 42th, 1780.

"Sir,

"I have borrowed the following books for your use—Dr. Farmer's copy of Ames, with MS. notes by himself, and an interleaved Maunsell's Catalogue, with yet more considerable additions by Baker the antiquary. The latter I have promised to return at the end of this month, as it belongs to our University Library. I should not choose to transmit either of these volumes by any uncertain conveyance; and therefore shall be glad if you will let me know how they may be safely put into your hands. If you can fix a time when you shall be in London, my servant shall wait on you with them; but I must entreat that our library book may be detained as short a time as possible. I flatter myself that it will prove of some service to you, and am,

"Your very humble Servant,

"G. Steevens."

The following was Herbert's reply.

"Cheshunt, August 20th, 1780.

"Sir,

"As it must give you great satisfaction to know that the books were received safe by me last night, it affords me equal pleasure to send you the earliest assurance of it. I thank you sincerely for the liberty you have allowed me of keeping them till I come to London, on Monday, the 4th of September; when I shall bring them with me, and hope to return them safe at Mr. Longman's, between 10 and 11 o'clock; where, if it may be convenient to you, I shall be very happy to meet you, and personally to thank you for the kind assistance you have afforded me. If that may not suit you, I will gladly wait on you where you shall appoint by a line left there for me; and shall ever esteem myself,

"Your most obliged humble Servant,

"W. Herbert."

The following, and the last, epistolary specimen of the renowned G. Steevens—with which I shall treat my reader—is of a general gossipping black-letter cast; and was written two years before the preceding.

Hampstead Heath, June 26th, 1788.

"Dear Sir,

"A desire to know how you do, and why so long a time has elapsed since you were seen in London, together with a few queries which necessity compels me to trouble you with, must be my apology for this invasion of your retirement. Can you furnish me with a transcript of the title-page to Watson's Sonnets or Love Passions, 4to. bl. l.? As they are not mentioned by Puttenham, in 1589, they must, I think, have appeared after that year. Can you likewise afford me any account of a Collection of Poems, bl. l., 4to. by one John Southern? They are addressed 'to the ryght honourable the Earle of Oxenforde;' the famous Vere, who was so much a favourite with Queen Elizabeth. This book, which contains only four sheets, consists of Odes, Epitaphs, Sonnets to Diana, &c. I bought both these books, which seem to be uncommonly rare, at the late sale of Major Pearson's Library. They are defective in their title-pages, and without your assistance must, in all probability, continue imperfect. Give me leave to add my sincere hope that your long absence from London has not been the result of indisposition, and that you will forgive this interruption in your studies, from

"Your very faithful and obedient Servant,

"Geo. Steevens."

"P.S. I hope your third volume is in the press, as it is very much enquired after."

It is now time to bid farewell to the subject of this tremendous note; and most sincerely do I wish I could 'draw the curtain' upon it, and say 'good night,' with as much cheerfulness and satisfaction at Atterbury did upon the close of his professional labours. But the latter moments of Steevens were moments of mental anguish. He grew not only irritable, but outrageous; and, in full possession of his faculties, he raved in a manner which could have been expected only from a creature bred up without notions of morality or religion. Neither complacency nor 'joyful hope' soothed his bed of death. His language was, too frequently, the language of imprecation; and his wishes and apprehensions such as no rational Christian can think upon without agony of heart. Although I am not disposed to admit the whole of the testimony of the good woman who watched by his bed-side, and paid him, when dead, the last melancholy attentions of her office—although my prejudices (as they may be called) will not allow me to believe that the windows shook, and that strange noises and deep groans were heard at midnight in his room—yet no creature of common sense (and this woman possessed the quality in an eminent degree) could mistake oaths for prayers, or boisterous treatment for calm and gentle usage. If it be said—why

"draw his frailties from their drear abode?"

the answer is obvious, and, I should hope, irrefragable. A duty, and a sacred one too, is due to the living. Past examples operate upon future ones: and posterity ought to know, in the instance of this accomplished scholar and literary antiquary, that neither the sharpest wit, nor the most delicate intellectual refinement, can, alone, afford a man 'peace at the last.' The vessel of human existence must be secured by other anchors than these, when the storm of death approaches!

Loren. You have seen a few similar copies in the library; which I obtained after a strenuous effort. There was certainly a very great degree of Book-Madness exhibited at the sale of Steevens's library—and yet I remember to have witnessed stronger symptoms of the Bibliomania!

Lis. Can it be possible? Does this madness

'Grow with our growth, and strengthen with our strength?'

Will not such volcanic fury burn out in time?

Phil. You prevent Lysander from resuming, by the number and rapidity of your interrogatories. Revert to your first question.

Lis. Truly, I forget it. But proceed with your history, Lysander; and pardon my abruptness.

Lysand. Upon condition that you promise not to interrupt me again this evening?

Lis. I pledge my word. Proceed.

Lysand. Having dispatched our account of the sale of the last-mentioned distinguished book-collector, I proceed with my historical survey: tho', indeed, it is high time to close this tedious bibliomaniacal history. The hour of midnight has gone by:—and yet I will not slur over my account of the remaining characters of respectability.

The collections of Strange[410] and Woodhouse are next, in routine, to be noticed. The catalogue of the library of the former is a great favourite of mine: the departments into which the books are divided, and the compendious descriptions of the volumes, together with the extent and variety of the collection, may afford considerable assistance to judicious bibliomaniacs. Poor Woodhouse:[411] thy zeal outran thy wit: thou wert indefatigable in thy search after rare and precious prints and books; and thy very choice collection of both is a convincing proof that, where there is wealth and zeal, opportunities in abundance will be found for the gratification of that darling passion, or insanity, now called by the name of Bibliomania!

Marlborough Gems.

[This assemblage, the result of twenty years' collecting, contains a greater number than ever has been at one time offered to the public.—The first volume is complete, and may be accounted unique, as all the impressions are before the numbers, the artists' names, or proofs without any letters, as in the presentation copies: the subject of Cupid and Psyche is with variations, and the whole may be regarded as a great rarity. Those of the second volume are few in number, but in point of curiosity, no ways inferior.]

LOT £ s. d.

72. One. Cæsar in the Temple of Venus. Proof before any letters. 3 13 6

73. Two. no. 1. no. 2. Scipio Africanus. Lucius C. Sylla. 2 0 0

74. Two. no. 3. no. 4. Julias Cæsar; caput laureatum. Marcus Junius Brutus. 5 15 0

75. Two. no. 5. no. 6. Marcus Junius Brutus; cum caduceo. Lepidus; cum lituo. 2 17 6

76. Two. no. 7. no. 8. Augusti caput; cum corona radiata. Augusti Pontificis maximi insign. &c. 4 14 6

77. Two. no. 9. no. 10. Marcellii Octaviæ, filii Augusti nepotis caput: opus elegantissimum. Liviæ protome: cum capite laureato et velato pectore: simul Tiberii pueri prope adstantis caput arboris ignotæ foliis redimitum. 3 0 0

78. Two. no. 11. no. 12. Tiberii caput juvenile. Germanici togati protome; cum capite laureato, facie plena, &c. 3 3 0

79. Two. no. 13. no. 14. Agrippinæ majoris uxoris Germanici & Caligulæ matris caput laureatum; sub effigie Dianæ. Ejusdem Agrippinæ: sub effigie Cereris. 5 5 0

80. Two. no. 15. no. 16. Galbæ caput laureatum. Ejusdem Galbæ caput. 1 19 0

81. Two. no. 17. no. 18. Nervæ togati protome; cum capite laureato, plena facie; opus pulcherrimum. Ejusdem Nervæ caput. 4 4 0

