Who Killed Cock Robin?: British Folk Songs of Crime and Punishment

Who Killed Cock Robin? is an anthology of folk songs about crime and punishment, compiled by Stephen Sedley and Martin Carthy. The songs are drawn from manuscripts, broadsides, and oral tradition and are grouped according to the various categories of crime and punishment.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 12 July 2021
Publisher: Reaktion Books

At the core of traditional music lies the essence of the ordinary people, known as the folk. Throughout centuries, these individuals have found themselves intertwined with the law, engaging in a complex dance of adherence, violation, and legal consequences. Who Killed Cock Robin? is a captivating anthology curated by one of Britain's esteemed senior judges, Stephen Sedley, and renowned folk singer Martin Carthy. The songs assembled herein are sourced from manuscripts, broadsides, and oral traditions, spanning a diverse range of criminal offenses and punishments. These songs are organized into distinct categories, encompassing crimes such as poaching and execution. Each section includes a historical introduction, providing context and insights into the historical backdrop of the songs. Accompanying each song is a melody, accompanied by the lyrics and an enlightening commentary that delves into the origins and sources of the composition. Collectively, these elements offer a singular, often humorous, occasionally tragic, and always vibrant perspective on the past, while simultaneously safeguarding a significant body of music for the enjoyment and performance of future generations.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 147 x 225 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789145038