Chapter IX: Part II: =The Cabinet.= (4)

BONNIER. _Catalogue des livres de la Bibliothéque 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
Bibliothéque 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 même bibliothéque_, 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 précieux ye
[Transcriber's Note: de] M. Bozérian, 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 Préfond, De Boze, and others.----BUNAU.
_Catalogus Bibliothecæ Bunavianæ._ Lipsiæ, 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 1_s._ 6_d._ 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 précieux de la Bibliothéque
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 bibliothéque est á-la-fois un monument de son amour
pour l'art typographique, et de la vaste étendue 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 précieux de M---- (Camus de Limare)_, Paris,
1786, 8vo.--_Des livres rares et précieux, reliés en
maroquin, de la bibliothéque du même, 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 étudier
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 _Curiosités
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 Hôtel 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 âiné._ 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 Hôtel
de Bullion.----CATALOGUE _fait sur un plan nouveau,
systématique et raisonné, d'une Bibliothéque de Littérature,
particulièrement d'Histoire et de Poésie, &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 Typographicæ 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 hæc 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 quâ manuscriptos codices
Orientalium Linguarum recensuit Joseph Simonius Assemanus_,
Romæ, 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 Bibliothecæ quæ 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
Bibliothéque 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
_Curiosités 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. _Bibliothecæ Cordesianæ Catalogus,
cum indice titulorum_, Parisiis, 1643, 4to. The celebrated
Naudé 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 Naudé, 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; Colomié'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 précieux et de MSS. composant la bibliothéque 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, Elzevirs, and
Stephenses, which had been Count d'Hoym's copies." An uncut
first edition of Homer, in the highest state of
preservation, was purchased by Mons. Caillaird
[Transcriber's Note: Caillard] for 3,601 livres! See the
_Curiosités Bibliographiques_, pp. lxv, lxvj. According to
_Cat. de Caillard_, no. 2600 (1808, 8vo.), there were
only ten copies of this catalogue printed upon LARGE
PAPER.----COUVAY. _Catalogue de la bibliothéque de M.
Couvay, chevalier de l'ordre de Christ, secrétaire du Roi_,
Paris, 1728, fol. Very few copies of this catalogue were
printed, and those only for presents. _Bibliogr. Curieuse_,
p. 21.----CREVENNA. _Catalogue raisonnée de la collection
des Livres de M. Pierre Antoine Crevenna, Négocient à
Amsterdam_, 1776, 4to., six vols.--_De la même collection_,
1789, 8vo., five vols.--_De la même collection_, 1793, 8vo.
Of these catalogues of one of the most extensive and
magnificent collections ever formed in Amsterdam, the first
impression of 1776 (to which I have generally referred) is
by far the most valuable in regard to bibliographical
remarks and copious description. Peignot tells us that no
bibliographer can do without it. It was commenced in the
year 1774, and published during the life time of Peter
Antony Crevenna, the father; from whom the collection passed
into the hands of the son Bolongari Crevenna, and in whose
lifetime it was sold by public auction. The second
impression of 1789 is the sale-catalogue, and contains more
books than the preceding one; but the bibliographical
observations are comparatively trifling. There are copies of
this latter impression upon LARGE PAPER in quarto. I possess
an interesting copy of the small paper, which has numerous
marginal remarks in pencil, by Mr. Edwards; who examined the
library at Amsterdam, with a view to purchase it entire. The
last catalogue of 1793, which was published after the death
of the son, contains a few choice books which he had
reserved for himself, and, among them, a curious set of
fac-simile drawings of old prints and title-pages; some of
which were obtained at the sale of the elder Mirabeau (vide
post). It seems to have been the ruling passion of B.
Crevenna's life to collect all the materials, from all
quarters, which had any connection, more or less, with "THE
ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF PRINTING," and it is for ever to be
regretted that such extensive materials as those which he
had amassed, and which were sold at the sale of 1793 should
have been dissipated beyond the hope of restoration. See
Peignot's _Dict. de Bibliologie_, vol. iii., p. 100; and his
_Curiosités Bibliographiques_, p. 139.----CROZAT. _Catalogue
des Livres de Monsieur Le President Crozat de Tugny_, Paris,
1751, 8vo. This collection was particularly rich in the
belles-lettres--and especially in Italian and French
Romance-Literature.----VAN DAMME. _Catalogue d'une
Bibliotheque, vendue publiquement à la Haye, le 8 Octobre,
par Varon et Gaillard_, 1764, three vols. 8vo. "This
precious and rare collection belonged to M. Pierre Van
Damme, book-merchant at Amsterdam, equally well known for
his knowledge of bibliography and of medals; of which latter
he had a beautiful and uncommon collection." _Bibl.
