In the Bibliography, I have adopted a somewhat different plan from that I have used in other books, and have given some information as to the importance, or contents, of the books in question, to guide any future purchasers. Above all, it has been my desire, in accordance with the wish of' the editor of this series, to make the book one of practical value, to give the information in simple language, avoiding as far as possible, technicalities, or the jargon of a collector, and thus to produce a work which will be useful, I venture to hope, to the person commencing to collect, and will yet not be scorned by those who already own a collee tion, and desire to know more about the artists who were responsible for their treasures.
