Lyrics from the Song-Books of the Elizabethan Age

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27129

Title

Lyrics from the Song-Books of the Elizabethan Age

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This anthology collects rare Elizabethan lyrics from song-books by composers like Byrd, Dowland, and Campion. It offers a companion to sixteenth-century miscellanies, featuring both sacred and secular songs. With Greek transliterations and scholarly notes, it appeals to lovers of classical form and lyrical perfection.

Summary up to 500 words

Edited by A.H. Bullen, *Lyrics from the Song-Books of the Elizabethan Age* serves as an essential companion to the *Poetical Miscellanies* of the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. This volume gathers a vast array of lyrics from major Elizabethan song-books, many of which were previously unknown even to scholars specializing in the era. The anthology features works by towering figures such as William Byrd, John Dowland, Thomas Campion, Thomas Weelkes, and Giles Farnaby, presenting a rich tapestry of secular love songs, sacred psalms, and madrigals. The collection highlights the unique artistic ambition of the Elizabethan age, where composers did not merely treat words as pegs for music but sought the services of true-born lyrists. Thomas Campion stands out as a prime example of this delicate perfection, having written both the words and music for his songs, achieving a form comparable to the choicest Greek epigrams. The text explores profound themes including the nature of love, the passage of time, and the contrast between courtly disguise and true hearts. Bullen's preface provides historical context, discussing the lives of these composers, their patrons, and the economics of music publishing. It notes that while some critics may have overrated the music of figures like Dowland, the poetry remains of exceptional merit. The volume addresses critical debates of the time, such as Campion's arguments against rhyme in favor of classical unrhymed metres, and Daniel's defense of rhyme. The anthology preserves original spelling inconsistencies while correcting minor punctuation, ensuring the text remains authentic to its source material. With footnotes explaining archaic terms and historical context, this volume stands as a testament to the lyrical skill and wealth of material available from the Elizabethan age, offering a comprehensive look at a period where music and poetry were inextricably linked.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/27129.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg27129.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-07-03 09:16 UTC

Categories

• Poetry
• Ballads
• Songs