Alf the Freebooter Little Danneved and Swayne Trost and other Ballads By: Thomas James Wise (1859-1937)
Thomas James Wise’s collection of ballads, Alf the Freebooter Little Danneved and Swayne Trost and other Ballads, offers readers a captivating journey through the realms of heroism, adventure, and romance. Wise skillfully weaves tales of gallant knights, fearless warriors, and forbidden love, invoking a strong sense of nostalgia for the chivalrous times of old. One of the greatest strengths of this collection lies in Wise’s ability to create vivid characters that leap off the page. Each ballad introduces us to a new protagonist, captivating us with their unique traits and compelling backstories. From the audacious Alf the Freebooter to the cunning Little Danneved, Wise breathes life into these iconic figures, making them relatable and engaging. Furthermore, the language and imagery employed throughout the book are nothing short of poetic. Wise’s command of words effortlessly transports the reader into each narrative, allowing us to visualize every scene with crystal clarity. The ballads brim with beautiful metaphors, descriptive language, and rhythm, heightening the reader's emotional connection to the stories. One can truly feel the pulse of the battles, the whispers of forbidden love, and the weight of honor through Wise’s writing. The ballads themselves encompass a wide range of themes, catering to readers of varying tastes. From valiant duels and epic quests to tender romances and tragic ends, there is something for everyone in this collection. Wise demonstrates his ability to adapt his storytelling style to fit each narrative, ensuring that the reader never feels stuck in a repetitive pattern. The variety of ballads keeps the book consistently fresh and engaging. However, one minor drawback can be found in the pacing of some of the ballads. Occasionally, the narrative flow seems rushed, sacrificing a deeper exploration of the characters or events. While this does not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the book, it leaves the reader yearning for a more detailed narrative in certain instances. In conclusion, Alf the Freebooter Little Danneved and Swayne Trost and other Ballads is a fantastic collection of riveting ballads that transports readers to a realm of knights, warriors, and love. Wise’s ability to craft compelling characters, coupled with his poetic language and imagery, ensures an immersive reading experience. While there are minor pacing issues, the overall quality of the ballads makes this collection a worthwhile read for fans of adventure and romance alike. First Page: ALF THE FREEBOOTER LITTLE DANNEVED AND SWAYNE TROST AND OTHER BALLADS BY GEORGE BORROW LONDON: PRINTED FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION 1913 Copyright in the United States of America by Houghton , Mifflin & Co. for Clement Shorter . SIR ALF THE FREEBOOTER Song the First Sir Alf he is an Atheling, Both at Stevn and at Ting. {5} Know ye little Alf ? Alf he builds a vessel stout, For he will rove and sail about. Alf he builds a vessel high, The trade of pirate he will try. He draws on the sand a circle mark, And with a bound he gained the bark. Upon the prow Alf foremost stood, And Copenhagen’s koggers view’d. O’er the wide sea he flung a look, He knew the course the vessels took. “There koggers nine salute mine eyes, All, all they bear shall be my prize.” Alone into a boat he goes, And briskly to the koggers rows. “Well met, ye Courtmen, clad in mail Unto what haven do ye sail?” “Unto that haven we are bound, Where Alf is likeliest to be found... Continue reading book >>

Alf the Freebooter Little Danneved and Swayne Trost and other Ballads By: Thomas James Wise (1859-1937)

Thomas James Wise’s collection of ballads, Alf the Freebooter Little Danneved and Swayne Trost and other Ballads, offers readers a captivating journey through the realms of heroism, adventure, and romance. Wise skillfully weaves tales of gallant knights, fearless warriors, and forbidden love, invoking a strong sense of nostalgia for the chivalrous times of old.

One of the greatest strengths of this collection lies in Wise’s ability to create vivid characters that leap off the page. Each ballad introduces us to a new protagonist, captivating us with their unique traits and compelling backstories. From the audacious Alf the Freebooter to the cunning Little Danneved, Wise breathes life into these iconic figures, making them relatable and engaging.

Furthermore, the language and imagery employed throughout the book are nothing short of poetic. Wise’s command of words effortlessly transports the reader into each narrative, allowing us to visualize every scene with crystal clarity. The ballads brim with beautiful metaphors, descriptive language, and rhythm, heightening the reader's emotional connection to the stories. One can truly feel the pulse of the battles, the whispers of forbidden love, and the weight of honor through Wise’s writing.

The ballads themselves encompass a wide range of themes, catering to readers of varying tastes. From valiant duels and epic quests to tender romances and tragic ends, there is something for everyone in this collection. Wise demonstrates his ability to adapt his storytelling style to fit each narrative, ensuring that the reader never feels stuck in a repetitive pattern. The variety of ballads keeps the book consistently fresh and engaging.

However, one minor drawback can be found in the pacing of some of the ballads. Occasionally, the narrative flow seems rushed, sacrificing a deeper exploration of the characters or events. While this does not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the book, it leaves the reader yearning for a more detailed narrative in certain instances.

In conclusion, Alf the Freebooter Little Danneved and Swayne Trost and other Ballads is a fantastic collection of riveting ballads that transports readers to a realm of knights, warriors, and love. Wise’s ability to craft compelling characters, coupled with his poetic language and imagery, ensures an immersive reading experience. While there are minor pacing issues, the overall quality of the ballads makes this collection a worthwhile read for fans of adventure and romance alike.

First Page:

ALF THE FREEBOOTER LITTLE DANNEVED AND SWAYNE TROST

AND OTHER BALLADS

BY GEORGE BORROW

LONDON: PRINTED FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION

1913

SIR ALF THE FREEBOOTER Song the First

Sir Alf he is an Atheling, Both at Stevn and at Ting. {5} Know ye little Alf ?

Alf he builds a vessel stout, For he will rove and sail about.

Alf he builds a vessel high, The trade of pirate he will try.

He draws on the sand a circle mark, And with a bound he gained the bark.

Upon the prow Alf foremost stood, And Copenhagen’s koggers view’d.

O’er the wide sea he flung a look, He knew the course the vessels took.

“There koggers nine salute mine eyes, All, all they bear shall be my prize.”

Alone into a boat he goes, And briskly to the koggers rows.

“Well met, ye Courtmen, clad in mail Unto what haven do ye sail?”

“Unto that haven we are bound, Where Alf is likeliest to be found... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Poetry

eBook links
Wikipedia – Thomas James Wise
Wikipedia – Alf the Freebooter Little Danneved and Swayne Trost and other Ballads

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac