Three Centuries of a City Library Part 5

(London, 1650), which is regarded as his most important production, and his "Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Antiquitates" (London, 1687).

Joseph Hall, Bishop and satirist, who took an active part in the Arminian and Calvinistic controversy in the English Church, is of particular interest to Norwich, of which he became Bishop in 1641. In the Library are his "Works" (London, 1647), "Resolutions and Decisions of Cases of Divers Practicall Cases of Conscience" (London, 1649) and "Remaining Works" (London, 1660). Just before he came to Norwich he wrote "An Humble Remonstrance to the High Court of Parliament" (1640), in which he skilfully vindicated liturgies and episcopacy. This provoked an answer by "Smectymnuus," the pseudonym of five puritan divines, the initials of whose names made up the word. This "Answer" (2nd ed., London, 1654), a subsequent "Vindication" in reply to the Bishop's "Defence" (London, 1641), and Milton's "Apology for Smectymnuus" (London, 1642) are all in the Library.

An important theologian in the Caroline period was Jeremy Taylor, whose works are only represented by "The Great Exemplar of Sanct.i.ty" (London, 1667), "Ductor Dubitantium" (London, 1696), which is still the chief English treatise on casuistry, and "A Collection of Polemical and Moral Discourses" (London, 1657). The Library contains two editions of the works (1683 and 1716) of Isaac Barrow, whom Charles II. described as "the best scholar in England." Other eminent writers of this period represented in the Library are Thomas Fuller, Richard Baxter, William Chillingworth, Henry Hammond, who has been called "the Father of English Biblical Criticism," Robert Sanderson, Bishop of Lincoln, John Gauden, Bishop of Worcester, and Bishop Pearson, a Norfolk man, whose famous "Exposition of the Creed" (the Library has a copy of the 3rd edition, 1669), is a masterpiece of the doctrinal exposition of the time.

The theological writers of the Augustan age are also fairly represented in the Library. For example, there are three works by Gilbert Burnet, Bishop of Salisbury, including a copy of his "Exposition of the Thirty-Nine Articles" (London, 1700), which was for more than a century as famous as Pearson's "Exposition of the Creed," and his "History of the Reformation," 2 vols. (London, 1681-83); the works (6 volumes, London, 1710) of Edward Stillingfleet, called because of his personal beauty and piety "the beauty of holiness"; the works (6th edition, London, 1710) and "Sermons" of John Tillotson, who rose to be Archbishop of Canterbury as much through the pulpit as through politics; the "Opera Omnia" of George Bull (London, 1703), and others.

Works of history, antiquities and travel form the cla.s.s which is next in importance and extent to the theological works. In proportion to the size and character of the Library, the selection in this cla.s.s is moderately good. Most of the chief or popular English historians from Matthew Paris to Strype and Dugdale are represented by some of their works. There are, for example, Fabyan's Chronicle (London, 1559), Hall's "Union of the . . . famelies of Lancastre and Yorke" (London, 1550), Grafton's Chronicle (1569), Holinshed's Chronicles, first and second editions (1577 and 1587), Stow's "Annales" (1615), Speed's "Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine" (1611), Camden's "Remains concerning Britain" (1657), "History of Queen Elizabeth" (in "A Complete History of England," London, 1706), "Annals of King James I.", and "Britannia", (1695), Sir Thomas Smith's "Commonwealth of England" (1633), Foxe's "Ecclesiasticall Historie" (1597), Sir Walter Raleigh's "History of the World" (1676), {35} Rushworth's "Historical Collections" (1659), Bacon's "Life of Henry VII." (in "A Complete History of England," London, 1706), Herbert's "King Henry VIII." (in "A Complete History of England," London, 1706), Heylyn's "Cosmographie" (1669), Clarendon's "History of the Rebellion" (odd vols. of the 1706 edition), Bulstrode Whitelocke's "Memorials of the English affairs" (1682), Burnet's "History of the Reformation" (1681-83), Strype's "Annals of the Reformation" (1709), Dugdale's "Monasticon Anglicanum" (odd vols.), and his "Antiquities of Warwicks.h.i.+re" (1730), and Anthony a Wood's "Athenae Oxonienses"

(1691-92).

