[402]A Catalogue of the Library of the late Right HonourableDenis Daly,which will be sold by auction on the first of May, 1792, by James Vallance.Dublin, 8vo. A fac-simile copper-plate of a part of the first psalm, taken from a Bible erroneously supposed to have been printed by Ulric Zell in 1458, faces the title-page; and a short and pertinent preface succeeds it. The collection was choice and elegant: the books are well described, and the catalogue is printed with neatness. The copies onlarge paperare very scarce. I subjoin, as a curiosity, and for the sake of comparing with modern prices, the sums for which a few popular articles inEnglish Historywere disposed of.NO.£s.d.527.Tyrrell's General History of England, 5 vols. Lond. 1697, fol. "To this copy Mr. Tyrell has made considerable additions in MS. written in a fair hand, which must be worthy of the attention of the learned."1049533.Rapin's History of England with Tyndal's Continuation, 5 vols.elegantly bound in russia. Lond. 1743-1747, folio. "One of the most capital sets of Rapin extant; besides the elegant portraits of the kings and queens, monuments, medals, &c. engraved for this work, it is further enriched with the beautiful prints executed by Vertue and Houbraken, for Birch's Illustrious Heads." folio.1727534.Carte's General History of England, 4 vols., fine paper,elegant in russia. Lond. 1747, folio.7193537.Birch's Lives of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain, with their heads by Houbraken and Vertue; 2 vols. in one,first impression of the plates, imperial paper. Lond. 1743-1751, folio. It is impossible to give a perfect idea of this book: every plate is fine, and appears to be selected from the earliest impressions: it is now very scarce.22150538.Campbell's Vitruvius Britannicus, with Woolfe's and Gandon's Continuation, 5 vols.large paper, fine impressions of the plates, elegantly bound in morocco, gilt leaves, &c.Lond. 1717-1767, folio.2506540.Wood's Historia et Antiquitates Oxoniensis,large paper, russia, gilt leaves, &c.Ox. 1674.21610542.Biographia Britannica, 7 vols.large paper, elegantly bound. Lond. 1747, fol.13130543.—— —— 4 vols. new edition,elegantly bound in green Turkey. Lond. 1778.7193545.Mathæi Paris, Monachi Albanensis Angli, Historia Major, a Wats. Lond. 1640, folio.3197546.Mathæi Westmonasteriensis, Flores Historiarum. Franc. 1601, folio.21610547.Historiæ Anglicanæ Scriptores Varii, a Sparke. Lond. 1723, folio.256548.Historiæ Anglicanæ Scriptores X. a Twysden; 2 tom. fol.deaurat.Lond. 1652, folio.4110549.Rerum Anglicarum Scriptores post Bedam, a Saville, fol.deaurat.Lond. 1596, folio.256550.Rerum Anglicarum Scriptorum Veterum, a Gale; 3 tom. fol.deaurat.Lond. 1684-91.5139551.Rerum Britannicarum, Scriptores Vetustiores. Lugd. 1587, folio.180573.Prynne's Records, 3 vols., with thefrontispieces complete, gilt, broad border of gold. Lond. 1666-68. "For an account of this rare and valuable work, see Oldy's British Librarian, pageii. Not more than 70 copies of the first vol. were rescued from the fire of London, 1666." folio.80153I learn from the nephew of the late Mr. Archer, of Dublin, bookseller, that the late Lord Clare offered 4000 guineas for the collection—which contained only 1441 lots or articles. The offer was rejected. Although the amount of the sale did not exceed 3700l.—according to a rough calculation.
[402]A Catalogue of the Library of the late Right HonourableDenis Daly,which will be sold by auction on the first of May, 1792, by James Vallance.Dublin, 8vo. A fac-simile copper-plate of a part of the first psalm, taken from a Bible erroneously supposed to have been printed by Ulric Zell in 1458, faces the title-page; and a short and pertinent preface succeeds it. The collection was choice and elegant: the books are well described, and the catalogue is printed with neatness. The copies onlarge paperare very scarce. I subjoin, as a curiosity, and for the sake of comparing with modern prices, the sums for which a few popular articles inEnglish Historywere disposed of.
I learn from the nephew of the late Mr. Archer, of Dublin, bookseller, that the late Lord Clare offered 4000 guineas for the collection—which contained only 1441 lots or articles. The offer was rejected. Although the amount of the sale did not exceed 3700l.—according to a rough calculation.
Lis.I do:—and a marvellously fine one it is!
Loren.Well, this was formerlyExemplar Dalyanum. But now proceed. I wished only to convince you that the miasmata (as you call them) of the bibliomaniacal disease had reached our Sister Kingdom. Of Scotland[403]—I know nothing in commendation respecting theBibliomania.
[403]This is rather a hasty speech, on the part of Lorenzo. The copious and curious catalogues of those booksellers, Messrs.Constable,Laing, andBlackwood—are a sufficient demonstration that the cause of theBibliomaniaflourishes in the city of Edinburgh. Whether they have such desperate bibliomaniacs in Scotland, as we possess in London, and especially of the book-auction species—is a point which I cannot take upon me to decide. Certain it is that the notes of their great poet are not deficient in numerous tempting extracts from rare black-letter tomes; and if his example be not more generally followed than it is, the fault must lie with some scribe or other who counteracts its influence by propagating opinions, and recommending studies, of a different, and less tasteful, cast of character. I am fearful that there are too many politico-economical, metaphysical, and philosophical miasmata, floating in the atmosphere of Scotland's metropolis, to render the climate there just now favourable to the legitimate cause of theBibliomania.
[403]This is rather a hasty speech, on the part of Lorenzo. The copious and curious catalogues of those booksellers, Messrs.Constable,Laing, andBlackwood—are a sufficient demonstration that the cause of theBibliomaniaflourishes in the city of Edinburgh. Whether they have such desperate bibliomaniacs in Scotland, as we possess in London, and especially of the book-auction species—is a point which I cannot take upon me to decide. Certain it is that the notes of their great poet are not deficient in numerous tempting extracts from rare black-letter tomes; and if his example be not more generally followed than it is, the fault must lie with some scribe or other who counteracts its influence by propagating opinions, and recommending studies, of a different, and less tasteful, cast of character. I am fearful that there are too many politico-economical, metaphysical, and philosophical miasmata, floating in the atmosphere of Scotland's metropolis, to render the climate there just now favourable to the legitimate cause of theBibliomania.
