Poems Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect

by Robert Burns

Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect, was the first collection of poetry produced by Robert Burns. Published in Kilmarnock in July 1786 it has become known as The Kilmarnock Edition. The contents include 44 of Burns' best known poems including To a Louse, The Cotter's Saturday Night, To a Mouse, The Twa Dogs and To a Mountain Daisy. Released in 2009 to celebrate Burns' 250th birthday, The Luath Kilmarnock Edition brought this classic of Scottish literature back into print, after being unavailable for many years. New material includes an introduction by 'the man who played Burns' -author, actor and Burns expert -John Cairney, exploring Burns' life and work, especially the origins of The Kilmarnock Edition. Looking to the future of Burns in Scotland and the rest of the world, Clark McGinn, world-renowned Burns Supper speaker, provides an afterword that speaks to Burns' continuing legacy. Illustrated throughout with original line drawings by top political satirist Bob Dewar, The Luath Kilmarnock Edition makes a beautiful gift for any Burns enthusiast. "This special illustrated edition celebrates the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, probably the world's favourite poet. Poems Cheifly in the Scottish Dialect, the only book of his poetry published in his short lifetime, is probably the most significant book ever published from Scotland. Kilmarnock saw that first edition of a young man's poems published in 1786 and Burns has not beeen out of print for a single day since. We are still reading, reciting and enjoying these poems... the writing, life and character of this Ayrshire ploughman inspire deep human emotion around the globe. - FROM THE AFTERWORD BY CLARK McGINN

Genres: Poetry, Fiction, Classics

176 pages, Paperback

First published July 31, 1786

About the author

Robert Burns (also known as Robin) was a Scottish poet and a lyricist. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland, and is celebrated worldwide. He is the best known of the poets who have written in the Scots language. He also wrote in English and a "light" Scots, accessible to an audience beyond Scotland.

He is regarded as a pioneer of the Romantic movement and after his death became a great source of inspiration to the founders of both liberalism and socialism. A cultural icon in Scotland and among the Scottish Diaspora around the world, celebration of his life and work became almost a national charismatic cult during the 19th and 20th centuries, and his influence has long been strong on Scottish literature.

As well as making original compositions, Burns collected folk songs from across Scotland, often revising or adapting them. His Auld Lang Syne is often sung at Hogmanay (the last day of the year), and Scots Wha Hae has served as an unofficial national anthem. Other poems and songs of Burns that remain well-known across the world today, include A Red, Red Rose, A Man's A Man for A' That, To a Louse, To a Mouse, The Battle of Sherramuir, Tam o' Shanter and Ae Fond Kiss.

Reviews

[Amy Wilson]

Dnf - I was only able to / had the patience to attempt the first 100 pages. Of the bits I read, I enjoyed the challenge of reading in dialect however I understood little. That which I did understand, I was impartial too.

[Gayle Byrne]

Would have enjoyed it more if I’d known there was a glossary in the back!

[Barton]

I loved this work! It was fun and heartening to read!