John Garst
John Henry and His People: The Historical Origin and Lore of America's Great Folk Ballad
John Henry and His People: The Historical Origin and Lore of America's Great Folk Ballad
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- More about John Henry and His People: The Historical Origin and Lore of America's Great Folk Ballad
The book "John Henry: The Life and Legend of an American Steel Driver" explores the life and legend of an African-American steel driver who raced and beat a steam drill in 1887, believed to have taken place near Dunnavant, Alabama. The author's reconstruction provides new insights and supports the Dunnavant location, revealing the lives and work of John Henry, his people, and scholars who studied him.
Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2022
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc
The legendary folk ballad "John Henry," widely regarded as one of the greatest in American history, tells the captivating tale of an African-American steel driver who engaged in a fierce race against a steam drill. Despite his unwavering determination, John Henry ultimately succumbed to exhaustion, dying with his hammer firmly grasped in his hand. While most singers and historians concur that John Henry was a real-life individual, rather than a fictional character, there have been various proposals regarding his place of origin.
In his compelling argument, John Garst suggests that the pivotal event took place near Dunnavant, Alabama, in 1887. Through meticulous research and analysis of contemporaneous evidence, the author has reconstructed a compelling narrative that firmly establishes the Dunnavant location as the backdrop for John Henry's remarkable story.
Beyond the tale of John Henry, this book offers readers a deep exploration into the lives and work of his fellow individuals. It delves into the stories of Black and white singers, his captain, contractor Frederick Dabney, C. C. Spencer, the most credible eyewitness to the event, John Henry's wife, the blind singer W. T. Blankenship, who played a crucial role in printing the ballad's first broadside, and later scholars who have studied John Henry's legacy.
The book also includes comprehensive analyses of the song's numerous iterations, several previously unpublished illustrations, and a foreword by renowned folklorist Art Rosenbaum. This comprehensive volume provides a rich and immersive experience for anyone interested in the captivating world of American folk music and storytelling.
Weight: 384g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476686110
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