I had nearly forgotten to mention, with the encomiums which they merit, the select, curious, and splendid collections of theChauncys:[404]very able scholars, and zealous bibliomaniacs. Many a heavy-metalled competitor attended the sale of theBibliotheca Chauncyana; and, I dare say, if such a collection of books were nowsub hastâ——
[404]A Catalogue of the elegant and valuable Libraries ofCharles Chauncy, M.D. F.R.S. and F.S.A.;and of his brother,Nathaniel Chauncy,Esq., both deceased: &c. Sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, April, 1790, 8vo.: 3153 articles.NO.£s.d.99.Booke of Raynarde the Foxe, morocco, gilt leaves,London by Thomas Gaultier, 1550, 8vo.230108.Merie Tales by Master Skelton, Poet Laureat;imprinted by Thomas Colwell; no date, 12mo.160109.The Pleasunt Historie of Lazarillo de Tormes, by David Rouland;impr. at London, by Abel Jeffes, 1586, 12mo.0110112.The Newe Testament, corrected by Tyndal, with exhortations by Erasmus;gilt leaves, 1536, 12mo.526113.More's Utopia, by Robynson;impr. by Abraham Veale, 12mo. (1551.)080"N.B. In this are the passages which have been left out in the later editions." (But the reader may be pleased to examine my edition of this translation of the Utopia; 1808, 2 vols., 8vo., see vol. i., p. clix.)119.The Epidicion into Scotland of the most woorthely fortunate Prince Edward, Duke of Somerset, Uncle unto our most noble sovereign, &c., Edward the VIth;imprinted by Grafton; 1548, 8vo.2180(At the sale of Mr. Gough's books in 1810, a fine copy of this work was sold for 10l.10s.)362.Ben Jonson his Volpone, or the Foxe;morocco, gilt leaves, 1607, 4to.400"In this book is this note written by Ben Jonson himself. 'To his loving father, and worthy friend Mr. John Florio: the ayde of his Muses. Ben Jonson seales this testimony of friendship and love.'"384.Nychodemus's Gospell,morocco, gilt leaves, emprynted at London, by Wynkyn de Worde, 1511, 4to.220388.Oxford and Cambridge Verses;in blue and red morocco, gilt leaves, with gold tassels, 13 vols., 1617, &c., fol.2126572.Caius of English Dogges, the diversities, the names, the natures, and the properties, by Fleming;imprinted at London by Richard Johnes, 1576, 4to.5100592.The Life and Death of the merry Devill of Edmonton, with the pleasant Prancks of Smug the smith, Sir John, and mine Host of the George, about the stealing of Venison, frontispiece, 4to.1100599.Speculum Xristiani, corio turcico, impress.London, p. Willelmum de Machliniaad instanciam nec non expensas Henrici Urankenburg, mercatoris,sine anno vel loco, circa, 1480, 4to.1100599.A Hundreth Sundrie Flowers, bounde up in one small poesie, gathered in the fyne outlandish gardins of Euripides, Ovid, Petrake, Aristo, and others.London, 4to.11201669.The Recuile of the Historie of Troie;imprynted1553,by William Copland, folio2501670.The Pastyme of People. The Chronicles of dyvers Realmys, and most specyally of the Realme of Englond, brevely compylyd andemprynted in Chepesyde at the sygne of the Mearmayde, next Polly's Gate (made up with MS.) morocco, gilt leaves, folio91401684.Cunningham's Cosmographical Glasse.Lond. printed by Daye, 1559, fol.5156(I conclude that it had the portrait.)2932.Ptolomæi Cosmographie; cum tab.georgr.illum.Impress. in Membranis, 1482, fol.141402933.Virgilii Opera:Impres. in Membram. Venet. ap. Barthol. Cremonens, 1472, fol. (Two leaves on vellum in MS. very fairly written)4310Purchased by the late Mr. Quin.2934.Plinii Hist. Naturalis; Venet. 1472, folio.Impres. in Membranis.The first leaf illuminated on very fine vellum paper. Note in this book: "This book, formerly Lord Oxford's, was bought by him of Andrew Hay for 160 guineas."6520Purchased by Mr. Edwards.There was also a magnificent copy ofPynson's first edition of Chaucer's Works, in folio, which is now in the collection of Earl Spencer.
[404]A Catalogue of the elegant and valuable Libraries ofCharles Chauncy, M.D. F.R.S. and F.S.A.;and of his brother,Nathaniel Chauncy,Esq., both deceased: &c. Sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, April, 1790, 8vo.: 3153 articles.
There was also a magnificent copy ofPynson's first edition of Chaucer's Works, in folio, which is now in the collection of Earl Spencer.
Lis.He means "under the hammer."—Ladies are not supposed to know these cramp Latin phrases.—
Lysand.Well, "under the hammer:"—if, I say, such a collection were now to be disposed of by public auction, how eager and emulous would our notorious book-collectors be to run away with a few splendid spoils!
We will next notice a not less valuable collection, called theBibliotheca Monroiana; or the library of Dr.John Monro;[405]the sale of which took place in the veryyear, and a little before, the preceding library was disposed of. Don't imagine that Monro's books were chiefly medical; on the contrary, besides exhibitingsome of the rarest articles in Old English literature, they will convince posterity of the collector's accurate taste in Italian Belles Lettres: and here and there you will find, throughout the catalogue, some interesting bibliographical memoranda by the Doctor himself.