Other historical and geographical works are Munster's "Cosmographiae Universalis" (Basel, 1559), the first detailed, scientific and popular description of the world; Foresti's "Supplementum Supplementi Chronicarum" (Venice, 1506), a universal history written by an Italian monk and historian; Lonicerus' "Chronicorum Turcicorum in quibus Turcorum origo" etc. (Frankfort, 1578); and Braun and Hogenberg's "Civitates...o...b..s Terrarum" (Cologne, 1577-88), containing the earliest general collection of topographical views of the chief cities of the world, including one of Norwich.

The Rev. Joseph Brett in 1706 pointed out that the Library possessed "very few Humanity Books, few or none of Law, Physick, Mathematicks, or indeed of any science but Divinity," and it never became strong in these subjects. It is weak in the ancient cla.s.sics, but the following are some of the authors represented: Aristotle, Cicero, Cornelius Nepos, Diogenes Laertius, Euclid, Eutropius, Juvenal, Livy, Lucan, Plato, Pliny, Plutarch, Seneca, Suetonius, and Tacitus. In English belles-lettres the chief works are Chaucer's Works (London, 1721), Abraham Cowley's Works (1668), Michael Drayton's "Poly-Olbion" (1613), Gower's "Confessio Amantis" (London, 1554), and George Herbert's "The Temple and other Sacred Poems" (1633).

The outstanding scientific works are Sir Isaac Newton's "Opticks" (1704), Burnet's "Theory of the Earth" (1691), The Grete Herball (London: Peter Treveris, 1526), Walter Charleton's "Physiologia Epicuro-Ga.s.sendo-Charltoniana" (London, 1654) and his "OEconomia Animalis" (London, 1659), J. B. Duhamel's "Elementa astronomica"

(Cambridge, 1665), Galileo's "Systeme of the World," transl. by T.

Salusbury (London, 1661), Ga.s.sendi's "Inst.i.tutio astronomica" (London, 1653), Johannes de Sacro Bosco's "Opus spheric.u.m" (Cologne, 1508), Munster's "Rudimenta mathematica" (Basel, 1551), "Hortus Sanitatis"

(Mainz, 1491), vol. 3 of John Ray's "Historia Plantarum" (London, 1704), and Thomas Willis' "Cerebri anatome" (London, 1664).

The bias of local patriotism is declared by Mr. Havelock Ellis in his "Study of British Genius" to be "an unfailing sign of intellectual ill-breeding," notwithstanding which no apology is herein made for drawing special attention to the fact that the Library includes some of the writings of more than a score of authors--most of whom achieved some eminence--who are connected with Norfolk or Norwich, either by birth or residence. Taking the names in alphabetical order, the first of the Norfolk men whose writings are represented is Thomas Becon or Beacon, who took orders in 1538, and preached in Norfolk and Suffolk. The edition of his "Works," is that printed by John Day [? 1560-64], containing a tract on "The Common-places of Holy Scripture," dedicated "To my deare countrymen and faythfull Ministers of Iesu Christ watching and attending upon the Lordes flocke in the Parishes of Norfolke and Suffolke," dated 1562. Francis Blomefield's "History of the Ancient City and Burgh of Thetford," printed at the author's residence at Fersfield in 1739, contains a book-plate, apparently printed by the author, stating that the book was presented to the City Library. Samuel Clarke, who was born at Norwich in 1675, became chaplain to Bishop Moore of Norwich, and afterwards rector of Drayton, is represented by his "Scripture-Doctrine of the Trinity," 1712, and his Boyle lectures of 1704 and 1705, viz., "Demonstration of the Being and Attributes of G.o.d," 1705, and "Discourse concerning the unchangeable obligations of Natural Religion," 1706. Of the works of the great Sir Edward c.o.ke, judge and law writer, who came of an old Norfolk family, there are the "First Part of the Inst.i.tutes of the Lawes of England," 1629, and "Les Reports de Edward c.o.ke . . . donnes . . .

per les judges, et sages de la ley," 11 vols. The "Scholastic History of the Canon of the Holy Scripture" (London, 1684) is the only volume of the works of John Cosin, Bishop of Durham, who was born at Norwich in 1594. In the preparation of this, his most elaborate and important work, he injured his eyesight. Thornhagh Gurdon, a receiver-general for Norfolk, who is included in Mr. Walter Rye's "Norfolk Families," and who resided mostly at Norwich, presented a copy of the first edition of his "History of the High Court of Parliament" (London, 1731). The only work of Hamon Le Strange, a Norfolk historian and theologian, is "The Alliance of Divine Offices" (London, 1690), in the preface of which he speaks of having undergone an eight years' sequestration, apparently between 1643-1651. John Pearson, Bishop of Chester, whose "Exposition of the Creed" has already been referred to, was born at Great Snoring on 28th Feb., 1612/3.

