“[I Went Down to St James Infirmary] is a fascinating study and anyone who has an interest … in the way songs evolve and are passed along through history will find it an utterly compelling read. This critic confesses to a weakness for this type of book and devoured it with relish over a few days, though it will retain a favourtie place in his library and remain a reference for years to come.” — Barry Hammond, Penguin Eggs

“Before launching into one‘s learned explication of the history of St. James Infirmary, one might want to have a quick chat with Robert W. Harwood. He has written not one but two books on the subject. [H]e approached the subject with the care, caution and tenacity of an investigave reporter.” — Andrew Lawrence, Community Guitar Resources

“A fascinating and well-written book … Robert Harwood’s book is not the first devoted to one song, but it is the first to cross so many stylistic fences in its attempt to trace the origins of a tune, one which is lost in the mists of time.”
 — Mark Berresford, review for VJM’s Blues and Jazz Mart

“A goldmine of information, with an amazing cast of characters. The definitive statement on the subject — and a very entertaining read to boot.” — Rob Walker, author of Buying In and Letters from New Orleans

“What better way to honour a great song than to tell a great story about it?” — David Fulmer, author of The Big Blue Door and Chasing the Devil’s Tail

“Robert Harwood’s exegesis on the blues classic ‘St. James Infirmary’ reassures readers that, in an era of instant messaging and blogs, there are still dedicated writers interested in expressing their disinterested preoccupation with cultural artifacts that have touched thousands of people in Europe and in the US over more than a century.” — Charles Cronin, is a musician and lawyer. He is a visiting scholar at UCLA Law School.

What readers are saying:

"I've really enjoyed it! Brilliant. The book has given me an enormous amount of pleasure." Richard Jenkins, Professor of Sociology, University of Sheffield, England

“Your book arrived and I am thrilled beyond belief at your great story! You found things about Carl that I didn’t even know!!” — Margie Moore

“Thank you for the copy of your just-released book … Altogether it is an excellent piece of work and I congratulate you on the final result.” — J.E. Bennett

"I’ve been reading [I Went Down to St James Infirmary] and think it’s fabulous. I have friends who would greatly benefit from its erudition." — Ronald Grimes, Chair of Ritual Studies: Radboud University Nijmegen, the Netherlands.

“I Went Down to St James Infirmary is a fun read and informative about more than just the song and those who sang it.” — P. Austin

“I enjoyed the book very much, and have already put factoids/
stories to use in conversation at the pub!” — Beate Schwertlich