Songs of the West

This volume brings together a lively anthology of traditional songs harvested from the hearths and fields of Devon and Cornwall. Compiled by a team of scholars and musicians who listened to the people themselves, the collection preserves both familiar favourites and rarer verses that have rarely been printed. The careful editing smooths out printing quirks while keeping the original titles and spellings, giving listeners a genuine sense of the oral tradition.

The songs cover a wide sweep of rural life—ploughing, harvest, and village celebrations—alongside sea shanties, love ballads, and witty tavern ditties. Each piece is introduced with brief notes that hint at its origins and the customs it reflects, while downloadable MP3 recordings let you hear the melodies as they were meant to be sung. Whether you are a folk enthusiast, a student of regional history, or simply enjoy a good tune, this collection offers an intimate glimpse into the musical heart of England’s western counties.