Crevenn._, vol. v., p. 306.----DUBOIS. _Bibliotheca
Duboisiana, ou Catalogue de la Bibliothéque du Cardinal
Dubois. A la Haye_, 1725, 8vo., four vols. A collection
which evinces the fine taste and sound judgment of the
Cardinal Du Bois. It is not rare abroad.----ELZEVIR.
_Catalogus librorum qui in Bibliopolio Officinæ Danielis
Elzevirii venales extant_, Ams. 1674, 12mo.: 1681,
12mo.--_qui in Bibliopoli Elzeviriano venales extant_, Lug.
Bat., 1634, 1684, 4to. These, and other catalogues of the
books printed by the distinguished family of the Elzevirs,
should find a place within the cabinet of bibliographers.
The first book ever published by the Elzevirs was of the
date of 1595; the last, of 1680 or 1681, by Daniel Elzevir,
who was the only surviving branch. His widow carried on the
business after his decease in 1680. In the _Dictionnaire de
Bibliologie_ of Peignot, vol. i., p. 216, vol. iii., p. 116,
will be found a pleasing account of this family of (almost)
unrivalled printers.----DU FAY. _Bibliotheca Fayana seu
Catalogus librorum Bibl. Cor. Hier. de Cisternay du Fay,
digestus à Gabriel Martin_, Paris, 1725, 8vo. The catalogue
of this collection, which is a judicious one, and frequently
referred to, is very carefully put forth by Martin. I think
that I have seen a copy of it upon LARGE PAPER.----FAGEL.
_Bibliotheca Fageliana. A catalogue of the valuable and
extensive Library of the Greffier Fagal, of the Hague: in
two parts._ London, 1802, 8vo. It is highly creditable to
that most respectable establishment, Trinity College,
Dublin, that the present grand collection of books was
purchased "en masse" (for 7000_l._) to be deposited within
its library; thus rendering the interior of the latter
"companion meet" for its magnificent exterior. The
title-page of the first part announces the sale of the books
by auction by Mr. Christie; but the above offer having been
made for the whole collection, the same was forthwith
transported to Ireland. Collectors should take care that the
second part of this catalogue be not wanting, which is
oftentimes the case. A good index only is requisite to make
the BIBLIOTHECA FAGELIANA rank with the most valuable
publications of its kind in existence. It was compiled by
the well-known S. Paterson.----FAULTRIER. _Catalogus
Librorum Bibliothecæ Domini Joachimi Faultrier, digestus à
Prosper Marchand_, Paris, 1709, 8vo. The bibliographical
introductory remarks, by Marchand, render this volume (which
rarely occurs) very acceptable to collectors of catalogues.
Maittaire has spoken well of the performance, _Annal.
Typog._ iii., p. 482. Consult also the _Mem. de l'Inst._,
vol. i., p. 675, and the _Dict. de Bibliologie_, vol. ii.,
p. 235, upon Marchand's introductory remarks relating to the
arrangement of a library.----FAVIER. _Catalogue des Livres
de la Bibliothéque de feu Mons. L'Abbé Favier, Prêtre à
Lille_, Lille, 1765, 8vo. A well arranged catalogue of a
choice collection of books, which cost the Abbé fifty years
of pretty constant labour in amassing. Prefixed, are some
interesting notices of MSS.: and, among them, of a valuable
one of Froissart. The prints of the Abbé were afterwards
sold, from a catalogue of 143 pages, printed at Lisle in the
same year.----DU FRESNE. _Raphaelis Tricheti du Fresne
Bibliothecæ Catalogus._ Paris, 1662, 4to. "I have observed,"
says Morhof, "a number of authors in this catalogue which I
have in vain sought after elsewhere. The typographical
errors (especially in regard to dates, adds Baillet) are
innumerable: and the theological, legal, and medical works,
comparatively few--but in the departments of history,
antiquities, and general literature, this collection is
wonderfully enriched--containing authors hardly ever heard
of." _Polyhist. Literar._, vol. i., p. 212. Colomiés and
Labbe unite in conferring the highest praises upon Du Fresne
and his collection. See the _Jugemens des Savans_, vol. ii.,
p. 143; where, however, the confused and inaccurate manner
in which the catalogue is executed is sharply censured by
Baillet. Morhof informs us that this collection was disposed
of by Du Fresne's widow, to the Royal Library, for 24,000
_livres_, after she had refused 33,000 for the
same.----GAIGNAT. _Catalogue des Livres du Cabinet de feu M.
