PREFACE.

SOME apology may perhaps be deemed neces

sary, for the numerous alterations and additions, made in the present, Fifth, Edition of this work. Since its first publication several works of a similar nature have appeared; and more than one, have been so well received, that in justice to the active spirit of my publisher, I have performed the painful duty of revising, rescinding, and substituting new articles. It had been an easier task to add a new but I did not wish to increase the size of

volume;

the work, so much as to make it answer its in

This miscellany, was first formed, many years ago, when two of my friends, were occupied in those anecdotical labours, which have proved so entertaining to themselves, and their readers.* I conceived

Esq.

The late William Seward, Esq. and James Pettit Andrews,

that a collection of a different complexion, though much less amusing, might prove, somewhat more instructive; and that, literary history, afforded an almost unexplored source, of interesting facts. The work itself, has been well enough received public, to justify its design.

the

Every class of readers, requires a book adapted to itself; and that book, which interests, and perhaps brings much new information, to a multitude of readers, is not to be contemned, even by the learned. More, might be alledged in favour of works like the present, than can be urged against them. They are of a class which was well known to the Ancients. The Greeks were not without them, and the Romans loved them under the title of Varia Eruditio; and the Orientalists more than either, were passionately fond of these agreeable collections. The fanciful titles, with which they decorated their variegated miscellanies, sufficiently express their delight.

The design of these arrangements, is to stimulate the literary curiosity of those, who, with a taste for

its tranquil pursuits, are impeded in their ac

quirement.

The characters, the events, and the

singularities of modern literature, are not always familiar, even to those who excel in classical studies. But a more numerous part of mankind, by their occupations, or their indolence (both unfavourable causes to literary improvement) require. to obtain the materials for thinking, by the easiest and the readiest means. To such, it is presumed, this work, has proved useful, and the honour which some writers have done this compilement, by referring to it, has exhilarated the zealous labour which the present improved Edition, has necessarily brought with it.

ADDENDA.

Vol. I. page 8. Insert at the end of the verses: This passion for the acquisition and enjoyment of books, has been the occasion of their lovers embellishing their outsides, with costly ornaments; a rage which vanity may have abused, but when these volumes belong to the real man of letters, the most fanciful bindings, are only the emblems of his taste and feeling. The great Thuanus, was eager to purchase the finest copies of books for his library, of which many now exist in this metropolis. One of the most celebrated amateurs was Grollier, whose library was opulent in these luxuries; the Muses themselves could not more ingeniously have ornamented their favorite works; he embellished their outside (says Marville) with taste and ingenuity. They were gilded with peculiar neatness, the compartments on the binding were drawn, and painted, with different inventions of subjects, analogous to the works themselves; and they were further adorned by this amiable inscription, Jo. Grolierii et amicorum! purporting that these literary treasures were collected for him, and for his friends!