[464]In theQuarterly Reviewfor August, 1810, this my second remedy for curing the disease of the Bibliomania is considered as inefficient. I have a great respect for this Review, but I understand neither the premises nor conclusions therein laid down concerning the subject in discussion. If "those who cannot afford to purchase original publications must be content with entire reprints of them" (I give the very words, though not the entire sentence), it surely tends to lessen the degree of competition for "the original publication." A sober reader, or an economical book-buyer, wants a certain tract on the ground of its utility:—but take my own case—who have very few hundreds per annum to procure food for the body as well as the mind. I wish to consult Roy's tract of "Rede me and be not wroth," (videp. 226, ante)—or the "Expedition into Scotland" of 1544 (see Mr. Beloe'sAnecdotes of Literature and Scarce Books, vol. ii., p. 345), because these are really interesting, as well as rare, volumes. There is at present no reprint of either; and can I afford to bid ten or twelve guineas for each of them at a public book-sale? But—let them be faithfullyreprinted, and even a golden guinea (if such a coin be now in the pocket of a poor bibliomaniac like myself) would be considered by me asdearterms upon which to purchase theoriginaledition! The reviewer has illustrated his position by a model of the Pigot diamond; and intimates that this model does not "lessen the public desire to possess the original." Lord Mansfield once observed that nothing more frequently tended to perplex an argument than a simile—(the remark is somewhere inBurrows's Reports); and the judge's dictum seems here a little verified. If the glass or crystal model could reflectall the lustreof the original, it would be of equal utility; but it cannot. Now the reprintdoesimpartallthe intelligence and intrinsic worth of the original (for "the ugliness of the types" cannot be thought worthy of aiding the argument one way or another) therefore the reprint of Roy's poetical tract is not illustrated by the model of the Pigot diamond: which latter cannot impart the intrinsic value of the original. Let us now say a word about theReprintsabove commended by Lysander. When Mr. Harding went to press with the first volume of theHarleian Miscellany, his zeal struggled with his prudence about the number of copies to be printed of so voluminous a work. Accordingly, he ventured upon only 250 copies. As the work advanced, (and, I would hope, as the recommendation of it, in the last edition of the Bibliomania, promoted its sale) he took courage, and struck off another 250 copies of the earlier volumes: and thus this magnificent reprint (which will be followed up by two volumes of additional matter collected by Mr. Park, its editor) may be pronounced a profitable, as well as generally serviceable, publication to the cause of Literature. The original edition ofLord Somers' Tractshaving become exceedingly scarce, and the arrangement of them being equally confused, three spirited booksellers, under the editorial inspection of Mr. Walter Scott, are putting forth a correct, well arranged, and beautiful reprint of the same invaluable work. Five volumes are already published.The Voyages of Hakluytare republishing by Mr. Evans, of Pall Mall. Four volumes are already before the public; of which only 250 copies of the small, and 75 of the large, are printed. The reprint will contain the whole of Hakluyt, with the addition of several scarce voyages and travels.
[464]In theQuarterly Reviewfor August, 1810, this my second remedy for curing the disease of the Bibliomania is considered as inefficient. I have a great respect for this Review, but I understand neither the premises nor conclusions therein laid down concerning the subject in discussion. If "those who cannot afford to purchase original publications must be content with entire reprints of them" (I give the very words, though not the entire sentence), it surely tends to lessen the degree of competition for "the original publication." A sober reader, or an economical book-buyer, wants a certain tract on the ground of its utility:—but take my own case—who have very few hundreds per annum to procure food for the body as well as the mind. I wish to consult Roy's tract of "Rede me and be not wroth," (videp. 226, ante)—or the "Expedition into Scotland" of 1544 (see Mr. Beloe'sAnecdotes of Literature and Scarce Books, vol. ii., p. 345), because these are really interesting, as well as rare, volumes. There is at present no reprint of either; and can I afford to bid ten or twelve guineas for each of them at a public book-sale? But—let them be faithfullyreprinted, and even a golden guinea (if such a coin be now in the pocket of a poor bibliomaniac like myself) would be considered by me asdearterms upon which to purchase theoriginaledition! The reviewer has illustrated his position by a model of the Pigot diamond; and intimates that this model does not "lessen the public desire to possess the original." Lord Mansfield once observed that nothing more frequently tended to perplex an argument than a simile—(the remark is somewhere inBurrows's Reports); and the judge's dictum seems here a little verified. If the glass or crystal model could reflectall the lustreof the original, it would be of equal utility; but it cannot. Now the reprintdoesimpartallthe intelligence and intrinsic worth of the original (for "the ugliness of the types" cannot be thought worthy of aiding the argument one way or another) therefore the reprint of Roy's poetical tract is not illustrated by the model of the Pigot diamond: which latter cannot impart the intrinsic value of the original. Let us now say a word about theReprintsabove commended by Lysander. When Mr. Harding went to press with the first volume of theHarleian Miscellany, his zeal struggled with his prudence about the number of copies to be printed of so voluminous a work. Accordingly, he ventured upon only 250 copies. As the work advanced, (and, I would hope, as the recommendation of it, in the last edition of the Bibliomania, promoted its sale) he took courage, and struck off another 250 copies of the earlier volumes: and thus this magnificent reprint (which will be followed up by two volumes of additional matter collected by Mr. Park, its editor) may be pronounced a profitable, as well as generally serviceable, publication to the cause of Literature. The original edition ofLord Somers' Tractshaving become exceedingly scarce, and the arrangement of them being equally confused, three spirited booksellers, under the editorial inspection of Mr. Walter Scott, are putting forth a correct, well arranged, and beautiful reprint of the same invaluable work. Five volumes are already published.The Voyages of Hakluytare republishing by Mr. Evans, of Pall Mall. Four volumes are already before the public; of which only 250 copies of the small, and 75 of the large, are printed. The reprint will contain the whole of Hakluyt, with the addition of several scarce voyages and travels.
