English Book Collectors

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25000

Title

English Book Collectors

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

William Younger Fletcher's 'English Book Collectors' chronicles the passionate pursuit of rare volumes by distinguished bibliophiles from Henry VII to the late nineteenth century. Blending historical biography with bibliographic detail, this work celebrates men who rescued manuscripts from destruction and enriched public libraries. With its focus on personality and exceptional collections, it appeals to lovers of books seeking insight into the dedicated individuals who shaped literary heritage.

Summary up to 500 words

William Younger Fletcher's *English Book Collectors* presents a comprehensive survey of English bibliomania, tracing the evolution of private book collecting from the reign of Henry VII through the mid-nineteenth century. Fletcher deliberately excludes pre-Henry VII figures, noting that early libraries consisted almost entirely of manuscripts, and omits those who collected solely for public institutions like Sir Thomas Bodley. Instead, the work focuses on private owners whose personalities and unique acquisitions warrant attention. The narrative chronicles the shift from collecting as a royal pastime under Edward IV to a widespread passion in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Fletcher details the lives of notable collectors, including George John, Second Earl Spencer; William Henry Miller, known as the 'Measure Miller' for his habit of carrying a foot-rule to check volume dimensions; and George Daniel. The text explores their diverse acquisition strategies, ranging from winter ramblings through town markets to purchasing at major sales such as those of Heber and Roxburghe. Fletcher provides specific examples of rare treasures acquired by these men, including Caxton editions, first folios of Shakespeare, unique manuscripts, and early English ballads. He cites sale prices that illustrate the era's fervor, noting periods of high 'bibliomania' followed by depressions, yet emphasizing that the desire for rare books remained undiminished. The book serves as both a historical record of library sales and a tribute to scholars and aristocrats who preserved cultural treasures rescued from monastic suppression and neglect. Fletcher highlights how these collectors enriched public libraries through bequests, ensuring the survival of priceless volumes for future generations. The work concludes by observing that high prices paid for rare books today serve to value and better treat these historical treasures.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/25000.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg25000.epub

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Downloaded at

2026-08-21 22:11 UTC

Categories

• Book collecting
• Pricing