[405]"Bibliotheca Elegantissima Monroiana: A Catalogue of the elegant and valuable library ofJohn Munro, M.D.,Physician to Bethelem Hospital, lately deceased. Sold by auction by Leigh andSotherby, &c. April 23d, 1792, 8vo." As usual I subjoin a few specimens of the collector's literary treasures in confirmation of the accuracy of Lysander's eulogy upon the collection——No. 709, Cowell's Interpreter; or, Booke containing the signification of words,first edition, ("rare to be met with.")Camb. by Legate, 1607, 4to.——No. 1951. Cent (Les) Nouvelles Nouvelles, ou pour mieux dire, Nouveaux Comptes à plaisance, par maniere de Joyeuseté.——Lettres Gothiques, fig. et bois et titre MSS. feuilles dorées, en maroquin, Paris, par Ant. Verard, 1475, fol.——No. 1963, Heide Beschryving der nieuevlyks uitgevonden en geoctrojeerde Slang-Brand-Spuiten, en Haare wijze van Brand-Blussen, Tegenwoordig binnenAmsterdam in gebruik zynde. Wyze figuurs Amst.1690, fol. "Note in this book: Paris, 1736. Paid for this book for his Grace the Duke of Kingston, by Mr. Hickman, 24l." A great sum for a book about a "newly discovered fire engine!"——No. 2105, Vivre (Le livre intitulé l'art de bein) et de bien mourir, lettres gothiques, avec fig. en maroquin dorées sur tranches.Imprimé à Paris, 1543, 4to. Note by Dr. Munro: "It is a very scarce book, more so than generally thought." With a long account of the book on separate papers.——No. 2121, Ariosto, Orlando Furioso, con figure da Porro, foglio dorat. Venet. 1584, 4to. N.B. In this copy the true print is replacedwith a fine head of Ariosto, andelegantly inlaid with morocco and calf.——No. 2147, Boccacio (Nimpale Fiesolano: composto par il Clarissimo Poeta Misser Joanni) Fiorentino, &c. rigato. Senza data, 4to. See in this book a long account of this poem from Dom. Maria Manni, in the Istoria del Decamerone, p. 55. "From what Manni says in the above account, I suppose this to be the first edition he makes mention of, as there is no place or date to be found. J.M."——No. 2194. Dante di Landino, con. fig. La prima Edizione di Landino, impf.Firenze per Nicholo di Lorenzo della Magna, 1481, folio. "In this book are several remarks by Dr. Munro, on separate papers. An old scarce print, separate. On the title-page the following initials CMDCR; upon which the Doctor remarks it might probably be the signature of Charles the First, whose property it might have been. The Doctor likewise observes this copy, though imperfect, is still very valuable, on account of its having eight plates, the generality having only the two first."——No. 2208, Molinet (Les Faictz et dictz de bone Memoire Maistre Jehan)Lettres gothiques, en maroquin Par.1537, 8vo.——No. 2366, Peri Fiesole Distrutta, poema: with portrait and engraved title, Firenze, 1619, 4to.Note in this book: "This is the only copy I ever saw of this work, which I imagine is at present become extremely scarce. The title and portrait are engraved by Callott. The portrait is common enough, but the title, known by the name of the Bella Giardiniera, very seldom seen. J.M."——No. 2379. Ridolfi, Le Maraviglie dell'Arte, overo le vite di Pittori Veneti e dello stato, con. fig. 2 tom. 4to. N.B. On the blank leaf of this book is an etching by Carolus Rodolphus, with thisMS. note: "I imagine this to be an etching of Cavaier Rodolphi, as I do not remember any other of the name."——No. 2865, Lazii in Genealogiam Austriacam, Basil. ap. Oporinum, 1564.—Lazii Vienna Austriæ Basil, 1546. Francolin Res Gestæ Viennensis, cum fig.Viennæ Austriæ excudebat Raphæl Hofhalter, 1563. Folio.Note in this book: "The last book in this volume is curious and uncommon."
[405]"Bibliotheca Elegantissima Monroiana: A Catalogue of the elegant and valuable library ofJohn Munro, M.D.,Physician to Bethelem Hospital, lately deceased. Sold by auction by Leigh andSotherby, &c. April 23d, 1792, 8vo." As usual I subjoin a few specimens of the collector's literary treasures in confirmation of the accuracy of Lysander's eulogy upon the collection——No. 709, Cowell's Interpreter; or, Booke containing the signification of words,first edition, ("rare to be met with.")Camb. by Legate, 1607, 4to.——No. 1951. Cent (Les) Nouvelles Nouvelles, ou pour mieux dire, Nouveaux Comptes à plaisance, par maniere de Joyeuseté.——Lettres Gothiques, fig. et bois et titre MSS. feuilles dorées, en maroquin, Paris, par Ant. Verard, 1475, fol.——No. 1963, Heide Beschryving der nieuevlyks uitgevonden en geoctrojeerde Slang-Brand-Spuiten, en Haare wijze van Brand-Blussen, Tegenwoordig binnenAmsterdam in gebruik zynde. Wyze figuurs Amst.1690, fol. "Note in this book: Paris, 1736. Paid for this book for his Grace the Duke of Kingston, by Mr. Hickman, 24l." A great sum for a book about a "newly discovered fire engine!"——No. 2105, Vivre (Le livre intitulé l'art de bein) et de bien mourir, lettres gothiques, avec fig. en maroquin dorées sur tranches.Imprimé à Paris, 1543, 4to. Note by Dr. Munro: "It is a very scarce book, more so than generally thought." With a long account of the book on separate papers.——No. 2121, Ariosto, Orlando Furioso, con figure da Porro, foglio dorat. Venet. 1584, 4to. N.B. In this copy the true print is replacedwith a fine head of Ariosto, andelegantly inlaid with morocco and calf.——No. 2147, Boccacio (Nimpale Fiesolano: composto par il Clarissimo Poeta Misser Joanni) Fiorentino, &c. rigato. Senza data, 4to. See in this book a long account of this poem from Dom. Maria Manni, in the Istoria del Decamerone, p. 55. "From what Manni says in the above account, I suppose this to be the first edition he makes mention of, as there is no place or date to be found. J.M."——No. 2194. Dante di Landino, con. fig. La prima Edizione di Landino, impf.Firenze per Nicholo di Lorenzo della Magna, 1481, folio. "In this book are several remarks by Dr. Munro, on separate papers. An old scarce print, separate. On the title-page the following initials CMDCR; upon which the Doctor remarks it might probably be the signature of Charles the First, whose property it might have been. The Doctor likewise observes this copy, though imperfect, is still very valuable, on account of its having eight plates, the generality having only the two first."——No. 2208, Molinet (Les Faictz et dictz de bone Memoire Maistre Jehan)Lettres gothiques, en maroquin Par.1537, 8vo.——No. 2366, Peri Fiesole Distrutta, poema: with portrait and engraved title, Firenze, 1619, 4to.Note in this book: "This is the only copy I ever saw of this work, which I imagine is at present become extremely scarce. The title and portrait are engraved by Callott. The portrait is common enough, but the title, known by the name of the Bella Giardiniera, very seldom seen. J.M."——No. 2379. Ridolfi, Le Maraviglie dell'Arte, overo le vite di Pittori Veneti e dello stato, con. fig. 2 tom. 4to. N.B. On the blank leaf of this book is an etching by Carolus Rodolphus, with thisMS. note: "I imagine this to be an etching of Cavaier Rodolphi, as I do not remember any other of the name."——No. 2865, Lazii in Genealogiam Austriacam, Basil. ap. Oporinum, 1564.—Lazii Vienna Austriæ Basil, 1546. Francolin Res Gestæ Viennensis, cum fig.Viennæ Austriæ excudebat Raphæl Hofhalter, 1563. Folio.Note in this book: "The last book in this volume is curious and uncommon."
