>>>It was not a finished work and was never considered as definitive - it is merely an invaluable guide to our understanding of the phenomenon.<<< I can agree with what you say about Child's intentions but unfortunately for most of the 20th century many have treated it as a definitive work, particularly across the pond. Up until the 50s just about every American anthology of folk songs starts out with a section of Child Ballads including some pretty tentative connections (relegating other British ballads and native ballads to later sections)

>>>'ballads not in Child'<<< I occasionally see the odd ballad suggested by enthusiasts but I haven't recently seen much academic interest in this.

Just for you, Jim, I'll moderate my statement: 'There are no extant Celtic Child Ballads'. How's that?

Gavin, Good luck with your project and apologies for hogging your thread.