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The Penguin Book of Australian Ballads, edited by Russel Ward, serves as a vital repository of the nation’s cultural heritage. This collection captures the spirit of Australia’s historical experience, gathering verses that range from anonymous convict and bushranging songs to the polished literary works of the nineteenth century and beyond. Through these lively, rhythmic narratives, readers are transported to a landscape defined by the bush, the gold rush, and the distinct egalitarian ethos of a young, vast country.
Ward brings together legendary pieces, including "The Man from Snowy River" and "Waltzing Matilda," alongside lesser-known treasures that offer a refreshing glimpse into Australian identity. Whether depicting the struggles of early settlers or the colourful characters of the colonial era, these ballads remain enduring emblems of a national mythos. This anthology is an essential read for those wishing to understand the soul of Australia through the simplicity and zest of its traditional storytelling. It celebrates the rugged, mateship-driven history that continues to shape the Australian self-image today.
Used (good, see images, minor cover wear) Softcover