We shall now run rapidly towards the close of the eighteenth century. But first, you may secure, for a shilling or two, theSouthgate Collection;[406]and make up your minds to pay a few more shillings for good copies, especially uponlarge paper, of all the parts of the catalogues of the library ofGeorge Mason[407]. This collection was an exceedingly valuable one; rather select than extensive: exhibiting, in prettynearly an equal degree, some of the rarest books in Greek, Latin, and English literature. Thekeimelionof the Masonian cabinet, in the estimation of the black-letter bibliomaniacs, was a perfect copy of theSt.Albans' editionof Juliana Barnes's book ofHawking, Hunting, andAngling; which perfect copy is now reposing in a collection where there arekeimeliaof far greater value to dim its wonted lustre. But letMason have our admiration and esteem. His library was elegant, judicious, and, in many respects, very precious: and the collector of such volumes was a man of worth and learning.
[406]"Museum Southgatianum; being a Catalogue of the valuable Collection of Books, Coins, Medals, and Natural History of the late Rev.Richard Southgate, A.B., F.A.S., &c. To which are prefixed Memoirs of his Life. London: printed for Leigh and Sotheby," &c. 1795, 8vo. The books were comprised in 2593 lots. The coins and medals extend, in the catalogue, to 68 pages. The shells and natural curiosities (sold in May, 1795) to 11 pages. This catalogue possesses, what every similar one should possess, a compendious and perspicuous account of the collector. My copy of it is uponlarge paper; but the typographical execution is sufficiently defective.[407]Lysander is right in noticing "all the parts" of the Masonian Library. I will describe them particularly. Pt.i.A Catalogue of a considerable portion of the Greek and Latin Library ofGeorge Mason, Esq., with some articles in the Italian, French, English, and other languages, &c. Sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, on Wednesday, January 24, 1798, 8vo. 497 articles. Pt.ii.A Catalogue of most of the reserved portion of the Greek and Latin Library ofG.M., &c., chiefly classical and bibliographical, with a few miscellaneous articles in French: sold as before, May 16, 1798, &c. 480 articles. Pt.iii.A Catalogue of a considerable portion of the remaining Library ofG.M., Esq.—chiefly historical, with some curious theological, and some scientific, articles: sold as before; Nov. 27 to 30; 1798, &c. 547 articles. Ptiv.A Catalogue, &c., of the remaining library ofG.M., Esq.—chiefly Belles Lettres, English, French, and Italian, &c., sold as before; April 25, 1799: 338 articles. Thesefour parts, priced, especially the latter one—are uncommon. My copies of all of them are uponlarge paper. It must have been a little heart-breaking for the collector to have seen his beautiful library, the harvest of many a year's hard reaping, melting away piece-meal, like a snow-ball—before the warmth of some potent cause or other, which now perhaps cannot be rightly ascertained. See here, gentle reader, some of the fruits of this golden Masonian harvest!—gathered almost promiscuously from the several parts. They are thus presented to thy notice, in order, amongst other things, to stimulate thee to be equally choice and careful in the gathering of similar fruits.PART I.NO.£s.d.150.Winstanley's Audley End, inscribed to James the Second, fol.Never published for sale27100158.Hypnerotomachia Poliphili, C.T.F.D. Ald.1499500162.Aquinæ (Thomæ) Quartiscriptum, C.R.Moguntiæ Schoeffer, 1492, fol.600295.Cicero de Officiis, C.T. F.D.Moguntiæ ap. Fust.1465. 4to. In hoc exemplari Rubrica inter libros secundum ac tertium habet singularia errata, quæ in nullo alio exemplari adhuc innotuerunt; viz.primusponitur prosecundus,secundusprotertius, etsecundumprotertium2650307.Chalcondylas, Moschopulus, et Corinthus, Gr.editio princeps.Vide notam ante Librum8186308.Constantini Lexicon Græcum.Genevæ, 1592450324.Ciceronis Orationes, C.T. viridi F.D.per Adamum de Ambergau, 1472, fol.550468.Homerus, Gr., 2 vol.,Editio princeps, C.R. Flor. 148811110496.Xenophon, Gr.,editio princeps, C.T. F.D.Flor. ap. Junt.1516, fol.230PART III.NO.£s.d.70.Maundrel's Journey from Aleppo to Jerusalem,L.P. Oxf.1714, 8vo. First edition of the entire work3180101.The Psalter of David, large B.L. C.T. nigro F.D.Cantorbury, in St. Paule's Parysh, by John Mychell, 1549, 4to.440102.The Gospels in Saxon and English, dedicated to Queen Elizabeth, by John Foxe, C.T. nigro, F.D.Lond. by Daye, 1571, 4to.450103.The new Testament, by Thomas Matthew, 1538, 4to.340["There are cuts to the Revelations, different from any Mr. Herbert had seen; nor had he seen the book itself, till he was writing his 'Corrections and additions,' where, at p. 1833, he describes it."]105.Nychodemus' Gospell, C.T. F.D.wood prints. Wynkyn de Worde, 1511, 4to.150107.English Prymer, in red and black types:with emblematic frontispiece from a wood-cut. C.T. cæruleo F.D.Byddell, 1535, 4to.Printed on vellum8186110.Speculum Christiani (in Latin prose and English verse) C.T. nigro.In civitate Londoniarum, per Wilhelmum de Machlinia. Supposed to be the first book printed in London, and about1480, 4to.440111.Contemplation of Synners, (Latin prose and English verse) with double frontispiece, and other wood-cuts.Westminster, by Wynkyn de Worde, 1499, 4to.230112.