[423]Macbeth; Acti., Sc.vi.Dr. Johnson has happily observed, upon the above beautiful passage of Shakespeare, that "Gentle senseis very elegant; as it meansplacid,calm,composed; and intimates the peaceable delight of a fine day." Shakespeare's Works; edit. 1803; vol x., p. 73. Alain Chartier, in the motto prefixed to the Second part of this Bibliographical Romance, has given us a yet more animated, and equally characteristic, picture. Thomson's serene morning,Unfolding fair the last autumnal day,is also very apposite; and reminds us of one of those soft and aërial pictures of Claude Loraine, where a heaven-like tranquillity and peace seem to prevail. Delightful scenes!—we love to steal a short moment from a bustling world, to gaze upon landscapes which appear to have been copied from the paradise of our first parents. Delusive yet fascinating objects of contemplation! You whisper sweet repose, and heart-soothing delight! We turn back upon the world; and the stunning noises of Virgil's Cyclops put all this fair Elysium to flight.
[423]Macbeth; Acti., Sc.vi.Dr. Johnson has happily observed, upon the above beautiful passage of Shakespeare, that "Gentle senseis very elegant; as it meansplacid,calm,composed; and intimates the peaceable delight of a fine day." Shakespeare's Works; edit. 1803; vol x., p. 73. Alain Chartier, in the motto prefixed to the Second part of this Bibliographical Romance, has given us a yet more animated, and equally characteristic, picture. Thomson's serene morning,
Unfolding fair the last autumnal day,
is also very apposite; and reminds us of one of those soft and aërial pictures of Claude Loraine, where a heaven-like tranquillity and peace seem to prevail. Delightful scenes!—we love to steal a short moment from a bustling world, to gaze upon landscapes which appear to have been copied from the paradise of our first parents. Delusive yet fascinating objects of contemplation! You whisper sweet repose, and heart-soothing delight! We turn back upon the world; and the stunning noises of Virgil's Cyclops put all this fair Elysium to flight.
At a distance, the reapers were carrying away their last harvest load; and numerous groups of gleaners pickingup the grain which they had spared, were marching homewards in all the glee of apparent happiness. Immediately on our left, the cattle were grazing in a rich pasture meadow; while, before us, the white pheasant darted across the walk, and the stock-dove was heard to wail in the grove. We passed a row of orange trees, glittering with golden fruit; and, turning sharply to our right, discovered, on a gentle eminence, and skirted with a profusion of shrubs and delicately shaped trees, the wished-forAlcove.
We quickly descried Almansa busied in twining her favourite honey-suckles round the portico; while within Belinda was sitting soberly at work, as if waiting our arrival. The ladies saluted us as we approached; and Lorenzo, who till now had been unperceived, came quietly from the interior, with his favourite edition ofThomson[424]in his hand.
[424]This must be a favourite edition with every man of taste. It was printed byBensley, and published byDu Roveray, in the year 1802. The designs were by Hamilton, and the engravings principally by Fittler. The copy which Lorenzo had in his hand was uponlarge paper; and nothing could exceed the lustre of the type and plates. The editions ofPope,Gray, andMilton, byDu Roveray, as well as those ofThe Spectator,Guardian,Tatler, by Messrs.SharpeandHailes, are among the most elegant, as well as accurate, publications of our old popular writers.
[424]This must be a favourite edition with every man of taste. It was printed byBensley, and published byDu Roveray, in the year 1802. The designs were by Hamilton, and the engravings principally by Fittler. The copy which Lorenzo had in his hand was uponlarge paper; and nothing could exceed the lustre of the type and plates. The editions ofPope,Gray, andMilton, byDu Roveray, as well as those ofThe Spectator,Guardian,Tatler, by Messrs.SharpeandHailes, are among the most elegant, as well as accurate, publications of our old popular writers.
The Alcove at a distance, had the appearance of a rustic temple.[425]The form, though a little capricious,was picturesque; and it stood so completely embosomed in rich and variegated foliage, and commanded so fine a swell of landscape, that the visitor must be cold indeed who could approach it with the compass of Palladio in one hand, and the square of Inigo Jones in the other. We entered and looked around us.
[425]Lorenzo was not unmindful that it had been observed by Lipsius (Syntag. de Bibliothecis) and, after him, by Thomasinus (de Donar. et Tabell-votiv.c. 3. p. 37.) that the ancients generally built their libraries near to, or adjoining theirTemples; "ut veram seram sedem sacratorum ingenii fætuum loca sacra esse ostenderent:"Bibliothecas(inquit) procul abesse (sc. aTemplis) noluerunt veteres, ut ex præclaris ingeniorum monumentis dependens mortalium, gloria, in Deorum tutela esset. This I gather from Spizolius'sInfelix Literatus: p. 462.
[425]Lorenzo was not unmindful that it had been observed by Lipsius (Syntag. de Bibliothecis) and, after him, by Thomasinus (de Donar. et Tabell-votiv.c. 3. p. 37.) that the ancients generally built their libraries near to, or adjoining theirTemples; "ut veram seram sedem sacratorum ingenii fætuum loca sacra esse ostenderent:"Bibliothecas(inquit) procul abesse (sc. aTemplis) noluerunt veteres, ut ex præclaris ingeniorum monumentis dependens mortalium, gloria, in Deorum tutela esset. This I gather from Spizolius'sInfelix Literatus: p. 462.
Those who have relished the mild beauties of Wynants' pictures would be pleased with the view from the Alcove of Lorenzo. The country before was varied, undulating, and the greater part, highly cultivated. Some broad-spreading oaks here and there threw their protecting arms round the humble saplings; and some aspiring elms frequently reared their lofty heads, as land-marks across the county. The copses skirted the higher grounds, and a fine park-wood covered the middle part of the landscape in one broad umbrageous tone of colouring. It was not the close rusticity of Hobbima—or the expansive, and sometimes complicated, scenery of Berghem—or the heat-oppressive and magnificent views of Both—that we contemplated; but, as has been before observed, the mild and gentle scenery of Wynants; and if a cascade or dimpling brook had been near us, I could have called to my aid the transparent pencil of Rysdael, in order to impress upon the reader a proper notion of the scenery. But it is high time to make mention of the conversation which ensued among the tenants of this Alcove.
Loren.I am heartily glad we are met under such propitious circumstances. What a glorious day!
Alman.Have you recovered, Sir, the immense fatigue you must have sustained from the exertions of yesterday? My brother has no mercy upon a thoroughly-versed book guest!
Lysand.I am indeed quite hearty: yet, if any thing heavy and indigested hung about me, would not thecontemplation of such a landscape, and such a day, restore every thing to its wonted ardour?! You cannot conceive how such a scene affects me: even to shedding tears of pleasure—from the reflections to which it gives rise.
Belin.How strangely and how cruelly has the character of a bibliographer been aspersed! Last night you convinced me of the ardour of your enthusiasm, and of the eloquence of your expression, in regard to your favourite subject of discussion!—but, this morning, I find that you can talk in an equally impassioned manner respecting garden and woodland scenery?
Lysand.Yes, Madam: and if I possessed such a domain as does your brother, I think I could even improve it a little—especially the interior of the Alcove! I don't know that I could attach to the house a more appropriate library than he has done; even if I adopted the octagonal form of theHafod Library;[426]which, considered with reference to its local situation, is, I think, almost unequalled:—but it strikes me that the interior of this Alcove might be somewhat improved.
