[410] Bibliotheca Strangeiana; A Catalogue of the general, curious, and extensive Library of that distinguished naturalist and lover of the fine arts, the late John Strange, Esq., L.L.D. F.R.S. and S.A., many years his Britannic Majesty's resident at the Republic of Venice. Comprehending an extraordinary fine collection of books and tracts, in most languages and sciences, to the number of upwards of four-score thousand, &c. Digested by Samuel Paterson. Sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, March 16, 1801, 8vo., 1256 articles. This is a plain, unaffected, but exceedingly well-digested, catalogue of a very extraordinary collection of books in all departments of literature. I do not know whether it be not preferable, in point of arrangement, to any catalogue compiled by Paterson. It has, however, a wretched aspect; from the extreme indifference of the paper.

[411] We will first give the title to the Catalogue of the late Mr. Woodhouse's Collection of Prints. "A Catalogue of the choice and valuable Collection of Antient and Modern Prints, &c., selected with the highest taste from all the collections at home and abroad, &c. Sold by auction by Mr. Christie; January, 1801." The first part ends with the 5th day's sale; the second commences with the sixth day's sale and concludes on the sixteenth, with the Malborough Gems. Although we may have to give specimens of some of the rare and precious prints contained in this collection, in the course of Part VI. of this work, yet the reader, I would fain hope, will not be displeased with the following interesting extract, with the annexed prices, of the prints from the

Marlborough Gems.

[This assemblage, the result of twenty years' collecting, contains a greater number than ever has been at one time offered to the public.—The first volume is complete, and may be accounted unique, as all the impressions are before the numbers, the artists' names, or proofs without any letters, as in the presentation copies: the subject of Cupid and Psyche is with variations, and the whole may be regarded as a great rarity. Those of the second volume are few in number, but in point of curiosity, no ways inferior.]

LOT				£	s.	d.
72.	One.	Cæsar in the Temple of Venus. Proof before any letters.		3	13	6
73.	Two.	no. 1. no. 2.	Scipio Africanus. Lucius C. Sylla.	2	0	0
74.	Two.	no. 3. no. 4.	Julias Cæsar; caput laureatum. Marcus Junius Brutus.	5	15	0
75.	Two.	no. 5. no. 6.	Marcus Junius Brutus; cum caduceo. Lepidus; cum lituo.	2	17	6
76.	Two.	no. 7. no. 8.	Augusti caput; cum corona radiata. Augusti Pontificis maximi insign. &c.	4	14	6
77.	Two.	no. 9. no. 10.	Marcellii Octaviæ, filii Augusti nepotis caput: opus elegantissimum. Liviæ protome: cum capite laureato et velato pectore: simul Tiberii pueri prope adstantis caput arboris ignotæ foliis redimitum.	3	0	0
78.	Two.	no. 11. no. 12.	Tiberii caput juvenile. Germanici togati protome; cum capite laureato, facie plena, &c.	3	3	0
79.	Two.	no. 13. no. 14.	Agrippinæ majoris uxoris Germanici & Caligulæ matris caput laureatum; sub effigie Dianæ. Ejusdem Agrippinæ: sub effigie Cereris.	5	5	0
80.	Two.	no. 15. no. 16.	Galbæ caput laureatum. Ejusdem Galbæ caput.	1	19	0
81.	Two.	no. 17. no. 18.	Nervæ togati protome; cum capite laureato, plena facie; opus pulcherrimum. Ejusdem Nervæ caput.	4	4	0
82.	Two.	no. 19. no. 20.	Marcianæ, Trajani sororis, caput. Sabinæ Hadriani uxoris caput.	10	10	0
83.	Two.	no. 21. no. 22.	Antinoi caput, cum pectore velato. Caracalla togati protome facie plena.	5	0	0
84.	Two.	no. 23. no. 24.	Caracallæ caput laureatum. Juliæ Domnæ, Severi uxoris, caput.	1	18	0
85.	Two.	no. 25. no. 26.	Laocoontes caput. Semiramidis, vel potius Musæ, caput cum pectore.	7	7	0
86.	Three.	no. 27.	Minervæ Alcidiæ caput galeatum; operis egregii, edit. var.	3	8	0
87.	Two.	no. 28. no. 29.	Phocionis caput. Jovis et Junonis capita jugata.	3	3	0
88.	Three.	no. 30. no. 31.	Veneris caput. Bacchæ caput var.	4	14	6
89.	Two.	no. 32. no. 33.	Hercules Bibax, stans. Bacchus, stans.	15	4	6
90.	Two.	no. 34. no. 35.	Faunus tigridis pelli insidens, cauda, &c. Athleta, stans, qui dextra manus trigelem, &c.	9	9	0
91.	Two.	no. 36. no. 37.	Mercurius stans. Mars, stans, armatus.	4	14	6
92.	Two.	no. 38. no. 39.	Miles de rupe descendens, eximii sculptoris Græci opus. Diomedes Palladio potitus cum Ulysse altercatione contendit.	7	0	0
93.	Two.	no. 40. no. 41.	Dei Marini natantes. Miles vulneratus a militibus duobus sustentatur.	5	10	0
94.	Two.	no. 42. no. 43.	Miles militi vulnerato opitulato. Mulier stolata cum virgine.	3	3	0
95.	Two.	no. 44. no. 45.	Faunus pelle caprina ex humeris pendente vestitus; pedem super suggestum ignotæ figuræ figit et infantem genu sustinet. Alexandri magni effigies.
96.	Two.	no. 46. no. 47.	Æneam Diomedes a saxo percussum conservat. Pompeiæ cujusdam ob victoriam partam descriptio.	8	18	0
97. 98.	Two.	no. 48. no. 49.	Amazon Amazonem morientem sustinet juxta equus. Fragmen Gemmæ Bacchi, &c.	6	16	6
99.	One.	no. 50.	Nuptiæ Psyches et Cupidonis, Rariss.	4	14	6
100.	One.	no. 50.	Ditto, Ditto, Rariss.	8	8	0
101.	One.	Frontispiece to second volume; Proof, before the inscription on the arms; very rare.		5	5	0
102. 103.	Two.	no. 1. no. 2.	Ptolomæus. Metrodorus.	1	10	0
104.	Two.	no. 3. no. 5.	Socrates et Plato. Sappho.	3	3	0
105.	Two.	no. 8. no. 9.	Ignotum caput Scyllacis opus. Ignotum caput.	2	0	0
106.	Two.	no. 11. no. 18.	Medusa. Hercules et Iole.	3	3	0
107.	Two.	no. 19. no. 20.	L. Junius Brutus. Annibal.	2	2	0
108.	Two.	no. 22. no. 25.	Mecænes. Drusus Tiberii filius.	1	18	0
109.	Two.	no. 31. no. 36.	Caput ignotum, Antonini forsan junioris. Equi.	2	2	0
110.	Two.	no. 38. no. 40.	Mercurii templum. Coronis.	3	3	0
111.	Two.	no. 41. no. 45.	Cupidonis. Faunus.	2	12	6
112.	Three.	no. 46. no. 48.	Omphale incedens. Biga, var.	3	13	5
113.	Two.	no. 50.	Silenus, tigris, &c. var.	3	0	0
114.	Two.	The vignette to the second volume; Proof, very fine, and etching, perhaps, unique.		7	10	0

