Bromley, in his catalogue of engraved Portraits, mentions _four_ of orator Henley: two of which are inscribed, one by Worlidge "The Orator of Newport Market;" another (without engraver's name) "A Rationalist." There is a floating story which I have heard of Henley. He gave out that he would shew a new and expeditious method of converting a pair of boots into shoes. A great concourse of people attended, expecting to see something very marvellous; when Henley mounted his "tub," and, holding up a boot, he took a knife, and _cut away the leg part of the leather_!]

There are, I had almost said, innumerable contemporaneous bibliomaniacal characters to be described--or rather, lesser stars or satellites that move, in their now unperceived orbits, around the great planets of the book world--but, at this protracted hour of discussion, I will not pretend even to mention their names.

LIS. Yet, go on--unless the female part of the audience be weary--go on describing, by means of your great telescopic powers, every little white star that is sprinkled in this bibliomaniacal _Via Lactea_![385]

[Footnote 385: With great submission to the "reminescential"

talents of Lysander, he might have devoted one _minute_ to the commendation of the very curious library of JOHN HUTTON, which was disposed of, by auction, in the same year (1764) in which Genl. Dormer's was sold. Hutton's library consisted almost entirely of _English Literature_: the rarest books in which are printed in the italic type. When the reader is informed that "_Robinsons Life, Actes, and Death of Prince Arthur_," and his "_ancient order, societie, and unitie, laudable of the same_," 1583, 4to. (see no. 2730; concerning which my worthy friend, Mr. Haslewood, has discoursed so accurately and copiously: _British Bibliographer_, vol. i., pp. 109; 125), when he is informed that this produced only 9_s._ 6_d._--that "_Hypnerotomachia_," 1592, 4to. (no. 2755), was sold for only 2_s._--the _Myrrour of Knighthood_, 1585, 4to. (no.

2759), only 5_s._--_Palmerin of England_, 3 pts. in 3 vols.

1602, 1639, 4to. (no. 2767), 14_s._--_Painter's Palace of Pleasure_, 2 vols. in 1, 1566-7, 4to. (no. 2770)--when, I say, the tender-hearted bibliomaniac thinks that all these rare and precious black letter gems were sold, collectively, for only 2_l._ 16_s._ 6_d._!--what must be his reproaches upon the lack of spirit which was evinced at this sale!

Especially must his heart melt within him, upon looking at the produce of some of these articles at the sale of George Steevens' books, only 36 years afterwards! No depreciation of money can account for this woful difference. I possess a wretchedly priced copy of the _Bibl. Huttoniana_, which I purchased, without title-page or a decent cover, at the sale of Mr. Gough's books, for 11_s._ Lysander ought also to have noticed in its chronological order, the extensive and truly valuable library of ROBERT HOBLYN; the catalogue of which was published in the year 1769, 8vo., in two parts: pp. 650.

I know not who was the author of the arrangement of this collection; but I am pretty confident that the judicious observer will find it greatly superior to every thing of its kind, with hardly even the exception of the _Bibliotheca Croftsiana_. It is accurately and handsomely executed, and wants only an index to make it truly valuable. The collection, moreover, is a very sensible one. My copy is upon _large paper_; which is rather common.]

ALMAN. Upon my word, Lisardo, there is no subject however barren, but what may be made fruitful by your metaphorical powers of imagination.

LIS. Madam, I entreat you not to be excursive. Lysander has taken a fresh sip of his nectar, and has given a hem or two--preparing to resume his narrative.

LYSAND. We have just passed over the bar that separates the one half of the 18th century from the other: and among the ensuing eminent collectors, whose brave fronts strike us with respect, is GENERAL DORMER:[386] a soldier who, I warrant you, had faced full many a cannon, and stormed many a rampart, with courage and success. But he could not resist the raging influence of the Book-Mania: nor could all his embrasures and entrenchments screen him from the attacks of this insanity. His collection was both select and valuable.

