[410]Bibliotheca Strangeiana; A Catalogue of the general, curious, and extensive Library of that distinguished naturalist and lover of the fine arts, the lateJohn Strange, Esq., L.L.D. F.R.S. and S.A., many years his Britannic Majesty's resident at the Republic of Venice. Comprehending an extraordinary fine collection of books and tracts, in most languages and sciences, to the number of upwards offour-score thousand, &c.Digested by Samuel Paterson. Sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, March 16, 1801, 8vo., 1256 articles. This is a plain, unaffected, but exceedingly well-digested, catalogue of a very extraordinary collection of books in all departments of literature. I do not know whether it be not preferable, in point of arrangement, to any catalogue compiled by Paterson. It has, however, a wretched aspect; from the extreme indifference of the paper.[411]We will first give the title to the Catalogue of the late Mr.Woodhouse'sCollection of Prints. "A Catalogue of the choice and valuable Collection of Antient and Modern Prints, &c., selected with the highest taste from all the collections at home and abroad, &c. Sold by auction by Mr. Christie; January, 1801." Thefirst partends with the 5th day's sale; the second commences with the sixth day's sale and concludes on the sixteenth, with theMalboroughGems. Although we may have to give specimens of some of therare and preciousprints contained in this collection, in the course ofPart VI.of this work, yet the reader, I would fain hope, will not be displeased with the following interesting extract, with the annexed prices, of the prints from theMarlborough Gems.[This assemblage, the result of twenty years' collecting, contains a greater number than ever has been at one time offered to the public.—The first volume is complete, and may be accounted unique, as all the impressions are before the numbers, the artists' names, or proofs without any letters, as in the presentation copies: the subject of Cupid and Psyche is with variations, and the whole may be regarded as a great rarity. Those of the second volume are few in number, but in point of curiosity, no ways inferior.]LOT£s.d.72.One.Cæsar in the Temple of Venus.Proof before any letters.313673.Two.no. 1.no. 2.Scipio Africanus.Lucius C. Sylla.20074.Two.no. 3.no. 4.JuliasCæsar; caput laureatum.Marcus Junius Brutus.515075.Two.no. 5.no. 6.Marcus Junius Brutus; cum caduceo.Lepidus; cum lituo.217676.Two.no. 7.no. 8.Augusti caput; cum corona radiata.Augusti Pontificis maximi insign. &c.414677.Two.no. 9.no. 10.Marcellii Octaviæ, filii Augusti nepotis caput: opus elegantissimum.Liviæ protome: cum capite laureato et velato pectore: simul Tiberii pueri prope adstantis caput arboris ignotæ foliis redimitum.30078.Two.no. 11.no. 12.Tiberii caput juvenile.Germanici togati protome; cum capite laureato, facie plena, &c.33079.Two.no. 13.no. 14.Agrippinæ majoris uxoris Germanici & Caligulæ matris caput laureatum; sub effigie Dianæ.Ejusdem Agrippinæ: sub effigie Cereris.55080.Two.no. 15.no. 16.Galbæ caput laureatum.Ejusdem Galbæ caput.119081.Two.no. 17.no. 18.Nervæ togati protome; cum capite laureato, plena facie; opus pulcherrimum.Ejusdem Nervæ caput.44082.Two.no. 19.no. 20.Marcianæ, Trajani sororis, caput.Sabinæ Hadriani uxoris caput.1010083.Two.no. 21.no. 22.Antinoi caput, cum pectore velato.Caracalla togati protome facie plena.50084.Two.no. 23.no. 24.Caracallæ caput laureatum.Juliæ Domnæ, Severi uxoris, caput.118085.Two.no. 25.no. 26.Laocoontes caput.Semiramidis, vel potius Musæ, caput cum pectore.77086.Three.no. 27.Minervæ Alcidiæ caput galeatum; operis egregii, edit. var.38087.Two.no. 28.no. 29.Phocionis caput.Jovis et Junonis capita jugata.33088.Three.no. 30.no. 31.Veneris caput.Bacchæ caput var.414689.Two.no. 32.no. 33.Hercules Bibax, stans.Bacchus, stans.154690.Two.no. 34.no. 35.Faunus tigridis pelli insidens, cauda, &c.Athleta, stans, qui dextra manus trigelem, &c.99091.Two.no. 36.no. 37.Mercurius stans.Mars, stans, armatus.414692.Two.no. 38.no. 39.Miles de rupe descendens, eximii sculptoris Græci opus.Diomedes Palladio potitus cum Ulysse altercatione contendit.70093.Two.no. 40.no. 41.Dei Marini natantes.Miles vulneratus a militibus duobus sustentatur.510094.Two.no. 42.no. 43.Miles militi vulnerato opitulato.Mulier stolata cum virgine.33095.Two.no. 44.no. 45.Faunus pelle caprina ex humeris pendente vestitus; pedem super suggestum ignotæ figuræ figit et infantem genu sustinet.Alexandri magni effigies.96.Two.no. 46.no. 47.Æneam Diomedes a saxo percussum conservat.Pompeiæ cujusdam ob victoriam partam descriptio.818097.98.Two.no. 48.no. 49.Amazon Amazonem morientem sustinet juxta equus.Fragmen Gemmæ Bacchi, &c.616699.One.no. 50.Nuptiæ Psyches et Cupidonis,Rariss.4146100.One.no. 50.Ditto, Ditto,Rariss.880101.One.Frontispiece tosecond volume;Proof, before the inscription on the arms; very rare.550102.103.Two.no. 1.no. 2.Ptolomæus.Metrodorus.1100104.Two.no. 3.no. 5.Socrates et Plato.Sappho.330105.Two.no. 8.no. 9.Ignotum caput Scyllacis opus.Ignotum caput.200106.Two.no. 11.no. 18.Medusa.Hercules et Iole.330107.Two.no. 19.no. 20.L. Junius Brutus.Annibal.220108.Two.no. 22.no. 25.Mecænes.Drusus Tiberii filius.1180109.Two.no. 31.no. 36.Caput ignotum, Antonini forsan junioris.Equi.220110.Two.no. 38.no. 40.Mercurii templum.Coronis.330111.Two.no. 41.no. 45.Cupidonis.Faunus.2126112.Three.no. 46.no. 48.Omphale incedens.Biga, var.3135113.Two.no. 50.Silenus, tigris, &c. var.300114.Two.The vignette to the second volume;Proof, very fine, and etching, perhaps, unique.7100For an interesting account of the engravings of theDevonshire Gems—the rival publication of those from the Marlborough collection—the reader may consult Mr. Beloe'sAnecdotes of Literature and Scarce Books; vol.i.182-6. The entire collection of Mr. Woodhouse's prints produced 3595l.17s.6d.We will now make handsome mention of theBibliotheca Woodhousiana.A Catalogue of the entire, elegant, and valuable Library of John Woodhouse, Esq., comprising a rich and extensive collection of books, &c. Sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, December, 1803.8vo. The collection was rather choice and rich, than extensive: having only 861 articles. Some of the rarest editions in old English Literature were vigorously contended for by well-known collectors: nor did the Library want beautiful and useful works of a different description. The following specimens will enable the reader to form a pretty correct estimate of the general value of this collection.no.£s.d.8.Antonie (the Tragedie of) doone into English by the Countesse of Pembroke, R.M. g.l. Lond. 1595. 12mo.55024.Barnabee's Journal, with Bessie Bell,First Edit. B.M. g.l.1648. 12mo.210030.Bastard's (Thomas) Chrestoleros, seven Bookes of Epigrammes,G.M. g.l.1598. 12mo.515676.Chaucer, by Tyrwhitt, with the Glossary, G.M. g.l. 5 vol. 1775. 8vo.60082.Cokain's (Sir Aston) Poems and Plays,with head, R.M. g.l. 2 vol. 1662. 8vo.40097.A Paire of Turtle Doves, or the History of Bellora and Fidelio, bl. l. 4to.see MS. note by Steevens, 1606.550160.Burnet's History of his own Times,large paper, R.M. g.l. 2 vol. 1724. 4to.5156198.Dodsley's Collection of Old Plays,large paper, 12 vols. 1780. 8vo.Only six copies printed in this manner.14140313.Latham's General Synopsis of Birds, with Index, 9 vols. with reverse plates, elegantly painted by Miss Stone, now Mrs. Smith: R.M. g.m.l. 4to. 'N.B.Of the above set of books, there are only6 copies.'4000314.Clarendon's History of the Rebellion, with his Life, large paper, 4 vols.boards, uncut, 1707, 1750, fol.15150350.Heath's Chronicle,frontispiece and heads, R.M. g.l. 1663. 