The Universal Songster - or, Museum of Mirth (Volumes I, II & III): Forming the Most Complete, Extensive, and Valuable Collection of Ancient and Modern Songs in the English Language

This is an early collection of volumes I, II and III of "THE UNIVERSAL SONGSTER" - or, Museum of Mirth; Forming the Most Complete, Extensive, and Valuable Collection of Ancient and Modern Songs in the English Language. Circa 1820's (the engraved frontispieces are dated 1825, 1826 and 1827, though there are no dates printed on the title pages); Jones and Co.; London. Each volume features a "humorous characteristic" frontispiece and 29 woodcuts designed by George and Robert Cruikshank. (Volume I contains two engraved frontispieces.) "With a Copious and Classified Index, Which Will, Under its Various Heads, Refer the Reader to the Following Description of Songs, viz. Ancient, Amatory, Bacchanalian, Comic, Dibdins' Miscellaneous, Duets, Trios, Glees, Chorusses, Irish, Jews, Masonic, Military, Naval, Scotch, Sentimental, Sporting, Welsh, Yorkshire, &c.

Condition:
The volumes have been rebound with modern spines, but retain their original covers and end papers. The back cover of volume I has a series of stain spots that form a near-continuous vertical line from the top edge to the bottom edge. Cracks at the front and rear hinges, though all covers are firmly attached - none are shaky or loose. All covers have wear to the corners. Light soiling to the covers, though heavier along the top edges. The pages are in very good condition with only occasional light foxing here and there (though there is heavier foxing on the engraved frontispieces. Overall the volumes are in Good- condition.