(MUSIC) BETHUNE THOMAS BLIND TOM Songs Sketch of the Life of

Sale 2342 - Lot 484

Unsold

Estimate: $ 400 - $ 600

(MUSIC.) BETHUNE, THOMAS "BLIND TOM." Songs, Sketch of the Life of Blind Tom, the Marvelous Musical Prodigy, the Negro Boy Pianist. 29 pages. 8vo, original printed wrappers with an engraved portrait of the artist; vertical crease where folded for mailing; some pencil doodlings from someone who attended a concert at the edges of the wrappers. Baltimore, circa 1867-1870

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A scarce "souvenir" sold at Blind Tom's concerts. An interesting note at the rear of the pamphlet states that "Blind Tom can only play what he hears, and improvises. Until about two years ago a list of pieces that Tom had heard was kept, numbering nearly 2000. Unfortunately this catalogue was lost. Since that period he has heard perhaps 3000 pieces, and his repertoire now numbers upwards of 5000, entirely at his memory's disposal.