my aim, but I am far from sure of my success in
carrying it out; and I offer this book merely as
a discursive and popular treatment of a subject
which seems to me of great interest. 

The book has suffered from one unhappy circumstance.
It was planned in collaboration with my
friend Mr.  James Hutt, M.A., but unfortunately,
owing to a breakdown of health, Mr.  Hutt was only
able to help me in the composition of the chapter
on the Libraries of Oxford, which is chiefly his work.
Had it been possible for Mr.  Hutt to share all the
labour with me, this book would have been put
before the public with more confidence. 

More footnote references appear in this volume
than in most of the series of "Antiquary's Books."
One consideration specially urged me to take this
course.  The subject has been treated briefly, and
it seemed essential to cite as many authorities as