Illustrated by Eric von Schmidt. Piano arrangements by Robert Freedman. First edition, 1963. Riverside Press, Cambridge, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston.
An exuberant collection of twenty American folk songs, including Cotton Eye Joe, The Car Song, Hush Little Baby, Froggie Went Courting, Go Tell Aunt Rhody, Hambone, and Candy Man.
Front flap:
"Here are some American favorites gathered from the plains and mountains, the cities and the high seas. They are presented just as they are sung by some of our most creative interpreters of folk songs, including Eric von Schmidt who made the selection and has also produced the jaunty and colorful illustrations..."
"The musical arrangements by Robert Freedman can be handled by children who are learning to play the piano as well as parents who have forgotten how, but for all their simplicity they catch the mood of the original with verve and sparkle. The music also includes guitar chords with suggested fingerings. ..."
(Pathways of Sound in Cambridge MA recorded these songs as they were sung for the book.)
Eric von Schmidt (1931 – 2007) was a pivotal figure in the American folk music scene, particularly during its resurgence in the late 1950s and early 1960s, and an accomplished painter. His father, Harold von Schmidt, was a renowned Western painter. After serving in the army and winning a Fulbright scholarship to study art in Florence, Eric settled in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he became a central character in the coffeehouse scene, sharing his extensive repertoire of traditional music and influencing many artists, including Bob Dylan. Von Schmidt is also known for his book "Baby, Let Me Follow You Down: The Illustrated Story of the Cambridge Folk Years," co-authored with Jim Rooney, which chronicles the rich history of the Cambridge folk music scene.
Etsy.com/shop/TheCharmedBookshop
Visit TheCharmedBookshop.com for more books for children and collectors
Condition: Near Fine/Fair. Dust jacket: On the front, small faint dampstain in the top right and four closed tears in top left, lower left, and lower right; on the back, small closed tears in upper and lower left with chipping along the upper and lower edges, and pencil mark in lower right; rubbing and dampstain along the spine with open tears at the head and tail; front flap clipped by dealer, leaving US pricing. 1960s goldenrod yellow cloth covers with green and cream decoration. Pages are clean, undamaged, and complete.
Shipping from United States
Processing time
1-3 business days
Estimated shipping times
- Australia : 1 - 3 business days
- United States : 1 - 3 business days
- North America : 1 - 3 business days
- Europe : 1 - 3 business days
- Australia, New Zealand and Oceania : 1 - 3 business days
- Asia Pacific : 1 - 3 business days
- Latin America and the Caribbean : 1 - 3 business days
- North Africa and the Middle East : 1 - 3 business days
- Sub-Saharan Africa : 1 - 3 business days
I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.
Customs and import taxes
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Payment Options
Returns & Exchanges
I gladly accept returns, exchanges, and cancellations
Just contact me within: 7 days of delivery
Ship items back to me within: 14 days of delivery
Privacy policy
* I will not share your personal information with third parties.
* I will contact you only through Etsy or an email address you provide to convey information about your order and news exclusive to The Charmed Bookshop.
* In placing your order, please provide Etsy with an active email address to ensure that I can get in touch with you about your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gift wrapping and packaging
I wrap every book with care and ship it in a padded mailing envelope or sturdy box. If you're purchasing a gift, please advise when ordering and include a gift message.
Care instructions
1. I lightly clean books, as needed, but I don't attempt repairs or restoration. If you'd like a book restored, you'll find trustworthy, qualified experts in your area through libraries or museums.
I also recommend the following care instructions.
American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works -
https://goo.gl/6CZ9zA
2. Photos are cropped and resized to Etsy guidelines but are otherwise unedited. Please contact me if you'd like additional photos of book details.
3. Descriptions of condition are based on guidelines from the Independent Online Booksellers' Association.
Order processing time
I'll process and ship your purchase in 1 - 3 business days, and I'll ship anywhere in the world via any mail or delivery service that Etsy offers. (Please refer to the Shipping section for average shipping turn-around times by region.) If I encounter any delays in processing your order, I will advise you in advance.