For an interesting account of the engravings of the Devonshire Gems—the rival publication of those from the Marlborough collection—the reader may consult Mr. Beloe's Anecdotes of Literature and Scarce Books; vol. i. 182-6. The entire collection of Mr. Woodhouse's prints produced 3595l. 17s. 6d.

We will now make handsome mention of the Bibliotheca Woodhousiana. A Catalogue of the entire, elegant, and valuable Library of John Woodhouse, Esq., comprising a rich and extensive collection of books, &c. Sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, December, 1803. 8vo. The collection was rather choice and rich, than extensive: having only 861 articles. Some of the rarest editions in old English Literature were vigorously contended for by well-known collectors: nor did the Library want beautiful and useful works of a different description. The following specimens will enable the reader to form a pretty correct estimate of the general value of this collection.

no.		£	s.	d.
8.	Antonie (the Tragedie of) doone into English by the Countesse of Pembroke, R.M. g.l. Lond. 1595. 12mo.	5	5	0
24.	Barnabee's Journal, with Bessie Bell, First Edit. B.M. g.l. 1648. 12mo.	2	10	0
30.	Bastard's (Thomas) Chrestoleros, seven Bookes of Epigrammes, G.M. g.l. 1598. 12mo.	5	15	6
76.	Chaucer, by Tyrwhitt, with the Glossary, G.M. g.l. 5 vol. 1775. 8vo.	6	0	0
82.	Cokain's (Sir Aston) Poems and Plays, with head, R.M. g.l. 2 vol. 1662. 8vo.	4	0	0
97.	A Paire of Turtle Doves, or the History of Bellora and Fidelio, bl. l. 4to. see MS. note by Steevens, 1606.	5	5	0
160.	Burnet's History of his own Times, large paper, R.M. g.l. 2 vol. 1724. 4to.	5	15	6
198.	Dodsley's Collection of Old Plays, large paper, 12 vols. 1780. 8vo. Only six copies printed in this manner.	14	14	0
313.	Latham's General Synopsis of Birds, with Index, 9 vols. with reverse plates, elegantly painted by Miss Stone, now Mrs. Smith: R.M. g.m.l. 4to. 'N.B. Of the above set of books, there are only 6 copies.'	40	0	0
314.	Clarendon's History of the Rebellion, with his Life, large paper, 4 vols. boards, uncut, 1707, 1750, fol.	15	15	0
350.	Heath's Chronicle, frontispiece and heads, R.M. g.l. 1663. 2 vols. 8vo.	5	5	0
394.	Knight's Life of Colet, large paper; plates, elegant, in light brown calf, g.l.m. 1724, 8vo.	5	10	0
395.	Knight's Life of Erasmus, large paper, plates, elegant, in light brown calf, g.l.m. 1726, 8vo.	9	9	0
431.	Lewin's Birds of Great Britain, with the Eggs accurately figured, elegantly painted with back ground, 7 vols. in 3. A superb copy, in g.m. g.m.l. 1789, 4to.	28	7	0
473.	Martyn's Universal Conchologist; English Entomologist: and Aranei, or Natural History of Spiders, 4 vols. elegantly coloured. A superb copy, in R.M. g.m.l. 1789, 92, and 93, 4to.	33	12	0
490.	Harrison's Seven Triumphal Arches, in honor of James I., all the [seven] parts complete; curious and very rare, R.M. g.l. 1604. folio.	27	6	0
493.	Hearne and Bryne's Antiquities and Views in Great Britain, proof impressions, M. g.l. 1786, oblong folio.	16	0	0
586.	Skelton's (Mayster) Poems: Colyn Clout, Lond. by John Whygte. Whi come ye not to Courte; Lond. by John Whygte. Phillyp Sparow; Speak Parot; Death of the Noble Prynce, &c. See note. Lond. by John Kynge and Thomas Marshe. Merie Tales; unique, see note. Lond. by Thomas Colwell, 5 vol. bl. l. R.M. g.l. 12mo.	23	0	0
624.	Monument of Matrons, containing seven severall lamps of Virginitie, by Thomas Bentley; bl. l. R. 3 vols. 1582, 4to.	16	5	6
632.	Nychodemus Gospell, wood-cuts, bl. l. g.l. R.M. Lond. Wynkyn de Worde, 1511, 4to.	6	16	6
640.	Pennant's History of Quadrupeds, boards, uncut, large paper, proof plates, 1793, 4to.	6	6	0
692.	The late Expedition in Scotlande, made by the Kinges Hyhnys Armye, under the conduit of the Ryht Honourable the Earl of Hertforde, the yere of our Lorde God, 1544. bl. l. R.M. g.l. Lond. by Reynolde Wolfe, 1554, 8vo.	16	16	0
762.	Sommers's (Lord) Collection of scarce and valuable Tracts, 19 vols. R. g.l. 1748, 50, 51, 52, folio.	85	1	0
780.	Temple of Glas, bl. l. See notes by G. Mason. Wynkyn de Worde, no date, 4to.	8	8	0
795.	Tour (A) through the South of England, Wales, and part of Ireland, in 1791, large paper, proof plates, coloured, 1793. N.B. "Of the above book only six copies were printed."	8	8	0
806.	Vicar's England's Parliamentary Chronicle, R. g.l. complete, 4 parts, 3 vols. 1646, 4to.	12	0	0
829.	Speed's Theatre of Great Britain, maps, R. g.l. m.l. A remarkable fine copy, 1611.	11	11	0
836.	The Myrrour and Dyscrypcyon of the Worlde, with many Mervaylles, wood-cuts, B.M. g.l. Emprynted by me Lawrence Andrewe, 1527, folio.	26	0	0
837.	The Recuile of the Histories of Troie, translated into English by William Caxton, very fair, B.M. g.l. Imprynted at London by W. Copland, 1553, fol.	23	0	0
852.	The Myrroure of Golde for the Synfull Soule, bl. l. wood-cuts. Imprynted at Lond. in the Fleete-strete, at the sygne of the Sun, by Wynkyn de Worde, 1526, 4to.	12	1	6
856.	Barclay's (Alexander) Egloges, out of a Boke named in Latin, Miserie Curialium, compyled by Eneas Sylvius, Poete and Oratour, bl. l. woodcuts, five parts, and complete, G.M. Imprynted by Wynkyn de Worde, 4to.	25	0	0
859.	Holy Life and History of Saynt Werburge, very frutefull for all Christian People to rede. Poems, bl. l. G.M. Imp. by Richard Pynson, 1521, 4to.	31	10	0

Amount of the sale, 3135l. 4s.

