Ban and Arriere Ban

📘 About This Book

Andrew Lang (1844-1912) was a prolific Scots man of letters, a poet, novelist, literary critic and contributor to anthropology. He now is best known as the collector of folk and fairy tales. He was educated at the Edinburgh Academy, St Andrews University and at Balliol College, Oxford. As a journalist, poet, critic and historian, he soon made a reputation as one of the ablest and most versatile writers of the day. Lang was one of the founders of the study of "Psychical Research," and his other writings on anthropology include The Book of Dreams and Ghosts (1897), Magic and Religion (1901) and The Secret of the Totem (1905). He was a Homeric scholar of conservative views. Other works include Homer and the Epic (1893); a prose translation of The Homeric Hymns (1899), with literary and mythological essays in which he draws parallels between Greek myths and other mythologies; and Homer and his Age (1906). He also wrote Ballades in Blue China (1880) and Rhymes la Mode (1884).

📖 Summary

Ban and Arriere Ban is a captivating collection of poetry written by the remarkably versatile and prolific Scottish man of letters, Andrew Lang. Originally published during an era when Lang was establishing himself as a formidable force in journalism, literary criticism, and historical scholarship, this 85-page volume showcases his exceptional mastery of verse. Though Lang is best remembered today for his famous collections of folk and fairy tales, as well as his deep scholarly interest in anthropology, psychical research, and Homeric translation, his poetry reveals the intimate, refined artistic sensibilities of a true Victorian intellectual. The title itself suggests a gathering of auxiliary forces, a playful or strategic mobilization of minor works alongside major creative efforts, yet the poems contained within demonstrate a high degree of technical skill, wit, and classical elegance. Readers familiar with Lang's diverse academic pursuits will find echoes of his wide-ranging mind throughout the collection. His deep classical education at the Edinburgh Academy, St Andrews University, and Balliol College, Oxford, heavily informs the lyrical cadence and thematic richness of his writing. The verses move fluidly between lighthearted observations, cultural commentary, and profound reflections on literature, memory, and the human condition. Unlike his anthropological treatises such as Magic and Religion or The Secret of the Totem, which dive into the systematic study of human culture and myth, Ban and Arriere Ban offers a more personal and aesthetically driven glimpse into Lang's worldview. Within these pages, Lang balances a reverence for traditional poetic forms with the sharp, observant eye of a seasoned critic. His background as a conservative Homeric scholar and a pioneer in psychical research lends a subtle intellectual depth to the imagery, infusing standard lyrical themes with a sense of mystery, historical continuity, and intellectual curiosity. The concise 85-page length makes the volume an accessible yet deeply rewarding read, inviting poetry enthusiasts and Victorian literature scholars alike to appreciate a lesser-known facet of one of the nineteenth century's most accomplished polymaths. By exploring the poetic output of a writer who defined an era through his fairy tales and folklore collections, readers gain a more complete understanding of Andrew Lang's creative genius. Ban and Arriere Ban stands as a testament to an extraordinarily versatile literary career, capturing the elegance, intellect, and timeless charm of a true Victorian man of letters.

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