Robert Burns: A Life

No other poet excites such fanatical, worldwide devotion as Robert Burns (otherwise known as Rabbie Burns, Scotland’s Favourite Son, the Ploughman Poet, the Bard of Ayrshire or simply the Bard). Ian McIntyre’s biography, first published to mark the bicentenary of Burns’s death and revised here for the 250th anniversary of his birth, is still considered the best take on a notorious and often over-romanticised life. McIntyre’s meticulous use of documentary and archival sources strips away myth and legend. Here, we meet the man – eminently capable of holding two contradictory political views at the same time, he was just as capable of being in love with several women at once. McIntyre also fully evaluates Burns’ songs and poetry and brings to light the importance and quality of his satirical verse. McIntyre is enthusiastic but always objective and his work brings us the clearest, most sharply appreciated portrait of this great poet.

Reviews of Robert Burns: A Life

The biography of Burns. — Ian Hamilton If you read Burns, then buy this. If you don't read Burns, then start. — Andrew Marr Economist McIntyre transports you absolutely into the world of his subject. A shrewd, clear, comprehensive and wonderfully readable portrait of Burns as fallible man and gifted poet. — A.C.Grayling Financial Times This biography is a major achievement, not least because the author has managed something not usually the norm in Burns scholarship – impartiality. This is a remarkable book. — Nigel Williams Daily Mail