[471]'It is reported that a certain man, of the name ofSimilis, who fought under the Emperor Hadrian, became so wearied and disgusted with the number of troublesome events which he met with in that mode of life, that he retired and devoted himself wholly to leisure andreading, and to meditations upon divine and human affairs, after the manner of Pythagoras. In this retirement, Similis was wont frequently to exclaim that 'nowhe began tolive:' at his death, he desired the following inscription to be placed upon his tomb.ΣΙΜΙΛΙΣΕΝ ΤΑΥΘΑ ΚΕΙΤΑΙΒΙΟΥΕ ΜΕΝ ΕΤΗ ΕΒΔΟΜΗΚΟΝΤΑΖΗΣΑΣ ΔΕ ΕΤΗ ΕΠΤΑHere lies Similis;In the seventieth year of his ageBut only the seventh of his Life.This story is related by Dion Cassius; and from him told by Spizelius in hisInfelix Literarius; p. 167.
[471]'It is reported that a certain man, of the name ofSimilis, who fought under the Emperor Hadrian, became so wearied and disgusted with the number of troublesome events which he met with in that mode of life, that he retired and devoted himself wholly to leisure andreading, and to meditations upon divine and human affairs, after the manner of Pythagoras. In this retirement, Similis was wont frequently to exclaim that 'nowhe began tolive:' at his death, he desired the following inscription to be placed upon his tomb.
ΣΙΜΙΛΙΣΕΝ ΤΑΥΘΑ ΚΕΙΤΑΙΒΙΟΥΕ ΜΕΝ ΕΤΗ ΕΒΔΟΜΗΚΟΝΤΑΖΗΣΑΣ ΔΕ ΕΤΗ ΕΠΤΑ
Here lies Similis;In the seventieth year of his ageBut only the seventh of his Life.
This story is related by Dion Cassius; and from him told by Spizelius in hisInfelix Literarius; p. 167.
Lorenzo and his sisters returned with me to the Cabinet. A gloom was visible upon all our countenances; and the Ladies confessed that the company and conversation of my departed guests, especially of Lysander, were such as to leave a void which could not easily be supplied. For my part, from some little warmth each sister betrayed in balancing the solid instruction of Lysander and the humorous vivacity of Lisardo, against each other, I thought the former had made a powerful impression upon the mind of Belinda, and the latter upon that of Almansa: for when the probability of a speedy revisit from both of them was mentioned the sisters betrayed unusual marks of sensibility; and upon Lorenzo's frankly confessing, though in a playful mood, that such brothers-in-law would make him "as happy as the day was long"—they both turned their faces towards the garden, and appeared as awkward as it was possible for well-bred ladies to appear.
It was in vain that I turned to my library and opened a large paper, illustrated, copy of Daulby'sCatalogue of Rembrandt's Prints, or Mr. Miller's new edition of theMemoirs of Count Grammont, or even theRoman de la Rose, printed by Galliot du Pré,upon vellum.... Nothing produced a kind look or a gracious word from them. Silence, sorrow, and indifference, succeeded to loquacity, joy, and enthusiasm. I clearly perceived that someothersymptom, wholly different from any thing connected with the Bibliomania, had taken possession of their gentle minds.
But what has aBibliographical Romanceto do withLoveandMarriage? Reader Adieu!—When thou hast nothingbetter deserving of perusal before thee, take up thesepages; and class the author of them, if thou wilt,with theBostons, orSmiths, orNorths, of"other times;" with those who have neverwished to disturb the peaceful hauntsof intellectual retirement; and whoseestate, moreover, like JosephScaliger's, lies chieflyunder hishat.
hat
p. 57. To the list of useful bibliographical works, published about the period here designated, I might have added theLexicon LiterariumofTheophilus Georgius;cum Suppl. ad an.1750.Leips.1742-50, folio; two thick and closely printed volumes, with an excellent chronological arrangement. It is not common in this country.
p. 69. The Abbé Rive was also the author of—1.Notice d'un Roman d'Artus Comte de Bretagne: Paris, 1779, 4to.pp.20. 2.Etrennes aux Joueurs decartes, ou Eclaircissemens historiques et critiques sur l'invention des cartes à jouer; Paris, 1780, 12mo.pp.43. These works are slightly commended in the "Advertissement" to the Vallière Catalogue, 1783, pp. xxv-vj. They are reviewed by a rival author.
p. 216. Since writing the first note, concerning the "Assertio Septem Sacramentorum," &c., I have seen a magnificent copy of the same, printedupon vellum, in the library of Earl Spencer; which redeems the coldness of my opinion in regard to books printed by Pynson upon vellum. The painted ornaments, in Lord Spencer's copy, were, in all probability, executed abroad. The art, in our own country, was then too rude for such elegance of decoration.
p. 404. I was right in my prediction about theseGarlandsbeing swallowed up by some "hungry book-fish!" I saw them, a few days after, in the well-furnished library ofAtticus: who exhibited them to me in triumph—grasping the whole of them between his finger and thumb! They are marvellous well-looking little volumes—clean, bright, and "rejoicing to the eye!"—many of them, moreover, are first editions! The severest winter cannot tarnish the foliage of such "Garlands!"
p. 328. Among theIllustrated GrangersI forgot to notice the ample and magnificent copies belonging to the Marquis of Bute and Mr. John Towneley.
