The Penguin of English Song: A Journey Through the History of British Ballads

The Penguin of English Song is a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the history of British ballads. Written by renowned folklorist and music historian Steve Roud, the book traces the evolution of these traditional songs from their earliest origins to their modern-day incarnations.

Roud's approach is both scholarly and accessible, making the book an ideal resource for both academics and general readers interested in the history of music, folklore, and balladry.

The Penguin Book of English Song: Seven Centuries of Poetry from Chaucer to Auden (Penguin Classics)

by Richard Stokes

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3435 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	926 pages
Paperback	:	186 pages
Item Weight	:	9 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.42 x 9 inches
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

The History of British Ballads

The earliest British ballads date back to the Middle Ages, and they have been a popular form of entertainment ever since. Ballads were originally passed down orally from generation to generation, and they often reflected the social and political events of the day.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, ballads began to be printed and sold, and they reached a wider audience. This led to the development of new genres of ballads, such as broadside ballads and street ballads.

In the 19th century, ballads began to be collected and studied by folklorists. This led to a revival of interest in balladry, and many traditional ballads were recorded and preserved.

The Penguin of English Song

The Penguin of English Song is a collection of over 500 British ballads. The ballads are arranged chronologically, and they provide a comprehensive overview of the history of balladry in England.

Each ballad is accompanied by a detailed commentary by Roud. This commentary provides information on the ballad's history, its sources, and its cultural significance.

The Penguin of English Song is an essential resource for anyone interested in the history of music, folklore, and balladry. It is a comprehensive and engaging exploration of one of the most important genres of traditional music.

The Penguin of English Song is a valuable addition to the scholarship on British ballads. It is a comprehensive and accessible resource that will appeal to both academics and general readers. Roud's expert commentary provides a wealth of information on the history, sources, and cultural significance of these traditional songs.

The Penguin of English Song is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of music, folklore, and balladry.

Free Download the Book

The Penguin of English Song is available for Free Download from all major booksellers. You can also Free Download the book directly from the publisher, Penguin Random House.

About the Author

Steve Roud is a renowned folklorist and music historian. He is the author of several books on traditional music, including The Penguin Guide to Folk Music and The Broadside Ballad.

Roud is a Fellow of the English Folk Dance and Song Society and a member of the International Ballad Commission. He has lectured and performed widely on traditional music.

The Penguin Book of English Song: Seven Centuries of Poetry from Chaucer to Auden (Penguin Classics)

by Richard Stokes

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3435 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	926 pages
Paperback	:	186 pages
Item Weight	:	9 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.42 x 9 inches
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE