I have the Oxford Book of Sea Songs (ed. Roy Palmer, 1988). A varied selection, presented in roughly chronological order, from the 17th century "John Dory" up to Archie Fisher's "Final Trawl" (1979). There are 159 songs, of which many, but not all, have the tunes, with quite detailed background notes, references, glossary, etc. They are mainly "sea songs" rather than shanties. Its worst failing is the paperback format, not well suited to a 344-page volume that gets dipped into regularly. My copy is falling apart even though it hasn't had heavy use. Marje
|