Publications
Michael Turner: 19th Century Sussex Fiddler, by Vic Gammon, published 1976 in Traditional Music (no. 4, article, pp.15-22) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 6383]
Folk Song Collecting in Sussex and Surrey, 1843-1914, by Vic Gammon, published 1980 in History Workshop (no. 10, article, pp.61-89) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 7531] & The Keep [LIB/502378]
A Small Account of My Travels Through the Wilderness, by James Nye, edited by Vic Gammon, published 1981 (56 pp., Brighton: QueenSpark Books) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/502598] & The Keep archive of QueenSpark Books
Abstract:This book contains original material that was written during the period between the early 1860s and 1888. It is part autobiography and part diary, and tells the story of James Nye, an extraordinary man, who lived much of his life in a nineteenth century rural village, near Lewes. His life story was discovered in latter days by a fellow-musician, Vic Gammon, who brought his words to print in 1981 and wrote the introduction to this book. The narrative describes James's diverse career, ranging from his work as a village musician, composer, instrument maker, agricultural labourer and quarry worker to his later work as a gardener in Ashcombe House, near Lewes. He was a deeply religious man, being a self-educated Calvinist and his writings reflect his spiritual journey and belief in social justice for the poor and dispossessed. Nye's poetry, which is included in the book, provides a vivid testament to a world very different to that of today, and is especially vivid in his descriptions of life in the Sussex locality.
A Sussex Tune Book, edited by Anne Loughran and Vic Gammon, published 1982 (68 pp., ISBN-10: 0854181393 & ISBN-13: 9780854181391) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 8380]
Abstract:This book of popular dance tunes has been compiled from five sources:
- Two manuscript books compiled by Michael Turner of Warnham between 1842 and 1852
- A manuscript book compiled by the Welch family of Bosham bearing the date 1800 and added to in following years
- A manuscript book compiled by William Aylmore of West Wittering, dated 1796 in one place and 1818 in another
- A manuscript book compiled by William Voice, possibly of Handcross
- A manuscript book of Thomas Shoosmith of Arlington.
Popular music in rural society: Sussex 1815-1914, by V. A. F. Gammon, 1985 at Sussex University (Ph.D. thesis)