[412] It did not, perhaps, suit Lysander's notions to make mention of book-sales to which no collectors' names were affixed; but, as it has been my office, during the whole of the above conversation, to sit in a corner and take notes of what our book-orator has said, as well to correct as to enlarge the narrative, I purpose, gentle reader, prefacing the account of the above noticed three collections by the following bibliomaniacal specimen: 'A Catalogue of a capital and truly valuable Library, the genuine property of a Gentleman of Fashion, highly distinguished for his fine taste,' &c.: sold by auction by Mr. Christie, May, 1800, 8vo. 326 articles: amount of the sale, 1828l. 18s.; being nearly 6l. an article. Now for the beloved specimens:

NO.		£	s.	d.
35.	Baptistæ Portæ de Humanâ Physiognomia, with wood-cuts. Hanoviæ, 1593, et Johannis Physiophili Opuscula. Aug. Vin. 1784, 8vo.	0	19	0
38.	Officium Beatæ Virginis. This unique Manuscript on vellum of the 14th century, is enriched with highly finished Miniature Paintings, and is one of the most perfect and best preserved missals known in England.	20	9	6
40.	A complete set of the Barbou Classics, 68 vols. elegantly bound in green (French) morocco, with gilt leaves, 8vo.	35	14	0
94.	Gesta et Vestigia Danorum extra Daniam, 3 v. large paper, with a portrait in satin of the Prince to whom it is dedicated, Lips: et Hafn: 1740, 4to. Black morocco, gilt leaves. N.B. 'It is supposed that the Rolliad was taken from this work.'	10	10	0
133.	Brittania, Lathmon, et villa Bromhamensis, poëmatia; Bodoni, Parma, 1792, red morocco, folio.	9	19	6
211.	Contes des Fées; Paris, 1781, 8vo. 4 vols. imprimée sur velin. This unique copy is ornamented with nineteen original drawings, and was made for the late Madame Royale: elegantly bound in blue morocco and enclosed in a morocco case.	35	14	0
237.	Memoires du Comte de Grammont. Edition printed for the Comte d'Artois. Par. 1781. 8vo. This beautiful small work, from the text of which Harding's edition was copied, is adorned with several high finished portraits in miniature, painted by a celebrated artist, and is elegantly bound in green morocco, with morocco case.	15	15	3
317.	L'antiquité Expliquée, par Montfaucon, with fine plates; large paper copy, 15 vol. red (French) morocco, with gilt leaves; and Monarchie Françoise, 5, v. l. p. correspondently bound, folio.	63	0	0
318.	Anacreontis Carmina, Gr. et Lat. from a MS. in the Vatican of the tenth century: with beautiful coloured miniatures by Piale, appropriate to each ode, in rich morocco binding. Romæ, 1781. folio.	56	14	0

Early in the year in which this collection was disposed of, the very beautiful choice, and truly desirable library of George Galway Mills, Esq. was sold by auction by Mr. Jeffery, in February, 1800. My copy of this well-executed catalogue is upon large paper; but it has not the prices subjoined. Meanwhile let the sharp-sighted bibliomaniac look at no. 28, 68, 85, 106, 181, 412, 438, only. Thus it will be seen that the year 1800 was most singularly distinguished for Book-Auction Bibliomaniacism!

We now proceed to notice the sales of the libraries of those bibliomaniacs above mentioned by Lysander. A catalogue of the very valuable Library of the late John Wilkes, Esq., M.P., &c., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, in November, 1802, 8vo.: 1478 articles. There are few articles, except the following deserving of being extracted.

NO.
139.	Bernier Theologie Portatif, Lond. 1768—Boulanger Recherches sur l'Origine du Despotisme Oriental, morocco, gilt leaves. Lond. 1763, 8vo. 'N.B. The "Recherches" were printed by Mr. Wilkes, at his own private printing press, in Great George Street, Westminster, in 1763.'
383.	Catullus, recensuit Johannes Wilkes; impress. in Membranis, red morocco, gilt leaves. Lond. ap. Nichols, 1788, 4to.
395.	Copies taken from the Records of the C. of K.B. 1763. "Note in this book—printed by P.C. Webe, one of the solicitors to the Treasury, never published," &c.
1441.	Theophrasti Characteres: Græce, Johannes Wilkes, recensuit. Impress. in Membranis, Lond. 1790, 4to.
1460.	Wilkes's History of England, no. i. 1768, 4to.

Next comes the account of the Library of that redoubted champion of ancient lore, and anti-Wartonian critic, Joseph Ritson. His books, upon the whole, brought very moderate sums. A Catalogue of the entire and curious Library and Manuscripts of the late Joseph Ritson, Esq., &c., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, December 5, 1803, 8vo.

