America Over the Water

Shirley Collin

This is the plainly written autobiographical story of the famous English folk singer who is now in her seventies. It starts with her upbringing in Hastings and moves on to her travels in America with Alan Lomax collecting folk songs. This activity was doubly scandalous in 50s America because her and Lomax were unmarried and because they took such interest in the music of the blacks. Andrew found this story fascinating although some aspects he found tiresomely nostalgic. Overall, cautiously recommended.
Andrew 22/5/05

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