The English folk song tradition has inspired many of the greatest songs of the past 50 years. This authoritative book provides words and melodies for more than 80 traditional songs, along with a detailed exploration of their history and meaning, and the context in which they arose. The book covers folk songs' value to writers and performers in Britain, America, and around the world, from Bob Dylan and Paul Simon through to the contemporary “neofolk,” “urban folk,” and “anti-folk” movements. Written by experts on the subject and with the cooperation of the English Folk Dance and Song Society, The Folk Handbook is aimed at newcomers to the music, especially those with an interest in adapting and performing the songs and using their influence in their own music. The book includes a CD of 20 unaccompanied songs recorded in the field from singers who learned them from family and local tradition.
