The ballad "John Henry" is the most recorded folk song in American history and John Henry-the mighty railroad man who could blast through rock faster than a steam drill-is a towering figure in our culture. But for over a century, no one knew who the original John Henry was-or even if there was a real John Henry. In Steel Drivin' Man, Scott Reynolds Nelson recounts the true story of the man behind the iconic American hero, telling the poignant tale of a young Virginia convict who died working on one of the most dangerous enterprises of the time, the first rail route through the Appalachian Mountains. Using census data, penitentiary reports, and railroad company reports, Nelson reveals how John Henry, victimized by Virginia's notorious Black Codes, was shipped to the infamous Richmond Penitentiary to become prisoner number 497, and was forced to labor on the mile-long Lewis Tunnel for the C&O railroad. Nelson even confirms the legendary contest between John Henry and the steam drill (there was indeed a steam drill used to dig the Lewis Tunnel and the convicts in fact drilled faster). Equally important, Nelson masterfully captures the life of the ballad of John Henry, tracing the song's evolution from the first printed score by blues legend W. C. Handy, to Carl Sandburg's use of the ballad to become the first "folk singer," to the upbeat version by Tennessee Ernie Ford. We see how the American Communist Party appropriated the image of John Henry as the idealized American worker, and even how John Henry became the precursor of such comic book super heroes as Superman or Captain America. Attractively illustrated with numerous images, Steel Drivin' Man offers a marvelous portrait of a beloved folk song-and a true American legend.

With a series of 'music in care' books aimed at supporting adults through a range of life's situations using music, John Osborne has collaborated with a new young author to bring fresh perspective on how the power of music can affect a young person's life. Coping with moving to a new school can be a difficult and challenging time for any young person but it can be even more problematic if you are on the autistic spectrum. This book tells the story of Luke Fiddes a remarkable young man and talented musician. It explains how Luke became aware of his different and special status and how he learnt to manage this. It also contains a self help manual for all young people which is designed to help deal with the struggles of adolescence using personalised music. This heartwarming, funny and frank account of Luke's journey gives a remarkable insight into some of the challenges but also the surprising benefits of living with Asperger syndrome. "I love my autism because I love music." Luke Fiddes

Alfred's Basic Prep Course, Lesson Book A is specifically designed for beginners who are five years old and up. Through the use of appealing music and attractive illustrations, it is no wonder that Lesson Book A is the most widely used young beginner's piano book now available. This course takes into consideration the normal attention span, as well as the small-sized hands of the young beginner. Shortly after beginning, the young student will be able to play "Merrily We Roll Along." The complete Prep Course consists of six books (Levels A through F). This course is most effective when used under the direction of a piano teacher or experienced musician.