This book is comprised of scans of original works by Stephen Foster. It's a warts and all reproduction of sheet music and elements of another book that's over a century old, so there are some minor printing imperfections owing to the age and quality of the original manuscripts.
Contained within are 5 instrumental works, 15 Hymns, and 136 songs. In total 156 compositions which highlight the brilliance of Foster.
There is an introduction that is a brief overview of the life and times of Stephen Foster. And there are a couple of special sections at the end. Appendix I is a musical tribute called "Lullaby" by Percy Grainger to Stephen Foster's song "Camptown Races." Percy Grainger was an accomplished composer in his own right, best known for "Country Gardens".
Appendix II is a delightful collection of the beautifully decorative covers from the original sheet music of some of the songs in this book. Because this book is comprised of the original lyrics of the songs written well over a century ago, it should be viewed in terms of historical significance, not political correctness. While some of the words and sentiments are now out of date and politically incorrect, the melodies remain beautiful and timeless. Slang terms and insulting stereotypical themes which were once mainstream and common, are now offensive and totally unacceptable. Despite these lyrical shortfalls when viewed in today's light, the underlying simple melodies remain timeless classics. The catchy tunes are hard to get out of your head, and will live on forever, just as they have already lived on 150 years since Foster departed, so please enjoy.
Here's just some of the songs... - Ah, May the Red Rose Live Alway
- Angelina Baker
- Annie, My Own Love
- Away Down Souf ("Way Down South")
- Beautiful Child of Song
- Beautiful Dreamer
- Bring My Brother Back to Me
- Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming
- Come With Thy Sweet Voice Again
- Comrades, Fill No Glass for Me
- Cora Dean
- Dolcy Jones
- Dolly Day
- Don't Bet Your Money on de Shanghai
- Down Among de Cane-Brakes
- Dream of My Mother and My Home, A
- Ellen Bayne
- Eulalie
- Fairy-Belle
- Farewell, Mother Dear
- Farewell, My Lilly Dear
- Farewell, Old Cottage
- Farewell, Sweet Mother
- For the Dear Old Flag I Die
- For Thee, Love, for Thee
- Gentle Annie
- Gentle Lena Clare
- Give the Stranger Happy Cheer Glendy Burk, The
- Gwine to Run All Night ("Camptown Races" or "Doodah")
- Hard Times Come Again No More
- I Cannot Sing Tonight
- I'd Be a Fairy
- If You've Only Got a Moustache
- I'll Be a Soldier
- I See Her Still in My Dreams
- I Would Not Die in Spring Time
- I Would Not Die in Summer Time
- Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair
- Jenny June
- Katy Bell
- Kiss Me, Dear Mother
- Larry's Good Bye
- Laura Lee
- Lily Ray
- Linda Has Departed
- Linger in Blissful Repose
- Little Belle Blair
- Little Ella
- Little Jenny Dow
- Lizzie Dies Tonight
- Lou'siana Belle
- Love I Bear to Thee, The
- Lula Is Gone
- Maggie by My Side
- Massa's in de Cold Ground
- Merry Little Birds Are We
- Mine Is the Mourning Heart
- Molly, Dear, Good Night
- Molly, Do You Love Me?
- Mother, Thou'rt Faithful to Me
- My Angel Boy
- My Boy Is Coming from the War
- My Brudder Gum
- My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night
- My Wife Is a Most Knowing Woman
- Nell and I
- Nelly Bly
- Nelly was a Lady
- No Home, No Home
- None Shall Weep a Tear for Me
- Oh! Boys, Carry Me 'Long
