Dixey's Songster
Philadelphia: A. Winch, (1860). Wraps. Good. Item #23472
Scarce--OCLC lists only 7 copies, 8 if you count a copy misattributed to Daniel Emmett. Other copies are listed as having 90 pages; this one is complete at 88, but may be lacking the rear cover.
E. Freeman Dixey (1833-1904) was a minstrel player, popular in Philadelphia from 1855-1878, where he performed at Sanford's Opera House, then as Carncross & Dixey's Minstrels, and sometimes as Moran & Dixey's Minstrels. He is regarded as one of minstrelsy's greatest bone players.
12mo. 88pp. Illustration on the front cover of E. W. Dixey in his role in "Pilgrim Fathers". Illustrated with three full page woodcuts of Dixey in various roles, including a repeat of the cover illustration, String bound wraps. Song lyrics without music throughout, most of them either racist or in perceived African-American dialect, or both. Well worn and somewhat stained, some corners turned down, the binding string loose; only a good copy of a scarce and fragile item.
Price: $750.00