John Skinner : Collected Poems [first edition]

xvii, 436 pages ; 24 cm. Poems in English, Scots and Latin. Edited by David M. Bertie, this edition of the poetry of John Skinner (1721 1807), who was the Episcopal priest at Longside in Aberdeenshire for nearly sixty-five years, is the first substantive collection for nearly 150 years. Skinner's songs were famed in his lifetime, being praised by no less than Robert Burns who corresponded with him. Not only are all Skinner's songs and poems that have appeared in various publications brought together, all Skinner's previously unpublished poetry that has been discovered is printed for the first time. Introductory essays place Skinner's songs and poetry into their contemporary contexts and demonstrate their influence on Robert Ferguson and Robert Burns.