Excerpt from A Concise Handbook of Ancient and Modern Literature, Issued Either Anonymously, Under Pseudonyms, or Initials

That much, if not all, of the matter contained in this small book may be found in the four thick volumes of the above is highly probable, but I cannot express an Opinion on the subject, not having had the good fortune to be able to afford myself a copy, though it is a work I should dearly like to possess, and my advice to all who can afford it is get it by all means. In compiling this volume I have had to rely mainly on works which have come under my own observation, either as a Cataloguer or in the Sale Room. There is an admirable list in the older edition of Clegg's Directory of Book sellers, and I have been able to reduce the bulk of the present work a great deal by excluding mac/z matter which, though it has actually passed through my hands, may readily be found by referring to that useful little volume which is, doubtless, in the possession of most Booksellers to-day. My chief aim has been, not com petition with anything at present on the market (indeed as far as Halkett and Laing's work is concerned, in my opinion this would not be possible), but rather to supply, as far as in my power, information not readily to be found in Lowndes, Allibone, or Brunet; and in attempting the same, to study accuracy in detail. To ensure this I 'have spared neither time nor trouble. As may be supposed some errors have, doubtless, crept in, and with regard to these I shall be glad to receive notices and corrections from the reader, with a view to possible amendment in any future edition. The compilation of the work has been to me more of a pleasure than labour, and was not primarily executed as a means of making money. Should the little volume meet any present trade requirements, I shall consider myself more than repaid for my labour; and in putting it on the Market I do so with a hope that Booksellers, Librarians, and even Private Collectors, into whose hands the work may come, will find in its pages some information with which they were previously unacquainted.

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