Collection of songs, ballads and folk tales from Tuscany translated by the American artist and writer, Francesca Alexander, and published in 1885. Alexander moved to Florence at the age of 16 and, while accompanying her mother in charitable work in the Tuscan countryside, became interested in the folk customs of the local populace. She also drew portraits of poor farmers to send back to philanthropists in the United States that had donated to her mother's charity.
In 1882, Alexander became acquainted with John Ruskin and the two collaborated on several works about Tuscany. Roadside Songs was Alexander's most popular work and on Queen Victoria's visit to Florence in Spring 1888, she and Ruskin presented the Queen with a copy of the book, bound by the Florentine binder Giulio Giannini and bearing hand-painted decorations on its boards: St Edward's Crown on the front and the emblem of Florence on the back.