[390]The year following the sale of Mr. West's books, a very curious and valuable collection, chiefly of English literature, was disposed of by auction, by Paterson, who published the catalogue under the following title: "Bibliotheca Monastico-Fletewodiana." "A Catalogue of rare books and tracts in various languages and faculties; including the Ancient Conventual Library of Missenden Abbey, in Buckinghamshire; together with some choice remains of that of the late eminent Serjeant at Law,William Fletewode, Esq., Recorder of London, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth; among which are several specimens of the earliest typography, foreign and English, including Caxton, Wynkyn de Worde, Pynson, and others: a fine collection of English history, some scarce old law books, a great number of old English plays, several choice MSS. upon vellum, and other subjects of literary curiosity. Also several of the best editions of the classics, and modern English and French books. Sold by auction by S. Paterson, December," 1774, 8vo., 3641 lots, or articles. I am in possession of apriced catalogueof this collection, with the names of the purchasers. The latter were principally Herbert, Garrick, Dodd, Elmsley, T. Payne, Richardson, Chapman, Wagstaff, Bindley, and Gough. The following is a specimen of some curious and interesting articles contained in this celebrated library:NO.£s.d.172.Bale's brefe Chronycle relating to Syr Johan Oldecastell, 1544. The Life off the 70th Archbishop off Canterbury, presentlye sittinge, 1574, &c. Life of Hen. Hills, Printer to O. Cromwell, with the Relation of what passed between him and the Taylor's Wife in Black Friars, 1688, 8vo., &c.079Purchased by Mores.361 to 367.Upwards of thirtyscarce Theological Tracts, in Latin and English.150746 to 784.A fine collection of early English Translations, in black letter, with some good foreign editions of the classics. Not exceeding, in the whole10100837, 838.Two copies of thefirst editionof Bacon's Essays, 1597.mirabile dictu!006The reader will just glance at no. 970, in the catalogue, en passant, to1082.(1l.2s.) and 1091 (12s.) but more particularly to1173.The Boke of Tulle of Olde Age, &c.Emprynted by Caxton, 1481, folio8001174.The Boke which is sayd or called Cathon, &c.printed by the same, 1483, folio. Purchased by Alchorne5001256.The Doctrinal of Sapyence,printed by the same, 1489, folio. Purchased by Alchorne6601257.The Booke named the Cordyal,printed by the same, 1479, folio6126But there is no end to these curious volumes. I will, however, only add that there were upwards of 150 articles ofOld Plays, mostly in quarto. See page 73. OfAntiquities,Chronicles, andTopography, it would be difficult to pitch upon the rarest volumes. The collection, including very few MSS., contained probably about 7000 volumes. The catalogue, in a clean condition, is somewhat uncommon.
[390]The year following the sale of Mr. West's books, a very curious and valuable collection, chiefly of English literature, was disposed of by auction, by Paterson, who published the catalogue under the following title: "Bibliotheca Monastico-Fletewodiana." "A Catalogue of rare books and tracts in various languages and faculties; including the Ancient Conventual Library of Missenden Abbey, in Buckinghamshire; together with some choice remains of that of the late eminent Serjeant at Law,William Fletewode, Esq., Recorder of London, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth; among which are several specimens of the earliest typography, foreign and English, including Caxton, Wynkyn de Worde, Pynson, and others: a fine collection of English history, some scarce old law books, a great number of old English plays, several choice MSS. upon vellum, and other subjects of literary curiosity. Also several of the best editions of the classics, and modern English and French books. Sold by auction by S. Paterson, December," 1774, 8vo., 3641 lots, or articles. I am in possession of apriced catalogueof this collection, with the names of the purchasers. The latter were principally Herbert, Garrick, Dodd, Elmsley, T. Payne, Richardson, Chapman, Wagstaff, Bindley, and Gough. The following is a specimen of some curious and interesting articles contained in this celebrated library:
But there is no end to these curious volumes. I will, however, only add that there were upwards of 150 articles ofOld Plays, mostly in quarto. See page 73. OfAntiquities,Chronicles, andTopography, it would be difficult to pitch upon the rarest volumes. The collection, including very few MSS., contained probably about 7000 volumes. The catalogue, in a clean condition, is somewhat uncommon.
You will imagine that theBook-Diseasenow began to be more active and fatal than ever; for the ensuing year (namely, in 1775) died the famousAnthony Askew, M.D. Those who recollect the zeal andscholarship of this illustrious bibliomaniac,[391]and the precious volumes with which his library was stored,from the choice collections of De Boze, Gaignat, Mead, and Folkes, cannot but sigh, with grief of heart, onreflecting upon such a victim! How ardently, and how kindly (as I remember to have heard one of his intimatefriendsay) would Askew unlock the stores ofhis glittering book-treasures!—open the magnificent folio, or the shining duodecimo,printed upon vellum, and embossed with golden knobs, or held fast with silver clasps! How carefully would he unrol the curiousmanuscript, decipher the half effaced characters—and then, casting an eye of ecstacy over the shelves upon which similar treasures were lodged, exult in the glorious prospect before him! But death—who, as Horace tells us, equally exercises the knocker of the palace and cottage-door, made no scruple to rap at that of ourrenowned Doctor—when Askew, with all his skill in medicine and knowledge of books, yielded to the summons of the grim tyrant—and died lamented, as he lived beloved!
