The Story

This isn't a book with a single plot. Instead, think of it as an incredible scrapbook collected over a lifetime by John Stephen Farmer. He spent years tracking down and compiling hundreds of 'canting' songs and 'slang rhymes'—the poems and ballads of beggars, thieves, traveling players, and sailors. The book starts in 1536 and works its way to the 1800s, showing how this underground language evolved. Each piece is presented with translations and notes, pulling back the curtain on a secret linguistic world. The 'story' is the survival and transformation of this language itself, fighting to stay one step ahead of the law and polite society.

Why You Should Read It

I loved this book because it makes history feel alive and noisy. You're not reading about kings and wars; you're listening in on a conversation in a smoky alehouse or a code being passed between pickpockets. The slang is hilarious, clever, and sometimes shocking. You'll learn that 'prattling box' meant a tongue, 'cackling farts' were eggs, and 'smelling cheat' was a nose. It’s a powerful reminder that language has always been a tool for both community and concealment. Farmer’s passion is evident on every page. He wasn't just a scholar; he was a rescuer, saving these raucous, beautiful, and subversive verses from being lost forever.

Final Verdict

This book is a treasure chest for a very specific kind of reader. It's perfect for word nerds, historical true crime fans, and anyone who loves seeing history from the bottom up. It’s not a light read—you’ll want to take it in chunks—but the payoff is immense. You’ll never watch a period drama the same way again. If you’ve ever enjoyed the rogue-ish charm of a character like Shakespeare’s Falstaff and wanted to know how his real-world counterparts actually spoke, this is your essential guide. Just be prepared to start baffling your friends with 17th-century criminal jargon.