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PREFACE
TO THE FIRST EDITION[1], IN 1782.
“To preserve the memory of those who have been in any way serviceable to mankind, hath been always looked upon as discharging a debt which we owe to our benefactors; and it is but reasonable that they who contribute so much to the immortality of others, should have some share in it themselves.”Oldisworth.
THOUGH it would be improper to begin with an ill-timed excuse for the manner in which this Work has been executed, it is necessary to observe, that the volume has been more than four years in the press[2]; and during that period many new and unexpected informations have swelled it to the present size, and far beyond what was originally intended.
“To adjust the minute events of literary history is tedious and troublesome; it requires indeed no great force of understanding, but often depends upon enquiries which there is no opportunity of making[3].” The researches which have produced
- ↑ That Edition was thus inscribed: “To the Presidents, Vice-Presidents, and Fellows, of the Royal and Antiquarian Societies of London; these Anecdotes of Mr. Bowyer, a Printer of uncommon eminence, whose talents were long and laudably exerted in their service, are, with true respect and gratitude, inscribed, by their most dutiful servant,J. Nichols.”
- ↑ In 1778 a few copies of a slight sketch of it were printed in a small pamphlet, of 52 octavo pages, and given to the intimate Friends of Mr. Bowyer. See vol. III. p. 294.
- ↑ Dr. Johnson, in the Life of Dryden.
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