English and Scottish Ballads, Volume VI

A richly compiled anthology of traditional English and Scottish ballads, this volume offers listeners a portal into the vibrant world of seventeenth‑ and eighteenth‑century folk song. The editor has retained original spellings and dialect while smoothing out typographical slips, so the language feels authentic yet clear enough for modern ears.

The collection moves from mischievous tricksters like the clever Lochmaben Harper, who outwits King Henry with a daring mare‑swap, to brooding outlaw tales, heroic battles and haunting laments. Each ballad is introduced with concise notes that point out variations and historical context, inviting you to follow the thread of recurring characters such as Johnie of Breadislee and Hughie Graham.

Listeners will hear the rhythmic storytelling that once rang out in taverns and market squares, complete with vivid images of rugged borders, fierce love, and the ordinary lives that sparked extraordinary verses. The result is a lively, immersive experience of the oral heritage that shaped Britain’s literary folklore.