Dick's book is a worthy successor in spirit and outlook to Roy
Palmer's Ballad History of England. It picks up the flame of
resistance and reform, adding detail and colour to a period of
history that, too often neglected, can manifestly still be heard.
Especially useful are those now-unique songs from the frustratingly
inaccessible, microfilm-only Madden Collection at Cambridge.
Featuring a mix of original, sympathetic, and surprising musical
settings, deftly arranged and notated by June Nishimoto, this is a
supremely singable collection, and should enlighten and enliven our
discussions and our singing in equal measure. - Oskar Cox Jensen,
Historian and Author, University of East Anglia
There is no more exciting way of bringing historical times to life
than through the songs of the people living through them. This
book's selection of political reform songs of the eighteenth and
nineteenth century illuminates the conditions that poor people in
particular, were determined to change - sometimes at great cost to
themselves. The songs have an energy and commitment fueled by
anger, despair, humour and wit - what better way of meeting the
ancestors who fought and improved our lives too. - Frankie
Armstrong, Godmother of the Natural Voice Movement
What better way to explore the century-long history of English
political reform than with the songs of the times. Covering 1768 to
1868, these compositions highlight such topics as the American
Revolutionary and Civil Wars, the French Revolution, and Crimean
War, and dwelling on such personages as John Wilkes, Thomas Paine,
Daniel O'Connell and Napoleon Bonaparte.
Scholar/singer Richard Holdstock has assembled an amazing array of
120 songs from the popular presses of the day, many of them
extremely rare. and all with appropriate tunes. Throughout his
thorough exploration we see the fascinating history of violence,
chicanery, patriotism, and sacrifice woven in the fabric of song.
This work is essential for any institutional or personal library
dealing with the history of England and the struggle of the working
class in general. - Joe Hickerson, Head Emeritus, Library of
Congress Folklife Center
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