Robert Burns Books

Millions of people sing Robert Burns every New Year's Eve without realising it: Auld Lang Syne began as an old Scots tune he collected and rewrote, and it's now sung from Times Square to Sydney Harbour. For more of Scotland's literary heritage, our Scottish Books collection is worth exploring too.

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Robert Burns Books: songs, satire and Scotland's national poet

“The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men / Gang aft agley.”

— Robert Burns, in To a Mouse

Burns published his first collection, Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect, in Kilmarnock in 1786. It sold out almost immediately, and its success, in his own words, 'overthrew all my schemes' just as he'd been planning to leave Scotland altogether. Edinburgh's literary society welcomed him instead as the 'Heaven-taught ploughman', and in his final years he turned to collecting and rewriting hundreds of traditional Scots songs, rescuing many from being lost altogether. Alongside the songs, poems like Tam o' Shanter and Address to a Haggis show a sharper, funnier side of Burns that's easy to miss if you only know him as a romantic figure.

Our Robert Burns collection covers his poetry and songs alongside biographies, critical studies and fictionalised accounts of his life, in a range of vintage and antique printings.

Each edition is individually photographed and described, and condition varies from copy to copy, so it's always worth checking the listing closely before you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Robert Burns books do you have in our collection?

Our Robert Burns collection covers his poetry and songs alongside biographies, critical studies and fictionalised accounts of his life, in a range of vintage and antique printings.

Do you have a genuine 1786 Kilmarnock Edition first edition of Burns's poems?

Genuine 1786 Kilmarnock first editions are extraordinarily rare, museum-quality items rarely seen outside major institutions. Later commemorative and facsimile editions of the Kilmarnock text do appear on the market from time to time, and any Kilmarnock-titled edition we stock is always clearly dated and described so you know exactly what you're buying.

Are Robert Burns's poems written in English?

Some are, but many of his best-known poems, including To a Mouse and Tam o' Shanter, are written in Scots, the language spoken in Lowland Scotland in his lifetime. Most editions include a glossary or notes to help with unfamiliar words.

What makes a Robert Burns book collectable?

Early and illustrated editions, first printings of specific works, and fine original bindings all add real value. Given how central Burns is to Scottish literary heritage, condition and provenance both matter a great deal to collectors.

Can you tell me how much my Robert Burns book is worth?

We're not able to offer formal valuations, but we're always happy to take a look and share our thoughts if you're curious about a book you own.

How do you describe the condition of these books?

We photograph each book closely so you can see its binding, pages and any wear before you buy. Condition varies from copy to copy, and anything worth knowing is noted clearly in the listing.

Would a Robert Burns book make a good gift?

Yes, especially around Burns Night on 25 January, when a good edition of his poems and songs makes a fitting and thoughtful gift for anyone with Scottish roots or a love of his work. If you're gift shopping more broadly, our Scottish Book Gifts collection is worth a browse too.

Do you ship Robert Burns books internationally?

We ship worldwide, and orders over £50 within the UK qualify for free shipping.

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