Musa Pedestris - Three Centuries of Canting Songs and Slang Rhymes [1536 - 1896]: Poetry Guide and Free Edition
Musa Pedestris - Three Centuries of Canting Songs and Slang Rhymes [1536 - 1896]: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

Musa Pedestris - Three Centuries of Canting Songs and Slang Rhymes [1536 - 1896] is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Farmer, John Stephen (1854–1916).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"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.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Musa Pedestris - Three Centuries of Canting Songs and Slang Rhymes [1536 - 1896]
- Author credits: Farmer, John Stephen (1854–1916)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Cant -- Great Britain
- English language -- Slang
- Songs, English -- Texts
Gutenberg collections
- Category: British Literature
- Category: Classics of Literature
- Category: Poetry
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.


