Ballads by William Makepeace Thackeray

"Ballads" by William Makepeace Thackeray is a collection of lyrical poems and ballads written during the mid-19th century. The work showcases a blend of humor, satire, and romantic themes, reflecting on various aspects of life, love, and history through vivid storytelling and characters. The collection offers a tapestry of narratives, from historical accounts to whimsical tales, making it appealing to readers who enjoy poetry with depth and cultural commentary. At the start of this collection, the opening portion introduces "The Chronicle of the Drum," where an old French drummer named Pierre recounts his storied life through the wars he has witnessed and participated in. He shares anecdotes about his ancestors and their military exploits, revealing a nostalgic longing for the glories of the past while navigating themes of loyalty, loss, and the fickleness of fortune in battle. As Pierre reflects on his family's military legacy and the tumultuous events surrounding the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars, he draws listeners into a vivid historical narrative, offering a glimpse of both personal and collective histories entwined with the rhythms of his drum. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

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About this eBook

Author Thackeray, William Makepeace, 1811-1863
Title Ballads
Credits Produced by Donald Lainson, and David Widger
Reading Level Reading ease score: 84.4 (6th grade). Easy to read.
Language English
LoC Class PR: Language and Literatures: English literature
Subject English poetry -- 19th century
Category Text
eBook-No. 2732
Release Date
Last Update Dec 26, 2012
Copyright Public domain in the USA.
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