New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-10-15


THE PRESIDENT DE MESMES. BY Gabrielle
Naude and Interpreted by 10. Evelyn
ESQ. l6mo, pp. $50. Houghton Mlnnlh * 70
John Evelyn's quaint translation of Gabrielle
Naudes ouainter Instructions Concerning
Erecting OF a Library makes a charming ap-
pearance in this tasteful little volume. pub
lished by the Houghtons in their series Of spe-
cial editions. The young Frenchman in the year
1927 presented TO My Lord. the President de
Mesnes" this work in nine scholarly chapters
on the formation Of a great library-chapters OF
advice which the writer was afterward 10 fol-
low himself as the collector and founder of the
noble library OF Cardinal Mazarin. That library
is his monument, but this little treatise, COM
ing from a man absorbed In the love Of books
deserves remembrance. too from all who share
his tastes.
The greeting OF fair and magnificent
Libraries" is a task which he celebrates as one
elevating a great man 20 the supreme and SOW
ereign degree OF esteem and reputation" He
suggests that IN going about the business the
advice OF sober and 5udicious men OF letters
should be sought. that the books OF learned
authors dealing with the subject should be con-
suited as well as al the catalogues Of famous
libraries whether ancient modern, public or
private. AS for the number If books 10 be col
lected Naude is daring-"all sorts OF books, he
SAWS the library must be universal II II is TO De
erected for the public benefit. this being q per-
feet Maxine. that there is no Book whatsoever,
be IL never so bad decried. but may in time
be sought for by some person or other" All the
chief and principal authors are 10 be chosen, ac-
companied with the most learned and best In
terpreters and commentators: and they must be
chosen in their proper languages and particular
idioms Into all the ramihcations OF his subject
Naude enters with zest. evidently finding in
writing about library almost as much enjoy
rnent as in collecting one. An eTninently wise
piece Of advice IS not 70 sacrifice number and
quality to binding. so that It is a great deal
better and more necessary saith one librarian.
ito have a good quantity Of Books, well and
ordinarily bound. than to have a little Chamber
Cabinet full Of washed. gilded. ruled, and en-
riched with all manner OF nicely, lux and super
fluffy" AS for the place in which the library IS
20 be kept. he recommends a situation quiet and
retired with free light. pure afr and an agree
able prospect; and especially must the chief
windows face the east. not only because OF the
morning light. but in respect Of the winds
which spire from that quarter, which, for being
hot and dry Of nature. do wonderfully attemper
the air. fortife the senses. subtitle the humors,
depare the spirits, preserve good constitution.
correct the bad. and, IN a word. very healthy
and salubrous' for books well a for their
readers. The little essay the decoration OF
the library is delightful and that In which he
advises the most generous devotion OF the books
20 the public use is in line with modern ideals
IL is good to know that scholar so gentle and
so broad minded led a life Of happy industry
and never lacked for great libraries in which TO
practise what he preached.