"LEL" [i.e., Letitia Elizabeth Landon (attributed)] songbook, bound manuscript, 125 pages, England, circa 1820-1838

Elegantly bound volume in straight-grained morocco that provides a glimpse into the artistic networks of Regency England. 85 songs and dances likely compiled by L.E.L., pseudonym of Letitia Elizabeth Landon, a prominent Regency-era novelist. Includes three works by Frances Crawford Kemble, an actress, singer, composer, cousin of the actress Fanny Kemble, and a likely social acquaintance of Landon. It also includes settings of Thomas Moore and Byron to music, the latter including one melody not documented among the musical settings of Byron's poetry. Dances include a waltz by Johann Strauss, Jr., and a waltz noted as "C. M. von Weber's last composition."
Inscribed by a fine yet unknown hand, perhaps upon request of L.E.L., whose handwriting was less elegant.
Formerly in the collection of the bibliophile, bookseller, and chairman of the Byron Society, Derek Wise (1925-2012).