50 Songs (First Edition)

Redding, CT: C.E. Ives, 1922. First Edition. First Edition. A self-published volume of songs by Charles Ives, selected from a volume published earlier the same year, titled "114 Songs." Like "114 Songs," this was printed for distribution among the composer's friends, and judging from the small number of copies in world libraries (OCLC locates 12 libraries with copies, whereas 106 are listed with copies of "114 Songs"), it must surely have had a much smaller printing.

A selection of "folk songs" by Ives, many dedicated to the work of literary greats of the generation that preceded him (Shelley, Wordsworth, Goethe, Longfellow). Characteristically, (truncated) simple melody lines are played against a complex and sometimes argumentative accompaniment.

Very Good in tan paper-covered boards, with a brown quarter-binding, moderately worn at the corners, brief spotting on the front board, and a touch of wear to the paper spine label, firm and clean overall. Contemporary owner name in fountain pen at the top right corner of the front board and the front endpaper. (Inventory #: 104304)