Loren.I fully coincide with these sentiments; and, as a proof of it, regularly order my London bookseller to transmit to me every volume of the reprint of these excellent works as it is published.
Belin.Can you find it in your heart, dear brother, to part with your black-letter Chronicles, and Hakluyt's Voyages, for these new publications?
Loren.I keep the best editions of the ancient Chronicles; but the new Fabian, the Harleian Miscellany, Lord Somers' Tracts, and the Voyages, are unquestionably to be preferred; since they are more full and complete. But proceed with your other probable means of cure.
Lysand.In thethird place, the editing of our best ancient authors, whether in prose or poetry,[465]is another means of effectually counteracting the mischievous effects arising from the bibliomaniacal disease; and, on this score, I do think this country stands pre-eminently conspicuous; for we are indefatigable in our attentions towards restoring the corrupted texts of our poets.
[465]The last new editions of our standard belles-lettres writers are the following: which should be found in every gentleman's library.Shakspeare, 1793, 15 vols., or 1803, 21 vols. (videp. 427, ante);Pope, byJos. Warton; 1795, 8 vols. 8vo.; or byLisle Bowles, 1806, 9 vols. 8vo.;Spenser, byH.J. Todd, 1805, 8 vols. 8vo.;Milton, bythe Same, 7 vols., 8vo.;Massinger, byW. Gifford, 1806, 4 vols. 8vo.;Sir David Lyndsay, byGeorge Chalmers, 1806, 3 vols. 8vo.;Dryden, byWalter Scott, 1808, 18 vols. 8vo.;Churchill, by ——, 1805, 2 vols. 8vo.;Hudibras, byDr. Grey, 1744, or 1809, 2 vols. 8vo.;Ben. Jonson, byW. Gifford(sub prelo); andBishop Corbett's Poems, byOctavius Gilchrist, 1807, 8vo.
[465]The last new editions of our standard belles-lettres writers are the following: which should be found in every gentleman's library.Shakspeare, 1793, 15 vols., or 1803, 21 vols. (videp. 427, ante);Pope, byJos. Warton; 1795, 8 vols. 8vo.; or byLisle Bowles, 1806, 9 vols. 8vo.;Spenser, byH.J. Todd, 1805, 8 vols. 8vo.;Milton, bythe Same, 7 vols., 8vo.;Massinger, byW. Gifford, 1806, 4 vols. 8vo.;Sir David Lyndsay, byGeorge Chalmers, 1806, 3 vols. 8vo.;Dryden, byWalter Scott, 1808, 18 vols. 8vo.;Churchill, by ——, 1805, 2 vols. 8vo.;Hudibras, byDr. Grey, 1744, or 1809, 2 vols. 8vo.;Ben. Jonson, byW. Gifford(sub prelo); andBishop Corbett's Poems, byOctavius Gilchrist, 1807, 8vo.
Phil.Yet forgive me if I avow that this same country, whose editorial labours you are thus commending, is shamefully deficient in the cultivation ofAncient EnglishHistory! I speak my sentiments roundly upon this subject: because you know, Lysander, how vigilantly I have cultivated it, and how long and keenly I have expressed my regret at the almost total apathy which prevails respecting it. There is no country upon earth which has a more plentiful or faithful stock of historians than our own; and if it were only to discover how superficially some of our recent and popular historians have written upon it, it were surely worth the labour of investigation to examine the yet existing records of past ages.
Loren.To effect this completely, you should have aNational Press.
Lis.And why not? Have we here no patriotic spirit similar to that which influenced the Francises, Richlieus, Colberts, and Louises of France?
Alman.You are getting into bibliographical politics! Proceed, good Lysander, with your other probable means of cure.
Lysand.In thefourth place, the erection ofPublic Institutions[466]is of great service in diffusing a love of books for their intrinsic utility, and is of very general advantage to scholars and authors who cannot purchase every book which they find it necessary to consult.
[466]TheRoyal, London, Surrey, and Russel Institutions, have been the means of concentrating, in divers parts of the metropolis, large libraries of useful books; which, it is to be hoped, will eventually bring into disgrace and contempt what are calledCirculating Libraries—vehicles, too often, of insufferable nonsense, and irremediable mischief!
[466]TheRoyal, London, Surrey, and Russel Institutions, have been the means of concentrating, in divers parts of the metropolis, large libraries of useful books; which, it is to be hoped, will eventually bring into disgrace and contempt what are calledCirculating Libraries—vehicles, too often, of insufferable nonsense, and irremediable mischief!
Phil.You are right. These Institutions are of recent growth, but of general utility. They are a sort ofintellectual Hospitals—according to your mode of treating the Bibliomania. Yet I dare venture to affirm that theNews-Paper Roomis always better attended than theLibrary!
