French are still the teachers of Europe, as they were in tennis and
are in fencing. Thus, Richard de Bury, Chancellor of Edward III.,
writes in his "Philobiblon:" "Oh God of Gods in Zion! what a rushing
river of joy gladdens my heart as often as I have a chance of going
to Paris! There the days seem always short; there are the goodly
collections on the delicate fragrant book-shelves." Since Dante
wrote of -


"L'onor di quell' arte
Ch' allumare e chiamata in Parisi,"


"the art that is called illuminating in Paris," and all the other
arts of writing, printing, binding books, have been most skilfully
practised by France. She improved on the lessons given by Germany
and Italy in these crafts. Twenty books about books are written in
Paris for one that is published in England. In our country Dibdin
is out of date (the second edition of his "Bibliomania" was
published in 1811), and Mr. Hill Burton's humorous "Book-hunter" is
out of print. Meanwhile, in France, writers grave and gay, from the
gigantic industry of Brunet to Nodier's quaint fancy, and Janin's
wit, and the always entertaining bibliophile Jacob (Paul Lacroix),
have written, or are writing, on books, manuscripts, engravings,
editions, and bindings. In England, therefore, rare French books
are eagerly sought, and may be found in all the booksellers'
catalogues. On the continent there is no such care for our curious
or beautiful editions, old or new. Here a hint may be given to the
collector. If he "picks up" a rare French book, at a low price, he
would act prudently in having it bound in France by a good