A Book of Old English Ballads

by George Wharton Edwards

George Wharton Edwards (1859-1950) was an American impressionist painter and illustrator and author of several books of travel and historical subjects. His books often included his own illustrations. Ballads deal with historical events or incidents, with local traditions, with personal adventure or achievement. They are objective unlike poetry of the period. Ballads are often found in the remote villages where they are sung and passed down through the generations. Ballads in this collection include some of the most popular and enduring ballads in the english language.

Genres: Poetry

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1896

About the author

George Wharton Edwards (1859-1950) was an American impressionist painter and illustrator, and the author of several books of travel and historical subjects.

Reviews

[Murray Kriner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Copy dates from about the turn of the Century, circa 1896. Excellent reprint all in the original middle-English spelling, which gives an indication of the pronunciation common at that time. Rag content papers which haven't yellowed badly, and beautifully illustrated with period images of the characters and flourish imparted to headers and footnote areas. The tales of Chevy Chase, Fair Rosamond, Flodden Field, Robin Hood, The Fause Lover, The Mermaid, just to name several listed. Much to my joy not all the ballads had moral attached, and seemed to be happy just relating the unique events as they must have been told many hundreds of years ago. There is a lilt to the way they are written, giving an indication that many were accompanied with song, with a harp or lute most likely used. I read it twice I enjoyed it so thoroughly, and still would read it again, as many of the pieces are most brief. A wonderful experience from beginning to finish.

[David Sterritt]

“A Book of Old English Ballads,” published by Macmillan in 1896, taps into a form of poetry I’ve always loved for its rhythm, its antique vocabulary and orthography, its narrative drama, and the artful repetitions that align it with some of my other cultural enthusiasms. This edition doesn’t include all the greats - the superb “Lord Randall” is regrettably absent - but there are many fine classics, from the delicious morbidity of “The Twa Corbies” to the musical pulse of “Sir Patrick Spens” and a few items from the Robin Hood legend. The edition’s “decorative drawings” by George Wharton Edwards, some in color and some not, are elaborate and beautiful. A fine volume. Highly recommended.

[Thabitta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreamy as well as bloody. Completely enjoyable. Could serve as a mean coffee table book!

[John Majerle]

Nice introduction to the medieval tradition of English ballad.