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Finding aid for the Broadside ballads collection
6073
6073
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Title: Broadside ballads collection
Collection number: 6073
Contributing Institution:
USC Libraries Special Collections
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
0.21 Linear feet
1 box
Date: circa 1797-1880
Abstract: Collection of broadside ballads from England. Broadside (or broadsheet) ballads were one of the most common forms of printed
material produced between the 16th and 19th centuries in England, Ireland, and North America. They centered on popular subject
matter such as moral advice, current events and politics, satire, comedy, and crime and were sold in large numbers on street
corner and at fairs, and pinned to the walls of ale houses and other public places.
creator:
Catnach, James, 1792-1841
creator:
Such, H., printer
creator:
Walker, James, printer
Purchased from Howard Rotenberg; Richard Ford Manuscripts (United Kingdom), April-May, 2014.
Broadside (or broadsheet) ballads were one of the most common forms of printed material produced between the 16th and 19th
centuries in England, Ireland, and North America. They are often associated with the ballad, one of the most important forms
of traditional music from these countries. Broadside ballads were generally printed on single pieces of paper, often with
two ballads on one sheet; these could then be cut in half or folded to make chapbooks. The ballads centered on popular subject
matter such as moral advice, current events and politics, satire, comedy, and crime. Most included an illustration of some
kind, though in many cases the image had little or nothing to do with the subject of the text. They also often included the
suggested name of a known tune that would fit the lyrics. They were sold in large numbers on street corner and at fairs, and
pinned to the walls of ale houses and other public places. In London, many broadside ballads were printed by publishers located
in the Seven Dials district including the well-known print shop of James Catnatch.
Advance notice required for access.
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Manuscripts Librarian.
Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended
to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
[Box/folder# or item name], Broadside ballads collection, Collection no. 6073, Special Collections, USC Libraries, University
of Southern California
Collection of broadside ballads from England.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Catnach, James, 1792-1841 -- Archives
Such, H., printer -- Archives
Walker, James, printer -- Archives
Broadsheet (format)
England--Songs and music--19th century--Archival resources
Popular music--England--19th century--Archival resources
Printed ephemera
Songs--England--19th century--Archival resources