2017 has not been a good year for many people and there is much in the world of politics to be unhappy about. However, in terms of English language folk song related books, it has been something of a vintage year. I have read and thoroughly enjoyed the following commentaries - all published in 2017 -

Pinery Boys: Songs & Songcatching In The Lumberjack Era - Franz Rickaby
This was originally published in 1917 but is now re-published accompanied by a well researched essay by his granddaughter. Rickaby was working at the same time as Sharp in the Appalachians and to my mind Frank's attitude to and appreciation of his informants compares favourably with Cecil's.

Roots, Radicals and Rockers - Billy Bragg
Skiffle - the way that so many of us old codgers found our way into folk music - carefully researched and skilfully written.

As I Walked Out - Martin Graebe
Meticulously researched over decades and very thoughtful analysis of the pioneering contribution of the Rev. Sabine Baring Gould. An excellent read.

Folk Song In England - Steve Roud
The game-changer! It is very unlikely that another book of such full and thorough importance on the subject will be written in my lifetime. Relying exclusively on what can be evidenced, Roud forces everyone, supporters and opponents alike, to reconsider and rethink their stance on a wide range of aspects of the subject.

Then there is this book by Peggy and Street Literature of the Long Nineteenth Century by Steve Roud & David Atkinson* which are high on my "must read" list.

I'd like to hear of any other books that I might have missed that were published last year.

* There are bound to be complaints about the price of this book. GBP 64.99 for the hardback copy is going to be beyond very many of us.