THE BALLAD BOOK OF JOHN JACOB NILES

by John Jacob Niles

The 110 ballads included in this volume by folklorist and balladeer John Jacob Niles are the American versions of classic English balladry, many tragic, like "Jimmy Randal" and "Barb'ry Ellen", some bawdy, and some just plain funny, like "The Farmer and the Devil". Each of Niles", main entries includes a general introduction to the scholarly background and presumed history of the ballad in English, and each variant includes tales of his adventures among his colorful informants. A rare combination of good folklore and clear modern performing versions of many of the core songs of the American folk tradition, The Ballad Book is an essential volume for any performer or devotee of American folk music.

Genres: Music

Unknown Binding

First published June 1, 1961