[Footnote 133: The chief labours of Fabricius ("Vir [Greek: ellenichotatos]"—as Reimannus truly calls him), connected with the present object of our pursuit, have the following titles: 1. "Bibliotheca Graeca, sive Notitia Scriptorum Graecorum, &c.," Hamb. 1705-8-14-18, &c., 4to., 14 vols.—of which a new edition is now published by HARLES, with great additions, and a fresh arrangement of the original matter: twelve volumes have already been delivered to the public. 2. Bibliotheca Latina; first published in one volume, 1703—then in three volumes, 1721, and afterwards in two volumes, 1728, 4to.;—but the last and best edition is that of 1773, in three vols. 8vo., published by Ernesti at Leipsic—and yet not free from numerous errors. 3. Bibliographia Antiquaria, 1716, 4to.: a new edition of Schaffshausen, in 1760, 4to., has superseded the old one. A work of this kind in our own language would be very useful, and even entertaining. Fabricius has executed it in a masterly manner. 4. Bibliotheca Ecclesiastica, in qua continentur variorum authorum tractatus de scriptoribus ecclesiasticis, Hamb., 1718, folio. An excellent work; in which the curious after theological tracts and their authors will always find valuable information. It is generally sharply contended for at book-auctions. 5. Bibliotheca Latina Mediae et Infimae Aetatis, &c., Leipsic, 1734, 6 vols. 8vo.—again, with Schoettgenius's supplement, in 1754, 4to., 6 vols. in 3. This latter is in every respect the best edition of a work which is absolutely indispensable to the philologist. A very excellent synopsis or critical account of Fabricius's works was published at Ams., 1738, in 4to., which the student should procure. Let me here recommend the Historia Bibliothecae Fabricianae, compiled by JOHN FABRICIUS, 1717-24, 6 vols. 4to., as a necessary and interesting supplement to the preceding works of John Albert Fabricius. I have often gleaned some curious bibliographical intelligence from its copious pages. The reader may consult Bibl. Crevenn., vol. v., 272-3.]

[Footnote 134: He is noticed here only as the author of "Idea Bibliothecae Publicae secundum classes scientiarum ordinandae, fusior et contractior," and of the "Scriptores Rerum Brunswicarum," Hanov., 1707, fol., 3 vols. "The antiquarian, who blushes at his alliance with Thomas Hearne, will feel his profession ennobled by the name of LEIBNITZ. That extraordinary genius embraced and improved the whole circle of human science; and, after wrestling with Newton and Clark in the sublime regions of geometry and metaphysics, he could descend upon earth to examine the uncouth characters and barbarous Latin of a chronicle or charter." Gibbon: Post. Works, vol. ii., 712. Consult also Mem. de l'Inst., vol. v., 648.]

[Footnote 135: I will not pretend to enumerate all the learned works of BURCHARD GOTTHLIEB STRUVIUS. His "Bibliotheca Librorum Rariorum" was published in 1719, 4to. The first edition of the Bibliotheca Historica appeared as early as 1705: a very valuable one was published by Buder, in 1740, 2 vols.: but the last, and by far the most copious and valuable, is that which exhibits the joint editorial labours of BUDER and MEUSEL, in eleven octavo volumes, 1782, 1802—though I believe it does not contain every thing which may be found in the edition of the Bibl. Hist. Selecta, by Jugler, 1754, three vols. 8vo.: vide pp. iv. and vii. of the preface of Meusel's edition. The Bibl. Hist. Select., by Jugler, was formerly published under the title of Introd. in notitiam rei literariae et usum Bibliothecae. Jugler's edition of it contains a stiff portrait of himself in a finely embroidered satin waistcoat. The first volume, relating to foreign libraries, is very interesting: but, unluckily, the work is rare. Of Struvius's Bibl. Saxonica, 1736, 8vo., I never saw a copy.]

PHIL. You are advancing towards the middle of the 18th century, in enumerating foreign publications, without calling to mind that we have, at home, many laudable publications relating to typography and bibliography, which merit at least some notice, if not commendation.

LYSAND. I thank you for the reproof. It is true, I was running precipitately to introduce a crowd of foreigners to your notice, without paying my respects, by the way, to the Historical Libraries of Bishop NICOLSON, the Bibliotheca Literaria of WASSE, and the Librarian of WILLIAM OLDYS. Nor should I omit to mention the still more creditable performance of Bishop TANNER: while the typographical publications of WATSON, PALMER, and MIDDLETON,[136] may as well be admitted into your libraries, if you are partial to such works; although upon this latter subject, the elegant quarto volume of AMES merits particular commendation.

[Footnote 136: Let us go gently over this British ground, which Lysander depictures in rather a flowery manner. The first edition of BISHOP NICOLSON'S English Historical Library was published in the years 1696, 1697, and 1699—comprehending the entire three parts. In 1702, came forth the Scottish Historical library; and in 1724, the Irish Historical Library. These three libraries, with the author's letter to Bishop Kennet in defence of the same, are usually published in one volume; and the last and best editions of the same are those of 1736, fol., and 1776, 4to. Mr. John Nichols has recently published an entertaining posthumous work of the bishop's Epistolary Correspondence, in two octavo volumes, 1809. Some of these letters throw light and interest upon the literature of the times. As to the authority of Bishop Nicolson, in his historical matters, I fear the sharp things which are said of his libraries by Tyrrell (Pref. to Hist. Engl., vol. ii., p. 5.), and Wood (Athen. Brit., vol. ii., col. 980, ed. 1721), all which authorities are referred to by Mr. Nichols, are sufficiently founded upon truth. He was a violent and wrong-headed writer in many respects; but he had acumen, strength, and fancy. The Bibliotheca Literaria of WASSE (although his name does not appear as the professed editor) is a truly solid and valuable publication; worthy of the reputation of the learned editor of Sallust. The work was published in numbers, which were sold at one shilling each; but, I suppose from the paucity of classical readers, it could not be supported beyond the 10th number (1724); when it ceased to be published. Some of the dissertations are very interesting as well as erudite. OLDYS'S British Librarian was published in six numbers, during the first six months of the year 1737; forming, with the index, an octavo volume of 402 pages. It is difficult to say, from the conclusion (p. 373-4), whether the work was dropped for want of encouragement, or from the capriciousness or indolence of the author: but I suspect that the ground was suffered "to lie fallow" (to use his own words) till it was suffocated with weeds—owing to the former cause: as Oldys never suffered his pen to lie idle while he could "put money in his purse" from his lucubrations. We shall speak of him more particularly in PART V. Meanwhile, the reader is informed that the British Librarian is a work of no common occurrence, or mean value. It is rigidly correct, if not very learned, in bibliographical information. I once sent three guineas to procure a copy of it, according to its description, upon LARGE PAPER; but, on its arrival, I found it to be not quite so large as my own tolerably amply-margined copy. Bishop TANNER'S Bibliotheca Britanico-Hibernica, which cost the author forty years' labour, was published in 1748, folio; with a preface by Dr. Wilkins. We must receive it with many thanks, imperfect and erroneous as many parts of it are; but I hope the period is not very remote when a literary friend, living, as he constantly is, in an inexhaustible stock of British literature of all kinds, will give us a new edition, with copious additions and corrections, translated into our native tongue. The History of the Art of Printing by WATSON, Edit., 1713, 8vo., is at best but a meagre performance. It happens to be rare, and, therefore, bibliomaniacs hunt after it. My copy of it, upon LARGE PAPER, cost me 1l. 8s. It was formerly Paton's, of Edinburgh, a knowing antiquary in Scottish printing. The History of Printing, by PALMER, 1733, 4to., and Dr. MIDDLETON'S Dissertations upon the same, 1735, 4to., have been particularly treated by me, as well as the similar works of AMES and HERBERT, in the first volume of my new edition of Herbert's British Typographical Antiquities; and the public is too well acquainted with the merits and demerits of each to require their being pointed out in the present place. I will close this note by observing that the Censuria Literaria, in ten volumes octavo; and the British Bibliographer (now publishing) which grew out of it; Mr. BELOE'S Anecdotes of Literature and Scarce Books, six volumes, 8vo.; and Mr. Savage's continuation of The British Librarian; are works which render the list of English publications, relating to typography and curious books, almost complete. I believe I may safely affirm that the period is not very distant when some of these latter publications, from the comparatively few copies which were struck off, will become very rare.]

LIS. I am glad to hear such handsome things said of the performances of our own countrymen. I was fearful, from your frequent sly allusions, that we had nothing worth mentioning. But proceed with your Germans, Italians, and Frenchmen.

LYSAND. You draw too severe a conclusion. I have made no sly allusions. My invariable love of truth impels me to state facts as they arise. That we have philosophers, poets, scholars, divines, lovers and collectors of books, equal to those of any nation upon earth is most readily admitted. But bibliography has never been, till now, a popular (shall I say fashionable?) pursuit amongst the English.

LIS. Well, if what you call bibliography has produced such eminent men, and so many useful works, as those which have been just enumerated, I shall begin to have some little respect for this department of literature; and, indeed, I already feel impatient to go through the list of your bibliographical heroes.—Who is the next champion deserving of notice?

LYSAND. This confession gives me sincere pleasure. Only indulge me in my rambling manner of disquisition, and I will strive to satisfy you in every reasonable particular.

If ever you should be disposed to form a bibliographical collection, do not omit securing, when it comes across you, the best edition of Du Fresnoy's[137] Methode pour etudier l'Histoire: it is rare, and sought after in this country. And now—softly approach, and gently strew the flowers upon, the tomb of worthy NICERON:[138] Low lies the head, and quiescent has become the pen, of this most excellent and learned man!—whose productions have furnished biographers with some of their choicest materials, and whose devotion to literature and history has been a general theme of admiration and praise. The mention of this illustrious name, in such a manner, has excited in my mind a particular train of ideas. Let me, therefore, in imagination, conduct you both to yonder dark avenue of trees—and, descending a small flight of steps, near the bottom of which gushes out a salient stream—let us enter a spacious grotto, where every thing is cool and silent; and where small alabaster busts, of the greater number of those bibliographers I am about to mention, decorate the niches on each side of it. How tranquil and how congenial is such a resting place!—But let us pursue our inquires. Yonder sharp and well turned countenances, at the entrance of the grotto, are fixed there as representations of CARDINAL QUIRINI[139] and GOUJET; the Bibliotheque Francoise of the latter of whom—with which I could wish book collectors, in general, to have a more intimate acquaintance—has obtained universal reputation.[140] Next to him, you may mark the amiable and expressive features of DAVID CLEMENT:[141] who, in his Bibliotheque Curieuse, has shown us how he could rove, like a bee, from flower to flower; sip what was sweet; and bring home his gleanings to a well-furnished hive. The principal fault of this bee (if I must keep up the simile) is that he was not sufficiently choice in the flowers which he visited; and, of course, did not always extract the purest honey. Nearly allied to Clement in sprightliness, and an equally gossipping bibliographer, was PROSPER MARCHAND;[142] whose works present us with some things no where else to be found, and who had examined many curious and rare volumes; as well as made himself thoroughly acquainted with the state of bibliography previous to his own times.

