Maud Karpeles (1885-1976): A Retrospective of Her Newfoundland Fieldwork, 1929 and 1930

In 1929, at age 44, Londoner Maud Karpeles arrived in St. John's, Newfoundland, to "prospect" for British folksongs. Through what was then known as the English Folk Dance Society, she was intimately involved with the British folksong and dance revival inspired by her mentor and colleague, Cecil Sharp (1859-1924). 

Over a combined period of 14 weeks in 1929 and 1930, Karpeles carried out her fieldwork, often under challenging circumstances. During this time, she recorded her experiences in two diaries, and took several photographs of the people and places she visited. 

Curated by Dr. Anna Kearney Guigné, Karpeles' journey and experiences in Newfoundland provide the basis for this beautifully produced book, illustrated by stunning photographs of people from whom she collected songs, as well as the communities in which they lived. Some of those communities have since been resettled and no longer exist today. 

Available as download or hard copy.