The Oxford Book of Ballads
Paperback
Fiction AnthologiesPoetry AnthologiesGeneral Poetry
ISBN13: 9781025353135
Publisher: Tradd Street Press
Published: Feb 14 2026
Pages: 904
Weight: 2.73
Height: 1.79 Width: 6.14 Depth: 9.21
Language: English
The Oxford Book of Ballads is a definitive anthology of traditional British poetry, curated to showcase the rich heritage of oral storytelling and communal song. This collection brings together the finest examples of English and Scottish ballads, spanning centuries of cultural history and preserving the authentic voices of the folk tradition. The volume is organized into thematic sections, covering a vast range of human experience-from tragic tales of betrayal and heroic deeds to romantic legends and supernatural encounters.
The work emphasizes the rhythmic power and lyrical simplicity of the ballad form. Readers will encounter classic narratives such as Sir Patrick Spens, The Twa Corbies, and the legendary cycles of Robin Hood, alongside numerous regional songs that highlight the diversity of the British Isles. Each selection reflects the raw emotional intensity and narrative clarity that define the genre. As a vital contribution to the study of English literature, The Oxford Book of Ballads serves as an essential resource for those interested in folklore, history, and the evolution of poetic expression. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the oral tradition and its profound influence on the literary canon, offering a timeless exploration of the myths and realities that shaped a nation's identity.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
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