[Footnote 137: The last edition of this work is the one which was printed in fifteen volumes, crown 8vo., at Paris, 1772: with a copious index—and proportionable improvements in corrections and additions. It is now rare. I threw out the old edition of 1729, four vols., 4to., upon LARGE PAPER; and paid three guineas to boot for the new one, neatly bound.]

[Footnote 138: It is quite delightful to read the account, in the Dict. Hist., published at Caen, 1789, (vol. vi., p. 475) of JEAN PIERRE NICERON; whose whole life seems to have been devoted to bibliography and literary history. Frank, amiable, industrious, communicative, shrewd, and learned—Niceron was the delight of his friends, and the admiration of the public. His "Memoires pour servir a l'Histoire des Hommes Illustres, &c., avec un Catalogue raisonne de leur Ouvrages," was published from the years 1729 to 1740, in forty crown 8vo. volumes. A supplement of three volumes, the latter of which is divided into two parts, renders this very useful, and absolutely necessary, work complete in 44 volumes. The bibliomaniac can never enjoy perfect rest till he is in possession of it!]

[Footnote 139: QUIRINI published his "Specimen variae Literaturae quae in urbe Brixiae ejusque Ditione paulo post Typographiae incunabula florebat," &c., at Brescia, in 1739; two vols., 8vo.: then followed "Catalogo delle Opere del Cardinale Quirini uscite alla luce quasi tuttee da' Torchi di mi Gian Maria Rizzardi Stampatore in Brescia," 8vo. In 1751, Valois addressed to him his "Discours sur les Bibliotheques Publiques," in 8vo.: his Eminence's reply to the same was also published in 8vo. But the Cardinal's chief reputation, as a bibliographer, arises from the work entitled "De Optimorum Scriptorum Editionibus." Lindaugiae, 1761, 4to. This is Schelhorn's edition of it, which is chiefly coveted, and which is now a rare book in this country. It is a little surprising that Lysander, in his love of grand national biographical works, mingled with bibliographical notices, should have omitted to mention the Bibliotheca Lusitana of Joaov and Barbosa, published at Lisbon, 1741, in four magnificent folio volumes. A lover of Portuguese literature will always consider this as "opus splendidissimum et utilissimum."]

[Footnote 140: La Bibliotheque Francoise, ou Histoire de la Litterature Francoise, of CLAUDE PIERRE GOUJET, in eighteen volumes, crown 8vo., 1741, like the similar work of Niceron, is perhaps a little too indiscriminate in the choice of its objects: good, bad, and indifferent authors being enlisted into the service. But it is the chef-d'oeuvre of Goujet, who was a man of wonderful parts; and no bibliographer can be satisfied without it. Goujet was perhaps among the most learned, if not the "facile princeps," of those who cultivated ancient French literature. He liberally assisted Niceron in his Memoires, and furnished Moreri with 2000 corrections for his Dictionary.]

[Footnote 141: The "Bibliotheque Curieuse, Historique et Critique, ou Catalogue raisonne de Livres difficiles a trouver," of DAVID CLEMENT, published at Gottingen, Hanover, and Leipsic, in 9 quarto volumes, from the year 1750 to 1760—is, unfortunately, an unfinished production; extending only to the letter H. The reader may find a critique upon it in my Introduction to the Greek and Latin Classics, vol. i., p. 370; which agrees, for the greater part, with the observations in the Bibl. Crevenn., vol. v., 290. The work is a sine qua non with collectors; but in this country it begins to be—to use the figurative language of some of the German bibliographers—"scarcer than a white crow,"—or "a black swan." The reader may admit which simile he pleases—or reject both! But, in sober sadness, it is very rare, and unconscionably dear. I know not whether it was the same CLEMENT who published "Les cinq Annees Litteraires, ou Lettres de M. Clement, sur les ouvrages de Litterature, qui ont parus dans les Annees 1748—a 1752;" Berlin, 1756, 12mo., two volumes. Where is the proof of the assertion, so often repeated, that Clement borrowed his notion of the above work from WENDLER'S Dissertatio de variis raritatis librorum impressorum causis, Jen., 1711, 4to.?—Wendler's book is rare among us: as is also BERGER'S Diatribe de libris rarioribus, &c., Berol. 1729, 8vo.]

[Footnote 142: The principal biographical labours of this clever man have the following titles: "Histoire de l'Imprimerie," La Haye, 1740, 4to.—an elegant and interesting volume, which is frequently consulted by typographical antiquaries. Of MERCIER'S supplement to it, see note in the ensuing pages under the word "Mercier." His "Dictionnaire Historique, ou Memoires Critiques et Litteraires," in two folio volumes, 1758, was a posthumous production; and a very extraordinary and amusing bibliographical common-place book it is! My friend Mr. Douce, than whom few are better able to appreciate such a work, will hardly allow any one to have a warmer attachment to it, or a more thorough acquaintance with its contents, than himself—and yet there is no bibliographical work to which I more cheerfully or frequently turn! In the editor's advertisement we have an interesting account of Marchand: who left behind, for publication, a number of scraps of paper, sometimes no bigger than one's nail; upon which he had written his remarks in so small a hand-writing that the editor and printer were obliged to make use of a strong magnifying glass to decypher it—"et c'est ici (continues the former) sans doute le premier livre qui n'ait pu etre imprime sans le secours continuel du Microscope." Marchand died in 1753, and left his MSS. and books, in the true spirit of a bibliomaniac, to the University of Leyden. I see, from the conclusion of this latter authority, that a new edition of Marchand's History of Printing was in meditation to be published, after the publication of the Dictionary. Whether Mercier availed himself of Marchand's corrected copy, when he put forth his supplement to the latter's typographical history, I have no means of ascertaining. Certainly there never was a second edition of the Histoire de l'Imprimerie, by Marchsnd [Transcriber's Note: Marchand].]

Perhaps I ought to have noticed the unoccupied niche under which the name of VOGT[143] is inscribed; the title of whose work has been erroneously considered more seductive than the contents of it. As we go on, we approach FOURNIER; a man of lively parts, and considerable taste. His works are small in size, but they are written and printed with singular elegance.[144] See what a respectable and almost dignified air the highly finished bust of the pensionary MEERMAN[145] assumes! Few men attained to greater celebrity in his day; and few men better deserved the handsome things which were said of him. Polite, hospitable, of an inquisitive and active turn of mind—passionately addicted to rare and curious books—his library was a sort of bibliographical emporium, where the idle and the diligent alike met with a gracious reception. Peace to the manes of such a man! Turn we now round to view the features of that truly eminent and amiable bibliographer, DE BURE!

[Footnote 143: The earliest edition of VOGT'S Catalogus Librorum Rariorum was published in 1732; afterwards in 1737; again in 1748; again in 1752, much enlarged and improved; and, for the last time, greatly enlarged and corrected, forming by far the "editio optima," of the work—at Frankfort and Leipsic, 1793, 8vo.—We are told, in the new preface to this last edition, that the second and third impressions were quickly dispersed and anxiously sought after. Vogt is a greater favourite with me than with the generality of bibliographers. His plan, and the execution of it, are at once clear and concise; but he is too prodigal of the term "rare." Whilst these editions of Vogt's amusing work were coming forth, the following productions were, from time to time, making their appearance, and endeavouring perhaps to supplant its reputation. First of all BEYER put forth his Memoriae Historico-Criticae Librorum Rariorum. Dresd. and Lips., 1734, 8vo.; as well has [Transcriber's Note: as] his Arcana Sacra Bibliothecarum Dresdensium, 1738, 8vo.—with a continuation to the latter, preceded by an epistle concerning the electoral library, separately published in the same year. Then ENGEL (in Republica Helveto-Bernensi Bibliothecarius primus) published his Bibliotheca selectissima, sive Catalogus librorum in omni genere scientiarum rarissimorum, &c., Bernae, 1743, 8vo.; in which work some axioms are laid down concerning the rarity of books not perhaps sufficiently correct; but in which a great deal of curious matter, very neatly executed, will repay the reader for any expense he may incur in the purchase of it. Afterwards FREYTAG'S Analecta Literaria de libris rarioribus, Lips., 1750, two vols. 8vo.;—and his Adparatus Literarius ubi libri partim antiqui partim rari recensentur, Lipsiae, 1755, three volumes 8vo., highly gratified the curious in bibliography. In the former work the books are described alphabetically, which perhaps is the better plan: in the latter, they are differently arranged, with an alphabetical index. The latter is perhaps the more valuable of the two, although the former has long been a great favourite with many; yet, from Freytag's own confession, he was not then so knowing in books, and had not inspected the whole of what he described. They are both requisite to the collector; and their author, who was an enthusiast in bibliography, ranks high in the literature of his country. In the last place we may notice the Florilegium Historico-Criticum Librorum Rariorum, cui multa simul scitu jucunda intersperguntur, &c., of DANIEL GERDES; first published at Groningen, in 1740; but afterwards in 1763, 8vo., at the same place, the third and best edition. It was meant, in part, to supply the omission of some rare books in Vogt: and under this title it was published in the Miscellaneae Groninganae, vol. ii., and vol. iii. This work of Gerdes should have a convenient place in every bibliographical cabinet. I will close this attempt to supply Lysander's omission of some very respectable names connected with bibliography by exhorting the reader to seize hold of a work (whenever it comes across him, which will be rarely) entitled Bibliotheca Librorum Rariorum Universalis, by JOHN JACOB BAUER, a bookseller at Nuremberg, and printed there in 1770, 8vo., two vols.; with three additional volumes by way of Supplement, 1774-1791, which latter are usually bound in one. It is an alphabetical Dictionary, like Vogt's and Fournier's, of what are called rare books. The descriptions are compendious, and the references respectable, and sometimes numerous. My copy of this scarce, dear, and wretchedly-printed, work, which is as large and clean as possible, and bound in pale Russia, with marbled edges to the leaves—cost me 5l. 5s.]

