A Compendious Book Of Psalms And Spiritual Songs, The Gude And Godlie Ballates, 1868

A COMPENDIOUS BOOK OF PSALMS AND SPIRITUAL SONGS, COMMONLY KNOWN AS "THE GUDE AND GODLIE BALLATES."

By John & James Wedderburn. Preface by David Laing.

Edinburgh: Reprinted from the Edition of 1578. Printed M.DCCC.LXVIII. (1868) Printed by George Robb, Thistle Street, Edinburgh.

Bound by Andrew Grieve, Edinburgh.

A popular yet controversial collection of religious lyrics from the early years of the Scottish Reformation. Originally published in the 1560s, this work is considered one of the most important literary work in terms of understanding and recording the vernacular of Scots from this period. Also known as the ‘Dundee Psalms’, probably written over the previous 20 years at the height of the ferment leading to the Reformation in Scotland. It contains translations of a number of Psalms, but the majority of the contents consist of shorter songs and ballads, many of which have been adapted from a secular to a spiritual use, ascribed to John Wedderburn, and his brothers James and Robert; many based on German or Swiss originals.

Includes facsimiles of title pages of the editions of 1578, 1600, and 1621.

The binding is the work of Andrew Grieve of Edinburgh, a fine binder, but best known as the teacher of Charles McLeish, who, for sixteen years, worked as a finisher at the Doves Bindery under the supervision of Cobden-Sanderson. His stamp sign is on the bottom edge of first end paper.

The book measures 11.5cm x 17.5cm.

There are various signs of age, use and wear. The polished calf boards are good, some general discolouration, surface marks and light scratches noticeable. Gilt line decoration matching on both boards. Corners a little bumped and shelf worn. Hinges holding well, though surface splitting is visible along both sides of the spine. Some small chips of loss at head and tail of the spine. Five raised bands, with attractive gilt decoration compartments, with title label firmly in place. Overall cover binding holding well to text block. Inner front hinge splitting slightly, noticeable seperation between marbled end paper and paste down. Attractive gilt decoration around the edges of the boards, gilt worn and discoloured in parts. Front marbled end paper has a small glued on silver shield "Bookplate" consisting of NW in blue sticks entwined. Overall text block binding good, firm and complete. Some age related toning, and foxing dotted throughout, all text legible. Top edge gilt, a little scuffed and dulled with age. A couple of small pencil scribbles on last end paper, no other inscriptions present.

Overall some interesting songs and ballads, along with the books history and reputation, and with a fine binders name, makes for a lovely little edition.

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