Louis Jean Gaignat, disposé et mis en ordre par Guill.
François de Bure le Jeune._ Paris, 1769, 8vo., two vols. One
of the best executed, and most intrinsically valuable
catalogues in existence. Almost all the books of Gaignat
were in the choicest condition; being the cream of the
collections of Colbert, Préfond, and De Boze. The possession
of this rare catalogue, which is indispensable to the
collector, forms what is called a Supplement to De Bure's
"_Bibliographie Instructive_." There are 50 copies struck
off upon SMALL QUARTO paper, to arrange with a like number
of this latter work. Consult _Bibl. Crevenn._, vol. v., p.
291.----GENÈVE. _Catalogue raisonné des Manuscrits conservés
dans la bibliothéque, &c., de Genève; par Jean Senibier._
Genève, 1779, 8vo. A neatly executed and useful catalogue of
some manuscripts of no mean value. It has received a good
character by Mons. Van-Praet, in the _Cat. de la Valliere_,
vol. iii., no. 5542. See also p. 36, ante.----GOEZ.
_Bibliothecæ Goësinæ Catalogus_, Leidæ, 1687, 8vo. A fine
collection of books and of coins distinguished the Museum of
Goez.----GOLOWKIN. _Catalogue des Livres de la Bibliothéque
du Comte Alexis de Golowkin_, Leipsic, 1798, 4to. It is said
that ONLY 25 COPIES of this catalogue were struck off, and
that not more than two of these are known to be in France.
Neither the type nor paper has the most inviting aspect; but
it is a curious volume, and contains a description of books
"infiniment précieux." Consult Peignot's _Bibliogr.
Curieuse_, p. 31. Dr. Clarke, in his _Travels in Russia,
&c._, p. 138, has noticed the extraordinary library of Count
Botterline, but says nothing of Golowkin's.----GOUTTARD.
_Catalogue des Livres rares et precieux de feu M. Gouttarde
par Guillaume de Bure fils aîné._ Paris, 1780, 8vo. A short
bibliographical notice of the amiable and tasteful owner of
this select collection precedes the description of the
books. The bibliographical observations are sometimes
copious and valuable. This catalogue is indispensable to the
collector.----GUYON. _Catalogue des livres de la
Bibliothéque de feu M.J.B. Denis Guyon, Chev. Seigneur de
Sardiere, Ancien Capitaine au Regiment du Roi, et l'un des
Seigneurs du Canal de Briare._ Paris, 1759, 8vo. It is
justly said, in the "advertisement" prefixed to this
catalogue, that, in running over the different classes of
which the collection is composed, there will be found
articles "capable de piquer la curiosité des bibliophiles."
In ancient and modern poetry, and in romances--especially
relating to chivalry--this "ancient Captain" appears to have
been deeply versed. The advertisement is followed by 28
pages of "Eclaircissemens"--which give an interesting
account of some precious manuscripts of old poetry and
romances. A MS. note, in my copy of this catalogue, informs
me that the books were sold "en masse."----HEINSIUS. (NIC.)
