Robert Burns: Selected Poems

This important new selection of the poems and songs of Robert Burns (1759-96) presents the texts arranged in probable order of composition and uses where possible their first published form. It thus gives modern readers a flavor of what it must have felt like for Burns's first audience encountering his work in the 1780s and 90s. Unlike most modern editions this one gives equal weight to Burns the great song-writer as well as Burns the great poet, making the songs accessible as songs by printing both lyric and tune. Other special features include a full glossary and a chronological sketch on Scottish history and literature.