Robert Burns

PG 1063Burns Naysmith

Burns Cottage - Alloway

The burns family

Kilmarnockvolume

Robert Burns statue, Bernard Street

1787 Manuscript copy of 'Address to Edinburgh' in Burns' hand

Robert Burns (25 January 1759 – 21 July 1796), also known as Rabbie Burns, the Bard of Ayrshire, and in Scotland as simply The Bard, was a Scottish poet and lyricist. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and is celebrated worldwide. Burns is considered a pioneer of the Romantic movement, and after his death, he became a great source of inspiration to the founders of both liberalism and socialism in Scotland. His work is characterized by his use of the Scots language, but he also wrote in English and a light Scots dialect, accessible to an audience beyond Scotland.

Life and Works

Robert Burns was born in Alloway, Ayrshire, Scotland, to William Burnes, a gardener, and Agnes Broun. The eldest of seven children, Burns lived in poverty for much of his early life. Despite his family's financial struggles, Burns received some formal education, which ignited his passion for Scottish literature and folk songs.

In 1786, Burns published his first collection of verse, Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect, which was an immediate success and made him famous across Scotland. His works include "A Red, Red Rose"; "A Man's A Man for A' That"; "To a Mouse"; "To a Louse"; "Tam o' Shanter"; and "Auld Lang Syne", among others. Burns's poetry and songs often celebrated love, friendship, work, and drink with humor and sharp social commentary.

Burns's personal life was marked by financial troubles and complicated relationships with women. He fathered several children with different women, including Jean Armour, who became his wife in 1788. Despite his fame, Burns never escaped financial difficulties and died in Dumfries, Scotland, at the age of 37.

Legacy

Robert Burns's influence on Scottish culture is immense. His birthday, 25 January, is celebrated worldwide as Burns Night, with Burns suppers, poetry readings, and toasts in his honor. Burns is also celebrated for his contribution to the preservation of Scottish folk songs, many of which he collected or adapted, ensuring their place in the nation's cultural heritage.

Burns's work has inspired many artists, writers, and musicians both in Scotland and around the world. His commitment to social and political issues, as reflected in his poetry, has made him a symbol of Scottish identity and pride.

See Also

• Scottish literature
• Romantic movement
• Burns Night