Publishers cloth. 4to. 112, [2], 272 p. Pages. 32 cm. Illustrated. First edition. In English, and Yiddish. Yiddish section printed from back to front. Yiddish text has its own title page. Fascimile of congratulatory message from Franklin D. Roosevelt. Photographs throughout. Includes portraits and biographical sketches of member cantors, as well as music and advertisements. Articles by musiclogists A. Z. Idelsohn and Gerson Ephros, among others. “The period from the end of the 19th century until World War II is described as the "Golden Era of Hazzanut. " Cantorial music had a singular appeal to the Jewish masses, who would fill their synagogues to overflowing in order to hear an outstanding hazzan. Improved communications enabled leading hazzanim to tour Jewish communities on a far greater scale than previously, thus increasing their reputations, sometimes to legendary proportions. They were equated with the great operatic tenors of the time, whose style they grew to imitate” (Jewish Minsters Cantors Association of America) Editorial Committee: Joshua Weisser, Chairman, Jacob Beimel, Gershon Ephros, Pinchus Jassinowsky, Louis Lipitz, Joseph Morgenstern, Ephraim Spivack, Elias Zaludkowsky. Subjects: Jews -- Music. Yiddish language -- Texts. OCLC lists 4. (Yale, Bogazici Univ, HUC, Natl. Lib. Of Israel). Almost certainly Jacob Swartz's (founder) personal copy in puffy, faux leather boards and all pages gilt. Shelf wear with three inch tear to top left of cover board. Faded lettering on boards. internally Very Good Condition. (AMR-43-18A)