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.
[431] As before, let us borrow the strains of 'An Aspirant:'
SECOND MAXIM.
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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!
[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.'" Curiosités Bibliographiques, p. lxv. vi.; see also [p. 79], ante. Dr. Harwood, at page 338, of his View of the Editions of the Classics, speaks of an uncut vellum Aldus, of 1504, 8vo. "Mr. Quin shewed me a fine copy of it printed in vellum with the leaves uncut, which he bought of Mr. Egerton at a very moderate price. It is, perhaps (adds he), the only uncut vellum Aldus in the world." From the joyous strain of this extract, the Doctor may be fairly suspected of having strongly exhibited this second symptom of the Bibliomania!
Belin. 'Tis very strange'—as Hamlet says at the walking of his father's ghost! But now for your Illustrated Copies!
Lysand. You have touched a vibrating string indeed!—but I will suppress my own feelings, and spare those of my friend. A passion for books illustrated, or adorned with numerous Prints[433] representing characters, or circumstances, mentioned in the work, is a very general and violent symptom of the Bibliomania. The origin, or first appearance, of this symptom, has been traced by some to the publication of the Rev. —— Granger's "Biographical History of England;" but whoever will be at the pains of reading the preface of that work will see that Granger shelters 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 history; and surely "in an evil hour" was that history published; although its amiable author must be acquitted of "malice prepense."