Whether Peignot's definition be just or not, I will not stop to determine: but when I have described to you the various symptoms, you will be better able to judge of its propriety.

LIS. Describe them _seriatim_, as we were observing yesterday.

LYSAND. I will; but let me put them in battle array, and select them according to their appearances. There is, first, a passion for _Large Paper Copies_; secondly, for _Uncut Copies_; thirdly, for _Illustrated Copies_; fourthly, for _Unique Copies_; fifthly, for _Copies printed upon Vellum_; sixthly, for _First Editions_; seventhly, for _True Editions_; and eighthly, for _Books printed in the Black-Letter_.

BELIN. I have put these symptoms down in my pocket-book; and shall proceed to catechise you according to your own method. First, therefore, what is meant by LARGE PAPER COPIES?

LYSAND. A certain set, or limited number of the work, is printed upon paper of a _larger dimension, and superior quality_, than the ordinary copies. The press-work and ink are, always, proportionably better in these copies: and the price of them is enhanced according to their beauty and rarity.

_This Symptom_ of the Bibliomania is, at the present day, both general and violent. Indeed, there is a set of collectors, the shelves of whose libraries are always made proportionably stout, and placed at a due distance from each other, in order that they may not break down beneath the weight of such ponderous volumes.

BELIN. Can these things be?

PHIL. Yes; but you should draw a distinction, and not confound the GROLLIERS, De Thous, and Colberts of modern times, with "a set of collectors," as you call them, who are equally without taste and knowledge.

LIS. We have heard of De Thou and Colbert, but who is GROLLIER?[429]

[Footnote 429: The reader may be better pleased with the ensuing soberly-written account of this great man than with Philemon's rapturous eulogy. JOHN GROLLIER was born at Lyons, in 1479; and very early displayed a propensity towards those elegant and solid pursuits which afterwards secured to him the admiration and esteem of his contemporaries. His address was easy, his manners were frank, yet polished; his demeanour was engaging, and his liberality knew no bounds. As he advanced in years, he advanced in reputation; enjoying a princely fortune, the result, in some measure, of a faithful and honourable discharge of the important diplomatic situations which he filled. He was Grand Treasurer to Francis I., and was sent by that monarch as ambassador to Pope Clement VII. During his abode at Rome, he did not fail to gratify his favourite passion of BOOK-COLLECTING; and employed the Alduses to print for him an edition of Terence in 8vo., 1521: of which a copy _upon vellum_, was in the Imperial library at Vienna; See _L'Imp. des Alde_; vol. I., 159. He also caused to be published, by the same printers, an edition of his friend Budaeus's work, _De Asse et partibus ejus_, 1522, 4to.; which, as well as the Terence, is dedicated to himself, and of which the presentation copy, _upon vellum_, is now in the Library of Count M'Carthy, at Toulouse: it having been formerly in the Soubise collection: vide p. 96, ante--and no. 8010 of the _Bibl. Soubise_. It was during Grollier's stay at Rome, that the anecdote, related by Egnatio, took place. 'I dined (says the latter) along with Aldus, his son, Manutius, and other learned men, at Grollier's table. After dinner, and just as the dessert had been placed on the table, our host presented each of his guests with a pair of gloves filled with ducats.' But no man had a higher opinion of Grollier, or had reason to express himself in more grateful terms of him, than De Thou. This illustrious author speaks of him as "a man of equal elegance of manners, and spotlessness of character. His books seemed to be the counterpart of himself, for neatness and splendour; not being inferior to the glory attributed to the library of Asinius Pollio, the first who made a collection of books at Rome. It is surprising, notwithstanding the number of presents which he made to his friends, and the accidents which followed on the dispersion of his library, how many of his volumes yet adorn the most distinguished libraries of Paris, whose chief boast consists in having an _Exemplar Grollerianum_!" The fact was Grollier returned to Paris with an immense fortune. During his travels he had secured, from Basil, Venice, and Rome, the most precious copies of books which could be purchased: and which he took care to have bound in a singular manner, indicative at once of his generosity and taste. The title of the book was marked in gilt letters upon one side, and the words--of which the annexed wood-cut is a fac-simile--upon the other; surrounded with similar ornaments to the extremities of the sides, whether in folio or duodecimo.

[Illustration:

PORTIO MEA DO MINE SIT IN TERRA VI VENTI VM.