[Footnote 144: We are indebted to PIERRE SIMON FOURNIER le jeune, for some very beautiful interesting little volumes connected with engraving and printing. 1. Dissertation sur l'Origine et les Progres de l'art de Graver en Bois, &c., Paris, 1758, 8vo. 2. De l'Origine et des Productions de l'Imprimerie primitive en taille de bois, Paris, 1759, 8vo. 3. Traite sur l'Origine et les Progres de l'Imprimerie, Paris, 1764. 4. Observations sur un Ouvrage intitule Vindiciae Typographicae, Paris, 1760. These treatises are sometimes bound in one volume. They are all elegantly printed, and rare. We may also mention—5. Epreuves de deux petits caracteres nouvellement graves, &c., Paris, 1757; and especially his chef-d'oeuvre. 6. Manuel Typographique, Paris, 1764-6, 8vo., two vols.: of which some copies want a few of the cuts: those upon LARGE PAPER (there is one of this kind in the Cracherode collections) are of the first rarity. Fournier's typographical manual should be in every printing office: his types "are the models (says his namesake,) of those of the best printed books at Paris at this day." Dict. Port. de Bibliogr., p. 218, edit. 1706.]

[Footnote 145: The Origines Typographicae of MEERMAN, which was published at the Hague in two handsome quarto volumes, 1765, (after the plan or prospectus had been published in 1761, 8vo.), secured its author a very general and rather splendid reputation, till the hypothesis advanced therein, concerning Laurence Coster, was refuted by Heinecken. The reader is referred to a note in the first volume of my new edition of the Typographical Antiquities of Great Britain, p. xxxi. It is somewhat singular that, notwithstanding Meerman's hypothesis is now exploded by the most knowing bibliographers, his dissertation concerning the claims of Haerlem should have been reprinted in French, with useful notes, and an increased catalogue of all the books published in the Low Countries, during the 15th century. This latter work is entitled "De l'Invention de l'Imprimerie, ou analyse des deux ouvrages publies sur cette matiere par M. Meerman, &c.; suivi d'une notice chronologique et raisonnee des livres avec et sans date," Paris, 1809, 8vo. The author is Mons. Jansen. Prefixed there is an interesting account, of Meerman. Lysander might have noticed, with the encomium which it justly merits the Vindiciae Typographicae of SCHOEPFLIN, printed at Strasburg, in 1760, 4to.; where the claimes of Gutenburg (a native of the same city) to the invention of the typographic art are very forcibly and successfully maintained.]

LIS. You absolutely transport me! I see all these interesting busts—I feel the delicious coolness of the grotto—I hear the stream running over a bed of pebbles—The zephyrs play upon my cheeks—O dolt that I was to abuse——

PHIL. Hear him, hear him![146]

[Footnote 146: Vide note at p. 37, ante.]

LYSAND. From my heart I pity and forgive you. But only look upon the bust of DE BURE; and every time that you open his Bibliographie Instructive,[147] confess, with a joyful heart, the obligations you are under to the author of it. Learn, at the same time, to despise the petty cavils of the whole Zoilean race; and blush for the Abbe RIVE,[148] that he could lend his name, and give the weight of his example, to the propagation of coarse and acrimonious censures.

[Footnote 147: The works of GUILLAUME-FRANCOIS DE BURE deserve a particular notice. He first published his Musaeum Typographicum, Paris, 1755, 12mo.; of which he printed but TWELVE copies, and gave away every one of them (including even his own) to his book-loving friends. It was published under the name of G.F. Rebude. Peignot is very particular in his information concerning this rare morceau of bibliography—see his Bibliographie Curieuse, p. 21. Afterwards appeared the Bibliographie Instructive, in seven volumes, 8vo., 1763-68—succeeded by a small volume of a catalogue of the anonymous publications, and an essay upon Bibliography: this 8th volume is absolutely necessary to render the work complete, although it is frequently missing. Fifty copies of this work were printed upon LARGE PAPER, of a quarto size. Its merits are acknowledged by every candid and experienced critic. In the third place, came forth his Catalogue des Livres, &c., de L.J. Gaignat, Paris, 1769, 8vo., two vols.: not, however, before he had published two brochures—"Appel aux Savans," &c., 1763, 8vo.—and "Reponse a une Critique de la Bibliographie Instructive," 1763, 8vo.—as replies to the tart attacks of the Abbe RIVE. The Catalogue of Gaignat, and the fairness of his answers to his adversary's censures, served to place De Bure on the pinnacle of bibliographical reputation; while Rive was suffered to fret and fume in unregarded seclusion. He died in the year 1782, aged 50: and was succeeded in his bibliographical labours by his cousin WILLIAM; who, with Mons. Van-Praet, prepared the catalogue of the Duke de la Valliere's library, in 1783, and published other valuable catalogues as late as the year 1801. But both are eclipsed, in regard to the number of such publications, by their predecessor GABRIEL MARTIN; who died in the year 1761, aged 83—after having compiled 148 catalogues since the year 1705. This latter was assisted in his labours by his son Claude Martin, who died in 1788. See Peignot's Dict. de Bibliologie, vol. i., 221, 422: vol iii., 277.]

[Footnote 148: The mention of De Bure and the Abbe RIVE induces me to inform the reader that the Chasse aux Bibliographes, Paris, 1789, 8vo., of the latter, will be found a receptacle of almost every kind of gross abuse and awkward wit which could be poured forth against the respectable characters of the day. It has now become rare. The Abbe's "Notices calligraphiques et typographiques," a small tract of 16 pages—of which only 100 copies were printed—is sufficiently curious; it formed the first number of a series of intended volumes (12 or 15) "des notices calligraphiques de manuscrits des differens siecles, et des notices typographiques de livres du quinzieme siecle," but the design was never carried into execution beyond this first number. The other works of Rive are miscellaneous; but chiefly upon subjects connected with the belles lettres. He generally struck off but few copies of his publications; see the Bibliographie Curieuse, pp. 58-9; and more particularly the Dictionnaire de Bibliologie, vol. iii., p. 277, by the same author, where a minute list of Rive's productions is given, and of which Fournier might have availed himself in his new edition of the Dict. Portatif de Bibliographie. From Peignot, the reader is presented with the following anecdotes of this redoubted champion of bibliography. When Rive was a young man, and curate of Molleges in Provence, the scandalous chronicle reported that he was too intimate with a young and pretty Parisian, who was a married woman, and whose husband did not fail to reproach him accordingly. Rive made no other reply than that of taking the suspicious Benedick in his arms, and throwing him headlong out of the window. Luckily he fell upon a dunghill! In the year 1789, upon a clergyman's complaining to him of the inflexible determination of a great lord to hunt upon his grounds—"Mettez-lui une messe dans le ventre"—repiled [Transcriber's Note: replied] Rive. The clergyman expressing his ignorance of the nature of the advice given, the facetious Abbe replied, "Go and tear a leaf from your mass book, wrap a musket-ball in it, and discharge it at the tyrant." The Duke de la Valliere used to say—when the knowing ones at his house were wrangling about some literary or bibliographical point—"Gentlemen, I'll go and let loose my bull dog,"—and sent into them the Abbe, who speedily put them all to rights. Rive died in the year 1791, aged seventy-one. He had great parts and great application; but in misapplying both he was his own tormentor. His library was sold in 1793.]

Next to the bust of De Bure, consider those of the five Italian bibliographers and literati, HAYM, FONTANINI, ZENO, MAZZUCHELLI, and TIRABOSCHI; which are placed in the five consecutive niches. Their works are of various merit, but are all superior to that of their predecessor DONI. Although those of the first three authors should find a place in every bibliographical collection, the productions of Mazzuchelli,[149] and especially of the immortal Tiraboschi, cannot fail to be admitted into every judicious library, whether vast or confined. Italy boasts of few literary characters of a higher class, or of a more widely-diffused reputation than TIRABOSCHI.[150] His diligence, his sagacity, his candour, his constant and patriotic exertions to do justice to the reputation of his countrymen, and to rescue departed worth from ill-merited oblivion, assign to him an exalted situation: a situation with the Poggios and Politians of former times, in the everlasting temple of Fame! Bind his Storia della Letteratura Italiana in the choicest vellum, or in the stoutest Russia; for it merits no mean covering!

[Footnote 149: We may first observe that "La Libraria del DONI Fiorentino;" Vinegia, 1558, 8vo., is yet coveted by collectors as the most complete and esteemed of all the editions of this work. It is ornamented with many portraits of authors, and is now rare. Consult Bibl. Crevenn., vol. v., p. 275. Numerous are the editions of HAYM'S Biblioteca Italiana; but those of Milan, of the date of 1771, 4to., 2 vols., and 1803, 8vo. 4 vols., are generally purchased by the skilful in Italian bibliography. The best edition of FONTANINI'S Biblioteca dell' Eloquenza Italiana is with the annotations of ZENO, which latter are distinguished for their judgment and accuracy. It was published at Venice in 1753, 4to., 2 vols.; but it must be remembered that this edition contains only the third book of Fontanini, which is a library of the principal Italian authors. All the three books (the first two being a disquisition upon the orgin [Transcriber's Note: origin] and progress of the Italian language) will be found in the preceeding [Transcriber's Note: preceding] Venice edition of 1737, in one volume 4to. In the year 1753-63, came forth the incomparable but unfinished work of COUNT MAZZUCHELLI, in two folio volumes, [the latter vol. being divided into four thick parts] entittled [Transcriber's Note: entitled]: Gli Scrittori d'Italia, cioe Notizie Storiche e Critiche intorno alle Vite e agli Scritti dei Letterati Italiani. The death of the learned author prevented the publication of it beyond the first two letters of the alphabet. The Count, however, left behind ample materials for its execution according to the original plan, which lay shamefully neglected as late as the year 1776. See Bibl. Crevenn., vol. v., p. 274. This work is rare in our own country. If the lover of Italian philology wishes to increase his critico-literary stores, let him purchase the Biblioteca degli Autori Antichi Greci, e Latini volgarizzati, &c., of PAITONI, in five quarto volumes, 1766: the Notizie Istorico-Critiche &c., degli Scrittori Viniziani, [Transcriber's Note: corrected printer error in original; 'degli' was misplaced on preceding line] of AGOSTINI, Venez., 1752, 4to., 2 vols.: and the Letteratura Turchesca of GIAMBATISTA TODERINI, Venez., 1787, 8vo., 3 vols.—works nearly perfect of their kind, and (especially the latter one) full of curious matter.]

[Footnote 150: The best edition of his Letteratura Italiana is that of Modena, 1787-94, 4to., in fifteen volumes, as it contains his last corrections and additions, and has the advantage of a complete index. An excellent account of the life and labours of its wonderful author appeared in the fifth volume of the Athenaeum, to the perusal of which I strongly recommend the reader.]

