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PREFACE |
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It behooves me, first of all, to thank those about me for their kindly forbearance while this book was being prepared. The task has been a long, arduous, and exacting one. The swimming was not always with the current. Choppy seas there were a plenty. However, helping hands have always been ready. I am indebted to so many that I feel helpless to express my sincere appreciation. I have not experienced a single bit of unwillingness to assist in any way whenever help has been sought. To all I am profoundly grateful.
Special thanks are due to Professor George L. Kittredge for sending references to songs and, above all, for his constant encouragement. I am indebted to Mr. Phillips Barry for spotting a number of songs and for providing important and interesting comments. I am no less indebted to Mrs. Fannie Hardy Eckstorm for many helpful suggestions. Professor Guy B. Johnson very generously gave valuable information about the John Henry songs. Professor Reed Smith has always been ready to aid with his expert knowledge of ballads and his veteran experience as a collector. To my friend, Professor Charles G. Osgood, I am especially indebted for his fine sympathy, his cheerful encouragement, his valuable suggestions, and his expert assistance with some of the airs. Many excellent suggestions came from Mr. Robert W. Gordon at the beginning of our fascinating experience as collectors of songs. I am greatly indebted to Dr. Daniel S. Gage, of Westminster College, Fulton, Missouri, for his keen interest and for his kindness in contributing many songs. To those who have contributed the songs, a special word of appreciation is due. They did their bits cheerfully and graciously. This book will be their monument.
Thanks are due to the editors of the Journal of American Folk-Lore for permission to reprint a number of these songs. Likewise I am indebted to the courtesy of the editor of the Bulletin of the Folk-Song Society of the Northeast for permission to reprint two of the songs. I acknowledge also the willingness of the editor of the Publications of the Modern Language Association ofAmericato permit the reprinting of "King Henry Fifth's Conquest of France" with the introductory note. Finally, I wish to thank the editor of the New Jersey Journal of Education for permission to reprint some of the songs.
Ridgefield, New Jersey, Mellinger Edward Henry
May, 1933. |
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