owing to a breakdown of health, Mr. Hutt was only
able to help me in the composition of the chapter
on the Libraries of Oxford, which is chiefly his work.
Had it been possible for Mr. Hutt to share all the
labour with me, this book would have been put
before the public with more confidence.

More footnote references appear in this volume
than in most of the series of "Antiquary's Books."
One consideration specially urged me to take this
course. The subject has been treated briefly, and
it seemed essential to cite as many authorities as
possible, so that readers who were in the mood might
obtain further information by following them up.

In a book covering a long period and touching
national and local history at many points, I cannot
hope to have escaped errors; and I shall be grateful
if readers will bring them to my notice.

I need hardly say I am especially indebted to
the splendid work accomplished by Dr. Montague
Rhodes James, the Provost of King's College, in
editing The Ancient Libraries of Canterbury and
Dover, and in compiling the great series of descriptive
catalogues of manuscripts in Cambridge and
other colleges. I have long marvelled at Dr. James'
patient research; at his steady perseverance in an
aim which, even when attained--as it now has been--
could only win him the admiration and esteem of