(Walter Hylton's) Scala Perfectionis, London,without Temple-Barre, by Julyan Notary, 1507, 4to.1116151.Dives and Pauper, C.R.first dated impression by Pynson, 1493, folio250164.Hackluyt's Collection of Voyages, B.L. 3 vols. in 2. Lond. 1599. "This work contains in vol.i.(beginning at p. 187) a political tract in verse (of the time of Henry VI.) exhorting England to keep the sea."4100178.Arnold's Chronicle, or Customs of London, B.L. C.T.—F.D. (1521) folio15156180.Chaucer's Hertfordshire;with all the plates, C.R.Once the book of White Kennet, Bishop of Peterborough; whose marginal notes in are pp.64, 359, 523, folio2100338.Froissart's Chronycles, 2 vols. C.R. F.D.Printed by Pynson, 1523-5,folio, 2 vols.341.Rastell's Pastyme of People, C.T.—F.D. Johannes Rastell, (1529)One page and part of a pieced leaf written.349.Monasticon Anglicanum, 3 vols. ligat. in 4, C.R. all the plates, Lond. 1651, 61, 73. "This copy contains that very scarce leaf, which sometimes follows the title-page of the first volume: an account of which leaf (by Tanner and Hearne) may be seen from p. 45 to p. 50 of the sixth volume of Leland's Collectanea, and their account rectified by Bridges, at the conclusion of Hearne's preface to Titus Livius Foro-Juliensis." Folio.466.Hardyng's Chronicle (in verse) C.R.—F.D.With an original grant (on vellum) from Henry VI. to Hardyng, Londoni.Grafton, 1543, 4to.[This beautiful copy, formerly West's, is now in the collection of George Hibbert, Esq.]518.Fabian's Chronicle, C.T. cærulo F.D. 2 vols. in 1. B.L. Lond. W. Rastell, 1533. "This edition (as well as Pynson's) has the hymns to the Virgin, though Mr. T. Warton thought otherwise." folio.PART IV.Transcriber's Note:In this section, no prices are given in the original.NO.37.Kendall's Flowers of Epigrams, B.L.—C.R.Leaf 93 is wanting, 12mo.47.M(arloe)'s Ovid's Elegies and Epigrams, by J. D(avies of Hereford). (Ovid's head engraved by W.M.) C.T.—F.D.Middlebourg, 12mo.57.Observations on Authors, Ancient and Modern, 2 vol. Lond. 1731-2. "This was Dr. Jortin's own copy, who has written the name of each author to every piece of criticism, and added a few marginal remarks of his own," 8vo.150.Valentine and Orson, B.L. cuts.Wants title, two leaves in one place, and a leaf in another, 4to.152.La Morte D'Arthur, B.L.wood-cuts, Lond.Thomas East.Wants one leaf in the middle of the table.SeeMS. note prefixed.153.Barnes's (Dame Juliana) Boke of Haukynge, Huntynge, and Cootarmuris, C.T.—F.D.Seynt Albon's, folio, 1486. "This perhaps is the only perfect copy of this original edition, which is extant. Its beginning with sig. a ii is no kind ofcantradictionto its being perfect; the registers of many Latin books at this period mention the first leaf of A as quite blank. The copy of the public library at Cambridge is at least so worn or mutilated at the bottom of some pages that the bottom lines are not legible." [This copy is now in the matchless collection of Earl Spencer.]157.Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, C.R.woodcuts, Pynson, folio, "This is Pynson's original edition, and probably the first book he printed. See a long MS. note prefixed. Bound up at the end of this copy are two leaves of a MS. on vellum, which take in the conclusion of the Miller's Prologue, and beginning of his Tale. One of these pages is illuminated, and has a coloured drawing of the Miller on his mule."166.Mort D'Arthur, B.L.woodcuts. Lond. W. Copland.See MS. notes at the beginning and end, folio.175.Roy'sRede me and be not wrothe,For I say nothing but trothe."This is the famous satire against Cardinal Wolsey, printed some years before his fall. See Herbert, p. 1538, 8vo." [The reader may look for one minute atpage 225, ante.]263.Boetius, (The Boke of Comfort, by) translated into Englishe Tonge (in verse)Emprented in the exempt Monastery of Taverstock, in Denshire, by me, Thomas Rycharde, Monke of the said Monastery, 1525, 4to.261.Caxton's Blanchardyn and Eglantine, or Proude Lady of Love, C.T.—F.D.,printed by Caxton, folio. [See my edition of theTypograhicalAntiquities, vol. i. p. 346.]274.Hawkyng, Huntyng, and Fyshyng, (from Juliana Barnes) B.L.woodcuts. Lond. Toye, and W. Copland, 4to.See MS. notes prefixed.275.Hawys's Compendions Story, or Exemple of Vertue, B.L.—C.R.wood-cuts,ib.Wynkyn de Worde, 1533.276.—— Passe-Tyme of Pleasure, B.L.wood-cuts ib. by W. de Worde, 1517, 4to.306.Spenser's Shephearde's Calendar. C.T.—F.D.,wood-cuts: first edition, ib.Singleton, 1579, 4to.308.Taylor, the water poet (fifteen different pieces by) all of posterior date to the collection of his works. Among them is the Life of Old Par, with Par's head, and 31 plates of curious needle-work. The volume also contains some replies to Taylor. A written list of all the contents is prefixed. Lond. and Oxford, 4to.330.Tulle of Old Age (translated by William Botoner, or of Worcester)pr. by Caxton, 1481. folio.—— of Friendship, translated by Tiptoft, Earl of Worcester; to which is added another tract written by the same Earl, C.R.—F.D.—L.R.Explicit per Caxton, folio.
