Published by Primary Source Microfilm

Before the creation of newspapers, broadside ballads--also known as slip songs--were the public's chief source of information about current events. The Madden Ballads collection presents 18th and 19th century songs and ballads from the holdings of Cambridge University Library in the United Kingdom. The ballads were purchased by the common man from street singers, print shops and vendors throughout the countryside. The Madden Ballads collection preserves this important primary source material. It traces the evolution of the broadside ballad from a simple printed sheet in the standard "old face" Caslon type to a large sheet containing several ballads in a decorative layout using fancy type, flowers and rules. Themes explored include romance, social satire, sporting events, crime, history and politics.

12 reels