First published in 1943, this autobiography is also a superb portrait of America's Depression years, by the folk singer, activist, and man who saw it all. Woody Guthrie was born in Oklahoma and traveled this whole country over—not by jet or motorcycle, but by boxcar, thumb, and foot. During the journey of discovery that was his life, he composed and sang words and music that have become a national heritage. His songs, however, are but part of his legacy. Behind him Woody Guthrie left a remarkable autobiography that vividly brings to life both his vibrant personality and a vision of America we cannot afford to let die. “Even readers who never heard Woody or his songs will understand the current esteem in which he’s held after reading just a few pages… Always shockingly immediate and real, as if Woody were telling it out loud… A book to make novelists and sociologists jealous.” —The Nation

In the late 1950s there was a skiffle craze in Great Britain. With its strong beat and fast tempos, skiffle music challenged the emerging rock n roll. Estimates suggest that at the height of the craze there were upwards of 30,000 skiffle groups in the country. This book contains the full lyrics and guitar chords for 50 skiffle songs made famous by the likes of: the Vipers, Chas McDevitt, Lonnie Donegan, Ken Colyer, and the City Ramblers skiffle groups. Songs include: Rock Island Line ; Midnight Special ; Putting On The Style ; Maggie May ; Freight Train ; Don t You Rock Me Daddy-O ; Pick a Bale of Cotton ... and many other classics from the repertoires of professional and amateur skiffle groups of the era. Each song is presented over a double-page spread with chords above the lyrics. There is also instruction in how to strum the guitar when playing skiffle songs, and a valuable explanation of the three chord trick . All profits from this book are donated to Save the Children.