[426]Hafod, in Cardiganshire, South Wales, is the residence ofThomas Johnes, Esq., M.P., and Lord Lieutenant of the county. Mr. Malkin, in hisScenery, Antiquities, and Biography, of South Wales, 1804, 4to., and Dr. Smith, in hisTour to Hafod, 1810, folio, have made us pretty well acquainted with the local scenery of Hafod:—yet can any pen or pencil do this—Paradise, open'd in the wild,perfect justice! I have seen Mr. Stothard's numerous little sketches of the pleasure-grounds and surrounding country, which are at once faithful and picturesque. But what were this "Paridise" of rocks, waterfalls, streams, woods, copses, dells, grottos, and mountains, without the hospitable spirit of the owner—which seems to preside in, and to animate, every summer-house and alcove. The book-loving world is well acquainted with theChronicles of Froissart,Joinville,De Brocquiere, andMonstrelet, which have issued from theHafod Press; and have long deplored the loss, from fire, which their author, Mr. Johnes, experienced in the demolition of the greater part of his house and library. The former has been rebuilt, and the latter replenished: yet no Phœnix spirit can revivify the ashes of those volumes which contained the romances notified by the renowned Don Quixote! But I am rambling too wildly among the Hafod rocks—I hasten, therefore to return and take the reader with me into the interior of Mr. Johnes's largest library, which is terminated by a Conservatory of upwards of 150 feet. As the ancient little books for children [hightLac Puerorum!] used to express it—"Look, here it is."Johnes library
[426]Hafod, in Cardiganshire, South Wales, is the residence ofThomas Johnes, Esq., M.P., and Lord Lieutenant of the county. Mr. Malkin, in hisScenery, Antiquities, and Biography, of South Wales, 1804, 4to., and Dr. Smith, in hisTour to Hafod, 1810, folio, have made us pretty well acquainted with the local scenery of Hafod:—yet can any pen or pencil do this
—Paradise, open'd in the wild,
perfect justice! I have seen Mr. Stothard's numerous little sketches of the pleasure-grounds and surrounding country, which are at once faithful and picturesque. But what were this "Paridise" of rocks, waterfalls, streams, woods, copses, dells, grottos, and mountains, without the hospitable spirit of the owner—which seems to preside in, and to animate, every summer-house and alcove. The book-loving world is well acquainted with theChronicles of Froissart,Joinville,De Brocquiere, andMonstrelet, which have issued from theHafod Press; and have long deplored the loss, from fire, which their author, Mr. Johnes, experienced in the demolition of the greater part of his house and library. The former has been rebuilt, and the latter replenished: yet no Phœnix spirit can revivify the ashes of those volumes which contained the romances notified by the renowned Don Quixote! But I am rambling too wildly among the Hafod rocks—I hasten, therefore to return and take the reader with me into the interior of Mr. Johnes's largest library, which is terminated by a Conservatory of upwards of 150 feet. As the ancient little books for children [hightLac Puerorum!] used to express it—"Look, here it is."
Johnes library
Loren.What defects do you discover here, Lysander?
Lysand.They are rather omissions to be suppliedthan errors to be corrected. You have warmed the interior by a Grecian-shaped stove, and you do right; but I think a few small busts in yonder recesses would not be out of character. Milton, Shakespeare, andLocke, would produce a sort of inspiration which might accord with that degree of feeling excited by the contemplation of these external objects.
Loren.You are right. 'Ere you revisit this spot, those inspiring gentlemen shall surround me.
Belin.And pray add to them the busts of Thomson and Cowper: for these latter, in my opinion, are our best poets in the description of rural life. You remember what Cowper says—
God made the country, and Man made the town?
Alman.This may be very well—but we forget the purpose for which we are convened.
Lis.True: so I entreat you, Master Lysander, to open—not the debate—but the discussion.
Lysand.You wish to know what are thesymptoms of the bibliomania?—what are the badges or livery marks, in a library, of the owner of the collection being a bibliomaniac?
Alman.Even so. My question, yesterday evening, was—if I remember well—whether amere collectorof books was necessarily a bibliomaniac?
Lysand.Yes: and to which—if I also recollect rightly—I replied that the symptoms of the disease, and the character of a bibliomaniac, were discoverable in the very books themselves!
Lis.How is this?
Alman & Belin.Do pray let us hear.
Phil.At the outset, I entreat you, Lysander, not to overcharge the colouring of your picture. Respect the character of your auditors; and, above all things, have mercy upon the phlogistic imagination of Lisardo!
Lysand.I will endeavour to discharge the important office of a bibliomaniacal Mentor, or, perhaps, Æsculapius, to the utmost of my power: and at all events, with the best possible intentions.
Before we touch upon theSymptoms, it may be as well to say a few words respecting theGeneral CharacteroftheBook Disease. The ingenious Peignot[427]defines the bibliomania to be "a passion for possessing books; not so much to be instructed by them, as to gratify the eye by looking on them." This subject has amused the pens of foreigners; although we have had nothing in our own language, written expressly upon it, 'till the ingenious and elegantly-composed poem of Dr. Ferriar appeared; after which, as you well know, our friend put forth his whimsical brochure.[428]
[427]"LaBirliomanieest la fureur de posséder des livres, non pas tant pour s'instruire, que pour les avoir et pour en repaître sa vue. Le bibliomane ne connait ordinairement les livres que par leur titre, leur frontispice, et leur date; il s'attache aux bonnes editiones et les poursuit à quelque titre que ce soit; la relieure le seduit aussi, soit par son ancienneté, soit par sa beauté," &c.Dictionnaire de Bibliologie. vol. i. p. 51. This is sufficiently severe: see also the extracts from theMemoires de l'Institut:p. 25, ante. The more ancient foreign writers have not scrupled to call thebibliomaniaby every caustic and merciless terms: thus speaks the hard-hearted Geyler: "Tertia nola est, multos libros coacervare propter animi voluptatem curiosam. Fastidientis stomachi est multa degustare, ait Seneca. Isti per multos libros vagant legentes assidue: nimirum similles fatuis illis, qui in urbe cicumeunt domos singulas, et earum picturas dissutis malis contuentur: sicque curiositate trahuntur, &c. Contenti in hâc animi voluptate, quam pascunt per volumina varia devagando et liguriendo. Itaque gaudent hic de larga librorum copia, operosa utique sed delectabilis sarcina, et animi jucunda distractio: imo est hæc ingens librorum copia ingens simul et laboris copia, et quietis inopia—huc illucque circum agendum ingenium: his atque illis pregravanda memoria."—Navicula sive Sæculum Fatuorum, 1511, 4to. sign B. iiij rev. Thus speaks Sebastian Brandt upon the subject, through the medium of our old translation:Styll am I besy bokes assemblyngeFor to have plenty it is a pleasaunte thyngeIn my conceyt, and to have them ay in honde;But what they mene do I nat understonde.Shyp of Folys: seep. 206, ante.There is a short, but smart and interesting, article on this head in Mr. D'Israeli'sCuriosities of Literature: vol. i. 10. "Bruyere has touched on this mania with humour; of such a collector (one who is fond of superb bindings only), says he, as soon as I enter his house, I am ready to faint on the stair-case from a strong smell of Russia and Morocco leather. In vain he shews me fine editions, gold leaves, Etruscan bindings, &c.