A Collection of Ballads

"A Collection of Ballads" by Andrew Lang is a curated assortment of age-old ballads, complete with an educated beginning section and annotations, initially shared in the closing years of the 1800s. It contains a diverse array of ballads depicting past events, love stories, and customs, displaying the intricate woven pattern of storytelling verse from different societies, most notably those of Scotland and England. The book starts with words that explain the past and changes of ballads, looking at how they began as honest poetic words from different societies. It emphasizes how important these ballads are in mirroring the values, beliefs, and events of societies. This introduction prepares the reader for the ballads that follow, which include stories of daring, affection, and sorrow, like the account of Sir Patrick Spens and the Battle of Otterbourne, each filled with vivid descriptions and feelings, enticing readers into a world where history and legends are mixed together.