enlarged and further
explained by their respective authors and editors--and a far
greater number illustrated with the MS. notes and
observations of some of our most respectable antiquaries:
among whom will be found the revered names of Camden,
Selden, Spelman, Somner, Dugdale, Gibson, Tanner, Nicolson,
Gale, Le Neve, Hearne, Anstis, Lewis, St. Amand, Ames,
Browne, Willis, Stukely, Mr. West, &c. But, above all, the
intense application and unwearied diligence of the admirable
Bishop White Kennett, upon the ecclesiastical, monastical,
constitutional, and topographical history of Great Britain,
so apparent throughout this collection, furnish matter even
to astonishment; and are alone sufficient to establish the
reputation, and to perpetuate the memory, of this
illustrious prelate, without any other monuments of his
greatness." "In an age of general inquiry, like the present,
when studies less interesting give place to the most
laudable curiosity and thirst after investigating every
particular relative to the history and literature of our own
country, nothing less than an elaborate digest of this
valuable library could be expected; and, as a supplement to
the history of English literature, more desired." "That task
the Editor has cheerfully undertaken: and, he flatters
himself, executed as well as the short time allowed would
permit. He further hopes, to the satisfaction of such who
are capable of judging of its utility and importance." "The
lovers of engraved English portraits (a species of modern
connoisseurship which appears to have been first started by
the late noble Earl of Oxford, afterwards taken up by Mr.
West, Mr. Nicolls, editor of Cromwell's State-Papers, Mr.
Ames, &c., and since perfected by the Muse of
Strawberry-Hill, the Rev. Wm. Granger, and some few more
ingenious collectors) may here look to find a considerable
number of singular and scarce heads, and will not be
disappointed in their search." Thus much Paterson; who, it
must be confessed, has promised more than he has performed:
for the catalogue, notwithstanding it was the _second_ which
was published (the first being by a different hand, and most
barbarously compiled) might have exhibited better method and
taste in its execution. Never were rare and magnifice