Heath
DR. BENJAMIN HEATH.
THE scenery and the dialogue of this Part are more especiallyWaltonian. The characters are few; butLysandermust of necessity be the Author—as he is the principal actor in the scene, and throughout the entire work the principal intelligence is derived from his lips. The scene itself is not absolutely ideal. At the little village of ——, upon the upper grounds, near Marlow, and necessarily commanding a sweep of the Thames in one of its most richly wooded windings, there lived a Mr. Jacobs, the friend of the adjoining Rector, whose table was as bounteous as his heart was hospitable; and whose frequent custom it was, in summer months, to elicit sweet discourse from his guests, as they sauntered, after an early supper, to inhale the fragrance of "dewy eve," and to witness the ascendancy of the moon in a cool and cloudless sky. Ihave partaken more than once of these "Tusculan" discussions; and have heard sounds, and witnessed happiness, such as is not likely to be my lot again.Philemonis at rest in his grave, as well asMenanderandSicorax. The two latter, it is well known, were Tom Warton and Joseph Ritson. "The husband of poor Lavinia" was a most amiable gentleman, but timid to a morbid excess. Without strong powers of intellect, he was tenacious of every thing which he advanced, and yet the farthest possible from dogmatic rudeness. There are cankers that eat into theheartas well as the cheek; and because Mr. Shacklewell (theNicasof my text) happened to discover a few unimportant errors in that husband's last performance, the latter not only thought much and often about it, but seemed to take it seriously to heart, and scarcely survived it a twelvemonth.
Gonzalo, mentioned atpage 12, was a Mr. Jessop; an exceedingly lively, inoffensive, but not over wise gentleman; a coxcomb to excess in every thing; but not without vivacious parts, which occasionally pleased, from themannerin which they were exhibited. Of handsome person and fluent speech, he was generally acceptable to the fair sex; but he made no strongindividualimpression, as he was known to use the same current phrases and current compliments to all. Just possible it was that his personal attractions and ready utterance were beginning to strike arootor two in some one female bosom; but it was impossible for these roots to penetrate deeply, and take anexclusivehold. I believe Mr. Jessop quitted the neighbourhood of Marlow shortly after the publication of the Bibliomania, to returnthither no more.Alfonsowas a Mr. Morell; a name well known in Oxfordshire. He was always in thesamefalse position, from the beginning to the end; but I am not sure whether this be not better than a perpetually shifting false position. Disguise it as you may, an obstinate man is preferable to atrimmer; be he a common man, or an uncommon man; a layman or a clergyman; "in crape," or "in lawn."
The compliment paid by Lysander (at pages18,19) to Dr.Vincent, late Dean of Westminster, and head master of Westminster School, were acknowledged by that venerable and most worthy, as well as erudite, character, in a letter to me, which I deemed it but an act of justice to its author to publish in theBibliographical Decameron, vol. iii. p. 353. Poor Mr.Barker(Edmund Henry), who is handsomely mentioned in the Dean's letter, has very lately taken his departure from us, forthatquiet which he could not find upon earth. "Take him for all in all" he was a very extraordinary man. Irritable to excess; but ardent and ambitious in his literary career. His industry, when, as in former days, it was at its height, would have killed half the scholars of the time. How he attained his fiftieth year, may be deemed miraculous; considering upon what a tempestuous sea his vessel of life seemed to be embarked. Latterly, he took to politics; when—"farewell the tranquil mind!"
Thisportion of the "Bibliomania," embracing about fourscore pages, contains aPrécis, or review of the more popular works, then extant, uponBibliography. It forms an immense mass of materials; which, if expanded in the ordinary form of publication, would alone make a volume. I have well nigh forgotten the names of some of the more ancient heroes of bibliographical renown, but still seem to cling with a natural fondness to those of Gesner, Morhof, Maittaire, and Fabricius: while Labbe, Lambecius, and Montfauçon, Le Long, and Baillet, even yet retain all their ancient respect and popularity. As nofresh charactersare introduced in this second part of the Bibliomania, it may be permitted me to say a word or two upon the substance of the materials which it contains.
The immense note upon the "Catalogue of Libraries," alphabetically arranged, frompage 72topage 99, is now, necessarily, imperfect; from the number of libraries which have been subsequently sold or described. Among thelatter, I hope I may naturally, and justifiably, makemention of theBibliotheca Spenceriana; or, A descriptive Catalogue of the early printed Books of the late George John Earl Spencer, K.G.; comprising, in the whole, seven volumes; with the addition of the Cassano Library, or books purchased of the Duke of Cassano, by the noble Earl, when at Naples, in the year 1819. In the "Reminiscences of my Literary Life," I have given a sort of graphic description of this extensive work, and of the circumstances attending its publication.Thatwork now rests upon its own particular, and, I will fearlessly add, solid, basis. For accuracy, learning, splendour, and almost interminable embellishment, it may seem at once to command the attention, and to challenge the commendation, of the most fastidious: but it is a flower which blooms more kindly in a foreign, than in its native, soil. It has obtained for me the notice and the applause of learnedforeigners; and when I travelled abroad I received but too substantial proofs that what was slightedherewas appreciated inforeignparts. Our more popular Reviews, which seem to thrive and fatten best upon lean fare, passed this magnificent work over in a sort of sly or sullen silence; and there is no record of its existence in those of our Journals which affect to strike the key-note only of what is valuable in science, literature, and the fine arts. Painful as it must ever be to my feelings to contrast the avidity of former purchasers to become possessed of it with the caprice and non-chalance which have marked the conduct of those possessors themselves, I will yet hope that, in the bosom of theSuccessorto this matchless Library—as well as to the name and fortunes of its late owner—there willever remain butone feeling, such as no misconception and no casualty will serve to efface. It is pleasing, yea, soothing, 'midst the buffetting surges of later life, to be able to keep the anchor of one's vesselwell bitin the interstices of granite.
