I, like other reviewers here, first read this poem as a wee-ish lass, cried heartbrokenly, and fell in love with it. I had not thought of it in many years, and suddenly came upon a reference to it in, of all places, an Anne Stuart novel. I immediately sought it out, reread it, cried brokenheartedly, and fell in love with it all over again. It is not only a great, moody tale of love and courage, it has the melodic rhythm and sweep of the very best folktales and ballads. So glad I rediscovered it and was able to add it to my ever-expanding Kindle library.Alfred Noyes' narrative poem comes to life in the masterful illustrations of Charles Mikolaychak. The stark color palette of blanks and white with touches of red serve as foreshadowing throughout the poem. Even first-time readers can have little doubt that all will not end happily. This is only one of Mikolaycak's many beautifully illustrated volumes. It is an incredible injustice that he never received the Caldecott Award for his work in children's illustration. Of all this many editions of the classic poem, this is head and shoulders above the rest.This poem by Alfred Noyes was one of the very first pieces of poetry I can remember reading as a child. Although the poem was not recognized as good poetry by experts it nonetheless was instrumental in bringing to me the peace there is in a good read. The excitement and descriptions in the poem still bring enjoyment after so many years since my going to the Pruyn Library in Albany New York after school to escape into other worlds.I grew up watching Anne, and her reciting has always haunted me. Reading this poem, I hear it like I did as a child. I am moved reading it. Tragedies have always been my favorites.Glad I purchased it. I love the poem and the illustrations are astonishing. I can see why Charles Keeping won the Kate Greenaway Medal for his pictures of the book. This is a favorite poem so it was a double prize.This is one of the jewels of poetry. I'll tell you what, most poetry these days should be "round filed". Some of these so-called poets should give it up. I mean hey, are we supposed put together ramblings to see if there is some "deep meaning" to be found. Reminds me of the "art world"..I love this poem. I first heard it when Loreena McKennitt set it to music, and when I found the poem in print for my Kindle, I was delighted. A great, timeless classic poem with beautiful imagery that stays with you forever. Read it.I found this in high school some 40 years ago. I just happen to think of it one sleepless night and went looking for it. I loved then and still do.Appearing in a poll of the nation’s top poems this came something like fifteenth, and really it is no wonder that it came high as it is certainly something that is memorable. A story of a highwayman and his lover Bess, we read of how they both meet their ends. A ballad as such this is a haunting tale, and indeed does at the end mention haunting.First published back in 1906 in Blackwood’s Magazine Noyes made use of repetitive phrases along with vivid descriptions to give this a dark and unsettling feel, rather like Poe’s The Raven. Here we have lovely monochrome illustrations by Charles Keeping throughout to add extra impact, and thus this comes together perfectly.In all this is a lovely edition to own and is sure to become a family favourite.This aged poem is now popular again and is included frequently in the KS2 Literature syllabus. Keeping's illustrations perfectly enhance the ghostly aspects of the words and show how artwork far beyond cartoon can be expressive and atmospheric. There's a Canadian musical cartoon version of the poem on-line which many children have found and enjoyed. This inexpensive paperback is far superior: a great introduction to the ballad and to the power of illustration.I just baught this for my sister, because she adores this book, and she is 20+ haha!Childhood memories recall this chilling poetic story of a Highwayman and his lover, Bess.I can't remember too much so apologies if the names are wrong!But to make this short. Buy this. Buy this because you will love it and read it always.The art is scary, and beautiful and all those things I have mentioned.You won't quite find a book like this!Superb! I first read it as a kid I won't tell you how many years ago. Recently got it off Amazon, and was just as touched.If you feel you want to let the tears out and can't quite manage, go to this fine little poetic story of love and supremesacrifice. Funny that - there ARE cases where the law is inhuman and the criminals not SO bad!I have always loved this wonderfully atmospheric and evocative poem. This is a beautifully illustrated version of this tragic tale. A lovely book tohave in my collection. Should be standard reading for schools.