Robin Hood: Volume 2 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 2 contains an appendix of shorter pieces, including some song lyrics with scores.

1. Robin Hood's birth, breeding, valour, and marriage; 2. Robin Hood's progress to Nottingham; 3. The jolly pindar of Wakefield; 4. Robin Hood and the bishop; 5. Robin Hood and the butcher; 6. Robin Hood and the tanner; 7. Robin Hood and the tinker; 8. Robin Hood and Allin a Dale; 9. Robin Hood and the shepherd; 10. Robin Hood and the curtall fryer; 11. Robin Hood and the stranger; 12. Robin Hood and queen Katherine; 13. Robin Hood's chase; 14. Robin Hood's golden prize; 15. Robin Hood's rescuing Will Stutly; 16. The noble fisherman; 17. Robin Hood's delight; 18. Robin Hood and the beggar; 19. Little John and the four beggers; 20. Robin Hood and the ranger; 21. Robin Hood and Little John; 22. Robin Hood and the bishop of Hereford; 23. Robin Hood rescuing the widows three sons; 24. Robin Hood and Maid Marian; 25. The king's disguise; 26. Robin Hood and the golden arrow; 27. Robin Hood and the valiant knight; 28. Robin Hood's death and burial; Glossary; Appendix.