A Collection of Ballads

Name: A Collection of Ballads
Author: Andrew Lang

By Andrew Lang

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British Literature Mythology, Legends & Folklore Poetry

About This Book

An edited anthology gathers numerous traditional ballads from Britain, presented with an introductory essay and notes that compare variants and parallels. The selections range from maritime disasters and clan and border conflicts to love trysts, betrayals, murder, supernatural visits, laments, and outlaw episodes, often printed in alternative versions alongside commentary on language, motifs, and sources. Many pieces preserve lyric refrains, narrative stanzas, and regional dialect, and the editor annotates provenance, variations, and thematic connections to wider European and folk traditions. The volume functions as both a reader's compendium of vernacular song and a guide to ballad forms, motifs, and editorial choices.

About the Author

Andrew Lang

Andrew Lang was a Scottish poet, novelist, and literary critic, known for his contributions to folklore and mythology. He is perhaps best recognized for his work "A Collection of Ballads," which showcases his interest in traditional narratives. Lang was a prolific writer, producing numerous essays and books on various subjects, including history and literature. His literary style often blended humor with scholarly insight, making his works accessible to a broad audience. In addition to his original writings, he is celebrated for his role in popularizing fairy tales through his collections, which have become integral to the study of folklore.