The Philobiblion, [Philobiblon] A Monthly Bibliographical Journal Containing Critical Notices of and Extracts from Rare, Curious and Valuable Old Books

New York: George P. Philes, 1861. The first American magazine about book collecting. 1861-1863. Vols I & II. A complete set of 24 issues (all published). Good - Very Good condition. SEE PHOTOS. A few pages foxed or separating at hinge. VERY SCARCE. 288/290pp. Printed on India paper. Self-wrappers as issued. Uncut. Complete with prelims and index for each volume. Features articles on booksellers, collectors, notice of sales, notes and queries, marginalia, and much curious information of interest to booklovers and collectors. For example, it reprints the 1840 "Fortas Catalogue" which described 52 "unique" books in the collection of Count J. N. A. de Fortas. The Count was said to keep no book that he found mentioned in any bibliography. The auction catalogue of these items attracted many of Europe's most prominent collectors to Binche, an insignificant village in Belgium. The history of this amusing bibliographical hoax is given here. Philobiblion was edited by George P. Philes, a bookseller and bibliographer who helped Harrisse compile "Bibliotheca Americana Vetustissima." Full title: "The Philobiblion, A Monthly Bibliographical Journal Containing Critical Notices of and Extracts from Rare, Curious and Valuable Old Books." NOTE: the correct spelling is "Philobiblion," slightly different from Richard De Bury's "Philobiblon." Ulrich & Kup 152, "...contains much of historical interest on collectors and collections." Sabin 62544.. First Edition. Softcover. Good - Very Good condition. Illus. by NOT a library discard. 24 issues: 288pp. + 290pp. Great Packaging, Fast Shipping.