Again taking the names in alphabetical order, the first author who is connected with the county by residence is Edward Boys, who became rector of Mautby in 1639, where he died in 1667. Of his publications the Library contains "Sixteen Sermons preached upon several occasions"

(London, 1672). William Bridge, whose "Works" (London, 1649) are in the Library, was born at Cambridge, became rector of St. Peter Hungate, Norwich, in 1636, and afterwards settled at Yarmouth. John Collinges, a Presbyterian, who came to Norwich in 1646, published controversial and devotional tracts and sermons. He is only represented by "A Short Discourse against Transubstantiation" (London, 1675), and "On the Intercourse of Divine Love" (1676), but the Local Collection of the Public Library contains many of his writings. "The Notion of Schism"

(London, 1676) is the work of another parson who came to Norfolk, Robert Connould, rector of Bergh Apton. John Graile, rector of Blickling, whom Blomefield referred to as "This learned and pious pastor," presented to the Library his "Youth's Grand Concern" (London, 1711) and "Sacra Privata" (London, 1699). Reference has already been made to the works of Bishop Hall (see p. 33). There are two volumes, "The Open Door for Man's approach to G.o.d" (London, 1650) and "A Consideration of Infant Baptism"

(London, 1653), by John Horne, who was beneficed at All Hallows, King's Lynn. John Jeffery, who was elected to the living of St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, in 1678, and became Archdeacon of Norwich in 1694, is represented by "Select Discourses" (London, 1710), "Complete Collection of Sermons and Tracts," 2 vols. (London, 1753), and "Forms of Prayer"

(1706). Dr. Peter de Laune, a minister of the French Church in Norwich during the early years of the seventeenth century, presented to the Library a copy of his translation of the English Prayer Book into French, ent.i.tled "La Liturgie Angloise; ou, le livre des prieres publiques"

(London: John Bill, 1616). His name is not printed in the book, but the copy in the Library bears on the t.i.tle-page the following inscription which was probably written by him: "Liber bibliothecae publicae Nordouicensis ex dono doctoris Petri Launaei quo auth.o.r.e Anglicanae haec ecclesiae liturgia facta est Gallicana." {38} This book is the first French edition of the English Prayer Book entered in the Catalogue of the British Museum. Francis Mason's "Vindiciae Ecclesiae Anglicanae," is the work of an Archdeacon of Norfolk, who is remembered for his vigorous defence of the authority of the church, which earned for him the t.i.tle of "Vindex Ecclesiae Anglicanae." Another preacher with the memorable t.i.tle "Apostle of Norwich," procured by a great reputation, was John More, minister of St. Andrew's Church, Norwich, whose posthumous work "Table from the Beginning of the World to this Day" (Cambridge, 1593) is in the Library. "An Explanation of the Epistle of St. Jude" (London, 1633) is a series of sermons preached in the parish church of North Walsham by Samuel Otes, rector of South Repps, Norfolk, who was chaplain to the Lord Chief Justice Hobart. Reference has already been made to the works of Humphrey Prideaux, Dean of Norwich. Anthony Sparrow, Bishop of Norwich, who was born in Suffolk, published "Rationale upon the Book of Common Prayer" (London, 1661), which was often reprinted and is still of some value, and a companion volume "Collection of Articles, Canons," etc.

(London, 1684). Last but not least to be mentioned is the "Increpatio Barjesu" (London, 1660) of Matthew Wren, who was successively Bishop of Hereford, Norwich and Ely. It is a volume of polemical interpretations of Scripture, in reply to the Racovian catechism--a copy of which was in the Library--written during the author's imprisonment in the Tower, and edited by his son Matthew.

