Catalogus Librorum Johannis Bridges, Armigeri; nuper ex Hospitio Lincolniensi. Juxta Exemplar Catalogi MSti quem ipse dum in vivis erat, concinnari fecerat. Adjicitur Appendix MSStorum.
Engraved frontis. (dampstained in outer upper corner with blank corner renewed). 2 p.l. (incl. the frontis.), 4, 345, [1], 2 pp. 8vo, later 18th cent. half-sheep & marbled boards, flat spine gilt. London: J. Tonson & J. Watts, 1725.
The very uncommon inventory catalogue of the library of John Bridges (1666-1724), historian of Northamptonshire, who left his library to his two brothers. They prepared this catalogue for sale but their efforts were fruitless as the books were sent to auction before the year was out. This is one of the earliest of all English inventory catalogues.
Dibdin called Bridges “a notorious book-collector” and the library contained over 4000 books and MSS. It was notably rich in the history and antiquities of Great Britain and Ireland.
Apart from the dampstaining to the frontispiece and — to a much lesser degree — the following three leaves, a fine and crisp copy. Bookplate of the Marquess of Downshire.
❧ D.N.B., II, pp. 1229-30–“the catalogue of his library was long retained as valuable by curious collectors.” Fletcher, English Book Collectors, pp. 156-58. Pollard & Ehrman, p. 212, Table XXV, & no. 222. Taylor, Book Catalogues, pp. 193 & 206.
Price: $3,000.00
Item ID: 2795
