[351]First let us say a few words of theTheatrum Chemicum Britannicum, as it was the anterior publication. It contains a collection of ancient English poetical pieces relating to Alchemy, or the "Hermetique Mysteries;" and was published in a neat quarto volume, in 1652; accompanied with a rich sprinkling of plates "cut in brass," and copious annotations, at the end, by Ashmole himself. Of these plates, some are precious to the antiquary; for reasons which will be given by me in another work. At present, all that need be said is that a fine tall copy of it brings a fair sum of money. I never heard of the existence of alarge paperimpression. It went to press in July 1651; and on the 26th of January following, "the first copy of it was sold to the Earl of Pembroke:" see the Diary, pp. 313-315. In May, 1658, Ashmole made his first visit to the Record Office in the Tower, to collect materials for his work of "The Order of the Garter." In May following, Hollar accompanied the author to Windsor, to take views of the castle. In the winter of 1665, Ashmole composed a "good part of the work at Roe-Barnes (the plague increasing)." In May, 1672, a copy of it was presented to King Charles II.: and in June, the following year, Ashmole received "his privy-seal for 400l.out of the custom of paper, which the king was pleased to bestow upon him for the same." This, it must be confessed, was a liberal remuneration. But the author's honours increased and multiplied beyond his most sanguine expectations. Princes and noblemen, abroad and at home, read and admired his work; and Ashmole had golden chains placed round his neck, and other superb presents from the greater part of them; one of which (from the Elector of Brandenburgh) is described as being "composed of ninety links, of philagreen links in great knobs, most curious work," &c. In short, such was the golden harvest which showered down upon him on all sides, on account of this splendid publication, that "he made a feast at his house in South Lambeth, in honour to his benefactors of the work ofthe garter." I hope he had the conscience to makeHollarhis Vice-President, or to seat him at his right hand; for this artist'sEngravings, much more than the author's composition, will immortalize the volume. Yet the artist—died in penury! These particulars relating to this popular work, which it was thought might be amusing to the lover of fine books, have been faithfully extracted from the 'forementioned original and amusing Diary.The Order of the Garterwas originally sold for 1l.10s.SeeClavel's Catalogue, 1675, p. 31.
[351]First let us say a few words of theTheatrum Chemicum Britannicum, as it was the anterior publication. It contains a collection of ancient English poetical pieces relating to Alchemy, or the "Hermetique Mysteries;" and was published in a neat quarto volume, in 1652; accompanied with a rich sprinkling of plates "cut in brass," and copious annotations, at the end, by Ashmole himself. Of these plates, some are precious to the antiquary; for reasons which will be given by me in another work. At present, all that need be said is that a fine tall copy of it brings a fair sum of money. I never heard of the existence of alarge paperimpression. It went to press in July 1651; and on the 26th of January following, "the first copy of it was sold to the Earl of Pembroke:" see the Diary, pp. 313-315. In May, 1658, Ashmole made his first visit to the Record Office in the Tower, to collect materials for his work of "The Order of the Garter." In May following, Hollar accompanied the author to Windsor, to take views of the castle. In the winter of 1665, Ashmole composed a "good part of the work at Roe-Barnes (the plague increasing)." In May, 1672, a copy of it was presented to King Charles II.: and in June, the following year, Ashmole received "his privy-seal for 400l.out of the custom of paper, which the king was pleased to bestow upon him for the same." This, it must be confessed, was a liberal remuneration. But the author's honours increased and multiplied beyond his most sanguine expectations. Princes and noblemen, abroad and at home, read and admired his work; and Ashmole had golden chains placed round his neck, and other superb presents from the greater part of them; one of which (from the Elector of Brandenburgh) is described as being "composed of ninety links, of philagreen links in great knobs, most curious work," &c. In short, such was the golden harvest which showered down upon him on all sides, on account of this splendid publication, that "he made a feast at his house in South Lambeth, in honour to his benefactors of the work ofthe garter." I hope he had the conscience to makeHollarhis Vice-President, or to seat him at his right hand; for this artist'sEngravings, much more than the author's composition, will immortalize the volume. Yet the artist—died in penury! These particulars relating to this popular work, which it was thought might be amusing to the lover of fine books, have been faithfully extracted from the 'forementioned original and amusing Diary.The Order of the Garterwas originally sold for 1l.10s.SeeClavel's Catalogue, 1675, p. 31.
Lysand.I observed it had a "glorious aspect," as bibliographers term it.
Lis.But what has become of Ashmole all this while?
Lysand.I will only further remark of him that, if he had not suffered his mind to wander in quest of the puzzling speculations of alchemy and astrology—whichhe conceived himself bound to do in consequence, probably, of wearing John Dee's red velvet night cap—he might have mingled a larger portion of common sense and sound practical observations in his writings.
But a truce to worthy old Elias. For see yonder the bibliomaniacal spirit ofArchbishop Laudpacing your library! With one hand resting upon a folio,[352]it points,with the other, to your favourite print of the public buildings of the University of Oxford—thereby reminding us of his attachment, while living, to literature and fine books, and of his benefactions to the Bodleian Library. Now it "looks frowningly" upon us; and, turning round, and shewing the yet reeking gash from which the life-blood flowed, it flits away—
Par levibus ventis, volucrique simillima somno!
[352]Archbishop Laud, whohasbeheaded in the year 1644, had a great fondness for sumptuous decoration in dress, books, and ecclesiastical establishments; which made him suspected of a leaning towards the Roman Catholic religion. His life has been written by Dr. Heylin, in a heavy folio volume of 547 pages; and in which we have a sufficiently prolix account of the political occurrences during Laud's primacy, but rather a sparing, or indeed no, account of his private life and traits of domestic character. In Lloyd'sMemoirs of the Sufferersfrom the year 1637 to 1660 inclusive (1668, fol.) are exhibited the articles of impeachment against the Archbishop; and, amongst them, are the following bibliomaniacal accusations. "Art. 5. Receiving aBible, with a crucifix embroidered on the cover of it by a lady. Art. 6. A book of popish pictures,two Missals, Pontificals, and Breviaries, which he made use of as a scholar. Art. 7. His (own) admirableBook of Devotion, digested according to the ancient way of canonical hours, &c. Art. 19.The book of Sports, which was published first in King James his reign, before he had any power in the church; and afterward in King Charles his reign, before he had the chief power in the church," &c., pp. 235-237. But if Laud's head was doomed to be severed from his body in consequence of these his bibliomaniacal frailties, what would have been said to the fine copy of one of theSalisbury Primers or Missals, printed by Pynsonupon vellum, which once belonged to this archbishop, and is now in the library of St. John's College, Oxford?! Has the reader ever seen the same primate's copy of theAldine Aristophanes, 1498, in the same place? 'Tis a glorious volume; and I think nearly equals my friend Mr. Heber's copy, once Lord Halifax's, of the same edition. Of Laud's benefactions to the Bodleian Library, the bibliographer will see ample mention made in theCatalogus Librorum Manuscriptorum Angliæ, Hiberniæ, &c., 1697, folio. The following, from Heylin, is worth extracting: "Being come near the block, he (Laud) put off his doublet, &c., and seeing through the chink of the boards that some people were got under the scaffold, about the very place where the block was seated, he called to the officer for some dust to stop them, or to remove the people thence; saying, it was no part of his desire 'that his blood should fall upon the heads of the people.' Never did man put off mortality with a better courage, nor look upon his bloody and malicious enemies with more christian charity."Cyprianus Anglicus; or theLife and Death of Laud; 1668, fol.; p. 536. In the Master's library at St. John's, Oxford, they shew the velvet cap which it is said Laud wore at his execution; and in which the mark of the axe is sufficiently visible. The archbishop was a great benefactor to this college. Mr. H. Ellis, of the Museum, who with myself were "quondam socii" of the same establishment, writes me, that "Among what are called the king's pamphlets in the British Museum, is a fragment of a tract, without title, of fifty-six pages only, imperfect; beginning, 'A briefe examination of a certaine pamphlet lately printed in Scotland, and intituledLadensium Autocatacrisis,' &c., 'The Cantabarians Self-Conviction.' On the blank leaf prefixed, is the following remark in a hand of the time. 'This Briefe Examen following, was found in the Archbishop's (Laud?) Library, wher the whole impression of these seauen sheets was found, but nether beginning nor ending more then is hearein contained. May 11th, 1644.' This work, (continues Mr. Ellis,) which is a singular and valuable curiosity, is in fact a personal vindication of Archbishop Laud, not only from the slanders of the pamphlet, but from those of the times in general: and from internal evidence could have been written by no one but himself. It is in a style of writing beyond that of the ordinary productions of the day."
