Ballads of Robin Hood and other Outlaws Popular Ballads of the Olden Times - Fourth Series

A rich anthology of England and Scotland’s most beloved folk songs, this volume brings together 143 traditional ballads that have shaped the landscape of oral storytelling for centuries. The editor’s careful selection omits fragmented or obscure pieces, focusing instead on narratives that still echo with humor, romance, and the gritty charm of outlaw legends. Each ballad is presented with mindful notes that explain variations, historical context, and the decisions that guided their inclusion.

Among the highlights are the legendary Robin Hood verses, offering a glimpse into the mythic world of the green‑clad archer and his merry band before the tales grew tangled with later invention. Listeners will also discover lesser‑known ditties of love, miracle, and mirth, many of which have survived only in these careful transcriptions. The collection feels like a journey through centuries‑old campfires, where every refrain invites you to imagine the voices that first sang them.