The Great Poets: Robert Burns

by Robert Burns

The 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns (1759-1796), one of the most popular poets, is celebrated in 2009. A pioneer of the Romantic movement, works such as "A Red, Red Rose", "A Man's a Man For A' That" and the ubiquitous "Auld Lang Syne", have made him an international figure. Naxos AudioBooks' popular "Great Poets" series marks the anniversary with a CD bringing together all the key works.

Genres: Poetry, Scotland, Audiobook

1 pages, Audio CD

First published January 1, 2009

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

[Laurel Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good selection of Burns's poetry. Some of these I learned at my father's knee.

[Sarah Opgenorth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listen, this was intense. Forbes Mason really threw himself into reading these poems (well done, Forbes!) so that sometimes I simply could not understand what he was saying in his lovely, passionate Scottish accent. Perhaps as hard to follow as John Donne, but due only to the accent. Like it was cool but so intense at times. Had to really focus.

There was one scathing poem about Presbyterians. When Forbes started sputtering and yelling in all these eloquent words I was really quite disturbed.

Will need to revisit some Burns.

[Keenan Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this on audio. The reader had such a marvelous time bringing these works to life, I was carried away even though I only caught every 4th word. I'm going to find the poems, study them and listen again.

[Davina · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a nice little collect. This was an audiobook and the accent of the reader was quite good. Burns is interesting, particularly for how he is revered. I enjoyed it. As an audiobook, it was much harder to stop and lookup words which were unclear.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short collection of Robert Burns poems, especially since the audio version was read by someone who’s Scottish, so you get the full effect of the language and the melody/pace of the poems.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely sound of poetry with a Scottish Accent. Perfect way to celebrate Burns Night.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

The month of January always makes me long for poetry and this was a fun listen. The reader was excellent.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only way to celebrate a Burns supper. Slàinte.

[Marcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first foray into Burns - I like him (how could I not, as I love all things Scottish) but this narrator was a little too intense at times. So, I will listen to another version.

[Alex Harm · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dialect / Accent too thick for me to appreciate. Interesting for one or two poems.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scotland’s bard! Rollicking rhymes and vivid imagery take the mind galloping through the Scottish countryside and into the cozy cottages of the countryfolk. Forbes Masson’s superb audiobook narration brings the poetry to life.

Favorite Poems:
“A Man’s a Man for A’ That”
“My Love’s a Red Red Rose”
“Address to a Haggis”
“Address to the Unco Guid”
“Ae Fond Kiss”
“Auld Lang Syne”
“Bessie and Her Spinnin’ Wheel”
“The Cotter’s Saturday Night”
“To a Mouse”

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good collection and well-read. I enjoyed the musicality and the passion in all. Burns brings Scotland alive.

[Luke Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Scottish poetry, about war with England, or an address to a louse on a woman's hat, adventurous and silly. Also wrote Old Lang Sine.