Just spotted a "quaint and curious volume" on the local bookstore shelf. "The Book of Ballads" by Charles Vess with contributions from various known fantasy authors (Emma Bull, Charles DeLint, Terri Windling, etc.) Unlike what you might expect, this is a hardcover "graphic novel" (i.e. expensive comic book) in which an interpretation of the stories behind some old ballads are rendered in pictures & dialog. Also included are (one version of) the lyrics for each ballad. There is little history included, but there is a discography in the back to point the reader toward recordings & artists. This collection includes: The False Knight on the Road King Henry Thomas the Rhymer Barbara Allen The Three Lovers Tam Lin The Daemon Lover Twa Corbies Sovay The Galtree Farmer Allison Gross The Black Fox The Great Selkie of Sule Skerry I haven't read through it all yet - I actually picked it up as a gift for a friend - but a quick glance tells me some of the interpretations of the tales are... unexpected. For example in Barbra Allen, I never thought of William as one who was cursed with immortality until a lover would spurn him. I found this volume in the Sci-Fi/Fantasy section of Barnes & Noble books, so it seems to be targeted at a different market than those who are current fans of old songs. Personally, I think this is a fine idea - get an interest in the old songs into new hearts. On the other hand, some of the treatments could be considered an injustice to the folk tradition. I think I'll refrain from judgement and just pass the info to you folk.
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