by Will Carleton
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Farm Ballads is a collection of poems written by American poet Will Carleton. The book was first published in 1873 and quickly gained popularity for its portrayal of rural life in the United States during the 19th century. Carleton, born in 1845 in Michigan, had a deep appreciation for the agricultural way of life, and this is evident in his works.
The poems in “Farm Ballads” focus on various aspects of farm life, rural communities, and the challenges faced by farmers. Carleton’s writing style is characterized by its simplicity and directness, making his poems accessible and relatable to a wide audience. He often used vernacular language and dialects to accurately capture the speech and customs of the farming communities he depicted.
One of the most famous poems in the collection is “Over the Hill to the Poor-House,” which tells the heart-wrenching story of an elderly couple forced to leave their home and move to the poorhouse due to poverty and old age. The poem resonated with many readers and became a popular piece during Carleton’s time.
This new edition is dedicated to Dr. Connie Mick, able editor of myriad poverty publications, energetic mentor to students, creative and persistent researcher of social issues.
Westphalia Press 