2 vols. 8vo.550394.Knight's Life of Colet,large paper; plates, elegant, in light brown calf, g.l.m. 1724, 8vo.5100395.Knight's Life of Erasmus,large paper, plates, elegant, in light brown calf, g.l.m. 1726, 8vo.990431.Lewin's Birds of Great Britain, with the Eggs accurately figured, elegantly painted with back ground, 7 vols. in 3.A superb copy, in g.m. g.m.l.1789, 4to.2870473.Martyn's Universal Conchologist; English Entomologist: and Aranei, or Natural History of Spiders, 4 vols. elegantly coloured.A superb copy, in R.M. g.m.l. 1789, 92, and 93, 4to.33120490.Harrison's Seven Triumphal Arches, in honor of James I., all the [seven] parts complete;curious and very rare, R.M. g.l. 1604. folio.2760493.Hearne and Bryne's Antiquities and Views in Great Britain,proof impressions, M. g.l. 1786, oblong folio.1600586.Skelton's (Mayster) Poems: Colyn Clout,Lond. by John Whygte. Whi come ye not to Courte;Lond. by John Whygte. Phillyp Sparow; Speak Parot; Death of the Noble Prynce, &c. See note.Lond. by John Kynge and Thomas Marshe. Merie Tales;unique, see note.Lond. by Thomas Colwell, 5 vol. bl. l. R.M. g.l. 12mo.2300624.Monument of Matrons, containing seven severall lamps of Virginitie, by Thomas Bentley; bl. l. R. 3 vols. 1582, 4to.1656632.Nychodemus Gospell, wood-cuts, bl. l. g.l. R.M.Lond. Wynkyn de Worde, 1511, 4to.6166640.Pennant's History of Quadrupeds, boards,uncut, large paper, proof plates, 1793, 4to.660692.The late Expedition in Scotlande, made by the Kinges Hyhnys Armye, under the conduit of the Ryht Honourable the Earl of Hertforde, the yere of our Lorde God, 1544. bl. l. R.M. g.l.Lond. by Reynolde Wolfe, 1554, 8vo.16160762.Sommers's (Lord) Collection of scarce and valuable Tracts, 19 vols. R. g.l. 1748, 50, 51, 52, folio.8510780.Temple of Glas, bl. l. See notes by G. Mason.Wynkyn de Worde, no date, 4to.880795.Tour (A) through the South of England, Wales, and part of Ireland, in 1791, large paper, proof plates, coloured, 1793. N.B. "Of the above book only six copies were printed."880806.Vicar's England's Parliamentary Chronicle, R. g.l. complete, 4 parts, 3 vols. 1646, 4to.1200829.Speed's Theatre of Great Britain, maps, R. g.l. m.l.A remarkable fine copy, 1611.11110836.The Myrrour and Dyscrypcyon of the Worlde, with many Mervaylles, wood-cuts, B.M. g.l.Emprynted by me Lawrence Andrewe, 1527, folio.2600837.The Recuile of the Histories of Troie, translated into English by William Caxton, very fair, B.M. g.l.Imprynted at London by W. Copland, 1553, fol.2300852.The Myrroure of Golde for the Synfull Soule, bl. l. wood-cuts.Imprynted at Lond. in the Fleete-strete, at the sygne of the Sun, by Wynkyn de Worde, 1526, 4to.1216856.Barclay's (Alexander) Egloges, out of a Boke named in Latin, Miserie Curialium, compyled by Eneas Sylvius, Poete and Oratour, bl. l.woodcuts, five parts, and complete, G.M.Imprynted by Wynkyn de Worde, 4to.2500859.Holy Life and History of Saynt Werburge, very frutefull for all Christian People to rede. Poems, bl. l. G.M.Imp. by Richard Pynson, 1521, 4to.31100Amount of the sale, 3135l.4s.
[410]Bibliotheca Strangeiana; A Catalogue of the general, curious, and extensive Library of that distinguished naturalist and lover of the fine arts, the lateJohn Strange, Esq., L.L.D. F.R.S. and S.A., many years his Britannic Majesty's resident at the Republic of Venice. Comprehending an extraordinary fine collection of books and tracts, in most languages and sciences, to the number of upwards offour-score thousand, &c.Digested by Samuel Paterson. Sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, March 16, 1801, 8vo., 1256 articles. This is a plain, unaffected, but exceedingly well-digested, catalogue of a very extraordinary collection of books in all departments of literature. I do not know whether it be not preferable, in point of arrangement, to any catalogue compiled by Paterson. It has, however, a wretched aspect; from the extreme indifference of the paper.
[411]We will first give the title to the Catalogue of the late Mr.Woodhouse'sCollection of Prints. "A Catalogue of the choice and valuable Collection of Antient and Modern Prints, &c., selected with the highest taste from all the collections at home and abroad, &c. Sold by auction by Mr. Christie; January, 1801." Thefirst partends with the 5th day's sale; the second commences with the sixth day's sale and concludes on the sixteenth, with theMalboroughGems. Although we may have to give specimens of some of therare and preciousprints contained in this collection, in the course ofPart VI.of this work, yet the reader, I would fain hope, will not be displeased with the following interesting extract, with the annexed prices, of the prints from the
Marlborough Gems.
[This assemblage, the result of twenty years' collecting, contains a greater number than ever has been at one time offered to the public.—The first volume is complete, and may be accounted unique, as all the impressions are before the numbers, the artists' names, or proofs without any letters, as in the presentation copies: the subject of Cupid and Psyche is with variations, and the whole may be regarded as a great rarity. Those of the second volume are few in number, but in point of curiosity, no ways inferior.]
For an interesting account of the engravings of theDevonshire Gems—the rival publication of those from the Marlborough collection—the reader may consult Mr. Beloe'sAnecdotes of Literature and Scarce Books; vol.i.182-6. The entire collection of Mr. Woodhouse's prints produced 3595l.17s.6d.
We will now make handsome mention of theBibliotheca Woodhousiana.A Catalogue of the entire, elegant, and valuable Library of John Woodhouse, Esq., comprising a rich and extensive collection of books, &c. Sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, December, 1803.8vo. The collection was rather choice and rich, than extensive: having only 861 articles. Some of the rarest editions in old English Literature were vigorously contended for by well-known collectors: nor did the Library want beautiful and useful works of a different description. The following specimens will enable the reader to form a pretty correct estimate of the general value of this collection.
Amount of the sale, 3135l.4s.
Phil.I attended the sale of Woodhouse's prints and books; and discovered at it as strong symptoms of the madness of which we are discoursing as ever wereexhibited on a like occasion. I have the catalogue upon fine paper, which, however, is poorly printed; but I consider it rather a curious bibliographical morçeau.
Lysand.Make the most of it, for it will soon become scarce. And now—notwithstanding my former boast to do justice to the remaining bibliomaniacal charactersof respectability—as I find my oral powers almost exhausted, I shall barely mention the sales, by auction, of the collections ofWilkes,Ritson, andBoucher[412]—although I ought to mention theBibliotheca Boucherianawith more respect than its two immediate predecessors; as the collector was a man endowed with etymologicalacumen and patience; and I sincerely wish the public were now receiving the benefit of the continuation of his Dictionary; of which the author published so excellent aspecimen, comprehending only the letter A. Dr. Jamieson has, to be sure, in a great measure done away the melancholy impression which lexicographical readers would otherwise have experienced—by the publication of his own unrivalled "Scottish Dictionary;" yet there is still room enough in the literary world for a continuation of Boucher.
