Southern Harmony

Sacred Harp

Four editions of the Sacred Harp were printed in the 19th century: 1844 (1ed), 1850 (2ed), 1860 (3ed), and 1870 (4ed). Between those editions and before the 1909 James Book, reprints were also issued(¨X¨ print). The dates and numbers of those reprints are problematic. Many print records are yet to be discovered … if they still exist. All books listed below have been verified and partially or totally scanned.

All reprints listed in between the dates of editions reproduce the content of the previous edition. Changes generally occur on the pages / boards listed below.

Front Board - often (if not always) a copy of the title page with a decorative frame.

Title Page - P1 (May or may not be preceded by a photograph of B F White)

Copyright / Preface to the new Edition  - P2

Back Board (from 1850 on, these will contain advertisements which may or may not change per printing).

Content: Pages
1st edition 1844 - 262 + 2 Indices
2nd edition 1850 - 366 + 2 indices
3rd edition 1860 - 429 + 3 indices
4th edition 1870 - 477 + 3 indices

Observations:

1. Note that we use the date 1860 for the third edition. This edition is often labeled 1859. However, since there exist an 1859 second edition, to retain that date would be confusing.

2. If a book has its title page it is easy enough to identify. If the book is damaged, there are a few variations worth considering which are addressed and illustrated

HERE.