82. Two. no. 19. no. 20. Marcianæ, Trajani sororis, caput. Sabinæ Hadriani uxoris caput. 10 10 0

83. Two. no. 21. no. 22. Antinoi caput, cum pectore velato. Caracalla togati protome facie plena. 5 0 0

84. Two. no. 23. no. 24. Caracallæ caput laureatum. Juliæ Domnæ, Severi uxoris, caput. 1 18 0

85. Two. no. 25. no. 26. Laocoontes caput. Semiramidis, vel potius Musæ, caput cum pectore. 7 7 0

86. Three. no. 27. Minervæ Alcidiæ caput galeatum; operis egregii, edit. var. 3 8 0

87. Two. no. 28. no. 29. Phocionis caput. Jovis et Junonis capita jugata. 3 3 0

88. Three. no. 30. no. 31. Veneris caput. Bacchæ caput var. 4 14 6

89. Two. no. 32. no. 33. Hercules Bibax, stans. Bacchus, stans. 15 4 6

90. Two. no. 34. no. 35. Faunus tigridis pelli insidens, cauda, &c. Athleta, stans, qui dextra manus trigelem, &c. 9 9 0

91. Two. no. 36. no. 37. Mercurius stans. Mars, stans, armatus. 4 14 6

92. Two. no. 38. no. 39. Miles de rupe descendens, eximii sculptoris Græci opus. Diomedes Palladio potitus cum Ulysse altercatione contendit. 7 0 0

93. Two. no. 40. no. 41. Dei Marini natantes. Miles vulneratus a militibus duobus sustentatur. 5 10 0

94. Two. no. 42. no. 43. Miles militi vulnerato opitulato. Mulier stolata cum virgine. 3 3 0

95. Two. no. 44. no. 45. Faunus pelle caprina ex humeris pendente vestitus; pedem super suggestum ignotæ figuræ figit et infantem genu sustinet. Alexandri magni effigies.

96. Two. no. 46. no. 47. Æneam Diomedes a saxo percussum conservat. Pompeiæ cujusdam ob victoriam partam descriptio. 8 18 0

97. 98. Two. no. 48. no. 49. Amazon Amazonem morientem sustinet juxta equus. Fragmen Gemmæ Bacchi, &c. 6 16 6

99. One. no. 50. Nuptiæ Psyches et Cupidonis, Rariss. 4 14 6

100. One. no. 50. Ditto, Ditto, Rariss. 8 8 0

101. One. Frontispiece to second volume; Proof, before the inscription on the arms; very rare. 5 5 0

102. 103. Two. no. 1. no. 2. Ptolomæus. Metrodorus. 1 10 0

104. Two. no. 3. no. 5. Socrates et Plato. Sappho. 3 3 0

105. Two. no. 8. no. 9. Ignotum caput Scyllacis opus. Ignotum caput. 2 0 0

106. Two. no. 11. no. 18. Medusa. Hercules et Iole. 3 3 0

107. Two. no. 19. no. 20. L. Junius Brutus. Annibal. 2 2 0

108. Two. no. 22. no. 25. Mecænes. Drusus Tiberii filius. 1 18 0

109. Two. no. 31. no. 36. Caput ignotum, Antonini forsan junioris. Equi. 2 2 0

110. Two. no. 38. no. 40. Mercurii templum. Coronis. 3 3 0

111. Two. no. 41. no. 45. Cupidonis. Faunus. 2 12 6

112. Three. no. 46. no. 48. Omphale incedens. Biga, var. 3 13 5

113. Two. no. 50. Silenus, tigris, &c. var. 3 0 0

114. Two. The vignette to the second volume; Proof, very fine, and etching, perhaps, unique. 7 10 0

For an interesting account of the engravings of the Devonshire Gems—the rival publication of those from the Marlborough collection—the reader may consult Mr. Beloe's Anecdotes of Literature and Scarce Books; vol. i. 182-6. The entire collection of Mr. Woodhouse's prints produced 3595l. 17s. 6d.

We will now make handsome mention of the Bibliotheca Woodhousiana. A Catalogue of the entire, elegant, and valuable Library of John Woodhouse, Esq., comprising a rich and extensive collection of books, &c. Sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, December, 1803. 8vo. The collection was rather choice and rich, than extensive: having only 861 articles. Some of the rarest editions in old English Literature were vigorously contended for by well-known collectors: nor did the Library want beautiful and useful works of a different description. The following specimens will enable the reader to form a pretty correct estimate of the general value of this collection.

no. £ s. d.

8. Antonie (the Tragedie of) doone into English by the Countesse of Pembroke, R.M. g.l. Lond. 1595. 12mo. 5 5 0

24. Barnabee's Journal, with Bessie Bell, First Edit. B.M. g.l. 1648. 12mo. 2 10 0

30. Bastard's (Thomas) Chrestoleros, seven Bookes of Epigrammes, G.M. g.l. 1598. 12mo. 5 15 6

76. Chaucer, by Tyrwhitt, with the Glossary, G.M. g.l. 5 vol. 1775. 8vo. 6 0 0

82. Cokain's (Sir Aston) Poems and Plays, with head, R.M. g.l. 2 vol. 1662. 8vo. 4 0 0

97. A Paire of Turtle Doves, or the History of Bellora and Fidelio, bl. l. 4to. see MS. note by Steevens, 1606. 5 5 0

160. Burnet's History of his own Times, large paper, R.M. g.l. 2 vol. 1724. 4to. 5 15 6

198. Dodsley's Collection of Old Plays, large paper, 12 vols. 1780. 8vo. Only six copies printed in this manner. 14 14 0

313. Latham's General Synopsis of Birds, with Index, 9 vols. with reverse plates, elegantly painted by Miss Stone, now Mrs. Smith: R.M. g.m.l. 4to. 'N.B. Of the above set of books, there are only 6 copies.' 40 0 0

314. Clarendon's History of the Rebellion, with his Life, large paper, 4 vols. boards, uncut, 1707, 1750, fol. 15 15 0

350. Heath's Chronicle, frontispiece and heads, R.M. g.l. 1663. 2 vols. 8vo. 5 5 0

394. Knight's Life of Colet, large paper; plates, elegant, in light brown calf, g.l.m. 1724, 8vo. 5 10 0

395. Knight's Life of Erasmus, large paper, plates, elegant, in light brown calf, g.l.m. 1726, 8vo. 9 9 0

431. Lewin's Birds of Great Britain, with the Eggs accurately figured, elegantly painted with back ground, 7 vols. in 3. A superb copy, in g.m. g.m.l. 1789, 4to. 28 7 0

473. Martyn's Universal Conchologist; English Entomologist: and Aranei, or Natural History of Spiders, 4 vols. elegantly coloured. A superb copy, in R.M. g.m.l. 1789, 92, and 93, 4to. 33 12 0

490. Harrison's Seven Triumphal Arches, in honor of James I., all the [seven] parts complete; curious and very rare, R.M. g.l. 1604. folio. 27 6 0

493. Hearne and Bryne's Antiquities and Views in Great Britain, proof impressions, M. g.l. 1786, oblong folio. 16 0 0

586. Skelton's (Mayster) Poems: Colyn Clout, Lond. by John Whygte. Whi come ye not to Courte; Lond. by John Whygte. Phillyp Sparow; Speak Parot; Death of the Noble Prynce, &c. See note. Lond. by John Kynge and Thomas Marshe. Merie Tales; unique, see note. Lond. by Thomas Colwell, 5 vol. bl. l. R.M. g.l. 12mo. 23 0 0

