Francis James Child

Francis James Child (1825-1896) was a prominent American scholar and academic known for his influential work in the field of folklore and balladry. He is best known for compiling "ballads">The English and Scottish Popular Ballads," an extensive collection of traditional songs and tales that reflects the richness of oral storytelling in English and Scottish culture. Child's work helped to preserve these narratives and contributed significantly to the study of folk literature, influencing generations of scholars and enthusiasts in understanding the cultural heritage of the British Isles. His contributions remain foundational in the fields of literature and folklore studies.