Subject
Ballads, English Books
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The Cavalier Songs and Ballads of England from 1642 to 1684
"The Cavalier Songs and Ballads of England from 1642 to 1684" by Charles Mackay is a collection of historical lyrics written during the turbulent period of the English Civil War and the subsequent political unrest. Compiled in the mid-19th century, this anthology reflects the sentiments of the Royalists, or Cavaliers, who supported King Charles I. The collection showcases a variety of songs and ballads that not only express loyalty to the monarchy but also offer insights into the social and political dynamics of the era. The opening portion of the work establishes the significance of these ballads as a historical record, emphasizing their role in communicating the perspectives and emotions of the people during a time when printed literature was scarce and censorship was prevalent. Mackay discusses how these songs served to bolster the spirits of the loyalists and even played a crucial role in the cultural landscape of the time. The initial excerpts introduce various songs, mixing humor and poignancy as they touch on themes of loyalty, political strife, and social critique, revealing a rich tapestry of expressions that characterized the Cavalier support for their king amid adversity.
S. (Sabine) Baring-Gould
Songs of the West Folk Songs of Devon & Cornwall Collected from the Mouths of the People
"Songs of the West" by S. Baring-Gould, F. W. Bussell, and H. Fleetwood Sheppard is a collection of folk songs from Devon and Cornwall, compiled during the late 19th century. This work draws from the oral traditions of the region, capturing the melodies and lyrics that reflect the cultural heritage of the rural populace. The collection not only serves as a testament to the musical history but also highlights the significance of the songs in the daily lives of the locals. The opening of "Songs of the West" introduces the preface and introduction, setting the stage for the folk songs that follow. The authors discuss their motivations for collecting these songs, emphasizing the urgency to preserve traditional folk music that was fading as community gatherings diminished. They recount various anecdotes about the singers they encountered during their travels, reflecting on the rich cultural landscape of Devon and Cornwall. The narratives illustrate the connection between folk songs and the daily life of the people, from the harvest celebrations to the intimate gatherings in local taverns. Through these stories and the anticipation of the songs to come, readers gain insight into the importance of folk music in maintaining the identity and traditions of the English countryside.
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Wit and Mirth: or Pills to Purge Melancholy, Vol. 6 of 6
"Wit and Mirth: or Pills to Purge Melancholy, Vol. 6 of 6" by Thomas D'Urfey is a song collection published between 1698 and 1720. This massive anthology ultimately contained over 1,000 songs and poems across six volumes. The collection features music by renowned composers including John Blow and Henry Purcell, with many ribald and humorous pieces designed to chase away sadness. Originally compiled by publisher Henry Playford, D'Urfey later expanded and reorganized the work, creating a treasury of English songs that has inspired folk singers and musicians for centuries.
Algernon Charles Swinburne
Poems & Ballads (First Series)
"Poems & Ballads (First Series)" by Algernon Charles Swinburne is a collection of poetry written in the late 19th century. This work showcases Swinburne’s preoccupation with themes of passion, mortality, and beauty, often reflected through musicality and intense emotion in his verse. The collection includes various forms of poetry, featuring original reflections and dramatic elements that explore the complex relationships between love, life, and death. The opening of the collection presents a dedicatory epistle, where Swinburne expresses his thoughts on the nature of commentary regarding one’s own work. He reflects on the criticisms he faced early in his career and the dualities of fact and imagination present in his poetry. Following this, he muses on the essence of his work over time, indicating a commitment to expressing genuine emotion and aiming for lyrical beauty. The poems that follow delve into themes of life and death, romantic longing, and the grandeur of human experience, setting the tone for the intricate explorations that characterize the entire collection.
John Masefield
Salt-Water Ballads
"Salt-Water Ballads" by John Masefield is a collection of poems written in the early 20th century, specifically around the time of its publication in 1913. This book captures the life and experiences of sailors, exploring themes of the sea, camaraderie, loss, and longing for freedom. With its rich maritime imagery and rhythmic language, it reflects the spirit of adventure associated with life at sea. The poems within "Salt-Water Ballads" are narratives that give voice to sailors and their stories. Each piece brings to life the challenges and perils faced by seamen, from shipwrecks and fever on board to the joys of sailing and the call of the sea. Through a variety of characters and scenarios—including shipwreck survivors, the camaraderie among crew members, and the reflections on life and death at sea—Masefield evokes a vivid picture of the maritime world. The collection showcases not only the hardships of sailor life but also a profound love for the ocean, painting an intimate portrait of those who navigate its waves.
