Olney Hymns in Three Books.

The first appearance of "Amazing Grace" in an American hymnbook. This hymn is a source of incalculable inspiration and hope which continues to the present day. Its international influence is attested by the fact that it has been translated into more than 50 languages, more than any other hymn in the world. The influence of "Amazing Grace" on American gospel music cannot be overestimated. Although the words were written by Englishman John Newton, they were largely ignored in England for decades. In the early 19th century, the hymn was embraced by the faithful in the United States, particularly the South. Reading this extraordinary hymn in its original Colonial publication almost moves us to feelings of patritism. "Amazing Grace" here appears in I. Chronicles XLI. Faith's review and expectation. Chap. xvii. 16, 17. John Newton worked in the African slave trade, and was nearly drowned at sea in 1748. This last marked the beginning of his turn to religious faith and, despite continuing to work for some years in the slave trade, he was increasingly drawn to the church. It was at Olney, Buckinghamshire that he met William Cowper (q.v.) and began collaborating with him to publish their hymns; some of Newton’s contributions to this collection remain enduringly popular. Outstanding copy in American brown morocco binding without any restoration. A small worm hole to the textblock without any loss to the text. Complete with just the ffep appear to be torn. A rare and little known book of English hymns, Olney Hymns, printed in New York in 1787 of which 5 copies survive. Only one copy has ever appeared at auction and that was more than 100 years ago (Anderson Galleries, May 20-21, 1912, lot 699). First owner's name on last free page dated 1788. Fifth edition re-printed from the London edition. first American edition. 3½" - 5¾".