"Evangelisch-Lutherisches Gefang-Buch, worin 500 der gebräuchlichsten alten Kirchen-Lieder, Dr. Martin Lutheri und anderer reinen Lehrer und Zeugen Gottes, Beforderung der wahren Gottseligkeit ohne Abänderungen enthalten sind, für Gemeinen, welche fich zur unveränderten Augsbur gifchen Confession bekennen (Evangelical Lutheran Prison Book, wherein 500 of the Most Common Old Church Songs by Dr. Martin Luther and Other Pure Teachers and Wittnesses of God, Promoting True Godliness are Included without Modifications, for Congregations Who Profess the Unchanged Augsburg Confession)." Buffalo, New York: F. Reinicke and Son, 1865.

DESCRIPTION: 1865, Edition Not Stated, Personalized Hymnal, Thick 12mo (13cm x 20cm), [xxx] 628pp. w Engraved Frontispiece, several pressed leaves within text with corresponding off-setting (see Image 5). Full Brown-Leather Fine-Binding with Molded Aperture, 5 Raised Bands with Gilt Decorated Compartments, Religious-Themed Gilt Borders, Gilt Dentelles, Gauffered Edges, All Edges Gilt, Decorative End-Papers. Monogrammed with the name "M.M. Grosskopf," in gilt on the Front cover, and "1880" on rear. It would appear that this was a prisoner's bible, albeit a comparatively fortunate one.

CONDITION: In VG+ condition, with a strong spine showing no cracking or splitting, strong hinges showing no separation or starting, no loose or missing pages, and no annotations or mold. Outer covers show general rubbing and edge-wear: light bumping and rubbing to the corners and edges; small chip on the lower band of the spine; light foxing to the front and rear matter, but remaining pages are clean; off-setting on the title-page corresponding to the Engraved Frontispiece. All in all a handsome example of an unusual variety.

LOCATION: RBR, Desk Manuscript Shelf