The English and Scottish popular ballads, volume 3 (of 5)

The third volume of this landmark anthology brings together a rich tapestry of English and Scottish folk songs, preserving the voices that once rang out in taverns and hearths across the British Isles. Compiled in the late nineteenth century by a network of scholars, the collection benefits from meticulous collation of manuscripts, broadsides, and early printed editions, offering listeners a reliable window into the oral tradition.

Among the most celebrated entries are dozens of Robin Hood adventures, from his daring encounter with the monk to the clever rescue of Little John, each piece revealing the outlaw’s wit, loyalty, and timeless appeal. The volume also includes lesser‑known gems such as “Johnie Cock,” “The Jolly Pinder of Wakefield,” and border‑land ballads that echo the cultural exchange between English and Slavic song. Listeners will appreciate the vivid storytelling, rhythmic verses, and the scholarly notes that illuminate historical context without interrupting the flow.