624. Monument of Matrons, containing seven severall lamps of Virginitie, by Thomas Bentley; bl. l. R. 3 vols. 1582, 4to. 16 5 6

632. Nychodemus Gospell, wood-cuts, bl. l. g.l. R.M. Lond. Wynkyn de Worde, 1511, 4to. 6 16 6

640. Pennant's History of Quadrupeds, boards, uncut, large paper, proof plates, 1793, 4to. 6 6 0

692. The late Expedition in Scotlande, made by the Kinges Hyhnys Armye, under the conduit of the Ryht Honourable the Earl of Hertforde, the yere of our Lorde God, 1544. bl. l. R.M. g.l. Lond. by Reynolde Wolfe, 1554, 8vo. 16 16 0

762. Sommers's (Lord) Collection of scarce and valuable Tracts, 19 vols. R. g.l. 1748, 50, 51, 52, folio. 85 1 0

780. Temple of Glas, bl. l. See notes by G. Mason. Wynkyn de Worde, no date, 4to. 8 8 0

795. Tour (A) through the South of England, Wales, and part of Ireland, in 1791, large paper, proof plates, coloured, 1793. N.B. "Of the above book only six copies were printed." 8 8 0

806. Vicar's England's Parliamentary Chronicle, R. g.l. complete, 4 parts, 3 vols. 1646, 4to. 12 0 0

829. Speed's Theatre of Great Britain, maps, R. g.l. m.l. A remarkable fine copy, 1611. 11 11 0

836. The Myrrour and Dyscrypcyon of the Worlde, with many Mervaylles, wood-cuts, B.M. g.l. Emprynted by me Lawrence Andrewe, 1527, folio. 26 0 0

837. The Recuile of the Histories of Troie, translated into English by William Caxton, very fair, B.M. g.l. Imprynted at London by W. Copland, 1553, fol. 23 0 0

852. The Myrroure of Golde for the Synfull Soule, bl. l. wood-cuts. Imprynted at Lond. in the Fleete-strete, at the sygne of the Sun, by Wynkyn de Worde, 1526, 4to. 12 1 6

856. Barclay's (Alexander) Egloges, out of a Boke named in Latin, Miserie Curialium, compyled by Eneas Sylvius, Poete and Oratour, bl. l. woodcuts, five parts, and complete, G.M. Imprynted by Wynkyn de Worde, 4to. 25 0 0

859. Holy Life and History of Saynt Werburge, very frutefull for all Christian People to rede. Poems, bl. l. G.M. Imp. by Richard Pynson, 1521, 4to. 31 10 0

Amount of the sale, 3135l. 4s.

Phil. I attended the sale of Woodhouse's prints and books; and discovered at it as strong symptoms of the madness of which we are discoursing as ever were exhibited on a like occasion. I have the catalogue upon fine paper, which, however, is poorly printed; but I consider it rather a curious bibliographical morçeau.

Lysand. Make the most of it, for it will soon become scarce. And now—notwithstanding my former boast to do justice to the remaining bibliomaniacal characters of respectability—as I find my oral powers almost exhausted, I shall barely mention the sales, by auction, of the collections of Wilkes, Ritson, and Boucher[412]—although I ought to mention the Bibliotheca Boucheriana with more respect than its two immediate predecessors; as the collector was a man endowed with etymological acumen and patience; and I sincerely wish the public were now receiving the benefit of the continuation of his Dictionary; of which the author published so excellent a specimen, comprehending only the letter A. Dr. Jamieson has, to be sure, in a great measure done away the melancholy impression which lexicographical readers would otherwise have experienced—by the publication of his own unrivalled "Scottish Dictionary;" yet there is still room enough in the literary world for a continuation of Boucher.

NO. £ s. d.

35. Baptistæ Portæ de Humanâ Physiognomia, with wood-cuts. Hanoviæ, 1593, et Johannis Physiophili Opuscula. Aug. Vin. 1784, 8vo. 0 19 0

38. Officium Beatæ Virginis. This unique Manuscript on vellum of the 14th century, is enriched with highly finished Miniature Paintings, and is one of the most perfect and best preserved missals known in England. 20 9 6

40. A complete set of the Barbou Classics, 68 vols. elegantly bound in green (French) morocco, with gilt leaves, 8vo. 35 14 0

94. Gesta et Vestigia Danorum extra Daniam, 3 v. large paper, with a portrait in satin of the Prince to whom it is dedicated, Lips: et Hafn: 1740, 4to. Black morocco, gilt leaves. N.B. 'It is supposed that the Rolliad was taken from this work.' 10 10 0

133. Brittania, Lathmon, et villa Bromhamensis, poëmatia; Bodoni, Parma, 1792, red morocco, folio. 9 19 6

211. Contes des Fées; Paris, 1781, 8vo. 4 vols. imprimée sur velin. This unique copy is ornamented with nineteen original drawings, and was made for the late Madame Royale: elegantly bound in blue morocco and enclosed in a morocco case. 35 14 0

237. Memoires du Comte de Grammont. Edition printed for the Comte d'Artois. Par. 1781. 8vo. This beautiful small work, from the text of which Harding's edition was copied, is adorned with several high finished portraits in miniature, painted by a celebrated artist, and is elegantly bound in green morocco, with morocco case. 15 15 3

317. L'antiquité Expliquée, par Montfaucon, with fine plates; large paper copy, 15 vol. red (French) morocco, with gilt leaves; and Monarchie Françoise, 5, v. l. p. correspondently bound, folio. 63 0 0

318. Anacreontis Carmina, Gr. et Lat. from a MS. in the Vatican of the tenth century: with beautiful coloured miniatures by Piale, appropriate to each ode, in rich morocco binding. Romæ, 1781. folio. 56 14 0

Early in the year in which this collection was disposed of, the very beautiful choice, and truly desirable library of George Galway Mills, Esq. was sold by auction by Mr. Jeffery, in February, 1800. My copy of this well-executed catalogue is upon large paper; but it has not the prices subjoined. Meanwhile let the sharp-sighted bibliomaniac look at no. 28, 68, 85, 106, 181, 412, 438, only. Thus it will be seen that the year 1800 was most singularly distinguished for Book-Auction Bibliomaniacism!

We now proceed to notice the sales of the libraries of those bibliomaniacs above mentioned by Lysander. A catalogue of the very valuable Library of the late John Wilkes, Esq., M.P., &c., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, in November, 1802, 8vo.: 1478 articles. There are few articles, except the following deserving of being extracted.

NO.

139. Bernier Theologie Portatif, Lond. 1768—Boulanger Recherches sur l'Origine du Despotisme Oriental, morocco, gilt leaves. Lond. 1763, 8vo. 'N.B. The "Recherches" were printed by Mr. Wilkes, at his own private printing press, in Great George Street, Westminster, in 1763.'

383. Catullus, recensuit Johannes Wilkes; impress. in Membranis, red morocco, gilt leaves. Lond. ap. Nichols, 1788, 4to.

395. Copies taken from the Records of the C. of K.B. 1763. "Note in this book—printed by P.C. Webe, one of the solicitors to the Treasury, never published," &c.

1441. Theophrasti Characteres: Græce, Johannes Wilkes, recensuit. Impress. in Membranis, Lond. 1790, 4to.

1460. Wilkes's History of England, no. i. 1768, 4to.

Next comes the account of the Library of that redoubted champion of ancient lore, and anti-Wartonian critic, Joseph Ritson. His books, upon the whole, brought very moderate sums. A Catalogue of the entire and curious Library and Manuscripts of the late Joseph Ritson, Esq., &c., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, December 5, 1803, 8vo.

