The Book of Ballads

by William Edmondstoune Aytoun, Theodore Martin, Richard Doyle (Illustrator)

This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1854

About the author

William Edmondstoune Aytoun FRSE was a Scottish poet, a lawyer by training, and Professor of Rhetoric and Belles Lettres at the University of Edinburgh. He published poetry, translation, prose fiction, criticism and satire and was a lifelong contributor to the Edinburgh literary periodical Blackwoods Magazine. He was also a collector of Scottish ballads.

In the early 1850s, Professor Aytoun lent his name as a supporter of the fledgling National Association for the Vindication of Scottish Rights. His distinctive legacy as a teacher has led to him being called the 'first modern professor of English Literature'.