I can recommend some reading if you like - do you have access to a good library with loads of books? If not and you are in this area come and visit me. You can have a complete run of my collection. But be wary they are all for sale for I sell folk books, and most are tempted!!

I also agree with those who say this is too large a subject. You might look at something smaller say the relationship between (I make this one up) Broadside Ballads and records made in the what people call the folk revival of the 60's/70's. Instead of having an idea and seeking the material - a hard way to do things - see what material there is and make up what your dissertaion is from there. Much easier!!

Go to things like the Baring Gould Weekend down your way, Wren Trust also down your way and Eddie Upton at Folk South-west- all may prove helpful. Many of the books you need are on the web nowadays (Project Gutenberg is a good place to start).

There, see how helpful we all are? :-)