be detained with laboured commendations on either: in the
present place, however, it would be a cruel disappointment
not to say a word or two by way of _preface_ or _prologue_.

Dr. ANTHONY ASKEW had eminently distinguished himself by a
refined taste, a sound knowledge, and an indefatigable
research relating to every thing connected with Grecian and
Roman literature. It was to be expected, even during his
life, as he was possessed of sufficient means to gratify
himself with what was rare, curious, and beautiful in
literature and the fine arts, that the public would, one
day, be benefited by such pursuits: especially as he had
expressed a wish that his treasures might be unreservedly
submitted to sale, after his decease. In this wish the
Doctor was not singular. Many eminent collectors had
indulged it before him: and, to my knowledge, many modern
ones still indulge it. Accordingly on the death of Dr.
Askew, in 1774, appeared, in the ensuing year, a catalogue
of his books for sale, by Messrs. Baker and Leigh, under the
following title:

"BIBLIOTHECA ASKEVIANA, sive Catalogus Librorum Rarissimorum
ANTONII ASKEW, M.D., quorum Auctio fiet apud S. Baker et G.
Leigh, in Vico dicto _York Street, Covent Garden_, Londini.
_Die Lunae_, 13 _Februarii_, MDCCLXXV, et in undeviginti
sequentes dies." A few copies were struck off on large
paper.

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 l