Myers, Peter D. [compiler]. The Zion Songster: A Collection of Hymns and Spiritual Songs, generally sung at Camp and Prayer Meetings, and in Revivals of Religion. New York: Howe & Bates, 1836. Revised and Corrected by the Compiler. [10201]
Full leather binding with brown leather title label in gilt, gilt lines to spine, 10.6 x 6.5 cm (4 1/4 x 2 3/4 inches), front board with veritcal crease/crack in center. Frontispiece engraving of a camp meeting in the woods, with tents, an elevated preaching lean-to, the crowd of listeners standing, with groups of people talking in the foreground. Extra engraved title page showing singing angels with harp. 319 pp., complete number of leaves, last leaf (p. 319 torn with loss of bottom half, previous 8 leaves with horizontal tear, without loss. Pages have foxing, stains, and some edge tatter, text block is tight. Fair. Full leather.
313 selections, words only; plus index of first lines.
A strong point of interest in this hymnal is the inclusion of Amazing Grace with six verses, pp. 257-258.
The compiler, Peter D. Myers, remains obscure. It appears that he was Methodist and a supporter of the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He published several editions of this Songster, as well as a book on the depravity of man.
