![]()
Illustration by Thomas Rowlandson for Tom Jones published in Edinburgh by James Sibbald in 1791, volume 1, page 55: Caption: Partridge cruelly accused and maltreated by his Wife & co. [Alternate caption: The astonished Partridge meets the vengeance of the whole sex.] ❧ The Library has long had the 1792 reissue of the sheets of James Sibbald’s 1791 Edinburgh edition. Recently acquired is the 1791 original. Each volume has four plates by Thomas Rowlandson. ❧ Fielding, Henry, 1707-1754. The History of Tom Jones, a foundling. By Henry Fielding, Esq. Edinburgh: printed by and for J. Sibbald, 1791. 3v.,plates; 8⁰. Call number (Ex) 2011-0440N.
Vandermaelen Atlas (1827) • First atlas of the world with all maps on the same scale
With funding from the Rare Book Division, the Friends of the Library, and the Historic Maps Collection, in March 2009, the Library acquired a copy of the Philippe Vandermaelen, Atlas universel de géographie physique, politique, statistique et minéralogique . . . (Brussels, 1827), consisting of approximately 380 folio foldout sheets of maps and 40 pages of statistical tables. This is the first atlas to have been printed using lithography; it is also the first to show the whole world in maps using a uniform scale (about 26 miles to the inch).
The atlas was digitally photographed at high resolution in 2010, and is now available in two forms: in the Princeton University Digital Library [link] and on a stand-alone website, which includes a video showing a virtual rotating globe constructed from the Vandermaelen continental maps: the world as it was mapped in 1827 [link].
Bookplate of Sir Edward Bysshe


Anonymous armorial bookplate of Sir Edward Bysshe (1615-1679).
Arms: Bysshe and Clare, quarterly dimidiated, impaling Green. Sir Edward Bysshe, Garter King of Arms, married Margaret, daughter of John Green of Boyshall, co. Essex; died 1679. Motto: Prudens Simplicitas.
Egerton Castle, in his English Book-Plates (London, 1893; p. 52) categorizes this plate as of the Carolian style, dates it to 1655, and describes it as “an indented, cusped and slightly scrolled shield, encompassed by palms tied together, wreath-like, by ribbands that interlace with the motto scroll, the whole contained within a line frame.” He illustrates it on p. [49].
This exemplar (11 x 6 cm) is mounted on the recto of front free endpaper facing the titlepage of Sir William D’Avenant (1606-1668), Gondibert: an Heroick Poem, London, Printed by Tho. Newcomb for John Holden, and are to be sold at his Shop at the sign of the Anchor in the New-Exchange, 1651. Call number: RHT 17th-149
Monkey Island, Illustrated •1839
“This beautiful and romantic islet is situated in the most picturesque part of the Thames, between the Willows and Maidenhead Bridge; it is the favored resort of aquatic parties in the vicinity of Windsor, and is a delightful resting place for those bound to Cliefden, Henley, or Marlow – the woodland beauty of the scenery being unrivalled on the banks of ‘Thames winding stream’. The (third) Duke of Marlborough selected this sequestered spot for the enjoyment of Isaac Walton’s “gentle art”, and embellished it by the erection of two elegant buildings – a pavilion and a temple. The former is decorated by finely-executed paintings of monkeys, in various grotesque and humorous characters (which, with the pavilion, are represented by the drawings), and continue to prove an attraction to the curious…. it is asserted that the whole cost the Duke of Marlborough £12,000. It was purchased by H. Townly Ward, Esq., and is now the property of P.C. Bruce, Esq., of Taplow. The tout ensemble presents an imposing idea of aristocratic grandeur and magnificence.”
Preface to Monkey Island, Illustrated, by a series of Humorous Figures and a View of the Pavilion. From original sketched by M. Penley, drawn on the new patent zinc plates by T. Fairland. Dedicated to the Young Gentlemen of Eton College. Windsor: published by J.B. Brown … ca. 1839. This copy inscribed on front wrapper: “Robert H.J. Heygate from his brothers Frederick & William Heygate, March 28, 1839.” Call number: (Ex) Item 6473315
Trade label: Jacob Kops in Hamburgh bij der mueren.
All kinds of East Indian cottons and Dutch linen cambric, linen goods [or linen drapery], calico [or muslin] and white-linen tape for sale: in Hamburg by the wall, at Jacob Kops. [Woodcut prospect of Haarlem above this text.]
[Transcription]
Allerhande ostindische Cattoennen und
hollandisch linwant Camertuch weijs-zweern [i.e. Weisswaren?]
Kattuen und weijslinnen-bant Zu Kauf: in
Hamburgh bij der mueren. bij Jacob Kops.
One of more than 536 trade labels, chiefly for the linen thread trade, pasted into three albums with title Houtsneden door Izaak van der Vinne [Woodcuts by Isaac van der Vinne (1665-1740)]. Call number: (Ex) NC1002.L3 V56f [This label: volume 2, leaf 19.]
Sixteen Humourous Designs • ca. 1840
“Thereupon Marcus Curtius, … mounted on a horse caparisoned with all possible splendour, he plunged fully armed into the gulf” Livy, The History of Rome, Book 7, Chapter 6, illustrated in Sixteen Humourous Designs, to Illustrate Virgil, Horace, and Livy. With Mottoes in Latin and English. For Private Circulation Only. [(England), n.p., n.d., c. 1840]. Call number: (Ex) 2009-0431Q
“One of the finest covers of the early Victorian period” – Ruari McLean
Recently added to the Robert F. Metzdorf Collection of Victorian Bookbindings :
Thomas Moore, Irish Melodies, (London: Longman & Co., 1846). Call number: ExMe 3864.9.349.13.
In his Victorian Publishers’ Book-Bindings in Paper, Ruari McLean captions this book “Gift Books From Longman … Cream paper on bevelled boards, printed in green and gold on upper, spine, and lower. Note the skillful introduction of the title into the circle round the illustration. One of the finest covers of the early Victorian period, probably designed by Owen Jones. …”[ p. 30 (London: Gordon Fraser, 1983)]. McLean illustrates the lower side of the cover on p. 13.
Original 18th century circulating library wrappers

