Psalter Hymns (1906? Presbyterian Songbook)

• Publisher:   The United Presbyterian Board of Publication Pittsburgh, PA U.S.A. 1906?

Selections from the Psalms for use in Sabbath Schools, Young People's Societies, Union Services and Evangelistic Meetings. Enlarged Edition. There are 56 composers of music cited for the 67 musical selections with lyrics based on the Book of Psalms in this collection. Pages not numbered.

Historically, a psalter is a volume containing the Book of Psalms, often with other devotional material bound in as well, such as a liturgical calendar and litany of the Saints. Until the Late Middle Ages, psalters were the devotional books most widely owned by lay persons. They were commonly used for learning to read.

This booklet is a music songbook in 4 voices with the music selections following the order of the chapters in the Book of Psalms. Some chapters were omitted and others have more than one musical interpretation. Indexed both by 1st lines and by the authors of tunes. Back of cover has advertisements for other songbooks published. Unfortunately, the compiler and/or editor of this work is not cited.

This copy is staple bound within a manilla cover. It was used and rolled to fit in a pocket or purse. The cover shows many creases, yet interior only shows handling, although some doodling is found on title page which also has a tear at foot stabilized with tape. Two sheets of additional hymns are laid in.

• Size: 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" tall, Pages not numbered.

• Condition: Fair Booklet (Wraps with staple binding) – Always privately owned. 1^st Thus?.

Copyrights 1904 (Cover) and 1906 (Interior pages). Stated Enlarged Edition, implying this copy is not from the first edition, although mis-matched dates indicates an early printing. Print-run info not found. No ISBN, LCCN nor MSR.

Notes on Condition/Edition ratings:

Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new” or even “new.”  Booksellers needed some word to describe this...

Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks or shelf-wear) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher.

Very Good – How you or I might take care of a book, closer to “as new” than standard. Might show ownership.

Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” This is the most likely condition for books of this age & title, shows the book has been read or previously owned.

Acceptable – How a child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or a book that has been damaged.)

Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have

missing pages (you should ask).

Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end.

1^st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1^st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1^st edition. A collector

might desire this copy.

Thanks for looking!