THE BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND Betrospective Miscellany, CONTAINING NOTICES OF, AND EXTRACTS FROM, RARE, CURIOUS, AND USEFUL OF THE HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF GREAT BRITAIN AND 19, GREAT MAY'S BUILDINGS, ST. MARTIN'S LANE. 1830. Z 1001 3582 THE FOLLOWING NOTICES OF THIS LITTLE WORK HAVE "We are well pleased with the design of this work; every attempt to disseminate knowledge deserves encouragement; and as this is one of an unambitious character by virtue of its subject, while its execution is plain and simple enough, and entirely di vested of arrogant pretension, it gives us pleasure to afford it our decided approbation."-The Atlas. "We consider the present a meritorious attempt, and cordially wish it success."-Gentleman's Magazine. "The appearance of this work must be highly gratifying to the literary world. Its plan is excellent."-The Olio. "The Bibliographical Miscellany is a respectable follower of the pleasantest periodical, in its earlier numbers especially, that ever died a premature death-we mean the Retrospective Re. view."-The Spectator. "The plan of this little work is excellent."-The Globe. Lawson 12772 CONTENTS. J. Clapham's History of England Sir R. Baker's Chronicle of England Blount's Animadversions on Baker Dr. G. Hickes's Historical Collections Bp. Nicolson's Historical Library Warrant sent to the Actors at ye Cockpit in Drury Lane, Arraingment and Acquittal of Sir Edward Mosely, Bart. Alfredi Regis Res Gestæ, (ab Asser.) Historia brevis Thomæ Walsingham. Ypodigma Neustriae per Tho- INTRODUCTION. To the devastating influence of war, which for nearly thirty years ravaged the territories of the continent, may be attributed the dispersion of the countless literary and pictorial collections, that had remained for centuries undisturbed in public institutions, or the repositories of private individuals. Upon the restoration of peace, the whole of continental Europe when compared with England, seemed as if dead to the pursuit of the Fine Arts, and Bibliography in particular; since, for the lapse of several years, scarcely any competition was manifested on the part of foreigners, to prevent Englishmen, from becoming possessed of the rarest objects of every description that were offered for sale. To an innate taste, and the predominating love of speculation therefore, we stand indebted for the incalculable stores that have found their way to our coast; for it is impossible to deny, that Great Britain has enriched herself, as regards objects of virtu, since the year 1814, in a ratio that sets all calculation at defiance. The numerous dispersions of important libraries that have taken place in this country during the same period, and which are of especial interest to the lovers of English B |