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The Show Must Go On! Popular Song in Britain During the First World War John Mullen

The Show Must Go On! Popular Song in Britain During the First World War By John Mullen

The Show Must Go On! Popular Song in Britain During the First World War by John Mullen


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The Show Must Go On! Popular Song in Britain During the First World War Summary

The Show Must Go On! Popular Song in Britain During the First World War by John Mullen

Using a collection of over one thousand popular songs from the war years, as well as around 150 soldiers' songs, John Mullen provides a fascinating insight into the world of popular entertainment during the First World War. Mullen considers the position of songs of this time within the history of popular music, and the needs, tastes and experiences of working-class audiences who loved this music. To do this, he dispels some of the nostalgic, rose-tinted myths about music hall. At a time when recording companies and record sales were marginal, the book shows the centrality of the live show and of the sale of sheet music to the economy of the entertainment industry. Mullen assesses the popularity and significance of the different genres of musical entertainment which were common in the war years and the previous decades, including music hall, revue, pantomime, musical comedy, blackface minstrelsy, army entertainment and amateur entertainment in prisoner of war camps. He also considers non-commercial songs, such as hymns, folk songs and soldiers' songs and weaves them into a subtle and nuanced approach to the nature of popular song, the ways in which audiences related to the music and the effects of the competing pressures of commerce, propaganda, patriotism, social attitudes and the progress of the war.

The Show Must Go On! Popular Song in Britain During the First World War Reviews

'This wide-ranging and sensitive book demonstrates a deep understanding of the byways of British wartime society and the complex but fascinating ways in which popular song and star performers were commoditized and enjoyed by millions.' Paul Watt, Monash University, Australia

About John Mullen

John Mullen is senior lecturer at the University of Paris-East Creteil. He has published widely on the history of British popular music. Articles include a reflection on 'ethnic' music festivals and immigrant identity (1960-2000), and a piece on racial stereotyping in music-hall songs from 1880 to 1920.

Table of Contents

Introduction; Chapter 1 Portrait of an Industry; Chapter 101 A Star in Focus 1; Chapter 2 A Patchwork of Genres; Chapter 102 A Star in Focus 2; Chapter 3 The Songs and Their Content; Chapter 103 A Star in Focus 3; Chapter 4 'If you were the only girl in the world'; Chapter 104 A Star in Focus 4; Chapter 5 Songs about the War; Chapter 6 'I want to go home'; Chapter 105 Conclusions;

Additional information

GOR009899516
9781472441591
1472441591
The Show Must Go On! Popular Song in Britain During the First World War by John Mullen
Used - Very Good
Paperback
Taylor & Francis Ltd
20150828
262
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

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