—naming them one after another, as if he were shewing a gallery of pictures!" Lucian has composed a biting invective against an ignorant possessor of a vast library. "One who opens his eyes with an hideous stare at an old book; and after turning over the pages, chiefly admiresthe dateof its publication." But all this, it may be said, is only general declamation, and means nothing![428]The first work, I believe, written expressly upon the subject above discussed was a French publication, entitledLa Bibliomanie. Of the earliest edition I am uninformed; but one was published at the Hague in 1762, 8vo. Dr. Ferriar's poem upon the subject, being an epistle to Richard Heber, Esq.—and which is rightly called by Lysander 'ingenious and elegant'—was published in 1809, 4to.: pp. 14: but not before an equally ingenious, and greatly more interesting, performance, by the same able pen, had appeared in the Trans. of the Manchester Literary Society, vol. iv., p. 45-87—entitledComments upon Sterne; which may be fairly classed among the species of bibliomaniacal composition; inasmuch as it shews the author to be well read in old books; and, of these, in Burton's Anatomy of Melancholy in particular. Look for half a minute atp. 286, ante. In the same year of Dr. Ferriar's publication of the Bibliomania, appeared theVoyage autour de ma bibliothèque Roman Bibliographique: by Ant. Caillot; in three small duodecimo volumes. There is little ingenuity and less knowledge in these meagre volumes. My own superficial work, entitled,Bibliomania, orBook-Madness: containing some account of the History, Symptoms and Cure of this fatal Disease; in an epistle addressed to Richard Heber, Esq., quickly followed Dr. Ferriar's publication. It contained 82 pages, with a tolerably copious sprinkling of notes: but it had many errors and omissions, which it has been my endeavour to correct and supply in the present new edition, or rather newly-constructed work. Vide preface. Early in the ensuing year (namely, in 1810) appearedBibliosophia, or Book-Wisdom: containing some account of the Pride, Pleasure, and Privileges of that glorious Vocation, Book-Collecting. By an Aspirant. Also, The Twelve Labours of an Editor, separately pitted against those of Hercules, 12mo. This is a good-humoured and tersely written composition: being a sort of Commentary upon my own performance. In the ensuing pages will be found some amusing poetical extracts from it. And thus take we leave ofPublications upon the Bibliomania!
[427]"LaBirliomanieest la fureur de posséder des livres, non pas tant pour s'instruire, que pour les avoir et pour en repaître sa vue. Le bibliomane ne connait ordinairement les livres que par leur titre, leur frontispice, et leur date; il s'attache aux bonnes editiones et les poursuit à quelque titre que ce soit; la relieure le seduit aussi, soit par son ancienneté, soit par sa beauté," &c.Dictionnaire de Bibliologie. vol. i. p. 51. This is sufficiently severe: see also the extracts from theMemoires de l'Institut:p. 25, ante. The more ancient foreign writers have not scrupled to call thebibliomaniaby every caustic and merciless terms: thus speaks the hard-hearted Geyler: "Tertia nola est, multos libros coacervare propter animi voluptatem curiosam. Fastidientis stomachi est multa degustare, ait Seneca. Isti per multos libros vagant legentes assidue: nimirum similles fatuis illis, qui in urbe cicumeunt domos singulas, et earum picturas dissutis malis contuentur: sicque curiositate trahuntur, &c. Contenti in hâc animi voluptate, quam pascunt per volumina varia devagando et liguriendo. Itaque gaudent hic de larga librorum copia, operosa utique sed delectabilis sarcina, et animi jucunda distractio: imo est hæc ingens librorum copia ingens simul et laboris copia, et quietis inopia—huc illucque circum agendum ingenium: his atque illis pregravanda memoria."—Navicula sive Sæculum Fatuorum, 1511, 4to. sign B. iiij rev. Thus speaks Sebastian Brandt upon the subject, through the medium of our old translation:
There is a short, but smart and interesting, article on this head in Mr. D'Israeli'sCuriosities of Literature: vol. i. 10. "Bruyere has touched on this mania with humour; of such a collector (one who is fond of superb bindings only), says he, as soon as I enter his house, I am ready to faint on the stair-case from a strong smell of Russia and Morocco leather. In vain he shews me fine editions, gold leaves, Etruscan bindings, &c.—naming them one after another, as if he were shewing a gallery of pictures!" Lucian has composed a biting invective against an ignorant possessor of a vast library. "One who opens his eyes with an hideous stare at an old book; and after turning over the pages, chiefly admiresthe dateof its publication." But all this, it may be said, is only general declamation, and means nothing!
[428]The first work, I believe, written expressly upon the subject above discussed was a French publication, entitledLa Bibliomanie. Of the earliest edition I am uninformed; but one was published at the Hague in 1762, 8vo. Dr. Ferriar's poem upon the subject, being an epistle to Richard Heber, Esq.—and which is rightly called by Lysander 'ingenious and elegant'—was published in 1809, 4to.: pp. 14: but not before an equally ingenious, and greatly more interesting, performance, by the same able pen, had appeared in the Trans. of the Manchester Literary Society, vol. iv., p. 45-87—entitledComments upon Sterne; which may be fairly classed among the species of bibliomaniacal composition; inasmuch as it shews the author to be well read in old books; and, of these, in Burton's Anatomy of Melancholy in particular. Look for half a minute atp. 286, ante. In the same year of Dr. Ferriar's publication of the Bibliomania, appeared theVoyage autour de ma bibliothèque Roman Bibliographique: by Ant. Caillot; in three small duodecimo volumes. There is little ingenuity and less knowledge in these meagre volumes. My own superficial work, entitled,Bibliomania, orBook-Madness: containing some account of the History, Symptoms and Cure of this fatal Disease; in an epistle addressed to Richard Heber, Esq., quickly followed Dr. Ferriar's publication. It contained 82 pages, with a tolerably copious sprinkling of notes: but it had many errors and omissions, which it has been my endeavour to correct and supply in the present new edition, or rather newly-constructed work. Vide preface. Early in the ensuing year (namely, in 1810) appearedBibliosophia, or Book-Wisdom: containing some account of the Pride, Pleasure, and Privileges of that glorious Vocation, Book-Collecting. By an Aspirant. Also, The Twelve Labours of an Editor, separately pitted against those of Hercules, 12mo. This is a good-humoured and tersely written composition: being a sort of Commentary upon my own performance. In the ensuing pages will be found some amusing poetical extracts from it. And thus take we leave ofPublications upon the Bibliomania!
Whether Peignot's definition be just or not, I will not stop to determine: but when I have described to you the various symptoms, you will be better able to judge of its propriety.
Lis.Describe themseriatim, as we were observing yesterday.
Lysand.I will; but let me put them in battle array, and select them according to their appearances. There is, first, a passion forLarge Paper Copies; secondly, forUncut Copies; thirdly, forIllustrated Copies; fourthly, forUnique Copies; fifthly, forCopies printed upon Vellum; sixthly, forFirst Editions; seventhly, forTrue Editions; and eighthly, forBooks printed in the Black-Letter.
Belin.I have put these symptoms down in my pocket-book; and shall proceed to catechise you according to your own method. First, therefore, what is meant byLarge Paper Copies?
