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Songs of the West: A Lyrical Journey Through the History and Folklore of the American West

Henry James

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Published in Songs Of The West S Baring Gould

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By Sabine Baring-Gould

Published in 1893, Songs of the West is a collection of lyrics and historical notes about songs that were popular in the American West during the 19th century. The book includes a wide variety of songs, from cowboy ballads to frontier anthems to Native American chants. Baring-Gould's notes provide valuable insights into the history and folklore of the American West.

Songs of the West

by S. Baring-Gould

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	18270 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	447 pages

The Songs

The songs in Songs of the West are divided into four main categories: cowboy songs, frontier songs, mining songs, and Native American songs. The cowboy songs are perhaps the most well-known, and they include such classics as "The Old Chisholm Trail" and "Home on the Range." The frontier songs are more varied, and they include everything from ballads about the Pony Express to songs about the California Gold Rush. The mining songs are a unique genre, and they reflect the experiences of the miners who worked in the gold and silver mines of the West. The Native American songs are a reminder of the rich musical traditions of the indigenous peoples of the West.

The Historical Notes

Baring-Gould's historical notes are a valuable addition to the book. He provides information about the origins of the songs, the people who wrote them, and the events that inspired them. He also includes interesting anecdotes and stories about the songs. For example, he tells the story of how "The Old Chisholm Trail" was written by a cowboy named Charles Goodnight. Goodnight was driving a herd of cattle from Texas to Kansas when he was inspired to write the song. The song became a huge hit, and it is still one of the most popular cowboy songs today.

The Legacy of Songs of the West

Songs of the West is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in the history and folklore of the American West. The book provides a unique glimpse into the lives of the people who lived and worked in the West during the 19th century. The songs are a testament to the spirit of the West, and they continue to be sung and enjoyed by people all over the world.

Songs of the West is a classic work of American literature. It is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in the history and folklore of the American West. The book provides a unique glimpse into the lives of the people who lived and worked in the West during the 19th century. The songs are a testament to the spirit of the West, and they continue to be sung and enjoyed by people all over the world.

Songs Of The West By Sabine Baring Gould Songs Of The West S Baring Gould