[391]Lysander is now arrived, pursuing his chronological order, at a very important period in the annals of book-sales. The name and collection of Dr.Askeware so well known in the bibliographical world that the reader need not be detained with laboured commendations on either: in the present place, however, it would be a cruel disappointment not to say a word or two by way of preface or prologue. Dr.Anthony Askewhad eminently distinguished himself by a refined taste, a sound knowledge, and an indefatigable research, relating to every thing connected with Grecian and Roman literature. It was to be expected, even during his life, as he was possessed of sufficient means to gratify himself with what was rare, curious, and beautiful, in literature and the fine arts, that the public would one day be benefited by such pursuits: especially as he had expressed a wish that his treasures might be unreservedly submitted to sale, after his decease. In this wish the doctor was not singular. Many eminent collectors had indulged it before him: and, to my knowledge, many modern ones still indulge it. Accordingly, on the death of Dr. Askew, in 1774, appeared, in the ensuing year, a catalogue of his books for sale, by Messrs. Baker and Leigh, under the following title: "Bibliotheca Askeviana,sive Catalogus Librorum Rarissimorum Antonii Askew, M.D., quorum Auctio fiet apud S. Baker et G. Leigh, in Vico dicto York Street, Covent Garden, Londini, Die Lunæ, 13 Februarii,mdcclxxv,et in undeviginti sequentes dies." A few copies were struck off onlarge paper, which are yet rather common. My own copy is of this kind, with the prices, and names of the purchasers. We are told, by the compiler of the catalogue, that it was thought "unnecessary to say much with respect to this library of the late Dr. Anthony Askew, as the collector and the collection were so well known in almost all parts of Europe." Afterwards it is observed that "The books in general are in very fine condition, many of them bound in morocco, and russia leather, with gilt leaves." "To give a particular account," continues the compiler, "of themany scarce editionsof books in this catalogue would be almost endless, therefore thefirst editionsof the classics, and someextremely rare books, are chiefly noticed. The catalogue, without any doubt, contains the best, rarest, and most valuable collection ofGreekandLatin Booksthat was ever sold in England, and the great time and trouble of forming it will, it is hoped, be a sufficient excuse for the price put to it." (1s.6d.the small paper, and 4s.the large.) This account is not overcharged. The collection in regard to Greek and Roman literature wasuniquein its day. Enriched with many a tome from the Harleian, Dr. Mead's, Martin Folkes's, and Dr. Rawlinson's library, as well as with numerous rare and splendid articles from foreign collections (for few men travelled with greater ardour, or had an acuter discrimination than Dr. Askew), the books were sought after by almost every one then eminent for bibliographical research.His Majestywas a purchaser, says Mr. J. Nichols, to the amount of about 300l.; Dr. Hunter, to the amount of 500l.; and De Bure (who had commissions from the King of France and many foreign collectors, to the amount of 1500l.) made purchases to the same amount; Dr. Maty was solicited by the trustees of the British Museum not to be unmindful ofthat repository; and accordingly he became a purchaser to a considerable amount. The late worthy and learned Mr. M.Cracherode, whose library now forms one of the most splendid acquisitions of the British Museum, and whosebequestof it will immortalize his memory, was also among the "Emptores literarii" at this renowned sale. He had enriched his collection with many an "Exemplar Askevianum;" and, in his latter days, used to elevate his hands and eyes, and exclaim against the pricesnowoffered forEditiones Principes. The fact is, Dr. Askew's sale has been considered a sort oferain bibliography. Since that period, rare and curious books in Greek and Latin literature have been greedily sought after, and obtained (as a recent sale abundantly testifies) at most extravagant prices. It is very well for a veteran in bibliographical literature, as was Mr. Cracherode, or as are Mr. Wodhull, and Dr. Gosset—whose collections were, in part, formed in the days of De Bure, Gaignat, Askew, Duke de la Valliere, and Lamoignon—it is very well for such gentlemen to declaim againstmodern prices! But what is to be done? Classical books grow scarcer every day, and the love of literature, and of possessing rare and interesting works, increases in an equal ratio. Hungry bibliographers meet, at sales, with well-furnished purses, and are resolved upon sumptuous fare! Thus the hammervibrates, after a bidding offorty pounds, where formerly it used regularly tofallatfour! But we lose sight of Dr. Askew'srare editions, andlarge paper copies. The following, gentle reader, is but an imperfect specimen!NO.£s.d.168.Chaucer's Works, byPynson, no date7176172.Cicero of Old Age, by Caxton, 148113130518.Gilles (Nicole) Annales, &c., de France. Paris, fol. 1520, 2 tom.sur velin31106647.Æginetæ (Pauli) Præcepta Salubria; Paris, quarto, 1510. Onvellum1100666.Æsopi Fabulæ.Edit. Princeps circ.1483660684.Boccacio, il Teseide,Ferar., 1475.Prima Edizione8500[This copy, which is called, "probably unique," was once, I suspect, in Consul Smith's library. SeeBibl. Smith, p. lxiii. The reader will find some account of it in Warton's History of Engl. Poetry, vol. i., 347. It was printed, as well as the subsequent editions of 1488, and 1528, "with some deviations from the original, and even misrepresentations of the story." His majesty was the purchaser of this precious and uncommon book.]708.Cornelius Nepos, 1471.Edit. Prin.11110713.Alexander de Ales, super tertium Sententiar. 