Customer Reviews

Scottish Ballads (Canongate Classics S.)

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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!