
by Robert Burns
Preface
1771 - 1779
Song—Handsome Nell
Song—O Tibbie, I Hae Seen The Day
Song—I Dream’d I Lay
Song—In The Character Of A Ruined Farmer
Tragic Fragment
Tarbolton Lasses, The
Montgomerie’s Peggy
This collection gathers a remarkable range of verses composed over two vibrant decades, offering a window into the poet’s early imagination and the world that shaped him. From playful songs celebrating village life to tender love pieces and solemn elegies, the selection moves fluidly between humor, heartfelt feeling, and sharp social observation. Listeners will encounter lively drinking ditties, rustic sketches of farm work, and poignant reflections on mortality, each rendered in the direct, sing‑song language that made his work a staple of the oral tradition.
The recordings bring the cadence of the Scots tongue to life, letting the listener feel the rustle of barley fields, the glow of a winter hearth, and the mischievous banter of a tavern. Whether you’re drawn to the lyrical charm of “To a Mouse,” the spirited rhythm of a wedding reel, or the quiet compassion of a farmer’s prayer, the anthology provides an inviting journey through the everyday joys and struggles of 18th‑century Scotland, all while showcasing the poet’s keen eye for humanity and nature.
Language
en
Duration
~12 hours (711K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by David Widger and an Anonymous Project Gutenberg Volunteer
Release date
2005-01-25
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1759–1796
A farmer’s son who became Scotland’s national poet, he brought everyday speech, sharp feeling, humor, and song into verse that still feels alive. His work ranges from tender love lyrics to biting satire, with a voice that is warm, musical, and unmistakably human.
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