Chapter IV: Part I: The Evening Walk (3)

2. _Twenty Plays of Shakespeare_ published by Steevens from
the old quarto editions, 1766, 8vo. 6 vols. Of this edition
there were only twelve copies struck off on large paper. See
Bibl. Steevens, No. 1312.

3. _Dodsley's Collection of Old Plays_, 1780, 8vo., 12 vols.
only six copies printed on large paper. See Bibl. Woodhouse,
No. 198.

4. _The Grenville Homer._ Græce, 1800. 4to. 4 vols. Fifty
copies with plates were struck off on large paper, in royal
quarto. A copy of this kind was purchased at a sale in 1804,
for £99 15s.

5. _Sandford's Genealogical History_, etc. 1707, fol. Mr.
Arch of Cornhill purchased a copy of this work on large
paper, at the late sale of Baron Smyth's books, for £46. If
the largest paper of Clarke's Cæsar be excepted, this is the
highest priced single volume on large paper, that I just now
recollect.

6. _Hearne's Works_ on large paper.

Something relating to Hearne will be found in the note at
page 7 ante. Here it will be only necessary to observe that
the Hernëan rage for Large Paper is quite of recent growth,
but it promises to be giant-like. When the duplicates of a
part of Mr. Woodhull's library, in 1803, were sold, there
was a fine set of copies of this kind; but the prices,
comparatively with those now offered, were extremely
moderate. Mr. Otridge, the bookseller, told me an amusing
story of his going down to Liverpool, many years ago, and
accidentally purchasing from the library of the late Sir
Thomas Hanmer, a _magnificent set of Large Paper Hearnes_
for about 40 Guineas. Many of these are now in the choice
library of his Grace the Duke of Grafton. The copies were
catalogued as _small_ paper. Was there ever a more provoking
blunder?!]

This[50] symptom of the Bibliomania is, at the present day, both general and violent, and threatens to extend still more widely. Even modern publications are not exempt from its calamitous influence; and when Mr. Miller, the bookseller, told me with what eagerness the large paper copies of Lord Valentia's Travels were bespoke, and Mr. Evans shewed me that every similar copy of his new edition of "Burnett's History of his own Times" was disposed of, I could not help elevating my eyes and hands, in token of commiseration at the prevalence of this Symptom of the BIBLIOMANIA!

[Footnote 50: Analogous to Large Paper Copies are _tall
Copies_; that is, copies of the work published on the
ordinary size paper and not much cut down by the binder. The
want of _margin_ is a serious grievance complained of by
book-collectors; and when there is a contest of
margin-measuring, with books never professedly published on
large paper, the anxiety of each party to have the largest
copy is better conceived than described! How carefully, and
how adroitly, are the golden and silver rules then
exercised!]

II. _Uncut Copies._ Of all the symptoms of the Bibliomania, this is probably the most extraordinary. It may be defined as a passion to possess books of which the edges have never been sheared by the binder's tools. And here, my dear Sir, I find myself walking upon doubtful ground;--your UNCUT HEARNES rise up in "rough majesty" before me, and almost "push me from my stool." Indeed, when I look around in my book-lined tub, I cannot but be conscious that this symptom of the disorder has reached my own threshold; but when it is known that a few of my bibliographical books are left with the edges uncut _merely to please my friends_ (as one must sometimes study their tastes and appetites as well as one's own), I trust that no very serious conclusions will be drawn about the probable fatality of my own case. As to uncut copies, although their inconvenience [an uncut lexicon to wit!] and deformity must be acknowledged, and although a rational man can want for nothing better than a book _once well bound_, yet we find that the extraordinary passion for collecting them not only obtains with full force, but is attended with very serious consequences to those "qui n'ont point des pistoles" (to borrow the language of Clement; vol. vi. p. 36). I dare say an uncut _first Shakspeare_, as well as an uncut _first Homer_[51] would produce a little annuity!

[Footnote 51: "Un superbe exemplaire de cette édition
_princeps_ a été vendu, chez M. de Cotte, en 1804, la somme
de 3601 livres; mais il faut ajouter que cet exemplaire
très-precieux est de la plus belle conservation; on dirait
qu'il sort dessous presse. De plus, il est peut-être
_l'unique dont les marges n'ont pas été rognées ni
coupées_!"

Peignot's _Curiosités Bibliographiques_, lxv-vi.]

