A Book of Old Ballads By: Beverley Nichols (1899-1983)
Beverley Nichols' A Book of Old Ballads is a captivating journey into the world of traditional English ballads. Nichols skillfully curates a collection of these timeless verses, showcasing his deep appreciation for the enchanting storytelling that has endured through the ages. One of the remarkable aspects of this anthology is Nichols' meticulous attention to detail. Each ballad is presented with historical context and insightful commentary, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in the narratives. Nichols effortlessly transports us to distant times and places, where knights roam, maidens pine, and supernatural beings lurk in the shadows. What sets A Book of Old Ballads apart is its ability to evoke a range of emotions. From heart-wrenching tragedies to lighthearted tales of love and adventure, Nichols' selection encompasses the breadth of human experiences. Reading through these ballads, one cannot help but become emotionally invested in the characters and their struggles. Nichols' language is both lyrical and accessible, making this collection suitable for both scholars and casual readers. With each turn of the page, the rhythmic lines and poetic imagery transport us to a bygone era. It is as if we are seated around a crackling fire, listening to a minstrel strumming his lute and regaling us with tales that have captivated audiences for generations. Furthermore, A Book of Old Ballads serves as a reminder of the enduring power of oral traditions. These ballads, passed down through generations, have not lost their allure. Reading them now, it becomes clear why they have persisted over centuries, continuing to resonate with readers today. Perhaps the only criticism one might offer is that some of the ballads could have benefited from a more comprehensive introduction. While Nichols provides illuminating insights for several of the selected pieces, a few others are left somewhat out of context. Nevertheless, this minor flaw does not detract from the overall enjoyment and appreciation of the collection. In conclusion, A Book of Old Ballads is a delightful exploration of a rich literary heritage. Beverley Nichols' careful curation and thoughtful annotations breathe new life into these ancient verses. Whether you are a lover of English folklore or simply seek a mesmerizing read, this anthology is sure to transport you to a world where legends are born and timeless stories are woven. First Page: A BOOK OF OLD BALLADS Selected and with an Introduction by BEVERLEY NICHOLS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The thanks and acknowledgments of the publishers are due to the following: to Messrs. B. Feldman & Co., 125 Shaftesbury Avenue, W.C. 2, for "It's a Long Way to Tipperary"; to Mr. Rudyard Kipling and Messrs. Methuen & Co. for "Mandalay" from Barrack Room Ballads ; and to the Executors of the late Oscar Wilde for "The Ballad of Reading Gaol." "The Earl of Mar's Daughter", "The Wife of Usher's Well", "The Three Ravens", "Thomas the Rhymer", "Clerk Colvill", "Young Beichen", "May Collin", and "Hynd Horn" have been reprinted from English and Scottish Ballads , edited by Mr. G. L. Kittredge and the late Mr. F. J. Child, and published by the Houghton Mifflin Company. The remainder of the ballads in this book, with the exception of "John Brown's Body", are from Percy's Reliques , Volumes I and II. CONTENTS FOREWORD MANDALAY THE FROLICKSOME DUKE THE KNIGHT AND SHEPHERD'S DAUGHTER KING ESTMERE KING JOHN AND THE ABBOT OF CANTERBURY BARBARA ALLEN'S CRUELTY FAIR ROSAMOND ROBIN HOOD AND GUY OF GISBORNE THE BOY AND THE MANTLE THE HEIR OF LINNE KING COPHETUA AND THE BEGGAR MAID SIR ANDREW BARTON MAY COLLIN THE BLIND BEGGAR'S DAUGHTER OF BEDNALL GREEN THOMAS THE RHYMER YOUNG BEICHAN BRAVE LORD WILLOUGHBEY THE SPANISH LADY'S LOVE THE FRIAR OF ORDERS GRAY CLERK COLVILL SIR ALDINGAR EDOM O' GORDON CHEVY CHACE SIR LANCELOT DU LAKE GIL MORRICE THE CHILD OF ELLE CHILD WATERS KING EDWARD IV AND THE TANNER OF TAMWORTH SIR PATRICK SPENS THE EARL OF MAR'S DAUGHTER EDWARD, EDWARD KING LEIR AND HIS THREE DAUGHTERS HYND HORN JOHN BROWN'S BODY TIPPERARY THE BAILIFF'S DAUGHTER OF ISLINGTON THE THREE RAVENS THE GABERLUNZIE MAN THE WIFE OF USHER'S WELL THE LYE THE BALLAD OF READING GAOL The source of these ballads will be found in the Appendix at the end of this book... Continue reading book >>

A Book of Old Ballads By: Beverley Nichols (1899-1983)

Beverley Nichols' A Book of Old Ballads is a captivating journey into the world of traditional English ballads. Nichols skillfully curates a collection of these timeless verses, showcasing his deep appreciation for the enchanting storytelling that has endured through the ages.

