Robert Burns: A Life

This is my favourite of the many biographies of Burns and the one to which I most frequently refer. (Carswell is a close second). It was first published in 1995 under the title 'Dirt and Deity', which seems far more appealing and in some way sums up the Bard. It is arranged chronologically with the years at the top of each page, which is useful for finding poems written in those years and checking other facts. McIntyre is no hagiographer and presents Burns in a wry light Extensive foot notes, which are usually relevant and useful. Good index too. His review of the Burns cult that arose after his death down to the present day would be a worthy monograph on its own.

Excellent read..so much detail ,letters and such give a good idea of his character,and how others viewed him .It brings the 18th century to life.

Thorough, objective, astute, compelling, and sprinkled with the author’s own wry Scots humour. A delight.

Has a lot of detailed information on Burns and I found it helpful in constructing an immortal memory. Not easy to find specific information on particular people in Burns life. Need to search through.

A bit pedantic in style, and does not capture the zeitgeist of the time he lived as e.g Robert Holmes does in his work

I have taken to reading Burns and I am enjoyinf this book

heavy going

Ian McIntyre produced the wonderful biography of the Scotland's most famous poet to commemorate the 250th anniversary of his death.He collected heaps of documents, letters, extracts of Burn's diaries, all of which contain his romantic life of having and developing relationship with various ladies, and the description of his manner at various events and his enthusiastic and dedicated literary activities, some of which were conjunction with the state. Those comprehensive documents and meticulous findings give the readers a true picture of the Scotland's most admired poet.Having been brought up with the poor farming community, it inspired him to produce the work for the poor peasants and lower class working people. Sadly, he only lived 37 years. Mr McIntyre `s accounts include Robert Burn's last period of life and his posthumous achievements and recognition which were appreciated by various scholars and international educational institutes.This is an authentic biography of Burns.