About the Images 

Before television, before radio, sheet music was one of the first forms of mass media entertainment consumed by a growing middle class, as pianos became a must-have object for any respectable home. By the late 1800s, sheet music publishers utilized the most advanced printing technology, and tempted their audiences with cover art as beautiful, fanciful and whimsical as the songs contained within. Celebrate the romantic spirit of this unique art form with this collection of historic cover reproductions. While the often risqué lyrics would be considered tame today, the themes of hope, heartbreak and love remain timeless.