All Join Hands: Dudley Laufman & the New England Country Dance Tradition

Equal parts biography, American history, and music documentary, this niche title goes in-depth to uncover a centuries-old, rich tradition of an art form that many Americans may remember from their elementary school gym classes. Farmer/conservationist/historian Curren’s (I Believe I’ll Go Back Home) book shows that contra, square, or country dance has its 10,000-year-old roots in the United States, where it flourished in the backcountry of New England. The book outlines barn dance caller and musician Dudley Laufman’s contributions to the genre’s longevity and development and emphasizes its importance in American culture. Those present for the folk revival of the 1960s (or latecomer fans) will appreciate the deep dive into its origins and will likely recognize names, events, and tunes. The uninitiated, however, might struggle to keep up. While it is difficult to translate sound and movement into the written medium, the book does a great job of offering a thorough list of recordings and references that will likely inspire readers to experience the music and dance for themselves.