It was published in several editions by John Playford and his successors from 1651 until c. 1728. The first edition contained 105 dances with single-line melodies. The 1651 book The Dancing Master by John Playford had been designed for teaching dancing. It was originally small so that the dancing master could hide it under his cloak and consult it surreptitiously. Subsequent editions introduced new songs and dances, while dropping others, and the work eventually encompassed three volumes.
Dances from The Dancing Master were re-published in arrangements by
Cecil Sharp in the early 20th century. In 1957 Margaret Dean Smith completed her facsimile book Playford's English Dancing Master. This work had been the first publication of English dance tunes and her publication established her as the expert on this work.
Dances from the book, in reconstructed forms, remain popular among dancers today. Early versions of the book are rare and command high prices.
