CORSER (The Rev. Thomas). Catalogue of the First [-Seventh] of the Extensive Library Formed by... Comprising a Large Assemblage of Rare and Unique Works of our Early English Poets and Dramatists, Several Volumes by Caxton and other Early English Printers, Manuscripts, Block Books, Etc.1868

London: Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge. 7 Parts in one, 4to, title page to first part a little chipped at blank margins, a couple of leaves loose, some light staining, covers detached, spine defective, from the Mercantile Library, Philadelphia. Thomas Corser (1793-1876), editor of 'Collectanea Anglo-Poetica', an alphabetical account, with extracts from each author, and elaborate biographical and bibliographical notices of the editor's magnificent collection of early English poetry which he had begun to form at an early age. The first part was issued in 1860. The rector's advanced age and infirmities interfered with the progress of the undertaking on the original scale beyond the letter C, which was concluded at the fourth part (1869). But six parts (1873-1880) were subsequently issued on a briefer plan. Corser died after the fifth part was published in 1873, and James Crossley edited the remainder. The work is a very valuable contribution to English bibliography. The collection of books which formed the basis of this work was sold in eight portions at different dates, from July 1868 to 1873, and realised upwards of 20,000l. Mr. Henry Huth purchased some of the most valuable volumes. Corser was also a member of the Spenser, Camden, Surtees, Percy, and Shakespeare societies, and was elected a F.S.A. in 1850. De Ricci, pp.150-51; Fletcher pp. 372-76.