1474,on vellum15150817.Anthologia Græca.Edit. Prin.1494,on vellum2870In Dr. Hunter's Museum.856.Ammianus Marcellinus, 1474.Edit. Prin.23001332.Ciceronis Opera omnia, Oliveti, 9 vols. quarto, 1740,Charta Maxima361501389.Ejusdem Officia, 1465.Edit. Prin.30001433.Catullus, Tibullus, et Propertius; Aldi, 8vo., 1502.In Membranis17100This copy was purchased by the late Mr. M.C. Cracherode, and is now, with his library, in the British Museum. It is a beautiful book; but cannot be compared with Lord Spencer's AldinevellumVirgil, of the same size.1576.Durandi Rationale, &c., 1459.In Membranis6100The beginning of the 1st chapter was wanting. Lord Spencer has a perfect copy of this rare book, printed upon spotlessvellum.2656.Platonis Opera, apud Aldum; 2 vols., fol., 1513.Edit. Prin.on vellum.55130Purchased by the late Dr. William Hunter; and is, at this moment, with the Doctor's books and curiosities, atGlasgow. The reader can have no idea of the beauty of these vellum leaves. The ink is of the finest lustre, and the whole typographical arrangement may be considered a masterpiece of printing. If I could forget the magnificent copy which I have seen (but not upon vellum) of the "Etymologicum magnum," in the Luton Library, I should callthisthe chef-d'œuvre of theAldine Press.2812.Plinii Hist. Natural; apud Spiram, fol., 1469.Edit. Princeps.4300This copy has been recently sold for a sum considerably less than it brought. It bears no kind of comparison with the copy in Lord Spencer's, Dr. Hunter's, and the Cracherode, collections. These latter aregiantsto it!2813.Id. cum notis Harduini; 1723, 3 vols.,on vellum42003345.Tewrdranckhs; Poema Germanica, Norimb. fol., 1517,on vellum.2100This is a book of uncommon rarity. It is a poetical composition on the life and actions of the Emperor Maximilian I., and was frequently reprinted; but not with the same care as were the earlier editions of 1517 and 1519—the latter, at Augsburg, by John Schouspergus. Kœllerus, who purchased a copy of this work on vellum, for 200 crowns, has given a particularly tempting description of it. See Schelhorn's "AmœnitatesLiteraræ," tom. ii., 430-iii., 144. Dr. Hunter purchased Dr. Askew's copy, which I have seen in the Museum of the former: the wood-cuts, 118 in number, justify every thing said in commendation of them by Papillon and Heinecken. Probably Dr. Askew purchased the above copy of Osborne; for I find one in theBibl. Harleian, vol. iii., no. 3240. See, too,Bibl. Mead, p. 239, no. 43; where avellumcopy, of the edition of 1527, was sold for 9l.9s.My friend, Mr. Douce, has also beautiful copies of the editions of 1517 and 1519, upon paper of the finest lustre. It has been a moot point with bibliographers whether the extraordinary type of this book bewood, and cut in solid blocks, or moveable types ofmetal. No one is better able to set this point "at rest," as lawyers call it, than the gentleman whose name is here last mentioned.3337.Terentianus Maurus de Literis, Syllabis, et Metris Horatii.Mediol.fol., 149712120"This is judged to be the only copy of this edition in England, if not in the whole world. Dr. Askew could find no copy in his travels over Europe, though he made earnest and particular search in every library which he had an opportunity of consulting." Note in the catalogue. It was purchased by Dr. Hunter, and is now in his Museum. Originally it belonged to Dr. Taylor, the editor of Lysias and Demosthenes, who originally procured it from the Harleian Library, forfourguineas only. We are told that, during his life,one hundredguineas would not have obtained it!Rare and magnificent as the preceding articles may be considered, I can confidently assure the reader that they form a very small part of the extraordinary books in Dr.Askew'slibrary. Many atenandtwenty pounderhas been omitted—many aprinceof an edition passed by unregarded! The articles were 3570 in number; probably comprehending about 7000 volumes. They were sold for 4000l.It remains only to add that Dr.Askewwas a native of Kendal, in Westmorland; that he practised as a physician there with considerable success, and, on his establishment in London, was visited by all who were distinguished for learning, and curious in the fine arts. Dr. Mead supported him with a sort of paternal zeal; nor did he find in hisprotegéan ungrateful son. (See the Director, vol. i., p. 309.) Few minds were probably more congenial than were those ofMeadandAskew: the former had, if I may so speak, a magnificence of sentiment which infused into the mind of the latter just notions of a character aiming atsolid intellectualfame; without the petty arts and dirty tricks which we now see too frequently pursued to obtain it. Dr.Askew, with less pecuniary means of gratifying it, evinced an equal ardour in the pursuit of books, MSS., and inscriptions. I have heard from a very worthy old gentleman, who used to revel 'midst the luxury ofAskew'stable, that few men exhibited their books and pictures, or, as it is called,shewed the Lions, better than did the Doctor. Of his attainments in Greek and Roman literature it becomes not me to speak, when such a scholar as Dr.Parrhas been most eloquent in their praise. I should observe that the MSS. of Dr.Askewwere separately sold in 1781, and produced a very considerable sum. The Appendix to Scapula, published in an 8vo. volume, in 1789, wascompiiedfrom one of these MSS.
[391]Lysander is now arrived, pursuing his chronological order, at a very important period in the annals of book-sales. The name and collection of Dr.Askeware so well known in the bibliographical world that the reader need not be detained with laboured commendations on either: in the present place, however, it would be a cruel disappointment not to say a word or two by way of preface or prologue. Dr.Anthony Askewhad eminently distinguished himself by a refined taste, a sound knowledge, and an indefatigable research, relating to every thing connected with Grecian and Roman literature. It was to be expected, even during his life, as he was possessed of sufficient means to gratify himself with what was rare, curious, and beautiful, in literature and the fine arts, that the public would one day be benefited by such pursuits: especially as he had expressed a wish that his treasures might be unreservedly submitted to sale, after his decease. In this wish the doctor was not singular. Many eminent collectors had indulged it before him: and, to my knowledge, many modern ones still indulge it. Accordingly, on the death of Dr. Askew, in 1774, appeared, in the ensuing year, a catalogue of his books for sale, by Messrs. Baker and Leigh, under the following title: "Bibliotheca Askeviana,sive Catalogus Librorum Rarissimorum Antonii Askew, M.D., quorum Auctio fiet apud S. Baker et G. Leigh, in Vico dicto York Street, Covent Garden, Londini, Die Lunæ, 13 Februarii,mdcclxxv,et