[406]"Museum Southgatianum; being a Catalogue of the valuable Collection of Books, Coins, Medals, and Natural History of the late Rev.Richard Southgate, A.B., F.A.S., &c. To which are prefixed Memoirs of his Life. London: printed for Leigh and Sotheby," &c. 1795, 8vo. The books were comprised in 2593 lots. The coins and medals extend, in the catalogue, to 68 pages. The shells and natural curiosities (sold in May, 1795) to 11 pages. This catalogue possesses, what every similar one should possess, a compendious and perspicuous account of the collector. My copy of it is uponlarge paper; but the typographical execution is sufficiently defective.
[407]Lysander is right in noticing "all the parts" of the Masonian Library. I will describe them particularly. Pt.i.A Catalogue of a considerable portion of the Greek and Latin Library ofGeorge Mason, Esq., with some articles in the Italian, French, English, and other languages, &c. Sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, on Wednesday, January 24, 1798, 8vo. 497 articles. Pt.ii.A Catalogue of most of the reserved portion of the Greek and Latin Library ofG.M., &c., chiefly classical and bibliographical, with a few miscellaneous articles in French: sold as before, May 16, 1798, &c. 480 articles. Pt.iii.A Catalogue of a considerable portion of the remaining Library ofG.M., Esq.—chiefly historical, with some curious theological, and some scientific, articles: sold as before; Nov. 27 to 30; 1798, &c. 547 articles. Ptiv.A Catalogue, &c., of the remaining library ofG.M., Esq.—chiefly Belles Lettres, English, French, and Italian, &c., sold as before; April 25, 1799: 338 articles. Thesefour parts, priced, especially the latter one—are uncommon. My copies of all of them are uponlarge paper. It must have been a little heart-breaking for the collector to have seen his beautiful library, the harvest of many a year's hard reaping, melting away piece-meal, like a snow-ball—before the warmth of some potent cause or other, which now perhaps cannot be rightly ascertained. See here, gentle reader, some of the fruits of this golden Masonian harvest!—gathered almost promiscuously from the several parts. They are thus presented to thy notice, in order, amongst other things, to stimulate thee to be equally choice and careful in the gathering of similar fruits.
PART I.
PART III.
PART IV.
Transcriber's Note:In this section, no prices are given in the original.
How shall I talk of thee, and of thy wonderful collection,O rare Richard Farmer?[408]—and of thy scholarship, acuteness, pleasantry, singularities, variedlearning, and colloquial powers! Thy name will live long among scholars in general; and in the bosoms of virtuous and learned bibliomaniacs thy memory shall ever be enshrined! The walls of Emanuel College nowcease to convey the sounds of thy festive wit—thy volumes are no longer seen, like Richard Smith's "bundles of sticht books," strewn upon the floor; and thou hast ceased, in the cause of thy beloved Shakspeare, to delve into the fruitful ore of black-letter literature.Peace to thy honest spirit; for thou wert wise without vanity, learned without pedantry, and joyous without vulgarity!
[408]There is but a scanty memorial of this extraordinary and ever respectable bibliomaniac, in theGentleman's Magazine; vol. lxvii. pt. ii. p. 805: 888: nor is it noticed, among Farmer's theologico-literary labours, that he was author of an ingenious essay upon theDemoniacsmentioned in scripture; in which essay he took up the idea of Mede, that these Demoniacs weremadmen. Dr. Farmer's essay upon theLearning of Shakespeareis, in respect to the materials, arguments, and conclusions—what the late Bishop of Salisbury's [Douglas] was uponMiracles—original, powerful, and incontrovertible. Never was there an octavo volume, like Farmer's upon Shakespeare—which embraced so many, and such curious, points, and which displayed such research, ingenuity, and acuteness—put forth with so little pomp, parade, or pedantry. Its popularity was remarkable; for it delighted both the superficial and deeply-versed reader in black-letter lore. Dr. Parr's well applied Ciceronian phrase, in lauding the "ingenious and joy-inspiring language" of Farmer, gives us some notion of the colloquial powers of this acute bibliomaniac; whose books were generally scattered upon the floor, as Lysander above observes, like old Richard Smith's "stitched bundles." Farmer had his foragers; his jackalls: and his avant-couriers: for it was well known how dearly he loved every thing that was interesting and rare in the literature of former ages. As he walked the streets of London—careless of his dress—and whether his wig was full-bottomed or narrow-bottomed—he would talk and "mutter strange speeches" to himself; thinking all the time, I ween, of some curious discovery he had recently made in the aforesaid precious black-letter tomes. But the reader is impatient for theBibliotheca Farmeriana: the title to the catalogue whereof is as follows. "Bibl. Farm. A Catalogue of the curious, valuable, and extensive Library in print and manuscript, of the lateRev. Richard Farmer,D.D., Canon Residentiary of St. Paul's; Master of Emanuel College: Librarian to the University of Cambridge; and Fellow of the Royal & Antiquary Societies(deceased, &c.) Sold by Auction by Mr. King; May, 1798," 8vo. [8199 articles]. The collection is justly said, in the title page, to contain the "most rare and copious assemblage ofOld English Poetrythat, perhaps, was ever exhibited at one view; together with a great variety ofOld Plays, and early printed books, English and Foreign, in the black-letter." The reader has already (p. 324ante) had some intimation of the source to which Dr. Farmer was chiefly indebted for these poetical and dramatical treasures; of some of which, "hereafter followeth" an imperfect specimen:NO.£s.d.5950.Marbecke (John) the book of Common Prayer, noted, 1550. 4to. See Dr. Burney's long account of this very scarce book in his History of Musick, vol. ii. p. 578, &c.2606127.6128.Skinner's Discovery and Declaration of the Inquisition of Spayne,imp. J. Daye, 1569, 4to.Shippe of Fooles, by Brant, wood cuts,imp. Wynkyn de Worde, 1517, 4to.11606194.Brunswyke's Medical Dictionary, translated by Huet,imp. by Treveris, 1525. folio.31006195.Customs of the Citie of London, or Arnold's Chronicle, with the Nut-Brown Mayde,1st edition, 1502, folio.01906386.Annalia Dubrensia, or Robert Dover's Olimpic Games upon Cotswold-Hills,with frontispiece, 1636.11406387.Barley-breake, or a Warning for Wantons, by W.N. 1607, 4to.0506395.Britton's Bowre of Delights, by N.B. 1597. 