Indian Melodies, 1845

Indian Melodies, 1845, by Thomas Commuck*.  Surely one of the most distinctive prefaces ever written for a collection of hymn tunes is the one Thomas Commuck wrote for his book, Indian Melodies (New York: G. Lane & C. B. Tippet, for the Methodist Episcopal Church, 1845). Excerpts follow:  The work now offered to the public, small as it is, has occupied the attention of the author for the space of seven years; and it may not be amiss to state, that it was not until the year 1836 that he first commenced to learn, scientifically, the art of singing; in the acquirement of which, from that time to the present, he has had to encounter and overcome the difficulties attending the same alone,...