A Victorian illustrated manuscript musical common-place book.

F.S. SQUIRE (artist/compilor).

A Victorian illustrated manuscript musical common-place book.[England?:] 1874-1876. Small octavo (7 x 4 1/4in; 178 x 108mm). Pp.140, including a few blanks, but the majority hand-drawn sheet music: 21 musical works in one volume, nine of the works preceeded by hand-drawn decorative title pages, most with calligraphic headlines. (Some light soiling, two leaves repaired, the second to last work probably incomplete?)

Original red morocco gilt, titled 'Music' on upper cover and spine, gilt turn-ins, marbled endpapers, gilt edges (light scuffing, joints weak).

A beautifully produced piece of High Victoriana.

The contents:

1.The Water Lily by C. Merriott. Decorative title page (verso blank), 7pp. sheet music, dated 'December 19th 1874' at rear. 

2..Les Rats Quadrille Pour Le Piano Par G. Hedler. Decorative title page (verso blank), 5pp. sheet music, dated 'October 27th 1874' at rear.

3.[The Battle March of Delhi]. 8pp. sheet music

4.The Union Jack of Old England. Decorative title page (verso blank), 3pp. sheet music, 1p. verses, dated 'October 14th 1875' at foot of page

5.The Voice is Near, Song Written by Mrs Aylmer Composed by W.S. Wrighton. Decorative title page (verso blank), 3pp. sheet music, with extra verse at foot of third page, dated 'October 13th 1875' at foot of page

6.The Skipper-And-His-Boy. Song Written by Hamilton Aide, Sung by Madame-Sainton-Dolby. Composed by Virginia Gabriel. Decorative title page (verso blank), 2pp. sheet music, 1p. verses, dated 'December 5th 1874'

7.Do-Not-Heed-Her-Warning Popular Song A reply to the Gipsy's Warning Written by T. Manahane. The music by Henry Tucker. Decorative title page (verso blank), 2pp. sheet music, 1p. verses, dated 'October 22nd 1874'

8.The Gipsy's Warning Sung by Christy's Minstrels. With an Accompt. for the Piano Forte. Decorative title page (verso blank), 2pp. sheet music, 1p. verses, dated 'December 3rd 1874'

9.Call her back and kiss Her. Serio Comic Song Written By Carlo Minasi. Decorative title page (verso blank), 3pp. sheet music, 1p. verses, dated 'October 4th 1875'

10.[Someone to love. Written and Composed by J.R. Thomas.] 4pp. sheet music.

11.[Belle Mahone / J. H. Nauthon.] 3pp. sheet music, dated 'September 31st [19]76'

12.Come back to Erin Song Written and Composed, for Madame Sherrington, by Claribel. Decorative title page (verso blank), 9pp. sheet music.

13.[Kathleen Mavourneen Written by Mrs Crawford Composed by F.N. Crouch]. 6pp. sheet music.

14.[Will you meet me by the stream. Word by B.S. Montgomery Music by E.L. Hime.] 2pp. sheet music.

15.[Bonny Jean. Written Arranged and partly composed by G. Linley]. 5pp. sheet music.

16.[Take back the heart. Words by The Honble. Mrs G.R. Gifford Music by Claribel]. 5pp. sheet music.

17.[Thy will be done.] 1p. sheet music, 1p. verses, dated 'July 31st 1876'.

18.[Sun of my soul.] 1p. sheet music, 1p. verses, dated 'July 31st 1876'.

19.[Pilgrims of the night.] 2pp. sheet music with verses, dated 'August 5th 1876'.

20.[Safe in the arms of Jesus.] 2pp. sheet music.

21.[Onward Chistian Soldier.[sic]] 2pp. sheet music with verses, dated 'August 5th 1876'.