Robert Burns & Allan Cunningham 
The Complete Works of Robert Burns: Containing his Poems, Songs, and Correspondence 
With a New Life of the Poet, and Notices, Critical and Biographical by Allan Cunningham

In ‘The Complete Works of Robert Burns: Containing his Poems, Songs, and Correspondence’, readers are presented with a comprehensive anthology that spans the rich and varied oeuvre of Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns, complemented by the insightful contributions of Allan Cunningham. This collection showcases a remarkable diversity in literary styles, from impassioned poems and sentimental songs to personal and revealing correspondence. The anthology not only highlights Burns’ unparalleled genius in capturing the human condition and Scottish identity but also underscores the significance of his work in the broader context of 18th-century literature, marking a seminal moment in the Romantic movement. The backgrounds of Robert Burns and Allan Cunningham, stemming from their Scottish roots, bring a deeply authentic and culturally nuanced understanding to the collection. Burns, a pioneering figure of Romanticism, and Cunningham, a later follower and biographer, collectively offer a unique perspective on Scottish life, folklore, and the socio-political landscape of their times. Their contributions reflect a pivotal era in literary history, where personal expression and national identity were explored with fervent vigor, making this anthology a crucial cross-section of Scottish Romantic literature. This anthology is an indispensable treasure trove for enthusiasts of Scottish literature, Romanticism scholars, and anyone intrigued by the exploration of national identity through poetry and song. Offering an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the works of Burns and Cunningham together, readers will find themselves immersed in a dialogue between the past and present, between individual experience and collective memory. It is an invitation to traverse the rich landscapes of human emotion, heritage, and artistic expression, making it a profound educational journey and a testament to Scotland’s enduring literary legacy.

About the author

Robert Burns (1759–1796), affectionately known as Scotland’s national poet and the ‘Ploughman Poet, ‘ is widely regarded for his pioneering contributions to Scottish literature. Burns’ literary endeavors capture the very essence of 18th-century Scottish culture, working with a lyrical precision that beautifully blends the Scots language with English. His diverse body of work spans romantic pastoral verses, biting sociopolitical commentary, and enduring songs that have left an indelible mark on the canon of folk music. Notably, ‘The Complete Works of Robert Burns: Containing his Poems, Songs, and Correspondence’ serves as a comprehensive collection of his oeuvre, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the breadth and depth of his talents. Burns’ verse often reflects both his personal emotional experiences and his compassionate, egalitarian outlook—qualities that have endeared his poetry to both his contemporaries and generations of readers thereafter. He employed traditional Scottish forms and dialects, but his work is renowned for its universality, addressing themes of love, nature, and humanity. As the author of works such as ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and ‘Tam o’ Shanter, ‘ Burns’ legacy endures not only in literature but also in global cultural rituals, underscoring his lasting influence on the arts and society at large.