Re: The Folk Story section of the book:
During my recent interest in folk music, I have been exposed to a jumble of names and styles of folk and I try to follow peoples' opinions and criticisms found on mudcat.

Understanding some folk music in clubs has been hard. My listening is improving and I feel less resistant to what seemed to drone on to hearing the lyrics/sentiments expressed. It doesn't happen overnight. A smattering of songs that I know has been needed to keep me involved.

Festivals and audience-type clubs have been inspiring in the main, especially the energy and enthusiasm of some younger players and dancers. I am astounded and reflective on how the 'big names' still play at local clubs. I am also surprised how few sing-around punters go to see and hear them, but I concur with their vision of some folk clubs meeting their social needs.

The Folk Story section of the book is so informative; there is much to read about all these 'names' that have been pieces of jigsaw folk-jargon to me. It has developed my understanding further with quotes and explanations of points of view.   

The Songbook will be as good, but I do wish there were chords printed. Not everyone is confident enough to sing unaccompanied. I actually bought the book to access some 'proper' folk songs as I know so few. It's not the done-thing it seems at some folk clubs to sing something different, so I feel unwelcome by the organiser, not the audience by the way.

Feeling a bit better educated now in this folk tradition stuff is satisfying. I suppose experienced folkies have just assimilated knowledge over the years. It's a steep and lonely learning curve for us newer ones.