Scotland's ballads represent one of the high-water marks of Scottish literature and are famous as superb expressions of oral culture, reflecting a world of magic, deep passion, and history transformed into legend. This selection includes more than 80 of the finest ballads, together with an introduction, notes, and glosses. The versions come from the last three centuries—from the time of Burns and Scott, who were among the earliest collectors, up to the present day. Although the ballads are anonymous in a way, the singers themselves determine the versions we have, by a process of selection, interpretation, and refashioning. Wherever possible, this edition includes the names of the singers, many of whom were women. Edited and Introduced by Emily Lyle.
Scottish Ballads (Canongate Classics S.)
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
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"All of us should own and cherish Emily Lyle's trove of eighty unbelievably truthful songs." —Scotland on Sunday
About the Author
Emily Lyle, an internationally recognized ballad scholar, is a research fellow at the School of Scottish Studies in the University of Edinburgh, and is general editor of The Grieg-Duncan Folk song Collection.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Delightful !,
By Patricia T. (Indiana, originally) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Scottish Ballads (Hardcover)
This is a delightful collection of oral ballads recorded in printed form for historical preservation. But one can't help but feel the music of the language, preserved much like what one finds in Burns' poetry. The "songs" reveal the story and focus of historical Scotland --- the battles, the border skirmishes, the distrust of the English. They also depict the anguishes and joys of lords, lasses, ladies, and lairds in love, death, scandal, and betrayal. There is magic in the demons, devils,and elves, but delight throughout.If I were to change one thing, it would be to present the notes at the end as a preface to each of the respective ballads. The current publication appears to be directed towards those who are already familiar with its contents. The audience is far larger. It encompasses all those searching for an understanding of Scottish life and culture. It has been 200 years since my Scottish ancestors left its shores, but there is something in my genes that still sings with these ballads!
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