[352]Archbishop Laud, whohasbeheaded in the year 1644, had a great fondness for sumptuous decoration in dress, books, and ecclesiastical establishments; which made him suspected of a leaning towards the Roman Catholic religion. His life has been written by Dr. Heylin, in a heavy folio volume of 547 pages; and in which we have a sufficiently prolix account of the political occurrences during Laud's primacy, but rather a sparing, or indeed no, account of his private life and traits of domestic character. In Lloyd'sMemoirs of the Sufferersfrom the year 1637 to 1660 inclusive (1668, fol.) are exhibited the articles of impeachment against the Archbishop; and, amongst them, are the following bibliomaniacal accusations. "Art. 5. Receiving aBible, with a crucifix embroidered on the cover of it by a lady. Art. 6. A book of popish pictures,two Missals, Pontificals, and Breviaries, which he made use of as a scholar. Art. 7. His (own) admirableBook of Devotion, digested according to the ancient way of canonical hours, &c. Art. 19.The book of Sports, which was published first in King James his reign, before he had any power in the church; and afterward in King Charles his reign, before he had the chief power in the church," &c., pp. 235-237. But if Laud's head was doomed to be severed from his body in consequence of these his bibliomaniacal frailties, what would have been said to the fine copy of one of theSalisbury Primers or Missals, printed by Pynsonupon vellum, which once belonged to this archbishop, and is now in the library of St. John's College, Oxford?! Has the reader ever seen the same primate's copy of theAldine Aristophanes, 1498, in the same place? 'Tis a glorious volume; and I think nearly equals my friend Mr. Heber's copy, once Lord Halifax's, of the same edition. Of Laud's benefactions to the Bodleian Library, the bibliographer will see ample mention made in theCatalogus Librorum Manuscriptorum Angliæ, Hiberniæ, &c., 1697, folio. The following, from Heylin, is worth extracting: "Being come near the block, he (Laud) put off his doublet, &c., and seeing through the chink of the boards that some people were got under the scaffold, about the very place where the block was seated, he called to the officer for some dust to stop them, or to remove the people thence; saying, it was no part of his desire 'that his blood should fall upon the heads of the people.' Never did man put off mortality with a better courage, nor look upon his bloody and malicious enemies with more christian charity."Cyprianus Anglicus; or theLife and Death of Laud; 1668, fol.; p. 536. In the Master's library at St. John's, Oxford, they shew the velvet cap which it is said Laud wore at his execution; and in which the mark of the axe is sufficiently visible. The archbishop was a great benefactor to this college. Mr. H. Ellis, of the Museum, who with myself were "quondam socii" of the same establishment, writes me, that "Among what are called the king's pamphlets in the British Museum, is a fragment of a tract, without title, of fifty-six pages only, imperfect; beginning, 'A briefe examination of a certaine pamphlet lately printed in Scotland, and intituledLadensium Autocatacrisis,' &c., 'The Cantabarians Self-Conviction.' On the blank leaf prefixed, is the following remark in a hand of the time. 'This Briefe Examen following, was found in the Archbishop's (Laud?) Library, wher the whole impression of these seauen sheets was found, but nether beginning nor ending more then is hearein contained. May 11th, 1644.' This work, (continues Mr. Ellis,) which is a singular and valuable curiosity, is in fact a personal vindication of Archbishop Laud, not only from the slanders of the pamphlet, but from those of the times in general: and from internal evidence could have been written by no one but himself. It is in a style of writing beyond that of the ordinary productions of the day."
Peace, peace, thou once "lofty spirit"—peace to thy sepulchre—always consecrated by the grateful student who has been benefited by thy bounty!
Perhaps Laud should have been noticed a little earlier in this list of bibliomanical heroes; but, having here noticed him, I cannot refrain from observing to you that the notoriousHugh Petersrevelled in some of the spoils of the archbishop's library; and that there are, to the best of my recollection, some curious entries on the journals of the House of Commons relating to the same.[353]
[353]I am indebted to the same literary friend who gave me the intelligence which closes the last note, for the ensuing particulars relating toHugh Peters; which are taken from the journals of the lower house: "Ao. 1643-4. March 8. Ordered, that a study of books, to the value of 100l.out of such books as are sequestered, be forthwith bestowed upon Mr.Peters."Journals of the House of Commons, vol. ii., p. 421. "Ao. 1644. 25 April. Whereas this House was formerly pleased to bestow upon Mr. Peters books to the value of 100l., it is this day ordered that Mr. Recorder, Mr. Whitlock, Mr. Hill, or two of them, do cause to be delivered to Mr. Peters, to the value of 100l., books out of the private and particular study of theArchbishop of Canterbury."Id., vol. iii., p. 469. "Ao. 1644. 26 Junij. Dies publicæ Humiliationis. Mr. Peters made a large and full relation of the state of the western counties, and of the proceedings of my Lord General's army, since its coming thither," &c. "Whereas, formerly, books to the amount of 100l.were bestowed upon Mr. Peters out of the archbishop's private library, and whereas the said study is appraised at above 40l.more than the 100l., it is ordered this day that Mr. Peters shall have the whole study of books freely bestowed upon him."Id.p. 544. "Ao. 1660. May 16. Ordered, That all books and papers, heretofore belonging to the library of the archbishop of Canterbury, and now, or lately, in the hands of Mr.Hugh Peters, be forthwith secured." In Ashmole's life, before the first volume of his Antiq. of Berkshire, it is said in Aug. 1660, "Mr. Ashmole had a commission to examine that infamous buffoon and trumpeter of rebellion, Hugh Peters, concerning the disposal of the pictures, jewels, &c., belonging to the royal family, which were committed chiefly to his care, and sold and dispersed over Europe: which was soon brought to a conclusion by the obstinacy or ignorance of their criminal, who either would not, or was not able to, give the desired satisfaction."
[353]I am indebted to the same literary friend who gave me the intelligence which closes the last note, for the ensuing particulars relating toHugh Peters; which are taken from the journals of the lower house: "Ao. 1643-4. March 8. Ordered, that a study of books, to the value of 100l.out of such books as are sequestered, be forthwith bestowed upon Mr.Peters."Journals of the House of Commons, vol. ii., p. 421. "Ao. 1644. 25 April. Whereas this House was formerly pleased to bestow upon Mr. Peters books to the value of 100l., it is this day ordered that Mr. Recorder, Mr. Whitlock, Mr. Hill, or two of them, do cause to be delivered to Mr. Peters, to the value of 100l., books out of the private and particular study of theArchbishop of Canterbury."Id., vol. iii., p. 469. "Ao. 1644. 26 Junij. Dies publicæ Humiliationis. Mr. Peters made a large and full relation of the state of the western counties, and of the proceedings of my Lord General's army, since its coming thither," &c. "Whereas, formerly, books to the amount of 100l.were bestowed upon Mr. Peters out of the archbishop's private library, and whereas the said study is appraised at above 40l.more than the 100l., it is ordered this day that Mr. Peters shall have the whole study of books freely bestowed upon him."Id.p. 544. "Ao. 1660. May 16. Ordered, That all books and papers, heretofore belonging to the library of the archbishop of Canterbury, and now, or lately, in the hands of Mr.Hugh Peters, be forthwith secured." In Ashmole's life, before the first volume of his Antiq. of Berkshire, it is said in Aug. 1660, "Mr. Ashmole had a commission to examine that infamous buffoon and trumpeter of rebellion, Hugh Peters, concerning the disposal of the pictures, jewels, &c., belonging to the royal family, which were committed chiefly to his care, and sold and dispersed over Europe: which was soon brought to a conclusion by the obstinacy or ignorance of their criminal, who either would not, or was not able to, give the desired satisfaction."
Lis.This is extraordinary enough. But, if I well remember, you mentioned, a short time ago, the name ofBraithwaitas connected with that of Peacham. Now, as IpersumeLorenzo has not tied down his guests to any rigid chronological rules, in their literary chit-chat, so I presume you might revert to Braithwait, without being taxed with any great violation of colloquial order.