4to.11306413.Byrd's (Will.) Psalmes, Sonets, and Songs of Sadnes and Pietie made into Musicke of 5 partes. 1588. Ditto Sacræ Cantiones, 2 parts; and various Madrigals and Canzonets, by Morley, Weelkes, Wilbye, Bateson, &c. 4to.01506608.Copie of a Letter sent from the roaring Boyes in Elizium, to the two arrant Knights of the Grape in Limbo, Alderman Abel and M. Kilvert, the two projectors for wine; with their portraits.5506785.Turbervile's (George) Epitaphs, Epigrams, Songs and Sonets, with a Discourse of the freendly affections of Tymetes to Pyndara his ladie, b.l. 1570,imp. by Denham, 8vo.11606804.Virgil's Æneis, the first foure bookes, translated into English heroicall verse, by Richard Stanyhurst, with other poetical devises thereunto annexed;impr. by Bynneman, 1583, 8vo.21706826.Essayes of a Prentise in the Divine Art of Poesie (King James VI.)Edinburgh, by Vautrollier, 1585, 8vo.11306846.Fulwell's (Ulpian) Flower of Fame, or bright Renoune and fortunate Raigne of King Henry VIII. b.l. with curious wood cuts:imp. by Will. Hoskin, 1575, 4to.11166847.Flytting (the) betwixt Montgomerie and Polwarte,Edin., 1629, 4to.2507058.Horace's Art of Poetrie, Pistles, and Satyrs, English'd by Drant, b.l.Imp. by Marshe, 1566, 4to.0767066.Humours Ordinarie, where a man may be verie merrie and exceeding well used for his sixpence, 1607, 4to.01467187.Mastiffe Whelp, with other ruff-island-like curs fetcht from among the Antipodes, which bite and barke at the fantasticall humourist and abuses of the time.01907199.Merry Jest of Robin Hood, and of his Life, with a new Play for to be plaied in May-Games; very pleasant and full of pastime, b.l.imp. by Edward White, 4to.31367200.Milton's Paradise Lost, in 10 books, 1stedit.1667.01107201.—— —— —— —— —— ——2nd title page, 1668.01107202.—— —— —— —— —— ——3rd title page, 1669.—"N.B. The three foregoing articles prove that there were no less than three different title-pages used, to force the sale of the first edition of this matchless poem." S. P[aterson.]0707232.Paradyse of Daynty Devises, b.l. extremely scarce,imp. by Henry Disle, 1576, 4to.6007240.Peele's (G.) Device of the Pageant borne before Woolstone Dixie, Lord Mayor of London, Oct. 29, 1585, b.l. See Dr. F.'s note; as probably the only copy. 4to.11167241.Percy's (W.) Sonnets to the fairest Cælia, 1594. 4to.11207249.Psalter (the whole) translated into English Metre, which containeth an Hundreth and Fifty Psalms. The title and first page written.Imp. by John Daye, 1567. "This translation was by Archbishop Parker, and is so scarce that Mr. Strype tells us he could never get a sight of it." See Master's History of C.C.C.C. Mr. Wharton supposes it never to have been published, but that the Archbishop's wife gave away some copies. "It certainly (he adds) is at this time extremely scarce, and would be deservedly deemed a fortunate acquisition to those capricious students who labour to collect a Library of Rarities." Hist. of Eng. Poetry, vol. iii. 186. It has a portrait of the Archbishop. 4to.3607828.Somner's (Henry) Orpheus and Eurydice, 1740. 4to.0167829.Shakespeare's Works,1st edition, in folio, wants title, last leaf written from the4to. 1623.7008062.Metrical Romances, written in the reign of Richard IId. or rather about the end of the reign of Henry IIId. or beginning of Edward I. (See note,)purchased at Dr. Monro's Auction by Dr. Farmer, for 29l.41408080.These Booke is called Ars moriendi, of William Baron, Esq., to remayne for ever to the Nonnye of Deptford;on vellum, bound in purple velvet.2306451.Chaucer's noble and amorous auncyent Hystory of Troylus and Cresyde, in fyve Bokes,imprynted by Wynkyn de Worde, 1517.Here begynneth the Temple of Glass,imp. by Wynkyn de Worde.The Castell of Pleasure,imp. by ditto.Here begynneth a lyttell Treatise cleped La Conusauce D'Amours.imp. by Pynson.The Spectacle of Lovers,imp. by Wynkyn de Worde.History of Tytus and Gesippus, translated out of Latin into Englyshe, by Wyllyam Walter, sometime servaunte to Syr Henry Marney, Cnyght, Chaunceler of the Duchy of Lancastre,imp. by ditto.The Love and Complayntes betwene Mars and Venus.The Fyrst Fynders of theviiScyences Artificiall,printed by Julian Notarye.Guystarde and Sygysmonde, translated by Wyllyam Walter,imp. by Wynkyn de Worde, 1532.The Complaynte of a Lover's Lyfe,imp. by ditto.Here begynneth a lytel Treatyse, called The Disputacyon of Complaynte [of] the Harte, thorughe perced with the lokynge of the Eye,imp. by Wynkyn de Worde.This Boke is named the Beaultie of Women, translated out of French into Englyshe,imp. by Wier.Here begynneth a lytel Treatise, called the Controverse betwene a Lover and a Jaye, lately compyled,imp. by Wynkyn de Worde.The above 12 very rare and ancient pieces of poetry are boundin one vol.with curious wood-cuts, and in fine preservation.'The Temple of Glass alone was sold for 3l.15s.and the present vol. may, with propriety, be deemed matchless.' All in quarto.2650[N.B.These articles should have precededno. 6608; atp. 423, ante.]And here, benevolent reader, let us bid farewell toRichard Farmerof transcendant bibliomaniacal celebrity! It is in vain to look forward for the day when book-gems, similar to those which have just been imperfectly described from theBibl. Farmeriana, will be disposed of at similar prices. The young collector may indulge an ardent hope; but, if there be any thing of the spirit of prophecy in my humble predictions, that hope will never be realised. Dr. Farmer's copies were, in general, in sorry condition; the possessor caring little (like Dr. Francis Bernard; videp. 316, ante) for large margins and splendid binding. His own name, generally accompanied with a bibliographical remark, and both written in a sprawling character, usually preceded the title-page. The science (dare I venture upon so magnificent a word?) of bibliography was, even in Farmer's latter time, but jejune, and of limited extent: and this will account for some of the common-place bibliographical memoranda of the owner of these volumes. We may just add that there are some few copies of this catalogue printed onlarge paper, on paper of a better quality than the small; which latter is sufficiently wretched. I possess a copy of the former kind, with thepricesandpurchasers' namesaffixed—and moreover,uncut!
