The Spook Ballads

audiobook

The Spook Ballads

by William Theodore Parkes

EN·~3 hours

Chapters

Description

A lively collection of comic verses, this book invites listeners into a world where ghosts, legends, and mischievous spirits are treated with a wink and a rhyme. Each ballad is crafted for easy recitation, its meter and rhyme schemes marching in step with the humor that underlies every tale. The poet’s own illustrations pepper the pages, turning each stanza into a visual gag as well as a verbal one.

The poems swing between outright farce and a surprisingly tender melancholy, offering everything from boisterous hauntings to wistful reflections on ancient myths. Irish folklore and Victorian superstition mingle with witty social commentary, giving each piece a distinct flavor while keeping the overall tone light‑hearted. The accompanying drawings range from droll caricatures to delicate sketches, enhancing the jokes and sometimes softening the bittersweet moments.

Perfect for listeners who enjoy rhythmic storytelling, the work’s brisk pacing and vivid imagery make it a delight to hear aloud. Whether you’re a fan of classic comic poetry or simply looking for a cheerful escape, these verses promise both laughter and a touch of the uncanny.

Details

Language

en

Duration

~3 hours (215K characters)

Publisher of text edition

Project Gutenberg

Credits

Produced by Irma Spehar, Eleni Christofaki and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)

Release date

2013-04-20

Rights

Public domain in the USA.

About the author

WT

William Theodore Parkes

d. 1908

A lively Irish writer and artist, he mixed ghostly themes with humor, parody, and a performer’s feel for dramatic storytelling. His best-known work, The Spook Ballads, turns the supernatural into something playful, strange, and entertaining.

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