Swedish Psalm Book
This 1878 publication from Västervik, printed by C. O. Ekblad & Company, is an edition of "The Swedish Psalm Book," a collection of hymns used in Swedish churches. While the book itself was printed in 1878, the title page emphasizes that the version of the psalm book it contains was officially "Approved and confirmed by the King" in 1819. This indicates that the 1878 printing is a reprinting of a standard, authorized version of the Swedish hymnal, highlighting its official sanction and continued use.
C. O. Ekblad & Company was a printing firm operating in Västervik, Sweden, during the 19th century. Their achievement, as evidenced by these publications, lies in their role in producing and disseminating religious texts, including psalm books and liturgical resources. By printing and publishing these materials, C. O. Ekblad & Company contributed to the religious life of Swedish communities, providing access to essential texts for worship and devotion. Their work facilitated the continued use of traditional hymns and the implementation of updated liturgical practices, playing a part in the cultural and religious landscape of the time. While they were a regional printing company, their contribution to the distribution of important printed material is significant.
In summary, this is the title page of a Swedish Psalm book, indicating that it was officially sanctioned by the King in 1819, though this particular edition was printed much later in 1878.
Let's translate the text on this page:
Top:
-
Den Swenska Psalm-Boken. - This translates to "The Swedish Psalm Book."
Middle:
-
Af Konungen gillad och stadfästad år 1819. - This translates to "Approved and confirmed by the King in the year 1819."
Bottom:
-
Westerwik. - This is the old spelling of Västervik, a town in Sweden.
-
C. O. Ekblad & Comp. - This is the name of the printing company: C. O. Ekblad & Company.
-
1878. - This is the year of publication: 1878.
Therefore, the entire page reads:
The Swedish Psalm Book. Approved and confirmed by the King in the year 1819.
Västervik.
C. O. Ekblad & Company. 1878.
Let's break down the text on this page:
Top:
-
Den Swenska Evangelii-Boken - This translates to "The Swedish Gospel Book" or more accurately, "The Swedish Evangelical Book". "Evangelii" is the genitive form of "Evangelium" (Gospel).
Middle:
-
samt twenne årgångar påbudna Nya Predikotexter jemte Böner för offentlig och enskild andakt, enligt Evangeliiboks-Komitéens nya Förslag.
This long sentence translates to:
"together with two prescribed series of New Sermon Texts, along with Prayers for public and private devotion, according to the Evangelical Book Committee's new Proposal."
Bottom:
-
Westerwik. - This is the old spelling of Västervik, a town in Sweden.
-
C. O. Ekblad & Comp. - This is the name of the printing company: C. O. Ekblad & Company.
-
1878. - This is the year of publication: 1878.
Therefore, the entire page translates to:
The Swedish Evangelical Book together with two prescribed series of New Sermon Texts, along with Prayers for public and private devotion, according to the Evangelical Book Committee's new Proposal.
Wästervik.
C. O. Ekblad & Company. 1878.
Please review each photo carefully for wear and usage. This item came from a local estate sale and was in the previous owner's home office for many years. Send me a message if you have questions or would like additional photos.