NO. £ s. d.

521. Skelton's (Maister) Workes, MS. notes, and lists of the different editions of Skelton's Works, and likewise of those never printed; and of these last, in whose possession many of them are, 1736, 8vo. 0 18 0

600. Jeffrey of Monmouth's British History, by Thompson; a great number of MS. notes, on separate papers, by Mr. Ritson. Lond. 1718, 8vo. 1 5 0

950. The Sevin Seages. Translatit out of Paris in Scottis meter, be Johne Rolland in Dalkeith, with one Moralitie after everie Doctouris Tale, and siclike after the Emprice Tale, togidder with one loving landaude to everie Doctour after his awin Tale, and one Exclamation and outcrying upon the Emprerouris Wife after his fals contrusit tale. Imprentit at Edinburgh, be Johne Ros, for Henrie Charteris, 1578, 4to. "Note in this book by Mr. Ritson; No other copy of this edition is known to exist, neither was it known to Ames, Herbert," &c. &c. 31 10 0

964. A new Enterlude, never before this tyme imprinted, entreating of the Life and Repentance of Marie Magadelene, not only godlie, learned and fruitfull, but also well furnished with pleasant myrth and pastime, very delectable for those which shall heare or reade the same, made by the learned Charke Lewis Wager—printed 1567, MS. 1 11 6

985. Bibliographia Scotica; Anecdotes biographical and literary of Scotish Writers, Historians, and Poets, from the Earliest account to the nineteenth century, in two parts, intended for publication. 45 3 0

986. Shakspeare, by Johnson and Steevens, 8 vols. containing a great number of manuscript notes, corrections, &c. &c. together with 3 vols. of manuscript notes, by Mr. Ritson, prepared by him for the press, intending to publish it. 110 0 0

The year ensuing (of which Lysander has, very negligently, taken no notice) was distinguished for the sale of a collection of books, the like unto which had never been seen, since the days of the dispersion of the Parisian collection. The title of the auction catalogue was, in part, as follows: A Catalogue of a most splendid and valuable collection of Books, superb missals, original drawings, &c. the genuine property of a Gentleman of distinguished taste, retiring into the country, &c. Sold by auction by Mr. Christie, April, 1804, 8vo. 339 articles: total amount, 4640l.—being almost 14l. an article. I attended both days of this sale and the reader shall judge of my own satisfaction, by that which he must receive from a perusal of the following specimens of this Bibliotheca Splendidissima.

NO. £ s. d.

221. A most complete set of Sir William Dugdale's Works, containing Monasticon Anglicanum, in 5 vols. 1655; Monasticon, vol. 1, editio secunda, 2 vols.; Monasticon, in English, with Steevens's Continuation, 3 vols.; Warwickshire, first edition; Warwickshire, second edition, by Thomas, 2 vols.; St. Paul's, first and second edition, 2 vols.; Baronage, 2 vols.; History of Imbanking, first and second editions, 2 vols.; Origines Juridiciales, third edition; View of the Troubles; Summons of the Nobility; Usage of Arms and office of Lord Chancellor. This fine set of Dugdale is elegantly bound in Russia leather in 23 volumes. 136 10 0

(Now worth 250l.)

222. Biographia Britannica, 7 vols. 1747, folio. A matchless set illustrated with portraits, fine and rare, and elegantly bound in Russia leather. 99 15 0

223. Homeri Ilias et Odyssea, 4 vols. Glasgow, 1756, fol. An unique copy, on large paper, illustrated with Flaxman's plates to the Iliad, and original drawings, by Miss Wilkes, to the Odyssey; superbly bound in blue Turkey. 39 18 0

225. Milton's Poetical Works, large paper, Tonson, 1695. Milton's Historical Works, &c., by Birch, 2 vols. large paper, 1738, 3 vols. elegantly bound in Russia leather. 5 10 0

229. Ogilby's Historical Works, containing Britannia, China, 2 vols. Japan, Asia, Africa, and America, with fine plates by Hollar, 7 vols. folio, fine copy in Russia. 18 18 0

234. Lord Clarendon's History of the Grand Rebellion, 6 vols. folio, large paper, splendidly bound in morocco, 1702. 49 7 0

235. Winwood's Memorials of Affairs of State, 3 vols. 1725. Large Paper, elegantly bound, and gilt leaves. 5 18 0

239. Wood's Athenæ Oxonienses, 2 vols. best edition, 1721. A fine copy on Large Paper, elegantly bound in Russia, with gilt leaves, Fol. 7 17 6

From no. 292 to 307, inclusive (only 14 volumes), there was a set of "Painted Missals and curious manuscripts," which were sold for 724l. Among them, was Mr. John Towneley's matchless missal, decorated by the famous Francesco Veronese—"one of the finest productions of the kind ever imported from Italy:" see no. 296. For an account of the books printed upon vellum in this collection, see Part VI. Let us close this note with the Bibliotheca Boucheriana; of which such respectable mention is above justly made by Lysander. "A Catalogue of the very valuable and extensive Library of the late Rev. Jonathan Boucher, A.M., F.R.S., Vicar of Epsom, Surrey. Comprehending a fine and curious collection in Divinity, History, &c.: sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby; in February, 1806." First part, 6646 articles: Second part, 1933 articles: Third part, published in 1809: 857 articles. I attended many days during this sale; but such was the warm fire, directed especially towards divinity, kept up during nearly the whole of it, that it required a heavier weight of metal than I was able to bring into the field of battle to ensure any success in the contest. I cannot help adding that these catalogues are wretchedly printed.

Ah, well-a-day!—have I not come to the close of my Book-History? Are there any other bibliomaniacs of distinction yet to notice? Yes!—I well remember the book-sale events of the last four years. I well remember the curiosity excited by the collections of the Marquis of Lansdowne, John Brand, Isaac Reed, Richard Porson, Alexander Dalrymple, and Richard Gough,[413] and with these I must absolutely make my bibliomaniacal peroration! Illustrious men!——

NO. £ s. d.

359. Arthur Kynge (the story of the most noble and Worthy) the whiche was fyrst of the worthyes christen, and also of his noble and valyaunt knyghtes of the Round Table; newly imprynted and corrected, black letter, title-page emblazoned, Turkey. Imp. at Lond. by Wyllyam Coplande, 1557, folio. In the collection of Mr. Dent. 25 0 0

361. Ashmole's (Elias) Institution, Laws, and Ceremonies of the Order of the Garter, plates by Hollar, L. Paper, green morocco, border of gold, gilt leaves, 1672, folio. 10 10 0

1384. Chronica del Rey Don Alonso el Onzeno, Roy de Castilla, &c. Liter. Goth. Mar. verd. Volladolid. 1551, folio. 11 11 0

1385. —— del Rey Don Pedro. D. Enrrique, y D. Juan, Pampl. 1591, folio. 5 15 6

1386. —— des Reys de Portugal, D. Joanno I. D. Duarte, e D. Alfonso, Lisboa, 1543, folio. 4 2 0

2499. Gazette, London, from the beginning, 1665 to 1722 inclusive, 73 vol. folio. 84 0 0

3438. Leyes del Reyno, del Don Philippe II. Recopilacion de las, 2 tom. Alcala, 1581. folio. 1 5 0

3439. —— de los Reynos de las Indias, del Don Carlos II. 2 tom. Madrid, 1681, folio. 3 10 0

4108. Money; a very curious Collection of Single Sheets, &c., and with several MS. Memorandums and Papers on that Subject, bound in one volume. 10 10 0

5544. Somers' (Lord) Tracts, 16 vol. Lond. 1748, 52. 63 0 0

5786. Stuart's (James) Antiquities of Athens, plates, 3 vol. 1787, 94, folio. 16 16 0

5787. Stukeley's (Wm.) Itinerary, cuts, Russia, 2 vol. in vol. 1, 1776, folio. 21 0 0

5916. A very rare collection of Tracts, Documents, and Pamphlets, consisting of above 280 volumes, tending to illustrate the History of the French Revolution—together with more than 49 volumes relative to the transactions in the Low Countries, between the years 1787 and 1792, and their separation from the house of Austria:—amongst the above will be found the following works.