Many of the books have autographs of their former owners, and some have inscriptions and annotations. Edward Lhuyd's "Archaeologica Britannica"

contains some notes made by George Borrow, who also wrote an English translation of some Arabic in Thomas Erpenius' "Grammatica Arabica." The second folio of the "Golden Legend" (1503) bears the signature of Thomas Kirkpatrick, and the first fly-leaf has the following inscription: "This book was given to the Publick Library of the City of Norwich, A.D. 1728, by Mr. Thomas Kirkpatrick, merchant there, and was bound at the expence of Isaac Preston, Esq., 1742, that it might the better be preserv'd being an Authentick & antient Evidence of the extravagant Foppery and Superst.i.tion of the Church of Rome, & of the necessity of the Reformation. Vide the Commandments page ye 20th in the life of Moses."

An interesting request from Archbishop Wake for the loan of a Prayer Book, which was not returned, is recorded in the Minute Book under date February 2nd, 1718/9: "This day a Book wch has for some years been lodged in ye Library of ye City ent.i.tuled--The Book of Common-prayer & Administration of ye Sacraments & other Rights & Ceremonies of the Church of England, printed at London by Robert Barker, 1632--Wherein are several Marginal Notes in Writing done by ye order of King Charles ye first was delivered to Mr Brand of this city Clerke to be by Him transmitted to the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury He having requested the said Book might be sent to Him." A memorandum against this entry reads: "The order of the Court dated Jan. 28, 1718, and enter'd in this book was alter'd May ye ninth 1719, and ye Common prayer book there nam'd deliver'd by Mr. Mott yn Mayor to Dr. John Clark to be by Him sent to ye A: Bp: of Canterbury."

The Dean of Christ Church, Oxford (the Very Rev. Thomas B. Strong, D.D.), after receiving a copy of the foregoing quotation, examined the Prayer Books in the Wake Collection at Christ Church, and found one which answers to the description. He has kindly consented to the publication of the following quotation from his correspondence thereon: "I took the book to the Bodleian Library yesterday; and Dr. Craster (the Sub-Librarian), who is an expert in these matters, has verified the facts for me. The book is a quarto book, 'printed by Robert Barker, Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty and by the a.s.signees of John Bull, 1632.' There are no marks of any kind in the book except the mark K11 (I suppose a shelf-mark {40}) on the inside of the cover. It is bound in limp vellum. A blank sheet of paper has been cut out in front of the t.i.tle-page. On the page opposite the beginning of the Morning Prayer, and under the Ornaments Rubric, there is the signature of Charles I.

Under the signature is the following note, in a clear and formal hand, which Dr. Craster has proved to be the handwriting of Archbishop Laud's secretary:--

'I gave the Arcbbp. of Canterburye comand to make the Alterations expressed in this Booke, and to fitt a Liturgy for the Church of Scotland. And whersoever they shall differ from another Booke signed by Us at Hampt. Court September 28, 1634, Our pleasure is to have these followed rather than the former, unless the Archbp. of St.

Andrews, and his Brethren who are upon the place, shall see apparent reason to the contrary. At Whitehall Apr. 19, 1636.'

The same hand has made various alterations in the book; and has written the collect for Easter Even, which appeared first in the Scottish Prayer-Book of 1637, in its place. The remaining notes and alterations are in the hand of Archbishop Laud. The 1637 edition of the Scottish Prayer-Book follows exactly, as far as I have been able to verify them, all the notes in the book. One note is perhaps worth mentioning. In the Quicunque, the verse, 'He therefore that will be saved must thus think of the Trinity,' is altered as follows: 'He therefore that would be saved, let him thus think'; and this alteration appears in the 1637 book."

A fair number of the books are still in their original bindings or have been so rebound that their original covers have been preserved. Of these most are ornamented in "blind," i.e., impressed with tools or panel stamps without being gilt or coloured, but a few have centre-pieces in gold. A few examples may be noted. In the early Tudor period panel stamps with heraldic or pictorial designs were frequently used by English and foreign binders practising their craft in England. A number of English binders adorned their books with a pair of large heraldic panel stamps, the different binders making slight variations in the designs. A fairly good example of a binding stamped with two such panels is that of a copy of "Anticella c.u.m quamplurimis tractatibus superadditis," (Venice, 1507) in the Library, which has had its original covers repaired and laid down again. The lower cover shows the arms of Henry VIII. (France and England) supported by two angels; the upper cover has a large Tudor rose surrounded by two ribbons, supported by two angels, and bearing the distich:

Hec rosa virtutis de celo missa sereno Eternum Florens regia sceptra feret

which has been rendered:

Virtue's a rose, which born of heaven's clear ray Shall ever flourish and bear kingly sway.