Lysand.A certain set, or limited number of the work, is printed upon paper of alarger dimension, and superior quality, than the ordinary copies. The press-work and ink are, always, proportionably better in these copies: and the price of them is enhanced according to their beauty and rarity.
This Symptomof the Bibliomania is, at the present day, both general and violent. Indeed, there is a set of collectors, the shelves of whose libraries are always made proportionably stout, and placed at a due distance from each other, in order that they may not break down beneath the weight of such ponderous volumes.
Belin.Can these things be?
Phil.Yes; but you should draw a distinction, and not confound theGrolliers, De Thous, and Colberts of modern times, with "a set of collectors," as you call them, who are equally without taste and knowledge.
Lis.We have heard of De Thou and Colbert, but who isGrollier?[429]
[429]The reader may be better pleased with the ensuing soberly-written account of this great man than with Philemon's rapturous eulogy.John Grollierwas born at Lyons, in 1479; and very early displayed a propensity towards those elegant and solid pursuits which afterwards secured to him the admiration and esteem of his contemporaries. His address was easy, his manners were frank, yet polished; his demeanour was engaging, and his liberality knew no bounds. As he advanced in years, he advanced in reputation; enjoying a princely fortune, the result, in some measure, of a faithful and honourable discharge of the important diplomatic situations which he filled. He was Grand Treasurer to Francis I., and was sent by that monarch as ambassador to Pope Clement VII. During his abode at Rome, he did not fail to gratify his favourite passion ofbook-collecting; and employed the Alduses to print for him an edition of Terence in 8vo., 1521: of which a copyupon vellum, was in the Imperial library at Vienna; SeeL'Imp. des Alde; vol.i., 159. He also caused to be published, by the same printers, an edition of his friend Budæus's work,De Asse et partibus ejus, 1522, 4to.; which, as well as the Terence, is dedicated to himself, and of which the presentation copy,upon vellum, is now in the Library of Count M'Carthy, at Toulouse: it having been formerly in the Soubise collection: videp. 96, ante—and no. 8010 of theBibl. Soubise. It was during Grollier's stay at Rome, that the anecdote, related by Egnatio, took place. 'I dined (says the latter) along with Aldus, his son, Manutius, and other learned men, at Grollier's table. After dinner, and just as the dessert had been placed on the table, our host presented each of his guests with a pair of gloves filled with ducats.' But no man had a higher opinion of Grollier, or had reason to express himself in more grateful terms of him, than De Thou. This illustrious author speaks of him as "a man of equal elegance of manners, and spotlessness of character. His books seemed to be the counterpart of himself, for neatness and splendour; not being inferior to the glory attributed to the library of Asinius Pollio, the first who made a collection of books at Rome. It is surprising, notwithstanding the number of presents which he made to his friends, and the accidents which followed on the dispersion of his library, how many of his volumes yet adorn the most distinguished libraries of Paris, whose chief boast consists in having anExemplar Grollerianum!" The fact was Grollier returned to Paris with an immense fortune. During his travels he had secured, from Basil, Venice, and Rome, the most precious copies of books which could be purchased: and which he took care to have bound in a singular manner, indicative at once of his generosity and taste. The title of the book was marked in gilt letters upon one side, and the words—of which the annexed wood-cut is a fac-simile—upon the other; surrounded with similar ornaments to the extremities of the sides, whether in folio or duodecimo.Grollier bindingPORTIO MEA DOMINE SIT INTERRA VIVENTIVM.Beneath the title of the book: 'Io: GrolleriietAmicorum.'This extraordinary man, whom France may consider the first Bibliomaniac of the sixteenth century, died at Paris in the year 1565, and in the 86th of his age. Let us close this account of him with an extract from Marville'sMelanges d'Histoire et de Litérature; "La Bibliothèque de M. Grollier s'est conservée dans l'Hôtel de Vic jusqu'à ces annêes dernieres qu'elle a été venduë à l'encan. Elle meritoit bien, étant une des premieres et des plus accomplies qu'aucun particulier se soit avisé de faire à Paris, de trouver, comme celle de M. de Thou, un acheteur qui en conservât le lustre. La plûpart des curieux de Paris ont profité de ses débris. J'en ai eu à ma part quelques volumes à qui rien ne manque: ni pour la bonté des editions de ce tems là, ni pour la beauté du papier et la propreté de la relieure. Il semble, à les voir, que les Muses qui ont contribué à la composition du dedans, se soient aussi appliquées à les approprier au dehors, tant il paroît d'art et d'esprit dans leurs ornemens. Ils sont tous dorez avec une delicatesse inconnuë aux doreurs d'aujourd'hui. Les compartemens sont pients de diverses couleurs, parfaitemente bien dessinez, et tous de differentes figures, &c.:" vol.i., p. 187, edit. 1725. Then follows a description, of which the reader has just had ocular demonstration. After such an account, what bibliomaniac can enjoy perfect tranquillity of mind unless he possess aGrollier copyof some work or other? My own, from which the preceding fac-simile was taken, is a folio edition (1531) ofRhenanus, de rebus Germanicis; in the finest preservation.
[429]The reader may be better pleased with the ensuing soberly-written account of this great man than with Philemon's rapturous eulogy.John Grollierwas born at Lyons, in 1479; and very early displayed a propensity towards those elegant and solid pursuits which afterwards secured to him the admiration and esteem of his contemporaries. His address was easy, his manners were frank, yet polished; his demeanour was engaging, and his liberality knew no bounds. As he advanced in years, he advanced in reputation; enjoying a princely fortune, the result, in some measure, of a faithful and honourable discharge of the important diplomatic situations which he filled. He was Grand Treasurer to Francis I., and was sent by that monarch as ambassador to Pope Clement VII. During his abode at Rome, he did not fail to gratify his favourite passion ofbook-collecting; and employed the Alduses to print for him an edition of Terence in 8vo., 1521: of which a copyupon vellum, was in the Imperial library at Vienna; SeeL'Imp. des Alde; vol.i., 159. He also caused to be published, by the same printers, an edition of his friend Budæus's work,De Asse et partibus ejus, 1522, 4to.; which, as well as the Terence, is dedicated to himself, and of which the presentation copy,upon vellum, is now in the Library of Count M'Carthy, at Toulouse: it having been formerly in the Soubise collection: videp. 96, ante—and no. 8010 of theBibl. Soubise. It was during Grollier's stay at Rome, that the anecdote, related by Egnatio, took place. 'I dined (says the latter) along with Aldus, his son, Manutius, and other learned men, at Grollier's table. After dinner, and just as the dessert had been placed on the table, our host presented each of his guests with a pair of gloves filled with ducats.' But no man had a higher opinion of Grollier, or had reason to express himself in more grateful terms of him, than De Thou. This illustrious author speaks of him as "a man of equal elegance of manners, and spotlessness of character. His books seemed to be the counterpart of himself, for neatness and splendour; not being inferior to the glory attributed to the library of Asinius Pollio, the first who made a collection of books at Rome. It is surprising, notwithstanding the number of presents which he made to his friends, and the accidents which followed on the dispersion of his library, how many of his volumes yet adorn the most distinguished libraries of Paris, whose chief boast consists in having anExemplar Grollerianum!" The fact was Grollier returned to Paris with an immense fortune. During his travels he had secured, from Basil, Venice, and Rome, the most precious copies of books which could be purchased: and which he took care to have bound in a singular manner, indicative at once of his generosity and taste. The title of the book was marked in gilt letters upon one side, and the words—of which the annexed wood-cut is a fac-simile—upon the other; surrounded with similar ornaments to the extremities of the sides, whether in folio or duodecimo.
