Adapted from The Briggs Banjo Instructor (1855) by Thomas F. Briggs, the first complete published book for minstrel banjo. This is the first book in a 3-part series of intabulations of music for the minstrel (Civil War-era) banjo. Contents include a choice collection of banjo solos, jigs, songs, reels, walk arounds, and more, progressively arranged and plainly explained, enabling players to become proficient banjoists. Thorough measure-by-measure explanations are provided for each of the songs, all of which are part of the traditional minstrel repertoire. Performance notes and transcriptions by J. Weidlich. 71 pgs.