Beneath the title of the book: 'IO: GROLLERII et AMICORUM.']

This extraordinary man, whom France may consider the first Bibliomaniac of the sixteenth century, died at Paris in the year 1565, and in the 86th of his age. Let us close this account of him with an extract from Marville's _Melanges d'Histoire et de Literature_; "La Bibliotheque de M.

Grollier s'est conservee dans l'Hotel de Vic jusqu'a ces annees dernieres qu'elle a ete vendue a l'encan. Elle meritoit bien, etant une des premieres et des plus accomplies qu'aucun particulier se soit avise de faire a Paris, de trouver, comme celle de M. de Thou, un acheteur qui en conservat le lustre. La plpart des curieux de Paris ont profite de ses debris. J'en ai eu a ma part quelques volumes a qui rien ne manque: ni pour la bonte des editions de ce tems la, ni pour la beaute du papier et la proprete de la relieure. Il semble, a les voir, que les Muses qui ont contribue a la composition du dedans, se soient aussi appliquees a les approprier au dehors, tant il paroit d'art et d'esprit dans leurs ornemens. Ils sont tous dorez avec une delicatesse inconnue aux doreurs d'aujourd'hui. Les compartemens sont pients de diverses couleurs, parfaitemente bien dessinez, et tous de differentes figures, &c.:" vol.

I., p. 187, edit. 1725. Then follows a description, of which the reader has just had ocular demonstration. After such an account, what bibliomaniac can enjoy perfect tranquillity of mind unless he possess a _Grollier copy_ of some work or other? My own, from which the preceding fac-simile was taken, is a folio edition (1531) of _Rhenanus, de rebus Germanicis_; in the finest preservation.]

PHIL. Lysander will best observe upon him.

LYSAND. Nay; his character cannot be in better hands.

PHIL. Grollier was both the friend and the treasurer of Francis the First; the bosom companion of De Thou, and a patron of the Aldine family. He had learning, industry, and inflexible integrity. His notions of _Virt_ were vast, but not wild. There was a magnificence about every thing which he did or projected; and his liberality was without bounds. He was the unrivalled Mecaenas of book-lovers and scholars; and a more insatiable bibliomaniacal appetite was never, perhaps, possessed by any of _his_ class of character.

LIS. I thank you for this _Grollieriana_. Proceed, Lysander with your large paper copies.

ALMAN. But first tell us--why are these copies so much coveted? Do they contain more than the ordinary ones?

LYSAND. Not in the least. Sometimes, however, an extra embellishment is thrown into the volume--but this, again, belongs to the fourth class of symptoms, called _Unique Copies_--and I must keep strictly to order; otherwise I shall make sad confusion.

BELIN. Keep to your large paper, exclusively.[430]

[Footnote 430: Let us first hear Dr. Ferriar's smooth numbers upon this tremendous symptom of the Bibliomania:

But devious oft, from ev'ry classic Muse, The keen collector meaner paths will choose: And first the MARGIN'S BREADTH his soul employs, Pure, snowy, broad, the type of nobler joys.

In vain might Homer roll the tide of song, Or Horace smile, or Tully charm the throng; If crost by Pallas' ire, the trenchant blade Or too oblique, or near, the edge invade, The Bibliomane exclaims, with haggard eye, 'NO MARGIN!'--turns in haste, and scorns to buy.

_The Bibliomania_; v. 34-43.

Next come the rivals strains of 'An Aspirant.'

FIRST MAXIM.

Who slaves the monkish folio through, With lore or science in his view, _Him_ ... visions black, or devils blue, Shall haunt at his expiring taper;-- Yet, 'tis a weakness of the wise, To chuse the volume by the size, And riot in the pond'rous prize-- Dear Copies--_printed on_ LARGE PAPER!

_Bibliosophia_; p. IV.

After these saucy attacks, can I venture upon discoursing, in a sober note-like strain--upon those large and magnificent volumes concerning which Lysander, above, pours forth such a torrent of eloquence? Yes--gentle reader--I will even venture!--and will lay a silver penny to boot (See Peacham's '_Worth of a Penny_'--) that neither Dr. Ferriar nor the 'Aspirant' could withhold their ejaculations of rapture upon seeing any one of the following volumes walk majestically into their libraries. Mark well, therefore, a few scarce

WORKS PRINTED UPON LARGE PAPER.