Much later than the publication last alluded to, were the sale catalogues of the Libraries of SirMark Masterman Sykes, Bart., deceased; the Rev.Henry Drury;George Hibbert, Esq., deceased; and SirFrancis Freeling, Bart., deceased. They were all sold by Mr. Evans, of Pall Mall; as well indeed as was the Library of the late Duke of Marlborough, when Marquis of Blandford. What books! And what prices! It should seem that "there were giants," both in purse and magnitude of metal, "in those days!" But a mighty "man in valour" has recently sprung up amongst us; who, spurning the acquisition of solitarylots, darts down upon a wholeLibrary, and bears it off "at one fell swoop." Long life to the spirit which possesses him! It is almost a national redemption.
Weare here introduced into one of the most bustling and spirit-stirring portions of the whole Work. It is full of characters—alas! now, with onlytwoexceptions, mouldering in their coffins! Philemon (who was one of my earliest and steadiest friends) introduces us to a character, which, under the name ofOrlando, made some impression upon the public, as it was thought to representMichael Wodhull, Esq., of Thenford Hall, near Banbury; an admirable Greek scholar (the translator of Euripides), and perhaps the most learned bibliographer of his age. The conjecture of Orlando being the representative of Mr. Wodhull was not a vain conjecture; although there were, necessarily (I will not saywhy), parts that slightly varied from the original. Mr. Wodhull re-appears, in his natural person, in theBibliographical Decameron, vol. iii. p. 363-6. Since the publication of that work, a curious history attaches to his memory. Within a twelvemonth of the expiration of the statute of limitation, an action at law, in the shape of an ejectment, was set on foot by a neighbouringfamily, to dispossess the present rightful occupant,S.A. Severne, Esq., of the beautiful domain of Thenford; to ransack the Library; to scatter abroad pictures and curiosities of every description; on the alleged ground of insanity, or incompetency to make a will, on the part of Mr. Wodhull. As I had been very minute in the account of Mr. Wodhull's person, in the work just alluded to, I became awitnessin the cause; and, as it was brought into Chancery, my deposition was accordingly taken. I could have neither reluctance nor disinclination to meet the call of my excellent friend, Mr. Severne; as I was abundantly confident that the charge of "incompetency to make a will" could not rest upon the slightest foundation. It was insinuated, indeed, that the sister-in-law, Miss Ingram, had forged Mr. Wodhull's name to the will.
Such a conspiracy, to defraud an honourable man and legitimate descendant of his property, is hardly upon record; for, waiting the accidents that might occur by death, or otherwise, in the lapse of twenty years, the cause was brought into the Vice Chancellor's Court with the most sanguine hope of success. I was present during one of the days of argument, and heard my own letter read, of which I had (contrary to my usual habits) taken a copy. The plaintiffs had written to me (suppressing the fact of the intended action), requesting to have my opinion as to Mr. Wodhull's capability. I returned such an answer as truth dictated. The Counsel for the plaintiffs (ut mos est) showered down upon the defendant every epithet connected with base fraud and low cunning, of which the contents of the brief seemedto warrant the avowal. In due course, Sir Knight Bruce, now one of the supernumerary Vice Chancellors, rose to reply. His speech was one undisturbed stream of unclouded narrative and irresistible reasoning. The Vice Chancellor (Shadwell) gave judgment; and my amiable and excellent friend, Mr. Severne, was not only to return in triumph to the mansion and to the groves which had been built and planted by his venerable ancestor, Mr. Wodhull, but he was strongly advised, by the incorruptible judge on the bench, to bring an action against the plaintiffs for one of the foulest conspiracies that had ever been developed in a court of justice. The defendant might have transported the whole kit of them. But thegivingadvice, and thefollowingit when given, are two essentially different things. Athousand guineashad been already expended on the part of Mr. Severne! When does my Lord Broughamreallymean to reform the law? A recent publication ("Cranmer, a Novel") has said, "that he appliessedatives, when he should have recourse tooperations."
But the reader must now hurry with me into "The Auction Room." Of the whole group there represented, full of life and of action,two onlyremain to talk of the conquests achieved![472]And Mr. Hamper, too—whose note, atp. 117, is beyond all price—has been lately "gathered to his fathers." "Ibimus, ibimus!" But for our book-heroes in the Auction Room.
