'Michael Heaneys history of Morris dancing has been long and eagerly awaited, being forty years in the making, and does not disappoint. There is no doubt that it is the best book yet published on the subject, nor that for sheer comprehensive coverage it will be hard to replace.' - Ronald Hutton (2023): Folklore
'There can be no doubt that Heaney has provided the definitive work on this subject, seamlessly contextualising and expanding on the best earlier work in the field and providing a secure anchor for any future research one of the many virtues of this book is that it discourages over-simplification. It confirms our understanding that morris dance has never been just one thing and that neither the dancers themselves, nor the commentators they attracted, have been allowed to maintain position for too long.' - Peter Harrop (2023): Ethnomusicology Forum This is a massive book, over 500 pages including a 50 page bibliography, and it is probably not a book for the mythical 'general reader', but it is clearly and accessibly written, and does not assume any specialist knowledge on the part of the reader. It presents a lively, often humorous and very entertaining account of an often misunderstood activity, rooted in the deep history of England, but has always developed and evolved in response to the changes in the society in which it is practiced. It is well illustrated with prints and photographs, many in colour, and I am sure will be the authoritative history of morris-dancing for the foreseeable future. Richard Samuels (2023): Magonia Drawing on some forty years of archival research, Michael Heaneys book represents a landmark in the historiography of Morris dancing. For the first time ever, a comprehensive and consecutive narrative history from the mid-fifteenth century to the present day is contained within the covers of a single volume. Matthew Simons (2023): Folk Music Journal Volume 12 The ancient English morris dance is exhaustive in its detail; its strength lies in the quality of the research rather than the narrative. Given the largely marginalized position of dance within British history, it is time that books such as this found a place on the shelves of those interested in social and cultural history as well as those interested in dance. Chloe Middleton-Metcalfe (2024): Agricultural History Review Volume 72, part 2 'While the primary focus is the scholarly analysis and documentation, the author skilfully weaves in anecdotes that engage and entertain a broader audience. These carefully placed stories serve as vivid vignettes that humanise the historical account. As a result, the book appeals not only to academics who seek rigorous analysis and documentation, but also to general readers who may encounter it by chance and become drawn to its subject. By blending academic rigour with engaging storytelling, the author bridges the gap between specialised scholarship and wider readership, expanding the books reach and impact inviting a diverse range of readers to explore the rich history and cultural significance of Morris dance.' Isabela Botezatu (2025): The Museum of the Romanian Peasant Anthropology Journal
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