Lysand.Nay, I am not aware of anybookishanecdote concerning Braithwait. He was mentioned with Peacham as being a like accomplished character.[354]Someof his pieces are written upon the same subjects as were Peacham's, and with great point and elegance.He seems, indeed, to have had the literary credit and moral welfare of his countrymen so much at stake that, I confess, I have a vast fondness for his lucubrations. His "English Gentlewoman" might be reprinted with advantage.
[354]The talents ofRichard Braithwaitdo not appear to me to be so generally known and highly commended as they merit to be. HisNursery for Gentry, 1651, 4to. (with his portrait in an engraved frontispiece by Marshall), is written with the author's usual point and spirit; but, as I humbly conceive, is a less interesting performance than hisEnglish Gentleman, 1633, 4to. (with a frontispiece by Marshall), orEnglish Gentlewoman, 1631, 4to. (also with a frontispiece by the same artist). There is a terseness and vigour in Braithwait's style which is superior to that of his contemporary, Peacham; who seems to excel in a calm, easy, and graceful manner of composition. Both these eminent writers are distinguished for their scholastic and gentlemanly attainments; but in the "divine art of poesy" (in which light I mean here more particularly to display the powers of Braithwait) Peacham has no chance of being considered even as a respectable competitor with his contemporary. Mr. George Ellis, in his pleasingSpecimens of the early English Poets, vol. iii., p. 103, has selected two songs of Braithwait "from a work not enumerated by Wood;" calling the author, "a noted wit and poet." His fame, however, is not likely to "gather strength" from these effusions. It is from some passages inThe Arcadian Princesse—a work which has been already, and more than once, referred to, but which is too dislocated and heterogeneous to recommend to a complete perusal—it is from some passages inthiswork that I think Braithwait shines with more lustre as a poet than in any to which his name is affixed. Take the following miscellaneous ones, by way of specimens. They are sometimes a little faulty in rhyme and melody: but they are never lame from imbecility.——he has the happiest wit,Who has discretion to attemper it.And of all others, those the least doe erre,Who in opinion are least singular.Let Stoicks be to opposition given,Who to extreames in arguments are driven;Submit thy judgment to another's willIf it be good; oppose it mildly, ill.Lib.iv., p. 7.Strong good sense has been rarely exhibited in fewer lines than in the preceding ones. We have next a vigorously drawn character which has the frightful appellation ofUperephanos, who still thoughtThat th' world without him would be brought to nought:For when the dogge-starre raged, he used to cry,"No other Atlas has the world but I.I am that onlyHee, supports the state;Cements divisions, shuts up Janus' gate;Improves the publike fame, chalks out the wayHow princes should command, subjects obey.Nought passeth my discovery, for my senseExtends itself to all intelligence."&c. &c. &c.So well this story and this embleme wrought,Uperephanoswas so humble brought,As he on earth disvalu'd nothing more,Than what his vainest humour priz'd before.More wise, but lesse conceited of his wit;More pregnant, but lesse apt to humour it;More worthy, 'cause he could agnize his want;More eminent, because less arragant.In briefe, so humbly-morally divine,He was esteem'd theNon-suchof his time.Id., pp. 8, 11.Another character, with an equally bizarre name, is drawn with the same vigour:Melixos; such a starved one,As he had nothing left but skin and bone.The shady substance of a living man,Or object of contempt wheree'er he came.Yet had hee able parts, and could discourse,Presse moving reasons, arguments enforce,Expresse his readings with a comely grace,And prove himselfe aConsulin his place!Id., p. 12.We have a still more highly-coloured, and indeed a terrific, as well as original, picture, in the following animated verses:Next him,Uptoomos; one more severe,Ne'er purple wore in this inferiour sphere:Rough and distastefull was his nature still,His life unsociable, as was his will.ErisandEniohis two pages were,His traine sternApuneiaus'd to beare.Terrour and thunder echo'd from his tongue,Though weake in judgment, in opinion strong.A fiery inflammation seiz'd his eyes,Which could not well be temper'd any wise:For they were bloud-shot, and so prone to ill,As basiliske-like, where'ere they look, they kill.No laws but Draco's with his humour stood,For they were writ in characters of bloud.His stomacke was distemper'd in such sortNought would digest; nor could he relish sport.His dreames were full of melancholy feare,Bolts, halters, gibbets, halloo'd in his eare:Fury fed nature with a little food,Which, ill-concocted, did him lesser good,Id., p. 16.But it is time to pause upon Braithwait. Whoever does not see, in these specimens, some of the most powerful rhyming couplets of the early half of the seventeenth century, if not the model of some of the verses in Dryden's satirical pieces, has read both poets with ears differently constructed from those of the author of this book.
[354]The talents ofRichard Braithwaitdo not appear to me to be so generally known and highly commended as they merit to be. HisNursery for Gentry, 1651, 4to. (with his portrait in an engraved frontispiece by Marshall), is written with the author's usual point and spirit; but, as I humbly conceive, is a less interesting performance than hisEnglish Gentleman, 1633, 4to. (with a frontispiece by Marshall), orEnglish Gentlewoman, 1631, 4to. (also with a frontispiece by the same artist). There is a terseness and vigour in Braithwait's style which is superior to that of his contemporary, Peacham; who seems to excel in a calm, easy, and graceful manner of composition. Both these eminent writers are distinguished for their scholastic and gentlemanly attainments; but in the "divine art of poesy" (in which light I mean here more particularly to display the powers of Braithwait) Peacham has no chance of being considered even as a respectable competitor with his contemporary. Mr. George Ellis, in his pleasingSpecimens of the early English Poets, vol. iii., p. 103, has selected two songs of Braithwait "from a work not enumerated by Wood;" calling the author, "a noted wit and poet." His fame, however, is not likely to "gather strength" from these effusions. It is from some passages inThe Arcadian Princesse—a work which has been already, and more than once, referred to, but which is too dislocated and heterogeneous to recommend to a complete perusal—it is from some passages inthiswork that I think Braithwait shines with more lustre as a poet than in any to which his name is affixed. Take the following miscellaneous ones, by way of specimens. They are sometimes a little faulty in rhyme and melody: but they are never lame from imbecility.
Strong good sense has been rarely exhibited in fewer lines than in the preceding ones. We have next a vigorously drawn character which has the frightful appellation of
Another character, with an equally bizarre name, is drawn with the same vigour:
We have a still more highly-coloured, and indeed a terrific, as well as original, picture, in the following animated verses:
But it is time to pause upon Braithwait. Whoever does not see, in these specimens, some of the most powerful rhyming couplets of the early half of the seventeenth century, if not the model of some of the verses in Dryden's satirical pieces, has read both poets with ears differently constructed from those of the author of this book.
As I am permitted to be desultory in my remarks, (and, indeed, I craved this permission at the outset of them) I may here notice the publication of an excellentCatalogue of Books, in 1658, 4to.; which, like its predecessor, Maunsell's, helped to inflame the passions of purchasers, and to fill the coffers of booksellers. Whenever you can meet with this small volume, purchase it, Lisardo; if it be only for the sake of reading the spirited introduction prefixed to it.[355]The authorwas a man, whoever he may chance to be, of no mean intellectual powers. But to return.
[355]This volume, which has been rather fully described by me in the edition of More'sUtopia, vol. ii., p. 260, 284—where some specimens of the "Introduction," so strongly recommended by Lysander, will be found—is also noticed in theAthenæum, vol. ii., 601; where there is an excellent analysis of its contents. Here, let me subjoin only one short specimen: In praise of learning, it is said: "Wise and learned men are the surest stakes in the hedge of a nation or city: they are the best conservators of our liberties: the hinges on which the welfare, peace, and happiness, hang; the best public good, and only commonwealth's men. These lucubrations, meeting with a true and brave mind, can conquer men; and, with the basilisk, kill envy with a look." Sign. E. 4. rect.