in undeviginti sequentes dies." A few copies were struck off onlarge paper, which are yet rather common. My own copy is of this kind, with the prices, and names of the purchasers. We are told, by the compiler of the catalogue, that it was thought "unnecessary to say much with respect to this library of the late Dr. Anthony Askew, as the collector and the collection were so well known in almost all parts of Europe." Afterwards it is observed that "The books in general are in very fine condition, many of them bound in morocco, and russia leather, with gilt leaves." "To give a particular account," continues the compiler, "of themany scarce editionsof books in this catalogue would be almost endless, therefore thefirst editionsof the classics, and someextremely rare books, are chiefly noticed. The catalogue, without any doubt, contains the best, rarest, and most valuable collection ofGreekandLatin Booksthat was ever sold in England, and the great time and trouble of forming it will, it is hoped, be a sufficient excuse for the price put to it." (1s.6d.the small paper, and 4s.the large.) This account is not overcharged. The collection in regard to Greek and Roman literature wasuniquein its day. Enriched with many a tome from the Harleian, Dr. Mead's, Martin Folkes's, and Dr. Rawlinson's library, as well as with numerous rare and splendid articles from foreign collections (for few men travelled with greater ardour, or had an acuter discrimination than Dr. Askew), the books were sought after by almost every one then eminent for bibliographical research.His Majestywas a purchaser, says Mr. J. Nichols, to the amount of about 300l.; Dr. Hunter, to the amount of 500l.; and De Bure (who had commissions from the King of France and many foreign collectors, to the amount of 1500l.) made purchases to the same amount; Dr. Maty was solicited by the trustees of the British Museum not to be unmindful ofthat repository; and accordingly he became a purchaser to a considerable amount. The late worthy and learned Mr. M.Cracherode, whose library now forms one of the most splendid acquisitions of the British Museum, and whosebequestof it will immortalize his memory, was also among the "Emptores literarii" at this renowned sale. He had enriched his collection with many an "Exemplar Askevianum;" and, in his latter days, used to elevate his hands and eyes, and exclaim against the pricesnowoffered forEditiones Principes. The fact is, Dr. Askew's sale has been considered a sort oferain bibliography. Since that period, rare and curious books in Greek and Latin literature have been greedily sought after, and obtained (as a recent sale abundantly testifies) at most extravagant prices. It is very well for a veteran in bibliographical literature, as was Mr. Cracherode, or as are Mr. Wodhull, and Dr. Gosset—whose collections were, in part, formed in the days of De Bure, Gaignat, Askew, Duke de la Valliere, and Lamoignon—it is very well for such gentlemen to declaim againstmodern prices! But what is to be done? Classical books grow scarcer every day, and the love of literature, and of possessing rare and interesting works, increases in an equal ratio. Hungry bibliographers meet, at sales, with well-furnished purses, and are resolved upon sumptuous fare! Thus the hammervibrates, after a bidding offorty pounds, where formerly it used regularly tofallatfour! But we lose sight of Dr. Askew'srare editions, andlarge paper copies. The following, gentle reader, is but an imperfect specimen!
Rare and magnificent as the preceding articles may be considered, I can confidently assure the reader that they form a very small part of the extraordinary books in Dr.Askew'slibrary. Many atenandtwenty pounderhas been omitted—many aprinceof an edition passed by unregarded! The articles were 3570 in number; probably comprehending about 7000 volumes. They were sold for 4000l.It remains only to add that Dr.Askewwas a native of Kendal, in Westmorland; that he practised as a physician there with considerable success, and, on his establishment in London, was visited by all who were distinguished for learning, and curious in the fine arts. Dr. Mead supported him with a sort of paternal zeal; nor did he find in hisprotegéan ungrateful son. (See the Director, vol. i., p. 309.) Few minds were probably more congenial than were those ofMeadandAskew: the former had, if I may so speak, a magnificence of sentiment which infused into the mind of the latter just notions of a character aiming atsolid intellectualfame; without the petty arts and dirty tricks which we now see too frequently pursued to obtain it. Dr.Askew, with less pecuniary means of gratifying it, evinced an equal ardour in the pursuit of books, MSS., and inscriptions. I have heard from a very worthy old gentleman, who used to revel 'midst the luxury ofAskew'stable, that few men exhibited their books and pictures, or, as it is called,shewed the Lions, better than did the Doctor. Of his attainments in Greek and Roman literature it becomes not me to speak, when such a scholar as Dr.Parrhas been most eloquent in their praise. I should observe that the MSS. of Dr.Askewwere separately sold in 1781, and produced a very considerable sum. The Appendix to Scapula, published in an 8vo. volume, in 1789, wascompiiedfrom one of these MSS.
After an event so striking and so melancholy, one would think that futureVirtuosiwould have barricadoed their doors, and fumigated their chambers, in order to escape the ravages of theBook-Pest:—but how few are they who profit by experience, even when dearly obtained! The subsequentHistory of the Bibliomaniais a striking proof of the truth of this remark: for the disease rather increased, and the work of death yet went on. In the following year (1776) diedJohn Ratcliffe;[392]a bibliomaniac of a very peculiarcharacter. If he had contented himself with his former occupation, and frequented the butter and cheese,instead of the book, market—if he could have fancied himself in a brown peruke, and Russian apron, instead of an embroidered waistcoat, velvet breeches, and flowing periwig, he might, perhaps, have enjoyed greater longevity; but, infatuated by theCaxtonsandWynkyn de Wordesof the West and Fletewode collections, he fell into the snare; and the more he struggled to disentangle himself, the more certainly did he become a victim to the disease.
