Poems Songs and Letters of Robert Burns

by Robert Burns

Young Jean was a pretty lass with the voice of a nightingale and who loved to dance—all enticing qualities that caught the eye of her ardent young suitor, who rapidly fell in love with her. Their extraordinary marriage was passionate, tempestuous, and enduring, and Jean sustained her family through the vicissitudes of ill health and uncertain fortunes with remarkable tenacity. Burns wrote many lines of verse for her, or with her in mind. But, until now, Jean has been inexplicably neglected by many biographers and historians. This attractive volume has been collected and annotated, with a glossary and notes on each of the poems and a revealing selection of Burns's letters.

ebook

First published January 9, 2010

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.