[408]There is but a scanty memorial of this extraordinary and ever respectable bibliomaniac, in theGentleman's Magazine; vol. lxvii. pt. ii. p. 805: 888: nor is it noticed, among Farmer's theologico-literary labours, that he was author of an ingenious essay upon theDemoniacsmentioned in scripture; in which essay he took up the idea of Mede, that these Demoniacs weremadmen. Dr. Farmer's essay upon theLearning of Shakespeareis, in respect to the materials, arguments, and conclusions—what the late Bishop of Salisbury's [Douglas] was uponMiracles—original, powerful, and incontrovertible. Never was there an octavo volume, like Farmer's upon Shakespeare—which embraced so many, and such curious, points, and which displayed such research, ingenuity, and acuteness—put forth with so little pomp, parade, or pedantry. Its popularity was remarkable; for it delighted both the superficial and deeply-versed reader in black-letter lore. Dr. Parr's well applied Ciceronian phrase, in lauding the "ingenious and joy-inspiring language" of Farmer, gives us some notion of the colloquial powers of this acute bibliomaniac; whose books were generally scattered upon the floor, as Lysander above observes, like old Richard Smith's "stitched bundles." Farmer had his foragers; his jackalls: and his avant-couriers: for it was well known how dearly he loved every thing that was interesting and rare in the literature of former ages. As he walked the streets of London—careless of his dress—and whether his wig was full-bottomed or narrow-bottomed—he would talk and "mutter strange speeches" to himself; thinking all the time, I ween, of some curious discovery he had recently made in the aforesaid precious black-letter tomes. But the reader is impatient for theBibliotheca Farmeriana: the title to the catalogue whereof is as follows. "Bibl. Farm. A Catalogue of the curious, valuable, and extensive Library in print and manuscript, of the lateRev. Richard Farmer,D.D., Canon Residentiary of St. Paul's; Master of Emanuel College: Librarian to the University of Cambridge; and Fellow of the Royal & Antiquary Societies(deceased, &c.) Sold by Auction by Mr. King; May, 1798," 8vo. [8199 articles]. The collection is justly said, in the title page, to contain the "most rare and copious assemblage ofOld English Poetrythat, perhaps, was ever exhibited at one view; together with a great variety ofOld Plays, and early printed books, English and Foreign, in the black-letter." The reader has already (p. 324ante) had some intimation of the source to which Dr. Farmer was chiefly indebted for these poetical and dramatical treasures; of some of which, "hereafter followeth" an imperfect specimen:
[N.B.These articles should have precededno. 6608; atp. 423, ante.]
And here, benevolent reader, let us bid farewell toRichard Farmerof transcendant bibliomaniacal celebrity! It is in vain to look forward for the day when book-gems, similar to those which have just been imperfectly described from theBibl. Farmeriana, will be disposed of at similar prices. The young collector may indulge an ardent hope; but, if there be any thing of the spirit of prophecy in my humble predictions, that hope will never be realised. Dr. Farmer's copies were, in general, in sorry condition; the possessor caring little (like Dr. Francis Bernard; videp. 316, ante) for large margins and splendid binding. His own name, generally accompanied with a bibliographical remark, and both written in a sprawling character, usually preceded the title-page. The science (dare I venture upon so magnificent a word?) of bibliography was, even in Farmer's latter time, but jejune, and of limited extent: and this will account for some of the common-place bibliographical memoranda of the owner of these volumes. We may just add that there are some few copies of this catalogue printed onlarge paper, on paper of a better quality than the small; which latter is sufficiently wretched. I possess a copy of the former kind, with thepricesandpurchasers' namesaffixed—and moreover,uncut!
A poor eulogy, this, upon Farmer!—but my oratory begins to wax faint. For this reason I cannot speak with justice of the friend and fellow-critic of Farmer—George Steevens[409]—of Shakspearian renown! TheLibrary of this extraordinary critic and collector was sold by auction in the year 1800; and, being formedrather after the model of Mason's, than of Farmer's, it was rich to an excess in choice and rare pieces. Nor isit an uninteresting occupation to observe, in looking among the prices, the enormous sums which were given for some volumes that cost Steevens not a twentieth part of their produce:—but which, comparatively withtheir present worth, would bring considerably higher prices! What arduous contention, "Renardine shifts," and bold bidding; what triumph on the one part, andvexation on the other, were exhibited at the book-sale!—while the auctioneer, like Jove looking calmly down upon the storm which he himself had raised, kept his even temper; and "ever and anon" dealt out a gracioussmile amidst all the turbulence that surrounded him! Memorable æra!—the veteran collector grows youngagain in thinking upon the valour he then exhibited; and the juvenile collector talks "braggartly" of other times—which he calls the golden days of the bibliomania—when he reflects upon his lusty efforts in securing anExemplar Steevensianum!