One of the remarkable aspects of this anthology is Nichols' meticulous attention to detail. Each ballad is presented with historical context and insightful commentary, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in the narratives. Nichols effortlessly transports us to distant times and places, where knights roam, maidens pine, and supernatural beings lurk in the shadows.

What sets A Book of Old Ballads apart is its ability to evoke a range of emotions. From heart-wrenching tragedies to lighthearted tales of love and adventure, Nichols' selection encompasses the breadth of human experiences. Reading through these ballads, one cannot help but become emotionally invested in the characters and their struggles.

Nichols' language is both lyrical and accessible, making this collection suitable for both scholars and casual readers. With each turn of the page, the rhythmic lines and poetic imagery transport us to a bygone era. It is as if we are seated around a crackling fire, listening to a minstrel strumming his lute and regaling us with tales that have captivated audiences for generations.

Furthermore, A Book of Old Ballads serves as a reminder of the enduring power of oral traditions. These ballads, passed down through generations, have not lost their allure. Reading them now, it becomes clear why they have persisted over centuries, continuing to resonate with readers today.

Perhaps the only criticism one might offer is that some of the ballads could have benefited from a more comprehensive introduction. While Nichols provides illuminating insights for several of the selected pieces, a few others are left somewhat out of context. Nevertheless, this minor flaw does not detract from the overall enjoyment and appreciation of the collection.

In conclusion, A Book of Old Ballads is a delightful exploration of a rich literary heritage. Beverley Nichols' careful curation and thoughtful annotations breathe new life into these ancient verses. Whether you are a lover of English folklore or simply seek a mesmerizing read, this anthology is sure to transport you to a world where legends are born and timeless stories are woven.

First Page:

A BOOK OF OLD BALLADS

Selected and with an Introduction

BEVERLEY NICHOLS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The thanks and acknowledgments of the publishers are due to the following: to Messrs. B. Feldman & Co., 125 Shaftesbury Avenue, W.C. 2, for "It's a Long Way to Tipperary"; to Mr. Rudyard Kipling and Messrs. Methuen & Co. for "Mandalay" from Barrack Room Ballads ; and to the Executors of the late Oscar Wilde for "The Ballad of Reading Gaol."

"The Earl of Mar's Daughter", "The Wife of Usher's Well", "The Three Ravens", "Thomas the Rhymer", "Clerk Colvill", "Young Beichen", "May Collin", and "Hynd Horn" have been reprinted from English and Scottish Ballads , edited by Mr. G. L. Kittredge and the late Mr. F. J. Child, and published by the Houghton Mifflin Company.

The remainder of the ballads in this book, with the exception of "John Brown's Body", are from Percy's Reliques , Volumes I and II.

CONTENTS

FOREWORD MANDALAY THE FROLICKSOME DUKE THE KNIGHT AND SHEPHERD'S DAUGHTER KING ESTMERE KING JOHN AND THE ABBOT OF CANTERBURY BARBARA ALLEN'S CRUELTY FAIR ROSAMOND ROBIN HOOD AND GUY OF GISBORNE THE BOY AND THE MANTLE THE HEIR OF LINNE KING COPHETUA AND THE BEGGAR MAID SIR ANDREW BARTON MAY COLLIN THE BLIND BEGGAR'S DAUGHTER OF BEDNALL GREEN THOMAS THE RHYMER YOUNG BEICHAN BRAVE LORD WILLOUGHBEY THE SPANISH LADY'S LOVE THE FRIAR OF ORDERS GRAY CLERK COLVILL SIR ALDINGAR EDOM O' GORDON CHEVY CHACE SIR LANCELOT DU LAKE GIL MORRICE THE CHILD OF ELLE CHILD WATERS KING EDWARD IV AND THE TANNER OF TAMWORTH SIR PATRICK SPENS THE EARL OF MAR'S DAUGHTER EDWARD, EDWARD KING LEIR AND HIS THREE DAUGHTERS HYND HORN JOHN BROWN'S BODY TIPPERARY THE BAILIFF'S DAUGHTER OF ISLINGTON THE THREE RAVENS THE GABERLUNZIE MAN THE WIFE OF USHER'S WELL THE LYE THE BALLAD OF READING GAOL

The source of these ballads will be found in the Appendix at the end of this book... Continue reading book >>

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