India, late-1800s to early-1900s, Writing Album. Manuscript poems, prayers, and meditations

Very Good. India, late-1800s to early-1900s, Writing Album. Manuscript poems, prayers, and meditations. Full brown morocco over flexible boards (8.25” x 10.25”) with “Writing Album” stamped in gilt on upper board, all edges gilt; approx. pp. 150, with decorative endpapers and alternating paper colors (some white, blue, grey), nearly all of which contain handwritten entries, from numerous contributors. In English. Boards lightly scuffed along the edges; gilt a bit faded; a few leaves show some very light worming, or are detached and neatly laid in.

Decades in the making, this collection of poems, prayers, and meditations addresses moral courage, bridal wishes, life lessons, faith, love, and more. Entries date from 1887 to 1924, some with locations (Delhi, Calcutta), and are contributed by many different people, in their own hand. All of the penmanship is legible, even lovely, with attempts at illuminated lettering and calligraphic flourishes. Also features two tiny b/w photographic portraits, a laid-in leaf, lovely hand-colored decorations (usually floral motifs), and a winding maze of words entitled “A Game of Life.” Clearly a lot of care and thought went into every entry. A beautiful volume.