An analysis of country dancing

Designed for "those who possess no knowledge whatsoever of country-dancing," the manual uses text, tables, and color-coded diagrams to explain the figures for English country dances. Performed as a series of figures by a column of men facing a column of women, the English country dance was one of the most popular early nineteenth-century ballroom dances. Originally published in 1808, the manual was reissued in 1822, and another version appeared in 1815 under the title The complete system of English country dancing. This edition is dedicated to Madame Angiolini, principal dancer at the King's Theatre, where Wilson held the post of dancing master.