A Collection of Revival Hymns and Plantation Melodies
Cincinnati: Marshall W. Taylor and W. C. Echols, 1883. First Edition. 6.5 x 4.5", original green cloth with gilt cover illustration depicting "Slavery Days," "Freedom Days" and a "Freedman's School," [2], [1]-7, [1], VI, [9]-272, [4 pages of ads] pp, portrait frontispiece, numerous musical scores. First published in 1882. Early edition of "The first collection of revival songs (now termed spiritual songs) by a black editor" and "the second hymnal produced by an African American for African American worshippers," featuring contributions by the author's "family and congregations (Union Chapel in Ohio)" who helped with "the collection, selection, and arrangement of the hymns" (Price, "Encyclopedia of African American Music," 76). Taylor himself was born to free parents in Louisville, Kentucky, and spent most of his life in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio, working as a a teacher of African American students, and as the first African American editor of the Southwestern Christian Advocate. He also tried his hand at publishing, and is listed as a co-publisher of this title, which "featured many songs that were intended to keep memories of the slave experience alive" (The Kentucky African American Encyclopedia, 495). These include "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," "Go Down, Moses," and "Roll, Jordan, Roll." A landmark collection of African American spiritual songs. Staining, discoloration and heavy rubbing to covers, hint of toning to pages, tear to front endpaper. Item #14161
Price: $450.00