Not only does it give us a good picture of the man, but it gives us through him a very informative picture of 19th century antiquarian activities, interests, ideologies, and contexts.
"This book is a must for all ballad scholars.... Has managed, as the result of a judicious and systematic exploration of all relevant sources, to assign Motherwell his rightful place in the history of the traditional ballad. This is ballad scholarship at its best." — Wilhelm F. Nicolaisen
"Provides a new kind of insight into not only the man but also his milieu — Glasgow and Paisley in the waning years of the Romantic movement." — Choice
"Brown has grasped the opportunity to contract an unusual kind of literary biography, one that explores the life in a context of whys and wherefores.... Both an essential contribution to ballad studies and a valuable work of cultural history." — Folk Music Journal
"Not only does it give us a good picture of the man, but it gives us through him a very informative picture of 19th century antiquarian activities, interests, ideologies, and contexts." — Frank de Caro
"The only study to examine his personality and activities in sufficient detail to permit a comprehensive understanding of this important but enigmatic character. Her work will no doubt become a permanent fixture in ballad scholarship." — James Moreira
"A remarkable book about the life of a remarkable person in remarkable times.... A very satisfying and readable, substantial piece of scholarship." — Journal of American Folklore
"An ambitious and extremely useful study of this neglected figure in the discovery of the ballad." — Roger Abrahams
"A reader will find everything that he or she needs to know about early nineteenth century ballad scholar, William Motherwell." — Scottish Economic and Social History
"Provides a new kind of insight not only into the man but also into his milieu, Glasgow and Paisley in the waning years of the Romantic Movement." — Scottish Studies Review
