Landmark Books in All Fields
ItemID: #106264
Cost: $1,500.00

Blues

W.C. Handy

FIRST EDITION OF HANDY'S BLUES, A JAZZ ANTHOLOGY, INSCRIBED BY HIM IN THE YEAR OF PUBLICATION

HANDY, W.C., editor. Blues. An Anthology. New York: Albert & Charles Boni, 1926. Folio (9 by 12 inches), original black and purple cloth. $1500.

First edition of this classic jazz anthology featuring text as well as piano/vocal parts, inscribed in the year of publication: "To Miss Lydia G. Fraser, with best wishes, W.C. Handy. 5-10-'26."

The editor of this work, W.C. Handy, was a famous jazz musician and composer. Blues: An Anthology was the first book on the blues for a general audience. Handy intended for this illustrated book to be accessible, to contain compelling music and to, above all, foster a love and respect for jazz. His methods work and it was reprinted throughout the 20th century. "Handy may not have 'fathered' the blues… nor did he write true 'blues' songs of the type that were performed by country blues musicians. But he did write one of the most popular songs of the 20th century, which introduced blues tonalities and themes to popular music. His influence on stage music and jazz was profound" (ANB). Without scarce original dust jacket.

Slightest foxing to interior, minor rubbing mainly to spine. A near-fine inscribed copy.

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