NO.		£	s.	d.
521.	Skelton's (Maister) Workes, MS. notes, and lists of the different editions of Skelton's Works, and likewise of those never printed; and of these last, in whose possession many of them are, 1736, 8vo.	0	18	0
600.	Jeffrey of Monmouth's British History, by Thompson; a great number of MS. notes, on separate papers, by Mr. Ritson. Lond. 1718, 8vo.	1	5	0
950.	The Sevin Seages. Translatit out of Paris in Scottis meter, be Johne Rolland in Dalkeith, with one Moralitie after everie Doctouris Tale, and siclike after the Emprice Tale, togidder with one loving landaude to everie Doctour after his awin Tale, and one Exclamation and outcrying upon the Emprerouris Wife after his fals contrusit tale. Imprentit at Edinburgh, be Johne Ros, for Henrie Charteris, 1578, 4to. "Note in this book by Mr. Ritson; No other copy of this edition is known to exist, neither was it known to Ames, Herbert," &c. &c.	31	10	0
964.	A new Enterlude, never before this tyme imprinted, entreating of the Life and Repentance of Marie Magadelene, not only godlie, learned and fruitfull, but also well furnished with pleasant myrth and pastime, very delectable for those which shall heare or reade the same, made by the learned Charke Lewis Wager—printed 1567, MS.	1	11	6
985.	Bibliographia Scotica; Anecdotes biographical and literary of Scotish Writers, Historians, and Poets, from the Earliest account to the nineteenth century, in two parts, intended for publication.	45	3	0
986.	Shakspeare, by Johnson and Steevens, 8 vols. containing a great number of manuscript notes, corrections, &c. &c. together with 3 vols. of manuscript notes, by Mr. Ritson, prepared by him for the press, intending to publish it.	110	0	0

The year ensuing (of which Lysander has, very negligently, taken no notice) was distinguished for the sale of a collection of books, the like unto which had never been seen, since the days of the dispersion of the Parisian collection. The title of the auction catalogue was, in part, as follows: A Catalogue of a most splendid and valuable collection of Books, superb missals, original drawings, &c. the genuine property of a Gentleman of distinguished taste, retiring into the country, &c. Sold by auction by Mr. Christie, April, 1804, 8vo. 339 articles: total amount, 4640l.—being almost 14l. an article. I attended both days of this sale and the reader shall judge of my own satisfaction, by that which he must receive from a perusal of the following specimens of this Bibliotheca Splendidissima.

NO.		£	s.	d.
221.	A most complete set of Sir William Dugdale's Works, containing Monasticon Anglicanum, in 5 vols. 1655; Monasticon, vol. 1, editio secunda, 2 vols.; Monasticon, in English, with Steevens's Continuation, 3 vols.; Warwickshire, first edition; Warwickshire, second edition, by Thomas, 2 vols.; St. Paul's, first and second edition, 2 vols.; Baronage, 2 vols.; History of Imbanking, first and second editions, 2 vols.; Origines Juridiciales, third edition; View of the Troubles; Summons of the Nobility; Usage of Arms and office of Lord Chancellor. This fine set of Dugdale is elegantly bound in Russia leather in 23 volumes.	136	10	0
(Now worth 250l.)
222.	Biographia Britannica, 7 vols. 1747, folio. A matchless set illustrated with portraits, fine and rare, and elegantly bound in Russia leather.	99	15	0
223.	Homeri Ilias et Odyssea, 4 vols. Glasgow, 1756, fol. An unique copy, on large paper, illustrated with Flaxman's plates to the Iliad, and original drawings, by Miss Wilkes, to the Odyssey; superbly bound in blue Turkey.	39	18	0
225.	Milton's Poetical Works, large paper, Tonson, 1695. Milton's Historical Works, &c., by Birch, 2 vols. large paper, 1738, 3 vols. elegantly bound in Russia leather.	5	10	0
229.	Ogilby's Historical Works, containing Britannia, China, 2 vols. Japan, Asia, Africa, and America, with fine plates by Hollar, 7 vols. folio, fine copy in Russia.	18	18	0
234.	Lord Clarendon's History of the Grand Rebellion, 6 vols. folio, large paper, splendidly bound in morocco, 1702.	49	7	0
235.	Winwood's Memorials of Affairs of State, 3 vols. 1725. Large Paper, elegantly bound, and gilt leaves.	5	18	0
239.	Wood's Athenæ Oxonienses, 2 vols. best edition, 1721. A fine copy on Large Paper, elegantly bound in Russia, with gilt leaves, Fol.	7	17	6

From no. 292 to 307, inclusive (only 14 volumes), there was a set of "Painted Missals and curious manuscripts," which were sold for 724l. Among them, was Mr. John Towneley's matchless missal, decorated by the famous Francesco Veronese—"one of the finest productions of the kind ever imported from Italy:" see no. 296. For an account of the books printed upon vellum in this collection, see Part VI. Let us close this note with the Bibliotheca Boucheriana; of which such respectable mention is above justly made by Lysander. "A Catalogue of the very valuable and extensive Library of the late Rev. Jonathan Boucher, A.M., F.R.S., Vicar of Epsom, Surrey. Comprehending a fine and curious collection in Divinity, History, &c.: sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby; in February, 1806." First part, 6646 articles: Second part, 1933 articles: Third part, published in 1809: 857 articles. I attended many days during this sale; but such was the warm fire, directed especially towards divinity, kept up during nearly the whole of it, that it required a heavier weight of metal than I was able to bring into the field of battle to ensure any success in the contest. I cannot help adding that these catalogues are wretchedly printed.

[413] For the same reason as has been adduced at p. 427, ante, and from a strong wish to render this List of Book Auctions as perfect as my opportunities will allow, I shall persevere, at the foot of Lysander's narrative, in submitting to the attention of the curious reader a still further account of sales than those above alluded to in the text. As this will be the last note in Part V., I hope, however late the hour, or exhausted his patience, that the reader will also persevere to the close of it, and then wish the author "good night," along with his friends, whose salutations are above so dramatically described. At the very opening of the year in which Mr. Boucher's books were sold, the magnificent collection of the Marquis of Lansdowne was disposed of. I well remember the original destination of this numerous library: I well remember the long, beautiful, and classically ornamented room, in which, embellished and guarded by busts, and statues of gods and heroes, the books were ranged in quiet and unmolested order, adjoining to the noblest mansion in London. If the consideration of external, or out-of-door, objects be put out of the question, this Library-room had not its superior in Great Britain. Let us now come to particulars: "Bibliotheca Lansdowniana. A Catalogue of the entire Library of the late most noble William Marquis of Lansdowne; sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, &c. January, 1806." 8vo. The following is but a slender specimen of the printed books in the Lansdowne collection.

