The Works of Robert Burns, with an account of his life, criticism on his writing, &c. &c.

Currie, James (editor)

About this Item

For James Robertson . and Wm. Nivison, Edinburgh, 1818, new edition in four volumes; four volumes, 12mo, 115 x 185mm, contemporary boards, paper labels to the spines; xii, [13]-328, xix, [xx], [21]-320, (more, see later), xix, [1]-376, xxiv, [25]-383; engraved portrait frontispiece to Vol. I, based on the 1787 Nasmyth portrait. . . . . The addition at the end of Vol. II, is the complete text of Burns's "Letters Addressed to Clarinda, &c.", Printed for L Rae, Belfast, 1814, a new edition, pp48; this is prefixed with a large folding facsimile of a work in the poet's hand, untitled but referring to the incident leading to the poem "On the death of John M'Leod, Esq.", the sheet published by J Diele, [London], 1809 and engraved for the Caledonian Musical Museum. . . . . Note the designation of "fair" for the condition. Four of the eight boards are detached, the spine of Vol. I is cracked and all four spines lack some of their backing paper head and foot (typically 2 to 3cm); internally, however, the contents are in good condition, clean apart from some occasional browning, and firm except for volume 1 which is somewhat loose in places; the folding facsimile is a little torn along on folded edge although without loss. . . . . This four volume collected works was first published in 1800, intended as a means of supporting Burns's widow, Jean Armour, and his many children. On Burns's second visit to Edinburgh, in 1787, he met Agnes Maclehose, separated from her husband in Jamaica, a strong affection developing between them. In order to maintain public anonymity in the subsequent correspondence, Burns became Sylvander and Agnes, known as Nancy to her friends, became Clarinda. Although Nancy was intelligent, well read and unusually highly educated for the time she was also strongly affected by religious, social and ultimately economic scruples as to appropriate behaviour between a man and a married, albeit separated, woman and when she made clear to Burns that physical love was not an option they parted and Burns quickly married Jean Armour. The farewell poem "Ae Fond Kiss" was written for her as were a further eight lesser poems. The correspondence from both parties in nearly complete form was published by Clarinda's grandson, W C Maclehose, in an authorised edition in 1843. . . . . NOTE that as the book weighs some 1.2kg it may require a carriage supplement for overseas (but not domestic UK) orders. Seller Inventory # 001113

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Works of Robert Burns, with an account ...

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Fair