The range of busts which occupies the opposite niches represents characters of a more recent date. Let us begin with MERCIER;[151] a man of extraordinary, and almost unequalled, knowledge in every thing connected with bibliography and typography; of a quick apprehension, tenacious memory, and correct judgment; who was more anxious to detect errors in his own publications than in those of his fellow labourers in the same pursuit; an enthusiast in typographical researches—the Ulysses of bibliographers! Next to him stand the interesting busts of SAXIUS and LAIRE;[152] the latter of whom has frequently erred, but who merited not such a castigation as subsequent bibliographers have attempted to bestow upon him: in the number of which, one is sorry to rank the very respectable name of AUDIFFREDI[153]—whose bust, you observe, immediately follows that of Laire. Audiffredi has left behind him a most enviable reputation: that of having examined libraries with a curious eye, and described the various books which he saw with scrupulous fidelity. There are no lively or interesting sallies, no highly-wrought, or tempting descriptions—throughout his two quarto volumes: but, in lieu of this, there is sober truth, and sound judgment. I have mentioned Audiffredi a little out of order, merely because his name is closely connected with that of Laire: but I should have first directed your attention to the sagacious countenance of HEINECKEN;[154] whose work upon ancient printing, and whose Dictionary of Engravers (although with the latter we have nothing just now to do) will never fail to be justly appreciated by the collector. I regret, Lisardo, for your own sake—as you are about to collect a few choice books upon typography—that you will have so much to pay for the former work, owing to its extreme rarity in this country, and to the injudicious phrenzy of a certain class of buyers, who are resolved to purchase it at almost any price. Let me not forget to notice, with the encomiums which they deserve, the useful and carefully compiled works of SEEMILLER, BRAUN, WURDTWEIN, DE MURR, ROSSI, and PANZER, whose busts are arranged in progressive order. All these authors[155] are greatly eminent in the several departments which they occupy; especially Panzer—whose Annales Typographici, in regard to arrangement and fulness of information, leaves the similar work of his precedessor, Maittaire, far behind. It is unluckily printed upon wretched paper—but who rejects the pine-apple from the roughness of its coat? Get ready the wherry; man it with a choice bibliomanical crew, good Lisardo!—and smuggle over in it, if you can, the precious works of these latter bibliographers—for you may saunter "from rise to set of sun," from Whitechapel to Hyde-Park Corner—for them—in vain!

[Footnote 151: Barthelemy, MERCIER DE ST. LEGER, died in the year 1800, and in the sixty-sixth of his age, full of reputation, and deeply regretted by those who knew the delightful qualities of his head and heart. It is not my intention to enumerate all his publications, the titles of which may be found in the Siecles Litteraires, vol. iv., p. 350: but, in the present place, I will only observe that his "Supplement a l'Histoire de l'Imprimerie, par P. Marchand," was first published in 1773, and afterwards in 1775, 4to., a rare and curious work; but little known in this country. His Bibliotheque des Romans, traduit de Grec, was published in 1796, 12 vols. 12mo. His letter concerning De Bure's work, 1763, 8vo., betrayed some severe animadversions upon the Bibliogr. Instruct.: but he got a similar flagellation in return, from the Abbe Rive, in his Chasse aux Bibliographes—who held him and De Bure, and all the bibliographical tribe, in sovereign contempt. His letter to Heinecken upon the rare editions of the 15th century, 1783, 8vo., and his other works, I never saw in any collection. The imperial library at Paris purchased his copy of Du Verdier's and La Croix du Maine's Bibliotheques, covered with his marginal annotations, as well as his copy of Clement's Bibl. Curieuse. Le Blond, member of the Institute, obtained his copy of De Bure's Bibliographie Instructive, also enriched with MS. notes. Mr. Ocheda, Lord Spencer's librarian, who knew well the Abbe de St. Leger, informed me that he left behind him ample materials for a History of Printing, in a new edition of his Supplement to Marchand's work, which he projected publishing, and which had received from him innumerable additions and corrections. "He was a man," says Mr. Ocheda, "the most conversant with editions of books of all kinds, and with every thing connected with typography and bibliography, that I ever conversed with." The reader may consult Peignot's Dict. de Bibliologie, vol. i., p. 452, vol. iii., p. 212.]

[Footnote 152: The Onomasticon Literarium of CHRISTOPHER SAXIUS, Traject. ad Rhenum, 1775-90, seven vols. 8vo., with a supplement, or eighth volume, published in 1803, is considered as a work of the very first reputation in its way. The notices of eminent men are compendious, but accurate; and the arrangement is at once lucid and new. An elegantly bound copy of this scarce work cannot be obtained for less than six and seven guineas. The first bibliographical production of the Abbe LAIRE was, I believe, the Specimen Historicum Typographiae Romanae, xv. seculi, Romae, 1778, large 8vo.; of which work, a copy printed UPON VELLUM (perhaps unique) was sold at the sale of M. d'Hangard, in 1789, for 300 livres. Dictionn. Bibliogr., vol. iv., p. 250. In my Introduction, &c., to the Greek and Latin Classics, some account of its intrinsic merit will be found: vol. i., p. xviii. In the year 1784 Laire published a "Dissertation sur l'origine et Progres de l'Imprimerie en Franche-Comte," 8vo.; and, in the year 1791, came forth his Catalogue Raisonne of the early printed books in the library of Cardinal de Lomenie de Brienne; under the title of "Index Librorum ab Inventa Typographia, ad annum 1500," in two octavo volumes. See the article "LOMENIE," in the list of foreign catalogues, post. Laire was also the author of a few other minor bibliographical productions. All the books in his library, relating to this subject, were covered with marginal notes; some of them very curious. See Peignot's Dict. de Bibliologie, vol. i., p. 330: and Les Siecles Litteraires, (1801, 8vo.) vol. iv., p. 75.]

[Footnote 153: The works and the merits of AUDIFFREDI have been before submitted by me to the public; and Mr. Beloe, in the third volume of his "Anecdotes of Literature," &c., has justly observed upon the latter. In Lord Spencer's magnificent library at Althorpe, I saw a copy of the "Editiones Italicae," sec. xv., 1793, 4to., upon LARGE PAPER. It is much to be wished that some knowing bibliographer upon the Continent would complete this unfinished work of Audiffredi. His Editiones Romanae, sec. xv., 1783, 4to., is one of the most perfect works of bibliography extant: yet Laire's "Index Librorum," &c. (see preceeding note), is necessary to supply the omission of some early books printed at Rome, which had escaped even this keen bibliographer!]

[Footnote 154: HEINECKEN'S name stands deservedly high (notwithstanding his tediousness and want of taste) among bibliographical and typographical antiquaries. Of his "Nachrichten von Kunstlern und Kunst-Sachen," Leipzig, 1768, 8vo., two vols., (being "New Memoirs upon Artists and the objects of Art"—and which is frequently referred to by foreigners,) I never saw a copy. It was again published in 1786. His "Idee Generale d'une Collection complette d'Estampes," &c., Leips., 1771, 8vo., is a most curious and entertaining book; but unconscionably dear in this country. His "Dictionnaire des Artistes dont nous avons des Estampes," &c., Leips. 1778, 8vo., four vols., is an unfinished performance, but remarkably minute as far as it goes. The remainder, written in the German language, continues in MS. in the Electorate library at Dresden, forming twelve volumes. Of the character of Heinecken's latter work, consult Huber's Manuel, &c., des Amateurs de l'Art, Zurich, 1797, 8vo.: and a recent work entitled "Notices des Graveurs," Paris, 1804, 8vo., two vols. Heinecken died at the advanced age of eighty.]

[Footnote 155: We will discuss their works seriatim, as Lisardo has said above. SEEMILLER'S Bibliothecae Incolstadiensis Incunabula Typographica, contains four parts, or fasciculi: they are bound in one volume, quarto, 1787, &c.; but, unfortunately for those who love curious and carefully executed works, it is rather rare in this country. The Notitia Historico-Critica de libris ab art typog. invent., by PLACID BRAUN, in two parts, or volumes, 1788, 4to., with curious plates, has long been a desideratum in my own collection; and my friend Mr. Beloe, who is luckily in possession of a copy, enjoys his triumph over me when he discovers it not in my bibliographical boudoir. The same author also published his "Notitia Historico-Literaria de cod. MSS. in Bibl. Monast. ord. S. Bened. ad SS. Vidal. et Afram Augustae ex tantibus," Aug. Vindel., 1791, 4to., two vols. Cat. de Santander, vol. iv., p. 170. I know not how any well versed bibliographer can do without the "Bibliotheca Moguntina libris saeculo primo Tpyographico [Transcriber's Note: Typographico] Moguntiae impressis instructa;" 1787, 4to., of WURDTWEIN. It has some curious plates of fac-similes, and is rarely seen in the Strand or King-street book-markets.——C.T. DE MURR published a work of some interest, entitled, "Memorabilia Bibliothecarum Publicarum Norimbergensium," Norimb., 1786-91, three parts or vols. 8vo.; which is also rare.——ROSSI'S valuable work concerning the annals of Hebrew typography: Annales Hebraeo-Typographici, a 1475, ad 1540, Parmae, 1795, 1799, 4to., two separate publications, is prettily printed by Bodoni, and is an indispensable article in the collection of the typographical antiquary. See the Dict. de Bibliologie, vol. iii., p. 286.——PANZER'S Annales Typographici, in eleven quarto volumes (1793-1803) is a work of the very first importance to bibliographers. Its arrangement, after the manner of Orlandi's, is clear and most convenient; and the references to authorities, which are innumerable, are, upon the whole, very faithful. The indexes are copious and satisfactory. This work (of which I hear there are only three copies upon LARGE PAPER) contains an account of books which were printed in all parts of Europe from the year 1457, to 1536, inclusive; but it should be remembered that the author published a distinct work in the year 1788, 4to., relating to books which were printed, within the same period, in the German Language; and this should always accompany the eleven Latin volumes. I will just add from it, as a curiosity, the title and colophon (translated into English) of the first printed book in the German language:—"THE PUBLICATION OF DIETHERS, ELECTOR OF MAYENCE, AGAINST COUNT ADOLPHUS OF NASSAU; given out under our impressed seal on Tuesday, after the fourth Sunday in Advent, anno Domini 1462." Consult also Wurdtwein's Bibl. Mogunt., p. 80; and the authorities there referred to. It seems doubtful whether this curious little brochure, of which scarcely any thing more than a fragment now remains, was printed by Fust and Schoeffer, or by Gutenberg.]

