Book of Old English Ballads

by Hamilton Wright Mabie

This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.

Genres: Poetry

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1896

About the author

Hamilton Wright Mabie, A.M., L.H.D., LL.D. (1846–1916) was an American essayist, editor, critic, and lecturer.

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.