the book collector
p 696) and it is hoped that more may come to light as possibly ten other copies have been recorded. While the tale of this unfortunate episode in Dibdin’s life has been related, 4 the recognition of the earlier version warrants another look at the events that led to the production of Lewis’s statement. For the purposes of his Continental tour and projected pub- lication, Dibdin felt he required an artist who could render the antiquarian and picturesque subjects as well as the bibliographical. He certainly was aware of the engraving skills of George Robert Lewis (1782–1871), who had executed some of the plates for The Bibliographical Decameron (1817). As Dibdin recollected in his Reminiscences : 5 Mr. Lewis, at starting, was less known to me than his brothers: 6 but as he was recommended to me by a very old friend and competent judge, Mr. Masquerier; 7 and as his manners were simple and obliging, and his diligence, activity, and versatility, beyond all question, I consented, scarcely without a moment’s hesitation, to engage him. I put forth no tenders. I made no public announcement for competition. My ‘com- pagnon de voyage’ was to eat out of the same dish, and to partake of the same fare, in all respects, with him upon whom the entire expenses of the tour devolved. He travelled like a gentleman, and he fared like one. For a young man, imperfectly known in his profession, the opportunity was, in every sense of the word, a golden one. The ‘companions’ commenced their journey in mid-April 1818 and, if Dibdin’s account in the Tour is to be believed, remained on good terms throughout the lengthy excursion. They arrived back in England in late October or early November. Following their return, Dibdin made a selection from the artist’s sketches and finished drawings, then engaged him to complete the drawings as well as to supervise the work of the engravers. He also paid Lewis £ 100 for his time during the tour in two bills of exchange due in May 1819 and January 1820. Lewis accepted the work and the payment although he later would present the amount received for his time as the first of his grievances. 4 . Anthony Lister, ‘A Bibliomaniac Abroad’ in Antiquarian Book Monthly Review 11 (August and September, 1984): pp. 200–5 and 346–9. 5 . Thomas Frognall Dibdin, Reminiscences of a Literary Life (London, 1836), pp. 654–5.
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