In 'A Collection of Ballads,' Andrew Lang resurrects the arcane artistry of traditional narrative verse, curating a compendium that is as much a tapestry of cultural folklore as it is a literary treasure. The anthology showcases the rhythmic, oral tradition of storytellinga style deeply embedded in human history and predicated on the profound human penchant for rhythm and melody in narratives. Lang's compilation is a testament to the enduring resonance of this form within the literary context; it is a meticulous alignment of language and culture, rendered in verse that speaks across time and place.Andrew Lang's scholarly expertise in anthropology and folklore breathes life and authenticity into 'A Collection of Ballads.' His scholarly pursuits and his role as a pivotal figure in the collection and preservation of fairy tales and folklore have culminated in this careful selection of ballads. Drawing upon his varied experiences and knowledge, Lang imbues this collection with a palpable reverence for the historical and sociological significance of these narrative poems, thus providing illumination on traditions that span centuries.Deserving a place on the bookshelves of poets, historians, and enthusiasts alike, 'A Collection of Ballads' is recommended for anyone drawn to the power of words and the compelling tapestry of human experience they weave. Lang's erudite selection beckons readers to delve into the rhythmic storytelling of yesteryear, offering a transcendent journey through the crests and troughs of human emotion and intellect. For those seeking to appreciate the roots of literary tradition and to feel the pulse of collective memory, this anthology is an essential and timeless read.

Andrew Lang (18441912) was a Scottish poet, novelist, literary critic, and contributor to the field of anthropology. He is best known for his promotion of folklore and mythology, as exemplified by his colorful Fairy Books, which were seminal in popularizing the fairy tale genre. Born in Selkirk, Lang was educated at the University of St. Andrews and Balliol College, Oxford. While his academic pursuits began with classics and ancient history, he later turned his interests toward folklore and storytelling. 'A Collection of Ballads' showcases Lang's commitment to preserving traditional verse, reflecting his wider efforts in the study and compilation of folklore. He pioneered a comparative approach to myths and legends, believing that they were a cultural universal. Lang's erudition and literary output were immense, with works ranging from 'The Blue Fairy Book' (1889) to tomes on historical subjects such as 'The Mystery of Mary Stuart' (1901). In his literary critiques, he was a defender of the Romantic tradition against the encroaching tides of realism, best exemplified by his support of the high fantasy works of William Morris and others. His contributions extended into the realms of Homeric scholarship, while also taking an active role in the psychical research and spiritualism of his day. Lang was a polymath of prodigious output whose work continues to be read and studied for its breadth and depth, and for the window it offers into the literary and cultural preoccupations of the Victorian and Edwardian eras.