_Nicolai Heinsii Bibliothecæ Catalogus_, (1682) 8vo. A
portrait of the elegant and learned owner of this collection
faces the title-page. The books contained in it are
remarkable both for their rarity and intrinsic value; and a
great number of them were enriched with the notes of
Scaliger, Salmasius, and others. Few collections display
more judgment and taste in the selection than the present
one; and few critics have been of more essential service to
the cause of ancient classical literature than Nicholas
Heinsius. He excelled particularly in his editions of the
poets. Mr. Dyer, of Exeter, the bookseller, has a copy of
this catalogue, which was formerly Grævius's; in which that
celebrated critic has made marginal remarks concerning the
rarity and value of certain works described in
it.----HOHENDORF. _Bibliotheca Hohendorfiana; ou Catalogue
de la Bibliothéque de feu Mons. George Guillaume Baron de
Hohendorf: à la Haye_, 1720, 8vo., three parts. A
magnificent collection; which a MS. note, by Dr. Farmer (in
my copy of the catalogue), informs me was "added to the
Emperor's library at Vienna." In the _Bibl. Mencken_, p. 10,
it is thus loftily described: "Catalogus per-rarus
rarissimis libris superbiens."----HOYM. _Catalogus Librorum
Bibliothecæ Caroli Henrici Comitis de Hoym_, 1738, 8vo. This
catalogue, which is exceedingly well "digested by Martin,"
is a great favourite with collectors. A copy out of Count
Hoym's collection tells well--whether at a book-sale, or in
a bookseller's catalogue. There are copies upon LARGE PAPER,
which, when priced, sell high.----HULSIUS. _Bibliotheca
Hulsiana, sive Catalogus Librorum quos magno labore, summa
cura et maximis sumptibus collegit Vir Consularis Samuel
Hulsius._ Hag. Com. 1730, four vols. 8vo. (the second and
third being in two parts, and the fourth in three). This is,
in sober truth, a wonderful collection of books; containing
nearly 34,000 articles--which, allowing three volumes to an
article, would make the owner to have been in possession of
100,000 volumes of printed books and MSS. The English
library, (vol. iv., pt. ii.) of nearly 3300 articles,
comprehended nearly all the best books of the day. There
were about 1200 articles of Spanish Literature. Nor was the
worthy Consul deficient in the love of the fine arts ("hæc
est, sitque diu, Senis optimi voluptas et oblectatio," says
the compiler of the catalogue); having 11,000 most beautiful
prints of subjects relating to the Bible, bound up in 92
atlas folio volumes. Long live the memory of Hulsius; a
consular hero of no ordinary renown!----JENA. _Memorabilia
Bibliothecæ Academicæ Jenensis: sive designatio Codicum
manuscriptorum illa Bibliothecâ et Librorum impressorum
plerumque rariorum. Joh. Christophoro Mylio._ Jenæ, 1746,
8vo. A work of some little importance; and frequently
referred to by Vogt and Panzer. It is uncommon.----JESU SOC.
_Bibliotheca Scriptorum Societatis Jesu._ Antv., 1643. Romæ,
1676, fol. Although this work is not a professed catalogue
of books, yet, as it contains an account of the writings of
those learned men who were in the society of the
Jesuits--and as Baillet, Antonio, and Morhof, have said
every thing in commendation of it--I strongly recommend one
or the other of these editions to the bibliographer's
attention. I possess the edition of 1643; and have
frequently found the most satisfactory intelligence on
referring to it. How clever some of the Jesuits were in
their ideas of the arrangement of a library may be seen from
their "_Systema Bibliothecæ Jesuitarum Collegii
Ludoviciani_"--which was written by Garnier for the private
use of the Louvain college, and which is now extremely
difficult to be found. See Maichelius, _de Præcip. Bibl.
Parisiens_, p. 128. Their "_Systema bibliothecæ collegii
Parisiensis societatis Jesu_," 1678, 4to. (or catalogue of
books in the college of Clermont), is handsomely noticed by
Camus in the _Mem. de l'Inst._, vol. i., 647.----JUST, ST.
_Catalogue des livres en très-petit nombre qui composent la
Bibliothéque de M. Merard de St. Just, ancien maitre-d'hotêl
de Monsieur, frère du Roi (avec les prix d'achat)._ Paris,
1783, 18mo. Of this book, printed upon superfine paper, of
the manufactory of d'Annonay, only 25 copies were struck
off. _Bibl. Curieuse_, p. 43. Another catalogue of the same
collection (perhaps a more copious one) was put forth in
1799, 8vo., prepared by M. Mauger, See _Diction.
Bibliographique_, tom. iv., p. xiv.----KROHN. _Catalogus
Bibliothecæ Præstantissimorum &c., Librorum selectum
complectentis. Libros collegit et Literariis Catalogum
Animadversionibus instruxit, B.N. Krohn. Editio altera._
Hamb. 1796, 8vo. The preface to this very excellent
collection of books is written in Latin by Rambach; and a
most interesting one it is. After giving a slight sketch of
the life and literary occupations of Krohn, he thus finishes
the picture of his death--"Ego certe (exclaims the grateful
biographer), mi KROHNI, te amabo, et quamdiu 'spiritus hos
reget artus' gratam Tui memoriam ex animo nunquam elabi
patiar. O! me felicem, si, qua olim me beasti, amicitiâ nunc
quoque frui possem. Sed fruar aliquando, cum Deus me ad
beatorum sedes evocaverit, ac Te mihi rediderit
conjunctissimum. Vale, interim, pia anima; et quem jam
tristem reliquisti, prope diem exspecta, in tenerrimos Tuos
amplexus properantem, ac de summa, quam nunc habes,
felicitate Tibi congratulantem," p. xix. This is the genuine
language of heart-felt grief; language, which those who have
lost an old and good friend will know well how to
appreciate. This catalogue, which was given to me by my
friend the Rev. Dr. Gosset, 'vir in re bibliographicâ
[Greek: polymathestatos],' exhibits a fine collection of
books (3821 in number) relating to history and philology.