Grollier binding
PORTIO MEA DOMINE SIT INTERRA VIVENTIVM.
Beneath the title of the book: 'Io: GrolleriietAmicorum.'
This extraordinary man, whom France may consider the first Bibliomaniac of the sixteenth century, died at Paris in the year 1565, and in the 86th of his age. Let us close this account of him with an extract from Marville'sMelanges d'Histoire et de Litérature; "La Bibliothèque de M. Grollier s'est conservée dans l'Hôtel de Vic jusqu'à ces annêes dernieres qu'elle a été venduë à l'encan. Elle meritoit bien, étant une des premieres et des plus accomplies qu'aucun particulier se soit avisé de faire à Paris, de trouver, comme celle de M. de Thou, un acheteur qui en conservât le lustre. La plûpart des curieux de Paris ont profité de ses débris. J'en ai eu à ma part quelques volumes à qui rien ne manque: ni pour la bonté des editions de ce tems là, ni pour la beauté du papier et la propreté de la relieure. Il semble, à les voir, que les Muses qui ont contribué à la composition du dedans, se soient aussi appliquées à les approprier au dehors, tant il paroît d'art et d'esprit dans leurs ornemens. Ils sont tous dorez avec une delicatesse inconnuë aux doreurs d'aujourd'hui. Les compartemens sont pients de diverses couleurs, parfaitemente bien dessinez, et tous de differentes figures, &c.:" vol.i., p. 187, edit. 1725. Then follows a description, of which the reader has just had ocular demonstration. After such an account, what bibliomaniac can enjoy perfect tranquillity of mind unless he possess aGrollier copyof some work or other? My own, from which the preceding fac-simile was taken, is a folio edition (1531) ofRhenanus, de rebus Germanicis; in the finest preservation.
Phil. Lysander will best observe upon him.
Lysand. Nay; his character cannot be in better hands.
Phil. Grollier was both the friend and the treasurer of Francis the First; the bosom companion of De Thou, and a patron of the Aldine family. He had learning, industry, and inflexible integrity. His notions ofVirtûwere vast, but not wild. There was a magnificence about every thing which he did or projected; and his liberality was without bounds. He was the unrivalled Mecænas of book-lovers and scholars; and a more insatiable bibliomaniacal appetite was never, perhaps, possessed by any ofhisclass of character.
Lis. I thank you for thisGrollieriana. Proceed, Lysander with your large paper copies.
Alman. But first tell us—why are these copies so much coveted? Do they contain more than the ordinary ones?
Lysand. Not in the least. Sometimes, however, an extra embellishment is thrown into the volume—but this, again, belongs to the fourth class of symptoms, calledUnique Copies—and I must keep strictly to order; otherwise I shall make sad confusion.
Belin. Keep to your large paper, exclusively.[430]
[430]Let us first hear Dr. Ferriar's smooth numbers upon this tremendous symptom of the Bibliomania:But devious oft, from ev'ry classic Muse,The keen collector meaner paths will choose:And first theMargin's breadthhis soul employs,Pure, snowy, broad, the type of nobler joys.In vain might Homer roll the tide of song,Or Horace smile, or Tully charm the throng;If crost by Pallas' ire, the trenchant bladeOr too oblique, or near, the edge invade,The Bibliomane exclaims, with haggard eye,'No Margin!'—turns in haste, and scorns to buy.The Bibliomania; v. 34-43.Next come the rivals strains of 'An Aspirant.'FIRST MAXIM.Who slaves the monkish folio through,With lore or science in his view,Him... visions black, or devils blue,Shall haunt at his expiring taper;—Yet, 'tis a weakness of the wise,To chuse the volume by the size,And riot in the pond'rous prize—Dear Copies—printed onLarge Paper!Bibliosophia; p.iv.After these saucy attacks, can I venture upon discoursing, in a sober note-like strain—upon those large and magnificent volumes concerning which Lysander, above, pours forth such a torrent of eloquence? Yes—gentle reader—I will even venture!—and will lay a silver penny to boot (See Peacham's 'Worth of a Penny'—) that neither Dr. Ferriar nor the 'Aspirant' could withhold their ejaculations of rapture upon seeing any one of the following volumes walk majestically into their libraries. Mark well, therefore, a few scarceWorks printed upon Large Paper.Lord Bacon's Essays; 1798, 8vo. There were only six copies of this edition struck off upon royal folio paper: one copy is in the Cracherode collection, in the British Museum; and another is in the library of Earl Spencer. Mr. Leigh, the book-auctioneer, a long time ago observed that, if ever one of these copies were to be sold at an auction, it would probably bring -00l.—! I will not insert thefirstfigure; buttwo noughtsfollowed it.——Twenty Plays of Shakspeare from the old quarto editions; 1766, 8vo., 6 vols. Only twelve copies printed upon large paper. SeeBibl. Steevens: no. 1312; andp. 581, ante.——Dodsley's Collection of Old Plays; 1780, 8vo., 12 vols. Only six copies struck off upon large paper. Bibl. Woodhouse, no. 698.——The Grenville Homer; 1800, 4to., 4 vols. Fifty copies of this magnificent work are said to have been printed upon large paper; which have embellishments of plates. Mr. Dent possesses the copy which was Professor Porson's, and which was bought at the sale of the Professor's library, in boards, for 87l., seep. 459, ante. Seven years ago I saw a sumptuous copy in morocco, knocked down for 99l.15s.——Mathæi Paris, Monachi Albanenses, &c.; Historia Major; a Wats; Lond. 1640; folio. This is a rare and magnificent work upon large paper; and is usually bound in two volumes.——Historiæ Anglicanæ Scriptores X; a Twysden; 1652, folio. Of equal rarity and magnificence are copies of this inestimable production.——Rerum Anglicarum Scriptores Veteres, a Gale; 1684, 91; folio, 3 volumes. There were but few copies of this, now generally coveted, work printed upon large paper. The difference between the small and the large, for amplitude of margin and lustre of ink, is inconceivable.——Historiæ Anglicanæ Scriptores Varii, a Sparke; Lond. 1723, folio. The preface to this work shews that there are copies of it, like those of Dr. Clarke's edition of Cæsar's Commentaries, upon paper of three different sizes. The 'charta maxima' is worthy of a conspicuous place upon the collector's shelf; though in any shape the book has a creditable aspect.——Recueil des Historiens des Gaules, &c., par Boucquet; 1738, 1786; folio, 13 vols. It is hardly possible for the eye to gaze upon a more intrinsically valuable work, or a finer set of volumes, than are these, as now exhibited in Mr. Evans's shop, and bound in fine old red morocco by the best binders of France. They were once in my possession; but the 'res angusta domi' compelled me to part with them, and to seek for a copy not so tall by head and shoulders. Since the year 1786, two additional volumes have been published.We will now discourse somewhat of English books.Scott's Discoverie of Whitcraft; 1584, 4to. Of this work, which has recently become popular from Mr. Douce's frequent mention of it (Illustrations of Shakspeare, &c., 1806, 2 vols., 8vo.), my friend, Mr. Utterson, possesses a very beautiful copy upon large paper. It is rarely one meets with books printed in this country, before the year 1600, struck off in such a manner. This copy, which is secured from 'winter and rough weather' by a stout coat of skilfully-tool'd morocco, is probably unique.