[472]Before mention made of the Auction Room, there is a long and particular account of the "Lectionum Memorabilium et Reconditarum Centenarii XVI." by John Wolf, in 1600, folio; with a fac simile, by myself, of the portrait of the Author. It had a great effect, at the time, in causing copies of this work to be sedulously sought for and sold at extravagant prices. I have known a fine copy of this ugly book bring £8 8s.
[472]Before mention made of the Auction Room, there is a long and particular account of the "Lectionum Memorabilium et Reconditarum Centenarii XVI." by John Wolf, in 1600, folio; with a fac simile, by myself, of the portrait of the Author. It had a great effect, at the time, in causing copies of this work to be sedulously sought for and sold at extravagant prices. I have known a fine copy of this ugly book bring £8 8s.
The first in years, as well as in celebrity, isLepidus; the representative of the late Rev. Dr.Gosset. In theBibliographical Decameron, vol. iii. p. 5, ample mention is made of him; and here it is, to me, an equally grateful and delightful task to record the worth, as well as the existence, of his two sons, Isaac and Thomas, each a minister of the Church of England. The former is covered witholive branchesas well as with reputation; while the latter, declining the "branches" in question, rests upon the stem of his own inflexible worth, and solid scholastic attainments. Mrs. Gardiner, the wife of a Major Gardiner, is the only daughter of Dr. Gosset; a wife, but not a mother. The second in the ranks isMustapha. Every body quickly found out the original in Mr. Gardiner, a bookseller in Pall Mall; who quickly set about repelling the attack here made upon him, by a long note appended to the article "Bibliomania," in one of his catalogues. Gardiner never lacked courage; but, poor man! his brains were under no controul. Wemetafter this reply, and, to the best of my recollection, we exchanged ...smiles. The catalogue in question, not otherwise worth a stiver, has been sold as high as 15s., in consequence of the Dibdinian flagellation. Poor Gardiner! his end was most deplorable.
We approachBernardo, who was intended to represent the late Mr.Joseph Haslewood; and of whose book-fame a very particular, and I would hope impartial, account will be found in the "Literary Reminiscences of my Literary Life." There is no one portion of that work which affords me more lively satisfaction on a re-perusal. The cause of theindividualwas mergedin the cause oftruth. The strangest compound of the strangest materials that ever haunted a human brain, poor Bernardo was, in spite of himself, a man ofnotetowards his latter days. Every body wondered what was in him; but something, certainly worth the perusal; oozed out of him in his various motley performances; and especially in his edition of Drunken Barnaby's Tour, which exhibited the rare spectacle of an accurate Latin (as well as English) text, by an individual who did not know the dative singular from the dative plural ofhic, hæc, hoc! Haslewood, however, "hit the right nail upon the head" when he found out therealauthor Barnaby, in Richard Brathwait; from the unvarying designation of "On the Errata," at the end of Brathwait's pieces, which is observable in that of his "Drunken Barnaby's Tour." It was anευρηχαin its way; and the late Mr. Heber used to shout aloud, "stick tothat, Haslewood, and your fame is fixed!" He was always proud of it; but lost sight of it sadly, as well as of almost every thing else, when he composed "The Roxburghe Revels." Yet what could justify the cruelty of dragging this piece of private absurdity before the public tribunal, on the death of its author? Even in the grave our best friends may be our worst foes.
Atpage 196we are introduced toQuisquilius, the then intended representative of Mr. George Baker, of St. Paul's Churchyard; whose prints and graphic curiosities were sold after his death for several thousand pounds. Mr. Baker did not survive the publication of the Bibliomania; but it is said he got scent of his delineated character, which ruffled every feather of hisplumage. He was thin-skinned to excess; and, as far as that went, aHeautontomorumenos! Will this word "re-animate his clay?"
The "short gentleman," calledRosicrusius, atpage 127, must necessarily be the author of the work. He has not growntallersince its publication, and his coffers continue to retain the same stinted condition as his person. Yet what has he notproducedsince that representation of his person? How has it pleased a gracious Providence to endow him with mental and bodily health and stamina, to prosecute labours, and to surmount difficulties, which might have broken the hearts, as well as the backs, of many a wight "from five to ten inches taller than himself!" I desire to be grateful for this prolongation of labour as well as of life; and it will be my heart-felt consolation, even to my dying hour, that such "labour" will be acceptable to the latest posterity.
Yet a word or two by way of epilogue. The "Reminiscences" contain a catalogue raisonné of such works as were published up to the year 1836. Since then the author has not been idle. The "Tour into the North of England and Scotland," in two super-royal octavos, studded with graphic gems of a variety of description—and dedicated to the most illustrious female in Europe, for the magnificence of a library, the fruit chiefly of her own enterprise and liberality—has at least proved and maintained the spirit by which he has been long actuated. To re-animate a slumbering taste, to bring back the gay and gallant feelings of past times, to make men feel as gentlemen in the substitution ofguineasforshillings, still to uphold the beauty of the press, and thesplendour of marginal magnitude, were, alone, objects worthy an experiment to accomplish. But this work had other and stronger claims to public notice and patronage; and it did not fail to receive them. Six hundred copies were irrevocably fixed in the course of the first eighteen months from the day of publication, and the price of the large paper has attained the sum of £12. 12s.Strange circumstances have, however, here and there, thrown dark shadows across the progress of the sale.