NO.		£	s.	d.
359.	Arthur Kynge (the story of the most noble and Worthy) the whiche was fyrst of the worthyes christen, and also of his noble and valyaunt knyghtes of the Round Table; newly imprynted and corrected, black letter, title-page emblazoned, Turkey. Imp. at Lond. by Wyllyam Coplande, 1557, folio. In the collection of Mr. Dent.	25	0	0
361.	Ashmole's (Elias) Institution, Laws, and Ceremonies of the Order of the Garter, plates by Hollar, L. Paper, green morocco, border of gold, gilt leaves, 1672, folio.	10	10	0
1384.	Chronica del Rey Don Alonso el Onzeno, Roy de Castilla, &c. Liter. Goth. Mar. verd. Volladolid. 1551, folio.	11	11	0
1385.	—— del Rey Don Pedro. D. Enrrique, y D. Juan, Pampl. 1591, folio.	5	15	6
1386.	—— des Reys de Portugal, D. Joanno I. D. Duarte, e D. Alfonso, Lisboa, 1543, folio.	4	2	0
2499.	Gazette, London, from the beginning, 1665 to 1722 inclusive, 73 vol. folio.	84	0	0
3438.	Leyes del Reyno, del Don Philippe II. Recopilacion de las, 2 tom. Alcala, 1581. folio.	1	5	0
3439.	—— de los Reynos de las Indias, del Don Carlos II. 2 tom. Madrid, 1681, folio.	3	10	0
4108.	Money; a very curious Collection of Single Sheets, &c., and with several MS. Memorandums and Papers on that Subject, bound in one volume.	10	10	0
5544.	Somers' (Lord) Tracts, 16 vol. Lond. 1748, 52.	63	0	0
5786.	Stuart's (James) Antiquities of Athens, plates, 3 vol. 1787, 94, folio.	16	16	0
5787.	Stukeley's (Wm.) Itinerary, cuts, Russia, 2 vol. in vol. 1, 1776, folio.	21	0	0
5916.	A very rare collection of Tracts, Documents, and Pamphlets, consisting of above 280 volumes, tending to illustrate the History of the French Revolution—together with more than 49 volumes relative to the transactions in the Low Countries, between the years 1787 and 1792, and their separation from the house of Austria:—amongst the above will be found the following works.

Des Etats Generaux, &c. Par. 1789.		18 vol.
Process Verbaux	de la première Assemblée,	75 vol.
Ditto	de la seconde	16 vol.
Ditto	de la Convocation	32 vol.

	Revolution Françoise, 20 vol. from 1790 to 1803, wanting vol. 1, 2, and 13.
	La Bastile Devoilée. Par. 1789.
	Sir James M'Intosh's Vindiciæ Gallicæ, and numerous pieces relative to the Constitution and Administration of the French Government, in its Executive, Legislative, Judicial, and Financial Departments, by Messrs. Mirabeau, Turgot, Barrere, Calonne, Necker, &c.	168	0	0

I should observe that the Prints or Engravings of the Marquis, together with the printed prices for which they, and the foregoing library, were sold, are usually added to the Catalogue of the Books. In the spring of 1807, the Manuscripts belonging to the same noble collector were catalogued to be sold by public auction. These manuscripts, in the preface of the first volume of the Catalogue, are said to 'form one of the noblest and most valuable private collections in the kingdom.' It is well known that the collection never came to the hammer; but was purchased by parliament for 6000l., and is deposited in the British Museum. A catalogue of it is now sub prelo; vide p. 89, ante. We are next to notice the sale by auction of the library of the late Rev. John Brand. The first part of this collection was disposed of in the Spring of 1807; and the catalogue had this title: Bibliotheca Brandiana. A Catalogue of the unique, scarce, rare, curious, and numerous collection of Works, &c., being the entire Library of the late Rev. John Brand, Fellow and Secretary of the Antiquarian Society, Author of the History of Newcastle, Popular Antiquities, &c. Sold by auction by Mr. Stewart, May, 1807. This first part contained 8611 articles, or lots, of printed books; exclusively of 243 lots of manuscripts. Hereafter followeth, gentle reader, some specimens, selected almost at random, of the 'unique, scarce, rare, and curious' books contained in the said library of this far-famed Secretary of the Society of Antiquaries.

NO.		£	s.	d.
67.	Ane Compendious Booke of Godly and Spiritual Songs, bl. lett. 8vo. Edinb. 1621.	4	4	0
69.	Academy of Pleasure, with portraits of Drayton, G. Withers, F. Quarles, and B. Jonson, Lon. 1656, 8vo.	2	17	6
109.	A Curtaine Lecture, rare and curious, frontispiece, Lond. 1637, 8vo.	0	15	0
110.	A Banquet of Jests, or Change of Cheare, with portrait of Archee, the King's jester. Rare. Lond. 1659, 8vo.	4	10	0
227.	Arnold's Chronicle of the Customs of London, a fine copy, perfect, printed by Pynson, fol. 1521.	18	18	0
241.	An Alvearie, or Quadruple Dictionarie, by Baret. Francof. fol. 1580.	3	5	0
242.	Dyalogue of Dives and Pauper, that is to say, the Rich and the Pore, fructuously tretyng upon the Ten Commandments, black-letter, printed by Pynson, fol. 1493.	4	3	0
272.	Allot's England's Parnassus, 8vo. 1600.	2	10	0
282.	A Booke of Fishing, with hooke and line, 1600, 8vo. A Booke of Engines and Traps to take Polcats, Buzzards, Rats, Mice, &c. cuts, very rare, [See p. 305, ante.]	3	3	0
283.	Archy's Dream, sometimes jester to his Majestie, but expelled the court by Canterbury's malice, very rare, 8vo.	1	13	0
337.	A new Dialogue between the Angell of God and Shepherdes in the Felde, black-letter. Pr. by Day, 8vo.	2	10	0
381.	A Dialogue betweene two Neighbours, concernyng Ceremonyes in the first year of Queen Mary, black-letter, with portrait of Mary, by Delarum, from Roane, by Michelwood, 1554, 8vo.	2	12	6
417.	A short Inuentory of certayne idle Inventions, black-letter, very rare.	2	15	0
418.	A Juniper Lecture, with the Description of all Sorts of Women, good and bad, very rare. Lond. 1639, 8vo.	1	16	0
454.	A Quip for an Upstart Courtier; or a Quaint Dispute betweene Velvet Breeches and Cloth Breeches, wherein is set Downe the Disorders in all Estates and Trades, with portraits. Lond. printed by G.P., 1620, 4to.	2	16	0
462.	Articles to be enquired into by various Bishops, &c., in their Visitations; upwards of one hundred; a very curious, scarce, and unique collection, 4to.	2	2	0
802.	Barbiere (John) the famous Game of Chesse Play, cuts, 1673. The most ancient and learned play, The Philosopher's Game, invented for the Honourable Recreation of the Studious, by W.F., black-letter, 1563, 4to.	2	4	0
1300.	A Plaister for a Galled Horse, very rare, 1548, 4to. [See Herbert's Ames, vol. i. 581: and p. 239; ante.]	3	17	6
1312.	A Counter Blaste to Tobacco. Lond. 1604, 4to.	0	17	0
1326.	Bentley's (Thos.) Monument of Matrons, containing seven severall Lamps of Virginitie, or Distinct Treatises, collated and perfect, a very fine copy, extremely rare and curious, imprinted at London, by Thomas Dawson, for William Seres, extremely rare, black-letter, 1582, 4to.	8	18	6
1334.	Bert (Edmund) an approved Treatise of Hawkes and Hunting. Lond. 1619, 4to.	1	10	0
1540.	Burton (Wm.) Seven Dialogues, black-letter. Lond. 1606. George Whetstone's Mirrour for Magistrates of cities, b.l., printed by Richard Jones, 1584, 4to.	3	13	6
1542.	Byshop's (John) beautifull Blossomes, black-letter, imprinted by Henrie Cockyn, 1577, 4to.	4	10	0
1754.	Characters (viz.) The Surfeit to A.B.C. Lond. 1656. Dr. Lupton's London and Country carbonadoed and quartered into Seuerall Characters, 1632. Essayes and Characters, by L.G., 1661, 8vo.	4	7	0
2069.	England's Jests refined and improved, 1660, 8vo.	2	14	0
2326.	Catharo's Diogenes in his Singularitie, wherein is comprehended his merrie Baighting fit for all men's benefits: christened by him a Nettle for Nice Noses, by L.T., black-letter, 1591, 4to.	2	10	0
3523.	Fages (Mrs.) Poems, Fames Roule, &c., rare, Lond. 1637, 4to.	5	15	6
7817.	Stukeley's (Wm.) Itinerarium Curiosum; 2 vols. in 1, Russia, folio.	14	14	0
8211.	The blazon of Jealousie, written in Italian, by Varchi. Lond. 1615, 8vo.	2	6	0
8223.	Tracts: Dial of Witches, 1603; Lancaster Witches, 1613; Trial of Yorkshire Witches, 1612; The Golden Fleece, 1626; Cage of Diabolical Possession, 4to.	2	8	0
8224.	The most strange and admirable Discoverie of the three witches of Warboys, arraigned, convicted, and executed at the last assizes at Huntington; for bewitching the five daughters of Robert Throckmorton, Esq., and divers other persons, with sundrie devilish and grievous torments; and also for bewitching to death the Lady Crumwell. Extra rare, 4to.	4	0	0
8230.	Witches apprehended, examined, and executed for notable villanies, by them committed both by land and water, with a strange and most true triall how to know whether a woman be a witch or not: with the plate. Extra rare, 4to.	3	5	0
8269.	The Pleasure of Princes, the Art of Angling, together with the Ordering and Dieting of the Fighting Cocke, 1635, 4to.	2	5	0
8296.	The Knyght of the Toure; a perfect and fine specimen of the father of English Printers, 1484, folio. The reader (if he pleases) may consult my first volume, p. 202, of the Typographical Antiquities of Great Britain, for some account of this edition.	111	6	0

