literature

Drawing on interviews with long-time friends and musical associates, Joan Baez: The Last Leaf, a new biography by Elizabeth Thomson, is a celebration of an artist of incalculable influence.

We end our series of exclusive performances marking the publication today of Small Hours, Graeme Thomson’s new biography of John Martyn, with sessions from Siobhan Wilson and Findlay Napier.

To celebrate ‘Small Hours’, the new John Martyn biography, read an extract and watch Karine Polwart performing a beautiful cover of ‘Couldn’t Love You More’.

To celebrate ‘Small Hours’, the new John Martyn biography by Graeme Thomson. We have a series book extracts and special sessions this week, the latest with Olivia Chaney.

To celebrate ‘Small Hours’, the new John Martyn biography by Graeme Thomson. We have a series book extracts and special sessions this week kicking off with Blue Rose Code.

On the Road Not Taken is a memoir by Paul Dodgson which tells of his own unique journey and the power of music…and how it’s never too late to follow your dreams.

Following his 18 month ‘Busk England’ project, fiddle player Tom Kitching has announced he is to turn the 46 blogs and countless notes into a book and an accompanying album with Norwegian mandola player, Marit Fält.

A new book, Wilcopedia: A Comprehensive Guide to the Music of America’s Best Band, written by journalist Daniel Cook Johnson, is an attempt to chronicle all things Wilco. While it may not be for everyone, Wilco fans will find it indispensable.

Although well known as a founding member of the New Lost City Ramblers, John Cohen is also an exceptional photographer. Next month sees the publication of a new work – Speed Bumps on a Dirt Road: When Old Time Music Met Bluegrass.

We take a look at Richard King’s latest book The Lark Ascending which is said to explore how Britain’s history and identity has been shaped by the mysterious relationship between music and nature.

Little Toller and Common Ground launch crowdfunder for ‘Living with Trees’ – Several years in the making, it is a cornucopia of ideas and inspiration — a book that will hopefully inspire a generation of tree lovers and forest dreamers into action.

Shirley Collins’ personal memoir ‘All In The Downs: Reflections on Life, Landscape and Song’ which was published by Strange Attractor has won the Penderyn Music Book Prize.

Dorset folk duo Ninebarrow share their first ever music video for ‘Hwome’ and announce that early next year they will be publishing a book of musical walks.

Watch OUT Spell which features a tongue-twisting spell courtesy of Kathryn Tickell and The Darkening. Plus we’ve news of a new David Almond book inspired by real events which involved Kathryn Tickell and her father Mike.

Astral Weeks: A Secret History of 1968 is an especially enjoyable read for anyone who has ever lived in or around Boston. It’s an entertaining tale, with lots of juicy anecdotes, that truly gives you the feel of a major American city in a turbulent time gone by.

James Yorkston has announced his second novel: The High And Lonesome Blues of Tommy The Bruce – Precise, chilling and all too believable – scored throughout with a genuinely unsettling menace, belied by the ease of James’s storytelling – it’s a shot of southern Gothic poured out in the Southern Highlands of Scotland.

On Peggy Seeger’s memoir – First Time Ever she writes of a rollercoaster life – of birth and abortion, sex and infidelity, devotion and betrayal – in a luminous, beautifully realised account. The publication will be supported by a Tour by Peggy and Family.

Martin Graebe’s As I Walked out re-evaluates the work of Baring-Gould on folk song. “What he has uncovered is a fascinating collaborative project between Baring-Gould and the musicians, singers and ordinary members of the public in Devon and Cornwall.”