Just a follow-up to my own follow-up: I've now received my copy of the Faber Book of Popular Verse (1971, ed Grigson), as recommended by Insane Beard.

It is, as he said, a real treasure for anyone interested in traditional song. As it's a verse collection, it just has lyrics, no tunes, but includes many songs that are now well known in folk circles, as well as many that are not. It's not just material from England - there is a lot of Scots stuff, and some American songs from the Lomax collection etc. There are useful endnotes and a bibliography.

Amazon had several used copies at one penny (plus £2.75 p&p)when I was looking. There's one less now, because you're not getting your hands on my copy!

I can recommend it as a good way to spend a penny, or even a few pounds.

Marje