Description
Book SynopsisAn in-depth analysis of the creation of Child's opus, The English and Scottish Popular Ballads
Trade Review"This monument of research, synthesis, and reflection is a groundbreaking book that stands as its own major contribution to folklore and ballad studies and serves as a stimulus for further research--just as Child's own titanic work has done. I learned many things from this book, as will anyone who opens its pages."--Maureen N. McLane, author of
Balladeering, Minstrelsy, and the Making of British Romantic Poetry "A key text for English-language ballad studies."--Victorian Studies
"An important resource. Brown's project gives Anglo-American folksong scholarship a formidable point of reference to reexamine Child's ongoing impact on song scholarship and practice."--Journal of Folklore Research
"This illuminating study captures the richness of Francis James Child's labors on
The English and Scottish Popular Ballads through a patient scrutiny of his vast correspondence with a host of collaborators. In tracing Child's conclusions about the ballads, Brown provides valuable analysis of the letters that will be appreciated by ballad scholars, folklorists, and scholars of literature alike."--James Porter, founding editor of
The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music"I did not anticipate that a book about the writing of an earlier book, albeit a classic collection, could be so interesting, engaging, informative and exciting as this one. . . .Brown adds new material and insights, and brings the story together in a unified whole that is compelling, insightful, sometimes surprising, and beautifully written."--Folklore
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments ix
Prelude; The Project 1
1. The Man -- Francis James Child 7
THE ENGLISH AND SCOTTISH POPULAR BALLADS 2. The Description 71
3. The History of the Book -- Child's Great Temptation 78
CHILD'S GALLANT ARMY OF AUXILIARIES 4. The Transatlantic Collaborators 159
5. William Macmath -- Partner in the Ballad Cause 186
6. George Lyman Kittredge -- Literary Executor Extraordinaire 213
Postlude: Child's Ballad Concept Redux 231
Appendix A. Wanted, Old Ballads 249
Appendix B. Invitation 251
Appendix C. Prospectus 258
Appendix D. Rejected Pieces 260
Bibliography 265
Index 275