[Footnote 386: "_A Catalogue of the genuine and elegant Library of the late_ Sir C.C. DORMER, collected by Lieutenant General James Dormer; which will be sold, &c., by Samuel Baker, at his house in York-Street, Covent Garden; to begin on Monday, February the 20th, 1764, and to continue the nineteen following evenings." At the end of the catalogue we are told that the books were "in general of the best editions, and in the finest condition, many of them in _large paper_, bound in morocco, gilt leaves," &c. This was a very choice collection of books; consisting almost entirely of French, Greek, Latin, Italian, and Spanish. The number of articles did not exceed 3082; and of volumes, probably not 7000. The catalogue is neatly printed, and copies of it on _large paper_ are exceedingly scarce. Among the most curious and valuable articles are the following:----no. 599. Les Glorieuses Conquestes de Louis le Grand, par Pontault, _en maroquin_. Paris, 1678. ("_N.B.

In this copy many very fine and rare portraits are added, engraved by the most eminent masters._")----no. 604.

Recueil des Maisons Royales, fort bien graves par Sylvestre, &c. (N.B. In the book was the following note. "_Ce recueil des Maisons Royales n'est pas seulement complet, en toutes manieres, mais on y a ajoute plusieurs plans, que l'on ne trouvent que tres rarement._")----no. 731. Fabian's Chronicle, 1559.----752, Hall's ditto. 1548.----751.

Higden's Polychronicon. 1527. (I suspect that Dr. Askew purchased the large paper Hutchinson's Xenophon, and Hudson's Thucydides. nos. 2246, 2585.)----no. 2249.

Don Quixote, por Cervantes. Madr., 4to., 1605. In hoc libro haec nota est. "_Cecy est l'edition originale; il y a une autre du mesme annee, imprimee en quarto a Madrid, mais imprimee apres cecy. J'ay veu l'autre, et je les ay comparez avec deux autres editions du mesme annee, 1605; une imprimee a Lisbonne, en 4to., l'autre en Valentia, en_ 8vo."----no. 2590. Thuanus by Buckley, on _large paper_, in 14 volumes, folio; a magnificent copy, illustrated with many beautiful and rare portraits of eminent characters, mentioned by De Thou. (N.B. This very copy was recently sold for 74_l._)----From no. 2680 to the end of the Catalogue (401 articles) there appears a choice collection of Italian and Spanish books.]

We have before noticed the celebrated diplomatic character, CONSUL SMITH, and have spoken with due respect of his library: let us here, therefore, pass by him,[387] in order to take a full and complete view of a _Non-Pareil_ Collector: the first who, after the days of Richard Smith, succeeded in reviving the love of black-letter lore and of Caxtonian typography--need I say JAMES WEST?[388]

[Footnote 387: The reader has had a sufficiently particular account of the book-collections of CONSUL SMITH, at p. 95, ante, to render any farther discussion superfluous. As these libraries were collected _abroad_, the catalogues of them were arranged in the place here referred to.]

[Footnote 388: I am now to notice, in less romantic manner than Lysander, a collection of books, in _English Literature_, which, for rarity and value, in a proportionate number, have never been equalled; I mean the library of JAMES WEST, Esq., _President of the Royal Society_. The sale commenced on March 29, 1773, and continued for the twenty-three following days. The catalogue was digested by Samuel Paterson, a man whose ability in such undertakings has been generally allowed. The title was as follows: "BIBLIOTHECA WESTIANA; _A Catalogue of the curious and truly valuable library of the late_ JAMES WEST, Esq., _President of the Royal Society, deceased_; comprehending a choice collection of books in various languages, and upon most branches of polite literature: more especially such as relate to the history and antiquities of Great Britain and Ireland; their early navigators, discoverers, and improvers, and the _ancient English literature_: of which there are a great number of uncommon books and tracts, elucidated by MS.

notes and original letters, and embellished with scarce portraits and devices, rarely to be found: including the works of Caxton, Lettou, Machlinia, the anonymous St. Albans school-master, Wynkyn de Worde, Pynson, and the rest of the old English typographers. Digested by Samuel Paterson, and sold by Messrs. Langfords." The title-page is succeeded by the

PREFACE.

