The Works of Robert Burns. Vol. I., Prose Works. (William
Paterson,. Edinburgh.)—We have in this volume the poet's letters down to the year 1787. Of these a considerable number are now, either wholly or in part, published for the first time. An appendix contains various recollections of Burns, the most notable among which is that written by Sir Walter Scott ; and other documents, some of which are scarcely worthy of their place. A letter from Burns's father may be allowed,— we like to know all about the parents of such a man. But there is a sort of idolatry in including another epistle from his uncle. However, it is ungracious to criticise the zeal which collects these things. The
worshippers of Shakespeare have been at least equally fervent, and it would be unreasonable to object to Scottish devotion to Burns. The diligence of the editor in collecting all available materials for his work is worthy of the highest praise. Besides two steel engravings, the "volume contains a map of the " Ayrshiro Homes of Burns."
Previous page
