Books

As well as producing sheet music, Ancient Groove Music publishes books on music and literature written by musicians.

Ancient Groove Music is proud to announce the publication of a complete edition of A Plain and Easie Introduction to Practical Musicke by Thomas Morley. Published in 1597 by one of England's greatest Tudor composers, it was the first book to be written in English on the subject of music. Price £45.00.

The Play of Wit and Science: (180 Kb) A morality play, written c. 1540 by John Redford, organist of St. Paul's Cathedral, for the choristers to perform in front of Henry VIII. Available online as a PDF to be freely downloaded.

In Praise of Music: (416 Kb) An informative book, published anonymously in 1586, detailing the history, mythology, virtue, and necessity of music, particularly exploring arguments in favour of having music as part of church services. Edited into modern English by Ben Byram-Wigfield. Available online as a PDF to be freely downloaded.

Piers Plowman: (1.8 Mb) An edition of the famous Middle English allegorical poem by William Langland. The text has been edited into a more standardised English, that will hopefully be of benefit to anyone wishing to study the work. No musical connection, really, but both the author and editor grew up around the Malvern Hills.

COMING SOON: We plan to offer these and other works in ebook format.