[412]It did not, perhaps, suit Lysander's notions to make mention of book-sales to which no collectors' names were affixed; but, as it has been my office, during the whole of the above conversation, to sit in a corner and take notes of what our book-orator has said, as well to correct as to enlarge the narrative, I purpose, gentle reader, prefacing the account of the above noticed three collections by the following bibliomaniacal specimen: 'A Catalogue of a capital and truly valuable Library, the genuine property of a Gentleman of Fashion, highly distinguished for his fine taste,' &c.: sold by auction by Mr. Christie, May, 1800, 8vo. 326 articles: amount of the sale, 1828l.18s.; being nearly 6l.an article. Now for the beloved specimens:NO.£s.d.35.Baptistæ Portæ de Humanâ Physiognomia,with wood-cuts. Hanoviæ, 1593, et Johannis Physiophili Opuscula.Aug. Vin.1784, 8vo.019038.Officium Beatæ Virginis.This uniqueManuscripton vellum of the 14th century, is enriched with highly finished Miniature Paintings, and is one of the most perfect and best preserved missals known in England.209640.A complete set of the Barbou Classics, 68 vols.elegantly bound in green(French) morocco, with gilt leaves, 8vo.3514094.Gesta et Vestigia Danorum extra Daniam, 3 v.large paper, with a portrait in satin of the Prince to whom it is dedicated, Lips: et Hafn: 1740, 4to.Black morocco, gilt leaves.N.B. 'It is supposed that the Rolliad was taken from this work.'10100133.Brittania, Lathmon, et villa Bromhamensis, poëmatia;Bodoni, Parma, 1792,red morocco, folio.9196211.Contes des Fées; Paris, 1781, 8vo. 4 vols.imprimée sur velin.This unique copy is ornamented with nineteen original drawings, and was made for the late Madame Royale:elegantly bound in blue morocco and enclosed in a morocco case.35140237.Memoires du Comte de Grammont.Edition printed for the Comte d'Artois.Par.1781. 8vo. This beautiful small work, from the text of which Harding's edition was copied, is adorned with several high finished portraits in miniature, painted by a celebrated artist, and is elegantly bound in green morocco, with morocco case.15153317.L'antiquité Expliquée, par Montfaucon, with fine plates;large paper copy, 15 vol. red (French)morocco, with gilt leaves; and Monarchie Françoise, 5, v. l. p.correspondently bound, folio.6300318.Anacreontis Carmina, Gr. et Lat. from a MS. in the Vatican of the tenth century: withbeautiful coloured miniatures by Piale, appropriate to each ode, in rich morocco binding.Romæ, 1781. folio.56140Early in the year in which this collection was disposed of, the very beautiful choice, and truly desirable library ofGeorge Galway Mills, Esq. was sold by auction by Mr. Jeffery, in February, 1800. My copy of this well-executed catalogue is uponlarge paper; but it has not the prices subjoined. Meanwhile let the sharp-sighted bibliomaniac look at no. 28, 68, 85, 106, 181, 412, 438, only. Thus it will be seen that the year 1800 was most singularly distinguished forBook-Auction Bibliomaniacism!We now proceed to notice the sales of the libraries of those bibliomaniacs above mentioned by Lysander.A catalogue of the very valuable Library of the lateJohn Wilkes, Esq., M.P.,&c., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, in November, 1802, 8vo.: 1478 articles. There are few articles, except the following deserving of being extracted.NO.139.Bernier Theologie Portatif, Lond. 1768—Boulanger Recherches sur l'Origine du Despotisme Oriental, morocco, gilt leaves. Lond. 1763, 8vo. 'N.B. The "Recherches" were printed by Mr. Wilkes, at his own private printing press, in Great George Street, Westminster, in 1763.'383.Catullus, recensuit Johannes Wilkes;impress. in Membranis, red morocco, gilt leaves. Lond. ap. Nichols, 1788, 4to.395.Copies taken from the Records of the C. of K.B. 1763. "Note in this book—printed by P.C. Webe, one of the solicitors to the Treasury, never published," &c.1441.Theophrasti Characteres: Græce, Johannes Wilkes, recensuit.Impress. in Membranis, Lond. 1790, 4to.1460.Wilkes's History of England, no.i. 1768, 4to.Next comes the account of the Library of that redoubted champion of ancient lore, and anti-Wartonian critic, Joseph Ritson. His books, upon the whole, brought very moderate sums.A Catalogue of the entire and curious Library and Manuscripts of the lateJoseph Ritson, Esq.,&c., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, December5, 1803, 8vo.NO.£s.d.521.Skelton's (Maister) Workes, MS. notes, and lists of the different editions of Skelton's Works, and likewise of those never printed; and of these last, in whose possession many of them are, 1736, 8vo.0180600.Jeffrey of Monmouth's British History, by Thompson; a great number of MS. notes, on separate papers, by Mr. Ritson. Lond. 1718, 8vo.150950.The Sevin Seages. Translatit out of Paris in Scottis meter, be Johne Rolland in Dalkeith, with one Moralitie after everie Doctouris Tale, and siclike after the Emprice Tale, togidder with one loving landaude to everie Doctour after his awin Tale, and one Exclamation and outcrying upon the Emprerouris Wife after his fals contrusit tale.Imprentit at Edinburgh, be Johne Ros, for Henrie Charteris, 1578, 4to. "Note in this book by Mr. Ritson; No other copy of this edition is known to exist, neither was it known to Ames, Herbert," &c. &c.31100964.A new Enterlude, never before this tyme imprinted, entreating of the Life and Repentance of MarieMagadelene, not only godlie, learned and fruitfull, but also well furnished with pleasant myrth and pastime, very delectable for those which shall heare or reade the same,made by the learnedCharkeLewis Wager—printed1567, MS.1116985.Bibliographia Scotica; Anecdotes biographical and literary of Scotish Writers, Historians, and Poets, from the Earliest account to the nineteenth century, in two parts, intended for publication.4530986.Shakspeare, by Johnson and Steevens, 8 vols. containing a great number of manuscript notes, corrections, &c. &c. together with 3 vols. of manuscript notes, by Mr. Ritson, prepared by him for the press, intending to publish it.11000The year ensuing (of which Lysander has, very negligently, taken no notice) was distinguished for the sale of a collection of books, the like unto which had never been seen, since the days of the dispersion of the Parisian collection. The title of the auction catalogue was, in part, as follows:A Catalogue of a most splendid and valuable collection of Books, superb missals, original drawings, &c. the genuine property of a Gentleman of distinguished taste, retiring into the country, &c.Sold by auction by Mr. Christie, April, 1804, 8vo. 339 articles: total amount, 4640l.—being almost 14l.an article. I attended both days of this sale and the reader shall judge of my own satisfaction, by that whichhemust receive from a perusal of the following specimens of thisBibliotheca Splendidissima.NO.£s.d.221.A most complete set of Sir William Dugdale's Works, containing Monasticon Anglicanum, in 5 vols. 1655; Monasticon, vol. 1, editio secunda, 2 vols.; Monasticon, in English, with Steevens's Continuation, 3 vols.; Warwickshire, first edition; Warwickshire, second edition, by Thomas, 2 vols.; St. Paul's, first and second edition, 2 vols.; Baronage, 2 vols.; History of Imbanking, first and second editions, 2 vols.; Origines Juridiciales, third edition; View of the Troubles; Summons of the Nobility; Usage of Arms and office of Lord Chancellor.This fine set of Dugdale is elegantly bound in Russia leather in 23 volumes.136100(Now worth 250l.)222.Biographia Britannica, 7 vols. 1747, folio. A matchless set illustrated with portraits, fine and rare, andelegantly bound in Russia leather.99150223.Homeri Ilias et Odyssea, 4 vols. Glasgow, 1756, fol. An unique copy, onlarge paper, illustrated with Flaxman's plates to the Iliad, and original drawings, by Miss Wilkes, to the Odyssey;superbly bound in blue Turkey.39180225.Milton's Poetical Works, large paper, Tonson, 1695. Milton's Historical Works, &c., by Birch, 2 vols. large paper, 1738, 3 vols.elegantly bound in Russia leather.5100229.Ogilby's Historical Works, containing Britannia, China, 2 vols. Japan, Asia, Africa, and America, with fine plates by Hollar, 7 vols. folio,fine copy in Russia.18180234.Lord Clarendon's History of the Grand Rebellion, 6 vols. folio,large paper, splendidly bound in morocco, 1702.4970235.Winwood's Memorials of Affairs of State, 3 vols. 1725.Large Paper, elegantly bound, and gilt leaves.5180239.Wood's Athenæ Oxonienses, 2 vols. best edition, 1721.A fine copy on Large Paper, elegantly bound in Russia, with gilt leaves, Fol.7176From no. 292 to 307, inclusive (only 14 volumes), there was a set of "Painted Missals and curious manuscripts," which were sold for 724l.Among them, was Mr. John Towneley's matchless missal, decorated by the famous Francesco Veronese—"one of the finest productions of the kind ever imported from Italy:" see no. 296. For an account of the booksprinted upon vellumin this collection, seePart VI. Let us close this note with theBibliotheca Boucheriana; of which such respectable mention is above justly made by Lysander. "A Catalogue of the very valuable and extensive Library of the lateRev. Jonathan Boucher,A.M., F.R.S., Vicar of Epsom, Surrey. Comprehending a fine and curious collection in Divinity, History, &c.: sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby; in February, 1806."First part, 6646 articles:Second part, 1933 articles:Third part, published in 1809: 857 articles. I attended many days during this sale; but such was the warm fire, directed especially towards divinity, kept up during nearly the whole of it, that it required a heavier weight of metal than I was able to bring into the field of battle to ensure any success in the contest. I cannot help adding that these catalogues are wretchedly printed.
