Robert Burns

(born January 1759 - died July 1796) - Alloway, Ayrshire

Possibly the best-known and most iconic writer from Scotland, Robert Burns continues to fascinate, centuries after his death. Due to the annual Burns Night celebrations, which take place on January 25th each year, the 'ploughman poet' (an expression that belied his education) is remembered fondly in Scotland, and in many other countries all over the world. The outline of his life and his passions for women, songs, and drink are well known and contribute in no small part to his popularity.

Born in Alloway, Ayrshire in 1759 into fairly humble circumstances, Robert received a certain amount of schooling and was well read for a boy of his background. He began his working life as an apprentice flax-dresser in Irvine, Ayrshire, but after his father died he worked the family farm along with his brother, Gilbert.

In 1786 he had published, in Kilmarnock, a first collection of poems: Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect, which made him an overnight success. He went to Edinburgh where he was well received by the polite society of the day (though Burns' personality did not always sit well with that world). Walter Scott, then a boy of fifteen, remembered him thus: 'I think his countenance was more massive than it looks in any of the portraits. I would have taken the poet, had I not known what he was, for a very sagacious country farmer of the old Scotch school; that is, none of your modern agriculturalists who keep laborers for their drudgery, but the douce guidman who held his own plough. There was a strong expression of sense and shrewdness in all his lineaments: the eye alone, I think, indicated the poetical character and temperament. It was large, and of a cast which glowed (I say literally glowed). I never saw such another eye in a human being, though I have seen the most distinguished men of my time. His conversation expressed perfect self-confidence, but without the least intrusive forwardness; and when he differed in opinion, he did not hesitate to express it firmly, yet at the same time with modesty.'

As well as poetry, Burns is well known for his songs, and his contributions to George Thomson's A Select Collection of Original Scottish Airs for the Voice and James Johnson's The Scots Musical Museum have perhaps contributed more to his 'Immortal Memory' around the world; the most famous being, 'My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose', 'Ae Fond Kiss' and of course, 'Auld Lang Syne', sung at Hogmanay.

He died in 1796 in Dumfries at the age of 37, his life foreshortened by drink and poor health, and leaving a widow, Jean Armour, and a large family.

Robert Burns Collections

Burns For Bairns
This is a selection of poems, or extracts from poems, by Robert Burns, suitable for reading or recitation by children of all ages.
The Canongate Burns
This book is a complete volume of the poetry and songs of Scotland's national bard and, drawing on extensive scholarship and Burns' own letters, offers supplemental information about his life, early hardships, political beliefs and literary contexts.
The Complete Poetical Works Of Robert Burns, 1759-1796
Robert Burns is now regarded as one of the ten greatest world poets of all time. The image of the heaven-taught plowman-poet is a false one, even if he played up to it himself. His correspondence reveals a man of high intelligence and candour.
The Lassies
Robert Burns was fond of women, and his well-documented affairs have earned him a reputation as a rake and womaniser. During his short life Burns wrote a great deal of poetry to or about women, all of which is collected here, along with his letters and sonnets.
A Night Out With Robert Burns: The Greatest Poems
The Scottish poet Robert Burns has been idolised and eulogised. He has been sainted, painted, tarted up and toasted. In this text, Scottish essayist Andrew O'Hagan presents a collection of the poet's work.
Robert Burns: Poems
In this series, a contemporary poet selects & introduces a poet of the past. By their choice of poems & by the personal & critical reactions they express in their prefaces the editors offer insights into their own work as well as providing an accessible & passionate introduction to some of the greatest poets in literature.
The Scots Musical Museum, 1787-1803
A valuable collection of traditional Scottish songs, 'The Scots Musical Museum' was the result of a collaboration between Robert Burns and James Johnson, and it includes more than 200 original songs.

Robert Burns Biographies and Guides

The Life Of Robert Burns Catherine Carswell
This book covers the life of Robert Burns, the famous Scottish poet of the 18th century. It is published to coincide with the bi-centenary of his death.
The Luath Burns Companion Robert Burns; John Cairney
This collection is not another 'complete works' but a personal selection from 'The Man Who Played Robert Burns'. This is very much John's book. His favourites are reproduced here and he talks about them with an obvious love of the man and his work.
On The Trail Of Robert Burns John Cairney
The author John Cairney is best known for his portrayal of Robert Burns in the 1969 television adaptation called the Robert Burns story. In this text he visits over 100 places connected with Burns to provide a new challenge trail for Burns fanatics.
Robert Burns Kenneth Simpson
The 'Scotnotes' series is a collection of study guides on major Scottish writers and literary texts. This volume looks at the works of Robert Burns.
Robert Burns And All That Allan Burnett
This is a real-life adventure packed with historical facts about Scotland's national bard. Meet the lassies who stole Burns's heart and the creatures that inspired his poetry. Join his quest to rescue a lost musical treasure - and get chased by ghouls as he explores the dark side of life.
Robert Burns The Exciseman Graham Smith
This book is solely devoted to the last seven years of Burns's life when he served with some distinction as an Excise officer. Many of the myths surrounding the poet's Excise life are dispelled.
A Wee Guide To Robert Burns Dilys Jones
A Wee Guide to Robert Burns traces the story of his life, from his birth as a farmer's son, to his days as a successful poet in Edinburgh, and to his death at the age of 37 as an exciseman, worn down by money worries and ill health.