Until 18 th century literate world was not so much familiar with Books of Ballads . From this century onward scholars started writing stories in a song-like manner, known as Ballads. Usually Ballads follows simple repeating rhymes. From historical accounts to fairy tales, any fiction and events written in a verse form are called Ballads. It is also used to write period-songs based on historical and political events. Western stage-performances are also narrated in ballad form.
Some of the popular books of ballads are mentioned below:-
- The Book of Ballads by Charles Vess
- Big Book of Ballads by Hal Leonard Corp
- Ancient Spanish Ballads by J. G. Lockhart
- The Ballad of Cauldron Bay by Elizabeth Honey
- Oxford Book of Ballads, by Arthur Quiller-couch
- The Heritage Book of Ballads by MacEdward Leach
- English and Scottish ballads Ed. by Francis James Child
- The Ballad Book of John Jacob Niles by John Jacob Niles
- The Book of Old English Ballads by George Wharton Edwards
- A Ballad of the Civil War by Mary Stolz and Sergio Martinez
- Ballads and Dance Tunes Illustrative of the National Music of England by William Chappell
Ballads are usually meant to sing or recite the folk-lore of western countries, to enhance colloquial story telling. Books of Ballads are still considered a favorite among romantic poetry lovers.
