In 'Ballades& Rhymes from Ballades in Blue China and Rhymes a la Mode,' Andrew Lang reveals the full extent of his poetical gifts, with works steeped in the romantic and imaginative traditions of the 19th century. His ballades resonate with lyrical intensity and a melancholic wit, while deftly employing intricate rhyme schemes and refrain. Set against the broader backdrop of Victorian literature, where the ballade form enjoyed a revival, his poems in this collection, such as 'Ballade of the Midnight Forest,' 'Ballade of Dead Cities,' and 'Ballade of the Royal Game of Golf,' reflect his versatility and mastery of language, as well as an enduring love for the mythic and historical.nAndrew Lang, an accomplished Scottish poet, novelist, and anthropologist, was a renaissance man of letters. His wide-ranging intellect and passion for collection and scholarship are mirrored in his diverse body of work. The poems contained within this volume offer a window into a fascination with the past and folklore that is also evident in his renowned collections of fairy tales. Lang's erudition and his place amongst the great folklorists of his time provide a literary reservoir that enriches each ballade and rhyme.nThis collection invites readers with a penchant for classic literary forms and an appreciation for finely spun verse. Andrew Lang's ballades and rhymes are a testament to his enduring appeal, offering insights into a period of rich literary activity and the broader culture of storytelling. Fans of traditional poetry will find his rhythmic and rhyming structures engaging, while lovers of folklore and history will be captivated by Lang's creative invocation of bygone eras and legendary games.

Andrew Lang (18441912) was a prolific Scottish writer, poet, and literary critic, best known for his work in folklore and anthropology. He was born in Selkirk and educated at Edinburgh Academy, St Andrews University, and Balliol College, Oxford. Lang's varied career encompassed not only literature but also academic pursuits; he was a fellow in classics at Merton College, Oxford. As an author, Lang produced a multitude of works, including 'Ballades& Rhymes from Ballades in Blue China and Rhymes à la Mode' (1884), a collection that underscored his mastery of versification and his playful deployment of the ballade form. Lang's literary style was characterized by its versatility and erudition, often infused with a whimsical charm that endeared him to readers. Beyond poetry, he is perhaps best remembered for 'The Blue Fairy Book' (1889) and the series that followed. These fairy tale compilations have significantly contributed to the canon of children's literature. Additionally, his translations of Homer and his contributions to the field of psychical research reflect the breadth of his intellectual curiosities. Lang's influence extends into the 21st century, with his work continuing to be celebrated for its enchantment and linguistic elegance.