Des Etats Generaux, &c. Par. 1789.18 vol.

Process Verbauxde la première Assemblée,75 vol.

Dittode la seconde16 vol.

Dittode la Convocation32 vol.

Revolution Françoise, 20 vol. from 1790 to 1803, wanting vol. 1, 2, and 13.

La Bastile Devoilée. Par. 1789.

Sir James M'Intosh's Vindiciæ Gallicæ, and numerous pieces relative to the Constitution and Administration of the French Government, in its Executive, Legislative, Judicial, and Financial Departments, by Messrs. Mirabeau, Turgot, Barrere, Calonne, Necker, &c. 168 0 0

I should observe that the Prints or Engravings of the Marquis, together with the printed prices for which they, and the foregoing library, were sold, are usually added to the Catalogue of the Books. In the spring of 1807, the Manuscripts belonging to the same noble collector were catalogued to be sold by public auction. These manuscripts, in the preface of the first volume of the Catalogue, are said to 'form one of the noblest and most valuable private collections in the kingdom.' It is well known that the collection never came to the hammer; but was purchased by parliament for 6000l., and is deposited in the British Museum. A catalogue of it is now sub prelo; vide p. 89, ante. We are next to notice the sale by auction of the library of the late Rev. John Brand. The first part of this collection was disposed of in the Spring of 1807; and the catalogue had this title: Bibliotheca Brandiana. A Catalogue of the unique, scarce, rare, curious, and numerous collection of Works, &c., being the entire Library of the late Rev. John Brand, Fellow and Secretary of the Antiquarian Society, Author of the History of Newcastle, Popular Antiquities, &c. Sold by auction by Mr. Stewart, May, 1807. This first part contained 8611 articles, or lots, of printed books; exclusively of 243 lots of manuscripts. Hereafter followeth, gentle reader, some specimens, selected almost at random, of the 'unique, scarce, rare, and curious' books contained in the said library of this far-famed Secretary of the Society of Antiquaries.

NO. £ s. d.

67. Ane Compendious Booke of Godly and Spiritual Songs, bl. lett. 8vo. Edinb. 1621. 4 4 0

69. Academy of Pleasure, with portraits of Drayton, G. Withers, F. Quarles, and B. Jonson, Lon. 1656, 8vo. 2 17 6

109. A Curtaine Lecture, rare and curious, frontispiece, Lond. 1637, 8vo. 0 15 0

110. A Banquet of Jests, or Change of Cheare, with portrait of Archee, the King's jester. Rare. Lond. 1659, 8vo. 4 10 0

227. Arnold's Chronicle of the Customs of London, a fine copy, perfect, printed by Pynson, fol. 1521. 18 18 0

241. An Alvearie, or Quadruple Dictionarie, by Baret. Francof. fol. 1580. 3 5 0

242. Dyalogue of Dives and Pauper, that is to say, the Rich and the Pore, fructuously tretyng upon the Ten Commandments, black-letter, printed by Pynson, fol. 1493. 4 3 0

272. Allot's England's Parnassus, 8vo. 1600. 2 10 0

282. A Booke of Fishing, with hooke and line, 1600, 8vo. A Booke of Engines and Traps to take Polcats, Buzzards, Rats, Mice, &c. cuts, very rare, [See p. 305, ante.] 3 3 0

283. Archy's Dream, sometimes jester to his Majestie, but expelled the court by Canterbury's malice, very rare, 8vo. 1 13 0

337. A new Dialogue between the Angell of God and Shepherdes in the Felde, black-letter. Pr. by Day, 8vo. 2 10 0

381. A Dialogue betweene two Neighbours, concernyng Ceremonyes in the first year of Queen Mary, black-letter, with portrait of Mary, by Delarum, from Roane, by Michelwood, 1554, 8vo. 2 12 6

417. A short Inuentory of certayne idle Inventions, black-letter, very rare. 2 15 0

418. A Juniper Lecture, with the Description of all Sorts of Women, good and bad, very rare. Lond. 1639, 8vo. 1 16 0

454. A Quip for an Upstart Courtier; or a Quaint Dispute betweene Velvet Breeches and Cloth Breeches, wherein is set Downe the Disorders in all Estates and Trades, with portraits. Lond. printed by G.P., 1620, 4to. 2 16 0

462. Articles to be enquired into by various Bishops, &c., in their Visitations; upwards of one hundred; a very curious, scarce, and unique collection, 4to. 2 2 0

802. Barbiere (John) the famous Game of Chesse Play, cuts, 1673. The most ancient and learned play, The Philosopher's Game, invented for the Honourable Recreation of the Studious, by W.F., black-letter, 1563, 4to. 2 4 0

1300. A Plaister for a Galled Horse, very rare, 1548, 4to. [See Herbert's Ames, vol. i. 581: and p. 239; ante.] 3 17 6

1312. A Counter Blaste to Tobacco. Lond. 1604, 4to. 0 17 0

1326. Bentley's (Thos.) Monument of Matrons, containing seven severall Lamps of Virginitie, or Distinct Treatises, collated and perfect, a very fine copy, extremely rare and curious, imprinted at London, by Thomas Dawson, for William Seres, extremely rare, black-letter, 1582, 4to. 8 18 6

1334. Bert (Edmund) an approved Treatise of Hawkes and Hunting. Lond. 1619, 4to. 1 10 0

1540. Burton (Wm.) Seven Dialogues, black-letter. Lond. 1606. George Whetstone's Mirrour for Magistrates of cities, b.l., printed by Richard Jones, 1584, 4to. 3 13 6

1542. Byshop's (John) beautifull Blossomes, black-letter, imprinted by Henrie Cockyn, 1577, 4to. 4 10 0

1754. Characters (viz.) The Surfeit to A.B.C. Lond. 1656. Dr. Lupton's London and Country carbonadoed and quartered into Seuerall Characters, 1632. Essayes and Characters, by L.G., 1661, 8vo. 4 7 0

2069. England's Jests refined and improved, 1660, 8vo. 2 14 0

2326. Catharo's Diogenes in his Singularitie, wherein is comprehended his merrie Baighting fit for all men's benefits: christened by him a Nettle for Nice Noses, by L.T., black-letter, 1591, 4to. 2 10 0

3523. Fages (Mrs.) Poems, Fames Roule, &c., rare, Lond. 1637, 4to. 5 15 6

7817. Stukeley's (Wm.) Itinerarium Curiosum; 2 vols. in 1, Russia, folio. 14 14 0

8211. The blazon of Jealousie, written in Italian, by Varchi. Lond. 1615, 8vo. 2 6 0

8223. Tracts: Dial of Witches, 1603; Lancaster Witches, 1613; Trial of Yorkshire Witches, 1612; The Golden Fleece, 1626; Cage of Diabolical Possession, 4to. 2 8 0

8224. The most strange and admirable Discoverie of the three witches of Warboys, arraigned, convicted, and executed at the last assizes at Huntington; for bewitching the five daughters of Robert Throckmorton, Esq., and divers other persons, with sundrie devilish and grievous torments; and also for bewitching to death the Lady Crumwell. Extra rare, 4to. 4 0 0