If it were pleasing to the Author, in the course of his Journey, to receive attentions, and to acknowledge hospitalities, from the gay and the great, it were yet more pleasing to hope and to believe that such attentions and hospitalities had been acknowledged with feelings and expressions becoming the character of a gentleman. They have been so; as the pages of the work abundantly testify. But English courtesy is too frequentlylocated. It is a coin with a feeble impress, and seems subject to woful attrition in its circulation. The countenance, which beams with complacency on receiving a guest to enliven a dull residence, in a desolate neighbourhood, is oftentimes overcharged with sadness, or collapses into rigidity, if the same guest should come under recognizance in a populous city. When I write "Instructions for an Author on his travels," I will advise a measured civility and a constrained homage:—to criticise fearlessly, and to praise sparingly. There are hearts too obtuse for the operations of gratitude. The Scotch have behaved worthy of the inhabitants of the "land of cakes." In spirit I am ever present with them, andrambling 'midst their mountains and passes. If an Author may criticise his own works, I should say that the preface to the Scotch Tour is the best piece of composition of which I have been ever guilty.
How little are people aware of the pleasure they sometimes unconsciously afford! When Mr. James Bohn, the publisher of the Scotch Tour, placed me, one day, accidentally, opposite a long list of splendidly bound books, and asked me "if I were acquainted with their author?" I could not help inwardly exclaiming ... "Non omnis Moriar!"[473]I am too poor to present them to my "Sovereign Mistress, the Queen Victoria;" but Ididpresent her Majesty, in person, with a magnificently bound copy of theScotch Tour; of which the acceptance was never acknowledged from the royal quarter; simply because, according to an etiquette which seems to me to be utterly incomprehensible, books presentedin personare not acknowledged by the Donee. I will not presume to quarrel with what I do not exactly understand; but I will be free to confess that, had I beenawareof this mystery, I should have told her Majesty, on presenting the volume, that "I had the greater pleasure in making the offering, as her illustrious Father had been among the earliest and warmest patrons of my book-career; and that the work in question contained no faithless account of one of the most interesting portions of her dominions." This copy for the Queen had a special vellum page, on which the Dedication, or Inscription, was printed in letters of gold.
[473]This magnificent set of books, notallupon large paper, was valued at £84. It has been since sold to Lord Bradford.
[473]This magnificent set of books, notallupon large paper, was valued at £84. It has been since sold to Lord Bradford.
At length we approach the once far-famedAtticus: the once illustriousRichard Heber, Esq., the self-ejected member of the University of Oxford. Even yet I scarcely know how to handle this subject, or to expatiate upon a theme so extraordinary, and so provocative of the most contradictory feelings. But it were better to be brief; as, in fact, a very long account of Mr. Heber's later life will be found in myReminiscences, and there is little to add to what those pages contain. It may be here only necessary to make mention of the sale of his wonderful library; wonderful in all respects—not less from the variety and importance of its contents, than from the unparalleled number ofduplicate volumes—even of works of the first degree of rarity. Of the latter, it may suffice to observe that, of the editio princeps ofPlato, there were not fewer thantencopies; and of that ofAristotle, five or six copies: each the production of the Aldine Press. Several of these Platonic copies were, to my knowledge, beautiful ones; and what more thanonesuch "beautiful copy" need mortal man desire to possess? I believe the copy of the Plato bought at the sale of Dr. Heath's library in 1810 was, upon the whole, the most desirable.[474]Both works are from the press of the elder Aldus.
[474]The Rt. Hon. Thomas Grenville possesses a copy of this first edition (from the library of the Rev. Theodore Williams) in anuncutstate. It may defy all competition. There is, however, in the Spencer library, at Althorp, described by me in the second volume of the BibliothecaSpenceriana, a very beautiful copy, delicately ruled with red lines, which may be pronounced as almost in its primitive state. The leaves "discourse most eloquently" as you turn them over: and what sound, to the ears of a thorough bred bibliomaniac, can be more "musical?"
[474]The Rt. Hon. Thomas Grenville possesses a copy of this first edition (from the library of the Rev. Theodore Williams) in anuncutstate. It may defy all competition. There is, however, in the Spencer library, at Althorp, described by me in the second volume of the BibliothecaSpenceriana, a very beautiful copy, delicately ruled with red lines, which may be pronounced as almost in its primitive state. The leaves "discourse most eloquently" as you turn them over: and what sound, to the ears of a thorough bred bibliomaniac, can be more "musical?"
It may be observed, as mere preliminary matter, thatit was once in contemplation to publish the literary life of Mr. Heber; and an impression comes across my mind that I had tendered my services for the labour in question. The plan was however abandoned—and perhaps wisely. There was also to have been a portrait prefixed, from the pencil of Mr. Masquerier, theonlyportrait of him—in later life—but the strangest whims and vagaries attended the surrendering, or rather thenotsurrendering, of the portrait in question. I am in possession of a correspondence upon this subject which is perfectlysui generis. The library of Mr. Heber was consigned to the care and discretion of Messrs. Payne and Foss—booksellers of long established eminence and respectability. It was merely intended to be an alphabetical, sale catalogue, with no other bibliographical details than the scarcity or curiosity of the article warranted. It was also of importance to press the sale, or sales, with all convenient dispatch: but the mass of books was so enormous that two years (1834-6) were consumed in the dispersion of them, at home; to say nothing of what was sold in Flanders, at Paris, and at Neuremberg. I have of late been abundantly persuaded that the acquisition of books—anywhere, and of whatever kind—became an ungovernable passion with Mr. Heber; and that he was aBibliomaniacin its strict as well as enlarged sense. Of his library at Neuremberg he had never seen a volume; but he thought well of it, as it was the identical collection referred to by Panzer, among his other authorities, in his Typographical Annals. Of the amount of its produce, when sold, I am ignorant.
