Rare 1898 Makers of Music by R. Farquharson Sharp with Vintage Ephemera & Facsimiles

A charming late 19th-century music history volume, "Makers of Music" by R. Farquharson Sharp, published by William Reeves (London) with a preface dated June 1898. This copy is a true "time capsule" of music history, distinguished by its ensemble of unique accessories.


What Makes This Copy Special: An 128 year old (approximately) book that makes for pleasant and acccessible reading. Unlike standard copies, this volume includes a small collection of original ephemera that adds significant historical charm:

Three Vintage Postcards: Featuring Purcell, Beethoven, and Mendelssohn.

Original Clippings: Dated 1922 & 1933, featuring a bit on music-making, an ad discussing an upcoming article called Irish reflections and other items.

Rare Errata Slip: A hallmark of early printing, still present.

Manuscript Facsimiles: Fold-out plates from the British Museum (Bach, Handel, etc.).

Provenance: Stamped "Milton First, Music Teacher, Bradford," adding a layer of social history.

Details:

Dimensions: approx. 7.5" x 5.25" (19 cm x 13.3 cm)
Publisher: William Reeves, Fleet Street, London.
Date: Preface June 1898 (Likely First or Early Edition).

This is an ideal acquisition for collectors of musical ephemera, music historians, or those who appreciate the character of a genuine antique over a modern reprint. The included postcards and clippings are in excellent condition, contrasting nicely with the rustic charm of the book itself.

Condition Report:
The book is in Fair to Good condition. The cloth binding is timeworn with typical age-related wear and foxing throughout, consistent with a well-loved volume from 1898. While the exterior shows its age, the binding remains sturdy and the text is fully legible. Please note: the copyright page is missing, but the 1898 preface and publisher imprint indicate its likely early origin. The fold-out chronological chart is present and intact.

True to its subtitle, "Biographical Sketches of the Great Composers," this volume offers far more than dry facts. R. Farquharson Sharp provides insightful, narrative-driven biographies of the canonical composers—from Bach and Handel to Beethoven and Mendelssohn.

Unique Historical Insight: Written in 1898, the text reflects a distinctly Victorian perspective on music history, capturing how these geniuses were viewed at the turn of the 20th century, before modern musicology changed the narrative.

Chronological Context: Each biography is accompanied by a chronological summary of the composer’s works, helping readers trace their artistic development.

Visual History: The text is enriched by facsimiles of original manuscripts (sourced from the British Museum), allowing you to see the actual handwriting of Bach, Handel, and others as they were understood in Sharp’s era.

It is an accessible, engaging read that serves also as both a biographical aid as well as a historical and cultural artifact of late 19th-century musical interest.

Please see attached images for further clarity.