George Buchanan (1506-1582). The History of Scotland, from the Earliest Accounts of that Nation, to the Reign of King James VI. translated from the Latin of George Buchanan. In two volumes. Edinburgh: Printed by A. Donaldson and J. Reid. for Alex. Donaldson, 1762. Call number: (EX) Item 6427104. ❧
Provenance: Lot 279, sold at Bloomsbury Auctions (London), 14 December 2011. Also, in 1991, these were sold at Bloomsbury, June 13, 1991, lot 362, to Simon Finch. ❧ The British Library holds A Catalogue of Hargrove’s Circulating Library at Harrogate (York: W. Blanchard, 1801).
Earliest engraving of Nassau Hall • 1760
“Aula Nassovica.” Copperplate engraving, 3.75 x 6.25 inches. Artist and engraver unknown. Illustration opposite p. 104 of New American Magazine, No. XXVII (March 1760), Woodbridge, in New Jersey: Printed and sold by James Parker. Sold also at the new printing-office in Beaver-Street New-York, and by Thomas Coombs, in Front-Street, Philadelphia. Call number: (Ex) 0901.525 ❧ Link to larger file.
Dutch linen trade labels – 18th century
Wrappers for skeins of ‘nun’s thread’ – a “finer thread, called ounce or nun’s thread, from its having formerly been made by nuns in France and Flanders” (A.J. Warden, The Linen Trade, Ancient and Modern (1867), p. 539). Three examples from more than 536 trade labels, chiefly for the linen thread trade (both export and domestic) pasted into three albums with title Houtsneden door Izaak van der Vinne [Woodcuts by Isaac van der Vinne (1665-1740)]. Call number: (Ex) NC1002.L3 V56f [These wrappers: volume 1, leaf 16.]
Ream wrapper • 18th century Dutch
|
|
Ream wrapper for ‘fine’ (fyn = fijn) grade paper made by Lubertus van Gerrevink. ❧ W.A. Churchill, Watermarks in paper in Holland, England, France, etc. in the XVII and XVIII centuries, (1935), p. 36 describes this as “Garden of Holland, lion alone” and dates his copy at 1749. This ream wrapper is one of more than 536 trade labels, chiefly for the linen thread trade, pasted into three albums with title Houtsneden door Izaak van der Vinne [Woodcuts by Isaac van der Vinne (1665-1740)]. Call number: (Ex) NC1002.L3 V56f [This wrapper: volume 3, leaf 8.]
Sweeney Todd, an edition of the 1880s
Beatniffe’s Circulating Library, Norwich

Richard Beatniffe (Norwich, Norfolk) was active in the trade from 1763-1818 as bookseller, bookbinder, printer, music seller, and, during the 1770s, as owner of a circulating library. This label appears on the front pastedown of each volume of The History of Sir William Harrington Written Some Years since [by Thomas Hull] ; and Revised and Corrected by the late Mr. Richardson. London : Printed for J. Bell, at his extensive Circulating Library near Exeter-Exchange in the Strand, and C. Etherington at York, 1771. Call number: (Ex) 3792.95.3455 1771. ❧ [Type area measures 7.3 cm wide by 12.6 cm tall. Leaf size varies but the norm is 9.7 cm wide by 16.5 cm tall.] ❧ Earlier in 2012, the Library added a collection of 21 books from early English circulating libraries. Searching the phrase “Libraries, Subscription” in the main catalog returns records for these new additions together with more than 40 others already in the collections. Also searching the phrase “Library copies (Provenance)” returns more than 70 entries, many for books once in a circulating library.
Presentation to Johann Martin, Freiherr von und zu Aichelburg
[Almanach und Progosticon] [n.p., 1731?]
Text includes table of chronology, almanack, bloodletting table, prognosticon, and “Natur-und-Kunst Curiositäten Calendar.” Call number: (Ex)AY851.N37
[Transcription courtesy of Mark Farrell, senior cataloguer]
Bookplate of Johann Christian Georg Bodenschatz (1717-1797)

Bookplate of Johann Christian Georg Bodenschatz (1717-1797), German Protestant theologian. Dated both by engraving and in ink “An: 1738.” In his copy of three works by Johannes Leusden (1624-1699) bound together: Philologus Hebræus : continens quæstiones Hebraicas, quæ circa Vetus Testamentum Hebræum fere moveri solent Ultrajecti [Utrecht] : Ex officinâ Francisci Halma, 1686. [with] Philologus Hebræo-Græcus generalis : continens quæstiones Hebr[a]eo-Gr[a]ecas, quæ circa Novum Test. Græcum fere moveri solent Lugduni Batavorum [Leyden] : Apud Jordanum Luchtmans, 1685 [with] Philologus Hebraeo-mixtus : unà cum spicilegio philologico, continente decem quæstionum & positionum præcipuè philologico-Hebraicarum & Judaicarum centurias Ultrajecti [Utrecht] : Ex officinâ Francisci Halma … , 1682.
Call number (EX) 2005-0401N. The book’s owner immediately prior to Bodenschatz was Gustav Georg Zeltner (1672-1738). Both front and back endpapers have early handwritten extensive notes in Hebrew and Latin.
Rat-Catcher warns Book-pirates • 1768
N.B. If any Persons shall Reprint this Book, or offer to Pirate it, they will be Prosecuted according to law, it being entered in Stationers-Hall. ❧
The Universal Directory for Taking Alive and Destroying Rats, and All Other Kinds of Four-footed and Winged Vermin, In a Method Hitherto Unattempted: Calculated for the Use of the Gentleman, the Farmer, and the Warrener. By Robert Smith, Rat-Catcher to the Princess Amelia. London: printed for the author, 1768. Call number: (Ex)SB993.S64 ❧
Prize binding • 1826
Concert in Vauxhall Gardens • ca. 1800

Leaf preceding title-page of New and complete instructions for the hautboy : containing the easiest & most improv’d rules for learners to play : to which is added a favorite collection of airs, marches, minuets, duets, &c. also the favorite rondo performed at Vauxhall by Mr. Fischer. London : Printed & sold at A. Bland & Wellers Music Warehouse … , [1800?] Call number (EX) MT362 .N38 1800q ❧ Scene depicts a concert in Vauxhall Gardens, London. The plate also served as an advertisement for A. Bland & Weller, Piano Forte Makers, No. 23 Oxford Street.
First map depicting only New Jersey to be printed and published in America • 1784

