Ho, stand bare brow'd with me to-day, no common name we sing, We hymn a name to which the heart of Scotland ever turns, ALEX. ANDERSON, PRIZE POEM. BIBLIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. WILLIAM CREECH PUBLISHER, 302-303 WILLIAM SMELLIE, PRINTER, 303-304 301 301 "THE POETS' CORNER," MITCHELL LIBRARY, GLASGOW, WILLIAM CHAMBERS, EDINBURGH, PUBLISHER, BURNS CLUBS, ALLOWAY, PREFACE. THIS BIBLIOGRAPHY of BURNS represents the researches and labours of many years, and is the consummation of a long cherished wish on the part of the Editor, to furnish a unique memorial volume in honour of Scotland's National Poet. He has not been guided by any critical authority in arranging his materials; the conditions under which it is prepared for publication, have been to ask no questions as to what to drop or what to retain of the Miscellaneous collection of writings classified as BURNSIANA; the humblest poetical effusion, as well as the most eloquent essay have alike been gathered into this Repository of BURNS Literature. The chief aim has been to compile "a Book of Memories" of all known editions of the Life and Writings of BURNS, and works associated with his name, and to avoid anything like criticism or comment on them. The Editor has strictly adhered to the principle of obtaining information from authors themselves as to their writings, where one edition differed from preceding ones; their motives for publication, and he has occasionally given extracts to show the style and spirit of the author. Nearly every work noted, with the exception of some American reprints, has passed under the Editor's inspection, been carefully examined, and no entry made at second-hand without reliable authority. The Biographical Notes are collated from published and private sources, and are enriched with many interesting snatches of Autobiography from living authors, which have been kindly written, and are gratefully acknowledged; where any work is simply entered in chronological order without personal reference, it is solely for want of trustworthy information. The record of BURNS Manuscripts and Relics, and their fortunate possessors, is the most exhaustive list ever published, and, with the addition of brief Historical Sketches of BURNS Clubs, Monuments and Statues, give a completeness to the Bibliography which it would not otherwise possess; the whole forming a not unworthy tribute to the Memory of the Poet. J. G. |