[412]It did not, perhaps, suit Lysander's notions to make mention of book-sales to which no collectors' names were affixed; but, as it has been my office, during the whole of the above conversation, to sit in a corner and take notes of what our book-orator has said, as well to correct as to enlarge the narrative, I purpose, gentle reader, prefacing the account of the above noticed three collections by the following bibliomaniacal specimen: 'A Catalogue of a capital and truly valuable Library, the genuine property of a Gentleman of Fashion, highly distinguished for his fine taste,' &c.: sold by auction by Mr. Christie, May, 1800, 8vo. 326 articles: amount of the sale, 1828l.18s.; being nearly 6l.an article. Now for the beloved specimens:
Early in the year in which this collection was disposed of, the very beautiful choice, and truly desirable library ofGeorge Galway Mills, Esq. was sold by auction by Mr. Jeffery, in February, 1800. My copy of this well-executed catalogue is uponlarge paper; but it has not the prices subjoined. Meanwhile let the sharp-sighted bibliomaniac look at no. 28, 68, 85, 106, 181, 412, 438, only. Thus it will be seen that the year 1800 was most singularly distinguished forBook-Auction Bibliomaniacism!
We now proceed to notice the sales of the libraries of those bibliomaniacs above mentioned by Lysander.A catalogue of the very valuable Library of the lateJohn Wilkes, Esq., M.P.,&c., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, in November, 1802, 8vo.: 1478 articles. There are few articles, except the following deserving of being extracted.
Next comes the account of the Library of that redoubted champion of ancient lore, and anti-Wartonian critic, Joseph Ritson. His books, upon the whole, brought very moderate sums.A Catalogue of the entire and curious Library and Manuscripts of the lateJoseph Ritson, Esq.,&c., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, December5, 1803, 8vo.
The year ensuing (of which Lysander has, very negligently, taken no notice) was distinguished for the sale of a collection of books, the like unto which had never been seen, since the days of the dispersion of the Parisian collection. The title of the auction catalogue was, in part, as follows:A Catalogue of a most splendid and valuable collection of Books, superb missals, original drawings, &c. the genuine property of a Gentleman of distinguished taste, retiring into the country, &c.Sold by auction by Mr. Christie, April, 1804, 8vo. 339 articles: total amount, 4640l.—being almost 14l.an article. I attended both days of this sale and the reader shall judge of my own satisfaction, by that whichhemust receive from a perusal of the following specimens of thisBibliotheca Splendidissima.
From no. 292 to 307, inclusive (only 14 volumes), there was a set of "Painted Missals and curious manuscripts," which were sold for 724l.Among them, was Mr. John Towneley's matchless missal, decorated by the famous Francesco Veronese—"one of the finest productions of the kind ever imported from Italy:" see no. 296. For an account of the booksprinted upon vellumin this collection, seePart VI. Let us close this note with theBibliotheca Boucheriana; of which such respectable mention is above justly made by Lysander. "A Catalogue of the very valuable and extensive Library of the lateRev. Jonathan Boucher,A.M., F.R.S., Vicar of Epsom, Surrey. Comprehending a fine and curious collection in Divinity, History, &c.: sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby; in February, 1806."First part, 6646 articles:Second part, 1933 articles:Third part, published in 1809: 857 articles. I attended many days during this sale; but such was the warm fire, directed especially towards divinity, kept up during nearly the whole of it, that it required a heavier weight of metal than I was able to bring into the field of battle to ensure any success in the contest. I cannot help adding that these catalogues are wretchedly printed.
Ah, well-a-day!—have I not come to the close of myBook-History? Are there any other bibliomaniacs of distinction yet to notice? Yes!—I well remember the book-sale events of the last four years. I well remember the curiosity excited by the collections of theMarquis of Lansdowne,John Brand,Isaac Reed,Richard Porson,Alexander Dalrymple, andRichard Gough,[413]and with these I must absolutely make my bibliomaniacal peroration! Illustrious men!——
[413]For the same reason as has been adduced atp. 427, ante, and from a strong wish to render thisList of Book Auctionsas perfect as my opportunities will allow, I shall persevere, at the foot of Lysander's narrative, in submitting to the attention of the curious reader a still further account of sales than those above alluded to in the text. As this will be the last note inPart V., I hope, however late the hour, or exhausted his patience, that the reader will also persevere to the close of it, and then wish the author "good night," along with his friends, whose salutations are above so dramatically described. At the very opening of the year in which Mr. Boucher's books were sold, the magnificent collection of the Marquis of Lansdowne was disposed of. I well remember the original destination of this numerous library: I well remember the long, beautiful, and classically ornamented room, in which, embellished and guarded by busts, and statues of gods and heroes, the books were ranged in quiet and unmolested order, adjoining to the noblest mansion in London. If the consideration of external, or out-of-door, objects be put out of the question, this Library-room had not its superior in Great Britain. Let us now come to particulars: "Bibliotheca Lansdowniana. A Catalogue of the entire Library of the late most noble WilliamMarquis of Lansdowne;sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, &c. January, 1806." 8vo. The following is but a slender specimen of the printed books in the Lansdowne collection.NO.£s.d.359.Arthur Kynge (the story of the most noble and Worthy) the whiche was fyrst of the worthyes christen, and also of his noble and valyaunt knyghtes of the Round Table;newly imprynted and corrected, black letter, title-page emblazoned, Turkey. Imp. at Lond. by Wyllyam Coplande, 1557, folio. In the collection of Mr. Dent.2500361.Ashmole's (Elias) Institution, Laws, and Ceremonies of the Order of the Garter, plates by Hollar,L. Paper, green morocco, border of gold, gilt leaves, 1672, folio.101001384.Chronica del Rey Don Alonso el Onzeno, Roy de Castilla, &c.Liter. Goth. Mar. verd.Volladolid. 1551, folio.111101385.—— del Rey Don Pedro. D.Enrrique, y D. Juan,Pampl.1591, folio.51561386.—— des Reys de Portugal, D. Joanno I. D. Duarte, e D. Alfonso,Lisboa, 1543, folio.4202499.Gazette, London, from the beginning, 1665 to 1722 inclusive, 73 vol. folio.84003438.Leyes del Reyno, del Don Philippe II. Recopilacion de las, 2 tom. Alcala, 1581. folio.1503439.—— de los Reynos de las Indias, del Don Carlos II. 2 tom. Madrid, 1681, folio.31004108.Money; a very curious Collection of Single Sheets, &c., and with several MS. Memorandums and Papers on that Subject, bound in one volume.101005544.Somers' (Lord) Tracts, 16 vol. Lond. 1748, 52.63005786.Stuart's (James) Antiquities of Athens, plates, 3 vol. 1787, 94, folio.161605787.Stukeley's (Wm.) Itinerary, cuts,Russia, 2 vol. in vol. 1, 1776, folio.21005916.A very rare collection of Tracts, Documents, and Pamphlets, consisting of above 280 volumes, tending to illustrate the History of the French Revolution—together with more than 49 volumes relative to the transactions in the Low Countries, between the years 1787 and 1792, and their separation from the house of Austria:—amongst the above will be found the following works.Des Etats Generaux, &c. Par. 1789.18 vol.Process Verbauxde la première Assemblée,75 vol.Dittode la seconde16 vol.Dittode la Convocation32 vol.Revolution Françoise, 20 vol. from 1790 to 1803, wanting vol. 1, 2, and 13.La Bastile Devoilée. Par. 1789.Sir James M'Intosh's Vindiciæ Gallicæ, and numerous pieces relative to the Constitution and Administration of the French Government, in its Executive, Legislative, Judicial, and Financial Departments, by Messrs. Mirabeau, Turgot, Barrere, Calonne, Necker, &c.16800I should observe that thePrintsorEngravingsof the Marquis, together with theprinted pricesfor which they, and the foregoing library, were sold, are usually added to the Catalogue of the Books. In the spring of 1807, theManuscriptsbelonging to the same noble collector were catalogued to be sold by public auction. These manuscripts, in the preface of thefirstvolume of the Catalogue, are said to 'form one of the noblest and most valuable private collections in the kingdom.' It is well known that the collection never came to the hammer; but was purchased by parliament for 6000l., and is deposited in the British Museum. A catalogue of it is nowsub prelo; videp. 89, ante. We are next to notice the sale by auction of the library of the late Rev. John Brand. The first part of this collection was disposed of in the Spring of 1807; and the catalogue had this title:Bibliotheca Brandiana. A Catalogue of the unique, scarce, rare, curious, and numerous collection of Works, &c., being the entire Library of the lateRev. John Brand,Fellow and Secretary of the Antiquarian Society, Author of the History of Newcastle, Popular Antiquities, &c. Sold by auction by Mr. Stewart, May, 1807. This first part contained 8611 articles, or lots, of printed books; exclusively of 243 lots of manuscripts. Hereafter followeth, gentle reader, some specimens, selected almost at random, of the 'unique, scarce, rare, and curious' books contained in the said library of this far-famed Secretary of the Society of Antiquaries.NO.