About the book
***WINNER OF THE NEW ANGLE PRIZE FOR LITERATURE***
***WINNER OF THE HWA NON-FICTION AWARD***
A beautifully written exploration of the world of Edwardian folk music, and its influence on the composer Ralph Vaughan Williams
In January 1905 the young Vaughan Williams, not yet one of England's most famous composers, visited Norfolk to find folk songs 'from the mouths of the singers'. An old fisherman, James 'Duggie' Carter, performed 'The Captain's Apprentice', a brutal tale of torture sung to the most beautiful tune the young composer had ever heard.
With this transformational moment at its heart, the book traces the contrasting lives of the well-to-do composer and a forgotten cabin boy who died at sea, and brings fresh perspectives on folk-song collectors, the singers and their songs.
***AS READ ON BBC RADIO 4***
'A quirky, fascinating read. Davison excels in evoking English landscapes' Sunday Times
'Animated, entertaining... Presenting a richly complex picture of a subject that can all too easily be shrouded in a sentimental haze' Daily Telegraph
Editions of Captain's Apprentice
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781784744540
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781529115109
Read an Excerpt
***WINNER OF THE NEW ANGLE PRIZE FOR LITERATURE***
***WINNER OF THE HWA NON-FICTION AWARD***
A beautifully written exploration of the world of Edwardian folk music, and its influence on the composer Ralph Vaughan Williams
In January 1905 the young Vaughan Williams, not yet one of England's most famous composers, visited Norfolk to find folk songs 'from the mouths of the singers'. An old fisherman, James 'Duggie' Carter, performed 'The Captain's Apprentice', a brutal tale of torture sung to the most beautiful tune the young composer had ever heard.
With this transformational moment at its heart, the book traces the contrasting lives of the well-to-do composer and a forgotten cabin boy who died at sea, and brings fresh perspectives on folk-song collectors, the singers and their songs.
***AS READ ON BBC RADIO 4***
'A quirky, fascinating read. Davison excels in evoking English landscapes' Sunday Times
'Animated, entertaining... Presenting a richly complex picture of a subject that can all too easily be shrouded in a sentimental haze' Daily Telegraph
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Captain's Apprentice about?
***WINNER OF THE NEW ANGLE PRIZE FOR LITERATURE***
***WINNER OF THE HWA NON-FICTION AWARD***
A beautifully written exploration of the world of Edwardian folk music, and its influence on the composer Ralph Vaughan Williams
In January 1905 the young Vaughan Williams, not yet one of England's most famous composers, visited Norfolk to find folk songs 'from the mouths of the singers'. An old fisherman, James 'Duggie' Carter, performed 'The Captain's Apprentice', a brutal tale of torture sung to the most beautiful tune the young composer had ever heard.
With this transformational moment at its heart, the book traces the contrasting lives of the well-to-do composer and a forgotten cabin boy who died at sea, and brings fresh perspectives on folk-song collectors, the singers and their songs.
***AS READ ON BBC RADIO 4***
'A quirky, fascinating read. Davison excels in evoking English landscapes' Sunday Times
'Animated, entertaining... Presenting a richly complex picture of a subject that can all too easily be shrouded in a sentimental haze' Daily Telegraph
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Captain's Apprentice?
The Arts > Music > Music: styles and genres > Global or regional music styles
Where can I read a sample of Captain's Apprentice?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781784744540
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Captain's Apprentice?
Caroline Davison
Who is the Publisher of the book Captain's Apprentice?
Random House
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Captain's Apprentice is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781784744540) and paperback(ISBN 9781529115109)
Where can I buy Captain's Apprentice online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Captain's Apprentice from below
Where can I buy Captain's Apprentice?