The Penguin Book of Scottish Verse

by Robert Crawford (Introduction), Mick Imlah (Editor)

The New Penguin Book of Scottish Verse is the first anthology ever to offer a view over the entire history of Scottish history, extending from the 6th century to the end of the 20th, and representing each of its stylistic currents with clarity and verve. Acknowledged masters such as Robert Burns and Don Paterson are well represented, their work augmented by that of neglected and unknown writers. Throughout the volume, poetry in Gaelic, Latin and other languages is given in parallel text; poems in Scots are fully glossed. With its comprehensive, lively introduction, this unique anthology - mingling Highland and Lowland, the religious and the profane, poems by kings and crofters - is the definitive guide to the whole poetry of Scotland.

Genres: Poetry, Anthologies, Classics, Scotland, Fiction

554 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Robert Crawford FRSE FBA (b. 1959) is a Scottish poet, scholar and critic. He is emeritus Professor of English at the University of St Andrews.

Reviews

[Kirsty Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would be lying if I said that I have read every poem, but I have read a fair few. Reading early Scots is difficult (even for a Scot) but some of the medieval ballads are fun. Check out 'The Twa Corbies' or Jenny Nettles' holding her bairn under her oxter, good fun.

[Shhhh... Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished! Hard to rate this one since it's a compilation. I think I need to go back and read the introduction but this was an experience. A lot of bafflement, interest, delight and well, Scotland. When possible, I attempted to find YouTube videos of actual Scots reciting these poems - easily done with Robert Burns - not so much with the more random poets. I found a few favorites along the way and well, I think I'll come back to them.