_Lord Bacon's Essays_; 1798, 8vo. There were only six copies of this edition struck off upon royal folio paper: one copy is in the Cracherode collection, in the British Museum; and another is in the library of Earl Spencer. Mr. Leigh, the book-auctioneer, a long time ago observed that, if ever one of these copies were to be sold at an auction, it would probably bring -00_l._--! I will not insert the _first_ figure; but _two noughts_ followed it.----_Twenty Plays of Shakspeare from the old quarto editions_; 1766, 8vo., 6 vols. Only twelve copies printed upon large paper. See _Bibl. Steevens_: no. 1312; and p. 581, ante.----_Dodsley's Collection of Old Plays_; 1780, 8vo., 12 vols. Only six copies struck off upon large paper. Bibl.

Woodhouse, no. 698.----_The Grenville Homer_; 1800, 4to., 4 vols. Fifty copies of this magnificent work are said to have been printed upon large paper; which have embellishments of plates. Mr. Dent possesses the copy which was Professor Porson's, and which was bought at the sale of the Professor's library, in boards, for 87_l._, see p. 459, ante. Seven years ago I saw a sumptuous copy in morocco, knocked down for 99_l._ 15_s._----_Mathaei Paris, Monachi Albanenses, &c.; Historia Major; a Wats_; Lond. 1640; folio.

This is a rare and magnificent work upon large paper; and is usually bound in two volumes.----_Historiae Anglicanae Scriptores X; a Twysden_; 1652, folio. Of equal rarity and magnificence are copies of this inestimable production.----_Rerum Anglicarum Scriptores Veteres, a Gale_; 1684, 91; folio, 3 volumes. There were but few copies of this, now generally coveted, work printed upon large paper. The difference between the small and the large, for amplitude of margin and lustre of ink, is inconceivable.----_Historiae Anglicanae Scriptores Varii, a Sparke_; Lond. 1723, folio. The preface to this work shews that there are copies of it, like those of Dr. Clarke's edition of Caesar's Commentaries, upon paper of three different sizes. The 'charta maxima' is worthy of a conspicuous place upon the collector's shelf; though in any shape the book has a creditable aspect.----_Recueil des Historiens des Gaules, &c., par Boucquet_; 1738, 1786; folio, 13 vols. It is hardly possible for the eye to gaze upon a more intrinsically valuable work, or a finer set of volumes, than are these, as now exhibited in Mr. Evans's shop, and bound in fine old red morocco by the best binders of France. They were once in my possession; but the 'res angusta domi' compelled me to part with them, and to seek for a copy not so tall by head and shoulders. Since the year 1786, two additional volumes have been published.

We will now discourse somewhat of English books.

_Scott's Discoverie of Whitcraft_; 1584, 4to. Of this work, which has recently become popular from Mr. Douce's frequent mention of it (Illustrations of Shakspeare, &c., 1806, 2 vols., 8vo.), my friend, Mr. Utterson, possesses a very beautiful copy upon large paper. It is rarely one meets with books printed in this country, before the year 1600, struck off in such a manner. This copy, which is secured from 'winter and rough weather' by a stout coat of skilfully-tool'd morocco, is probably unique.----_Weever's Funeral Monuments_; 1631, folio. Mr. Samuel Lysons informs me that he has a copy of this work upon large paper. I never saw, or heard of, another similar one.----_Sanford's Genealogical History_; 1707, folio. At the sale of Baron Smyth's books, in 1809, Messrs. J. and A. Arch purchased a copy of this work upon large paper for 46_l._ A monstrous price! A similar copy is in the library of Mr. Grenville, which was obtained from Mr. Evans of Pall-Mall. The curious should purchase the anterior edition (of 1677) for the sake of better impressions of the plates; which, however, in any condition, are neither tasteful nor well engraved. What is called '_a good Hollar_' would weigh down the whole set of them!----_Strype's Ecclesiastical Memorials_; 1721, _Folio_, 3 vols.----_Annals of the Reformation_; 1725, _Folio_, 4 vols. Happy the collector who can regale himself by viewing large paper copies of these inestimable works! In any shape or condition, they are now rare. The latter is the scarcer of the two; and upon large paper brings, what the French bibliographers call, 'un prix enorme.' There is one of this kind in the beautiful library of Mr. Thomas Grenville.----_Hearne's Works_--'till Mr. Bagster issued his first reprints of Robert of Gloucester and Peter Langtoft, upon paper of three different sizes--(of which the largest, in quarto, has hardly been equalled in modern printing)--used to bring extravagant sums at book-auctions.