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Wit and Mirth: or Pills to Purge Melancholy, Vol. 5 of 6
"Wit and Mirth: or Pills to Purge Melancholy, Vol. 5 of 6" by Thomas D'Urfey is a collection of songs published between 1698 and 1720. This massive anthology grew from a single volume into six volumes containing over 1,000 songs and poems. The collection features music by renowned composers including Dr. John Blow and Henry Purcell. These songs, many ribald in nature, have inspired numerous folk recordings and adaptations throughout the twentieth century, keeping D'Urfey's spirited verses alive for modern audiences.
Algernon Charles Swinburne
Poems & Ballads (Second Series) Swinburne's Poems Volume III
"Poems & Ballads (Second Series)" by Algernon Charles Swinburne is a collection of lyrical poetry written in the late 19th century. This series showcases Swinburne’s mastery of form, rhythm, and rich imagery, delving into themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The verses often reflect a deep engagement with classical mythology and a profound emotional resonance, capturing the complexities of human experience. The opening of the collection presents the poem "The Last Oracle," which evokes themes of divinity and mortality, expressing anguish over the fading presence of the ancient gods and the relentless passage of time. The subsequent transitions into poems like "In the Bay" and "A Forsaken Garden" deepen the exploration of nature and the human psyche's relationship with beauty and despair. Swinburne's vivid imagery and passionate expressions set a hauntingly reflective tone, as he grapples with the intersections of life, death, and art, inviting readers into a world both melancholic and reverent with nostalgia for lost ideals.
E. M. (Eleanor Mary) Smith-Dampier
The Norse king's bridal : $b Translations from the Danish and old Norse, with original ballads
"The Norse King's Bridal: Translations from the Danish and Old Norse, with Original Ballads" by E. M. Smith-Dampier is a poetic collection published in the early 20th century. The book features translations of traditional ballads from Danish and Old Norse literature alongside original compositions by the author. The primary topic centers on Scandinavian folklore and mythology, bringing forth the rich tapestry of ancient tales that encompass themes of love, bravery, and fate among Nordic kings and warriors. The collection is an impressive assortment of stories that explore various characters and legends, particularly focusing on the themes of love and conflict. In "The Norse King's Bridal," the narrative unfolds the heartache of a bride caught between duty and true love, highlighting her choice between marrying the king or remaining true to her beloved knight, Sir Biörn. Other poems showcase tales of storied adventures, such as the ballad of "The Drowning of John Remorsson," which illustrates the tragic fate of a steersman, and "Agnes and the Merman," which tells of a young woman's descent into the depths of the ocean after falling in love with a merman, resulting in a poignant exploration of love and sacrifice. Overall, this book beautifully integrates poetic form with storytelling from Nordic mythology, offering readers a glimpse into the ancient narratives that shaped Scandinavian culture.
Charles Dickens
The Loving Ballad of Lord Bateman
"The Loving Ballad of Lord Bateman" by Dickens and Thackeray is a narrative poem written in the early 19th century. This work combines elements of romantic adventure and folklore, showcasing the tale of a noble lord's exploits. It serves as a ballad that captures themes of love, captivity, and the complexities of desire, reflecting the broader romantic traditions of its time. The story revolves around Lord Bateman, a nobleman who embarks on a journey but finds himself captured in Turkey. While imprisoned, he is aided by the beautiful daughter of his captor, who gives him love and support before he returns to his homeland. After seven years, a twist of fate occurs when she seeks him out, only to find that he has married another. However, Lord Bateman's devotion to his first love remains strong, leading to a comical resolution where he manages to juggle both relationships, ultimately relying on social status and wealth to navigate his romantic dilemmas. This light-hearted ballad illustrates both the absurdity and charm of love's trials.
Various
Old Ballads
"Old Ballads by Various" is a collection published between 1723-1725 in three volumes in London. It was the second major collection of British folksongs to be published, featuring genuine traditional ballads like "Chevy Chase" and "The Suffolk Miracle" alongside Robin Hood tales and Scottish songs. The first printed collection aimed at genuinely old folksongs, it presented 159 texts without musical notation. Its publication inspired Allan Ramsay to create his own collection within a year, marking an important moment in preserving folk tradition.
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