III. _Illustrated Copies._ A passion for books illustrated or adorned with numerous prints, representing characters or circumstances mentioned in the work, is a very general and violent symptom of the Bibliomania, which has been known chiefly within the last half century. The origin, or first appearance, of this symptom has been traced by some to the publication of Granger's "Biographical History of England;" but whoever will be at the pains of reading the preface of this work will see that Granger sheltered himself under the authorities of Evelyn, Ashmole, and others; and that he alone is not to be considered as responsible for all the mischief which this passion for collecting prints has occasioned. Granger, however, was the first who introduced it in the form of a treatise, and surely "in an evil hour" was this treatise published--although its amiable author must be acquitted of "malice prepense." His History of England[52] seems to have sounded the tocsin for a general rummage after, and slaughter of, old prints: venerable philosophers and veteran heroes, who had long reposed in unmolested dignity within the magnificent folio volumes which recorded their achievements, were instantly dragged from their peaceful abodes to be inlaid by the side of some spruce, modern engraving, within an ILLUSTRATED GRANGER! Nor did the madness stop here. Illustration was the order of the day; and Shakspeare[53] and Clarendon[54] became the next objects of its attack. From these it has glanced off in a variety of directions, to adorn the pages of humbler wights; and the passion, or rather this symptom of the Bibliomania,[55] yet rages with undiminished force. If judiciously[56] treated, it is, of all the symptoms, the least liable to mischief. To possess a series of well executed portraits of illustrious men, at different periods of their lives, from blooming boyhood to phlegmatic old age, is sufficiently amusing[57]; but to possess _every_ portrait, _bad, indifferent, and unlike_, betrays such a dangerous and alarming symptom as to render the case almost incurable!

[Footnote 52: It was first published in two quarto volumes,
1766; and went through several editions in octavo. The last
is, I believe, of the date of 1804; to which three
additional volumes were published by William Noble, in 1806;
the whole seven volumes form what is called an excellent
library work.]

[Footnote 53: About two or three years ago there was an
extraordinary set of prints disposed of, for the
illustration of Shakspeare, collected by a gentleman in
Cornwall, with considerable taste and judgment. Lord
Spencer's beautiful octavo illustrated Shakespeare,
bequeathed to him by the late Mr. Steevens, has been
enriched, since it came into the library of its present
noble possessor, with many a rare and many a beauteous
specimen of the graphic art.]

[Footnote 54: I have heard of an illustrated Clarendon
(which was recently in the metropolis), that has been valued
at 5000 Guineas! "a good round sum!"]

[Footnote 55: One of the most striking and splendid
instances of the present rage for illustration may be seen
in Mr. Miller's own copy of the Historical Work of Mr. Fox,
in two volumes, imperial quarto. Exclusively of a great
variety of Portraits, it is enriched with the original
drawing of Mr. Fox's bust from which the print, attached to
the publication, is taken; and has also many original notes
and letters by its illustrious author. Mr. Walter Scott's
edition of Dryden has also received, by the same publisher,
a similar illustration. It is on large paper, and most
splendidly bound in blue morocco, containing upwards of 650
portraits.]

[Footnote 56: The fine copy of Granger, illustrated by the
late Mr. Bull, is now in the library of the Marquis of Bute,
at Lutton. It extends to 37 atlas folio volumes, and is a
repository of almost every rare and beautiful print, which
the diligence of its late, and the skill, taste, and
connoisseurship of its present, noble owner have brought
together.]

[Footnote 57: In the Memoirs of Mr. Thomas Hollis there is a
series of the portraits of Milton (not executed in the best
manner) done in this way; and a like series of Pope's
portraits accompanies the recent edition of the poet's works
by the Rev. W.L. Bowles.]

There is another mode of illustrating copies by which this symptom of the Bibliomania may be known: it consists in bringing together, from different works, [by means of the scissors, or otherwise by transcription] every page or paragraph which has any connection with the character or subject under discussion. This is a useful and entertaining mode of illustrating a favourite author; and copies of works of this nature, when executed by skilful[58] hands, should be preserved in public repositories. I almost ridiculed the idea of an ILLUSTRATED CHATTERTON, in this way, till I saw Mr. Haslewood's copy, in twenty-one volumes, which rivetted me to my seat!

[Footnote 58: Numerous are the instances of the peculiar use
and value of copies of this kind, especially to those who
are engaged in publication, of a similar nature. Oldys's
interleaved Langbaine is re-echoed in almost every recent
work connected with the belles-lettres of our country. Oldys
himself was unrivalled in this method of illustration; if,
besides his Langbaine, his copy of 'Fuller's Worthies' [once
Mrs. Steevens's, now Mr. Malone's, See Bibl. Steevens,
no. 1799] be alone considered! This Oldys was the oddest
mortal that ever scribbled for bread. Grose, in his _Olio_,
gives an amusing account of his having "a number of small
parchment bags inscribed with the names of the persons whose
lives he intended to write; into which he put every
circumstance and anecdote he could collect, and thence drew
up his history." See Noble's _College of Arms_, p. 420.