Lysand.Let us have no sarcasms. I will now give you thefifthand last probable means of cure of the Bibliomania; and that isthe Study of Bibliography.[467]
[467]"Unnebonne Bibliographie," says Marchand, "soit générale soit particuliére, soit profane soit écclésiastique, soit nationale, provinciale, ou locale, soit simplement personelle, en un mot de quelque autre genre que ce puisse être, n'est pas un ouvrage aussi facile que beaucoup de gens se le pourroient imaginer; mais, elles ne doivent néanmoins nullement prévenir contre celle-ci. Telle qu'elle est, elle ne laisse pas d'être bonne, utile, et digne d'être recherchée par les amateurs de l'Histoire Litteraire."Diction. Historique, vol. i. p. 109.Peignot, in hisDictionnaire de Bibliologie, vol. i. 50, has given a very pompous account of what ought to be the talents and duties of a bibliographer. It would be difficult indeed to find such qualifications, as he describes, united in one person! De Bure, in the eighth volume of hisBibliographie Instructive, has prefixed a "Discourse upon the Science of Bibliography, and the Duties of a Bibliographer," which is worth consulting: but I know of nothing which better describes, in few words, such a character, than the following: "In eo sit multijuga materiarum librorumque notitia, ut saltem potiores eligat et inquirat: fida et sedula apud exteras gentes procuratio, ut eos arcessat; summa patientia ut rarè venalis expectet; peculium semper præsens et paratum, ne, si quando occurrunt, emendi, occasio intercidat: prudens denique auri argentique contemptus, ut pecuniis sponte careat quæ in bibliothecam formandam et nutriendam sunt insumendæ. Si forte vir literatus eo felicitatis pervenit ut talem thesaurum coacervaverit, nec solus illo invidiose fruatur, sed usam cum eruditis qui virgilias suas utilitati publicæ devoverunt, liberaliter communicet;" &c.—Bibliotheca Hulsiana, vol. i. Præfat. p. 3, 4. Morhof abounds with sagacious reflections upon this important subject: but are there fifty men in Great Britain who love to read thePolyhistor Literarius? The observations of Ameilhon and Camus, in theMemoires de l'Institut, are also well worth consultation; as are those of Le Long, and his editor, prefixed to the last edition of theBibliotheca Sacra.
[467]"Unnebonne Bibliographie," says Marchand, "soit générale soit particuliére, soit profane soit écclésiastique, soit nationale, provinciale, ou locale, soit simplement personelle, en un mot de quelque autre genre que ce puisse être, n'est pas un ouvrage aussi facile que beaucoup de gens se le pourroient imaginer; mais, elles ne doivent néanmoins nullement prévenir contre celle-ci. Telle qu'elle est, elle ne laisse pas d'être bonne, utile, et digne d'être recherchée par les amateurs de l'Histoire Litteraire."Diction. Historique, vol. i. p. 109.
Peignot, in hisDictionnaire de Bibliologie, vol. i. 50, has given a very pompous account of what ought to be the talents and duties of a bibliographer. It would be difficult indeed to find such qualifications, as he describes, united in one person! De Bure, in the eighth volume of hisBibliographie Instructive, has prefixed a "Discourse upon the Science of Bibliography, and the Duties of a Bibliographer," which is worth consulting: but I know of nothing which better describes, in few words, such a character, than the following: "In eo sit multijuga materiarum librorumque notitia, ut saltem potiores eligat et inquirat: fida et sedula apud exteras gentes procuratio, ut eos arcessat; summa patientia ut rarè venalis expectet; peculium semper præsens et paratum, ne, si quando occurrunt, emendi, occasio intercidat: prudens denique auri argentique contemptus, ut pecuniis sponte careat quæ in bibliothecam formandam et nutriendam sunt insumendæ. Si forte vir literatus eo felicitatis pervenit ut talem thesaurum coacervaverit, nec solus illo invidiose fruatur, sed usam cum eruditis qui virgilias suas utilitati publicæ devoverunt, liberaliter communicet;" &c.—Bibliotheca Hulsiana, vol. i. Præfat. p. 3, 4. Morhof abounds with sagacious reflections upon this important subject: but are there fifty men in Great Britain who love to read thePolyhistor Literarius? The observations of Ameilhon and Camus, in theMemoires de l'Institut, are also well worth consultation; as are those of Le Long, and his editor, prefixed to the last edition of theBibliotheca Sacra.
Lis.Excellent!—Treat copiously upon this my darling subject.
Belin.You speak with the enthusiasm of a young convert; but I should think the study of Bibliography a sure means of increasing the violence of the book-disease.
Lysand.The encouragement ofthe Study of Bibliography, in its legitimate sense, and towards its true object, may be numbered among the most efficacious cures for this destructive malady. To place competent Librarians over the several departments of a large public Library; or to submit a library, on a more confined scale, to one diligent, enthusiastic, well-informed, and well-bred Bibliographer or Librarian (of which in this metropolis we have so many examples), is doing a vast deal towards directing the channels of literature to flow in their proper courses. And thus I close the account of my recipes for the cure of the Bibliomania. A few words more and I have done.
It is, my friends, in the erection of Libraries as inliterary compositions, the task is difficult, and will generally meet with opposition from some fastidious quarter,[468]which is always betraying a fretful anxiety to bring every thing to its own ideal standard of perfection. To counteract the unpleasant effect which such an impression must necessarily produce, be diligent and faithful, to your utmost ability, in whatsoever you undertake. You need not evince the fecundity of a German[469]author; but only exert your best endeavours, and leave the issue to a future generation. Posterity will weigh, in even scales, your merits and demerits, when all present animosities and personal prejudices shall have subsided; and when the utility of our labours, whether in promoting wisdom or virtue, shall be unreservedly acknowledged. You may sleep in peace before this decision take place; butyour childrenmay live to witness it; and your name, in consequence, become a passport for them into circles of learning and worth. Let us now retreat; or, rather, walk round Lorenzo's grounds. We have hadBook-Discussionenough to last us to the end of the year.[470]I begin to be wearied of conversing.
