Lyrics from the Song-Books of the Elizabethan Age   By: A. H. (Arthur Henry) Bullen (1857-1920)

Lyrics from the Song-Books of the Elizabethan Age is a magnificent collection of poems compiled and presented by A. H. Bullen. Exploring the depths of the vibrant cultural era of Elizabethan England, this book provides an intimate glimpse into the hearts and minds of the people through their emotive and stirring lyrics.

Bullen's comprehensive selection features a broad range of lyricists, from renowned poets like William Shakespeare and Edmund Spenser to lesser-known names that have nonetheless left their mark on the era's literary landscape. The book is divided into seven separate categories, each representing a distinctive theme and mood prevalent during that time, including love, nature, and melancholy.

While the inclusion of popular works by well-known poets is to be expected, what makes Lyrics from the Song-Books truly exceptional is Bullen's inclusion of many previously overlooked or forgotten lyricists. These unsung artists offer refreshing perspectives and unique voices that contribute to a richer understanding of the Elizabethan era. Their verses, often composed to be sung or set to music, emphasize the importance of both the written and performed word in this period.

Bullen's meticulous research and background information bring each poem to life, contextualizing it within the social, historical, and cultural milieu of the Elizabethan age. The footnotes and explanations provided ensure that even readers with limited knowledge of the era can fully appreciate and grasp the intended meaning behind these powerful words.

The collection is further enriched by Bullen's excellent editorial choices. The poems flow seamlessly from one another, creating a coherent narrative that explores the myriad of emotions and experiences prevalent during the time. From heartfelt expressions of love and passion to poignant elegies and contemplations on mortality, Lyrics from the Song-Books presents a diverse range of human experiences and emotions that resonate with readers even today.

The language, despite its age, remains accessible and evocative. Bullen's well-crafted translation of the poems maintains the beauty and intricacy of their original form, allowing us to fully appreciate the mastery of the Elizabethan lyricists. Their vivid imagery, elegant metaphors, and rhythmic structures immerse the reader in a bygone world, evoking emotions that transcend time and place.

Lyrics from the Song-Books of the Elizabethan Age is not only a testament to the enduring power of poetry but also a captivating window into the ethos of an extraordinary era. Bullen's meticulous curation and insightful commentary make this anthology an invaluable resource for scholars, literature enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by the Elizabethan period. Through these lyrics, we are transported to a time when words had the power to enchant, inspire, and captivate the human soul.

First Page:

The present Anthology is intended to serve as a companion volume to the Poetical Miscellanies published in England at the close of the sixteenth and the beginning of the seventeenth centuries. A few of the lyrics here collected are, it is true, included in "England's Helicon," Davison's "Poetical Rhapsody," and "The Ph[oe]nix' Nest"; and some are to be found in the modern collections of Oliphant, Collier, Rimbault, Mr. W.J. Linton, Canon Hannah, and Professor Arber. But many of the poems in the present volume are, I have every reason to believe, unknown even to those who have made a special study of Elizabethan poetry... Continue reading book >>