This is a collection of songs, rhymes and stories recalled by Jean Ritchie from her own childhood. The youngest of 14 children in a singing family from Viper, Kentucky, she grew up surrounded by ballads, hymns, play-party songs, singing games and dulcimer tunes. The anthology contains transcriptions of the songs sung by Jean on the enclosed CD, annotations and notes on the songs, and related stories. Richly illustrated with family photos from Jean's childhood and photos by her husband, photographer and filmmaker George Pickow, this book is a fascinating window into the musical beginnings of a true American treasure.