Geistliche und liebliche Lieder

28.08.2011Wennemuth;23.02.2008Wennemuth;23.11.2007Fillmann;16.05.2007Wennemuth;29.07.2005Fugger;



Antiquariat: (2005); Ex nicht identisch mit: +Karlsruhe LKB K 2665:

"This is a set of two Mennonite Hymnals, published in 1873, that were owned by a Mennonite husband and wife and are stamped in gold with their names on the covers. They are identical copies, as follows:



Gesangbuch zum Gottesdienstlichen und Hauslichen Gebrauch in Mennoniten Gemeinden [Songbook for Divine and Practical Use in the Mennonite Community], Philadelphia: Andrew B. Shelly, 1873. First edition [stated "Erste Auflage"], 16mo (4.75 x 7 inches), embossed leather with gold stamping, three gilt edges, marbled endpapers, 856pp.



Each book contains 600 German language hymns in the main section, plus an appendix of 22 additional hymns. There is a table of contents and an index of first lines. These are top-of-the-line leather bound editions that were custom-stamped with the names of the owners on the front covers. You can tell that the gold-stamping of the names and the rest of the design work were done at the same time. No doubt these books were printed on order, with each copy given an individual name within the congregation.



The names on the covers are William O. Moyer and Amanda Moyer. I bought these from a descendent living in Cinnaminson New Jersey, which still has a flourishing Mennonite community. I considered selling these books separately but finally decided not to separate them. They are like an old married couple themselves."