——Weever's Funeral Monuments; 1631, folio. Mr. Samuel Lysons informs me that he has a copy of this work upon large paper. I never saw, or heard of, another similar one.——Sanford's Genealogical History; 1707, folio. At the sale of Baron Smyth's books, in 1809, Messrs. J. and A. Arch purchased a copy of this work upon large paper for 46l.A monstrous price! A similar copy is in the library of Mr. Grenville, which was obtained from Mr. Evans of Pall-Mall. The curious should purchase the anterior edition (of 1677) for the sake of better impressions of the plates; which, however, in any condition, are neither tasteful nor well engraved. What is called 'a good Hollar' would weigh down the whole set of them!——Strype's Ecclesiastical Memorials; 1721,Folio, 3 vols.——Annals of the Reformation; 1725,Folio, 4 vols. Happy the collector who can regale himself by viewing large paper copies of these inestimable works! In any shape or condition, they are now rare. The latter is the scarcer of the two; and upon large paper brings, what the French bibliographers call, 'un prix enorme.' There is one of this kind in the beautiful library of Mr. Thomas Grenville.——Hearne's Works—'till Mr. Bagster issued his first reprints of Robert of Gloucester and Peter Langtoft, upon paper of three different sizes—(of which the largest, in quarto, has hardly been equalled in modern printing)—used to bring extravagant sums at book-auctions. At a late sale in Pall-Mall,werethe books in general were sold at extraordinary prices, the large paper Hearnes absolutely 'hung fire'—as the sportsman's phrase is.——Hudibras, with Dr. Grey's Annotations, and Hogarth's cuts; 1744, 2 vols. There were but twelve copies of this first and best edition of Dr. Grey's labours upon Hudibras (which Warburton strangely abuses—) printed upon large paper: and a noble book it is in this form!——Milner's History of Winchester; 1798, 4to., 2 vols. Of this edition there were, I believe, either twelve or twenty-four copies printed upon large paper; which brings serious sums in the present general rage for books of this description.——Kennet's (Bp.) Parochial Antiquities; Oxford, 1695, 4to. The only known copy of this work upon large paper is in the fine library of Sir Richard Colt Hoare, Bart. This copy was probably in the collection of 'that well-known collector, Joseph Browne, Esq., of Shepton Mallet, Somersetshire:' as a similar one 'in Russia, gilt leaves,' was sold in Pt. II. of his collection, no. 279, for 7l.17s.6d.and purchased in the name of Thornton.——The Chronicles of Froissart and Monstrelet: translated by Thomas Johnes, Esq. Hafod, 1803, 1810, quarto, 9 vols.: including a volume of plates to Monstrelet. Of these beautiful and intrinsically valuable works, there were only 25 copies struck off upon folio; which bring tremendous prices.——History of the Town of Cheltenham, and its Environs; 1802, 8vo. There were a few copies of this superficial work printed upon large paper in royal octavo, and auniquecopy upon paper of a quarto size; which latter is in the possession of my friend Mr. Thomas Pruen, of the same place. A part of this volume was written by myself; according to instructions which I received to make it 'light and pleasant.' An author, like a barrister, is bound in most cases to follow his instructions! As I have thus awkwardly introduced myself, I may be permitted to observe, at the foot of this note, that all thelarge papercopies of my own humble lucubrations have been attended with an unexpectedly successful sale. Of theIntroduction to the Classics, edit. 1804, 8vo., there were fifty copies, with extra plates, struck off in royal octavo, and published at 2l.2s.: these now sell for 5l.5s.: the portrait ofBishop Fellmaking them snapped at, with a perch-like spirit, by all true Grangerites. Of theTypographical Antiquitiesof our own country there were 66 printed in a superb style, upon imperial paper, in 4to.; these were published at 6l.6s.a copy. The following anecdote shews how they are 'looking up'—as the book-market phrase is. My friend —— parted with his copy; but finding that his slumbers were broken, and his dreams frightful, in consequence, he sought to regain possession of it; and cheerfully gave 10l.10s.! for what, but a few months before, he had possessed for little more than one half the sum! The same friend subscribes for alarge paperof thepresent work, of which there are only eighteen copies printed: and of which my hard-hearted printer and myself seize each upon a copy. Will the same friend display equal fickleness in regard tothisvolume? If he does, he must smart acutely for it: nor will 15l.15s.redeem it! It is justly observed, in the first edition of this work, that, 'analogous to large paper, aretallcopies: that is, copies of the work published on the ordinary size paper, and barely cut down by the binder,' p. 45. Todwarfisea volume is a 'grievous fault' on the part of any binder; but more particularly is it an unpardonable one on the part of him who has had a long intercourse with professed bibliomaniacs! To a person who knows anything of typographical arrangement, the distinction betweentallandlarge papercopies is sufficiently obvious. For this reason, I am quite decided that the supposed large paper copy ofScapula's Lexicon, possessed by Mr. ——, of Caversham, near Reading, is only atallcopy of the work, as usually printed: nor is this copy more stately than another which I have seen. The owner of the volume will suppress all feelings which he may entertain against my heretical opinions (as I fear he will call them), when he considers that he may dispose of his Scapula for a sum three times beyond what he gave for it. Let him put it by the side of his neighbour Dr. Valpy's numerous large paper copies of the old folio classics, and he will in a moment be convinced of the accuracy of the foregoing remark.Fine papercopies of a work should be here noticed; as they are sought after with avidity. The most beautiful work of this kind which I ever saw, wasRapin's History of England, in nine folio volumes, bound in red morocco, and illustrated with Houbraken'sHeads; which Sir M.M. Sykes recently purchased of Mr. Evans, the bookseller,—for a comparatively moderate sum. A similar copy (exclusively of the illustrations) of Rapin's History of England, which was once in the library of the Royal Institution, was burnt in the fire that destroyed Covent-Garden Theatre; it having been sent to Mr. Mackinlay, the book-binder, who lived near the Theatre.
[430]Let us first hear Dr. Ferriar's smooth numbers upon this tremendous symptom of the Bibliomania:
Next come the rivals strains of 'An Aspirant.'
FIRST MAXIM.
After these saucy attacks, can I venture upon discoursing, in a sober note-like strain—upon those large and magnificent volumes concerning which Lysander, above, pours forth such a torrent of eloquence? Yes—gentle reader—I will even venture!—and will lay a silver penny to boot (See Peacham's 'Worth of a Penny'—) that neither Dr. Ferriar nor the 'Aspirant' could withhold their ejaculations of rapture upon seeing any one of the following volumes walk majestically into their libraries. Mark well, therefore, a few scarce
Works printed upon Large Paper.
