In a bold move, Oxford University Press has unveiled its latest endeavor – a collection of songs aimed to dominate the music charts.

Renowned within certain circles for their potential blockbusters like "The Marginal Seabed in United Kingdom Legal Practice," "Latin Love Poets from Catullus to Horace," and, of course, the iconic "Oxford English Dictionary," the publishers are now venturing into new territory with their "Pop Songbook." This new compilation features melodies from beloved artists including The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Elton John, and various other modern favorites.

Andrew Potter, the marketing manager of OUP's music department, stated, "Establishing oneself as an educational music publisher necessitates embracing pop music. One of the most effective methods of introducing children to music performance is through songs that resonate with them in their daily lives."

The Pop Songbook is divided into two sections, each containing 24 songs. Within a matter of weeks since its release, the collection has garnered immense popularity among schools across the nation, with pre-orders soaring to an impressive 2,000 copies.

The compilation encompasses a range of tracks, including Paul McCartney’s iconic "Mull of Kintyre," Dylan's renowned "Mr Tambourine Man," and Ralph McTell's poignant "Streets of London."

Tony Attwood, the mastermind behind this anthology, expressed, "During my tenure as an educator, the absence of contemporary songs accessible in educational settings was a consistent frustration."

Back in 1981, a group of music-loving students from Banbury had already hailed the book as the ultimate chart-topper in their eyes. Photo by Jonas M, Wikimedia commons.