[468]My favourite author, Morhof, has spoken 'comme un brave homme' upon the difficulty of literary enterprizes, and the facility and venom of detraction: I support his assertion 'totis viribus'; and to beg to speak in the same person with himself. 'Non ignotum mihi est, quantæ molis opus humeris meis incumbat. Oceanum enim ingressus sum, in quo portum invenire difficile est, naufragii periculum à syrtibus et scopulis imminet. Quis enim in tanta multitudine rerum et librorum omnia exhauriret? Quis non alicubi impingeret? Quis salvum ab invidia caput retraheret, ac malignitatis dentes in liberiore censura evitaret? Præterea ut palato et gustu differunt convivæ, ita judiciis dissident lectores, neque omnium idem de rebus sensus est, hoc præsertim tempore, quo plures sunt librorum judices, quam lectores, et è lectoribus in lictores, ubique virgas et secures expedituros, multi degenerant.'Præf. Morhof.—Even the great Lambecius (of whom seep. 41, ante) was compelled to deliver his sentiments thus:—'laborem hunc meum non periculosum minus et maglignis liventiumZoilorumdentibus obnoxium, quam prolixum foro et difficilem.' Prod. Hist. Lit.Proleg.One of the Roman philosophers (I think it was Seneca) said, in his last moments, 'Whether or not the Gods will be pleased with what I have done, I cannot take upon me to pronounce: but, this I know—it has been my invariable object to please them.' For 'the Gods' read 'the Public'—and then I beg leave, in a literary point of view, to repeat the words of Seneca.[469]'From the last catalogue of the fair ofLepisic, it would appear that there are now in Germanyten thousand two hundred and forty three authors, full ofhealthandspirit, and each of whom publishes at leastonce a year!'American Review, Jan. 1811, p. 172.[470]Through the favour of Dr. Drury, the Editor is enabled to present the reader with an original letter, enclosing a list of books directed to be purchased byBenjamin Heath, Esq.; also his portrait. This document would have been better inserted, in point of chronological order, inpart V., but, as the Editor did not receive it till long after that part was printed, he trusts it will be thought better late than never.THE DIRECTION.The DirectionToMrJohn Mannat the Hand in HandFire Office in Angel Courton Snow Hill[illegible]inLondonExeter, 21st March, 1738.Dear Sir,I take the liberty presuming upon the Intimacy of our Acquaintance to employ you in a pretty troublesome Affair. Fletcher Gyles, Bookseller in Holbourn, with whom I had some Dealings about two years ago, has lately sent me Down a Catalogue of a Library which will begin to be sold by Auction at his house next Monday Evening. As I have scarce laid out any Money in Books for these two years past, the great number of Valuable Books contained in this Collection, together with the tempting prospect of getting them cheaper in an Auction than they are to be had in a Sale, or in any other way whatsoever, has induced me to lay out a Sum of mony this way, at present, which will probably content my Curiosity in this kind, for several years to come. Mr. Gyles has offered himself to act for me, but as I think 'tis too great a Trial of his Honesty to make him at the same time both Buyer & Seller, & as Books are quite out of my Brother's Way, I have been able to think of no Friend I could throw this trouble upon but you. I propose to lay out about £60 or £70, and have drawn up a List of the Books I am inclined to, which you have in the First Leaf, with the Price to each Book, which I would by no means exceed, but as far as which, with respect to each single Book, I would venture to go; though I am persuaded upon the whole they are vastly overvalued. For my Valuation is founded in proportion upon what I have been charged for Books of this kind, when I have sent for them on purpose from London, and I have had too many proofs that the Booksellers make it a Rule to charge near double for an uncommon Book, when sent for on purpose, of what they would take for it in their own Shops, or at a Sale. So that, though the Amount of the Inclosed List is above £120, yet, when Deductions are made for the Savings by the Chance of the Auction, & for the full rate of such Books as I may be over bid in, I am satisfied it will come within the sum I propose. Now, Sir, the Favour which I would beg of you is to get some Trusty Person (& if you should not be able readily to think of a proper Person yourself, Mr. Hinchcliffe or Mr. Peele may probably be able to recommend one) to attend this Auction, in my behalf, from the beginning to the end, & to bid for me agreeably to the inclosed List & (as the Additional Trouble of it over and above the Attendance would not be great) to mark in the Catalogue, which you may have of Mr. Gyles for a shilling, the price Every Book contained in the Catalogue is sold at, for my future Direction in these Matters. For this Service I would willingly allow 3 Guineas, which, the Auction continuing 24 Days, is 3 shillings over and above half a Crown a Day; or, if that is not sufficient, whatever more shall be thought necessary to get my Commission well Executed. It may be necessary to observe to you that the Auction requires the Attendance of the whole day, beginning at Eleven in the Morning, and ending at two and at five in the Afternoon, and Ending at Eight. It may also be proper to inform the Person you shall Employ that he is not to govern his first bidding by the valuation in my list for many of the Books will very probably be sold for less than half what I have marked them at; he is therefore, in every Instance, to bid Low at first, and afterwards to continue advancing just beyond the other Bidders, till he has either bought the Book, or the price I have fixed it at is exceeded. There are