ELZEVIRS

The chapter discusses the fascination with Elzevirs, a type of collectible books printed by the Elzevir family in the Netherlands from the late 16th to early 18th centuries. The narrative starts with an anecdote highlighting the craze for collecting Elzevirs, mentioning a countryman who starves himself to afford these books, emphasizing his obsession with owning editions of poets printed by the Elzevirs, particularly those with red letters and of correct dates. It then introduces a dialogue from a 1699 publication that critiques the craze for collecting inaccurately printed editions by the Elzevirs solely for their exterior quality – paper and type.

The author, Andrew Lang, elaborates on the early development of Elzevir collecting, noting how by the 17th century, collectors were already highly passionate about obtaining specific editions. Lang explains the common misconception among novice collectors who overvalue all books with the Elzevir sphere on the title page, mistakenly considering any such book a valuable Elzevir. He provides guidance on recognizing genuine Elzevirs, including avoiding duplicitous symbols used by other publishers and noting the types of pseudonyms and correct ornaments used by the Elzevirs.

The chapter offers an insight into the history of the Elzevir family, highlighting the transition from Louis Elzevir, who established the family’s publishing business in Leyden in 1580, to subsequent generations that expanded and refined the business. Lang points out that the golden era of Elzevir publishing began around 1626 with Bonaventure and Abraham Elzevir, who produced notable works and helped popularize the petit format for classical texts. He details the meticulous aspect collectors should pay attention to, like the height and original condition of the Elzevir editions, which significantly influence their value.

Lang delves into the immense rarity and value of specific Elzevir publications, such as “Le Pastissier Francois,” describing its skyrocketing prices at auctions due to its scarcity and collectors’ zeal, even though its content is merely a cookery book. He narrates anecdotes of lucky finds and astronomical prices paid for rare Elzevirs, emphasizing the irrational extent of collectors’ fervor, driven by the rarity rather than the content or intrinsic value of these books.

In summarizing, the chapter is a vivid portrayal of bibliomania focused on Elzevir editions, illustrating the lengths to which collectors go to acquire these rarities. It highlights the irony of valuing books more for their scarcity and external qualities rather than their literary content, offering a glimpse into the world of book collecting and the peculiar status of Elzevirs as prized objects of desire among bibliophiles.