Of illustrated copies in this way, the Suidas of Kuster,
belonging to the famous D'Orville, is a memorable instance.
This is now in the Bodleian library. I should suppose that
one Narcissus Luttrell, in Charles the Second's reign, had a
number of like illustrated copies. His collection of
contemporaneous literature must have been immense, as we may
conclude from the account of it in Mr. Walter Scott's
Preface to his recent edition of Dryden's works. Luckily for
this brilliant poet and editor, a part of Luttrell's
collection had found its way into the libraries of Mr.
Bindley and Mr. Heber, and thence was doomed to shine, with
renewed lustre, by the side of the poetry of Dryden.]

IV. _Unique Copies._ A passion for a book which has any peculiarity about it, by either, or both, of the foregoing methods of illustration--or which is remarkable for its size, beauty, and condition--is indicative of a rage for _unique copies_, and is unquestionably a strong prevailing symptom of the Bibliomania. Let me therefore urge every sober and cautious collector not to be fascinated by the terms "_Matchless, and Unique_;" which, "in slim Italicks" (to copy Dr. Ferriar's happy expression) are studiously introduced into Bookseller's catalogues to lead the unwary astray. Such a Collector may fancy himself proof against the temptation; and will, in consequence, _call only to look at_ this unique book, or set of books; but, when he views the morocco binding, silk water-tabby lining, blazing gilt edges--when he turns over the white and spotless leaves--gazes on the amplitude of margin--on a rare and lovely print introduced--and is charmed with the soft and coaxing manner in which, by the skill of Herring or Mackinlay,[59] "leaf succeeds to leaf"--he can no longer bear up against the temptation--and, confessing himself vanquished, purchases, and retreats--exclaiming with Virgil's shepherd--

Ut vidi, ut perii--ut me malus abstulit error!

[Footnote 59: At page 8, note--the reader has been led to
expect a few remarks upon the luxuriancy of modern
book-binding. Mr. Roscoe, in his Lorenzo de Medici, vol.
ii., p. 79., edit. 8vo., has defended the art with so much
skill that nothing further need be said in commendation of
it. Admitting every degree of merit to our present
fashionable binders, and frankly allowing them the
superiority over De Rome, Padaloup, and the old school of
binding, I cannot but wish to see revived those beautiful
portraits, arabesque borders, and sharp angular ornaments,
that are often found on the outsides of books bound in the
16th century, with calf leather, upon oaken boards. These
brilliant decorations almost make us forget the ivory
crucifix, guarded with silver doors, which is frequently
introduced in the interior of the sides of the binding. Few
things are more gratifying to a genuine collector than a
fine copy of a book in its _original binding_!]

V. _Copies printed on vellum._ A desire for works printed in this manner is an equally strong and general symptom of the Bibliomania; but as these works are rarely to be obtained of modern[60] date, the collector is obliged to have recourse to specimens, executed three centuries ago, in the printing-offices of Aldus, Verard, and the Juntæ. Although the Bibliothéque Imperiale, at Paris, and the library of Count Macarty, at Toulouse, are said to contain the greatest number of books printed upon vellum, yet, those who have been fortunate enough to see copies of this kind in the libraries of his Majesty, the Duke of Marlborough, Earl Spencer, Mr. Johnes, and the late Mr. Cracherode (now in the British Museum), need not travel on the Continent for the sake of being convinced of their exquisite beauty and splendour. Mr. Edward's _unique_ copy (he will forgive the epithet) of the first Livy, upon vellum, is a Library of itself!--and the recent discovery of a vellum copy of Wynkyn De Worde's reprint of _Juliana Barnes's book_,[61] complete in every respect, [to say nothing of his Majesty's similar copy of Caxton's _Doctrinal of Sapience_, 1489, in the finest preservation] are, to be sure, sufficient demonstrations of the prevalence of this symptom of the Bibliomania in the times of our forefathers; so that it cannot be said, as some have asserted, to have appeared entirely within the last half century.

[Footnote 60: The modern books, printed upon vellum, have in
general not succeeded; whether from the art of preparing the
vellum, or of printing upon it, being lost I will not
presume to determine. The reader may be amused with the
following prices for which a few works, executed in this
manner, were sold in the year 1804:

NO. £ _s._ _d._

250. Virgilii Opera, 1789, 4to. 33 12 0
251. Somervile's Chase, 1796, 4to. 15 4 6
252. Poems by Goldsmith and Parnell, 1795, 4to. 15 15 0
253. The Gardens, by Abbé Delille, 1798, 4to. 14 3 6
254. Castle of Otranto, printed by Bodoni, 1791, 4to. 13 2 6
260. La Guirlande Julie, 1784, 8vo. 37 17 6
263. Economy of Human Life, 1795, 8vo. 15 15 0

See "_Catalogue of a most splendid and valuable Collection
of Books, Superb Missals, &c._," sold by Mr. Christie, on
April 24, 1804. But the reader should procure the Catalogue
of Mr. Paris's Books, sold in the year 1790, which, for the
number of articles, is unrivalled. The eye is struck, in
every page, with the most sumptuous copies on VELLUM, AND
LARGE PAPER.]

