The Shanty Book, Part I, Sailor Shanties

A lively anthology that brings the rhythmic heart of 19th‑century merchant ships to life, this volume gathers more than thirty traditional sailor shanties, from the bustling work songs of the windlass to the cheeky croons sung at the galley. Each tune is presented with its original melody, a modest piano accompaniment, and the spirited lyrics that once guided crews through storm‑tossed passages and quiet hauls alike. The editor’s deep family ties to seafaring give the collection an authentic flavor, preserving the humor, tenderness, and swagger that seasoned deckhands expressed in song.

Listeners will feel the pull of a bygone era as the robust choruses of “What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor?” sit beside the plaintive verses of “Shenandoah,” all rendered with care to honor the oral tradition. Whether you’re a folk‑music enthusiast, a maritime historian, or simply curious about the sounds that once filled the rigging, the book offers an engaging portal into the communal voice of the sea.