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Hard cover, 16mo. (measuring 4 x 6 inches) in green cloth, bevelled edges, pictorial titles in black and gold to top board and spine. Glazed brown endpapers , all edges gilt, (v),152pp. **Inscription by Isles of Shoals poet Celia Thaxter on the ffep. in old ink to her Boston acquaintance and Appledore summer visitor, the musician/composer Arthur Whiting (1861-1936). CONDITION: Very Good Plus. Exterior has moderate rubbing to head and foot of spine, very minor wear to tips, some soiling; the interior remains generally bright, tight and clean with light toning (a bit of foxing to prelims) Hinges in order. ***Whiting visited Thaxter at her cottage home on Appledore Island, performing music in Celia's twice-daily parlor gatherings of fellow artists and writers. [A letter to her Boston friend Annie Fields on 31 Aug. 1887, available through the Boston Public Library's Rare Book Dept. and Digital Commonwealth dot org, enthuses over Whiting's musical contributions the very summer of the book's publication and gift inscription. "... O the glorious music that is going on while I write! It stirs me all up--...This melodious storm on the piano! Professor Peirce[sic] & the Ross Turners & two Charlotte Danas & Rose & the Lawrence Huttons & Grace Gorman sitting about Arthur Whiting playing--as I said before magnificent is the only word for it. These grand variations by Brahms & themes of Handel--the musicians Paine and Mason are so delighted listening to them. Pardon the incoherent note!..." ] **Boston composer, organist and pianist Arthur B. Whiting studied at the New England Conservatory, and in Munich with the Royal School of Music under Josef Gabriel Rheinberger in the 1880's, ..."who inspired in Whiting an interest in vocal and choral music and also gave him a strong connection to the music of Bach and Brahms." BAL 19871 (reprints not specified however.) Facsimile copy of letter referenced is included. A small gem of New England poetry.
Ref: METHAX 8700
$350.00