PREFACE.

THE object of the Publishers of the following pages has been to present, in a collected form, indications of the most important works in every department of literature, arranged in such manner as admits of the most easy reference.

PART I. consists of SUBJECTS, alphabetically arranged, with the exception of Mathematics, Medicine, and Theology; all the subjects of these divisions are collected under those general heads, in preference to scattering them through the body of the work.

PART II. comprises Select Biography, Classics, Collected Works, and an Index of Authors whose works appear in Part I.

In the necessarily limited space devoted to the development of the plan, it is evident that but little of it could be occupied with the Curiosities of Literature: the various Bibliographical works already extant amply suffice to make known their peculiar claims upon the attention of the Man of Letters. What has chiefly been attempted is, to exhibit under each head the extent of its literature, so far as might serve the purposes of the general reader: to the Student, whose aim is exhaustive, the Bibliography of each subject, when known, being given, will direct him to sources whence he may supply the deficiencies that must necessarily exist in a work of limited extent, like the present. Whenever the question of omission has occurred, the unknown work has been retained in preference to the well known.

Prices.-Books are subject to as many fluctuations of value as other articles of merchandise; but as it was considered desirable to affix prices to the titles whenever they could be ascertained, they must only be regarded as approximate those given, are generally the same at which the books were published; and will help to give some idea of the extent, &c., of any work in question: but as no list of prices can be permanently correct, those given are, for many reasons, to be preferred.

Notwithstanding the great care and labour bestowed upon this book, the intelligent reader will notice many omissions, which it will be the Compiler's care to supply in a Supplement: some typographical errors will also be evident, but as they are so palpable, they will in no way impair the general integrity of the work. When it is considered that the work is made up of minutiæ, it is a matter of gratulation that so few errors have crept in.

American Works.-It has not been thought necessary to enter very fully into the details of American Literature; there was no object to be gained by occupying the very limited space at command with chronicling books that are

in every body's hands, or which it is the Publishers' special interest to make known through the usual channels: besides, there is reason to expect a special American Bibliography ere long, in which the genius and industry of the New World may be favourably exhibited in contrast with that of the Old.

We are not without the hope that this compilation may exert a favourable influence in the Republic of Letters. The Student, through its aid, will be enabled to observe the extent of the subject of his inquiry, and the authors most worthy of his notice. The Man of Letters will be enabled to ascertain the comparative richness and poverty of the literature of his native tongue, and to enlarge the sphere of his labours, either by translation or the production of original works calculated to supply the deficiencies that exist in many branches of literature; while the Publisher will be enabled to recognize many important works with which he can enrich his stock of publications. Those engaged in the formation of libraries, we feel assured, will welcome the aid these pages can afford them. By the publication of an annual Supplement, in which all new works of permanent value shall find a place, as well as the more important omissions in the body of the work, it is intended it shall occupy a permanent place in the Library.

To have added critical opinions or analyses of the contents of the various works enumerated, would, we are aware, have increased the value of this Manual; yet it could not have been done without increasing its bulk to an undue extent.

In conclusion, the Publishers feel the present a fit occasion to return to their many friends and countrymen their warmest acknowledgments; and while they do not desire to exert any undue influence by this publication, to the prejudice of others in the trade, yet believing it to be an important contribution to the cause of human knowledge, and considering the great expense they have incurred in its preparation, they trust that their peculiar facilities for obtaining books from all parts of Europe, and their large stock, will induce the personal application of their friends. As this publication, from its peculiar plan, will develope new riches and corresponding desires on the part of the student, it is proper to state that any books found in this compilation may be obtained in the space of a few weeks, and at the lowest prices, through their agencies abroad. The steam communication now established between France and Germany enables them to execute orders with as great facility from the Continent, as formerly from England.

200 BROADWAY,}

D. APPLETON & CO.