This book, first published in 1999, studies and compares two sixteenth-century libraries. Jean Grolier's was a bibliophilic 'cabinet' of fine books; Diego Hurtado de Mendoza's was a much larger and more scholarly collection; a full catalogue is provided for the first time. Both men were greatly influenced by experience of Italy. Grolier has been called 'the Prince of Bibliophiles'; the books he commissioned have long been famous. This is the first full account of his life for eighty years. Hurtado de Mendoza was a poet, historian, Greek scholar and Arabist. He served as the Emperor's Ambassador in Venice (1540-6), to the Council of Trent (1545-6), and to the Pope (1547-52). In Venice he set out to form for Spain a collection of Greek manuscripts to rival that being formed for France by Francis I's agents. Anthony Hobson's text is complemented by ninety-one illustrations, several thematic indexes, eleven appendices and a bibliography.

Catalogue of an exhibition held at The Grolier Club, November 14, 2001-January 11, 2002. Includes a preface by Mark Samuels Lasner and an essay by Margaret D. Stetz, Associate Professor of English and Women's Studies, Georgetown University, on "Beatrix Potter and Aestheticism," followed by detailed descriptions of the books, manuscripts, letters, drawings, and other material in the show. Designed by Mark Samuels Lasner, printed at the Ascensius Press.