Widely considered the definitive collection of sea shanties, this monumental work (609 pages of music plus bibliography and index) represents the largest compilation of its kind. Stan Hugill (1906–1992), affectionately known as “The Last Shantyman,” was one of the last original shanty collectors who actually worked aboard sailing ships.

The book is often the first reference for shanty researchers and has had tremendous influence on how shanties are understood and performed. Hugill’s personal pedigree as an old-time sailor, combined with his ability to perform the songs at sea music festivals, lent the collection extraordinary authority.