Alone and Forsaken Victorian Sheet Music | 1875 | Ed H. Benedict | Illustrated Cover | J.W. Smith Jr. & Bro.

Published in 1875 by J. W. Smith Jr. & Bro. of Brooklyn, New York, this original edition of Alone and Forsaken combines a complete vocal and piano score with an illustrated Victorian cover depicting a solitary traveller against a series of symbolic landscape vignettes. Issued during the years following the American Civil War, it reflects the period's popularity of sentimental parlour music and decorative sheet music covers.

Original 1875 American sheet music for Alone and Forsaken, with words by Mrs. L. L. Tucker and music by Ed. H. Benedict. Published by J. W. Smith Jr. & Bro. of Brooklyn, New York, this edition features an illustrated pictorial cover depicting a dejected looking traveller seated with his luggage, surrounded by vignettes of ships, wagons, rural landscapes and distant homes that reflect the song's theme of separation and longing.

The title is dedicated "To Bessie T. B. Benedict" and was published in 1875, with distribution through music dealers in Brooklyn, New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Detroit. The rear cover carries a full-page advertisement for Alphonzo Smith's Brooklyn piano and organ business.

The sheet music measures 10 1/2 inches by 13 1/2 inches and consists of 6 pages, including the illustrated front cover and advertising back cover.

Condition

The sheet music remains in very good condition for its age. There is toning together with wear, tears and small losses along the spine and edges. The original binding remains intact, and the music is complete and easily readable.

An original 1875 issue with an illustrated Victorian cover, complete musical score and period publisher's advertisement—the interesting typography and detailed image make this a compelling example of post Civil War sentiment and a wonderful display piece….