At a late sale in Pall-Mall, were [Transcriber's Note: where] the books in general were sold at extraordinary prices, the large paper Hearnes absolutely 'hung fire'--as the sportsman's phrase is.----_Hudibras, with Dr. Grey's Annotations, and Hogarth's cuts_; 1744, 2 vols. There were but twelve copies of this first and best edition of Dr.

Grey's labours upon Hudibras (which Warburton strangely abuses--) printed upon large paper: and a noble book it is in this form!----_Milner's History of Winchester_; 1798, 4to., 2 vols. Of this edition there were, I believe, either twelve or twenty-four copies printed upon large paper; which brings serious sums in the present general rage for books of this description.----_Kennet's (Bp.) Parochial Antiquities; Oxford_, 1695, 4to. The only known copy of this work upon large paper is in the fine library of Sir Richard Colt Hoare, Bart. This copy was probably in the collection of 'that well-known collector, Joseph Browne, Esq., of Shepton Mallet, Somersetshire:' as a similar one 'in Russia, gilt leaves,' was sold in Pt. II. of his collection, no. 279, for 7_l._ 17_s._ 6_d._ and purchased in the name of Thornton.----_The Chronicles of Froissart and Monstrelet_: translated by Thomas Johnes, Esq. Hafod, 1803, 1810, quarto, 9 vols.: including a volume of plates to Monstrelet. Of these beautiful and intrinsically valuable works, there were only 25 copies struck off upon folio; which bring tremendous prices.----_History of the Town of Cheltenham, and its Environs_; 1802, 8vo. There were a few copies of this superficial work printed upon large paper in royal octavo, and a _unique_ copy upon paper of a quarto size; which latter is in the possession of my friend Mr. Thomas Pruen, of the same place. A part of this volume was written by myself; according to instructions which I received to make it 'light and pleasant.' An author, like a barrister, is bound in most cases to follow his instructions! As I have thus awkwardly introduced myself, I may be permitted to observe, at the foot of this note, that all the LARGE PAPER copies of my own humble lucubrations have been attended with an unexpectedly successful sale. Of the _Introduction to the Classics_, edit. 1804, 8vo., there were fifty copies, with extra plates, struck off in royal octavo, and published at 2_l._ 2_s._: these now sell for 5_l._ 5_s._: the portrait of _Bishop Fell_ making them snapped at, with a perch-like spirit, by all true Grangerites. Of the _Typographical Antiquities_ of our own country there were 66 printed in a superb style, upon imperial paper, in 4to.; these were published at 6_l._ 6_s._ a copy. The following anecdote shews how they are 'looking up'--as the book-market phrase is. My friend ---- parted with his copy; but finding that his slumbers were broken, and his dreams frightful, in consequence, he sought to regain possession of it; and cheerfully gave 10_l._ 10_s._! for what, but a few months before, he had possessed for little more than one half the sum! The same friend subscribes for a _large paper_ of the _present work_, of which there are only eighteen copies printed: and of which my hard-hearted printer and myself seize each upon a copy. Will the same friend display equal fickleness in regard to THIS volume? If he does, he must smart acutely for it: nor will 15_l._ 15_s._ redeem it! It is justly observed, in the first edition of this work, that, 'analogous to large paper, are TALL copies: that is, copies of the work published on the ordinary size paper, and barely cut down by the binder,' p. 45. To _dwarfise_ a volume is a 'grievous fault' on the part of any binder; but more particularly is it an unpardonable one on the part of him who has had a long intercourse with professed bibliomaniacs!

To a person who knows anything of typographical arrangement, the distinction between _tall_ and _large paper_ copies is sufficiently obvious. For this reason, I am quite decided that the supposed large paper copy of _Scapula's Lexicon_, possessed by Mr. ----, of Caversham, near Reading, is only a _tall_ copy of the work, as usually printed: nor is this copy more stately than another which I have seen. The owner of the volume will suppress all feelings which he may entertain against my heretical opinions (as I fear he will call them), when he considers that he may dispose of his Scapula for a sum three times beyond what he gave for it.

