Document Type

Article

Edward D. Ives

Publication Title

The Folklore Historian

Publisher

American Folklore Society

Publication Date

1997

Publisher location

Terre Haute, Indiana

First Page

13

Last Page

16

Volume Number

14

Abstract/ Summary

What can I possibly say that can add to the huge body of commentary on this man, the hochgecelebrated Francis James Child? Not much, I'm afraid. He has all but been canonized by some, demonized by others. H singlehandedly saved the ballad from oblivion; he is the source of our major ballad-study problems. He had an instinct that told him what was a ballad, what was not; he had no theoretical underpinning for his choices. His great collection is lhe beginning of all our wisdom; his great collection rides us like the Old Man of the Mountains, weighing us down, holding us back, stifling us. Have it how you will, or have it in between somewhere, it is still true that even his most outspoken critics stand hat in hand before they launch their respectful attacks. The man and his work are twin colossi in the field of ballad study.

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