Pittsburgh, 1818

The Star. A Collection of Songs, Sentimental, Humourous, and Patriotic. Pittsburgh: Lambdin & Minis, 1818.

First edition of this rare Pittsburgh collection of early Federal period song lyrics. These are the vernacular songs that would have been sung in taverns and camps across the young nation. Only one of them has a composer named, even though the "Patriotic" section includes F.S. Key's "The Star Spangled Banner" in its original four-stanza version and Thomas Paine's "Liberty Tree." Another stand-out is the comic fighting sea chanty: "The British long have ruled the seas" to be sung to the tune of Yankee Doodle. This is the only imprint of Lambdin & Minis in Sabin. The book was printed by Butler & Lambdin. Sabin 90485; Shaw & Shoemaker 45791.

12mo (129 x 82mm). Half title. (Foxing.) Contemporary sheep, red morocco spine label (well rubbed, head of spine chipped).