Dibdin, Thomas Frognall; Spencer, George John [Bearb.]: Bibliotheca Spenceriana: or a descriptive catalogue of the books printed in the fifteenth century, and of many valuable first editions, in the library of George John Earl Spencer (Band 1) (London, 1814) [Cicognara, 4650-1]

VI11

PREFACE.

if I omitted this opportunity of paying a
feeble tribute of respect to that of the late
Dr. Tiiom as Dampier, Bishop of Ely : a
prelate, not less beloved for his frank and
affectionate disposition, than respected for
his classical and philological attainments.
In bibliographical knowledge he had few
superiors: his discernment being quick
and accurate, and his conclusions correct
and instructive. His Lordship lived to exa-
mine only a few of the printed sheets of
the present work; offering his friendly aid
to superintend the whole of the remainder.
What therefore has been lost to me, in this
respect, by his decease, can be easily con-
ceived; but the remembrance of his good
opinion, and of his encouragement to pro-
ceed as I had begun, has constantly served to
cheer me in the progress of my labours.

My acknowledgments are also due to the
ingenious Artists * who have so effectually
contributed towards the splendour of this
publication; and still more to the celebrated
* Mary, Ebenezer, and John, Byfield.