Signed book: The Light of the World, an Oratorio, First Performed at the Birmingham Musical Festival, Aug. 27, 1873, The Words Compiled from The Holy Scriptures, The Music Composed by Arthur S. Sullivan. London: J. B. Cramer & Co., 1873. Leather-bound hardcover with gilt titling to the spine and front cover, 8.25 x 11, 275 pages. Signed and inscribed on the title page in fountain pen, “R. Brown-Borthwick, from his friend, Arthur Sullivan, 27. Aug: 1873.” In fine condition, with some wear to the spine and cover corners, and scattered light foxing to the signed page; the book bears stamps, marks, and bookplates from the County Library of Surrey. The Rev. Robert Brown-Borthwick, the vicar of St. John's, Clapham-rise, was known as an accomplished author, translator, and hymn-book editor. He was one of the editors of ‘Church Hymns,’ and edited the ‘Supplemental Hymn and Tune Book,’ also writing and composing a number of hymns.
The Light of the World was composed in 1873 by Arthur Sullivan, who wrote the libretto with the assistance of George Grove, based on the New Testament. The work was inspired by William Holman Hunt's popular 1853–54 painting, The Light of the World, and the story of the oratorio follows the full life of Christ, told mostly in the first person, focusing on his deeds on Earth as preacher, healer, and prophet.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$50.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