In the upper left-hand corner of the panel is the cross of St. George on an escutcheon, and in the right-hand corner the arms of the city of London, indicating that the binder was a citizen. Underneath the rose is the mark of the London binder, G.G., who was one of the noteworthy binders to use these panel stamps at the beginning of the sixteenth century.

Several of the bindings are adorned with rectangular panels formed by fillets and bands, the enclosed s.p.a.ce being divided, after the German system, into lozenge-shaped compartments. Two such examples are the following. The first is the binding of "Cathena aurea super Psalmos ex dictis sanctorum" (Paris: Jehan Pet.i.t, 1520). The rectangular frame is formed by vertical and horizontal three-line fillets, and adorned with a roll-stamp representing a hound, a falcon, and a bee, amid sprays of foliage and flowers. Above the hound is the binder's mark composed of the letters I.R, i.e., John Reynes, a notable London binder of the earlier part of the 16th century. The enclosed panel is divided by three-line fillets, forming four lozenge-shaped and eight triangular compartments stamped with a foliated ornament. The second example is the binding of an edition in Latin of Plato's Works, printed by Jodocus Badius Ascensius in 1518. The rectangular frame is formed by parallel vertical and horizontal fillets intersecting each other at right-angles, and adorned with a roll-stamp representing a portcullis, a pomegranate, a griffin, a Tudor rose, a hound, and a crown. The enclosed panel is divided by diagonal three-line fillets forming four lozenge-shaped and eight triangular compartments, stamped with foliated ornaments. The Library now contains about 2,000 volumes.

THE LIBRARIANS.

When the Library was organised in 1656 it was made a condition of members.h.i.+p that being duly chosen thereto a member should discharge the office of Library-Keeper "not above once in seaven yeares." The Library-Keeper elected in that year was Mr., afterwards Dr., John Collinges, a well-known Presbyterian divine, who was a prolific writer and a keen controversialist. Apparently the office was to be held for a year, and the first three Library-Keepers held the office for that period, but afterwards the usual period was two years. The Minute Book records the appointment of the following thirty-six Library Keepers who held office during the years 1656 to 1731: John Collinges, 1656-57; John Whitefoote, 1658-59;--Harmar, 1660-61; George c.o.c.k, 1662;--Smith, 1664; Thomas Morley, 1667; Ben Snowden, 1669;--Norgate, 1671: [Benedict]

Rively, 1673; [Jo:] Watson, 1675; Dr. Jon Elsworth, 1677; [Thomas] Studd, 1679; [William] Cecil, 1681; John Whitefoote, the younger, (Mr. Painter was chosen but declined to serve), 1682; [John] Jeffery, [Archdeacon of Norwich] 1683; [Jo:] Shaw, 1685-86; John Pitts, 1687-89; [W.] Adamson, (Burges was chosen but declined to serve), 1690-91; [John] Graile, 1692; [John] Richardson, 1694-96; [Joseph] Ellis, 1696-97; [Isa:] Girling, 1698; [Tho:] Clayton, 1699; [John] Barker, 1700; [Edward] Riveley, 1702; [Joseph] Brett, 1704; [John] Havett, 1706-07; [W.] Herne, 1708-09; [Sam:]

Jones, 1710-11; [Francis] Fayerman, 1712; [Sam: or John] Clark, 1713-14; [John] Brand, 1715-16; [Sam.] Salter, 1719;--Morrant, (John Fox was chosen but declined to serve), 1722-23; Benjamin Mackerell, 1724-31; William Pagan, 1731. Benjamin Mackerell, who held the office from 1724 to 1731, is the best-known of the Library-Keepers. He wrote a History of King's Lynn, which was published in the year of his death, 1738, and several works relating to Norwich, which are still in ma.n.u.script; Mr.

