Page:Historical essay on the art of bookbinding (IA 0130ARTO).pdf/12

12 Milton’s autograph initials on the title page,” of a recent English catalogue.

A very interesting list might be made of noted manuscripts, the bindings of which have been stolen, and of stolen manuscripts the bindings of which are extant. The precious volumes which were jealously guarded “in the secret jewel-house,” with the awe-inspiring relics, were purloined as well as the cathenare, cathenizare or catenati, the chained volumes of the monasteries.