Some of Krohn's notes are sufficiently shrewd and
intelligent.----LAMOIGNON. _Catalogue des Livres Imprimés et
manuscrits de la Bibliothéque de M. le President de
Lamoignon (redigé par L. Fr. Delatour) avec une table des
auteurs, et des anonymes._ Paris, 1770, fol. The
bibliographer has only to hear Peignot speak in his own
language, and he will not long hesitate about the price to
be given for so precious [Transcriber's Note: 'a' missing in
original] volume: "Catalogue fort rare, tiré a QUINZE
EXEMPLAIRES seulement, sur du papier de coton fabriqué, par
singularité, à Angoulême." Mr. Harris, of the Royal
Institution, possesses a copy of it, bound in
orange-coloured Morocco, which was presented to him by Mr.
Payne; and, as Alexander placed his beloved Homer--so does
he this catalogue--uner [Transcriber's Note: under] his
pillow "quand il vent se reposer--a cause des songes
agréables qu'il doit inspirer." This beautiful volume, which
was printed for Lamoignon's own convenience, in supplemental
parts, does not, however, contain Baillet's interesting
Latin prefece, which may be seen in the _Jugemens des
Savans_, vol. [Transcriber's Note: volume number missing in
original] pt. ii., p. 140, ed. 1725.----LAMOIGNON. _Des
Livres de la Bibliothéque de feu M. de Lamoignon, Garde de
Sçeaux de France._ Paris, 1791, 8vo., 3 vols. These volumes
contain the sale catalogue of Lamoignon's books as they were
purchased by Mr. T. Payne, the bookseller. Like the great
libraries of Crevenna and Pinelli, this immense collection
(with the exception of the works upon French jurisprudence)
has been dissipated by public sale. It yet delights Mr.
Payne to think and to talk of the many thousand volumes
which were bound in Morocco, or Russia, or
white-calf-leather, "with gilt on the edges"--which this
extraordinary family of book-collectors had amassed with so
much care and assiduity. The preface gives us a short, but
pleasing, account of the bibliomanical spirit of Lamoignon's
father-in-law, Monsieur Berryer; who spent between thirty
and forty years in enriching this collection with all the
choice, beautiful, and extraordinary copies of works which,
from his ministerial situation, and the exertions of his
book-friends, it was possible to obtain. M. Berryer died in
1762, and his son-in-law in 1789.----LAMOIGNON. _Des Livres
de la même Biblothéque, par Nyon l'âiné._ Paris, 1797, 8vo.
This volume presents us with the relics of a collection
which, in its day, might have vied with the most splendid in
Europe. But every thing earthly must be
dissipated.----LANCELOT. _Catalogue des Livres de feu M.
Lancelot de l'Academie Royale des Belles Lettres._ Paris,
1741, 8vo. Those who are fond of making their libraries rich
in French History cannot dispense with this truly valuable
catalogue. Lancelot, like the elder Lamoignon, appears to
have been "buried in the benedictions of his
countrymen"--according to the energetic language of
Bourdaloue.----LEMARIÉ. _Catalogue des livres de feu M.
Lemarié, disposé et mis en ordre, par Guil. De Bure, fils
aîné_, Paris, 1776, 8vo. A well digested catalogue of a rich
collection of Greek and Latin Literature, which evinces a
man of taste and judgment. Nothing can be more handsomely
said of a collection than what De Bure has prefixed to the
present one. In the _Cat. de Gouttard_, no. 1545, I find
a copy of it upon LARGE PAPER.----LOMÉNIE. _Index Librorum
ab inventa Typographia da annum 1500, &c., cum notis, &c._
Senonis, 1791, 8vo., two vols. The owner of this collection,
whose name does not appear in the title-page, was the
celebrated Cardinal DE LOMÉNIE DE BRIENNE: who is described,
in the advertisement prefixed to the catalogue of his books
in 1797, [vide infra] as having, from almost early youth,
pushed his love of book-collecting to an excess hardly
equalled by any of his predecessors. When he was but a young
ecclesiastic, and had only the expectation of a fortune, his
ruling passion for books, and his attachment to fellow
bibliomaniacs, was ardent and general. But let his
panegyrist speak in his own language--"Si le hazard
procuroit à ses amis quelque objét précieux, il n'avoit de
repos qu'aprés l'avoir obtenu; les sacrifices ne
l'effrayoient pas; il étoit né généreaux; mais ce qu'on lui
accordoit, il le devoit sur-tout à ses manières insinuantes.