£s.d.67.Ane Compendious Booke of Godly and Spiritual Songs, bl. lett. 8vo. Edinb. 1621.44069.Academy of Pleasure, with portraits of Drayton, G. Withers, F. Quarles, and B. Jonson, Lon. 1656, 8vo.2176109.A Curtaine Lecture,rare and curious, frontispiece, Lond. 1637, 8vo.0150110.A Banquet of Jests, or Change of Cheare, with portrait of Archee, the King's jester.Rare.Lond. 1659, 8vo.4100227.Arnold's Chronicle of the Customs of London, a fine copy, perfect,printed by Pynson, fol. 1521.18180241.An Alvearie, or Quadruple Dictionarie, by Baret. Francof. fol. 1580.350242.Dyalogue of Dives and Pauper,that is to say, the Rich and the Pore, fructuously tretyng upon the Ten Commandments, black-letter, printed by Pynson, fol. 1493.430272.Allot's England's Parnassus, 8vo. 1600.2100282.A Booke of Fishing, with hooke and line, 1600, 8vo. A Booke of Engines and Traps to take Polcats, Buzzards, Rats, Mice, &c. cuts,very rare, [Seep. 305, ante.]330283.Archy's Dream, sometimes jester to his Majestie, but expelled the court by Canterbury's malice,very rare, 8vo.1130337.A new Dialogue between the Angell of God and Shepherdes in the Felde, black-letter.Pr. by Day, 8vo.2100381.A Dialogue betweene two Neighbours, concernyng Ceremonyes in the first year of Queen Mary, black-letter, with portrait of Mary, by Delarum, from Roane, by Michelwood, 1554, 8vo.2126417.A short Inuentory of certayne idle Inventions, black-letter,very rare.2150418.A Juniper Lecture, with the Description of all Sorts of Women, good and bad,very rare. Lond. 1639, 8vo.1160454.A Quip for an Upstart Courtier; or a Quaint Dispute betweene Velvet Breeches and Cloth Breeches, wherein is set Downe the Disorders in all Estates and Trades,with portraits. Lond. printed by G.P., 1620, 4to.2160462.Articles to be enquired into by various Bishops, &c., in their Visitations; upwards of one hundred;a very curious, scarce, and unique collection, 4to.220802.Barbiere (John) the famous Game of Chesse Play, cuts, 1673. The most ancient and learned play, The Philosopher's Game, invented for the Honourable Recreation of the Studious, by W.F., black-letter, 1563, 4to.2401300.A Plaister for a Galled Horse,very rare, 1548, 4to. [See Herbert's Ames, vol. i. 581: andp. 239; ante.]31761312.A Counter Blaste to Tobacco. Lond. 1604, 4to.01701326.Bentley's (Thos.) Monument of Matrons, containing seven severall Lamps of Virginitie, or Distinct Treatises, collated and perfect, a very fine copy, extremely rare and curious,imprinted at London, by Thomas Dawson, for William Seres, extremely rare, black-letter, 1582, 4to.81861334.Bert (Edmund) an approved Treatise of Hawkes and Hunting. Lond. 1619, 4to.11001540.Burton (Wm.) Seven Dialogues, black-letter. Lond. 1606. George Whetstone's Mirrour for Magistrates of cities, b.l., printed by Richard Jones, 1584, 4to.31361542.Byshop's (John) beautifull Blossomes, black-letter, imprinted by Henrie Cockyn, 1577, 4to.41001754.Characters (viz.) The Surfeit to A.B.C. Lond. 1656. Dr. Lupton's London and Country carbonadoed and quartered into Seuerall Characters, 1632. Essayes and Characters, by L.G., 1661, 8vo.4702069.England's Jests refined and improved, 1660, 8vo.21402326.Catharo's Diogenes in his Singularitie, wherein is comprehended his merrie Baighting fit for all men's benefits: christened by him aNettle for Nice Noses, by L.T., black-letter, 1591, 4to.21003523.Fages (Mrs.) Poems, Fames Roule, &c.,rare, Lond. 1637, 4to.51567817.Stukeley's (Wm.) Itinerarium Curiosum; 2vols. in1,Russia, folio.141408211.The blazon of Jealousie, written in Italian, by Varchi. Lond. 1615, 8vo.2608223.Tracts: Dial of Witches, 1603; Lancaster Witches, 1613; Trial of Yorkshire Witches, 1612; The Golden Fleece, 1626; Cage of Diabolical Possession, 4to.2808224.The most strange and admirable Discoverie of the three witches of Warboys, arraigned, convicted, and executed at the last assizes at Huntington; for bewitching the five daughters of Robert Throckmorton, Esq., and divers other persons, with sundrie devilish and grievous torments; and also for bewitching to death the Lady Crumwell.Extra rare, 4to.4008230.Witches apprehended, examined, and executed for notable villanies, by them committed both by land and water, with a strange and most true triall how to know whether a woman be a witch or not:with the plate.Extra rare, 4to.3508269.The Pleasure of Princes, the Art of Angling, together with the Ordering and Dieting of the Fighting Cocke, 1635, 4to.2508296.The Knyght of the Toure;a perfect and fine specimen of the father of English Printers, 1484, folio. The reader (if he pleases) may consult my first volume, p. 202, of theTypographical Antiquities of Great Britain, for some account of this edition.11160My copy of this first part of the Catalogue of Brand's books is uponlarge paper, with the prices inserted in the margin. Thesecond partof theBibliotheca Brandiana, containing duplicates and Pamphlets, was sold in February, 1808, by Mr. Stewart. There were 4064 articles. Few collections attracted greater attention before, and during, the sale than did the library of the late Mr. Isaac Reed: a critic and literary character of very respectable second-rate reputation. The public Journals teemed, for a time, with book-anecdotes concerning this collection; and theAthenæum,Monthly Mirror,Censura Literaria,European Magazine, struck out a more bold outline of the Bibliotheca Reediana than did the generality of their fellow Journals. Reed's portrait is prefixed to the European Magazine, the Monthly Mirror, and the Catalogue of his own Books: it is an indifferently stippled scraping, copied from a fine mellow mezzotint, from the characteristic pencil of Romney. This latter is a private plate, and, as such, is rare. To return to the Library. The preface to the Catalogue was written by the Rev. H.J. Todd. It is brief, judicious, and impressive; giving abundant proof of the bibliomaniacal spirit of the owner of the library—who would appear to have adopted the cobler's well-known example of applying one room to almost every domestic purpose: for Reed made his library 'his parlour, kitchen, and hall.' A brave and enviable spirit this!—and, in truth, what is comparable with it? But the reader is beginning to wax impatient for a more particular account. Here it is:Bibliotheca Reediana. A Catalogue of the curious and extensive Library of the late Isaac Reed, Esq., of Staple Inn, deceased. Comprehending a most extraordinary collection of books in English Literature, &c.: sold by auction, by Messrs. King and Lochée: November, 1807,8vo.The following specimens of some of Reed's scarce volumes are copied, in part, from the account which was inserted in theAthenæum, vol. iii., pp. 61, 157, under the extraordinary signatures of W. Caxton and W. de Worde.NO.£s.d.5867.A Portfolio of single-sheet Ballads.151506661.Colman (W.) Death's Duel, 8vo.,frontispiece.71506685.Barnefield's Affectionate Shepherd,very rare, 4to. 1594.151006713.A musical Concort of Heavenly Harmonie, called Churchyard's charitie.See MS. notes in Churchyard's Pieces, by Steevens, Reed, &c., 1595, 4to.81506714.Churchyard's lamentable and pitiable Description of the woeful Warres in Flanders, 1578, 4to.41906715.—— a true Discourse of the succeeding Governors in the Netherlands, and the Civil Warres there begun in 1565, 4to.6716.—— a light Bundle of Lively Discourses, called Churchyard's Charge, presented as a New Year's Gift to the Earl of Savoy, 1589, 4to.11506717.—— Challenge, b.l., 1580, with a copious Manuscript account of his works, by J. Reed, and a small octavo Tract, called A Discourse of Rebellion, 1570, 4to.171006755.Gascoigne (George) whole workes,fine copy in Russia, 4to., b.l., 1567.15506777.Cynthia, with certain Sonnets,rare, 1595, 8vo.12507479.Whetstone (George) Mirror of true Honor, andChristainNobilitie, exposing the Life, Death, and Divine Vertues of Francis Earl of Bedford, b.l., 1585, 4to.7007705.Beaumont and Fletcher's Philaster; or Love lies a bleeding,frontispiece, 4to., 1620.24008536.Shakspeariana, a Large Assemblage of Tracts by various authors, relative to Shakspeare, neatly bound in 9 vols. 8vo.23008561.Stillingfleet (Benj.) Plays, never either finished or published.The only copy ever seen by Mr. Reed.31368676.A volume of unpublished and unprinted Fables, by John Ellis, scrivener and translator of Maphaeus.Note by Mr. Reed:'It was given to me by Mr. John Sewell, bookseller, to whom Mr. Ellis bequeathed his Manuscripts. See my account of Mr. Ellis in the European Magazine, Jan. 1792: large 4to.' The volume is enriched with fine engravings, appropriate to each Fable.6008833.Notitia Dramatica, both printed and manuscript; containing a Chronological Account of the chief Incidents relating to the English Theatres, from Nov. 1734, to 31st Dec. 1785. "Collected from various sources, but chiefly the Public Advertisers, which were lent me by Mr. Woodfall for the purpose. This volume contains the most material facts relating to the Theatres for the last fifty years, and will be useful to any person who may wish to compile a History of the Stage." Isaac Reed, Staple's Inn, Aug. 6. 