Victorian Songhunters is a pioneering history of the rediscovery of vernacular song—street songs that have entered oral tradition and have been passed from generation to generation—in England during the late Georgian and Victorian eras. In the nineteenth century there were four main types of vernacular song: ballads, folk lyrics, occupational songs, and national songs. The discovery, collecting, editing, and publishing of all four varieties are examined in the book, and over seventy-five selected examples are given for illustrative purposes. Key concepts, such as traditional balladry, broadside balladry, folksong, and national song, are analyzed, as well as the complicated relationship between print and oral tradition and the different methodological approaches to ballad and song editing. Organized chronologically, Victorian Songhunters sketches the history of English song collecting from its beginnings in the mid-seventeenth century; focuses on the work of important individual collectors and editors, such as William Chappell, Francis J. Child, and John Broadwood; examines the growth of regional collecting in various counties throughout England; and demonstrates the considerable efforts of two important Victorian institutions, the Percy Society and its successor, the Ballad Society. The appendixes contain discussions on interpreting songs, an assessment of relevant secondary sources, and a bibliography and alphabetical song list. Author E. David Gregory provides a solid foundation for the scholarly study of balladry and folksong, and makes a significant contribution to our understanding of Victorian intellectual and cultural life.

Edwin Waugh's 'Home-Life of the Lancashire Factory Folk during the Cotton Famine' is a poignant and insightful exploration of the effects of the cotton famine on the working-class families of Lancashire. Through vivid descriptions and a compassionate tone, Waugh sheds light on the struggles and sacrifices faced by these individuals during a time of economic hardship. Written in a straightforward and accessible style, the book offers a glimpse into the domestic lives of the factory workers, highlighting their resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Waugh's focus on the personal experiences of the Lancashire folk adds a human touch to the historical narrative, making this work a valuable primary source for understanding the social and economic dynamics of the period. Edwin Waugh, a renowned Lancashire poet and writer, drew from his own background and observations of the working-class communities to craft this empathetic portrayal of the cotton famine's impact. His deep empathy and understanding of the human condition shine through in his writing, creating a compelling and emotionally charged account of a lesser-known aspect of Victorian history. I highly recommend 'Home-Life of the Lancashire Factory Folk during the Cotton Famine' to readers interested in social history, labor studies, and Victorian literature, as it offers a unique perspective on a significant historical event and the enduring spirit of the working class.

"Echoes of Old Lancashire" by William E. A. Axon. Published by Good Press. Good Press publishes a wide range of titles that encompasses every genre. From well-known classics & literary fiction and non-fiction to forgotten−or yet undiscovered gems−of world literature, we issue the books that need to be read. Each Good Press edition has been meticulously edited and formatted to boost readability for all e-readers and devices. Our goal is to produce eBooks that are user-friendly and accessible to everyone in a high-quality digital format.