The Pack of Autolycus: Or, Strange and Terrible News of Ghosts, Apparitions, Monstrous Births, Showers of Wheat, Judgements of God and Other Prodigious and Fearful Happenings as Told in Broadside Ballads of the Years: 1624-1693

"The Pack of Autolycus" is a fascinating collection of 17th-century broadside ballads that captures the sensationalist spirit of early modern popular culture. Spanning the years 1624 to 1693, this anthology presents a vivid tapestry of the era's fascinations, fears, and folklore. Through the rhythmic and often dramatic verses of these street songs, readers are introduced to a world of strange and terrible news, including detailed accounts of ghosts, apparitions, and monstrous births.

Beyond the supernatural, the work documents reported prodigies such as showers of wheat and various celestial omens, which were often interpreted by the public as direct judgments of God. These ballads served as the tabloid journalism of their day, providing profound insight into the moral landscape and societal anxieties of Stuart England. By compiling these rare ephemeral pieces, the work preserves the raw, immediate voices of the past, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of literature, news, and superstition.

This volume serves as an essential resource for those interested in English social history, the development of the popular press, and the rich tradition of vernacular poetry. It stands as a testament to the enduring human fascination with the macabre, the miraculous, and the extraordinary events that shaped the historical imagination.

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