ANECDOTES LITERATURE, &c. DE ANTIQUITATÉ LIBRI DUO.' LONDINI IN ÆDIBUS JOHANNIS DAII, THIS is one of the scarcest books that we have. There is a copy in the Cracherode Collection which belonged to Matthew Parker, Archbishop of Canterbury, and is distinguished by his autograph; and indeed the book was written at his recommendation. There was a map of Cambridge engraved for the book, by one Lind, a domestic of Archbishop Parker. This is the only example I have seen of Cantebrigien is instead of Cantabrigiensis. Queen Queen Elizabeth coming to Cambridge in August, 1564, the orator made a speech before her, in which he extolled the antiquity of that University, and affirmed, that it was more ancient, by much, than Oxford. The Oxonians being offended at this, Thomas Key, Fellow of All Souls College, wrote, in the space of seven days, a little book, in which he strenuously asserted the antiquity of his own University, affirming that it was founded by some Greek Philosophers, companions of Brutus, and that it was restored by King Alfred about the year of Christ 870; consequently that it was more ancient than Cambridge; and this book he presented to Elizabeth at her coming to Oxford. On account of this incident, Dr. Caius, on the suggestion of the Archbishop, entered the lists like a true champion, and in a suitable style. He makes out undeniably, as he affirms, that Cambridge University had for its founder, Cantaber, 394 years before Christ, and in the year of the world 4300 and odd; and therefore that the University of Cambridge was 1267 years "more ancient than Oxford. John Caius died in 1573, and in the year following, a new edition of this book appeared under the patronage of Archbishop Parker, with large additions. It was printed in quarto, and under Caius' own name. It had also a plan of the the Town and Schools, with the arms of the Colleges. This plan was, by the abovementioned Lind, servant of the Archbishop. The Cracherode Copy was that of the Archbishop. The first edition of this book appeared in 1568, in octavo, typis Bynneman. The second is that by John Day, in quarto, printed in 1574. The third was by Thomas Hearne, in 1730, in octavo. A Tract of Caius is subjoined to this edition, De Pronuntiatione Græcæ et Latinæ Linguæ. CATHECHISMUS, Set That is to say, a shorte instruction into Christian Religion, for the synguler commoditie and profyte of Childre and Yong People. forth by the mooste Reverend Father in God, Thomas, Archbyshop of Canterbury, Primate of al England, and Metropolitane. Gualterus Lynne excudebat. 1548. 12mo. A COPY of this very rare book is in the Cracherode Collection, but it differs in many particulars from that which is preserved in the Bodleian Library, though it bears the same date. Hans Holbein is engraved at full length in the plate cci, and his initials H. H. are visible on the book which is at the foot of the altar in the plate at p. ci. Holbein's manner of cutting in wood, as appears in this curious little book, makes it evident, that the wood cuts from which Hollar engraved his exquisite set of prints, entitled the DANCE OF DEATH, were not by Holbein. They were probably the work of Albert Durer, having the neatness and delicacy which distinguished the works of that master. Mr. |