The Works of Robert Burns with an account of his life, and a criticism of his writings. To which are prefixed some observations on the character and conditions of the Scottish peasantry, as edited by James Currie. Published in four volumes by Smith & Hill in Montrose, Scotland in 1816 [A Historical Copy]

Printed by Smith & Hill and sold by the booksellers of London and Edinburgh: Printed by Smith & Hill , 1816. First Edition Thus. Leather bound [Hardcover]. Very good to Very Good +. A quite attractive and relevant ex-library four-volume copy, bound in highly attractive bindings with beautiful boards and engraved page edges with spines rebacked and joints and hinges repaired by Dunn & Wilson in a very high quality manner. Robert Burns (1759 – 1796), a Scottish poet and lyricist, is widely regarded as the national Poet of Scotland. Born in 1759, his works celebrated the Scottish vernacular and explored universal themes of love, nature, social injustice, and national identity. Burns wrote in a distinctive Scottish dialect, which added a unique charm to his poetry. One of Burns' most famous works is "Auld Lang Syne", a much-loved song traditionally sung on New Year's Eve, symbolizing friendship and reminiscing about old times. His love poems, such as A Red, Red Rose and My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose are renowned for their heartfelt expressions and romantic sentiments. Burns also used his poetry to highlight social issues and the struggles of the working class. To a Mouse and to a Louse are examples of his keen observation and empathy towards all creatures, regardless of their social standing and he championed egalitarian ideals and respect for all persons, regardless of their social status. The set is bound in four elegant matching elegant bindings, with each spine having been rebacked (perhaps with spines newer than the original ones) and with the hinges all repaired. Due to their look and feel, we think that the boards are likely original. Each board is both blind-stamped and further decorated in black and gilt and the board turn-ins present an elegant pattern in gilt. Each visible edge of the page blocks are both gilded and stamped in blind. [Each of Volumes bears a sticker of Montrose Public Library and the recto of the first front free endpaper bears library information, including an Angus District/Angus - Cultural Services sticker, which, if we have come to the correct condition, gives this set a richer history than it otherwise would have. Of interest in this regard there is a statement in Wikipedia stating: "In 1901, Scottish philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, responded to a request for funding to provide a public library in Montrose. “I should be very glad indeed to comply with your suggestion and consider it a privilege. If Montrose will adopt the Free Libraries Act and provide a suitable site, I shall be glad to provide money for the building”- Andrew Carnegie....The architect commissioned was J Lindsay Grant of Manchester. The total cost of the building was £7,500 with further contributions from the town of Montrose of £1000, from Mr. and Mrs. W. Douglas Johnson of £500 and from “Montrosians at home and abroad” of £1000. Contributions for funding the book collection were requested from present and former Montrosians and local children’s families to stock the juvenile section. The library was opened in 1905 by John Morley MP. Montrose Library was the first ‘open-access’ library in Scotland." The architect commissioned was J Lindsay Grant of Manchester. The total cost of the building was £7,500 with further contributions from the town of Montrose of £1000, from Mr. and Mrs. W. Douglas Johnson of £500 and from “Montrosians at home and abroad” of £1000. Contributions for funding the book collection were requested from present and former Montrosians and local children’s families to stock the juvenile section. The library was opened in 1905 by John Morley MP. Montrose Library was the first ‘open-access’ library in Scotland." Burns was a man of great intellect and considered a pioneer of the Romantic movement. Many of the early founders of socialism and liberalism found inspiration in his works. Considered the national poet of Scotland, he is celebrated there and around the world every year on "Burns Night,” January 25. Born in 1759, this great Scottish poet and lyricist, Burns is widely regarded as the national Poet of Scotland. A beautiful copy.