The Book of Old English Ballads

"The Book of Old English Ballads" by George Wharton Edwards is a collection that presents a window into the heart of old English storytelling. It revives traditional ballads, echoing tales of love, loss, heroic feats, and legendary characters. The author sets the scene by emphasizing the ballads' roots within the community, highlighting how these objective narratives mirrored the shared experiences of the people. The book starts with "Chevy Chace," a ballad that plunges straight into a deadly hunting competition turned battle between English and Scottish nobles, highlighting the valor and tragedy that marks much of the anthology.