What countenances are those which beam with so much quiet, but interesting, expression? They are the resemblances of DENIS and CAMUS:[156] the former of whom is better known from his Annalium Typographicorum Maittaire Supplementum; and the latter very generally respected abroad, although our acquaintance with him in this country is exceedingly slight. If I mistake not, I observe the mild and modest countenance of my old acquaintance, HERBERT, in this bibliographical group of heads? Do not despise his toil[157] because it is not sprinkled with gay conceits, or learned digressions: he wrote to be useful, not to be entertaining; and so far as he went, his work was such an improvement upon his predecessor's plan as to place it quite at the head of NATIONAL TYPOGRAPHY. See yonder the sensible countenance of HARWOOD![158] the first writer in this country who taught us to consider the respective merits and demerits of the various editions of Greek and Latin authors.

[Footnote 156: MICHAEL DENIS, the translator of Ossian, and a bibliographer of justly established eminence, was principal librarian of the Imperial library at Vienna, and died in the year 1800, at the age of 71. His Supplement to Maittaire's Typographical Annals, in two parts or volumes, 1789, 4to., is a work of solid merit, and indispensable to the possessor of its precursor. The bibliographical references are very few; but the descriptions of the volumes are minutely accurate. The indexes also are excellent. In the year 1793, Denis published the first volume (in three thick parts in folio) of his Codices Manuscripti Theologici Bibl. Palat. Vindob.; a production which the reader will find somewhat fully described in the ensuing pages. The second volume appeared after his death in 1801. In 1795-6, came forth his second edition of an Introduction to the Knowledge of Books, in two quarto volumes; unfortunately written in the German language—but mentioned with approbation in the first volume of the Mem. de l'Inst., p. 648. Consult also Peignot's Dict. de Bibliologie, vol. i., p. 122; ii., 232.——ARMAND GASTON CAMUS is a bibliographer of very first rate reputation. The reader has only to peruse the following titles of some of his works, and he will certainly bewail his ill fortune if they are not to be found in his library. 1. Observations sur la distribution et le classement des livres d'une Bibliotheque: 2. Additions aux memes; 3. Memoire sur un livre Allemand (which is the famous TEWRDANNCKHS; and about which is to be hoped that Mr. Douce will one day favour us with his curious remarks): 4. Addition au meme: 5. Memoire sur l'histoire et les procedes du Polytypage et de la Stereotypie: 6. Rapport sur la continuation de la Collection des Historiens de France, et de celle des Chartres et Diplomes: 7. Notice d'un livre imprime a Bamberg en 1462. All these works are thus strung together, because they occur in the first three volumes of the Memoires de l'Institut. This curious book, printed at Bamberg, was discovered by a German clergyman of the name of Stenier, and was first described by him in the Magasin Hist.-Litt., bibliogr. Chemintz, 1792: but Camus's memoir is replete with curious matter, and is illustrated with fac-simile cuts. In the "Notices et Extraits des MSS. de la Bibl. Nationale," vol. vi., p. 106, will be found a most interesting memoir by him, relating to two ancient manuscript bibles, in two volumes folio, adorned with a profusion of pictures: of some of which very elegant fac-similes are given. These pictures are 5152 in number! each of them having a Latin and French verse beautifully written and illuminated beneath.—Camus supposes that such a work could not now be executed under 100,000 francs!—"Where (exclaims he) shall we find such modern specimens of book-luxury?" In the year 1802, he published an admirable "Memoire sur la collection des grands et petits voyages, et sur la Collection des Voyages des Melchesedech Thevenot," 4to., with an excellent "Table des Matieres." Of his own journey into the Low Countries, recently published, I never met with a copy. All the preceding works, with the exception of the last, are in my own humble collection.]

[Footnote 157: A short bibliographical memoir of HERBERT will be found in the first volume of my edition of the Typographical Antiquities of Great Britain. Since that was published, I have gleaned a few further particulars relating to him, which may be acceptable to the reader. Shortly after the appearance of his third volume, he thus speaks in a letter to Mr. Price, librarian of the Bodleian library, "If at any time you meet with any book of which I have not taken notice, or made any mistake in the description of it, your kind information will be esteemed a favour; as I purpose to continue collecting materials for a future publication, when enough shall be collected to make another volume." This was in April, 1790. In the ensuing month he thus addresses his old friend Mr. White, of Crickhowell, who, with himself, was desperately addicted to the black-letter. "To morrow my wife and self set out for Norfolk to take a little relaxation for about a fortnight. I hope my labours will in some good measure answer the expectation of my friends and subscribers in general. Sure I am my best endeavours have been exerted for that purpose. I have been 24 years collecting materials; have spent many a fair pound, and many a weary hour; and it is now ten years since the first part was committed to the press. I purpose to continue collecting materials in order to a fourth volume, &c.;—yet by no means will I make myself debtor to the public when to publish: if it shall please God to take me to himself, Isaac will in due time set it forth. However I shall keep an interleaved copy for the purpose." In a letter to a Mr. John Banger Russell (in Dorsetshire), written in the ensuing month of June, the same sentiments and the same intention are avowed. Thus ardent was the bibliomaniacal spirit of Herbert in his 72d year! The interleaved copy here alluded to (which was bound in six volumes 4to., in Russia binding, and for which Mr. Gough had given Herbert's widow 52l. 10s.) is now in my possession; as well as the yet more valuable acquisition of some numerous MS. addenda to his History of Printing—both of these articles having been purchased by me at the sale of Mr. Gough's MSS. and printed books, A.D. 1810.]

[Footnote 158: Dr. EDWARD HARWOOD published the fourth and last edition of his "View of the various editions of the Greek and Roman Classics," in the year 1790, 8vo. A work which, in the public estimation, has entitled its author's memory to very considerable respect in the classical world; although the late Professor Porson, in the fly leaf of a copy of my second edition of a similar publication, was pleased to call the Doctor by a name rather unusually harsh with him, who was "Criticus et lenis et acutus;" censuring also my dependance upon my predecessor. In the year 1808, was published my third edition of "An introduction to the knowledge of rare and valuable editions of the Greek and Latin Classics," two volumes 8vo.: in which, if I may presume to talk of anything so insignificant, I have endeavoured to exhibit the opinions—not of Dr. Harwood alone, but of the most eminent foreign critics and editors—upon the numerous editions which, in a chronological series, are brought before the reader's attention. The remarks of the first bibliographers in Europe are also, for the first time in a English publication, subjoined; so that the lover of curious, as well as of valuable, editions may be equally gratified. The authorities, exceedingly numerous as well as respectable, are referred to in a manner the most unostentatious; and a full measure of text, and to be really useful, was my design from the beginning to the end of it. To write a long and dull homily about its imperfections would be gross affectation. An extensive sale has satisfied my publishers that its merit a little counterbalances its defects.]

LIS. You are, no doubt, a fond and partial critic in regard to the works of Herbert and Harwood: but I am glad to recognise my fellow countrymen in such an illustrious assemblage. Go on.

LYSAND. We are just at the close. But a few more busts, and those very recently executed, remain to be noticed. These are the resemblances of LA SERNA SANTANDER, CAILLEAU, and OBERLIN;[159] while several vacant niches remain to be filled up with the busts of more modern bibliographers of eminence: namely, of VAN-PRAET, FISCHER, LAMBINET, RENOUARD, PEIGNOT, FOURNIER, BARBIER, BOUCHER, and BRUNET.[160]

[Footnote 159: DE LA SERNA SANTANDER will always hold a distinguished place amongst bibliographers, not only from the care and attention with which he put forth the catalogue of his own books—the parting from which must have gone near to break his heart—but from his elegant and useful work entitled, "Dictionnaire Bibliographique choisi du quinzieme Siecle," 1805, &c., 8vo., in three parts or volumes. His summary of researches, upon the invention of printing, Mr. Edwards told me, he read "with complete satisfaction"—this occupies the first part or volume. The remaining volumes form a necessary, as well as brilliant, supplement to De Bure. Just at this moment, I believe that Mr. Beloe's, and my own, copy of the work, are the only ones in this country.——CAILLEAU has the credit of being author of the Dictionnaire Bibliographique, &c., in three volumes, octavo, 1790—of which there are a sufficient number of counterfeited and faulty re-impressions; but which, after all, in its original shape, edit. 1790, is not free from gross errors; however useful it is in many respects. I suspect, however, that the Abbe DUCLOS had the greater share in this publication: but, be this as it may, the fourth supplemental volume (by the younger Brunet) is, in every respect, a more accurate and valuable performance. OBERLIN, librarian of the central school or college at Strasbourg, is author of a bibliographical treatise particularly deserving of the antiquary's attention: namely, Essai d'annales de la vie de Jean Gutenburg [Transcriber's Note: Gutenberg], &c., Stasb. [Transcriber's Note: Strasb.], an. ix., 8vo. His other numerous (belles-lettres) works are minutely specified by Peignot in his Dict. de Bibliologie, vol. iii., p. 230. His edition of Horace, Argent., 1788, 4to., is both elegant and correct.]

