April 1, 2009
This set is a collection of several hundred American folk songs sorted according to regional interest and derivation. Only lyrics are considered. A brief introduction does an effective job of summarizing the wealth of cultural and historical knowledge that can be gleaned from the study of folk songs as well as acknowledging the difficulties in identifying definitive origins. The set is then organized into chapters that consider specific regions (New England, the Great Lakes, the Deep South, mountain region, etc.) and identify songs that are associated with or represent the interests of specific states. AuthorCohen is afolk-song expert and publisher of numerous titles and discographies. Each chapter begins with a brief history of the development of the region and a summary of the various immigrant groups who settled there. This segues into state-by-state essays that introduce individual songs (approximately9 or10 per state), provide social and political context, explain colloquialisms, and identify links between selections. The lyrics are incorporated into the commentary, which makes for seamless and engaging reading. Choices range from well-known songs (e.g., Frankie and Johnnie) to more obscure selections, some of which were available previously only in original formats (sheet music, broadsides, chapbooks, etc.). Occasional black-and-white reproductions of period pieces are scattered throughout. Each chapter ends with research notes, sometimes including references to available recordings and alternate versions. Additional features include a political chronology, an extensive bibliography of print materials and recordings, a list of titles of additional songs that meet the general criteria but that are not addressed in the text, and song and general indexes. Individual states are not listed in the index or table of contents, makingstate-specific content hard to find. These songs tell great stories, which can result in addictive browsing. Large public and academic collections will want to acquire this unique and appealing resource, which will be of interest to musicians, historians, and folklorists. Also available as an e-book.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)