Book of Old English Ballads, A by George Wharton Edwards (1859 - 1950)

There's a particular kind of magic in the old stories told through song, the ones passed down long before they were ever written in a book. Book of Old English Ballads, A gives voice to that tradition, presenting George Wharton Edwards's curated collection of folk poetry and narrative songs. This LibriVox podcast offers a direct auditory path into a world of timeless tales, where each ballad unfolds with its own unique rhythm and character. You'll hear verses that capture the full spectrum of human experience-love and loss, heroism and betrayal, the supernatural and the steadfastly real. The readings aim to honor the original material's descriptive beauty and raw dramatic power, qualities that might surprise those who think of old poetry as distant or difficult. Instead, these are the songs of the people, meant to be heard. Tuning into this podcast is like discovering a forgotten wellspring of narrative, one that remains deeply refreshing for the modern listener. It’s an invitation to experience the genuine poetic feeling embedded in these enduring works, all through the accessible, volunteer-led efforts of the LibriVox community.