Ses sollicitations étoient toujours assaisonnées d'un ton
d'amabilité auquel on résistoit difficilement. Lorsque le
tems et les grâces de la cour eurent aggrandi ses moyens,
ses veus s'etendirent à proportion. Insensiblement il
embressa tous les genres, et sa bibliothéque devint un dépôt
universel. Dans ses fréquens voyages, s'il s'arrêtoit
quelques instans dans une ville, on le voyoit visiter
lui-même les libraries, s'introduire dans les maisons
religieuses, s'insinuer dans les cabinets d'amateurs,
chercher par-tout à acquérir; c'etoit un besoin pour lui
d'acheter sans cesse, d'entasser les volumes. Cette passion
a peut-être ses excés; mais du moins, elle ne fut pas pour
le cardinal de Loménie une manie stérile. Non seulement il
aimoit, il connoissoit les livres, mais il savoit s'en
servir; sans contredit il fut un des hommes les plus
éclairés du Clergé de France."----To return from this
pleasing rhapsody to the catalogue, the title of which is
above given. It is composed by Laire, in the Latin language,
with sufficient bibliographical skill: but the index is the
most puzzling one imaginable. The uncommonly curious and
magnificent collection, not being disposed of "en
masse"--according to advertisement--was broken up; and the
more ancient books were sold by auction at Paris, in 1792,
from a French catalogue prepared by De Bure. Some of the
books were purchased by Mr. Edwards, and sold at London in
the Paris collection [vide p. 90, post]; as were also those
relating to Natural History; which latter were sold by
auction without his Eminence's name: but it is a gross error
in the _Bibl. Krohn_, p. 259, no. 3466, to say that many
of these books were impious and obscene. These are scarce
and dear volumes; and as they supply some deficiencies
[Transcriber's Note: missing 'in'] Audiffredi's account of
books published at Rome in the xvth century [vid. p. 62,
ante], the bibliographer should omit no opportunity of
possessing them.----LOMÉNIE. _D'une partie des livres de la
Bibliothéque du Cardinal de Loménie de Brienne_, Paris, an.
v. [1797], 8vo. This collection, the fragments or ruins of
the Lomenie library, contains 2754 articles, or numbers,
with a rich sprinkling of Italian literature; leaving
behind, however, a surplus of not fewer than twelve hundred
pieces relating to the Italian Drama--many of them
rare--which were to be sold at a future auction. From the
biographical memoir prefixed to this catalogue, I have given
the preceding extract concerning the character of the owner
of the collection--who died in the same year as the
sale.----MACARTHY. _Catalogue des livres rares et précieux
du cabinet de M.L.C.D.M._ (_M. Le Comte de Macarthy_),
Paris, 1779, 8vo. _Supplement au Catalogue des livres, &c._,
de M.L.C.D.M., Paris, 1779, 8vo. _Chez de Bure, fils aîné._
These books were sold in January, 1780; and great things are
said, in the advertisement, of their rarity and beauty. The
Count Macarthy has, at this moment, one of the most
magnificent collections upon the continent. His books
printed UPON VELLUM are unequalled by those of any private
collection. Of the above catalogue, a copy upon strong
writing paper occurs in the _Cat. de Gouttard_, no.
1549.----MAGLIABECHI. _Catalogus Codicum Sæculo_ xv.
_Impressorum qui in publica Bibliotheca Magliabechiana
Florentiæ adservantur. Autore Ferdinando Fossio; ejusd.
bibl. Præf._, Florent., 1793, folio, three vols. A
magnificent and truly valuable publication (with excellent
indexes) of the collection of the famous Magliabechi;
concerning whom the bibliographical world is full of curious
anecdotes. The reader may consult two volumes of letters
from eminent men to Magliabechi, published in 1745, &c.,
vide _Bibl. Pinell_, no. 8808, &c., edit. 1789: Wolfius's
edition of the _Bibliotheca Aprosiana_, p. 102; and the
Strawberry Hill[C] edition of the _Parallel between
Magliabechi and Mr. Hill_, 1758, 8vo.--an elegant and
interesting little volume. Before we come to speak of his
birth and bibliographical powers, it may be as well to
contemplate his expressive physiognomy.

