Forget everything you know about modern storytelling. 'The Book of Old English Ballads' isn't a novel with a linear plot. Instead, it's a carefully curated museum of sound. George Wharton Edwards acted as a collector, gathering the lyrical poems and songs that formed the popular entertainment of medieval and early modern England. These ballads were the news, the soap operas, and the epic films of their day, sung in taverns and recited in villages.

The Story

There isn't one story—there are dozens. You'll meet the doomed lovers in 'Barbara Allen', where a scorned woman's ghostly regret becomes legend. You'll ride with the rebellious 'Robin Hood' and his Merry Men as they outwit the Sheriff. You'll feel the chill of the supernatural in 'The Wife of Usher's Well', where a mother's grief summons her dead sons home for one last night. Each ballad is a compact, powerful burst of emotion, often dealing with love, loss, betrayal, adventure, and justice. The language is direct, rhythmic, and meant to be heard, not just read.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a revelation. It shows you the raw roots of so many stories we still tell today. Reading these ballads, you realize how little human nature has changed—we've always been obsessed with tragic romance, rooting for the underdog, and getting spooked by a good ghost story. Edwards's illustrations add a wonderful layer of atmosphere, giving a face to these ancient tales. It’s surprisingly easy to get swept up in the rhythm and drama.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect book for anyone with a curiosity about where stories come from. It's a treasure for folklore enthusiasts, history lovers who want to go beyond dates and battles, and writers looking for inspiration in classic narrative forms. It's also just a great, atmospheric read for a rainy afternoon. Dive in, and let these centuries-old voices tell you their unforgettable tales.