The Publisher’s Working Copy

Haggin, B. H. (1900–1987)

A Decade of Music [Inscribed to Publisher Ben Raeburn]

New York: Horizon Press, 1973.
A significant association copy of B. H. Haggin’s collected music criticism, inscribed by the author to his publisher, Ben Raeburn. 

In this volume, Haggin continues his uncompromising examination of musical interpretation, focusing on the decade that saw the peak of the high-fidelity LP era.
The book is an essential record of Haggin’s later career, marked by his characteristic clarity and his insistence on the listener’s direct engagement with the score. This copy, belonging to Horizon Press founder Ben Raeburn, includes a laid-in Commonweal review—a hallmark of Raeburn’s working library—illustrating the active professional relationship between the critic and the man who published him.

KEY FEATURES
+++ Visuals: Classic Horizon Press design, emphasizing clean typography and professional durability.
+++ Binding: Original publisher’s cloth; bindings remain tight, square, and Near Fine.
+++ Content: 256 pages including a detailed index; surveys the major conductors, pianists, and operatic performances of the 1960s and early 70s.
+++ Inscription: Inscribed on the front free endpaper: “For Ben, with the thanks of Bernard.” using the intimate. A stark contrast to Haggin’s usually formal and prickly public persona.
+++ Raeburn Provenance: Sourced directly from the estate of Ben Raeburn and Pat Percy, representing the inner circle of mid-century New York intellectual publishing.
+++ Ephemera: Includes a contemporary newsprint review from Commonweal laid in at the rear.
+++ Imprint: New York: Horizon Press, 1973. First Edition stated.
+++ Specs: 9.25 inches tall (Octavo); 256 pages.

CONDITION: Near Fine / Very Good.
+++ The Book: Near Fine. Bindings are tight and square. Text is clean with light, even age-toning. Minimal shelf wear to the cloth.
+++ The Jacket: Very Good. Original unclipped dust jacket. Shows light shelf wear; now protected in a removable archival Mylar sleeve.
+++ Note on Offsetting: There is a distinct rectangular offset on page 256 caused by the laid-in Commonweal review clipping—a condition point that, in this context, serves as proof of provenance.

SCHOLARLY FEATURES
+++ The LP Era Critique: Provides a primary source for how the 'Golden Age' of stereo recording was received by the most rigorous critic of the period of evolving standards of high-fidelity recording and international performance.
+++ Author-Publisher Dynamics: Offers a physical record of the gratitude Haggin felt toward Raeburn, who provided a consistent platform for Haggin’s often controversial opinions.
+++ Reception History: The inclusion of the Commonweal review allows researchers to see the book through the eyes of its contemporary critics and its publisher simultaneously.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE —
By 1973, the partnership between B. H. Haggin and Ben Raeburn’s Horizon Press had become one of the most respected boutique collaborations in American letters. Raeburn’s ability to maintain a profitable and prestigious house while publishing uncompromising intellectuals like Haggin was a feat of mid-century cultural management. This copy of A Decade of Music is a testament to that longevity, capturing the thanks of an author who knew his career owed much to his publisher’s independence.

SUBJECTS: B. H. Haggin, Music Criticism, Classical Music, Horizon Press, Ben Raeburn, Signed Books, Association Copy, 20th Century Music, Commonweal Magazine, LP Era, Association Copy, First Edition, Music History.

Item #21755
ISBN: 0818012102

Price: $125.00