8230. Witches apprehended, examined, and executed for notable villanies, by them committed both by land and water, with a strange and most true triall how to know whether a woman be a witch or not: with the plate. Extra rare, 4to. 3 5 0

8269. The Pleasure of Princes, the Art of Angling, together with the Ordering and Dieting of the Fighting Cocke, 1635, 4to. 2 5 0

8296. The Knyght of the Toure; a perfect and fine specimen of the father of English Printers, 1484, folio. The reader (if he pleases) may consult my first volume, p. 202, of the Typographical Antiquities of Great Britain, for some account of this edition. 111 6 0

My copy of this first part of the Catalogue of Brand's books is upon large paper, with the prices inserted in the margin. The second part of the Bibliotheca Brandiana, containing duplicates and Pamphlets, was sold in February, 1808, by Mr. Stewart. There were 4064 articles. Few collections attracted greater attention before, and during, the sale than did the library of the late Mr. Isaac Reed: a critic and literary character of very respectable second-rate reputation. The public Journals teemed, for a time, with book-anecdotes concerning this collection; and the Athenæum, Monthly Mirror, Censura Literaria, European Magazine, struck out a more bold outline of the Bibliotheca Reediana than did the generality of their fellow Journals. Reed's portrait is prefixed to the European Magazine, the Monthly Mirror, and the Catalogue of his own Books: it is an indifferently stippled scraping, copied from a fine mellow mezzotint, from the characteristic pencil of Romney. This latter is a private plate, and, as such, is rare. To return to the Library. The preface to the Catalogue was written by the Rev. H.J. Todd. It is brief, judicious, and impressive; giving abundant proof of the bibliomaniacal spirit of the owner of the library—who would appear to have adopted the cobler's well-known example of applying one room to almost every domestic purpose: for Reed made his library 'his parlour, kitchen, and hall.' A brave and enviable spirit this!—and, in truth, what is comparable with it? But the reader is beginning to wax impatient for a more particular account. Here it is: Bibliotheca Reediana. A Catalogue of the curious and extensive Library of the late Isaac Reed, Esq., of Staple Inn, deceased. Comprehending a most extraordinary collection of books in English Literature, &c.: sold by auction, by Messrs. King and Lochée: November, 1807, 8vo. The following specimens of some of Reed's scarce volumes are copied, in part, from the account which was inserted in the Athenæum, vol. iii., pp. 61, 157, under the extraordinary signatures of W. Caxton and W. de Worde.

NO. £ s. d.

5867. A Portfolio of single-sheet Ballads. 15 15 0

6661. Colman (W.) Death's Duel, 8vo., frontispiece. 7 15 0

6685. Barnefield's Affectionate Shepherd, very rare, 4to. 1594. 15 10 0

6713. A musical Concort of Heavenly Harmonie, called Churchyard's charitie. See MS. notes in Churchyard's Pieces, by Steevens, Reed, &c., 1595, 4to. 8 15 0

6714. Churchyard's lamentable and pitiable Description of the woeful Warres in Flanders, 1578, 4to. 4 19 0

6715. —— a true Discourse of the succeeding Governors in the Netherlands, and the Civil Warres there begun in 1565, 4to.

6716. —— a light Bundle of Lively Discourses, called Churchyard's Charge, presented as a New Year's Gift to the Earl of Savoy, 1589, 4to. 11 5 0

6717. —— Challenge, b.l., 1580, with a copious Manuscript account of his works, by J. Reed, and a small octavo Tract, called A Discourse of Rebellion, 1570, 4to. 17 10 0

6755. Gascoigne (George) whole workes, fine copy in Russia, 4to., b.l., 1567. 15 5 0

6777. Cynthia, with certain Sonnets, rare, 1595, 8vo. 12 5 0

7479. Whetstone (George) Mirror of true Honor, and Christain Nobilitie, exposing the Life, Death, and Divine Vertues of Francis Earl of Bedford, b.l., 1585, 4to. 7 0 0

7705. Beaumont and Fletcher's Philaster; or Love lies a bleeding, frontispiece, 4to., 1620. 24 0 0

8536. Shakspeariana, a Large Assemblage of Tracts by various authors, relative to Shakspeare, neatly bound in 9 vols. 8vo. 23 0 0

8561. Stillingfleet (Benj.) Plays, never either finished or published. The only copy ever seen by Mr. Reed. 3 13 6

8676. A volume of unpublished and unprinted Fables, by John Ellis, scrivener and translator of Maphaeus. Note by Mr. Reed: 'It was given to me by Mr. John Sewell, bookseller, to whom Mr. Ellis bequeathed his Manuscripts. See my account of Mr. Ellis in the European Magazine, Jan. 1792: large 4to.' The volume is enriched with fine engravings, appropriate to each Fable. 6 0 0

8833. Notitia Dramatica, both printed and manuscript; containing a Chronological Account of the chief Incidents relating to the English Theatres, from Nov. 1734, to 31st Dec. 1785. "Collected from various sources, but chiefly the Public Advertisers, which were lent me by Mr. Woodfall for the purpose. This volume contains the most material facts relating to the Theatres for the last fifty years, and will be useful to any person who may wish to compile a History of the Stage." Isaac Reed, Staple's Inn, Aug. 6. 1784. 41 0 0

Of this Catalogue, there are only twelve copies printed upon large paper; which were all distributed previous to the sale of the books. The common paper copies are very indifferently executed. The late Mr. George Baker had the completest l.p. copy of this catalogue in existence. Before we proceed to give an account of subsequent book-sales, it may be as well to pause for a few minutes—and to take a retrospective view of the busy scene which has been, in part, described: or rather, it may be no incurious thing to lay before the reader for a future century (when the ashes of the author shall have long mouldered into their native dust) a statement of the principal book-sales which took place from November, 1806, to November, 1807—at Messrs. Leigh and Sotheby's King and Lochée's, and Mr. Stewart's. The minor ones carried on under Covent-Garden Piazza, Tom's Coffee-house, &c., are not necessary to be noticed. In calculating the number of volumes, I have considered one article, or lot, with the other, to comprehend three volumes. The result is as follows.

Book-Sales by Messrs. Leigh and Sotheby.

Volumes.

Rev. Edward Bowerbank's library.2200

Earl of Halifax's2000

Mr. John Voigt's6000

Sutton Sharpe's, Esq.4000

George Mason's, ditto3800

Mr. Burdon's14000

Charles Bedford's, Esq.3500

Rev. Charles Bathurst's3000

Sir John Sebright's, Bt. (duplicates).3300

Bishop Horsley's4400

Mr. E. Edward's1100

Lieut. Col. Thos. Velley's2200

Four miscellaneous6000

55,500

Book-Sales by King and Lochée.

R. Foster's, Esq. library5000

Dr. John Millar's3500

Mr. C. Martin's1000

Mr. Daniel Waldron's1200

Rev. Thomas Towle's3000

Mr. Brice Lambert's2000

C. Dilly's3000

Isaac Reed's30000

Six miscellaneous8400

57,100

Book-Sales by Mr. Stewart.

