Old Black Joe : With Variations
De Luxe Music Company, 1905. First Edition. Trade Paperback. 4to - over 9¾" - 12" Tall. Very Good / No Jacket. Item #L055581
5, [1] pages (including wrappers). Set of three variations on the popular 19th century 'Ethiopian Melody' of Foster, with a brief introduction and statement of the theme (and with a waltz as the final variation, no less). At head of upper wrapper: Transcription by E. G. Snelling; at foot of page 1: 'Copyright MCMV by Armstrong Music Pub. Co.'. Noteworthy particularly for the upper wrapper representation of Foster's grizzled servant (illustrator is unidentified), 3/4 right profile pose in blue checkered shirt, apparently listening for 'those gentle voices calling', even though his head is not 'bending low' (Foster's words are not included in publication). Slight soiling and rubbing to wrappers; previous owner's ink signature in upper right corner of upper wrapper; short tears to wrappers at spine crease; slight internal browning to edges (chiefly to foredges); else a very well-preserved bit of musical nostalgia with politically incorrect overtones.1 2-Color Lithograph (upper wrapper; blue/black); Musical Examples (lower wrapper).
Price: $75.00