Obrázky na stránke
PDF
ePub

THE

POETICAL WORKS

OF

ROBERT BURNS:

INCLUDING

SEVERAL PIECES NOT INSERTED IN DR. CURRIE'S
EDITION: EXHIBITED UNDER A NEW

PLAN OF ARRANGEMENT,

AND PRECEDED BY

A LIFE OF THE AUTHOR:

WITH

NOTES, AND A COMPLETE GLOSSARY.

BOSTON:

PHILLIPS, SAMPSON, AND COMPANY.

1859.

ADVERTISEMENT.

THE present edition was undertaken by a gentleman with the view of presenting the public with the Poetical Works of Burns more methodically arranged, more copiously illustrated, and less expensive in the purchase, than they have yet appeared.

In comparing it with others, it will be found to possess several advantages.

I. It contains, besides a number of other pieces not in serted in Dr. Currie's edition, "The Jolly Beggars," a cantata replete with humorous description and discrimination of character, and inferior to no poem of the same length in the English language. It likewise comprehends "Holy Willie's Prayer," a piece of satire unequalled for exquisite severity and felicitous delineation.

II. In the editions hitherto published, no regard is paid to method or classification. In this, the poems are disposed according to their respective subjects, and divided into five books.

III. Most of the poetry of Burns, though possessing an energy, a richness, and an ardor, which never fail to strike and captivate the mind, yet appears under great disadvan

tages to the English reader. Much of the fire, which warm and dazzles a native of Scotland, is to him necessarily lost by the obscurity of the language. To obviate this as much as possible, a considerable number of words have been added to the Glossary, and several of the old definitions hav La corrected or enlarged. A new Life, drawn up with care and fidelity, has likewise been prefixed.

Of an edition, thus enlarged and improved, it is unnecessary to say more. Should its utility be acknowledged, the editor will consider his exertions sufficiently rewarded. LONDON, FEBRUARY 25, 1819. J. T.

« PredošláPokračovať »