[355]This volume, which has been rather fully described by me in the edition of More'sUtopia, vol. ii., p. 260, 284—where some specimens of the "Introduction," so strongly recommended by Lysander, will be found—is also noticed in theAthenæum, vol. ii., 601; where there is an excellent analysis of its contents. Here, let me subjoin only one short specimen: In praise of learning, it is said: "Wise and learned men are the surest stakes in the hedge of a nation or city: they are the best conservators of our liberties: the hinges on which the welfare, peace, and happiness, hang; the best public good, and only commonwealth's men. These lucubrations, meeting with a true and brave mind, can conquer men; and, with the basilisk, kill envy with a look." Sign. E. 4. rect.
Where sleep now the relics ofDyson'sLibrary, which supplied thatHelluo Librorum, Richard Smith, with "most of his rarities?"[356]I would give something pretty considerable to have a correct list—but more to have an unmolested sight—of this library, in its original state: if it were merely to be convinced whether or not it contained a copy of thefirst edition of Shakespeare, of larger dimensions, and in cleaner condition, than the one inPhilander'sCollection!
[356]"H. Dyson(says Hearne) a person of a very strange, prying, and inquisitive genius, in the matter of books, as may appear from many libraries; there being books, chiefly in old English, almost in every library, that have belonged to him, with his name upon them."Peter Langtoft's Chronicles, vol. i., p. xiii. This intelligence Hearne gleaned from his friend Mr. T. Baker. We are referred by the former to theBibl. R. Smith, p. 371, alias 401, No. 115, to an article, which confirms what is said of Smith's "collecting most of his rarities out of the library of H. Dyson." The article is thus described in Bibl. Smith,ibid.; "115 Six several catalogues of all such books, touching the state ecclesiastical as temporal of the realm of England, which were published upon several occasions, in the reigns of K. Henry the viith and viiith, Philip and Mary, Q. Elizabeth, K. James, and Charles I., collected by Mr. H. Dyson: out of whose library was gathered, by Mr. Smith, a great part of the rarities of this catalogue." A catalogue of the books sold in the reign of Hen. VII. would be invaluable to a bibliographer! Let me add, for the sake of pleasing, or rather, perhaps, tantalising my good friend Mr. Haleswood, that this article is immediately under one which describes "An Ancient MS. of Hunting,in vellum(wanting something)quarto." I hear him exclaim—"Where is this treasure now to be found?" Perhaps, upon the cover of a book of Devotion!
[356]"H. Dyson(says Hearne) a person of a very strange, prying, and inquisitive genius, in the matter of books, as may appear from many libraries; there being books, chiefly in old English, almost in every library, that have belonged to him, with his name upon them."Peter Langtoft's Chronicles, vol. i., p. xiii. This intelligence Hearne gleaned from his friend Mr. T. Baker. We are referred by the former to theBibl. R. Smith, p. 371, alias 401, No. 115, to an article, which confirms what is said of Smith's "collecting most of his rarities out of the library of H. Dyson." The article is thus described in Bibl. Smith,ibid.; "115 Six several catalogues of all such books, touching the state ecclesiastical as temporal of the realm of England, which were published upon several occasions, in the reigns of K. Henry the viith and viiith, Philip and Mary, Q. Elizabeth, K. James, and Charles I., collected by Mr. H. Dyson: out of whose library was gathered, by Mr. Smith, a great part of the rarities of this catalogue." A catalogue of the books sold in the reign of Hen. VII. would be invaluable to a bibliographer! Let me add, for the sake of pleasing, or rather, perhaps, tantalising my good friend Mr. Haleswood, that this article is immediately under one which describes "An Ancient MS. of Hunting,in vellum(wanting something)quarto." I hear him exclaim—"Where is this treasure now to be found?" Perhaps, upon the cover of a book of Devotion!
I have incidentally mentioned the name ofRichard Smith.[357]Such a bibliomaniac deserves ample notice,and the warmest commendation. Ah, my Lisardo! had you lived in the latter days of Charles II.—had you, byaccident, fallen into the society of this indefatigable book-forager, while he pursued his book-rounds inLittle Britain—could you have listened to his instructive conversation, and returned home with him to the congenial quiet and avocations of his book-room—would you, however caressed St. James's, or even smiled upon by the first Duchess in the land—have cared a rush for the splendours of a Court, or concentrated your best comforts in a coach drawn by six cream-coloured horses? Would you not, on the contrary, have thought with this illustrious bibliomaniac, and with the sages of Greece and Rome before him, that "in books is wisdom, and in wisdom is happiness."
[357]From the address To the Reader, prefixed to the Catalogue ofRichard Smith'sbooks, which was put forth by Chiswel the bookseller, in May 1682, 4to.—the bibliomaniac is presented with the following interesting but cramply written, particulars relating to the owner of them: "Though it be needless to recommend what to all intelligent persons sufficiently commend itself, yet, perhaps, it may not be unacceptable to the ingenious to have some short account concerningThis so much celebrated, so often desired, so long expected, Library, now exposed to sale. The gentleman that collected it was a person infinitely curious and inquisitive after books; and who suffered nothing considerable to escape him, that fell within the compass of his learning; for he had not the vanity of desiring to be master of more than he knew how to use. He lived to a very great age, and spent a good part of it almost entirely in the search of books. Being as constantly known every day to walk his rounds through the shops as he sat down to meals, where his great skill and experience enabled him to make choice of what was not obvious to every vulgar eye. He lived in times which ministered peculiar opportunities of meeting with books that are not every day brought into publick light; and few eminent libraries were bought where he had not the liberty to pick and choose. And while others were forming arms, and new-modelling kingdoms,hisgreat ambition was to become master of a goodBook. Hence arose, as that vast number of his books, so the choiceness and rarity of the greatest part of them; and that of all kinds, and in all sorts of learning," &c. "Nor was the owner of them a meer idle possessor of so great a treasure: for as he generallycollatedhis books upon the buying of them (upon which account the buyer may rest pretty secure of their being perfect) so he did not barely turn over the leaves, but observed the defects of impressions, and the ill arts used by many; compared the differences of editions; concerning which, and the like cases, he has entered memorable, and very useful, remarks upon very many of the books under his own hand: Observations wherein, certainly, never man was more diligent and industrious. Thus much was thought fit to be communicated to publick notice, by a gentleman who was intimately acquainted both with Mr. Smith and his books.This excellent library will be exposed by auction, and the sale will begin on Monday the 15th day of May next, at the auction house, known by the name ofthe swan,in Great St. Bartholomew's Close, and there continue, day by day, the five first days of every week, till all the books be sold." In this catalogue of Richard Smith's books, the sharp-eyed bibliomaniac will discover twelve volumes printed byCaxton; which collectively, produced only the sum of 3l.7s.5d.The price of each of these volumes has been already given to the public (Typog. Antiq., vol i., p. cxxxii.) I suppose a thousand guineas wouldnowbarely secure perfect copies of them! The catalogue itself is most barbarously printed, and the arrangement and description of the volumes such as to damn the compiler "to everlasting fame." A number of the most curious, rare, and intrinsically valuable books—the very insertion of which in a bookseller's catalogue would probably now make a hundred bibliomaniacs start from their homes by star-light, in order to come in for thefirst pickings—a number of volumes of this description are huddled together in one lot, and all these classed under the provoking running title of "Bundles of Books," or "Bundles of sticht Books!" But it is time to bid adieu to this matchless collection. Leaving the virtuoso "to toil, from rise to set of sun" after W. Sherwin's "extra rare and fine" portrait of the collector, which will cost him hard upon ten pounds (seeSir William Musgrave's Catalogue of English Portraits, p. 92, no. 82), and to seize, if it be in his power, a copy of the catalogue itself, "with the prices and purchasers' names" (videBibl. Lort., no. 1354). I proceed to attend upon Lysander: not, however, without informing him that Strype (Life of Cranmer, p. 368), as well as Hearne (Liber Niger Scaccarii, vol. ii., p. 542), has condescended to notice the famous library of this famous collector of books,Richard Smith!
