TO MY HIGHLY ESTEEMED FELLOW-MEMbers OF THE New England Historical and Genealogical Society, THIS HUMBLE WORK ON KINDRED PURSUITS IS CORDIALLY INSCRIBED. BROOKLINE, MASS., September, 1871. Si quel un a commis quelque crime odieux, S'il a tué son père, ou blasphémè les dieux, Qui le punisse mieux, je veux que l on me tonde. By way of PREFACE, I beg the reader to observe that I now publish only the first part of a work, the idea whereof suggested itself to my mind whilst I was cataloguing my private library. But, indeed, as the work was growing in my hands, I felt that Quem Jupiter oderit Pædagogum fecit ! which words, 'tis true, apply in a direct sense to him of the ferula; yet, when I read them first, they were applied to himself by a lexicographer, who had labored under difficulties very much akin to that of my cataloguing. Be that as it may, I intend-adeste superi !—to publish a list of works written by Catholics and published in these United States. I divide I divide my list in five parts, as follows: I. Works written by Catholics, and published previous to To this work I have allotted all subsecivas horas for some years, while it has also happened that at times I could not copy one single title for months. Duties too sacred to be neglected kept me busy at something else. The most favorable time for work was when an old-fashioned N. E. rheumatism (envious friends most perversely call it podagra!-my physician assures me on oath 'tis a slander) would at stated times confine me to an otium cum dignitate, days, weeks, and months, on a venerable armchair in my library. Fortunately, whilst the underpins of the animal fabric were all ablaze, the upper story was cool and free, ready to take in storage day and night. In sooth, it has been my harvest time. It has reminded me forcibly of the ancient saw, to wit: "Tis an ill wind," etc. I am under profound obligations to the Rt. Rev. Prelates who never tired with my importune demands for information, although they had often to search old records and write lengthy epistles. Many clergymen have also furnished me with valuable items. Among my correspondence I treasure letters from eminent laymen of all denominations. In only three instances have I been disappointed. But I can find a very satisfactory excuse for not receiving a reply: my letters were most assuredly miscarried. In only one instance a friend wrote "not to bother him any more." Amenities of literature! Most earnestly do I beg of all who may feel an interest in the work to favor me, either by letter to my publisher or to myself, or through the press, with any correction, suggestion, or addition. I shall most gratefully make use of, and acknowledge them in the Addenda-for "blessed be the mending hand!" The greatest pleasure I have found in the irksome work was when I discovered historical or biographical items which, I flatter myself, may one day prove useful to a competent historian of the Catholic Church in America—a work the sooner commenced, the better. In one element my list is deficient: I mean the German element. My knowledge of the German language being rather inadequate for the task of examining books written in it, and some applications I have made having failed of their aim, I have had very little chance of adding the titles of German authors to my list. Should my work fall under the eye of some scholar who feels an interest in the matter, it will afford me great pleasure to place such titles as may be sent to me or to my publisher among the Addenda, faithfully crediting the contributors. |