Just got hold of a book I couldn't afford in the 60s.
I know this attitude is not unique but I wanted to share it.

Irwin Silber on copyright:
from Songs of the Civil War, compiled and edited by Irwin Silber
piano and guitar arrangements by Jerry Silverman
Columbia University Press, New York, 1960

In placing a copyright notice on this book and its contents, I want to make it abundantly clear that I am in no way attempting to claim ownership of any of the songs which appear on these pages. With the exception of a few songs bearing the copyright imprints of their publishers, the songs in this collection are in the public domain. In a few cases, I have made slight alterations either in the texts or in the tunes, or both, but these do not constitute the kind of major creative additions which would make a copyright claim morally justifiable. These songs are a priceless part of our national heritage and can no more be removed from the public domain than the flag, the Constitution, or any other symbol of our existence as a nation and a people. On the other hand, the piano and guitar arrangements made for these songs do constitute substantial creative work and, as such, are protected by the copyright on this book. Those who may want to use any of these arrangements will find no difficulty in receiving permission upon application to the editor....

Cheers, Joy