Complete Encyclopaedia of Music: Elementary, Technical, Historical, Biographical, Vocal, and Instrumental; with an Appendix Introducing Musical Events to 1876

Boston: Oliver Ditson & Co., 1880. Second revised edition. Large, substantial hardcover volume in an attractive personalized period binding of blue cloth over beveled boards, with brown leather spine and corners, gilt rules, elaborate gilt spine decoration, all edges gilt, and the names “Mamie and Stella Southworth” stamped in gilt on the front board. Marbled endpapers. 1004 pages followed by a 45-page appendix extending the chronology of musical events through 1876. A wide-ranging 19th-century American reference work covering musical terminology, theory, history, composers, performers, vocal music, instruments, national schools, and related subjects. Printed in a densely set double-column format. The 1880 edition substantially updates Moore’s original 1854 work through its added appendix. A dated presentation inscription appears on a front blank: “Hopkinton Dec. 25th /85 — A Merry Christmas and a happy new year to my little friends Mamie and Stella,” signed “J. W. Schmidt” or a similarly spelled name. A small penciled number appears at the upper corner of the title page. Binding is worn but still visually appealing. Leather is rubbed, scraped, and chipped, with heavier wear and some loss at the corners, board edges, spine ends, and joints. Cloth shows rubbing and scattered marks. Gilt spine decoration and lettering remain readily visible. Front and rear inner hinges show wear and partial cracking, with the binding somewhat shaken in places; the text block nevertheless remains together. Marbled endpapers are present. All-edge gilding is dulled, scratched, and spotted. Interior pages show age toning, occasional foxing or small marks, and scattered handling wear, but are generally clean, legible, and complete as observed. No dust jacket. A handsome reading or reference copy with appealing personalized provenance and decorative period binding. Photographs form part of the description.…