Mr. Law's library4000

Lord Thurlow's3000

Mr. William Bryant's4500

Rev. W.W. Fitzthomas's2000

Rev. John Brand's17000

George Stubbs, Esq.1800

Three miscellaneous4300

36,600

TOTAL

Sold byMessrs. Leigh and Sotheby55500

Messrs. King and Lochée57100

Mr. Stewart36600

149,200

Such has been the circulation of books, within the foregoing period, by the hands of three Auctioneers only; and the prices which a great number of useful articles brought is a sufficient demonstration that books are esteemed for their intrinsic value, as well as for the adventitious circumstances which render them rare or curious. But prosterity are not to judge of the prevalence of knowledge in these times by the criterion of, what are technically called, book-sales only. They should be told that, within the same twelve months, thousands and tens of thousands of books of all sorts have been circulated by the London Booksellers; and that, without travelling to know the number disposed of at Bristol, Liverpool, York, Manchester, or Exeter, it may be only necessary to state that one distinguished House alone, established not quite a furlong from the railings of St. Paul's Cathedral, sold not far short of two hundred thousand volumes within the foregoing period! If learning continue thus to thrive, and books to be considered as necessary furniture to an apartment; if wealthy merchants are resolved upon procuring Large Paper copies, as well as Indian spices and Russian furs; we may hail, in anticipation, that glorious period when the book-fairs of Leipsic shall be forgotten in the superior splendour of those of London! But to return to our chronological order: The ensuing year, 1808, was distinguished for no small mischief excited in the bibliomaniacal world by the sales of many curious and detached libraries. The second part of Mr. Brand's collection which was sold in the spring of this year, has been already noticed. The close of the year witnessed the sales, by auction, of the books of Samuel Ewer, Esq. (retiring into the country), and of Mr. Machel Stace, bookseller. The former collection was very strong in bibliography; and the latter presented a singularly valuable 'Collection of rare and select' books, relating to old English Literature elegantly bound: containing 2607 articles. Mr. Stace had published, the preceding year, 'A Catalogue of curious and scarce Books and Tracts:' which, with the preceding, merit a snug place upon the bibliographer's shelf. We now enter upon a more busy year of sales of books by auction. The Bibliomania had only increased by the preceding displays of precious and magnificent volumes. And first came on, in magnitude and inportance, the sales of Alexander Dalrymple and Professor Porson. Of these in turn. A Catalogue of the extensive and valuable Library of Books: Part I. Late the property of Alex. Dalrymple, Esq. F.R.S., deceased. Hydrographer to the Board of Admiralty, and the Hon. East India Company, &c., sold by auction by King and Lochée, May 29, 1809, 8vo.—7190 articles: A Catalogue, &c., Part II. of the same: sold by auction by the same: Nov. 1809.—8897 articles. I should add that there is a stippled engraving of Dalrymple, with fac-simile of his hand-writing, which faces the title page to Part First of this extraordinary and numerous collection; of books of Geography, Voyages, and Travels. I strongly recommend copies of these catalogues to be in every library of extent and utility. We are now to notice: A Catalogue of Part of the Library of the late Richard Porson, A.M., Greek Professor of the University of Cambridge, &c.: sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, June 16th, 1809, 8vo.—1391 articles: amount of the books, 1254l. 18s. 6d. The subjoined is rather a rich, though brief, specimen of some of the valuable books contained in the library of this profound Greek scholar; in whom the acuteness of Bentley, and the erudition of Hemsterhusius, were more than revived.

NO. £ s. d.

116. Biblia Græca, et Novum Testamentum Græce, lectionibus D.J.J. Griesbach, 2 vols., boards, uncut, MS. notes at the beginning of each vol. Hal. Sax. 1796-1806, 8vo. 8 15 0

The notes amounted to the correction of 9 typographical errors and 1 addition to a note of Griesbach's, consisting of authorities he ought to have added.

182. Athenæus, Gr. Lat., cum animadversionibus I. Casauboni, 2 vols., MS. notes, Lugduni, 1612, folio. 7 10 0

330. Chariton de Amor. Chaeræ et Callirrhoe, Gr. Lat. cum animadversionibus, J.P. d'Orville—Amst. 1750, 4to. 2 5 0

Porson's note in the beginning. 'Opus plenum eruditionis, judicii et sagacitatis non item.'

559. Homeri Ilias et Odyssea (the Grenville edition) boards, uncut, with the original portrait. Oxoniæ, 4to., large paper: 4 vols. 87 3 0

601. Eustathius in Homerum, 4 vols., morocco, gilt leaves, Par. 1550, fol. 55 0 0

1078. Shakspeare's (William) Plays by Johnson and Steevens, 15 vols., boards, uncut, 1793, 8vo. 12 15 0

Anecdotes and Memoirs of Richard Porson are strewn, like spring flowers in an extensive pasture, in almost every newspaper, magazine, and journal. Among the latter, there is an interesting one by Dr. Adam Clarke in the Classical Journal, no. iv., p. 720. The hand-writing of Porson is a theme of general admiration, and justly so; but his Greek characters have always struck me as being more stiff and cramped than his Roman and Italic. I well remember when he shewed me, and expatiated eloquently upon, the famous MS. of Plato, of the 10th century. Poor Fillingham was of the party. Little did I then expect that three years only would deprive the world of its great classical ornament, and myself of a well-informed and gentle-hearted friend! We will now close our account of the book-ravages in the year 1809, by noticing the dispersion of a few minor corps of bibliomaniacal troops, in the shape of printed volumes. Bibliotheca Maddisoniana: A Catalogue of the extensive and valuable library of the late John Maddison, Esq., of the foreign department in the Post Office, &c.: sold by auction by King and Lochée, March, 1809, 8vo. A judicious and elegant collection. 5239 articles. ii. A Catalogue of a curious, valuable, and rare collection of Books in Typography, History, Voyages, Early English Poetvy, Romances, Classics, &c.: the property of a Collector well known for his literary taste, &c. Sold by auction by Mr. Stewart, April, 1809, 8vo. Some curious volumes were in these 1858 articles or lots. iii. A Catalogue of the very valuable and elegant Library of Emperor John Alexander Woodford, Esq., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, May, 1809, 8vo.—1773 articles. This was a sumptuous collection; and the books, in general, brought large prices, from being sharply contended for. iv. A Catalogue of the interesting and curious historical and biographical part of the Library of a Gentleman, particularly interesting, during the reign of Elizabeth, the grand rebellion, the usurpation, restoration, and abdication, &c., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, in May, 1809, 8vo. Only 806 articles; but a singularly curious and elegant collection; the catalogue of which I strongly recommend to all 'curious, prying, and inquisitive' bibliomaniacs. The first half of the ensuing year, 1810, was yet more distinguished for the zeal and energy—shall I say madness?—displayed at Book-Auctions. The sale of Mr. Gough's books excited an unusual ferment among English antiquaries: but the sale of a more extensive, and truly beautifully classical, collection in Pall Mall, excited still stronger sensations. As the prices for some of the articles sold in the Gough collection have already been printed in the Gentleman's Magazine, vol. lxxx., pt. ii., and as those for which some of the latter collection were sold, appeared in the 4th number of The Classical Journal, it only remains for me to subjoin the following account. i. A Catalogue of the entire and valuable Library (with the exception of the department of Topography, bequeathed to the Bodleian Library) of that eminent antiquary, Richard Gough, Esq., deceased, &c., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, April, 1810, 8vo.—4082 articles. The Manuscripts conclude the catalogue, at no. 4373. Prefixed to the printed books, there is an account of the collector, Mr. Gough, executed by the faithful pen of Mr. Nichols. My own humble opinion of this celebrated antiquary has already been before the public: Typog. Antiquit., vol. i., 21. ii. A Catalogue of books containing all the rare, useful, and valuable publications in every department of Literature, from the first invention of Printing to the present time, all of which are in the most perfect condition, &c.: sold by auction by Mr. Jeffery, May, 1810, 8vo.—4809 articles. Another Catalogue of the same collection, elegantly printed in royal octavo, but omitting the auctioneer's notices of the relative value of certain editions, was published by Mr. Constable of Edinburgh, bookseller: with the prices and purchasers' names subjoined: and of which it is said only 250 copies are printed. The Rev. Mr. Heath is reported to have been the owner of this truly select and sumptuous classical library: the sale of which produced 9000l. Never did the bibliomaniac's eye alight upon 'sweeter copies'—as the phrase is; and never did the bibliomaniacal barometer rise higher than at this sale! The most marked phrensy characterized it. A copy of the Editio Princeps of Homer (by no means a first-rate one) brought 92l.: and all the Aldine Classics produced such an electricity of sensation that buyers stuck at nothing to embrace them! Do not let it hence be said that black-letter lore is the only fashionable pursuit of the present age of book-collectors. This sale may be hailed as the omen of better and brighter prospects in Literature in general: and many a useful philological work, although printed in the Latin or Italian language—and which had been sleeping, unmolested, upon a bookseller's shelf these dozen years—will now start up from its slumber, and walk abroad in a new atmosphere, and be noticed and 'made much of.'

