The Hobo's Hornbook

Subject: The Hobo's Hornbook
From:
Date: 31 Jul 98 - 06:06 PM

Back in the late 50's and early 60's I used to go to the public library looking for traditional material to learn and adapt. One of the books I used to check out periodically was called "The Hobo's Hornbook" or something similar. It was an odd collection of stories, songs and poetry such as "The Face On The Bar Room Floor," "Big Rock Candy Mountain" and such as that. Since then I've often looked for this book in used bookstores and sales but have never found a copy.

Does anyone remember this book or know where a copy could be purchased?

Thanks,

- Mark

Subject: RE: The Hobo's Hornbook
From: Bill D
Date: 01 Aug 98 - 11:30 PM

Mark, I have a copy...it is by George Milburn...my copy is from Ives-Washburn press. (1930) Perhaps that will help in locating a copy. Have you tried any of the on-line auctions/bookfinders?? There seem to be a number of them, although I personally have used them. There was an article in the Washington Post a short while back that said that Amazon.com had a book-finders service, but that they were usually higher than others...

In the meantime,if there is anything in particular you'd like from the book..(some lyrics, etc)...I'll try to help...(my copy even has a loose B&W photo of the author stuck in the book.)

Subject: RE: The Hobo's Hornbook
From: Bruce O.
Date: 02 Aug 98 - 11:59 AM

www.bibliofind.com listed 3 copies for sale, with prices starting at $41.66.

Subject: RE: The Hobo's Hornbook
From: Mark Clark
Date: 02 Aug 98 - 02:49 PM

Bill, Bruce,

Thanks very much for the help. Picture me doing a dope slap. I usually have so little luck with the online search services I haven't yet tried that route.

- Mark

Subject: RE: The Hobo's Hornbook
From: Joe Offer
Date: 02 Nov 11 - 01:45 AM

I wonder if Mark Clark ever found a copy of the Hobo's Hornbook. The cheapest copy I found for sale today was $123 at Amazon, used. I found an online copy here (click).

Subject: RE: The Hobo's Hornbook
From: Tiger
Date: 02 Nov 11 - 06:33 AM

I have one, and was even planning to sell it.

Was going to go the eBay route, but hadn't figured on a price yet.

Subject: RE: The Hobo's Hornbook
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Dec 11 - 07:04 PM

The Hobo's Hornbook is available on line PDF if you want to print it out. It's about 295 pages. It's a fine read of hobo poems and songs. Just Google Hobo's Hornbook 1930. A guy by the name of Jim Horntip put it on line. He also has a site with some interesting "toasts" too. I think he might be from the UK. Check it out.

Subject: RE: The Hobo's Hornbook
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 25 Dec 11 - 03:36 PM

GUest-
THanx much for the tip. I've been looking for an affordable copy for years.

Subject: RE: The Hobo's Hornbook
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Dec 11 - 04:37 PM

I enjoyed browsing the Hobo's Hornbook today.

Thank You GUEST and Mr. Horntip.

Someone could weave a "Master's Thesis" - if they attended "the right university."

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

The right university - would include a copy of the book within their collection - and a Mudcat member of more than six months.

Subject: RE: The Hobo's Hornbook
From: Mark Clark
Date: 18 Dec 12 - 12:45 PM

I was never able to find an affordable copy of The Hobo's Hornbook but today I (re)located Jim Horntip's online OCR version and original scan. Some change in it's URL caused Joe's link to break.

Thanks, everyone.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: The Hobo's Hornbook
From: Tiger
Date: 18 Dec 12 - 05:30 PM

I still have mine. Will be selling it soon, as I'm lightening up prior to moving. Probably eBay, unless someone wants to make an offer.

Subject: RE: The Hobo's Hornbook
From: Mark Clark
Date: 18 Dec 12 - 10:13 PM

Tiger, I can't afford to pay you anything like what it's worth. If you're going to sell it, make sure you get a top collector's price. All I needed was the content as I am not a collector. The digital copy takes care of me in that regard. It won't take you long on the Net to figure out where to sell it and for what price.

      - Mark