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The Harp of Perthshire
A collection of Songs, Ballads, and other Poetical Pieces chiefly by local
Authors with note explanatory, critical and biographical by Robert Ford
(1893) (pdf)
Though Perthshire has failed
as yet to produce a poet equal in popularity and genius to the great poet of
Ayrshire, it has not failed to produce a goodly number of singers. Gavin
Douglas stands high in Scottish literature, and has given a sort of lustre
to the county which as long as Scottish literature remains it will always
retain. His rugged versions of ‘Virgil’ and his ‘Palace of Honour' are
admirable specimens of the old Scottish tongue, and deservedly rank with
Barbour’s 'Bruce' and Blind Harry’s ‘Wallace' as among the chief poetical
products of the country. Here, however, it is with the lesser poets that Mr.
Ford deals. One or two extracts he has of course given from Douglas, but his
pages are chiefly occupied with the verses of many whose names have not yet
been admitted into histories of Scottish literature. Their verses, however,
are none the less sweet; nor is Mr. Ford’s volume any the less acceptable.
What strikes us most in connection with it is the poetical wealth of the
county. Few counties can show more poets, and none where their work reaches
a higher general standard of excellence. It would be strange if it were
otherwise. What county is so rich in romance, or in romantic and magnificent
scenery? The Queen of Scottish Counties, Perthshire has also the honour of
being the native county of the Queen of Scottish Singers. Next to the songs
of Burns, none stand higher or are more genuinely poetic than those of the
Baroness Nairne. In some respects they may even be deemed superior to those
of the Ayrshire Bard; but whether or not they are always sweet and pure and
charming, full of genuine human nature and often touched with genuine humour.
Some of her best songs and pieces Mr. Ford has included in his collection.
Many others he has included do not fall far short of them. Here, however, we
touch upon matters where there is likely to be the greatest diversity of
opinion. And besides, our business is not so much with the comparative
merits of the writers whose names appear on Mr. Ford’s pages, as with the
way in which he has done his work. On this there can scarcely be two
opinions. The selection and editing of the pieces has evidently had
something more from Mr. Ford than care and painstaking skill. Manifestly it
has been with him a work of affection. The selection be has made is
deserving of the best commendation, and so far as we are able to judge, he
has done everything to increase the reader’s pleasure while perusing the
volume. The notes, whether critical or biographical, are informing and very
acceptable. At the end of the volume is a number of pieces not by Perthshire
bards, but by poets who have written about Perthshire and whose muse has
been inspired by the traditions or scenic splendours of the county. The work
deserves to be read beyond the borders of the county to which it refers, and
will undoubtedly attain a wide popularity. Its appearance at the present
season is opportune. A more admirable companion for a tour in the greatest
of Scottish counties can scarcely be desired.
Ballads of Babyland
English & American, selected and edited with notes by Robert Ford (1905) (pdf)
Auld Scots Ballads
Edited by Robert Ford (1889) (pdf)
Hame-Spun Lays & Lyrics
Being Poems, Songs and Incidental Rhymes in the Scottish Dialect by Robert
Ford (1878) (pdf0
Children's Rhymes, Games, Songs, and Stories
A book for Bairns and Big Folk by Robert Ford (1904) (pdf)
Tayside Songs and Other Verses
By Robert Ford (1895) (pdf)
Vagabond Songs and Ballads of Scotland
Edited, with Notes, by Robert Ford (1904) (pdf)
See our Robert Ford page under
our Famous Scots section |