“State of New Jersey” map (58.5 x 28.5 cm) facing verso of final printed leaf of The Petitions and Memorials of the Proprietors of West and East-Jersey, to the Legislature of New-Jersey New-York: Printed by Shepard Kollock, no. 156, Water-Street., [1784] Call number: Ex 1174.271.2 c.1. Copy with ownership signatures of John Rutherfurd (1760-1840), who compiled the text of Petitions and Memorials.
❧ Joseph J. Felcone in his New Jersey Books 1698-1800 (1992) covers the publishing history of this book (entry 22). He states “It is the first map depicting only New Jersey to be printed and published in America.” Alas, the identity of the mapmaker is not known, but there is evidence to suggest it was John Hills. As of 1991, the original copper plate survived and owned by Howard Sereda of Edison, NJ.


The Mysterious Mother

Horace Walpole (1717-1797). The Mysterious Mother: a tragedy by the Hon. Horace Walpole (Late Lord Orford); with the Author’s Postscript. London : Printed by A. Macpherson, Russell Court, for Ann Lemoine, White-Rose Court, Coleman Street, and J. Roe, No. 90, Houndsditch, [1802]. Call number: TC023, box 163. ❧ Only other copies recorded are those at the National Library of Wales. ❧ Provenance: ThX copy has the autograph signature of E. Nason–possibly Edwin F. Nason–a New York publisher in the latter half of the 19th century. Nason identifies this copy on the t.p. as ”rare,” one that he ”ordered from London 1860.” At the bottom of the t.p., Nason notes: ”this the only copy I have seen in this country.” The latter note, in addition to an internal note about the writing of The Mysterious Mother, are both signed ”E.N.” ❧ Internal notations in ink and pencil signal that this book was accessioned by a library in 1892 and had come from Samuel Putnam Avery. This evidence plus the genre of the publication suggest that this book was once part of the Brander Matthews Dramatic Museum, dispersed by the Columbia University Library, and from which Princeton received parts in 1971. ❧ (This impartment from rare book cataloger Scott Carlisle.)
14,000 and counting: “Bound in the Vellum manner”
On front paste-down of An account of the constitution and present state of Great Britain, published in London by John Newbery

“The Purchasers of Books bound in the Vellum manner are desired to observe that they are sewed much better than the Books which are bound in Leather; open easier at the Back, and are not so liable to warp in being read. If by any Accident the Covers should be stained or rubbed they may be new covered for a Penny, an advantage that can not be remedied in Leather ; so that this method of Binding is not only cheaper but it is
presumed will be found more useful.
The only Motive for trying this Experiment was to adopt a Substitute for Leather which was greatly enhanced in its Price, either by an increased Consumption, or of Monopoly; how far that purpose will be answered, must be submitted to the Determination of the Reader.
In the course of five Years, upwards of Fourteen Thousand Volumes have been sold bound in this Manner, and not One Hundred of them have been returned to be new covered; a sufficient Proof of its Utility and the Approbation of the Public.
St. Paul’s Churchyard, Sept. 22, 1774.
❧ An account of the constitution and present state of Great Britain, together with a view of its trade, policy, and interest, respecting other nations & of the principal curiosities of Great Britain and Ireland. London, Printed for Newbery and Carnan [177-?]. Call number (EX) DA620 .A5 1770z ❧
Palace of Wisdom • ca. 1680
“Tabula VII” of a suite of 17th century engravings graphically representing contemporary science and philosophy. In addition to both historic and allegorical figures there are a number of renderings of scientific instruments: barometers, thermometers, clocks, scales, hygrometers and chemical apparatuses.
Palatium sapientiae. Parisiis: Apud Stephanum Gantrel Via Jacobea sub signo Sti. Mauri, [ca. 1680]. 26 plates including engraved title-page. Call number: (EX) 2011-0248Q
Contes pour les Bibliophiles • 1895
Contes pour les Bibliophiles par Octave Uzanne & Albert Robida.
Paris: Ancienne Maison Quantin, Librairies-Imprimeries Reunies, 1895.
Call number: (Ex) 3295.27.326q. Front cover illustration by George Auriol.
Tabula Cebetis
Justus Velsius (1502-1582). In Cebetis Thebani Tabulam commentariorum libri sex
(Lyon, 1551). Call number: 2011-0654N
See a brief description of the Tablet of Cebes.
Title labels
“Several alternative schemes for labeling fore-edges were devised by seventeenth century librarians, including the pasting on of paper tabs or labels, attached to either the boards or one of the leaves, carrying shelf numbers or titles.” – David Pearson, English Bookbinding Styles, 1450-1800: A Handbook (London, 2005), p. 107.



Castle Forbes Library
Books from this library were sold in London on 21st July 1993. See: Sotheby’s (Firm) The Library of the Rt. Hon. the Earl of Granard:extracted from Castle Forbes, County Longford … (London, 1993).


Left: Bookplate of Castle Forbes Library • Right: Anonymous armorial bookplate of
George Forbes, 6th Earl of Grannard (1760-1837) [Arms. Forbes impaling Rawdon. In 1779, he married Selina Frances, daughter of John 1st Earl of Moira] Franks 10892.