My copy of this first part of the Catalogue of Brand's books is upon large paper, with the prices inserted in the margin. The second part of the Bibliotheca Brandiana, containing duplicates and Pamphlets, was sold in February, 1808, by Mr. Stewart. There were 4064 articles. Few collections attracted greater attention before, and during, the sale than did the library of the late Mr. Isaac Reed: a critic and literary character of very respectable second-rate reputation. The public Journals teemed, for a time, with book-anecdotes concerning this collection; and the Athenæum, Monthly Mirror, Censura Literaria, European Magazine, struck out a more bold outline of the Bibliotheca Reediana than did the generality of their fellow Journals. Reed's portrait is prefixed to the European Magazine, the Monthly Mirror, and the Catalogue of his own Books: it is an indifferently stippled scraping, copied from a fine mellow mezzotint, from the characteristic pencil of Romney. This latter is a private plate, and, as such, is rare. To return to the Library. The preface to the Catalogue was written by the Rev. H.J. Todd. It is brief, judicious, and impressive; giving abundant proof of the bibliomaniacal spirit of the owner of the library—who would appear to have adopted the cobler's well-known example of applying one room to almost every domestic purpose: for Reed made his library 'his parlour, kitchen, and hall.' A brave and enviable spirit this!—and, in truth, what is comparable with it? But the reader is beginning to wax impatient for a more particular account. Here it is: Bibliotheca Reediana. A Catalogue of the curious and extensive Library of the late Isaac Reed, Esq., of Staple Inn, deceased. Comprehending a most extraordinary collection of books in English Literature, &c.: sold by auction, by Messrs. King and Lochée: November, 1807, 8vo. The following specimens of some of Reed's scarce volumes are copied, in part, from the account which was inserted in the Athenæum, vol. iii., pp. 61, 157, under the extraordinary signatures of W. Caxton and W. de Worde.

NO.		£	s.	d.
5867.	A Portfolio of single-sheet Ballads.	15	15	0
6661.	Colman (W.) Death's Duel, 8vo., frontispiece.	7	15	0
6685.	Barnefield's Affectionate Shepherd, very rare, 4to. 1594.	15	10	0
6713.	A musical Concort of Heavenly Harmonie, called Churchyard's charitie. See MS. notes in Churchyard's Pieces, by Steevens, Reed, &c., 1595, 4to.	8	15	0
6714.	Churchyard's lamentable and pitiable Description of the woeful Warres in Flanders, 1578, 4to.	4	19	0
6715.	—— a true Discourse of the succeeding Governors in the Netherlands, and the Civil Warres there begun in 1565, 4to.
6716.	—— a light Bundle of Lively Discourses, called Churchyard's Charge, presented as a New Year's Gift to the Earl of Savoy, 1589, 4to.	11	5	0
6717.	—— Challenge, b.l., 1580, with a copious Manuscript account of his works, by J. Reed, and a small octavo Tract, called A Discourse of Rebellion, 1570, 4to.	17	10	0
6755.	Gascoigne (George) whole workes, fine copy in Russia, 4to., b.l., 1567.	15	5	0
6777.	Cynthia, with certain Sonnets, rare, 1595, 8vo.	12	5	0
7479.	Whetstone (George) Mirror of true Honor, and Christain Nobilitie, exposing the Life, Death, and Divine Vertues of Francis Earl of Bedford, b.l., 1585, 4to.	7	0	0
7705.	Beaumont and Fletcher's Philaster; or Love lies a bleeding, frontispiece, 4to., 1620.	24	0	0
8536.	Shakspeariana, a Large Assemblage of Tracts by various authors, relative to Shakspeare, neatly bound in 9 vols. 8vo.	23	0	0
8561.	Stillingfleet (Benj.) Plays, never either finished or published. The only copy ever seen by Mr. Reed.	3	13	6
8676.	A volume of unpublished and unprinted Fables, by John Ellis, scrivener and translator of Maphaeus. Note by Mr. Reed: 'It was given to me by Mr. John Sewell, bookseller, to whom Mr. Ellis bequeathed his Manuscripts. See my account of Mr. Ellis in the European Magazine, Jan. 1792: large 4to.' The volume is enriched with fine engravings, appropriate to each Fable.	6	0	0
8833.	Notitia Dramatica, both printed and manuscript; containing a Chronological Account of the chief Incidents relating to the English Theatres, from Nov. 1734, to 31st Dec. 1785. "Collected from various sources, but chiefly the Public Advertisers, which were lent me by Mr. Woodfall for the purpose. This volume contains the most material facts relating to the Theatres for the last fifty years, and will be useful to any person who may wish to compile a History of the Stage." Isaac Reed, Staple's Inn, Aug. 6. 1784.	41	0	0

