On November 7, 1650, a man named John Playford registered The English Dancing Master: OR Plaine and easie Rules for the Dancing of Country Dances, with the Tune to each Dance.  John was a stationer (publisher) in London and already known for his “political tracts, miscellaneous non-musical works, music theory, lessons for various instruments, collections of songs, and psalms.” ⁽¹⁾  On March 19, 1651, the book was “printed by Thomas Harper, to be sold by John Playford, at his shop at the Inner Temple neere the Church doore”. ⁽²⁾ Between 1651 and 1728, 18 editions of ‘The [English] Dancing Master’ were published.  John Playford has been credited for publishing the first seven editions; his son, Henry Playford has been credited for publishing the next four, and John Young has been credited for publishing the final six.  Between the 3 of them, they are credited for publishing over 6,000 dances – including variations, duplications, tunes, and songs.

 While you are reading through the following pages, please keep in mind that middle and old english was quoted, as necessary.