It is well known that the unfortunate regulation imposed by Pepys, the celebrated diarist, that his Manuscripts and Books should never be examined save in the presence of a Fellow of the College at Cambridge where they are preserved, has hitherto alone prevented the collecting and publishing some of the more interesting of these world-renowned Ballads and Songs. The difficulty, however, has been surmounted by Dr. Rimbault, aided by the authorities of Magdalene College; and the lovers of our charming old popular poetry will be glad to know that a Garland of these Balladian ditties is in course of publication. The work will be preceded by an Introduction on Ballad Lore, Ballad Writers, and Ballad Printers, giving some new and interesting particulars gathered from “old bookes,” and other sources, hitherto unexplored.
The publisher would state that the work will be beautifully printed by Whittingham, and that it will be adorned by a curious woodcut facsimile frontispiece.
Nearly ready, in small 4to, half morocco, very neat,
An hitherto unknown Poem, written by John Bunyan, whilst confined in Bedford Jail, for the Support of his Family, entitled,
Profitable Meditations, Fitted to Man’s DIFFERENT CONDITION; in a Conference between Christ and a Sinner. By JOHN BUNYAN, Servant to the Lord Jesus Christ.
London: Printed for Francis Smith at the Sign of the Elephant and Castle without Temple Bar, 1661
This very interesting, though melancholy literary memorial of the Author of the celebrated Pilgrim’s Progress, will be choicely reprinted by Whittingham, from the only known copy lately discovered by the publisher. It will be edited, with an Introduction by George Offor, Esq. The impression will be limited.
Now ready, price 5s.
Magna Charta. An Exact Facsimile of the Original Document, preserved in the British Museum, very carefully drawn, and printed on fine plate paper, nearly 3 feet long by 2 feet wide, with the Arms and Seals of the Barons elaborately emblazoned in gold and colours.