1875 IRA SANKEY. Manuscript Hymn "By and By" with Sankey's Comments and Autograph!

What a visually wonderful item. The front side, being folio in size, is a full handwritten arrangement of Latta Lord's classic hymn, By and By with a new musical arrangement by Theodore Wood, the manuscript in his hand. 

This arrangement was published the following year [1876]  in the hymnal, The Heavenly Choir. 

The rear has two notes. The first from Theodore Wood to Ira Sankey, "Please accept this from one who believes in and prays for you. The Author. T. Wood. The second is in the hand of Ira David Sankey, "Mr. Main [of Bigelow & Main, influential hymnal publishers]. This is rather good & might be printed if you think best. Ira D. Sankey." 

A visually attractive snapshot into the hymnal publishing world at its height, and inscribed by perhaps its most significant voice, Ira D. Sankey.