English and Scottish Ballads, Volume V

About this book

English and Scottish Ballads, Volume V is a scholarly compilation edited by Francis James Child, printed in Boston in 1858. The volume opens with an extensive introductory essay that treats the legendary figure of Robin Hood as a cultural touchstone, tracing the evolution of his reputation from medieval yeomanry to the present day. The editor supplies a detailed contents list, enumerating more than thirty Robin Hood ballads and related fragments, and follows the introduction with a glossary and appendix that collate historical references, chronicle excerpts, and critical commentary. The text is presented in the conventions of nineteenth‑century scholarship, with footnotes, superscripts, and typographic markers for italics, bold, and small caps, all explained in the opening pages.

The prose reflects the Victorian era’s reverent yet analytical tone, blending literary description with historical inquiry. It will appeal to readers who enjoy the study of folklore, medieval literature, or the development of national myths, as well as to those who appreciate dense, well‑documented editions that preserve the original ballad forms while offering contextual insight.