
audiobook
BOOK OF BALLADS, Beverly Nichols, Complete
A BOOK OF OLD BALLADS - Selected and with an Introduction - by - BEVERLEY NICHOLS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
LIST OF COLOUR PLATES
FOREWORD - By - Beverley Nichols
MANDALAY
THE FROLICKSOME DUKE
THE KNIGHT & SHEPHERD'S DAUGHTER
KING ESTMERE
KING JOHN AND THE ABBOT OF CANTERBURY
Step into a chorus of centuries past, where each ballad unfolds like a lantern‑lit tale from the misty hills of Britain. From the tragic lament of the Earl’s daughter to the daring deeds of Robin Hood, the collection weaves love, betrayal, and heroic quests into vivid, sing‑song narratives. Narrated with clear, rhythmic cadence, the verses transport listeners to a time when storytellers sang the world’s mysteries into existence.
The foreword frames these ancient songs as a remedy for modern weariness, contrasting the outward‑gazing spirit of the old balladeers with today’s inward‑focused verse. As you listen, the rich language and evocative imagery—whether of haunted moors, regal courts, or battlefield echoes—bring the era’s raw emotion to life. Each piece stands alone, inviting you to linger over the timeless melodies that have survived wars, revolutions, and changing tides.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (232K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Phil McLaury, Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team
Release date
2005-02-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
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