“ The collection of modern poetry is an extensive one, and the library is also rich in books and pamphlets relating to the British Museum, in books on bibliography, astrology, and palmistry, biography and history, in the publications of the Appledore and other private presses, and in the Transactions and Proceedings of various societies, and an unusually large number of presentation copies with autograph inscriptions. ”

“ They appear to be ideas, passing thoughts, and lines noted down by the poet at odd times and in different places, and possibly if they were published would not add much to the poet's reputation as a thinker and a poet; but the mere fact that they are Shelley's gives them a very great literary and commercial value. There are also nearly 100 volumes of editions and "Lives" of Shelley, some of which are presentation copies, while others are manuscript notes. ”

“ The published and unpublished matter in each note-book is clearly set out by Mr. W. M. Rossetti; the first book contains five pieces of unpublished matter, in the second there are ten, and in the third six. ”