Let him put it by the side of his neighbour Dr. Valpy's numerous large paper copies of the old folio classics, and he will in a moment be convinced of the accuracy of the foregoing remark. FINE PAPER copies of a work should be here noticed; as they are sought after with avidity. The most beautiful work of this kind which I ever saw, was _Rapin's History of England, in nine folio volumes, bound in red morocco, and illustrated with Houbraken's_ Heads; which Sir M.M. Sykes recently purchased of Mr. Evans, the bookseller,--for a comparatively moderate sum. A similar copy (exclusively of the illustrations) of Rapin's History of England, which was once in the library of the Royal Institution, was burnt in the fire that destroyed Covent-Garden Theatre; it having been sent to Mr. Mackinlay, the book-binder, who lived near the Theatre.]

LYSAND. I have little to add to what has been already said of this symptom. That a volume, so published, has a more pleasing aspect, cannot be denied. It is the oak, in its full growth, compared with the same tree in its sapling state: or, if you please, it is the same picture a little more brilliant in its colouring, and put into a handsomer frame. My friend MARCUS is a very dragon in this department of book-collecting: nothing being too formidable for his attack. Let the volume assume what shape it may, and let the price be ever so unconscionable--he hesitates not to become a purchaser. In consequence, exclusively of all the _Dugdales_ and _Montfaucons_, upon large paper, and in the finest bindings, he possesses the _Grand Folio Classics_, the _Benedictine Editions of the Fathers_, the _County Histories_, and all works, of a recent date, upon _History_ and the _Belles Lettres_. In short, nothing can be more magnificent than the interior of his library; as nothing but giants, arrayed in the most splendid attire, are seen to keep guard from one extremity of the room to the other.

LIS. Who is this Marcus? I'll rival him in due time!--But proceed.

BELIN. Thus much, I presume, for the first symptom of the Bibliomania.

Now pray, Sir, inform us what is meant by that strange term, UNCUT COPIES?

LYSAND. Of all the symptoms of the Bibliomania, this is probably the most extraordinary.[431] It may be defined a passion to possess books of which the edges have never been sheared by the binder's tools. And here I find myself walking upon doubtful ground:--your friend [turning towards me] Atticus's _uncut Hearnes_ rise up in "rough majesty"

before me, and almost "push me from my stool." Indeed, when I look around in your book-lined tub, I cannot but acknowledge that this symptom of the disorder has reached your own threshold; but when it is known that a few of your bibliographical books are left with the edges uncut _merely to please your friends_ (as one must sometimes study their tastes as well as one's own), I trust that no very serious conclusions will be drawn about the fatality of your own case.

[Footnote 431: As before, let us borrow the strains of 'An Aspirant:'

SECOND MAXIM.

Who, with fantastic pruning-hook, Dresses the borders of his book, Merely to ornament its look-- Amongst philosophers a fop is: What if, perchance, he thence discover Facilities in turning over?

The Virtuoso is a Lover Of coyer charms in "UNCUT COPIES."

_Bibliosophia_; p. v.

I have very little to add in illustration of Lysander's well-pointed sarcasms relating to this _second symptom of_ BOOK-MADNESS. I think I once heard of an uncut _Cranmer's Bible_; but have actually seen a similar conditioned copy of _Purchas's Pilgrimes and Pilgrimage_, which is now in the beautiful library of the Honourable T. Grenville.]

As to uncut copies, although their inconvenience [an uncut Lexicon to wit!] and deformity must be acknowledged, and although a rational man can wish 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 "que n'out point des pistoles" (to borrow the idea of Clement; vol. vi. p. 36). I dare say an uncut _first Shakspeare_, as well as an _uncut vellum Aldus_[432] would produce a little annuity!

[Footnote 432: I doubt of the existence of an uncut _first Shakspeare_; although we have recently had evidence of an uncut _first Homer_; for thus speaks Peignot: "A superb copy of this Editio Princeps was sold at the sale of M. de Cotte's books, in 1804, for 3601 livres: but it must be remarked that this copy was in the most exquisite preservation, as if it had just come from the press.

Moreover, it is probably the only one the margins of which have never been either 'shaven or shorn.'" _Curiosites Bibliographiques_, p. lxv. vi.; see also p. 79, ante. Dr.