[Footnote 61: See page 5, ante, for some account of this
curious work.]

VI. _First Editions._ From the time of Ancillon[62] to Askew, there has been a very strong desire expressed for the possession of original or first published editions of works, as they are in general superintended and corrected by the author himself; and, like the first impressions of prints, are considered more valuable. Whoever is possessed with a passion for collecting books of this kind may unquestionably be said to exhibit a strong symptom of the Bibliomania; but such a case is not quite hopeless, nor is it deserving of severe treatment or censure. All bibliographers have dwelt on the importance of these editions, for the sake of collation with subsequent ones, and detecting, as is frequently the case, the carelessness displayed by future[63] editors. Of such importance is the _first edition of Shakspeare_[64] considered, that a fac-simile reprint of it has been published with success. In regard to the Greek and Latin Classics, the possession of these original editions is of the first consequence to editors who are anxious to republish the legitimate text of an author. Wakefield, I believe always regretted that the first edition of Lucretius had not been earlier inspected by him. When he began _his_ edition, the Editio Princeps was not (as I have understood) in the library of Earl Spencer--the storehouse of almost every thing that is exquisite and rare in ancient classical literature!

[Footnote 62: There is a curious and amusing article in
Bayle [English edition, vol. i., 672, &c.] about the elder
ANCILLON, who frankly confessed that he "was troubled with
the BIBLIOMANIA, or disease of buying books." Mr. D'Israeli
says "that he always purchased _first editions_, and never
waited for second ones,"--but I find it, in the English
Bayle, note D, "he chose _the best_ editions." The manner in
which Ancillon's library was pillaged by the Ecclesiastics
of Metz (where it was considered as the most valuable
curiosity in the town) is thus told by Bayle; "Ancillon was
obliged to leave Metz: a company of Ecclesiastics, of all
orders, came from every part, to lay hands on this fine and
copious library, which had been collected with the utmost
care during forty years. They took away a great number of
the books together, and gave a little money, as they went
out, to a young girl, of twelve or thirteen years of age,
who looked after them, that they might have it to say they
had _paid for them_. Thus Ancillon saw that valuable
collection dispersed, in which, as he was wont to say, his
chief pleasure and even his heart was placed!"--Edit. 1734.]

[Footnote 63: An instance of this kind may be adduced from
the _first edition_ of Fabian, printed in 1516; of which
Messrs. Longman, and Co., have now engaged a very able
editor to collate the text with that of the subsequent
editions. "The antiquary," says the late Mr. BRAND, "is
desired to consult the edition of Fabian, printed by Pynson,
in 1516, because there are others, and I remember to have
seen one in the Bodleian Library at Oxford, with a
continuation to the end of Queen Mary, 1559, in which the
_language is much modernised_." Shakespeare, edit. 1803,
vol. xviii. p. 85-6.]

[Footnote 64: A singular story is "extant" about the
purchase of the late Duke of Roxburgh's fine copy of the
first edition of Shakespeare. A friend was bidding for him
in the sale-room: his Grace had retired to a distance, to
view the issue of the contest. Twenty guineas and more were
offered, from various quarters, for the book: a slip of
paper was handed to the Duke, in which he was requested to
inform his friend whether he was "to go on bidding"--His
Grace took his pencil, and wrote underneath, by way of reply--

----lay on Macduff!
And d----d be he who first cries, 'Hold, enough!'

Such a spirit was irresistible, and bore down all
opposition. His Grace retired triumphant, with the book
under his arm.]

It must not, however, be forgotten that if first editions are, in some instances, of great importance, they are in many respects superfluous, and an incumbrance to the shelves of a collector; inasmuch as the labours of subsequent editors have corrected their errors, and superseded, by a great fund of additional matter, the necessity of consulting them. Thus, not to mention other instances (which present themselves while noticing the present one), all the fine things which Colomiés and Remannus have said about the rarity of La Croix du Maine's Bibliotheque, published in 1584, are now unnecessary to be attended to, since the ample and excellent edition of this work by De La Monnoye and Juvigny, in six quarto volumes, 1772, has appeared. Nor will any one be tempted to hunt for Gesner's Bibliotheca of 1545-8, whatever may be its rarity, who has attended to Morhof's and Vogt's recommendation of the last and best edition of 1583.