many Books in the List which have several numbers before them; the meaning of which is that the very same Book is in several places of the Catalogue; and in that Case, I would have the first of them bought, if it be in very good condition, otherwise let the person Employed wait till the other comes up. I would desire him also not to buy any book at all that is both Dirty & ragged; but, though the Binding should not be in very good Order, that would be no Objection with me, provided the Book was clean. I would also desire him not to bid for any Number in the Catalogue that is not expressly mentioned in my List, upon a supposition that it may be the same Book with some that are mentioned in it; nor to omitt any Book that is actually upon the List, upon an Imagination, from the Title, that it may be there more than once; for I have drawn it up upon an Exact consideration of the Editions of the Books, insomuch that there is no Book twice upon the List, but where there is a very great difference in the Editions; nor is any of the Books in my List oftener in the Catalogue than is expressly specified in it. By the Conditions of Sale, the Auction is constantly adjourned from Fryday night to Monday Morning, the Saturday being appointed for fetching away, at the Expence of the buyer, the Books bought the week before, & for payment of the Mony. This part of the trouble I must beg you to charge yourself with; &, in order to enable you, as to the payment, I shall send you up, either by the next Post, or, however, time enough for the Saturday following, Fifty Pounds. I would beg the Favour of you to let me hear from you, if possible, by the Return of the Post; & also to give me an Account by every Saturday night's post what Books are bought for me, and at what price. As to which you need only mention the Numbers without the Titles, since I have a Catalogue by me. When the Auction is Ended, I shall take the Liberty of giving you farther Directions about Packing up the Books, & the way I would have them sent down. When I drew up my List, I had not observed one of the Conditions of Sale, which imports that no Person is to advance less than a shilling after twenty shillings is bid for any book. Now you will find a pretty many Books which I have valued at more than twenty shillings marked at an Odd Sixpence; in all which Cases, I would have the Bidder add Sixpence more to the Price I have fixed, in order to make it Even Money, & conformable to the Conditions of the Auction. And now, Dear Sir, another Person would make a thousand Apologies for giving you all this trouble; all which superfluous tediousness I shall spare you, being persuaded I shall do you a great pleasure in giving you an Opportunity of being serviceable to me, as I am sure it would be a very sensible one to me, if I ever had it in my power to be of any use to you. Mine and my Wive's humble respects wait upon Mrs. Mann, and you will be so good to present my hearty services to all our Friends.I am most sincerely, Dear Sir,signatureYour Faithful & Affectionatehumble Servt.Benj HeathsealHIS SEAL.£s.d.Octavo5Pet. Angeli Bargæi Poemata05640Hieron. Fracastorij Poemata07647or 455, or 1546, Joan. Leonis Africæ Desc.03668Christ. Longolij Orationes et Epistolæ06678Pierij Valeriani Hexametri046Quarto46Diogenes Laertius1126Octavo164or 624, Scaligerana026201or 1280, Car. Ogerij Iter Danicum030Quarto66Plautus Taubmanni0116Octavo282Hen. Lornenij Itinerarium030Quarto132Marcus Antonius de Dominis026143Hen. Stephani Dialogus046157Ausonii Opera096178Anacreon and Sappho086180Excerpta ex Polybio086181Sophocles and Eschylus126Carried Forward£6160£s.d.Brought Forward6160Octavo405or 2413, or 2953, Historia Gothorum066435or 1488, or 1688, Lucretius Gifanij056436Is Casaubon de Satyrica Poesi036Quarto198or 344, Iamblicus de Vita Pythag.0116275Aulus Gellius Gronovij0186280Statij quæ Extant Barthij0186Octavo700or 1093, Martial Scriverij066Quarto302Juvenal Henninij0186314Manilij Astronomicon0116316Poetriarum Octo066Folio170Fam. Strada da Bello Belgico1136Octavo739Virgilius Illustratus036752Paulli Manutij Epistolæ030Folio206or 235, or 590, Io. Leunclavij Annales126Octavo989Senecæ Tragediæ Scriverij04691911088Pontani Opera086Folio264Demosthenis et Æschinis Opera2176301Thucydides Wasse296306Platonis Opera456308Herodoti Historia176Quarto503Pauli Collomesij Opera090543566Bern. Pensini Vita Baronij030Octavo1239or 2831, Poesis Philosophica036Folio270Philostrati Opera176376Historiæ Romanæ Scriptores1116386Plutarchi Opera576Octavo1519Caninij Hellenismus0261608or 2705, Virgilius Hiensij036Folio426Geo. Buchanani Opera1116443Plautus Lambini0136448Horatius Turnebi et Lambini0186Octavo1650Dom. Baudij Amores030Folio476Æschyli Tragediæ0166Octavo1814Lud. Kusterus de vero Usu, &c.036Quarto871Gab. Faerni Fabulæ Centum066Folio477Luciani Opera176Carried Forward£4270£s.d.Brought Forward4270479Dionis Cassij Historia1126485Diodorus Siculus2186490Appiani Historia0116491Palladius de Gentibus Indiæ056498Isocratij Orationes136Quarto908Papin. Statij Opera096921Claudian Cum Animad. Barthij0116Folio529Maffæi Historia Indica086509546Saxonis Grammatici Historia0176Octavo2101Huntingtoni Epistolæ036Quarto1018And. Nangerij Opera0961023Tho. Hyde Historia Relig. Vett. Pers.01861047Claud. Salmasij Epistolæ0361088Theocriti Moschi Bionis01661089Hesiodus Græce0186Folio627Rerum Moscoviticarum Coment.0116638Angeli Politiani Opera0186Octavo2354Ausonius0762362Mythographi Latini066Quarto1139Aristotelis Opera346Octavo2481Fabricij Bibliotheca Latina0116Quarto1192Sannazarij Poemata0116Octavo2526Meursij Elegantiæ0562559Statij Opera0462578Is Casauboni Comment.0302597Maximi Tyrij Dissertationes040Folio698Nic. Antonij Bibliotheca Hispan.246Octavo2712Ovidij Opera0156Folio765Nic. Antonij Bibliotheca