Jim--

If it is untrue that an edited version was circulated, I apologize for saying so here. I did not get the email in question, but heard about it in the aforementioned MT correspondence.

Striking that line from the above post, I still feel Fred did his best. He may have gone overboard in the enumeration of the book's faults, but I think everyone who has written reviews can look back with regret on some of them for the same reason. I include myself in this. When writing a mixed review, one of the most difficult things to get right is the balance of praise and criticism. A review that stated: "X is a very good book," gave one paragraph on its brilliance, and then enumerated all ten of its flaws with a paragraph for each, might seem like a negative review. But the author said it was very good!

In Fred's case, he intended to point out things he thought were significant shortcomings, and several readers felt they weren't as significant as Fred did. Some letters were sent to MT to point this out. The matter should have ended there.

I didn't attack anyone, and indeed only really know one of the people named in your post: John Moulden, for whom I have nothing but high regard and respect. I think I could manage high regard and respect for all of you simultaneously, because I think this is essentially a difference of opinion about a book--it's not about some people trying to harm traditional music, or others trying to defend it. It's Fred's opinion vs. other people's, and one could argue a lifetime without resolving who is "right."

The claim that a review in a publication like MT "did considerable damage to traditional music" is essentially a wild guess. I think you're quite wrong about it, but I can't prove it any more than you can. I can say that, while you may think that folk journalists have a big impact on traditional music, I don't. I have reviewed copies of MT's CDR releases in a folk magazine that is read by more people than MT, and I've given them very positive reviews. According to Rod, not one person has bought one on the basis of my reviews. The fact is, the market for traditional music is small, and the people who make it up are unusually well-informed. I can't see anyone who was going to buy the Cronin set being put off by a review, especially one that said "the CDs are unmissable, but the book is a shambles."

One of the things that remains indisputable, however, is that Dr. O Croinin made serious editorial errors in the original edition of this book, and has admitted them. If he had not made these errors, Fred could not have enumerated them.

I know this has the potential to devolve into a flame war, which I want no part of. If anyone feels they must have the last word, even to the point of calling me names, feel free. I've admitted to being a nerd, after all! In the meantime, everyone should support the goal of getting an improved second edition of this book and CD set released.