Of this Catalogue, there are only twelve copies printed upon large paper; which were all distributed previous to the sale of the books. The common paper copies are very indifferently executed. The late Mr. George Baker had the completest l.p. copy of this catalogue in existence. Before we proceed to give an account of subsequent book-sales, it may be as well to pause for a few minutes—and to take a retrospective view of the busy scene which has been, in part, described: or rather, it may be no incurious thing to lay before the reader for a future century (when the ashes of the author shall have long mouldered into their native dust) a statement of the principal book-sales which took place from November, 1806, to November, 1807—at Messrs. Leigh and Sotheby's King and Lochée's, and Mr. Stewart's. The minor ones carried on under Covent-Garden Piazza, Tom's Coffee-house, &c., are not necessary to be noticed. In calculating the number of volumes, I have considered one article, or lot, with the other, to comprehend three volumes. The result is as follows.

Book-Sales by Messrs. Leigh and Sotheby.

	Volumes.
Rev. Edward Bowerbank's library.	2200
Earl of Halifax's	2000
Mr. John Voigt's	6000
Sutton Sharpe's, Esq.	4000
George Mason's, ditto	3800
Mr. Burdon's	14000
Charles Bedford's, Esq.	3500
Rev. Charles Bathurst's	3000
Sir John Sebright's, Bt. (duplicates).	3300
Bishop Horsley's	4400
Mr. E. Edward's	1100
Lieut. Col. Thos. Velley's	2200
Four miscellaneous	6000
	55,500

Book-Sales by King and Lochée.

R. Foster's, Esq. library	5000
Dr. John Millar's	3500
Mr. C. Martin's	1000
Mr. Daniel Waldron's	1200
Rev. Thomas Towle's	3000
Mr. Brice Lambert's	2000
C. Dilly's	3000
Isaac Reed's	30000
Six miscellaneous	8400
	57,100

Book-Sales by Mr. Stewart.

Mr. Law's library	4000
Lord Thurlow's	3000
Mr. William Bryant's	4500
Rev. W.W. Fitzthomas's	2000
Rev. John Brand's	17000
George Stubbs, Esq.	1800
Three miscellaneous	4300
	36,600

TOTAL

Sold by	Messrs. Leigh and Sotheby	55500
	Messrs. King and Lochée	57100
	Mr. Stewart	36600
		149,200

Such has been the circulation of books, within the foregoing period, by the hands of three Auctioneers only; and the prices which a great number of useful articles brought is a sufficient demonstration that books are esteemed for their intrinsic value, as well as for the adventitious circumstances which render them rare or curious. But prosterity are not to judge of the prevalence of knowledge in these times by the criterion of, what are technically called, book-sales only. They should be told that, within the same twelve months, thousands and tens of thousands of books of all sorts have been circulated by the London Booksellers; and that, without travelling to know the number disposed of at Bristol, Liverpool, York, Manchester, or Exeter, it may be only necessary to state that one distinguished House alone, established not quite a furlong from the railings of St. Paul's Cathedral, sold not far short of two hundred thousand volumes within the foregoing period! If learning continue thus to thrive, and books to be considered as necessary furniture to an apartment; if wealthy merchants are resolved upon procuring Large Paper copies, as well as Indian spices and Russian furs; we may hail, in anticipation, that glorious period when the book-fairs of Leipsic shall be forgotten in the superior splendour of those of London! But to return to our chronological order: The ensuing year, 1808, was distinguished for no small mischief excited in the bibliomaniacal world by the sales of many curious and detached libraries. The second part of Mr. Brand's collection which was sold in the spring of this year, has been already noticed. The close of the year witnessed the sales, by auction, of the books of Samuel Ewer, Esq. (retiring into the country), and of Mr. Machel Stace, bookseller. The former collection was very strong in bibliography; and the latter presented a singularly valuable 'Collection of rare and select' books, relating to old English Literature elegantly bound: containing 2607 articles. Mr. Stace had published, the preceding year, 'A Catalogue of curious and scarce Books and Tracts:' which, with the preceding, merit a snug place upon the bibliographer's shelf. We now enter upon a more busy year of sales of books by auction. The Bibliomania had only increased by the preceding displays of precious and magnificent volumes. And first came on, in magnitude and inportance, the sales of Alexander Dalrymple and Professor Porson. Of these in turn. A Catalogue of the extensive and valuable Library of Books: Part I. Late the property of Alex. Dalrymple, Esq. F.R.S., deceased. Hydrographer to the Board of Admiralty, and the Hon. East India Company, &c., sold by auction by King and Lochée, May 29, 1809, 8vo.—7190 articles: A Catalogue, &c., Part II. of the same: sold by auction by the same: Nov. 1809.—8897 articles. I should add that there is a stippled engraving of Dalrymple, with fac-simile of his hand-writing, which faces the title page to Part First of this extraordinary and numerous collection; of books of Geography, Voyages, and Travels. I strongly recommend copies of these catalogues to be in every library of extent and utility. We are now to notice: A Catalogue of Part of the Library of the late Richard Porson, A.M., Greek Professor of the University of Cambridge, &c.: sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, June 16th, 1809, 8vo.—1391 articles: amount of the books, 1254l. 18s. 6d. The subjoined is rather a rich, though brief, specimen of some of the valuable books contained in the library of this profound Greek scholar; in whom the acuteness of Bentley, and the erudition of Hemsterhusius, were more than revived.