Crest of George Forbes, 6th Earl of Grannard (1760-1837). For further details see
British Armorial Bindings: http://armorial.library.utoronto.ca/stamp-owners/FOR001 • Other marks of ownership for this library are illustrated in the sale catalogue. ❧ ❧ Sources of these examples: Gay, Sophie, 1776-1852. Laure d’Estell par Mme. ***. Paris: Ch. Pougens, an X (1802). Call number (EX) PQ2260.G25 L38 • Minutes of evidence taken before the Committee for privileges, on the Earl of Berkeley’s pedigree, in the year 1799. (London) 1811. Call number (Ex) Item 6375489q.
The Heldenrüstkammer of Archduke Ferdinand II in Schloss Ambras


“A catalogue of the Heldenrüstkammer of Archduke Ferdinand II in Schloss Ambras, the first collection of armour formed for historical reasons in the first purpose-built museum North of the Alps.” The work illustrates 125 suits of armor, one per plate. Its full title runs to 133 words. What follows is a rendering of just the first portion of the full title: “Most true images of the most august emperors, the most serene kings and archdukes, of the most illustrious princes, as well as earls, barons, nobles, and other eminent men, who were either the commanding leaders in war or within their realms performed admirably…[together with] succinct descriptions [of their achievements].” (Sometimes this work is referred to as the “Armamentarium Heroicum,” Latinizing the German for “Heroes Armory.”)
❧ This tour-de-force of Baroque illustration was complied by Jakob Schrenk von Notzing with plates believed to be by the engraver Dominicus Custos. The book was published in Innsbruck in 1601. This date in the Princeton copy has been revised by means of a handstamp to read “M.DC.XIX.” The Library’s copy is bound in contemporary calf and is stamped with the name and arms of its first owner: Hector Le Breton, seigneur de la Doineterie, who held public offices during the reigns of Henri IV, Louis XIII, and Louis XIV. In 1615 he succeeded his cousin as roi d’armes de France.
❧ Call number; (Ex) D106 .S3f. Purchased in 1983 from Robin Halwas (antiquarian bookseller, London; his catalogue 3, number 79).
❧ Cf. Elisabeth Scheicher, “Historiography and Display: The Heldenrustkammer of Archduke Ferdinand II in Schloss Ambras.” Journal of the History of Collections 2 (1990): 69-79.
The Poetical Library • Advertised June 1838 • Including Gems from American Poets
17th century armorial binding and contemporary slip case
![]() Figure 1 ❧ The figures explained: Armorial binding covering Ogier Ghislin de Busbecq, Legationis Turcicae epistolae quatuor. Frankfurt, A. Wechels Erben, C. de Marne et J. Aubry 1595. Call number (Ex) 1789.229.13. ❧ J. Basil Oldham in Shrewsbury School Library Bindings (Oxford, 1943) notes the following regarding one such book bound for Ramiro de Guzmán, Duque de Medina de las Torres (ca. 1600-1668): On both covers there is a “narrow border formed by a simple conventional foliage roll, with a foliage ornament in each angle; in centre, an heraldic stamp 96×75 mm; a shield, surrounded with the following letters in circles CGDDMMAHPPMIGPCLA, and surmounted by a coronet under which is a scroll bearing the letters FEI. On the upper cover: arms: two coats impaled: Dexter (arms of Felipe Ramirez de Guzman, Duke of Medina de las Torres, Marquis of Torrel): Two caldrons checky with snakes issuing therefrom, flanked in saltire by ten ermine-tails (5 and 5), within a bordure gobony of Castile and Leon; Sinister (arms of Anna Caraffa, Duchess of Sabbioneta, Mondragone and Trajetto, Princess of Stigliano): Quarterly of six (two in chief and four in base): 1. Per fesse (a) three bars (Caraffa) and (b) a band counter-embattled between six stars (Aldobrandini); 2. a cross patty between four eagles crowned, and over all an escutcheon quarterly of three bars and a lion rampant (Gonzaga); 3. four pallets (Aragon); 4. per fesse a castle (Castile) and a lion (Leon); 5. four pallets flanked in saltire by two eagles crowned (Sicily); 6. a column ensigned by a crown (Colonna). On the lower cover: arms (unidentified): Upon a terrace in base, a plant growing between reeds or tufts of grass; in chief an arched band inscribed REVOLUTA FOECUNDANT, with, beneath it, and ranged in the same manner, three rows of stars.” Ramiro de Guzmán’s arms impale those of his second wife, “Anna Caraffa, daughter of Antonio Caraffa, Duke of Mondragone, and Elena Aldobrandini. He had previously married Marie de Guzman, daughter of Gaspar de Guzman, Count of Olivares, Philip IV’s minister, to whose titles, through his marriage, he succeeded on Olivares’ death in 1645, for which reason he used the acrologic inscription round the shields which Olivares had used as an adjunct to his armorial insignia. The letters (C and G being transposed towards the end) stand for: ‘Comitatui grandatum ducatum ducatum marchionatum marchionatum arcis hispalensis perpetuam praefecturam magnam Indiarum chancellariatum primam Guzmanorum lineam addidit.’ The letters FEI stand for: ‘Fortuna etiam invidente.’ As the owner of the book would not be likely to use the boastful inscription of his father-in-law until he had, by the latter’s death, succeeded to his titles, the book was probably not bound till after 1645, and in Spain, not Naples, because by that time the owner had ceased to be Viceroy of Naples. A larger variant of these heraldic stamps is found on some books.” (p. 120-121; Shrewsbury School Library example illustrated on plate XXVI) ❧ Figure 2 • Two inscriptions on titlepage: Alongside right margin, “[Guil.] Godophin” [See a comparable example at the University of Pennsylvania.] This is the signature of English diplomat, Sir William Godophin (1634?-1696) • At bottom:”Ex libris bibliothecae Domus S[anct]ae. M[ari]ae M[ontium] Piorum Operariorum” From the library of the Congreation of the Pii Operarii, a group of religious founded at Naples in 1602.For comparable provenances, see exemplars at Cambridge University Libraryand at Universitats de Catalunya.] ❧ Figure 3 • A remarkable survival • 17th / 18th century slip case custom made for this book. Why would such a case have been made? Perhaps to protect the book during travel — Busbecq’s Turkish Letters provided important detailed information about the Ottoman state and were highly prized (and still are.) |
![]() Figure 2 (above) ❧ Figure 3 (below)
|
Grace Talbot Cavendish
P.T. Barnum receives The Philosopher’s Stone
|
❧ Upper cover is folded toward the front, in order to be used for mailing this copy to a recipient; it has been addressed in ink: ”P. T. Barnum Esqr. American Museum New York”; below the address are the words ”By Steam Liverpool June 1.” (the year ‘‘1850’’ is written in graphite beside the number 1). In the corner of the folded sheet is the booksellers’ label of T.H. Lacy, used as the return address. At an unknown time, someone removed the postage stamp at right. ❧ In addition, this copy has two marks of ownership on the t.p.: the ink stamp of the William Seymour Theatre Collection and a note in graphite, which reads: ”Very good of the kind, but not of our class.” It is not known whether the note was written by Barnum himself. ❧ Taylor, Tom, 1817-1880. The philosopher’s stone : an entirely new and original satirical and politico-economical Whitsun morality, extremely serious and very comical / by the author of Diogenes, The vicar of Wakefield, &c., &c. London : T.H. Lacy, 17, Wellington Street, Strand, [between 1849 and 1857] Call number (THX) TC023 Box 156a ❧ Series: Lacy’s acting edition ; 14 Notes: Libretto only. T.H. Lacy was located at 17 Wellington Street, Strand from 1849 until 1857. In 1857 he moved to larger premises at 89 Strand. Cf. Oxford dictionary of national biography. “First produced at the New Strand Theatre, Monday, May 20th, 1850”–T.p. verso. Includes titles of airs (popular and borrowed) to be sung. Includes cast list. ❧ Text supplied by rare book cataloger, Scott Carlisle. |
