A Catalogue of Books in English Later than 1700, Vol. 2 / Forming a portion of the library of Robert Hoe

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

35273

Title

A Catalogue of Books in English Later than 1700, Vol. 2 / Forming a portion of the library of Robert Hoe

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume presents a curated selection of rare English books published after 1700, forming a portion of the distinguished library of Robert Hoe. Featuring exquisite bindings, limited editions, and significant literary works, it appeals to bibliophiles and collectors seeking high-quality, historically significant texts.

Summary up to 500 words

A Catalogue of Books in English Later than 1700, Volume II, presents a meticulously curated survey of rare and valuable volumes comprising a significant portion of the distinguished library of Robert Hoe. Compiled by Carolyn Shipman and privately printed in New York in 1905, this volume serves as both a definitive bibliographic reference and a celebration of literary heritage. The collection spans a vast array of genres, including poetry, history, drama, art criticism, and biography, featuring works by renowned authors such as Francis Seymour Haden, Thomas Chandler Haliburton, Oliver Wendell Holmes, William Hogarth, and William Hickling Prescott. Each entry within the catalogue offers a detailed examination of the physical attributes of the books, highlighting their rarity and historical importance. The text meticulously documents binding materials, ranging from simple cloth to exquisite morocco and levant morocco, often elaborately tooled by master binders like Zaehnsdorf, Rivière, and Bedford. Printing techniques are also scrutinized, with special attention given to copies printed on imperial Japanese vellum, India paper, or large paper, often issued in limited editions for private circulation. Illustrative content is frequently noted, with many volumes containing facsimiles, etchings, woodcuts, and portraits that enhance the textual experience. The volume showcases the craftsmanship of early printers and binders while preserving the integrity of original texts. It features significant literary figures such as the Earl of Halifax, whose early poems are preserved, and Thomas Chandler Haliburton, whose humorous sketches of colonial life are celebrated. The catalogue also honors the artistic legacy of William Hogarth through various illustrated editions and the critical writings of Philip Gilbert Hamerton on etching and painting. Historical narratives are represented by the works of Prescott on the conquests of Mexico and Peru, while the dramatic works of Aaron Hill and Fitz-Greene Halleck illustrate the evolution of American and English theater. Beyond mere listing, the catalogue acts as a testament to the preservation of cultural artifacts. It includes works on music, such as Edward Holmes's biography of Mozart, and essays on the history of printing and bookbinding by Robert Hoe himself. The tone of the work is one of reverence for the past, emphasizing the scholarly value of these items for collectors and historians alike. By documenting these specific copies, the volume ensures that the nuances of their production and the stories they tell are not lost to time, offering a comprehensive window into the literary and artistic world of the 18th and 19th centuries.

LLM editorial rating

4.5/5

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Categories

• American Literature
• English Literature
• Rare Books
• Private Libraries