1784.4100Of this Catalogue, there areonly twelve copiesprinted uponlarge paper; which were all distributed previous to the sale of the books. The common paper copies are very indifferently executed. The late Mr. George Baker had the completestl.p.copy of this catalogue in existence. Before we proceed to give an account of subsequent book-sales, it may be as well to pause for a few minutes—and to take a retrospective view of the busy scene which has been, in part, described: or rather, it may be no incurious thing to lay before the reader for a future century (when the ashes of the author shall have long mouldered into their native dust) a statement of the principal book-sales which took place from November, 1806, to November, 1807—at Messrs. Leigh and Sotheby's King and Lochée's, and Mr. Stewart's. The minor ones carried on under Covent-Garden Piazza, Tom's Coffee-house, &c., are not necessary to be noticed. In calculating the number of volumes, I have considered one article, or lot, with the other, to comprehend three volumes. The result is as follows.Book-Sales by Messrs.LeighandSotheby.Volumes.Rev. Edward Bowerbank's library.2200Earl of Halifax's2000Mr. John Voigt's6000Sutton Sharpe's, Esq.4000George Mason's, ditto3800Mr. Burdon's14000Charles Bedford's, Esq.3500Rev. Charles Bathurst's3000Sir John Sebright's, Bt. (duplicates).3300Bishop Horsley's4400Mr. E. Edward's1100Lieut. Col. Thos. Velley's2200Four miscellaneous600055,500Book-Sales byKingandLochée.R. Foster's, Esq. library5000Dr. John Millar's3500Mr. C. Martin's1000Mr. Daniel Waldron's1200Rev. Thomas Towle's3000Mr. Brice Lambert's2000C. Dilly's3000Isaac Reed's30000Six miscellaneous840057,100Book-Sales byMr.Stewart.Mr. Law's library4000Lord Thurlow's3000Mr. William Bryant's4500Rev. W.W. Fitzthomas's2000Rev. John Brand's17000George Stubbs, Esq.1800Three miscellaneous430036,600TOTALSold byMessrs. Leigh and Sotheby55500Messrs. King and Lochée57100Mr. Stewart36600149,200Such has been the circulation of books, within the foregoing period, by the hands ofthree Auctioneers only; and the prices which a great number ofusefularticles brought is a sufficient demonstration that books are esteemed for theirintrinsic value, as well as for the adventitious circumstances which render themrareorcurious. Butprosterityare not to judge of the prevalence of knowledge in these times by the criterion of, what are technically called,book-salesonly. They should be told that, within the same twelve months, thousands and tens of thousands of books of all sorts have been circulated by theLondon Booksellers; and that, without travelling to know the number disposed of at Bristol, Liverpool, York, Manchester, or Exeter, it may be only necessary to state thatone distinguished Housealone, established not quite a furlong from the railings of St. Paul's Cathedral, sold not far short oftwo hundred thousand volumeswithin the foregoing period! If learning continue thus to thrive, and books to be considered as necessary furniture to an apartment; if wealthy merchants are resolved upon procuring Large Paper copies, as well as Indian spices and Russian furs; we may hail, in anticipation, that glorious period when the book-fairs ofLeipsicshall be forgotten in the superior splendour of those ofLondon! But to return to our chronological order: The ensuing year, 1808, was distinguished for no small mischief excited in the bibliomaniacal world by the sales of many curious and detached libraries. The second part of Mr. Brand's collection which was sold in the spring of this year, has been already noticed. The close of the year witnessed the sales, by auction, of the books ofSamuel Ewer, Esq. (retiring into the country), and of Mr.Machel Stace, bookseller. The former collection was very strong in bibliography; and the latter presented a singularly valuable 'Collection of rare and select' books, relating to old English Literature elegantly bound: containing 2607 articles. Mr. Stace had published, the preceding year, 'A Catalogue of curious and scarce Books and Tracts:' which, with the preceding, merit a snug place upon the bibliographer's shelf. We now enter upon a more busy year of sales of books by auction. The Bibliomania had only increased by the preceding displays of precious and magnificent volumes. And first came on, in magnitude andinportance, the sales ofAlexander DalrympleandProfessor Porson. Of these in turn.A Catalogue of the extensive and valuable Library of Books: Part I. Late the property ofAlex. Dalrymple, Esq. F.R.S.,deceased. Hydrographer to the Board of Admiralty, and the Hon. East India Company, &c., sold by auction by King and Lochée, May 29, 1809, 8vo.—7190 articles:A Catalogue, &c., Part II. of the same: sold by auction by the same: Nov. 1809.—8897 articles. I should add that there is a stippled engraving of Dalrymple, with fac-simile of his hand-writing, which faces the title page toPart Firstof this extraordinary and numerous collection; of books of Geography, Voyages, and Travels. I strongly recommend copies of these catalogues to be in every library of extent and utility. We are now to notice:A Catalogue of Part of the Library of the late Richard Porson, A.M., Greek Professor of the University of Cambridge, &c.: sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, June 16th, 1809, 8vo.—1391 articles: amount of the books, 1254l.18s.6d.The subjoined is rather a rich, though brief, specimen of some of the valuable books contained in the library of this profound Greek scholar; in whom the acuteness of Bentley, and the erudition of Hemsterhusius, were more than revived.NO.£s.d.116.Biblia Græca, et Novum Testamentum Græce, lectionibus D.J.J. Griesbach, 2 vols., boards, uncut, MS. notes at the beginning of each vol. Hal. Sax. 1796-1806, 8vo.8150The notes amounted to the correction of 9 typographical errors and 1 addition to a note of Griesbach's, consisting of authorities he ought to have added.182.Athenæus, Gr. Lat., cum animadversionibus I. Casauboni, 2 vols., MS. notes, Lugduni, 1612, folio.7100330.Chariton de Amor. Chaeræ et Callirrhoe, Gr. Lat. cum animadversionibus, J.P. d'Orville—Amst. 1750, 4to.250Porson's note in the beginning. 'Opus plenum eruditionis, judicii et sagacitatis non item.'559.Homeri Ilias et Odyssea (the Grenville edition) boards, uncut, with the original portrait. Oxoniæ, 4to.,large paper: 4 vols.8730601.Eustathius in Homerum, 4 vols., morocco, gilt leaves, Par. 1550, fol.55001078.Shakspeare's (William) Plays by Johnson and Steevens, 15 vols., boards, uncut, 1793, 8vo.12150Anecdotes and Memoirs ofRichard Porsonare strewn, like spring flowers in an extensive pasture, in almost every newspaper, magazine, and journal. Among the latter, there is an interesting one by Dr. Adam Clarke in theClassical Journal, no.iv., p. 720. Thehand-writingof Porson is a theme of general admiration, and justly so; but hisGreekcharacters have always struck me as being more stiff and cramped than his Roman and Italic. I well remember when he shewed me, and expatiated eloquently upon, the famous MS. of Plato, of the 10th century. Poor Fillingham was of the party. Little did I then expect that three years only would deprive the world of its great classical ornament, and myself of a well-informed and gentle-hearted friend! We will now close our account of the book-ravages in the year 1809, by noticing the dispersion of a few minor corps of bibliomaniacal troops, in the shape of printed volumes.Bibliotheca Maddisoniana: A Catalogue of the extensive and valuable library of the lateJohn Maddison,Esq., of the foreign department in the Post Office, &c.: sold by auction by King and Lochée, March, 1809, 8vo. A judicious and elegant collection. 5239 articles.ii.A Catalogue of a curious, valuable, and rare collection of Books in Typography, History, Voyages, Early EnglishPoetvy, Romances, Classics, &c.: the property of a Collector well known for his literary taste, &c. Sold by auction by Mr. Stewart, April, 1809, 8vo. Some curious volumes were in these 1858 articles or lots.iii.A Catalogue of the very valuable and elegant Library ofEmperor John Alexander Woodford, Esq., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, May, 1809, 8vo.—1773 articles. This was a sumptuous collection; and the books, in general, brought large prices, from being sharply contended for.iv.A Catalogue of the interesting and curious historical and biographical part of theLibrary of a Gentleman, particularly interesting, during the reign of Elizabeth, the grand rebellion, the usurpation, restoration, and abdication, &c., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, in May, 1809, 8vo. Only 806 articles; but a singularly curious and elegant collection; the catalogue of which I strongly recommend to all 'curious, prying, and inquisitive' bibliomaniacs. The first half of the ensuing year, 1810, was yet more distinguished for the zeal and energy—shall I saymadness?—displayed atBook-Auctions. The sale of Mr. Gough's books excited an unusual ferment among English antiquaries: but the sale of a more extensive, and truly beautifully classical, collection in Pall Mall, excited still stronger sensations. As thepricesfor some of the articles sold in the Gough collection have already been printed in theGentleman's Magazine, vol. lxxx., pt. ii., and as those for which some of thelattercollection were sold, appeared in the 4th number ofThe Classical Journal, it only remains for me to subjoin the following account.i.A Catalogue of the entire and valuable Library (with the exception of the department of Topography, bequeathed to the Bodleian Library) of that eminent antiquary,Richard Gough, Esq., deceased, &c., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, April, 1810, 8vo.