English and Scottish Ballads by Child, Francis James - 1877

Boston: James R. Osgood and Co, 1877. 12mo. In eight volumes. The editor has collected those ballads written in the 18th century or earlier. In the preface, the author gives a listing of what each book contains, for example; Volume I contains ballads involving superstitions of various kinds, fairies, elves, legends of popular heroes and more. Volume six are ballads of Outlaws, especially Border Outlaws, of Border Foray and feuds, etc. The other volumes contains historical ballads, humorous, satirical, burlesque, love and tragic ballads and more. Bound in 3/4 tan calf over marbled paper covered boards, raised bands, red and black contrasting morocco labels gilt, compartments fully gilt decorated, marbled endpapers and marbled edges, some scuffing or rubbing, minor chipping to spine ends, volume seven has a chip through the outer margins of a few leaves, volume four with a chip to upper label, some staining to bindings, previous owner's gift inscription. A good set.