Lord Bacon's Essays; 1798, 8vo. There were only six copies of this edition struck off upon royal folio paper: one copy is in the Cracherode collection, in the British Museum; and another is in the library of Earl Spencer. Mr. Leigh, the book-auctioneer, a long time ago observed that, if ever one of these copies were to be sold at an auction, it would probably bring -00l.—! I will not insert thefirstfigure; buttwo noughtsfollowed it.——Twenty Plays of Shakspeare from the old quarto editions; 1766, 8vo., 6 vols. Only twelve copies printed upon large paper. SeeBibl. Steevens: no. 1312; andp. 581, ante.——Dodsley's Collection of Old Plays; 1780, 8vo., 12 vols. Only six copies struck off upon large paper. Bibl. Woodhouse, no. 698.——The Grenville Homer; 1800, 4to., 4 vols. Fifty copies of this magnificent work are said to have been printed upon large paper; which have embellishments of plates. Mr. Dent possesses the copy which was Professor Porson's, and which was bought at the sale of the Professor's library, in boards, for 87l., seep. 459, ante. Seven years ago I saw a sumptuous copy in morocco, knocked down for 99l.15s.——Mathæi Paris, Monachi Albanenses, &c.; Historia Major; a Wats; Lond. 1640; folio. This is a rare and magnificent work upon large paper; and is usually bound in two volumes.——Historiæ Anglicanæ Scriptores X; a Twysden; 1652, folio. Of equal rarity and magnificence are copies of this inestimable production.——Rerum Anglicarum Scriptores Veteres, a Gale; 1684, 91; folio, 3 volumes. There were but few copies of this, now generally coveted, work printed upon large paper. The difference between the small and the large, for amplitude of margin and lustre of ink, is inconceivable.——Historiæ Anglicanæ Scriptores Varii, a Sparke; Lond. 1723, folio. The preface to this work shews that there are copies of it, like those of Dr. Clarke's edition of Cæsar's Commentaries, upon paper of three different sizes. The 'charta maxima' is worthy of a conspicuous place upon the collector's shelf; though in any shape the book has a creditable aspect.——Recueil des Historiens des Gaules, &c., par Boucquet; 1738, 1786; folio, 13 vols. It is hardly possible for the eye to gaze upon a more intrinsically valuable work, or a finer set of volumes, than are these, as now exhibited in Mr. Evans's shop, and bound in fine old red morocco by the best binders of France. They were once in my possession; but the 'res angusta domi' compelled me to part with them, and to seek for a copy not so tall by head and shoulders. Since the year 1786, two additional volumes have been published.
We will now discourse somewhat of English books.
Scott's Discoverie of Whitcraft; 1584, 4to. Of this work, which has recently become popular from Mr. Douce's frequent mention of it (Illustrations of Shakspeare, &c., 1806, 2 vols., 8vo.), my friend, Mr. Utterson, possesses a very beautiful copy upon large paper. It is rarely one meets with books printed in this country, before the year 1600, struck off in such a manner. This copy, which is secured from 'winter and rough weather' by a stout coat of skilfully-tool'd morocco, is probably unique.——Weever's Funeral Monuments; 1631, folio. Mr. Samuel Lysons informs me that he has a copy of this work upon large paper. I never saw, or heard of, another similar one.——Sanford's Genealogical History; 1707, folio. At the sale of Baron Smyth's books, in 1809, Messrs. J. and A. Arch purchased a copy of this work upon large paper for 46l.A monstrous price! A similar copy is in the library of Mr. Grenville, which was obtained from Mr. Evans of Pall-Mall. The curious should purchase the anterior edition (of 1677) for the sake of better impressions of the plates; which, however, in any condition, are neither tasteful nor well engraved. What is called 'a good Hollar' would weigh down the whole set of them!——Strype's Ecclesiastical Memorials; 1721,Folio, 3 vols.——Annals of the Reformation; 1725,Folio, 4 vols. Happy the collector who can regale himself by viewing large paper copies of these inestimable works! In any shape or condition, they are now rare. The latter is the scarcer of the two; and upon large paper brings, what the French bibliographers call, 'un prix enorme.' There is one of this kind in the beautiful library of Mr. Thomas Grenville.——Hearne's Works—'till Mr. Bagster issued his first reprints of Robert of Gloucester and Peter Langtoft, upon paper of three different sizes—(of which the largest, in quarto, has hardly been equalled in modern printing)—used to bring extravagant sums at book-auctions. At a late sale in Pall-Mall,werethe books in general were sold at extraordinary prices, the large paper Hearnes absolutely 'hung fire'—as the sportsman's phrase is.——Hudibras, with Dr. Grey's Annotations, and Hogarth's cuts; 1744, 2 vols. There were but twelve copies of this first and best edition of Dr. Grey's labours upon Hudibras (which Warburton strangely abuses—) printed upon large paper: and a noble book it is in this form!——Milner's History of Winchester; 1798, 4to., 2 vols. Of this edition there were, I believe, either twelve or twenty-four copies printed upon large paper; which brings serious sums in the present general rage for books of this description.——Kennet's (Bp.) Parochial Antiquities; Oxford, 1695, 4to. The only known copy of this work upon large paper is in the fine library of Sir Richard Colt Hoare, Bart. This copy was probably in the collection of 'that well-known collector, Joseph Browne, Esq., of Shepton Mallet, Somersetshire:' as a similar one 'in Russia, gilt leaves,' was sold in Pt. II. of his collection, no. 279, for 7l.17s.6d.and purchased in the name of Thornton.——The Chronicles of Froissart and Monstrelet: translated by Thomas Johnes, Esq. Hafod, 1803, 1810, quarto, 9 vols.: including a volume of plates to Monstrelet. Of these beautiful and intrinsically valuable works, there were only 25 copies struck off upon folio; which bring tremendous prices.——History of the Town of Cheltenham, and its Environs; 1802, 8vo. There were a few copies of this superficial work printed upon large paper in royal octavo, and auniquecopy upon paper of a quarto size; which latter is in the possession of my friend Mr. Thomas Pruen, of the same place. A part of this volume was written by myself; according to instructions which I received to make it 'light and pleasant.' An author, like a barrister, is bound in most cases to follow his instructions! As I have thus awkwardly introduced myself, I may be permitted to observe, at the foot of this note, that all thelarge papercopies of my own humble lucubrations have been attended with an unexpectedly successful sale. Of theIntroduction to the Classics, edit. 1804, 8vo., there were fifty copies, with extra plates, struck off in royal octavo, and published at 2l.2s.: these now sell for 5l.5s.: the portrait ofBishop Fellmaking them snapped at, with a perch-like spirit, by all true Grangerites. Of theTypographical Antiquitiesof our own country there were 66 printed in a superb style, upon imperial paper, in 4to.; these were published at 6l.6s.a copy. The following anecdote shews how they are 'looking up'—as the book-market phrase is. My friend —— parted with his copy; but finding that his slumbers were broken, and his dreams frightful, in consequence, he sought to regain possession of it; and cheerfully gave 10l.10s.! for what, but a few months before, he had possessed for little more than one half the sum! The same friend subscribes for alarge paperof thepresent work, of which there are only eighteen copies printed: and of which my hard-hearted printer and myself seize each upon a copy. Will the same friend display equal fickleness in regard tothisvolume? If he does, he must smart acutely for it: nor will 15l.15s.redeem it! It is justly observed, in the first edition of this work, that, 'analogous to large paper, aretallcopies: that is, copies of the work published on the ordinary size paper, and barely cut down by the binder,' p. 45. Todwarfisea volume is a 'grievous fault' on the part of any binder; but more particularly is it an unpardonable one on the part of him who has had a long intercourse with professed bibliomaniacs! To a person who knows anything of typographical arrangement, the distinction betweentallandlarge papercopies is sufficiently obvious. For this reason, I am quite decided that the supposed large paper copy ofScapula's Lexicon, possessed by Mr. ——, of Caversham, near Reading, is only atallcopy of the work, as usually printed: nor is this copy more stately than another which I have seen. The owner of the volume will suppress all feelings which he may entertain against my heretical opinions (as I fear he will call them), when he considers that he may dispose of his Scapula for a sum three times beyond what he gave for it. Let him put it by the side of his neighbour Dr. Valpy's numerous large paper copies of the old folio classics, and he will in a moment be convinced of the accuracy of the foregoing remark.Fine papercopies of a work should be here noticed; as they are sought after with avidity. The most beautiful work of this kind which I ever saw, wasRapin's History of England, in nine folio volumes, bound in red morocco, and illustrated with Houbraken'sHeads; which Sir M.M. Sykes recently purchased of Mr. Evans, the bookseller,—for a comparatively moderate sum. A similar copy (exclusively of the illustrations) of Rapin's History of England, which was once in the library of the Royal Institution, was burnt in the fire that destroyed Covent-Garden Theatre; it having been sent to Mr. Mackinlay, the book-binder, who lived near the Theatre.
