A New Introduction to Bibliography

Book excerpt: A masterly consolidation of the results of authoritative bibliographical research during the past half century, the New Introduction is an invaluable work of reference which no library concerned with literary studies, printing history, or librarianship can afford to do without. It is not a teaching, do-it-yourself book like McKerrow; it asks few questions and its range of literary reference is comparatively restricted, although what there is is apt and illuminating. To suggest that there may still be room for a book on the lines of McKerrow is not intended as a criticism of a work which would have delighted him. Although described by the author as a 'manual', it is a most readable, fascinating book, in which a large amount of technical information has been digested and presented with superlative skill. For lucidity and precision Dr.