G.F. Handel. Messiah, an Oratorio in Score, first edition, fourth issue, c.1768

Handel, George Frideric

Messiah an Oratorio in Score, London: Randall & Abell, c.1768

FIRST EDITION, FOURTH ISSUE, 4 leaves, 188, 35 pages, folio (35 x 23.7cm), engraved frontispiece portrait by Houbraken, printed subscribers' list and index, engraved music, old ownership inscriptions to title, modern half calf, upper and lower margins of portrait cropped, some damp-staining to lower margins

The very rare first issue was published in 1767. The present issue (the fourth of six in all) is the first to contain the fine Houbraken portrait.

LITERATURE

Smith no.4; RISM H 718