[392]Bibliotheca Ratcliffiana; or, "A Catalogue of the elegant and truly valuable Library ofJohn Ratcliffe,Esq., late of Bermondsey, deceased. The whole collected with great judgment and expense, during the last thirty years of his life: comprehending a large and most choice collection of the rare old Englishblack-letter, in fine preservation, and in elegant bindings, printed by Caxton, Lettou, Machlinia, the anonymous St. Alban's Schoolmaster, Wynkyn de Worde, Pynson, Berthelet, Grafton, Day, Newberie, Marshe, Jugge, Whytchurch, Wyer, Rastell, Coplande, and the rest of theOld English Typographers: several missals and MSS., and two pedigrees on vellum, finely illuminated." The title-page then sets forth a specimen of these black-letter gems; among which our eyes are dazzled with a galaxy of Caxtons, Wynkyn de Wordes, Pynsons, &c., &c. The sale took place on March 27, 1776; although theyearis unaccountably omitted by that renowned auctioneer, the late Mr. Christie, who disposed of them. If ever there was auniquecollection, this was one—the very essence of Old Divinity, Poetry, Romances, and Chronicles! The articles were only 1675 in number; but their intrinsic value amply compensated for their paucity. The following is but an inadequate specimen:NO.£s.d.1315.Horace's Arte of Poetrie, Pistles, and Satyres, by Durant, 1567.First English. Edition01601321.The Shepard's Calendar, 1579. Whetstone's Castle of Delight, 15761201392.The Pastyme of People,printedby Rastell. Curious wood-cuts4701393.The Chronicles of Englande,printed by Caxton, fine copy, 14805501394.Ditto,printed at St. Albans, 1483. Purchased by Dr. Hunter, and now in his Museum (which copy I have seen)7701403.Barclay's Shyp of Folys, printed by Pynson, 1508,first edit., a fine copy21001426.The Doctrinal of Sapyence,printed by Caxton, 14898801427.The Boke called Cathon,ditto, 1483. Purchased by Dr. Hunter, and now in his Museum5501428.The Polytyque Boke, named Tullius de Senectute, in Englyshe,printed by Caxton, 148114001429.The Game of Chesse Playe. No date.Printed by Caxton16001665.The Boke of Jason,printed by Caxton51001669.The Polychronicon of Ranulph Higden, translated by Trevisa, 1482.Printed by the same, and purchased by Dr. Hunter51561670.Legenda Aurea, or the Golden Legende.Printed by the same, 148391501674.Mr. Ratcliffe's MS. Catalogue of therare old black-letter and other curious and uncommon books, 4 vols.7150[This would have been the most delicious article tomypalate. If the present owner of it were disposed to part with it, I could not find it in my heart to refuse himcompound interestfor his money. As is the wooden frame-work to the bricklayer, in the construction of his arch, so might Mr. Ratcliffe's MS. Catalogues be to me in the compilation of a certainmagnum opus!]I beg pardon of themanesof "John Ratcliffe, Esq.," for the very inadequate manner in which I have brought forward his collection to public notice. The memory of such a man ought to be dear to the "black-letter-dogs" of the present day: for he had (mirabile dictu!)upwards ofThirty Caxtons! I take the present opportunity of presenting the reader with the following engraving of the Ratcliffe Library, Oxon.Ratcliffe LibraryIf I might hazard a comparison between Mr. James West's and Mr. John Ratcliffe's collections, I should say that the former was more extensive; the latter more curious. Mr. West's, like a magnificentchampagne, executed by the hand of Claude or Both, and enclosing mountains, meadows, and streams, presented to the eye of the beholder a scene at once luxuriant and fruitful: Mr. Ratcliffe's, like one of those confined pieces of scenery, touched by the pencil of Rysdael or Hobbima, exhibited to the beholder's eye a spot equally interesting, but less varied and extensive: the judgment displayed in both might be the same. The sweeping foliage and rich pasture of the former could not, perhaps, afford greater gratification than the thatched cottage, abrupt declivities, and gushing streams of the latter. To change the metaphor—Mr. West's was a magnificent repository; Mr. Ratcliffe's, a cabinet of curiosities. Of some particulars of Mr. Ratcliffe's life, I had hoped to have found gleanings in Mr. Nichols'sAnecdotes of Bowyer; but his name does not even appear in the index; being probably reserved for the second forth-coming enlarged edition. Meanwhile, it may not be uninteresting to remark that, like Magliabechi, (videp. 86, ante) he imbibed his love of reading and collecting from the accidental possession of scraps and leaves of books. The fact is, Mr. Ratcliffe once kept achandler's shopin the Borough; and, as is the case with all retail traders, had great quantities of old books brought to him to be purchased at so muchper lb.! Hence arose his passion for collecting theblack-letter, as well asStilton cheeses: and hence, by unwearied assiduity, and attention to business, he amassed a sufficiency to retire, and live, for the remainder of his days, upon the luxury ofOld English Literature!
[392]Bibliotheca Ratcliffiana; or, "A Catalogue of the elegant and truly valuable Library ofJohn Ratcliffe,Esq., late of Bermondsey, deceased. The whole collected with great judgment and expense, during the last thirty years of his life: comprehending a large and most choice collection of the rare old Englishblack-letter, in fine preservation, and in elegant bindings, printed by Caxton, Lettou, Machlinia, the anonymous St. Alban's Schoolmaster, Wynkyn de Worde, Pynson, Berthelet, Grafton, Day, Newberie, Marshe, Jugge, Whytchurch, Wyer, Rastell, Coplande, and the rest of theOld English Typographers: several missals and MSS., and two pedigrees on vellum, finely illuminated." The title-page then sets forth a specimen of these black-letter gems; among which our eyes are dazzled with a galaxy of Caxtons, Wynkyn de Wordes, Pynsons, &c., &c. The sale took place on March 27, 1776; although theyearis unaccountably omitted by that renowned auctioneer, the late Mr. Christie, who disposed of them. If ever there was auniquecollection, this was one—the very essence of Old Divinity, Poetry, Romances, and Chronicles! The articles were only 1675 in number; but their intrinsic value amply compensated for their paucity. The following is but an inadequate specimen:
I beg pardon of themanesof "John Ratcliffe, Esq.," for the very inadequate manner in which I have brought forward his collection to public notice. The memory of such a man ought to be dear to the "black-letter-dogs" of the present day: for he had (mirabile dictu!)upwards ofThirty Caxtons! I take the present opportunity of presenting the reader with the following engraving of the Ratcliffe Library, Oxon.