Hisp. Vetus176Octavo2891Pet. Dan. Huetij Comentarius0263098Sir John Suckling's Plays, &c.0363099Dr. Downe's Poems040Quarto1498Lord's Discovery of the Banian Religion056Folio857or 896, Burnet's Theory of yeEarth096Octavo3364Milton's Poems0203374King's British Merchant0126Carried Forward£68110£s.d.Brought Forward681103379Milton's Paradise Regained026Folio912Wheeler's Journey into Greece0130Octavo3463or 3473, Grevil's Life Of Sir P. Sidney0303466Jobson Debes's Description of Feroe0203529Terry's Voyage to the East Indies036Quarto1672Description de l'Egypte01361692Apologie de M. Castar0401694Replique de M. Girac036Octavo3538Geddes's History of the Church, &c.0303600Songs by the Earl Of Surrey0363741or 4112, Oeuvres de Sarasin0403854or 3859, Scaligerana026Quarto1873Viaggi di Pietro della Valli1501875Opera di Annibale Caro0801876Orlando Inamorato01261879or 2070, Pastor Fido01261884or 1977, Morgante Maggiore0901920or 1965, La Gerusalemme Liberata1261928Il Verato0361953Orlando Inamorato0961957Historia della Guerre Civili01761967Scritti nella Causa Veniziana0461980Historia della Sacra Inquisitione0561983Examinatione sopra la Rhetorica0561990or 2037, Istoria Diplomatica01161995Fasti Consolari di Salvini0961998Satire del Menzini076Folio1109Bibliotheca Napolitana di Toppi1161123Orlando Furioso126Quarto2005or 2039, Dialoghi del Speroni0762015Poetica di Aristotele Volgarizzata0662024Poetica di Aristotele di Piccolomini0462031Della Difesa della Comedia di Dante01302033Squittinio della Liberta Veneta0562049Il Goffredo col. Comento di Beni0962050Dante di Daniello096Carried Forward£84130£s.d.Brought Forward84130Folio1129Historia del Regno di Napoli01461132Historia del Consilio Tridentino21361137Vocabularia della Crusca846Octavo4268Voyage de Bachanmont, &c.0264295or 4330, or 4339, or 4511, Ragionamenti del Aretino01164305Prose Fiorentine0364309Lettre Volgari0364321Gravina della Ragione Poetica0564322Battaglie di Mugio0364331or 4527, La Comedia di Dante0116Quarto2053Degli Raguagli di Parnaso0862067Il Decameron di Boccaccio2562076or 2168, Lezioni di Varchi0862098L'Amadigi di Tasso086Folio1154L'Adone del Marino01161154Il Libro del Cortegiano01361162Istoria del Concilio di Trento2461164La Historia di Italia di Guicciardini0176Octavo4354Rime Diverse del Mutio0464363L'Amorosa Fiametta0464371Compendio del Historie di Nap.0564379Opere di Guilio Cammillo0464384L'Aminta di Tasso0664385L'Opere Poetiche di Guarin0564387Comedie di M. Agnolo Firenz.0564415Notize de Libri Rari0464416Satire e Rime di Aristo0564417Delle Eloquenza Italiana0664423Comedie Varie0364438Labarinto d'Amore di Boccac.0464443Opere di Redi110Quarto2100Lettere di Vincenzio Martelli0862103or 2154, Ameto di Boccaccio0462104or 2161, Le Rime di Petrarca0862114Ragionamento dell' Academico086Carried Forward£111170£s.d.Brought Forward1111702124Poesie Liriche del Testi086Octavo4452Il Petrarca01164456or 4550, Lettre di Paolo Sarpi0364460Opere Burleschi di Berni0664464or 4485, Prose di M. Agnolo Firenz.0364471Commento di Ser Agresto0364475L'Aminta di Tasso0664483La Secchia Rapita0564486or 4627, Comedie di Aretino0564496Trattato delle Materie Benef.0464531Il 2doLibro delle Opere Burlesch.066Quarto2149Annotationi e Discorsi01662159Gyrone il Cortese0962164Il Decamerone di Boccaccio01462169Historia della Cose passate0562171Apologia degli Academia0962176Della Guerra di Fiandra2262178Rime e Prose di Maffei01362182Discorsi Poetichi056Octavo4561La Libreria del Doni0464591La Cassaria0264592Teatro Italiano1164614La Divina Comedia di Dante1164615La Rime di Angelo di Cestanzo0764625Tutte le Opere di Bernia066£12436
[468]My favourite author, Morhof, has spoken 'comme un brave homme' upon the difficulty of literary enterprizes, and the facility and venom of detraction: I support his assertion 'totis viribus'; and to beg to speak in the same person with himself. 'Non ignotum mihi est, quantæ molis opus humeris meis incumbat. Oceanum enim ingressus sum, in quo portum invenire difficile est, naufragii periculum à syrtibus et scopulis imminet. Quis enim in tanta multitudine rerum et librorum omnia exhauriret? Quis non alicubi impingeret? Quis salvum ab invidia caput retraheret, ac malignitatis dentes in liberiore censura evitaret? Præterea ut palato et gustu differunt convivæ, ita judiciis dissident lectores, neque omnium idem de rebus sensus est, hoc præsertim tempore, quo plures sunt librorum judices, quam lectores, et è lectoribus in lictores, ubique virgas et secures expedituros, multi degenerant.'Præf. Morhof.—Even the great Lambecius (of whom seep. 41, ante) was compelled to deliver his sentiments thus:—'laborem hunc meum non periculosum minus et maglignis liventiumZoilorumdentibus obnoxium, quam prolixum foro et difficilem.' Prod. Hist. Lit.Proleg.One of the Roman philosophers (I think it was Seneca) said, in his last moments, 'Whether or not the Gods will be pleased with what I have done, I cannot take upon me to pronounce: but, this I know—it has been my invariable object to please them.' For 'the Gods' read 'the Public'—and then I beg leave, in a literary point of view, to repeat the words of Seneca.
[469]'From the last catalogue of the fair ofLepisic, it would appear that there are now in Germanyten thousand two hundred and forty three authors, full ofhealthandspirit, and each of whom publishes at leastonce a year!'American Review, Jan. 1811, p. 172.
[470]Through the favour of Dr. Drury, the Editor is enabled to present the reader with an original letter, enclosing a list of books directed to be purchased byBenjamin Heath, Esq.; also his portrait. This document would have been better inserted, in point of chronological order, inpart V., but, as the Editor did not receive it till long after that part was printed, he trusts it will be thought better late than never.
THE DIRECTION.