[Footnote 160: Let us go quietly through the modern French school of bibliography.——Mons. JOSEPH VAN-PRAET is principal librarian of the Imperial collection at Paris, and is justly called, by some of his fellow-labourers in the same career, "one of the first bibliographers in Europe." He is known to me, as a bibliographical writer, only by the part which he took, and so ably executed, in the Valliere catalogue of 1783. Peignot informs us that M. Van-Praet is now busy in composing a little work—which I am sure will rejoice the hearts of all true bibliomaniacs to be apprised of—called a Catalogue raisonne of books PRINTED UPON VELLUM; for which he has already prepared not fewer than 2000 articles! See the Curiosites Bibliogr., p. iij. Among these VELLUM articles, gentle reader, I assure thee that thine eyes will be blest with the description of "THE SHYP OF FOOLES," printed by Pynson, 1509! The urbanity and politeness of this distinguished librarian are equal to his knowledge.——GOTTHELF FISCHER, a Saxon by birth, and librarian of the public collection at Mentz, has given us the following interesting treatises, of which, I believe, not five copies are to be found in this country: namely—Essai sur les Monumens Typographiques de Jean Gutenberg, &c., an. x. [1801], 4to.: and Descriptions de raretes typographiques et de Manuscrits remarquables, &c., Nuremb., 1801, 8vo.—the latter is in the German language, and has cuts—with a portrait of Fust. By this time, the work has most probably been translated into French, as it is frequently referred to and highly spoken of by foreigners. Peignot [Dict. de Bibliologie, vol. iii., p. 128] refers us to the fine eulogy pronounced upon Fisher [Transcriber's Note: Fischer] (not yet 40 years of age) by Camus, in his "Voyage dans les departemens reunis," p. 12.——LAMBINET will always be remembered and respected, as long as printing and bibliography shall be studied, by his "Recherches Historiques Litteraires et Critiques, sur l'Origine de L'Imprimerie; particulierement sur les premiers etablissemens au XVme siecle dans la Belgique," &c., Brux., an. vii. (1798), 8vo. It is, indeed, a very satisfactory performance: the result of judgment and taste—rare union!——In like manner, RENOUARD has procured for himself a bibliographical immortality by his Annales de l'Imprimerie des Aide, 1803, 8vo., two vols.: a work almost perfect of its kind, and by many degrees superior to Bandini's dry Annales Typog. Juntarum., Lucae, 1761. In Renouard's taste, accuracy and interest are delightfully combined; and the work is printed with unrivalled beauty. There were only six copies of it printed upon LARGE PAPER; one of which I saw in the fine collection of the Rt. Hon. T. Grenville.——Few modern bibliographers have displayed so much diligence as GABRIEL PEIGNOT: from whom we have, 1. Dictionnaire Raisonne de Bibliologie, Paris, 1802, 8vo., two vols., with a third, by way of supplement (1804). With necessary corrections and additions, this work would answer many useful purposes in an English translation. 2. Essai de Curiosites Bibliographiques, 1804, 8vo. This is a very amusing (but scarce and unconscionably dear) book. It contains elaborate descriptions of many curious and sumptuous works, which were sold for 1000 and more livres at public sales. 3. Dictionnaire, &c., des principaux livres condamnes au feu, supprimes ou censures, Paris, 1806, 8vo., 2 vols. The very title of such a work must sharpen the edge of curiosity with those bibliomaniacs who have never seen it. 4. Bibliographie Curieuse, ou Notice Raisonnee des livres imprimes a cent exemplaires au plus, suivie d'une notice de quelques ouvrages tires sur papier de couleur, Paris, 1808, 8vo. Only one hundred copies of this thin volume were struck off: of which I possess the 86th copy, according to Peignot's notification. Indeed I am fortunate in having all his preceding works. Let us wish long life and never-failing success to so brave a book-chevalier as Gabriel Peignot.——FRANCOIS IGNACE FOURNIER, at 18 years of age, published an elegantly printed little volume, entitled Essai Portatif de Bibliographie, 1796, 8vo., of which only 26 copies were struck off. In the year 1805, this essay assumed the form of a Dictionary, and appeared under the title of Dictionnaire portatif de Bibliographie, &c., 8vo., comprising 17,000 articles, printed in a very small character. Last year, in the month of May, Fournier put forth a new edition of this Dictionnaire, considerably augmented; but in which (such is the fate of bibliographical studies) notwithstanding all the care of the author, Brunet tells us that he has discovered not fewer than five hundred errors! Let not Fournier, however be discouraged; in a few years he will achieve something yet more worthy of his laudable seal in bibliography.——ANTOINE-ALEXANDRE BARBIER, librarian of the Council of State, has favoured us with an admirably well executed work, entitled Dictionnaire des Ouvrages Anonymes et Pseudonymes, composes, traduits ou publies en Francais, &c., accompagnee de notes historiques et critiques, Paris, Imprimis Bibliogr., 1806, 8vo., two vols. See also art. "Conseil d'Etat," in the list of French Catalogues, post. From these the reader will judge of the warm thanks to which this eminent bibliographer is entitled for his very useful labours.——G. BOUCHER de la Richarderie has, in an especial manner, distinguished himself by his Bibliotheque Universelle des Voyages, Paris, 1808, 8vo., six vols.: a work executed with care, minuteness, and considerable interest. Some of its extracts are, perhaps, unnecessarily long. The index to the sixth volume will lead the reader to consult an account of some of the most ancient, rare, and curious publications of voyages which have ever appeared: and Boucher "has deserved well" of the book world by this truly valuable and almost indispensable performance.——BRUNET Le Fils. This able writer, and enthusiastic devotee to bibliography, has recently published an excellent and copious work which would appear greatly to eclipse Fournier's; entitled "Manuel du Libraire et de l'Amateur de Livres, contenant, 1. Un Nouveau Dictionnaire Bibliographigue, 2. Une Table en forme de Catalogue Raisonnee," Paris, 1810, 8vo., 3 vols.: in which he tells us he has devoted at least thirty years to the examination of books. The first two volumes form a scientific arrangement: the latter is an alphabetical one, referring to one or the other of the preceding volumes for a more copious account of the work. It must be confessed that Brunet has, in this publication, executed a difficult task with great ability.]

LIS. I am quite anxious to possess the publications of these moderns: but you say nothing of their comparative value with the ancients.

LYSAND. Generally speaking, in regard to discoveries of rare books and typographical curiosities, the moderns have the advantage. They have made more rational conclusions, from data which had escaped their predecessors: and the sparkling and animated manner in which they dress out the particular objects that they describe renders the perusal of their works more pleasant and gratifying. I am not sure that they have the learning of the old school: but their works are, in general, less ponderous and repulsive. The ancient bibliographers were probably too anxious to describe every thing, however minute and unimportant: they thought it better to say too much than too little; and, finding the great mass of readers in former times, uninstructed in these particular pursuits, they thought they could never exhaust a subject by bringing to bear upon it every point, however remotely connected! They found the plain, it is true, parched and sandy; but they were not satisfied with pouring water upon it, 'till they had converted it into a deluge.[161]

[Footnote 161: What Denis says, in the preface to his Catalog. Cod. MSS. Bibl. Palat. Vindob. (of which see p. 65, ante) is very just; "media incedendum via; neque nudis codicum titulis, ut quibusdam bibliothecis placuit, in chartam conjectis provehi multum studia, neque doctis, quae superioris seculi fuit intemperantia, ambagibus et excursibus."—This is certainly descriptive of the OLD SCHOOL of bibliography.]

LIS. Let me ask you, at this stage of our inquiries, what you mean by bibliographical publications?—and whether the works of those authors which you have enumerated are sufficient to enable a novice, like myself, to have pretty accurate notions about the rarity and intrinsic value of certain works?

LYSAND. By bibliographical publications, I mean such works as give us some knowledge of the literary productions, as well as of the life, of certain learned men; which state the various and the best editions of their lucubrations; and which stimulate us to get possession of these editions. Every biographical narrative which is enriched with the mention of curious and rare editions of certain works is, to a great extent, a bibliographical publication. Those works which treat professedly upon books are, of course, immediately within the pale of bibliography.

LIS. But am I to be satisfied with the possession of those works already recommended?

PHIL. I suppose Lisardo has heard of certain valuable CATALOGUES, and he wishes to know how far the possession of these may be requisite in order to make him a bibliographer?

LYSAND. At present I will say nothing about the catalogues of the collections of our own countrymen. As we have been travelling principally abroad, we may direct our attention to those which relate to foreign collections.

And first, let us pay a due tribute of praise to the published Catalogues of Libraries collected by the JESUITS: men of shrewd talents and unabating research, and in derogation of whose merits Voltaire and D'Alembert disgraced themselves by scribbling the most contemptible lampoons. The downfall of this society led, not very indirectly, to the destruction of the ancient French monarchy. Men seemed to forget that while the most shameless depredations were committed within the libraries of the Jesuits, the cause of learning, as well as of liberty, suffered,—and the spoils which have glittered before our eyes, as the precious relics of these collections, serve to afford a melancholy proof how little those men stick at any thing who, in raising the war-whoop of liberty and equality, tear open the very bowels of order, tranquillity, peace, and decorum! But, to the subject. Let the catalogues of PUBLIC COLLECTIONS, when they are well arranged, be received into your library. Of foreign PRIVATE COLLECTIONS, the catalogues[162] of DU FRESNE, CORDES, HEINSIAS, BALUZE, COLBERT, ROTHELIN, DE BOZE, PREFOND, POMPADOUR, GAIGNAT, GOUTTARD, BUNAU, SOUBISE, LA VALLIERE, CREVENNA, LAMOIGNON, and of several other collections, with which my memory does not just now serve me, will enable you to form a pretty correct estimate of the marketable value of certain rare and sumptuous publications. Catalogues are, to bibliographers, what Reports are to lawyers: not to be read through from beginning to end—but to be consulted on doubtful points, and in litigated cases. Nor must you, after all, place too strong a reliance upon the present prices of books, from what they have produced at former sales; as nothing is more capricious and unsettled than the value of books at a public auction. But, in regard to these catalogues, if you should be fortunate enough to possess any which are printed upon Large Paper, with the Names of the Purchasers, and the Prices for which each set of books was sold, thrice and four times happy may you account yourself to be, my good Lisardo!

