In 1631 the English clergyman William Slatyer published Psalmes, or Songs of Sion, a collection of forty-five new psalm paraphrases in verse. That he specified popular tunes for singing them, however, was regarded as “scandalous,” and the reaction was swift and decisive. Prelates of the Church of England immediately ordered Slatyer’s imprisonment, summoned him before the High Commission to repudiate his collection, apologize, and promise never to do it again, and they ordered his book to be burned. Two copies of Slatyer’s little volume survive, however, and the thirty-three titles given in its offending table constitute a veritable catalog of popular tunes from around 1630. Clearly, Slatyer sincerely believed it would be an enjoyable recreation for people to sing his sacred poems to these lively and memorable tunes. This new musical edition of his scandalous collection introduces Slatyer and his psalms, supplying his tunes when they survive, and considered replacements when they do not.

Reprint of the original. The publishing house Anatiposi publishes historical books as reprints. Due to their age, these books may have missing pages or inferior quality. Our aim is to preserve these books and make them available to the public so that they do not get lost.

Companion volume (v. 2) contains examples of the music, sources and critical notes.

Comprehensive, lavishly illustrated survey of English popular music during the early modern period. Accompanied by specially commissioned recordings.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1871. The publishing house Anatiposi publishes historical books as reprints. Due to their age, these books may have missing pages or inferior quality. Our aim is to preserve these books and make them available to the public so that they do not get lost.