VII. _True Editions._ Some copies of a work are struck off with deviations from the usually received ones, and, though these deviations have neither sense nor beauty to recommend them, [and indeed are principally _defects_] yet copies of this description are eagerly sought after by collectors of a certain class! This particular pursuit may therefore be called another, or the seventh, symptom of the Bibliomania. The note below [65] will furnish the reader with a few anecdotes relating to it.

[Footnote 65: _Cæsar. Lug. Bat._ 1635, 12mo. _Printed by
Elzevir._

In the Bibliotheca Revickzkiana we are informed that the
_true_ Elzevir edition is known by having the plate of a
Buffalo's head at the beginning of the preface, and body of
the work: also by having the page numbered 153, which
_ought_ to have been numbered 149. A further account is
given in my Introduction to the Classics, vol. i., 228.

_Horace_: Londini, 1733, 8vo., 2 vols. Published by Pine.

The _true_ edition is distinguished by having at page 108,
vol ii, the _incorrect_ reading 'Post Est.'--for 'Potest.'

_Virgil._ Lug. Bat. 1636, 12mo. Printed by Elzevir.

The _true_ edition is known by having at plate 1, before the
Bucolics, the following Latin passage _printed in red ink_.
"Ego vero frequentes a te litteras accipi"--Consult De Bure,
No. 2684.

_Idem._ Birmingh. 1763, 4to. Printed by Baskerville.

A particular account of the _true_ edition will be found in
the second volume of my 'Introduction to the Classics' p.
337--too long to be here inserted.

_Boccaccio._ Il Decamerone, Venet. 1527, 4to.

Consult De Bure, No. 3667: Bandini, vol. ii., 24: (who
however is extremely laconic upon this edition, but copious
upon the anterior one of 1516) and Haym., vol. iii., p. 8,
edit. 1803. Bibl. Paris. No. 408. Clement. (vol. iv., 352,)
has abundance of references, as usual, to strengthen his
assertion in calling the edition 'fort rare.' The reprint or
spurious edition has always struck me as the prettier book
of the two.]

VIII. Books printed in the _Black Letter_. Of all symptoms of the Bibliomania, this eighth symptom (and the last which I shall notice) is at present the most powerful and prevailing. Whether it was not imported into this country from Holland, by the subtlety of Schelhorn[66] (a knowing writer upon rare and curious books) may be shrewdly suspected. Whatever be its origin, certain it is, my dear Sir, that books printed in the black letter are now coveted with an eagerness unknown to our collectors in the last century. If the spirits of West, Ratcliffe, Farmer and Brand, have as yet held any intercourse with each other, in that place 'from whose bourne no traveller returns,' what must be the surprise of the three former, on being told by the latter, of the prices given for some of the books in his library, as mentioned below!?[67]

[Footnote 66: His words are as follow: "Ipsa typorum
ruditas, ipsa illa atra crassaque literarum facies _belle
tangit sensus, &c._" Was ever the black letter more
eloquently described? See his _Amoenitates Literariæ_,
vol. i., p. 5.]

[Footnote 67:

282. A Boke of Fishing with Hooke and Line, A Boke of
Engines and Traps to take Polcats, Buzzards, Rats, Mice, and
all other Kinds of Vermine and Beasts whatsoever, with cuts,
very rare, 1600 £3 3_s._ 0_d._

454. A Quip for an upstart Courtier; or, a quaint Dispute
between Velvet Breeches and Cloth Breeches, &c. 1620 2 16 0

475. A Checke, or Reproof of Mr. Howlet's untimely
screeching in her Majesty's Ear. _Black letter_ 1581 0 12 0

As a _striking conclusion_, I subjoin the following.

6479. Pappe with an Hatchett, _alias_, a Fig for my
Godsonne, or crake me this Nutt, or, a Countrie Cuffe, that
is a sound Box of the Eare for the Idiot Martin, to hold his
Peace: seeing the Patch will take no warning; written by one
that dares call a Dog a Dog. _Rare._ Printed by Anoke and
Astile 1 8 0]

A perusal of these articles may probably not impress the reader with any lofty notions of the superiority of the black letter; but this symptom of the Bibliomania is, nevertheless, not to be considered as incurable, or wholly unproductive of good. Under a proper spirit of modification it has done, and will continue to do, essential service to the cause of English literature. It guided the taste, and strengthened the judgment, of Tyrwhitt in his researches after Chaucerian lore. It stimulated the studies of Farmer and of Steevens, and enabled them to twine many a beauteous flower round the brow of their beloved Shakespeare. It has since operated, to the same effect, in the labours of Mr. Douce,[68] the _Porson_ of old English and French literature; and in the editions of Milton and Spenser, by my amiable and excellent friend Mr. Todd the public have had a specimen of what the _Black Letter_ may perform, when temperately and skilfully exercised.