Lysand.I have little to add to what has been already said of this symptom. That a volume, so published, has a more pleasing aspect, cannot be denied. It is the oak,in its full growth, compared with the same tree in its sapling state: or, if you please, it is the same picture a little more brilliant in its colouring, and put into ahandsomer frame. My friendMarcusis a very dragon in this department of book-collecting: nothing being too formidable for his attack. Let the volume assumewhat shape it may, and let the price be ever so unconscionable—he hesitates not to become a purchaser. In consequence, exclusively of all theDugdalesandMontfaucons, upon large paper, and in the finest bindings, he possesses theGrand Folio Classics, theBenedictine Editions of the Fathers, theCounty Histories, and all works, of a recent date, uponHistoryand theBelles Lettres. In short, nothing can be more magnificent than the interior of his library; as nothing but giants, arrayed in the most splendid attire, are seen to keep guard from one extremity of the room to the other.
Lis. Who is this Marcus? I'll rival him in due time!—But proceed.
Belin. Thus much, I presume, for the first symptom of the Bibliomania. Now pray, Sir, inform us what is meant by that strange term,Uncut Copies?
Lysand. Of all the symptoms of the Bibliomania,this is probably the most extraordinary.[431]It may be defined a passion to possess books of which the edges have never been sheared by the binder's tools. And here I find myself walking upon doubtful ground:—your friend [turning towards me] Atticus'suncut Hearnesrise up in "rough majesty" before me, and almost "push me from my stool." Indeed, when I look around in your book-lined tub, I cannot but acknowledge that this symptom of the disorder has reached your own threshold; but when it is known that a few of your bibliographical books are left with the edges uncutmerely to please your friends(as one must sometimes study their tastes as well as one's own), I trust that no very serious conclusions will be drawn about the fatality of your own case.
[431]As before, let us borrow the strains of 'An Aspirant:'SECOND MAXIM.Who, with fantastic pruning-hook,Dresses the borders of his book,Merely to ornament its look—Amongst philosophers a fop is:What if, perchance, he thence discoverFacilities in turning over?The Virtuoso is a LoverOf coyer charms in "Uncut Copies."Bibliosophia; p. v.I have very little to add in illustration of Lysander's well-pointed sarcasms relating to thissecond symptom ofBook-Madness. I think I once heard of an uncutCranmer's Bible; but have actually seen a similar conditioned copy ofPurchas's Pilgrimes and Pilgrimage, which is now in the beautiful library of the Honourable T. Grenville.
[431]As before, let us borrow the strains of 'An Aspirant:'
SECOND MAXIM.
I have very little to add in illustration of Lysander's well-pointed sarcasms relating to thissecond symptom ofBook-Madness. I think I once heard of an uncutCranmer's Bible; but have actually seen a similar conditioned copy ofPurchas's Pilgrimes and Pilgrimage, which is now in the beautiful library of the Honourable T. Grenville.
As to uncut copies, although their inconvenience [an uncut Lexicon to wit!] and deformity must be acknowledged, and although a rational man can wish for nothing better than a bookonce well bound, yet we find that the extraordinary passion for collecting them not only obtains with full force, but is attended with very serious consequences to those "que n'out point des pistoles" (to borrow the idea of Clement; vol. vi. p. 36). I dare say an uncutfirst Shakspeare, as well as anuncut vellum Aldus[432]would produce a little annuity!
[432]I doubt of the existence of an uncutfirst Shakspeare; although we have recently had evidence of an uncutfirst Homer; for thus speaks Peignot: "A superb copy of this Editio Princeps was sold at the sale of M. de Cotte's books, in 1804, for 3601 livres: but it must be remarked that this copy was in the most exquisite preservation, as if it had just come from the press. Moreover, it is probably the only one the margins of which have never been either 'shaven or shorn.'"Curiosités Bibliographiques, p. lxv. vi.; see alsop. 79, ante. Dr. Harwood, at page 338, of hisView of the Editions of the Classics, speaks of an uncut vellum Aldus, of 1504, 8vo. "Mr. Quin shewed me a fine copy of it printed in vellum with theleaves uncut, which he bought of Mr. Egerton at a very moderate price. It is, perhaps (adds he), the onlyuncutvellum Aldus in the world." From the joyous strain of this extract, the Doctor may be fairly suspected of having strongly exhibited this second symptom of the Bibliomania!
[432]I doubt of the existence of an uncutfirst Shakspeare; although we have recently had evidence of an uncutfirst Homer; for thus speaks Peignot: "A superb copy of this Editio Princeps was sold at the sale of M. de Cotte's books, in 1804, for 3601 livres: but it must be remarked that this copy was in the most exquisite preservation, as if it had just come from the press. Moreover, it is probably the only one the margins of which have never been either 'shaven or shorn.'"Curiosités Bibliographiques, p. lxv. vi.; see alsop. 79, ante. Dr. Harwood, at page 338, of hisView of the Editions of the Classics, speaks of an uncut vellum Aldus, of 1504, 8vo. "Mr. Quin shewed me a fine copy of it printed in vellum with theleaves uncut, which he bought of Mr. Egerton at a very moderate price. It is, perhaps (adds he), the onlyuncutvellum Aldus in the world." From the joyous strain of this extract, the Doctor may be fairly suspected of having strongly exhibited this second symptom of the Bibliomania!
Belin. 'Tis very strange'—as Hamlet says at the walking of his father's ghost! But now for yourIllustrated Copies!
Lysand. You have touched a vibrating string indeed!—but I will suppress my own feelings, and spare those of my friend. A passion for booksillustrated, or adorned withnumerous Prints[433]representing characters, or circumstances, mentioned in the work, is a very general and violent symptom of the Bibliomania. The origin,or first appearance, of this symptom, has been traced by some to the publication of the Rev. ——Granger's"Biographical History of England;" but whoever will be at the pains of reading the preface of that work will see that Granger shelters himself under the authorities ofEvelyn,Ashmole, and others; and that healoneis not to be considered as responsible for all the mischief which this passion for collecting prints has occasioned. Granger, however, was the first who introduced it in the form of a history; and surely "in an evil hour" was that history published; although its amiable author must be acquitted of "malice prepense."