02447cam a22003253u 4500 8466 UtSlPG 20260610133222.0 m cr n 260607r2005||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 PR Farmer, John Stephen, 1854-1916 Musa Pedestris - Three Centuries of Canting Songs and Slang Rhymes [1536 - 1896] Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2005 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Release date is 2005-07-01 Produced by Tiffany Vergon, Jerry Fairbanks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team "Musa Pedestris - Three Centuries of Canting Songs and Slang Rhymes" collected and annotated by John S. Farmer is a compilation of songs and rhymes focusing on canting and slang, spanning roughly from the early 16th century to the late 19th century. This unique work delves into the vibrant and often overlooked realm of English slang and its use among various societal groups, particularly the fringes of society who employed such language as a means of expression and communication. The opening of the anthology introduces the notion of cant as integral to the vernacular of marginalized groups, crying out for recognition as more than mere folly. The foreword highlights the literary significance and the cultural context of these canting expressions. It discusses the evolution of slang and cant, underscoring their reflections of social life and commentary on societal norms. Various excerpts from canting songs portray the lives of beggars, thieves, and rogues, illuminating their lifestyles and attitudes. Notable pieces include "A Beggar I'll Be," which romanticizes the carefree life of a beggar, and "The Beggar's Curse," which critiques law enforcement's impact on the lives of the impoverished. Together, these excerpts create a rich tapestry that illustrates the historical landscape of English slang across three centuries. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Cant -- Great Britain Songs, English -- Texts English language -- Slang https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/8466 50448 50448