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[I Went Down to St James Infirmary] is a fascinating study and anyone who has an interest … in the way songs evolve and are passed along through history will find it an utterly compelling read. This critic confesses to a weakness for this type of book and devoured it with relish over a few days, though it will retain a favourite place in his library and remain a reference for years to come.” — Barry Hammond, Penguin Eggs
… knowing he was wandering into a territory marked with intentionally poor signage and populated by locals with a bad sense of direction, [Robert Harwood] approached the subject with the care, caution and tenacity of an investigative reporter. In the process he learned many interesting things and solved a number of music-history mysteries. — Andrew Lawrence, Community Guitar Resources
Robert Harwood’s book is not the first devoted to one song, but it is the first to cross so many stylistic fences in its attempt to trace the origins of a tune, one which is lost in the mists of time.
— Mark Berresford, review for VJM’s Blues and Jazz Mart
A goldmine of information, with an amazing cast of characters. The definitive statement on the subject — and a very entertaining read to boot. — Rob Walker, author of Buying In and Letters from New Orleans
REVIEWS
Read the review in Penguin Eggs, Canada’s premier folk, roots, world music magazine.
Read the review from the KW Record and Guelph Mercury.
Read an interview with Robert Harwood on Rob Walker's Nonotes
NEWS — NOV. 2011
This winter Robert will be beginning a revised edition of SJI based on new and updated material.
We aim to have the second edition published by next summer.
Return here to learn more or contact us.
BLOG SJI
Check out Harwood’s blog,
an invitation for further discussion about the song, the times, the players,
and the business of music as they relate to "St. James Infirmary,"
particularly in the early days.
Recently updated — November 2011.
PRESS ROOM
Resources available for reviewers.
Read full reviews of
I Went Down to St James Infirmary
site updated November 2011