[Footnote 68: In the criticisms on Mr. Douce's
_Illustrations of Shakspeare and Ancient Manners_, it has
not, I think, been generally noticed that this work is
distinguished; 1. For the singular diffidence and urbanity
of criticism, as well as depth of learning, which it
evinces: 2. For the happy illustrations, by means of wood
cuts: Let any one, for instance, read a laboured
disquisition on the punishment of "the boots"--and only
glance his eye on the plate representing it [vol. i. p.
34.]: from which will he obtain the clearer notions? 3. For
the taste, elegance, and general correctness with which it
is printed. The only omission I regret is that Mr. Douce did
not give us, at the end, a list of the works alphabetically
arranged, with their dates which he consulted in the
formation of his own. Such a BIBLIOTHECA SHAKSPEARIANA
might, however, have been only a fresh stimulus to the
increase of the black-letter symptom of the _Bibliomania_.
How Bartholomæus and Batman have risen in price since the
publication of Mr. Douce's work, let those who have lately
smarted for the increase tell!]

I could bring to your recollection other instances; but your own copious reading and exact memory will better furnish you with them. Let me not however omit remarking that the beautiful pages of the _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border, and Sir Trestrem_, exhibit, in the notes [now and then thickly studded with black letter references], a proof that the author of "The Lay" and "Marmion" has not disdained to enrich his stores of information by such intelligence as black lettered books impart. In short, though this be also a strong and general symptom of the Bibliomania, it is certainly not attended with injurious effects when regulated by prudence and discretion. An undistinguishable voracious appetite, to swallow every thing printed in the black letter can only bring on inconquerable disease, if not death, to the patient!

Having in the two preceding divisions of this letter discoursed somewhat largely upon the HISTORY and SYMPTOMS of the Bibliomania, it now remains, according to the original plan, to say a few words upon the PROBABLE MEANS OF ITS CURE. And, indeed, I am driven to this view of the subject from every laudable motive; for it would be highly censurable to leave any reflecting mind impressed with melancholy emotions concerning the misery and mortality that have been occasioned by the abuse of those pursuits, to which the most soothing and important considerations ought to be attached. Far from me, and my friends, be such a cruel, if not criminal, conduct; let us then, my dear Sir, seriously discourse upon the

III. PROBABLE MEANS OF THE CURE of the Bibliomania. _He_ will surely be numbered among the philanthropists of his day who has, more successfully than myself, traced and described the ravages of this disease, and fortified the sufferer with the means of its cure. But, as this is a disorder of quite a recent date, and as its characteristics, in consequence, cannot be yet fully known or described, great candour must be allowed to that physician who offers a prescription for so obscure and complicated a case. It is in vain that you search the works [ay, even the best editions] of Hippocrates and Galen for a description of this malady; nor will you find it hinted at in the more philosophical treatises of Sydenham and Heberden. It had, till the medical skill of Dr. Ferriar first noticed it to the public, escaped the observations of all our pathologists. With a trembling hand, and fearful apprehension, therefore, I throw out the following suggestions for the cure, or mitigatiou [Transcriber's Note: mitigation], of this disorder:

In _the first place_, the disease of the Bibliomania is materially softened, or rendered mild, by directing our studies to _useful and profitable_ works--whether these be printed upon small or large paper, in the gothic, roman, or italic type; To consider purely the _intrinsic_ excellence, and not the exterior splendour, or adventitious value, of any production, will keep us perhaps wholly free from this disease. Let the midnight lamp be burnt to illuminate the stores of antiquity--whether they be romances, or chronicles, or legends, and whether they be printed by Aldus or by Caxton--if a brighter lustre can thence be thrown upon the pages of modern learning! To trace genius to its source, or to see how she has been influenced or modified, by "the lore of past times" is both a pleasing and profitable pursuit. To see how Shakspeare has here and there plucked a flower, from some old ballad or popular tale, to enrich his own unperishable garland--to follow Spenser and Milton in their delightful labyrinths 'midst the splendour of Italian literature--are studies which stamp a dignity upon our intellectual characters! But, in such a pursuit let us not overlook the wisdom of modern times, nor fancy that what is only ancient can be excellent. We must remember that Bacon, Boyle, Locke, Taylor, Chillingworth, Robertson, Hume, Gibbon, and Paley, are names which always command attention from the wise, and remind us of the improved state of reason and acquired knowledge during the two last centuries.

