Text is clean. Light soiling to outer text edge. Cover shows normal wear. Dust jacket shows some wear, has a small closed tear on lower front corner at spine, and general shelfwear visible on back side of dust jacket. ; From dust jacket flap: This is the story of Stephen S. Townsend, a man who was rejected by his first vocal teacher as having no talent, but who climbed the ladder to become a famous singer, teacher, composer and the highest paid choral conductor in America during his day. The book traces the fascinating life of this man from his early childhood in Louisiana to his formative years in Boston (where young Stephen left school and sold newspapers to help out his stuggling family) to his final outstanding success in the field of music. Stephen S. Townsend was written by his grandniece for the purpose of perpetuating the memory of his worth and charm. ; 160 pages