[Footnote 162: As it would have required more breath than usually falls to the lot of an individual, for Lysander to have given even a rough sketch of the merits, demerits, and rarity of certain foreign catalogues of public and private collections—in his discourse with his friends—I have ventured to supply the deficiency by subjoining, in the ensuing tolerably copious note, a list of these catalogues, alphabetically arranged; as being, perhaps, the most convenient and acceptable plan. Such an attempt is quite novel; and must be received, therefore, with many grains of allowance. Although I am in possession of the greater number (at least of two thirds) of the catalogues described, I am aware that, in regard to the description of those not in my own library, I subject myself to the lash of P. Morhof. "Inepti sunt, qui librorum catalogos scribunt e catalogis. Oculata fides et judicium praesens requiritur." Polyhist. Literar., vol. i., 230. But the weight of my authorities will, I trust, secure me from any great violence of critical indignation. To render so dry a subject (the very "Hortus Siccus" of bibliography) somewhat palatable, I have here and there besprinkled it with biographical anecdotes of the collectors, and of the state of French literature in the last century and a half.——D'AGUESSEAU. Catalogue des Livres Imprimes et Manuscrits de la Bibliotheque de feu Monsieur D'Aguesseau, &c., Paris, 1785, 8vo. "Anxious to enrich his collection, (says the compiler of this catalogue) the Bibliomaniac sees with delight the moment arrive when, by the sale of a library like this, he may add to his precious stores. It is, in truth, a grand collection; especially of history, arts, and sciences, and jurisprudence. The famous Chancellor D'Aguesseau laid the foundation of this library, which was as universal as his own genius." It would appear that the son, to whom the collection latterly belonged, was gracious in the extreme in the loan of books; and that, in consequence, a public advertisement was inserted at the foot of the "Avis preliminaire," to entreat those, who had profited by such kindness, to return their borrowed (shall I say stolen?) goods? For want of these volumes, many sets of books were miserably defective.——ANONYMIANA. Catalogus Bibliothecae Anonymianae, in quo libri rariores recensentur, una cum notis litterariis, Norimb., 1738, 8vo. This is a catalogue of value, and may be well ranged with its brethren upon the bibliographer's shelf. Another "Bibliotheca Anonymiana," was published ten years preceding the present one; at the Hague, in three parts, one vol., 8vo.: which, in the Bibl. Solger., vol iii., no. 1388, is said to contain many rare books: see also no. 1370, ibid.——D'ARTOIS. Catalogue des Livres du Cabinet de Monseigneur Le Compte D'Artois, Paris, 1783, 8vo. Very few copies of this catalogue, which is printed in a wide octavo page, resembling that of a quarto, were struck off: according to Fournier's Dict. Portat. de Bibliogr., p. 120, edit. 1809. See also Cat. de Boutourlin, no. 3876.——AUGUSTANA. Catalogus Bibliothecae inclytae Reipubl. Augustanae utriusque linguae tum Graecae tum Latinae librorum et impressorum et manu exaratorum. Aug. Vindel., 1600, fol. Morhof informs us that this catalogue, of which Hoeschelius was the compiler, contains an account of some manuscripts which have never been printed, as well as of some which Marcus Velserus published. It is, moreover, full of precious bibliographical matter; but unfortunately (the possessor of it may think otherwise) only ONE HUNDRED COPIES were struck off. Polyhist. Literar., vol. i., 211. I find, however, some little difficulty about distinguishing this catalogue of the Augsbourg library from the impression of 1633, fol., which Vogt mentions at p. 323, and of which he also talks of 100 copies being printed. It should not be forgotten that Hoeschelius published an admirable catalogue of the Greek MSS. in the library of Augsbourg, 1595, and again 1605, in 4to. Colomies pronounces it a model in its way. Bibl. Choisie, p. 194-5. The catalogue of the Greek MSS. in the library of the Duke of Bavaria, at Munich, was published about the same period; namely, in 1602: the compiler was a skilful man, but he tells us, at the head of the catalogue, that the MSS. were open to the inspection of every one who had any work in hand, provided he were a Roman Catholic! This was being very kind to protestants! Jugemens des Savans, vol. ii., part i., p. 215, edit. 1725. See also Vogt's Catalog. Libror. Rarior., p. 232.——AUGUSTANA. Notitia historica-literaria de libris ab artis typographicae inventione usque ad annum, 1478, impressis, in Bibliotheca Monasterii ad SS. Udalricum et Afram Augustae extantibus. August, Vindel, 1788, 4to. This volume, which I have no doubt would gratify the curious bibliographer, it has never been my good fortune to meet with. It is here introduced upon the authority of the Cat. du Cardinal de Lomenie, no. 2647: ed. 1797. I ought not to close this account of the Augsbourg catalogues of books, without remarking, on the authority of Reimannus, that the first published catalogue of books is that which Villerius, a bookseller at Augsburg, put forth in the year 1564. See the Bibl. Acroam., p. 5.——AURIVILLIUS. Catalogus Bibliothecae quam collegerat Carolus Aurivillius, sectio [Transcriber's Note: section] i. and ii., Upsal, 1787, 8vo. This catalogue contains a plentiful sprinkling of short literary and bibliographical notes; according to Bibl. Krohn, p. 256, no. 3582.——BADENHAUPT. Bibliotheca selectissima; sive Catalogus librorum magnam partem philologicorum, quos inter eminent. Auctores Graeci et Romani classica quos collegit E.F. Badenhaupt, Berol, 1773, 8vo. The pithy bibliographical notes which are here and there scattered throughout this catalogue, render it of estimation in the opinion of the curious.——BALUZE. Bibliotheca Balusiana; seu catalogus librorum bibliothecae D.S. Baluzii, A. Gab. Martin, Paris, 1719, 8vo., two vols. Let any enlightened bibliographers read the eulogy upon the venerable Baluze (who died in his eighty-eighth year, and who was the great Colbert's librarian), in the preface of the Bibl. Colbertina (vide post), and in the Dict. Hist. (Caen, 1789, vol. i., p. 443-4), and he will not hesitate a moment about the propriety of giving this volume a conspicuous place upon his shelf. From the Bibl. Mencken, p. 10, it would appear that a third volume, containing translations of some MSS. in the royal library, is wanting to make this catalogue complete. This third volume is uncommon.——BARBERINI. Index Bibliothecae Francisci Barberini Cardinalis. Romae, Typis Barberinis, 1681, fol., three vols. in two. The widely spread celebrity of Cardinal Barberini suffers no diminution from this publication of the riches contained within his library. The authors are arranged alphabetically, and not according to classes. Although it be not the most luminous in its arrangement, or the most accurate in its execution, this finely printed catalogue will never remain long upon a bookseller's shelf without a purchaser. It were much to be desired that our own noblemen, who have fine collections of books, would put forth (after the example of Cardinal Barberini) similar publications.——BARTHELEMY. Catalogue des Livres de la Bibliotheque de M. l'Abbe Barthelemy, par M. Bernard, 1800, 8vo. The high reputation of the owner of this collection will always secure purchasers for this catalogue of useful and interesting books.——BIBLIOGRAPHIE des Pays Bas, avec quelques notes. Nyon, en Suisse, 1783, 4to. Only fifty copies of this work were printed. It is a pity that Peignot, who gives us this information, does not accompany it with some account of the nature and merits of the work—which probably grew out of the Histoire Litteraire des Pays Blas, 1725, in three folio volumes. Bibl. Curieuse, p. 10.——BODLEIAN. Catalog. Libr. Bibl. Publ., &c., in Acad. Oxon., 1605, 4to. Catal. Libr. Impr., 1674, fol. Catalogi Libror. MSS. Angl. et Hibern., 1697, fol. Catalogus Impress. Libror. Bibl. Bodl., 1733, fol., two vols. Although none but catalogues of foreign public and private collections were intended to be noticed in this list, the reader will forgive a little violation of the rule laid down by myself, if I briefly observe upon the catalogues of the Bodleian library and the British Museum. [For the latter, vide 'MUSEUM.'] The first of these Bodleian catalogues contains an account of the MSS. It was prepared by Dr. James, the editor of the Philobiblion of De Bury (vide p. 30, ante), and, as it was the first attempt to reduce to "lucid order" the indigested pile of MSS. contained in the library, its imperfections must be forgiven. It was afterwards improved, as well as enlarged, in the folio edition of 1697, by Bernard; which contains the MSS. subsequently bequeathed to the library by Selden, Digby, and Laud, alone forming an extensive and valuable collection. The editor of Morhof (vol. i., 193, n.) has highly commended this latter catalogue. Let the purchaser of it look well to the frontispiece of the portraits of Sir Thomas Bodley and of the fore-mentioned worthies, which faces the title-page; as it is frequently made the prey of some prowling Grangerite. The first catalogue of the Printed Books in the Bodleian library was compiled by the celebrated orientalist, Dr. Hyde: the second by Fisher: of these, the latter is the more valuable, as it is the more enlarged. The plan adopted in both is the same: namely, the books are arranged alphabetically, without any reference to their classes—a plan fundamentally erroneous: for the chief object in catalogues of public collections is to know what works are published upon particular subjects, for the facility of information thereupon—whether our inquiries lead to publication or otherwise: an alphabetical index should, of course, close the whole. It is with reluctance my zeal for literature compels me to add that a Catalogue Raisonnee of the Manuscripts and Printed Books in the Bodleian Library is an urgent desideratum—acknowledged by every sensible and affectionate son of ALMA MATER. Talent there is, in abundance, towards the completion of such an honourable task; and the only way to bring it effectually into exercise is to employ heads and hands enough upon the undertaking. Let it be remembered what Wanley and Messrs. Planta and Nares have done for the Cottonian and Harleian MSS.—and what Mr. Douce is now doing for those of the Lansdowne collection! One gentleman alone, of a very distinguished college, in whom the acuteness and solidity of Porson seem almost revived, might do wonders for the Greek MSS., and lend an effectual aid towards the arrangement of the others. The printed books might be assigned, according to their several classes, to the gentlemen most conversant with the same; and the numerous bibliographical works, published since the catalogue of 1733, might be occasionally referred to, according to the plan observed in the Notitia Editionum vel Primariae, &c., in Bibl. Bodl. Oxon., 1795, 8vo.; which was judiciously drawn up by the Bishop of London, and the Rev. Dr. William Jackson. I am aware that the aged hands of the present venerable librarian of the Bodleian library can do little more than lay the foundation-stone of such a massive superstructure; but even this would be sufficient to enrol his name with the Magliabecchis and Baillets of former times—to entitle him to be classed among the best benefactors to the library—and to shake hands with its immortal founder, in that place where are

et amoena vireta Fortunatorum nemorum, sedesque beatae.

BONNIER. Catalogue des livres de la Bibliotheque de Bonnier. Paris, 1800, 8vo. This catalogue is here introduced to the bibliographer's notice in order to sharpen his bibliomaniacal appetite to obtain one of the four copies only which were printed upon LARGE PAPER of Dutch manufacture. See Cat. de Caillard (1808), no. 2596.——BOUTOURLIN. Catalogue des livres de la Bibliotheque de S.E.M. Le Comte de Boutourlin. Paris (an. xiii.), 1805, 8vo. Every one must conceive a high respect for the owner of this choice collection, from the amiable sentiments which pervade the preface to the catalogue. It has a good index; and is elegantly printed. My copy is upon LARGE PAPER.——DE BOZE. Catalogue des Livres du Cabinet de M. Claude Gros de Boze. Paris. De l'Imp. Royale, 1745, small folio. This is the first printed catalogue of the choice and magnificent library of De Boze, the friend and correspondent of Dr. Mead, between whom presents of books were continually passing—as they were the first collectors of the day in their respective countries. Some have said 50, some 35, others 25, and others ONLY 12 COPIES of this impression were struck off, as presents for the collector's friends. Consult Bibl. Mead, p. 81, no. 617. Bibl. Creven., vol. v., 291. Bauer's Bibl. Rarior., vol. i., 151. Bibl. Curieuse, p. 12. Bibl. Askev., no. 508. Barbier's Dict. des Anonymes, vol. ii., no. 8002.——DE BOZE, de la meme bibliotheque, 1753, 8vo. This catalogue, which was executed by Martin, after the death of De Boze, does not contain all the notices of works mentioned in the preceding one. It is, however, well deserving of a place in the bibliographer's library. Peignot tells us that there was yet a third catalogue printed, in 8vo., containing 192 pages, and giving an account of some books taken out of De Boze's collection: a few of which are described in the preceding edition of 1753. See his Bibl. Cur., p. 12.——BOZERIAN. Notice des livres precieux ye [Transcriber's Note: de] M. Bozerian, par M. Bailly, 1798, 8vo. A cabinet of "precious books," indeed! The misfortune is, so small a number of modern foreign catalogues come over here that the best of them will be found in few of our libraries. Whenever the "Bibliotheca Bozeriana" shall be imported, it will not stop seven days upon a bookseller's shelf!——BULTEAU. Bibliotheca Bultelliana; (Caroli Bulteau) a Gabr. Martin, Paris, 1711, 12mo., 2 vols. in one. This catalogue, which is carefully compiled, contains curious and uncommon books; many of which were purchased for the collections of Prefond, De Boze, and others.——BUNAU. Catalogus Bibliothecae Bunavianae. Lipsiae, 1750. Six parts, in three volumes, each volume having two parts—usually bound in six vols. Highly and generally esteemed as is this extensive collection, and methodically arranged catalogue, of Count Bunau's books, the latter has always appeared to me as being branched out into too numerous ramifications, so as to render the discovery of a work, under its particular class, somewhat difficult, without reference to the index. I am aware that what Camus says is very true—namely, that "nothing is more absurd than to quarrel about catalogue-making: and that every man ought to have certain fixed and decisive ideas upon the subject," [Mem. de l'Inst. vol. i., 650,] but simplicity and perspicuity, which are the grand objects in every undertaking, might have been, in my humble apprehension, more successfully exhibited than in this voluminous catalogue. It represents over-done analysis! yet those who are writing upon particular subjects will find great assistance in turning to the different works here specified upon the same. It is rare and high-priced. From the preface, which is well worth an attentive perusal, it appears that this grand collection, now deposited in the electoral library at Dresden (see Cat. de Caillard, no. 2545, 1808,) was at Count Bunau's country-house, situated in a pleasant village about half a mile from Dresden—

Vicinam videt unde lector urbem.

