Renowned English folk singer, Shirley Collins, met the famous American musical historian and folklorist, Alan Lomax at a party hosted by Ewan MacColl. In this highly personal and heart-rending account, she describes her year-long stint as Lomax's assistant and lover, and their diligent work uncovering the traditional music of America's heartland.

The result is a finely woven tapestry of one woman's journey, both emotional and musical, and her discovery of a world of beauty and dignity, as well as deprivation and prejudice, amongst the folk musicians across the water in America.