ARMY AND NAVY MELODIES - A Collection of Hymns and Tunes, Religious and Patriotic: With First Songbook Appearance of "Battle Hymn of the Republic" by Julia Ward Howe

This is a rare, Civil War-era songbook, "ARMY AND NAVY MELODIES - A Collection of Hymns and Tunes, Religious and Patriotic" selected by J.W. Dadmun and Arthur B. Fuller (Chaplain of the 16th Regiment, Mass. Volunteers). 1862 1st edition; J.P. Magee / Boston; E. Goodenough / New York. Exceedingly scarce with its original patriotic front cover in color. Softcover. This copy contains the first songbook appearance of the iconic Civil War fight song "BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC" by Julia Ward Howe (following its first-ever appearance in the February, 1862 issue of "The Atlantic Monthly"). Also included is "THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER" by Francis Scott Key, "America (My Country, 'Tis of Thee)," "Song of the Negro Boatman" by John Greenleaf Whittier, "Stars and Stripes," "The American Eagle," "Rally Round the Flag, Boys," "Soldier's Funeral Hymn," "Sumter's Flag," "March to the Battle Field," "Take Your Gun and Go," and many more. The songbook measures 6 3/4" tall x 4 3/8" wide.

Condition:
The back cover is not present (the book ends at page 70 followed by only a bit of the back cover attached at the center near the spine). The front cover is attached, but has pulled from the spine half-way up from the bottom; 1.5" horizontal tear at the left edge extending below the illustration; pieces missing along the right edge; small tear at the bottom edge. The front cover and last page each have soiling/staining and tiny dark specks. All pages are firmly attached with the exception of the title page, which has pulled from the spine half-way up from the bottom edge. The pages have an occasional light stain and small tear at an outer edge. The title page has a name written in old pencil handwriting at the right edge, and an embossed stationer's stamp at the top-right corner. Occasional small, light " x" in pencil next to random song titles. The paper over the spine is not present. Dark stain at the center of the gutter throughout. Overall the book is in Fair condition.