Matthew, keep us posted on the book! I'd love to see/hear it. I'm just beginning to appreciate these songs, they're not ones you get to sing everyday, as you pointed out. I just this weekend stumbled on an LP of these songs at an estate sale and am wearing it out.

Can we talk about spelling for a minute? I know you SAY 'shanty' (as in, "we'll hang around the shanty and put a good buzz on") but is that the right spelling? How about all these 'chanties?'

What's the origin of the word? Any mavens care to comment?

Dani