Here I terminate my annotation labours relating to anecdotes of Book-Collectors, and accounts of Book-Auctions. Unless I am greatly deceived, these labours have not been thrown away. They may serve, as well to awaken curiosity in regard to yet further interesting memoranda respecting scholars, as to shew the progressive value of books, and the increase of the disease called the Bibliomania. Some of the most curious volumes in English literature have in these notes, been duly recorded; nor can I conclude such a laborious, though humble, task, without indulging a fond hope that this account will be consulted by all those who make book-collecting their amusement. But it is now time to rise up, with the company described in the text, and to put on my hat and great-coat. So I make my bow, wishing, with L'Envoy at the close of Marmion,

To all, to each, a fair good night, And pleasing dreams, and slumbers light.

Loren. Do you mean to have it inferred that there were no collections, of value or importance, which were sold in the mean time?

Lysand. I thank you for stopping me: for I am hoarse as well as stupid: I consider the foregoing only as the greater stars or constellations in the bibliographical hemisphere. Others were less observed from their supposed comparative insignificancy; although, if you had attended the auctions, you would have found in them many very useful, and even rare and splendid, productions. But we are all

'Tickled with the whistling of a name!'

Loren. Ay, and naturally enough too. If I look at my Stubbes's Anatomy of Abuses, which has received your abuse this evening, and fancy that the leaves have been turned over by the scientific hand of Pearson, Farmer, or Steevens, I experience, by association of ideas, a degree of happiness which I never could have enjoyed had I obtained the volume from an unknown collector's library.

Lis. Very true; and yet you have only Master Stubbes's work after all!

Loren. Even so. But this fictitious happiness, as you would call it, is, in effect, real happiness; inasmuch as it produces positive sensations of delight.

Lis. Well, there is no arguing with such a bibliomaniac as yourself, Lorenzo.

Belin. But allow, brother, that this degree of happiness, of which you boast, is not quite so exquisite as to justify the very high terms of purchase upon which it is often times procured.

Lysand. There is no such thing as the 'golden mediocrity' of Horace in book pursuits. Certain men set their hearts upon certain copies, and 'coûte qu'il coûte' they must secure them. Undoubtedly, I would give not a little for Parker's own copy of the Book of Common Prayer, and Shakspeare's own copy of both parts of his Henry the Fourth.

Alman. Well, Lisardo, we stand no chance of stemming the torrent against two such lusty and opiniated bibliomaniacs as my brother and Lysander: although I should speak with deference of, and acknowledge with grateful respect, the extraordinary exertions of the latter, this evening, to amuse and instruct us.

Lis. This evening?——say, this day:—this live-long day—and yesterday also! But have you quite done, dear Lysander?

Lysand. Have you the conscience to ask for more? I have brought you down to the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and eleven; and without touching upon the collections of living Bibliomaniacs, or foretelling what may be the future ravages of the Bibliomania in the course of only the next dozen years, I think it proper to put an end to my Book-Collecting History, and more especially to this long trial of your auricular patience.

Loren. A thousand thanks for your exertions! Although your friend, with whom you are on a visit, knows pretty well the extent of my bibliographical capacity, and that there have been many parts in your narrative which were somewhat familiar to me, yet, upon the whole, there has been a great deal more of novelty, and, in this novelty, of solid instruction. Sincerely, therefore Lysander, I here offer you my heart-felt thanks.

Lysand. I receive them as cordially: from an assurance that my digressions have been overlooked; or, if noticed, forgiven. It would be gross vanity, and grosser falsehood, to affirm that the discourse of this day, on my part, has given anything like a full and explicit history of all the most eminent book-collectors and patrons of Learning which have reflected such lustre upon the literary annals of our country:—No, Lorenzo: a complete account, or a perfect description, of these illustrious characters would engage a conversation, not for one day—but one week. Yet I have made the most of the transient hour, and, by my enthusiasm, have perhaps atoned for my deficiency of information.

Lis. But cannot you resume this conversation on the morrow?

Lysand. My stay with our friend is short, and I know not how he means to dispose of me to-morrow. But I have done—certainly done—with Personal History!

Loren. That may be. Yet there are other departments of the Bibliomania which may be successfully discussed. The weather will probably be fine, and let us enjoy a morning conversazione in the Alcove?

Belin. Surely, Lysander may find something in the fruitful pigeon-holes of his imagination—as the Abbè Sieyes used to do—from which he may draw forth some system or other?

Alman. You have all talked loudly and learnedly of the Book-Disease; but I wish to know whether a mere collector of books be a bibliomaniac?

Lysand. Certainly not. There are Symptoms of this disease within the very books themselves of a bibliomaniac.

Alman. And pray what are these?

Lysand. Alas, madam!—why are you so unreasonable? And how, after knowing that I have harrangued for more than 'seven hours by Westminster clock'—how can you have the conscience to call upon me to protract the oration? The night has already melted into morning; and I suppose grey twilight is discoverable upon the summit of the hills. I am exhausted; and long for repose. Indeed, I must wish you all a good night.

Belin. But you promise to commence your symptomatic harangue on the morrow?

Lysand. If my slumbers are sound, lady fair, and I rise tolerably recruited in strength, I will surely make good my promise. Again, good night!

Belin. Sir, a very good night: and let our best thanks follow you to your pillow.

Alman. Remember, as you sink to repose, what a quantity of good you have done, by having imparted such useful information.

Lysand. I shall carry your best wishes, and grateful mention of my poor labours, with me to my orisons. Adieu!—'tis very late.

Here the company broke up. Lisardo slept at Lorenzo's. Philemon and Lysander accompanied me to my home; and as we past Lorenzo's outer gate, and looked backward upon the highest piece of rising ground, we fancied we saw the twilight of morning. Never was a mortal more heartily thanked for his colloquial exertions than was Lysander. On reaching home, as we separated for our respective chambers, we shook hands most cordially; and my eloquent guest returned the squeeze, in a manner which seemed to tell that he had no greater happiness at heart than that of finding a reciprocity of sentiment among those whom he tenderly esteemed. At this moment, we could have given to each other the choicest volume in our libraries; and I regretted that I had not contrived to put my black-morocco copy of the small Aldine Petrarch, printed upon vellum, under Lysander's pillow, as a 'Pignus Amicitiæ.'—But we were all to assemble together in Lorenzo's Alcove on the morrow; and this thought gave me such lively pleasure that I did not close my eyes 'till the clock had struck five. Such are the bed-luxuries of a Bibliomaniac!

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The reader is here presented with one of the "Facs," or ornamental letters in Pierce Ploughman's Creed.