[357]From the address To the Reader, prefixed to the Catalogue ofRichard Smith'sbooks, which was put forth by Chiswel the bookseller, in May 1682, 4to.—the bibliomaniac is presented with the following interesting but cramply written, particulars relating to the owner of them: "Though it be needless to recommend what to all intelligent persons sufficiently commend itself, yet, perhaps, it may not be unacceptable to the ingenious to have some short account concerningThis so much celebrated, so often desired, so long expected, Library, now exposed to sale. The gentleman that collected it was a person infinitely curious and inquisitive after books; and who suffered nothing considerable to escape him, that fell within the compass of his learning; for he had not the vanity of desiring to be master of more than he knew how to use. He lived to a very great age, and spent a good part of it almost entirely in the search of books. Being as constantly known every day to walk his rounds through the shops as he sat down to meals, where his great skill and experience enabled him to make choice of what was not obvious to every vulgar eye. He lived in times which ministered peculiar opportunities of meeting with books that are not every day brought into publick light; and few eminent libraries were bought where he had not the liberty to pick and choose. And while others were forming arms, and new-modelling kingdoms,hisgreat ambition was to become master of a goodBook. Hence arose, as that vast number of his books, so the choiceness and rarity of the greatest part of them; and that of all kinds, and in all sorts of learning," &c. "Nor was the owner of them a meer idle possessor of so great a treasure: for as he generallycollatedhis books upon the buying of them (upon which account the buyer may rest pretty secure of their being perfect) so he did not barely turn over the leaves, but observed the defects of impressions, and the ill arts used by many; compared the differences of editions; concerning which, and the like cases, he has entered memorable, and very useful, remarks upon very many of the books under his own hand: Observations wherein, certainly, never man was more diligent and industrious. Thus much was thought fit to be communicated to publick notice, by a gentleman who was intimately acquainted both with Mr. Smith and his books.This excellent library will be exposed by auction, and the sale will begin on Monday the 15th day of May next, at the auction house, known by the name ofthe swan,in Great St. Bartholomew's Close, and there continue, day by day, the five first days of every week, till all the books be sold." In this catalogue of Richard Smith's books, the sharp-eyed bibliomaniac will discover twelve volumes printed byCaxton; which collectively, produced only the sum of 3l.7s.5d.The price of each of these volumes has been already given to the public (Typog. Antiq., vol i., p. cxxxii.) I suppose a thousand guineas wouldnowbarely secure perfect copies of them! The catalogue itself is most barbarously printed, and the arrangement and description of the volumes such as to damn the compiler "to everlasting fame." A number of the most curious, rare, and intrinsically valuable books—the very insertion of which in a bookseller's catalogue would probably now make a hundred bibliomaniacs start from their homes by star-light, in order to come in for thefirst pickings—a number of volumes of this description are huddled together in one lot, and all these classed under the provoking running title of "Bundles of Books," or "Bundles of sticht Books!" But it is time to bid adieu to this matchless collection. Leaving the virtuoso "to toil, from rise to set of sun" after W. Sherwin's "extra rare and fine" portrait of the collector, which will cost him hard upon ten pounds (seeSir William Musgrave's Catalogue of English Portraits, p. 92, no. 82), and to seize, if it be in his power, a copy of the catalogue itself, "with the prices and purchasers' names" (videBibl. Lort., no. 1354). I proceed to attend upon Lysander: not, however, without informing him that Strype (Life of Cranmer, p. 368), as well as Hearne (Liber Niger Scaccarii, vol. ii., p. 542), has condescended to notice the famous library of this famous collector of books,Richard Smith!
Lis.In truth I should have done even more than what your barren imagination has here depicted. Smith's figure, his address, his conversation, his library—
Loren.Enough—peace! There is no end to Lisardo'sfruitfulimagination. We are surfeited with the richness of it. Go on, dear Lysander; but first, satisfy a desire which I just now feel to be informed of the period whenSales of Books, by Auction, were introduced into this country.
Lysand.You takethatfor granted which remainsbeproved: namely, my ability to gratify you in this particular. Of the precise period when this memorable revolution in the sale of books took place I have no means of being accurately informed: but I should think not anterior to the year 1673, or 1674; for, in the year 1676, to the best of my recollection, the catalogue of the Library of Dr.Seamanwas put forth; to which is prefixed an address to the reader, wherein the custom of selling books by auction is mentioned as having been but of recent origin in our country.[358]It was, however,no sooner introduced than it caught the attention, and pleased the palates, of bibliomaniacs exceedingly: andClavel, a bookseller, who published useful catalogues of books to be sold in his own warehouse, retorted in sharpterms upon the folly and extravagance which were exhibited at book auctions. However, neither Clavel nor his successors, from that period to the present, have been able to set this custom aside, nor to cool the fury of book-auction bibliomaniacs—who, to their eternal shame be it said, will sometimes, from the hot and hasty passions which are stirred up by the poisonous miasmata floating in the auction-room, give a sum twice or thrice beyond the real value of the books bidden for! Indeed, I am frequently amused to see the vehemence and rapture with which a dirty little volume is contended for and embraced—while a respectable bookseller, likePortius, coolly observes across the table—"I have a better copy on sale at one third of the price!"
[358]A part of the address "To the Reader," in the catalogue above-mentioned by Lysander, being somewhat of a curiosity, is here reprinted in itsunadulterated"Reader,"It hath not been usual here in England to makeSale of Books by way of Auction or who will give most for them: But it having been practised in other countreys to the advantage both of buyers and sellers, it was therefore conceived (for the encouragement of learning) to publish the sale of these books this manner of way; and it is hoped that this will not be unacceptable to schollers: and therefore, methought it convenient to give an advertisement concerning the manner of proceeding therein.First, That having this catalogue of the books, and their editions, under their several heads and numbers, it will be more easie for any person of quality, gentleman, or others, to depute any one to buy such books for them as they shall desire, if their occasions will not permit them to be present at the auction themselves." Thesecondclause is the usual one aboutdifferencesarising. Thethird, about discovering the imperfections of the copies before they are taken away. Thefourth, that the buyers are to pay for their purchases within one month after the termination of the auction. Thefifth, that the sale is to begin "punctually at 9 o'clock in the morning, and two in the afternoon; and this to continue daily until all the books be sold; wherefore it is desired that the gentlemen, or those deputed by them, may be there precisely at the hours appointed, lest they should miss the opportunity of buying those books which either themselves or their friends desire." As this is the earliest auction catalogue which I have chanced to meet with, thepresentreader may probably be pleased with the following specimens, selected almost at random of the prices which were given for books at a public sale, in the year 1676.In Folio.Philologists.s.d.Pet. Heylyn's Cosmographie, Lond. 1652.140Io. Stow's Annals, or Chronicles of England, &c. ibid., 1631.150Burton's Anatomy of Melancholy, Oxon, 1638.60Geo. Withers, his Emblems; illustrated with brass figures, 1635.86Os. Gabelhower's book called the Dutch Physic, Dort, 1579.30p. 12.In Quarto.Philologie.The Royal Passage of her Majesty, from the tower to Whitehall, Lond., 1604.The Vision of the Goddesses, a mask by the Queen and her Ladies, 1604.King James his Entertainment through the city of London, ibid.A particular Entertainment of the Queen and Prince, 1608.The magnificent Entertainment of King James, Queen Anne, and Prince HenryFrederick, 1604.Her Majesties speech to both Houses of Parliament, 1604.Vox Cœli, or News from Heaven, 1624.An experimental Discovery of the Spanish Practises, 1623.Tho. Scotts aphorisms of State, or secret articles for the re-edifying the RomishChurch, 1624.The Tongue Combat between two English Souldiers, 1621.Votivæ Angliæ, or the Desires and Wishes of England, 1624.A book of Fishing, with hook and line, and other instruments, 1600.s.5d.0p. 63.Now a-days, the last article alone wouldpr duce—shall I sayninetimes the sum of the whole? But once more:In Octavo.Philologists.Rob. Crowley's Confutation and Answer to a wicked ballade of the abuse of thesacrament of the altar, 1548.Philargyne, or Covetousness of Great Britain, 1551.A Confutation of 13 articles of Nicol Sharton's, 1551.The Voice of the last Trumpet, blown by the seventh angel, 1550.Rob. Crowley's four last things.A petition against the oppressors of the poor of this realm, 1550.A supplication of the poor Commons, 1550.Piers Plowman Exhortation to the Parliament, and a New-Year's gift, 1550.The Hurt of Sedition to the Commonwealth, 1549.s.3d.2To continue theHistory of Book Auctions, a little further. Two years after the preceding sale, namely, in 1678, were sold the collections of Dr.Manton, Dr.Worsley, and others. In the address to the Reader, prefixed to Manton's catalogue, it would seem that this was the "fourthtriall" of this mode of sale in our own country. The conditions and time of sale the same as the preceding; and because one Briggs, and not one Cooper, drew up the same, Cooper craves the reader's "excuse for the mistakes that have happened; and desires that the saddle may be laid upon the right horse." In this collection there is a more plentiful sprinkling of English books; among which, Dugdale's Warwickshire, 1656, was sold for 1l.6s.; and Fuller's Worthies for the same sum. The "Collections of Pamphlets, bound together in Quarto," were immense. Dr. Worsley's collection, with two others, was sold two months afterwards; namely, in May, 1678: and from the address "To the Reader," it would appear that Dr. Manton's books brought such high prices as to excite the envy of the trade. Worsley's collection was sold at 9 and 2, the usual hours "at the house over against the hen and chickens, in Pater-Noster Row." The venders thus justify themselves at the close of their address: "We have only this to add in behalf of ourselves; that, forasmuch as a report has been spread that we intend to use indirect means to advance the prices, we do affirm that it is a groundless and malicious suggestion of some of our own trade, envious of our undertaking: and that, to avoid all manner of suspicion of such practice, we have absolutely refused all manner of commissions that have been offered us for buying (some of them without limitation): and do declare that the company shall have nothing but candid and ingenuous dealing fromJohn Dunmore.Richard Chiswel."At this sale, the Shakspeare of 1632 brought 16s.; and of 1663, 1l.8s.In the November and December of the same year were sold by auction the books ofVoet,Sangar, and others, and from the preface to each catalogue it would seem that the sale of books by auction was then but a recent, yet a very successful, experiment; and that even collections from abroad were imported, in order to be disposed of in a like manner.
