A Book of Old English Ballads

This collection of ballads contains some of the best known English folk lyrics. It should be noted that 'Old English' in this case doesn't mean 'Anglo-Saxon'; strictly speaking these are written in late Middle or early Modern English. This makes them accessible, even enjoyable, for a modern audience.

Many of these are from the Scottish border, and deal with clashes between the English and Scots in historical times. Others are set in an idealized 'Old England', including three ballads of Robin Hood. The ballads surprisingly feature well-constructed female characters, who are participants in the action, not just part of the backdrop. These lyrics give some insights, often grim in nature, into the culture and mindset of the middle ages.

Some of these ballads go on for dozens of verses, and form complete short stories. If your only experience of these ballads is through modern folk-song renditions, you owe it to yourself to sit down and get the whole story.