A Book of Old Ballads — Volume 1

This volume gathers some of the most beloved English and Scottish ballads, from the haunting “Thomas the Rhymer” and “The Wife of Usher’s Well” to the lively “Three Ravens” and “John Brown’s Body.” Drawn from classic sources such as the Child and Percy collections, the selections preserve the rhythm and narrative drive that made these songs staples of oral tradition. Each piece is presented with care, allowing listeners to hear the centuries‑old storytelling that once echoed in taverns and hearths.

The introductory essay offers a thoughtful meditation on why these old songs still resonate. It contrasts the outward‑looking, vivid imagination of the ballad‑singer with the inward focus of much modern verse, highlighting the bright colours—blood‑red, sunrise gold, raven black—that give the poems their lasting power. The writer argues that these ancient melodies capture a world of mystery and adventure that modern life often forgets.

Accompanying the verses are beautifully rendered colour plates that evoke the scenes described in the ballads, from regal castles to misty moors. Together, the music and images invite listeners to step back in time and experience the raw, unfiltered emotions that have kept these songs alive for generations.