A Book of Old Ballads - Complete

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Nichols, Beverley, 1898-1983

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"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. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Contents:

Foreword

Mandalay

The frolicksome duke

The knight and shepherd's daughter

King Estmere

King John and the Abbot of Canterbury

Barbara Allen's Cruelty

Fair Rosamond

Robin Hood and Guy of Gisborne

The boy and the mantle

The heir of Linne

King Cophetua and the beggar maid

Sir Andrew Barton

May Collin

The blind beggar's daughter of Bednall Green

Thomas the rhymer

Young Beichan

Brave Lord Willoughbey

The Spanish lady's love

The friar of orders gray

Clerk Colvill

Sir Aldingar

Edom O' Gordon

Chevy Chace

Sir Lancelot du Lake

Gil Morrice

The Child of Elle

Child Waters

King Edward IV and the tanner of Tamworth

Sir Patrick Spens

The Earl of Mar's daughter

Edward, Edward

King Leir and his three daughters

Hynd Horn

John Brown's body

Tipperary

The bailiff's daughter of Islington

The three ravens

The gaberlunzie man

The wife of Usher's Well

The lye

The ballad of Reading Gaol.

Credits:

Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Phil McLaury, Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team

Notes:

Reading ease score: 81.1 (6th grade). Easy to read.

Release date is 2005-02-01