A COMPANION TO THE MAGDALEN-CHAPEL Containing the Hymns Psalms Ode and Anthems, used there, Set for the Harpsichord Voice German-Flute or Guitar

Rare collection of psalms and hymns printed for the Chapel of the Magdalen Hospital in Southwark in London ‘for the Reception of Penitent Prostitutes’. One of the reformed prostitutes is depicted in the frontispiece - the young women who sung these hymns were shielded from view in the octagonal chapel from behind a curtain. The Magdalen Chapel became one of the most fashionable places of worship in Georgian London.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Small quarto in contemporary sheepskin, recently refurbished and rebacked; relining to the inner hinges. Collates: [8] pp130, very good throughout. The frontispiece is a reworked version of the ‘Magdalen in her Uniform’ image which had appeared in various forms since Thomas Call issued the first Magdalen Collection in 1762 - to be followed by several pirated editions, probably including this one. Engraved throughout and including ‘An appendix to the Magdalen Hymns & c... ‘, pp 109-130; guitar part: pp.126-130. With the ‘Prayer for the Use of the Magdalen Chapel’ placed at page 42 this is probably a variant on OCLC 869382741 which is located at Emory, Garrett, Drew, date estimated to be 1800-1809.