Ratcliffe LibraryIf I might hazard a comparison between Mr. James West's and Mr. John Ratcliffe's collections, I should say that the former was more extensive; the latter more curious. Mr. West's, like a magnificentchampagne, executed by the hand of Claude or Both, and enclosing mountains, meadows, and streams, presented to the eye of the beholder a scene at once luxuriant and fruitful: Mr. Ratcliffe's, like one of those confined pieces of scenery, touched by the pencil of Rysdael or Hobbima, exhibited to the beholder's eye a spot equally interesting, but less varied and extensive: the judgment displayed in both might be the same. The sweeping foliage and rich pasture of the former could not, perhaps, afford greater gratification than the thatched cottage, abrupt declivities, and gushing streams of the latter. To change the metaphor—Mr. West's was a magnificent repository; Mr. Ratcliffe's, a cabinet of curiosities. Of some particulars of Mr. Ratcliffe's life, I had hoped to have found gleanings in Mr. Nichols'sAnecdotes of Bowyer; but his name does not even appear in the index; being probably reserved for the second forth-coming enlarged edition. Meanwhile, it may not be uninteresting to remark that, like Magliabechi, (videp. 86, ante) he imbibed his love of reading and collecting from the accidental possession of scraps and leaves of books. The fact is, Mr. Ratcliffe once kept achandler's shopin the Borough; and, as is the case with all retail traders, had great quantities of old books brought to him to be purchased at so muchper lb.! Hence arose his passion for collecting theblack-letter, as well asStilton cheeses: and hence, by unwearied assiduity, and attention to business, he amassed a sufficiency to retire, and live, for the remainder of his days, upon the luxury ofOld English Literature!
It is with pain that I trace the ravages of theBook-Maniato a later period. Many a heart yet aches, and many a tear is yet shed, on a remembrance of the mortality of this frightful disease. After the purchasers of Ratcliffe's treasures had fully perused, and deposited in fit places within their libraries, some of the scarcest volumes in the collection, they were called upon to witness a yet more splendid victim to the Bibliomania: I mean, the HonourableTopham Beauclerk.[393]One, whohad frequently gladdenedJohnsonin his gloomy moments; and who is allowed, by that splenetic sage andgreat teacher of morality, to have united the elegant manners of a gentleman with the mental accomplishments of a scholar. Beauclerk's Catalogue is a fair specimen of the analytico-bibliographical powers of Paterson: yet it must be confessed that this renowned champion of catalogue-makers shines with greater, and nearly perfect, splendour, in the collection of theRev. Thomas Crofts[394]—a collection which, taking it "for allin all," I know not whether it be exceeded by any which this country has recorded in the shape of a private catalogue. The owner was a modest, careful, andacutely sagacious bibliomaniac: learned, retired, yet communicative: and if ever you lay hold of alargepapercopy of a catalogue of his books, which, as well as the small, carries the printed prices at the end, seize it in triumph, Lisardo, for it is a noble volume, and by no means a worthless prize.
[393]There are few libraries better worth the attention of a scholarlike collector than was the one of the distinguished character above noticed by Lysander. The Catalogue of Beauclerk's books has the following title: "Bibliotheca Beauclerkiana; A Catalogue of the large and valuable Library of the late HonourableTopham Beauclerk, F.R.S.,deceased; comprehending an excellent choice of books, to the number of upwards of 30,000 volumes, &c. Sold by auction, by Mr. Paterson, in April, 1781," 8vo. The catalogue has two parts: parti.containing 230; partii.137, pp. The most magnificent and costly volume was the largest paper copy of Dr. Clarke's edition of Cæsar's Commentaries, 1712, fol., which was sold for 44l.; and of which the binding, according to Dr. Harwood's testimony, cost 5l.5s.There is nothing, inmoderntimes, very marvellous in this price of binding. Of thetwo partsof the Beauclerk collection, thesecondis the most valuable to the collector of English Antiquities and History, and thefirstto the general scholar. But let not the bibliomaniac run too swiftly over the first, for at nos. 3450, 3453, he will find two books which rank among the rarest of those in old English poetry. At the close of the second part, there are a few curious manuscripts; three of which are deserving of a description here.PART II.£s.d.3275.Thomas of Arundel, his Legend in old English verse;viiparts, with the Entre, or Prologue:written A.D. M.C.VII. upon vellum, the Capitals illuminated, fol. Here follows a specimen of the verse1180ye fyrst pt of ys yt esof mon and of his urechednes.ye secounde pte folowyng esof ye worldes unstabillnes.ye yyrdde pt yt is of deth& of peyn yt wt hy geth.the ferthe parte is of purgatoryeyere soules ben clensed of her folye.ye fyfte pt of ys dey of doom& of tokens yt byfore shul coom.ye syxte pt of ys boke to telleyt speketh of ye peynes of helle.ye seventhe part of joys in hevenyat bene more yenne tong may neuen.3276.The Life and Acts of St. Edmond, King and Martyr, by John Lydgate, Monk of Bury, fol.:a choice MS. upon vellum, illuminated throughout, and embellished with 52 Historical Miniatures. For a specimen of the verse, take the first stanza:2210The noble stoory to putte in remembraunceOf Seynt Edmond mayd martre and kyngWith his suppoor: my style i wyl avaunceffirst to compyle afftre my konnynghis gloryous lyff his birthe and his gynnyingAnd by discent how he was soo goodWas in Saxonye borne of the royal blood.3288.The Armes, Honours, Matches, and Issues of the auncient and illustriousFamily of Veer: described in the honourable progeny of the Earles of Oxenford and other branches thereof. Together with a genealogical deduction of this noble family from the blood of 12 forreyne princes: viz. 3 Emperours, 3 Kings, 3 Dukes, and 3 Earles, &c.Gathered out of History, Recordes, and other Monuments of Antiquity, by Percivall Goulding, Gent. The Arms illuminated, folio.900I will just add that this catalogue is creditably printed in a good size octavo volume, and that there are copies uponlarge paper. The arrangement of the books is very creditable to the bibliographical reputation of Paterson.