—4082 articles. TheManuscriptsconclude the catalogue, at no. 4373. Prefixed to the printed books, there is an account of the collector, Mr. Gough, executed by the faithful pen of Mr. Nichols. My own humble opinion of this celebrated antiquary has already been before the public:Typog. Antiquit., vol.i., 21.ii.A Catalogue of books containing all the rare, useful, and valuable publications in every department of Literature, from the first invention of Printing to the present time, all of which are in the most perfect condition, &c.: sold by auction by Mr. Jeffery, May, 1810, 8vo.—4809 articles. Another Catalogue of the same collection, elegantly printed in royal octavo, but omitting the auctioneer's notices of the relative value of certain editions, was published by Mr. Constable of Edinburgh, bookseller: with the prices and purchasers' names subjoined: and of which it is said only 250 copies are printed. TheRev. Mr. Heathis reported to have been the owner of this truly select and sumptuous classical library: the sale of which produced 9000l.Never did the bibliomaniac's eye alight upon 'sweeter copies'—as the phrase is; and never did the bibliomaniacal barometer rise higher than at this sale! The most marked phrensy characterized it. A copy of the Editio Princeps of Homer (by no means a first-rate one) brought 92l.: and all theAldine Classicsproduced such an electricity of sensation that buyers stuck at nothing to embrace them! Do not let it hence be said thatblack-letter loreis the only fashionable pursuit of the present age of book-collectors. This sale may be hailed as the omen of better and brighter prospects in Literature in general: and many a useful philological work, although printed in the Latin or Italian language—and which had been sleeping, unmolested, upon a bookseller's shelf these dozen years—will now start up from its slumber, and walk abroad in a new atmosphere, and be noticed and 'made much of.'Here I terminate myannotation laboursrelating toanecdotes of Book-Collectors, andaccounts of Book-Auctions. Unless I am greatly deceived, these labours have not been thrown away. They may serve, as well to awaken curiosity in regard to yet further interesting memoranda respecting scholars, as to shew the progressive value of books, and the increase of the disease called theBibliomania. Some of the most curious volumes in English literature have in these notes, been duly recorded; nor can I conclude such a laborious, though humble, task, without indulging a fond hope that this account will be consulted by all those who make book-collecting their amusement. But it is now time to rise up, with the company described in the text, and to put on my hat and great-coat. So I make my bow, wishing, withL'Envoyat the close ofMarmion,To all, to each, a fair good night,And pleasing dreams, and slumbers light.
[413]For the same reason as has been adduced atp. 427, ante, and from a strong wish to render thisList of Book Auctionsas perfect as my opportunities will allow, I shall persevere, at the foot of Lysander's narrative, in submitting to the attention of the curious reader a still further account of sales than those above alluded to in the text. As this will be the last note inPart V., I hope, however late the hour, or exhausted his patience, that the reader will also persevere to the close of it, and then wish the author "good night," along with his friends, whose salutations are above so dramatically described. At the very opening of the year in which Mr. Boucher's books were sold, the magnificent collection of the Marquis of Lansdowne was disposed of. I well remember the original destination of this numerous library: I well remember the long, beautiful, and classically ornamented room, in which, embellished and guarded by busts, and statues of gods and heroes, the books were ranged in quiet and unmolested order, adjoining to the noblest mansion in London. If the consideration of external, or out-of-door, objects be put out of the question, this Library-room had not its superior in Great Britain. Let us now come to particulars: "Bibliotheca Lansdowniana. A Catalogue of the entire Library of the late most noble WilliamMarquis of Lansdowne;sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, &c. January, 1806." 8vo. The following is but a slender specimen of the printed books in the Lansdowne collection.
I should observe that thePrintsorEngravingsof the Marquis, together with theprinted pricesfor which they, and the foregoing library, were sold, are usually added to the Catalogue of the Books. In the spring of 1807, theManuscriptsbelonging to the same noble collector were catalogued to be sold by public auction. These manuscripts, in the preface of thefirstvolume of the Catalogue, are said to 'form one of the noblest and most valuable private collections in the kingdom.' It is well known that the collection never came to the hammer; but was purchased by parliament for 6000l., and is deposited in the British Museum. A catalogue of it is nowsub prelo; videp. 89, ante. We are next to notice the sale by auction of the library of the late Rev. John Brand. The first part of this collection was disposed of in the Spring of 1807; and the catalogue had this title:Bibliotheca Brandiana. A Catalogue of the unique, scarce, rare, curious, and numerous collection of Works, &c., being the entire Library of the lateRev. John Brand,Fellow and Secretary of the Antiquarian Society, Author of the History of Newcastle, Popular Antiquities, &c. Sold by auction by Mr. Stewart, May, 1807. This first part contained 8611 articles, or lots, of printed books; exclusively of 243 lots of manuscripts. Hereafter followeth, gentle reader, some specimens, selected almost at random, of the 'unique, scarce, rare, and curious' books contained in the said library of this far-famed Secretary of the Society of Antiquaries.
My copy of this first part of the Catalogue of Brand's books is uponlarge paper, with the prices inserted in the margin. Thesecond partof theBibliotheca Brandiana, containing duplicates and Pamphlets, was sold in February, 1808, by Mr. Stewart. There were 4064 articles. Few collections attracted greater attention before, and during, the sale than did the library of the late Mr. Isaac Reed: a critic and literary character of very respectable second-rate reputation. The public Journals teemed, for a time, with book-anecdotes concerning this collection; and theAthenæum,Monthly Mirror,Censura Literaria,European Magazine, struck out a more bold outline of the Bibliotheca Reediana than did the generality of their fellow Journals. Reed's portrait is prefixed to the European Magazine, the Monthly Mirror, and the Catalogue of his own Books: it is an indifferently stippled scraping, copied from a fine mellow mezzotint, from the characteristic pencil of Romney. This latter is a private plate, and, as such, is rare. To return to the Library. The preface to the Catalogue was written by the Rev. H.J. Todd. It is brief, judicious, and impressive; giving abundant proof of the bibliomaniacal spirit of the owner of the library—who would appear to have adopted the cobler's well-known example of applying one room to almost every domestic purpose: for Reed made his library 'his parlour, kitchen, and hall.' A brave and enviable spirit this!—and, in truth, what is comparable with it? But the reader is beginning to wax impatient for a more particular account. Here it is:Bibliotheca Reediana. A Catalogue of the curious and extensive Library of the late Isaac Reed, Esq., of Staple Inn, deceased. Comprehending a most extraordinary collection of books in English Literature, &c.: sold by auction, by Messrs. King and Lochée: November, 1807,8vo.The following specimens of some of Reed's scarce volumes are copied, in part, from the account which was inserted in theAthenæum, vol. iii., pp. 61, 157, under the extraordinary signatures of W. Caxton and W. de Worde.
Of this Catalogue, there areonly twelve copiesprinted uponlarge paper; which were all distributed previous to the sale of the books. The common paper copies are very indifferently executed. The late Mr. George Baker had the completestl.p.copy of this catalogue in existence. Before we proceed to give an account of subsequent book-sales, it may be as well to pause for a few minutes—and to take a retrospective view of the busy scene which has been, in part, described: or rather, it may be no incurious thing to lay before the reader for a future century (when the ashes of the author shall have long mouldered into their native dust) a statement of the principal book-sales which took place from November, 1806, to November, 1807—at Messrs. Leigh and Sotheby's King and Lochée's, and Mr. Stewart's. The minor ones carried on under Covent-Garden Piazza, Tom's Coffee-house, &c., are not necessary to be noticed. In calculating the number of volumes, I have considered one article, or lot, with the other, to comprehend three volumes. The result is as follows.
