These songs, with their original melodies, are valuable because they are here presented exactly as they were found and sung. Thus collected and preserved, they provide portraiture of the Afro-American folk song and background, and they remain a treasure source for future harmonization if that should be desired. In their simplicity and realism, they record a true emancipation of the black spirit. Originally published in 1930. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.