"The following catalogue exhibits a very curious and uncommon collection of printed books and tracts. Of British History and Antiquities, and of _Rare Old English Literature_, the most copious of any which has appeared for several years past; formed with great taste, and a thorough knowledge of authors and characters, by that judicious critic and able antiquary the late JAMES WEST, Esq., President of the Royal Society. Several anonymous writers are herein brought to light--many works enlarged and further explained by their respective authors and editors--and a far greater number illustrated with the MS. notes and observations of some of our most respectable antiquaries: among whom will be found the revered names of Camden, Selden, Spelman, Somner, Dugdale, Gibson, Tanner, Nicolson, Gale, Le Neve, Hearne, Anstis, Lewis, St. Amand, Ames, Browne, Willis, Stukely, Mr. West, &c. But, above all, the intense application and unwearied diligence of the admirable Bishop White Kennett, upon the ecclesiastical, monastical, constitutional, and topographical history of Great Britain, so apparent throughout this collection, furnish matter even to astonishment; and are alone sufficient to establish the reputation, and to perpetuate the memory, of this illustrious prelate, without any other monuments of his greatness." "In an age of general inquiry, like the present, when studies less interesting give place to the most laudable curiosity and thirst after investigating every particular relative to the history and literature of our own country, nothing less than an elaborate digest of this valuable library could be expected; and, as a supplement to the history of English literature, more desired." "That task the Editor has cheerfully undertaken: and, he flatters himself, executed as well as the short time allowed would permit. He further hopes, to the satisfaction of such who are capable of judging of its utility and importance." "The lovers of engraved English portraits (a species of modern connoisseurship which appears to have been first started by the late noble Earl of Oxford, afterwards taken up by Mr.

West, Mr. Nicolls, editor of Cromwell's State-Papers, Mr.

Ames, &c., and since perfected by the Muse of Strawberry-Hill, the Rev. Wm. Granger, and some few more ingenious collectors) may here look to find a considerable number of singular and scarce heads, and will not be disappointed in their search." Thus much Paterson; who, it must be confessed, has promised more than he has performed: for the catalogue, notwithstanding it was the _second_ which was published (the first being by a different hand, and most barbarously compiled) might have exhibited better method and taste in its execution. Never were rare and magnificent books more huddled together and smothered, as it were, than in this catalogue. Let us now proceed to an analysis of Mr.

West's Collection.

1. _Volumes of Miscellaneous Tracts._

These volumes extend from no. 148 to 200, from 915 to 992, from 1201 to 1330, and from no. 1401 to 1480.--Among them are some singularly choice and curious articles. The following is but an imperfect specimen.

NO. 154. Atkyns on Printing, _with the frontispiece_, &c., &c., 4to.

164. G. Whetstone's Honorable Profession of a Soldier, 1586, &c., 4to.

179. Life and death of Wolsey, 1641, &c.

183. Nashe's Lenten Stuffe, with the Praise of the Red Herring, 1599, &c. 4to. (the three articles together did not exceed) 0 12_s._ 0_d._

188. A Mornynge Remembrance, had at the Moneth Mynde of the Noble Prynces Countesse of Rychmonde, &c. Wynkyn de Worde, &c. 4to. 2 2 0

194. Oh! read over Dr. John Bridges, for it is a worthie Worke, &c. bl. letter, &c. 4to. Strange and fearful Newes from Plasto, near Bow, in the house of one Paul Fox, a Silk Weaver, where is daily to be seene throwing of Stones, Bricbats, Oyster-shells, Bread, cutting his Work in Pieces, breaking his Windows, &c. _No date_, 4to. 0 12 6

1477. Leylande's Journey and Serche, given of hym as a Newe Yeares Gyfte to K. Henry 8th, enlarged by Bale, bl. letter, 1549, 8vo., (with three other curious articles.) 0 17 6

1480. A disclosing of the great Bull and certain Calves that he hath gotten, and especially the Monster Bull that roared at my Lord Byshop's gate. Bl. letter, pr. by Daye. No date.

