The bibliography was published as "Catalogue of the York Gate Library formed by Mr S. William Silver : An Index to the Literature of Geography, Maritime and Inland Discovery, Commerce and Colonisation". It was initially compiled by Edward Augustus Petherick (1847-1917) and published in 1882. A second, much larger edition, contained more than 6,000 titles when published in 1886. The RGSSA purchased the complete York Gate Library after Mr Silver died in London in 1905 and his collection formed a large part of our valuable Library. Silver acquired another 1700 or more titles between 1886 and 1905, but these were not published in a catalogue. However, they were added to the RGSSA card catalogue after the collection was acquired and are being gradually incorporated into the online catalogue of the Library.
More information about S. W Silver, Edward Augustus Petherick, the York Gate Library, and its acquisition by the RGSSA can be found in the 'Treasure' associated with S W Silver's portrait.