Anecdotes of Literature and Scarce Books

Beloe (William).    F.C. and J. Rivington,  1807 First Edition  Two volumes  Contemporary full calf, ruled in gilt, spine in compartments with raised bands, decorated in gilt and with red and black leather labels lettered in gilt  Sides a little marked, a little foxing and browning at beginning and end of each volume, otherwise an exceptionally nice copy  Nineteenth-century manuscript notes on a blank leaf at the end of volume 2 give an account of the theft of fine prints from the British Museum, where Beloe was Keeper of Printed Books, by his friend Deighton. The thief was given access by Beloe and left alone with the prints and books: “He took out in the course of eight months, a great many of the finest and scarcest prints, substituting ordinary impressions in their places. Mr Crackerode’s volumes suffered the most, of their contents there was no catalogue. In consequence of this transaction, Mr Beloe was deprived of his situation as Librarian.” 

Price: £550