4to.

The preceding affords but a very inadequate idea of the "pithie, pleasant, and profitable" discourses mid tracts which abounded among the miscellaneous articles of Mr.

West's library. Whatever be the defects of modern literature, it must be allowed that we are not _quite so coarse_ in the _title pages_ of our books.

2. _Divinity._

This comprehended a vast mass of information, under the following general title. Scarce Tracts: Old and New Testaments (including almost all the first English editions of the New Testament, which are now of the rarest occurrence): Commentators: Ecclesiastical History: Polemics: Devotions, Catholic and Calvinistical: Enthusiasm: Monastical History: Lives of Saints: Fathers: Missionaries: Martyrs: Modern Divines and Persons of eminent piety: Free Thinkers: Old English Primers: Meditations: Some of the earliest Popish and Puritanical Controversy: Sermons by old English Divines, &c. In the whole 560 articles: probably about 1200 volumes. These general heads are sufficient to satisfy the bibliographer that, with such an indefatigable collector as was Mr. West, the greater part of the theological books must have been extremely rare and curious.

From so _many Caxtons_, _Wynkyn de Wordes_, _Pynsons, &c._, it would be difficult to select a _few_ which should give a specimen of the value of the rest. Suffice it to observe that such a cluster of _Black Letter Gems_, in this department of English literature, has never since been seen in any sale catalogue.

3. _Education, Languages, Criticism, Classics, Dictionaries, Catalogues of Libraries, &c._

There were about 700 volumes in these departments. The catalogues of English books, from that of Maunsell in 1595, to the latest before Mr. West's time, were nearly complete.

The treatises on education, and translations of the ancient classics, comprehended a curious and uncommon collection.

The Greek and Latin Classics were rather select than rare.

4. _English Poetry, Romances, and Miscellanies._

This interesting part of the collection comprehended about 355 articles, or probably about 750 volumes: and, if the singularly rare and curious books which may be found _under these heads alone_ were now to be concentrated in one library, the owner of them might safely demand 4000 guineas for such a treasure! I make no doubt but that his MAJESTY is the fortunate possessor of the greater number of articles under all the foregoing heads.

5. _Philosophy, Mathematics, Inventions, Agriculture, and Horticulture, Medicine, Cookery, Surgery, &c._

Two hundred and forty articles, or about 560 volumes.

6. _Chemistry, Natural History, Astrology, Sorcery, Gigantology._

Probably not more than 100 volumes. The word "Gigantology,"

first introduced by Mr. Paterson, I believe, into the English language, was used by the French more than two centuries ago. See no. 2198 in the catalogue.

7. _History and Antiquities._

This comprehended a great number of curious and valuable productions, relating both to foreign and domestic transactions.

8. _Heraldry and Genealogy._

An equal number of curious and scarce articles may be found under these heads.

9. _Antient Legends and Chronicles._

To the English antiquary, few departments of literature are more interesting than this. Mr. West seems to have paid particular attention to it, and to have enriched his library with many articles of this description of the rarest occurrence. The lovers of Caxton, Fabian, Hardyng, Hall, Grafton, and Holinshed, may be highly gratified by inspecting the various editions of these old chroniclers. I entreat the diligent bibliographer to examine the first 8 articles of page 209 of the catalogue. Alas! when will such gems again glitter at one sale? The fortunate period for collectors is gone by: a knowledge of books almost every where prevails. At York, at Exeter, at Manchester, and at Bristol, as well as in London, this knowledge may be found sometimes on the dusty stall, as well as in the splendid shop. The worth of books begins to be considered by a different standard from that of the quantity of gold on the exterior! We are now for "_drinking deep_," as well as "_tasting_!" But I crave pardon for this digression, and lose sight of Mr. West's _uniques_.