The "Bab" Ballads. Much Sound and Little Sense. by W.S. Gilbert. London, John Camden Hotten, 1869. First edition, illustrated throughout by the author. 8vo, 220pp, plus advertisements. In original publisher's green cloth, decorated & lettered in gilt. Both inner hinges cracked, and beveled edges of boards rubbed. An attractive copy of these charming, satirical, humorous, pre-Sullivan verses.

Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. New York, Simon and Schuster, 1949. 8vo, 215pp. Hammerstein's discourse on the nature of writing song lyrics, and the lyrics to 71 of his most famous songs. The book has an autograph inscription by the lyricist's wife, Dorothy (the book's dedicatee), "Dear Horton, Sorry the copy that Oscar gave you has disappeared -- But I am happy to replace it with this one even if I cannot supply the original inscription which Oscar wrote to you after spending a happy afternoon together -- So with affection to you and Val. Dorothy Hammerstein, July 25th 67."  Very good condition, including the original dust jacket, somewhat chipped at corners and edges.

Stravinsky in the theatre, edited with an Introduction by Minna Lederman. New York, Pellegrini & Cudahy, 1949. 4to, 220pp, illustrated. A collection of essays by 24 colleagues, including Cocteau, Balanchine, Ansermet, Copland, Monteux, Milhaud, Bernstein and Schuman, and discussions by Stravinsky himself regarding the influence of his work on theater, dance and modern music. The title page is signed by STRAVINSKY and dated January 1962, on the occasion of a concert with the Opera Society of Washington (pages of the original program are tucked into the book). The essay by conductor Robert Craft (p.85) has been signed by ROBERT CRAFT, dated January 22, 1962 and dedicated to the book's owner, noted harpist Sylvia Meyer, the first female member of the National Symphony Orchestra from 1933-1968. A marvelous association of legendary musicians, the book is in excellent condition, with original dust jacket, slightly chipped along the edges and spine.

The Rhinegold & The Valkyrie, by Richard Wagner, with illustrations by Arthur Rackham, translated by Margaret Armour.  London, William Heinemann, 1910.  4to, first edition, Vol.1. Limited edition of 1150 copies, this numbered 339 and SIGNED BY ARTHUR RACKHAM. Cream vellum with gilt decorations on front cover and spine. 34 tipped-in color plates.  Top edge gilt.  Covers slightly soiled, gilt still bright.  The original silk ties are detached, one is missing.  A handsome copy of the famous limited edition in good condition.