Page:The library a magazine of bibliography and library literature, Volume 6.djvu/334

322 The Library. Die Incunabela der Koniglichen Universitats Bibliothek zu Bonn. Ein Beitrag zur Biicherkunde des xv. Jahrhunderts von Dr. Ernst Voullieme. Mit einem Vorwort des Biblio- theks Direktors C. Schaarschmidt. xiii. Beiheft zum Cen- tralblatt fiir Bibliothekswesen. Leipzig, Otto Harrassowitz. 1894, 8vo, pp. vi., 262. The 1234 Incunabula preserved at the University Library at Bonn cannot justly be described as of unusual interest. Unless we are mistaken they include among them not a single book printed in England, and only a mere handful printed in France. Italy and Holland are more adequately represented, but the great bulk of the collection consists of the commonest kind of religious and theological literature, printed at well-known presses. The catalogue is on the usual plan, with simple references to Hain for books registered by him after personal inspection, and fuller collations for those with which he was unacquainted. Its chief distinguishing feature is the excellent indexes of places and printers. Attempt at a Catalogue of the Library of the late Prince Louis- Lucien Bonaparte. By Victor Collins. 410, pp. xi., 718. Henry Sotheran & Co., 1894. Price 2 is. In forming the collection of books herein catalogued, Prince Lucien Bonaparte's object was originally to obtain works upon and representative of every European language and dialect, but eventually his collecting of philological works went further afield, until he came to gather works in all languages, in which books are known to have appeared. In this respect the collection is probably unique, and is of great value in consequence. We heartily agree with the opinions already expressed, that it would be little short of a disaster if such a collection were dispersed, as it represents the life's work of one who was not only a specialist in this branch of learning, but who was also aided by his exalted position, and in a measure by his means. It is to be hoped, therefore, that it will ere long find a permanent resting place in some public or other institution where its wealth will be available to philologists as well as students generally. No better way could be found than to adopt a suggestion that has appeared in the newspapers, that the collection should be purchased and presented as a testimonial to Mr. Gladstone. Of Mr. Collins' work in compiling this catalogue, and that in the short period of eighteen months, it would be impossible to speak too highly when the magnitude and difficulties of the task are taken into account. There are some 14,000 entries in no less than 275 languages and dialects, and these entries, no matter what the form of their symbols, have all been converted or translated so as to allow of their being printed in roman type. Probably many of the entries are not so full as a very exact bibliographer might wish, but with the notes given in special cases they are such as will lead to the ready identification of the books, and certainly sufficient to enable possible purchasers to judge the value of the collection. The catalogue is, moreover, an important contribution to the bibliography of the subject, and philologists and librarians interested cannot afford to overlook it in this respect. The arrangement is classified, and is the only useful method which could be adopted for a work of the kind, but an index of authors and editors would have facilitated reference. However, as it is we appreciate the ability displayed in accomplishing such a task so successfully. Taking into consideration the fact that no individual was likely to possess in himself the requisite linguistic knowledge to deal with works in every language under the sun, we are surprised Mr. Collins did not find it necessary to call in even more expert help than that he acknowledges.