Books Should Be Free
Loyal Books
Free Public Domain Audiobooks & eBook Downloads
Search by: Title, Author or Keyword

Stories from the Ballads, Told to the Children

Book cover
By: (1876-1961)

In "Stories from the Ballads, Told to the Children," Mary Esther Miller MacGregor has successfully crafted a collection of classic tales that will captivate readers of all ages. The book is filled with timeless stories that have been passed down through generations, making it a wonderful read for both children and adults alike.

MacGregor's retellings of these traditional ballads are beautifully written, with vivid descriptions that bring the characters and settings to life. Each story is told in a clear and engaging manner, making it easy for readers to become fully immersed in the fantastical worlds she creates.

One of the standout features of the book is the moral lessons woven throughout each tale. From themes of bravery and loyalty to love and justice, MacGregor uses these stories to teach important values to her young readers in a subtle yet impactful way.

Overall, "Stories from the Ballads, Told to the Children" is a charming collection that is sure to entertain and inspire readers of all ages. MacGregor's talent for storytelling shines through in every page, making this book a must-read for anyone who enjoys classic folklore and fairy tales.

Book Description:
Listen, children, for you will wish to hear where I found the tales which I have told you in this little book. It is long, oh! so long ago, that they were sung up hill and down dale by wandering singers who soon became known all over the country as minstrels, or ofttimes, because they would carry with them a harp, as harpers. In court, in cottage, by princes and by humble folk, everywhere, by every one the minstrels were greeted with delight. To such sweet music did they sing the songs or ballads which they made or perchance had heard, to such sweet music, that those who listened could forget nor tale nor tune. In those far-off days of minstrelsy the country was alive with fairies. Over the mountains, through the glens, by babbling streams and across silent moors, the patter of tiny feet might be heard, feet which had strayed from Elfinland. It was of these little folk and of their visits to the homes of mortals that the minstrels sang. Sterner songs too were theirs, songs of war and bloodshed, when clan fought with clan and lives were lost and brave deeds were done. Of all indeed that made life glad or sad, of these the minstrels sang. From town to village, from court to inn they wandered, singing the old songs, adding verses to them here, dropping lines from them there, singing betimes a strain unheard before, until at length the day came when the songs were written down. It was in the old books that thus came to be written that I first found these tales, and when you have read them perhaps you will wish to go yourself to the same old books, to find many another song of love and hate, of joy and sorrow. - Summary by Mary Macgregor


Stream audiobook and download chapters




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

Review this book



Popular Genres
More Genres
Languages
Paid Books