[358]A part of the address "To the Reader," in the catalogue above-mentioned by Lysander, being somewhat of a curiosity, is here reprinted in itsunadulterated
"Reader,
"It hath not been usual here in England to makeSale of Books by way of Auction or who will give most for them: But it having been practised in other countreys to the advantage both of buyers and sellers, it was therefore conceived (for the encouragement of learning) to publish the sale of these books this manner of way; and it is hoped that this will not be unacceptable to schollers: and therefore, methought it convenient to give an advertisement concerning the manner of proceeding therein.First, That having this catalogue of the books, and their editions, under their several heads and numbers, it will be more easie for any person of quality, gentleman, or others, to depute any one to buy such books for them as they shall desire, if their occasions will not permit them to be present at the auction themselves." Thesecondclause is the usual one aboutdifferencesarising. Thethird, about discovering the imperfections of the copies before they are taken away. Thefourth, that the buyers are to pay for their purchases within one month after the termination of the auction. Thefifth, that the sale is to begin "punctually at 9 o'clock in the morning, and two in the afternoon; and this to continue daily until all the books be sold; wherefore it is desired that the gentlemen, or those deputed by them, may be there precisely at the hours appointed, lest they should miss the opportunity of buying those books which either themselves or their friends desire." As this is the earliest auction catalogue which I have chanced to meet with, thepresentreader may probably be pleased with the following specimens, selected almost at random of the prices which were given for books at a public sale, in the year 1676.
In Folio.Philologists.
p. 12.
In Quarto.Philologie.
p. 63.
Now a-days, the last article alone wouldpr duce—shall I sayninetimes the sum of the whole? But once more:
In Octavo.Philologists.
To continue theHistory of Book Auctions, a little further. Two years after the preceding sale, namely, in 1678, were sold the collections of Dr.Manton, Dr.Worsley, and others. In the address to the Reader, prefixed to Manton's catalogue, it would seem that this was the "fourthtriall" of this mode of sale in our own country. The conditions and time of sale the same as the preceding; and because one Briggs, and not one Cooper, drew up the same, Cooper craves the reader's "excuse for the mistakes that have happened; and desires that the saddle may be laid upon the right horse." In this collection there is a more plentiful sprinkling of English books; among which, Dugdale's Warwickshire, 1656, was sold for 1l.6s.; and Fuller's Worthies for the same sum. The "Collections of Pamphlets, bound together in Quarto," were immense. Dr. Worsley's collection, with two others, was sold two months afterwards; namely, in May, 1678: and from the address "To the Reader," it would appear that Dr. Manton's books brought such high prices as to excite the envy of the trade. Worsley's collection was sold at 9 and 2, the usual hours "at the house over against the hen and chickens, in Pater-Noster Row." The venders thus justify themselves at the close of their address: "We have only this to add in behalf of ourselves; that, forasmuch as a report has been spread that we intend to use indirect means to advance the prices, we do affirm that it is a groundless and malicious suggestion of some of our own trade, envious of our undertaking: and that, to avoid all manner of suspicion of such practice, we have absolutely refused all manner of commissions that have been offered us for buying (some of them without limitation): and do declare that the company shall have nothing but candid and ingenuous dealing from
John Dunmore.Richard Chiswel."
At this sale, the Shakspeare of 1632 brought 16s.; and of 1663, 1l.8s.
In the November and December of the same year were sold by auction the books ofVoet,Sangar, and others, and from the preface to each catalogue it would seem that the sale of books by auction was then but a recent, yet a very successful, experiment; and that even collections from abroad were imported, in order to be disposed of in a like manner.
Lis.From what you say, it would appear to be wiser to lay out one's money at a bookseller's than at a book-auction?
Lysand.Both methods must of necessity be resorted to: for you cannot find with the one what you may obtain at the other. A distinguished collector, such as the late Mr. Reed, or Mr. Gough, or Mr. Joseph Windham, dies, and leaves his library to be sold by auction for the benefit of his survivors. Now, in this library so bequeathed, you have the fruits of book-labour, collected for a long period, and cultivated in almost every department of literature. A thousand radii are concentrated in such a circle; for it has, probably, been the object of the collector's life to gather and to concentrate these radii. In this case, therefore, you must attend the auction; you must see how such a treasure is scattered, like the Sibylline leaves, by the winds of fate.You must catch at what you want, and for what you have been a dozen years, perhaps, in the pursuit of. You will pay dearly for these favourite volumes; but you have them, and that is comfort enough; and you exclaim, as a consolation amidst all the agony and waste of time which such a contest may have cost you,—"Where, at what bookseller's, are such gems now to be procured?" All this may be well enough. But if I were again to have, as I have already had, the power of directing the taste and applying the wealth of a young collector—who, on coming of age, wisely considers books of at least as much consequence as a stud of horses—I would say, go to Mr. Payne, or Mr. Evans, or Mr. Mackinlay, or Mr. Lunn, for your Greek and Latin Classics; to Mr. Dulau, or Mr. Deboffe, for your French; to Mr. Carpenter, or Mr. Cuthell, for your English; and to Mr. White for your Botany and rare and curious books of almost every description. Or, if you want delicious copies, in lovely binding, of works of a sumptuous character, go and drink coffee with Mr. Miller, of Albemarle Street—under the warm light of an Argand lamp—amidst a blaze of morocco and russia coating, which brings to your recollection the view of the Temple of the Sun in the play of Pizarro! You will also find, in the vender of these volumes, courteous treatment and "gentlemanly notions of men and things." Again, if you wish to speculate deeply in books, or to stock a newly-discovered province with what is most excellent and popular in our own language, hire a vessel of 300 tons' burthen, and make a contract with Messrs. Longman, Hurst, and Co., who are enabled, from their store ofquires, which measure 50 feet in height, by 40 in length, and 20 in width, to satisfy all the wants of the most craving bibliomaniacs. In opposition to this pyramid, enter the closet of Mr. Triphook, jun., of St. James's Street—and resist, if it be in your power to resist, the purchase of those clean copies, so prettily bound, of some of our rarest pieces of black-letter renown!
Loren.From this digression, oblige us now by returning to our bibliomaniacal history.
Lysand.Most willingly. But I am very glad you have given me an opportunity of speaking, as I ought to speak, of some of our most respectable booksellers, who are an ornament to the cause ofthe bibliomania.
