We are told by the compiler of the catalogue that it was thought unnecessary to say much with respect to this Library of the late Dr. Anthony Askew, as the Collector and Collection were so well known in almost all parts of Europe. Afterwards it is observed that "The books in general are in very fine condition, many of them bound in morocco, and Russia leather, with gilt leaves." "To give a particular account," continues the Compiler, "of the _many scarce editions_ of books in this Catalogue would be almost endless, therefore the _first editions_ of the Classics, and some _extremely rare books_ are chiefly noticed. The catalogue, without any doubt, contains the best, rarest, and most valuable collection of GREEK and LATIN BOOKS that were ever sold in England." This account is not overcharged. The collection, in regard to Greek and Roman literature, was _unique_ in its day. The late worthy and learned Mr. M. CRACHERODE, whose library now forms one of the most splendid acquisitions of the British Museum, and whose _bequest_ of it will immortalize his memory, was also among the "Emptores literarii" at this renowned sale. He had enriched his collection with many _Exemplar Askevianum_; and, in his latter days, used to elevate his hands and eyes, and exclaim against the prices _now_ offered for EDITIONES PRINCIPES! The fact is, Dr. Askew's sale has been considered a sort of _aera_ in bibliography. Since that period, rare and curious books in Greek and Latin literature have been greedily sought after, and obtained at most extravagant prices. It is very well for a veteran in bibliography, as was Mr. Cracherode, or as are Mr. Wodhull and Dr. Gosset, whose collections were formed in the days of Gaignat, Askew, Duke de la Valliere, and Lamoignon--it is very well for such gentlemen to declaim against _modern prices_! But what is to be done? Books grow scarcer every day, and the love of literature, and of possessing rare and interesting works, increases in an equal ratio. Hungry bibliographers meet, at sales, with well furnished purses, and are resolved upon sumptuous fare. Thus the hammer _vibrates_, after a bidding of _Forty pounds_, where formerly it used regularly to _fall_ at _Four_! But we lose sight of Dr. Askew's _rare editions_, and _large paper copies_. The following, gentle Reader, is but an imperfect specimen! No. 168. Chaucer's Works, by PYNSON, no date L7 17_s._ 6_d._ No. 172. Cicero of Old Age, by Caxton, 1481 13 13 0 No. 518. Gilles' (Nicole) Annales, &c. de France. Paris, fol. 1520. 2 tom. SUR VELIN 31 10 6 No. 647. Aeginetae (Pauli) Praecepta Salubria. Paris, quarto, 1510. ON VELLUM 11 0 0 No. 666. Aesopi Fabulae. EDIT. PRIN. _circ._ 1480 6 6 0