Melba (Nellie) Memories and Melodies, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author to Princess Victoria "To H.R.H. the Princess Victoria from her devoted and humble Nellie Melba | July 1926" on front free endpaper, contemporary green calf, gilt-ruled, spines gilt in compartment with red morocco spine labels, spine and cover edges faded, extremities and joints a little rubbed, 8vo, 1925.

⁂ A scarce association copy of this autobiography from the celebrated soprano to the King's granddaughter.

Dame Nellie Melba (1861–1931) was born in Australia, and began her singing training in Melbourne but moved to Europe in 1882 to start her career. She found success in Brussels as Gilda in Verdi’s Rigoletto and was soon known throughout the continent’s opera houses. She debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1893, with repertoire extending over twenty-five roles. She was regarded as unmatched in ten of these, continuing to perform throughout her life, in concert recitals as well as in opera, to great acclaim, and becoming one of the earliest modern celebrities.