Bibliothecae americanae primordia : an attempt towards laying the foundation of an American library, in several books, papers, and writings, humbly given to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in foreign parts, for the perpetual use and benefit of their members, their missionaries, friends, correspondents, and others concern'd in the good design of planting and promoting Christianity within Her Majesties colonies and plantations in the West-Indies

• Main Author: Kennett, White, 1660-1728
• Format: Book
• Language: English
• Published: Printed for G. Churchill, at the Black Swan in Peter-Noster-Row 1713
• Subjects: Rare books; America > Bibliography > Catalogs; Newfoundland; Newfoundland studies
• Online Access: http://collections.mun.ca/cdm/ref/collection/cns2/id/45185

A catalogue of book, papers, and writings collected by by the author and given to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel to be used as reference material in the creation of missions in the West Indies. The catalogue lists 20 works on Newfoundland. Paging irregular: no. 125-132 (sig. L1-Mm) repeated. Index (pages not numbered) sig. Cccc-Mmmmmm in twos. -- Only 250 copies printed. -- "Advertisement," "Auctarium bibliothecae americanae. An addition of some other books and papers humbly given to the Society . " and "Index," by Robert Watts. -- The dedication is dated Oct. 20, 1713, but the Advertisement has date Nov. 1, 1714, and the "addition" contains entries of books published in 1714. -- The entries are arranged chronologically by date of publication; "extracts" from Purchas and Hakluyt are entered under the date of voyage described. -- The greater part of the library has been lost. "The remnant, now carefully guarded, consists of about 300 volumes, chiefly historical, theological, and polemical works." -- Classified digest of the records of the S.P.G. London, 1873. p. 816.