Armorial Bookplate: William Trumbull, Esqr.
| Armorial bookplate of William Trumbull, Esqr. [Franks 29899]. ❧ Bookplate of William Trumbull (1708-1760), son of Sir William Trumbull (1639-1716) Secretary of State and bibliophile. The Trumbull books were consigned to auction by the 8th Marquess of Downshire (d. 2004; obit.). The dispersal of the Trumbull books, extracted from Easthampstead estate, near Bracknell, was distributed across six sales, during 1990 and 1991, as follows: |
Bookplate in: John Kersey, Title: The Elements of that Mathematical Art Commonly called Algebra, Expounded in Four Books. London, Printed by W. Godbid, for T. Passinger and B. Hurlock, 1673-1674. Call number (Ex) QA33 .K4 1674q. (Sotheby’s, London, Feb. 19, 1991, lot 727). |
Bookstamp: Bibliothèque de Tsarskoe Selo
|
![]() |
In 1938, the Library purchased from New York bookseller Maurice Sloog “more than 600 volumes of early nineteenth century fiction … from the Imperial Library at Tsarskoe-Selo. Most of the books have the stamp of the Imperial Library, and some bear the bookplate of Alexander III. Another plate with the words “Bibliothèque de Tsarkoe-Selo” indicates that the books came from that section of the private library of Nicholas II which was housed in the Alexander Palace.” Further particulars given in the following article, here quoted above: Albert E. McVitty, Jr. ’32 “Books from Tsarskoe-Selo, Nineteenth Century French Novels, Bearing Imperial Bookplates, Now at Princeton” in the Princeton Alumni Weekly XXXVIII, 27 (April 15, 1938), pp. 1-2. ❧ News of the accession also published in The New York Times, May 10, 1938 [link to article]
❧ Example above on half title of Bantysh-Kamenskīĭ, D. N. (Dmitrīĭ Nikolaevich), 1788-1850. Siècle de Pierre-le-Grand; ou, Actions et hauts faits des capitaines et des ministres qui se sont illustrés sous le règne de cet empereur; tr. du russe … par un officier russe, avec des remarques explicatives du traducteur … A Moscou, S. Selivanovsky, 1822. Call number (EX) 1627.168.144 vol. 1.
Trade custom of pre-dating
| “The Rule in general observed among Printers is, that when a Book happens not to be ready for publication before November, the date of the ensuing year is used.” — John Nichols, Literary Anecdotes (London, 1812) iii, p. 249n. According to Philip Gaskell, Nichols is describing 18th century practice. Evidently the custom dated somewhat earlier as per this example. ❧ Narcissus Luttrell corrected the imprint date in his copy of Francis Manning’s Panegyrick (London: Printed for J. Weld, 1698.) Call number: (Ex)3598.999q vol. 64, no. 4. ❧ Another example: Inscribed on title page ‘Angelsey. The guift (sic) of the author. Dec. 19, 1674.’ of Winston Churchill, Divi Britannici: being a remark upon the lives of all the kings of this isle, from the year of the world 2855. unto the year of grace 1660. London, Printed by T. Roycroft, to be sold by F. Eglesfield, 1675 (Ex DA130.C56q). The recipient was Arthur Annesley, Earl of Anglesey (1614-1686) ❧ |
![]() |
Bookplate of an “Anglus Americanus”
Cypher of Comte Henri Siméon (1803-1874)
Bookplate designed by Ze’ev Raban
Armorial bookplate dated 1739: Francis Massy, Esq. of Rixton, Lancashire
| “Francis Massy, lord of the manors of Rixton and Glazebrook, born 1703, and who died unmarried 28 September 1748, when the family became extinct. By his will, dated 27 February, he left his estate and effects to his kinsman George Meynell of Yorkshire.” – Remains Historical & Literary Connected with the Palatine Counties of Lancaster and Chester. Published By The Chetham Society. Vol. CX. (1882), p. 224. ❧ Bookplate signed “I. Skinner, Bath, sculpt.” Jacob Skinner was active between 1732 and 1753. ❧ The Massy bookplate is on the front pastedown of Gabriel Harvey’s copy of Livy (Basle, 1555). Call number (Ex) PA6452 .A2 1555q. A complete digital scan of this remarkable annotated book is available here, however, the scanning project did not include full coverage of this piece of ownership evidence. |
|
Armorial bookplate: Valentin Ferdinand von Gudenus (1679-1758)
Binder’s ticket: Padeloup. Relieur du Roy.
Crest of Sir Andrew Fountaine (1676-1753)
|
His library sold at Sotheby’s, June 11, 1902. ❧ Crest and spine at right: Cotton, Charles, 1630-1687. Scarronnides: or, Virgile travestie. A mock-poem. In imitation of the fourth book of Virgils Aeneis in English, burlesque … London, Printed by E. Cotes for Henry Brome … 1665. (VRG) 2945.312 Eng664. ❧ In addition to the above, another Virgil from the Fountaine library was purchased by Junius Spencer Morgan. This has Fountaine’s crest stamped on the front cover. JSM obtained this Virgil from Quartich, who put in his date of acquisition ’16.VI.1902.’ The nyne fyrst bookes of the Eneidos of Virgil conuerted into Englishe vearse by Thomas Phaer… London : Printed by R. Hall, for N. Englande, 1562. (VRG) 2945.311 Eng562. ❧ For further details, see British Armorial Bindings, http://armorial.library.utoronto.ca/stamp-owners/FOU002 |
|
|
Ex Libris Adr. Jos. Havé
Formerly owned by Sir Hans Sloane
| Earlier today researchers with the Sloane Printed Books Project confirmed that the Princeton copy of G. Lockhart, Memoirs concerning the Affairs of Scotland (London, 1714; call number RCPXR 14825.592.11) is from his library. The project’s website explains a number of ways to recognizing his books, cf. “Identifying Sloane’s books.” The bookstamps “Mvsevm Britiannivm” and “British Museum Sale Duplicate 1787” are one instance of evidence (verso of title page showing through.) However, key evidence is that Sloane’s manuscript catalogue lists this work (vol. 5 f 232 r) as “a 2015.” At the foot of the title page the “a” and the “2” are visible. ❧ Other embossements and markings signal Princeton’s accession of this book in the 19th century. ❧ |
Monogram binding stamp: ER with coronet: Comte Roger du Nord (1803-1881)
Supralibros of Jeanne Baptiste d’Albert de Luynes, comtesse de Verrue (1670-1736)
| Her arms stamped on the covers of: François Parfaict (1698-1753) Histoire du théâtre françois depuis son origine jusqu’à présent. Avec la vie des plus célébres poëtes dramatiques, des extraits exacts, & un catalogue raisonné de leurs piéces, accompagnés de notes historiques & critiques. Paris, A. Morin [etc.] 1734-49. Call number: (THX) PQ500 .P3 (vol. 1-2) ❧ For further details on this collector see Ernest Quentin-Bauchart, Les femmes bibliophiles de France (XVIe, XVIIe, & XVIIIe siècles)(Paris, 1886), T. 1, p. 411-428. |
|
Minerva presents prize books

