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 Rev. James Howarth, of Bury, I am indebted for his kindness and advice, and particularly for his obtaining for me some valuable works from the library of Hayward, Esq. of Walshaw Hall; to Fenton Robinson Atkinson, Esq. of Oak House, near Manchester, my warmest thanks and gratitude are due, for his assistance, (in the first place unsolicited, but, of course, gladly accepted, for the loan of books from his extensive and well selected library,) and for his friendly advice during the time of the work going through the press, and without which it could not have been, as I hope it will now be found, worthy of the public favour. To J. Holland, jun. Esq. of Atherstone, Warwickshire, for his sending some scarce and valuable books, which have been of much service to me, and which I acknowledge with pleasure. To Mr. J. Cail, of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, for a correct list of newspapers which had been commenced in that town and neighbourhood. It would have been gratifying to me to have extended the list, had aid always been afforded when solicited; but I regret being compelled to state, that in two or three instances, I found that a genuine love of literature is not always the strongest impulse in the breast of those who have appeared before the world as authors, or writers of books.

It was my intention to give a complete list of the works which had been produced upon the History of Printing, with short biographical notices of their authors; this I found would have extended the work more than was contemplated; and, indeed, after much labour, I found that I could not for the present give them as complete as would have been desired.

The work is now presented to the profession, and to the literary world, as affording a knowledge of the rise and progress of that art by which the "atmosphere of truth has continually grown brighter, and a strength of mind produced that is under no fear of counteraction." From the critic I beg that indulgence which I have endeavoured to merit; and wherever I may have failed, it is in ability, not from want of perseverance, from first to last, in my desire to add something to the literary history of my country, and to perpetuate a knowledge of that profession of which I am a member.

C. H. TIMPERLEY.

Manchester, June 1, 1839