translation??

[Lisa Thompson]

I dont know if this is military or not The book is dated 1890 so maybe!.. im trying to get a translation of this first page, i guess its a forword, Can anyone be so kind?

thanks

Lisa

[Eric Stahlhut]

Hi Lisa,

The page you have shown us seems to be a preface to a religious-oriented book on evangelical hymns. Probably printed in the U.S. by a German-American publisher. I'm sure that some of the more enterprising and not so lazy members will be able to give you a full translation.......

[Bob Lembke]

Your Book

Hi Lisa;

I agree with Eric. You may not know that the German language publishing in the US was once very extensive and was centered in Pennsylvania (mostly in the 19th century). The German Society of Pennsylvania on Spring Garden Street in Philadelphia has the world's best collection of these materials, with many thousands of titles cataloged nowhere else in the world, and researchers from Europe come over to use the collection.

The Society's Library was recently given $2,000,000 to preserve the materials and improve the enviroment that the books reside in. Most of the money came from German foundations and the German government. A scan of the title page and possibly the table of contents would tell much more, and I might be able to find out if they have it and what else they might know. Their librarian is only part-time. I could speak to them, but you could do so also.

I doubt that the book has much economic value (I imagine that hymn-book collectors are not quite as insane as us Militaria collectors) but the Library might end up being a good home for it, if it is not of particualr interest to you. However, due to limited storage, they must be selective in accepting book donations, but yours very likely is "just down their alley". (Arn't I presumptuous, disposing of your book for you?)

Bob Lembke
Center City Philadelphia