This is the COMPLETE 12 Volume Set from 1925, with Original WOODEN BOX + Original Sales Receipt.
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Here is a very rare and amazing find: the complete 12-volume first-edition vintage set of The International Library of Music for Violinists from 1925. Included not only are the books in outstanding condition, but also the original wooden storage box for the set, and an original sales receipt for the set, dated 1927 and issued by the Standard Music Publishing Company in New York City.
These antique volumes are almost impossible to find individually; to find them all together in a complete set is a rare and exceptional opportunity for the music collector, historian, dedicated violinist, or connoisseur of vintage books.
Each volume is bound in a black cardboard-like cover with gold-colored lettering on the spine, and illustrated with black-and-white drawings and photos throughout. Each book measures 11.5 x 8.75 inches, and the number of pages differs among them. Although they show some very minor traces of the passage of years (mainly in that some of the spine text is a bit faded; one or two with a tiny spot of spine/cover damage), they all remain in exceptionally good condition. Some corners show the tiniest bit of rounding, but for the most part remain nicely squared. While I have not looked at every page in each volume, I have noticed no majorly damaged interior pages, whether stained, creased, loose, or missing. I did see one or two small dogears, and in a couple of volumes I did see some markings in pencil in the notes sections, but these are not extensive. I found no ownership stickers or other markings inside. Inevitably the paper has yellowed a bit with time, which adds to the charm of this collection's antiquity.
In detail this set contains:
# Vol. 1 - The Violinist's First Book by George J. Trinkaus (143 pages)
An outline of first steps in the study of the violin, supplemented by easy violin solos.
# Vol. 2 - The Violinist's First Book: Pianoforte Accompaniments by George J. Trinkaus (175 pages)
Pianoforte accompaniments for easy violin solos.
# Vol. 3 - Studies in the Positions by Theodore Spiering (158 pages)
Fundamental bowings in the first position.
# Vol. 4 - Studies in the Positions by Theodore Spiering (125 pages)
Second, third, and fourth positions.
# Vol. 5 - Studies in the Positions by Theodore Spiering (161 pages)
Fifth, sixth, and seventh positions.
# Vol. 6 - Compositions for Violin with Pianoforte Accompaniment by Theodore Spiering & Nicholas DeVore (129 pages)
Master works for the violin by classic and modern composers of every school; the violin parts in one volume.
# Vol. 7 - Compositions for Violin with Pianoforte Accompaniment by Theodore Spiering & Nicholas DeVore (192 pages)
Master works for the violin by classic and modern composers of every school; the piano accompaniments, part 1.
# Vol. 8 - Compositions for Violin with Pianoforte Accompaniment by Theodore Spiering & Nicholas DeVore (186 pages)
Master works for the violin by classic and modern composers of every school; the piano accompaniments, part 2.
# Music Literature Vol. 1 - The History of Music: Critical and Biographical Sketches of the Epoch Makers of Music with chapters by Edvard Grieg, Antonin Dvorak, Camille Saint-Saens, & more (370 pages)
The Pre-Classical to the Modern era.
# Music Literature Vol. 2 - The History of Music: Critical and Biographical Sketches of the Epoch Makers of Music with chapters by Romain Rolland, Vincent D'Indy, Henry T. Finck, & more (374 pages)
The Modern and Contemporary schools - national groups.
# Music Literature Vol. 3 - The Violinist's Guide by Paul Stoeving (311 pages)
The Story of the Violin / The Violinist's Dictionary (a lexicon of musical terms, names, dates, and other information of universal interest among violin connoisseurs).
# Music Literature Vol. 4 - The Opera: History and Guide with chapters by Moritz Moszkowski, Cecile Chaminade, Victor Maurel, & more (321 pages)
The origin and development of opera, stories of the operas, biographies of opera composers and singers, women in music.
In addition to the books themselves, this set contains the original wooden storage box in which this set was originally offered. The box shows more of the wear of the years than do the books, with one corner in particular being noticably damaged, and the edges and exterior considerably worn. None the less, the text that was printed on two sides can still faintly be seen and read; it says "The International Library of Music for Home and Studio," with a logo, and one side additionally says, "12 Vols Violin" rather faintly. The box dimensions are 12.5 inches tall x 12.5 inches wide x 9.5 inches deep. It consists of 5 sides of sturdy wood, with the sixth being open to accommodate the books.
Finally the original receipt for the set is included, including the date of sale in 1927 to a previous owner whose name and address are not given. The form has been folded, and so shows some creases, a small bit of edge wear and a couple of tiny tears, but overall is still in very nice condition.
For the music collector, violinist, or historian, whether that's you or someone special in your life, this is a vintage collection not to be missed - the complete set of books with the original storage box and receipt. You are unlikely to find a set like this again. Don't let it get away!
I am selling these for a friend (books are in my possession), and am asking $500 (I have seen single volumes from this set listed for over $400), but as I would like to free up the space and get them into the hands of an appreciative collector, I will consider all reasonable offers.
Will ship worldwide! These books are heavy, but I would ship them the cheapest way possible to your location, unless you specifically request a faster method. PM me with your zip code or country for a shipping quote, or if you'd like any additional info or pictures.
Some pics:
A view of the original wooden storage box: