This collection presents a comprehensive historical and musical examination of African American spirituals. It compiles two seminal works, 'The Book of American Negro Spirituals' and 'The Second Book of Negro Spirituals,' offering their original content. The book serves as both a historical archive and a practical songbook, preserving a vital part of American cultural heritage.

This compilation is recognized as a significant historical and musical resource for understanding African American spirituals. The inclusion of both original books provides scholars and musicians with a comprehensive collection of these important works. The material suggests a deep dive into the cultural and historical context of spirituals, offering both scholarly analysis and practical musical scores. It is likely valued for its preservation of a critical element of American musical and cultural history.