A BOOK OF HYMNS: This Book has been compiled for us in St. Jude's Church, Whitechapel, and is intended for private circulation only.
London: Penny and Hull, 1885. Hardcover. Laid in is an autograph letter signed (ALS) by Dame Henrietta Barnett (1851-1936) on mourning stationery presenting this specially bound volume, which belonged to her husband, Canon Samuel Barnett (1844-1913). In 1873, the Barnetts moved to the impoverished Whitechapel parish of St. Jude's intent on improving social conditions in one of London's worst slums. Their activism included the establishment of Toynbee Hall, a pioneering university settlement named after historian Arnold Toynbee, who advocated education of the working classes and reduction of the division between social classes, and a campaign to close brothels that was criticized at the time for making women more vulnerable to attack by Jack the Ripper. 12mo: iv, 347 p. Full vellum binding, with elaborate gilt stamping and marbled endpapers. Despite a split along the front hinge, the binding is very sound. Two small spots to the top edge, with some minor soiling to the vellum; otherwise very good. Very good. Item #77254
Price: $250.00