I have said that the Catalogue, which consisted ofXII parts (exclusively of a portion of foreign books, which were sold by the late Mr. Wheatley) was intended merely to be a sale catalogue, without bibliographical remarks; but I must except Parts II, IV, and XI: the first of these containing theDrama, the second theEnglish Poetry, and the third theManuscripts—which, comparatively, luxuriate in copious and apposite description. "Si sic omnia!" but it were impracticable. I believe that the Manuscript Department, comprised in about 1720 articles, produced upwards of £5000. It may not be amiss to subjoin the following programme.
From which it should seem, first that the total number ofarticleswas nearlyfifty three thousand—a number that almost staggers belief; and places the collections of Tom Rawlinson and the Earl of Oxford at a very considerable distance behind; although the latter, forcondition(withoneexception), has never been equalled, and perhaps will probably never be surpassed. Secondly,if it be alegitimatemode of computation—taking two books for each article, one with another, throughout the entire catalogue—it will follow that the entire library of Mr. Heber, in England, contained not fewer thanone hundred and five thousand volumes. Thenetamount of theSaleof this unparalleled mass of books is said to have been £55,000: a large sum, when the deductions from commissionship and the government-tax be taken into consideration.[475]Dr. Harwood thought that the sale of Askew Library was a remarkable one, from its bringing a guinea per article—one with another—of the 4015 articles of which the library was composed. Thehistoryof the Heber Sale might furnish materials for a little jocund volume, which can have nothing to do here; although there is more thanoneparty, mixed up with the tale, who will find anything but cause ofmirthin the recital. That such aMonument, as this library, should have been suffered to crumble to pieces, without a syllable said of its owner, is, of all the marvellous occurrences in this marvellous world, one of the most marvellous: and to be deprecated to the latest hour. Yet, who was surrounded by a larger troop of friends than the Individual who raised the Monument?
[475]These deductions, united, are about 17 per cent.: nearly £10,000 to be deducted from the gross proceeds.
[475]These deductions, united, are about 17 per cent.: nearly £10,000 to be deducted from the gross proceeds.
One anecdote may be worth recording. The present venerable and deeply learned President of Magdalen College, Oxford, told me that, on casting up the number of odd—or appendant volumes, (as 2 or 12 more) to the several articles in the catalogue—he found it to amount tofour thousand. Now, primâ facie, it seems hardlycredible that there should have beensucha number, insucha library, not deserving of mention as distinct articles: but it must be taken into consideration that Mr. Heber boughtmanylots for the sake ofoneparticular book: and, considering the enormous extent of his library, it is not a very violent supposition, or inference, that these 4000 volumes were scarcely deserving of a more particular notice.
Pontevallowas the lateJohn Dent, Esq., whose library was sold in 1827; and of which library that of the late Robert Heathcote formed the basis. It contained much that was curious, scarce, and delectable; but the sale of it exhibited the first grand melancholy symptoms of the decay of the Bibliomania. The Sweynheym and Pannartz Livy of 1469,upon vellum, was allowed to be knocked down for £262! Mr. Evans, who had twice before sold that identical volume—first, in the sale of Mr. Edwards's library (seeBibliographical Decameron, vol. iii. p.—) and secondly in that of the late Sir M.M. Sykes, Bart, (who had purchased the book for £782)—did all that human powers could do, to obtain a higher bidding—but Messrs. Payne and Foss, with little more than thebreathingof competition, became the purchasers at the very moderate sum first mentioned. From them it seemed to glide naturally, as well as necessarily, into the matchless collection of the Rt. Hon. Thomas Grenville. I yet seem to hear the echo of the clapping of Sir M.M. Sykes's hands, when I was the herald of the intelligence of his having become the purchaser! These echoes have all died awaynow: unless indeed they are likely to be revived by aHolfordor aBottfield.
Hortensius was the late SirWilliam Bolland, Knt.: and, a few years before his death, one of the Barons of his Majesty's Exchequer. He died in his 68th year. He was an admirable man in all respects. I leave those who composed the domestic circle of which he was the delightful focus, to expatiate upon that worth and excellence of which they were the constant witnesses and participators—
"He best shallpaintthem who shallfeelthem most."
