Library catalogue.- [Currer (Frances Mary Richardson)] The Library of Miss Currer, at Eshton-Hall, in the Deanery of Craven, and County of York, compiled by Robert Triphook, one of 40 copies, this a presentation copy from Currer, occasional neat ink manuscript additions, lacking the first of 2 consecutive titles, marginal perforated library stamp to title and one other margin, a few numbers to title, 3 marginal library ink stamps, hinges split, contemporary half brown morocco, gilt spine in compartments, head of spine worn, upper joint starting but holding firm, corners worn, rubbed, 8vo, B. McMillan for Robert Triphook, 1820.

⁂ Presentation copy of the rare library catalogue of 'England's earliest female bibliophile' (De Ricci, p.141). The presentation inscription reads 'With Miss Currer's Compts'. Currer was born on 3rd March, 1785 at Eshton Hall, near Gargrave, in Yorkshire. Her mother, a niece of Clive of India, was the only surviving child and heir of Matthew Wilson of Eshton Hall. Dibdin considered her 'the head of all female collectors in Europe' (Reminiscences, 2.949) and that her 'library was, in its day, surpassed only by those of Earl Spencer, the Duke of Devonshire, and the Duke of Buckingham.'. After her death Currer's half-brother sold most of the library at Sotheby's in 1862, where it fetched nearly £6,000; and a second tranche in 1916 raised more than £3,700.

Frances Mary Richardson Currer - see also lot 161