Gordon Goodwin, the writer of his biography in the "Dictionary of National Biography," says Mackerell was "an accurate, painstaking antiquary, and left work of permanent value." Although he compiled the second edition of the catalogue during his extended tenure of office, his services were either not appreciated, or the members thought that the rule regarding the period of office should not be indefinitely ignored, for on December 6th, 1731, the following memorandum was made: "It was then Order'd by the psons whose Names are above written that Peter Scott wait upon Mr. Mackerell, Library Keeper, and desire him to meet them the next Library day; they intending to proceed to the Election of a new one The time for such Election being long since lapsed."

The office of Library Keeper was an honorary one, a condition that agrees with the opinion expressed by John Dury in his "Reformed Librarie-Keeper"

published in 1650, but it is doubtful whether the Library Keepers fulfilled all his other qualifications: "His work then is to bee a Factor and Trader for helps to Learning, and a Treasurer to keep them, and a dispenser to applie them to use, or to see them well used, or at least not abused." {43} The duties of the Library Keeper appear to have included general responsibility for the Library, the cataloguing of the Library, and the recording of the donations in the Vellum Book provided for the purpose. To relieve the Library Keeper of the routine part of his charge, an Under Library Keeper was appointed from time to time. The sixth condition to which members had to subscribe from 1656 included a promise to "pay our proportions to ye under-Keeper of ye said Library quarterly." This "proportion" was 12d. upon admission, and 12d.

quarterly, and was the Under-Library-Keeper's remuneration for services rendered. This payment was still in force when the regulations were revised in 1732, and were specifically provided for in the first "Article." The Minute Book constantly records payments of arrears due to the Under Library Keeper, showing that many of the Members were very dilatory in their payments. Some of the Library Keepers were also dilatory in their repayments to him of incidental expenses. On April 1st, 1690, a memorandum was made "That Mr. Pitts is this day discharged from ye office of Library Keeper, and is endebted to ye under=Library=Keeper for his 2 years for fire, candle, pipes, pens, ink, & paper, nine s.h.i.+llings," and on Feb. 16th, 1699, it was recorded that the Library Keeper, "Mr. Girling owe to the vnder libarey keeper for three years and A half Fourten s.h.i.+llings 00ll-14s-00d."

Provision was made for relieving members from the obligation to a.s.sume the office in their turn, upon payment of a fine. On March 6th, 1682/3 "Mr. Painter being chosen Library keeper for this yeare desired upon the paymt of 20sh to the use of the library according to the order in that case made to be excused and he was dismissed from his office, and Mr.

John Whitefoot the younger was chosen library keeper for the same yeare in his stead."

The Library was under the care of William Sayer, the Librarian of the "Public Library," from 1801 to 1805, when it was committed to the custody of the Steward. The Library was again entrusted to the "Public Library"

in 1815, and came under the care of its librarian Richard Langton, until 1833, when he was succeeded by Edward Langton, who retained the office until the Library was housed at the Free Library in 1862. Henceforth the books came under the charge of the following Librarians to the Corporation for the periods stated: Mr. George Harper, 1862-76, Mr.

George Easter, 1877-1900, Mr. J. Geo. Tennant, 1901-11, and Mr. Geo. A.

Stephen, 1911-.

DONATION BOOK AND CATALOGUES.

The first reference in the Minute Book to a catalogue is under date 8th June, 1657: "The library keeper this day brought in catalogues of the books wch were affixed. Sixpence was ordered to bee given to a boy for pasting up the Catalogues." It may perhaps be a.s.sumed that these catalogues were written lists which were displayed in the Library.

At the meeting on Jan. 11th, 1657, an order was given for "a book consisting of 3 qrs of thick venice paper, to be bound up to make a book to contain Catalogues of the bookes in the library," and "Mr. Collinges was desired to keep the office of library keeper untill the aforesaid book be bought and the Catalogues made."

