Page:Notes and Queries - Series 9 - Volume 5.djvu/190

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NOTES AND QUERIES. [9* s. v. MAKCH 10, 1900.

various forms and editions, so as to suit all sorts and conditions of purchasers. These were made as attractive as possible and after different patterns.

One of the most imposing and stately edi- tions, which is very rare (I have only seen three copies : one in the United Service Club Library, another at Messrs. Burnpus's, and a third in my own collection), is the first col- lected series, issued in 1820. It consists of tall octavos in bright black type, and so arranged that each story should fill two volumes. Each title-page is engraved on steel with a pretty topographical vignette, the effect of which is quaintly old-fashioned. Bound in russia they make an artistic series. Reading the open, well - displayed sentences, you take in the meaning with due deliberation. This fine, dignified set is divided into some capriciously chosen categories, which seem to overlap each other and excite some curious questionings. There are (1) "Novels and Tales" (how distinguish a tale from a novel?); (2) "Historical Romances" is dis- tinct enough ; but then we come to (3) "Novels and Romances"; and finally (4) "Tales and Romances." This is a very in- complete and arbitrary division. They fill 41 vols., and were issued from 1820 to 1833. Later the prose writings were added "to match."

When we contrast the modern library edition, such as Macaulay's 'Essays' or 'His- tory,' with these handsome, well-balanced tomes we see at once how much we have lost in the art of properly designing a volume. From the bulkiness and quantity of pages in these latter all proportion is lost. They are too thick for their size. Lying flat on the table they seem to have the lines of a box.

An edition that is scarcely known is what might be called the miniature one, in 18mo. A more charming and attractive set it would be impossible to desire. It runs to 41 vols., printed in fine small type, but so black and brilliant, and the paper so fine, that it can be read with perfect ease. It was issued in the original publisher's binding, dark blue leather, stamped in a raised artistic pattern, gilt edged, and beautifully lettered on the back. This gilding seems a lost art now. A whole new set of charming steel plates, on a reduced scale, was prepared for this edition, after designs by Leslie and others, with dainty little topographical vig- riettes, mostly by Heath. The title-page was always engraved on steel. Of this choice little set I have never seen but two or three copies in the catalogues. Booksellers are fond of advertising "the

author's" favourite edition, that is "the forty-eight-volume set," which, enriched with the author's prefaces, notes, and cor- rections, was naturally in favour. The beautiful plates by Turner, Leslie, and others always seem to be specially appropriate, much as Phiz's plates are to ' Pickwick.' There is a dreaminess and poetry about them, without any of the vulgar, every- day realism which is found in modern illus- trations. We associate them permanently with the novels. Great efforts were made, in the way of print, paper, and execution, to lend perfection to the set. A fine set is made by adding the poetical (12 vols.) and the prose works (28 vols.). These with the 'Life' (10 vols.) make 98 vols. It may be said that of all English writers Scott has received the homage of most artists and engravers. It is almost incredible how long the list is. It includes Roberts, R.A., Turner, R.A., Westall, R.A., Smirke, Corbould, Schetky, Cook, Stothard, Finden, Sir W. Allan, C. R. Leslie, R.A., Heath, Nasmyth, Cooper, Howard, Brockedon, Wright, Wilkie, R.A., Bonington, Landseer, R.A., Stephanoff, C. Stanfield, R.A., Callcott, R.A., Prout, Etty, R.A., Cattermole, Maclise, R.A., Hard- ing, Cruikshank, and some more. This is an astounding gathering. And we may wonder how it was that Dickens, to the full as popular, did not draw such a following.

There is another foolscap edition, which I believe was the first collected edition, and is of the same size as the original three-volume form. It is garnished with title-pages en- graved on steel, showing dainty local views. I have some of these, but they are not men- tioned in the bibliographies.

The well-known, much vaunted "Abbots- ford Edition " has a sort of reputation among booksellers, and figures in every well-regulated catalogue. It appeared in 1842-46, and in most cumbrous, ill-designed volumes imperial octavo size, the lines of immense length, running across the page instead of being in double columns. A vast outlay was incurred on the work, and the very acme of illustra- tions was supposed to have been reached. There were 120 steel engravings, and nigh 2,000 woodcuts ! The result is a hotchpotch of the most incongruous sort. The steel plates imperfect things are discordant with the woodcuts, and these again are dis- cordant with each other. There are some finished drawings, full of grace and sentiment, by W. Harvey, Williams, and others of that school, mixed up with which, and in great number, are some terribly crude, uncouth scenes from the story, rudely and ignorantly