The Direction
ToMrJohn Mannat the Hand in HandFire Office in Angel Courton Snow Hill[illegible]inLondon
Exeter, 21st March, 1738.Dear Sir,I take the liberty presuming upon the Intimacy of our Acquaintance to employ you in a pretty troublesome Affair. Fletcher Gyles, Bookseller in Holbourn, with whom I had some Dealings about two years ago, has lately sent me Down a Catalogue of a Library which will begin to be sold by Auction at his house next Monday Evening. As I have scarce laid out any Money in Books for these two years past, the great number of Valuable Books contained in this Collection, together with the tempting prospect of getting them cheaper in an Auction than they are to be had in a Sale, or in any other way whatsoever, has induced me to lay out a Sum of mony this way, at present, which will probably content my Curiosity in this kind, for several years to come. Mr. Gyles has offered himself to act for me, but as I think 'tis too great a Trial of his Honesty to make him at the same time both Buyer & Seller, & as Books are quite out of my Brother's Way, I have been able to think of no Friend I could throw this trouble upon but you. I propose to lay out about £60 or £70, and have drawn up a List of the Books I am inclined to, which you have in the First Leaf, with the Price to each Book, which I would by no means exceed, but as far as which, with respect to each single Book, I would venture to go; though I am persuaded upon the whole they are vastly overvalued. For my Valuation is founded in proportion upon what I have been charged for Books of this kind, when I have sent for them on purpose from London, and I have had too many proofs that the Booksellers make it a Rule to charge near double for an uncommon Book, when sent for on purpose, of what they would take for it in their own Shops, or at a Sale. So that, though the Amount of the Inclosed List is above £120, yet, when Deductions are made for the Savings by the Chance of the Auction, & for the full rate of such Books as I may be over bid in, I am satisfied it will come within the sum I propose. Now, Sir, the Favour which I would beg of you is to get some Trusty Person (& if you should not be able readily to think of a proper Person yourself, Mr. Hinchcliffe or Mr. Peele may probably be able to recommend one) to attend this Auction, in my behalf, from the beginning to the end, & to bid for me agreeably to the inclosed List & (as the Additional Trouble of it over and above the Attendance would not be great) to mark in the Catalogue, which you may have of Mr. Gyles for a shilling, the price Every Book contained in the Catalogue is sold at, for my future Direction in these Matters. For this Service I would willingly allow 3 Guineas, which, the Auction continuing 24 Days, is 3 shillings over and above half a Crown a Day; or, if that is not sufficient, whatever more shall be thought necessary to get my Commission well Executed. It may be necessary to observe to you that the Auction requires the Attendance of the whole day, beginning at Eleven in the Morning, and ending at two and at five in the Afternoon, and Ending at Eight. It may also be proper to inform the Person you shall Employ that he is not to govern his first bidding by the valuation in my list for many of the Books will very probably be sold for less than half what I have marked them at; he is therefore, in every Instance, to bid Low at first, and afterwards to continue advancing just beyond the other Bidders, till he has either bought the Book, or the price I have fixed it at is exceeded. There are many Books in the List which have several numbers before them; the meaning of which is that the very same Book is in several places of the Catalogue; and in that Case, I would have the first of them bought, if it be in very good condition, otherwise let the person Employed wait till the other comes up. I would desire him also not to buy any book at all that is both Dirty & ragged; but, though the Binding should not be in very good Order, that would be no Objection with me, provided the Book was clean. I would also desire him not to bid for any Number in the Catalogue that is not expressly mentioned in my List, upon a supposition that it may be the same Book with some that are mentioned in it; nor to omitt any Book that is actually upon the List, upon an Imagination, from the Title, that it may be there more than once; for I have drawn it up upon an Exact consideration of the Editions of the Books, insomuch that there is no Book twice upon the List, but where there is a very great difference in the Editions; nor is any of the Books in my List oftener in the Catalogue than is expressly specified in it. By the Conditions of Sale, the Auction is constantly adjourned from Fryday night to Monday Morning, the Saturday being appointed for fetching away, at the Expence of the buyer, the Books bought the week before, & for payment of the Mony. This part of the trouble I must beg you to charge yourself with; &, in order to enable you, as to the payment, I shall send you up, either by the next Post, or, however, time enough for the Saturday following, Fifty Pounds. I would beg the Favour of you to let me hear from you, if possible, by the Return of the Post; & also to give me an Account by every Saturday night's post what Books are bought for me, and at what price. As to which you need only mention the Numbers without the Titles, since I have a Catalogue by me. When the Auction is Ended, I shall take the Liberty of giving you farther Directions about Packing up the Books, & the way I would have them sent down. When I drew up my List, I had not observed one of the Conditions of Sale, which imports that no Person is to advance less than a shilling after twenty shillings is bid for any book. Now you will find a pretty many Books which I have valued at more than twenty shillings marked at an Odd Sixpence; in all which Cases, I would have the Bidder add Sixpence more to the Price I have fixed, in order to make it Even Money, & conformable to the Conditions of the Auction. And now, Dear Sir, another Person would make a thousand Apologies for giving you all this trouble; all which superfluous tediousness I shall spare you, being persuaded I shall do you a great pleasure in giving you an Opportunity of being serviceable to me, as I am sure it would be a very sensible one to me, if I ever had it in my power to be of any use to you. Mine and my Wive's humble respects wait upon Mrs. Mann, and you will be so good to present my hearty services to all our Friends.I am most sincerely, Dear Sir,signatureYour Faithful & Affectionatehumble Servt.Benj HeathsealHIS SEAL.
Exeter, 21st March, 1738.
