Part 3

We have from Messrs. Warner & Sons, of the Crescent Foundry, Cripplegate, E.C., two pamphlets on the art of hand-bell ringing, both written by Mr. S. B. Goslin, who is, practically and theoretically, an authority on the subject. The first of these, “The A B C of Musical Hand-Bell Ringing,” comprises short notes for young beginners, a collection of easy tunes, arranged, by means of numerals, for those without any knowledge of music, and a general guide to the principles of change ringing. The second, “THE MUSICAL HAND-BELL RINGER’S INSTRUCTOR,” contains a short historical account of small bells, a practical description of hand-bells, and the rudiments of the music played on them. Messrs. Warner are eminent as bell founders, and _their two publications may be relied on as trustworthy guides_.

_The Bookseller_, February 3rd, 1880.

“THE MUSICAL HAND-BELL RINGER’S INSTRUCTOR;” being a short historical account of small bells, a description of hand-bells, their uses and purposes, the rudiments of hand-bell music, with easy exercises in tune. By Samuel B. Goslin. A _curious and interesting contribution_ to the literature of campanology.

_The Church Review_, April 16th, 1880.

“THE MUSICAL HAND-BELL RINGER’S INSTRUCTOR,” By S. B. Goslin. Warner & Co., Crescent Foundry, Cripplegate.--Very interesting to general readers, but more valuable to ringers, giving a sketch of the history of bells in all countries and ages, and enriched with many curious illustrations. To assist beginners in the art of ringing, the latter part consists of elementary musical instruction, but the real value of the work is in the early portion, containing a deal of information in a very small compass. Published in a cheap form (costing two shillings only), _it should have a large circulation among students of bells_, to _whom we heartily commend it_.

_City Press_, January 7th, 1880.

In the “MUSICAL HAND-BELL RINGER’S INSTRUCTOR, Part II.” (Warner & Sons, Cripplegate), Mr. S. B. Goslin has produced a work which will be found to be of _great practical utility_. It contains, too, a good deal of _curious_ matter connected with the history and uses of bells, and is illustrated.

_Church Bells_, January 17th, 1880.

“MUSICAL HAND-BELL RINGER’S INSTRUCTOR.”--This is a very clear and valuable addition to bell literature, and _we advise all who are desirous of making progress with hand-bells to get it_ from the author, Mr. Goslin. The _brochure_ is historically _most interesting_.

_Ironmonger_, January 24th, 1880.

“THE MUSICAL HAND-BELL RINGER’S INSTRUCTOR.” (London: John Warner & Sons, Cripplegate.)--This is a comprehensive little treatise on the subject of which the author, Mr. Samuel B. Goslin, is evidently a master. _The interest of the work is much enhanced by the exceedingly quaint engravings_ given of old cymbals and other matters. _All_ who are in any way _concerned in bell founding_ or _hand-bell ringing_ should _not fail to procure_ and peruse this work.

_Rock_, January 30th, 1880.

A very interesting sketch of the history of small bells is given by Mr. S. B. Goslin in his “MUSICAL HAND-BELL RINGER’S INSTRUCTOR” (J. Warner & Sons), in which _a great deal_ of information is condensed _into a small_ compass. _The illustrations_, which are chiefly taken from old manuscripts, _are of themselves worthy of attention_.

_The Literary Churchman and Church Fortnightly_, March 5th, 1880.

“THE MUSICAL HAND-BELL RINGER’S INSTRUCTOR.”--Messrs. Warner are famous for bells; and we are led therefore to entertain somewhat high expectations from a treatise on the subject with which their name is connected. Nor are we disappointed. The essay before us _is particularly interesting_, as well _because of the mass of curious and recondite learning_ which the author has gathered together to illustrate the history of his subject, as _from the clear directions given for hand-bell ringers_, and the exercises here provided for their use.

It appears to us quite worth the consideration of the clergy whether the practice of hand-bell ringing would not do much to keep their corps of church ringers together and provide an antidote to the public-house. We find that a medium set of eight hand-bells, forming an octave, can be obtained for from four to five pounds; and the steps of the art present no considerable difficulty, even to rustic intellects. Many a young country curate would find it a pleasant thing to take the post of leader, and call his choir together for hebdomadal practices.

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Transcriber’s note:

Footnotes have been moved to directly underneath the paragraph they refer to. Illustrations and Notes have been moved to between paragraphs.

“... and to which ... he points the reader ... to take in hand ...” as printed in the source document.

Some minor obvious typographical and punctuation errors have been corrected silently.

Table “The number of changes which may be produced”, last line: 22 changed to 12.

“Bannister” and “Banister” standardised to “Banister”.