In keeping with the mood of this thread, permit me to add one of my titles, and a long explanatory title it is! Based on the title, these songs not only don't die, they don't age."SONGS THAT NEVER GROW OLD - A complete collection of all those standard songs which are known and loved by English-speaking people the world over - INCLUDING - Home Songs, Patriotic Songs, Love Songs, Sacred Songs, College Songs, Operatic Songs - As well as the national and home songs of all the principal nations and peoples - Selected with the greatest care by the most competent authorities."
Published by Syndicate Publishing Company, 1909 and 1913
The publishers were damn proud of their book and not afraid to extol its virtues. I quote some passages from the Forward:
"Songs That Never Grow Old is exactly described by its title, being a collection of the old-time songs that havelong been tried and forever loved, in contrast with the trashy short-lived ragtime songs of the present day. The songs in this book are for all time.
This collection is the most complete ever offered in one volume, comprising all the old favorites - the songs for mother, father, sister and brother. No other collection approaches it in careful selection or in completeness of range. It is, in fact, seven books in one...
In addition to the songs themselves, the music for which has been carefully arranged to meet the needs of the average home singer, there is included in the book a gallery of the most renowned vocal artists, comprising 69 portraits in all, such as has never before been found in a collection of this sort. This feature alone is of untold value, and is for the first time included in a folio of this character, usually being printed in the high priced De Luxe editions only.
The engraving of the plates is particularly clear, the words are printed in excellent type, and the binding is such that it allows the book to remain open flat on the piano, a much desired feature, but which so seldom appears in other publications."Sorry that was so long, but I found it to be extremely entertaining. It makes me wonder why I have any other books at all.
rich r