We left off, I think, with noticing that renowned book-collector, Richard Smith. Let me next make honourable mention of a "par nobile fratrum" that ycleped areNorth. The "Lives" of these men, with an "Examen" (of "Kennet's History of England"), were published by a relative (I think a grandson) of the same name; and two very amusing and valuable quarto volumes they are! From one of these Lives, we learn how pleasantly theLord Keeperused to make his meals upon some one entertaining Law-volume or another: how he would breakfast uponStamford,[359]dine uponCoke, and sup uponFitzherbert, &c.; and, in truth, a most insatiable book appetite did this eminent judgepossess. For, not satisfied ("and no marvel, I trow") with the foregoing lean fare, he would oftentimes regale himself with a well-served-up course of theArts,Sciences, and theBelles-Lettres!
[359]These are the words ofLord Keeper North'sBiographer: "There are of Law-Books, institutions of various sorts, and reports of cases (now) almost innumerable. The latter bear most the controversial law, and are read as authority such as may be quoted: and I may say the gross of law lecture lies in them. But to spend weeks and months wholly in them, is like horses in a string before a loaden waggon. They are indeed a careful sort of reading, and chiefly require common-placing, and that makes the work go on slowly. HisLordshiptherefore used to mix some institutionary reading with them, as after a fulness of the reports in a morning, about noon, to take a repast inStamford,Compton, or the LordCoke'sPleas of the Crown and Jurisdiction of Courts,Manwoodof the Forest Law,Fitzherbert'sNatura Brevium; and also to look over some of the Antiquarian Books, asBritton,Bracton,Fleta,Fortescue,Hengham,the old Tenures Narrationes Novæ, the oldNatura Brevium, and the Diversity of Courts. These, at times, for change and refreshment, being books all fit to be known. And those that, as to authority, are obsoleted, go rounder off-hand, because they require little common-placing, and that only as to matter very singular and remarkable, and such as the student fancies he shall desire afterwards to recover. And, besides all this, the day afforded him room for a little History, especially of England, modern books, and Controversy in Print, &c. In this manner he ordered his own studies, but with excursions intoHumanityandArts, beyond what may be suitable to the genius of every young student in the law."Life of Lord Keeper Guildford, pp. 18, 19.North's Lives, edit. 1754, 4to.
[359]These are the words ofLord Keeper North'sBiographer: "There are of Law-Books, institutions of various sorts, and reports of cases (now) almost innumerable. The latter bear most the controversial law, and are read as authority such as may be quoted: and I may say the gross of law lecture lies in them. But to spend weeks and months wholly in them, is like horses in a string before a loaden waggon. They are indeed a careful sort of reading, and chiefly require common-placing, and that makes the work go on slowly. HisLordshiptherefore used to mix some institutionary reading with them, as after a fulness of the reports in a morning, about noon, to take a repast inStamford,Compton, or the LordCoke'sPleas of the Crown and Jurisdiction of Courts,Manwoodof the Forest Law,Fitzherbert'sNatura Brevium; and also to look over some of the Antiquarian Books, asBritton,Bracton,Fleta,Fortescue,Hengham,the old Tenures Narrationes Novæ, the oldNatura Brevium, and the Diversity of Courts. These, at times, for change and refreshment, being books all fit to be known. And those that, as to authority, are obsoleted, go rounder off-hand, because they require little common-placing, and that only as to matter very singular and remarkable, and such as the student fancies he shall desire afterwards to recover. And, besides all this, the day afforded him room for a little History, especially of England, modern books, and Controversy in Print, &c. In this manner he ordered his own studies, but with excursions intoHumanityandArts, beyond what may be suitable to the genius of every young student in the law."Life of Lord Keeper Guildford, pp. 18, 19.North's Lives, edit. 1754, 4to.
His brother, Dr.John North, was a still greaterHelluo Librorum; "his soul being never so staked down as in an old bookseller's shop." Not content with a superficial survey of whatever he inspected, he seems to have been as intimately acquainted with all the book-selling fraternity ofLittle-Britainas was his contemporary, Richard Smith; and to have entered into a conspiracy withRobert Scott[360]—the most renowned bookvender in this country, if not in Europe—to deprive all bibliomaniacs of a chance of procuring rare and curiousvolumes, by sweeping every thing that came to market, in the shape of a book, into their own curiously-wrought and widely-spread nets. Nay, even Scott himself was sometimes bereft of all power, by means of the potent talisman which this learned Doctor exercised—for the latter, "at one lift," would now and then sweep a whole range of shelves in Scott's shop of every volume which it contained. And yet how whimsical, and, in my humble opinion, ill-founded, was Dr. North's taste in matters of typography! Would you believe it, Lisardo, he preferred the meagre classical volumes, printed by theGryphii, in the italic letter, to the delicate and eye-soothing lustre of theElzevirtype—?
[360]"Now he began to look after books, and to lay the foundation of a competent library. He dealt with Mr.Robert Scott, ofLittle-Britain, whose sister was his grandmother's woman; and, upon that acquaintance he expected, and really had from him, useful information of books and their editions. This Mr. Scott was, in his time, the greatest librarian in Europe; for, besides his stock in England, he had warehouses in Francfort, Paris, and other places, and dealt by factors. After he was grown old, and much worn by multiplicity of business, he began to think of his ease and to leave off. Whereupon he contracted with one Mills, of St. Paul's Church-yard, near £10,000 deep, and articled not to open his shop any more. But Mills, with his auctioneering, Atlasses, and projects, failed, whereby poor Scott lost above half his means: but he held to his contract of not opening his shop, and when he was in London (for he had a country house), passed most of his time at his house amongst the rest of his books; and his reading (for he was no mean scholar) was the chief entertainment of his time. He was not only an expert bookseller, but a very conscientious good man; and when he threw up his trade, Europe had no small loss of him. Our Doctor, at one lift, bought of him a whole set of Greek Classics in folio, of the best editions. This sunk his stock at that time; but afterwards, for many years of his life, all that he could (as they say) rap or run, went the same way. But the progress was small; for such a library as he desired, compared with what the pittance of his stock would purchase, allowing many years to the gathering, was of desperate expectation. He was early sensible of a great disadvantage to him in his studies, by the not having a good library in his reach; and he used to say that a man could not be a scholar at the second-hand: meaning, that learning is to be had from the original authors, and not from any quotations, or accounts in other books, for men gather with divers views, and, according to their several capacities, often perfunctorily, and almost always imperfectly: and through such slight reading, a student may know somewhat, but not judge of either author or subject. He used to sayan old author could not be unprofitable; for although in their proper time they had little or no esteem, yet, in after times, they served to interpret words, customs, and other matters, found obscure in other books; of which A. Gellius is an apt instance. He courted, as a fond lover, allbest editions, fairest character, best bound and preserved. If the subject was in his favour (as the Classics) he cared not how many of them he had, even of the same edition, if he thought it among the best, eitherbetter bound,squarer cut,neater covers, or some such qualification caught him. He delighted in the small editions of the Classics, by Seb. Gryphius; and divers of his acquaintance, meeting with any of them, bought and brought them to him, which he accepted as choice presents, although perhaps he had one or two of them before. He said that theblack italiccharacter agreed with his eye sight (which he accounted but weak) better than any other print, the old Elzevir not excepted, whereof the characters seemed to him more blind and confused than those of the other. Continual use gives men a judgment of things comparatively, and they come to fix on that as most proper and easy which no man, upon cursory view, would determine.His soul was never so staked down as in an old bookseller's shop; for having (as the statutes of the college required) taken orders, he was restless till he had compassed some of that sort of furniture as he thought necessary for his profession. He was, for the most part, his own factor, and seldom or never bought by commission; which made him lose time in turning over vast numbers of books, and he was very hardly pleased at last. I have borne him company at shops for hours together, and, minding him of the time, he hath made a dozen proffers before he would quit. By this care and industry, at length, he made himself master of a very considerable library, wherein the choicest collection wasGreek." There is some smartness in the foregoing observations. The following, in a strain of equal interest, affords a lively picture of thebookselling tradeat the close of the 17th century: "It may not be amiss to step a little aside, to reflect on the vast change in the trade of books, between that time and ours. Then,Little-Britainwas a plentiful and perpetual emporium of learned authors; and men went thither as to a market. This drew to the place a mighty trade; the rather because the shops were spacious, and the learned gladly resorted to them, where they seldom failed to meet with agreeable conversation. And the booksellers themselves were knowing and conversible men, with whom, for the sake of bookish knowledge, the greatest wits were pleased to converse. And we may judge the time as well spent there, as (in latter days) either in tavern or coffee-house: though the latter hath carried off the spare hours of most people. But now this emporium is vanished, and trade contracted into the hands of two or three persons, who, to make good their monopoly, ransack, not only their neighbours of the trade that are scattered about town, but all over England, aye, and beyond sea too, and send abroad their circulators, and, in that manner, get into their hands all that is valuable. The rest of the trade are content to take their refuse, with which, and the fresh scum of the press, they furnish one side of a shop, which serves for the sign of a bookseller, rather than a real one; but, instead of selling, dealing as factors, and procure what the country divines and gentry send for; of whom each hath his book factor, and, when wanting any thing, writes to his bookseller, and pays his bill. And it is wretched to consider what pickpocket work, with help of the press, these demi-booksellers make. They crack their brains to find out selling subjects, and keep hirelings in garrets, at hard meat, to write and correct by the great (qu. groat); and so puff up an octavo to a sufficient thickness, and there's six shillings current for an hour and a half's reading, and perhaps never to be read or looked upon after. One that would go higher must take his fortune at blank walls, and corners of streets, or repair to the sign of Bateman, Innys, and one or two more, where are best choice and better pennyworth's. I might touch other abuses, as bad paper, incorrect printing, and false advertising; all which, and worse, is to be expected, if a careful author is not at the heels of them." Life of the Hon. and Rev. Dr. John North.North's Lives, edit. 1744, 4to., p. 240, &c. At page 244, there is a curious account of the doctor's amusing himself with keeping spiders in a glass case—feeding them with bread and flies—and seeing these spiders afterwards quarrel with, and destroy, each other—"parents and offspring!"
