Robin Hood: Volume 1 A Collection of All the Ancient Poems, Songs, and Ballads, Now Extant, Relative to that Celebrated English Outlaw Cambridge Library Collection - Literary Studies Series

A controversial literary critic and commentator, Joseph Ritson (1752?1803) made his reputation identifying and exposing literary forgeries. His enduring legacy, however, stems from his interest in the legend of Robin Hood. The combination of his passion for collecting literary antiquities, particularly medieval ballad poetry, and his political convictions in support of republican government, drew him to the tale of the English outlaw. This two-volume work, first published in 1795, is an important collection of texts relating to the legend. Ritson's aim was to present all the known poems and songs, and his research was so thorough that very little further material has been found since. This work helped transform the perception of the Robin Hood tradition, encouraging its serious study. As well as a selection of texts, Volume 1 contains a lengthy scholarly discussion of the tradition.

Preface; The life of Robin Hood; Notes and illustrations; 1. A lyttle geste of Robyn Hode; 2. Robyn Hode and the potter; 3. Robin Hood and the beggar; 4. Robin Hood and Guy of Gisborne; 5. A true tale of Robin Hood; Glossary.