The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #151587 Message #4105037
Posted By: Rain Dog
06-May-21 - 11:44 AM
Thread Name: Martin Carthy book?
Subject: RE: Martin Carthy book?
Thanks for the heads up
Due out 12th July
Who killed Cock Robin?
Who Killed Cock Robin? by Stephen Sedley from Reaktion Books
Who Killed Cock Robin?
British Folk Songs of Crime and Punishment
Stephen Sedley, Martin Carthy
At the heart of traditional song rest the concerns of ordinary people – the folk. And folk throughout the centuries have found themselves entangled with the law: abiding by it, breaking it, and being caught and punished by it. Who Killed Cock Robin? is an anthology of just such songs compiled by one of Britain’s senior judges, Stephen Sedley, and most respected and best-loved folk singers, Martin Carthy.
The songs collected here are drawn from manuscripts, broadsides and oral tradition. They are grouped according to the various categories of crime and punishment, from Poaching to The Gallows. Each section contains a historical introduction, and every song is presented with a melody, its lyrics and an illuminating commentary that explores its origins and sources.
Together, they present a unique, sometimes comic, often tragic, and always colourful insight into the past, while preserving an important body of song for the pleasure and performance of future generations.
‘At the heart of the folk songs which have found a new popularity of late, rest the concerns of ordinary people who have found themselves entangled with the law . . . They are grouped according to various categories of crime and punishment, from Poaching to The Gallows; and accompanied by illuminating commentaries.’ — The Bookseller
‘At last, a simple, reader-friendly book on the cause-effect relationship between the CRIMES of the UPPER classes (documented in court and prison records, history books, the lives lost via law, scaffolds, transportation, et al) and the ‘crimes’ of the ‘lower’ classes (as documented in folk songs and ballads). The savagery of our toxic system of governance, the endless, pitiless theft of the property and rights of the public are kept in the public memory in the only unassailable form: the oral tradition. A trustworthy, authoritative, edifying and highly enjoyable read. Put it into school curricula.’ — Peggy Seeger, songwriter, performer and activist, author of 'First Time Ever'
‘A rich and rewarding journey through the law – and lore – of song and balladry. With such outstanding authors/compilers it’s no surprise whatsoever but their understanding, respect and regard for their source material mean that expertise and scholarship never swamp but only enhance and enlighten the reading experience. As well as opening my eyes to some previously unknown example of legal chicanery or barely believable repressive legislation and practice, every page made me want to sing these songs and ballads of the wronged and the ruthless, the cruel and cunning and the good, the bad - and the lovely. What a great delight of a book.’ — Willy Russell, playwright and composer, author of Educating Rita and Blood Brothers