The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #145512   Message #3422318
Posted By: Steve Gardham
18-Oct-12 - 05:56 PM
Thread Name: Origins: Child Ballads: US Versions Part 3
Subject: RE: Origins: Child Ballads: US Versions Part 3
Firstly personally I'm not convinced Keith knew a lot about the history of the ballads. He was heavily influenced by his mentor, William Walker, who at one time supplied Child with material. All of Keith's ballads should be in the Greig Duncan Collection. I have a photocopy of Keith and will have a look when I have time. I know where there is an original copy but it's expensive.

Also Christie should not be relied on for anything. He was a known fabricator, both of tunes and texts.

I have a copy of Smith if that's any use.

Of course the literary versions will be found in oral tradition. Look at Scott's 'Jock of Hazeldean', widely sung, in fact it seems to have replaced the traditional ballad it is based on.

I think what you put on your website should depend on how faithfully you want to follow Child's choices. In my researches 99% of the time he was right even though he had nothing like the resources we now have.