Saxius, in his Onomast. Literar., vol i., p. xxxiii., edit. 1775, &c., has a smart notice of this splendid collection.——BUNNEMAN. J.L. Bunnemanni Catalogus Manuscriptorum, item librorum impressorum rarissimorum pro assignato pretio venalium. Minda, 1732, 8vo. For the sake of knowing, by way of curiosity, what books (accounted rare at this period) were sold for, the collector may put this volume into his pocket, when he finds it upon a book-stall marked at 1s. 6d. In the Bibl. Solger., vol iii., no. 1396, there was a priced copy upon LARGE PAPER with bibliographical memoranda.——CAILLARD. Catalogue des livres du Cabinet de M.A.B. Caillard, Paris, 1805, 8vo. Of this private catalogue, compiled by Caillard himself, and printed upon fine Dutch paper, in super-royal 8vo., only twenty-five copies were struck off. So says Fournier, Dict. Portatif de Bibliographie: p. 120; edit. 1809, and the "avant-propos" prefixed to the subsequent catalogue here following:——Livres rares et precieux de la Bibliotheque de feu M. Ant. Bern. Caillard, Paris, 1808, 8vo. There were but twenty-five copies of this catalogue of truly valuable, and, in many respects, rare, and precious, books, printed upon LARGE PAPER, of the same size as the preceding. This was the sale catalogue of the library of Caillard, who died in 1807, in his sixty-ninth year, and of whose bibliomaniacal spirit we have a most unequivocal proof in his purchasing De Cotte's celebrated uncut copy of the first printed Homer, at an enormous sum! [vide COTTE, post.] "Sa riche bibliotheque est a-la-fois un monument de son amour pour l'art typographique, et de la vaste etendue de ses connoissances," p. xiv. Some excellent indexes close this volume; of which Mr. Payne furnished me with the loan of his copy upon LARGE PAPER.——CAMBIS. Catalogue des principaux manuscrits du cabinet de M. Jos. L.D. de Cambis, Avignon, 1770, 4to. Although this is a catalogue of MSS., yet, the number of copies printed being very few, I have given it a place here. Some of these copies contain but 519, others 766, pages; which shews that the owner of the MSS. continued publishing his account of them as they increased upon him. Rive, in his "Chasse aux bibliographes," has dealt very roughly with the worthy Cambis; but Peignot tells us that this latter was a respectable literary character, and a well-informed bibliographer—and that his catalogue, in spite of Rive's diatribe, is much sought after. See the Bibliogr. Curieuse, p. 14; also Cat. de la Valliere, vol. iii., no. 5543.——CAMUS DE LIMARE. Catalogues des livres de M. le Camus de Limare, Paris, 1779, 12mo.—Des livres rares et precieux de M—— (Camus de Limare), Paris, 1786, 8vo.—Des livres rares et precieux, relies en maroquin, de la bibliotheque du meme, Paris, an trois (1795), 8vo. Of the first catalogue only a small number of copies was printed, and those for presents. Bibliogr. Curieuse, p. 15. It contains a description of De Boze's extraordinary copy of Du Fresnoy's "Methode pour etudier l'Histoire," 1729, 4to., four volumes, with the supplement, 1740, two vols.; which was sold for 1500 livres; and which was, of course, upon LARGE PAPER, with a thousand inviting additions, being much more complete than the similar copies in Cat. de Valliere, no. 4467; and Cat. de Crevenna, no. 5694, edit. 1789; although this latter was preferable to the Valliere copy. Consult also the Curiosites Bibliographiques, p. 77-8. The second catalogue was prepared by De Bure, and contains a very fine collection of natural history, which was sold at the Hotel de Bullion. The printed prices are added. The third catalogue, which was prepared by Santus, after the decease of Camus, contains some very choice articles [many printed UPON VELLUM] of ancient and modern books superbly bound.——CATALOGUE des livres rares. Par Guillaume de Bure, fils aine. Paris, 1786, 8vo. We are told, in the advertisement, that this collection was formed from a great number of sales of magnificent libraries, and that particular circumstances induced the owner to part with it. The books were in the finest order, and bound by the most skilful binders. The bibliographical notices are short, but judicious; and a good index closes the catalogue. The sale took place at the Hotel de Bullion.——CATALOGUE fait sur un plan nouveau, systematique et raisonne, d'une Bibliotheque de Litterature, particulierement d'Histoire et de Poesie, &c. Utrecht, 1776, 8vo., two vols. A judicious and luminous arrangement of 19,000 articles, or sets of books; which, in the departments specified in the title-page, are singularly copious and rich.——CATALOGUS Librorum rarissimorum, ab Artis Typographicae inventoribus, aliisque ejus artis Principibus ante annum 1500 excusorum; omnium optime conservatorum, 8vo., Sine loco aut anno. Peignot, who has abridged Vogt's excellent account of this very uncommon and precious catalogue, of which ONLY TWENTY-FIVE COPIES were printed, has forgotten to examine the last edition of the Catalog. Libror. Rarior., pp. 262-3; in which we find that the collection contained 248 (and not 217) volumes. At the end, it is said: "Pretiosissima haec Librorum Collectio, cujusvis magni Principis Bibliotheca dignissima, constat voll. ccxlviii." Consult the respectable references in Vogt, ibid.; also the Bibliogr. Curieuse of Peignot, p. 15.——CERAN. Catalogue des livres de M. Mel de Saint Ceran. Paris, 1780, 8vo., again in 1791, 8vo. These catalogues were compiled by De Bure, and are carefully executed. Some of the books noticed in them are sufficiently curious and rare.——CLEMENTINO-VATICANA. Bibliotheca Orientalis Clementino Vaticana, in qua manuscriptos codices Orientalium Linguarum recensuit Joseph Simonius Assemanus, Romae, 1719. Folio, four vols. Asseman's son compiled an excellent catalogue of the Oriental MSS. in the Medico-Laurentian library; but this work of the father is more curious and elaborate. Whenever a few half-guineas can procure it, let the country-settled philologist send his "henchman" to fly for it!—"Speed, Malise, speed." But alas! Santander tells us that copies of it are rare. Cat. de Santander, vol. iv., no. 6287.——COLBERT. Bibliotheca Colbertina: seu Catalogus Librorum Bibliothecae quae fuit primum J.B. Colbert, deinde J.B. Colbert (fil) postea J. Nic. Colbert, ac demum C.L. Colbert. Parisiis, 1728, 8vo., three vols. The preface to this valuable catalogue (executed by Martin) gives us a compressed, but sufficiently perspicuous, account of the auspices under which such an extensive and magnificent collection was assembled and arranged. It contains not fewer than 18,219 articles; being perhaps 60,000 volumes. The celebrated Baluze was the librarian during the life of the former branches of the Colbert family; a family which, if nothing remained to perpetuate their fame but this costly monument of literary enterprise, will live in the grateful remembrance of posterity—but it wants not even such a splendid memorial! The lover of fine and curious books will always open the volumes of the COLBERT CATALOGUE with a zest which none but a thorough bred bibliomaniac can ever hope to enjoy.——CONSEIL D'ETAT. Catalogue des livres de la Bibliotheque du Conseil d'Etat (par M. Barbier, Bibliothecaire du Conseil d'Etat). Paris, an. xi. (1802), folio. "This catalogue is most superbly executed. The richness of the materials of which it is composed, the fine order of its arrangement, and the skilful researches exhibited in it relating to anonymous authors, are worthy of the typographical luxury of the national press, from which this curious work was put forth. It will be perfect in three parts: the third part, containing the supplement and tables, is now at press." (A.D. 1804.) The preface and table of the divisions of this catalogue were published in a small 8vo. volume, 1801. This information I glean from Peignot's Curiosites Bibliographiques, p. lix.; and from the Cat. de Boutourlin, no. 3892, I learn that only 190 copies of so useful, as well as splendid, a work were printed, of which the French government took upon itself the distribution.——CORDES. Bibliothecae Cordesianae Catalogus, cum indice titulorum, Parisiis, 1643, 4to. The celebrated Naude had the drawing up and publishing of this catalogue, which is highly coveted by collectors, and is now of rare occurrence. De Cordes was intimate with all the learned men of his country and age; and his eulogy, by Naude, prefixed to the catalogue, gives us a delightful account of an amiable and learned man living in the bosom, as it were, of books and of book-society. This collection, which was purchased by Cardinal Mazarin, formed the foundation of the latter's magnificent library. Consult the Jugemens des Savans, vol. ii., p. 142; Colomie's Biblioth. Choisie, p. 126; Mem. de l'Inst., vol. i., p. 647. Nor must we forget Morhof—Polyhist. Literar., vol. i., p. 211; who, after a general commendation of the collection, tells us it is remarkable for containing a fine body of foreign history. De Cordes died A.D. 1642, in the 72d year of his age—nearly 50 years having been devoted by him to the formation of his library. "Fortunate senex!"——COTTE. Catalogue des Livres rares et precieux et de MSS. composant la bibliotheque de M—— (le President de Cotte), Paris, 1804, 8vo. We are told by Peignot that the books at this sale were sold for most exorbitant sums: "the wealthy amateurs striving to make themselves masters of the LARGE PAPER Alduses,