MAGLIABECHI was born at Florence October 29, 1633. His
parents, of low and mean rank, were well satisfied when they
got him into the service of a man who sold herbs and fruit.
He had never learned to read; and yet he was perpetually
poring over the leaves of old books that were used in his
master's shop. A bookseller, who lived in the neighbourhood,
and who had often observed this, and knew the boy could not
read, asked him one day "what he meant by staring so much on
printed paper?" Magliabechi said that "he did not know how
it was, but that he loved it of all things." The consequence
was that he was received, with tears of joy in his eyes,
into the bookseller's shop; and hence rose, by a quick
succession, into posts of literary honour, till he became
librarian to the Grand Duke of Tuscany. In this situation
Magliabechi had nothing further, or more congenial to his
feelings, to sigh for: in the Florentine library he revelled
without cessation in the luxury of book-learning. The
strength of his memory was remarkable; one day, the Grand
Duke sent for him to ask whether he could procure a book
that was particularly scarce. "No, sir," answered
Magliabechi, "it is impossible; for there is but one in the
world, and that is in the Grand Signior's Library at
Constantinople, and is the seventh book on the second shelf
on the right hand as you go in." In spite of his cobwebs,
dirt, and cradle lined with books, Magliabechi reached his
81st year. Hearne has contrived to interweave the following
(rather trifling) anecdote of him, in his _Johan. Confrat.,
&c., de Reb. Glaston_, vol. ii., 486--which I give merely
because it is the fashion to covet every thing which
appertaineth to Tom Hearne. "I have mentioned the bank where
the MSS. (concerning the Epistles of St. Ignatius; Bank
LVII.) stands, and the title of the book, because Vossius
tells us not in his preface which of the several MSS. in
this library he made use of; and to finde it out gave me so
much trouble that, if the Grand Duke's library-keeper had
not known the book, and searched it for me, I think I should
never have met with it, there being not one canon of St.
Laurence, not their library-keeper himself, nor, I believe,
any other in Florence, except this Sre. MAGLIABECHI, that
could direct me to it. The learned Bishop will be pleased to
take notice of Sre. Maliabechi's [Transcriber's Note:
Magliabechi's] civility; who, besides procuring me the Grand
Duke's leave to collate the epistles, attended himself in
the library, all the time I was there (the licence being
granted by the Grand Duke upon this condition): and since,
as a mark of his respect to the reverend bishop, hath been
pleased to present him with a book (about the Florentine
history) which I have committed to Mr. Ferne, my Lord
Lexinton's Gentleman, to be conveyed to his lordship." (Mr.
Ledgerd's account of his collations of the Florentine MS.
with the edition of Vossius.)----ST. MARK. _Græca D. Marci
Bibliotheca Codicum Manuscriptorum Præside Laurentio
Theopolo._ Venet. 1740, folio: _Ejusdem Latina et Italica
Bibliotheca Codicum Manuscriptorum Præside eodem_, Venet.
1741, folio. These useful and handsomely executed volumes
should be found in every extensive philological
collection.----MEDICI-LORENZO. _Bibliothecæ
Mediceo-Laurentianæ et Palatinæ Codicum Manuscriptorum
Orientalium Catalogus digessit S.E. Assemanus._ Florent.
1742, folio. A very valuable and splendid publication;
evincing the laudable ambition of the Medici in their
encouragement of oriental literature. The editor is
commended in the preface of the subsequent catalogue, p.
xxxxv.----MEDICI-LORENZO. _Bibliothecæ Hebraico-Grecæ
Florentinæ sive Bibliothecæ Mediceo-Laurentianæ Catalogus ab
Antonio Maria Biscionio, &c., digestus atque editus_,
Florent., 1752, folio, two vols. in one. A grand book; full
of curious fac-similes of all sorts of things. It was begun
to be printed in 1752, but Biscioni's death, in May, 1756,
prevented the completion of the publication 'till May 1757.
