Relics of Literature. We, for their knowledge, men inspir'd adore; Not for those truths they bide, but those they show; Sir W. Davenant. THE FIRST ENGLISH CATALOGUE. THE first digested list of publications in the English language was compiled by Andrew Maunsell, a bookseller of ability and eminence, who lived in Lothbury towards the close of the sixteenth century, Hearne calls this catalogue “ a very scarce, and yet a very useful book;" and it is curious on many accounts, particularly as it affords the titles of many works, and records the names of various authors, long since lost or forgotten. The work is dedicated "To the Queene's most sacred Maiestie;" to "The Reverend Divines, and Louers of Diuine Bookes ;" and to" The Worshipfull the Master, Wardens, and Assistants of the Companie of Stationers, and to all other Printers and Bookesellers in generall." The following is the title: "The first Part of the Catalogue of English Printed Bookes: which concerneth such matters of diuinitie as have bin either written in our owne tongue, or translated out of anie other language and haue bin published to the glory of God, and edification of the Church of Christ in England. Gathered into alphabet, and such method as it is, by Andrew Maunsell, bookseller. Unumquodque propter quid. London: printed by John Windel, for Andrew Maunsell, dwelling in Lothburie, 1595." Folio, pp. 123; dedication, pp. 6; with the device of a pelican and its offspring rising from the flames, round which is this legend: "Pro Lege, Rege, et Grege: Love kepyth the Lawe, obeyeth the kynge, and is good to the Commonwelthe." The following extract from the "Dedication to the Printers and Booksellers" will not only furnish an insight into the plan of publication, but is also applicable to the compilation of catalogues in general. B |