NO.		£	s.	d.
116.	Biblia Græca, et Novum Testamentum Græce, lectionibus D.J.J. Griesbach, 2 vols., boards, uncut, MS. notes at the beginning of each vol. Hal. Sax. 1796-1806, 8vo.	8	15	0
	The notes amounted to the correction of 9 typographical errors and 1 addition to a note of Griesbach's, consisting of authorities he ought to have added.
182.	Athenæus, Gr. Lat., cum animadversionibus I. Casauboni, 2 vols., MS. notes, Lugduni, 1612, folio.	7	10	0
330.	Chariton de Amor. Chaeræ et Callirrhoe, Gr. Lat. cum animadversionibus, J.P. d'Orville—Amst. 1750, 4to.	2	5	0
	Porson's note in the beginning. 'Opus plenum eruditionis, judicii et sagacitatis non item.'
559.	Homeri Ilias et Odyssea (the Grenville edition) boards, uncut, with the original portrait. Oxoniæ, 4to., large paper: 4 vols.	87	3	0
601.	Eustathius in Homerum, 4 vols., morocco, gilt leaves, Par. 1550, fol.	55	0	0
1078.	Shakspeare's (William) Plays by Johnson and Steevens, 15 vols., boards, uncut, 1793, 8vo.	12	15	0

Anecdotes and Memoirs of Richard Porson are strewn, like spring flowers in an extensive pasture, in almost every newspaper, magazine, and journal. Among the latter, there is an interesting one by Dr. Adam Clarke in the Classical Journal, no. iv., p. 720. The hand-writing of Porson is a theme of general admiration, and justly so; but his Greek characters have always struck me as being more stiff and cramped than his Roman and Italic. I well remember when he shewed me, and expatiated eloquently upon, the famous MS. of Plato, of the 10th century. Poor Fillingham was of the party. Little did I then expect that three years only would deprive the world of its great classical ornament, and myself of a well-informed and gentle-hearted friend! We will now close our account of the book-ravages in the year 1809, by noticing the dispersion of a few minor corps of bibliomaniacal troops, in the shape of printed volumes. Bibliotheca Maddisoniana: A Catalogue of the extensive and valuable library of the late John Maddison, Esq., of the foreign department in the Post Office, &c.: sold by auction by King and Lochée, March, 1809, 8vo. A judicious and elegant collection. 5239 articles. ii. A Catalogue of a curious, valuable, and rare collection of Books in Typography, History, Voyages, Early English Poetvy, Romances, Classics, &c.: the property of a Collector well known for his literary taste, &c. Sold by auction by Mr. Stewart, April, 1809, 8vo. Some curious volumes were in these 1858 articles or lots. iii. A Catalogue of the very valuable and elegant Library of Emperor John Alexander Woodford, Esq., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, May, 1809, 8vo.—1773 articles. This was a sumptuous collection; and the books, in general, brought large prices, from being sharply contended for. iv. A Catalogue of the interesting and curious historical and biographical part of the Library of a Gentleman, particularly interesting, during the reign of Elizabeth, the grand rebellion, the usurpation, restoration, and abdication, &c., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, in May, 1809, 8vo. Only 806 articles; but a singularly curious and elegant collection; the catalogue of which I strongly recommend to all 'curious, prying, and inquisitive' bibliomaniacs. The first half of the ensuing year, 1810, was yet more distinguished for the zeal and energy—shall I say madness?—displayed at Book-Auctions. The sale of Mr. Gough's books excited an unusual ferment among English antiquaries: but the sale of a more extensive, and truly beautifully classical, collection in Pall Mall, excited still stronger sensations. As the prices for some of the articles sold in the Gough collection have already been printed in the Gentleman's Magazine, vol. lxxx., pt. ii., and as those for which some of the latter collection were sold, appeared in the 4th number of The Classical Journal, it only remains for me to subjoin the following account. i. A Catalogue of the entire and valuable Library (with the exception of the department of Topography, bequeathed to the Bodleian Library) of that eminent antiquary, Richard Gough, Esq., deceased, &c., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, April, 1810, 8vo.—4082 articles. The Manuscripts conclude the catalogue, at no. 4373. Prefixed to the printed books, there is an account of the collector, Mr. Gough, executed by the faithful pen of Mr. Nichols. My own humble opinion of this celebrated antiquary has already been before the public: Typog. Antiquit., vol. i., 21. ii. A Catalogue of books containing all the rare, useful, and valuable publications in every department of Literature, from the first invention of Printing to the present time, all of which are in the most perfect condition, &c.: sold by auction by Mr. Jeffery, May, 1810, 8vo.—4809 articles. Another Catalogue of the same collection, elegantly printed in royal octavo, but omitting the auctioneer's notices of the relative value of certain editions, was published by Mr. Constable of Edinburgh, bookseller: with the prices and purchasers' names subjoined: and of which it is said only 250 copies are printed. The Rev. Mr. Heath is reported to have been the owner of this truly select and sumptuous classical library: the sale of which produced 9000l. Never did the bibliomaniac's eye alight upon 'sweeter copies'—as the phrase is; and never did the bibliomaniacal barometer rise higher than at this sale! The most marked phrensy characterized it. A copy of the Editio Princeps of Homer (by no means a first-rate one) brought 92l.: and all the Aldine Classics produced such an electricity of sensation that buyers stuck at nothing to embrace them! Do not let it hence be said that black-letter lore is the only fashionable pursuit of the present age of book-collectors. This sale may be hailed as the omen of better and brighter prospects in Literature in general: and many a useful philological work, although printed in the Latin or Italian language—and which had been sleeping, unmolested, upon a bookseller's shelf these dozen years—will now start up from its slumber, and walk abroad in a new atmosphere, and be noticed and 'made much of.'

Here I terminate my annotation labours relating to anecdotes of Book-Collectors, and accounts of Book-Auctions. Unless I am greatly deceived, these labours have not been thrown away. They may serve, as well to awaken curiosity in regard to yet further interesting memoranda respecting scholars, as to shew the progressive value of books, and the increase of the disease called the Bibliomania. Some of the most curious volumes in English literature have in these notes, been duly recorded; nor can I conclude such a laborious, though humble, task, without indulging a fond hope that this account will be consulted by all those who make book-collecting their amusement. But it is now time to rise up, with the company described in the text, and to put on my hat and great-coat. So I make my bow, wishing, with L'Envoy at the close of Marmion,

To all, to each, a fair good night, And pleasing dreams, and slumbers light.