BURNS, Robert (1759-1796). Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect. Kilmarnock: John Wilson, 1786.
BURNS, Robert (1759-1796). Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect. Kilmarnock: John Wilson, 1786.
The rare Kilmarnock edition of Burns’s first book, one of 612 copies printed. The 44 poems in this volume represent virtually all forms of verse that Burns had attempted, and show a gift for comedy, a power of pathos, and an affection for humble things that are Burns's strongest characteristics. In the preface, the poet presents himself as one who is 'unacquainted with the necessary requisites for commencing Poet by rule', and instead 'sings the sentiments and manners, he felt and saw in himself and his rustic compeers around him, in his and their native language'. Published in late July 1786, all but 13 copies were sold within a month, winning him sincere local admiration before the second edition (Edinburgh, 1787) of 3000 copies won him wider recognition. This copy bears an inscription dated 1812 from a resident of Old Cumnock, East Ayrshire, a town in the heart of Burns country, where the poet is said to have spent time. Egerer 1; Rothschild 555.
Octavo (199 x 121mm). Title within typographical border, typographical head- and tail-pieces (skilful restoration to title, a2 and last leaf into text but without loss, expert marginal repairs to a few others, washed, some light browning). Early 19th-century Scottish mottled calf, sides decoratively gilt (expertly rebacked and recornered); housed in a morocco box by Bradstreet’s of New York. Provenance: John Swan (early inscription on title) – William Paterson, Old Cumnock (inscription on I3v dated 1812) – J.R.P. Forrest, Edinburgh (possibly Sir James Forrest, 1st Baronet of Comiston, 1780-1860; bookplate) – Edward Hubert Litchfield (1879-1949, his sale Parke-Bernet, New York, 3-5 December 1951, lot 133, $550; bookplate).
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BURNS, Robert (1759-1796). Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect. Kilmarnock: John Wilson, 1786.
The rare Kilmarnock edition of Burns’s first book, one of 612 copies printed. The 44 poems in this volume represent virtually all forms of verse that Burns had attempted, and show a gift for comedy, a power of pathos, and an affection for humble things that are Burns's strongest characteristics. In the preface, the poet presents himself as one who is 'unacquainted with the necessary requisites for commencing Poet by rule', and instead 'sings the sentiments and manners, he felt and saw in himself and his rustic compeers around him, in his and their native language'. Published in late July 1786, all but 13 copies were sold within a month, winning him sincere local admiration before the second edition (Edinburgh, 1787) of 3000 copies won him wider recognition. This copy bears an inscription dated 1812 from a resident of Old Cumnock, East Ayrshire, a town in the heart of Burns country, where the poet is said to have spent time. Egerer 1; Rothschild 555.
Octavo (199 x 121mm). Title within typographical border, typographical head- and tail-pieces (skilful restoration to title, a2 and last leaf into text but without loss, expert marginal repairs to a few others, washed, some light browning). Early 19th-century Scottish mottled calf, sides decoratively gilt (expertly rebacked and recornered); housed in a morocco box by Bradstreet’s of New York. Provenance: John Swan (early inscription on title) – William Paterson, Old Cumnock (inscription on I3v dated 1812) – J.R.P. Forrest, Edinburgh (possibly Sir James Forrest, 1st Baronet of Comiston, 1780-1860; bookplate) – Edward Hubert Litchfield (1879-1949, his sale Parke-Bernet, New York, 3-5 December 1951, lot 133, $550; bookplate).
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