Book-Sales by Messrs.LeighandSotheby.
Book-Sales byKingandLochée.
Book-Sales byMr.Stewart.
TOTAL
Such has been the circulation of books, within the foregoing period, by the hands ofthree Auctioneers only; and the prices which a great number ofusefularticles brought is a sufficient demonstration that books are esteemed for theirintrinsic value, as well as for the adventitious circumstances which render themrareorcurious. Butprosterityare not to judge of the prevalence of knowledge in these times by the criterion of, what are technically called,book-salesonly. They should be told that, within the same twelve months, thousands and tens of thousands of books of all sorts have been circulated by theLondon Booksellers; and that, without travelling to know the number disposed of at Bristol, Liverpool, York, Manchester, or Exeter, it may be only necessary to state thatone distinguished Housealone, established not quite a furlong from the railings of St. Paul's Cathedral, sold not far short oftwo hundred thousand volumeswithin the foregoing period! If learning continue thus to thrive, and books to be considered as necessary furniture to an apartment; if wealthy merchants are resolved upon procuring Large Paper copies, as well as Indian spices and Russian furs; we may hail, in anticipation, that glorious period when the book-fairs ofLeipsicshall be forgotten in the superior splendour of those ofLondon! But to return to our chronological order: The ensuing year, 1808, was distinguished for no small mischief excited in the bibliomaniacal world by the sales of many curious and detached libraries. The second part of Mr. Brand's collection which was sold in the spring of this year, has been already noticed. The close of the year witnessed the sales, by auction, of the books ofSamuel Ewer, Esq. (retiring into the country), and of Mr.Machel Stace, bookseller. The former collection was very strong in bibliography; and the latter presented a singularly valuable 'Collection of rare and select' books, relating to old English Literature elegantly bound: containing 2607 articles. Mr. Stace had published, the preceding year, 'A Catalogue of curious and scarce Books and Tracts:' which, with the preceding, merit a snug place upon the bibliographer's shelf. We now enter upon a more busy year of sales of books by auction. The Bibliomania had only increased by the preceding displays of precious and magnificent volumes. And first came on, in magnitude andinportance, the sales ofAlexander DalrympleandProfessor Porson. Of these in turn.A Catalogue of the extensive and valuable Library of Books: Part I. Late the property ofAlex. Dalrymple, Esq. F.R.S.,deceased. Hydrographer to the Board of Admiralty, and the Hon. East India Company, &c., sold by auction by King and Lochée, May 29, 1809, 8vo.—7190 articles:A Catalogue, &c., Part II. of the same: sold by auction by the same: Nov. 1809.—8897 articles. I should add that there is a stippled engraving of Dalrymple, with fac-simile of his hand-writing, which faces the title page toPart Firstof this extraordinary and numerous collection; of books of Geography, Voyages, and Travels. I strongly recommend copies of these catalogues to be in every library of extent and utility. We are now to notice:A Catalogue of Part of the Library of the late Richard Porson, A.M., Greek Professor of the University of Cambridge, &c.: sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, June 16th, 1809, 8vo.—1391 articles: amount of the books, 1254l.18s.6d.The subjoined is rather a rich, though brief, specimen of some of the valuable books contained in the library of this profound Greek scholar; in whom the acuteness of Bentley, and the erudition of Hemsterhusius, were more than revived.
Anecdotes and Memoirs ofRichard Porsonare strewn, like spring flowers in an extensive pasture, in almost every newspaper, magazine, and journal. Among the latter, there is an interesting one by Dr. Adam Clarke in theClassical Journal, no.iv., p. 720. Thehand-writingof Porson is a theme of general admiration, and justly so; but hisGreekcharacters have always struck me as being more stiff and cramped than his Roman and Italic. I well remember when he shewed me, and expatiated eloquently upon, the famous MS. of Plato, of the 10th century. Poor Fillingham was of the party. Little did I then expect that three years only would deprive the world of its great classical ornament, and myself of a well-informed and gentle-hearted friend! We will now close our account of the book-ravages in the year 1809, by noticing the dispersion of a few minor corps of bibliomaniacal troops, in the shape of printed volumes.Bibliotheca Maddisoniana: A Catalogue of the extensive and valuable library of the lateJohn Maddison,Esq., of the foreign department in the Post Office, &c.: sold by auction by King and Lochée, March, 1809, 8vo. A judicious and elegant collection. 5239 articles.ii.A Catalogue of a curious, valuable, and rare collection of Books in Typography, History, Voyages, Early EnglishPoetvy, Romances, Classics, &c.: the property of a Collector well known for his literary taste, &c. Sold by auction by Mr. Stewart, April, 1809, 8vo. Some curious volumes were in these 1858 articles or lots.iii.A Catalogue of the very valuable and elegant Library ofEmperor John Alexander Woodford, Esq., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, May, 1809, 8vo.—1773 articles. This was a sumptuous collection; and the books, in general, brought large prices, from being sharply contended for.iv.A Catalogue of the interesting and curious historical and biographical part of theLibrary of a Gentleman, particularly interesting, during the reign of Elizabeth, the grand rebellion, the usurpation, restoration, and abdication, &c., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, in May, 1809, 8vo. Only 806 articles; but a singularly curious and elegant collection; the catalogue of which I strongly recommend to all 'curious, prying, and inquisitive' bibliomaniacs. The first half of the ensuing year, 1810, was yet more distinguished for the zeal and energy—shall I saymadness?—displayed atBook-Auctions. The sale of Mr. Gough's books excited an unusual ferment among English antiquaries: but the sale of a more extensive, and truly beautifully classical, collection in Pall Mall, excited still stronger sensations. As thepricesfor some of the articles sold in the Gough collection have already been printed in theGentleman's Magazine, vol. lxxx., pt. ii., and as those for which some of thelattercollection were sold, appeared in the 4th number ofThe Classical Journal, it only remains for me to subjoin the following account.i.A Catalogue of the entire and valuable Library (with the exception of the department of Topography, bequeathed to the Bodleian Library) of that eminent antiquary,Richard Gough, Esq., deceased, &c., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, April, 1810, 8vo.—4082 articles. TheManuscriptsconclude the catalogue, at no. 4373. Prefixed to the printed books, there is an account of the collector, Mr. Gough, executed by the faithful pen of Mr. Nichols. My own humble opinion of this celebrated antiquary has already been before the public:Typog. Antiquit., vol.i., 21.ii.A Catalogue of books containing all the rare, useful, and valuable publications in every department of Literature, from the first invention of Printing to the present time, all of which are in the most perfect condition, &c.: sold by auction by Mr. Jeffery, May, 1810, 8vo.—4809 articles. Another Catalogue of the same collection, elegantly printed in royal octavo, but omitting the auctioneer's notices of the relative value of certain editions, was published by Mr. Constable of Edinburgh, bookseller: with the prices and purchasers' names subjoined: and of which it is said only 250 copies are printed. TheRev. Mr. Heathis reported to have been the owner of this truly select and sumptuous classical library: the sale of which produced 9000l.Never did the bibliomaniac's eye alight upon 'sweeter copies'—as the phrase is; and never did the bibliomaniacal barometer rise higher than at this sale! The most marked phrensy characterized it. A copy of the Editio Princeps of Homer (by no means a first-rate one) brought 92l.: and all theAldine Classicsproduced such an electricity of sensation that buyers stuck at nothing to embrace them! Do not let it hence be said thatblack-letter loreis the only fashionable pursuit of the present age of book-collectors. This sale may be hailed as the omen of better and brighter prospects in Literature in general: and many a useful philological work, although printed in the Latin or Italian language—and which had been sleeping, unmolested, upon a bookseller's shelf these dozen years—will now start up from its slumber, and walk abroad in a new atmosphere, and be noticed and 'made much of.'
Here I terminate myannotation laboursrelating toanecdotes of Book-Collectors, andaccounts of Book-Auctions. Unless I am greatly deceived, these labours have not been thrown away. They may serve, as well to awaken curiosity in regard to yet further interesting memoranda respecting scholars, as to shew the progressive value of books, and the increase of the disease called theBibliomania. Some of the most curious volumes in English literature have in these notes, been duly recorded; nor can I conclude such a laborious, though humble, task, without indulging a fond hope that this account will be consulted by all those who make book-collecting their amusement. But it is now time to rise up, with the company described in the text, and to put on my hat and great-coat. So I make my bow, wishing, withL'Envoyat the close ofMarmion,