Murder Ballads

Illustrated Lyrics & Lore

By: Katy Horan

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Hardcover | 29 July 2025

At a Glance

Hardcover
144 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
23.6 x 18.6 x 1.6

Hardcover

RRP $37.99

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For centuries, murder ballads have transformed tragedy into song. In this unique, illustrated collection, Literary Witches co-creator Katy Horan unearths the true and fictional stories behind twenty traditional murder ballads, exploring the beauty and horror of the art form through stories, lyrics, and original illustrations.

Murder Ballads: Illustrated Lyrics & Lore is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of one of folk music's most enduring traditions, spanning tales of jealousy, betrayal, and revenge as well as songs rooted in real historical events. Combining original artwork, cultural history, lyrical analysis, and deeply researched storytelling, artist and writer Katy Horan uncovers the real and imagined stories behind some of the most fascinating murder ballads ever sung, from “Delia's Gone” to “The Death of Queen Jane.”

More than a music history book, Murder Ballads investigates the cultural forces that shaped the genre, including its connections to violence, gender, race, folklore, and our contemporary true-crime fascination. Along the way, readers discover how traditional songs traveled across generations, changed with the times, and became part of a larger storytelling tradition that still influences popular culture today.

Explores twenty traditional murder ballads through history, lyrics, and storytelling
Features original, beautifully macabre illustrations by acclaimed artist Katy Horan
Includes recommended recordings for every featured ballad
Perfect gift for folk music fans, history buffs, true-crime readers, and lovers of stunningly illustrated nonfiction

Enter a world of tragedy, mystery, and unforgettable storytelling, and discover why these haunting songs continue to endure.

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