[Library auction catalogue] Bibliotheca Beauclerkiana

A catalogue of the large and valuable library of the late honourable Topham Beauclerk, F.R.S. deceased; comprehending an excellent choice of books, to the number of upwards of thirty thousand volumes, in most languages, and upon almost every branch of science and polite literature. Which will be sold at auction (...) by Mr. Paterson, on Monday, April 9 1781, and the forty-nine following days (Good-Friday excepted) (...). London, Mr. Paterson, 1781, 2 parts in 1 vol., XIV[= VI],231,(1); 137 p., contemp. calf w. gilt-lettered "catalogue" on both covers, double gilt fillet border around sides, very neatly rebacked in old style w. gilt-lettered "Beauclerk Library Catalogue" on spine, 4to.

Quire D of the second part misbound; offsetting from turn-ins; traces of removed bookplate on inside front cover. A very good copy, entirely interleaved with blank lvs. The first part lists 5959 lots, the second part (incl. the "Libri Manuscripti") lists 3297 lots. Topham Beauclerk (1739-1780), the only son of Lord Sidney Beauclerk and a great-grandson of King Charles II, was a celebrated wit and a friend of Dr Johnson and Horace Walpole.