This is a good selection of traditional English and Scottish ballads, each provided with a brief scholarly introduction on sources and historical basis if any. American analogs are mentioned but not given in full. Th e ballads are divided into topical sections, romantic, tragic( a large group), historical, outlaw (2 Robin Hood ballads, Robin and Guy of Gisbourne and Robin and the Monk, plus Johnnie Cock, a poacher who dies fighting 7 foresters), supernatural, (another large category) and humorous (only three "Our Goodman" " The Farmer's Cursed Wife" , and "Get Up and Bar the Door"). All are well-chosen and effective. ( )