English Folk-songs Paperback – 21 Aug. 2017

This book was first issued as The Penguin Book of English Folk Songs in 1959. Edited by Ralph Vaughan Williams, with excellent notes by A.L. (Bert) Lloyd, this little book was a mind-blowing experience for many, like myself, when we first encountered it. Unlike the more recent Penguin volume edited by Steve Roud, it makes no claim to be comprehensive. Instead it presents a carefully chosen selection of songs of all kinds, including some of the most beautiful in the canon (Fare thee well my dearest dear, Salisbury Plain, The Young and Single Sailor, for example - I could go on.)For those who had not encountered songs like this before it was genuinely life-changing, and it is greatly to the credit of the publishers that they have reissued it in this new form. If you haven't got it, or don't know it - buy it.

It's a pleasure to play these simple tunes and bring back the spirit of folk music. The lyrics are often amusing and eclectic. This is an authentic and interesting book.

A lovely little book of traditional English Folk Songs. Don't expect such things as accompaniments or chords; the songs are presented with a single line melody, for, as the authors say, they are best sung unaccompanied. However, those with a modicum of musical knowledge would easily be able to add some modal instrumental accompaniment. The 'Notes on the Songs' at the back of the book are a particular delight and the book's size is such that it can easily be popped into a pocket for a trip down to the local folk club. Highly recommended for anyone interested in English traditional song.

Blank pages with just the introductory text before them. Snippets of 'Bushes and briars' and 'Miller of the Dee'. No other music at all. Appalling waste of money. a MUCH, MUCH better buy is 'One hundred English Folksongs' edited by Cecil Sharp, published by Dover Books using 'open flat' binding. THAT is a worthwhile purchase.https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0486231925/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1Also consider 'The new penguin book of English folksongs', that is outstanding but is a smaller hardback format.It may be that current versions are paperback.The book reviewed here is beyond rubbish. Most pages are just blank white paper. I won't even bother donating it.

If you're interested in traditional British folk music you really ought to have this. Performing careers have been founded on fewer classic songs than there are in this book. I had two copies of the original Penguin edition, one of which was very tatty and barely in one piece. I sold it on ebay a year ago for £20. This cheap reprint is a total bargain, although the type is a bit small. Buy it, learn the tunes and sing them - you won't regret it!

Interesting read, but the price is a bit much for what is more of a pamphlet than a book. Can be read in about an hour.

What can I say about this classic of traditional British music collection?Mercifully, the authors don't devote too much space to their own prose, but instead provide a cracking collection of classic traditional songs, with useful information on variations and performance.Scholarly, without being dry and (this edition, at least)cheap as chips!

Collection of traditional songs, together with their dates and sources - a lovely collection, with many versions different from the better-known ones, so interesting from an academic point of view as well. Many top musicians have gleaned material from this book, and there is much to learn for the rest of us too! Contains lyrics and music (tunes only, not accompaniments, full arrangements or guitar chords). Brilliant.