Detail of stamp on covers of an 18th century Dutch prize book: an award from the Latin school of the city of Amersfoort.
❧ Pliny, the Younger. Epistolarum. Libros decem, cum notis selectis; Jo. Mariae Catanaei, Jac. Schegkii [et al], Recensuerunt suisque animadversionibus illustrarunt Gottlieb Cortius et Paullus Daniel Longolius... Amstelaedami, apud Janssonio-Waesbergios, 1734. Call number: RCPXR 2905.311.234. For further particulars see J. Spoelder, Prijsboeken op de latijnse school, (Amsterdam, 2000), especially page p. 479.

Booklabels of James Toovey († 1893)
![]() ❧ Oval book label printed in gilt: Burnham Abbey Bucks; monogram within ‘IT’ with a cross, on front paste-down of Virgil. Opera. Rome : In domo Petri de Maximo [Conradus Sweynheym and Arnoldus Pannartz], 28 Feb. 1469. Junius Morgan Collection (VRG) 2945.1469q |
❧ Circular book label printed in gilt with monogram ‘IT’ with a cross, surrounded by wreath and scroll with motto “Inter Folia Fructus.” On front paste down of Constitutions des treize États-Unis de l’Amérique.A Philadelphia et se trouve a Paris, : P. D. Pierres, imprimeur. ; Pissot, pere & fils, Libraires, 1783. Call number (EX) 7583.01.267.11 copy 1. This copy presented by Junius Morgan, accessioned 10 May 1897. ❧ ❧ For more on Toovey see W. Roberts, The Book-Hunter in London (1895), page 253 ff |
Two Ducal Supralibros
| ❧ Initial B surmounted by ducal coronet: stamp of Henry Scott, 3rd Duke of Buccleuch (1746 – 1812) together with arms of Christopher Monck, 2nd Duke of Albermarle (1650 – 1688). On the front and back covers of Charles Sorel (1582?-1674) The comical history of Francion, wherein the variety of vices that abuse the ages are satyrically limn’d in their native colours: interwoven with many pleasant events, and moral lessons, as well fitted for the entertainment of the gravest head as the lightest heart. By Monsieur de Moulines, sieur de Parc, a Lorain gentleman [pseud.] … Done into English by a person of honor. London, Printed for Francis Leach, 1655. Call number: EXOV 3292.5.394.5 ❧ For further details, see British Armorial Bindings, for Monck, http://armorial.library.utoronto.ca/stamp-owners/MON001 and for Scott, see http://armorial.library.utoronto.ca/stamp-owners/SCO005 |
![]() |
Kelliegram Binding
![]() Twenty five folio volumes bound by Kelly & Sons, London, stamped “Kelliegram Binding.” This term distinguished a production notable for covers with elaborate, pictorial inlaid color leather. ❧ [Further examples.] ❧ B.F. Stevens’s Facsimiles of manuscripts in European archives relating to America, 1773-1783 : with descriptions, editorial notes, collations, references and translations. London : Photographed and printed by Malby & Sons, 1889-1898. “Issued only to subscribers at 4 Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, London. “The facsimiles are almost wholly of unpublished manuscripts …” — v. 25, p. xv. Limited edition of 200 sets; the photographic negatives were destroyed. Gift of John H. Scheide. Call number (Ex)2009-0375q |
![]()
|
John Boyle, 5th Earl of Orrery (1707–1762)
Bound in vellum stained green![]() A Collection of the State Letters of the Rt. Hon. Roger Boyle, the first earl of Orrery (Dublin, Printed by and for G. Faulkner, 1743). Call number (Ex) 1473.16.691. ❧ With his badge: “O” surmounted by an earl’s coronet stamped on spine: ![]() For further details, see British Armorial Bindings, http://armorial.library.utoronto.ca/stamp-owners/BOY003 ❧ Inscribed on front free endpaper: “Orrery. Leicester Fields. Feb: 8th 1750-51” ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ Horace Ange Goudar (1720-1791). |
Bookplates ❧ In A Collection of the State Letters ![]() His bookplate dating to 1751 or later; John succeeded his father as fifth earl of Orrery in 1731 and his kinsman as fifth earl of Cork in 1751. ❧ ❧ In The Workes of Benjamin Jonson. (London, 1616) Call number (EX) 3806.1616q ![]() His bookplate with arms of Boyle impaling Hamilton to commemorate his marriage in 1738 to Margaret, the only daughter of John Hamilton, Esq., of Caledon, co. Tyrone. and his initials “I.O.” to left of coronet. ❧ For further details about his bookplates see: Journal of the Ex Libris Society vol. 7 p.57 for “Notes on some Boyle bookplates” at http://goo.gl/YjiKj ❧ His sale: Catalogue of the valuable and extensive library and collection of autograph letters of the Rt. Hon. The Earl of Cork and Orrery removed from Marston, Frome which will be sold by auction by Messrs. Christie, Manson & Woods at their great rooms 8 King Street, St. James’s Square on Tuesday, November 21, 1905 and two following days at one o’clock precisely. London: Printed by William Clowes and Sons. [1905]. 736 lots, mostly itemized. |
Garter arms of George Granville William Leveson-Gower, 1st Duke of Sutherland
![]() Quarterly in eight ❧ Musæum regalis societatis: or, A catalogue and description of the natural and artificial rarities belonging to the Royal Society and preserved at Gresham Colledge. Made by Nehemiah Grew … Whereunto is subjoyned the comparative anatomy of stomachs and guts. By the same author. London, Printed for Tho. Malthus … 1685. Call number: (EX) 8001.793.41.1685q ❧ A fillip: bookplate on the verso of the title page of Musæum regalis societatis John Gordon, 16th Earl of Sutherland (1661–1733)
|
![]() Quarterly ❧ Martial. Venice: Aldus, 1501. Call number: Kane Special 1501 Martial ❧ For other examples see http://goo.gl/NClZs (Quarterly in eight) and http://goo.gl/sLASN (Quarterly). See also, British Armorial Bindings, http://armorial.library.utoronto.ca/stamp-owners/LEV002 |
Supralibros of Jean de la Rochefoucauld, abbé de Marmoutiers (d. 1583).
|
![]() |
De rebvs gestis francorvm libri X. Anoldi Ferroni… De rebvs gestis Gallorum libri IX ad historiam Pauli Aemylii additi, Chronicon I. Tilii de regibvs francoribii, a Pharamundo usque ad Henricum II. Paris: apud Vascosanum, 1555. Call number: (Ex) 1508.324.
Bound by Sangorski & Sutcliffe

