Lipscomb, Mance, and Alyn, Glen: I Say Me For A Parable

Lipscomb, Mance, and Alyn, Glen: I Say Me For A Parable

Published: 1993 Da Capo Press, 507 pages
ISBN 0-306-80610-X

An oral autobiography of Mance Lipscomb, transcribed and organized by Glen Alyn. Lipscomb recounts his family history and all facets of his life - farming, family, friends and neighborhood as well as his music.

Pros: The most detailed and intimate life-story we'll ever have of a songster born in the 19th century. Well-illustrated, with a discography, a filmography, and a list of songs mentioned in the text, most with Mance's source for the song. Alyn provides an introduction for each chapter to help the reader understand Mance's stories and put them in context.

Cons: Transcribed in an attempt to preserve Lipscomb's dialect, so guitar = gittah and car = caw. This takes some getting used to, though one can get used to it with perseverence.