[394]When the reader is informed that Paterson tells us, in the preface of this volume, that "In almost every language and science, and even under the shortest heads, some one or more rare articles occur; but in the copious classes, such as follow, literary curiosity is gratified, ishighly feasted"—and that the author of this remark used, in his latter days, to hit his knee hard with his open hand, and exclaim—"By G——, Crofts' Catalogue is my chef d'œuvre, out and out"—when he reflects, I say, for a minute upon these two bibliographical stimuli, he will hasten (if he have it not already) to seize upon that volume of which the following is but an imperfect specimen of the treasures contained in it: "Bibliotheca Croftsiana: A Catalogue of the curious and distinguished Library of the late Reverend and LearnedThomas Crofts, A.M., &c. Sold by auction, by Mr. Paterson, in April, 1783," 8vo. This collection, containing 8360 articles, although not quite so generally useful as the preceding, is admirably well arranged; and evinces, from the rarity of some of the volumes in the more curious departments of literature, the sound bibliographical knowledge and correct taste of Mr. Crofts: who was, in truth, both a scholar and bibliomaniac of no ordinary reputation. I hasten to treat the reader with the followingExcerpta Croftsiana: being a selection of articles from this catalogue, quite according with the present prevailing fashion of Book-Collecting:NO.£s.d.2741.Raccolta de Poeti Provenzali MS. antiq.Supermembr., 8vo.,cor. turc. avec une table des noms des troubadours contenu dans ce MS.5764920.Les cent nouvelles nouvelles,Lettres Gothiques, fig. fol.,velin Paris, imprimées par Nic. Desprez.m.d.v.21504921.Le Chevalier de la Tour. Et le guidon des guerres;lettres Gothiques, fig. fol. maroq. rouge, imprimé à Paris, pour Guil. Eustace.m.d.xiv.21704922.Le premier, second, et tiers volume de Lancelot du Lac;nouvellement imprimé à Paris. L'an mil cinq cens et xx, pour Michel le Noir; Lettres Gothiques, fig. fol. maroq. rouge101504923.Le premier et le second volume du Sainct Greaal, contenant la conqueste dudict Sainct Greaal, faicte par Lancelot du Lac, Galaad Perceval et Boors;Lettres Gothiques, fig. fol. maroq. rouge, Paris, imprimé par Phel le Noir,m.d.xxiii576"Ce volume est un des plus rares de la classe des Romans de Chevalerie. T.C."4924.Ci Commence Guy de Warwick chevalier Dangleterre qui en son tems fit plusieurs prouesses et conquestes en Allemaigne, Ytalie, et Dannemarche. Et aussi sur les infidelles ennemys de la Crestienté;Lettres Gothiques, fig. fol. maroq. rouge. Paris, imprimé par Ant. Couteau,m.d.xxv.11804925.Le premier et le second volume de Merlin, qui est le premier livre de la table ronde, avec plusieurs choses moult recreative: aussi les Prophecies de Merlin, qui est le tierce partie et derniere:Lettres Gothiques, 2 tom. 4to., maroq. rouge, Paris,m.d.xxviii.11804926.La treselegante, delicieuse, melliflue, et tresplaisante Hystoire du tresnoble, victori, et excellentissime roy Perceforest, Roy de la Grand Bretaigne, fundateur du Francpalais et du temple du souverain Dieu. En laquelle lecture pourra veoir la source et decoration de toute Chevalerie, culture de vraye Noblesse, Prouesses, &c. Avecques plusieurs propheties, Comptes Damans, et leur divers fortunes.Lettres Gothiques, 6 tom. en 3 fol., Paris, chez Galliot du Pre,m.d.xxviii.7004927.Le tiers, quart, cinquiesme, sixiesme, et dernier volumes des Anciennes Croniques Dangleterre, faictz et gestes du trespreux et redoubte en chevalerie, le noble roy Perceforest:imprimé à Paris pour Egide Gourmont et Phil. le Noir,m.d.xxxii.2 tom. folio01164298.Le Parangon des Nouvelles, honestes et delectables à tous ceulx qui desirent voir et ouyr choses nouvelles et recreatives soubz umbre et couleur de joyeuste, 8vo. fig. maroq. rouge.Imprimez à Lyon, par Denys de Harsy, 1532Les Parolles joyeuses et Dicts memorables des nobles et saiges Homes anciens, redigez par le gracieulx et honeste Poete Messire Francoys Petrarcque,fig. ib.15322504929.L'Histoire de Isaie le triste filz de Tristan de leonnoys, jadis Chevalier de la table ronde, et de la Royne Izeut de Cornouaille, ensemble les nobles prouesses de chevallerie faictes par Marc lexille filz. au dict Isaye:Lettres Gothiques, avec fig., 4to., maroq. rouge. On les vend à Paris par Jehan Bonfons, 15352126"There is no direct date either at the beginning or end, nor any privilege annexed to this rare Romance. Mr. Crofts, though extremely accurate, for the most part, has made no remark; neither has the industrious Mr. de Bure taken notice of this particular edition. The date is, nevertheless, obvious, according to my conjecture. After the words filz du dict Isaye, in the general title, at some distance, stand these numerals lxv. c. At first I apprehended they referred to the work, as containing so many chapters; but upon examining the table, I found the Romance to consist of 92 chapters: I conclude they must relate to the date of the book, and are to be read lxv. ante M.D.C., or 1535. S.P."4932.Meliadus de Leonmoys. Du present Volume sont contenus les nobles faictz darmes du vaillant roy Meliadus. Ensemble plusieurs autres nobles proesses de Chevalerie faictes tant par le roy Artus, Palamedes, &c., &c.Lettres Gothiques, fig., fol., maroq. bleu, Paris, chez Galliot du Pré31004933.Lhystoire tresrecreative, traictant des faictz et gestes du noble et vaillant Chevalier Theseus de Coulongne, par sa proesse Empereur de Rome. Et aussi de sons fils Gadifer, Empereur de Grece. Pareillement des trois enfans de Gadifer, cestassavoir Regnault, Reynier, et Regnesson, &c.Lettres Gothiques, avec fig. 4to., en peau russe. Paris, pour Jehan Bonfons, s.a.5004938.L'Histoire Palladienne, traitant des gestes et genereux Faitz d'armes et d'armour de plusieurs Grandz Princes et Seigneurs, specialement de Palladien filz du roy Milanor d'Angleterre, et de la belle Selenine, &c.; par feu Cl. Colet Champenois,fig., fol., maroquin jaune. Paris, de l'imprimerie d'Estien. Goulleau, 155511804945.Hist. du noble Tristan Prince de Leonnois, Chevalier de la table ronde, et d'Yseulte, Princesse d'Yrlande, Royne de Cornouaille; fait Francois par Jean Maugin, dit l'Angevin,fig., 4to., maroq. rouge, Rouen. 