Discover the very essence of the British spirit in this complete collection of old ballads, edited by Beverley Nichols. These poems embody the beauty and patriotism of a bygone era and offer a refreshing tonic to the thin and watery poetry of modern times. Unlike the inward gaze of modern lyric-writers, the old ballad-singers were unafraid to explore the mysteries of the world and search for adventure. From 'Robin Hood' and 'King John' to 'The Blind Beggar's Daughter' and 'The Bailiff's Daughter of Islington', this collection contains some of the most beloved and enduring ballads in the English language.