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Ballads, English -- Texts Books
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Reliques of Ancient English Poetry, Volume 1 (of 3) Consisting of Old Heroic Ballads, Songs and Other Pieces of Our Earlier Poets Together With Some Few of Later Date
"Reliques of Ancient English Poetry, Volume 1 (of 3)" by Percy and Wheatley is a collection of ballads published in 1765. Bishop Thomas Percy rescued ancient manuscripts from destruction and gathered traditional songs including "Sir Patrick Spens" and "The Ballad of Chevy Chase." Though Percy's editing methods drew criticism, his work captured public imagination and helped transform 18th-century literature from Neo-Classicism toward Romanticism. The collection inspired poets like Coleridge and Wordsworth, sparked folklore movements across Europe, and made ballad collecting a popular pursuit throughout the Western world.
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Reliques of Ancient English Poetry, Volume 2 (of 3) Consisting of Old Heroic Ballads, Songs and Other Pieces of Our Earlier Poets Together With Some Few of Later Date
"Reliques of Ancient English Poetry, Volume 2 (of 3)" by Percy and Wheatley is a collection of ballads published in 1765. This landmark anthology rescued forgotten English folk songs and popular ballads from obscurity, including tales of Robin Hood, border warfare, and legendary heroes. Bishop Thomas Percy gathered these works from a manuscript rescued from being used as fire kindling, broadside collections, and oral tradition. The collection helped transform eighteenth-century literature, inspiring Romantic poets like Coleridge and Wordsworth while sparking a passionate interest in folklore across Europe.
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Victorian Songs: Lyrics of the Affections and Nature
"Victorian Songs: Lyrics of the Affections and Nature" by Edmund H. Garrett is a collection of lyrical poems published in the late 19th century. The anthology showcases a variety of songs that express themes of love, nature, and the emotional landscapes of the Victorian era, featuring works by notable poets of the time, including Tennyson and Rossetti. This compilation, adorned with illustrations and an introduction by Edmund Gosse, aims to capture the essence of Victorian sentimentality and aesthetics through verse. The opening of the collection introduces readers to its structure and thematic focus, beginning with a quote from Tennyson that sets the tone for the lyrical journey ahead. Following this, it lists various included poems, indicating a wide range of styles and subjects that delve into the human experience of love and the beauty of nature. The beginning also hints at the blend of nostalgia and emotive storytelling that characterizes the Victorian lyrical tradition, preparing readers to engage with expressions that balance both melancholy and admiration for life's fleeting moments.
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Lyrics from the Song-Books of the Elizabethan Age
"Lyrics from the Song-Books of the Elizabethan Age" by A. H. Bullen is a collection of poetry and song lyrics compiled from various song-books of the Elizabethan period, created in the late 19th century. This anthology serves as a companion volume to the Poetical Miscellanies that highlight the lyrical quality and artistic merit of works from the late 16th and early 17th centuries, presenting an assortment of lyrical styles that exemplify the creative voices of the time. The opening of this anthology introduces the aim and significance of the collection, detailing Bullen's intent to provide readers with lesser-known lyrics from Elizabethan song-books that may not be widely recognized even by specialists. He highlights the importance of composers and their reliance on true lyricists, mentioning prominent figures like William Byrd and John Dowland, whose works have shaped the landscape of English poetry and music. Bullen's careful curation reveals his commitment to preserving the beauty and complexity of Elizabethan lyrics, setting the stage for a diverse exploration of themes ranging from love and nature to personal lamentation that characterizes the period’s artistry.
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A Book of Old Ballads — Complete
"A Book of Old Ballads — Complete" by Beverley Nichols is a collection of traditional ballads assembled in the early to mid-20th century. This anthology features a rich array of verses from English and Scottish folklore, focusing on themes of love, adventure, and the human experience. The ballads often reflect historical narratives and societal values that resonate with the spirit of past generations, customizing them for contemporary appreciation. The opening of this collection introduces readers to its purpose and context, emphasizing the enduring quality and vitality of these ballads compared to modern poetry. Beverley Nichols argues for the significance of these lyrical tales, claiming they capture a vibrant sense of patriotism and emotional directness that many contemporary works lack. He contrasts the outward-looking perspective of traditional ballad-singers with the more introspective nature of modern lyricists. Nichols suggests that the charm and historical essence of ballads serve not only as entertainment but also as indispensable cultural artifacts, providing a glimpse into the collective soul of humanity throughout the ages.
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Modern Street Ballads
"Modern Street Ballads" by John Ashton is a collection of songs and poems reflecting the social and cultural life of England, crafted during the late 19th century. This work offers a glimpse into the themes commonly encountered in street ballads, addressing various aspects of life such as love, social issues, humor, and historical events, showcasing the vibrant and sometimes gritty tapestry of everyday experiences during that era. The opening of the book sets the stage for this exploration, detailing the evolution and decline of street ballads as a popular form of entertainment. Ashton laments their fading glory, describing how these ballads were rapidly produced to coincide with current events and were often accompanied by lively performances in public spaces. Through a series of humorous anecdotes and a variety of ballads, he illustrates the approachable and often rough nature of this art form, while emphasizing its historical significance and the lively cultures that surrounded it, thereby inviting readers to engage with both the literal content and the broader societal context of the ballads.