In the _second place_, the re-printing of scarce and intrinsically valuable works is another means of preventing the propagation of this disorder. Amidst all our present sufferings under the BIBLIOMANIA, it is some consolation to find discerning and spirited booksellers re-publishing the valuable Chronicles of Froissart, Holinshed, and Hall,[69] and the collections known by the names of "The Harleïan Miscellany," and "Lord Somer's Tracts." These are noble efforts, and richly deserve the public patronage.

[Footnote 69: The re-publication of these chronicles is to
be followed by those of Grafton and Fabian. Meanwhile,
Hakluyt's Voyages, (projected by Mr. Evans), and Fuller's
Worthies (by Messrs. Longman, and Co.) will form admirable
acquisitions to these treasures of past times.]

In the _third place_, the editing of our best ancient authors, whether in prose or poetry,[70] is another means of effectually counteracting the progress of the Bibliomania, as it has been described under its several symptoms.

[Footnote 70: The recent _Variorum_ editions of Shakspeare,
of which some yet prefer that of Steevens, 1793, 15 vols.
8vo.--Mr. Todd's editions of Milton and Spenser; Mr. G.
Chalmers' edition of Sir David Lyndsay's works; Mr.
Gifford's edition of Massinger; and Mr. Octavius
Gilchrist's, of Bishop Corbett's poems, exemplify the good
effects of this _third means of cure_.]

In the _fourth place_, the erecting of Public Institutions[71] is a very powerful antidote against the prevalence of several symptoms of this disease.

[Footnote 71: The Royal, London, Surrey, and Russel
Institutions have been the means of concentrating, in divers
parts of the metropolis, large libraries of _useful_ books;
which, it is to be hoped, will eventually suppress the
establishment of what are called _Circulating
Libraries_--vehicles, too often, of insufferable nonsense,
and irremediable mischief!]

In the _fifth place_, the encouragement of the study of Bibliography,[72] in its legitimate sense, and towards its true object, may be numbered among the most efficacious cures for this destructive malady. To place competent Librarians over the several departments of a large public Library, or to submit a library, on a more confined scale, to one diligent, enthusiastic, well informed, well bred, Bibliographer[73] or Librarian, [of which in this metropolis we have so many examples] is doing a vast deal towards directing the channels of literature to flow in their proper courses.

[Footnote 72: "UNNE BONNE BIBLIOGRAPHIE," says Marchand,
"soit générale soit particulière, soit profane, soit
écclésiastique, soit nationale, provinciale, ou locale, soit
simplement personnelle, en un mot de quelque autre genre que
ce puisse être, n'est pas un ouvrage aussi facile que
beaucoup de gens se le pourroient imaginer; mais, elles ne
doivent néanmoins nulelment [Transcriber's Note: nullement]
prévenir contre celle-ci. Telle qu'elle est, elle ne laisse
pas d'être bonne, utile, et digne d'être recherchée par les
amateurs, de l'Histoire Littéraire." _Diction. Historique_,
vol. i. p. 109.

"Our nation," says Mr. Bridgman, "has been too inattentive
to bibliographical criticisms and enquiries; for generally
the English reader is obliged to resort to foreign writers
to satisfy his mind as to the value of authors. It behoves
us to consider that there is not a more useful or a more
desirable branch of education than a _knowledge of books_;
which being correctly ascertained and judiciously exercised,
will prove the touch-stone of intrinsic merit, and have the
effect of saving many spotless pages from prostitution."
_Legal Bibliography_, p. v. vi.]

[Footnote 73: Peignot, in his _Dictionnaire de Bibliologie_,
vol. i. 50, has given a very pompous account of what ought
to be the talents and duties of a Bibliographer. It would be
difficult indeed to find such things united in one person!
De Bure, in the eighth volume of his _Bibliographie
Instructive_, has prefixed a "Discourse upon the Science of
Bibliography and the duties of a Bibliographer" which is
worth consulting: but I know of nothing which better
describes, in few words, such a character, than the
following: "In eo sit multijuga materiarum librorumque
notitia, ut saltem potiores eligat et inquirat: fida et
sedula apud exteras gentes procuratio, ut eos arcessat;
summa patientia ut rarè venalis expectet: peculium semper
præsens et paratum, ne, si quando occurrunt, emendi occasio
intercidat; prudens denique auri argentique contemptus, ut
pecuniis sponte careat quæ in bibliothecam formandam et
nutriendam sunt insumendæ. Si fortè vir literatus eo
felicitatis pervenit ut talem thesaurum coaceraverit, nec
solus illo invidios fruatur, sed usum cum eruditis qui
vigilias suas utilitati publicæ devoverunt, liberaliter
communicet; &c."--_Bibliotheca Hulsiana_, vol. i. Præfat. p.
3, 4.]

