The Book of Brave Old Ballads

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25480

Title

The Book of Brave Old Ballads

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A vibrant collection of traditional English ballads featuring legendary figures like Robin Hood, King Edward IV, and the Heir of Linne. Illustrated with colored engravings, this volume captures the spirit of medieval folklore through tales of adventure, wit, and moral redemption, offering readers an engaging glimpse into historical storytelling.

Summary up to 500 words

The Book of Brave Old Ballads presents a curated collection of classic English ballads, offering a vivid window into the moral complexities, heroic deeds, and rustic humor of medieval and early modern England. Each narrative is rich in detail, supported by John Gilbert's colored engravings that enhance the visual storytelling for audiences of all ages. The volume opens with "Robin Hood and Guy of Gisborne," a tale of archery prowess and betrayal set in Sherwood Forest. Here, the outlaw Robin Hood confronts the traitorous yeoman Guy of Gisborne. After a fierce duel where both men prove their skill, Robin slays his rival, displaying the head on his bow before donning Gisborne's horse-hide cloak. The story highlights the consequences of treachery and the enduring legend of the greenwood heroes. In "The Childe of Elle," themes of true love and feudal conflict emerge as a young knight risks his life to rescue Emmeline from an arranged marriage to a cruel northern lord. The narrative underscores the dangers of political alliances and the power of genuine affection to defy social constraints. Humor and class dynamics take center stage in "King Edward IV and the Tanner of Tamworth." The monarch encounters a humble tanner who mistakes the king for a thief due to his simple attire. Through a series of witty exchanges and a daring exchange of mounts, the tanner earns the king's favor, receiving land and knighthood. The tale satirizes royal pretension while celebrating the dignity of honest labor. "The Heir of Linne" serves as a cautionary tale regarding extravagance and redemption. A nobleman squanders his vast inheritance on revelry until he is left destitute. Following his father's dying wish, he retreats to a lonely lodge where he finds a noose intended to end his shame. However, the ceiling bursts open to reveal hidden wealth and a message urging him to amend his life. He vows to change his ways, eventually discovering his true noble lineage and restoring his honor. Finally, "The King and the Miller of Mansfield" follows a lost royal mistaken for a thief by a kind-hearted miller. The miller and his son shelter the king, serving him venison and ale despite the risk of execution. When the king's nobles arrive, the miller trembles in fear, but the monarch rewards the family with knighthood and a generous pension, praising their hospitality and integrity. Together, these ballads explore the interplay between power and humility, the rewards of loyalty, and the enduring appeal of folk traditions. The collection remains accessible and entertaining, preserving the spirit of brave old tales for modern readers.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/25480.epub.noimages

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data/epubs/pg25480.epub

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2026-07-04 14:50 UTC

Categories

• English Literature
• Ballads