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Reliques of Ancient English Poetry, Volume 3 (of 3) Consisting of Old Heroic Ballads, Songs and Other Pieces of Our Earlier Poets Together With Some Few of Later Date
"Reliques of Ancient English Poetry, Volume 3 (of 3)" by Percy and Wheatley is a ballad collection published in 1765. This groundbreaking anthology gathered 180 traditional ballads and songs from manuscripts and oral sources, including famous works like "Sir Patrick Spens" and Robin Hood tales. Bishop Thomas Percy's collection captured public imagination, inspiring Romantic poets like Coleridge and Wordsworth while helping shift literary taste from Neo-Classicism toward Romanticism. The work sparked a movement in folklore collecting across Europe and established the study of oral poetry as a serious pursuit.
Frank Sidgwick
Ballads of Romance and Chivalry Popular Ballads of the Olden Times - First Series
"Ballads of Romance and Chivalry" by Frank Sidgwick is a collection of traditional ballads compiled and edited in the early 20th century. This compilation focuses on the themes of romance and chivalry that permeate ancient English and Scottish ballads, aiming to honor their oral traditions and historical significance. The intention is to showcase narratives that highlight human emotions, conflicts, and the cultural fabric of past eras. The opening of the collection sets the stage for a deep exploration of ballads, beginning with a preface that distinguishes between genuine traditional ballads and later imitative works. Sidgwick emphasizes the rich lineage of these songs, which have been lovingly passed down through generations despite variations in form and detail. The reader is introduced to the approach he undertakes, valuing authenticity and a faithful representation of the original contexts from which these tales arise, ultimately inviting readers to both enjoy and reflect on the intricate stories within this historical tapestry.
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English Songs and Ballads
"English Songs and Ballads" by T. W. H. Crosland is a compilation of well-known poetic pieces from various authors, indicating its origin in the late 19th to early 20th century. This collection brings together English songs and ballads that are likely to resonate with the general taste, rather than the compiler's individual preferences. It serves as an anthology of celebrated works that reflect the rich heritage of English poetry. The opening of the anthology presents a note that outlines the compiler's intention to curate poems that resonate with a broad audience. Following this, an index of first lines gives readers an immediate overview of the diverse selection within the collection, spanning various themes and emotions expressed in English poetry. The first excerpt introduces a song titled "My Swete Sweting," showcasing themes of love and affection, while also hinting at other poetic works included in the compilation. The collection overall serves as a window into the poetic landscape of English literature, illustrating the emotional depth and stylistic variety present in traditional songs and ballads.
Frank Sidgwick
Ballads of Mystery and Miracle and Fyttes of Mirth Popular Ballads of the Olden Times - Second Series
"Ballads of Mystery and Miracle and Fyttes of Mirth" by Frank Sidgwick is a collection of traditional ballads likely compiled in the late 19th century. This anthology focuses on themes of the supernatural, folklore, and human emotion, exploring narratives that range from love and transformation to the supernatural and miraculous events. The opening of this collection outlines its structure and themes, emphasizing that the ballads are roughly categorized into sections related to superstition, sacred origins, repartee, and merry tales. The introduction highlights the significance of Scottish contributions to these narratives, indicating a rich cultural heritage. The initial ballads, such as "Thomas Rymer," recount stories of love, fate, and encounters with the fantastical, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of human experience through these lyrical tales.
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A Book of Old Ballads — Volume 4
"A Book of Old Ballads — Volume 4" by Beverley Nichols is a collection of traditional ballads compiled and introduced by the author during the early 20th century. This anthology features a selection of lyrical narratives that reflect the folk traditions and storytelling methods of earlier centuries, with a focus on themes of love, loss, and moral lessons. The text showcases a variety of pieces, maintaining the historical essence of the ballads while appealing to modern readers. The content within this collection is diverse, encompassing well-known ballads such as "Edward, Edward" and "King Leir and His Three Daughters." Each ballad tells a compelling story, often steeped in tragedy and poignant emotion. For instance, "Edward, Edward" portrays a son's grim confession to his mother regarding the murder of his father, while "King Leir and His Three Daughters" recounts a tale of betrayal and familial strife reminiscent of Shakespeare's version. The collection also includes musical pieces like "John Brown's Body" and "It's a Long Way to Tipperary," showcasing the cultural significance of these songs in relation to historical events. Overall, the volume serves as both a tribute to the rich tradition of balladry and a significant contribution to preserving the art of storytelling through verse.
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A Book of Old Ballads — Volume 2
"A Book of Old Ballads — Volume 2" by Beverley Nichols is a collection of traditional ballads likely written during the early 20th century. This book showcases various narratives, often revolving around themes of love, betrayal, heroism, and adventure, reflecting the rich storytelling tradition of English poetry. Each ballad within this collection is presented with its unique characters and compelling tales, inviting readers to explore the emotions and morals encapsulated in the verses. The book features a number of classic tales, such as “The Heir of Linne,” which tells the story of a reckless lord who squanders his wealth and ultimately seeks redemption, and “King Cophetua and the Beggar Maid,” a tale of love transcending social classes. Other ballads, like “Sir Andrew Barton” and “The Blind Beggar's Daughter of Bednall Green,” highlight themes of valor and unexpected twists of fate, capturing the imagination and moral lessons of the characters involved. Through its varied and engaging stories, this collection offers a glimpse into the societal values and narrative forms of its time, making it a valuable read for those interested in folklore and historical literature.
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