The Story of the Jubilee Singers: With Their Songs. By J. B. T. Marsh, 1881
“It is currently the oldest book in my collection.”
About This Item
Creation Date: ca. 2015
Keeper’s Description: The book is bound in blue cloth with black lettering and gold stamping. There's a beautiful gold image of Jubilee Hall on the front, with tiny letters underneath that say "Jubilee Hall, Fisk University, Nashville Tennessee." The spine has seen better days, quite frayed at the top and bottom, a bit worn along the edges, and the cover has some wear at the bottom. Generally, the book holds up well. Smells like old book. It has some images throughout, most notably the Jubilee Singers as pictured.
Keeper’s Discovery: I was gifted this book by a fellow rare book person I met at the Antiquarian Book Seminar in Minnesota in July 2025.
The Keeper of Wonder: Julie B.
The Keeper’s Story
Memory (a special moment): I was gifted this book by a then stranger who became a great peer at the antiquarian book seminar in Minnesota in July 2025. The cohort had all introduced ourselves on Discord, and I mentioned my interest in Black joy books and ephemera, materials representing everyday Black joy. They messaged me separately and offered this book as a gift when we met. Hilariously, I saw them right at check-in, and though we'd never met in person, it felt like we were old friends. I am forever grateful to them, they were so generous and kind, unprompted. It is currently the oldest book in my collection.
Meaning (why it’s kept): This is now part of my collection! This book prompted me to dig into the Jubilee Singers and learn their stories. It's been a great chance to learn something new and follow my curiosity. But it also reminds me of the connections between collectors, traders, and book dealers that can forge some really cool and nerdy friendships.
Legacy (tell the future): I hope in the future people continue to find this item to be fascinating on its own, with a deep and rich history always worth exploring. I also hope the story reminds people to make friends in your world, in your hobby spaces, in your nerd-out spaces. Indulge in your interests, seek them out, enjoy them, and follow your curiosity. Keep learning!
More Details
Curator’s Note: The Story of the Jubilee Singers: With Their Songs. By J. B. T. Marsh. Revised edition. 1881. Sixty-fifth thousand. 243 pp., with frontispiece and three plates. Bound in original blue publisher’s cloth, stamped in black and gilt, with a gilt vignette of Jubilee Hall at Fisk University on the front cover. Includes sheet music and index at rear, comprising 112 songs in total.
Collection: Evidence of Wonder: A Living Archive
Contributor: Julie B., 2025
Source: Digital files contributed by Julie to the Evidence of Wonder Collection, 2025
Subjects (keeper identified): Curious, Joyful, Inspired
Rights / Access: This digital image is contributed with permission for display on The Lost Shelf website and is available for viewing for personal, creative, and research purposes only. All other use, including reproduction or distribution, requires written permission from the contributor and The Lost Shelf.
