The Ghost of Rabbie Burns

Part travelogue, part diary, part poetry, history and genealogy

With an Introduction by Ted Cowan, Scottish historian, University of Glasgow

SUMMARY

An American poet who, according to family tradition, is related to the iconic poet Robert Burns, embarks upon a life-changing adventure through Scotland to find the lost connections to his immigrant forebears.

From Bannockburn to Culloden, Edinburgh to Stirling to Inverness and Skye, Glencoe and Loch Lomond, Glasgow and Dumfries, each page reveals another thread of the lore and the mystery, offering a fresh perspective on the times, the places and the people that are woven into the beautiful tapestry that is Scotland.

As an historical snapshot in time, this book will have significant social and cultural relevance for Scotland and the UK in times to come.

PRAISE FOR THE GHOST OF RABBIE BURNS

"A wonderful book of poetry and a great asset if you are making a trip to Scotland."
Duke of Argyll, Chief of Clan Campbell

"Laurence is a true sennachie, a genealogist as well as a bard."
Ted Cowan, Emeritus professor of Scottish history and literature, University of Glasgow

"touchingly sincere and thoughtful… laced with a wry but kindly humour."
Isla St Clair, singer and broadcaster

"Historically interesting and accurate… a passionate perspective of olden Caledonia."
Steve McDonald, composer, Sons of Somerled

"an amusing, heartfelt, historical journey that every exile should take. Weel duin, Laurence."
Iain H Scott, Scocha

"Overmire has captured that idea of the warrior/poet/wanderer so many of us dream of being.  We can live the adventure of William Wallace at Stirling Bridge, or the devotion of Greyfriars Bobby, or the heartbreak of Culloden.  Whither from your armchair at home with a glass of single malt in your hand, or on the plane ride over for your own first Scottish Adventure, I would highly recommend Overmire’s capture of his own ‘first trip home’."
Eric Bullard, President, Clan Buchanan Society Intl., Inc.

"an engaging meditation on Scotland, its history, places and people."
Rev. Calum I. MacLeod, Minister of St. Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh

"The imagery evoked in his verse and the moral lessons imparted by Laurence represent the message of Robert Burns for the modern time."
Mark Myers, President, Clan Maclean Association of California, USA

"Much of Burns’ collected works were captured during his tours of Scotland… this book captures the mood very well as a trail through Scotland."
Jock Meikle, President of the Burns Club of London

"Overmire uncovers the heart of each place he visits and helps us know the very soul of this country."
Anita Scott-Philbrick, Ph.D, Deputy Chieftain, Clan Scott Society

"Overmire has captured what it is like for those with even a trace of Scottish heritage to long for a connection with their ancestral roots… It is refreshing to view history in the context of poetry."
Larry Bardell, President, Oregon Scottish Society

"This book is a poetic, informed and sensitive testament to Scotland – its history, its art, its enduring values, its conflicts, and its spirituality."
Weeden Nichols, F.S.A. Scot., President, Clan MacLeod Society USA

"always with an ear/eye on literary or musical echoes… this poet is interested in connections, not separations."
Dr. Keith Hughes, English Literature, University of Edinburgh