A Collection of Ballads

Andrew Lang

Dec 2019 · Good Press

About this ebook

In 'A Collection of Ballads' by Andrew Lang, readers are immersed in a poetic anthology that showcases the rich heritage of traditional ballads. Lang's meticulous curation of these timeless pieces provides a comprehensive insight into the narrative styles, themes, and motifs prevalent in balladry, highlighting their enduring literary significance. The lyrical beauty and rhythmic quality of the ballads captivate readers, while also offering a glimpse into the cultural and historical contexts in which they originated. Lang's commentary and analysis further enhance the reader's understanding and appreciation of each ballad, making this collection a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts of folklore and literary traditions. With a keen eye for detail and a profound appreciation for storytelling, Lang's 'A Collection of Ballads' stands as a testament to the enduring power of oral tradition and the art of storytelling. His passion for preserving these narratives shines through in this meticulously compiled anthology, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the essence of traditional folklore and poetic expression.

About the author

Andrew Lang's activities extended far beyond folklore. He was a historian, poet, journalist, translator, and anthropologist, in connection with his work on literary texts. Lang was born at Selkirk in Scotland and was educated at Edinburgh Academy, St. Andrews University, and Balliol College, Oxford University, becoming a fellow at Merton College. His poetry includes Ballads and Lyrics of Old France (1872), Ballades in Blue China (1880--81), and Grass of Parnassus (1888--92). His anthropology and his defense of the value of folklore as the basis of religion---his most influential work---is expressed in Custom and Myth (1884), Myth, Ritual and Religion (1887), and The Making of Religion (1898). He also translated Homer and critiqued James G. Frazer's views of mythology as expressed in The Golden Bough. He was considered a good historian, with a readable narrative style and knowledge of the original sources (e.g., History of Scotland [1900--7], James VI and the Gowrie Mystery [1902], and Sir George Mackenzie [1909]). In addition, he wrote some novels, not well thought of today; however, his critiques of contemporary novels are still highly regarded. Lang's popularity was established with his collections of "Fairy" books, which were always titled with a color, such as The Blue Fairy Book. These books preserved and handed down many of the better-known folk tales from the time; however, his use of the term "fairy" to cover all kinds of folk tales continues to plague scholars, who generally distinguish between the terms "fairy" and "folk," judging fairy tales to be more of a fanciful creation and less grounded in cultural experiences, customs, and beliefs.