The life and correspondence of Sir Anthony Panizzi, K.C.B., Vol. 1 (of 2): Late principal librarian of the British museum, senator of Italy, etc.Fagan, Louis
History
The life and correspondence of Sir Anthony Panizzi, K.C.B., Vol. 1 (of 2): Late principal librarian of the British museum, senator of Italy, etc.
Fagan, Louis
Panizzi, Anthony, Sir, 1797-1879
Lord Vernon could have no better opportunity of reprinting them in
London. In securing the assistance of Panizzi, whose knowledge and
precision were of the utmost importance, he was most fortunate.
Moreover, the printing of the book in question is highly creditable to
British typography. It is a folio of 800 pages, with a preface by the
Editor, and contains fac-similes of the originals. Lord Vernon, being a
corresponding member, dedicated it to the _Accademia della Crusca_.
The preliminaries for this work, which was published in 1858, were
entered into just ten years before; and a memorandum from Lord Vernon,
dated October 23, 1848, is extant, in which he makes a proposal to
Panizzi that the sum of £50 should be paid to him every six months,
until the completion of the work—the said payment to terminate in four
years—the whole sum amounting in the aggregate to £400.
In this transaction Mr. Pickering was consulted.
Panizzi lost no time, and was evidently eager to begin a task so
congenial to his taste; for barely a week afterwards (to quote his own
words) he wrote to Lord Vernon, “I have set to work without a moment’s
delay, putting aside every other unofficial occupation.”
The question relating to the latter part of the following letter of Lord
Vernon, seems to have arisen from a misunderstanding as to the use of
the word _his_ for _this_; and will be best explained by giving his
Lordship’s letter, in addition to Panizzi’s very characteristic reply:—
“Florence, 21st Nov., 1848.
“My Dear Sir,
I am very happy to find that Mr. Pickering’s proposal has met
with your approval, as it did with mine. As for myself, I can only
congratulate myself at having had the good fortune to secure your
valuable assistance at any price within my means.
[Illustration: Lord Vernon]
Respecting the correction of the press, you are right in supposing
that it was intended to apply not only to the part which more
immediately concerns yourself, but to the whole work. If, however, you
think that the revision of my part of the work will be a great
fatigue, and take up too much of your time, I am willing to omit this
from the conditions above stated. I must, however, in this case, beg
of you to name your own terms, in case it suited you to undertake it,
or else to find some one else in whose capacity and judgment you have
confidence, and who will have some discretion in his demands upon my
purse.
Yours, &c., &c.,
VERNON.”
“B. M., Nov. 30th, 1848.
“My dear Lord,
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account