Hugill's bowdlerized versions

Subject: Hugill's non-bowdlerized versions
From: GUEST,Dave Hatton
Date: 12 Oct 20 - 09:28 AM

As I read through Shanties of the Seven Seas, I can't help feeling that the majority of Hugill's more authentic versions of the shanties are probably lost for ever. It's clear from a look on here for the odd specific song that there are a few snippets of bawdy versions in existence, but did Stan keep record of the original versions of everything? I know he couldn't publish the mucky versions in a mainstream book, but does a treasury of what was likely actually sung exist? (And yes, I know that hundreds of different versions of everything will probably exist!)

Subject: RE: Hugill's bowdlerized versions
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 12 Oct 20 - 10:27 AM

Other threads on this very theme, Dave. Several of us, mainly Jon Lighter, have been trying to find any we can with limited success.

Subject: RE: Hugill's bowdlerized versions
From: GUEST,Dave Hatton
Date: 12 Oct 20 - 12:27 PM

Thanks, Steve - I tried a simple search but found nowt much other than a couple of specific song titles which I could follow a thread on. If you happen to find a broader thread I'll look it up.
It seems daft that the great man knew what the sailors sang but didn't want to put it in print or record it in any way! I know they're not suited to the majority of folk clubs, but singing a bit of The Fireship or Maid of Amsterdam with some of the more salacious verses put back in is great fun and it's a shame that in an age where the language would be accepted more, we can no longer find reference to it.

Subject: RE: Hugill's bowdlerized versions
From: GUEST,Dave Hatton
Date: 12 Oct 20 - 12:35 PM

Found one of the threads!

Subject: RE: Hugill's bowdlerized versions
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 12 Oct 20 - 04:22 PM

I think the few copies that I have came from Jon.