Omar Khayyam.
Rubiayat … tr. into English verse by Edward FitzGerald, with an introduction by A.C. Benson … Reproduced from a ms. written and illuminated by F. Sangorski & G. Sutcliffe.
[Bushey, Engraved and printed by André & Sleigh, 1910]
Call number (EX) 2472.379.6.13q
Bound in full vellum with elaborate gold tooling and jewelled clasps; the front cover in color with a peacock as the central motive. In clamshell box.
Herr Heinrich Haag the Elastic-Skin Man
Fencing illustrated in 1675: “To avail themselves of the true skill”
Edward Irenaeus Stevenson. His Book.
Manuscript subscription list made by Thomas Meade for a 1795 English pamphlet on the French Revolution
Gallery
This gallery contains 5 photos.
Henry Goudemetz (1749-1826?). Judgment and Execution of Louis XVI. King of France; with a List of the Members of the National Convention, Who voted for and against his Death; and the Names of Many of the Most Considerable Sufferers In … Continue reading
John Montagu, the 2nd Duke of Montagu (1690-1749)
| Arms of John Montagu, the 2nd Duke of Montagu (1690-1749) on covers and his badge on spine of: Francis Howgil. The Dawnings of the Gospel-Day, and its Light and Glory Discovered [London: s.n.,] Printed in the year 1676. Call number: (Ex) 5638.479q. ❧ See also British Armorial Bindings, http://armorial.library.utoronto.ca/stamp-owners/MON007 |
![]()
|
Pictorial Embellishments for the New Year