[360]"Now he began to look after books, and to lay the foundation of a competent library. He dealt with Mr.Robert Scott, ofLittle-Britain, whose sister was his grandmother's woman; and, upon that acquaintance he expected, and really had from him, useful information of books and their editions. This Mr. Scott was, in his time, the greatest librarian in Europe; for, besides his stock in England, he had warehouses in Francfort, Paris, and other places, and dealt by factors. After he was grown old, and much worn by multiplicity of business, he began to think of his ease and to leave off. Whereupon he contracted with one Mills, of St. Paul's Church-yard, near £10,000 deep, and articled not to open his shop any more. But Mills, with his auctioneering, Atlasses, and projects, failed, whereby poor Scott lost above half his means: but he held to his contract of not opening his shop, and when he was in London (for he had a country house), passed most of his time at his house amongst the rest of his books; and his reading (for he was no mean scholar) was the chief entertainment of his time. He was not only an expert bookseller, but a very conscientious good man; and when he threw up his trade, Europe had no small loss of him. Our Doctor, at one lift, bought of him a whole set of Greek Classics in folio, of the best editions. This sunk his stock at that time; but afterwards, for many years of his life, all that he could (as they say) rap or run, went the same way. But the progress was small; for such a library as he desired, compared with what the pittance of his stock would purchase, allowing many years to the gathering, was of desperate expectation. He was early sensible of a great disadvantage to him in his studies, by the not having a good library in his reach; and he used to say that a man could not be a scholar at the second-hand: meaning, that learning is to be had from the original authors, and not from any quotations, or accounts in other books, for men gather with divers views, and, according to their several capacities, often perfunctorily, and almost always imperfectly: and through such slight reading, a student may know somewhat, but not judge of either author or subject. He used to sayan old author could not be unprofitable; for although in their proper time they had little or no esteem, yet, in after times, they served to interpret words, customs, and other matters, found obscure in other books; of which A. Gellius is an apt instance. He courted, as a fond lover, allbest editions, fairest character, best bound and preserved. If the subject was in his favour (as the Classics) he cared not how many of them he had, even of the same edition, if he thought it among the best, eitherbetter bound,squarer cut,neater covers, or some such qualification caught him. He delighted in the small editions of the Classics, by Seb. Gryphius; and divers of his acquaintance, meeting with any of them, bought and brought them to him, which he accepted as choice presents, although perhaps he had one or two of them before. He said that theblack italiccharacter agreed with his eye sight (which he accounted but weak) better than any other print, the old Elzevir not excepted, whereof the characters seemed to him more blind and confused than those of the other. Continual use gives men a judgment of things comparatively, and they come to fix on that as most proper and easy which no man, upon cursory view, would determine.His soul was never so staked down as in an old bookseller's shop; for having (as the statutes of the college required) taken orders, he was restless till he had compassed some of that sort of furniture as he thought necessary for his profession. He was, for the most part, his own factor, and seldom or never bought by commission; which made him lose time in turning over vast numbers of books, and he was very hardly pleased at last. I have borne him company at shops for hours together, and, minding him of the time, he hath made a dozen proffers before he would quit. By this care and industry, at length, he made himself master of a very considerable library, wherein the choicest collection wasGreek." There is some smartness in the foregoing observations. The following, in a strain of equal interest, affords a lively picture of thebookselling tradeat the close of the 17th century: "It may not be amiss to step a little aside, to reflect on the vast change in the trade of books, between that time and ours. Then,Little-Britainwas a plentiful and perpetual emporium of learned authors; and men went thither as to a market. This drew to the place a mighty trade; the rather because the shops were spacious, and the learned gladly resorted to them, where they seldom failed to meet with agreeable conversation. And the booksellers themselves were knowing and conversible men, with whom, for the sake of bookish knowledge, the greatest wits were pleased to converse. And we may judge the time as well spent there, as (in latter days) either in tavern or coffee-house: though the latter hath carried off the spare hours of most people. But now this emporium is vanished, and trade contracted into the hands of two or three persons, who, to make good their monopoly, ransack, not only their neighbours of the trade that are scattered about town, but all over England, aye, and beyond sea too, and send abroad their circulators, and, in that manner, get into their hands all that is valuable. The rest of the trade are content to take their refuse, with which, and the fresh scum of the press, they furnish one side of a shop, which serves for the sign of a bookseller, rather than a real one; but, instead of selling, dealing as factors, and procure what the country divines and gentry send for; of whom each hath his book factor, and, when wanting any thing, writes to his bookseller, and pays his bill. And it is wretched to consider what pickpocket work, with help of the press, these demi-booksellers make. They crack their brains to find out selling subjects, and keep hirelings in garrets, at hard meat, to write and correct by the great (qu. groat); and so puff up an octavo to a sufficient thickness, and there's six shillings current for an hour and a half's reading, and perhaps never to be read or looked upon after. One that would go higher must take his fortune at blank walls, and corners of streets, or repair to the sign of Bateman, Innys, and one or two more, where are best choice and better pennyworth's. I might touch other abuses, as bad paper, incorrect printing, and false advertising; all which, and worse, is to be expected, if a careful author is not at the heels of them." Life of the Hon. and Rev. Dr. John North.North's Lives, edit. 1744, 4to., p. 240, &c. At page 244, there is a curious account of the doctor's amusing himself with keeping spiders in a glass case—feeding them with bread and flies—and seeing these spiders afterwards quarrel with, and destroy, each other—"parents and offspring!"
Lis."De gustibus—" you know the rest. But these Norths were brave bibliomaniacs! Proceed, we are now advancing towards the threshold of the eighteenth century; and the nearer you come to it, the greater is the interest excited.
Lysand.Take care that I don't conclude with the memorable catalogue-burning deed of your father! But I spare your present feelings.
All hail to the noble book-spirit by which theLives of Oxford-Athenians, and theAntiquities of Oxford University, are recorded and preserved beyond the power of decay![361]All hail to thee,Old Anthony a-Wood!May the remembrance of thy researches, amidst thy paper and parchment documents, stored up in chests,pews, and desks, and upon which, alas! the moth was "feeding sweetly," may the remembrance of these thylaborious researches always excite sensations of gratitude towards the spirit by which they were directed! Now I see thee, in imagination, with thy cautious step, and head bowing from premature decay, and solemn air, and sombre visage, with cane under the arm, pacing from library to library, through gothic quadrangles; or sauntering along the Isis, in thy way to some neighbouring village, where thou wouldstrecreate thyself with "pipe and pot." Yes, Anthony! while theBodleianandAshmoleancollections remain—or rather as long as Englishmen know how to value that species of literature by which the names and actions of their forefathers are handed down to posterity, so long shall the memory of thy laudable exertions continue unimpaired!