Margaret Boni selected these from primarily English, American and American regional sources. There are, however, many (perhaps 25%) songs from other nations including Germany, Mexico, China, Russia, and France. Every song has splendid folk-style illustrations by the acclaimed artists Alice & Martin Provensen, all in full-color. Some are tender, and many, such as picture of "The Drinken Sailor" being heaved by the leg with a running bowline, are mirthful.
"The Fireside Book of Folk Songs" offers piano and voice music for over 150 lovely songs. There's a generous selection in five areas:
-- Ballads and Old Favorites (American, English, Scottish, Irish) - 57 songs, such as "Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier" in an arrangement as haunting as that used by Ken Burns and "Lonesome Road"
--Work Songs (Sea Shanty, Cowboy Songs, Railroad Songs) - 23 songs, such as "A-Roving" and "John Henry"
--Marching Songs and Songs of Valor, 22 songs, such as a rousing arrangement of "Dixie" and "The Minstrel Boy"
--Christmas Carols, 20 Songs, such as an arrangement for "Angels We Have Heard on High" and "Masters in this Hall"
--Old Hymns and Spirituals, 16 Hymns : 10 Spirituals, such as "Who Can Retell" and "My Lord, What A Morning" whose music brings glory down
Further, the book is admirably produced: heavy covers, sturdy paper. signature bound so it can open almost flat, durable, large format and large type so one can play without squinting.
Oh Susanaa
I Am A Poor Way Faring Stranger
Arkansas Traveler
Scarborough Fair
Bonnie George Cambell
Turkey In The Straw
Johnny Has Gone For A Soldier
The Blue Tail Fly
Clementine
Shenandoah
The Rio Grande
Casey Jones
Red River Valley
I Been Workin' on the Railroad
Blow The Man Down
Home On The Range
A- Roving
Carry Me Back To Old Virginny
Old Folks At Home
Drink To Me
The Three Ravins
Down In The Valley
Hallelujah! I'm A Bum
Lonesome Road
John Henry
Drunken Sailor
Star Spangled Banner
Dixie
When Johnny Comes Marching Home
God Save The King
La Marseillaise
The Minstrel Boy
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
What Child Is This
O Come All Ye Faithful
Twelve Days Of Christmas
Deck The Halls
The First Nowell
Joy To The World
God Rest You Mary Gentleman
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Silent Night
Stand Up Stand Up For Jesus
Shall We Gather At The River
Rock Of Ages
Steal Away
Nobody Knows The Trouble I See
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
United States