To me, the humbler task is assigned of recording what is only more particularly connected withbooksandvirtu. And yet I may, not very inappositely, make a previous remark. On obtaining a seat upon the bench, the first circuit assigned to him was that of "the Oxford." It proved to be heavy in the criminal Calendar: and Mr. Baron Bolland had to pass sentence of death upon three criminals. A maiden circuit is rarely so marked; and I have reason to believe that the humane and warm-hearted feelings of the Judge were never before, or afterwards, subjected to so severe a trial. It was a bitter and severe struggle with all the kindlier feelings of his heart. But our theme isbooks. His library was sold by public auction, under Mr. Evans's hammer, in the autumn of 1840. One anecdote, connected with his books, is worth recording. In my Decameron, vol. iii. p. 267, mention will be found of a bundle of poetical tracts, belonging to the Chapter-library at Lincoln, round which, on my second visit to that library, I had, in imitation of Captain Cox (see page — ante), entwined some whip-cord around them—setting them apart for the consideration of the Dean and Chapter, whether asecondtime, I might not become a purchaser of some of their book-treasures? I had valued them at fourscore guineas. The books in question will be found mentioned in a note at page 267 of the third volume of the Bibliographical Decameron.
I had observed as follows in the work just referred to, "What would Hortensius say to the gathering of such flowers, to add to the previously collectedLincoln Nosegay?" The reader will judge of my mingled pleasure and surprise (dashed however with a few grains of disappointment on not becoming the proprietor of themmyself) when the Baron, one day, after dining with him, led me to his book-case, and pointing to these precious tomes, asked me if I had ever seen thembefore? For a little moment I felt the "Obstupui" of Æneas. "How is this?" exclaimed I. "The secret is in the vault of the Capulets"—replied my Friend—and it never escaped him. "Thosearethe identical books mentioned in your Decameron." Not many years afterwards I learnt from the late Benjamin Wheatley thathehad procured them on a late visit to Lincoln; and thatmyprice, affixed, was taken as their just value. Of theseLincloniantreasures, one volume alone—the Rape of Lucrece—broughtone hundred guineasat the sale of the Judge's library, beginning on the 18th of November, 1840. See No. 2187; where it should seem that only four other perfect copies are known.
The library of the late Mr. Baron Bolland, consisting of 2940 articles, brought a triflemorethan a guinea per article. It was choice, curious, and instructively miscellaneous. Its owner was a man of taste as well as a scholar; and the crabbed niceties of his profession had neither chilled his heart nor clouded his judgment. He revelled in his small cabinet of English Coins; which he placed, and almost worshipped, among his fire-side lares. They were, the greater part of them, of precious die—in primitive lustre; and he handled them, and expatiated on them, with the enthusiasm of a Snelling, and the science of a Foulkes. His walls were covered with modern pictures, attractive from historical or tasteful associations. There was nothing but what seemed to
"point a moral, or adorn a tale."
His passion for books was of the largest scale and dimensions, and marked by every species of almost enviable enthusiasm. His anecdotes, engrafted on them, were racy and sparkling; and I am not quite sure whether it was not in contemplation by him to build a small "oratoire" to the memories of Caxton and Wynkyn De Worde. He considered the folios of the latter, in the fifteenth century, to be miracles of typographical execution; and, being a poet himself, would have been in veritable ecstacies had he lived to see theunique Chaucerof 1498, which it was my good luck to obtain for the library of the Rt. Hon. Thomas Grenville. I will add but a few specimens of his library—
(This was the Lincoln-Chapter copy.)
The entire produce of the sale was £3019.
Ulpian, the associate of Hortensius, was, andis(I rejoice to add) a Barrister-at-Law, and one of the six Clerks in Chancery. In theDecameron, vol. iii. p. —, he appears under the more euphonous as well as genial name ofPalmerin: but the "hermitage" there described has been long deserted by its master and mistress—who have transferred their treasures and curiosities to the sea-girt village, or rather town, of Ryde and its vicinity: where stained-glass windows and velvet bound tomes are seen to yet greater advantage.Leontes, mentioned at page 133, was the lateJames Bindley, Esq.—of whom a few interesting particulars will be found in the third volume of myBibliographical Decameron. He died before the publication of this latter work. SirTristremwas the late SirWalter Scott—then in the effulgence of poetical renown!Prosperowas the lateFrancis Douce, Esq. My Reminiscences make copious mention of these celebrated characters.
Aureliuswas intended as the representative of the lateGeorge Chalmers, Esq.—the most learned and the most celebrated of all the Antiquarians and Historians of Scotland. HisCaledoniais a triumphant proof of his giant-powers. Never before did an author encounter such vast and various difficulties: never was such thick darkness so satisfactorily dispersed. It is a marvellous work, in four large quarto volumes; but so indifferently printed, and upon such wretched paper, that within the next century, perhaps, not six copies of it will be found entire. The less laborious works of Mr. Chalmers were statistical and philological. Of the latter, his tracts relating toShakspeare, and his Life ofMary Queen of Scotsmay be considered the principal.
On the death of Mr. George Chalmers in 1823, his nephew became possessed of his library; and on the death of the nephew, in 1841, it was placed by the executors in the hands of Mr. Evans, who brought thefirst part to sale on the 27th of September, 1841. It consisted of 2292 articles, and produced the sum of £2190. The Second Part was brought to the same hammer, on February 27, 1842, and produced the sum of £1918 2s.6d.It is on thelatterpart that I am disposed to dwell more particularly, because it was so eminently rich in Shakspearian lore; and because, at this present moment, the name of our immortal dramatist seems to be invested with a fresh halo of incomparable lustre. The first edition of his smaller works has acquired most extraordinary worth in the book-market. The second part of Mr. Chalmers's collection shews that theSonnetsof 1595 produced a hundred guineas; while theRape of Lucrece(which, perhaps, no human being has ever had the perseverance to read through) produced £105 in a preceding sale: see page 591. TheVenus and Adonishas kept close pace with its companions.
