American Murder Ballads and Their Stories

Murder ballads are a sub-genre of the traditional ballad form, the lyrics of which form a narrative describing the events of a murder, often including the lead-up and/or aftermath. Quite possibly the only book of its kind, here told for the first time is the story of American murder balladry. The folklore and songs of all kinds of people are told in ballad form, such as wronged husbands, victims of unrequited love, reluctant suitors, thieves, oppressed union members, outlaws, and self-appointed administrators of justice. Author Carl Carmer says, "With this collection of crime ballads .... Mrs Burt has made a major contribution to Americana. Scholars will welcome it and so will the vast audience of Americans who delight in folk-song because of its originality, its music, and its humor." A fascinating book. View Less