15861504953.L'Hist. du noble et vaillant Chevalier Paris et la belle Vienne,4to., Rouen31004961.Histoires Prodigieuses, extractes de plusieurs fameux Autheurs, Grecs et Latins, par Pier Boaisteau, Cl. de Tesserant, F. de Belleforest, Rod. Hoyer, &c.,fig. 6 tom. en 3, 12mo., maroq. rouge. Par chez la Verfue Cavellat, 15982904964.Valentine and Orson, cuts, black letter, 4to.London; no date. (Not sold.)7276.Hollinshed's (Raphe) and William Harrison's Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland, continued by John Hooker, alias Vowell, and others;black letter, 3 vols. fol., large paper, in Russia, 158613267399.Lynch (Jo.) Seu Gratiani Lucii Hiberni Cambrensis Eversus, seu potius Historica fides, in Rebus Hibernicis, Giraldo Cambrensi abrogata, fol.Impress. An. 1662. Sine Loco aut Nomine Impressoris340"Liber inter Historicos Hibernicos rarissimus et inventu difficilimus, quippe cujus pars maxima exemplarium in incendio periit Londinensi. Sub Lucii Gratiani nomine latet verus autor Johannes Lynch (Tuamensis Archidiaconus) qui post Gallvæ deditionem, Exul in Gallia hocce opus patriæ vindex composuit. T.C."This catalogue contains 8360 articles. There are printed lists of the prices for which each set of books was sold: but I am afraid that an arrant bibliomaniac, like myself (for thus my friends are cruel enough to call me!) will be content only with alarge papercopy of it, with the prices neatly penned in the margin. I conclude that Lysander recommends the volume in this shape to all tasteful collectors.
[393]There are few libraries better worth the attention of a scholarlike collector than was the one of the distinguished character above noticed by Lysander. The Catalogue of Beauclerk's books has the following title: "Bibliotheca Beauclerkiana; A Catalogue of the large and valuable Library of the late HonourableTopham Beauclerk, F.R.S.,deceased; comprehending an excellent choice of books, to the number of upwards of 30,000 volumes, &c. Sold by auction, by Mr. Paterson, in April, 1781," 8vo. The catalogue has two parts: parti.containing 230; partii.137, pp. The most magnificent and costly volume was the largest paper copy of Dr. Clarke's edition of Cæsar's Commentaries, 1712, fol., which was sold for 44l.; and of which the binding, according to Dr. Harwood's testimony, cost 5l.5s.There is nothing, inmoderntimes, very marvellous in this price of binding. Of thetwo partsof the Beauclerk collection, thesecondis the most valuable to the collector of English Antiquities and History, and thefirstto the general scholar. But let not the bibliomaniac run too swiftly over the first, for at nos. 3450, 3453, he will find two books which rank among the rarest of those in old English poetry. At the close of the second part, there are a few curious manuscripts; three of which are deserving of a description here.
PART II.
I will just add that this catalogue is creditably printed in a good size octavo volume, and that there are copies uponlarge paper. The arrangement of the books is very creditable to the bibliographical reputation of Paterson.
[394]When the reader is informed that Paterson tells us, in the preface of this volume, that "In almost every language and science, and even under the shortest heads, some one or more rare articles occur; but in the copious classes, such as follow, literary curiosity is gratified, ishighly feasted"—and that the author of this remark used, in his latter days, to hit his knee hard with his open hand, and exclaim—"By G——, Crofts' Catalogue is my chef d'œuvre, out and out"—when he reflects, I say, for a minute upon these two bibliographical stimuli, he will hasten (if he have it not already) to seize upon that volume of which the following is but an imperfect specimen of the treasures contained in it: "Bibliotheca Croftsiana: A Catalogue of the curious and distinguished Library of the late Reverend and LearnedThomas Crofts, A.M., &c. Sold by auction, by Mr. Paterson, in April, 1783," 8vo. This collection, containing 8360 articles, although not quite so generally useful as the preceding, is admirably well arranged; and evinces, from the rarity of some of the volumes in the more curious departments of literature, the sound bibliographical knowledge and correct taste of Mr. Crofts: who was, in truth, both a scholar and bibliomaniac of no ordinary reputation. I hasten to treat the reader with the followingExcerpta Croftsiana: being a selection of articles from this catalogue, quite according with the present prevailing fashion of Book-Collecting:
This catalogue contains 8360 articles. There are printed lists of the prices for which each set of books was sold: but I am afraid that an arrant bibliomaniac, like myself (for thus my friends are cruel enough to call me!) will be content only with alarge papercopy of it, with the prices neatly penned in the margin. I conclude that Lysander recommends the volume in this shape to all tasteful collectors.
Lis.But there are surely other large paper——
Alman.What can there possibly be in a large paper copy of aCatalogue of Bookswhich merits the appellation of "nobleness" and "richness?"
Loren.You are a little out of order. Such a question cuts the heart of a bibliographer in twain. Pray let Lysander pursue his narrative.
Lysand.I have no sort of objection to such interruptions. But I think the day is not very far distant when females will begin to have as high a relish forlarge papercopies of every work as their male rivals. Now let us go on quietly towards the close of my long-winded bibliomaniacal history. And first let us not fail to pay due respect to the cabinet of literary bijoux collected by that renowned bibliomaniac,Mark Cephas Tutet.[395]His collection was distinguished bysome very uncommon articles of early date, both of foreign and British typography; and, if you take a peep into Lorenzo's priced copy of the catalogue containing also the purchasers' names, you will find thatmost notorious modern bibliomaniacs ran away with the choicest prizes. Tutet's catalogue, although drawn up in a meagre and most disadvantageous style, is a great favourite with me; chiefly for the valuable articles which it exhibits.