John Henry

A critical edition of Roark Bradford's novel and play on the iconic John Henry, this volume provides a rich introduction that contextualizes both works and highlights the role of the blues in both works.

Steven C. Tracy is Professor of Afro-American Studies at University of Massachusetts at Amherst and editor of A Historical Guide to Ralph Ellison and A Historical Guide to Langston Hughes (OUP 2003 and 2004).

Introduction
Bibliography for introduction
Discography of recordings echoing the folk tradition in the novel
Transcriptions of versions of the folk songs
John Henry folk song bibliography
John Henry bibliography, 1932-Present
John Henry folk song discography, 1921-1931
Roark Bradford Bibliography
Reviews of the novel
Reviews of the play
Roark Bradford Chronology
John Henry: the novel _
I. The Birth of John Henry
II. Coonjine
III. The Black River Country
Bend Your Back and Sing
Roll, You Wheelers
VI. Back of Town
VII. Julie Anne
VIII. Fourteen-Thirty-Six
IX. Woman on My Weary Mind
X. Poor Selma
XI. Stacker Lee
XII. The Poor Selma "Gris Gris"
XIII. Man's Ever Burden
XIV. Hand in Hand
XV. Shoulder Your Load and Walk John Henry's Pathway
XVI. John Henry's Pathway
XVII. Ring, Steel, Ring
XVIII. Down the Road
XIX. The Way with Women
XX. Doing for His Woman
XXI. The How Long Song
XXII. No Rest for the Weary Burden
XXIII. Lord, My Burden
XXIV. John Henry Lays His Burden Down
XXV. John Henry's Last Go