Gibb, re Sampson.
He was commissioned by fellow members of the Seven Seas Club to prepare a standardised version of some of the more popular shanties.
"There are a number of Shanty books already on the market but... they were not considered adequate by the sailing ship members of the club."
"....I had actually sung every shanty and song in this book at sea in sailing ships (1886-1898);and I am fortunate in possessing a reliable memory."
He acknowledges that "The words used at sea varied considerably, far more so than the tunes,.." and gives the reasons.