Melodies and Memories

London: Thornton Butterworth Ltd., 1925. First edition, first printing. Published by Thornton Butterworth Ltd. in London, 1925. Handsomely rebound in green morocco with raised spine bands and gilt detailing. The front panel features a handsome gilt monogram of the authors second initial, M. The pastedowns are bordered with some stunning gilt patterning. Ingres d'Arches watermarked fly leaves. The authors signature is present on in black ink, inscribed to H.R.H. The Princess Victoria 'from her devoted and humble Nellie Melba, July 1926'. This is a rare association. H.R.H. Princess Victoria was the granddaughter of the British monarch, she had the title Her Royal Highness Princess Victoria of Wales and was the sister of King George V. She died nine years after acquiring this title. The text blocks are bright and clean and there is slight wear to the morocco and gilt throughout. Overall, this is near fine condition wise, but a fine book overall with a stellar association. Dame Nellie Melba (1861–1931) was one of the most famous sopranos of her time. Born in Australia, Melba began her training in Melbourne but moved to Europe in 1882 to start her career. She found success in Brussels as Gilda in Verdi's Rigoletto and was soon well known throughout the continent's opera houses. She debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1893. Her repertoire extended over twenty-five roles, and she was regarded as unmatched in ten of these, continuing to perform throughout her life, in concert recitals as well as in opera, to great acclaim, and becoming one of the earliest modern 'celebrities'. In this autobiography, published in 1925, Melba describes her childhood and her journey from the 'great Australian Bush' to the bright lights of the European and American stage, while also giving a colourful, first-hand account of the world of opera. A memoir.