Large, readable digital file of this single sheet advertisement is also available.
Benjamin Henry Day was publisher of Brother Jonathan from 1852 to 1862. Publication dates of the “cheap books for sale” suggests that this advertisement was issued early during Day’s tenure as publisher.
The Library has recently built up a collection of 15 issues published in this newspaper’s lavishly illustrated extra “Pictorial Jubilee.” New York, 1851-1861. Usually issued twice yearly: July 4 as well as Christmas and New Year’s. A typical opened issue measures 29 x 42 inches. Call number for the advertisement and the collection of fifteen: (Ex) Flat files A floor. ‘Brother Jonathan’
Supralibros of Marco Antonio Foscarini, doge of Venice, 1695/?6-1763
Claude Crespigny of the South Sea House
Thomas Frewen, of Lincoln’s Inn, in the County of Middlesex, Esqr., 1711.
Francis Henry Egerton, 8th Earl of Bridgewater (b. 1756, d. 1829)
1752 Irish prize binding
Three 18th century Irish bindings attributed to Joseph Leathley’s binder
Early 18th century cottage-roof style
Marcas de Fuego ❧ Convento de San Cosme y San Damián de Puebla (Mexico)
| According to the Catálogo Colectivo de Marcas de Fuego, these are “marcas de fuego” of the Convento de San Cosme y San Damián de Puebla (Mexico; Mercidarian Order) See http://goo.gl/F8QKZ and http://goo.gl/x9jxs for details. Call number (Ex) 5959.612q Acknowledgement to Madison C. Bush, Class of 2014, for making this identification. |
|
|
Stamped with the arms of Graf Hans Günther von Schwarzburg-Sondershausen (1532-1586)
| Arms surrounded with inscription: HANS GUNTTER • DER • VIER • GRAFFEN • DES • REICHS • GRAFFE • ZU SCHWARCZBURG • HERRE • ZU • ARNSTADT • SUNDERSHAUS • UND LEUCH ❧ Edges gauffered and gilt. Clasps. ❧ Call number (Ex)BX8069.K57 1584q ❧ Timotheus Kirchner, Gründliche warhafftige Historia von der Augspurgischen Confession (Leipzig: Defner, 1584.) |
![]() |
|
Constanter 1658
| “Constanter 1658” the ex libris of Constantine Huygens (1596-1687) on the title page of Willem Piso, De Indiae utriusque re naturali et medica, libri quatuordecim (Amsterdam: L. and D. Elzevir, 1658) Call number (Ex) 8607.723q. For more details on the library of Constantine Huygens, see: http://www.leidenuniv.nl/fsw/verduin/constanter/. See further particulars about Constantine Huygen’s copy of the First Folio A.J. West’s article published in Foliomania! (Washington, DC: Folger Shakespeare Libary, 2011.) Other copies of his books at Princeton:❧ Bacon, Francis, 1561-1626. Resuscitatio, or, Bringing into publick light severall pieces of the works, civil, historical, philosophical & theological, hitherto sleeping; of the Right Honourable Francis Bacon, baron of Verulam, Viscount Saint Alban. According to the best corrected coppies. Together with his lordships life. By William Rowley … London, Printed by Sarah Griffin for W. Lee, 1657. RHT copy has inscription on t.p.: Constanter 1660. (Ownership inscription of Sir Contantijn Huygens, 1596-1687) RHT copy with the autograph of Jas. Rigg on front flyleaf, and with the armorial bookplate of Downfield [seat of the Rigg family; Franks catalogue no. 25049]. (18th cent) There are no markings for 19th cent owners. 20th cent markings are as follows: dealer’s code for Ximenes Rare Books, NYC, [book listed in their Occasional List No. 69 (1984)] and then RHT booklabel. Call number (RHT) 17th-701. ❧❧ Gayton, Edmund, 1608-1666. Pleasant notes upon Don Quixot. London, Printed by W. Hunt, 1654.Call number (EXOV) 3170.686 Ex copy has inscription on t.p.: Constanter London Aug. 1663. (Ownership inscription of Sir Contantijn Huygens, 1596-1687). This copy was auctioned in the sale of March 15, 1688. ❧❧ Newcastle, Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of, 1624?-1674. The Worlds Olio London, J. Martin and J. Allestrye, 1655. Call number (RHT) 17th-753. RHT copy has inscription on t.p.: “Constanter” and the following record of presentation from the author “Antverpiae 17 jul. 1655 dono March. Newcastle mariti autoris.” Huygen’s journal for 17 July 1655 states “Saluto marchionem NEW CASTEL.” This copy was auctioned in the sale of March 15, 1688. ❧❧ Imperiali, Giovanni, 1596?-1670. Musaeum historicum et physicum. Venetiis, Apud Juntas, 1640. Call number (EX) In process. Acquired October 2012. Ex copy has inscription on t.p.: Constanter 1650. (Ownership inscription of Sir Contantijn Huygens, 1596-1687). |
![]()
|
Book and news pedlar, ca. 1644
Tacketed parchment binding
Leary’s Bookstore, Philadelphia, ca. 1880
Daniel Russell (ca. 1642-1679) bequeaths a book to Thomas Shepard (1658-1685)
To all lovers of angling
|
To all lovers of angling: Gregory, fishing-tackle maker, at the Dial and Fish, opposite St. Clement’s Church in the Strand, London, makes and sells all sorts of multiplying and stop wheels [London? : s.n., 1773?] Notes: Broadside advertisement, 28 cm tall Princeton copy dated by hand on verso: April ye 7th 1773. Call number: (ExKi) SH453 .G73 1773 |
![]() Higher resolution image available at http://goo.gl/AboLa |
Girl who reads sensation story papers
|
Title: The girl who reads sensation story papers : [broadside sheet] Published/Created: [s.l., circa 1891] Description: 1 sheet : ill. ; 37 x 23 cm. Notes: First line: How charming the girl who endlessly glories. Provenance: Written in blue pencil: “No harm inteded [sic].” Accompanied by envelope addressed to Miss M. C. Mershon, Princeton, N.J. with postmark 1891. Source of acquisition: Purchase; J. Howard Woolmer, 2005. Subject(s): Sensationalism in journalism –United States. Youth –Books and reading –United States. Form/Genre: Broadsides, Story papers Call number: (Ex) Broadside 382 |
![]() Published ca. 1891. Higher resolution image available here http://goo.gl/98GuB |
Bookplate of Cha: Read of New Jersey, Esq.
Ellen Gordon Craig – bookplate
Arms of Jean-Alexandre van den Broecke, fl. 1646
| Arm on covers of Gesta Dei per Francos, siue Orientalivm expeditionvm, et regni Francorvm hierosolimitani historia a variis, sed illius æui scriptoribus, litteris commendata: nunc primùm aut editis, aut ad libros veteres emendatis. Auctores præfatio ad lectorem exhibet. Orientalis historiae tomus primus [et secundus] Hanoviæ, typis Wechelianis, apud heredes I. Aubrii, 1611. Call number: (Ex) 14084.388q cf. Armorial belge du bibliophile (1930), v.3, p. 680-681. Arms also appear on copy of J. A. de Thou, Historiarum sui temporis (Geneva, 1620-26) http://www.auction.de/_scripts/nax_object.php?id=59811&language=e |
|
The Country Book-club 1788
Blue morocco 18th century English gold tooled binding with green silk ties and gold thread tassels.
Trotter family library copy • armorial bookplate with motto: In promptu
Riviere binding
Author prohibitus • Bale
Introduction
An in-progress registry of book historical information from the rare book collections of the Princeton University Library. Postings are documentary: images of historic bindings, images of markings of ownership, such as signatures, inscriptions, etc., and other notable marks in books.
“Notabilia” is kin to such other blogs at the Princeton University Library as:
. Cotsen Children’s Library
News and announcements from the Cotsen Children’s Library, Princeton University
http://blogs.princeton.edu/cotsen
. Graphic Arts
Exhibitions, acquisitions, and other highlights from the Graphic Arts collection, Princeton University
http://blogs.princeton.edu/graphicarts
. Rare Book Collections @ Princeton
News of acquisitions, holdings, and activities of the Rare Book Division
http://blogs.princeton.edu/rarebooks












































































































You must be logged in to post a comment.