Thus briefly and guardedly have I thrown out a few suggestions, which may enable us to avoid, or mitigate the severity of, the disease called THE BIBLIOMANIA. Happy indeed shall I deem myself, if, in the description of its symptoms, and in the recommendation of the means of cure, I may have snatched any one from a premature grave, or lightened the load of years that are yet to cone [Transcriber's Note: come]!

You, my dear Sir, who, in your observations upon society, as well as in your knowledge of ancient times, must have met with numerous instances of the miseries which "flesh is heir to," may be disposed perhaps to confess that, of all species of afflictions, _the present one_ under consideration has the least moral turpitude attached to it. True, it may be so: for, in the examples which have been adduced, there will be found neither Suicides, nor Gamesters, nor Profligates. No woman's heart has been broken from midnight debaucheries: no marriage vow has been violated: no child has been compelled to pine in poverty or neglect: no patrimony has been wasted, and no ancestor's fame tarnished! If men have erred under the influence of this disease, their aberrations have been marked with an excess arising from intellectual fevour, and not from a desire of baser gratifications.

If, therefore, in the wide survey which a philosopher may take of the "Miseries of Human life"[74] the prevalence of this disorder may appear to be less mischievous than that of others, and, if some of the most amiable and learned of mortals seemed to have been both unwilling, as well as unable, to avoid its contagion, you will probably feel the less alarmed if symptoms of it should appear within the sequestered abode of Hodnet![75] Recollecting that even in remoter situations its influence has been felt--and that neither the pure atmosphere of Hafod nor of Sledmere[76] has completely subdued its power--you will be disposed to exclaim with violence, at the intrusion of Bibliomaniacs--

What walls can guard me, or what shades can hide?
They pierce my thickets, through my grot they glide!
By land, by water, they renew the charge,
They stop the chariot, and they board the barge.[77]

[Footnote 74: In the ingenious and witty work so entitled, I
do not recollect whether the disappointment arising from a
_cropt_ or a _dirty_ copy has been classed among "_The
Miseries of Human Life_."]

[Footnote 75: _Hodnet Hall_, Shropshire. The country
residence of Mr. Heber.]

[Footnote 76: _Hafod_, South Wales, the seat of THOS.
JOHNES, Esq., M.P., the translator of the Chronicles of
Froissart and Monstrelet, and of the Travels of De Broquiere
and Joinville. The conflagration of part of his mansion and
library, two years ago, which excited such a general
sympathy, would have damped any ardour of collection but
that of Mr. Johnes--his Library has arisen, Phoenix-like,
from the flames!

_Sledmere_, in Yorkshire, the seat of SIR MARK MASTERMAN
SYKES, Bart., M.P. The library of this amiable and tasteful
Baronet reflects distinguished credit upon him. It is at
once copious and choice.]

[Footnote 77: Pope's "_Prologue to the Satires_," v. 7-10.]

Upon the whole, therefore, attending closely to the symptoms of this disorder as they have been described, and practising such means of cure as have been recommended, we may rationally hope that its virulence may abate, and the number of its victims annually diminish. But if the more discerning part of the community anticipate a different result, and the preceding observations appear to have presented but a narrow and partial view of the mischiefs of the BIBLIOMANIA, my only consolation is that to advance _something_ upon the subject is better than to preserve a sullen and invincible silence. Let it be the task of more experienced bibliographers to correct and amplify the foregoing outline!

Believe me, My dear Sir,

Very sincerely Yours, &c.

THOMAS FROGNALL DIBBIN [Transcriber's Note: DIBDIN].

_Kensington, May_ 16, 1809.

POSTSCRIPT.

On re-considering what has been written, it has struck me that a SYNOPSIS of this disease, after the manner of BURTON, as prefixed to his _Anatomy of Melancholy_, may be useful to some future pathologist. The reader is, accordingly, presented with the following one:

SYNOPSIS.

Page. { I. HISTORY of; or an account of eminent Book { Collectors who have fallen victims to it 12 T { H { II. SYMPTOMS OF; { 1. Large Paper Copies 44 E { being a passion for { 2. Uncut Copies 46 { { 3. Illustrated Copies 47 B { { 4. Unique Copies 49 I { { 5. Vellum Copies 51 B { { 6. First Editions 52 L { { 7. True Editions 54 I { { 8. Black Letter Editions 56 O { M { III. CURE OF { 1. Reading useful works 56 A { { 2. Reprints of scarce and N { { valuable works _ib._ I { { 3. Editing our best ancient A { { Writers 60 . { { 4. Erecting of Public { { Institutions _ib._ { { 5. Encouragement of { { Bibliography _ib._