On Dec. 13th, 1658 "The library keeper brought in a paper book ruled containing a Cla.s.sicall and an alphabetical catalogue of all ye bookes in the library" . . . "He further informed them that hee had laid out 3s for paper and 4s. for ye ruling & binding ye said book, in all 7s wch is more then he received 2s 10d. That he had procured 2 catalogues to be wrote in it fairly, that for ye catalogue of Comentators it was begun & should before ye next meeting be pfected by his own hand." This book has fortunately been preserved, and is in good state. It is a folio volume, measuring 13.5 by 9.5 inches, and is in three sections. The first section is a cla.s.sified catalogue of the books on the east side of the Library, which were arranged in two groups of sizes, (1) Folio, divided into ten cla.s.ses, and (2) Quarto and Octavo, divided into four cla.s.ses.

At first an attempt was made to cla.s.sify the books according to subjects, the cla.s.sification of the folios being I Bibles; II and III Old Commentaries, etc.; IVa Theology, IVb History; V Canon Law; VI The Fathers; VII Lexicons, Dictionaries, etc.; VIII Reformation Commentaries; IX Ecclesiastical History; X Miscellaneous. The four cla.s.ses in the quarto and octavo section were not grouped according to subjects. A heading was started in the catalogue for a cla.s.sification of the books on the west side, but that part of the work was not done. The second section is an author catalogue of the books with two columns, the numbers in the first column denoting the cla.s.s and those in the second the book.

The third section of the catalogue, ruled in double columns, has a heading in Latin, to this effect: "Catalogue of the authors whose books are to be found in the Library of Norwich, who either ill.u.s.trated the whole book of Sacred Scripture or any part of it with their most illuminating annotations or commentaries. The column towards the left indicates the authors who have written on the whole Book, the other indicates those who have written on any part of it." Following the names of the authors are the cla.s.s and book numbers.

At the meeting on July 11th, 1659, "The library keep brought in a Catalogue of the bookes & Benefactors names fairly written in a parchment booke; For the wrighting wherof hee pd to the cleark 7s; For the repaymt of wch monye it was aggreed every minister should pay viijd: wch monye was paid by as many as were then present." This catalogue or "Donation Book" is a folio volume measuring 14 3/4 by 9.5 inches, and is bound in rough calf, with three small bra.s.s clasps. Later, in the Minute Book it is generally referred to as the Vellum Book. In it are entered in chronological order the names of the donors, the date of each gift, brief author and t.i.tle entries of the books, and frequently their date and place of publication. The entries are all very clearly written, from the date of the first donation in 1608, the year of inauguration, to 1737.

Facsimiles of the t.i.tle-page, with the initials "J.S." in the lower corners, and two typical pages face this page. The lettering of these pages is characteristic of the period, and shows the decadence of the art of ma.n.u.script writing.

[Picture: The Vellum Book. t.i.tle-page and two other pages of the Donation Book begun in 1659]

In the "Extracts from the Court Books of the City of Norwich, 1666-1688,"

edited by Mr. Walter Rye, there is one on Jan. 15, 1669, stating that "Mr. Thos. Morly, clerk, keeper of the Library of the City, brought in a catalogue of all the books there," but there is no reference to this in the Library Minute Book. On January 12th, 1673, however, the ministers "did appoynt yt Mr Norgate should agt their next meeting bring in a Catalogue of the Bookes to be dd to the Court and yt he shall see yt the Bookes given to the Library in his time be fayrely written in the Vellam-booke appoynted to yt purpose." It is evident, therefore, that reports regarding the stock of books had to be made to the Court.

The first printed catalogue was an author catalogue, with brief particulars of about 923 volumes, and was printed in 1706/7. On December 3rd, 1706, it was "Ordered then that ye Alphabeticall Catalogue of ye City Library be printed by the Widow Burges," and on February 4th, 1706/7, when Joseph Brett was Library Keeper he "brought in the Catalogue of Books, printed, wch cost two pds sixteen s.h.i.+llings & three pence & he was allow'd also a s.h.i.+lling for printing an advertis.e.m.e.nt." This catalogue, which is exceedingly scarce, {47} is ent.i.tled "A Catalogue of the Books in the Library of the City of Norwich in the year 1706." It is a crown 8vo volume, consisting of 38 pages. The catalogue proper is preceded by an alphabetical list of the benefactors to the Library, giving the dates of their donations, and abbreviations of their surnames, (e.g., Ad. for Adamson, All. for Allen). The entries in the catalogue are extremely brief, and frequently occupy only one line. Each entry is preceded by an abbreviation for the author's name, and is followed by the cla.s.s and book numbers.