Dirt & Deity: A Life of Robert Burns

by Ian McIntyre

Ian McIntyre's biography, published to mark the bicentenary of Burns's death, strips away myth and legend and explores what lies beneath. It is based meticulously on documentary and archival sources, and uses only the first-hand testimony of those who knew the man. It sets Burns in his historical context, and paints both his emotional life and his political views in vivid colours. On public matters he had no difficulty in holding simultaneously two views that were contradictory. In his private life he could be effortlessly in love with several women at the same time, appallingly cruel one moment, wonderfully tender the next. McIntyre offers a more extensive evaluation of Burns's songs and poetry than most previous biographers. He stresses the importance and quality of the satirical verse, as well as the haunting love poems for which Scotland's 'bard' is best known. In an illuminating final chapter, he examines the extraordinary ramifications assumed after the death of the poet by the Burns legend, a fantastical 'afterlife' bearing little resemblance to biographical reality.

Genres: Biography, History

461 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1995

About the author

Ian McIntyre was a BBC Radio producer, journalist, broadcaster and author. who was Controller of BBC Radio 4 from 1976 to 1978 and then Controller of BBC Radio 3 between 1978 and 1987.

Reviews

[E Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and critical. It doesn't shy away from re-appraising the quality of his work and explodes various myths that grew up around the so called "heaven-taught ploughman" after his death. The influence and skill of Burns is undeniable and praised but it is interesting to read an account of his life through primary source evidence rather than hagiographical admiration.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose to read this as family legend has it that Burns used to correspond with a distant direct ancestor, also an Ayrshire man. No evidence of it in the book (not expecting any, as it has an index). Hard work and very dull in parts. Occasional quotes of lovely poetry, but frequent references to poems that are not provided, and as I am not familiar with any but the most famous of his poetry, a lot falls flat. The exchanges of letters are mostly quite dull. Blasphemy, I know, against The Bard!

[Asgerdur Eythorsdottir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written, fascinating to read about the life of the great Scottish Bard.

[Calum Orr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. good mix if life, context, poetry, songs, and mainly the letters. you get a real understanding of the man instead of just the myth which i previously had.

[Bowsty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I began reading this book in Scotland shortly before the holiday celebrating Burns' birth. I liked the extensive footnotes and coverage, which were thorough enough without becoming overly obsessive. My main negative criticism is that as an American I was frequently a bit lost as I am not as familiar with the surrounding history of the British Empire and its 18th-century relations with Europe as the average (probably British) reader seems to be expected to be. I don't mind brushing up on auxiliary history though, and really enjoyed the book. I emerged with a much deeper understanding of the poet himself, and his relation to his nation of Scotland and the empire of Great Britain, as well as to the people who made up his daily life. The book also served to inspire in me a renewal of my love for writing, song, poetry and the epistolary habits, and for this I find myself owing to its author Ian McIntyre a small debt of gratitude. Enjoy, and long live Rabbie Burns.

[Ken Ludwig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fabulous biography of Burns. I'm learning about Burns and the period hand over fist. I read it all the way home from Scotland.