We may now revel among the rarities of thefirst partof this extraordinary collection—
[Such a price is one among the fewharmlessfruits of the Puseian Controversy!]
[In my earlier days of Book-collecting, I obtained a copy of this most rare volume, in anuncut state, from a Mr. Keene, of Hammersmith, who asked me "if I thoughthalf-a-guineaan extravagant price for it?" I unhesitatingly replied in the negative. Not long after, the late Mr. Sancho, who succeeded Mr. Payne, at the Mews Gate, went on his knees to me, to purchase it fortwo guineas! His attitude was too humble and the tone of his voice too supplicatory to be resisted. He disposed of it to his patron-friend, the Hon. S. Elliott, for five pounds five shillings. Mr. Elliott had a very choice library; and was himself a most amiable and incomparable man. It is some twenty-five years since I first saw him at the late Earl Spencer's, at Althorp.]
The Second Part of Churchyard's Chips was never published.
The latter part of this Work is in Verse, and some have supposed that Churchyard intended it to form the Second Part of his Chips.
The Preface, containing directions for the Conduct of the School, is written by Cardinal Wolsey. The Grammar is by Dean Colet and Lilly.
This is one of the rarest books in the class of British Topography. The first part was never printed, it has therefore no general title. A copy is in the library of the Right Hon. Thomas Grenville.
We believe only one other perfect copy is known, that which was successively in the Libraries of Bindley, Perry, Sykes, and Rice. No poetical volume in the libraries of these celebrated collectors excited a more lively interest, or a keener competition. This was obtained by Mr. Chalmers at Pinkerton's sale in 1812. The Portrait of Hannay is a great desideratum to the Granger Collectors.
This is the great desideratum of all the collectors of De Foe's works. It is the most perfect copy known; that which approaches it the nearest is the copy in the British Museum; but that only extends to 6 vols.
See an account of this very curious work in the Censura Literaria, vol. 5, p. 164 to 168, written by Gilchrist. It was described from the late Mr. Neunberg's Copy, which was sold for £30. 9s.
[I refer with pleasure to Mr. Evans' long, learned, and satisfactory note upon this most precious volume; which I had the satisfaction of seeing in the Bodleian Library, for which it was purchased by Mr. Rodd, the bookseller.]
Imprinted by Caly, 1555.
PART II.
At the end of the Volume there is a Tract by Gascoigne, entitled "Certain Notes of Instruction concerning the Making of verses, or Rimes, in English." The Tract is not mentioned in the list of contents on the title, and the four leaves very rarely occur.
Gabriel Harvey was the intimate friend of Spenser. The immediate occasion of Harvey's writing these letters was to resent Greene's attack on his Father; but the permanent value of the Volume is the very interesting notices Harvey gives of his literary contemporaries. The work concludes with a Sonnet of Spenser, addressed to Harvey.
This scarce and curious little volume is not mentioned by Lowndes. The work commences with aPoetical Dialogue between Warre, Famine, and Pestilence. The Tales of my Landlord then follow, "Where the Fatte Host telles Tales at the upper ende of the Table." Mine host, however, does not have all the conversation to himself. The guests take a very fair share. One of the interlocutors, Gingle-Spur, alludes to one of Shakspeare's Plays. "This was a prettie Comedy of Errors, my round Host."
[I shall place all theShakspearian Articlesconsecutively; that the Reader may observe in what a rapid ratio their pecuniary value has increased. Of the sonnets, the Right Hon. Thomas Grenville possesses one copy, and Thomas Jolley, Esq., another. The History of the acquisition of thelattercopy is one of singular interest; almost sufficient to addanotherday to a Bibliographical Decameron. This copy is in pristine condition, and looks as if snatched from the press. Mr. Jolley also possesses a very fine and perfect copy of the first edition of Shakspeare's Works, in folio; but a similar copy, in the library of the Right Honourable Thomas Grenville, will, perhaps, always continueunrivalled.]
We are always extremely cautious in using the designation unique; but we think we may safely do so upon the present occasion. We have made very extensive inquiries on the subject, and have recently written to David Laing, Esq., Keeper of the Library of the Writersto the Signet, from whom we have received a confirmation of our belief. Beloe, in describing this copy, says "it must be considered as an indubitable proof that at a very early period the Scotch knew, and admired, the genius of Shakspeare." He might have continued, its proceeding from the press of Writtoun, was an additional proof, as he only published small Popular Tracts. Beloe has erroneously given the date 1607, and Lowndes has copied his error. The first books printed by Writtoun were about 1624. His will is printed in the Bannatyne Miscellany. The second edition of this precious Poem, printed in 1596, produced the sum of £91, at the sale of Baron Bolland's library: seepage 591, ante.
Only one perfect copy of the first edition is known.
[There were many other early editions of the Plays of Shakspeare, but the preceding were the most prominent.]
[This edition was wholly unknown to me.]
This is a very bitter satire on the Ceremonies, Doctrines, and Ministers of the Roman Catholic Church.