Dear Sir,
I take the liberty presuming upon the Intimacy of our Acquaintance to employ you in a pretty troublesome Affair. Fletcher Gyles, Bookseller in Holbourn, with whom I had some Dealings about two years ago, has lately sent me Down a Catalogue of a Library which will begin to be sold by Auction at his house next Monday Evening. As I have scarce laid out any Money in Books for these two years past, the great number of Valuable Books contained in this Collection, together with the tempting prospect of getting them cheaper in an Auction than they are to be had in a Sale, or in any other way whatsoever, has induced me to lay out a Sum of mony this way, at present, which will probably content my Curiosity in this kind, for several years to come. Mr. Gyles has offered himself to act for me, but as I think 'tis too great a Trial of his Honesty to make him at the same time both Buyer & Seller, & as Books are quite out of my Brother's Way, I have been able to think of no Friend I could throw this trouble upon but you. I propose to lay out about £60 or £70, and have drawn up a List of the Books I am inclined to, which you have in the First Leaf, with the Price to each Book, which I would by no means exceed, but as far as which, with respect to each single Book, I would venture to go; though I am persuaded upon the whole they are vastly overvalued. For my Valuation is founded in proportion upon what I have been charged for Books of this kind, when I have sent for them on purpose from London, and I have had too many proofs that the Booksellers make it a Rule to charge near double for an uncommon Book, when sent for on purpose, of what they would take for it in their own Shops, or at a Sale. So that, though the Amount of the Inclosed List is above £120, yet, when Deductions are made for the Savings by the Chance of the Auction, & for the full rate of such Books as I may be over bid in, I am satisfied it will come within the sum I propose. Now, Sir, the Favour which I would beg of you is to get some Trusty Person (& if you should not be able readily to think of a proper Person yourself, Mr. Hinchcliffe or Mr. Peele may probably be able to recommend one) to attend this Auction, in my behalf, from the beginning to the end, & to bid for me agreeably to the inclosed List & (as the Additional Trouble of it over and above the Attendance would not be great) to mark in the Catalogue, which you may have of Mr. Gyles for a shilling, the price Every Book contained in the Catalogue is sold at, for my future Direction in these Matters. For this Service I would willingly allow 3 Guineas, which, the Auction continuing 24 Days, is 3 shillings over and above half a Crown a Day; or, if that is not sufficient, whatever more shall be thought necessary to get my Commission well Executed. It may be necessary to observe to you that the Auction requires the Attendance of the whole day, beginning at Eleven in the Morning, and ending at two and at five in the Afternoon, and Ending at Eight. It may also be proper to inform the Person you shall Employ that he is not to govern his first bidding by the valuation in my list for many of the Books will very probably be sold for less than half what I have marked them at; he is therefore, in every Instance, to bid Low at first, and afterwards to continue advancing just beyond the other Bidders, till he has either bought the Book, or the price I have fixed it at is exceeded. There are many Books in the List which have several numbers before them; the meaning of which is that the very same Book is in several places of the Catalogue; and in that Case, I would have the first of them bought, if it be in very good condition, otherwise let the person Employed wait till the other comes up. I would desire him also not to buy any book at all that is both Dirty & ragged; but, though the Binding should not be in very good Order, that would be no Objection with me, provided the Book was clean. I would also desire him not to bid for any Number in the Catalogue that is not expressly mentioned in my List, upon a supposition that it may be the same Book with some that are mentioned in it; nor to omitt any Book that is actually upon the List, upon an Imagination, from the Title, that it may be there more than once; for I have drawn it up upon an Exact consideration of the Editions of the Books, insomuch that there is no Book twice upon the List, but where there is a very great difference in the Editions; nor is any of the Books in my List oftener in the Catalogue than is expressly specified in it. By the Conditions of Sale, the Auction is constantly adjourned from Fryday night to Monday Morning, the Saturday being appointed for fetching away, at the Expence of the buyer, the Books bought the week before, & for payment of the Mony. This part of the trouble I must beg you to charge yourself with; &, in order to enable you, as to the payment, I shall send you up, either by the next Post, or, however, time enough for the Saturday following, Fifty Pounds. I would beg the Favour of you to let me hear from you, if possible, by the Return of the Post; & also to give me an Account by every Saturday night's post what Books are bought for me, and at what price. As to which you need only mention the Numbers without the Titles, since I have a Catalogue by me. When the Auction is Ended, I shall take the Liberty of giving you farther Directions about Packing up the Books, & the way I would have them sent down. When I drew up my List, I had not observed one of the Conditions of Sale, which imports that no Person is to advance less than a shilling after twenty shillings is bid for any book. Now you will find a pretty many Books which I have valued at more than twenty shillings marked at an Odd Sixpence; in all which Cases, I would have the Bidder add Sixpence more to the Price I have fixed, in order to make it Even Money, & conformable to the Conditions of the Auction. And now, Dear Sir, another Person would make a thousand Apologies for giving you all this trouble; all which superfluous tediousness I shall spare you, being persuaded I shall do you a great pleasure in giving you an Opportunity of being serviceable to me, as I am sure it would be a very sensible one to me, if I ever had it in my power to be of any use to you. Mine and my Wive's humble respects wait upon Mrs. Mann, and you will be so good to present my hearty services to all our Friends.
I am most sincerely, Dear Sir,
signature
Your Faithful & Affectionatehumble Servt.
Benj Heath
seal
HIS SEAL.
Lysander concluded; when Lorenzo rose from his seat, and begged of us to walk round his grounds. It was nowhigh noon; and, after a pleasant stroll, we retreated again tothe alcove, where we found a cold collationprepared for our reception. The same day we all dined at Lisardo's; and a discussion upon the pleasures andcomparative excellences ofMusicandPaintingsucceeded to the conversation which the foregoing pages havedetailed. A small concert in the evening recreated the exhausted state of Lysander'smimd.
The next day, my friends left me for their respective places of destination. Lorenzo and his sisters weregathered round my outer gate; and Lisardo leapt into the chaise with Lysander and Philemon; resolved to equal,if not eclipse, his bibliographical tutor in the ardour of book researches. "Adieu," said Lysander, putting hishand out of the chaise—"remember, in defence of my bibliomaniacal gossipping, thatSimilisnever knew happinesstill he became acquainted withbooks."[471]The postillion smacked his whip; and the chaise, following the direction of the road to the left, quickly disappeared. The servant of Lysander followed gently after, with his Master's and Philemon's horses: taking a near direction towards Lysander's home.