BIBLIOTHEC A. HEBERIANA.
nits Second Part of Mr. HEBER'S Library, though rich of course in every branch of literature, is distinguished amongst other col- lections for the value and extent of its English Dramatic Produc- tions. "So complete an assemblage of Plays," says Mr. Simians; " was never before submitted to the hammer." Early, and (for editorial purposes), it is supposed, hitherto unconsulted editions of SuAxspEARE, are there; the works of SHAKSPEARE'S contempo- raries, printed while they were living, are numerous; and the series of the great poet's successors, till the closing of the theatres in 1647 by the Puritans, nearly complete. But the most valuable and important of the whole is the rare collection of performances —Interludes and Moralities—prior to the introduction of the regu- lar drama, and the plays by the predecessors of SttAxspEAKE. Bibliographically speaking, the books of the first class may be of areat price, and some of them may ba useful, by throwing a new light upon corrupt or doubtful passages; but the last class aro valuable as exhibiting the progress of our language, and fornuug materials for the history of our dramatic literature.
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