See præfat., p. xxxxvii--and particularly the
colophon.----MEDICI-LORENZO. _Catalogus Codicum
Manuscriptorum, Græcorum, Latinorum, et Italicoram,
Bibliothecæ Medicæ Laurentianæ: Angelus Maria Bandinus
recensuit, illustravit edidit._ Florent., 1764; 3 vols.,
1774; 5 vols., folio. An equally splendid work with the
preceding--and much more copious and erudite in regard to
intrinsically valuable matter. The indexes are excellent. No
extensive philological library should be without these
volumes--especially since the name of MEDICI has recently
become so popular, from the able biographical memoirs of the
family by Mr. Roscoe.----MENARSIANA. _Bibliotheca
Menarsiana; ou Catalogue de la Bibliothéque de feu Messire
Jean Jaques Charron, Chevalier Marquis de Menars_, &c. A La
Haye, 1720, 8vo. A very fine collection of books in all
branches of literature. After the "Ordo Venditionis," there
is an additional leaf pasted in, signifying that a
magnificent copy of Fust's bible of 1462, upon paper, would
be sold immediately after the theological MSS. in folio. It
brought the sum of 1200 florins. The sale commenced at nine
and at two; giving the buyers time to digest their
purchases, as well as their dinners, at twelve! "Tempora
mutantur!"----MENCKENIUS. _Catalogus Bibliothecæ Menckenianæ
ab Ottone et Burchardo collectæ. Editior altera longe
emendatior._ Lips., 1727, 8vo. There are some curious and
uncommon books in this collection; which evince the taste
and judgment of Menckenius, who was a scholar of no mean
reputation. Perhaps the word "rare" is too lavishly bestowed
upon some of the books described in it.----MEON. _Catalogue
des livres précieux singuliéres et rares de la Bibliothèque
de M. Meon._ Paris, an. xii. (1804), 8vo. A very choice
collection of books; catalogued with considerable
care.----MERCIER. _Catalogue de la Bibliothéque de M.
Mercier, Abbé de Saint Leger_, par. M. De Bure, 1799, 8vo.
If the reader has chanced to cast his eye over the account
of the Abbé de St. Leger, at p. 61, ante, he will not
hesitate long about procuring a copy of the catalogue of the
library of so truly eminent a bibliographer.----MÉRIGOT.
_Catalogue des livres de M.J.G. Mérigot, Libraire_, par M.
De Bure, 1800, 8vo. It is very seldom that this catalogue
appears in our own country: which is the more provoking as
the references to it, in foreign bibliographical works,
render its possession necessary to the collector. Mérigot
was an eminent bookseller, and prepared a good catalogue of
M. Lorry's library, which was sold in 1791, 8vo.----ST.
MICHAEL. _Bibliotheca Codicum Manuscriptorum Monasterij
Sancti Michaelis Venetiarum, una cum appendice librorum
impressorum sæculi_ xv. _Opus posthumum Joannis Bened.
Mittarelli._ Venet., 1779, folio. It were much to be wished
that, after the example of this and other monasteries, all
religious houses, which have large libraries attached to
them, would publish accounts of their MSS. and printed
books. There is no knowing what treasures are hid in them,
and of which the literary world must remain ignorant, unless
they are thus introduced to general notice. How many curious
and amusing anecdotes may be told of precious works being
discovered under barbarous titles! Among others, take,
gentle reader, the two following ones--relating to books of
a very different character. Within a volume, entitled
_Secreta Alberti_, were found "_The Fruyte of Redempcyon_,"
printed by W. De Worde, 1532, 4to.; and a hitherto
imperfectly described impression of _The Boke of Fyshinge_,
printed by W. De Worde, in 4to., without date; which usually
accompanies that fascinating work, ycleped Dame Juliana
Barnes's _Boke of Hawkyng, Huntyng, and Cote Armoor_. My
friend Mr. J. Haslewood first made me acquainted with this
rare treasure--telling me he had "a famous tawny little
volume" to shew me: his pulse, at the same time, I ween,
beating one hundred and five to the minute! The second
anecdote more exactly accords with the nature of my
preliminary observations. In one of the libraries abroad,
belonging to the Jesuits, there was a volume entitled, on
the back of it "_Concilium Tridenti_:" the searching eye and
active hands of a well-educated Bibliomaniac discovered and
opened this volume--when lo! instead of the _Council of
Trent_, appeared the _First_, and almost unknown, _Edition_
of the _Decameron of Boccaccio_! This precious volume is now
reposing upon the deserted shelves of the late Duke of
Roxburgh's library; and, at the forth-coming sale of the
same, it will be most vigorously contended for by all the
higher and more knowing powers of the bibliographical world;

But when the gods descending swell'd the fight,
Then tumult rose; fierce rage and pale affright
Varied each face:

[_Pope's_] _Homer's Iliad_, b. xx. v. 63.