This book is a cultural history of the nineteenth-century songster: pocket-sized anthologies of song texts, usually without musical notation. It examines the musical, social, commercial and aesthetic functions songsters served and the processes by which they were produced and disseminated, the repertory they included, and the singers, printers and entrepreneurs that both inspired their manufacture and facilitated their consumption. Taking an international perspective, chapters focus on songsters from Ireland, North America, Australia and Britain and the varied public and private contexts in which they were used and exploited in oral and print cultures.

'No doubt a range of interdisciplinary scholars - such as those grounded in English, popular culture, music, American studies, media studies, and more - will be interested in this volume’s focus on the nineteenth century, culture, production, and politics.'

Scott Gac Source: Journal of Popular Music Studies

'There is an abundance of positive thought and information in the book. Every chapter is of interest and leaves one wanting more.'

Stephen Banfield Source: Popular Music

'…excellent, helpful, informative, and interesting'

Ian Newman Source: Music & Letters